CategoriesInspiration and Projects by

Fabric Scrunchie Tutorial

Fashion trends always repeat and the good old Scrunchie from the 90's has made a massive return. Using scrunchies is also better for your hair than elastic hair bands as they create less friction and breakage on hair.... plus we can make them ourselves in fabric that we love.

We've chosen a super cute Golden Grove Cockatoo fabric available here to make our scrunchie sample. You can use many different types of fabric to create your own one of a kind hair accessory so have fun with different types of textures and colours.

To make one scrunchie, you will need the following: Fabric piece measuring 4" x 18" Elastic 8"-9" (8" for finer hair 9" for thicker hair) Thread that will match the colour of the fabric Sewing machine, pins and scissors Bodkin (optional)

Fold your fabric piece right sides together along the long edge. Measure in from both ends approx. 1" and pin (if you use red headed pins it will make it easier to know when to start and stop). Pin in-between the red headed pins using different coloured pins to keep the raw edges together.

Now at your sewing machine, align the side of the presser foot with the raw edges of the fabric and start sewing at the first red pin ensuring you back-stitch to secure. Remember to take the pins out before you sew over them as this can damage your machine and/or break your needle.

Stop at the last red pin and back-stitch to secure.

Turn the fabric tube right side out. This can be a little fiddly so to make this task easier you could use a Loop Turner or a Turn it All tool.

Take the raw fabric edges from both ends of the tube and align these edges with right sides together. You won't be able to align the whole length of the seam, just the start to begin with will be fine.

This step can be a little awkward. Just go slow and just start at the beginning, working the raw edges together as you sew until you get to the end.

Pull on both sides of the joined tube until the seam you have just sewn slips inside.

Keeping one end of the elastic out of the fabric tube, thread the opposite end through, until both ends of the elastic are coming out of the tube coming from each direction. We've used a Clover Bodkin to make this easier or you could use a safety pin.

Overlap the ends of the elastic and sew them together to join. You could also tie a knot with the ends to secure them if you don't want to sew this step.

Insert the elastic inside of the fabric tube and tuck the raw edges of the fabric into the opening.

Edge stitch along the folded edge to enclose the raw seams and to close the opening and....
VOILA!!!

I hope you enjoy making these fabric scrunchies! They really are fun and quick to make and great to teach kids who want to learn how to sew. Please share any that you create with us because we'd love to see them.

Happy Stitching! Kimz Team x

CategoriesWhat's NEW by

We’ve Been Revamped

Look out everyone.... we've been revamped inside and out!
Our store front has had a fantastic makeover from the team at Saber Signs and we are loving how fresh it looks from the outside and also the inside.
We have plenty of Janome, Bernina and bernette machines ready to demonstrate with the latest technology available to make your sewing experience the most enjoyable it can be. Come in for a look at what there is to offer or check them out online.
Some new faces instore to greet and assist you when you come in include Melissa and Maddie (above) who happens to be Kim's daughter. Kim, Christine, Pamela and tech Mitch are still here to help.
With more fabrics arriving each week, you are sure to find the perfect match for your projects. We stock a large range of Batiks, Moda Grunge, Devonstone and Kona Solids. As well as the Jennifer Sampou Sky range. Shown above left is the Entwine range from Guicy Guice and in the bottom right Stealth from Libs Elliott. We also stock Wool Felt for lovers of Wendy Williams applique.
Hand sewing has become more popular over the last year and to keep up with the increasing demand we have now stocked a wide range of specialty threads including Cosmo embroidery thread, Wonderfil Eleganza thread and Wonderfil Spagetti and Fruitti Threads.
A huge range of bag making supplies including products by Emmaline, Voodoo Rabbit and By Annie which are available online and in store in a large variety of styles and colours.
So if you have not been into Kimz for some time you may want to take a trip in to check out all of the wonderful new items available or have a look at the website for more goodies.
Happy Stitching! Kimz Team x
CategoriesWorkshop by

Free Motion Quilting with Rulers…. Workshop with Jane Rundle

Free Motion Quilting with Rulers.... Workshop with Jane Rundle

What an amazing workshop we had with the lovely Jane Rundle of Jane Madly Quilting. Our ladies had a marvelous time learning how to use quilting rulers on their home machines using free motion skills. We can't wait to have another class in the new year with Jane.

If you would like to know more about free motion quilting with rulers or to put your name down for an upcoming workshop with Jane, please let us know via email, phone or drop in.

Happy Stitching! Kimz Team x

CategoriesWorkshop by

Quilt As You Go Class

If you have ever wanted to try Quilt As You Go we can highly recommend the Sea Spray Quilt pattern by the incredibly talented Monica Poole. Our ladies have had a ball making their very own quilts over 2 classes.

Tina has made her quilt graduating the values of grey and navy fabric.

Barb is making a blue and white quilt for her mother

Sharon is making her quilt in Batik fabrics.

Donna is using up some of her blue fabrics.

Dominque is making a quilt for her husband in blacks, greys and oranges.

Juanita is making her nephew a quilt for his birthday.

Juanita is making her nephew a quilt for his birthday.

Here are the results from the two classes with just a little more work to do, our ladies will have their very own quilts in single and queen size.

Happy Stitching! Kimz Team x

CategoriesWorkshop by

Crochet with Jenny King

Our crochet classes with Jenny King have been so popular that we now have them twice a week. They are scheduled for the first and third Wednesday of the month from 1.00 to 4.00 and are for all levels of crochet skill.

Crochet Patterns Yarn and Crochet Needles Warana
Crochet patterns swim suit warana

We also have some of Jenny's wonderful yarn in stock.

