Pippablue - Design, Craft, Interiors, Living

And The Winner Is....

 We have been absolutely delighted with the response to the Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Day! We had a whopping 634 comments left on the blog  and have used a Random Number Generator to pick a winner. But we can't figure out how to copy the image thingy on to the blog, so hand on heart the winner is comment number 335.....

 Violeta..who said: Thanks for the chance to win and Happy Holidays.

 

Violeta, we will be in touch and post your goodies to you! And for all of you guys who didn't win, thanks a million for your lovely comments and check back because we will definitely be doing this again!

Happy Holidays everybody!!!

Pippablue

Giveaway!

We are joining in on Sew, Mama, Sew's  winter Giveaway Day. This is definitely worth checking out, as there are tons of blogs and shops world wide giving away the coolest stuff, from supplies to handmade items! And you have a few days to browse through all the entrants. A great chance to discover some new blogs and the amazing talent available on the world wibe web!

 

We are giving away, three fat quarters of lovely Japanese fabrics, a 3m roll of East of India Ribbon (not in photo), and a set of cute Japanese buttons. To be in with a chance to win, leave a comment on this post. For a second chance, like us on facebook, and come back to let us know you've done it. The winner will be picked at random at the end of the Giveaway. Good Luck Everybody!!!!

Hello from the Knitting & Stitching Show !!

 

 

Knitting & Stitching show, RDS - Advance purchase of tickets

If you are planning on coming to the Knitting & Stitching show at the RDS which runs from Wednesday 28th October - Sunday 31st October, the deadline for booking tickets in advance is Friday 23rd October.

On advance purchased tickets, savings can be made on individual tickets. Also groups of 4 or more people travelling togother can avail of a group discount, for example a mini-group for 4 is €39. See the Knitting & Stitching web-site for details.

Look forward to seeing you there,

Ger & Eva

Pippablue, Stand G9, RDS, Dublin

 

Just In! Amy Butler Laminated Cottons

In Ireland, we need raincoats...All year long!!

And, while there are plenty of practical coats on the market, its hard to find one that looks good.

So, we are very excited by the new range of patterns by Amy Butler using her beautiful ( and super-soft) laminated cottons and can't wait until they arrive in the shop.

In the meantime, if you're itching to get started with these funky fabrics, check out Amy's free pattern for this beautiful picnic blanket. Or why not try this tutorial from Threads magazine and up-cycle your umbrella!

For more information on sewing with laminated fabrics check Amy Butler's web site for her great tips. Here are just a few basics to get you started:

•    Keep your project simple - clean lines work best.

•    When sewing your fabric pieces together use a longer stitch length (3mm or larger). Shorter  stitch lengths create too many holes and can weaken the seams.

•    Stitch slowly as you gently guide your fabric through your sewing machine to help keep it from puckering. If the fabric begins to pucker in front of your presser foot, stop, and use the hand wheel on your machine to walk your needle through the small pucker.

•    Once you sew a seam, open up the panels and finger press the seam allowances to one side (Do not iron). Then turn the panels over to the RIGHT side and edge stitch close to the seam catching the seam allowances underneath. This will make the seam lay flat and look neat and finished.

Happy sewing!

Pippablue - for all who share a passion for sewing and fabrics

Getting ready for the Knitting and Stitching Show 2010

It's that time of the year again and we are looking forward to this year's Knitting and Stitching Show at the RDS in Dublin. As usual we are bringing the Pippablue shop to Dublin and you'll be able to find us at stand number G9.

This year's show promises a schedule of great workshops in knitting, crochet, patchwork, felting and much more. For more detailed information on times and events pop over to the organiser's web-site, www.twistedthread.com

The Galleries will host exhibitions in textile arts, patchwork and more, from international and local artists, as well as the Graduate Showcase and special displays from the NCAD and Limerick College.

New to this year is the Swishing Salon, where you are invited to bring along quality clothing to exchange with others, as well as demonstrations on how to revamp and 'upcycle' your garments. So you might go home with a new wardrobe!

So, if you are interested in anything to do with textiles and crafts, head down to the RDS from the 28th to the 31st of October. Tickets are available at a discount if pre-ordered or contact us at Pippablue and we can pre-order for you.

