Some Pretty Things

Saw this and loved it

2012-01-28T22:27:00.000Z

I saw this and loved it. It's called The Little Printer and it's from Berg Cloud. It's promoting the use of paper. No, I hear many cry, we are not going back to that old fashioned outdated media. I have to say I really love paper, I'm still a stalwart of the physical book, no kindles here.

The thought of being able to print my to-do lists, suddenly means my smartphone is more useful. Now I can I type things up on the go and then print them out and tick them off.

I can print out a daily puzzle and complete it at my own leisure,

I also like the styling, I'm tired of ultra thin, soulless gadgets, this product doesn't take itself too seriously.

Love it.

Read more about it here

One year ago

2012-01-27T20:44:00.001Z

One year ago today my baby arrived. He was much wanted and searched for.

I want to say the last year has been a bed of roses but it hasn't been plain sailing. There have been many lows but also many amazing highs.

He is always there with his ears pricked and head hanging out. He greets me with a deep whinny every time he sees me. His big brown eyes are filled with love.

He would mug me for a carrot, loves to get out and roll and get as dirty as possible, he tries to use me as a scratching post on a daily basis and loves getting his white star rubbed.

For all the challenges he presents I adore him beyond belief. He's my best mate, listens to all my problems and so I'm glad I named "The Accountant" -Buddy, causes that's what he is.

Lap Quilt

2012-01-26T11:26:00.001Z

Here is my first proper go at a quilt. It's was a lap quilt for my mother, who sits up late at night doing the crossword. It was part of her Christmas present and was finished just 2 days late for Christmas (which I was very impressed by). I took the easy option of "just" sewing together a charm pack.

I had been toying with the idea of making a quilt for a while and I thought this would be a perfect starting point. I will admit that last year when I was first thinking about it, I became ~~quite~~ very dishearten by some peoples attitudes to "just" sewing a charm pack together. I have never approached a project like this so by using a charm pack I knew that all the fabric is the same size and my dodgy cutting did not have an influence. There was also a negative vibe that it was cheating as there was no choosing fabric and putting themes together. I respect designers and I think they have a good eye with respect to what works.

I found it a huge learning curve, my sewing machine pulls dreadfully to one side, so my stitching in a ditch is squinty. I attached my binding very late at night and one of the joins is on the outside. When I pointed these imperfections out to my mother she said she didn't see them until I showed them to her. It was just for Christmas but I notice it hasn't been packed away, so I think she is very taken with it.

A few other things I learnt from this project

1.Moda plain Jelly rolls are fantastic. Yes they are a cheat, but gosh are they handy. I used one for the sashing and the binding.

2. Pre cuts are not the most cost effective way of making a quilt (which is an understatement but there is virtually no waste) but they are great for easy of use and give a great variety of co-ordinating fabric in the finished piece.

3. That it doesn't really matter whether you just sew a charm pack together or you log cabin or you paper piece, the person who gets it will love it just the same. So I would say to all who are toying with the idea of having a go, just do.

Yummy & Useful

2012-01-25T23:04:00.001Z

As promised the product of my new aims. A perfect little zipper, handy for all those things that lurk at the bottom of a handbag. I had to get that little pink coat in. Delightful.

Crafting Aims & Things Learnt

2012-01-24T23:41:00.002Z

I don't like the term resolutions, so I'm going for aims.

I aim to cut new fabrics when they arrive, and not leave them sitting.

Something I learnt from last year - I need to sew more for myself. Not just personally but also as gifts for the people around me. Sometimes when we start to make things we forget why we do it. I make bags because I love fabric. I love the look and feel of fabric, I love the creativeness that has went into the design process and mostly I love the colours. I am a fabric magpie.

So with all this in mind I bought this, it was the little dog with the pink coat that made me do it, as if I need an excuse.

Lightning Bugs and Other Mysteries

Now I do have a bit of this fabric already but I wanted enough to do a few things with it, and I feel a bit precious about using some fabrics.

Check back tomorrow for the finished piece.

Chemistry

2012-01-14T23:28:00.001Z

Some may know that my day job is that of a chemistry teacher, so imagine my amusement at the new moda range by Cosmo Cricket called Chemistry, better still it's all about hearts something I'm very fond of. I feel a purchase coming on and I even have a project in mind, more to follow on that one.

(Excuse the somewhat basic nature of some posts i.e photos only at the end etc

Blogger + Ipad = "interesting"

but I'm working on it)

Long Breaks

2012-01-12T23:07:00.001Z

After a while all of us get to the point when we have too many balls in the air.

A season of making bags, working, horses and Christmas left me no time to sleep never mind blog. A week or so of down time and some sleep have hopefully got me slightly back on track. I learnt so much last year, one thing was priorities and another was I need to spread the work load, but more of these over the next few weeks. I thought I would include this picture I found on Lisa Ellis blog when I found when looking for a picture.

Sunday Fabric Finds

2011-07-17T23:56:00.000+01:00

I am always in the market for fabric and here are some I have my eye on


Ruby Star Rising fabric

Glasses in pink

Foxy - 'Anika' collection by Monoluna

sausage dogs say hello to you

Jumping rabbits

2011-07-16T21:15:00.000+01:00

Are these not the cutest pictures ever. Definitely something to make you smile.

Click here to read the full story.

What I got up to this evening

2011-07-14T23:26:00.000+01:00

I should have been making bags but instead I was doing this. It was procrastination but at least it was sewing.

