Calling All Future Aviators!

 

We have an aviation theme running through the home page this week...

APT CreatioNZ....Aviator hat

Lullaby Mobiles....Aeroplane mobile

Lylly-fysh....Aeroplane backpack

Pop on over to the site for more!

What to do with fabric off cuts....

This post is a little different from the usual...as I am taking a look outside the site for inspiration today!

I don't know about you...but I am forever trying to think up new ways to make the most of my lovely fabrics.

I am a terrible hoarder as it is, and the thought of throwing out a scrap of my favourite fabric is heartbreaking. Unfortunately this often results in bags of off cuts stuffed in a corner of my sewing room until I 'get time' to use them.

I usually keep them for making yo-yos and fabric covered buttons...but I thought I should take a look at some other creative options.

So off I went in search of some wonderful new ways to reduce the waste.

Look what I found.... Patchwork pin cushions (see image) - an absolutely inspired use of the small off cuts & what a lovely little stocking filler for the other sewers in the family. I can't wait to make a few of these myself.

If you have a favourite little progect for off cuts...please let us know. 

x x  x

Welcome home Creative Aertz!!!

We are very excited to welcome back one of our lovely designers after almost a year away from the nest....Creative Aertz has now re opened it's doors and is stocked with some gorgeous new designs, as well as some of our long standing favourites.

If you are looking for a personalised baby gift or stunning knit wear, then look no further!

Spring Encraftment Market!!!

Encraftment emerged from a crafty dullness post-earthquake....

Over the past 11 months rockin'Christchurch has greatly affected alot of crafty businesses.

A few markets were shut down due to the red zone and lack of facilities. Some shops that once stocked products have been closed or worst still demolished. With a lack of new stores opening to sell home crafted ware's, a need was established for a quality market to enable crafters an avenue to sell their wares. The first Winter Encraftment was a huge success in public attendence and stall holders present, reinforcing the need for a quality craft market to become a regular event. The Encraftment team are working towards 3 markets a year. Spring Encraftment 2011 is on September 10th at Villa Maira College Hall 10-3pm! Come and immerse yourself in a whole lot of crafty goodness, there are over 60 stalls to admire and hopefully shop at!

Our very own Lylly-fysh and Green jeans will be there...what other reason could you possibly need to go and check it out!

Unisex baby shower gift ides...

I have never been a great one for surprises, and when it came to knowing what 'flavour' our babies were - I had to know! Unbelievably all three of my little angels managed to keep their mummy guessing as they had their legs tightly closed for the scans. Three pregnancies, three shy scans...and three gorgeous girls, mean my life is a whirlwind of pinks and purples. I am about to become an Aunty and by choice my Brother is not finding out what they are having - which leads me to today's blog. It is easy to get baby shower gifts when you know the gender - but not to many Dads to be would be happy with their future rugby star being given a pink tutu. Here is a great unisex buy from the Lylly-fysh:

http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=2312

Welcome to our newest store 'Lullaby Mobiles'.
If you are looking for a mobile with style which offers something different from the run of the mill mass produced ones...then look no further.
Lullaby Mobiles are mainly pre-made, however if you have something extra special in mind then custom orders can be arranged too.

Trolley Covers - keep germs at bay!

Keep your precious little one cozy and clean in this handy trolley cover by Lylly-Fysh.

Designed to easily fit all baby seats on supermarket trolleys. With Velcro closures it is easy to put on, even one handed! You simply thread the trolley straps through the back slot, the buckle piece through the bottom one and it is ready for baby.

Strap covers are included to stop those that like to chew from sucking on the dirty straps.

Side strap is both a toy holder for when in use to stop things from being thrown overboard! When not in use it very handily keeps the whole thing rolled up for easy storage in your nappy bag.

Completely machine washable and made from quality 100% cotton fabrics, with a soft layer of batting in between.

Available in loads of different fabrics.

Custom orders are welcomed, for more information or to place a order please feel free to email: lylly-fysh@littlekiwisnest.co.nz

Free shipping on all products within NEW ZEALAND, International customers please enquire via 'contact us' for shipping details.

Purchase your trolley cover HERE

COMPETITION TIME!

Oh my oh my ... Little Old Nags - Handcrafted Hobby horses is having an 'Adopt a Nag' comp!

Email Sarah at littleoldnags@gmail.com with 'adopt a nag' in the subject line & your name, addy, email addy & a little sentence about the lucky little person who is going to be the new owner in the body of the email.
Simple as that.
Drawn next weekend sometime! http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/store/4

Whiskers on Kittens - handmade mini quilt.

