And Sew To Sleep

Going public

2009-01-04T23:34:00.003Z

Happy New Year to all of you out there in Blogland.

I have a real aversion to New Year resolutions - simply because I never achieve them. So this year I just didn't make any - easy solution!

However, I have decided to complete some of my many UFO's....and that's at least one a month. Now you might say this amounts to a New Years resolution. Well not really as I am reasonably confident that I can do this. As opposed to a resolution which as soon as the thought passes through my lips into the spoken word is usually broken. This challenge is (I think) achievable. Note to self I may regret writing these words.

In case your wondering (?) the purpose of this post is to focus me on the task in hand. I declare that I will on a monthly basis (at least) post about a completed project.
So there -I've made a public promise to the whole of Blogland - or those who care to stop by and read this. Now all I have to do is deliver. See you soon... I'm off to sew!

Snow in June??

2008-12-22T05:07:00.003Z

Well I did wonder what it would take to 'nudge' me out of this blogging apathy. It seems that adding snow effect to my blog which now shows pics of me walking in Cornwall in the sunshine with snow falling has done the trick. Maybe I should have added that snow earlier. Or perhaps I'll just be known as the seasonal blogger - one post for every season - I think I could manage four posts per year!

Enough joking. I have been mooching around blogland and as ever loving reading all your posts. Time just seems to fly by and here we are at yet another Christmas. Many of you are sharing your preparations in varying states of completion. I never feel too bad about not being ready as it seems to be a common thread running through most of your posts. I guess it's a price we pay for having such busy lives and trying to 'do everything'.

I've had a week off to preare (back to work tomorrow.. oops today) and still find myself up this early writing lists and oh yes blogging. I never sleep well so best to use my time effectively! Anyhow Margaret Thatcher apparently used to survive on three hours sleep a night - but then all she had to do was lead the country (Mags if your lurking that was only a joke- I'm sure you did other things too?) Where was I- oh yes Christmas. I'd like to share with you a pic of my advent calender and the story behind it. First take a look. It's a cross stitch project with rings stitched under each day. Tied onto these are the little cloth bags which hold the pressies.

The story behind it is as follows. When I married I moved from Wales to Birmingham where I worked as a nurse until after a few years at the ripe old age of 30 I had my first baby (now 23!) Most of my friends were people I had met at work and so suddenly I found myself at home and just a little 'lost'- with my husband working long hours and shifts as a Paramedic. Having my daughter was wonderful but in truth I was quite lonely. After a few months I ventured to the local mother and toddler group - with the view that it was purely for my daughter to interact and not at all 'my thing'. There I met Barbara. She had a daughter (first baby) same age as mine - and it turned out lived around the corner from me. Even better - we shared a love of crafting. We soon became good friends. One day I showed Barbara the calender pattern that I had been holding onto for quite a few years. It was from a magazine called Family Circle (not sure if it's still around)and was based on a Scandinavian design. We decided to make them together, the plan being to meet up one evening a week to stitch. Well I can tell you that after a glass or two of wine lots of chat and laughing very little stitching took place. Eventually we both finished and off they went to be framed. We both sighed with proud pleasure at the sight of them and vowed they would become a family heirloom. Sadly the following year we moved to Devon - and although we still keep in touch we haven't met up for quite a few years. However each year when I hang the calender the lovely memory comes flooding back and I have enjoyed sharing the story with you all.

I wonder is there anyone out there who remembers this pattern or perhaps even made it? I would love to know. Well I'm ready for breakfast and need to hit the shower then off to work for nine hours. Take care everyone and try to take a moment to smell the flowers (or to be more seasonal the pines!)

Time Out

2008-06-30T19:42:00.008Z

Last week my lovely other half and I sneaked away for a few days to a beautiful part of Cornwall. Don't ask me why but I still feel guilty when I do this? The children are 22,20 and 17 - so why I think they still need to be with us wherever we go I really don't know. I think I am slightly odd in thinking this way - but do believe after this little break that I may be changing my mind. We had a really lovely time and just enjoyed the easiness of it all (and the peace and quiet)!! Here's a few photos that we took along the way.

Me wandering along the path to Cape Cornwall. Probably the prettiest place I've ever seen.

The end of the road - I so want this little house looking out on this beautiful view.

Now a decision to be made - do we have the energy to climb up here and check out more of the view?

Yes we did - and boy was I glad. The views were truly spectacular.

We watched the man in this little fishing boat drop lobster pots all around the Cape. Just wished we could have waited to see the catch.

