Flat Rate Shipping

Did you know??? that Until 31st Dec 2010 if you spend $50 or more at www.fabricaddictions.com you will be eligible for Flat Rate Shipping Rate of $9.50 (AU ONLY)

Tibetan Lambswool NEW colours

I have been busy this week dying some more Tibetan lambswool and a small amount of goat fur. There is limited stock... There are 10 new colours and most have 2 pieces available. These are some of the most popular colours so if you see something you like email me because it will go fast... . All pieces are $11.95 except the Auburn colours and Goat Pelts which are $13.95 each.... pieces measure approx 5 1/2" x 5 1/2" square. I will be listing these on the website in 2 days ... if you dont see it listed there it will have sold already so get your order in quick so you dont miss out....

I will be doing more goat fur soon and if you want a special colour please let me know asap via email...

you can also reach me through the website.

Special Offer

Exclusive offer for my blog and FB readers 

Spend $50 or more on books, magazines, kits, mohair or lambswool, paper patterns or tools and supplies in the store and receive one Fat Quarter of the new Pima cotton for FREE with no extra cost for shipping...

If you order e-Patterns or classes you will still receive the FQ but postage costs will be applied so I can ship to you. (max cost $5 shipping worldwide)

This offer is good to 1st December 2010 and is limited to new orders only (a limit of one FQ per person will be applied) just put the words "Blog Addict" in the comments section when checking out to collect your freebie

This is a great chance to try this fabulous fabric so you can see for yourself how well it replaces the Pimatex. 

Pima Cotton

Michelle Harrold e-Patterns now available

We now have a couple of Michelle's wonderful designs available as e-Patterns with more being added soon. 

to start we have 2 gorgeous mermaid patterns Aquaria and Sirena

Aquaria

Sirena

And in keeping with the Sea Theme we have a beautiful sea horse design called Serendipity

Serendipity

And meet Angelina Fairy, this design was created with the beginner in mind and the 36 page design includes very clear step by step instructions and no less than 16 pages

of templates 4 with interchangeable limb and body combination's so you too can create your very own unique fairy 

Angelina Fairy

 Michelle pays great attention to detail and as her designs are geared to all levels of doll maker from beginner to advanced it makes them an asset to any doll makers collection... Michelle provides plenty of information and drawings to help you complete each project.

as an introductory offer I am offering a 15% discount for 3 days only for these designs.

use the code MHarrold15 in the redeem coupon section upon checking out. This code is only valid for theses designs and cannot be applied retrospectively if you forget, nor will it be applied to orders already in the system.

This code expires on the 4th November at 11.59pm

October Give away... Winner Announced

Congratulations to our October winner

I had several people with 3 entries so I did a drawing of those names from a hat and out came "Lisa"

Congratulations I am very pleased to announce that you are the winner of the fabulous Wild Heather Silk pack.

Thank you to all who entered I wish you all the best for the next draw.
Keep on the lookout for this months drawing to be announced in a few days.

Piece of cake!

Well I finally made it... my challenge is complete and I loved every minute!

here is the cake finished... 

Front of cake

Back

I am really please at how it turned out.. and full of wonderful ideas for a new doll. 

The bride was very surprised (well is was a surprise shower LOL) and she loved the cake...

so far so good

Well I have the most of the cake done...so far I LOVE IT! I am so happy with the results..

front view bust section

View of skirt back

it still isn't finished... Just have to add the bust section, place the side swag sections and appliques and we are done!!
come back later to see the finished product...

what do you think??

all is quiet on the home front...

All is quiet on the home front but hectic in the kitchen LOL. I have been very busy with organizing the cakes I told you about earlier.

I set myself a massive challenge for this venture and so far so good... It is such a satisfying thing when an idea just seems to pull together.

I know it isn't cloth related but it still pertains to dolls (that's my story and I am sticking to it)...   
 I am so excited I just wanted to share the progress pics...


I took a paper mache mannequin and did a foil overlay which I taped up and cut away. I then taped this closed and stuffed til firm enough to hold its shape.

from this

to this....

Then I covered in sugar paste and let dry, finally I dusted with some luster dusts to give a lovely glow


This next picture is a test run to make sure the mannequin top will fit and to check sizing of cakes

can you see where I am going with this?

I have made these awesome scrolls with a flexible icing and these will be like appliques on the final dress, cant wait!!!

final layout for dress..

I finally finished all the roses for the cake... and then some.... Made a few extra for the likely event someone accidentally eats one LOL... wasnt me haahaaaa

Finished  chocolate roses and leaves for wedding cake...YUM!

