Welcome to Maker Magpie! And a special welcome to anyone coming over from An Snag Breac.
I hope you all like the new site. There will be lots more to come over the next while.
Meanwhile, the main news is I am launching a new series of sewing patterns. I've been quietly working away on these over the last year and I'm very excited to finally make them public.
I started making these little animals for my son, as an alternative to plastic animals, based on Irish wildlife. I wanted to design a range of toys that could be held in the hand, or popped in a pocket easily and make a little companion for walks in the woods or even just a car journey.
When it came to materials, two things were important to me - to make a long-lasting toy, but also if something happened to the toy that it didn't end up as landfill. So I chose good quality 100% wool felt, cotton embroidery thread and wool stuffing. They will last to be passed down to grandchildren. Or if they get inadvertently chewed by a dog, they can go in the compost, creating no waste.
You'll find the patterns in my Etsy shop - click on Shop above, or here.
I've been very grateful to receive some funding towards the project from Harnessing Creativity and to be part of their showcase exhibition, opening tomorrow evening at 6pm in the Leitrim Sculpture Centre - all welcome.
More on all that anon! Gotta go set up an exhibition!