Stonewash

crochet stonewash yarn warana

Stonewash comes in large 100gm balls containing 280metres of cotton rich yarn. This 60%cotton/40% acrylic blend yarn gives you the best of both worlds. It will work well for any #3 pattern or 8 ply here in Australia. It is a tube knit yarn so there is no splitting and this gives it a wonderful earthy texture. Stonewash, as the name implies , means for everyday casual garments or relaxed comforting home wares. It is perfect for baby wear as it is sooooooo soft.

Embellish

Jenny King Designs Embellish yarn is silky and has a knitted tube construction to make it unique. No need to worry about the Z or S twist. This is a great yarn for those people who cannot wear animal fibres but still want luxury in their garments. It feels really soft on the skin with a sheen that looks as sumptuous as silk without the weight or expense. Embellish is great for Jenny King Designs Get Squared garments and makes up quickly. Designed in Australia.

Fantasy

Jenny King Designs Fantasy yarn 100meters per 50gm ball. 60 % cotton and 40% polyester. It is great for summer clothing, throws, wraps and assorted homewares. It is also great for fringing.

If have ever wanted to learn crochet or just want to join a crochet group then check out our class list here for future class dates and times.

Happy Stitching! Kimz Team x

CategoriesFit to Flatter, Workshop by

Fit to Flatter – A How To with Lindsey Rae

Lindsey is back to teach at Kimz and we are super excited!Lindsey is an amazing teacher, and her knowledge of garment sewing and sewing machine know how is exceptional.

Sewing patterns dressmaking patterns tailoring guides Sunshine Coast

Lindsey is the founder of Sew To Grow and is passionate about sewing and education in the sewing industry. She has already been to Kimz teaching her "Urban Outlook" tote, teaching our ladies how to work with leather. You can check it out here.

This time Lindsey is coming in to teach you how to make your garment fit to flatter. Doesn't that sound great? With 4 designs to choose from including dresses and tops, you are sure to get noticed for all the right reasons and best of all feel comfortable and confident.

Dress sewing patterns Sunshine Coast

The Sweet Summertime Dress features no zippers, a fitted waist and cap sleeves this pattern is sure to be a wardrobe staple all season long!

Dress sewing pattern dressmaking Warana

The Noosa Shift features two sleeve options (sleeveless and flutter), pockets, t-shirt hem and elasticized waist.

Top sewing pattern fit to flatter Lindsey rae

The Sweet Summertime Peplum features no zippers, a fitted waist and cap sleeves. So on trend!

For all the information you need on this weekend workshop including dates, price and requirements, click here.

We can't wait for Lindsey to again inspire and work her magic in our classroom. Places are limited so please ensure you register to avoid disappointment.

Happy Stitching! Kimz Team x

CategoriesInspiration and Projects by

What A Team! Janome + Anna Maria Horner

Looking for some great ideas for projects using your Janome machine?  Well Janome has teamed up with the very talented Anna Maria Horner to bring you delightful projects including The Right Turn Bag.
I just love that you can use up strips of fabric and use the great decorative stitches on your Janome machine, and with Anna Maria’s instruction, you’ll have yourself a unique tote bag that will turn heads.

Some of our ladies decided to give it a go and here are the results.

Above is Erina’s front and back of her bag using her purple and orange fabrics. 

Helen and her daughter on the left decided to have a day together making the bag.  Helen is not a fan of straight lines so she did wavy stitching and used lots of embellishments.  Helen’s daughter Gemma made the large version of the bag.  Deb on the right wanted to use up some of her vast stash of spotty fabrics.

Christine used some scraps of Kaffe Fassett fabrics and used some coordinating solids for the stitching detail.
Check out Janome + Anna Maria collaboration projects here and get stitching today.

Happy Stitching! Kimz Team x

CategoriesTula Pink by

Seeing Tula Pink

What a privilege to meet the super talented Tula Pink last month. Tula is an illustrator, a fabric designer, a quilter, an author, a maker and a generally great person. A small group of us Tula fans decided to travel to the Gold Coast to meet and greet, Trunk Show and lecture.  Such an inspiration!

So happy to have met Tula Pink and be inspired by her talent.  Can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.


Happy Stitching! Kimz Team x

CategoriesInspiration and Projects by

Stitching Leather Bags with Sew To Grow

 It was such a pleasure to have Lindsey Rae of Sew To Grow do a Leather workshop here at Kimz in May.  We will definitely repeat this workshop with many more ladies wanting to learn how to sew with leather.  Lindsey is such an amazing tutor and all of our ladies had a wonderful time and went home with a fantastic Urban Outlook tote.

Teflon feet help when stitching with leather as the metal from standard feet can stick.  Also pop in your machine a leather needle so it pierce the leather with its chisel tip.

Danielle loves making bags.

Here is May and Judith sporting their new totes.

Ellen, Susan, Danielle and Cindy 

Ellen, Danielle, Lindsey and Cindy 
Lindsey has some amazing patterns and great tutorials on her website to check out.  Stay tuned for the next workshop we have with Lindsey, as I’m sure spaces will go fast. 


Happy Stitching! Kimz Team x

CategoriesWorkshop by

Tuffets with Terri

What a great weekend making Tuffets!!!  Terri Ahrens joined us for a fantastic workshop where our ladies made their very own patchwork furniture.

Terri helps Jackie making this stunning Kaffe Fassett tuffet.

Cindy is giving her tuffet the sit test.

Tori also played with her Kaffe Fassett stash and made this exceptionally beautiful tuffet. 

Carol (who is a lover of orange) made herself a very modern and funky tuffet.

And here is Juanita with her tuffet made in batiks from our store.
As you can see by those smiling faces we had lots of fun and everyone went home with their finished piece of furniture.  We will definitely be having another of these workshops.  Stay tuned for our next dates available so you don’t miss out on all the fun!


Happy Stitching! Kimz Team x