BIG NEWS: For My Little Monster is becoming Emkie Designs

Hi Everyone

At the end of last year I hinted to the fact that I had some really big news to share with you all...well the time has finally come to share it :)

I'm re-branding!



Why am re-branding?

For a long while now I have felt that "For My Little Monster" doesn't really fit anymore, I feel like I have out grown the name. I chose the name "For My Little Monster" around 5 years ago, and at the time I was sewing mainly toys and selling these toys to my customers, so at the time that that name suited me.

A small sampling of what I used to sew to sell...

Top image: my monsters (which I designed myself in 2011); 

Bottom image: my playhouse (made using a self drafted pattern).

Now however, I don't really sew toys and I don't sell any sewn goods to customers either. I only really sew for my family and friends and the majority of what I sew these days are handbags.

What I actually do now is design handbags and I write sewing patterns for these handbags (which I sell here), this has only added to the feeling that my old name doesn't really fit anymore, as the majority of my patterns are aimed at adults not children.

So, from today, the name of my pattern business and blog will be changing to "Emkie Designs".
(This change will also effect my domain name ;D )

You will still be able to find all my patterns for purchase here, and all future patterns will be released under my new name...Emkie Designs!

Why did I pick the name Emkie Designs (pronounced: Em-Key)?

I came up with a number of names that were great, but most of them made me feel like they pigeon holed me, and I wanted a name I could grow and develop with!

But "Why Emkie?" I hear you say!?!

All because of my mum really ;) Since I was a little girl she has called me Emkie, I feel like it represents my past and my future and am really excited about this change :)

I hope you like what you find here...why don't you have a look at my new About Page to find out more about me and what you will find on my blog from here on out?
I am still working on things, so the blog will continue to change over the coming months, and I look forward to sharing some new patterns with you very soon :)

You can find my patterns in my shops here: Etsy, and Craftsy.

I also have a free bag pattern, The Reunion Clutch - so feel free to download it from Craftsy so you can check out my pattern writing style!

If you want stay in contact with me, hear all my news (including, but not limited to...information about upcoming pattern releases, other news, discount codes, tutorial links and information about sew-alongs and competitions) please sign up to my newsletter.  

Also I would love to hear from you on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter :)

PLEASE NOTE: No more posts will appear on For My Little Monster...If you would like to continue to follow me, you will need to come over and visit me at www.emkiedesigns.com :)

Happy sewing :)

Emma

Pantone 2016 Colours of the Year Inspiration For Bag Makers

Hi Everyone!

Pantone just announced its 2016 Colours of the Year, and it's the first time ever that there are two: Rose Quartz and Serenity Blue!   Since this announcement,  I have seen a lot of people are not really happy with the Pantone colours for 2016 on social media. I however am really happy with them - Pink and Blue are some of my favourite colours and colour combinations! I want you all to see the positive side of these colours too...so I'm going to share some bag inspiration with you all, and I hope by the end of this post, you are loving these colours just like me :)

So what is all the fuss about?  These are the colours, they are named "Rose Quartz" and "Serenity Blue"...

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What do you think of them?  Are you on the fence?  Not for much longer...have a look at these!

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Obviously this bag is not handmade, I mean it's a "Valentino" ;) but I think you could make a great handmade version of this bag using this Chris W Designs pattern that would help you replicate this fabulously pretty bag!

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Look at these beautiful vintage style bags that I found, to me they look just like Swoon Sewing Patterns 'Donna'*...what do you think?

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Now who doesn't love a saddle bag?!  Again, this particular bag isn't handmade...but you could easily make it with I Think Sew's Lacey Bag or Swoon Sewing Patterns 'Sandra'* :)

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This beautiful satchel bag is almost a perfect match to Mrs H's Satchel bag pattern, should you want to make one yourself....the similarities are almost uncanny ;)

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This is a really pretty one that I found...and with a few small adjustments to Emmaline Bags Totes-ma-tote pattern you could have a similar bag to use when you go out to coffee with your friends ;)

But these bags were all made with leather/vinyl and I prefer to make bags using cottons...never fear my friends!  Here are some great fabrics I have to show you, that will help you make your bags in this years colours :)

Kate Spain's ranges Canyon and Aria are just perfect...see...

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Now if your a Tula Pink lover...the "Sorbet" colours in her "Bumble" fabric range are a perfect match for Rose quartz!

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I know some of Tula's ranges are hard to get...but I happen to know Clair's Fabrics has some of this range!  If you are a fan of Tula's other ranges, this print from "Elizabeth" is worth a look as is this print from "Eden"  and this one and this one...they all use Serenity Blue AND Rose quartz too.

Katarina Roccella's Range Skopelos has a couple of great prints that work for Serenity Blue AND Rose quartz...

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Have a look at Paparounes Pastel, Kladi under Light, Greeka Roz and Ble just to name a few (there are more that work as Serenity Blue and Rose quartz from this range too!)

Now if your not satisfied with these?  Have a look at these prints I've found that work too!

