Audrey and Maude

And finally some winners!

2010-06-03T05:48:00.000-07:00

Sorry, life got in the way and several special projects. All are done now though and I have found time to pick some winners. I asked my husband to give me four numbers between 1 and 35 and he came up with the following.

19, 6, 21 and 12.

So that is:

6 - Jo from Sparkly Green Knickers
12 - Turning Japanese
19 - Sarah from Splish Splash Designs
21 - Melissa from Undomestic Mumma

Congratulations girls, please send me your addresses via email and I'll get the patterns in the mail for you!

I'm working on lots of other new patterns and will hopefully have more to share soon!

New Patterns!

2010-05-12T04:01:00.000-07:00

After a long absence I finally have some new patterns. And of course with all new patterns there is a giveaway!

Here is the Turtle Tower.

The pattern includes the original turtle that appeared in Homespun last year plus four new sizes ranging down to a little one that is perfect for a pin cushion. You can even fill these with beans!

And my newest pattern is Parterre, a very modern (for me!) quilt that is perfect for showing off lovely large patterns.

It also comes in two sizes - one for the sofa and one for a queen sized bed!

So if there are any of you still reading that would like to win a pattern, leave a comment and I'll draw a few names out Sunday 16th May.

For those of you who would like to purchase either of these patterns they are currently both available at amitie textiles - be aware that their new website is under development and you can just email them. And if you are interested in stocking them please just send me an email.

Christmas Charity Challenge

2009-11-07T17:53:00.001-08:00

Do you know it's only 47 days until Christmas today!! I have no idea where this year went.......

Just to add to the huge pile of projects you probably already have underway for Christmas I thought I would bring your attention to the amitie Christmas Charity Challenge.

You can use any materials you like - paper mache, clay, wood, card, origami, knitting, crochet, felt and of course fabric!

For some inspiration try here or here.

Here are some I made for a swap a couple of years ago.

And here are some that were sent to me.

So if you or maybe your kids have a few minutes spare during November, please consider making an ornament to hang on the amitie tree. All the proceeds will go to a really great local charity that helps give less privileged kids a bit of a break. And if you are a local, we'd love you to join us for a drink on the 30th November to see them all get hung on the tree ready for sale.

Good luck with all your other Christmas preparations. I would so love to be organised this year .......

Hogging the Limelight!!

2009-10-22T22:21:00.000-07:00

Cathy and I are back from a few weeks rest with our families and are as busy as ever.

So what's happening in the world of Audrey and Maude? Well, we were very fortunate to be invited to do some projects for two great Australian publications, Homespun and Simply Patchwork and Stitching.

It's very exciting seeing our names in mags like this and we know how popular Homespun is around the world now so it's a wonderful opportunity for us. And as a direct result of this article we can welcome a new stockist - Happy Stitches - from the Netherlands.

Right now you will find us in the latest edition of this magazine.

It has some really lovely Christmas projects in it so if you have some sewing time before Christmas grab yourself a copy!!

There are few new Audrey and Maude patterns coming soon, including some more Christmas projects so stay tuned!

Selvedge House - Brisbane

2009-09-15T18:25:00.000-07:00

Audrey and Maude patterns are now available through Selvedge House, in Brisbane.

This is a new venture for Ellie and friends, of a 'perfect modern crafting store'. Here you will find lots of hand printed fabrics from your favourite Australian Designers, Ink & Spindle, Kristen Doran, Red Seed Studio and of course patterns from Audrey & Maude. You can head over to their blog Selvedge House, for all the latest information.

We are so excited to be included in this mix of great Australian talent.

Sydney Stitches and Craft Show

2009-08-23T22:57:00.000-07:00

Which one's Audrey and which one's Maude?

Our stand before opening (sorry forgot to take the sheet off before the shot)

Wow! That was awesome! What a fantastic show the Living Creatively team put on in Sydney this last week.

The crowds were huge and they certainly weren't disappointed with what was on offer.