Keep snug and warm in style with this gorgeous basket-sized quilt by A.P.T. CreatioNZ!

Made from a top layer of gorgeous cotton print and underside of brushed cotton for an extra snuggly quilt. There is a cotton/bamboo inner which is then quilted in place around the edge.

This is the perfect size for baby and tot alike, measuring 75cms x 50cms it is big enough to wrap them up snug and warm, yet small enough they wont get tangled. Use it as a bassinet blanket, cot throw, pram snug or even a treasured blankie to be toted around by your precious little one.

A lot of work has gone into creating a quality, user friendly design which is easy to care for as well as looking adorable.

  

Quilt Features:

• High quality cotton outer.
• Versatile 75cm x 50cm size is perfect for baby and tot alike.
• Cotton & bamboo inner.
• Inner has been quilted in place.

$55. Available through Little Kiwis Nest HERE

Larger sizes available as custom orders through APT CreatioNZ through Little Kiwis Nest.

Merino Ear Warmers for Baby

Keep your little princess both warm and cute this winter with one of these adorable ear warmers handmade by Lylly-Fysh.
Made from a soft and stretchy merino wool fabric for the band, Wide enough to cover little ears and embellished with a hand crocheted flower.
SIZE: 2mths+(34cms Un-stretched), These even fit my 3yr old.
Colours available:
-Rose Pink(Now available by custom order only, Please note flower may differ from one shown in photo.)
- Mushroom Brown (Now available by custom order only, Please note flower may differ from one shown in photo.)
-Cream-large Flower
-Cream- Smaller Flower

Custom orders are welcomed, for more information or to place a order please visit HERE or feel free to email me: lylly-fysh@littlekiwisnest.co.nz
Free shipping on all products within NEW ZEALAND, International customers please enquire for shipping details.

Only $18 & available HERE.

Winter booties by Marshmellow Magic

Delightful Rose leafed Mary Janes

Perfect gift for tiny toes this winter.

Light Aqua in colour with Smokey lavender roses placed in the center of the toe and the most gorgeous apple coloured leaves.

The strap comes from around the side of the shoe and fastens at the back of the shoe, fully adjustable in length so you can tighten or loosen as needed. Unique and delightful, these are designed and made by Janis of Marshmellow Magic & available through Little Kiwis Nest HERE.

Fabulous for the new expecting Mother and Baby showers, Give a timeless gift that can be treasured

Sole measurements 0-6m = 4.5” - 11.5cm

100% Pure New Zealand wool and Leather sole

$20

FREE SHIPPING IN NZ

Purchase HERE

Welcome little Moxy

Moxy loooves to bounce, on the tramp on the bed on the couch, she gets pretty high !!!! she loves to eat flowers and gummi bears.

She sits at 27cm, her body is a fine cord, she has furry ears, belly and tail, the rest of her is a vintage cotton. Her face is a combination of felt and embroidery and she is stuffed with polyfill.

If the colours of Moxy aren't quite what you are after, SnuggleB Toys designer is quite happy to custom make her to your liking - just get in touch via the Little Kiwis Nest website HERE.

Handmade Easter Delights

... of the non-edible kind!

Our designers are have been sewing/crocheting/knitting up a storm in readiness for Easter & their creations are just devine!!!  Here are a few of my favourites.

Soft and snuggly, this cute APT CreatioNZ Carrot rattle with taggy detail is the perfect baby toy


Stimulating the sense of sight sound and touch. Great care has been taken to make this carrot rattle taggy toy safe for baby. $9  View/Buy HERE

A cute soft little rabbit that loves to be cuddled - by Snuggle-B Toys.


All soft toys are made from new and vintage fabrics, Rabbit sits at 25cm, is stuffed with new polyfill and have a combination of a felt and embroidered face.

All soft toys in this range are made with small people in mind and are safe for all ages.

$27 Purchasable HERE

Bertie Bunny - by Harpsters - is 14cm tall when he's lying down (not including his ears). Such a nice size for little people. He's filled with organic wheat to ease those bumps and pains and a little organic lavender to help your wee one sleep (he's also a fantastic cold pack - just put him in a plastic bag in the freezer until he is shivering cold). His face is hand-sewn so that he can have a wee spin in the microwave to warm him up for bed - he's sure to become your little one's favourite bed-time friend.


$30 Purchaseable HERE

Such beautiful alternatives to chocolate gifts this Easter!

