DIY Floor Cushion

Trials and tribulations of creating the perfect floor cushion Aka fabric scrap storage Disclaimer: you can choose to make this any size, with whatever fabric you choose. This is how I make mine, feel free to do you So you want to make a foot pouf. A fabric storage foot stool for your fabric scraps. Or maybe you have some old clothes/socks/undies/ gym clothes and fabric recycling is just not in the wheel house. Lets divert some textile waste from landfill. What you’ll need Sci

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A review of my recent pattern test. If you've ever thought to yourself, 'Damn, I'm in such a sewing rut', then you may need to start pattern testing. Not only do you have a designer holding you accountable for testing, but if they use the Discord App, you get to connect with other like minded sewists. Then there is the challenge of trying something new! If supporting a small business is your vibe, throw that hat in the ring! You get to provide valuable fit and design aspect

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November 2024 saw the release of Peppermint Magazines latest patterns. The Pasadena RaRa Skirt and the Valentine Ruffle top. Welcome...

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FEATURED POST

Floor Cushion anyone???

I had like, two people ask me for the instructions on how to make my floor cushion.

So of course I spent two days, sewing and writing.
Time worth spent, I’m learning, your learning.
And I teach beginner sewing for Lucy over @sonnyandscout .

So from me to you, a beginner friendly how to.

And today marks 5 months not drinking for me! And Day 25 of Me Made May.

I’m wearing my step uncles up-cycled boiler suit -be was a boiler maker??? Or maybe a fitter turner, either or, he was like here, you can have this. I’m like… ummmm…. Ok

I screen printed using my @ink.oranges kit and paired it today with @peppermintmagazine West End Jacket

Hi! I’m Jess.
Happy crafting

And just like that. Another week passes

Hi!
I’m Jess, I teach sewing, do a little nursing on the side, and enjoy making a huge goddam mess.

I also enjoy writing, and am getting into writing on my blog.

This week’s roundup!
@paulinealice_patterns - Turia Dungarees
@sewlike Squig skirt & Panini Pleated top
@sew.be fabric store extraordinary
@ink.oranges screen print kit
@hgdesignscrochet
@annaallenclothing Persephone shorts

Just asking for a friend

I love sitting on the floor, and these are so fun, and make storing my scraps and old rubbish clothes/ socks/ undies so easy.

Two do need repair, but also I need to make one more.

I’ve also had a couple people say they’d be keen to make one and did I have instructions??
Say no more.
I will write it up on my blog today.
Coz I’m old school like that

Many side quests went into this tidy up!

To manage my scraps, I could either
1. Put it in a zip Cole’s bag and store in the shed.
Or
2. Use some of said scraps to make a scrappy floor cushion

I went with the floor cushion… obviously.
I also decided to do one of the repair pile items.
Coz de-pilling is fun and I can???

Still some things to put away, but I’m happy with the progress

One crafters Con is another’s Pro.

For reals though, if you’re mega into whimsical tangents, check in on your loved ones. Living with a Crafty isn’t for the faint of heart.

Thrifted these pants, they’re like stone cream colour.. or whatever, but someone tried to get a stain out with bleach, leaving these very white patches near the crotch.

And these suckers are toight stretchy pants. But I’m a millennial, so this brings me comfort. Like sausage meat in a casing.

Perfect with chilli and cheese.

And I haven’t abandoned my upcycled blanket skirt, I just need my machine for the next part… and it’s in “room of doom” AKA my sew space. So last night I just couldn’t, so I pivoted to painting some pants.

Low key low risk Saturday night fun.

Micro-dosing Joy

Helps combat how hard it is to hold space for life and the everyday with the greater world events

Me made may for me is very fun, as a lot of my wardrobe is handmade, and you may be wondering why I have so many clothes??? And that because for me, my style changes day to day, and depending on what size I am.

Today I couldn’t stomach anything touching my stomach, so I went for oversized comfort.

And I terms of cost of my wardrobe, I wear mostly thrifted, handmade.
Purchased new..
Slippers- 5yrs old at least
Merry People Gumboots - close to 2 years old
Stockings- close to 2 years old
Socks… coz like duh

Cat fabric
Navy/white grid fabric for pants
Cotton flannel fabric

Pietra Pants pattern- over 3yrs ago
Issues of Peppermint Magazine
All well Cardigan Coat - over 4yrs ago
LB pullover - 5yrs ago at least

@paper_theory
@peppermintmagazine
@sewlike
@bbreath.designs
@theselvedgesociety
@closetcorepatterns
@allwellworkshop
@moodfabrics

I pattern test, choose free patterns and thrifted the rest.
Sewing and style don’t have to cost you all the dollar bucks if you don’t have/want.