I was blog hopping this morning and ended up on doe-c-doe's blog, where I found a site brimming with lovely free embroidery patterns. I have been looking to use my embroidery hoop for ages so I ended up picking mushrooms. Now I have always been up front about the fact that my hand sewing leaves a lot to be desired but I have been making an effort to improve it.

I did sit and ponder how I was going to transfer the images to the fabric. I searched the interweb and read about several different methods. I decided to go back to basics.

My first attempt was rubbish, it took me a while to get my eye in and decide on stitches.

My second attempt was altogether more successful. I decided to to use different colours and my French knots improved considerably.

I feel a few more projects looming, oh yes that's right I'm supposed to be working....

A day trip to dublin

2011-07-14T00:50:00.000+01:00

A rare day of for my OH was celebrated by a trip to Dublin, not entirely surprisingly I came home with new fabric. He is a tolerant man. A few pictures of some of my purchases.

The pink wool hasn't photographed well but I am looking forward to working with it. Now I really must get my nose to the grind stone and start my Christmas prep, I'm a week behind already. I love Christmas in July :o(

Card Holder

2011-07-12T00:13:00.000+01:00

A handy little card holder which can be made from 2 halves of a layer cake square (5' by 10'). This project is very straight forward. I was a little enthusiastic about the seams but next time I will make them much closer to the edge, to leave a little more space inside

Full instructions can be found on the Moda Bake Shop

Messenger Bag

2011-07-11T00:04:00.000+01:00

Sometimes you need to create just for the sake of it. i'm in that space at the minute, I'm looking for challenges and fun things to sew. I look at every project as an opportunity to learn new skills or at the very least to improve some existing ones.

During the week I stumbled across a tutorial for a messenger bag by Diary of a Quilter, I liked the fact that is wasn't going to take ages so I set to work. I picked some bright fabrics from my Ikea stash and I was pretty pleased with the result.

I think I would make the strap a little narrower and shorter if I was making another one.

I popped a little pocket inside and I think I would make it wider the next time.

The tutorial made me think I could change my methods for making totes, by sewing in the linings in a similar manner. Everyday is a school day.

The folding shopping bag

2011-07-09T00:16:00.000+01:00

At the minute I am trying to develop some new lines specifically aimed at craft fairs. Given the current economic climate people are being more careful with their money and are less likely to "treat" them selves to a clutch mid year. With this in mind I have been looking at some ideas to have practical items that are sellable at a competitive price point. I already have a range of totes for shopping but I thought maybe it I could change the bag so that it would fold into a pouch, it may make it more desirable.

I reworked my normal production method for shoppers and after much studying other bags of this nature, decided how I could get it to fold.I, also, decided to not line the bag as this would add extra bulk to the folding and drive the price for the buyer up.

The irony of the design rework is that I actually thing I made it trickier to sew by making the bag simpler, but there is room for changes there.

The results are still open for debate: I thing it looks..... not in keeping with the type of products I produce. Other opinions vary from it's ok to there is nothing wrong with it, and I think there in lies the problem (probably a common one among crafters who sell). Being ok is not good enough, well certainly not for me. I am fussy about what I sell because as a consumer I am fussy about what I buy. I often stand at craft fairs and watch people buy things that haven't always been made with the highest level of care, but at a price they are happy with. Whilst I, like the next person, likes a bargain, I don't like it at the cost of quality.

So this brings me back to the discussion I have with my OH at many of these craft fairs - I am here just to make money or am I here to showcase what I do and hopefully make some money at it. I feel currently I stand at the latter, but realistically I need to be more it the middle. I know I need to make products that have more all year appeal, at a competitive price, but this bag has a way to go before it gets a look I am happy with.

5 things I have learnt about making a quilt

2011-07-08T00:47:00.000+01:00

The whole point of this exercise has been to have a look at what may cause problems and have a practice before I start working with loads of expensive fabric.

1. Make sure your squares are cut accurately. Mine were not, I didn't square them off (lazy) and a few were a little out, this actually had an impact on my quilting, making it look out.

2. Don't take your pins out until you have run some quilting stitches over every block, or you will end up with a pucker.

3. Cutting binding stripes is more difficult than it looks, getting them a uniform width is tricky, and really noticeable when you connect the stripes together. It's also a problem when you sew them on as they don't sit well at the back of the quilt.

4. Leave a bigger tail of binding to connect together. It's tricky when there is just enough space to sew and nothing more.

5. I will not be able to produce a big quilt at my usual sewing station. I will need room, lots of room.

My mother was very bemused by this project. She kept asking what was I going to use this tiny quilt for and didn't get that it was just a little test to see where some of the pitfalls lay. I am still a way off piecing my quilt together but I am ready to start something new and see if I can iron some of the problems I encountered out and to see what new ones I can discover.

Test quilt - day 2

2011-07-06T23:10:00.000+01:00

So today was binding day. I followed the fantastic binding tutorial on crazy mom quilts. It was well written and the instructions were very clear.

I decided to pick another inexpensive Ikea fabric for the binding. There were a few strips cut before I got some uniform widths.

Understanding how to stitch the bind on was relatively straight forward, actually stitching the binding on for the first time was quite challenging. The corners were really a mental challenge, which took time to get to grips with. I found even more respect for all those ladies who do this all by hand.

The finished product was highly satisfying to look at. This was my first attempt at making a quilt and I really enjoyed the challenge of working on something new.

This project has been a steep learning curve with regard to making patchwork and turning it into a quilt. It has left me feeling more inspired to create.