Top row (L-R): 1, 2, 3

Middle Row (L-R): 1, 2, 3

Bottom row (L-R): 1, 2, 3

So did it work?  Are you a convert?  Don't you just love these colours!   I'm really looking forward to seeing how you might incorporate these colours into your bag making in 2016 :)

Now, this will be my last post for the year :(   I know sad right!
...BUT, I have some super exciting news coming for you all in the new year and I have had such trouble keeping the secret from you all, with only a few more weeks to wait  I think I'll be alright now ;D

I hope you all have a great holiday period, happy sewing!
Emma

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Run & Play Bag Sew-Along Winners!

Hi everyone, By now you will have heard about my new pattern the Run & Play Bag, and hopefully you seen my recent posts about the sew-along we have been having! I'm here today to announce the winners of the sew-along!  Rachel and I would like to thank everyone who joined in, we really appriciated :) If you didn't manage to finish your Run & Play Bag in time to enter, please still post a picture of it on facebook (in our group or to my page) or on Instagram (#runandplaybag) when you are done - we would love to see it! On to the winners...drum roll please.... 1st. Janet 2nd. Maria 3rd. Lindsey Congratulations Ladies! Please email me at emma@formylittlemonster.com to claim your prizes :D Happy Sewing! Emma

Post Round Up for The Run & Play Bag Sew-Along

Hi everyone :)

Photo Credit

Here is a lst of the sew along posts:
- info 1
- info 2
- day 1
- day 2
- day 3
- day 4
- also you might find this tutorial I wrote for Mrs H on how to add some EPP to your flap useful during day 4 too :)
- day 5

Are you joining in?  Here are some great progress shots of people who are working on their Run & Play Bags...

Maria's bag is taking shape :)

Lindsey is also working on her bag...

it looks really cute from this sneak peek!

We would love to see your sneak peeks so please share them either in the Facebook group or on Instagram with the tag #runandplaybagsal :)

Remember entries for the prizes are due by 30th November 2015 
To enter just add the photos of your finished bag to the sew along album or use #runandplaybagentry on Instagram - yep so easy!

Janet was the 1st person to finish her Run & Play Bag and enter it into the competition, 

so she is definitely in the running to win one of our wonderful prize packs ;)

Have you forgotten what the prize packs include? If so, here they are again for you to peruse...

There is still time for you to join in the sew along as this pattern is a really quick sew!  So, if you want to be in it to win it...don't forget the discount code when purchasing your pattern...

Etsy shop

Happy sewing everyone :D

Emma

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The Run & Play Bag Sew Along Continues...

Hi everyone :)

I hope your having a better week than me, I have some sick little boys in this house - so I am one tired mummy at the moment ;)

For those that are joining in the sew along is love to hear how your going? Maybe even see some little sneak peeks if you want to share them ;) (#runandplaybagsal)

Photo Credit

In case you have missed some of the sew along posts here are all the details:
- info 1
- info 2
- day 1
- day 2
- day 3
- day 4
- also you might find this tutorial I wrote for Mrs H on how to add some EPP to your flap uesful during day 4 too :)

Remember entries for the prizes are due by 30th November - you have to be in it to win it ;)

To enter just add the photos of your finished bag to the sew along album or use #runandplaybagentry on Instagram - yep that easy!

Oh and don't forget the discount code for your pattern...

Etsy shop

Happy sewing everyone :D

Emma

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Are you ready for the Run & Play Bag Sew-Along??

Hi Everyone :)

Are you joining coming to join in the Run & Play Sew-Along? We are all choosing our fabric and gathering our supplies...we would love it if you wanted to come and join us.

You can grab your pattern here:, and remember to use the code "RUNANDPLAYSAL" to get 25% off yoru pattern too :)

The actual posts for the sew-along are starting on Monday, so there is still time to come and join us!

I personally can not wait to see all the lovely creations and don’t forget the awesome prize packs we have to give away - all entries must be submitted by November 30th.  For details on how to enter see here.

I have attached some pictures of the Run & Play Bags my testers made - aren't they all lovely :D

Have a great weekend everyone!
Emma

The Run & Play Bag Sew-A-Long is coming!

Hi Everyone :)

If you follow me on other social media you may have noticed that we (Rachel and I) are running a Sew-a-long for the Run & Play Bag!

Please come and join us in my facebook group to find out more about this great sew-a-long and how you can be in the running to win some fabulous prizes from out sponsors...

Sponsors include:

Handbag Hardware Australia; Clairs Fabrics; Clobird Designs; Sew Sweetness; Little Moo Designs; Two Pretty Poppets; Ladybugs & Daisychains; Clover & Violet; RLR Creations; Lorelei Jayne Handmade, and For My Little Monster.

The Run & Play Bag PDF Pattern can be purchased from here, please use the code "RUNANDPLAYSAL" at the checkout for 25% off :)

Now for the other necessities...
The Run & Play Bag Sew-A-Long Terms and Conditions.

