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!!!

Liberty Sew Together Bag || Best Christmas Gift Ever

Most people would recognise this pattern as the Sew Together Bag by Sew Demented!

When the pattern was released, mum made one for herself and I drooled all over it, but never thought for a second that I could make one for myself! I dread anything to do with zips and this has FOUR (argh!). So I hinted that maybe this might be a good Christmas present... and TAH DAH!!

The English-Paper-Pieced hexie patchwork was a special treat made using my new blue/red stash that I picked up in The Strawberry Thief's recent destash on IG.

I got to choose the lining fabrics, which were a mix of Liberty prints from both The Strawberry Thief and Materialise Your Life. And the final pops of colour came from the zipper colours! So many unique ways to customise this truly unique pattern.

If you haven't tried the pattern, I would recommend giving this one a go - or begging someone with better than beginner sewing skills to make one for you (skeehee). The bag itself has been really handy. It sits right next to my machine holding everything I need. And when the kids are in bed and I want to watch a bit of telly whilst stitching, I just take the whole bag with me. Super handy!

My Liberty Christmas Hoop Tree || To Be Included in Liberty of London's 140th Birthday Commemorative Book

Liberty Christmas Hoop Art Tree || Rhapsody and Thread

Liberty Christmas Tree Hoop Art || Rhapsody and Thread

Liberty Christmas Baubles Hoop Art || Rhapsody and Thread

Liberty Christmas Star Hoop Art || Rhapsody and Thread

Liberty Christmas Hoop Tree || Rhapsody and Thread

IG Picture Gallery

So the most amazing thing happened as you can see!!

Earlier this year, Liberty London put the call out on Instagram for fans to share their Liberty creations, and I shared a few (couldn't choose just one... how could I?) but this Christmas Hoop Tree is by far my most unique and treasured creation. I made it a few years ago - before I knew how to sew and my favourite hobby was embroidery and hoop art. 

And in November, I was tagged with a congratulations that my entry/creation had been chosen to be featured with others in the 140th Birthday Commemorative Book!!! To say I'm excited and can't wait to receive a copy of this book is an unbelievably huge understatement.

Liberty fabrics were purchased from Calico & Ivy in Mosman Park, Western Australia.

Designed and produced by me / Rhapsody and Thread

Liberty Advent Calendars For The Kids

Liberty squares cut for pockets || Rhapsody and Thread

DMC Colour Palette for the Pocket Numbers || Rhapsody and Thread

Hand-embroidered Numbers || Rhapsody and Thread

Hand-embroidered Numbers for the Pockets || Rhapsody and Thread

Numbers hand-stitched on red linen for Logan's pockets || Rhapsody and Thread

Logan's Advent Calendar has red linen pockets with Liberty fabric lining || Rhapsody and Thread

Hand-stitched numbers ready for stitching on Isla's Liberty pockets || Rhapsody and Thread

Isla's Advent Calendar pockets are Liberty fabric front with red linen interior || Rhapsody and Thread

Pockets sewn to linen backing flag || Rhapsody and Thread

Running stitch grid || Rhapsody and Thread

Backing fabric from Spotlight

Finished Advent Calendars || Rhapsody and Thread

Liberty Christmas Elephant with finished Advent Calendars
Logan's on the left / Isla's on the right || Rhapsody and Thread

So I'm one of those people who wishes it was Christmas all year round. I just love it. The bright colours, the cheer, the excuse to make beautiful things... like I need one. A couple of years ago, I made personalised Christmas stockings for the family and a big Liberty Christmas Hoop Tree to decorate the entry. My babies were still too young then, but this year will be different. Logan is learning to count and Isla has a pretty good understanding of Christmas - but no concept of time. So I think advent calendars will be perfect this Christmas. 

I found this design on Molly Flanders Blog. Here's a picture of the original, isn't it lovely!

I changed it up a little bit, I'm sure she won't mind.

As you can see, the original is much more neutral whilst still maintaining the focus on the Liberty. And the sweet hand-stitching (a feature that bumped me over the edge when deciding which calendar pattern to try) really pops on the linen.

I maintained a lot of the same features, like the beautiful pockets and hanging-banner style. But as it's a calendar for the kids, I wanted to add a few more pops of colour. I also couldn't find this handy number fabric so I decided to hand-embroider the numbers on the pockets (don't recommend if you're short on time!). All of the hand-stitching took a lot longer than I hoped, so I didn't get to personalise them. That'll be a project for next Christmas!! As it is, it's the 1st of December and I've got so much to do now before Christmas, I don't think I'd get them done this year. 

Happy Christmas Crafting

xxT

Liberty Christmas Stockings

Liberty Christmas Stocking || Rhapsody and Thread

Materials/Supplies || Rhapsody and Thread

Prints available for custom Liberty Christmas Stockings || Rhapsody and Thread
Fabric from Materialise Your Life and The Strawberry Thief

Gold top-stitched harlequin cuff with gold fringe trim || Rhapsody and Thread

Liberty Christmas Stocking || Rhapsody and Thread

Available to order here.

Choose from a wide range of Liberty prints. Print shown pictured is red Betsy.

Alternative style is white pompom trim.