A new project - test quilt- day 1

2011-07-06T00:46:00.000+01:00

I have been toying with the idea of tackling a little patchwork for a while. So when my search for a new throw for our bed was unsatisfactory I decided, and even said it out loud to my OH, that I was going to make a quilted throw.

Now not for nothing have I admired these fabulous creations from afar, they look hard and I reckon I need a whole new skill set to follow one through to completion. After much procrastination I found myself in front of my sewing machine last night with a little time on my hands. I decided a test run was in order.

I have been accumulating a nice collection of pre-cuts but I didn't want to do my first test run with them, so I hunted around for a some pretty Japanese scraps I had bought ages ago. They were all cut to 5' squares so I pieced them together. I discovered a little too late that they weren't all exactly the same size, but they were quite close. I selected a piece of Ikea material for the backing, that I had picked up free from a resource outlet. It had at one stage been a sofa cover but I hacked it into chunks of material for practice projects and dug around until I found a piece of wadding I had picked up at some time (probably from the reduced bin in Dunelm Mill). So I was ready to go.

I sewed 9 pieces together and pinned the backing & wadding and then ran up some quilting lines.

My finished 9 squares

A close up on my quilting

The backing

To this point I have spent an hour and am pretty pleased with the outcome so far. I am looking at this as a learning experience. Tomorrow the binding.....

Hello......

2011-07-03T20:53:00.000+01:00

Hello is there anyone still out there? Probably not, but none the less I will continue. Over on melly and me there was a post about "slack blogger of the year", I'd definitely be in the running. It's been a case of been sick, been busy, been sick again, but I'm off for the summer hols and starting to feel at, least normal for me if not actually, like a normal human.

Part of me blames my ipad, not really designed with blogging in mind, but rarely out of my hand.

I have been reading blogs and generally having a long think about all things creative. I have definite plans for the summer, which I will share with you as they progress. In the mean time I will leave you with this fab set of patchwork cushions from Red Pepper Quilts in Knitknats shop over on etsy, for some eye candy.

Delightful.

ps I did start this post on the ipad and then discovered I couldn't add links or insert pictures, so I had to go back to keys, how old-fashioned and traditional :o)

Pink Elephants

2011-03-30T23:19:00.000+01:00

I love pink elephants. Although more and more there seems to be one in the room these days, when I'm talking to certain people..

Laura the Elephant Keychain

Pink Elephant Asleep

Pink Elephant Hair Clip

Pink Elephant Fabric from This and That from Japan

Some new bags

2011-03-29T22:00:00.000+01:00

Some of the bags with the new gold frames.

The Olivia Clutch

Super Cute Scottie Dogs

Gold Embroidered Flower

I have got a new photo set up and it still needs some work but long term it should make my life easier. I never get much joy from photo editing, so I'm trying to minimise that amount I do by working on the actual photo's. Still a long way to go.

New frames

2011-03-28T09:12:00.000+01:00

One a lighter note from yesterday, I did use my new gold frames for the failed fair.

They are growing on me and I will post a couple of pictures of them in action tomorrow.

I ordered my usual silver frames back in December and when they arrived they were a 1/2 inch smaller on the sides. I only discovered this fact the night before St Georges market, when I couldn't use all the bags I had sewn :( To say I was upset and annoyed was an understatement. When I went back to my suppliers, my usual silver frames have now been changed. So my problem was I had bags sewn and no frames to put them in. They did have some gold frames, which were more expensive but the right size. I decided to cut my losses, not let fabric go to waste and order them.

They definitely suit some fabrics more than others but at least my hard work has now got a frame and I finally have some more stock for my shop, new listings soon I promise. I will probably order some more so as to put off having to redesign the bags for the new silver frames for as long as possible.

Although all that framing has sparked a bit of creativeness, just need my rib to catch up.

NICHS Craft Fair - March

2011-03-27T18:46:00.000+01:00

I don't usually do craft fairs at this time of the year, but I booked today's back in December. Clearly my judgement was clouded as I was still on the Christmas high.

It was awful. There is no nice way to put this. The blame unfortunately lies fair and squarely with the organisers. They happily took our money and then crowbarred as many people into a room as was possible. They did no advertising, locally or otherwise, and then charged people money to get in.

It was for charity and that took the edge off slightly until one of the organisers from NICHS stood up and spoke. During her introduction she told the stall holders to save the complaints until the end and then proceeded to remind us that the money we had paid was for charity. It was scheduled to run until 6pm and at about 4pm they told us to pack up. A few hardy characters did a sit in, after all if we stayed they had to stay.

Here's my grip. The event was for charity, however we as businesses had paid the money for a service. It may have ultimately went to charity but it wasn't a donation, it was a charge. At no stage did they do anything to manage this nightmare on the day.

Bad craft fairs are part of the deal from time to time, but when the organisers don't do their job that's unforgivable.

Getting Back on the Horse

2011-03-21T08:12:00.000Z

Yesterday was a big day, as I got back in the saddle. Three and a half weeks ago I fell of a horse (not my own little baby) and broke a rib. I was one of the most painful things I have ever experienced but it also meant that I couldn't ride buddy. Yesterday I decided to give it a go.

