Sewing Pattern Testers Needed!

Once upon a time, there lived a Mouse named Molly.

Molly was a vibrant Mouse, full of energy and smiles. She liked to chew on rubber cords, sniff inside her pet cat's ear, and nibble on her own tail. Her very favourite thing to do, however, was to play with shiny Christmas baubles.
Molly knew she was a special Mouse. She knew most mice had to live in small cages and run on strangely repetitive wheels. She also knew they had to eat very odd foods and that they weren't allowed to nibble on their own tails. Molly didn't think she would like a life like that, and Molly knew what she liked.

There was one thing that Molly didn't know, however. One very important thing.

Molly didn't actually exist.

Molly was merely a figment of her owner's imagination, but she was a figment that was slowly coming to life. But why slowly? Well, her owner, the Giant Pepperberry Mouse, was lovingly bringing her to life, but because Giant Pepperberry Mouse's Sewing Machine was currently on holiday, she was creating her by hand. And creating a vibrant Mouse like Molly by hand sure took time!

So far, Molly had two ears...

A nose...

And some arms...

All made out of this glorious Organic Cotton, Vegetable-Dyed, Hand-Woven, Fair-Trade fabric.

But Molly felt confident she would grow up to be a Big, Strong Mouse who would be able to play with Christmas Baubles and nibble on a tail that existed. She felt this confidence because she knew that Giant Pepperberry Mouse was on a mission: Mission Molly the Mouse!

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P.S. Would you like to bring your very own little Mouse to life? Visit the endlessly talented Jodie over at Ric Rac to download the free pattern!

P.P.S. Thank you for all of your entries in the Finki/Tuesday Tales Giveaway! Molly the Mouse has deemed that the lovely Kelly O. from John's Daughter is the winner due to the fact that the Finki Notepads remind her of her father, who has passed and whom she celebrated daily in her blog. See you next Tuesday for another inspiring Tale!

Mission: Molly the Mouse

'Twas the day of Christmas,

And although it was in July,

There was no reason not to celebrate,

And call on that red suited guy!

Anyone who knows anything about me is well aware that Christmas brings out that special something in me. The joyous sounds of carols, the sparkle of fairy lights, and the delicious smell of Polish cooking really bring a twinkle to my eye. So what better thing to do than to celebrate it twice in the one year? Welcome, therefore, to this very Pepperberry Christmas in July, thanks to Maggi over at Kata Mommy!

I awoke on this Christmas in July full of anticipation. Would I receive something lovely in the post, perhaps?

Unlikely, considering my letterbox is 7378 kilometres away...

Maybe something would be waiting for me under the tree?

Nope. That's not only 7378 kilometres away, but also packed away tightly in a beautiful white box...

So what would it be? Well, this Christmas, my darling Santa brought me:
- a complete computer meltdown;
- a race around sweaty Bangkok to have my motherboard replaced;
- a complete Windows OS breakdown; and
- a lovely German man who temporarily fixed my computer until Monday, when I will race around sweaty Bangkok again to have my computer fixed... again.

Oh, dear! I think someone accidentally put me on the naughty list this year!

My Christmas cheer has therefore been slightly subdued... in fact, one might call me a downright cranky pants. With that in mind, I took this quiz to find out exactly which Christmas character I am, and guess what? I'm Mrs. Claus! Apparently, my unwavering support, hospitality, and comforting touch have landed me this important role. Further, I supposedly know how to take good cheer and deliver it wherever I go, spreading warmth even on the coldest winter days.

Let me just make it clear that that's not how chirpy I look at this very moment...

However, in the spirit of the day, I still wanted to share some bloggy joy with you. I have been saving this gorgeous tutorial until that special day in December, but I simply couldn't wait any longer!

The lovely Nikki over at Project: Domestic Bliss created this spectacular, simple and cost-effective Christmas Silhouette, and now you can too with her brilliant tutorial. The possibilities, however, do not stop at Christmas- this clever idea can be used with images of your family, friends, holiday spots, pets... anything!

I'm off to carve an image of a functioning computer now. May your Christmas in July be far merrier than mine- and don't forget to tell me what you asked Santa for!

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A Not-So-Merry Pepperberry on this Christmas in July!

I was introduced to the world of sewing by a tote bag.

Ok, maybe not just a tote bag, but a tote bag that I was lucky enough to make with the help of the magnificent Cathy of Miss Marzie and Audrey & Maude fame.


I had such fun making this sexy, quick little number that I've been madly collecting tutorials for tote bags ever since. Of course, like with most of my bookmarked tutorials, I still haven't had a chance to make them! I thought I'd share them with you, my dear readers, instead- and perhaps now the pressure will be on for me to make one.

