Play Day

I had great fun today at the wonderful studio's Hope & Elvis. We were taught how to make delightful free stitching pieces by the ever so talented (and patient) Janet Clare.

As well as a delightful play day, I got to have a meet up with some of my bloggy buddies. A day spent with the oh so chuchy Lyn from Everyday Life is always so perfect. She pinched my cheeks Michela!!
And conversations with Two Bones Deb are always a bit on the wrong side of bizarre, we are so on the same wave length!!! (gorgeous fringe by the way!). It looks like Louise is chasing you Deb!
I was so proud of my almost finished piece. I had never tried this kind of sewing before and am thrilled to find I can do this on my machine at home too. When I have finished it, I'm going to frame it.
I loved Lyn's piece - she is so creative and whipped this up in no time.
I also took another friend Lynn B along (for her birthday present) and she produced this great cushion cover. It features her son, his girlfriend and their huge dog. I think that they will love it.
Everyday Lyn also started this smaller piece - so pretty.
I took photographs of some of the other pieces produced by the other ladies who attended - I don't think any of us had done this before.
I loved this by Two Bones Deb who made this for her mum - featuring the house where they used to live.
And this piece was stunning. The fabric, texture and sewing all so beautiful.
I love Louise's studio. I love sitting and creating and being inspired by wonderful tutors and fellow creators alike. I love rummaging through the vintage fabrics to find the right pieces and coming home with something that well may become a family heirloom.
Many thanks Ladies for such a perfect day.

Pin Cushion

Ive volunteered to run a stall for my WI at our village fair later in the year. I thought a "Homemade and Vintage" theme would enable most people to contribute to the stall. Ive been making a few things that I thought might sell, including this small button jar/pincushion combo. You know I love creative faffing!

Dolly Dimple was my cash cow.

Back in the very early 1980's I had a great job in a really big "proper " office. Forget "Dress down Fridays" we had " Cream bun Friday's" and "Go to the pub at noon, and don't come back till home time" Fridays. The stories I could tell would make a great book with fabulous characters like "Doreen" who would come into work every Thursday with a great big love bite, as her hubby went to the WMC (Working Mens Club) every Wednesday night and had a skin full! Any how - I digress.
I earned a fairly decent salary, but I was saving up for a deposit on a house, so I needed a bit extra income. I made a night dress case for my office friend when it was her birthday - enter stage right, Dolly Dimple.

The 200 + ladies in the offices loved her. They all wanted at least one - some wanted several! And so began the nightmare that was the sweatshop, that was our living room at home. I went into full production. And then my pal took one to show the ladies she worked with - 100+ ladies at "County Hall" - same response!!!

Weekends were spent shopping for fabrics and haberdashery, and weeknights were spent sewing and assembling. Dolly wore me out, but she did help me pay a hefty deposit on my first house bless her - and two holidays to Ibiza, and she paid for my Christmas presents for a couple of years too!

I thought I would resurrect her - for old times sake. I had to make her from memory as I burned the pattern! and she is slightly our of proportion (but then so am I these days!), and she is a bit lopsided (ditto). I did treat her to a bit of "Cath" for her outfit though and she looks very fresh for spring!

(apologies for the really poor light!)

And then I remembered that I am way overdue for a giveaway. So if you would like to give Dolly Dimple a home - she is fabulous at keeping your nighty, PJ's, tights, toilet rolls, plastic carrier bags etc etc neat and tidy - then leave me a comment. I'll draw the winner out next week.

PS - you can see why the Tilda Angel may not turn out the same as she does in the book!

Charm Bracelet

I made a charm bracelet out of a gorgeous piece of purple ribbon I had. You tie it with a bow, so it fits any size wrist, and there is plenty of room to sew on othe "charms" or bits of treasure that you find.

I hope the recipient likes it.

I'm going to make a few more. xxx

Edited to say that I will make another and photograph each step (If I can remember how I did it - I was only faffing around!)

A gorgeous gift.

After a stressful day at work, it was lovely to come home to discover that the postman had brought me more than just the usual wad of bills. I had won the giveaway over at Sandies Patch, but didn't know what this would be as she was putting it together especially for whoever won it.



It was packaged beautifully, and inside was a sweet pouch - with a heart on it.

As you can see, the contents were simply gorgeous. I still keep opening the packet of hearts to examine them. Everything is so wonderful - it was better than Christmas!

The dancing queen has her eye on one of the corsages and the beautiful bracelet - so I need to hide them quickly!!!
Many thanks Sandie - I never expected the giveaway to be so lovely.

And for all those who were interested, my survival embroidery last week was these two heart shaped designs that I picked up in Cabourg in France - in a wonderful craft shop where I could have happily spent all day in called "A La Recherche du temps perdu" Which means "In search of lost time"and was apparantly the name of a body of work written by Marcel Proust who often holidayed there.

Don't look too closely at the very "naive" stitching! I made one of these into a pocket for a bag, but I don't know what I am going to do with these two yet.