It was fine, he was a gent and looked after me well. I won't say it was pain free but it was ok.My husband has been a star throughout this whole thing, and the photographer. He's not really a horse person, but he has picked up the slack and done all the heavy lifting. I am far from better, still a few painful weeks ahead, but at least I feel better inside my head. I was just happy to be back up in the saddle, three weeks ahead of schedule. Now I just need to take it slowly and not over do it :0)

French Village Bakery

2011-03-20T19:51:00.000Z

Yesterday morning we popped into Belfast for a few messages and food. We parked on Stranmillis Road, so OH could get his hair cut and imagine my utter delight to find The French Village Bakery was back. My husband looked bemused as I babbled about it having the best pastry in Belfast.

It all started many years ago when I was a student at Queen's University. Stanmillis was my stomping ground and I discovered a little bakery that did takeaway sandwiches before they were trendy and the most amazing pastry. Lunch was often a large latte and a caramel choux. A few years after I left uni, it disappeared.

So on Saturday imagine my delight it was back. Same road but a different location. I wondered if it could still be as good..... it was as good as I remembered, better even.

Two caramel pastries and real coffee was enjoyed when we got home. Yum.

How do you eat yours?

2011-03-08T21:50:00.000Z

We had ours with Kettle bacon and cheese.

On Pancake Tuesday it has to be Scotch Pancakes.

There was much debate today about types and recipes, most people were getting crepes, but I find this so odd, as here in Northern Ireland, we are brought up on these thick fluffy pancakes. Don't get me wrong I love a freshly made crepe with chocolate spread, but not on Pancake Tuesday.

This year we opted to go savoury and it was delicious. I have used the same recipe since I was 9years old, my brother made them in school and came home with a recipe. Feel free to try it out.

Ingredients
8 oz plain flour
2 oz caster sugar
2tsp cream of tartar
1 heaped tsp of baking soda (bicarbonate of soda)
a pinch of salt
1 egg
1/4 pt milk

Method
Mix dry ingredients
Add the egg
Slowly add the milk and mix. It should be a thick consistency but not sticky. (You may need more milk depending on your flour)
Cook on a hot griddle rubbed with butter.
Eat warm and enjoy

Sherbet Pips

2011-03-07T16:06:00.000Z

Sherbet pips is available as pre-cuts. I've been waiting for this fabric line since I first saw it about 6 months ago, so I treated my self to a little charm pack.

Sherbet Pips is designed by Aneela Hoey, from the UK, for Moda. Pop over to her blog to read about her inspiration for the range.

Hugo the Hippo

2011-03-06T15:06:00.000Z

I'm all about the cute and this little boy is just about as cute as they come.

Check some of the other fabulous characters available from LeatherPrince. Another great place for present ideas.

Jewelled Eye Candy

2011-03-05T15:39:00.000Z

I am totally loving these gorgeous little spoons from Cox & Cox. I have images of delicately digging into a little chocolate delight or some ice cream with thick sauce.

There are many lovely things to look at on this website and it's well worth a visit for a little screen shopping. It gave me some fab ideas for presents.

Stitch Magazine

2011-03-04T22:23:00.000Z

I have been trying to control my urges to purchase fabric books, however I can never resist Stitch magazine. So imagine my joy when I discovered the new spring addition was out.

I usually get it from Interweave in the US, but I discovered that the delightful Hulu Crafts, here in the UK now keep a limited supply of it. The big advantage is that I only had to wait 24 hours for it from Hulu Crafts, compared to nearly 6 weeks from Interweave. So I was able to have a little browse over the weekend and here are some of my picks.

I like mushroom fabric and really love this little quilt.

I've been doing some work with felt lately and this little cushion is like eye candy, all those lovely bright circles.

A bag with some free embroidery

A lovely cuff

A pretty scarf made from linen

The funny things is the I never really make anything to wear, but these last two are really possibilities. I like the fact they are accessories, which seem less like putting myself out there.

I enjoy reading about techniques and seeing how I can incorporate those into my bags. If nothing else I like the eye candy. It allows my brain to think about all the things I could make if I just had another few hours in the day. Oh I feel a little daydreaming coming on.

Girls who love horses by Heather Ross

2011-03-03T18:19:00.000Z

I saw this delightful fabric by Heather Ross, while blog hopping.

New kokka range

I am always on the look-out for horse fabric and I still have a little stash of original Heather Ross horse fabric.

original horse fabric

This new line will be available from Kokka from spring 2011, but some prints are available from Spoonflower in different colours.

Fabric day

2011-03-02T21:22:00.000Z

Last week, I ordered some new Moda fabric from Hulu Crafts

I also bought some new pre-cuts. I love this new hideaway range from Moda. I was attracted to some of the cute snow glade patterns and the hideaway hamlet, top fabric.

As usual I have grand plans for this, but will I ever get to use them? I hope so, watch this space. I'm not sure what yet but I may just try something simple.

Distracted

2011-03-01T17:17:00.000Z

I've been very distracted lately. We have a new arrival around here. He has been much sought after and waited for.

Meet The Accountant, I know it's an unfortunate name, so we've named him Buddy. He's very cheeky and quirky, so he should fit right in. He has already escaped from his stable once and has had to have new locks fitted to his door. He is a looker and quite a ladies man. This is the only descent photo I have right now and even that was taken by my cell phone. I'm sure more will follow, although I am going to try and not become one of those "mummy's"

The new addition has given me pause for thought. I now have an extra mouth to feed, so I'm going to have to start working a little harder :o) Maybe I should phrase it as I need to start working, again.

