Come make a RECYCLED RAG RUG with Jo and the Brunswick Brown Owls 22.5.13

Come to Brunswick and recycle and make rag rugs!

Brunswick Brown Owls love recycling! What about you? 

The talented Jo of Many A Muse  will be sharing her skills to assist us in making a recycled rag rug. 

No matter what your skill level you are welcome to join us and learn (or assist). It’ll be fun!

Come and join us, 

Wednesday 22nd May at 7pm at 

the Sporting Club, Weston St, Brunswick, Vic. 

for a recycled rag rug tutorial.

All photos from Jo of Many A Muse

You'll need to bring:

•  a couple of jersey T-shirts or similar fabric
• sharp scissors
• a large blunt needle or bodkin

Put it into your diary, or your digital calendar thingy. 

We meet every fortnight. Set an alarm! 

It's fun to be organised!

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• Feel free to bring your own project if rag rugs are not your bag, 

• there will be lots happening in the fine Ladies Lounge. 

Come and say HIDEE HI to the Brunswick Brown Owls! If you can’t make it, we’ll pop up photos of the evening on our Brunswick Brown Owls Facebook page so you can join in the fun too.  We have OVER 160 members, and you can be a part of our crafty community too! Come along and learn some new skills with us! No need to RSVP. No probs if you're early or late. No dress code either!

The Sporting Club still has delicious tapas and cocktails. Tasty. 

Bring your friends, we’re a friendly bunch!

Winter is coming...

St George and Sutherland Brown Owls THIS SUNDAY!! YAY!!

The table has been booked and I am dusting off my craft bag!

Sunday 19th May 2013 2pm - 5pm

Edmonds and Greer, Oatley

See you there for a long over-due craft, coffee and catch up!

Preston Brown Owls May Meeting

Dear Owls,
It is our sewing machine month! So grab your machine or someone elses and hurry over to GJs Discount Fabrics on

Saturday 18 May

12.30pm - 3.45pm

GJs Discount Fabrics Upstairs Room

443 Lygon Street, Brunswick

Cost: $5.00 payable to the ladies downstairs

The room is lovely, bright and airy.  There are cutting tables and ironing boards, tea/coffee and toilets and lots of fabric downstairs.

Bring your own project to work on or find a pattern downstairs and get to it.

See you there,

PS To Lizzy, my upgrade ate your details so please email me at rebecca@needleandspindle.com

Brisbane: Fabric Brooches

Guess what, I'm giving away my brooch making secrets at this meet up!

Re-discover the traditional craft of 17th century covered button making to create fabric brooches or buttons. The technique used is definitely for lovers of 100% handmade, no glues or quick-assemble tools allowed at this meet up, it’s all about slowing down and valuing the time and skills of completely hand-stitching your brooch.

After you've mastered the basic technique you can go on to create more with embroidered designs or embellishments! Bring along some little designs if you'd like to include embroidery.

When: Sunday 19 May, 10:30am-12:30pm OR 12:30-2:30pm

Venue: Brisbane Square Library, 266 George Street, Brisbane CBD

RSVP: Essential! Even though there are now 2 meet ups for this craft they are almost at capacity! Email brisbanebrownowls@gmail.com asap to reserve your spot.

What to bring:
1. Fabric scraps
2. Felt scraps
3. Embroidery thread
4. Needle
5. Scissors
6. Brooch pins (available at most craft stores and beading shops)
7. A light weight ring the size you would like your brooch to be (bring a few if you'd like to make more than one). For example in the old days bone rings were used to make buttons using this technique. Light weight rings could be plastic (for example I have some curtain rings which work well), wood or anything that is light enough to wear as a brooch. You could also use oval ring shapes. Check out Reverse Garbage for possible options. Bring along anything you think may be suitable. I will also have a small supply of curtain rings for use on the day.
8. Embellishments (optional, for example little beads could be stitched on) 
9. A thimble (optional - I don't use one but my fingers may have built up a resistance over the years)

It’s always better to bring your own materials and tools so you can make exactly what you want however if you are having trouble finding any of these things I will have extra on the day. Email brisbanebrownowls@gmail.com so I can put some aside for you.

