laurensplaypen

Hello again

2011-09-02T23:41:00.000-07:00

It's been over a year since my last entry. I am reorganising the house. Finally getting rid of the cot. I saved the cot mattress which now sits on my lounge room floor (pictured above) covered with a pinwheel quilt. The primary colours are really uplifting.

I have just uploaded bargains in my madeit shop. I have also been thinking of trying out craftumi to pass on my excess supplies of beautiful fabrics. Downsizing my craft space is the aim in the next few months.

Creation: Boy's Knitted Jacket

2010-08-05T17:06:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, it can be a juggling act to find time to do some personal projects. It's good for my soul to keep crafting and I should really do it more often. So I took out this unfinished project that I have knitted a while back. All it needs now is a zipper. It is such a lovely jacket! Size 2-3. I used an aran weight yarn by Jo Sharp, Australian knitwear designer. This particular yarn is a blend of wool, cashmere, and silk. It is such a pleasure to knit with this yarn. I used a Debbie Bliss Pattern from her very FIRST Book which is now very hard to get. I sold my pattern book for peas and carrots ... I really did it so I have funds to take up sewing. I am happy to say that the new owner will give it a good home.

Creation: Simple Blanket

2010-07-31T23:41:00.000-07:00

Simple things are often the best. Life can be pretty hectic and this blanket is relatively quick to make. I made this for my nephew as a Christening present. I used a jelly roll, Happy Campers. Stitched in the ditch. The batting is 100% cotton by Sew Easy. I use the cot size batting a lot which is a standard size for a throw blanket (50 inches X 60 inches) ... so he can still use it in ten years time.

KIDS COUPONS

2010-07-06T02:19:00.000-07:00

Kids Coupon Sydney edition 2010/2011 has now been released. Full of discount coupons. Great resource guide! Find my promotion in Kids Coupon and other unique finds. For more information please visit www.kidscoupons.com.au

Early creations

2010-05-03T14:32:00.000-07:00

I used to sew a lot of dresses. I have now ventured into making only shorts and pants. These fabrics are designed by Robyn Pandolph. They are so hard to get now as designs get turned over every seasosn. I wish I have more of her Empress Woo (bottom picture). So this is where effective fabric stashing comes in. If you are looking for certain fabrics, I may have some in my stash. Although it's a limited stash I may have something you want. Just drop me an email and I hope I could be of some help.
..... I seem to have a lot of Amy Butler .... who doesn't!

RESOURCE: SEWN

2010-05-02T02:18:00.000-07:00

I was handed a nice red business card today. My favourite colour is red so I just had to check it out when I got home. SEWN is such a wonderful site. Full of creative resources, tutorials, and beautiful pictures. I absolutely adore the quilts. I'm a wanna be quilter. I'm not very good at it (yet) ..but I love it so much! I just gave my niece a quilt yesterday for her 4th birthday. A very simple jelly roll quilt.

Zenci featured in kidindependent.com

2010-04-20T23:28:00.000-07:00

Zenci is featured in kidindependent.com. Item number 5. Blossom hair clips. My sister is (of course) naturally excited about this. Go check out all the indie style goodies for kids.

Post Mathilda's Market Paddington

2010-03-11T20:51:00.000-08:00

I’d been up since four in the morning that Saturday. The ticket booths at the train station weren’t open yet. With a suitcase full of handmade goods, this country mouse hopped on the train and ventured out into the big smoke. The old Countrylink train has been replaced by a sleek new train and reminded me of my daughter, Lauren, who one day came home from school raving about the brand new bus she’s just been on. It was then that I thought I have something to brag about too. It was a good start.

I must admit that I entered the market hall with high hopes and taking comfort in the thought that no matter what happens I will walk away knowing much more than I did when I woke up that morning. Having been up for five hours already(and no breakfast) at opening time, I could only speak in mono syllables: Yes, No. At times I have managed to say “maybe”, “I don’t know”, Can you repeat the question?”. The place was buzzing!

My sister’s creation, Zenci( hair accessories), was so well-received. I had a lot of interest in my personalised bag tags. Even my props got some attention. Also quietly said goodbye to several of my handmade clothes that not too long ago hung so cheerfully in my sewing room.

So I went home that day with the same high spirits and learnt that I must take Coca~cola to drink next time.

Thanks everyone!
Thanks to my husband who held down the fort while I was away playing shops and my KIDS for looking after daddy !!!

PLAY PANTS

2010-03-03T18:23:00.000-08:00

Just in time for AUTUMN! I'm really pleased with how the Play Pants turned out. The colours and geometric shapes just spin me out. I also like the combination of the weave cotton and the stretch knit ribbing which ( I think) gives it contrast and texture. They are available in five sizes from sz 0 to sz 4, however, only one of each size for every fabric. The fabric is a heavyweight cotton similar to twill. They're suitable for layering and for those mild sunny winter days when one still needs to wear long pants but nothing too thick. My favourite is the Blue Tiles, it's just so groovy..

