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Favourite Makes of 2016

December 31, 2016 By Lauren at Molly and Mama 11 Comments

It’s that time of the year again and I’m so excited to bring you my favourite makes of 2016. This has definitely been my most productive year yet! So much has happened and it has been wonderful to look back through all of my photos and remember all of the pretty things I have created. Here’s a little taste of 2016.

Favourite Molly and Mama makes 2016

Reviewing my year all started with a prompt by a lovely sewing friend on Instagram to share my Best 9. If you haven’t come across it before, 2016bestnine.com creates a collage of the top nine photos you’ve posted on Instagram according to likes and comments. I found this process really illuminating, because it highlights that the pieces or photos that you like the best aren’t necessarily the ones loved by others. So interesting! You can see my instagram feed HERE.

2016-best-nine-from-molly-and-mama

For most of this year I have been working on a top secret project and it has taken up the majority of my time. So there hasn’t been a lot I can show you. I’ll be sharing the news with you really soon, but I can tell you that I’ve had to sew and write about 20 patterns for it. So I’m guessing you might have a bit of an idea on what it’s about. Here’s a sneak preview that doesn’t give too much away.

secert-sewing-preview-from-molly-and-mama

Working on my secret sewing really cut down the time available for pattern writing. This year saw the release of the Katie Koala Carry Bag, the Bitty Bunnies, the Darling Daisy Bag and the Flutterby Kite. They were all so much fun to create. I can’t wait to bring you more patterns in 2017.

2016-molly-and-mama-patterns

In 2016 I also joined the creative blogging team at Sizzix UK. I have been sharing blog tutorials over there, showing you how the Sizzix Big Shot cutting machine can help simplify your sewing and help you create some beautiful pieces. There’ll be more posts in the new year, so stay tuned too.

sizzix-makes-from-molly-and-mama-2016

I also had the opportunity to sew some lovely projects for special blog tours, roadshows and quilt markets.

  • The Liberty Dresden mini quilt was made for Sedef Imer’s book tour for ‘Quilt Petite’. You can head to the original post to learn more.
  • The kite is a variation of my Flutterby Kite pattern and was made in the new Tilda Bumblebee fabric being released in January 2017. This beauty was showcasing this lovely new range at the Australian Quilt Market in November.
  • The ‘Love is in the Stars’ English paper pieced mini quilt was made for Eve from FabricDirect.com to showcase her newest pattern.
  • The ‘Pretty Penny Coin Purse‘ is a FREE PDF pattern made in collaboration with Martina from Ava and Neve. You can download a copy and find links to the kit and bobble clasp in this blog post.
  • The hand towel with fabric yo yo detail was made for the Tilda Trunk Show showcasing the Memory Lane and Cabbage Rose fabric ranges that were released from Tilda this year. If you’d like to make yo yo’s, please see the tutorial.
  • Also for the Tilda Trunk Show (organised by 2 Green Zebras) was this pretty pillowcase. Made from a few fat quarters, it was a quick and easy project to sew using my pillowcase tutorial.
  • The cherry mini quilt was a project from Kerri Horsley’s ‘Lovely Little Patchwork‘. This was a lovely blog tour to join in too!

molly-and-mama-makes-for-others-2016

And of course, there’s been some selfish sewing and gift sewing too. So all in all, it’s been a busy year!

Looking back, 2016 was the year of Liberty tana lawn fabric, Tilda fabric, English paper piecing and an ongoing love affair with wool felt!

hexie heaven2

Something I learnt in 2016: Don’t follow the pack! I have really developed my own style and design aesthetic (gee, I dislike that word, but it does the job well) by continuing to use the materials, mediums, and methods that I love, that speak to me and that are meaningful and relate to the work I do.

I have to say that I feel so blessed for the opportunity to continue to spend this year doing what I love. I’m so appreciative of your support, encouragement and love. And I hope that in sharing my sewing projects, patterns and ideas, that I have inspired you in some small way to keep creating every day, and to share your love of sewing, crafting and ‘handmade’ with those you love.