On a Crafty note I was very happy to stumble (literally around the corner from our hotel) across this amazing place. I wish I had taken a photo of this clever lady's shop. Karen makes the most beautiful bags from velvet that she dyes herself. As you stand in the shop you can see through to the back and the piles (no mountains) of fabric she has collected. Such a lovely place. Sitting in the shop stitching away was this lady. Sue creates the most lovely embroidered pictures as this book shows. In addition she lectures on the Fine Art Textiles course at Camborne College.
It was quite surreal to come across these two clever ladies - piles of fabric and talent. Add this to the views and I'm sure you will believe me when I say I had a ball!!

Stress Buster.

2008-06-14T16:16:00.012Z

Would you like to see what I get up to after work when the sun is still shining? Yes? Well come with me and I'll show you. First the transport...my trusty old bicycle.

Then you pedal....if your speed is fast and you are very fit it will take you about five minutes. I am not so fit and at five feet two inches it just takes me longer - so I'll be there in about ten minutes.

Turn left from my house. Take the first left turn then right at the junction. You will find yourself on this cycle route.

Keep going until you get here.

Now for the best bit...take a seat and enjoy the views. Bliss!

I just lost my way

2008-04-11T20:07:00.007Z

I have been away for so so long. Not on some exotic holiday (chance would be a fine thing). Simply away from my blog. I just seem to have lost the motivation to post - bad I know. There was no specific reason - I simply couldn't muster up the energy to share some bits and pieces with you all. Everyday after work, which is late - usually 6.30pm, I would plan to fit it in - but somehow I never managed to. I came to know it as 'bloggers block'. Problem was the longer it went on the more guilty I felt. Particularly as I have been lurking lots and commenting little - a real breach of the bloggers code of conduct. Is there such a thing??

Well anyway - for those of you interested(?) today I will share a little something I made earlier. It's a quilt I made back in January on a lovely weekend quilting retreat in Cornwall. The weekends are held in this beautiful converted chapel on the Roseland peninsula.

Sorry not the best photo I have but I will try to share some better ones when I have technical support available aka one of my children!

More about the quilt. It's a true recycled effort - my favourite type of creation. The top is made from a stash of vintage fabrics that I bought on e-bay last Summer. They came from Germany and were described as pieces of old pillowcases, bedding and aprons. I actually bought two lots as they were such a good buy - so have enough for another quilt. The blue plain blue I've used also has a story attached to it. When I was a district nurse in Smethwick in the West Midlands back in 1983 there was a little shop in the High Street which sold off cuts and remnants of fabric. I used to pop in during my lunch break at least three times a week to check out the new stock. It was the most amazing place where you would find anything from cotton to furnishing velvet to coat weight wool. A real treasure trove. So using up this piece of blue brought back lots of happy memories.

A close up shows the design which is split pinwheels. I am not an expert quilter just lucky to have expert tuition from a lovely teacher called Anne Baxter who is so talented and generous in sharing her wealth of knowledge.

The back is a piece of vintage floral fabric that I picked up in a jumble sale a year or so ago. It is finished in that I have machine quilted in the ditch and bound it - but I am planning to finish off with some hand quilting. Not sure how much and where yet - but springing to mind is hearts - maybe within each square. I have to say that of the few quilts I have made this is probably my favourite.

Finally as I press the publish button I want to tell you that in the time it's taken to compose this post I feel so much better. It's good to be back and giving - isn't that what blogging is all about :)

What am I doing here?

2008-01-27T19:46:00.001Z

No that's not me sandwiched between the coffee pot and oxo tins!! What I mean is how did I get to this far into 2008 without noticing? Just where did January go? It feels as though my last post was just yesterday and now we are almost saying 'goodbye' to January. If I'd been in hibernation I could understand - but that's certainly not the case. Work, work and more work has been my agenda.

I have been lurking and sometimes commenting but not nearly as much as I would like.

One thing I have been doing is a little creating (my essential therapy after a long day). These little covered notebooks are my take on a 'journal'. Lots of you are posting about keeping journals and although these are tiny they are just the right size for carrying around. I have covered thyem in a mix of vintage, new and recycled fabrics and embellished them with recycled buttons.

Now the really exciting bit is that as we speak these little 'journals ' are on their way to Southampton where they will be on sale tomorrow. My daughter works in a coffee shop where they sell hand-crafted items. Her boss saw these and asked if I would make some to display and (maybe) sell. I'm not too sure that they will but it doesn't really matter because as I said it's my therapy! So if your passing by 'Yoma' in Bedford Place do pop in for a peek. I hear they sell a mean Latte!