Embroidery & Skywatch Warning

I was extremely honoured and delighted to discover this beautiful lavender pouch amongst my post this week when I returned home from work. It was sent to me by the lovely Jill and my photo does not do this justice. It is absolutely beautiful. Jill, you have such great skill. I love it, thank you so much. It is currently fragrancing my living room.


I used to do loads of cross stitch and embroidery, but since my close vision has deteriorated (probably because of too much "close" work!) I don't find it as enjoyable. I also struggle to find the iron on transfers these days.

On a recent "clear out", my Mum came across this make up bag that I had made for her when I was young. I remember embroidering this onto lots of things I made, including a shopping bag for my Grandad who proudly shopped with it every day of his life declaring it to be the strongest shopping bag ever. And I invented the design myself! I had imagination then - and I seem to remember being inspired by the tune " Oh I'm going to Jamaica".

I'll have to invest in a bright light to sit under and get my silks back out.

Skywatch Warning - Just to give you advanced warning of the Perseid Meteor shower display for this year. If we have clear skies on the evening of the 12th of August, you may be lucky enough to see hundreds of shooting stars. The displays pick up speed after midnight, but you get a fair few as soon as it gets really dark. You can also spot a few stragglers a few nights before and after too. So remember to put the date in your diary, and get a "blanket on the ground" with someone special for a truly romantic and spectacular display (clouds permitting!). I hope you see plenty - remember, its one wish per shooting star!

End of term crafting

So , what to do with last years school dress that is now too small. Cut off the bottom, turn it inside out and sew across the bottom, turn it back the right way and its an instant peg bag!!! This works best with a school dress up to about 6 years old, and if you don't know any tots, you can usually pick one up in a charity shop for a few pence.



I can't take credit for this. It was my friends idea and another friend made it for me. I think its very clever.

Patchwork

So what started out as a craft blog rapidly turned into anything but. I lost my craft room to the teenagers, and it became a drag to lug out the sewing machine and all the paraphernalia, only to have to clear it all away again soon. I also seem to have run out of patience too (that might have something to do with the teenagers as well!) so anything I make needs to be "quick". I used to do a lot of patchwork when I was younger, and got all fired up about it again after receiving a lovely patchwork notebook from Claire over at Summerfete. I started collecting fabric, but it was all moving too slow for me, and so that's how I found myself on Abbeydale Road in Sheffield in the Patchwork Garden. However, this just bamboozled me - far too much choice. And that's how I ended up being seduced by a Moda "Jelly Roll". A delightful confection of co-ordinated fabric, already cut into accurate strips for you (but at a price!!!).

So out came my old friend - we have been together since I was 16 years old.


And I sewed all the strips together.

And then with the help of Newton Faulkner (on the CD player and using the CD case for a template) I cut the strips into further strips, and sewed them back together again.

So I have ended up with a lovely big piece of patchworked fabric - and it took 30 minutes to do!!

I just have to decide what I am going to make with it now!

Christmas Crafting

The first chocolate has been eaten from the Advent Calender, and so I feel comfortable discussing the preparations now. When I was little, our advent calender had no chocolates in it, and we got the same one out year after year - the kids think I had a deprived childhood - especially as my mum still has the chocolates (umbrella shaped ones, very late 50's looking) that were hung on our tree.

Anyway, before he was struck down with a mystery virus, the young man decorated the Gingerbread house. I bought the house flat packed (what else!!) from Ikea for about £2.50. The icing and jelly tots were from Asda. The chimney has slid off, but it is making the house smell lovely. Whilst he was in bed all day yesterday (doctors orders), I made a pack of hounds,

I only had enough black felt for this chap, I need more supplies.

Inspiration and pattern came from here.

This sorry looking fella appealed to my sense of humour - a half eaten felt gingerbread man. Again, I only had enough felt for one, but I have a trip to John Lewis planned for extra supplies.

Inspiration and pattern were found here .
I'm on a bit of a roll now. I have a few more bits n bobs to sew, then the sewing machine is getting packed away for a while.

Revealed at last!!!

I can finally reveal my PIF gifts as all the recipients have now received them.

Firstly, for BumbleBeeCottage I made a tote bag and lavender bag in a Christmas fabric as she has a bit of a thing for Christmas (if you pay her a visit, she appears to have her tree up already!!). I also added a button "B" and some snowball buttons to her bag. I also made her 3 Scottie dogs for her tree and a denim corsage with buttons in the centre.



For A Bun Can Dance I chose a yellowish theme as she also has another blog called I choose Yellow. I love the American "Jail house rock" panels so popped one of these on the pocket panel of her tote bag. I also sent her a daisy corsage and a grey felted one and a bag of yellow buttons.

For Andamento I embellished her tote pocket with white buttons and a few beads. I knitted her a neck warmer for her bike rides (you don't want a flappy scarf for such activities) and also made her a lavender bag and a denim corsage.

I have to say that even though I was short of time, I really enjoyed making something for each of these lovely ladies.

I have a new car - do you like it?

