It's time to party…

With the party hedgehogs! So, a couple of weeks back I had the Saturday at home to myself and fancied a bit of sewing. I looked through all my books, oh which I have plenty, but nothing caught my eye. Then I remembered about Jodie's cute party hedgehogs!

I knew I had the perfect fabric, some would argue it was Wookie fur not hedgehog but I disagree.

The pattern is a downloadable PDF which means you print and sew! And that is what I did, popped on some Project Runway and stitched me some little party friends. Super easy pattern, suitable for beginners, the actual pattern size is the small hedgy then I enlarged it to make mama hedgy.

I know there haven't been many sewing/crafty posts recently, I do have some big news coming soon so do stay tuned!

If you want to grab the pattern it is HERE

Whats happening…

I just realised that I haven't really shared with you what I have been up to work wise for a while, I do like to keep you in the loop. Well, this year Clear The Clutter will now have 2 sign up periods, one is done and dusted, the next one will be in November this year. Next year, I might drop it down to one intake, we'll see.

My Organized Chaos is getting a make-over, a lot of the original content will be still be included but I am adding a whole load of new goodies to make it a more rounded program, I want to include more help for mama, let's face it, life ain't all about the kids! I have been trying to decide on the content and which modules will go together, high tech version…

I'm very excited about the new set up and looking forward to launching that in September. I also have 2 books in the works, the first should be out by the end of this month, if you want to get your hands on a free copy, make sure you are signed up for the MOC playbook (use the form below).

I also plan to stop doing the Rock Star Mom VIP days, although I enjoy doing them I really want to focus my time on MOC. I have a couple of spots open until the summer then after that I will probably close that down.

I joined a mastermind group this year and the support and help has been amazing, I'm really loving what is going on and so happy that I made the decision to kick teaching English to the curb and throw my energy and passion into something I actually love. Of course I still have the sewing patterns & Montessori files in Etsy but that is pretty much on auto-pilot. Hopefully I will get to design some more patterns in the near future - so many ideas, so little time!

So, now I have a question for you - is there a service or something I could help you with? Please let me know, that is how MOC and CTC came about - you asked, I made it happen!

Get this bundle!

You can now get my 5 most popular sewing patterns in a bundle and you save 50%

How darn cool is that, this would be perfect if you are planning on making gifts for the adorable children in your life this Christmas. Pop over to Etsy and grab yours now!

And why not pin this whilst you are at it ;)

Handmade gifts

There is something special about giving and receiving handmade gifts don't you think? You know that the person giving has taken extra time and effort to make that gift for you or even if it isn't handmade by them, they have taken the time to find something special. 

If you sew, then don't forget that I have a collection of great sewing patterns, most of them are for beginner/intermediate level stitchers and you know your kids will love it even more if you have made it for them. The patterns are available as PDF's so as soon as you buy it, it goes whizzing from my end to your end in a matter of seconds. 

You can grab your patterns from the My Organized Chaos website, Craftsy or Etsy, with Etsy I have to email the pattern to you, so not quite instant.

Can't Sew. Won't Sew?

How about brewing up some natural lip balms, tonics, creams and ointments? The new issue of Action Pack is out and this issue is all about Family Apothecary. If you are looking to go greener this Christmas, then all the recipes you need are in here!

As the holiday season approaches...

I just wanted to give you an update. 

My Etsy store will be closed from December 8th, so if you are after a physical product you need to order before then.

Sewing patterns as PDFs are available anytime and you can get them from Craftsy or my new website.

I have just received the last delivery of treasure maps for the year, I have a couple in stock on my site or in the Etsy store. The new batch need the edges sealing and ribbons sewing on, which I will be doing this week. If you were hoping to get one of these as a Christmas present, I recommend you order sooner rather than later.

A quick word about Craftsy. It is a great site and I highly recommend signing up (it's free). They have loads of online classes covering anything from cake decorating to crochet; jewelry making to product photography; quilting to spinning; gardening to sewing! So if you want to take a class but don't have time to join a physical one, this is a great way to keep learning but in the comfort of your own home!

I also love people buying my sewing patterns from Craftsy because it is fully automatic and I don't have to do anything :o)

Just out of interest, OK I am nosey! have you ever taken an online class? What did you study and how did you like it? Tell me in the comments...

Of on my jolly holidays...

We are off to visit the in-laws for obon so I have closed the Etsy shop, it will open again on the 19th. If you are after sewing patterns you can still purchase them over on Craftsy.