Happy New Year

2008-01-01T10:31:00.000Z

This post is wishing you all a healthy and Happy New Year. I read some of your lovely greetings last night. I know I'm a little sad spending New Years Eve 'blogging' - but hey I've learnt that 'whatever floats your boat' is good.
The town we live in has a big reputation for being a great place to be at New Year. It was even mentioned in the Times newspaper in the lead up to the millenium as the third best place to be!! The big attraction is that everyone who turns out is in fancy dress - young and old alike. You really are the odd one out if you don't dress up. It really is very entertaining. The local charity shops do a roaring trade in the lead up and you can often find some great 'vintage material' in the garments labelled for 'fancy dress'.

So what did me and mine dress up as I here you ask? Well apart from my youngest of 17(who went out with a group of friends as the cool looking Men in Black) the rest of us snuggled down in front of the log burner and watched a couple of good movies. Oh yes and as I said I managed a little blogging on the other half's laptop.

New Years resolutions.... I'm never too good with these but now I'm in my 50's I seriously believe if you have good health as a foundation the rest will follow (if it's important enough).

That said I have some things to sort and deal with as a matter of priority and will be working on this list as from today. As a Piscean I am generally not too good at making decisions so that's where I will be going first. Anyone know of a good Master class??

Finally to you all I echo the thoughts of many bloggers when I say Thank You for letting me join you in this really good place called Blogland. I am learning to be brave and open up (new to me) and your feedback is always so pleasing to receive. I have made many lovely, new friends amongst you and have felt inspired by your wealth of creativity. So....

A BIG BIG THANK YOU FROM ME TO YOU

Merry Christmas ( a bit late )

2007-12-26T10:33:00.000Z

I have been absent from my blog - for all sorts of reasons. Some technical and some not. However I think I am now 'back in the land of blog' - and boy have I missed you! I have been lurking in the distance but unable to post. So a slightly late Merry Christmas to you all and hope to join you in lots of 'blogging' in 2008.
Mary xx

It's all to do with the camera.

2007-11-03T22:47:00.000Z

I've really got to come clean here. I'm not the best at posting regularly and I can't really blame the full time job that I do since many of you are in the same position. I will confess that what holds me up most is the 'photo' thing. Or should I say my lack of ability with the 'photo thing'. When I started my blog I was using my husband's camera but relying on him to take a good enough photograph (how sad is that?) and upload it to the computer.

After a while I decided to get my own camera so that like many of you I could keep it with me for any photo opportunities that came my way in the course of the day. Hmm not that you would want to share any of images I come across at work! However being ever on the thrifty side I didn't want to splurge out on a new one when my daughter's 'old' one was sitting in a cupboard not being used. Even this proved to be quite a challenge as the original instructions were missing plus software to upload to the computer.

So eventually I gave up and bought myself a new one. Almost as small as a lipstick holder. How can this be - technology eh! Well I'd better stop rambling here and get to the point (thank heavens I hear you saying.) The point being that I couldn't get to grips with it and have now 'swapped' with my husband and am back where I started - story of my life?

Here are a few pics (do excuse the quality) that I have taken over recent weeks of some of my thrifty finds.

Apple crumble and mis-labelled apple and blackberry pie from the local church Autumn fayre. I find local fetes and fayres the best source of home bakes, jams, chutneys and preserves. I stock my cupboards and freezer very often after a Saturday morning visit to one. Of course I would never dream of 'passing them off' as my own (?)

This lovely granny square crochet blanket from our local Hospiscare shop - one of my favourite charities. The ladies that help are really sweet and know me as the 'sewing' lady!

This book on fair isle knitting which I will one day get round to learning!

This vintage floor standing anglepoise lamp was found by my husband on the white elephant stall while I was busy buying the crumbles and pies!! All for the grand sum of four pounds. Well spotted I say. A real help when sewing in the evenings - even with my specs I find it difficult to sew at night (sigh.. the joys of ageing).

This is my favourite of all. Bought from a dear old couple at a car boot. "Just clearing out my mother's things" the gentleman said. He was all of eighty himself!! He asked me to get it home safely and 'look after' it. I told him I would do more than that I would 'treasure it'!!

PS Thanks Betty for 'tagging' me I'm working on it! Also thank you Gill for the mention :))

Ooops just found out that the blanket pic is on twice and I have noooo idea how to delete it - so any advice would be gratefully received?

