Sew Gorgeous

2011-09-08T14:31:00.003+01:00

Look how long its been since I last posted!! It's been far too long - although I have uni and holidays and all sorts of things to blame. Here's the latest 'make' that I've finished off from an old w.i.p.

My pleats don't line up particularly well if you compare inside and outside but I like using the rings to attach the handle and I love the fabric :) Another project ticked off!

On a shameless note of self promotion - check out my ebay store for all sorts of odd bits and bobs. I've listed some beads/craft packs/altered art junky random selections which might interest a few of you out there. I do post abroad if you PM me!

OWOH Winners!!

2011-02-17T15:41:00.003Z

Well I visited hundreds of blogs, and stole heaps of inspiring ideas from some truly talented crafters...but it's now time to announce winners! Congratulations to:

Ceri from Inspired by Felix
Caroline from Craft Mix

I've sent you guys a quick email - get back to me and i can pop down to the post office!! Thanks to everyone who visited and participated - i'm sure we all had fun!!

One World One Heart 2011

2011-02-04T13:19:00.009Z

Greetings from Scotland! OWOH is in its 5th and final year. I participated last year and my blog roll has been over-flowing ever since!!It's always great to meet new people with new crafts and possibly...steal a few nuggets of inspiration!!

I've already worked my way through most of the blogs on the list (over 700 so far!!) and thought i really should join in properly.

So the aim is to give away a 'door prize' - for any bloggers that stop by and leave a little comment.

A little bit about myself for those who are interested - I am 21 and a 2nd medical student in Glasgow, UK. It's hard - VERY hard!! But all worth it eventually I am sure and it's soo interesting. I have a little 5 week block about osteoporosis going on at the moment and even that's exciting!

In between text books I spend a lot of time with my girlies and in the lake district with my man. We walked around Buttermere last week - it's always so beautiful.

I enjoy felt crafting, stitching, remaking and remodelling, clothes making, curtain making...blah blah blah! Anything to keep my hands busy - crocheting and reading, baking and stitching...!!

And now for my give-aways!

Felt covered drawing pins for brightening your notice board...tiny but fun.
Miniature bottle top pin cushion similar to this one - I will make one similar for you so it may be a different colour or pattern

Good luck - I hope you like my contribution - do feel free to rummage through my blog! All you have to do is comment and leave a way for me to contact you! Remember you must have a blog to participate! I will draw winners using Random.org on Feb 17th...enjoy!!

Note - we have reached the deadline!! Entries are now closed and winners announced in my newest post. Thanks everyone for visiting - i had a great time!

A few wee updates!

2011-02-02T13:16:00.007Z

Greetings from a super busy medical student!! Sorry I haven't been keeping you up to date! Here's a quick run through of what passed through my crafty fingers recently...

These guys i found over at weewonderfuls who's blog i adore! I had a go at Santa, Mrs Santa and a little green elf. I hope she doesn't mind!! They were shipped off to a few family members with kiddies at Christmas (and a few big kids). I enjoyed making them soo much - especially using glue for once, not sewing every little bit on. Cheating but shh....

I sent quite a few presents off in little bags like this recently too - made out of enveloped would you believe it! Fantastic for my student budget - see how to do it over at HowAboutOrange.
The next photo is a gorgeous french knitted necklace that Tom's Mum made for me for Christmas - isn't it beautiful! A few little buttons sewn on add a nice but of detail and the yarn she used is sooo soft - I love it! The other necklace I found on vintage stall - it's lots of sequins and beads sewn on to what i think is an old dress collar. Really different - everyone always comments! Just thought i'd share with you too...

Ah yes MummySew made me the most amazing tea cosy!!!! Look how fab it is! Completely lined
too. It's made of felted wool and she'd appliqued on lots of adorable little figures - it's the pride of our teapot!!

She also found these amazing books - 'The Screwtape Letters' by C.S.Lewis, 'Vision of Sir Launfal' by James Lowell and 'A Gallery of Children' by A.A.Milne.

How amazing to find books by well known authors - old, well -loved but beautiful! The first it dedicated to J.R.R.Tolkein - imagine that!

On a cutesy note...we decoupaged this little Piggy Bank over christmas - he's just waiting for a big pink nose-button!! The pencil pot is another new love too - Cath Kidston fabric and pink pompoms! What on earth could be better? I hope your New Year is just as colourful and exciting!

WIP...finished!

2010-12-09T23:32:00.002Z

Long forgotten WIPs always seem to re-emerge at Christmas - these little pencil toppers came out again and got finished off with their new anti-falling-off-the-pencil tactics in place...here's the line up...

This guys my favourite...i'm keeping him - isn't he sweet? Sad little thing who needs friends!

Most of the other guys are off to make new friends though - Christmas presents on that student budget yet again - but the thought counts right even with just a small gesture.

Tutorial: Easy Gift Tags

2010-12-07T22:47:00.006Z

Remember these? I came up with a use for them - a student Christmas budget means little things like this help out a lot!

Gift tags are as easy as...

1. Fimo cut outs using biscuit cutters or mini icing cutters - thin slices baked in the oven

2. Fabric shapes from the scrap bucket and the ever faithful Uhu

3. ...et voila! Handy free gift tags!!

Driftwood Dreams

2010-10-04T16:08:00.000+01:00

I have always loved driftwood crafted items - something so raw about them, all those worn down curves on something that's usually so stoic...sew the first attempted item was simple - bookend for MummySew! Tom and I had some trouble thinking of something cool to get mummysew for christmas last year...she had seen these on folksy and wowed at them, sew we thought we would have a go.

We went to the beach somewhat doubting that we'd find any driftwood at all...but look at our spoils! It was pettycur bay we visited, in Fife, and despite it being a scottish November, the sun was shining and with all the rock hopping and digging, we soon warmed up :)

I hosed them down in the shower to get rid of all the sand and crawlies and then leant them up against the radiator to dry...which took weeks. About a week before christmas tom got to work finding dowels. He made two lead dowels for weight which he slotted down into holes he drilled in the base...and then he drilled down the lead dowels to add wooden ones that would hold the upright of the bookends in place.

They have quite a good weight now to keep them upright and rubber feet on their base for grip. Between us we came up with the design, trying to keep them both slightly different - quirky?

p.s. can you tell how behind I am with posting? i'm still catching up with last years chrsitmas presents!

Elephant Cushions

2010-10-02T16:27:00.004+01:00

Remember this? Well I found a ready made matching cushion a few weeks ago in a charity shop that totally matched! I absolutely had to sew up my scrap to make a matching pair...

They're boasting on my new bed in my new flat in Glasgow West End - very chic!

Vintage Linen

2010-06-07T16:34:00.000+01:00

Mum's been dredging through grannies drawers to find the old embroidered linen and has found a good few tablecloths lurking in the charity shops for a few pounds a piece also...they're for the party in the summer...VERY english :)

She added this cushion cover to her collection the other day as well...the 2 sides are very different and don't particularly match, but are both gorgeous! I'll show you again once its stuffed :)

Treacle's snuck a paw in there too :) she approves!

MummySews Garden

2010-06-05T18:02:00.000+01:00

Mums been planting up pots and wheelbarrows and hanging baskets for the past few weeks - the garden will be absolutely decked with flowers this summer!
There's still a few more to pot up and hang and then they just need arranging around the garden! We're having a joint 21st/50th birthday party this summer so the garden will be beautified for all our guests! :)

Homewards Bound

2010-06-03T18:04:00.008+01:00

I got home from Glasgow last weekend with a whole car full of flat stuff which we moved out. The car was so full!! There were knives and forks in all the car door pockets and books underneath the seats...nil visibility the whole way home but we managed :)
The next challenge was squashing everything into cupboards and wardrobes (wardrobes being the difficult one!)...
My two wardrobes couldn't really handle all the new additions! sew the 'winter' wardrobe has been packed away and all my floaty summery bits remain :)

...a good few bags of clothes (labels!) will be appearing on my ebay store soon, and an awful lot have gone of to charity shops :( i hate parting with clothes!
Oh yes and a vintage fair just happened to be on the day after i came home...I picked up a gorgeous indian embroidered panel which I'll hopefully appliqué onto a cushion cover.