Kristen and Bettina

We were lucky enough to be up in the Incubator area on Level 4 and were neighbours with unbelievably talented and creative people from all over Australia. It was so much fun to finally meet the people behind all those fabulous blogs and labels that we had heard so much about. Our immediate neighbours were the lovelies from Ink & Spindle - thanks girls - we had a great time.

Lara, Teegs and Bianca from Ink & Spindle

Louise and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting all who came and said hello on our stand. - it gives us such a warm and fuzzy feel when we actually meet the readers of our blogs - we love it when you delurk!

The gorgeous Anna from Living Creatively (that's her on the left)

Both the tote bag and the fabric picture canvas workshop were certainly a big hit. Thanks to all those that came and did them. You were a great bunch of students and your projects turned out so beautifully. A big big thankyou to Donna and Jade for helping us out - they wouldn't have run so well without you.

A very happy Olivia with her completed canvas.

Mum and daughter (Alyson & Rebecca) who did the tote bag workshop.

The only downside of being involved in a Show as good as this one, was having all the beautiful handmade goodies surrounding us. We just couldn't resist them and all our hard earned money was soon spent. You can check out here what I bought from the Show.

Mr and Mrs Banshee with baby Banshee

A huge thank you to Ross, Angela and all the team at Living Creatively - you guys were fantastic and so supportive. Thanks especially to Ross for making the dash to Bunnings for us - we would've been in a pickle otherwise.

We are now both recovering at home now - back to the housework and kids and loads of washing. More photos here.

Not long now

2009-08-17T02:09:00.001-07:00

only a couple more days.

We have packed our bags and all of our supplies and are heading to Sydney tomorrow for the Stitches & Craft Show at Rosehill Racecourse beginning on Wednesday.

If you are in Sydney come and see us we are at Stand 173. The Incubator section of the Show is loads of fun and so much talent is on show. You will find us next to the Ink & Spindle girls and next to the the very lovely Belinda from Tutti Frutti who has the most amazing stuff .

As well as showing you our patterns (a few new ones too) , we are doing a couple of Workshops.

First up is the Simple Reversible Tote Bag - this is a great beginner project. You will receive a kit which includes all you need to make the reversible fully lined and appliqued bag. You will learn all of this in the 90 minute Workshop.

Next we have the Applique Canvas Workshop. Perfect for the beginner and fun for anyone else who wants to learn how to make a very quick a gift. This class is perfect for the kids that are coming to the Show.

A full kit is supplied and there are five designs to choose from.

We are really excited about being part of the Show again in Sydney this year and think that the team at Living Creatively do a fantastic job.

I had better go and finish the packing - see you at the Show.

Time for a winner!

2009-08-10T05:30:00.000-07:00

Goodness time has flown by so quickly in the past week as we madly prepare patterns and kits for the upcoming Sydney Stitches and Craft show. It's a lot of work but worth all the effort as we have so much fun meeting everyone.

Anyway, sorry for the delay, I know you are all dying to find out who won the patterns! I thought my smallest girl could pick this one so she pulled the names out of a bowl.

So congratulations go to:

Crafty Girl with a Ruffle

Nicky

pabennetts

Little Munchkins

Please email me your addresses and I will get your patterns to you asap.

And for a little bit of extra Audrey and Maude you can find 3 exclusive patterns in the current and last issue of Patchwork and Stitching magazine.

A mini-quilt.

An apron.

And a gorgeous cushion.

More Audrey and Maude fun!!

2009-07-27T05:38:00.000-07:00

Well, we said there would be new patterns and here they are.

Meet 'Henrietta the Hippo'. She has a huge smile and a huge tummy - just right for a cuddle!

And for all those who want to keep clean AND look pretty in the kitchen, here's the 'Flirty Florence' apron.

Leave us a comment by Sunday 2nd and we'll randomly pick four winners of both patterns.