An Uncanny Likeness

2007-10-15T18:20:00.000Z

I have spent the last few days with my family in Wales. My sister has been visiting from Canada and it has been lovely to 'catch up'. As always there was lots of reminiscing and my mother took the opportunity to show off old photographs. This one is me with my two older brothers, Howard and John. It was the annual school photograph and I must be all of five or six. We were all turned out in our best bit of wool (I remember the itching well!!) The sequence of events was that the eldest in the family would be sent to collect siblings from each of their respective classes. How proud I used to be when my big brothers came to collect me. We then trundled off to the hall where a cheerful photographer positioned you all, straightened ties (?) and bows (in my case) and then told a silly joke to make you smile. Clearly this didn't work with me!!When I showed the photograph to my husband he went off to my sewing space and came back with this pattern folder he gave me a few months ago. At the time he said he thought I could have been the little girl on the front - concentrating on her sewing. This was before he had seen this photograph. I have to admit I do see a resemblance. Do you ?

Thought for the day.

2007-09-09T11:01:00.000Z

I am not by nature an envious person. I have reached that time in life when I can honestly say I like my life. I consider the important things to be good health and inner contentment. That's not to say there are things that I wouldn't change if I could - but generally nothing major. Since starting out on this whole blog thing this feels like a common theme amongst many of you. It may never be said but on the whole most of you seem to share a similar opinion and I feel you are kindred spirits. Why is this? It's possibly an age thing - although I know that there are bloggers of all ages out there.I ask myself could it be the whole creative thing - be that sewing, cooking or any other craft, giving us a common bond? Or could it be the whole thrift / recycling ethos. You know the "make do and mend" principle of my parent's generation? The notion of being satisfied. Come to think of it that's probably how I'll sum up my feelings about my life "satisfied". What do you think? I have no great ambition (the dream of owning a shop full of vintage fabric that no one is allowed to buy excluded of course!) Ah well enough meandering I'm off to the car boot. If I find any goodies I'll tune in later and share. Blimey, two posts from me in one day that would be something!! I'll leave you with this NFO (now finished object ). The heart fabric is made by stitching channels through layers of fabric and 'slashing' in between with this little tool. After washing and drying you end up with a chenille type fabric. Very easy and great fun.

Love is ......

2007-08-19T16:21:00.000Z

........

Despite having a list of things he wanted to do this morning - he agreed to walk to the beach with me.

He stood patiently waiting while I chatted away to someone I knew from work for what seemed like a few minutes but was probably 20-30!

He smiled sweetly when we came upon a car boot sale.

As if all this wasn't enough, he went for the grand finale??

He spotted (how did I miss it?), this little number. A vintage wicker shopping trolley - which is full size but looks little in this picture. Before I'd even picked up it's scent he had bought it for a bargain three pound fifty.

Then my beautiful, considerate, kind husband carried it all the way back home (sigh - that's me)

And the Lazy Blogger Award goes to ......

2007-08-17T21:25:00.000Z

....Mary from 'and sew to sleep'!?!? Well if there ever was such an award I would be top of the nomination list. I have been one seriously lazy blogger over the past few (5!!) weeks. I went AWOL from my blogging responsibilities. Worse than that I've been 'lurking' a little and not even leaving comments (shame on me).

My excuse....well there isn't one - well not a legitimate one - so I won't insult your intelligence by making one up. So what brought me back to the land of lovely bloggers? Well today I tuned in to find a comment from Gill telling me that I had won her give away. Thank you Gill, it really made my day.

Then there is the story linked to the yellow courgette!! This is true folks.

I have never said in my posts but I work full time as a nurse. I trained back in the 1970's, went on to train as a Midwife and then as a District Nurse. A career that has spanned 33 years to date. It is wonderful work - despite the many pressures and difficulties associated with today's health service.

I have worked with some really lovely people who over the years have become good friends. However best of all has been meeting many (too many to count) amazing people who despite the most awful problems, rarely complain and are always grateful for your help. I never fail to be humbled by this strength in people.

Yesterday I was reminded of this.

One dear elderly gentleman who can barely walk and is in constant pain gave me some of these beautiful yellow courgettes. Now to the amazing part of this story. They came from his allotment that he works on every single day. Mostly on his hands and knees!! He produces the most fantastic fruit and vegetables and grows flowers worthy of Chelsea RHS. I have never heard him complain and he always has a smile to offer.