The Run & Play Bag Sew-A-Long competition is a game of skill. All Run & Play Bags entered into this competition will be judged on the following criteria:
- You must have used the Run & Play Bag PDF pattern written by Emma Wengier of For My Little Monster to have created your bag.
- Your Run & Play Bag will be judged on creativity and ingenuity. It must also be visually appealing - think about interesting fabric combinations, embellishments, or anything else that will make your Run & Play Bag really stand out from the crowd.
- Your Run & Play Bag must be complete.
- Entry into the Competition is deemed acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.

If you would like to enter this competition your Run & Play Bag must have been made between November 9th and November 30th 2015 (AEDST). You must own a copy of The Run & Play Bag PDF pattern written by Emma Wengier of For My Little Monster. The pattern can be purchased here on Etsy.

You will need to take a photo of your finished Run & Play Bag to enter this competition. You can add your entry to the competition in 2 ways:
1. On Instagram, use the hashtag #runandplaybagsalentry
2. On Facebook, add your photo to the "Run & Play Bag Sew-A-Long" photo album in this group.

You can enter as many times as you like (one finished bag = one competition entry). Final entries must be received by 11:59pm 30th November AEDST. This competition is open to both Australian residents and International residents and is in no way affiliated with Instagram or Facebook.

Entries not completed in accordance with these Terms and Conditions or received after the closing date will not be considered. The judge’s decision in relation to any aspect of the competition is final and binding on every person who enters. No correspondence will be entered into.

The prizes:

Prize 1 - Hardware pack from Handbag Hardware Australia (including: 46cm of by Annies Soft and Stable, 1 x 18mm magnetic snap, 1 x 1.5" rectangular ring and 1 x 1.5" tri-slide); Fabric bundle from Clairs Fabrics (including: The pictured fat quarter bundle from Sharon Holland, that is part of her Sketchbook range for Art Gallery Fabrics); 1 x Chosen PDF pattern from each of the following designers catalogues: Clobird Designs, Sew Sweetness, Little Moo Designs, and For My Little Monster.

Prize 2 - 1 x Chosen PDF pattern from each of the following designers catalogues: Two Pretty Poppets, Ladybugs & Daisychains, Clover & Violet, and For My Little Monster.

Prize 3 - 1 x Chosen PDF pattern from each of the following designers catalogues: RLR Creations, Lorelei Jane Handmade, and For My Little Monster.

All prizes must be taken as offered and are non refundable, non transferable and non redeemable for cash or other goods or services.

Once the Prize has left the sponsors premises, Emma Wengier of For My Little Monster and the prize sponsor take no responsibility for prizes damaged, delayed or lost in transit.

It is a condition of accepting the prize that the winner must provide a valid email address, and/or postal address.

Winners will be contacted via Instagram (on their competition entry photo and DM) or via Facebook (on their competition entry photo).

It is a condition of entry that the Emma Wengier of For My Little Monster, has the right to publicise the names, and photos of the Run & Play Bags of any entrants to the Competition, in any media for an unlimited period without remuneration for the purpose of promoting the Run & Play Bag Pattern distributed and/or supplied by Emma Wengier of For My Little Monster.

The winners will be announced on December 5th, 2015 at 9:30pm (AEDST) on Instagram (@formylittlemonster) and on Facebook in this group.
If for any reason a winner does not take the prize or an element of the prize within one week, then the prize or that element of the prize will be forfeited and a redraw will occur 2 weeks from the date of the draw.

General Terms

To the extent permitted by law, Emma Wengier of For My Little Monster (the Promoter), its officers, employees, agents, representatives and related bodies corporate shall not be liable for any claims, costs, expenses, personal injury, death, loss (including loss of opportunity) or damage whatsoever (including but not limited to indirect or consequential loss or damage) suffered, sustained or incurred (including but not limited to arising as a result of any negligent act or omission) as a result of, or arising out of, or in any way connected with:
- this Competition (including participation or attempted participation in the Competition);
- the Prize (including use or attempted use of the Prize and/or assembly or attempted assembly of the Prize);
- any technical difficulties or equipment malfunction (whether or not under the Promoter’s control);
- any theft, unauthorised access or third party interference;
- any entry that is late, lost, altered, damaged or misdirected (whether or not after their receipt by the Promoter); and/or
- any Prize that is late, lost, damaged or misdirected in transit.

Emma Wengier of For My Little Monster is not responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate information, either caused by the entrant or for any of the equipment or programming associated with or utilised in this Competition, or for any technical error, or any combination thereof that may occur in the course of the administration of this Competition including.

If for any reason this Competition is not capable of running as planned, including due to infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorised intervention, fraud, technical failures or any causes beyond the control of Emma Wengier of For My Little Monster (the Promoter), which corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness or integrity or proper conduct of this Competition, the Promoter reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any individual who tampers with the entry process, take any action that may be available, and to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Competition, subject to any direction given under State Regulation as applicable.

Thanks for reading and I hope you join us for this great sew-a-long :)

Happy Sewing!

Emma

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