Handmade Baby Cuffed Pants and....

I made a pair of baby cuffed pants out of T's old T-shirt, which he was about to toss out. It didn't take too long and I'm happy with the result.

I guess it's about time I share the news. We're having a little boy! :)

Cat Tote Workshop

Some of you have been asking and I'm glad to say, Cookie Cutter will be doing a WORKSHOP this March! Come hand-sew a cute cat tote bag with me (see image below)!

Date: 23 March 2013, Sat

Time: 2-5pm.

For registration and more details, click here. 

Personal attention will be given to each participant, so class size has to be kept small. Do sign up soon if you are interested! Hope to see you there :)

Embroidered ang bao

Look what I did with an ang bao! Not the best work and I should have used a thinner needle. But oh well, it was spontaneous fun :)

Happy Valentine's day, folks!

Winning Plush

Tadah! Here's the plushie I made based on the winning design from the "Sew Searching" design a plush activity! Neilson, it'll be on its way to you! Hope you like it. 

Sew Searching

Hi there! My little exhibition, Sew Searching, wrapped up last Saturday. Although tiring, it's been fun doing it! I got to meet and chat with people whom I know but have never met, blog/FB readers, friends, friend's friends, new friends. Regardless of how they came to know about the exhibition (Facebook, online/blog/website shout outs, newspaper blurb etc.), regardless of whether they are in the creative line or just take an interest in it, everyone who made the trip down shared a love for creative/crafty/handmade work. 

The opening on 18 Jan night was packed with people and buzz. The rest of the week was quieter and folks who came by then took their time to look and chat. To the many who left me with praise and words of encouragement, thank you very much. To those who are trying to find your way in your creative journey, press on, chase your passion. 

Here are some photos from the opening night. You can find more in my Facebook Page album here. And here are some photos from the rest of the exhibition days. 

Thank you once again to all the kind people who helped make this exhibition possible (you know who you are)! 

Stay tuned for the winner of the plush design activity :)

[Thank you, Joshua, for some the above images]

Sew Searching - an exhibition

Hi folks, I mentioned previously that I have something up my sleeves and I'm excited to finally share this piece of news with you! Cookie Cutter will be having its first little solo exhibition-- "Sew Searching"!! 

(click to enlarge)

After months of working on it, we've finally begun the installation set up, and as we count down to the launch, I'm starting to fret all the big and small things-- what possible glitches there will be, what if no one turns up etc. Yes, worry wart, that's me. 

"Sew Searching" features Cookie Cutter's handmade plush toys and lifestyle products, and is curated by Yanda of donotdesign. In the face of cloned mails, machine regurgitated products and a prescribed route of convention, one treads a path fraught with challenges, when one does not want what many others do. This exhibition seeks to gather like-minded people to witness a journey of searching and the fruits of this search. It is an attempt to keep alive a creative community independent of huge corporations. We also hope to reshape how people consume and interpret handmade. 

Additionally, the exhibition features collaborations with 7 local creatives who share our cause. 

So please ,

spread the word

gather your friends and

come shun the mass market with us! 

I'll be there daily and I'll love for you to say hi :)

http://bit.ly/sewsearching

NEW! Sling Bag with Origami Crane

Have you heard of the Japanese legend that whoever folds a thousand cranes will be granted a wish? Well, I don't have a thousand of these creatures but I've one crane hand-embroidered on each of these sling bags. I've kept the design clean and simple. It comes with a removable and and adjustable leather strap. Now available in my Etsy shop :)

New! Dog Plush - Preppy with Mustache

Hi folks, meet the new plush in my little shop! Dog Plush - Preppy with Mustache. This dog wears a vest with hand-stitched details, tartan plaid trousers and completes his look with a felt bow tie. He and his clothing are made with a mix of quality Japanese cotton linen as well cotton fabric. His facial features are hand embroidered, including his well-maintained goatee.

You’ve never seen a plush as well-groomed! Suitable for blokes, gals and children. 

NEW! Book Cover-inspired Laptop Cases

I'm interrupting the ongoing [Melbourne series] on the blog to share with you the launch of some new items in my little shop! 