Just look at that neat embroidery! Found a few books too: R. L. Stevenson's Treasure Island, Christian Andersons Fairy Tales' and Maya - the adventures of a little bee.

Look how lovely the prints are :)

still WIPs...

2010-04-24T10:42:00.003+01:00

I'm sneaking in some felty fun between the biochemistry and revision...at this rate they'll take a while, but one day they WILL grace the shop!

Monsters...

And some Owlets...
They look a little odd like this...but one day they will be pencil toppers! If anyone has any suggestions for a new design please do let me know :)

A little bit of This and That

2010-04-14T10:36:00.004+01:00

I started a slightly more adventurous crochet pattern...good fun although it's sooo fiddly! 1.25 hooks anyone? *sigh* one day it'll be gorgeous though

I've read a few childrens classics which i've never read before. Why I have no idea! Their fabulous. Peter Pan was both brilliant and yet so sad...but illustrated by Mabel Lucie Atwell? Gorgeous!

Alice Through The Looking Glass was also illustrated and such a cute story. Like dreaming.

Shameless Self Promotion...

2010-04-03T00:03:00.003+01:00

I have spent the past week alternatively revising and procrastinating. My procrastination methods of the moment involve ebay - I'm having a clear out! I'm listing all sorts of designer/high street oddities in my ebay shop.

Leather trousers...Suits...Silk tops...Designer Dresses (Karen Millen, MNG...!)...many with tags still in place!!

This particular piece is a Karen Millen cow print suit...yum?

Most bids start at 99p and end next week. I'm hooked on ebay right now :)

Apologies for the cheeky advertising!

W.I.P.

2010-03-29T23:11:00.000+01:00

I have little felt naughties all over my flat waiting to be stitched up...
Its so exciting! I'm going to stuff a few owls too just to see what happens...

Sew i have my nose in books at the moment and am disappeaing home for some easter time off...wait no... i mean revision *sigh* but when i'm back i'll finish these up and pop them in the shop.

Tulips and Chocolate

2010-03-18T18:43:00.000Z

Spring is here! Kind of anyway - its sunny, definitely warmer and the long awaited daffodils, crocuses and snowdrops now line the high street all at once. I felt contrary and bought tulips instead...

And did i ever show you what MummySew left behind? a CHOCOLATE duck

...But all this coursework and pbl and portfolio works makes you kind of hungry...

Nom nom nom!

Plotting Against Monsters...

2010-03-17T11:02:00.008Z

MummySew and I put our heads together a while ago to figure out a way to keep my little felt pencil toppers on their pencils! The answer from MummySew was quick and simple:

I cut a rectangle of matching felt and wrapped it around an average pencil as tightly as possible, stitching the edges together....(note the ever so awesome personalised 'Tara' pencil)

And then simply stitched it in at the bottom, when i sewed the monsters up in blanket stitch.

Even with a good shake, these little monsters are going nowhere!

Watch out for scary additions to The Shop sooon!

Happy Mothers Day!

2010-03-14T12:10:00.000Z

Happy Mothers Day! I made a card as usual, but was even more fuelled to DIY it after popping into Clinton Cards and seeing all the little cards at £5.00 each. No thanks! Anyway, Scherenschnitte came to the rescue with a gorgeous paper cut out (very fiddly - had to get the scalpel out!) that worked very well.

Download your own PDF and have a go yourself here - but do check out her other designs, they are all equally delightful!

I got a bit paper-cutting mad and found this idea on How About Orange and used that to frame my message as well. I copied her pattern but its basically a well thought out paper snowflake! I can't wait to try some other designs :)

Oh and i found these gorgeous earrings on Folksy which are very Mummy Sew. Just missed the sale *sigh* but Gama agreed to pop a little Happy Mothers Day note in the packet for me which was lovely of her and meant i could post direct to Ma.

To Finish...Happy Mothers Day MummySew! Thank you for your love and attention, your patience and education. I cannot wait to see you again :)

Little Hearts

2010-03-10T21:46:00.003Z

I taught myself a little bit of crochet today :) 'The Blanket' uses UK trebles...but I wanted to expand my repertoire a little so I made a little sampler from here and learnt to do US dc, sc and sl st from videos on you-tube (I do have a life - honest. This is done in my study tea breaks!). Its a little messy as I don't have my tension right yet...the journey begins anyway.
On a completely unrelated note - I adore these books :) The illustrations are fantastic; the plots brilliant; the writing refreshingly simple. I only wish i could read and crochet at the same time!

What Dreams are Made of...

2010-03-09T22:11:00.005Z

I went hunting for circular knitting needles and crochet hooks today...I hunted through the local charity shops and found some 2mm knitting needles. Are they used for ANYTHING?! I cannot for the life of me find a pattern for anything done on 2mm 80cm circular needles *sigh* They just get added to the pile then and the hunt continues. I might ebay it.

I want to make hats - ravelry has been taunting me with these things. I would love to try all sorts...

a loose hat to avoid hat hair issues
a lacy cowel for snuggling into
a cosy shawl which would be lovely in the recycled wool from here

But they remain dreams until the right equipment comes my way. I did find a whole lot of vintage material and crochet scraps, which i resisted up to a point. Not having a sewing machine here is killing me. I am itching to get at big prints and make some handbags. I treated myself to some miniatures which proved wonderful inspiration for the upcoming Mothers Day.

Oh and the tiny little Petit Fours cases are so useful at the moment!

Ringo

2010-03-07T14:53:00.004Z

Marianne of Applehead had a little giveaway of one of her lovely little pen and ink drawings a while back - she asked us to name one of her little creations. Sew here is Ringo!

She wrapped him up very cutely sew he peeked through the paper! I loved her idea of using the teeny little tags.
Isn't he lovely? I have to get him framed up in something equally tiny and cute. She emailed me when she was drawing him asking if i would like anything particular to accompany him...I suggested a teapot and it turns out she had already drawn one alongside him! Great minds obviously think alike - he was destined to come my way :)
I haven't posted about anything crafty for a while and i do apologise! I will whip something up for you soon I am sure (as soon as this horrible coursework is out of the way)!

Aren't I Lucky?

2010-03-06T15:37:00.005Z

MummySew came to visit this weekend :) She bought a big bag of post with her including my OWOH prizes! It was so lovely to see her, it makes me realise how much I miss her though and now she's gone its horrible!
Anyway enough moping look at the lovelies I have...
1) A crochet pattern to make this gorgeous chocker necklace from Heather of Jeweled Elegance. She sells these and other patterns in her etsy shop.
I can't wait to try the flower - it would be lovely to add onto all sorts of other lovely things (namely a new pair of fingerless gloves like these)!

2) I also received 5 beautiful cards from Barbara of Barbs Garden which will be lovely to post off to friends and family.3) Linda from The Briar Rose Gate sent me this gorgeous little chappy who I can't wait to frame and have up on the wall...4) ...and finally, I opened up this little leather notebook from Eva of The Elusive Muse. It's the tiniest little thing - perfect for a handbag at just 2 inches square :)

Sew...Aren't I lucky?