And don't forget these and all our other patterns will be available from our stand at the Stitches and Craft Show in August.

Sydney Here We Come

2009-07-15T21:00:00.000-07:00

We are so excited - we're coming to Sydney for the Stitches & Craft Show at Rosehill Racecourse 19th August - 23rd August!

It's going to be a fantastic show with lots and lots of cool people exhibiting!

We'll be there with our patterns (new ones too) and conducting some Craft Labs so make sure you come and say hi to us!

You can check out the website by following the link below. More news soon!

Courtney's Been Busy!

2009-06-28T17:38:00.001-07:00

Look at what Courtney's been producing - Lots of Gilberts and Gertrudes!

Thanks for sharing Courtney - they are just beautiful!

New Stockist

2009-05-07T03:33:00.000-07:00

Just to let everybody know of a great new online store which now stocks Audrey & Maude patterns. Modern Retro Textiles!

Go check it out here

And the winners are..........

2009-04-10T02:49:00.000-07:00

Gosh are we really a week late? I think Cathy and I are both being nice and lazy with our families for the school holidays!

But back to business for a minute. After removing the anonymous ones (sorry folks but I have no idea who you are) and a couple of double ups, I have input the numbers and the Random Number generator came up with the following:

And they are Christine from Aunties Quaint Quilts and the lovely Chalet Girl, Sheridan.

So ladies I will leave a comment on your blogs and when you get a moment send us your addresses and we will mail out your prizes. Just give us a week to mail them out as Cathy (Chief Officer in charge of pattern distribution) is away for a week.

Thank you all for such a lovely bunch of comments. There are more new patterns to come but for the moment we are taking it easy!

Another Giveaway

2009-03-27T21:20:00.000-07:00

We have some new patterns to introduce to you and that means a giveaway!

First of all we would like you to meet Gertrude and Gilbert, a sweet giraffe and her son! Make them as a set or choose the size you prefer! Lots of fun to make and an ideal project for a gift for someone special.

Next we have Two Square, a perfect beginner's quilt and super fast for the more experienced. This bright and contemporary quilt would look great in any colour combination.

We are also including Baubles the Christmas Tree quilt in the pattern giveaway pack. Featuring a variety of red and white fabrics in florals, spots and stripes there's no need to use a Christmas fabric with this one and of course you can change the colours to suit your own personal Christmas theme.

So leave a comment before 3rd April (next Friday) and we will let the random number generator pick two people to win the three pack of our new patterns.

It's over

2009-03-15T20:13:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's sad but true, the Melbourne Stitches and Craft Show is over for another year. We have both had a wonderful time and it has been great meeting all who came by our stand to say hi and those who attended our Workshops.

You can find more photos and details here from the Show.

Here is a photo of us on our stand - it's not a very good photo - it will be updated if we find a better one!

2 More Sleeps

2009-03-07T23:52:00.000-08:00

Yes, that's right - just two more sleeps until the best and most anticipated event on the Australian craft calendar opens! The Melbourne Stitches and Craft Show. The fantastic team at Living Creatively have been doing an amazing job putting together a brilliant show for us. You can read all about what they have planned here.

We have been making up gorgeous kits for our Workshops.

We've even had the paparazzi come knocking at our door! If you double click on the photo you can read the article. We especially love the opening paragraph "Two hip young mums have set out to make sewing less daggy." With hip and young being the operative words!!!!! We really must have made an impression on the very youthful journalist!!!!

As well as our Stand (225), Audrey and Maude will be conducting two workshops during the Show and you can find the details here. Tickets and booking workshops can all be done online or at the Show.

Simple Reversible Tote Bag - a very simple and easy introduction to sewing. All materials supplied in the kit - $27.00. Sewing machines will be available for use thanks to Brother.

