Blog Posts

A global view - Destination: Zambia

“I was lucky enough to recently travel to Zambia in Africa to see how women in developing countries are undertaking training in sewing & tailoring as a means of social & economic development.” - Janine Janine Nutley from Spotlight’s Kawana Waters (QLD) store recently travelled to Zambia in Southern Africa. ...

Selling yourself

Why your marketing needs to be as creative as your products. While it’s great that crafts and handmade goods are growing in popularity it also means that the marketplace for these items is becoming more competitive. The very things that make it so wonderful to be a modern crafter - ...

Shop & sew at Thread Den

Public sewing lounges. Long term readers of the 'get creative' magazine might remember the story of the Stitch Lounge in San Francisco, USA, that we reported on. Hailed as one of the first combined retail and sewing spaces, the business has now closed (though it retains an online presence) but ...

A brief history of... Fashion illustration

Fashion at its best remains an art form and, before a garment can be made, its concept must be communicated to others - to those who do the sewing and construction. Hence, fashion illustration becomes an essential instrument in the designer’s tool box. And, even today, when the computer has ...

Indie craft report

Changes are afoot in the craft scene and major players in the industry are finally sensing the shift. Carrying the moniker, ‘indie craft’, this new trend sees 18 to 35-year-old crafters taking to needle, thread, the computer, the recycle bin, you name it, and coming up with beautiful, cheeky and ...

Skirtgirl - Alison Willoughby

British author and textile designer Alison Willoughby creates gloriously sculptural skirts that look as sensational on as they do hanging in the grooviest galleries of Europe and the USA. Describe Alison Willoughby as a craftsperson and she’s liable to wince. The acclaimed graduate of London’s Royal College of Art admits ...

Non judgemental knitters - knitting for Brisbane’s needy

A chance introduction with a pastor at a local church led Queensland woman, Karen Croke, to begin knitting for the homeless and underprivileged in Brisbane. Two years later 164 members have joined her cause and all of them are learning valuable lessons along the way. “I can knit, I learned ...

The making of a Knitting Book

The company, commonly known as ACS, is situated in Brunswick, Victoria, and it produces around 600 patterns every year for more than 50 knitting books featuring Patons, Cleckheaton, Panda, Rowan and Shepherd yarns. The opening promise, by the way, is genuine. The experienced, enthusiastic and extraordinarily patient designers, administrators, pattern ...

Projects

Embellished skirt

Inspired by Alison Willoughby... try our version of skirt art.

Crochet capelet

Crochet continues its new millenium make-over with cheeky little ‘glitz’ designs like this.

Crochet overshirt

Not a winter woolly but definitely a fashion traffic stopper & quick to make to boot.

Button singlet

A perfect project for Teens and Tweens!

Crazy Print Vest

Cute and colourful. Free Project as mentioned in the Spotlight Inspirations catalogue.

Tank tote

Recycle your old tank tops to make this funky tote.

Crochet wraps - V-stitch wrap 2 (blue)

Keep crocheting throughout the summer with these cute, simple swimsuit cover-ups.

Crochet V-stitch wrap 1 (multi)

Keep crocheting throughout the summer with these cute, simple swimsuit cover-ups.

Bamboo baby booties

Embrace ‘green’ trends when you use this innovative fibre, made by processing the bamboo grass stalk & combing the fibre strands from the actual plant itself.

Bamboo baby beanie

Embrace ‘green’ trends when you use this innovative fibre, made by processing the bamboo grass stalk & combing the fibre strands from the actual plant itself.

Bamboo baby pants

Embrace ‘green’ trends when you use this innovative fibre, made by processing the bamboo grass stalk & combing the fibre strands from the actual plant itself.

Bamboo baby cardigan

Embrace ‘green’ trends when you use this innovative fibre, made by processing the bamboo grass stalk & combing the fibre strands from the actual plant itself.

White T-Shirt

Use these ideas to decorate & style your own!

Black T-Shirt

Use these ideas to decorate and style your own!