I’m so excited about what 2017 will bring and I look forward to having you on the journey with me.

I have to send a big shout out of thanks to Sarah at Say! Little Hen. She has posted a Creative Review for 2016 on her blog and encouraged us to do the same, with a link up. What a lovely idea! She gives some great prompts and ideas for looking back on the year too. I’ve used many of the ideas here, so thanks Sarah!

Was 2016 a productive year for you? What were your favourite makes? I’d love to see more, so be sure to share your links with me.

Wishing you a wonderful start to 2017. I hope the year is filled with lots of quiet moments where you can indulge in some special sewing just for you or your loved ones.

Happy New Year! Lauren x

This post was written by Lauren Wright and appeared first on Molly and Mama https://www.mollyandmama.com.au

Filed Under: Projects, This and That Tagged With: 2016, creative review, favourite makes

Comments

  1. Cindy says

    December 31, 2016 at 2:30 pm

    I have been following you on IG and I love your designs and the way you interpret others’ patterns too. I think we might be seeing a book in the future? I hope so!

    Reply
    • Lauren at Molly and Mama says

      January 1, 2017 at 9:29 am

      Thank you Cindy. I think you might be on to something there 😉 Thanks for the lovely feedback and for leaving a comment, Lauren x

      Reply
  2. Kay says

    December 31, 2016 at 11:21 pm

    Your makes are so beautiful, I love Liberty and all the pretty designs you have made. x

    Reply
    • Lauren at Molly and Mama says

      January 1, 2017 at 9:28 am

      Thank you Kay. I’m a bit obsessed with Liberty too.

      Reply
  3. Megan /Dolly Henry says

    January 1, 2017 at 9:13 am

    Your work is just stunning Lauren! I love it all, it’s so pretty! I am so excited for you, with your secret project 😉 And I totally agree, I’ve learnt that it’s good to be brave, be bold, and dare to be different! If you ‘fit in’ you don’t get to ‘stand out’! 🙂 I hope you have an amazing 2017! It’s be lovely seeing your creative review 🙂 Megan x

    Reply
    • Lauren at Molly and Mama says

      January 1, 2017 at 9:32 am

      Megan, you are too kind! Thanks for the support and encouragement. Best wishes to you in the new year too, Lauren xx

      Reply
  4. Sarah says

    January 1, 2017 at 11:50 am

    Wow Lauren! You have made so much, and it’s all so very beautiful. I can’t choose a favourite!
    Your secret project sound very intriguing.
    Thank-you so much for joining in, I’m so happy you did & that you enjoyed it.

    Wishing you a wonderful 2017 filled with good things and more beautiful creative making!

    Sarah x

    PS Let’s hope this comment comes through this time 😉

    Reply
    • Lauren at Molly and Mama says

      January 4, 2017 at 7:37 am

      To you too Sarah. Thanks for letting me link up to your gorgeous blog! All the best in 2017 XX

      Reply
  5. Ilary says

    February 10, 2017 at 8:18 am

    Hi Lauren,

    I love your creations, you’re really talented! I would like to make some felt decoration for the holidays during the year, but I don’t know how to take care of them, for example how can you clean them? I’m not that much of an expert but it seems felt should not be washed so how do you maintain your creations? Do you have any suggestions for me? Thank you! Ilary

    Reply
    • Lauren at Molly and Mama says

      February 18, 2017 at 3:37 pm

      Hi Ilary,

      Thanks for your message. Yes, you should definitely avoid washing your wool felt creations. Try to dust any dirt or marks off first. If necessary, pat felt with a damp cloth (don’t rub) to help clean it. Take a look at my post ‘Tips for working with Wool Felt’ for more ideas. I hope that helps. Lauren x

      Reply

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  1. January Makes - sewing in the new year - Molly and Mama says:
    February 1, 2017 at 2:03 pm

