Carol Makes in Melbourne

30/09/2026

If you’d told me this time last year that I’d enjoy hand stitching my binding, I’d have told you you were crazy. Lauren Matthews and Heather Landells have always insisted that hand binding gives a far more beautiful result, and once again I have to admit they were right.

I picked up this Liberty Table Runner kit by Gum Valley Patchwork at last weekend’s gathering hosted by Chrissie of Store, Retreats, Gatherings & Stitch-Away Cruises, and I’m already up to the binding.

I’ve used Stacey | Sewing & Quilting Tutorials on YouTube 🎥’s binding technique and decided to finish it by hand.

There’s something about late night stitching with something good on the telly that makes this part very easy to enjoy.

Will share the finished table runner in the AM when the light is at its best

28/09/2026

Do you gift your quilts?

I don’t gift quilts very often.

Quilters know what goes into making one. The fabric, the cutting, the piecing, the quilting, the binding, and most of all, the time.

They really are a labour of love.

For me, if I make you a quilt, it’s because I love you.

Hendrix’s specialist is retiring, and when I started thinking about how we could possibly thank him for everything he has done for our boy, I knew I wanted to make him one.

His curiosity and unwavering pursuit of answers and solutions have given us the greatest gift possible.

Time with Hendrix.

Alongside the quilt, we made him a book filled with some of the things Hendrix has been able to experience because of that time. Painting. Kayaking. Adventures. Being happy. Being Hendrix.

Sometimes thank you just doesn’t feel big enough.

So you make a quilt. 💙

Quilters, do you gift your quilts? And what makes someone quilt worthy for you?

22/09/2026

Hello My Lovelies 😍

Friendly reminder my store will be open ALL AFL LONG WEEKEND!
You’ll find Janene in store 10am to 2pm, Friday, Saturday & Sunday while I’ll be up the street at the Ballan Mechanics Hall hosting my 3 Day Mega Grand Final Gathering!

So you can make a fun weekend of visiting Beautiful Ballan, cos not only will my store be Open all weekend, you can drop past the Ballan Mechanics Hall & visit my Pop Up Shops attending -
Gum Valley Patchwork Christine Lethlean Carol Makes in Melbourne Michele Abbott Hopscotch Quilting Yazzii Organizers & Bags
What an amazing lineup!!
Chrissie 😍😍
0408 190 545
[email protected]
www.chrissiesbeautifulballan.com
129 Inglis St, Ballan, 3342
New Trading Hours -
Tues 10am to 3pm
Wed 10am to 3pm
Thur 10am to 3pm
Fri 10am to 3pm
Sat 10am to 2pm
Sun 10am to 2pm

22/09/2026

I’ve been saving these Liberty Lasenby Cotton bolts for something special, and this weekend’s pop up felt like exactly the right time to finally cut into them.

They’re from The Artist’s Home collection and I’ve turned them into individual fat quarters and a handful of bundles to bring along with me.

I’m so excited to have something a bit special and a little different to share, and I can’t wait to see them appreciated by everyone coming along this weekend.

I may also have cut a couple of extras to keep. 😂

20/09/2026

Heading to Store, Retreats, Gatherings & Stitch-Away Cruises’s Mega Grand Gathering this weekend?

I’ll be there as a pop up shop and here are some of the wares I’ll have available.

Will have more but super keen to share the Liberty pieces that I’ve packed in prep.

18/09/2026

Happy mail 💌

The prettiest parcel from Rebecca Brennan sew.be has arrived and I am completely smitten.

Miffy x Liberty Tana Lawn, plus these gorgeous Heather Ross cottons. 🍓🚌🐟

Now comes the difficult part… deciding what to make with them.

Pouches? Book sleeves? Something completely different?

What would you make?

16/09/2026

Sweethearts wearing these are going to be the coolest kids on the playground 😎🧵

One of a kind jumpers, made in small batches and heading to next week’s pop up.

These three are ready to go, and I’ve got a few more planned before pop up day 👀✨

16/09/2026

Pop up prep has officially started 🌸

First make off the mark are these beautiful bag charms, handmade from Liberty Lasenby cotton and finished with gold hardware.

I’ve made a small batch across eight different prints, ready for my first pop up of 2026 next weekend.

20/08/2026

20/08/2026

Custom order for two sweet baby besties 💚🩷

There’s something extra special about making pieces designed just for their person.

Got an idea you can’t quite find anywhere else? A special colour, a favourite phrase or something you’ve been picturing in your head? Send me a DM and let’s make it happen 💚🩷