Me Made May is a great reflection period, and I really want to add more long skirts to my wardrobe!!
And some more striking silhouettes.

#memademay2026

Congrats @sewlike

And welcome to the Suva Set!!

I was lucky to test again for Romy, and I can attest that this is a solid wardrobe addition, so much so, I made 3 pairs!

I love how when you’re sewing, the pattern is customisable. While Romy is looking towards summer, down under, we’re looking at winter. And whilst where I am is mild, I did turn to Suva set into long sleeve/leg for the coming chill!

And lucky for me, it’s chill on my weekend away
This set is made from a thrifted doona cover!

Love testing for you gorgeous lady, have a fab Mother’s Day!!

Micro dosing joy

And sewing is my most favourite hobby

@merchantandmills
@spotlightstores
@_diydaisy
@peppermintmagazine
@elliewhittakerstudio
@stylearc
@lincraft
@marimekkoaunz
@pappasvens
@paper_theory

Sewing should come with a warning!!

My drawer wouldn’t shut after I was rummaging.

So because it’s Me Made May, I thought I’d do a round-up of some clothes in my drawer.

That’s just one drawer!

My clothes micro-dose joy in my life.

You can fix it… can’t you mum???

Side quest unlocked

My makes for the month April!!

Phew.
Sewing and creating is my happy place

1. Vintage blouse in red, fabric from @sew.be for my step mum

2. Pattern test pj’s in a vintage sheet
3.pattern test pj’s in thrifted doona cover
4. Pattern test pj’s in thrifted fabric

5. Self drafted blouse with asymmetrical hem in thrifted sheet,
self drafted skirt in granny square fabric from @spotlightstores

6. @bbreath.designs Mei top in hand along denim jeans and granny square fabric
@peppermintmagazine modified acacia skirt in thrifted floor cushion cover

7. Thrifted vintage teatowel front for the Mei top!! It’s interchangeable

8. Mei top in pink fabric from a fabric destash

9. Upcycled repaired Kmart skirt! I rescued it!

Thanks @sewmuchtodesign

#mymakesforthemonth #mymakesapr26

Textile waste captured.

Old, dirty, stained, not donate-able kids clothes.
Socks, undies, ripped legging and old swimmers.

Caught in fabric scraps.

Winter wardrobe win!!

I love a jumper dress for being cozy, so when my nieces and I were thrifting some winter wardrobe pieces, I encouraged the same for them.

This number though, it needed some TLC!! And they wanted $8 for it 🫠. So I pointed out its faults and got it for $4.

That’s a whole nother debate right there. Either/or, it fits my niece well as a dress- we did try it on at the shop, and she felt comfy in it.

I also have the skill set to make it more fun for an primary aged kid.

Couple hours later and voila!👌

It’s a magical gift!!

Support small, female business!

I must confess.. I do buy my own Mother’s Day presents!!

I did a little led watercolour night, I thrifted a ‘Mother’ cup and saucer, AND I got myself some new @ink.oranges screen printing colour and paper!

I have the mini and regular frame, and have had them for a while. With the amount I craft they have handles all I’ve thrown at them.

This skirt was in the repair pile of the clothes I’ve been packing up now that the @thefullcirclecollectiveau has closed its doors.

I thought I should do one last hurrah project/ upcycle with my new screen print colours.

Patched those holes and changed the buttons.
I’m team sort myself 😏😝😚.

#mothersday❤️
#screenprint
#sustainblefashion
#upcycle

Trackpant ASMR???

I reckon they’ll be worth it.
Running an experiment at the moment- so Ive washed these pants and I want to see if they are easier to de-pill damp, or dry!

Coz like. I can.

Some days I need a pick me up to do my tasks.

I know, I know but the dopamine hit keeps me going.
The washing gets done, the groceries are sorted and I’ve found a few cute pieces for my family and some creative inspiration.

I don’t know if I could be a personal shopper, but it could be fun.
I heard this morning that Op-shops can be expensive. And they can. But part of the fun, is finding the gems.

Are you team fast fashion??