If there is a specific embellishment or embroidery you would like to add please shoot me an email and let me know so I can have a think about the best way to approach it.

 See you then!

Brisbane: Crochet Basics

RSVP now for crochet basics at Ministry of Handmade!

Julie from Ministry of Handmade has very generously offered to host another Brown Owls meet up! The perfect opportunity for those who previously missed out on crochet basics or who would like to brush up on their hooking skills!

Julie has a wealth of experience and knowledge teaching a variety of crafts so bring along your own craft and any burning crafty questions. It's also a great opportunity to check out her fabulous space!

Granny Squares from Ministry of Handmade

When: Friday 24 May, 10:30am-12:30pm

Where: Ministry of Handmade, 11 Eclipse Street, Bridgeman Downs

What to bring:
1. Your own craft or if you'd like to learn crochet basics a 4.5 or 5mm crochet hook, some 8ply yarn and scissors.
2. A plate to share for morning tea (tea and coffee will be provided)

RSVP: As soon as possible by emailing brisbanebrownowls@gmail.com

See you there!

Brisbane: Recycled t-shirt craft

 

Gather up your old t-shirts for this super fun meet up as part of BrisStyle's Saviours of the Lost Arts! Quickly whip up some t-shirt yarn to be used for anything you can crochet, knit, macrame weave or plait OR use your old t-shirts to make sweet little rosettes in a matter of minutes OR create a fabulous new infinity scarf! The options for re-purposing your old t-shirts are only limited by your imagination!

Meet up details 

When: Thursday 16 May, 6-8pm

Where: Indooroopilly Library, Indooroopilly Shopping Centre, Level 4, 322 Moggill Road, Indooroopilly

What to bring:
1. Old t-shirts: The more the merrier! Note that if making t-shirt yarn or infinity scarves printed t-shirts don't work as well as un-printed, the ink on printed sections don't curl up to make a nice tube.
2. Scissors or even better a rotary cutter
3. Needle and thread, fabric glue and fabric scraps: If making rosettes
4. Cutting board
5. If crochet is your thing a hook size 10-12 is best.

If you don't have some of these things we will have some extras available on the day for you to use (other than t-shirts, definitely bring at least one of those).

RSVP: As soon as possible by emailing brisbanebrownowls@gmail.com. This meet up is booking up quickly!

See you then!

Canberra Brown Owls blog

logo by Mikaela @ Danvers Creative

Hi Owls
Just a quick message today to let everyone know about Canberra Brown Owls' brand shiny new blog!
Details of all our meetings will still appear here, but we're planning to blog a little more often with all the latest on the Canberra crafty scene.
We hope you'll pop in to visit!
xo

Southside Owls ~ Thu 9th May - Get your granny on at Miss Jackson!

Hello lovely ladies!!

It's time to get the open fire roaring at Miss Jackson! And whenever the weather starts to get colder, I always start thinking about playing with yarn. I've whipped out a granny square crochet blanket that I've been getting re-acquainted with over the past few weeks. What could be better than curling up on the couch under the blanket you are making when it's cold!

I *may* have bought this crochet blanket along to our very first Southside owls meet in March 2011...it might get finished this year!

Date: Thursday 9th May

Time: 7:30pm onwards

Venue: Miss Jackson, 2/19 Grey Street St. Kilda (through the big rusty gate)

Close to the #16, #96 and #112 trams, and nearby parking below

Craft: Crochet!! Get your granny on with granny squares or whatever crochet you like! Of course BYO is always welcome if you're not a hooker!

The lovely Pip from Meet Me At Mikes has a series of awesome tutorials for granny square beginners here

And I have a shared crochet pinterest board with oodles of inspiration here ~ let me know if you would like to contribute any pins!!

And I'm a leftie, so don't fear if you are too, I can help! And we'll have rightie crocheters on hand too!

          
Goodies: We will have tea and baked goodies, please feel free to bring something along if you would like to show off your baking skills!

RSVP: Leave a comment here, on facebook, email me or tweet me!

See you all next week! Looking forward to it. Get your granny on!!

