Patterns
Free Hanging Basket Macrame Pattern
Althought the colours are a bit more subdued, it’s exciting to see macramé making a comeback in the crafting landscape of 2022. You know macramé
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Patterns
New Idea Free Crochet Cushion Pattern Granny Square Style
In this editiona of New Idea from Sepetember 1973, there’s a simple pattern for a granny square type cushion that you can download for free
Patterns
New Idea Cotton Beachwear to Knit
If you’re looking for a cool summer knitting project, these three pieces would be quick to work up in cotton. Free shorts knitting pattern, free
Inspiration
Australian Home Journal December 1968
I’ve recently acquired approximately 200 hundred vintage (mostly) Australian magazines. The plan is to start archiving the best bits (read, the pictures), and then quite
Inspiration
Australian Agree Shampoo Ad
It will be forever, indelibly etched into my mind thanks to Lorraine Cuthbert… fastest runner at Doncaster High (niece of Betty Cuthbert), a body all
Art & Craft
Family Creative Workshop
When I was about 10, my family got this set; The Family Creative Workshop. It was published by Plenary Publications International and comprised 23 books and
Inspiration
How to make soft toys and dolls
How to make soft toys and dolls is a Sunset Book originally published in 1977. It has about 64 projects to make; some of them
Music
Girl Monstar – Joe Cool
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/8essTRYbYu4″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Blog
Jill Pony Books by Ruby Ferguson
The Jill series of pony books by Ruby Ferguson was one of my favourites when I was growing up in the 70s.
Dolls & Toys
Enid Blyton Dean & Sons Editions
The Enid Blyton Dean & Sons Ltd ‘reward’ editions were the books du jour of my early 70s childhood. From memory, you could buy them
Inspiration
Neue Stick-Ideen (New Stitching Ideas) Lis Paludan Vintage Craft Book 1970s
Neue Stick-Ideen by Lis Paludan is a vintage craft book published in Copenhagen in 1973. This version is in German (auf Deutsch) and has some
Dolls & Toys
Wooden Kokeshi Dolls
I’m pretty sure I picked up these wooden Kokeshi dolls through the facebook marketplace. They’re ‘dolls of the world’ and each has a wobbly sprung
Dolls & Toys
Royal Mail Classic Toys Stamps
Whilst not a fan of stamp collecting, I am a fan of classic toys so I was thrilled when the British Royal Mail released this
Blog
Milton Bradley Memory Game – 1966
The Milton Bradley memory game was first created in 1966. In Australia, the game was made by the John Sands company and in Germany Otto
Music
A thousand long dead stars – Whtsqr
A thousand long dead stars is one of my favourite songs by Whtsqr. New album will be available soon. Whtsqr is an alternative pop-rock band
Dolls & Toys
Sindy Doll Annual 1984
Amongst my books I just found this Sindy Doll Annual from 1984. I know this must’ve been an op shop purchase as I was practically
Inspiration
Leisure Craft Books from the 1970s
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A selection of pictures from my collection of Leisure Crafts books published in the 1970s. When i’m retired I’m going to create all these things
Blog
The Splendid Soft Toy Book
♥*♡∞:｡.｡ The Splendid Soft Toy Book ｡.｡:∞♡*♥ Originally published in 1973 by Christophorus- Verlag Herder GmbH. ♬♩♪♩Please wait for the images to load. If you
Dolls & Toys
Dress and Knickers for Furga Alta Moda, Crissy or Tiffany Taylor Doll
Today I spent a bit of time sewing a dress and knickers for my gorgeous Furga Alta Moda Sylvie doll. She really does make the
Inspiration
Vintage Retro Doll Postcards
So happy to have won the auction for these vintage doll postcards by Kruger of West Germany and others. The Kruger cards have two cute
Inspiration
Ads from the 1970s
I’ve started picking up vintage magazines just to collect the old ads I remember. Please wait a few seconds while they load.
Inspiration
Woman’s Day Handicrafts
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Woman’s Day Handicraft series was published in 1973 by Octopus Books. It was a 13 part series, the best parts of which later showed
Inspiration
Childcraft How and Why Library
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Childcraft How and Why Library was first published in the 1930s. The World Book Encyclopaedia company was the holder of the Childcraft imprint. The
Inspiration
Mid Century Design Inspiration
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Mid century interior design inspiration from my book collection.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_masonry_media_grid style=”lazy” initial_loading_animation=”fadeIn” grid_id=”vc_gid:1579335875832-0a343878-0850-2″ include=”5863,5864,5865,5866,5867,5868,5869,5870,5871,5872,5873,5874,5875,5876,5877,5878,5879,5880,5881,5882,5883,5884,5885,5886,5887,5888,5889,5890,5891,5892,5893,5894,5895,5896,5897″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Patterns
Fox Soft Toy Sewing Pattern Free
This Fox softie sewing pattern was created by me when I needed a softie to match a jumper I had bought for my cousin’s little
Dolls & Toys
Retro, doll-head clothes hangers
[vc_row 0=””][vc_column][vc_column_text 0=””]Retro doll-head clothes hangers are, unfortunately, a thing of the past. Personally, I think they should be reinstated as an important part of
Art & Craft
Cockatoo Art (Geometric) – Free Download
This cockatoo art was inspired by the low poly geometric artwork that’s been featured on the internet and on home decorating shows. As I hadn’t done
Dolls & Toys
Cinderella puppet book 3-D Vintage Lenticular book
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Cinderella puppet book 3-D. This Cinderella puppet book; a giant 3-D fairy tale book was popular in the 70s and brings back all kinds of
Inspiration
Swap Cards
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] I collected swap cards when I was between 8 and twelve years old – back in the 70s. It still makes me happy to
Inspiration
British Pathe – Doll Factory video
[vc_row 0=””][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/bcr-CSdgmUk” align=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Inspiration
Vintage match books
Vintage match books were something that my parents collected on their many overseas trips as dancers in the 50s and 60s. My dad shared a
Patterns
US Size Flip Tunic Pattern
The pattern for my flip tunic/swing singlet is available for download below. This file has been optimised to print onto US Letter size paper. Go
Patterns
A4 Flip Tunic Pattern
On this page you will find the pattern for my flip tunic/swing singlet optimised to print onto A4 paper. Download the file by clicking “Like”
Art & Craft
New Art Print
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I’ve finished a new piece of digital art I call “Sailor”. She’s available for sale from Society 6 [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Art & Craft
Another Doll
This is another custom doll I made recently; this time for my cousin who’s expecting her first (human) baby in January 2014. I tried to
Inspiration
Funky 70s Cross Stitch Alphabet Pattern
I recently found a copy of the “DMC Library Cross Stitch Embroidery Alphabets 1982” which contained this Groovy 70s style cross stitch alphabet pattern that
Tutorials
Pattern and tutorial to sew a racerback mini dress
What you need:
To make the flip tunic you need:
- 1.5 metres of fabric (stretch or non-stretch)
- matching cotton
- sewing machine
- pins
- scissors
- paper (for printing the pattern)
- a printer
Patterns
Paper Animals – Vintage Craft
Brought to you from my box of Craft Cards published in 1975 by Publishing Innovations Ltd. Leisure Books Ltd. ISBN 0 9044330 00 1
Inspiration
Das Schöne Zuhause – The Nice Home
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Since my Mother died I’ve been spending more time at her house and have unearthed some treasures belonging to (mainly) my Grandmother – who
Art & Craft
My First Spoonflower Fabric
I was extremely thrilled today to receive my first metre of fabric from Spoonflower. Excited enough to not even follow my usual rule of ‘no
Dolls & Toys
Pose Doll Animation
[vc_row 0=””][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/ibfjUDhGly0″ align=”center”][vc_column_text 0=””]Pose Doll animation using the ‘stop-motion’ method. This was to test the chromakey capabilities of my movie editor. This pose doll
Inspiration
Lefor Openo Iberian Airlines Luggage Sticker
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Lefor Openo Iberian Airline Luggage Sticker I bought this Lefor Openo Iberian airlines luggage sticker from ebay. Oh, how I wish I had this
Yip II – Meet Bunner
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Aflush with the making of Mirabelle I decided to make something more boy friendly. Meet Bunner: I couldn’t really get a good photo of him.
Robert Lyons Print… Yay!
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I was so thrilled when I found this at the op shop. Even the boys like it. I don’t know anything about Robert Lyons, except
Art & Craft
Softies for Mirabel
I had a little bit of time to go to the fabric shop and collect me a couple of bits o’ fabric in the hope
I’m dreaming of a safari wagon
While many of the ladies around me these days plan only that their husband will update their black 4WD (pref. BMW or Mercedes) every three
Music
Girl Monstar – He’s Hell
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]That’s me playing bass…[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/GLof2Z3g5Iw”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Art & Craft
New collage in progress
I had really hoped to finish this image before the weekend was done, but with birthdays and everyday life getting in the way it’s just
Inspiration
How to Make Dolls and Dolls Gear
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Got this today – released by the Women’s Weekly in November of 1972. Can you believe someone’s held onto it that long? Can’t write
Art & Craft
Daily Sketch 7? I’ve lost track :-)
Another doll sketch… I think I don’t have the patience for this sketching. it’s evident in the slack way I do my shading (witness the
Art & Craft
A Sketch a Day – Day 1
I have become increasingly frustrated with my artistic output lately and been wondering how I could become better at, and do more, art. I’ve been
Daily Sketch Day 1 Picture B
I did another one… based on some kind of asian ball jointed doll.{mxc}
Patterns
Pom Pom Rug
Today I picked up a bunch of craft cards, which were published by Riley McKay Pty Ltd in 1977, from one of the local op
Art & Craft
Digital Bird Illustration/Art at Redbubble
Now that the holidays are over I’ve finally found some time, between ferrying children about and debating the cost of services with my dentist, to
All’s well that ends well
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Neue Stick-Ideen – New Embroidery Ideas I spotted this book on eBay.de months ago, and as it was only about 1 euro I bid
I love ArtRage (probably part 2, I think I’ve mentioned it before!)