Progress

2010-03-02T10:47:00.003Z

My blanket grows slowly - I'm still adding in those orangey wool from here. Its getting a bit big to photograph really! It's now a whopping 85cm wide (this is definitely whopping to me)!

I have 8 balls of wool left - I wonder how far they will go...and what on earth i will do when they run out!!

Button Hunting

2010-02-25T10:18:00.001Z

Buttons! Vintage ones!

Pop over to my folksy shop to view the other sets I have for sale :)

More to come soon...

Good old altoids tin helping out!

Tutorial: Felt Bows

2010-02-23T13:24:00.003Z

These are of course, horrendously easy!

1. Cut yourself a little rectangle and a smaller strip out of felt. I used: rectangle - 5.5 cm by 3.5 cm and strip 3.5 cm by 1 cm

2. Use a running stitch up the centre of the rectangle to ruche it up by pulling the thread tight once stitched. I used a double row of stitches to add strength.

3. Take the little strip of felt and wrap it around the ruched rectangle, stitching it to itself at the back of the bow. Make sure this is relatively tight also.
4. Sew or glue your kirby grips on - i sewed at three points so that my stitches wouldn't come off the hair slides.
5. Wear with pride!

Thanks Postie

2010-02-19T22:24:00.004Z

OWOH giveaways have been given to the postie and are off on their way...one to Australia, two to the US and one to the UK!

I re-use jiffy bags all the time - and it saddens me slightly to see them in such a sorry state...But this little guy makes me feel a little better.

'I'm not scruffy, I'm recycled'

Precisely :)

EDIT: after many hours of trawling through internet sites i found this little guys home! He came from here! I simple copied him and used Microsoft Word to make the labels :)

Bread Making

2010-02-18T12:23:00.000Z

Did I mention bread making?

Soda bread. For when the cupboards are bare!

Mm...
Oh and I totally miss cuddles from this one...

Robin Hoods Bay

2010-02-17T09:00:00.000Z

I had the most wonderful weekend. I think I've mentioned this three times here already but I DID. look...

We had an eco lodge for the night in Ravenscar just down the coast from Robin Hoods Bay.

Tom organised the most beautiful flowers and chocolates!

We had a log burning stove and 2 floors with a kitchen and the most decadent wallpaper and chandeliers all to ourselves! Gorgeous lodges with the most spectacular views...

We went for a swim at the hotel, wandered down into Robin Hoods Bay and went fossil hunting and found an amenite fossil! And some cheats fossil hunting...which was too pretty and touristy to refuse! Isn't it inspiring??

Oh and we went out for the yummiest dinner at the Wayfarer Bistro also in Robin Hoods Bay which had the most gorgeous abstract artwork. I had lemon sole, and Tom had seabass - it seemed rude not to have fish when they were so famous for it.

We giggled all weekend, had tea and cakes at every tearoom we passed and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves! Of course going back home to MummySew was lovely too. Amazing home cooking, crafty times and bread making...I didn't want to leave :(

OWOH winners and a little crafting

2010-02-15T08:42:00.010Z

Before I start - Happy Valentines Day! I've had the most wonderful weekend...but first things first - OWOH winners!

1 40 piece paper pack is going to: Sherry
6 felt covered drawing pins are going to: Sandi M
4 little hair bows are going to: Ozlynda
6 animal pencil toppers are going to: Kristal

Names link to blogs :) I chose who got what based (after Random.org did its job) on what they liked best in their comment :) emails will be going out shortly!

And on a crafty note, MummySew and I found some inspiration over at poppytalk within their 'Polymer Gift Tag' tutorial. Out came the Fimo and the oven was warming...in time for these little tags to be made up...

...cut out with cookie cutters and with a cocktail stick, make a little hole...

...for tying up with rafia for a rustic look...

...i cut some teenyweeny shapes for making little cards with, like this maybe? I have hearts and other cute little shapes too

...i tried indenting the larger shapes with the smaller cutters worked well...and acrylic rubbed in well. As its water based, if you don't like it at this point, simply wash off the acrylic and try again :)

...won't they be lovely for adorning pressies?

Cosy Gloves

2010-02-10T21:06:00.006Z

I can't remember if I ever showed you these? They have been my salvation this winter. I wear them almost everyday - revelling in the fact that i can text with gloves on! It was Mummy Sew again of course - they were 2 christmasses ago now i think and they're still going strong. I do adore bright colours :) they cheer up dull days sew quickly! Magically easy to do too - knit a square and and when you sew the sides up, leave a hole in the seam!

I also have a couple of little people waiting to meet their buttons. Maggie and Samantha will have a sibling or two soon!

Feeling heArty

2010-02-07T14:04:00.005Z

Valentines approaches and I'm getting excited about going home to Mummy Sew for the weekend. Plus a night in Robin Hoods Bay in a luxury eco lodge with the man - cue walks on the beach and touristy shopping! It'll be wonderful :)

In the mean time...i noticed a tiny little string of hearts here and loved how simple and effective it was! I enlarged it a little and have made quite a few! I have them hanging above my radiator so they dance in the warm air, sending shadows over the walls :) cute!

Stanley and Snuggles

2010-02-03T21:58:00.009Z

I had a bit of a blog shuffle a few days ago - very traumatic! I added a third column on the right with a fantastically easy tutorial from here (after wading through the terrifically unhelpful and complicated tutorials everywhere else!).

I also added Maggie to the header...she'll have a few friends soon i hope. I have two themes in mind...watch this space :)

Its snowed today - lots of lovely beautiful snow! Everyone here is annoyed...but i don't think the novelty has worn off for me yet - i love it.

Anyway heres a few things i've been meaning to show you...

Remember I oooh-ed at these?? Well look what arrived in the post! Its amazing - sooo warm and snuggley. Its looks a bit mad!

I had no idea how to photograph it - i think ot looks like a nest. Or a large furry animal!

Oh and did i tell you about Stanley?? I got him for Christmas - here he is coming up to Glasgow...i think we shocked a few fellow motorists, but he nursed the picnic well all the way!

I'm still amazed at the response to my giveaway - not long to go now. Its nice to know sometimes, that i don't just ramble to myself.

Pins and Needles

2010-01-31T13:31:00.005Z

I'm thrilled at the response to my first giveaway and at all the other giveaways going on at OWOH - there's so much generosity and inspiration out there :)

I was browsing through the other blogs that have entered over the weekend and I came across Happiness is Cross Stitching. I absolutely adore her little bottle-top pincushions - they have swarovski-like jewels on - what a gorgeous idea! Her pins are fabulous too - sew jazzy!

Anyway I've been in great need of a pincushion for some time...I've been using either this little needlebook or the tassel on my scissors...

Now as lovely as they are I decided a little miniature pincushion for my needles was desperately needed.

Sew this little thing appeared :) just the right size for me here.

I'm also working on a bigger patchwork pincushion...I'm umming over whether it needs a lace trim? I don't think it quite goes...

Oh and i'm also working on some labels that pink penguin inspired me to have a go at here. Sew i won't finish this up until i have a label to add :)

p.s. I know its wonky :( First attempt at patchworking AND i have no sewing machine...great way to use up scraps though

Giveaway: One World, One Heart

2010-01-29T10:14:00.019Z

A Whimsical Bohemian has been collaborating hundreds of give-aways once a year for quite a few years now. This year is the first I have heard about it (via On the Rhode To Art) and I jumped at the chance to participate! My first give-away!

First of all, in introduction to all the OWOH visitors: I am Tara - a crafter and sewer by nature and a medical student by day! I blog about the things i make and the things that my Mum makes (MummySew). She has quite a feature here :). Something to tell you about today? I walked to uni through Glasgows Botanical Gardens in the snow this morning...and it made my day!

