Let's Get Acquainted! with Plum and June

Hi All! Thanks for stopping by at Seraphym Handmade for Plum and June's New Blogger Blog Hop, and for taking the time to get to know me and my little Bloggie!


I'm Lauren, I'm an Art and Textiles teacher and a mum to the cutest Puppy and Kitten! I'm one of those people who has to always be doing something crafty, and I make sure I am never without a work in progress and something to keep me busy. Even as a kiddo I would always bring too many things 'to do' and keep me occupied on car trips and holidays. Nowadays, I've found I have at least one quilt going and, since its winter, a 'sit down' or couch project. At the moment my 'sit down' project is a re-do of my 'Kitty Den' with a smaller crochet hook to make it a little more structured! To see my first attempt, have a looksie here. It's Hilarious, I am definately not afraid to show off my "fails". To sum me up, I'm a dork and a goof.


 
My Handmade 'Bloggie'

Blogging has always been something I've wanted to do in order to share my creative endeavours but it's also a way of making more accountable for what I make and the goals I set for myself. I love to talk crafting, but I have very little friends who enjoy crafting, and I love to discuss ideas and processes while also learning from other people! I'm a book lover, but you can only learn so much from books!

I started crafting when I could hold a needle, and regularly attended sewing days during school holidays and classes in high school. Those sewing days, which were held in a tiny sewing shop jam packed with quilting fabrics and the newest Brother machines, are some of my favourite memories of crafting as a kiddo. Not to mention all of the nights I would try to finish projects 'secretly' when I was supposed to be alseep in the minimal light of my night lamp.

My bloggy is mostly quilting, but you'll also find many knitted/crocheted or other sewn goodies.




Ummm Seraphym?

If your a fellow blogger you know how hard picking a name is! This is a name found in my all time favourite books by Australian writer Isobelle Carmody. I wanted something different, sophisticated and unique, and this just popped into my head and really stuck in my mind. Upon further research, 'Seraphim' are 3 or 6 winged angels, which struck a chord with me because I consider my crafting to being akin to my extra wings, something that will always keep me 'flying' and feeling good when all else fails, on top of my other supports in life. (Did that sound really cheesy?)


 
Lets Talk Quilting!

My quilty fast facts!
  • I've been quilting for 1.5 years
  • Elizabeth Hartman taught me to quilt (Through her book The Practical Guide to Patchwork) it's my go to source for all things quilty
  • I really made my first quilt before my teens, it was a quillo and I made it in school holiday sewing classes. They are now my mums dogs doonas.
  • I have a sewing room, but much prefer the dining room table.
  • I would consider myself to be a 'Modern' quilter.
  • I cannot have more than two quilts on the go, I hate not finishing projects!
  • want to know why I quilt, See my post about it here!
  • I sew on a Brother Innovis 900d which doesn't have nearly enough throat space for my liking.
 
 
 
 

My Creative Tips

Some people have asked me where I find my inspiration and ideas from. If you have a look through my blog posts you would have noticed I'm in love and absolutely hooked on Instgram and Pinterest, they are great sources of pretty and perfect, However, when it comes to idea generating I find the internet to be a giant ideas blocker. It makes me feel like I have no original ideas and really inexperienced. I'm sure you've heard this before, but if your looking for original ideas, GET OFF the internet! (Not forever though, we'd miss you) and then you gotta wait for the ideas 'joojoo' to come a knocking on your head, don't force it, encourage it. Go outside, go places, go think, go do whatever you like that stimulates and inspires you and bring a sketch pad just in case.

For quilting specifically, I find it helpful to look for inspiration that is not related to quilting. I like to look at art and architecture and see if I can see something that stands out to me. Sometimes I just sit and sew and see what happens!
 