Oh, Fransson! has this whimsical Margaret Sling bag tutorial:


You'll find this rustic apple picking tote tutorial at Purl Bee:

Qamut has this tote tutorial for those of inspired by bold polka:


Grab the tutorial for this two-tone tote at Whispering Pine:


And finally, MmmCrafts has this gorgeous messanger bag tutorial:


I hope you enjoy playing with these super-simple crafty ideas! As always, let me know if you end up making one because I'd most love to see the result.

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P.S. GIVEAWAY WINNERS!: Thank you to all who entered my Tea Party giveaway and left such amusing and creative comments. I had immense trouble choosing my favourite entry, so with my magical powers, I've deemed that there shall be 6 winners! Lucky Vicki from Sew Useful Designs shall be receiving the Alice in Wonderland Passport Cover, and runners up Kami, Harley Dee, Ange Moore, Calidore, and Lizzie will receive a bookmark made out of the same fabric. Of course, winners may have to wait until I am back in the enchanting land of Oz to get their prizes... but in the meantime, please email me your postal details!

Just Call Me The Bag Lady

The best thing about having bloggy Followers is that of being introduced to a whole new world of creative goodness through every reader. When people leave comments, I usually check out their blogs, often end up Following them, then get introduced to other blogs through them... and the world becomes my crafty oyster!

Throughout my exploring of Crafty Blogland, I have found some incredible creations that I am just dying to share with you all. These are a group of softies that have struck a cord with me due to their uniqueness, quirkiness, and the pure joy they bring to my heart when I look at them.

First up is the super-talented Dotty from The Dotty One, who pops out spectacular new softies so many times per week that I think she's secretly a softie machine! In the past few months, she's created these adorable disco fish, multi-legged monsters, sweet little owls and Clive the Carrot. Check out her blog and shop for further inspiration!

Next up is the amazing Nikki from My Black Cardigan, who also bought you Tango the Magnet. Now, Nikki is always impressing me with her crafty talents, but there was one project in particular that blew me away: these softie replicas she made for friends who were celebrating their anniversary. If the miniature beach towels, pyjamas, bedtime toys and laptop don't make you squeal, then you're a hard-hearted wonder!

The talent must run in the family, because Nikki's sister Truj has also spoilt us with some softie sensations. Apparently, it all started with a mama pig and her bub, but then came a donkey, some chicks, a pair of womats, and a whole other array of gorgeous felted animals to make you never need a pet again. Too precious!

And finally, no list of Softie Inspiration would be complete without the Queen of Softies herself- the marvellous Jodie from RicRac.The imagination that this crafty wonder possesses has to be seen to be believed! A few weeks ago, she introduced her lucky blog readers to Parsley and Beet, the most handsome elephants to have ever gumbooted the Earth. Don't forget to check out her blog and shop for further cute attacks!

Surely after all that inspiration you're hankering for some tutorials? Yes? Good! For I have six delights to share with you today, and I can't wait to see the versions that you create!

First up, we have a delightful Dachshund and a lovely Lamb:

Then a cute Cat and Hoot the handsome owl:

And finally, a delicious Donkey and some mini Mice:

If you've ever wanted to create a soft toy and didn't know where to start, you've now run out of excuses. So, go! Create! Each of these tutorials is super-simple, well written and includes all pattern pieces and instructions. Enjoy!

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Cute Softie Attack- Including Tutorials!

Wow! My tutorial on how to make iron-on product labels has gone crazy- thank you so much for all your kind comments. I'm really glad that I can give something back to the crafty blogosphere, who have given me so much!

Today's post still comes from a flu-riddled, bed-ridden state, so it won't be quite as exciting as the last. I do, however, have some great Pepperberry news to share with you all.

A MARKET!
I have secured a spot at the next Yarraville Market on June 6th! It's on from 10am - 4pm at the Masonic Hall, which is on the corner of Canterbury and Willis Streets in Yarraville. The best part about this market is that my little Snap Pouches have been featured on the Yarraville Market picture- how exciting! Pop by and say hello if you can, as there are dozens of brilliant artists who will be there and I will be boasting a whole new fabric range in my products.























A TREASURY!
The lovely Laura from SugarRainDrops created a Treasury that then made it onto the front page of Etsy- and my Vine and Little Worm snap Pouch was featured in it! I was flabbergasted when one afternoon, I logged into my Etsy store to see that over 300 people had viewed the one item, whereas only 30 or so had viewed the others. The amazing search function over at Craftopolis quickly let me know why. This has definitely been a highlight of selling on Etsy!

A SWAP!
I have signed up to my second swap! This time I'll be creating coasters for the gorgeous Kristy in Italy via the Kindred Crafters Coaster Swap. If you have ever wanted to get creative with coasters, check out their site- it's full of links to some of the most beautiful handcrafted coasters on the web.

