Beijing Cat.
Well I've done it! I have finally managed to get my first real softie made since landing in Beijing in Nov 2012. I have been kitting softies but I really am not cut out for knitting no matter how much time and effort I put in. I did try, really I did, with a sub zero winter and a massive language barrier outside I had plenty of time in the apartment for knitting. The result - four fish, one nest, 4 eggs (2 incomplete) a couple of snuggle bunnies and an elephant (I hope you weren't expecting a list of socks, beanies and jumpers)  . . . I don't work that way!


I have tried to be a good blogger and take pics as I worked today. Hopefully I will get better at the blogging and I will have to start taking more pics around Beijing as it really is a fascinating place.

Final result - I didn't bring any hh labels with me so I substituted some printed airmail tape I bought the other day. I figure most of my new handmaidies will be finding themselves on a plane at some point in their lives so it's appropriate.

 

Body. The fabric underneath is new,  I will have it for sale in my new Etsy shop handmadesource as soon as I manage to get everything listed. It will be a combination of supplies and my creations. I am trying to source only things I like. I am not doing it for profit rather just a way to pay for my handmaidies so I really want to make sure I like what I sell.

socks going on . . .

the process . . .

Face on, boots on, kind of like getting ready for a night out!

He looks so much more like a fox on the inside.

A new blog look, a new town, a new country and a new sewing machine. 


I am going to try and keep this blog on track, although those who know me know how sporadic my blogging is. I love looking at all the wonderfully creative people in the world through their blogs and really feel after many years of sewing I need to commit to this and get more of my images out there.

Today I start my first sewing project in Beijing. 
A present for a new expat friend I met here in Beijing. A present for her birthday on Sunday. 


She and her husband rescued a cat when they were in Dubai and brought him here to China last year, does that make him trilingual? They are from the UK so they speak to him in English. 


Here in the internationals schools they speak of 3CK's and according to wiki  "Third culture kid (TCK, 3CK) is a term coined in the early 1950s by American sociologist and anthropologist Ruth Hill Useem "to refer to the children who accompany their parents into another society".


So I thought I'd try my hand at creating a 3CK cat for them.

Now to choose some fabric and draft a pattern . . . .















The Work Space . . . 


I have organised our spare room into my studio and last last stole my daughter's lamp as I could no longer bare the harsh overhead light in the rented apartment. One of the worst things for me about renting is dealing with other peoples light fittings. We don't want to buy too much stuff here as we have a full house load of furniture in storage in Australia. However this little baby from Ikea (yep there's an Ikea in Beijing) saved my soul last night and this was the result.

Lovely soft light - can't sew by it but it is heaven after dealing with nasty overhead lighting.

The beginning of my new studio.

Finally back at the machine . . .

Welcome Duffy Donkey!

Monkeys hanging out at your place these school holidays?

Looks like my blog has been playing up so I have changed the background.

We are packing up and moving to China quite soon so most of my stock has been sold. But there will be sock monkeys and glove animals for sale in the next fortnight on my FB page. So Keep checking that for sale alerts.

In the meantime here are a few tasty tempters to get you excited before the sale. These guys are all made from gloves and are my own designs.

New Glove Animals - Perfect for Winter Evening Sewing!

"What do you think . . . too cold?"

"It's way too cold . . . no way we're going out to play today."

"They so aren't coming outside to play with us today."

New dinosaurs!

New Penguins

Market Square Hindmarsh Square Adelaide

Today I did  a new Adelaide Market called Market Square. I met some lovely new customers and Vikki who organised the event was great. If you want the details have a look at http://www.facebook.com/MarketSquareAdelaide?sk=info

Other stock in Shimmer & Sparkle - 366 Magill Rd Kensington Gardens.

Roger Robot - $25.00ea last two left in store.

Birdy Birds $25.00ea last one (charcoal).

Rabbits or Bears whichever you like! $25.00ea 1 Brown 2 Pink.

Squeaker Bear Rattles $20.00ea

Squeaker Bunny Rattles $18.00 ea or 2 for $30.00

Clever Cats $25.00ea Last 2 in store.

 Squeaker Owls $16.00 ea

Bug-eyed Bugs $25.00ea

Long Eared Bunnies (many colours) $25.00ea

A few Bunny Good Ideas for this Easter!

Little Rattle Bear

Little Rattle Bears are now available at Shimmer & Sparkle
366 Magill Rd, Kensington Gardens, 5068
Open Tue-Fri 10-3 Sat 11-4
Bears are $20 each

Rattly Rabbits - New for Easter

Rattly Rabbits are perfect for an Easter Present for little ones. They have embroidered features and a safety rattle insert (brand new) so they are great for little people, especially if you want to stay away from too much chocolate.
More colours will be available after 5th April and if you want to make an early order just send me an email: hhediing@bigpond.net.au
Hoppy Easter (sorry!), hh

350 facebook fans

When I get to 350 facebook fans I'll randomly pick one of the 350 to receive one of my Yummy Bunnies for free (postage inc. in Aus).

Robots.

My last newbie for the week -  Roger Robot. 

Yummy Bunnies $22.00ea

These little pre-Easter friends will be available at Matilda's on Sunday.
Time willing, I will also have some grey ones for those who are a bit worried about the "white factor". 

. . . and I have a whole box of baby owl squeakers!