    […] was a really busy time for me and my business, and I shared a lot of my makes with you in this round up post. I know this year will be even busier and I’m so excited about that. So I’m planning to […]

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Studio For Pretty Stitches
I’m so thrilled to be kicking off the #seworderl I’m so thrilled to be kicking off the #seworderly challenge I’m co-hosting with @arabesquescissors during February. Over the next four weeks Ali and I are planning to reorganise our sewing spaces and sort our supplies. If you’re in need of a tidy out, we’d love you to join in! Because it’s more fun if we encourage each other (and there’s some wonderful prizes up for grabs too)!

To start things off this week, we’re asking you to introduce yourself and the areas in your sewing space you need help with. It could be a photo of your room, or just a little view of some supplies you need to clean, reorganize or sort. Post the photo on your public instagram profile using the hashtag #seworderly. 

Join us each week as we tackle different areas and share different tips! Tag friends here who might like to join in. Read all the details on the blog (there’s a link in my profile). 

#mollyandmama #arabesquescissors #seworganised #seworganized #sewingroom #sewingstudio #craftroom #sewingspace #quilting #patchwork
After finishing my Summer Rose Pouch, I’m now wo After finishing my Summer Rose Pouch, I’m now working on a simple quilt made with @mabletandesigns new ‘Birds and Blooms’ collection with @pbsfabrics. I think it will be the perfect picnic companion. I love the way Mable’s prints and colours work together 🦜🌼. 

#mollyandmama #mabletandesigns #birdsandbloomsfabric #pbsfabrics #australianflorafabric #australianafabric #cockatoo #parakeet #parrot #quilting #quilt #quiltersofinstagram
It’s all in the details 🐰🌸💗 Ask for t It’s all in the details 🐰🌸💗 

Ask for the Easter Dilly Bag pattern at your favourite store (@creative_abundance can help with wholesale orders) or find the instant download pattern in my store(link in bio). Happy stitching! 

#mollyandmama #easterdillybag #tildahappycampers #drawstringbag #chocolatefreeeaster #tildahappycampersfabric #ilovetilda #twogreenzebras #tildaaustralia #devonstonesolids #tildameadow #embroidery #eastersewing #easterbag #easterbasket #easterdillybag #fabricyoyos #suffolkpuffs #yoyos #bunnyembroidery #flowerembroidery #creativeabundance
🪡NEW INSTA CHALLENGE! WHO’S IN?🪡 Like man 🪡NEW INSTA CHALLENGE! WHO’S IN?🪡

Like many of you, the new year has already begun with lots of sewing and fun in my studio. But sometimes the aftermath of all of that creating and making is overwhelming. I'm not convinced my sewing space is working for me, or that I have everything set up so that I can use my space, supplies and materials as easily as possible. I'd love to be more intentional about the way I use my sewing studio. My friend Ali from @arabesquescissors feels exactly the same way! 

For the month of February, Ali and I are going to co-host an instagram challenge that helps us sort out what's working in the studio, what's not, and what we can do about it. We'd be really thrilled if you joined us on the journey! We’ll be using the hashtag #seworderly to help bring you tips and tricks that are organised into weekly themes. We’d love to hear your tips too. Between all of us, we’re sure this amazing community can share some wonderful ideas! 

To celebrate the lead up to our challenge, we’re asking you to post a photo on your public profile using the #seworderly hashtag, and sharing where you’d like some organisational help. Who’ll share a ‘before’ shot of their sewing space 🙋🏼‍♀️? 

We’ll be sharing more in the coming week about how to join in and as a little incentive there’ll even be some prizes up for grabs! Follow @mollyandmama and @arabesquescissors to stay in the loop. I’m really looking forward to getting #seworderly! Are you? 