As I chopped away at the courgettes tonight I made a decision to get on and 'do' -rather than 'putting things off".

Hence the new post after 5 weeks absence.

Have a lovely weekend everyone.

I'll be back soon.

Promise xxxx

Easy on the socks

2007-07-07T22:27:00.000Z

This is a plea to all you clever knitters out there. I am overcome with the urge to knit socks. Now I'm not sure where this comes from. It's not as if it's Winter and my toes are cold (although with this weather you might think it was). It's just that I want - no need to knit socks. Problem is that although I can knit, albeit at a basic level - I am terrified of using circular needles. Seriously how will I work out how many rows I've done?? So if anyone out there can point me in the direction of a simple and very easy pattern I would be most grateful.

Where does the time go?

2007-06-30T18:50:00.000Z

Do you ever wonder what you do with your time? This last month has passed by in a blur and I'm left feeling bedraggled. The reason...well I don't really know. Maybe it's just the weather that's making me feel like this. After all it is Summer and supposed to be long hot days and evenings spent in the garden?? Yeah I think that's the problem... the weather. So now that's sorted I'll move on.

Life here has been eventful. My daughter has finished her degree and had her final show/exhibition in Southampton. We all turned out at the opening night and had a great time. She has also decided to stay up there and find work. She is moving in with some friends to share a house. Although it was always a strong possibility that she wouldn't come back to Devon it now feels very final. A strange feeling.

My middle child is on an Archaeological dig as part of his degree so will hardly be home this Summer. That leaves my youngest who has just finished his GCSE's and as he proudly declares "seen the back of compulsory education". I don't have the heart to point out that he's hoping to go back to do A Levels (entirely his choice)...I think it might take the edge off his mantra!

You know as I read this back I think I may be suffering from empty nest syndrome. Although a few years ago a friend whose children had flown said that the first she realised it had happened was when her house stayed tidy and she had to wait for enough washing to accumulate before putting the washing machine on. So let me think ...tidy house, less laundry. I wish!!

The picture I've posted is WIP. A quilt for my youngest. The design is called "Bullseye Revisited". I started it at a one day workshop back in the Spring and I really must get it finished. So enough from me. Take Care all of you I'll be back ....sometime.

The Ugly Duckling.

2007-06-02T22:37:00.000Z

At last week's car boot I came upon a very 'shabby' piece of linen. That is shabby "shall I not even buy it" - not shabby as in Cath Kidston Vintage style. It really was a scrap and even the seller looked at me rather strangely when I asked the price. Looking back I think she had used it to protect some china pieces in transit. Anyway for the sum of 25 pence I became the owner of this sorry little piece of fabric. Even after washing it didn't really inspire me but I decided to rise to the challenge and give it a chance. Well lo and behold with a little effort, some cotton batting as a sandwich and an inside coat of vintage Laura Ashley this ugly duckling turned into a swan. Well I happen to think so.....do you?

Tea anyone?

2007-05-29T21:11:00.000Z

Gosh I can't believe it's been nearly two weeks since my last post. I suppose like many of you out there I've just been really busy. Work, decorating and gardening are just a few of my recent activities. Anyhow...today I would like to share a post about a gift that arrived in the post for me this morning. It came from my dear daughter who is in her final year at University in Southampton. She is just finishing a degree in Fine Art (just like her Dad) and at the moment she is working very hard preparing for her degree show which is on June 15th. In the middle of all this she thought of me when she spotted this beautiful felted tea cosy in a charity shop (she is her Mothers' daughter!) She has a very good eye and often spots a good bargain. So folks.... if your passing by Devon give me a call and I'll pop the kettle on and to my dear, darling girl thank you very very much. I love you lots.

What's in a number?

2007-05-16T16:02:00.000Z

I know from reading your posts that a lot of you are around my age. Of course I can't tell you all what my age is because as you know from my previous posts and comments - blogger or my key board has a bit of a problem printing the specific numbers. I really must get that sorted! Still, it's suffice to say I often run a temperature at night but don't have an infection and I have trouble remembering my name but I don't have dementia. Apparently I am suffering from a condition which is temporary and begins with M - but I can't remember what it is. Get where I'm coming from Girls?? So, all of this is my excuse for creating these gorgeous little felt baby shoes last weekend. Now all I need to do is hear from a friend or relative who is pregnant. Problem is none of them are? My long suffering other half thinks I've gone barking mad! Particularly as I have them on my bedside table to look at last thing at night and first thing in the morning!!