Fabric de-stash’s, thrift stores, hand along throw away clothes.

And every now and then, a few new pieces of fabric!

Hi, I’m Jess😚. And I love sewing and clothes.
I even teach sewing!! I adore working for Lucy who runs @sonnyandscout

I also pattern test!!! And it’s the best. Such a good way to try styles, and support independent designers.

@bbreath.designs has designed the cutest top!
So good I made 2.5 !!

Paired with a modified @peppermintmagazine Acacia skirt- which I’ve made like 5! So good.

I used a thrifted tea towel, a pair of my step aunts old work pants, a thrifted patchwork look floor cushion cover and my Mother’s Day fabric , this very fun granny square print from @spotlightstores ( I got to open it early!)

This is fast fashion to me, or should I say speedy home sewing over a 2week period.

😝

The smugness!! Hells yes.

I finished de-pilling this vest I thrifted. And yes… I did actually pay money for it.

I spent some time using a razor, then my handy re-chargeable lint shaver.

I don’t volunteer, but this audio and the smugness that comes from saying, ‘oh this, I thrifted it, or I up-cycled it… and the best “ I MADE IT “!!!!!

🌻 thrifted Just Jeans vest
🌻 thrifted vintage poly shirt- it was @bebe_lett grandmoms- I brought it when I first met Bianca!!!
🧵🪡 @peppermintmagazine Acacia Aline skirt, modified- made up in a thrifted floor Cushion cover
🥾 my new second hand boots!! (A very early bday present from Scott and the kids)

Girls gotta have hobbies.

Rescuing textiles is mine.
Also, I reckon this vest will be super cute!

I did actually buy this… but worse… someone donated this to charity!
🫣
But I can fix it!

Do you ask for discounts??

I do!!

I know, I know… it’s just, if an item is ripped or stained- I’m not paying full price.
So.. I do it. Then I take it home and fix it.

We scored at Vinnies, prices were fair, lots of good fit options, and no one got upset at our ruckus!

I love talking with the kids about thrifting, fixing, and how clothes make us feel. A couple of op-shops and a lakeside picnic is a fun low key school holiday activity.

I may have… just maybe, got a hit carried away this morning and sewn up a skirt!!
I made this @peppermintmagazine Acacia Aline skirt- without the front pocket, I added a patch pocket instead, from a thrifted floor cushion

Totally opshop aprops.
Paired with my new @bbreath.designs Mei top- that I’m pattern testing ATM!

My fav find- $4 heavy weight bull denim. Yikes!!

Is it really corruption???

Nah, but I do like to give them a different take on consumption, and I also talk about my over consumption, because sewing multiple clothes a week, is still consumption.

The skirt is a modified @peppermintmagazine acacia Aline skirt , made in a thrifted floor cushion cover

The top is the upcoming pattern from @bbreath.designs , whom I stoked to be testing for!
( I’ve also cut out sleeves for my next Mei top from this patchwork fabric, so it’ll be matchy!)
The pink food fabric I got from my first ever visit to a fabric Destash, in Mayfield Newcastle, where I met IRL @sonnyandscout whom I now work for!!!

Coz I teach sewing B**tches

Boots are thrifted Miss shop, and I feel ready to help the kids navigate clothes, vibes and what makes them feel real and seen!

Wish me luck!

Pattern test success!!

This is my wearable toile for @bbreath.designs upcoming pattern!!

I have another in the works and I can’t wait!!

My normal.

Always a good conversation starter!

My nieces place good old Netty, got to support.

Wearing my new self drafted top- my entry into the #sewaprilblouse26 event! Made up in a thrifted sheet paired with the @peppermintmagazine Acacia Aline skirt in thrifted cord.

Paired with my… thrifted boots!
Working on upcycling… you guessed it- a pair of thrifted shoes! I’m almost finished 1.

Wherever the day finds you, bring some craft.

I dream of fabric and possibilities

Yesterday I knew I needed to design a blouse.
I wanted curves like mine, asymmetrical lines, because my body is not even.

I wanted to create, and I had the time and power to do this.
A thrifted olive green bed sheet was my palette, to co-ordinate with this Granny Square printed cotton drill from @spotlightstores - my Mother’s Day Present, received a bit early.

I love making, it brings me joy.
Worn with thrifted shoes, and socks I dyed. For my riches lie in having time, not money.