Pink Thongs

Use these ideas to decorate and style your own!

Black Thongs

Use these ideas to decorate and style your own!

Frilly Apron

Create this decorative frilly apron in ten simple steps!

2 x knitted boleros

Make this matching sparkling bolero set for the glamorous gals in your life.

Collage belt

Add a little rock’n’roll chic to your wardrobe & make use of your beading skills as well!

How to - join binding strips

Revisit different craft foundation techniques

Perky Poncho

The artist formerly known as Prince sang about a raspberry beret... if only he had seen this gorgeous creation... surely he would have come up with a second instalment for that tune!

Toto Crossover Jacket

Cute and colourful. There is also a matching Toto Slippers Free Project as mentioned in the Spotlight Inspirations catalogue.

Design your own shoes

Get into some fancy footwork with this great idea.

Marshmallow Coat

Beautiful, cozy and warm. Just what you need for Winter.

Get the basics - Gütermann threads

Full details regarding the basic tools you'll need.

Patchwork belt

Get creative with your fabric scraps this season & make the perfect accessory.

How to - Double hem

Step by step lesson - for teachers or learners.

Get the basics - Gütermann Sulky Stabilisers

Stabilisers serve a wide variety of purposes in general sewing and craft as well as machine embroidery. The latest removable stabilisers, however, are highly versatile and are particularly good for ‘creative’ styles of embroidery such as free-standing lace, free-motion embroidery, and filigree techniques using ribbons and yarns. They are also ...

How to - Gathering fabric

Step by step lesson - for teachers or learners

Evening shawl

Modern trims & braids allow you to embellish garments quickly & easily.

Bamboo baby overalls

Embrace ‘green’ trends when you use this innovative fibre, made by processing the bamboo grass stalk & combing the fibre strands from the actual plant itself.

'Marvel' coat

Long, lean knits are the height of fashion. Distinctive buttons will dress this up further.

Pyjamas in a Bag

Delight a Mum in yourlife this Mother's Day with co-ordinated jim-jams made especially for her.

Shoes for designer kids

Transform the humble runner with this fit & fun idea.

Girls Alpaca Blend Lace Jacket

Here is the pattern for the little girls jacket seen on the Knitting Party posters in Spotlight stores.

Moda Vera Manor Vest

Crafty and stylish. Download PDF: http://tinyurl.com/E13-manorvest [tinyurl.com]

Moda Vera Marvel Girl Dress

Create this beautiful dress using Moda Vera yarn. Download PDF: http://tinyurl.com/E13-marveldress [tinyurl.com]

Moda Vera Pure Wool Fishermans Rib Hat

Create this pure wool fishermans rib hat, perfect for intermediate knitters. Download PDF: http://tinyurl.com/E13-Beanie [tinyurl.com]

Moda Vera Faith Shrug

Size: One size fits most Note: As garment is knitted in one piece, reduce or increase stitches and rows for smaller or larger sizes. Print PDF: http://tinyurl.com/E13-shrug2 [tinyurl.com]

Moda Vera Shiver Girl's Jacket

Download PDF: http://tinyurl.com/E13-sg-jacket [tinyurl.com]

Girls Butterfly Paisley Aprons

Note: This apron consists of a basic apron panel with added ruffles.

STOCKING STITCH HOODED JACKET

Download PDF: http://tinyurl.com/e15-jacket [tinyurl.com]

Bella Baby Sugar Dress

Create this dress for your little girl using 'Bella Baby' yarn.

Pure Wool Ribbed Band Cardigan

Create this out of Moda Vera yarn.

Crochet Patchwork Skirt

Download PDF: http://su.pr/2M9mLI [su.pr] Featured in our Shop & Save catalogue.

Flower Garden Throw

This throw is made up of 25 floral squares. Each flower is worked separately and the green print square motif is added afterwards. Each flower is made up of a sungold yellow centre, a plain coloured yarn for the 1st row of petals, a printed yarn (either baby or bright) ...

Your Inspiration Room