Anyway, I have more than one give-away for you here...although they're slightly limited as I'm not with MummySew and all her wonderful rooms of goodies to explore...I cooked these up over the weekend for you, I hope you'll find them fun! I could have made up some wonderful themed paper packs or themed buttons and fabric if I were at home...next time maybe.

#1 - a set of felt bow kirby (hair) grips - about 2 inches across

#2 - a sample set of 6 felt covered drawing pins to liven up your notice board :) like these.

#3 - (ok i don't have a picture just yet) a set of felt pencil toppers, 2 cupcake, 2 owl, 2 monsters!

Like this...! I'll update ASAP for you all.

EDIT: oh and a little extra...the first persons name out of the 'random number generator' (doesnt quite have the same ring to it as 'hat') will also receive a 40 piece paper pack full of designer paper, textured, handmade, printed the lot! Quite a mix :) It would be good for any scrapbookers or cardmakers out there :)

To enter simply post a comment! You need to have an active blog to enter this give-away but apart from that, I require nothing of you :)

3 winners will be drawn on February 15th by random number generator and my goodies will be shipped off to new homes.

Thanks for visiting!

EDIT: AS OF NOW, FURTHER COMMENTS WILL NOT BE INCLUDED IN THE DRAW.

its past midnight here on Valentines day. I've had the most magical weekend with Mummy Sew and a romantic 2 days away with the boy. Stay tuned for gushing!

Anyway I have an early morning tomorrow and will be home about 8 - sew i will announce and email winners then :) How exciting! Fingers crossed for all you lovely commentors - the Magical Carpet ride this year was lovely - please come back and visit and i will be sure to drop by too. Here's to next year being as much of a success as this!

Thank you OWOH

Dangley's

2010-01-28T23:29:00.004Z

Just showing these again from way back when - they surfaced again this week and received a few interested looks. They're one of jewelery pieces that always get a mention :) I do like them...a few other pairs have been given away as gifts too over the last year. They're a bit raggedy but i quite like them that way. Very simple to do.

I've been studiously avoiding studying this week, instead writing back to sorely missed family members and making myself at home.

This arrived at Christmas too - there are tutorials all over the shop for them and they're so cute on a bedside table or a bathroom shelf. I would definately recommend knocking one up for yourself!

Valentines approaches...I tried my best to be here or here over valentines weekend but that needs months of forward thinking (and booking) apparently...*sigh*

Vintage Jar Labels

2010-01-22T21:45:00.006Z

I emailed Jessica of howaboutorange a few days ago asking about label designs and she had a reply at her fingertips.

She sent me this link which I adored immediately. Sew beautiful!! I thought they looked a little like the labels you used to see on bars of soap?

I got to work and printed off one experimental sheet which I did very simply with a Microsoft Word application. They work wonderfully see?

The next step is a set of little ones for my spice/seed jars. I think they may take a little longer though. I will have to have my cut/paste wits (and patience) about me.
All that is left to do with these lovelies is a bit of trimming with a scalpel and then some sticking.

Perfect :)

Presents from the Postie

2010-01-21T15:05:00.004Z

Mr Postman brought me presents yesterday :)
Some more ridiculously soft wool from, of all places - Amazon! (here) Here's what it looks like as an addition to the blanket...its slowly growing inbetween revision and salsa-ing...

I think it matches quite well and I love crocheting it, its so soft! I'm up to about 60cm across - such a long way to go! A ball of wool only goes around twice now so i'm wondering how far i will get with my current stash! There may have to be some more sneaky buys along the way.
I'm currently contemplating whether i can pull off a little patchwork pincushion without a sewing machine. I do need something to stick pins in - needle books aren't quite as useful as a good old pincushion. We'll see...watch this space eh!

How to...

2010-01-16T20:04:00.004Z

I've had a few questions about how to make little people such as Samantha and Maggie...
MummySew bought the pattern from Marie and Linda who also sell online here.
The cd has a pdf on it with about 40 pages of handwritten instructions, idea and pictures - the cutest tutorial ever!
All the pictures are annotated by hand and little diagrams are drawn to illustrate steps. It is a little pricey, but when you can make dozens of different types and styles its kind of worth it. Sew good for pressies too and fantastic fun trying to create characters.

EDIT: the pattern is called Angels is Abundance and is also available here.

Twits and...oinks!

2010-01-15T12:42:00.002Z

Just a few more little updates from the stockings this year...!

These little owlets came as a pair and are here for no other reason than i love them! :) The little lavender pouch is adorable and sew simple - just a length of lace seamed and stuffed, with a little bow :)

This is a slightly bigger patchwork lavender pouch that has a pattern lurking somewhere - i'll let you know when i dig it out. All my drawers will smell lovely this year :)

And this guy is a...pig?? I think so...curlytail, big circular nose - what else?! Its up for debate anyway. I bought him for Tom yesterday from oxfam because i want a whole family - he has a new welder so it should be put to a good (?) use!

Burlap Totes

2010-01-10T10:08:00.000Z

This was gift from a friend who works with children, getting them to be part of a business and make things from scratch. This was one of the things they did this year!

The burlap used on the inside is divine - its from Betty's tearooms - its what their tea arrives in! The kids trade recycled things with Bettys for fabrics and other things, a great idea to get people recycling. They collect stamps and bottletops (which once they have the weight of a wheel chair in bottletops, they can actually swap for a wheelchair!) and even glasses and phones.

MummySew got one too...

I want a blanket!

2010-01-09T10:45:00.001Z

I spent a few evenings over christmas snuggled up under one of these blankets by Binty, and decided that i was very jealous and needed to make a blanket of my own!

I wanted to make one with some granny squares...which i have never done before...so I made a few samples. One granny square, one other kind of crochet thing (?) and i started a square of knitting...but after the quick crocheting, knitting took forever and i lost patience.

Anyway i decided that crocheting was loads of fun (and quick) but the wool was boring and i didn't want so many holes...so MummySew uncovered some old balls of furry furry wool from some long forgotten project, and I got to work!

Its the perfect wool as i wanted something really warm, snuggley and heavy for these cold wintery days.

A Snowy Scene!

2010-01-08T09:29:00.000Z

I drew the blinds today to find foot long icicles! Definately a first for us - sooo cold right now. We have worries about getting back up to Glasgow tomorrow, lots of roads have been closed and grit stores have all been used up. We'll just drive slowly and hope for the best i think. At least the drive will be pretty!

MummySew and I made a million party invitation cards yesterday (okay 33) which was fab thing to bo able to do for free from all our arty crafty stocks.

(i KNOW that this card has yellow, orange and puce pink all mixed in and i KNOW it should be horrible. but i adore it!)

We were very lazy and just cut and stuck, using pretty pretty embossed shiny papers and the like. We used up a lot of old cards, cutting out little pictures for a funny little twist. They're simple, but i think they work. Good fun too! Christmas cards might be done the same way this year. We have enough 'stuff' in this house to do it for years! Here's just a few random ones to show you...

(look at that beautiful snowy background! 7" - no wonder we're all grinding to a halt. thousands of school are closed! It makes me wish i was still at school, just so i could have a day off...)

Designer Recycling!

2010-01-07T09:33:00.000Z

The christmas tree came down 2 days ago, and our traditional barbie angel was wrapped back up and dissappeared back into the attic...sad, but exciting - a new year, a new decade even! She has a half made friend with her in the attic, for when i finally have a tree of my own :)

I also wanted to show you another thing that MummySew had for me under the tree this christmas...
An enormous crochet rug! It'll liven up my floor at uni...she upcycled a bit, using an old cable knit sweater that she unraveled (a jaeger one!)...but she doubled the thread and came out with this wonderfully squishy bath mat/rug for me to enjoy. It's roughly a metre across!

mm...

