Liberty Girls Decor

Instagram is a wonderland for mums that love buying handmade. I'm a mum that makes handmade dolls, and therefore loves and appreciates the work involved in creating unique pieces. This picture is a perfect example. I absolutely love this Liberty 'Betsy' print, and when I discovered this pastel colourway (via Ava and Neve) - I went on a bit of a spending spree. My first job was to make Isla a custom gold-accent Bunny Doll, wearing that silky soft Liberty fabric. I asked Kira from Blooms Butterflies Doll Studio to make that stunning Liberty Doll Face Purse, customised in the same fabric with matching hair bows instead of flowers. And I asked Felicity at Little Boys Blue to make me a custom Liberty 'Love' Banner. I desperately want to make Isla a new quilt... buuuut I only just made her the Unicornia Quilt (sigh... gone are the days when I can make whatever I want without argument ;P).

Also shown on this gorgeous shelf (from Pretty In Pine), is two sweet Pom Pom Princesses from Love Aria Rose. The sleep eyes banner is from Bek Halliday, and the Gold Paper Flower is from Mae-Saye Designs.

For more pics and direct links to products, follow me on Instagram via @rhapsodyandthread or @rhapsodyland

xxTabatha

My Liberty Hoop Christmas Tree Featured In Homespun Magazine

What a thrill! When I was contacted by Homespun Magazine - gosh it was months and months ago - about my Liberty Hoop Christmas Tree, I was over the moon. It was so long ago that I had forgotten that my work would be in the July issue. Even when I was reminded a few weeks ago, I was excited... BUT when mum surprised me with a copy of the magazine today, I was scrutinising every page looking for a tiny thumbnail image. You could have knocked me over with a feather when I opened page 91 to see a FULL PAGE FEATURE!!! My mouth literally fell open, I couldn't believe it. Then the jumping began. I still can't believe it.

This Hoop Christmas Tree was my Christmas craft project for 2013. I had only just discovered Liberty Art Fabrics that year and I wanted to make something special with my new stash. And back then, I loved embroidery and hated sewing! I didn't even own a sewing machine (pfff). So I got creative! Anyone can make this.

If you're interested in seeing close-up images, here's a link HERE.

I'm going out tomorrow and buying a whole pile of this magazine!

Thank you thank you Homespun Magazine, 

for loving my favourite Christmas craft project as much as I do xxTabatha

Isla's Unicornia Quilt {Progress} || Pattern by Claire Turpin Designs

I couldn't resist this Unicornia quilt pattern by Claire Turpin Designs, and I'm so glad I didn't. It was so fun to make, and I loved choosing the Liberty prints for each unicorn. I especially loved creating the rainbows.

I feel like I must note though, for those interested in making this quilt, as perfect as I think it is, Isla's quilt is not exactly like the original. I feel like it's important to mention that - especially if you're using my pictures as a reference. Think of mine more as inspiration and follow Claire's pattern better than I did (giggle)!

Most importantly, despite the minor differences, Isla is thrilled. She couldn't wait to line up her unicorn friends in front of it and have a picture with ALL of her new unicorns. I think it's possible that I was glowing with pride.

Now for the borders, quilting and binding!!

XxT

 

Isla's Unicornia Quilt {Progress} || Pattern by Claire Turpin Designs

Sewing the blocks together today was a tiny bit stressful as I made a couple of mistakes when cutting (whoops). And I had forgotten to add a butterfly - see the last picture?! Isn't she pretty?

But easily fixed and overall the blocks look amazing! I love how the colours compliment each other so perfectly.

This pattern is Claire Turpin Designs > Unicornia Quilt.

Liberty fabrics are from Materialise Your Life and The Strawberry Thief.

Remaining fabrics are from Carols Of Midland.

Now to join the blocks!!!

Isla's Unicornia Quilt {Progress} || Pattern by Claire Turpin Designs

Half way through the appliqué and I can't decide if I love the unicorns or the rainbows more! Adding the eyes to the unicorns has added personality too.

Just keep going, just keep going...

Unicornia Quilt Pattern || Claire Turpin Designs

 

Nursery Dreaming for Throw Back Thursday

Watching 2015 end had me looking back at some of my favourite moments for Rhapsody and Thread in 2015. This was one of them, when I pretended for a day that I had a baby girl again. I decorated Isla's old cot with a bunch of gorgeous goodies from Adairs. The cot quilt and little throw pillow were the result of a collaboration with Rebecca Judd. So stylish and unlike anything that was around when I was looking for baby bedding! I think the watermelon nightlight was part of the colab too! So fun!! The knit cushion and blanket, also from Adairs, were SO soft and snuggly. The colours were just perfect for styling my Elephant Dolls.