I have a couple of post scheduled so you probably won't even realise I am not here!

Giveaway Day - CLOSED

Today is the Sew Mama Sew giveaway day, twice a year, blogs from all over the blogosphere join together and give stuff away. And so I will be giving the winner a choice of 3 of my PDF sewing patterns of their choice. There will be lots of other bloggers joining in so remember to pop over to the Sew Mama Sew blog and check out the links.

AND

Everyone is a winner because I have made this free ninjabread men felt ornament pattern PDF download, which was inspired by the ninjabread cookie cutters we received last Christmas.

jojoebi ninjabreadmen

So, to enter the giveaway you need to answer the question and you must include your email address, no email address, no win.

One entry per person.

Open to everyone worldwide.

You don't have to follow my blog/subscribe but it would be lovely if you do, put it in a comment for an extra entry.

Winner will be drawn by random generator at 6pm December 18th (my birthday!) JST.

The question is...

What is the strangest/most unusual/funniest birthday present you have ever received (and the reason why if it isn't obvious).

There are also more giveaways over at Where Women Create.

little purse

Yesterday, and today by the looks of it, was cold, wet and miserable so I got my emails and computery jobs out of the way then spent the rest of the time sitting on the heated floor, with a hot drink, doing some felty stitchery and trying out some new ideas. I love this fringed effect but I discovered it doesn't work so well with fleece, back to the drawing board with that one.

Today, I WILL finish off the latest pattern I am working on, I hate having a break from pattern writing, I find it so hard to get back into it but it only needs editing and the photos for the cover and it is done, then I can get back to stitching...

Pixie Belles...

the pattern is now available in the shop...

Introducing.....

The Pixie Belles

Ebi-kun and I went through the list trying to decide which name we liked best, it was a close call between Pixie Belles and Pixie Pip although there were quite a few good contenders. Thank you for all your great suggestions and congratulations to ClairetipTop, I will be in touch.

Win a Pixie.... CLOSED

I have been working on the pixie pattern this week, it is almost ready to go to the testers but I have a problem... I can't decide on a name!

I am not looking for individual names but a general name for the pattern, Like I have Jake the Weiner Dog and Serenity the Mermaid.....

So, would you like to win yourself a pixie? 

Just fill in the form here and I will pick a winner on the 5th.
Update - looks like the rafflecopter gadget wasn't working properly

To Enter - Leave a comment with your suggested Pixie name AND an contact email address
You must be following my blog or subscribing to my blog to enter (links are on the right)
One entry per person

Winner will be chosen Oct 5th, 3pm JST
The winning name will be used as the pattern name unless I decide otherwise.
The winner can choose to have a Pixie made by me or a copy of the finished pattern.
The competition is open worldwide.

Featured on

ThePrizeFinder - UK Competitions

Of cute little pixies....

I spent most of yesterday working on these cute little pixies, I am going to start writing up the pattern today and I will need a couple of testers soon, if you are interested drop me a line. Please only apply if you can make the doll and send me feedback within a week, a tight turn around, I know.  I will send the pattern and instructions in PDF format so you will need a printer too.

I need a name for these cuties too, any suggestions?

A new shirt....

I have a love-hate relationship with sewing clothes and I would have to say that the majority of sewing disasters have been clothes related, so I was pretty chuffed that I managed to make a new shirt, from scratch and I didn't even have to unpick any seams! I had a shirt that I have worn to death, you know, one of those shirts that fits just so and feels really comfy, anyway, it had died beyond repair so I sat for THREE nights unpicking the seams so that I could use it to make a pattern. The original had a collar but I chose not to bother and just have a simple neck line and I went all out with cute buttons instead.

It looks better on with a belt as the fabric is lighter than the fabric of the original shirt.

And the sleeves look a bit funny in the picture but when there are arms in them they are kind of puffy. Now I have a pattern that I know works I can make variations of the same shirt, maybe with some of the lovely Echino prints.

On another note, Ebi-kun had to go for a vaccination yesterday, one that he had missed for some reason, I think we were in the UK. Anyway, he was really good, no tears but later in the day he got a dodgy tum and he said he felt a bit strange, he was the same this morning so he is off yochien today, so much for my first full week to work! We have a got a pile of crafts-we-want-to-try so I think we will be doing some today and I will see if I can bribe him to help me sort out the pantry, that will teach him to be sick lol!