Classes - Wednesday and Thursday - 9.30 am - 11am Craft Lab 9
and Friday 3.30 - 5.00pm Craft Lab 9

Children's Applique Canvas (8+) - a delightful and easy project for children (boys and girls). Create your very own wall hanging in this fun and simple class. All materials supplied in the kit - $17.00

Classes - Saturday and Sunday 12.00 to 1.30pm in Craft Lab 3.

Come on in - we'd love to see you. Stand 225
Melbourne Showgrounds 11 - 15 March 2009. 9 - 5 daily.

Workshops at the Stitches & Craft Show Melbourne 2009

2009-02-20T18:56:00.000-08:00

We are so busy over here at Audrey & Maude headquarters as we are in full swing with preparations for the Melbourne Stitches & Craft Show starting March 11 - 15.

As well as a Stand (225) and some new patterns to show you, we are also conducting two 'hands on' Workshops.

We thought we might give you a little peak into what we have planned for the Workshops.

In our first Workshop we will be teaching you how to make this very simple reversible tote bag. So, if you have ever wanted to know the secret to making simple tote bags - now is the time to learn. Just think, birthday presents, xmas presents, teacher presents! Your friends and family will be so impressed. You will leave, after finishing our Workshop, with a completed tote bag which is absolutely gorgeous.

Our class is for the absolute beginner or for anyone who really wants to learn the secrets of making this gorgeous tote bag. All you need to do is bring yourself! We will supply the rest.

We have made up kits with the most delicious fabrics from Amitie and there are four different colourways to choose from. The hardest part of this class will be choosing which kit!!!

Times for the Simple Tote Bag Workshop are 9.30 - 11.00 am on Wednesday and Thursday and at 3.30pm - 5.00pm on Friday. The cost per class (including kit) is $27.00. We will let you know how to book for these in our next update.

We are also very excited about doing a Children's Sewing Workshop. These classes have proved extremely popular at Amitie this past year. In this fun and easy workshop we will teach the children how to make a beautiful appliqued canvas picture to take home. There will be four different scenes to choose from in the yummiest of colours and fabrics.

These workshops will be run on Saturday and Sunday at 12.00 - 1.30pm and the cost will be $17.00 per class (all materials supplied). Details on how to book for these workshops will be posted very soon.

So what are you waiting for! Melbourne Stitches & Craft Show starting March 11 - 15 - a new venue and heaps of new exciting things to see and do! And make sure you pop by our stand - we'd love to see you!

SHOW SPECIAL - check out this link for a very special deal on our patterns!

Sew Hip

2009-01-30T20:28:00.000-08:00

If you haven't already checked out the last two issues of Sew Hip, you should.

Look who's in there!! It's us!!!

In Issue 2 you can find our apron pattern Flirty Florence and in Issue 3 Gorgeous Henrietta the Hippo makes an appearance.

And we even get our picture in the magazine! That's Louise on the left and Cathy on the right!!!

Back to School at Amitie

2009-01-14T01:33:00.000-08:00

Today we held another successful children's class at Amitie teaching lovely young ladies how to do some simple applique canvasses!

We will let the pictures tell the story of a great day with the girls.

It was amazing to watch their different talents and the confident way they chose their fabric and thread combinations. The end results are stunning.

Now we are busy planning for our childrens' workshops at the upcoming Melbourne Stitches and Craft Show next March. So if you are interested in our classes , stay tuned and we will keep you updated as we nearer the Show.

Baubles!!

2008-12-01T02:11:00.000-08:00

Another pattern has finally emerged - just in time for Christmas!

A quick and easy, bright and lovely Christmas quilt that will become a treasured family heirloom. Well, mine will once it comes out of the window at Amitie.

Seriously, this quilt took me about a week to make. It is machine appliqued then long arm quilted up to about an inch away from the baubles and then I hand quilted around the baubles to make them pop out. Of course it can be made completely by hand which would be lovely too.

The pattern is currently available from Amitie. If you wish to stock it or have any other questions just send us an email.

Audrey & Maude Reviewed

2008-11-18T15:57:00.001-08:00

A big hello to all visitors who have found their way to Audrey & Maude from the magazine Sew Hip.