I will be doing the fondant today and final touches tomorrow ready for the bridal shower tomorrow night... more pics later

  let me know what you think so far...

happy me... Exclusive Offer EXTENDED

Exclusive Offer to all of my blog followers
as I told you earlier its my birthday this month and to celebrate I am offering you the presents,

This Offer has been EXTENDED for another 2 days... 
Last chance
until 11.59:59pm the 25th October you get an exclusive

15% discount off mixed media magazines, paper patterns, tools and supplies

in the Magazine section; you will find back issues of Belle Armoire and Altered Couture,

in the Patterns section; designs by Michelle Harrold, Rhonda McGinnity, Delys Brady, 
Linda Misa and Suzette Rugolo

in the tools and supplies section; lambskins, mohair, eyes, fabrics and so much more... there is just too much to list.

all you need to do to get this discount is put some stash in your shopping cart and use the code HAPPYME15 in the redeem coupon section on the check out page.

You need to use the code as is, uppercase and numbers for the code to work.

So if you are wanting to add to your stash here is your chance... the code can be used more than once but only in separate orders and will expire at midnight on the 23rd 25th October 2010. Feel free to tell your friends. Stock is limited so get in quick.

Terms; Sale is limited only to items in stock and not to back orders, once these are gone that's it. Sorry this cannot be applied to e-patterns, online classes, gift certificates or orders already in system nor can it be applied after if you forget to use it and does not affect the shipping cost.

so whatcha doin?...

boy have I been busy since my last post.. I have a friend whose son is getting married next month and she wanted me to make some flowers for their cake.... so I get to play with my most favourite thing in the world

CHOCOLATE!! 

she wanted something elegant so I have been making white chocolate clay roses... 

it is a very soothing end to my day...

I can sit in my chair and create and try not to nibble LOL...

Chocolate Clay Roses

Just wait til you see what I am doing for her bridal shower...

I am working on a doll but it is not made with cloth... hehehe will let you in on the secret soon..

October Give away... is it your turn?

October Giveaway.. 

Gorgeous SILKS... 

this goody pack contains several different pieces of Silk Hand Dyed by me in a most delicious colourway... and 3 solid dupioni all in complimentary colours  to make the colour pack "Wild Heather"

included in pack are:-

hand dyed crinkle silk tissue approx 25cms x 25cms

hand dyed silk organza 30cms x 40cms

hand dyed tissue silk approx 15cms x 95cms

plus 2 meters of hand dyed silk cord

1 piece blue/mauve dupioni iridescent silk approx 15cms x 55cms

1 piece mauve/blue iridescent dupioni silk approx 15cms x 55cms

1 piece iridescent golden/orange dupioni silk 10cms x 50cms

Total value is $45.00

This is fabulous value and these pieces can be used on quilts for doll costuming or whatever your heart desires...

"Wild Heather" Silk Pack give away

All you have to do to win this luscious prize is one or all of the following

• Refer a friend or several (tell them to leave a comment telling them who referred them = you get one entry for each friend referred and your friends get one entry)
• if they become a follower = you receive 1 entry.
• Leave a comment anywhere on the blog =1 entry
• If you create a link to your blog or website = gives you 2 entries (write a comment and add your blog addy so I know you have linked with me and I can tally your votes)

 Remember the more you do the more entries you receive and the better your chances are...

Best of luck
person with most entries will be announced the 1st November 2010

Now Available

WOW what a month! and it hasnt even started yet... LOL

I hope you are all well and have had the chance to create something wonderful.

I have some great news Caroline Erbsalnd and Stephanie Novatski's designs are now ready for download.

We have Crystal the beautiful Mermaid,

Caroline the Showgirl Diva,

Cinderella, a gorgeously gowned princess,

and Corina the Enchanting Gypsy, this design comes with Bonus instructions for creating her display... 

"Corina" the Enchanting Gypsy

Caroline's attention to detail in her embellishing is awesome and makes you wanna get your hands dirty so to speak... fabulous instructions and beautiful colour photos will guide you through all of these designs.

I also have Year of the Witch available by Stephanie Novatski.

This pattern includes designs and embellishing ideas for 5 cute lil witches which you can easily customize to suit your needs. This pattern is full of colour photos and great ideas.

The great thing about e-Patterns is that you can save a copy to your hard drive or burn a copy to CD (personal use only mind) and only Print out the sheets you need (ie templates etc)  and as these patterns are so large some with over 150 photos this is a bonus. Another things is the attention to detail these designs offer, having the photos to guide you step by step makes these an asset to the beginning doll maker.