This blouse is my entry into the Sew April Blouse 2026 contest hosted by @cloth_edit and @sewn_on_the_tyne

#sewaprilblouse26
#upcycle

It’s April!

Which means @cloth_edit and @sewn_on_the_tyne are running their annual Sew a Blouse in April!!

I woke up yesterday and designed a blouse to enter.
Finishing at just after 11pm!
I’m in Newcastle, Australia!

I made this from a Thrifted sheet, thrifted buttons, for some self drafted goodness.

🎈Worn today with a self drafted skirt - hot off the machine this Morning - in fabric from @spotlightstores - a light to medium weight cotton drill

🌸 thrifted shoes
🌻 socks I dyed in a recent dye bath

#sewaprilblouse26

Upcycling tip: Give. It. A. Go.

Change up the collar, add a contrast, play with length.

Stoked to have found some fun fabric scrap and shirt that match in the one op shop!

Thrifted upcycled for the change in weather. Worn today with my @peppermintmagazine Fern Pleated Pants made out of a thrifted sheet I dyed.

If you want to listen to me talk about sewing- I’m on a @renewyliving podcast episode
“Sewing your own clothes: The power of Yet”

Why you learn to sew.

@scottbutcher80 dry felted the Rabbit for Bae, it’ll be his entry into the Newcastle Show next year!!

So Bae loves the bunny very much, coz her Dad made it, so of course it needed a dress!
Enter her Mumma!

This is such a good scrap bust project, I find when making anything so tiny, lining is a neat way to finish/ and it also makes it reversible!

Little tiny soft toys in tiny clothes. Makes my heart happy.

Sneak peek for the upcoming pattern from @sewlike

And it’s killer.

It can feel hard to celebrate with current world events

I spent my “Easter” Friday connecting with friends, crafting and making food together.

Chats, crafts and tunes. The sharing of food.

It may be Autumn but the day turned up with warmth and sunshine, the kids ran around and we celebrated the joy that comes from friendship.

Thankyou to @staceypartykc , @pegsandtakk and @leannecunno for the craft and connect.

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DIY Floor Cushion

Trials and tribulations of creating the perfect floor cushion Aka fabric scrap storage Disclaimer: you can choose to make this any size, with whatever fabric you choose. This is how I make mine, feel free to do you So you want to make a foot pouf. A fabric storage foot stool for your fabric scraps. Or maybe you have some old clothes/socks/undies/ gym clothes and fabric recycling is just not in the wheel house. Lets divert some textile waste from landfill. What you’ll need Sci

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ABOUT ME

female sewist, hand made wardrobe, upcycled, thrifted, fabric, holding a cake

I'm Jess, and I love sewing.

I'm from Newcastle, Australia.

Sewing is a space in which I feel a sense of calm.

Sewing is my creative space, my outlet.

Often, I find my head bursting and swirling with fabrics, patterns, clothes, thoughts.

This is my space for articulating, to create connection, provide encouragement.

A space for learning, for making mistakes, these are my thoughts, my processes and my challenges.

FOLLOW ME
@madebymejessieb

SUBSCRIBE

Make of the Month: May

puff paint, cats, hand made, drawing, cat, sprinkles, upcycled, sewing

This is my Pick for make of the Month : May.

I used a thrifted medium weight stable knit in cream to create a twin set masterpiece. The piece of thrifted fabric cost $5, and was big enough to make a pair of Tula Pants and an LB pullover. I then created a kitty drawing using water proof fine tip pen. i covered the whole thing in sprinkles... AKA puff paint, or 3D paint pens from Spotlight.

Contact

DIY Floor Cushion

B. Breath Designs Mei Top

Peppermint Magazine Pasadena RaRa Skirt & Valentine Ruffle Top.

FEATURED POST

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Follow us on Instagram

Never Miss a New Post.

Recent Blog Post

DIY Floor Cushion

B. Breath Designs Mei Top

Peppermint Magazine Pasadena RaRa Skirt & Valentine Ruffle Top.

Panini Pleated Shirt by SewLike AKA Romy-Crystal AKA SewLikeShop.

Juno Dress by Spaghetti Western Sewing

New Pattern Release: @sewlike Day Shift Dress. A review.

Introducing The Tansey Top: Peppermint Magazines latest sewing pattern.

ABOUT ME

FOLLOW ME @madebymejessieb

SUBSCRIBE

Make of the Month: May

FOLLOW ME
@madebymejessieb