Wandering Trip

2011-01-20T14:59:00.000Z

Sometimes I like to wander around shops drinking in the colours, ideas and fabrics. Yesterday it was IKEA. I really love going to IKEA, not only do I often discover things I didn't know existed and can't live with out, but they always have fantastic colour combinations. Their prints are bold and striking. One unfortunate side effect is that often spend much more money than I intended on fabric, and other things.

Yesterday was less about spending and more about absorbing. It was mental therapy. A slow amble on a cold evening, the place was pretty empty and I had time to look, touch and think about all the things around me.

I did buy a couple of little things, none which I actually needed.These two little cutie's came home with me, and I bought an extra bunny for my mum, it's an Easter decoration. I hope the horse/donkey is a good omen for my much awaited news from the vet.

Other peoples negative thoughts

2011-01-19T10:19:00.000Z

Sometimes those around us have nothing but negative views. A long time ago I made a decision that I would try and not allow negative people to have an influence in my life. Unfortunately every so often something sneaks by and gets round me. Don't think this means I don't see things for they are or that I am naive. I do try to see the best in a person or situation, while still trying to make an objective judgement.

The thing is that sometimes people are just hurtful, whether they intend it or not. It's one thing to give an opinion it's another to try and force your views on to someone. These the challenges we all face on a day to day.

On a more positive note, I, and my friend A are starting a sewing club for some kids in our school. Watch this for some of their offerings.

New Year, New Ideas

2011-01-09T22:04:00.000Z

Happy New Year

Thank goodness all the madness of Christmas is over. All the craft fairs just left me shattered and the weather was unbelievable!

It was so cold that last week before Christmas Day, never getting above minus double figures and oh goodness the snow. I want to say it's better now but all I can say is that it's milder, but still very cold.

After all the delightful excess of Christmas, with loads of chocolate, my OH and I have embarked on our usual cut-back January. No chocolate/crisps for two weeks (half way there already), no Chinese (or any fast food for that matter) for the whole month - this one is the killer and still a long way to go. It isn't really a hardship and it's always worth it at the end.

The hunt for a horse continues. I have a lead on one but the weather is getting in the way. Updates to follow.

One piece of sad news was the passing of our little rabbit. We had Snowball for over 8 years. He had been very sick throughout his life but a real fighter. He lived much longer than we, or the vet, had expected him too but towards the end he was very poorly. We took the sad decision to have him put to sleep, as he had stopped eating or drinking. Much loved and never forgotten.

Sparkley New Arrivals

2010-11-23T21:50:00.000Z

Some times the postman delivers pretty parcels, that cheer you up. This one definitely did, just when it was needed.

A little prettiness

Plant pot fabric

Long dog fabric

Close-up it sparkles

& in blue

The sparkles on the dogs coats were a delightful surprise. These photo's don't really do this fabric justice, it's gorgeous..

Dogs

2010-11-13T00:52:00.000Z

It is no secret I love dogs

Must we really???

With attitude like this what's not to love?
However it's not just the furry varitey I love, I am very attracted to Doxie's. I really love Badskirt's doxies available to buy here

So image my joy when I noticed a link on the Spoonflower website for How to make a Doxie Necklace I was intriged and followed the link to Etsy and found this fab little boy, with full making instructions.

I love him. I am going to make a list of projects to do when I'm off for Christnas and he's on it. Now this list may never be completed but I at least like the idea of snuggling up on a cold winter's day with a list of projects to play with.

Great news

2010-11-11T22:21:00.000Z

I finally heard from St George's Market and I'm in for the Christmas craft fair on 4th & 5th December. I usually apply during September and hear by October. This year they didn't put applications out, I just phoned and it dragged on & on. Finally I got a call today to let me know I had a stall.

I also have a ladies retail pamper evening in Belmont Tower on Thursday 25th November @ 7.30-9.30pm.

Unfortunately this means 3 weeks of major sewing, oh man. Hope to see any locals there.

Crafts for Men

2010-11-03T22:40:00.000Z

I have long said if people could come up with crafts for men at fairs they would have a winner. After all do we not make our OH's trail around after us. They are a captive market stuck in a room being forced to walk in circles. so when i saw this I thought it was getting close.

Mustache Flasks

Available from whimsy and ink. It may also be a nice gift for that someone special.

Sabbatical

2010-10-31T17:12:00.000Z

Sabbatical (from Latin sabbaticus i.e., Sabbath, literally a "ceasing") is a rest from work, or a hiatus, often lasting from two months to a year.

Sometimes I feel the world is full of overcommunication - mobiles, emails, facebook, twitter, blogs - I could go on. I don't do social networking as I think it is slowly breaking down the art of conversation, but that's a whole other post. A well earned break is as good as a rest. I spent the summer relaxing, horse riding, smelling the roses

Merlyn; my trusty steed for summer jumping
league at Tullynewbank

Work started in September and was like a steam train of sleeping, travelling and working, So here I am after a techno break. I've done a few craft fairs and a little sewing. I have a few projects brewing and I will be touching base more often with what's going on.

little parcels

2010-07-16T13:54:00.002+01:00

A pretty parcel, about to go on it's way to a new home.

Charms, Jellies and Quilts

2010-07-10T09:05:00.000+01:00

So I took the head staggers, and ordered some lovely fabric from Hulu. Vicky from Hula sends out lovely email newsletters. While scrolling down I noticed some pretty fabrics. I have been having quilt hankerings for a while, so I thought I would start off the easy way and ordered some moda charm packs and jelly rolls from the Califona Dreaming range.

Now I just need to figure out what to do with them. Quilt blogs here I come.