I am working hard to add more e-patterns soon from other fabulous designers.

We have our winner

Welcome to October the month of my birthday woohooo! now onto the important stuff LOL

We have our WINNER!!! for this months giveaway...

Congratulations to Shazza007

           

Thank you to everyone who became a follower of my blog. Your support is appreciated and I hope to be having a giveaway at least once a month. So if you feel you missed out this time dont give up there will be another chance for you later. I am already thinking of ideas for my next giveaway.

Look I have been playing too...

remember the new eyes I have in stock? well I just loved the new colours so much I had to play! LOL I have been sitting at night making a few head from one of Pam Grose's designs in my spare time and these are what I came up with...The eyes I used were the rose crystal, the aurora cobalt and aurora green. I just love the new colours they are so vivid...

Aurora Green eyes and Rose Crystal both 16mm

 I think the lil guy on left looks like a samurai... I wanna see where this goes, maybe he will look better when he is painted?

I used the cobalt Aurora eyes 16mm

 I am really happy with the way this head turned out. I have been working with a slightly different technique from what Pam does but the results are fantastic

Trying the baseball stitch... works great!!

I even practiced the baseball stitch I told you about earlier... I cant wait to see these finished but it may take a while. I even got to dress one of my nakie fairies last week LOL, she has been wearing paper towels for modesty for almost a year now. I will try to organize photos of her soon

Cool Stitch...

This cool tutorial caught my eye the other day for a baseball stitch which I think would be quite useful in a pinch for closing seams ... you can find out more by following the link under the photo (copy n paste into new browser)

http://stardustshoes.blogspot.com/2009/04/baseball-stitch.html

She also has quite a few other tutorials available too... check it out.

Thanks Joanna.

Something special for you!

I just want to say Thank You!!
to all my wonderful supporters and to this end I will be having a random draw for a gift voucher to be spent at www.fabricaddictions.com at the end of September to say thank you to everyone for their support. I would not be where I am today without you all.

The only thing you have to do to qualify is to visit fabricaddictions.blogspot.com and become a follower (you may even leave a comment or 2 if you wish) and the lucky recipient will win $20 to spend in store at  www.fabricaddictions.com

PS...This voucher can be used on anything from the website except for orders already in the system and cannot be exchanged for real currency.

This months draw will take place on the 30th of September so get in quick for your chance to win...

??Did you know that we can also create a custom gift certificate for your needs? So.. If you are looking for some yummy addictions for friends or family or you simply want one for yourself ... you can purchase a gift certificate and buy what ever you need whenever you want... These can be valid up to 6 months and you dont need to spend it all at once... why not let your family know you would like one for the holidays... these can be put toward ANYTHING on the website... yes even classes and specials.

Gift Certificate

Time Flies!

My gosh time flies when you are having fun... a whole week went by and I was too busy to notice... why? you ask, well its because I have been working my lil tush off getting some new e-Patterns organized for you to play with and I had a ball doing it.... 

I have a couple of new designers I have been working with we are slowly but surely getting there.

I cant wait any longer to tell you whats coming I am so excited...

we will soon be listing a few designs from Stephanie Novatski, one of which is her beautiful trio of mermaids "Neptune's Daughters" and her newest design "Year of the Witch" these are just too cute! 

Year of the Witch by Stephanie Novatski

Dont forget her online class "Weeping Will" is still available but will be closing soon. Stephanie is an extremely talented lady and has won many awards for her awesome dolls. She has just come in first at the latest Hoffman Challenge with her gorgeous Knight with a dragons head.

We also have a new designer Caroline Erbsland... Caroline is another one who loves her embellishments and has 6 designs which will be available shortly... more on that later

Cinderella by Caroline Erbsland

This is just the beginning and once I sort all these out I will be working on several designs from Michelle Harrold to be released as e-Patterns  wooohooo she even has a new pattern available... You will only be able to purchase Pam Grose's and Michelle's designs as e-Patterns exclusively from www.fabricaddictions.com

Be on the lookout for a new freebie coming soon.

Manic Monday

New e-Patterns available

Wondrous News!!! We have just received 2 new e-Patterns and an online class from Colleen Babcock. If you haven't heard of her She is an awesome designer living in the UK!

In stock now and available for immediate download are...

Fathoms a deep sea Mermaid... very gothic and gorgeous!!