Meet Samantha...

2010-01-06T09:25:00.000Z

Remember Maggie? She's just found a big sister! I swiped MummySew's pattern to have a go myself...

She has elbows this time! Which looks a little more normal...

And she sits up on her own! Something to do with being a little big bigger...that extra padding on the bottom!

See? Sitting :)

Oh yes and she darns her own petticoats...quite the housewife. Maggie gets mothered!

Her apron ties with a sweet little bow at the back...

And she has a bow in her hair and pearls around her neck!

She was great fun - really exciting to make, I am just unsure if she needs wings...I made some out of angelina fibre (which i bought a million years ago from Art Van Go and have never used) but they would cover her little pinny bow.

What do you think? Hm...

See how her feet are bigger to help her stand?

Mousey mousey!

2010-01-05T10:37:00.001Z

Remember these squeakers?? MummySew knitted up some additions to the family!

How fabulously cute!! I love the bow in her hair :)

Oh and we had a white christmas this year - inches and inches of slippery, icy snow! Christmas eve involved a snowball fight and snowman time - he was 6' tall...but shrunk a bit before we managed to get pictures in daylight :(

Nom nom nom...

2010-01-04T11:34:00.000Z

I had some silly fun with ma and the childhood cookie cutters plus kiddie recipe's! Shortbread, Nanny Gales ground rice biscuits and Ginger shortbread...

...wrapped up in cellophane with a big ribbon and a christmassy tag, they looked rather smart! Good thank you's after christmas :)

Oh oh and the stockings this year had finger puppets too - two of which went walkies but might pop up here if they ever come back for a holiday?

Felt scraps...

2010-01-03T09:28:00.000Z

...make wonderful stocking fillers!

Some for boys...(how much fun did i have with these?!)

Some for girls...
and some for crackers..! (there were five once...maybe something nibbled one - something appearing in the next post - keep your eyes peeled!)

Oh and MummySew cooked up something for a boys stocking too! Just big enough for a santa choccie!

Home Sweet Home

2009-12-16T23:42:00.004Z

I'm Home!!! (well, i was home two weeks ago, but my postlet got forgotten...anyway i have found it again and here it is!)

And look who was waiting for me...

He's a mix of standard stuffing with pearl barley and lavender in his bottom and at the end of his limbs - so i think he could work like a wheat pocket and be microwave-able? He's a gorgeous little thing from MummySew - sew not only does he smell nice, but he sits upright cause he has heavy handsies!

This tombe was also awaiting me - 'A Physician in the House' by J. H Greer. Its a White Cross Emergency book from 1914, with the most hilarious antidotes...for example...

"Sore Throat - hardly any remedy for sore throat proves more effacious than the old-fashioned plan of tying around the throat a slice of fat bacon on which is sprinkled red pepper."

How amazing that medicine has gone so far in less than 100 years. Should be comical to compare to my readings at uni.

Its all madness!

Oh, I've also been making bows - just little delicate ones for my hair. Sew simple, Sew quick, Sew cute! I like them in red...

Do you Believe in Angels?

2009-12-06T01:10:00.005Z

Mummy Sew sent a little hand drawn card up to me in Glasgow the other day which read ' Do you Believe in Angels?' and then inside...'There may be one coming your way soon!'
How intrigueing! And then today the post bought me my first christmas card (not counting the Royal Mail one) - a cancer research one with Singing Angels on from Ma...accompanied with...Maggie!!!

Isn't she fantastic?? All her limbs are buttons, with beads for knees so that she articulates. Such a sweeeet idea :) She starts the festive season - university halls doesnt seem to do festive very well. Thank goodness for Mummy Sew!!

Wish Lists

2009-10-30T20:39:00.005Z

Just a few lists here this time! I'm really enjoying some well written books at the moment. There are some here that I read years ago - and some just recently.

Charlotte Brönte – Jane Eyre
Daphne Du Maurier – Rebecca, Jamaica Inn
J. R. R. Tolkein – The Hobbit, The Lord Of The Rings
Jane Austin - Pride And Prejudice, Emma, Sense And Sensibility
Wilkie Collins – The Woman In White
Emily Brönte – Wuthering Heights
Janice Elliott – The Sadness of Witches

I absolutely adored Jane Eyre, Rebecca and Wuthering Hieghts. Tolkein I started reading age...8? And I loved it even then. In fact - I found all of these spectacular books. They are classics for a reason i suppose.
Sew what is left on my book shelves for me to read?

Victor Hugo – The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Virginia Woolf – Orlando
William Makepeace Thackeray – Vanity Fair
Mary Shelleys – Frankenstein
Margaret Mitchell – Gone With The Wind
Anya Seton – Dragonwyck
Alexander Dumas - The Count of Monte Cristo
Charles Dickens – A Tale of Two Cities, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, A Christmas Carol

I'm nearly finished Vanity Fair - and Orlando has a long forgotten bookmark between its pages. Gone With The Wind needs reading desperately - I feature! And Dickens, i think may be hard going - a different style to my favoured girls - Brönte's, Austin, Du Maurier.
There are some classics that also need adding to my collection. I have in mind...

Louisa May Alcott – Little Women
Bram Stoker – Dracula
Oscar Wilde – The Picture of Dorian Grey
Charles Dickens - Great Expectations
Jane Austin - Persuasion

Oh hey but i don't just read these things - i slip silly things in there too! I recently read Dodie Smiths 101 Dalmations and of course i have a bizarre collection of fantasy books throughout my shelves (i'm a Harry Potter fan, His Dark Materials, The Abhorsen Trilogy, Twilight too!). I have C. S. Lewis and Lewis Carrol awaiting me also - for my more childish days!
Maybe i'm being a tad ambitious...theres not enough time for all this right now - i WILL get round to them all eventually though.

I leave you with what i found when I went home at the weekend, curled up in my suitcase, trying to sneak back to Glasgow with me!!

Book worm alert!

2009-10-22T17:00:00.000+01:00

What I actualy mean is, failed book worm alert...since I've been neglecting the long hours i used to spend with my nose in a book. When i spend hours in the library looking up medically things all day, the last thing i want to do is come home and read. But i do miss it.

Conundrum eh! Well it hasn't stopped me buying books, i suppose ill get to missing it enough that i'll eventually pick all these books back up. My most recent purchases were from a few tables outside on Byres Road...and among the stacks and stacks of books i found these:

Now Mummy Sew cries her eyes out every time she watches The Bridges of Madison County - sew i saw the book and thought i better give it a go before i see the film. Saving it for a cry day though! And Daddy Long Legs - my Nan has a copy of this - but this is illustrated (see below) and its seewww cuuutttee! I will have to read it again, i've no idea what its about but i have fond memories of it lurking in the back of my mind :)

Besides those, these have been lurking on my shelves for a while. I'm half way through vanity fair - keep putting it down in annoyance at Becky Crawley and her vain vain ways. And the hunchback of Notre Dame - well it just needs to be read.

That top book is 'A childs garden of verses' by R L Stevenson. What gorgeous illustrations! The book on the right is one of the illustrations from Daddy Long Legs...

...sorry its been so long!

2009-10-20T20:19:00.003+01:00

But I'm back now! Settled in at uni in cold cold Glasgow. If only we had heating! A hoover would be nice too...never mind.
Thought i'd squeeze a few moments into the busy medical student schedule to pop these up...they'v been on my notice boards for some time now...slowly adding them to my folksy shop too, sew they are up for grabs! Really useful too - uni halls are so drab and these add a bit of fun :)

I've shown you some of these before here... and they sold with surprising ease! I think i've sold 70 heart drawing pins...sew i thought i'd branch out! I have butterflies too but i can't say im a great fan of butterflies...