New bags

2010-07-09T09:19:00.000+01:00

Some petite baguettes have finally reached the shop.

I really love the short, chunky chains.

A small victory

2010-07-09T08:02:00.000+01:00

Monday night saw my first ever horse jumping competition at Tullynewbank Stables. I had horses most of my childhood, but I never competed, as I'm just not that brave. So when I signed up a few weeks ago I wasn't entirely sure I would go through with it, but I did and I jumped all the fences without knocking any down. I did this in both my rounds and gained a double clear.

To say I was proud was an understatement and I got a rosette for my trouble. A truly cherished item.

Having faced a big challenge, I feel empowered. I have signed up for the next competition but it really is all about taking part.

A splash of colour

2010-07-08T17:02:00.000+01:00

A little summer brightness in the kitchen. Pretty gerberas

The box is open

2010-07-08T15:57:00.000+01:00

So I finally opened the box... and it contains a new sewing machine. Yes, it has been sitting under the stairs for many many weeks unopened. I think the problem is I don't want to stop using my old work horse, but the time has come.

I have ended up with a Brother 350SE.

This was the machine I have wanted for a while, but when I went to go and buy it, I was told that they didn't have it. When my husband went to pick up the machine I ordered, they give him the one I wanted from the start. It is a domestic sewing machine, but is definelty more up to the work load than the current one. It has lots of fun features, but the biggest thing is that it is quiet, very very quiet.

It has lots of fancy stitches, most of which I will use only occasionally but I am very excited by the lettering function.

I'm not really sure why this is so exciting, but it really does appeal to me. The possiblilities are endless.

So my first project is was a roller bag. I could just have used the old machine but I clearly needed the word "Rollers" on the front of it.

I really love this owl fabric by Michael Millar, but the owls were just a little big for most clutches.

Still lots of experimenting to do, just need some projects to do....

Don't worry about my old machine. I am going to get it serviced and use it for sewing the bottom seams and as a general back up.

let sleeping dogs lie

2010-07-05T13:11:00.000+01:00

Sorry I have been a bit sporatic with the old posting, I have been.... well not doing much other than working, dog walking and sleeping. My mystery box still sits under the stairs waiting to be opened, which I plan to do today. More of that tomorrow as working is over for the summer.

The dog walking does usually happen but has been a bit more important lately. My beautiful dog, has been a little creaky lately.

He is very stiff and sore when he gets up, which is not good news for a 4 year old. I think we didn't want to admit something was wrong, but that all came to ahead, when he hurt himself getting into the car to go to the groomers and started limping. The groomer propmtly told us he couldn't clip the dog and sent him home. So we have started to do shorter walks 2 or 3 times a day. We have also put him on cod liver oil tablets, which has made a huge difference. Our little pup has got a new lease of life and seems much happier in general. The big up side for me is extra walking.

Bird Houses

2010-05-25T21:54:00.000+01:00

I spotted these on Sunday and I just fell in love with them. The colors and arrangement whisked me all the way to New England. They have fab blue slate roofs. Unfortunately the birds around here will have to wait for a slightly cheaper hotel.

They also had this chicken coup on show.Definitely a penthouse apartment for chickens.

If you want to have a look at some more, check out chic-hen's website here.

A selection of pictures from Mount Stewart

2010-05-23T22:32:00.000+01:00

The calm before the storm first thing in the morning.

All set up, ready to go. Where is breakfast?

My table. I try on these smaller tables to hold back and not put too much stuff out but I'm not always too sucessful.

Pretty baguettes, really like this navy japanese fabric.

A few little zipper pouches.

My petite baguettes, with new chains. Love them, want one for myself.

Hard at work

2010-05-21T05:56:00.000+01:00

I have been slaving away for the last few days doing turbo sewing to get some more stuff ready for my next craft fair. Why is it, we believe there is never enough stock???? Just a few more. Who needs sleep.

These little unmades are waiting to be matched and attached. I feel like a Vegas wedding chapel, hitching things together at break neck speed. No time to savor the prettiness. They will be mini clutches soon enough.

A mystery box

2010-05-17T18:15:00.000+01:00

A box is living under my stairs, something very exciting is inside it. It has been there for a week but I dare not open it properly until after the fair, or I would get even less work done.

Projects

2010-05-15T20:31:00.000+01:00

I should be preparing for Mount Stewart craft fair but my mind is else where. Mainly at work :(, but occasionally wondering to other things. A sneak peek.....

Fabric for sore eyes

2010-05-08T00:41:00.000+01:00

A little bit japanese yummy fabric to keep you going, which dropped through the letter box.

Coursework is over

2010-04-16T17:01:00.000+01:00

Hoorah, I finally got my coursework marked - as some of you may know I moonlight as a teacher during the day. It has been sitting mocking me for weeks, months, even.

I'm the sort of gal who works well best under pressure(!) generally out of necessity, due to the fact I leave marking my coursework until the last minute.

The problem is even though I wasn't doing it, I was thinking about it and feeling guilty about doing everything else. Well it's done. I'm happy. Sewing inspired even.

9 Tips for Craft Fairs

2010-04-06T08:09:00.000+01:00

I posted on Etsy forum about craft fairs and I thought I would post about it here as well in a bit more detail. I am no expert and do not claim to be, I do about 6 fairs a year, here are some of my tips.

1. Pick your fair carefully. Venues and timing makes a real difference. Christmas is a massive time for me but small fairs aren't quite as good. So I am better shelling out for the big fairs and doing less of them. Better return for my time.