Thinking of Madeleine

2007-05-13T11:52:00.000Z

No fancy script for this one. This caring blogger designed this button and offers us all to share it. Lets hope and pray this little girl is soon back home and the family is once again complete. Pass it on.

Recycled linen (4).

2007-05-12T18:33:00.000Z

I found it quite difficult to 'use' this favourite tray cloth in a recycled project. The finished cushion is for my mother-in-law's birthday which is soon. She always appreciates and treasures any homespun gifts I have made which makes parting with this spotty job a little easier. Once again the tray cloth was already beautifully embroidered and I simply added some text and small details. The back is embellished with Yo yos. Hope you enjoy the view.

New book - new craft?

2007-05-08T14:02:00.000Z

Today this book arrived from Amazon - I do so love that website. Since I started 'lurking' and then actual blogging I have seen some lovely work with textiles and collage from some talented bloggers. It prompted me to buy this book to maybe have a go. Best of all I have booked a place for a 'taster' session on book making and binding using various medium including textiles. This is run by our local Adult Education centre. The session covers the basics and you can then decide if you wish to sign up for a longer course in the Autumn. Great idea don't you think? Best of all the first session is free and you pay five pounds for any other 'tasters' you book. So I've also booked felt-making and stained glass making. A great way to find out more about a craft don't you agree? So I hope this is the start of a new friendship with book making for me. Watch this space. Oops sorry I've just previewed and these aren't the best of pictures. Just hope it gives you a taster :))

Weird - Me?

2007-05-07T10:41:00.000Z

Well I've been tagged thanks Betty and Kim. I have to share seven weird things about myself! Now I know I'm weird but not that weird so I'll only do one list :)) Here goes.

*I gave birth to my eldest son on his Dad's birthday. As did my Mother with my eldest brother.

*The fabric I use has to 'feel' right. If I touch it and it 'feels' wrong - it's out. Doesn't matter if the colour and pattern is perfect. It's still out. Lucky for me most fabric has the right 'feel'!

*I hate prawns but love prawn cocktail flavoured crisps.

*Last year I bought a job lot of craft books from a local auction room. Browsing through one of them I came across a receipt. The name on the receipt was my maiden name - both christian and surname.

*I love chocolate but definitely NOT chocolate cake.

*On a quick visit to a local DIY store I picked up a tin of paint in a shade of green I rather fancied. It was also heavily reduced!! When I got home and read the label - the colour was 'William and Mary green'. My name and that of my husband!

*I like my toast 'stone cold' before it's buttered. I've even been known to pop it in the fridge.

Well I don't know about weird - I think this list makes me sound spooky!!

So, now to the best bit. It seems I have the pleasure of tagging four people. The lucky winners are: Gill, Alison, Jo and Julia. Good luck everyone.

Recycled Linen (3)

2007-05-04T18:36:00.000Z

Since it's Friday and the end of a long week,

I thought I'd share a secret???!! Oh yes are you all ears - no that should be eyes because your reading this right?

Anyhow listen carefully ..........I remember Biba. Now there's more.... I don't mean the reincarnation in today's designs. I mean the original. Yeah I knew that would shock you. You didn't think I sound that old :))) LOL- of course my age has nothing to do with me not posting a picture of myself on this blog. Definitely not - just haven't had the time?? Anyway - back to the business in hand. Where were we ? Oh yes Biba. I used to looove the clothes , make up and even the bags they put your buys in - just divine. So where is this leading you ask. Well......memories of Biba came flooding back when I found this set of four linen placemats in a car boot last weekend and a cotton pillowcase - so 70's all for the princely sum of 60pence.

After a little thinking I designed and made this...really it's just another take on a tote bag pattern with a button detail on the corners. I used Timtex to add strength to the gusset. Has anyone else tried this I know Amy Butler uses it in her bags. Of course I'm not comparing myself to such talent.....if only!! One thing I can be sure of is that my darling daughter will want this one!

Have a good weekend everyone.

Any excuse for a UFO.

2007-04-29T18:21:00.000Z

It was glorious weather again today. After lunch I had lots to choose from...

I could clean the garden room (posh name for my lean to) windows.

I could bake (like my good Mam used to on a Sunday afternoon).

I could catch up on letter writing (except it's all phone calls, e-mails and text messages these days).

Or...............