Earth Girl Fabrics....

Great news for all my Aussie customers, you can now buy 

jojoebi designs sewing patterns from earthgirl fabrics

whoo-hooo!

Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Day CLOSED

SORRY NOW CLOSED

If you have popped over from SMS, welcome!

The prize....

The winner can choose any pattern from my shop (if you are a beginner sewer then there are patterns for you too) plus I will include a surprise handmade gift.

click to go to the shop

The rules...

Leave a comment on this post saying which is your favourite pattern

(you don't have to commit to this, you can change your mind if you win!)

You MUST include a contact email address.

Strictly one comment per person, extra comments will be deleted.

I am happy to ship worldwide.

Winner will be chosen at random using random generator.org

The giveaway will close at 7am JST May 26th

Now pop back to SMS and see what else is up for grabs.

New patterns.... and an offer

I was going to release these patterns officially after the art show but due to the quake, the show never happened and I'm not sure if it will now, so rather than everything sitting in boxes I thought I might as well put things in the shop.

First up is the rainbow drops mobile and cushion pattern... yes, it is a 2 for 1 pattern, you can make the mobile, which I have to say is one of my favourites to date. Then you can make a matching cushion too.

Next up, still on the rainbow theme are the Button Up Stars and Bag Pattern. These have been in my sketch book for a looong time and I always thought they would be easy to whip up but in reality I ended up making a lot of prototypes until I got the shape and size right. Perfect for little ones to do some buttoning practice and learning colours. You could make two of each colour for a matching activity too. Ebi-kun sat for ages buttoning and unbuttoning, making new designs and patterns. They can be stored in an adorable little tote so they are easy to take with you.

Both patterns use felt and are suitable for beginners, the Button Up Stars are a great way to practice your button hole making skills - it is easy, honest!

Now for the offer for my lover bloggy friends and FB followers, if you buy two patterns you get the second half price (I will refund the difference). It applies to any of the patterns* in the shop.

*Space Cadets are included but the refund will be for half the price of a pattern.

Offer is good until the end of April.

Why don't you....

Click HERE for the Giveaway

make them to sell in your shop?

I thought I should explain why selling the patterns suits me better than making the Steggie back packs/Mermaid dolls/Space Cadet dolls/cute dogs etc.

Firstly and probably most sensibly, I can't afford to, to make make one of the items takes me a long time, I am painfully slow when it comes to cutting out, the sewing I am quite quick at but then all the little details, hand sewing etc. also takes me a long time, so realistically I would have to charge a small fortune for a kids backpack and I can't see anyone wanting to pay the amount I would have to charge. Sad but true.

Secondly, and for me, equally important - it would drive me insane. I derive no pleasure from reproducing the same thing over and over again. What I enjoy is the process, the figuring out how parts go together, the design aspect, the thought of making more than 5 of anything fills me with dread. I know some people are totally happy to make the same design again and again with odd tweaks here and there, maybe a change of fabric or a different colour combo but not me, as soon as one pattern is complete I am already working on my next idea.

So there is still time to sign up for the GIVEAWAY and there is a lot more other Celebrate The Boy goodness going on over at Dana and Rae's blogs, go check it out.

And a final note about the Steggie back pack pattern, I don't think it is suitable for an absolute beginner but for a beginner who is looking to step up their level they should be fine. 

Yes, it uses a zip - agghhhh scary, scary zips! 

Now, let me tell you a secret - zips are not scary, if fact they are fairly easy and once you have mastered it non sewers will think you are dead clever! Shhh don't be telling anyone else that.

NEW The Steggie Back Pack and Giveaway- CLOSED

NOW CLOSED

Just in time to join the Celebrate The Boy festival, here is the Steggie Back Pack.

It is a cute pattern and include the all important Steggie Spikes, two small side pockets, two loops so important things such as compasses and fossil finding tools can be attached and a roomy main compartment which is big enough to fit in a pair of PJ's, toothbrush, clean undies, a book and a couple of small toys.

It is just the right size to use as a day pack when you are off out exploring or as an overnight bag.

Also, hidden under the paws are phone number and name tags, hidden out of public view but handy if your little explorer gets lost.

The straps are adjustable and so it should comfortably fit 3 - 6 year olds, Ebi-kun is now 5 and it will last him quite a bit longer.

Ebi-kun has received a lot of attention when wearing his bag out and about,

and one of our friends fathers wants one for himself!