#mollyandmama #arabesquescissors #seworderly #sewingroomcleanup #instachallenge #instagramchallenge #loveyoursewingspace
✨🐝🌼 This was the very first prototype for ✨🐝🌼 This was the very first prototype for my Serious Sewist’s Pin Cushion. There’s something so warm and peaceful about those lemon tones. And I just love the addition of the sparkly gold thread! ✨✨

This sewing pattern now comes with a matching scissor charm too. So sweet! Check out the listing in my store for more details 😄

#mollyandmama #serioussewistsset #libertyfabric #libertytanalawn #iloveliberty #vintageliberty #felt #woolfelt  #feltapplique #appliquebee #feltbee #hexies #hexagons #englishpaperpiecing #epp #handstitched #slowsewing
Well my sneak preview has turned into a pouch! I d Well my sneak preview has turned into a pouch! I decided to use @mabletandesigns’ fabric ‘Birds & Blooms’ (with @pbsfabrics) to sew a new ipad cover using my Summer Rose Pouch pattern. But once I was finished, I realised it was perfect for a portable sewing kit too. I’m starting on a new colourway of the Nan’s Garden Stitchery in the hoop here. @creative_abundance wholesale the preprinted linens and creative cards for this project. But I will also have the PDF pattern ready to go in the next week! 

#mollyandmama #summerrosepouch #pouchpattern #nansgardenstitchery #creativeabundance #mabletandesigns #birdsandbloomsfabric #pbsfabrics #australianflorafabric #australianafabric #cockatoo #parakeet #parrot #aurifilthread #aurifloss #aurifilartisan #embroideryfloss #aurifilfloss #ipadcover #ipadpouch #hoopart #embroideryhoop
🐰🌸 Who’s thinking about Easter sewing alre 🐰🌸 Who’s thinking about Easter sewing already? I designed this little Easter Dilly Bag pattern as a cute little egg holder for chocolate egg hunts (see those front pockets?). But I’m realising that it will also be perfect for storing my #bittybunnies and the #rosierabbitornament collection, after Easter too! I also created a Christmas version to hold my felt gingerbread ornaments (scroll down my feed to see). 

You can find this pattern in my shop and stores can order wholesale from @creative_abundance 🐰🌸 

#mollyandmama #easterdillybag #tildahappycampers #drawstringbag #chocolatefreeeaster #tildahappycampersfabric #ilovetilda #twogreenzebras #tildaaustralia #devonstonesolids #tildameadow #embroidery #eastersewing #easterbag #easterbasket #easterdillybag #fabricyoyos #suffolkpuffs #yoyos #bunnyembroidery #flowerembroidery #creativeabundance
🐝🌸 You’ve seen my pretty floral Serious Se 🐝🌸 You’ve seen my pretty floral Serious Sewist’s Set, but here’s a sweet Liberty Wiltshire version. I love @libertyfabrics tana lawn, especially when it’s paired with linen.

Find out more about this new pattern in the listing details. Tap the photo or head to the shop link in my profile. 

#mollyandmama #serioussewistsset #libertyfabric #libertytanalawn #iloveliberty #libertywiltshire #felt #woolfelt  #feltapplique #appliquebee #feltbee #scissorkeeper #scissorcharm #hexies #hexagons #englishpaperpiecing #epp #handstitched #slowsewing #aurifil #aurifloss #aurifilfloss #embroideryfloss #aurifilartisan
I’m loving @mabletandesigns new collection ‘B I’m loving @mabletandesigns  new collection ‘Birds & Blooms’ for @pbsfabrics. And hand quilting with @aurifilthread embroidery floss is a dream! Can you guess which of my patterns this will become? 

#mollyandmama #mabletandesigns #birdsandbloomsfabric #pbsfabrics #australianflorafabric #australianafabric #cockatoo #parakeet #parrot #binding #summerrosepouch #fatquarterbundle #fabriccollection #fabricpull #aurifilthread #aurifloss #aurifilartisan #embroideryfloss #aurifilfloss
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