I could sit in the deck chair soak up the sun and finish this UFO. Which is exactly what I did. So what you see here is a little velvet purse made out of the left overs from an earlier project (see previous post). It's lined in pretty Liberty and embellished with a Yo yo and a little crystal button. Oh and of course just a weenie bit of hand embroidery. Trouble is I'm sure I will never use it - a bit too pretty for me. Maybe my daughter will use it for her University summer ball. We shall see.

Sorry about the quality of the photo - if you click to enlarge it looks better. If not try crossing your eyes!!

Tis the season to be jolly.

2007-04-27T20:16:00.000Z

The one thing I love about this country is the seasons and the the ever changing landscape. I can't say I have a true favourite as they all offer something different but special in their own right. However I have to say that my spirit is lifted high by the sign of Spring. People smile and generally look happy [jolly?]. This year with the warmest April on record the gardens are reaping the benefit of early sunshine. Today when I popped home for my lunch break I sat in my garden and wondered at how beautiful and clever plants are. They 'hide' through Winter and then pop up and produce amazing blooms! Here are some corners of my garden that I photographed today.

Burnt Offering

2007-04-23T18:25:00.000Z

Last week I managed to fit in a day at a workshop learning a wonderful, clever fabric technique. The technique was created by a lady called Jennifer Trollope who is very talented. Her work features in the journal "Fabrications Quilting UK". This technique involves layering fabric, felt and organza. After stitching the design you then "burn" through to reveal the original fabric (seen in one of the pics) This can the be embellished with beads, stitching etc. I made mine into a small scissor holder. It is so clever - even I managed it!! Although Jennifer is a very good teacher!

Recycled Linen (2)

2007-04-11T21:04:00.000Z

When I started "blogging", I seriously under estimated the amount of inspiration and motivation I would get from fellow bloggers! As a result of this clever lady's post I dug deep into my collection of old linen and found a tray cloth I picked up for pence at a car boot. It was already beautifully embroidered to a standard I could never hope to reach. However, I did feel confident enough to add some text using transfers from this fab book. The text I've embroidered looks as if it's getting smaller but I promise it's the angle the pic was taken at! Using some quilt fabric I turned the finished linen into a cushion. It's such a good feeling to give these old pieces "new life" and in a way pay respect to the women who spent hours stitching them in the first place.

The birds are nesting.

2007-04-07T11:10:00.000Z

The sun is shining, the birds are nesting. It must be Spring! Happy Easter everyone.

UFO's meet Yo Yo's

2007-04-02T20:54:00.000Z

I sometimes feel like the Queen of UFO's (unfinished objects.) The problem is (and blogging adds to this) I keep finding new patterns / ideas that I just have to try out. Consequently I end up with a growing "stock" of UFO's. I've even been known to buy other people's UFO's. You know - the half completed project found in the charity shop or car boot sale that's crying out for a loving home where it will be finished! Hmmm ?? Tonight keen to try something with my newly made heart YoYo's - I suddenly came over all saintly and decided to complete a UFO. So using up some of my "traditional " Yo Yo stock - I finished this velvet bag. It's made from vintage velvet (old curtains), lined with Liberty cotton (not seen in this pic) and embellished with YoYo's. Now I should sleep like a blog oops I mean log- being such a saint and all that! Night night everyone.

Yo Yo's revisited

2007-04-01T10:12:00.000Z

If ever I am travelling (or chilling out in front of the television) I keep this little box of hand-stitching beside me. Little hearts are created and alongside this all sizes of YoYo's. I LOVE Yo Yo"s. I think they are just so pretty and can be used to embellish lots of projects. Apart from this they use up little scraps that would otherwise be forgotten. So imagine my joy when I found this tutorial from this clever lady. While your there take a look at her dog collar projects - amazing! So needless to say I spent most of yesterday evening producing these little gems - click on pic to enlarge. Now I have an idea to use them in a project involving that linen tea towel. Watch this space?

A bargain nearly missed

2007-03-28T18:58:00.000Z

You know I have to confess that until I started reading blogs - I hadn't really heard of Cath Kidston (shock,horror!) In fact, until a couple of weeks ago I actually thought it was Kidson not Kidston - I'm such a philistine. So to get to the point....as I'm om holiday this week I thought I'd nip into town this morning and mooch about the charity shops. When I reached the last one (and we have a few) I came across this duvet cover. Now I have to be honest it looked pretty mediocre to me and I only gave it a fleeting glance. To be truthful I thought it had a rather faded, washed- out look about it (lol). However, since I hadn't found anything in any of the other shops (and I do hate going home without at least one bit of thrift) I took a closer look. Well I was still doubtful so..........root about for a label to see if that gave me a clue. Mmmm "Ikea" - still none the wiser???? I told you I am a philistine as far as CK is concerned - now do you believe me. In the end thinking I could maybe use it to line a bag I handed over the sum price of two pounds!!!!!! and left with my purchase. Only when I had washed, dried, starch ironed and dressed my spare bed with it did the penny begin to drop. So folks I think this could be an early Cath Kidson er.. I mean Kidston. Please let me know if I'm wrong. Of course it is rather growing on me now!! I have always be such a fan of hers?