Audrey and Maude had some lovely publicity lately, in the form of a pattern review in the new and wonderful UK magazine Sew Hip which is edited by Manda from Tree Fall! I just received mine yesterday in the post - what a lovely magazine full of book and pattern reviews and some very easy patterns for things like baby bloomers and tops. A fantastic magazine with some great projects for the beginner sewer.

And look out for a couple of exclusive patterns from us in the next couple of issues!!

We would also like to welcome Mixtape Zine to our list of stockists - if you haven't checked out their website - you should - it is a great little magazine for all of us crafters!

PLEASE NOTE - All of our patterns can be sent worldwide from any of our Australian Stockists - just check out the list on our side bar.

Audrey and Maude go to the Show!

2008-08-24T21:05:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy week with a trip up to Sydney for the Stitches and Craft show. And how much fun! We met so many lovely bloggers and got to share our Living Creatively 'Independant Crafters' area with these wonderful and talented girls.

The amazing staff from Living Creatively waved their magic wands and created this lovely space for us to work (play) in.

Here's all our patterns on display with some very pretty paper flowers Cathy made.

And of course Poppy and her puppies were there with a bowl of black cats to snack on!

We were also joined by Justine from Mixtape zine.

And lovely Fiona.

We also briefly caught up with Nikki but she was mobbed by her fans pretty much after arrival and I didn't get a decent photo of her stand.

On Friday night we got to do something that Cathy and I have wanted to do in ages. We had dinner with Belinda and Jade. This photo was taken just for our friend Anna. We so wish you could have joined us Anna! A great night of pasta, gelati and much hilarity! Thanks girls, Cathy and I loved finally meeting you both and really appreciated all your help.

So thanks everyone who came by for a visit during the show, it was fantastic to meet you all. Thanks also to all the other crafty girls who joined us and were heaps of fun.

But the biggest thanks must go to all the wonderful Living Creatively staff who gave us the opportunity to participate. We feel so incredibly lucky to be a part of such a great and amazing craft scene and look forward to doing it all again next year.

Pink Chalk Studio

2008-08-20T01:49:00.001-07:00

So many of you have been asking where you can buy our patterns in the U.S.A., we are very happy to say that our patterns are now available at Pink Chalk Studio - an online store for beautiful fabric and of course, sensational patterns!

Sydney Here We Come

2008-08-12T03:45:00.000-07:00

Just to let everybody know, there has been a change of plan, Audrey & Maude will now be at the Sydney Stitches & Craft Show at Rosehill Racecourse next Thursday and Friday.

So if you are planning on attending the Show please make sure you come and say hi to us - we will be with the Living Creatively team along with a whole lot of other wonderful crafty types, displaying all our wares!

It's going to be a great few days - we can't wait to meet you.

And we have just added Ballarat Patchwork as a stockist of our patterns. They have a fabulous online shop, which you should all go and checkout.

Until Next Time

And the winners are..........

2008-08-03T18:28:00.002-07:00

Well what a fantastic response to our new patterns and giveaway. Thanks so much for all your lovely comments - Poppy and her Puppies were such a big hit at the Melbourne Craft and Quilt Fair that we have had to do a reprint!

And now for the winners....

After much digging about in a big bowl full of names the following four fabulous bloggers were plucked out:

Ravenhill

Erna

Thornberry

Susan Peterson

So girls, we will email you or leave a comment if we are able to so you can get us your addresses. If we can't then just drop either of us an email when you read this.

It's a very exciting time for Audrey and Maude with many great opportunities being offered to us out of the blue.

We've been asked to join in the fun on the Living Creatively stand at the upcoming Sydney Stitches and Craft show. Cathy and Louise won't be in attendance but our patterns and samples will be. And the very fabulous Fi has kindly agreed to sell our patterns for us on the Saturday and Sunday because she will be there in the flesh selling all her wonderful button bracelets and other super cute stuff. So if you live in Sydney, pop in - there's going to be some fabulous crafty bloggers attending so it's a great time to say hi.