It used to be that being associated with school and books wasn't such a cool thing. But how times have changed. Preppy is the new cool! So go on, tell the world you love books (I do!) and do it through these handmade book cover-inspired laptop cases.

The front of the “book” is covered in rustic cotton linen, with the book title and author carefully embroidered. The back is covered in a cheerful polka dot/floral fabric. The inside of the case is lined and padded. These cases come in 2 sizes that fit the 13”/15” MacBook Pro and other laptops of the same size. The smaller case also fits the 13” MacBook White and 13” MacBook Air. There is also a little additional room to store your accessories/documents.

To further indulge, I went on to make another design with my favourite quote from Sylvia Plath's The Bell Jar. There are only 2 pieces for this design and they are only in 15".

 

All the laptop cases are now available here in my little shop. So go on, tell the world you are a book lover!

Second Pouch Making Workshop

I conducted the second run of my pouch making workshop last Sunday and was delighted to meet another group of crafty people. It's nice to know that although we all have different day jobs, we share a common love for sewing. We spent an enjoyable afternoon sewing and chatting. 

Here are two completed pouches by the participants! Some of them went home to do up the finishing touches and I was so happy when they shared pictures of the finished products with me. 

A fantastic group of people. Thank you for coming by. It was my pleasure having you :) 

Pouch Making Workshop - 2nd run!

I hear that many of you weren't able to secure a place in the first session of my pouch making workshop. Guess what? Due to the great response and many enquiries received, we have decided to do a second run of the same workshop! It is hence my pleasure to invite you to this workshop :).

Come join me in making a cute pouch that will hold your iPhone, lipstick, loose change, tissue... You will decorate it with simple sashiko embroidery and embelish it with lace/pom poms. 

The small size of the workshop allowed me to provide personal attention to the participants and I want to keep it that way. So, spots are also limited for this second session.

Date: 20 May 2012 (Sunday)

Time: 2 - 5pm

Level: anyone who has an interest in sewing. Suitable for beginners.

Click on over here to register and for more details! Hope to see you there this time round :)

Cookie Cutter Pouch Making Workshop

Hi folks, did you have a good weekend? I did! And what a fruitful one it was. I conducted a sewing workshop yesterday afternoon. It was done in collaboration with the cool folks at Books Actually. 

The participants and I spent a lovely afternoon hand-sewing a cute pouch. The class was kept small so that each participant could receive some personal attention. Additionally, it allowed a cozy and relaxed atmosphere where everyone could sew, chit chat and get to know one another. All of us had a great time!

work in progress

ALMOST completed pouches!

my lovely workshop participants

Thank you to those of you who willingly spent an afternoon holed up in a room with me. I consider it a privilege to be able to share my passion and what I know about sewing with others. It is such a joy to know that someone else is now equipped with the basic know-how for her future sewing projects. 

I’m working towards a second session for this workshop as there were others who were interested but weren’t able to secure a place this time round. If you are keen in such a workshop, stick around here, my Facebook Page or join the mailing list for updates :)

Mr Cloud in Uppercase Magazine

I first saw the latest issue (#13) of Uppercase magazine when I was in a book shop in Melbourne. I was super thrilled to see my little plushie, Mr Cloud, featured in it amongst other great works. Arriving home, I found my copy in the mailbox and took a snap shot for you. I must say, I'm proud of Mr Cloud :p

Have you gotten your copy? This looks like another great issue!

Cookie Cutter Pouch Making Workshop

So here’s the piece of news I’ve been looking forward to share with you! Some of you were asking previously, and I’m excited to say that Cookie Cutter will be doing a workshop! Join me in sewing your very own cute little pouch. Decorate it with simple sashiko embroidery and embellish it with lace/pom poms!

I’m happy to be working with the cool folks at Books Actually for this upcoming workshop. The class will be kept small for now so spots are limited. 

Date: 6 May 2012, Sun

Time: 2-5pm

Level: anyone who has an interest in sewing. Suitable for beginners.

Hop over here right away for registration and further details. Come have an afternoon of crafty fun!

I Am a Cloud - Cushion Series

Right now as you are reading this, I’m on a little holiday in Melbourne! Yes, I’ve prepped a couple of posts in advance, so you should continue popping in here. The frequency is lower but things will be back to normal once I return (looking forward to sharing the photos!). 