Yes - you've guessed it, I am only joking. I missed out on a trip to London on Saturday. I had organised a "Dad & Lad" excursion for the men to go to the MPH show featuring Top Gear Live at Earls Court. I was going to tag along for a lift and had planned to visit Borough Market (for starters!! ) but something cropped up and I had to stay at home. The car above is a Bugatti Veron and is worth approximately 1.8 million and is owned by an Arab Sheik who says he is prepared to sell it. Judging by the number plate, I think he is pitching this at Jenson Button or Lewis Hamilton!! Anyway, the boys had a great day out.

I used up the last of my birthday money in Waterstones last night. I love the Cool Camping books and have stayed at quite a few featured sites. Great browsing for a very rainy and blustery evening.

Batten down the hatches in St Ives Noelle!!

Bin Busy

Hi All, Ive had a mega busy week so far and for once Ive been sat at the sewing machine instead of the computer!! Ive been making a few things for my Pay it forward - so I dont want to reveal what I have made until the recipients have all received their goodies. When I say "goodies" I am a bit worried that they might not be good enough. I just have a few bits and bobs to finish off before I can post them off.
Ive done well on the "Freebies" this week. Myself, the young man, the dancing queen and 3 of her friends went to see "Couples Retreat" at the cinema for free (I love Vince Vaughan - very tasty geezer!!). Ive also managed to blag the Dancing Queen and her friends Theatre tickets for a dance show on Friday evening in return for their feedback, and free tickets for hubby, the young man and a couple of his friends to see the Sheffield Sharks basketball team play!

I can't say I am enjoying the dark nights yet. I don't like getting home from work, having tea and then it being dark. I feel a bit "caged". It makes me long for the weekend even more! Ive got a great weekend planned too.

My LBD

I love my Little Black Dress. It is the most versatile piece of clothing in my wardrobe. I can dress it up or down. I have worn it to several Christmas party's (and made it look different each time), weddings, funerals, christenings, fancy dress party's ( I was Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's - I wish!! and also Grace Kelly in High Society - my friends fancy dress parties are always "themed" around "musicals") . It is size 14 and is made of a magic fabric that made it still fit well when I dropped to a size 12, and equally when I went up to a size 16! Its the only thing I wear that makes me feel comfortable and glamorous. I have had the dress for about 10 years now, and the real magic of it is that it only cost me £1.00 brand new from a factory seconds shop.

I really mourn the loss of manufacturing in this country. I think it is really short sighted to close down our manufacturing plants and move it all to the far east. Here in the north, on both sides of the Pennines, we used to manufacture some of the most fabulous textiles and then make them up into wonderful garments. Here is South Yorkshire, we had lots of sewing factories employing thousands of workers. These have now all gone. I really miss the "factory shop". I discovered a brilliant one in Huddersfield about 4 years ago that manufactured clothing for Laura Ashley, Next, Planet, Linea at House of Fraser etc. You can imagine my distress when they eventually closed. I still have a stash of their fabrics though.

Along came a spider........

The onset of darker evenings is slowly forcing me indoors earlier and I have finally started to sew again in preperation for you know what!! I have started experimenting with corsages and brooches.

However I had a bit of a shock when this monster crawled out of my sewing box!!! Thankfully a knight in shining armour was able to liberate him into the great outdoors - I just hope he stays out.

I love this deep purple velvety pansy.

And here is one of my displays moving into Autumn. It has been filled with pebbles, sea glass and driftwood all summer, but now contains Autumnal leaves, pine cones, acorns, rose hips and "helicopters" (see below). I dont know if you can see, but there is a candle in the top which gives off a warm rosy glow as the evenings turn chilly.

Helicopters (I think that they are from the Sycamore tree, but please enlighten me if I'm wrong). I still cannot resist playing with these at this time of year. The young man and I had hours of fun when we went to pick these. Snap them in half and throw them in the air and they twirl back down to earth, just like the blades of a helicopter.

Wentworth Garden Centre

After we had dropped the young man off to catch his coach, hubby and I went to Wentwrth Garden Centre for a few supplies (supports for battered plants!!). It was really warm and muggy, but the sky was turning black all around us.
Behind the garden centre are old ornamental gardens. The Garden centre itself sits in the old kitchen gardens to the big house. The ornemental gardens are great to wander around and they are totaly free (as is the parking). They have just opened a Maze too - which hubby and I couldn't resist.

At the side of the sunken garden is an enormous conker tree. I used to bring the young man here to collect conkers when he was little. We noticed that there are loads on this year.

The summer house is very pretty and has an open fire in it.

The Acers are a pretty colour with the last of the blue sky and sunshine behind them.

These are all that remain of the old greenhouses in the walled garden - I hope that they restore these in years to come. One of my all time favorite TV programs EVER was "The Victorian Kitchen Garden" with Harry Dodds (and also the Victorian Kitchen with Ruth Mott.) I heard the music from it the other day on Classic FM and it made me want to be in Harry's garden. The potting sheds etc are all still intact to these greenhouses - its just the glass etc from the front that is missing.

I realised that I shall soon be onto my 100th post!!! (I didnt realise I talked that much!!) so I am making something for a giveaway. Stay tuned.