Its Topsy Turvy here Down Under

Yes - it's hilarious - it seems that I've been working on a lot of inside out reversible creations lately....

this is a reversible kimono wrap dress/tunic - fully reversible with pure NZ merino wool and Liberty of London Kingly-Cord. Can be worn as a dress for the first year over leggings and then as a vest for the second year. Super warm and super cute.

Fully reversible boys merino vest - heavy weight pure NZ Merino wool teamed with mid weight pure NZ Merino wool and Liberty of London Tana Lawn cotton (yes, they are marbles).

Reversible kimono wrap hoodie. Raspberry mid weight pure NZ merino wool lined with sage green light weight merino and trimmed with Liberty of London Tana Lawn cotton - fully reversible.

Reversible kimono wrap hoodie. Heavy weight merino in burnt orange, lined with light weight chocolate brown light weight merino and trimmed with Laura Gunn "Lantern Pods". Extra length in arms so that not only can it be worn two ways but also for at least two years.

The benefits of reversible garments are two layers of warmth and versatility - the garment can be worn another way for another look.

Custom orders welcome - please do come and have a look at my store http://www.sewkatiepie.etsy.com

Copyright (c) SewKatiepie 2009-2010. All Rights Reserved.

Fabric Suggestions for Custom Orders

I have lots of pretty Liberty of London and other designer cottons which unfortunately are not making it quickly into my etsy shop.

Here is an example of a recently completed custom order - Heavy Weight Merino Wool Wrap Jacket with Liberty of London Tana Lawn cotton. I loved making this one up in such a whimsical print. Super soft and warm pure New Zealand merino wool teamed with gorgeous fine Liberty of London cotton - just divine!

If you would like to make a custom order, here are just a few suggestions:

Heavy weight mushroom merino with Liberty of London Kingly Cord (super soft) - suitable for wrap cardigans, baby jackets and hoodie wrap jackets

Heavy weight mushroom merino with Liberty of London Kingly Cord (super soft)

Heavy weight sage green merino with Liberty of London Tana Lawn cotton - suitable for wrap hoodie jackets and wrap baby jackets

Medium weight blue merino with Liberty of London Tana Lawn cotton - suitable for hoodies and tie cardigans

Light weight new leaf green merino with Liberty of London Tana Lawn cotton - suitable for cardigans and light weight sweaters

Custom orders are currently taking me up to a week to complete. I love making to order, so please don't hesitate to make a request.

Why New Zealand Merino Wool?

So, why New Zealand merino wool fabric? Isn't it itchy, scratchy and liable to shrink in the wash?

Well... no actually.

These are some of the reasons why you and your family should be wearing New Zealand merino wool fabric:

* 100% natural fibre

* allows the skin to breathe, so the wearer will not overheat (particularly important for infants)

* warm even when wet (dribbles or spills). Merino sheep live in harsh high country environments - their wool is designed to keep them warm, even when wet.

* offers natural UV protection

* naturally flame retardant and self-extinguishing

* a fine fibre - does not irritate the skin like traditional wool

* parent friendly - machine washable!!! Yes, you can wash a SewKatiepie merino garment in your washing machine with no fear of shrinkage, piling or felting. It can even be tumble dried on a low heat setting if you are really short on time - although given the nature of the fabric it does dry quickly and easily of a drying rack

* a renewable, natural fibre that is ethically farmed

* durable and colourfast. Unlike cotton, you can wash and wash your SewKatiepie garment with no noticeable colourloss or wear.

* recyclable and bio-degradable

* naturally stain and soil resistant

* naturally resists the build-up of odour, meaning you don't have to wash your garment so frequently

A fantastic fabric which you can wear year round. Lightweight knits for cool summer days and layering over cooler months, or heavyweight knits for winter months.

If you'd like to feel the fabric for yourself, please have a look at my etsy shop, http://www.sewkatiepie.etsy/and my listing for SewKatiepie merino samples http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6946188&section_id=6466917

Snug as a Bug

I am so thrilled with this merino jacket! It is made from the softest, cosiest, warmest merino wool jersey I have ever found. It is sublime. Little ones will be as snug as a bug in a rug in this one. Lined and trimed with a blue and white pinstripe denim, giving it a nautical look.

New for girls for spring/autumn

I've just finished this gorgeous kimono wrap cardigan - a rich chocolate brown merino wool trimmed with Jenean Morrison duck egg blue cotton. A lot of chocolate was consumed in this photo shoot!

Reptile hoodie

When I finished this one, I thought of sharks and reptiles...perfect for little boys!

It's a really lovely smokey colour finished with a new fabric that I've just bought by Jenean Morrison.

I've made this one especially for listing in Trifle Shoppe (www.trifleshoppe.com) - due to be launched today!

Boys stuff... finally!

Yeah - I'm thrilled to have my new boys hoodies jacket in store!

It will look so yummy with jeans or chocky brown cords....