 
 

My Creative Tips
 
Some people have asked me where I find my inspiration and ideas from. If you have a look through my blog posts you would have noticed I'm in love and absolutely hooked on Instgram and Pinterest, they are great sources of pretty and perfect, However, when it comes to idea generating I find the internet to be a giant ideas blocker. It makes me feel like I have no original ideas and really inexperienced. I'm sure you've heard this before, but if your looking for original ideas, GET OFF the internet! (Not forever though, we'd miss you) and then you gotta wait for the ideas 'joojoo' to come a knocking on your head, don't force it, encourage it. Go outside, go places, go think, go do whatever you like that stimulates and inspires you and bring a sketch pad just in case.
 
For quilting specifically, I find it helpful to look for inspiration that is not related to quilting. I like to look at art and architecture and see if I can see something that stands out to me.
 
 
 
 
Thank you SO much for stopping by! Don't forget to go check out the other amazing new blogs joining me in getting acquainted.
Aaaand Don't be afraid to drop me a line in the comments if you have any questions to ask!
 
Keep Crafty!
 
  
Plum and June

Comments

  1. Lauren, totally digging those quilting blogs! You have beautiful projects and I can't wait to see more of them. I'm especially digging that first picture! I agree that getting unplugged and out there gets some serious quilting juice flowing! looking forward to following your blog! Great post!

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  2. Thanks so much for stopping by Ashley!! :)

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  3. Thanks for sharing this little bit about you, Lauren. Glad to hear I am not the only dorky blogging quilter out here! So happy to have connected through the New Blogger Hop.

    Lorna:)
    http://sewfreshquilts.blogspot.com

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  4. Welcome fellow Dorky blogger Lorna :P Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  5. I love this post! Your projects are lovely! And I love your quilting gloves!!! Awesome! I, too have a Brother Innovis. It's got me through getting over being a newbie quilter, we've been through thick and thin, but...alas I think it's time to move on...for the same reason, that throat space is no bueno. :)
    It's great to meet you!!!

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    1. Nice to meet you too Robot Mom! Yes the throat space is a killer, I was lucky enough to quilt the man quilt on a frame and with another machine... trying to stuff a single bed quilt makes me shudder in dread, let alone anything bigger!

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  6. Very nice! Thanks for sharing your world...

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  7. Great to meet you Lauren! Great tips on finding inspiration elsewhere besides the internet!

    :) Kelly @ My Quilt Infatuation

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  8. Nice to meet you Lauren - I totally agree about needing to get off the internet sometimes! Too bad it's so addictive!

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    1. Thanks for stopping my Adrianne! Yep the internet is soo addictive, whoever invented Pinterest is evil, It's my weakness!

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  9. Loved reading about how you came up with your blog name!

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  10. Great learning more about you (and your blog name) Lauren! And great advice about finding inspiration.

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    1. Thanks Beth! Thansk for the opportunity to join you and some awesome bloggers in the HOP!

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  11. It was great to learn more about you! I love your projects. Your ironing board is seriously awesome :) Nice to meet you!

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    1. Thanks Anna! My ironing board definately makes ironing much less tedious!

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    2. Yes I spotted the ironing board cover too and would love to know how you made the cover-which I'm sure you must've?!

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    3. I think I may have to put up a tutorial very soon since so many of you lovelies like it! stay tuned :)

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  12. Hi Lauren, it's been nice to stop by and have a bit of a read. I love your projects especially like Anna said the super ironing board cover...I could do with one of those..oh wait..I could do with an ironing board!!

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    1. Thanks Cloud! Go out there and get yourself an ironing board, you have an awesome cover to make! :-P

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  13. Nice to meet you through the hop! Great tips and beautiful ironing board. Love It!! And my youngest son said he wants your quilting gloves :) Ha!

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    1. Thanks so much for reading! Aren't the gloves something a bit different :)

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  14. Great to meet you. I loveove the black and white squares... and the ironing board covers is fab. I also take the sew and see what happens approach. It has been a pretty good approach for me so far.

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    1. Thanks, Yep sew and see what happens is super fun when you need a break from a project. I also like to use the scraps from a project to create an improv section to feature on the quilt back.

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  15. I love Elizabeth's book and she definitely gives excellent instruction. Your ironing board cover is absolutely the bomb - thank you for sharing and for inspiring!

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    1. Thanks Erica! So happy I could be a source of inspiration!