Mathilda's Market- 6th March, Paddington Town Hall

2010-03-02T18:28:00.000-08:00

The beautiful Paddington Town Hall is the new venue for Mathilda's Market. The Hall will be filled with gorgeous goods for baby and kids. This event only happens a few times a year in Sydney so make sure to stop at every stall to make the most of it. Part of the fun is finding things. My sister, Lynn, creates hair accessories for Zenci. She's added this cupcake clip for me to take to market.Am hoping it would be the first thing to go from my table so I don't have to stare at it. Look at it! It looks delicious. Make sure to have a look at my unique personalised bag tags and I also have some groovy autumn pants for kids.
See you there!

PS.
I'll also be at The Holy Family Art Festival, HighField Rd cnr Pacific Highway Lindfield on the 13th of March. There will be a lot of super talented designers in this annual community event so mark this one in your calendar.

We're all in this together!

2010-02-25T20:40:00.000-08:00

"We're all in this together" that's my favourite line from High School Musical. Here's a team of artists who shared their talents for a project initiative by "REN the label", each gaining benefits from the other. They are all building their portfolios and taking advantage of the opportunity to challenge their skills in such a diverse fashion industry.
I wonder if my brother would let me tag along. I might cramp his style considering I have a favourite line from High School Musical.
I'll post details of these hardworking artists later ....

xx
Heidi

Lauren, Amy, and Matthew

2010-02-15T20:10:00.000-08:00

These are my kids. Yes, they are as cheeky as they look (especially the youngest one) but they all have hearts of gold. Lauren (left) is the eldest, she's turning eight this year. Matthew (right) is turning four. Little Amy (middle) is turning two.

Handmade Personalised Bag Tags

2010-02-04T04:24:00.000-08:00

PREORDERS WELCOME- Come see me at Mathilda's Market, 6th of March

2010-01-24T13:28:00.000-08:00

Not many people know about what I make (but am working on it) so I am assuming this is your first visit.

Hello and welcome!

This is an original design name/bag tag. The name detail is lovingly embroidered by hand and you can choose from the Retro inspired cotton fabrics I have available. It loops around zippers or bag handles. Useful for tagging school bags and other belongings. Also a nice idea for decorating gifts. You may use it as a bookmark if you wish. When the kids have outgrown it you can put it in their memory box and keep their memories under their name.

Dimension: L11.5cm xW5cm plus loop

Thanks for looking!

Questions?
ORDER Here

From ZENCI 2010

ZENCI hair accessories are now available to buy online.

Mathilda's Market

2010-01-24T05:45:00.000-08:00

I'm back from holidays and I've been busy preparing for Mathilda's Market etc etc. This will be my first attendance so I'm really over the moon about it. The event is on the 6th of March at Paddington Town Hall from 9am to 1pm. PREORDERS are always welcome.

Autumn / Winter 2010

2010-01-06T01:42:00.000-08:00

Here's a preview of what's to come for Autumn/Winter 2010. The Play Pants (pictured above) is made of cotton (heavier weight than broadcloth cotton similar to twill), and features ribbing around the ankles. Available in different prints for boys and girls. It's perfect for those mild Sydney winters.

ZENCI

2010-01-01T00:56:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! Zenci kicked off 2010 with a new look. Zenci is a small business with big ideas, making hair accessories handcrafted right here in Australia. Lynn Genciana, who manages and designs for Zenci has commissioned the extremely talented graphic designer, Rennan, to create a new logo for Zenci (pictured above). Rennan has been involved in a range of projects such as fabric production, building websites, marketing designs and will soon launch his own clothing label, REN.
REN will release 5 unique comtemporary art printed T-shirt designs early this year.

Play the slideshow to see Zenci's latest range.

For WHOLESALE enquiries contact Zenci directly. Email: zencionline@yahoo.com.au

Getting ready for market ...lots of name tags

2009-12-09T23:56:00.000-08:00

I have finally finished my product display for Allie's Attic Paddington. I made some girly name tags (above). Of course I can't get enough of the Retro look so I had to make more of them (below). After Saturday these tags will be Christmas presents.
I also must start stash building again. I found a guideline by Carol Doak and her recommendations are:

"If you like it buy a yard.
If you really like it buy two yards.
If you can′t live without it, buy as much as your budget permits."

I tend to go for the latter.