To make your own you will need intermediate sewing skills, the pattern is broken down into bite sized steps so that you can do a couple of steps at a time (I know what it is like sewing with a child under foot)

And so to celebrate the release of the new pattern and Celebrate the Boy, I will be giving away 3 of the Steggie Back Pack paper patterns, to enter leave a comment telling me which is your favourite dinosaur. You must leave a contact email address too either in the comment entry field or in the comment itself. I am happy to post worldwide.

A winner will be picked by random generator Monday 21st Feb. 9.00am JST.

good luck!

***UPDATE***

Due to a dental appointment I will have to close this a bit later than planned so I will draw a winner at 12.00pm JST.

I also want to thank my lovely testers Aunt LoLo and Gabriel, this is the biggest pattern I have done so far so they had their work cut out for them but they did a fantastic job

Have you....

...ever made anything from one on my patterns or tutorials?

If so, would you like to share the pictures on Flickr?

I have just started a group and I feel a bit silly there on my own, 

it would be lovely to see other peoples versions of my patterns so please come and join me

 You can find the group HERE

Tutorial - Candy Eating Monster Treat Bag

Candy Eating Monster Treat Bag

Last year I threw together the ghostie treat bag which went down really well but the mouth was placed a bit low so the candy started to fall out - design fault! I wasn't that bother if truth be known, there is something known as too much candy! So, this year I am a bit more organised and so this is the new version.....

Requirements:

• 45cm x 45cm fluffy cushion cover or fake fur fabric (I got the cushion cover from the ¥100 store)
• Interfacing, quite stiff variety that you use for bags
• felt scraps for the eyes
• bias binding for the mouth
• ribbon or tape for the strap
• scissors, pins etc.

Cut three sides of the cushion cover so that it opens out into one piece. Iron a piece of interfacing to the top half of your fabric. If the interfacing is stiff enough you will only need to use it on one side of the bag.

Sorry no photo for this step. Measure 12cm from the top and make a slit to form the mouth 14cm wide. Make sure it is the part with the interfacing. Put the bias tape over the raw edge and stitch in place, repeat with the other lip. Cut the teeth from felt from the pattern piece here, tuck the teeth behind the top lip and sew in place.

Use the pattern pieces and cut out the eyes and from felt. Play around and figure out where you want to place them, moving them about will change the look of your monster. When you are happy pin the whites in place then zig-zag round the edge, then add the second circle and sew and finally the inner circle.

Now your monster should look something like this.

Fold the fabric in half so the right sides are facing and so the interfacing is at the top, you need to be able to see where you sewed on the eyes.

Tuck the ribbon or tape for the strap between the two layers, if you have a pattern on the ribbon like mine, the pattern and the monsters face need to be right sides together.

Pin the ribbon and the fabric layers together. Now draw a line for the shape of your monster, it doesn't have to be perfect because it's a monster!

Add a few more pins to hold it all together.

Now, if you have a walking foot with your sewing machine I recommend using it, if not, don't worry just use the standard foot, the walking foot just stops the layers from sliding.

Sew on top of your outline, all the way round, don't need to leave a hole, we will turn this monster through it's own mouth.

Trim off the excess, you might want to use pinking shears if you have them, then turn him the right side out.

Find a small boy to use as a model, preferable one that wants to do it! Then send him out trick or treating and watch that monster gobble up the candy....

Be careful, they are quite partial to small boys arms too!

Tips:

• If you don't know what kind of costume your child will be wearing use 2 pieces of ribbon as a strap so that you can tie it and adjust the length, the bag fit well with one costume last year but he wore something different for the second party and we could have done with having it a little shorter.
• If your in-laws are coming to visit, don't start the major cleaning of the house until you have finished this project, you will be finding fluffy all over the place!
• When you have finished with the sewing, use the little nylon brush and clean the fluff out of your machine, you will thank me in the long run.

If you have enjoyed this project, take a look on the tutorials page or get yourself one of my patterns.

More Halloween Goodies:

Halloween Party Planning Made Easy

Fast & Fun Ghoulish Halloween Treats

Pop your name and email address in the boxes below (your deets are safe with me!), you will also get the jojoebi weekly playbook which is full of great ideas to help you get organized and save time so that you have more time to do the fun stuff!

.

Once you have signed up, go and check your inbox, click the link in the email waiting for you, then download your goodies!

.

.

Let's Get The Part Started...

.