Shan x

Canberra :: April brooches wrap-up

logo by Mikaela @ Danvers Creative

Helloooo owls!

We had a wonderful time at our April meeting, with one of our local owls Angie giving a workshop on how to make these gorgeous wood and fabric brooches. As well as being an all round crafty and amazing lady, Angie has recently taken on a position as shop girl with local business Canberra Creatives and all our supplies came from the online shop (I hope you don't mind the plug, but we did get loads of questions about where people could get their hands on them when we posted some pics on Instagram =))

They all turned out so beautifully - I had loads of comments on mine when I wore it to work on Monday =)

If you missed out and would like to make your own brooch, Angie has also blogged the tutorial over at her gorgeous blog GnomeAngel

Thanks so much to Angie, and to everyone who was able to make it!
Don't forget our next meeting will be on Saturday 25th May.

We will also be at the Mega Craft Day being held this Saturday (see below)!
It is going to a be a super fun day with free craft demos, shopping (yay!), even some activities for the kids.
Bron from Canberra Brown Owls will be there demonstrating the art of english paper piecing, and if you're lucky there might be some space left in Angie's brooch workshop =)
Pop over here for more info and to book workshops
Hope to see you there!!

Parramatta NSW Brown Owls

A beautiful autumn day today - lovely for a gathering of the Parramatta Brown Owls at Mars Hills Cafe in Sydney's western suburbs. Fantastic company, delicious drinks, and great sharing and stories. Just an intimate four of us today (plus one very creative 7 year old). We had spinning, crochet, and sewing going on with plenty of space in the cafe's upstairs room which is used for live music events in the evening.

We're a fairly new bring-your-own-craft Brown Owls group. We'll be continuing to meet at Mars Hill Cafe, 331 Church St, Parramatta, NSW on the last Saturday of the month at 11 a.m.


Thanks for coming out ladies (and son). See you May 25th!

Brisbane: Meet up at the BrisStyle indie twilight market

We are so excited to let you know that we've been invited to have a Brown Owls meet up at the BrisStyle indie Twilight market this Friday night as part of the Saviours of the Lost Arts festival launch!

It will be a busy little evening as I'll be running my own stall but I'm hoping to have a few helpers on hand so that I can give you some quick little demos on crochet, rag rugs, macramé knots and more and to help you out with any little crafty questions or probs.

This is a great opportunity to bring in anything you are stuck on or not sure about from a previous meet up! So bring your own craft along or if there's something specific you want to know/learn reply email so I can be prepared to give you a hand :)

There will also be loads of other craft guilds, demonstrations, workshops and more on the night. Plus all that handmade shopping! For more info about all of the activities and stalls on the night head here.

When: Friday 26 April, pop in any time from 5-9pm
Where: BrisStyle indie Twilight Market, King George Square, Brisbane CBD. We will be on the deck above Groove Train.
What to bring: Your own craft or if you would like a demo or quick lesson on another craft email me for a chat.
RSVP: Not essential but I would love an email to brisbanebrownowls@gmail.com so I have a rough idea of numbers.

See you there!

Mitcham brown Owls

Hi There owlies,

The days are getting shorter and the mornings are cooler - winter is around the corner, time to rev up those craft needles and get creative!

We have another workshop this month, if you have some basic crochet skills, come along and learn Tunisian or Tricot or treble crochet, which is like a cross between knitting and crochet.

We will be making this dish cloth, and I have more of this delightful bilious green yarn or you can bring a knitting or crochet cotton of your own if you prefer.  I also have Tunisian crochet hooks as shown, which you can borrow.  Can you please RSVP so I know how many Tunisian Crochet hooks to bring.

Don't forget to bring along any finished pieces to show off.

I'll look forward to seeing you.

The Details;

Where:

Gallery One 1 Torrens Street Mitcham PH Lianne, 8271 2624

When:  Saturday April 27th 1.30 pm to 4.00 pm

Cost :  room hire $7 per person.

Canberra :: wood & fabric brooches

Hey Canberra Owls!

 

Our next meeting is fast approaching - 27 April - and I'm so excited about what we've got planned this month: Angie from Canberra Creatives has agreed to come and show us how to make some really ace accessories!

