MEET THINGS FOR BOYS

When I was in Melbourne last week I had the immense pleasure of meeting two of my newest bloggy besties, Ros (of Sew Delicious) and Abby (of Things for Boys). Abby and I have only just started to get to know each other but when we met I felt like she’s been part of my life for ages. Abby’s blog started as a way for her to document her crafty adventures as a Mum to 2 boys, but it’s grown into so much more, and now she’s found quilting I can’t wait to see what lushness appears on there.

If you’re looking for a great source of tutorials, projects and fabulous patterns than look no further, you’ve found it at Things for Boys. 

What’s your creative story so far?

I’ve been creating for as long as I can remember. As a kid I would make ‘perfume’…water with flowers from the garden mixed into it. I made clothes for my Barbie dolls too as well as trying to make clothes for myself. Most were disasters, but I suppose that’s what you get when you lay on a piece of fabric and cut around your legs to make a pants pattern. Quilting is relatively new to me. I’ve only made one full quilt so far. And a couple of minis. But I have a second top finished, I’m just looking for the right backing for it.

What is it that you love about being creative?

I love being able to take an idea in my head and bring it to life! Choosing the right fabric, the right pattern and then putting it all together. There is something satisfying about putting so much love and care into an item. Being creative is an area in my life that I can be in complete control. The boys take over the house and Roman who’s 4 is always telling me he’s the boss, so it’s nice to be the boss of my sewing machine.

What fuels your creative passion?

I’m inspired by so many things. A lady walking down the street, a fabric purchase from the op shop, a kids cartoon. I feel like I will never run out of ideas. I love upcycling garments and giving them a new life. I used my Mum’s old leather jacket to make a handbag. I’ve used jeans for heaps of projects. And I love making over old tshirts. I enjoy the challenge of figuring out how to makeover an item and how to get all the pieces out of what you have to work with.

What gives you the most joy from being creative?

I love to make things for my boys that I know they will love. My heart exploded the first time I saw my kids tucked up in a quilt I had made. Roman’s favourite colour is yellow so I’m knitting him a yellow hat for winter. When he was obsessed with Peter Rabbit, I made him a jacket to match. I love seeing the look on his face when I’ve made his dreams a reality.

What are you most proud of from your creative journey?

Definitely my Luminous quilt pattern. The whole process was so new to me as I had not made a quilt before. It was quite a challenge choosing all the colours for the rainbow block, but I wanted it to be perfect. I think I bought 24 different colours in the end just to choose the 16. I am absolutely thrilled with how the quilt and the pattern have turned out.

What’s the one piece of advice about being creative that you wish all people knew?

If you want to try something new, just go for it! We all start off in this world not knowing how to do anything, and crafting is no different. The first skirt I made was so long I tripped down the stairs. If you make something and it’s awful, throw it in the bin…no one will know. Use what you learnt from that project to improve the next time. I’ve been sewing for more than 20 years and I can tell you, quite a few things have ended up in the bin!

We all love finding new creative people to get inspired by, who are some of your favourites at the moment?

I love all the cuteness going on at Tinker With This.

With a house-full of boys, I get my dose of prettiness from Nana Company.

What creative challenges would you like to conquer in the next 12 months?

I would love to try making some pants for myself. I’m sure I’ll regret it though…pants seem so tricky! I also have two more patterns I’d love to release.

What are your 3 favourite creative projects that you’ve done that reflect who you are as a creator?

Designing fabric and making a handbag from it was a wonderful journey. I really enjoyed designing the fabric and making it just right for the bag. You can see the bag here. My first quilt is also very ‘me’. The rainbow colour scheme and again, being part of the entire process and designing the pattern. Read all about the Luminous Quilt here. I had a great time making this winter coat. I call it the Blanket Coat because I made it out of an old woollen blanket. Again, I think it’s having something extra in the project that makes it special. Take a look at the Blanket Coat here.

If you weren’t doing what you do now, what other creative endeavour would you like to master?

In another life I’d love to have been an architect. I think it would be the perfect mix of maths and creativity for me.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with my readers?

My blog is called Things for Boys because I love to show you the things that I make for the three loves of my life. Roman is 4, Ted is almost 2 and hubby just got a year older. There are plenty of projects on the blog that aren’t for boys, so don’t be put off by the name if you don’t have any boys. Lately, the blog seems to have a lot less boy projects as the boys wardrobes are pretty well stocked. Since quilting is my latest obsession, I can see many quilts turning up on the blog this year.

A Bit of Fun:

If you could only have one or the other for the rest of eternity what would you choose?

You can just choose a word, or choose to elaborate on your choice, it’s just a little bit of fun.

1. Fabric: Solid or Pattern? That’s a tough one! Hmmmm…..Nope, I can’t pick!

2. Quilt Styles: Pattern or Improv? I’m still new to quilting so patterns it is!

3. Seams: Open or to the Side? Mostly to the side because it’s quicker, but sometimes they need to be pressed open to sit better.

4. Stitching: Hand or Machine? Machine. I’m far too slow at hand stitching.

5. Binding: Hand or Machine? Both. Front by machine, then flip it to the back and hand stitch. I’ve tried doing it by machine on both sides and I’m never happy with it.

6. Food: Sweet or Savoury? Sweet. You could sprinkle sugar on anything and I’d probably eat it!

7. Entertainment: Books or Music? Music because I don’t have time to read book anymore.

8. Entertainment: Television or Movies? I love both! I love discovering a new TV series and then binging on it, but I love the escape of a movie.

9. Computer: Mac or Windows? Windows. It’s all I’ve ever known.

10. Drink: Coke or Pepsi? Coke

You can find more of Abby in the following places: Blog | Store | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter