Modern Retro Textiles

Feb Colette Patterns Competition

2010-03-04T18:35:00.000-08:00

We have a winner! Congratualtions to Bec, please email me about which pattern you would like. The Sencha Blouse will be back in stock very soon. Thanks, Sam

Our first year opening Amy Butler SALE

2010-02-25T01:41:00.000-08:00

Modern Retro Textiles has now been open for 1 year and so its time for a SALE. All Amy Butler fabric will be $20 per metre and all all Amy Butler patterns $20 each until the end Feb 2010 - take a look!

February Competition: Colette Sewing Pattern

2010-02-01T15:23:00.000-08:00

The new range of Colette patterns are gorgeous - and they come with detailed instructions and pictures in a cute little booklet. Each pattern has a skill level too. To enter, just leave a message on this posting to win a Colette pattern of your choice.

January Competition Winner

2010-02-01T15:20:00.001-08:00

Congratulations to Merrilyn Wallis who won our January 'Prints Charming' competition. You win your choice of 3 fabric panels from this collection.

Colette Patterns - new range has arrived.

2010-01-18T12:52:00.001-08:00

The new range of Colette Patterns for funky women's clothes are now in store. All patterns are priced between $18.95 - $23.95. Keep an eye out for our February giveaway / post of one of these patterns (check back so you can leave a message to enter).

January SALE

2010-01-10T17:42:00.001-08:00

Check out our January SALE:
All Make it Perfect sewing patterns $15.
Selected Melly and Me softies and bag patterns $15.
Patterns by Figgy's $15.

All Nani Iro Japanese fabric and pattern books 20% off in sale section or 30% off in clearance section.

January Giveaway, Prints Charming Panels

2010-01-04T18:09:00.000-08:00

Our January give away is a 3 pack of Prints Charming fabric panels, of your choice, from their new range, now in store. To enter, just join our mailing list. Everyone already on the mailing list is automatically entered. To join, send us an email with your email and postal address (we occasionally send our newsletter by post). Winner drawn at the end of the month and notified by email.

Panels on sale now with a special buy 3 get one free.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2009-12-30T19:39:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone who visits Modern Retro Textiles. Thanks for your patronage in our first year of business. We remain open for business over the 'silly season' but may be a bit slower to post your purchases (please allow a couple of business days after you payment has been received). Keep an eye out for our January SALE coming soon!

Prints Charming hand printed fabric panels

2009-12-17T18:44:00.001-08:00

'Prints Charming' Hand Printed cotton fabric panels are now in store for $15 each. SPECIAL: buy 3 panels and get 1 free! They come in 3 gorgeous colours: aqua, coral and citron. Designed and made in NSW Australia.

Little Bird Patterns back in stock

2009-12-16T19:32:00.000-08:00

Little Bird Patterns are a collection of children and women's clothes designed by two Brissy mums. They are great for beginners and can be sewn up in no time. I made the skirt below from the Tweeny Skirt Pattern and Sandi Henderson's new 'Meadowsweet' fabric, in store for $22 per metre. The frilly dilly bloomers, mini fling, summer fling and madison skirt will be loaded in store shortly.

Fabulous creations from our fabric, for sale!

2009-12-14T13:56:00.000-08:00

Alicia from Missus Moonshine has made some fabulous children's clothes from Saffron Craig and Cloud 9 (100% certified organic cotton) fabrics. You can buy these gorgeous items and more from her etsy store .

10 FQ Meadowsweet Competition Winner

2009-12-13T12:13:00.000-08:00

Of several hundred entries from our mailing list, the winner is Angela of Leichhardt in NSW! Congratulations!! Stay tuned for regular giveaways / competitions for people on the mailing list to win new products. Merry Christmas!!

New products in store: patterns, patterns and more patterns!

2009-12-08T14:24:00.000-08:00

Some great new patterns have arrived in store over the last few weeks, take a took:

By Sew Fun from the US, the brainy baby ball ($11) and grab n go diaper clutch ($15)

The Valorie Wells 'Little Wallet' sewing card ($7) and a new softie by Fig Tree Threads, Stanley the fish ($11)

Reduced price! Sandi Henderson and Patty Young

2009-12-08T14:15:00.000-08:00

The Sandi Henderson 'Meadowsweet' and Patty Young 'Flora and Fauna' ranges have been reduced to $22 per metre to ensure we are competitive. Have a look in store!

Congratulations: Christmas giveaway

2009-12-07T12:34:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Sharon (stitches on mars) you win the 4 Christmas Patterns (yours was the second comment). Thanks to all for entering. There is still time to win the Sandi Henderson 'Meadowsweet' 10 FQ pack - join our mailing list to enter (by the 13th of December)!

December Newsletter and Voucher

2009-12-01T13:15:00.000-08:00

The Modern Retro Textiles December newsletter went out yesterday and included a discount voucher for the week. If you have not received it, please forward me your email address. Hurry, voucher ends on 7 December 09.

Christmas GIVE AWAY

2009-11-25T13:12:00.001-08:00

At the recent Australian Quilt Market I was lucky enough to win a stack of patterns (more give aways soon)! If you would like to go into the random draw to win these 4 Christmas patterns, just leave a comment on this post to go in the draw. Giveaway closes 6th of December to post for Christmas. Don't forget my 10 FQ Sandi Henderson 'Meadowsweet' give away (see below blog entry), just join our mailing list to enter.

NEW Sandi Henderson 'Meadowsweet' GIVEAWAY

2009-11-23T15:09:00.001-08:00

Sandi Henderson's new fabric range 'Meadowsweet' has just been released in Australia (before America!?!). We have 10 bolts from the range in store and will have a giveaway to celebrate. Join our mailing list by Sunday 13th of December to win 10 fat quarters from the new range. The winner will be randomly selected on Tuesday the 15th of December to be sent out in time for Christmas. All customers already on the mailing list will be automatically entered in the draw.

To join the mailing list email me your name, postal address and email address - we do occassionally send our newsletter by post.

Cloud 9 certified organic fabric now in store

2009-11-20T11:56:00.001-08:00

'My happy garden' is a debut certified organic quilting collection manufactured by cloud 9. It is now in stock at modern retro textiles for just $23 per metre (0.25m minimum purchase).

Cloud 9 Fabrics is passionate about bringing eco-sensible fabrics to the quilt and craft market. Co-founders Michelle Engel Bencsko and Gina Pantastico recognized the need for contemporary designs in the eco-friendly, affordable fabric marketplace. My Happy Garden offers a certified organic cotton fabric collection with gender-neutral selection of sweet prints, perfect for babies, toddlers, and yes, even grown-ups who want to express a more whimsical side. Perfect for clothing, toys, crafts, quilting and decorating, they hope that My Happy Garden brings to mind the delightful things on our beautiful planet, and comforts you by providing a healthier fabric alternative.

Shimi: women's and children's tee-shirts

2009-10-18T20:09:00.000-07:00

Some time ago, Jennie from Shimi, a regular modern retro textiles customer, introduced me to her wonderful tee-shirts embellished with the fabric she buys. The good new is you buy them too, in her online store. These photos are taken from her fabulous website, have a look! Time to start Christmas shopping...

Amy Butler's new 'Love' collection in store

2009-10-15T23:27:00.000-07:00

The new Amy Butler quilting and fashion weight fabric 'love' range has just arrived in store and it is gorgeous!! The pictures below are straight from the Amy Butler website, take a look at her site for more great inspiration. Stay tuned for her new patterns...

SALE continues: all Japanese products 10 - 20% off

2009-10-12T17:26:00.000-07:00

Everything Japanese is now on sale, including the sewing tapes and Nani Iro Japanese sewing books (colorful cloth and soft gauze) just added. Sale will progressively end from next week until the end of October.

Japanese sale conitnues!

2009-09-27T14:39:00.000-07:00

All Nani Iro fabric on sale at 10% - 20% off. Far Far Away also on remains sale!

Everything Japanese On SALE for the next month

2009-09-20T16:30:00.000-07:00

Modern Retro Textiles is having a progressive Japanese SALE until the end of October 2009, for school holidays. New products will be added each week, while others will be removed. Keep checking back in our sale section!

This week: 15% off Heather Ross 'Far Far Away' and 20% off Nani Iro cotton jersey.

Heather Ross, Far Far Away has arrived

2009-09-07T22:31:00.000-07:00

Heather Ross has created a special collection for Kokka, printed on double gauze in Japan and it is gorgeous. Although it has not all arrived yet , I have 9 rolls of lovely prints including unicorns, snails and flowers. It will be loaded into the store over the next few days...

Pictures from Heather Ross journal.

Tula Pink Hushabye range

2009-08-31T18:00:00.000-07:00

The new Tula Pink Hushabye range for Moda has arrived in store and it is so cute. There are ducks and bunny's and circus dots and drops. I have already made a simple baby quilt for our dear friends new arrival, Phoebe Matilda.

And the winners are..

2009-08-31T17:55:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Tanya from VIC and Tracey from NSW for sending in your photos. You both win a sewing pattern of your choice from modern retro textiles! Keep sending in you photos. Thanks, Sam

Kristen Doran Matryoshka Dolls Craft Panel

2009-08-30T20:41:00.000-07:00

While reading the latest addition of mixtape, Amelia (3) spied some matryoshka dolls and requested we have them immediately. Fortunately I have Kristen Doran's screen printed craft panels (43cm x 36cm) in store and I became an instant hero since they are so easy and quick to sew up.

I had to laugh the following day when I realised my sewing area had been taken over by Lego, the joys of children!

If you haven't yet seen mixtape head over to their blog for more info, it is a great sewing / crafting / handmade Australian magazine with an environmental edge.

We have a new look at modern retro textiles!

2009-08-19T19:57:00.001-07:00

We have a new look at modern retro textiles! Just like clothes and fabric, its nice to freshen up! Thanks to Simon Telfer at moter design for re-designing our web header. Leave a message and tell us what you think, we'd love to hear from you.

To celebrate we are offering a special discount: 10% off orders over $30. Just use this code during checkout: blog10 (you will be prompted for the code when you go to the 'secure checkout' through globecharge). Discount ends 3 September 2009.

Another great customer project!

2009-08-15T22:25:00.000-07:00

Tracey from NSW has emailed pictures of Phoebe the Melly & Me elephant using Amy Butlers daisy chain. Thanks Tracey they look wonderful!

This cute little elephant is very popular - another of our customers (Marie) used calico for part of the elephant and gave it as a christening gift, which friends could sign on the day. Phoebe and daisy chain are available in store.

And one for the girls:

Inspiring Customer Projects!

2009-08-15T22:14:00.000-07:00

In answer to our August competition, Tanya from VIC sent the following great photos:

She used a reversible bag a pattern by Rosalie Quinlan and embroidery pattern from the Melly & Me feathered friends bag. The fabric is by Moda, Urban Chiks, Swell. How clever!

She also created a grocery bag dispenser using Amy Butler Midwest Modern 2 fabric and a free pattern from the Moda Bakeshop. You can subscribe to their feeds for updates. Perfect for tidying the kitchen!

Thanks Tanya

Competition: Send photos of your creations

2009-08-15T22:05:00.000-07:00

Modern Retro Textiles has been open for business for 5 months— and we need photos of creations made from our products, to inspire visitors to our blog.

Email your photos to us with permission to include them on our blog, and you go in the draw to win any sewing pattern of your choice, from our store. Competition ends the end of August when the winner will be announced on our blog.

Join our newsletter for updates on competitions, sales, discount vouchers and new products arriving. Although usually sent by email, the August newsletter was sent via regular post, with a small fabric sample. To join, just email us your name, email and address details.

The Polka Dot Swap!!

2009-08-06T04:37:00.000-07:00

There are so many things happening in the world of blogs, I decided it was time to get involved and I entered a polka dot swap. The swap brief simple: something handmade with polka dots, fabric with polka dots, something extra with polka dots. It was so nice to receive something made for me, I can recommend these 'swaps'!

My package arrived and what a lovely surprise! My partner, Glenda, is quite the clever sewer and made me this lovely bag, sent with many other cute things (some of which are now in use!!). The bag is lined with polka dots and has a cute polka dot bow on the front.
A big thanks for your lovely gift.

I made Glenda an Amy Butler swing bag with fresh poppies, Midwest modern 1, lined with tiny polka dots and a swell FQ pack and polka dot ribbon. The swing bag is a great bag to make especially for beginners (fabric and pattern available in store, picture taken on background of Nani Iro double gauze pocho dots, 2008 fabric).

Thanks Glenda!!

Just arrived Modern Vintage inspired Colette Patterns

2009-07-22T15:08:00.000-07:00

Colette Patterns, designed by Sarai Mitnick have just arrived in store.

From her website: These patterns are designed to be made into clothes that you will love forever. They are timeless, beautiful designs that can be made in a variety of fabrics to suit the season. They are wearable, practical, and pretty and easy to use.

Colette Patterns come with full instructions, and are available in sizes 0 to 18. A lover of vintage styles and beautiful detail, Sarai Mitnick has been sewing clothing for 12 years. Finding a dearth of modern sewing patterns for design-oriented sewers, Sarai developed Colette Patterns to help others create their own signature clothing.

Colette Patterns’ mission is to help you create clothing that feels both beautiful and personal. While it’s all too easy to find cheap, cute, disposable clothing meant to be worn for weeks or months and then discarded, making your own clothing is an entirely different experience. It’s something cherished, something chosen, something entirely you.

These patterns are designed to be made into clothes that you will love forever. They are timeless, beautiful designs that can be made in a variety of fabrics to suit the season. They are wearable, practical, and pretty. Visit her personal blog, Sweet Sassafras, for more.

Sale!! 20% off selected patterns and free pattern with Kristen Doran fabric

2009-07-20T02:38:00.001-07:00

The school holidays are at an end and its time to get sewing again! Check out the store for 20% off selected patterns by one red robin, make it perfect, heather bailey, grand revival and more.

We also have a special offer with the newly released 'peacock garden' screen printed fabric by Australian designer, Kristen Doran. One free Kristen Doran pattern of your choice when you purchase 1 metre or more of this gorgeous fabric!

2009-07-14T22:24:00.000-07:00

I saw a great exhibition in Adelaide over the weekend, showing gorgeous works of art with various textiles, using techniqies including quilting, crochet and felting. 'A common thread' show cases works by Margie Goodluck, Bridgette Minuzzo and Claire Richards at Prospect Gallery & Art Studio until the 26th of July. My favourite is the piece with the butterfly (a small section in picture on right) by Bridgette who has screen printed the butterfly onto retro fabric and then quilted the butterfly section onto canvas - how clever! The image on the left is 'Malochite' crochet cotton (Claire) and the middle 'Red Poppy' marino wool/ pure silk ceramic brooch (Margie). If you are in Adelaide, check it out.

New Amy Butler Patterns and Software

2009-07-09T18:00:00.000-07:00

The two new Amy Butler Patterns, field day tote and mini dress are now in store. Amy Butlers amazing software has also arrived.

Its A Polka Dot Swap!

2009-07-03T18:04:00.000-07:00

I decided to join the fun over at Polka Dot Daze and sign up for their 'Polka Dot Swap'. My partner is Glenda from Tulip Rose Quilt Shoppe and so I of course first checked out her blog. What luck! She appears to know much more about sewing than me. I am in the process of making her item with polka dots but can't mention it because she looks at my blog too! Stay tuned for a picture of my creation... I'm pretty excited to see what Glenda comes up with!

Zakka Japanese sewing tape

2009-07-03T17:37:00.000-07:00

Isn't this the cutest sewing tape! It arrived in store this week, straight from Japan (trefle, Kokka). I got the original idea from the purl soho (an American online fabric store) blog, purl bee, as they had a post showing how to make simple easy tea towels using Nani Iro double gauze and the sewing tape, see their tutorial: purl bee. Then I just had to make them myself, so I ordered in Nani Iro double gauze and the tape (in store now). I hope to get around to making them soon!

Amy Butler Fabric Sale

2009-06-17T17:18:00.000-07:00

Amy Butler fabric $20AU per metre, stocks are reducing fast!

Sale ends June 30 2009 at 12 noon, or before hand if stocks run out!!

Nani Iro 2009 has arrived in store!

2009-06-10T15:17:00.000-07:00

Naomi Ito is a Japanese designer for Kokka fabrics. Her 2009 Nani Iro collection is this just as lovely as the last. Each piece is like a gorgeous work of art on fabric. We also have more of the 2009 collection in further colour-ways on back order, stay tuned. The designer collection includes:

* Cotton jersey (stretch): wonderful for all clothing, particularly children’s and from which Nani Iro has produced stunning quilts (see links on website).

* * Cotton linen mix: slightly heavier and suitable for the same purposes plus projects needing a heavier fabric,

Double gauze cotton: much lighter than usual quilting fabric, but suitable for bags, clothes, quilting, kimono's, breathes well in heat / humidity, I have also seen this made into tea towels embellished with tape / ribbon;

Unfortunately the popular 2008 fuccra has been discontinued and I will not have any more in store aside from the limited quantities left.

Take a look in store at www.modernretrotextiles.com.au

Easy Baby Quilts, for the twins

2009-06-09T15:31:00.000-07:00

A big congratulations to our friends who have just had their 2nd and 3rd children - twins. I made these easy quilts for little Hamish and William and can't wait to hand them over. They were so easy - one piece of cotton fabric (I choose Amy Butler) backed with bamboo/cotton fleece. I just sewed them together in a square, leaving an opening for turning, turned and ironed and top sewed around the entire edge closing the gap, then sewed a rectangle in the middle to keep the two layers together.

A test run in my little Sophie's cot!

Cute hey! I am thinking of buying a roll of this bamboo fleece for my store http://www.modernretrotextiles.com.au/ , although it is expensive: it would sell for $44 per metre (100% bamboo) or $33 per metre (50% bamboo / 50% cotton) all 114cm wide - let me know if you would be interested in it. I'm just finishing off some handmade fabric cards with vintage children's pictures - will post soon!

Sale! Sale! Sale! To celebrate blog opening...

2009-06-08T03:19:00.000-07:00

All Amy Butler fabric is on sale for $20 per metre, to celebrate our blog opening. Sale will continue for most of June 2009, or until stock runs out. Be quick. We are making way for new stock arriving soon. Go to the sale section of our website: http://www.modernretrotextiles.com.au/ .

Welcome to Modern Retro Textiles first blog!!

2009-06-05T23:01:00.000-07:00

After much thought, consideration and prompting our blog is finally here... Here we will post any new arrivals to our web store: http://www.modernretrotextiles.com.au/ - selling contemporary fabric and patterns with retro flair!! Also what is happening here in our little household - sewing, craft, kids stuff and perhaps the odd favourite recipes. Plus anything else interesting we stumble upon on the net. Come in, look around and leave a comment, we'd love to have you. Send in photos of what you have created for us to post for inspiration to others. Thanks for visiting, Sam.