2. Target your customers. Not every fair lends itself to the same sort of stock. I do 1 or 2 summer fairs and I always bring more mini clutches (purses) because people are more likely to make these smaller purchases.

3. Have a unique selling patter. I like to draw people in - for me it is talking about the fabrics I use, where they come from, why I picked them. It is less "hard selling" and more getting them to do more than lift a bag, set it down and walk on. It also means they are more likely to come back or check out my website. Talk lots about your items being handmade locally. People often assume that products are bought in and sold on. Local produce is big.

4. Practice setting up your table. This is my big weakness. I want to put every bag on show, but I can't the tables are tiny. I sometimes over clutter and need to take stuff back off. I always tell my customers I have loads more that aren't on show. It would be the first time a customer is behind my table poking in my stock boxes.

5. Business cards. Make them pretty. Thrust them on everyone - if they can't remeber your name they will never check you outwhen they get home. Make them useful -I have calenders printed on the back of mine and stumped up for a glossy finish. I know I usually keep a card with a calender.

6. Lighting. This can really make you items pop. I don't shell out for electricity at every fair - £30 a day ($45) is just too much - but if it's free or a couple of pound I pay for it. It really makes a difference when it starts to get a little darker.

7. Try not to look like a market trader. I know it's cold and you want to wrap up but do you really need to wear your entire wardrobe - especially that raggy old jumper that is so warm. Invest in good quality thermals - socks, undershirts, even longjohns. Wrap a pretty scarf around your neck, pop a cute hat on. Wear your good coat when selling if your really cold, just not your hiking gear. Your image is everything, you are a crafter, creator, artist, you want people to buy the idea, the concept of your work. Bring your super warm stuff for setting up and taking back down when your customers are gone.

8. Bring food. This might seem obvious but you don't want to spend all your profit on coffee. Or worse still get there and realise there are no food outlets. I know you think "what sort of fair doesn't have a few food stalls for the visitors" but I went to one last year that had the food products separated in another tent 1/2 a mile from the craft tent - a big country estate fair! There was one coffee stand and no food stands within easy reach. I always pack a good picnic - rolls, crisps, bakery items, tea break nibbles and a big thermos, we don't always eat what we bring, but it's there just in case we need a pick me up.

9. Believe. This is the hardest thing to do with your own work. For my first fair my friend called in to keep us company for a bit and she was a master, very engaging, but she had nothing to lose if someone said they didn't like a bag, she didn't make it. Now it doesn't bother me as much. If someone makes a comment I don't take it to heart because I know my product is good and well made.

creme eggs

2010-04-05T16:14:00.000+01:00

I love all things sweet, a little known fact about me - actually anyone who knows me knows well of my sweet tooth. My OH (he has a sweet tooth as well) & I have been on a serious health kick since Christmas, it's been very successful so far, so can you imagine the horror of Easter, chocolate nightmare.... I am especially fond of Caburys Creme Eggs.

This year we have limited ourselves to only a few (ok yesterday a few too many) mini creme eggs, a truely satisifing little yum, but imagine my amusement when I found a felt creme egg by British Cream Tea

A calorie free option? As I ambled around Ouissi's Etsy shop, I admit I felt peckish, but that's only because her pieces are so life-like. Worth stopping by for a look. Now I'm off to maybe squeeze in another mini creme egg :)

Easter Cushion Gift

2010-04-05T09:19:00.000+01:00

I always try to make something for my mum at easter. A few years ago I made a little felt rabbit, last year I made a chicken from a Sew Mama Sew tutorial, This year I saw a cushion made by Amy from Badskirt and it inspired me to make something similar but simpler for my mum's gift. The thing is I have never made a cushion cover or machine appliquéd. In my head it seemed easy enough and I insert zips into my pouches, so it should be no big deal. I have been toying around with this idea for a few days, but never got round to starting it,

Yesterday we were due for Easter dinner by 2pm and it's an hour drive to get there. We like to arrive early to help with the final touches, which means we usually leave at about 12ish. So instead of getting up early to start this new and unknown project, I chilled out in bed and watched the Grand Prix and didn't get started until 11.20am!!! I was doing well until I realized I had cut out 2 of the birds the wrong way round and didn't like one of the original fabrics I had chosen, so I had to start again. However, I did get it finished and we were in the car by 12.20pm. I was pretty pleased with the outcome (and the speed), there were a couple of things I would differently -like give my self more time :) - but my mum was super pleased and proudly showed it to all who attended today.

Not as good as Amy's but a job well done, I think I may give another one a go.

Crafting Tilda's Friends

2010-04-03T18:02:00.000+01:00

Crafting Tilda's Friends is an a recently published Tone Finnanger book. I am a big fan and have many of her other books, but this one has a different feel. This book is actually a republish of one of her earlier books and the differences of style are obvious. It is a lovely eye candy book and there are some simple projects to make, but the instructions aren't fantastic. A good bargain buy, and certainly worth the money but not as good as some of her more recent books.

Computer Time

2010-04-03T15:49:00.000+01:00

There is always a demand for computer time in my house. We have a desktop machine upstairs in our work room and a laptop. Neither of us want to sit upstairs all night, so there is often time-share issues over the laptop. I have wanted a bright red Dell for ages but have never really got round to purchasing it, there is always something else more needy needing bought.