2009-12-09T23:46:00.000-08:00

CLICK HERE TO ORDER ONLINE

Alternatively, you may place order via email: hdzonmatren@gmail.com. Please send me your order details:
1. Postal address and contact number
2. Fabric Choice and Quantity
3. Name to be embroidered.
4. How you'd like to pay? I accept Paypal or Electronic Bank Transfer
Your will get oder confirmation via email and info on payment. Orders are processed when payment is received. You will also get shipping notification via email so you know when to expect your item.

Fabric Swatches for Personalised RETRO Bag Tags

Click on the picture to view fabric swatches

My Creation: Hair accessories

2009-11-16T18:42:00.000-08:00

While my sister was studying for her CPA and was not making any of her gorgeous clips I tried making some myself but found her techniques to be tricky. So instead I found my own way of making them and this is how they turned out. The colours look yummy. They're really cute (even if I say so myself). So there you go lesson learnt: there is something empowering about knowing your own limitations because it allows you to find your own solutions and be creative along the way. Hope you have a creative day too!

My creation: Children's Clothes

2009-11-15T02:41:00.000-08:00

Look at this pile of clothes! These clothes are waiting for special boys or girls to give them their own style and personality. I have just listed some of them in my madeit shop.

ZENCI Hair accessories

2009-11-03T13:50:00.000-08:00

My sister, Lynn, is the creator of Zenci Hair Accessories. I've tried making them ... it's not easy and it makes me appreciate the details in these clips even more. First of all, look at the edge blanket stitching its so evenly spaced out and of consistent size. The same goes for the running stitches. Second, there's more work here you don't see to reduce fraying when she uses broadcloth cotton. Third, drafting of various templates and layering shapes to form a single entity. Fourth, the addition of embelishments (ribbons, french knots, googly eyes). I don't know how she does it! I sell some of her earlier works at wholesale price at the markets until current stock runs out. So come and see me at the markets and grab a bargain.

Orders/Questions/Comments/Suggestion are all welcome. Email: hdzonmatren@gmail.com

WHOLESALE enquiries for Zenci's latest range contact Lynn, zencionline@yahoo.com.au

....more handmade tags

2009-10-29T18:45:00.000-07:00

I have been making these name/bag tags from my new stash of fabrics . As I am an enthusiast of midcentury modern I kept the Retro theme with these bright primary colours. I have so many prints to choose from( see my previous post).
I reckon these tags will be just perfect for Christmas stockings and as gift tags.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER ONLINE

Alternatively, you may place order via email: hdzonmatren@gmail.com. Please send me your order details:
1. Postal address and contact number
2. Fabric Choice and Quantity
3. Name to be embroidered.
4. How you'd like to pay? I accept Paypal or Electronic Bank Transfer
Your will get oder confirmation via email and info on payment. Orders are processed when payment is received. You will also get shipping notification via email so you know when to expect your item.

Fabric Swatches for Personalised RETRO Bag Tags

Click on the picture to view fabric swatches

Cute and Dainty Hair Accessories

2009-01-02T19:51:00.000-08:00

Here's Amy with hair accessories made by my sister, Lynn. She makes them in a variety of bright fabrics and some vintage inspired. They are just adorable!

Little boys' clothes

2009-01-01T09:40:00.000-08:00

I'm presently working on making boy's shorts. This one has an oversized pocket on the right side. The cotton fabric has a nice silky feel to it. Matthew has been unusually cooperative. He normally runs when he sees me coming with clothes in my hands.

Personalised Bag Tags

2008-11-01T23:03:00.000-07:00

These bag tags are my own design. It loops around bag handles or zippers. The names are hand embroidered and the back shows off the printed cotton fabric . I used Retro inspired prints and contrasting fabric for the loop from the same fabric collection.

Dimension: approx. L 11.5cm x W 5cm
Available in your choice of fabric we have available.

I usually finish the tags in a couple of days (depending on how many I have to make; you may email me to enquire). Once posted in the mail it may take up to three days and also depends on your location. I also send out shipping notification via email so you can expect its arrival.

To order: you may email me directly- hdzonmatren@gmail.com with your choice of fabric, name to be embroidered, and postal address & contact number. I will then send you order confirmation and payment details. I accept Paypal and Electronic Banking. You will also get confirmation via email when I have posted your item OR CLICK HERE TO ORDER ONLINE.

CLICK HERE TO SEE FABRIC SWATCH BOARD or watch slideshow below.

*Note: Fabric names are written below the images you will need this when you order.

A room of her own.

2008-11-01T22:38:00.000-07:00

Where I do my work is not really a room. It's more like a space. It may be small but it's all mine. My sewing machine and serger occupy an egg shaped table. I have three shelves of fabrics and books. I can reach everything from where I sit and I have plenty of daylight. I love it! However, I will be moving my workspace to a cooler part of the house to escape the summer heat. It will be a bigger space and there will be a lot of organising to do.