Anyway ill try to update you on something soon!

*kisses*

Fimo Fun Times

2009-06-04T10:46:00.004+01:00

Remember all those fimo buttons i made here? well with a bit of good presentation, they're okay to be sold! Either on folksy, or this stall thats lurking in the future maybe. Cheap as chips hopefully - there are so many overpriced things out there. I'll put these at a pound or 2 at the most :)

Unloved Oldies

2009-06-03T21:43:00.006+01:00

These handmade beauties have also been hidden at the back of a drawer...they'll be on folksy in a few days - I just don't wear them! Goodness knows why because they really are well made :) Mummy Sew made them years ago...I really need to post something that was made by ME...tehe!

I've discovered an awful lot of these things recently...and an awful lot of awesome vintage clothes i have bought and worn once, sew come christmas (or as soon as possible really when its not term time) i will be having a stall at a vintage fair! I could easily fill a stall - probably more than once! Its incredible how many beautiful vintage clothes i have!

Summer Brooches

2009-06-03T18:11:00.002+01:00

I found these a few days ago - Mummy Sew made them ages ago and i thought they'd look wonderful adorning a few of my hand bags this summer. I also sent 4 off in a brooches swap today - means ill be awaiting the postman all excited again for the next week or sew.

Also check what I received in a swap the other day - i have about a metre of it and god knows what i'll do with it but isn't it fabulous?! So vintage and wonderful :)

Tote time

2009-05-22T12:03:00.001+01:00

Mummy Sew seems to have been REALLY busy while i was away! Another pretty thing she finished off this weekend:
She used two old pockets and old buttons, suffolk puffs and bows...and i think its lovely! She found the pocket in a scrap bag that Flossyblossy gave us. I thought using old pockets and straps from old clothes was a wonderful idea!

Possibly going up for sale on Folksy...

Twit...

2009-05-21T12:12:00.001+01:00

...Twoo!!

I got back from my weekend away to find these adorable little ones adorning the mantlepiece. Aren't they the cutest, cuddliest little things!!

Ma found the owlets over at Roman Sock, and they appear to have been pretty speedy little things.

Pictured here with some of the wedding flowers they were giving away. Dozens on jam jars - so sweet!

And below a pressie from Tom - a bit fat squashy seat to plonk myself on for the inevitable bike rides. It was pretty wonderful, I have to admit - 15 miles against the wind on the coast and no sore bottom! Has to be a first :D

A Weekend in the Lakes...

2009-05-20T14:54:00.003+01:00

I've had more han a week off work! And of course there was a special occasion - Tom's brother got married this weekend in the lake district, sew I've spent a few days on the banks of Thirlmere, and a few days in Carlisle with Tom.
We even treked up Helvelan...well, half way up anyway. I think we reached cloud level, and the pouring rain and horribly strong winds turned us around pretty sharpish. See? That's Thirlmere down there.
Being the fool I am, I took no photo's of me and Tom! But here's Hugh and Cath and little Oli, with Hughs brothers Tom and Jim on either side. The sun came out in prefect timing for photos and the whole day was beautiful! Good disco, good food, and great music by Tom's dad John. Their jazz band are called Traditional Old Pork Scratchings - or TOPS. Fantastic!

Finito!!

2009-05-14T12:23:00.001+01:00

Sew whats been happening in life? Well yesterday....(why wasn't this in yesterdays post? Who knows) I finished my Art A-level!! YAAAAAAY!! So glad thats all all over. It's so hard to be creative when you have a title to work to. Anyway, my project titles that ive been working on since September are self chosen 'Conflict' which evolved into work about the Suffragettes, and again, self chosen 'Infection Control' which was mainly textile based.

I chose Art and Literature out of the given list for my exam and used Little Red Riding Hood, looking at its dark side. Anyway, i'm mounting up next week, and if i get it all up on the walls, I'll pop a few pictures up :)

Now a sight such as this greatly upsets me. I love post. LOVE it. adore it. It is my reason for getting up in the morning! Literally. Sew when one of these comes through the letter box, its awful! I have to wait a whole extra day! AND i have to go and get it myself. The trouble is...when I go and collect it, I am convinced the post-lady is going to come while i am out and leave me another one. It's awful. :(

Aaaaanyway on a bright, cheerful, flowery note - look what Mummy Sew made!

We found a PDF tutorial here at Roman Sock. Aren't they cute :D Other cute things of the week - check out what i got in part of a Matchbox swap from smokeyquartz. Her etsy store is fabulous - i just love her headdresses.

The bag is so wow and the buttons are POW. The teeny tiny little book is just wonderful too! The ribbon, i bought myself the other day when i was in Skipton getting myself another teapot painted...pictures later!

Tea for Two

2009-05-13T16:40:00.003+01:00

Wedding presents pre kiln. I love this place - coffee and clay. Tom enjoyed it too which was wierd...but awesome.

That and some homemade placemats will do for the wedding i think - pictures to come hopefully when they're all finished.

Sew a whopping great big long photo blog!

2009-05-13T15:46:00.006+01:00

Mummy Sew has done it again! She went a bit mad on the outfit front, so there are quite a few photos here for you today! Slightly gollywog-like which i love. I love the old fashioned gollywogs, i would absolutely love one. Sew....the catwalk commences. Here is outfit number one...

For a summery sunshine day...

Plus a little cardie, for when the sun goes in.

The above - an all so important long dress for the posh occasions :D

A soft cashmere do for those sensitive days! Complete with handbag to match

oh and plus a little cardie again

And since its summer, we'd better drag the old swimming cosie out!

Sew we made a few Buttons

2009-05-09T12:07:00.003+01:00

Mummy Sew and I were bored last night...sew we made buttons! Dragged the fimo out dusty and neglected as it was and had a play while Greys Anatomy was on (oh McDreamy!).

We made rolls of colour and layered them up so we had four colours in a little "snake", then sliced through to get little multicoloured flat circles...

Punched them twice with a needle et voila!! Buttons...not sure whether their sell-able, but they are cool.

These are just my favourites we did quite a few!

You like?

Oh, another recent swap I sent: I exchanged Paper Art Dolls. The top one i sent to RedRobin all the way to Kansas (pictured with a notecard - my little owl motif that i'm so addicted to!) and the far bottom i received from Kasade! Cool
I enjoyed making mine, although admittedly i've been rather busy and stressed with the A2 art exam - i am half way through the 15 hours that it takes to make the final piece. At the same time, finishing off the other 2 projects and writing an essay on the Suffragettes AND working nights...hence, Mummy Sew got involved before i could and really, she did most of it! The Skirt is tied at the back which i thought was a really cute little extra idea :)

Sew keep recycling!

2009-05-08T12:08:00.000+01:00

Remember these that i made out of juice cartons? Well i made quite a few (half a dozen :s)...and have decidedthey need a bit of variety.

I have infact discovered that they work quite well as needle cases! Big wow! I quite like them, and my sewing machine survived beating its way through felt and card which spurred me on too.

I tried sewing the felt pages in at both ends, to see which work best.

The one on the left seemed to work better - with the felt on the top hinge, it got slightly in the way of the purses closing. Not drastically but hey. Cute?

And a big thank you to the knackered sewing machine. It keeps plodding on :)

Oh and look what i recieved in a swap recently: part of a stuff an envie swap all the way from Israel! Libat enclosed some very pretty little Ex Libris stickers which i adore...aren't they beautiful?