Sometimes all I want to do when I get home on Thursdays (my last work day for the week) is play with ArtRage and my
Softies for Mirabel Bought Two, Donated Two.
I didn’t think I’d have anything ready this year for the Softies for Mirabel cause run by the lovely Meet Me at Mikes, so I
It’s Guy’s birthday…
So I bought myself a book. Happy Birthday, Honey! This book is full of great pictures of all the different genres of wrapping paper (gift
Art & Craft
Frankenpose
She’s underway… will probably take longer to cook than a real live baby, but I’ve started my ‘from scratch’ pose doll. So I’m using the
Golden Healesville…
I scored big time in beautiful Healesville this past weekend. About half of the 98 weekly parts of Golden Hands craft encylcopedias from the 70s.
Patterns
Crochet Toilet Roll Covers – Doll
Crocheting a toilet roll cover with a doll in the centre is a quick and fun housewarming project for your vintage-loving friends. You probably can’t
Art & Craft
My biggest artwork so far…
I can’t find the cord to download pictures from my camera so here’s one from the archives. The design I did for our (ex) kindergarten’s
Dolls & Toys
Kamar Dolls – gimme gimme gimme!
I think I’m very much in love with the Kamar Dolls at the moment (these belong to Stadtkind) but they’re even more expensive than the
Finally cleaned out the op shop…
Good old Hazel Rothwell* was an avid crafter, delighting in the joys of cross stitch and embroidery, subscribing to the Golden Hands Series’ religiously, and
Dolls & Toys
Some progress is being made… but where’s the polyfill?
I’ve gone through my precious fabrics (those ones I love so much I can’t bear to cut) and chosen a few for this year’s Softies
Poodle Bottle Cover to make and cherish
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] This poodle bottle cover has lenticular eyes and the bottle sits in a chair. Crocheting bottle covers gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s when
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Terms of Service Thanks for visiting SuperMinx. When using the SuperMinx web site (the “Site”) and services (the “Services”), you agree to the terms and
Inspiration
Origami Fun Book
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Anyone remember this book? This is my husband’s copy, but I had it too as a child. It’s especially cool because inside there are examples
Lovely Pose Dolls from Melbourne…
So… I’m totally obsessed with pose dolls at the moment, and those japanese fairground dolls, made of felt with those big sparkly eyes. My mum
Art & Craft
SuperMinx at RedBubble
I (very excitedly) sold two t-shirts through RedBubble today (and just now a card too!). I was thrilled. I’d do the artwork anyway for fun
Art & Craft
Redbubble
I haven’t been completely not doing anything online (how very Charlie and Lola™). I did sign up to Redbubble to post some of my artwork
Art & Craft
We interrupt this break to bring you…
Some wallpaper for your computer. This image is in memory of Michael. Michael was a little boy at my boys’ school. He died last Saturday,
Art & Craft
Baby Friendly Boydie – Charity Auction
My first totally baby-friendly Boydie. No beanies, no feathers, no buttons. Cotton and Acrylic Plush. Made from a new and unused doona (duvet) cover. I’ve
Art & Craft
Granny Circles
I had plans to knit a baby blanket – not for any baby in particular, but just because I wanted to knit lots of different
Art & Craft
The First Boydie for Sale
This is my first Boydie for sale. He’s available at ETSY (I still haven’t found the time to fix my online shop!). He’s sporting a
Art & Craft
Limited Boydie Print
Whilst getting some other photos printed I made a couple of prints of Boydie and they are now available on Etsy . There’s only two
Art & Craft
Boydie: in paints, in fabric, inspiration
Boydie has had a lot of different incarnations over the years. From painting, to digital art, cushion covers to soft toys. A cute character inspired
Art & Craft
oh Scottie!
Another one for the kindergarten – it’s called “Oh Scotty” I’ve sent a few of my scans off to get test prints to see how
Patterns
Free sewing pattern for a bakers boy cap
Here is my free sewing pattern for a bakers boy cap. This is a a free sewing pattern for personal use for a bakers boy
Art & Craft
Free style cat embroidery
Today I spent some of my lazy Sunday doing some embroidery. It was only a partially lazy Sunday as I also did a ‘spill and
Art & Craft
Kindergarten Custard Slice
Another in the ‘cake’ series of pincushions for our kindergarten fundraiser. I’m going out shopping tomorrow to buy some more wool felt and crochet hooks