So this top image actually shows off the Sleeping Angel Elephant that I made for my great-nan after she passed away a few months ago. She wore that dusky pink colour a lot, and I added a halo and wings to my usual Elephant pattern. I also added a kind of cape so that I could hang her on the wall. I was hoping to create a sense that she was watching over us. She still hangs in the play room and I always think of my nan when I see her there.

The Sleeping Angel Elephants will be released in 2016.

The sweet image is of Miss Chive. Still currently available in my Big Cartel Store.

Miss Pelagia Ballerina, also still available.

Miss Chive Ballerina, available via custom order.

Here they are snuggled up together.

Elephant Dolls will be available for custom order when I reopen my virtual doors on Feb 1st 2016.

Shop here: https://www.RhapsodyandThread.bigcartel.com

My Elephant Dolls are made from an Original Dolls and Daydreams® Pattern.

• http://DollsAndDaydreams.com/
• http://DollsAndDaydreams.etsy.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/dollsanddaydreams

{Progress} Unicornia Quilt for Isla Skye || Rhapsody and Thread

Choosing fabrics was SO MUCH FUN!

We chose the plain and coloured quilting weight cotton fabrics from Carols of Midland. The Liberty fabrics came from a range of places including Shaukat, The Strawberry Thief and Materialise Your Life.

Deciding which prints to put where was more challenging, but watching the pattern pieces come together was fantastic! Mum helped me. I think we had The Proposal on the telly, and we traced and ironed and cut for hours!

Then placing the pattern pieces on the blocks was really fun! Don't they look beautiful!

Now to start the applique process... my poor back... haha

xxT

New Liberty Keepsake Doll || Rhapsody and Thread

Hand-painted vs hand-embroidered face || Rhapsody and Thread
Kawaii Doll Face Pattern || Dolls and Daydreams

Personalisation is standard with my Liberty Keepsake Dolls || Rhapsody and Thread

Liberty Keepsake Dolls are 45cm/18" tall || Rhapsody and Thread
Doll Pattern || Dolls and Daydreams

Bow can be placed in the hair or styled like an headband || Rhapsody and Thread
Doll Pattern || Dolls and Daydreams

Flutter sleeves || Rhapsody and Thread
Doll Pattern || Dolls and Daydreams

100% Handmade using Liberty Art Fabric and premium cotton || Rhapsody and Thread
Doll Pattern || Dolls and Daydreams

Miss Betsy

For Isla Skye

Love mummy xx

Note: This Liberty Keepsake Doll will be available for custom order when I reopen my online store here on February 1st 2016. A variety of Liberty fabrics and coloured cottons will be available to completely customise your own dolls hair and body.. Why not try pink hair with a beautiful pink floral Liberty like Alice or Chive? Or lemon coloured hair and blue eyes! 

See you on Feb 1st!

xxT

A Year Of Liberty || Product Highlights From 2015

Liberty Elephant Dolls || Bow Garlands || Cushions || Rhapsody and Thread

Miss Lodden || Liberty Elephant Doll || Rhapsody and Thread
I Know print by Tall Blank Wall

Liberty Cushions || Rhapsody and Thread

Liberty Bow Garland || Cushions || Rhapsody and Thread

Liberty Cushions || Rhapsody and Thread

Liberty Cushions || Rhapsody and Thread

Liberty Cushions || Rhapsody and Thread

Liberty Cushions || Rhapsody and Thread

Liberty Bow Garland || Cushions || Rhapsody and Thread

Liberty Bow Garland || Rhapsody and Thread

Liberty Bow Garland || Cushions || Rhapsody and Thread

Liberty Bow Garland || Rhapsody and Thread

Liberty Bow Garland || Rhapsody and Thread

Liberty Bow Garland || Cushions || Rhapsody and Thread

Liberty Bow Garland || Rhapsody and Thread

Liberty Bow Garland || Rhapsody and Thread

Liberty Bow Garland || Rhapsody and Thread

Liberty Bow Garland || Rhapsody and Thread

Liberty Bow Garland || Rhapsody and Thread

Liberty Bow Garland || Rhapsody and Thread

Miss Chive Ballerina || Liberty Elephant Doll || Rhapsody and Thread

Miss Chive || Liberty Elephant Doll || Rhapsody and Thread

Miss Pelagia Ballerina || Liberty Elephant Doll || Rhapsody and Thread

Liberty Elephant Dolls || Rhapsody and Thread