Sew I Went Fabric Shopping

2009-05-07T15:24:00.005+01:00

I went fabric shopping today...and limited myself to one shop. Thank goodness i did, and thank goodness i had one goal in mind! I have been looking for a big floral print that i can cut into easy circles and make into circular place mats for a wedding gift. It is my boyfriends brothers wedding on May 16th so i don't have much time left! I intend to pipe the edges too sew i better get going i suppose...

The little pink bit was a sneaky buy for myself :) I'm thinking bags.

Sew a Handbag Swap

2009-05-07T14:32:00.005+01:00

I swapped one of these bags i made quite a while ago with my Tutor and I quite proudly say she uses it all the time! Remember one of these is for sale over at my folksy store?She recently gave me in return, this gorgeous little thing - isn't it wonderful! I just love the colours :)

Sew a Handbag...

2009-05-03T12:59:00.001+01:00

My first usable big handbag!! I used the fabric that i bought in Leeds - from here, and made up my own pattern.
I added pleats - 3 on each side of each handle for a little detail, and a quite a large pocket on the inside. Its also got a calico covered piece of card on the inside so that the bottom keeps its shape. I'm mega pleased with this! Its actually very neat work. It was made to match a vintage dress i bought recently, but it doesn't really go...It will be used anyway methinks!

Sew check out swaps...

2009-05-02T15:20:00.001+01:00

ooooh check out part of the cool time swap i got from Rita the other day... part of a cracker swap - stuff a cracker with artsy craftsy stuff. Very cool things included! Especially love the embossed felt stuff - yum!

Sew some glasses cases...

2009-05-01T13:43:00.001+01:00

I have recently invested in 3 (yes THREE!) pairs of new sunglasses in prep for holiday times in mallorca again this year. When i say invested, i do infact mean raided charity shops, vintage fair stalls and friendly giveaways...

Anyway, cases aren't normally involved in such investments, and even if they were, they're normally too big and bulky anyway...sew, I decided a make was needed!

Owly motif was needed obviously and a lace trim...et voila!

Note the very snazzy wallace sunglasses donated by a tres generous friend!

Mmm...

Of course, three pairs of sunglasses mean more cases are to come...and velcro/poppers need to be added too!

Just added this to my Folksy store! Added a popper clasp too. I intend to make quite a few :)

Sew I made pretty pegs!

2009-04-16T03:58:00.000+01:00

Another swap recently called for decorated clothespins. It was PriscillaBrunson's swap and a really original idea :) I have some gorgeous japanese paper that were a present to Mummy Sew, which i cut a few strips off to paper the front of my pegs with.

I then glued some Butterfly/Heart gems to the front, and a magnet to the back et voila! Fridge Magnet Clips! For photo's and notes and the like.

Handy!

And here is what i got in return

These from Lishmo all the way from Texas! These were absolutely adorable and the extra's she sent were wonderfully original! Just look at that ribbon, its so pretty i may simply make it into a cuff. So different!! And then these...

from Pensylvania! What an awesome swap :)

Sew a Collar

2009-04-15T15:59:00.000+01:00

This came in a mix bag of stuff from the most recent Leeds Vintage Fashion Fair in the town hall, i didn't realise what it was until i got it home. Other ribbons and such were lovely, but this was raggedy and had obviously been hacked off something (I just wish i knew what!). There is also a matching but slightly lacier bib...which i think will be sewn onto a strappy white top, on the neckline...so watch this space!

Anyway, the collar needed only half an hour to a few seams and fix the clasp a little and actually looks rather quirky now. Especially with a strapless or low top. Good find methinks :)

Sew I'm a bit late...

2009-04-15T15:38:00.000+01:00

...but Happy Easter anyway!

Sew what did we do?? Easter day was a long walk with the man through the beautiful and local Plumpton Rocks with a few pictures for the old (and slightly neglected) A-level...

And then I had a wonderfully childish time in the kitchen and made these, having just been presented with a cupcake book from Mummy Sew.

Then off to work a night shift ...good day though :)

Sew a Handbag...

2009-04-15T15:27:00.001+01:00

Mummy Sew did this one quite a while ago now - it was getting a bit neglected sew I've added it to my SHOP over on folksy to see if some one will give it a home and some use :)

Sew i've started swapping!

2009-04-14T23:24:00.000+01:00

I've discovered the coolest website! (okay sew i discovered it about a month ago and have only just blogged about it...) it's called swap-bot and you literally sign up, write a little about yourself and start swapping. How fab??

Sew my first swap was a matchbox swap. Theme: green

Here was what I sent...

It's surprising how much you can fit into a matchbox! I put in a few handmade beads, felt balls, one of my new felt drawing pins and quite a bit else besides...

I packed it all in and wrapped it up in brown paper and green ribbon. It looked delicious!

I joined a few others that were themed pink and purple, and yellow and teal see?

Started adding extras for a heart and to destash a little! Also little notes on mini cards.

And Tea Themed, with 2 english rose teabags inside...

sew yes, over the past month, i've had a bit of a matchbox phase.... but they ARE cute, are they not?

Sew use up your scraps...

2009-04-07T21:30:00.000+01:00

Mummy Sew has been at it again! She stole my yummy scraps that i made my first set of bags out of and fashioned this:
Its rather funky since she has a different slice of fabric on each side...i like!
And with HER scraps, I made a teeny diddy needle case. Now thats thrifty!

Sew start recycling!

2009-04-07T21:18:00.000+01:00

I found a fab little tutorial to make coin purses out of juice cartons! Love recycling so it was good fun! Link

Rather original and surprisingly roomy...

How cute! 2 different types here (the first went wrong and i wasn't going to chuck it after all that folding! so its got a folded in flap rather than an over the top flap).

Sew an owl box...

2009-04-07T20:55:00.000+01:00

I attempted a box a few weeks ago - a slightly bigger one than my other ones and made it of 2 layers of felt for sturdiness...needless to say it didn't work! See:

A tad floppy!

Sew, I ripped it up, cut it out again, made it a tad smaller, added sew in interlining aaaand hey presto a box thats stands up!

twit twoo!!

p.s. much prefer the handstitched blanket stitch edging than the machining. Took a bit longer but was good to do while listening to the new Franz album :)

Sew a CD stasher

2009-04-07T19:54:00.001+01:00

Hmmmm so I've worked out that if I'll be at uni in Glasgow - there will some serious road trips occuring. Mona (the moaning Micra) has one CD slot and hence I need a CD holder!! Sew I made up this holder for 12 CD's. Quite swish actually I think!

Had to use sheers so you can see which CD's are about and actually I think it'll work quite well. Didn't take too long once I'd got worked out what I wanted. Its not exactly small though so it'll be slightly squashed into the glove compartment!

Sew a mouse family...

2009-03-28T18:45:00.000Z

Look what Mummy Sew knitted me up for Christmas!! Aren't they adorable - I should have posted them ages ago. They really are fab.

I also hear rumours that there is a baby mouse to add to the family coming soon :)

Working nights at the moment...don't seem to be getting anything done in the day time! Had a long drive around Ilkley Moor today though and had a good relaxing afternoon. Good enough for a dull Saturday afternoon!

(The Man just christened these two Monty and Martha...bless :))

Sew some more dollies

2009-03-23T11:58:00.000Z

Mothers day evening - we nattered, and I made up these 3: Sally, Dot and Jim.

