Fabric Addict

Oh me oh my!!

I have had such a busy few months since I last wrote (September, can you believe it?)

There have been sooo many commissions keeping me busy and quiet, that I just had no time to breathe, let alone sort out my fabric stash - and oh what a stash it was!!

So New Year, New Start

A reorganisation was well over due in the sewing studio, so I set to and pulled everything out.  I filled the dining room and some of the lounge 

(I have no idea where I had been keeping it all!)

I began to clean, which then lead to a fresh lick of paint (more on that in another blog)

Once finished, it was time to sort, organise and purge!!

First up was The Fabric Stash!

"Aaaaaaahhhhh" I hear you fellow fabric lovers shouting

Don't worry it didn't hurt, well a little, oh, who am I kidding, it hurt a lot, but now I see the end result, it was definitely worth the pain!!

It all began, with the sorting, from scraps I knew were too small to reuse, to larger pieces I knew in my heart, I will never use, and really didn't love.  These all were sorted into bags, here comes the purge - 2 full of bits and scraps for the bin, and 3 ready to take to the local Art College!  

Then my favourite bit, the organising!  

The larger and beautiful pieces first (after a little distraction from Pinterest looking for ideas of how best to store my fabric) I came across some boards you can wrap your fabric around.  As far as I can see they are only available from the US, but I will get the link and if I find them here in the UK I will add that link too.  I set to thinking of a 'here and now' instant solution, and Bingo a light bulb moment was struck!!

Here's what I did:

First I Pressed, then let it cool.

I then folded the fabric to the size I was happy with.

And sourced some card from my stash.

Next I placed to sheets of card (it was a little thin) onto the freshly pressed fabric

I left a little fabric to one edge, to enable me to fold it over, and taped that edge to the card with masking tape

Folding the fabric with the card, I rolled it over carefully until I reached the end.

Ensuring I did this neatly, so as not to crease my freshly pressed fabric.

Taped the end neatly and voila!!

Sorted fabrics into colours and designers.  Place on my desired shelf, then admired 

I'm so happy with the result.  If you try it, let me know, I'd love to see pics.  One day I'll get the folding boards, but this suits me for now.

Thank you for reading.

Happy Stitching (and folding) xxx

The Wedding Couple

Well it's been a very busy few weeks here at MCD HQ!

The bathroom is now completed (post about that to follow)

See how my bathroom looked for before

So what have I been up to I here you asking??   Well I enrolled on a business course via

The Girls Mean Business

I took this leap mainly because I knew I needed to update some of my format for 

Michelle Corbin Design, as I want to be able to provide my customers with the best service that I possibly can.  It really is giving me food for thought, encouraging me to spend more time on my little Cottage Industry, rather than just in it sewing away!!

By doing the course I am achieving more of my short term targets (daily lists) more efficiently.  Focussing on what I need to do first!

I've completed some lovely bespoke commissions, and continued on with a large Keepsake commission.  Little and often for that job, but it's coming along nicely ;)

One job I have been working on, is updating my website and Etsy Shop.  They are both still work in progress, and probably always will be, but this brings me on to: 

The Wedding Couple

This happy couple are my newest design and make, and I have just listed them as a pair.

£70.00 + £5.00 UK postage

Having received the stunning Vintage Upholstery Fabric from 

FabricCentric, I decided that I must make something really special with it.  The quality is wonderful, and instantly I was inspired.

First I made 2 Keepsake Bunnies: one with fixed arms and legs, and one that was button jointed.

Fixed Bunny - Sold

Button Jointed Bunny - Sold

Then came The Wedding Couple 

Having a sweet little kiss xx

The bears have been button jointed and created with the beautiful vintage fabric.  The boy is wearing a little waistcoat and dicky bow, whilst the girl wears a tulle veil, with ribbon and button detail.  She also carries a small bouquet.

I have to say, that this pair is my favourite keepsake to date, and I actually am tempted to keep them, as I am super proud how they turned out.

 However, I think they would make the perfect Keepsake gift for a Bride and Groom on their Wedding Day.

What have you been making lately?  I'd love to see!

Michelle Corbin Design

 And this is me, maker of all things to treasure, from Keepsake items, to Soft Furnishings

Thank you for reading

Happy Stitching

Michelle xx