A GIGGLE!
Are you all ready for a giggle? Google Analytics has just informed me that one of the ways people find my blog is by searching for the phrase 'naughty passport covers'. I searched that myself, and sure enough, there was my lovely blog on page 2. Now there's a life achievement to be proud of!

I'm off to spank those cheeky little passport covers now...

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A Market, A Treasury, A Swap and a Laugh!

Ladies and Gentlemen, Crafters and Friends...

Drum Roll Please...

The Official Pepperberry & Co. Etsy Shop has been Launched!

Now available for your viewing pleasure are 11 sensational, stunning and scintillating Snap Pouches, with styles varying from Japanese Text...


to Little Worms on Vines...



to Polka Dot Pleasures...


and Dancing Ballerinas!


The first Pepperberry & Co. Follower to purchase a product will receive a free, and exclusive, Pepperberry & Co. Bookmark from the yet-to-be-released range!

Please Note: Due to Technical Difficulties, the remainder of the Pepperberry & Co. range (including Notebook Covers, Passport Covers, Travel Tissue Holders and Mini Tote Bags) will officially be launched on Friday... stay tuned for the party and a ridiculous amount of discounts!

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The Snap Pouches are Launched!

CAN YOU HELP?
Here at Pepperberry & Co. Headquarters, we are experiencing a problem.


It appears that every time we sew, one of the following two things happens:

1. The top thread breaks. Ultra infuriating.
2. A stitch is missed because the bobbin thread is not grabbed. Infinitely annoying.

We have attempted the following resolutions:

1. Seriously upgrading the quality of the thread, from cheap-brand polyblend to expensive-brand cotton. The problems got worse.
2. Adjusting the tension of the sewing machine. This made no difference.

We are appealing for public assistance in this matter. Should you have any details that could help with the investigation, please contact us using the form below. All tips leading to a solving of the dilemma will receive ridiculously grateful emails.


PAYING IT FORWARD...
Due to her role as the manager of the Shivershop, Coco was unfortunately unavailable to pick the three people who won gifts as a part of Pay It Forward. Instead, I was blindfolded, handed a list of people who had left comments and a red pen, and told to draw three circles on the list. This was the result:


So, congratulations to:

- The gorgeous Harley Dee of Koala Fuzz;
- The lovely Kit of Diva Quilts;

And, by proximity to The Dotty One, who should never have been on the list due to the fact that Pay It Forward came from her...

- The wonderful Emmy from Number Seventy Five!

Congratulations, ladies! Make sure you email me your addresses and I'll pop your gifts in the post.


PSST... CAN YOU KEEP A SECRET?
If you promise not to tell a soul, I might just show you a sneak peek of one of the delightful items making an appearance at this Saturday's Market Stall...

Ok, are you ready?

Presenting... Lined Snap Purses!


Now, they may only look like simple (if stunning!) little wallets, but they are in fact some of the complex pieces of sewing genius that you shall ever see. Or do I just feel that way because I'm a total beginner? :-)

Because you're such good secret-keepers, I'll also show you my very first Pepperberry & Co. iron-on labels:


Aren't they simply charming? I'm excited!

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A Sewing Dilemma, A Giveaway Winner & A Sneak Peek!

Welcome Pepperberrians!

You'll be pleased to know that following the love that I received from my global readers, I have recovered from my Craflu. Further, I've heard rumours that some of you who are also suffering from Craflu are now motivated enough to go eat some chocolate and do some craft. Yay!

Today is the perfect day to get re-motivated and start crafting. Why? Well, today is Earth Day, a day to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment. And what better way to celebrate than by discovering new, exciting craft projects with a strong green twist?

So, I give you Pepperberry's Top Nine Green Craft Projects!

1. Create gorgeous pincushions using plastic bottle tops with Craftstylish:


2. Turn those used gift cards into unique jewellery with Knitphomaniac:


3. Recycle toilet rolls into extension cord holders at Apartment Therapy:



4. Learn how ridiculously easy it is to fuse plastic bags to make a tote at Curbly:


5. Try one of four projects that turn a sweater into a masterpiece at Ready made Mag:


6. Upcycle your old T-Shirts into chic headbands at Craftstylish:


7. Turn a tin drinking can into a beautiful trinket box at Atomic Shrimp:



8. Combine your gorgeous fabrics with used eye glass lenses to make one-of-a-kind badges with A Patchwork World:


9. And finally, take that nasty junk mail and give it a new life as a gift bag with Junk Mail Gems:


What exciting things are you doing to celebrate Earth Day?

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9 Crafty Ways to Celebrate Earth Day