Ballerina, Tree Hugger and Waitor. I love making these, their sew simple and childish and means i get to have a good rummage in all the scrap buckets! (the perfect place for all inspiration)

Sew a gift

2009-03-22T17:18:00.000Z

Mothers Day arrived today and Mummy Sew recieved one bookmark, a bunch of flowers and one hand made bag! Pattern needs a bit of tweaking but here it is as it stands.
I sewed 2 crocheted doileys onto the pale pink circles of fabric and sewed on my beads and buttons and suffolk puffs and ribbon. I added a chain handle, and another doiley inside sewn onto the pocket. Pops shut with a simple snap fastener :) Mothers Day was a relaxed occasion...a bit of shopping, and saw Nanny! Then we had dinner together - a seafood casserole...mmm... and then strawberry crumble!

Sew some cupcakes!

2009-03-20T16:16:00.001Z

Mummy Sew got this gorgeous cake stand for christmas from moi and a matching teapot from my boyfriend - sew she made a few cupcakes for when it's not piled full of cakes (occasionaly ones from betty's - LOVE the fat rascals).

More to come I think!

a sad P.S. Newcastle rejected my uni place today which is horrible because it was there that i really wanted to be last year. Luckily Glasgow really impressed me when i went up to see the uni this year! Sew I'll be in glasgow come September. Scaaaaary! On the plus side the boyfriend will be in Edinburgh at uni as a mature student...and the train through from Glasgow to Edinburgh isn't much of a long journey :)

Sew rings on your fingers

2009-03-20T16:04:00.001Z

Swap #2! I had a few ring backs lieing around i've been meaning to make into button layered rings sew when I saw a button ring swap i was delighted! Here's the three I made...The first two i kept for myself...

and made this one for my swap partner:

Sew simple and cheerful!

Sew some boxes...

2009-03-20T16:01:00.000Z

Mummy Sew also makes boxes! It appears she's been rather busy recently! She used some rather delicious liberties fabric and a mix of stitch and glue.

Sew a whimsey or five!

2009-03-20T15:54:00.000Z

Mummy sew has been making whimsey jars while I do my A-level work. Aren't they lovely! She wants to sell them but I've stolen one to use and fill with bits and bobs :) they make really useful pin cushions!

The flash on my camera died last night. Didn't realise how much i use it! I now have to shell out for anther camera! *sigh*

Mummy Sew...

2009-03-16T19:45:00.000Z

Mummy Sew has been sewing all her life...here's one she made recently! Isn't it delicious? :) She's got lots of little outfits...and underneath every skirt she's got different knickers and occasionally a petticoat!
Here's her in the morning, just out of her bed, still in her nightie!

now, nightie off! What shall we wear today...?

our favourite evening gown?

bit posh maybe...how about a casual dress and cardie?
its a bit cold though...

maybe we need something a bit warmer...

thats better!!

Sew some nesting owls...

2009-03-16T14:56:00.000Z

Remember the little owls i made with help from moonstitches? well I made a few more! here they are all lined up...

I decided they needed a good little home to nest in while i decide what to do with them...sew, i found a little post by lucykatecrafts to make season enveloped and had a go myself - here we are all nestled in...
and from the front...

these will most likely soon turn into a little pocket maybe for mothers day 'To Mummy', with a little pressie inside!

Sew a Strawberry or two...

2009-03-15T19:42:00.000Z

I found a cute little Tutorial by mr.monkeysuit to make strawberries! Spent my time on the train doing them. Now i just need something to do with them! Sew, I'm thinking some sort of mobile? String them together somehow...

Sew a few drawing pins...

2009-03-15T19:19:00.000Z

I got an offer for uni this week! Glasgow want me unconditionally! Sew whatever happens now, I'm moving out this September :) My cork board needs snazzing up a bit with new drawing pins. A few felt scraps and blanket stitches later, and I have a dozen cute and original drawing pins!

Sew a little dolly...

2009-03-15T18:44:00.000Z

I made these a few days ago with odds and ends from the ever growing scrap bag(s!). I love little russian dolls at the moment - these aren't quite russian dolls but cute enough! I so enjoyed painting their little faces :) - so i think there are a few other painted doll projects coming up...watch this space...

Mummy Sew demanded a soldier...

so here he is:

They're all officialy called, Judy, Betty, Phil and Bob...from the film White Christmas. Please don't ask why! Something to do with.... 'Sisters...there were never such devoted sisters!'

Sew I spent a bit of money...

2009-03-15T18:39:00.000Z

Vintage fairs and charity shops were raided this weekend when I finally woke up from my night shifts and I found this gorgeous selection squirreled away at the back of shelves and such like.

Keep posted - I have some lovely ideas for bags coming up!

Also bought a whole sewing box full of vintage pins/needles/crochet hooks/threads/pin cushions etc etc etc...all for ten pounds! its beautiful - wooden with three tiers folding out and a central handle. Brill!

and here it is:

Sew some more bags...

2009-03-15T18:27:00.000Z

So I made a few more little bags! I have one for a swap with my Tutor and another being sold. Must get on folksy soon. I'm also getting quicker at them. Fabrics not as yummy here but it is what was lieing around! These have two pockets instead of the one :)

Sew an Owl or two...

2009-03-02T22:38:00.000Z

Tutowlrial by moonstitches is so incredibly cute!! LOVED it, so I made my first little owlette. DOZENS to follow, I want a whole little flock :)

I now have an owl egg cosy too from lucykatecrafts which I also made on one of the many train journeys I seem to do at the moment...he's very cute! Although he won't help with the poached eggs that I'm addicted to at the moment...

Sew a Broach...

2009-03-02T21:20:00.000Z

Ginger has a little funky broach with suffolk puffs and pompoms on it and I wanted one too! Here's my version...

Really simple and wacky, big and bold enough for my outdoors coat!
Didn't take long and I used a few old Liberty scraps that were dieing to be little suffolk puffs :)

Sew I made a teapot...

2009-03-02T15:08:00.000Z

Had a wonderful day out with Ginger in a little cafe in Skipton called coffee and clay - SEW childish, but wonderful fun. Its called Coffee and Clay...
I did a little teapot for one (not that we don't have enough teapots!) and Ginger did a little Cupcake pot.
Sew here was mine...
And hers...
And we went back a week later (which turned out to be about three I think :s) to collect after they've been through the kiln. What do you think?
Coffee and Clay do gorgeous little events - childrens parties and adult BYOB evening painting sessions. Love it!
But anyway...time for a pot of tea i think! :D

Sew Anna Panda...

2009-03-02T15:01:00.000Z

mollychicken have lots of wonderful little tutorials, I had a go at Anna Panda first on the train home from Carlisle. Really very simple and cute! Big enough to actually give a good cuddle too. I've also done a few of the chicks, however need a few more tries, I have square heads and too skinny bodies...watch this space!

Sew some new earrings...

2009-02-28T19:04:00.000Z

I recieved the top right pair a few years ago at Christmas and only just got around to having a go myself. Surprisingly easy!! First step as below with dissolvable fabric and a pale shear for strength (something my gift pair didn't have much of!), then zigzag your outline and hand bead. Really effective - I've had loads of passing comments already! :) I just wish i had a decent camera to do these things justice...

Sew a little storage...

2009-02-28T18:26:00.000Z

Sew...first blog!

First things first I suppose - dragged everything out of the cupboards and attic into a big tangle and immediately decided I needed some storage!!

The first I found on a tutorial by Applehead and adapted. 'H' design works really well, i just changed fabrics, added pockets and handles and hey presto here we are (albeit with a few pins still in!)...

Then I got a little enthusiastic and found another tutorial by crazymomquilts, sew ended up making another set of three...limited only by running out of little quotes for the front.

Odds and Ends
Bits and Bobs
Stuff and Things

Perfect for all my little scraps.
The fabrics I used are cut out of old fabric books - a great way of finding fabric lying about.