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  16. Ditto on your ironing board cover! (mine is super-gross, and I feel a little ashamed now. :) ) Love your use of black-white-grey in projects--that black-and-white and white postage stamp quilt is so simple, but full of modern quilt impact.

    And if you ever need someone to be all fangirl with you over Elizabeth Hartman...shoot. I love Modern Patchwork, the new book, SO much. I have this crazy idea that I'm going to make every one of those quilts!

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    1. Thanks Laura, Fan Girls all the way. Modern patchwork has been sitting in my book depository wish list since it was released, Now that you've said how aweosme the quilts are I'm going to have to bite the bullet and get it ( ....maybe after I finish my current WIP's otherwise I'm sure I'll drop everything I'm doing eeek!)

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  17. Hello, nice to meet you. You have made some lovely things. I am now following you with bloglovin.

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  18. You have a lovely blog and I love our ironing board cover, it's gorgeous!

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  19. I adore your ironing board cover.... I may have to come and steal it! You a right about inspiration, ideas always hit me when I am wandering around, bumbling through life and then I have to rush to find a pencil and paper! So lovely to meet you through the blog hop!

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    1. Thanks Anna! When you come to steal my ironing board cover I'll just teach you how to make one :P

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  20. Yes! Yes! Yes! The ironing board cover is da bomb! I loved reading your blog - you are so cute and fun and I just love you.
    I'm a new follower with bloglovin because I can't wait to hear more from you. Thanks!

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  21. Your quilting gloves are fun and fun!!!! They made me giggle. Love your herringbone ironing board cover - looks awesome, I am so into herringbone right now!

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  22. Beautiful projects! And I'm sure you're right, ironically getting off the Internet leads to more creativity!

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    1. Thanks CamillaIt is funny isn't it? It's like we need to just take a break from the pretty things online and let our minds take those ideas we've seen and moosh them into our own individual ideas

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  23. Fun write up! You have done a lot of beautiful projects In a short amount of time! And you are right about picking a blog name! I love what you chose for yours.

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  24. Hi there...good to meet you and thanks for sharing the history behind you blog name and so many great projects. I am a new follower!

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  25. I love how you link other bloggers on your blog. It's a great idea.

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    1. Thanks Rachel! Just couldn't help myself from showing off all of thier great work!

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  26. Fun fun fun! Lauren you have a really beautiful aesthetic - that b&w postage quilt stands out in particular - WOW! And of course, love the quilting gloves ;)

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    1. Thanks Sharpie, The Blck and white quilt was my first "proper" quilt and it started the 'monster love' that is me and quilting.

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  27. Fun post! Your projects are great...ironing board is very cool, B&W quilt is beautiful, love the pillows! Good advice about thinking outside-the-internet for inspiration! Quilting gloves are the best! Makes my gardening gloves look lame!

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  28. What a great post :), so nice to meet you, I too love your ironing board!

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    1. Thanks Nilya, I'm glad you enjoyed my post, I find it hard to write about myself in a way that will interest people so I'm glad I have done it for you!

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  29. I am in love with your ironing board cover and love your quilting gloves too:) Great post!

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  30. Great to get to know you! I am also a project overpacker :) I just never know what I'll be in the mood to work on!

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Leigh! I say its better having More projects and work on none than have nothing and be bored (and then have to search out the local craft show and buy things you already have because you're desperate!)

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  31. Thanks for sharing with us, Seraphym! I love your blog name, especially the y. I love adding y to names where most put an i.
    I liked your black-white-gray quilt. I think I like the contrast, and the design of your fabrics. The ironing board is too cute and I chuckled at your gloves. They all speak loudly of your personality.
    Enjoyed my visit!

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  32. I meant to thank you for the pattern of the ironing board. I printed it off and will be looking for fabric that jumps "ironing board" to me. I have many projects going right now, so it might be awhile before I can post what I created from your pattern.
    Thank you very much!

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    1. Thanks for your comments Debi, I'm glad you have enjoyed reading about me and my bloggy :)
      I cannot wait to see how your ironing board turns out! any feedback on the pattern would be muchly appreciated.