Keep those threads in order

I don't know about you - but I am forever trying to find the perfect system for keeping my sewing threads in order. I use a snap lock box at the moment with all my threads standing upright...however without exception it seems that after a couple of projects this somewhat tidy box ends up a jumbled mess with tangled threads galore!
So I searched the net to try and find inspiration, and thought I would share a few of the options I came across.
If you have a unique and effective system for storing your sewing threads we would love to see them!
I will add photos of what I come up with too! x x x

Welcome to the nest...little old nags!

Straight from the horses mouth......
Handmade Hobby Horses - A unique piece of nostalga.



Inspired by my own little cowboy, I made a trusty steed (now named Pirate!) and watched the hilarious antics of boy and horse. I decided to make some more and it grew from there!


Little Old Nags Hobby Horses are handmade in Auckland, New Zealand. Each has it’s own look and personality. A great toy to add to the dress-up box, for make believe play, or as a unique decoration in a child’s room.


Little Old Nags come in two different types -Trusty Steeds and Pretty Ponies.


Trusty Steeds - Corduroy. Will be made to order with your specified bridle colour. Allow up to 5 days to be completed.


Pretty Ponies - made from upholstery/other fabrics and with a little more decoration. Some may be made from up-cycled fabrics. These will be pre-made, usually one-off horses that will be added as made. If there is a specific colour scheme you are after however please ask.


The horse’s manes are all made from yarn. The sticks are untreated pine stained only with food grade olive oil. A rubber cap is put on the end of the stick to protect wooden floors, a wheel can be used instead for an extra charge. Safety eyes are used.


These have been tested on small toddlers (my son and his friends) – however due to the presence of some small parts (eyes, bells) I must add the disclaimer that they may not be suitable for children under the age of 3years.


Shipping is by tracked courier within New Zealand. Shipping is from $10.00 within New Zealand, confirmed on purchase.


Please keep hobby-horse out of water. Gentle spot clean only.


Please contact me for further details or to place a custom order.

NB: Shop will be updated with more horses regularly so check back and see if there's anything new!
http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/store/40

Organizing Your Sewing Workspace - Ribbons & Laces

Surely I'm not the only one that makes a New Years resolution only to groan about it a little later in the year (eg on the 2nd of Jan!).  But I'm a sucker for punishment so I've gone ahead & made another resolution ..."Keep my workspace inspirational".  And if hubby is reading this - no, I'm not going to put money on it!

I have a little while before I have to tackle this, & luckily for me I get to start from scratch again as I'm actually inbetween moving from NZ to Oz.  I have a quite a bit of time up my sleeve to research some great ideas & hopefully be set to put them into action.

I've not been one to hoard fabrics & laces etc up until recently so storage of such items is a new dilemma for me.  I now have 3x 60L plastic tubs of fabric & 3 or 4 big plastic bags full of lace to deal with.  After surfing the net, here's some ideas I have to work with:

Ribbons & Laces

Amazon.com have this cool ribbon storage box that will keep rolls of ribbon tidy & easily accessible. (sold here) I love these because they're clear so you can see exactly what's going on in the boxes! 

Alternatively, you can make your own version of this which could turn out much cheaper if several are needed to control your ribbon stash. Martha Stewart has a tutorial here on how to turn a shoe-sized box into the boxes on the right. I might visit Ikea for some lovely boxes & give this one a go! Here's the tutorial.

Paper towel holders are also a pretty cheap & effective way of storing those ribbon rolls too. 

So this type of storage is great for rolls but all those loose strands of ribbons have to go somewhere too. Up until now I have just flung them over a rail which was effective but unsightly. A better idea I came across is to buy a simple tiered coat hanger for trousers (view one here from Howards Storage World) & drape the ribbons over the rungs.  Keep in place with a pretty peg or big paper clip.

If that is still a little unsightly why not recycle those jam preserve jars & put them on display filled with colourful ribbons. I'm sure we can all find some pretty fabric or paper to make the lids pretty while we're at it ;)   You can buy them in all sorts of place if need be. The ones photographed are from Millys Kitchen.

Well, hopefully this has inspired many a crafter to 'pretty-up' their workspace?  Next blog will be on tackling all the laces lying around.

I would LOVE to see any photos you have of your workspace or hear about other neat little storage solutions you use.  I can't wait to start my sewing room from scratch again!

- Author: Suzan. Co-founder of Little Kiwis Nest & designer of Little Tee Tee Boutique -