Fathoms a Deep Sea Mermaid e-Pattern

and also 

Snowflake and Spider sprite a fabulous 2 in one pattern...
 

Snowflake and Spider Sprite e-Pattern

Both can be found in the e-Pattern section of the website and are available for immediate download...

Also Colleen has agreed to teach one of her gorgeous dolls "Bea in her Bonnet" an Awesome doll for beginners to advanced doll makers...  

Bea in her Bonnet Online Class at www.fabricaddictions.com

This class is due to start 4th February 2011 and reservations are being taken now. If you are looking for a fabulous gift for yourself or a loved one why not order an online class or purchase one our lovely gift certificates from the website so they can satisfy their doll making addictions.

The first person to comment will receive one of the 2 e-Patterns (their choice for 1/3 off the RRP price)

So you want to know how to make a skin wig for your doll.... FREEBIE

I sometimes get customers asking how to make a wig from the Tibetan lambswool that I carry. So as a show of appreciation for your support I am posting this Free mini tutorial...
it is by no means the only way of doing this but its the way I have discovered works best for me.

I use paper towelling to create cheap templates. It smooths into tight areas allowing darts to easily form thus creating a unique template to the project I am working on.

First I take and measure my dolls head. Measurement 1. Is going from the base of where one ear starts across the top of the head to the base of the other ear. (Or about where the ears would be of your doll had them) Measurement 2. is taken where the hairline at the top of the dolls face starts to the back at the nape following the center seam line. For the example we will say these are 5" and 2".

Take a piece of paper towel measuring 5" x 2" and fold to match the 2 shorter ends creating a fold line down the center of the towel. Mark the CFF (center front forehead) and CB.

Place this on the bald head matching these CFF and CB marks to the appropriate spots on your dolls head and pin in place to hold. Press down towel smoothing as you go to get a snug fit pushing excess fabric toward the back. you should notice some darts forming... this is good and will create a custom fit for your doll. Make sure you create a dart either side of the CB mark. Finger press these darts into place to make crease lines and remove towel from the dolls head.

Lay out flat; can you see the creases in the dart areas? You need to cut these out to create your template. It should look something like the diagram below...

turn this edge up at least 1/8" and glue in place to secure

Choose which edge will sit at the front then Fold the CFF edge at least a 1/8" and glue down with good quality fabric glue. Let dry. You need to lay your template onto the skin side of your lambs wool and trace around the template marking your CFF.

Once you have traced out the lines take a scalpel and gently score the skin only until the blade just breaks through. You do not want to cut too deeply at first or you may cut the fibres resulting in bald patches on the wig... not a pretty sight!

Match the seam lines together in each dart and whip stitch or ladder stitch closed. Do not do this too tightly or the wig will not fit. Once you have tied off your threads you can now either sew or glue the wig into place on your doll. Voila!! Now all that's left is to style the hair and add some pretties and you are done... You can add lace, beads or silk flowers for bling as shown in the example below

http://www.fabricaddictions.com.au/c/131212/1/di-evdokimoff.html

Why not leave a comment and tell me what you think??

Pimatex no longer available???

"Whats this you say?? Did I hear right?" you ask.... Yes from what I can gather Robert Kaufman has decided to finally discontinue the wonderful Pimatex Parfait from his line of fabrics only special order now I believe and I would have to order quite a bit to qualify... why I cannot tell you  but I can say this...."Fear Not"!! I have done extensive research and have found a 100% Cotton Fabric that is based on the same Pima Cotton Fiber (same as the Kaufman line) and it is equally as good AND even better its re-orderable...... 

FYI ~ Pima cotton broadcloth is the ideal cotton fabric: soft, robust and straightforward and replaces the Pimatex by Kaufmans. This plain weave material comes in a dainty light pink color similar to "Parfait", it combines the incomparable strength and soft hand of premium Pima cotton with the multiple uses of broadcloth. This handsome lightweight fabric is just right for cloth doll skin and it dyes well. I prefer this fabric for its smooth finish and tight weave which means less popping of the seams.

http://www.fabricaddictions.com.au/p/366939/pima-cotton-broadcloth.html

The Pima Broadcloth takes over from the pimatex and is comparable in colour, weight and smoothness of finish making it the ideal replacement fabric; in fact it is so close in texture that you wouldn't know it was a different fabric! 

A Bit of Trivia ~ Pima cotton, also called Extra Long Staple (ELS), is a type of cotton grown primarily in the southwest region of the United States, Peru, Australia, and a few other countries. It is considered to be one of the superior blends of cotton, and is extremely durable and absorbent. Pima cotton is named after the Pima Native Americans who first cultivated the plant in the US, but its origins date back to its cultivation in Peru. 