To wash or not to wash?

2007-03-25T11:40:00.001Z

Although I live in England - I was born and raised in Wales. I still visit often as my Mother and brothers all still live there - my only sister lives in Canada:( It is probably this background that nurtures my love of all things woollen. I grew up with Welsh blankets on the beds that kept us really warm and cosy in Winter and babies in our house were always nursed "Welsh fashion". Perhaps I'll post a blog explaining this one day. I have a growing collection of Welsh wool blankets and welsh wool fabric and this is one of my favourite sites to visit for inspiration. Anyway, the pics you see today are of a resuscitated Welsh blanket that I was given by my mother a few years ago. It was rather worn so I cut it up, dyed it using Dylons, cut it again into squares, stitched them together with wool, added borders, freehand embroidery, a wool back (phew!) and voila a new blanket was born. This has sat ever since on my youngest son's bed and has kept him warm in Winter. This morning I noticed some dubious stains. So the question to you today is if I wash it will the dye run?? I suppose I could send it to the dry cleaners. Or........I could just ignore the stains, put it out to blow on a sunny day and pack it away for next year. What do you think???

Recycled linen (1)

2007-03-23T19:09:00.000Z

This week has been particularly busy at work. Most evenings I've been too tired to sit at the computer or sewing machine for very long. However, I always feel more relaxed when I "use" my time creatively. Translated this garble means that some evenings I managed to sit in front of the television, switch off and sew. Why didn't I just come out with that to begin with?? Anyway, one of life's greatest pleasures for me is to recycle old textiles into new items and so bring them back to life. These two little sweeties were the result of resuscitating an old linen tea towel. The best thing is there is loads left for another project(s). PS Thank you all for your lovely comments about my new blog. You are a lovely lot out there.

Did she spoil it? No she boiled it.

2007-03-16T22:21:00.000Z

I have been watching the clever things being done over here with a felted wool blanket. So much so, that when I came across this jumper (the remains of) in a charity shop I decided to see what I could do with it. So first I cut off the sleeves and boiled them in a saucepan on the cooker. This made them thicken a bit - enough to stop them fraying when cut and also made he wool "bleed". This made the colours blend somewhat - which I quite liked. Out of this I made a large heart and some smaller ones which I stuffed and backed with vintage fabric. I then embellished them (love that word) with tiny wooden buttons secured with linen thread and seed beads. So finally I'm left with the main body which I put through the washing machine on a boil programme. Somehow the colours stayed vibrant and the wool did felt very well. When it dried, all became clear (makes a change). It had to be a bag - and so you see the final piece. A little bold but very proud tote bag. Lined in some spotty blue and white fabric.

Bags, bags and more bags

2007-03-12T20:45:00.000Z

Just before Christmas I found this pattern that Donna kindly posted. I have so much velvet and wool fabric in my stash and I felt so inspired that I thought I'd have a go. Well three bags later......? I used vintage cotton fabric to line and vintage buttons / buckles to close. It's so pleasing to put some of this to good use. I also up sized the pattern to make the burgundy one for my daughter. The corsages were a bit of a wing and a prayer - but turned out sort of OK (just dont know if they would take much rough-handling).

At last

2007-03-06T22:40:00.000Z

Well at last I've done it! After months of viewing other people's blogs and feeling like I was "taking and not giving" I decided to give it a go. To be honest I waited until my daughter was home from Uni for the weekend to give this old technophobe a hand. Even then there were problems and so all on my ownsome I seem to be coping with this post. About me - I am taken with all things creative and have been so inspired by all you clever people out there. I mostly sew and quilt and sometimes fiddle with other crafts but usually come back to my needle and thread. Today I am happy to share my work corner with you - which is really an alcove in my dining room (that's if I can work out how to post a pic). As for the blog name?! Since I am a bit of an insomniac I often sew in the small hours. Eventually I fall asleep - not over the sewing machine but up in my bed!!