 

I'll hand you over to Angie now - don't forget to check at the end of the post for all the important details!

 

****

Hello Brown Owlers! 

My name is Angie and I'm the Shop Girl for Shop Creative at Canberra Creatives.  (http://www.canberracreatives.com.au/shop/)  

I'm so excited to have been asked by Bron to come and share with you the joy of making wood and fabric brooches, just like these:

A kit costs $7 and for that you will get your choice of a wooden embellishment (hot air balloon, sewing machine or camera), a piece of fabric, a brooch back and adhesive.  

You don't need to bring a thing, but if you have some fabric that you would like to use then bring it along.  

If you have a favourite pair of sharp scissors or a craft knife bring that as well - there will be a limited number provided on the day.

To ensure everyone gets the brooch that they would like if you could please specify what type you'd like (hot air balloon, sewing machine or camera) when you RSVP that would be great.

(Additional kits can be purchased, just let Bron know when you RSVP how many you would like and what type!)

I will have other craft supplies available for purchase on the day as well (things like washi tape, scrapbook supplies and other wooden embellishments) - you can check out the store (http://www.canberracreatives.com.au/shop/) in advance to see if there's anything in particular you might like me to bring.  Just email me at shop@canberracreatives.com.au so I can arrange it.

I can't wait to share this quick and easy craft with you all and see the magic that you make!

See you there!

 

****

 

Hooray - I can't wait!!

 

Here are the important things to remember

 

The meeting will be held on Saturday 27th April  at the Downer Community Centre at 2pm

Please bring $5 for room hire, and something to share for arvo tea if you would like!

Don't forget to RSVP in the comments with which kit you would like, and bring $7 to pay for your kit

 

Of course, if brooches are not your thing we'd still love to have you along - please bring what ever crafty piece you have on the go, and join us for a cuppa and a chat.
 

Please let us know if you have any questions!  

Brisbane: Rubber Stamps

 

Make your own personalised rubber stamps!

When: Wednesday 8 May 2013, 6-8pm

Venue: Grange Library, 79 Evelyn Street, Grange

 

RSVP: As soon as possible by emailing brisbanebrownowls@gmail.com

What to bring:
A design: This could be as simple as a little drawing or a pattern, bring at least one design to learn the basic techniques and then you can make more from there.
Eraser: any type of standard eraser will be fine as long as it's the size you want your stamp to be. If you're looking for a larger size Eckersley's in the city sells rubber sheets for printing which you can cut down to size. If you have problems finding something suitable let me know.
Stamp pads if you have any, we will have some on the day but eventually you'll want your own anyway so you can use your stamp at home
Xacto or stanley knife
Carving tools (the type used for sculpting and lino printing, the one with the V shape specifically)
Cutting mat if you have one
Paper for stamping onto

Check out the Brown Owls Pinterest board for inspiration.

See you then!

Brisbane: Rag Rugs

 

As part of Saviours of the Lost Arts we're tackling rag rugs!

Learn the easy and fun 'toothbrush' technique of knotting, upcycle your old and unwanted fabric into a fabulous rug! The meet up will cover preparing your fabric to make the rug, the basic knotting technique and a few tips for creating a nice flat circle through increasing. 


Meet up details

When: Saturday 27 April, 10:30am-12:30pm

Where: Carindale Library, Westfield Carindale, 1151 Creek Road, Carindale

What to bring:
Scissors
A ruler
Fabric: Cotton is best, check out local op shops for damaged sheets, use up some of your old remnants or head to Reverse Garbage.
A rag rug tool: You can purchase rag rug tools online (I got mine from here) however if you'd like to try out rag rugging before investing it's super easy to make your own rag rug tool. You can use a hair clip, a large paper clip, a large crochet hook or bring a piece of thick wire and some tape and we'll make one.

If you have any trouble finding fabric, options for a tool or you have any questions please email me at brisbanebrownowls@gmail.com as I may be able to bring along some extra.

RSVP: This meet up is now at capacity however you can join the waiting list in case a spot becomes available by emailing brisbanebrownowls@gmail.com ASAP!

See you then!