We have a few other surprises up our sleeves but you'll have to wait! And don't worry, there is plenty more cuteness on its way!

2008-07-25T18:02:00.000-07:00

Wow, has it really been that long since we did our last post!

We have been working hard to bring you some really cute new patterns which we are sure will delight all ages.

First of all here are

Robot Boy and Robot Girl

Coming to you from a galaxy far, far away
Robot Boy and Robot Girl
are a super space team
ready to take you on lots
of exciting adventures
across the universe!

and I know some of you have already met

Poppy & Her Puppies

Poppy is a proud new mum to five playful puppies.
After lots of puppy games they fall fast asleep
on their lovely comfy bed
all warm and cosy snuggled up to their mum
of course!

Our stockists will be updated with these patterns very soon - please feel free to email us if you need any help in locating our patterns.

Giveaway Time

Now it's time for another giveaway - leave a comment before next Friday 2nd August and you will be entered into our 'random' giveaway. We will randomly select four of you and each will receive two of our latest patterns. Go on delurk - don't be shy - we would love to meet you!

Until next time,

Winners are Grinners!!

2008-06-01T04:29:00.000-07:00

Thank you all for the lovely comments, it's a great feeling to know we have such a lot of support out there. And it looks like the little elephants are a huge hit - we'll have to open a flickr link to show off all the new Edward and Eloises that are popping up everywhere.

We're also off to a good start with the addition of the lovely Retro Mummy, Corrie, to our stockist list.

Now to the news you have all been waiting for.

The winners are:

Congratulations to our four winners. Send us an email with your address and we'll get your prize off to you.

We'll be back soon with some new patterns.

The start of something special!

2008-05-18T21:18:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Audrey and Maude.

As many of you probably know, we met through our blogs when we were partnered in an
apron swap last year. We had a hugely successful and fun first meeting at Amitie and were eventually both lucky enough to be offered jobs there.

Which means we now see each other every week in the most wonderful inspiring environment. Of course, many of our conversations while working together revolve around fabric, crafting, blogging and our families and it was during one of these discussions we decided we should collaborate.

And so Audrey and Maude was born. Inspired by the number of basic sewing questions put to us and requests for patterns for our work, we recognised a gap in the market for easy patterns that anyone can try.

We aim to provide a range of simple sewing patterns that people can make easily in their own style. The range will include aprons, handbags, children's clothing, decorating accessories, toys and quilts and will include some simple embroidery and applique ideas.

And today we launch our first patterns.

Drum roll please ..................

introducing

'Classic Apron Mix' - a simple, easy to follow guide to making a classic half apron. Learn the basics and then make it your own with pockets, frills or just show off your favourite fabric. This pattern has lots of illustrations and includes a cutting guide for all three versions.

'Boy's Own' - a perfect way to add some colour to your special little boy's bedroom. A lovely pattern that includes a simple embroidery pattern and lots of useful hints and tips.

and

'Edward and Eloise' - who doesn't love an elephant and what's nicer than a handmade one. Make this a new friend for a little (or big) someone in your life.

Our stockists will be listed on the side bar so you'll know where to find our patterns. And for those of you who live in Perth you will be able to get them from Jenny on the Amitie stand EO5 at the Quilt & Craft Show on now at the Perth Convention Centre in Mounts Bay Road. For those of you in Sydney they will be available again from Jenny at the Quilt & Craft Show at Darling Harbour 11th - 15th June.

We hope to have many more fun patterns coming soon and throughout the year and are also planning to run classes for those who would like a bit of extra help.

So, how about a competition to celebrate! Leave a comment and next Wednesday we'll draw four winners who will receive a set of our first patterns.

Keep an eye out here for regular updates and please feel free to give us any feedback or ideas you may have.

Until next time ...................