Pima cotton has long threads which is the same base as used in the manufacture of Pimatex by Kaufman and is often used in the manufacture of Egyptian cotton products...  In sourcing I have tried to stay as close to the original fabric as possible so you can still get the same great results as you did with the Kaufman Branded product.

Designer Cloth Doll Patterns are on sale!!!

Gee seems like I am making up for lost time LOL 3 times in one day WOW!! 

Just thought you might like to know I have had a tidy up of the website (let me tell you its a work in progress But I do enjoy it...) and I have quite a few designer patterns that I have marked down for sale. You can save $3.00 off the marked price. This Prices will hold until all stock is gone!!! This discount has already been applied so all you have to do is go and pop the designs of your choice into the cart... its as easy as that!... get in quick while stocks last. These patterns are all by award winning artists such as Michelle Harrold, Linda Misa, Suzette Glastonbury Rugolo, Delys Brady and Rhonda McGinnity...

http://www.fabricaddictions.ashop.com.au/c/181047/1/close-outs-and-specials.html

There are lots of Patterns by each  designer so you are sure to find something you like....

had to brag again!!

Grandma wants to brag LOL.. My grandson Mikael turned 6 months old this week and my daughter sent me some photos of our little treasure... just had to share one that made me smile...  he sure loves his boxes...

my Xerox baby

Something New for August...

I am so excited!!! I have finally found a supplier for Round Acrylic Doll eyes... and they come in a wonderful range of colours.... These are now going to be available on the website as a separate item for purchase... or if you want the colour as part of a kit, its simple, just email me and request the colour you want and I will add it to the kit of your choice...

I have ordered a taster in so if you see a colour you like order it quick so you dont miss out... you can reserve your colours now as they are up on the website. I expect these to arrive sometime before the end of August 2010.

Acrylic Eyes

The eyes shown above come in several sizes and for now I only have 14mm, 16mm and 20mm These will al be at the great low price of $12.95 Any colours marked SPECIAL on the website will be priced at $13.75

crystal colour eyes

The eyes shown above are the Crystal Range. These are only available in 16mm at present at the great price of $13.95 a pair.

All colours shown in both groups are on order and will be arriving very soon. I expect these to sell quickly but the great thing is I can reorder so if you missed out the first time let me know I will get some in for you...

April gone already?? YIKES

Good grief April has come and gone already... just goes to show how time flies when you are having fun..
I have been playing with cake decorating. Something I have always dreamed of doing... I love the saying "having your cake and eating it too" LOL now its a reality
I was busy getting stuff together for a baby shower for my first grandchild that I threw at the end of April. and it was just full steam ahead for the whole month. Here is a pic of the cake I made for the occasion.

Cake made for Mikael's Baby Shower

The cake was a vanilla flavoured Madeira style with butter-cream frosting and a lemon curd filling, I made the ducks from white chocolate which I coloured with edible gel cols. The bubbles were piped butter-cream and Kool mints and rolled fondant pearls I made in my spare time .. it came out so much better than I had planned and I know its not doll related but it is creative LOL That's my excuse and I am sticking to it... I now have to find one of the cake I made for my daughters wedding last May it was my first real effort and It too was awesome...


My grandson is a doll and thats good enough for me LOL below is a pic of Mikael who is now 10 weeks old.

Gorgeous little man

Angelina Fibres

Angelina Fibers

How excited am I??? LOL I just got a small shipment of the BEAUTIFUL Metallic Angelina fiber Jellybean sampler kits in stock....and yes they are HOT FIXABLE.... They are just awesome! Each Kit contains 5 colours each weighing 1/10 of an ounce each with that being enough to have a good play.

I use the Angelina fibers in my doll making for wings and other stuff as the colours are just so vibrant and I have never seen anything like them making all my creations unique! But they can be used in quilting, scrap-booking and so much more...

They are little hard to photograph as they reflect the light a little too well LOL... but trust me they are beautiful rich colours.

the new colours included in the metallic range are....

• plum
• peony
• hollyberry
• fuschia
• christmas green
• charcoal
• copper penny
• rusty nail
• sweetheart
• dusty rose
• royal blue
• almost black
• wedgewood
• gold iris
• silver iris

you can find the mini kits here

http://www.fabricaddictions.com.au/p/1109019/angelina-fibre-jellybean-metallic-sampler-kits-.html