I’ve been working hard the days before I left for my trip and I’m thrilled to launch my new cushion line (you would already have got wind of it if you are on the mailing list)! 

Introducing the “I Am a Cloud” series of cushions! The cloud on each cushion is donning a different hat. The pom poms add cheer to the cushion and I love the contrast with the printed fabric on the back. 

Cloud Cushion with Pom Poms - Vagabond Hat

Cloud Cushion with Pom Poms - Boater

Cloud Cushion with Pom Poms - Stetson

Hug it or snuggle up to it after a long day of work. Tell this little cloud your worries and grunts. It’ll tell you to smile and stay cool, just like it does. These cushions will add personality and quirk to your living space. 

Click on the links provided to see more!

Alien Superhero Plush

Hi there, did everyone had a nice Easter weekend? I was grateful for the long weekend. But it’s never enough, is it? :p

I listed a new plushie last week, adding to my Superhero series. Meet Alien Superhero! I haven’t goten to sharing it with you over here. So this is he:

More of him over here. Yes, I like sneaky looking plushies. Haha. I hope you do too. 

Japanese-inspired Plush

Hi there, if you’re subscribed to Cookie Cutter’s newsletter, you would have found out a few days earlier about my new line of plushies. We are entering Spring and during this season, Japan and its beautiful Sakuras are always in my thoughts. So, I proceeded to make this line of Japanese-inspired plushies. 

Introducing:

Onigiri san (rice ball). I gave him a pair of slippers to wear and he hasn’t been able to wipe that sneaky look off his face since! 

Tako san (octopus)

Daruma

I’m very happy with the results and hope you’ll like them too. Hope over to my Etsy shop to see more of these fellows.

Happy Friday, folks!

[Shop Update] - Embroidered Animal Pillow

Ever since Moustache George, Julie and Nick, I have yet to design and make new cushions/pillows. Today, I am excited to share with you some pillows newly listed in my etsy shop! If you are on my mailing list, you would have received news about this a few days ago but for the others, here's a look at one!

This embroidered animal pillow features an original design hand-embroidered on beautiful cotton linen, I am sure these would be a conversation piece whether you have them on the sofa or on your bed. The quirky and adorable animal couple portraits will make others giggle a little. Check out my Etsy shop for more designs. 

A reminder to those who are in Singapore, Cookie Cutter will be at the Public Garden Market this Saturday, 18 Feb, 1 - 8 pm at the Goodman Arts Centre! I’ve been busy working hard preparing for this. Hope to see you there!

Medal Brooch - Embroidered Superhero Dog

Hello! Today, I’m glad to be sharing with you the launch of *drum roll* 

Cookie Cutter’s medal brooches

I’ve been working hard on this Medal of Honour series of brooches and I’m stoked with the outcome! Each design is original and hand-embroidered carefully on cotton linen. They are definitely quirky!

First in my Etsy shop is the embroidered Superhero Dog!

For someone who deserves a medal.

Pss... stick around my Etsy shop for more Medal brooches to be listed in the following days. 

Book Feature - I Heart Stationery

Hello there, I’ve a piece of news to share and I’m pretty thrilled about it! Cookie Cutter is featured in a book! It’s a new book, “I Heart Stationery” by the lovely Charlotte Rivers. 

Despite the dominance of digital technology, the old-school way of communicating via handwritten letter/card is still adored by many (raise your hands!). In her book, Charlotte showcases the works of designers around the world who employ different artisan processes in their making of stationery. Yours truly is humbled with an entry, featuring these notecards I made by hand stitching on paper.

My sweet friend, Sarah, spotted the book in the store last week and tweeted me a picture. That got me all excited and I nabbed myself a copy over the weekend. If you, like me, have a weakness for paper goods and beautiful designs, you will LOVE this book! Think an indoor Saturday afternoon, a cup of tea, the couch, and this book! It is so inspiring to see all the great work that is being done (eye candy!) and to learn about the many methods and materials people employ in making stationery. 

Thank you, Charlotte for letting me be a part of your wonderful book!

You can purchase a copy of the book online here. Alternatively, I bought mine from Kinokuniya.