Pippablue

Sewing Workshops - Autumn schedule

Now that the kids are back to school, its time to think about new interests and hobbies to launch into for the Autumn. If you have always wanted to learn to sew, our upcoming workshops are a great place  to get started and learn in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Beginners Patchwork with Ester Kiely (Hand Sewing) - 2.5 hr workshop by Ester Kiely where you will learn how to piece a patchwork block of half square triangles with directions on how to complete a full project.

Date: Sunday 12th Sept, 2pm.  Price: €30 (Conc. €25)

Getting to know your sewing machine - 2 hr workshop covering sewing machine basics. From threading your machine, preparing your bobbin, different stitches, buttonholes, etc. A class for people who have sewing machines but don't know how to use them!  You will need to bring your sewing machine to the workshop.

Date: Sunday 19th Sept, 2pm.  Price: €20

Intermediate sewing - Making a simple A line skirt - 3 to 4 hr workshop by Andrea Parry from LushStuff. You will be making your pattern, cutting fabric, putting together your skirt, learning hemming and how to put in a zip. A great introduction to garment making. Bring your own fabric, or purchase from the shop at a discount, and leave with a pretty skirt!

Date: Sunday 26th Sept, 2pm.  Price: €50 (Conc. €45)

Beginners sewing - Making a reversible market bag - 4 hr workshop covering sewing machine basics, where you will learn to make a reversible shopping bag. An easy introduction to using your sewing machine. All material provided.

Date: 2pm Sunday 03rd Oct  Price: €60 (Conc. €55)

To book the workshops, ring us on (091) 566972,  online on our web-site under the Sewing Classes  section or drop into the shop. As places are limited, all workshops must be paid for in advance to reserve your place.  If you book 2 or more workshops at the same time, we can offer you a 10% discount.

    

Happy Sewing!

Pippablue

 

 

TG4's new budget makeover show - Do Thintean Fein

One for the diary. There's a new 6 part series starting on TG4 which sounds like it might be worth a look.

It is presented by Eimear Nic an Bhaird, a fluent irish speaker who bought a dilapidated 1930s town-home in Kilmainham, Dublin.  Eimear was on a budget and prepared to make-do with the house until she would afford  to renovate.  However just 3 months after moving in, she was made redundant and had to re-think her position. The series follows her carrying out home improvements on a show-string and turning her hand to such skills as sewing, wood-turning, candle-making, pottery and mosaics.

Maybe Ireland's answer to Kirsty's Home Made Home ?

Do Thintean Fein (which loosely translates to Your Own Home) starts on TG4 on 30 Sept at 8pm.

Upcoming Autumn Sewing Workshops

Our sewing workshops will be recommencing in September. Here is preview of what we have planned, with dates to be announced later.  Workshops take place at the shop, and usually on Sundays. If you are interested in any of these workshops please let us know, via e-mail, phone, or just pop into the shop to see us. Classes start from 20 Euros.

Getting to know your sewing machine - 2 hr workshop covering sewing machine basics. From threading your machine, preparing your bobbin, different stitches, buttonholes, etc. A class for people who have sewing machines but don't know how to use them!

Beginners sewing - Making a reversible market bag - 4 hr workshop covering sewing machine basics, where you will learn to make a reversible shopping bag. An easy introduction to using your sewing machine. All material provided.

Intermediate sewing - Making a simple A line skirt - 3 to 4 hr workshop by Andrea Parry from LushStuff. You will be making your pattern, cutting fabric, putting together your skirt, learning hemming and how to put in a zip. A great introduction to garment making. Bring your own fabric, or purchase from the shop at a discount, and leave with a pretty skirt!

Beginners Patchwork with Ester Kiely (Hand Sewing) - 2 1/2 hr workshop by Ester Kiely where you will learn how to piece a patchwork block of half square triangles with directions on how to complete a full project.

 

Happy Sewing!

Pippablue - Fabric and Craft suppliers

Amy Butler Giveaway

The lovely Michelle from Michelle Made This is hosting a blog giveaway from our shop. If you pop over to her blog, and follow the instructions to enter a draw for an Amy Butler pattern, and a fat-quarter bundle of her beautiful fabrics. You can leave any comments regarding the competition on this blog entry.

And congratulations to Michelle who is featured in this months House & Home magazine with her deck-chair makeover!