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  33. Your black and white quilt is gorgeous! And love your ironing board tutorial, thanks for sharing:)

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    1. Thanks Caroline! I hope you enjoy the tutorial

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  34. Love the monochrome and matching cushion. Great blog hop post!
    Jenny @ Note to Follow Sew

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  35. Love your snapshots quilt! I made the same one as my first quilt from Elizabeth Hartman's book, except I used a rainbow solids jelly roll instead of the black & white prints.

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    1. Thanks! I'd love to make another one day but using rainbow or a particular colour scheme!

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  36. That Kitty Den is epic! I think my cat would love it just as much (regardless of structure haha). It's an awesome first crack at a new skill! I recently learned to knit and have been staying in my 'sock' safe zone for now (4 pairs in). I'll branch out someday soon :) I love that you only like to have 1 or 2 quilt WiPs. I feel the same way about not finishing stuff. Must. Finish. Asap!

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    1. Thanks Kelsey! I've actually taken it apart since little on didn't use it much. So I'm trying again!

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  37. Hi Lauren, Great to meet you! Art and Architecture are my best sources for quilty inspiration too. Keep up the amazing work!
    -Shayla

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    1. Thanks Shayla thanks for coming to have a looksie :)

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  38. It's nice to meet you! Great gloves! lol

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    1. Thanks Nancy! Loving your blog and appreciate you stopping by mine

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  39. Love your black and white squares quilt, looks fab! :o)

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  40. It's so nice to get to know you through the blog hop! I can really relate to the internet being a source of image overload, so I totally agree with your advice about finding inspiration elsewhere. It's so fun to learn how long you've been crafting--I was a crafty kid, too, and hearing your stories brings back memories :)

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    1. Thanks Casey I'm glad you have enjoyed my lil stories

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  41. Hi Lauren, great to meet you, I love your black and white quilt - I love monochrome:-) And thank you for re posting a couple of pics from my blog, glad you liked them. I look forward to seeing more of your work, Sarah x

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    1. Hi Sarah! no worries for re posting pics, I picked my absolute faves!

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  42. Very nice intro, you make really pretty things. I love that ironing board cover :) Nice to meet you!

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  43. Thanks for introducing yourself to us through this hop. I bet your little kitten likes to keep you company when sewing?!

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    1. Thank You Karen! Yes My little 'one' loves to 'help out' she used to try and catch the needle on my machine as it moved!!! crazy girl

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  44. It's lovely to meet you, you've got some lovely projects there! I feel the same as you, I kind of need to be making something all the time, it keeps me going. So I completely understand what you are saying, and it makes your blog name even more perfect :-)

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    1. Thanks for reading and saying my blog name is 'perfect'!!!!

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  45. I am drooling - absolutely drooling!! - over that ironing board cover :) Your projects are fantastic. Great to meet you through the Hop!

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    1. Thanks Steph!!!! You'll have to make your own using my tutorial!

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  46. I too started quilting using Elizabeth Hartman's blog a few years ago. Your projects are all beautiful and those are quite the quilting gloves!

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  47. Hey girl! Sorry I'm a bit late in throwing some LGA love your way as a fellow hop member! I definitely see your modern style (those black and white pillows and quilt are divine!) And that ironing board cover has to be done... I did a similar thing on mine a few months ago just to jazz it up.

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    1. Hey Molli! Thanks for stopping by and commenting :) Loving your instagram pics

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  48. Good tips for how to be inspired. When I need a design idea, I look online to see what others have done, but then I always feel kind of like I cheated. I love it when I just come up with something on my own because then I feel that it was truly original. Great post!

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    1. Thats exactly how I feel Alyce! hit the nail on the head there. Thanks for stopping by

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  49. Great post! Sorry I am late commenting, I have been out of town and crazy busy. Love that ironing board cover and I am currently in need of a new one for mine. Making my own seems like the best option so I appreciate the tutorial. I am now a follower, I look forward to reading more!

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    1. Thanks for coming by and commenting Elise :) Doesn't matter if you are late!

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