We decided to go for a netbook as an in between measure. Now we are not known for impulse purchasing, but we did on this occasion, as we just went out and bought one. The techno nerds out there may be poo-pooing netbooks and I was with you, but logic kicked in. We only needed something for surfing, and this little emachines netbook hit the spot. It has a great spec for Internet activities and a fab 3 hour battery, which is perfect for craft fairs with our mobile broadband.

I will admit I was sceptical about it even though it was my idea, but now I am in love. It is light, great for working in bed and I haven't touched the laptop since it's arrival. It's battery is genuinely 3 hours and the recharge time is super fast. It certainly isn't a gaming machine - which isn't a problem, who has time to game-, but it meets our needs as a spare for surfing and is quickly becoming a firm favorite. Computer harmony has returned and all this for £200, what a bargain.

Alice in Wonderland

2010-04-02T08:02:00.000+01:00

Just loving this fabric. I see a lovely Alice in Wonderland edge to this.

Oh what lovely things I could make with this.....will I resist?

Be still my beating heart

2010-04-01T12:01:00.000+01:00

I bought this lovely fabric by Henry Alexander a while ago and it proved to be a very popular, especially for small bags. Unfortunately all good things must come to an end and I have only a couple of tiny pieces left.

So I was having a look around and I ordered these lovely pink hearts, also by Henry Alexander, from Fashionable Fabrics. It arrived this morning and it's even better in the flesh than the picture.

A little handprinted loveliness

2010-03-30T12:21:00.000+01:00

I ordered this delightful handprinted fabric from summersville. Lucie is based in England and screenprints fabric using environmentally friendly water based inks. She was recently an Etsy featured seller, read her interview here.

I'm hoping to use this for the front of a glasses case for my mother, and a few other special little items. Updates on pieces made soon.

Craft Fair

2010-03-25T18:50:00.000Z

I don't do many fairs at this time of the year, I'm not sure there is a huge market for clutches just before the summer, but last year I attended Mount Stewart Garden and Craft Fair. I would be truthful in saying I didn't enjoy it last year as it lashed with rain and was freezing which was unusual even for here in May. It wasn't that busy (although I think that was to do with the weather) and quite expensive so I was adamant I was not going this year, but I relented, mainly because it gave me really good contacts.

So I applied this year again, and I have been successful. It's on 22 &23 May so I really am going to have to get passed my sewers block now.

Pondering a Panda

2010-03-24T19:54:00.000Z

I made this little guy from the felties book. Just so I could practice some hand sewing and trying to get back to sewing work.

I'll show you a couple more characters from the book when they are done. I think he might make a lovely keyring, or bag charm. But he's cute whatever he is used for, even if it's just to be something cute to look at.

Sewers Block

2010-03-23T16:54:00.000Z

I have the bad case of sewers block. I want to sew but just can't bring myself to do it.

This has been going on for a while and is somewhat of a problem for someone who makes sewn items. I have been keeping up with my orders and custom work, but nothing "new" has appeared just for the sake of it.

I have tried just taking a break from making and that didn't work, so now I am trying to work on some new skills and doing some nice stuff (one of which I will post about tomorrow). I have also been spending some time just pondering and looking at my lovely fabric collection lately. I do feel the sparks of inspiration starting, but I also feel really frustrated. God bless writers, how do they cope. I am frustrated because I love sewing and making bags. I think I may have just suffered major burn out at Christmas, which is worrying as it is a busy time, which isn't going away. I'm off next week on holiday and I really hope that will give me some time to get going because my poor sewing machine feels very unloved at the moment.

Are they serious?

2010-03-22T22:11:00.000Z

Tonight I started to look for a little bit of horse fabric that Heather Ross had produced, so I browsed around etsy. I was minding my own business and not really finding what I was after...... and then I noticed the ridiculous prices that some retailers are listing at.

Now I am a self-confessed fabric junkie, and would go to extreme measures to get something I really wanted, but $45 (£30) for a fat quarter? I ask you; are they serious???

I know Heather Ross produces amazing fabrics and that so many are hard to find because they are out of print, but are they really worth it? I have several of these hard to find fabrics and have used many of them as linings in my bags, I love them but would not spend that much money on a little square of fabric that probably originally retailed at about $8 a yard.

I suspect I will have to admire them from afar or wait until she releases more patterns to spoonflower. In the mean time something to drool over.

New Book

2010-03-12T10:13:00.000Z

A new book to drool at has popped through the letterbox.

I am not only a fabric-aholic it seems but also a sewing-book-aholic, is there any hope for me?

Stitch Practice

2010-03-10T09:20:00.000Z

Lazy daisy stitch.... still need to work on that even-ness.

A little flower, with some whip stitching and a little daisy.

Some french knots

More practice still needed.

hello

2010-03-08T08:58:00.000Z

Hello there, what are you up to with that camera?

I will pose for a proper picture if you want.

My fab little boy.

A little felt work

2010-03-07T08:57:00.000Z

I love working with felt mostly because it is so easy to handsew. My OH bought me Softies: Simple Instructions for 25 Plush Pals for christmas. It was full of pretty pictures, which tempted me to have a play about.

I can whip most things up on a machine but my handsewing leaves a lot to be desired at times. I do doodle around with felt, but I have wanted to work on some new stitches. However I started with just a little easy one with just a little whip stitching

Eye Candy

2010-03-06T22:40:00.000Z

Pretty embroidery threads purchased from Lupin.

A break.....

2010-03-05T16:42:00.000Z

I took a break because I needed a break.

I have sewed very little since Christmas and I think that has been a good thing. This isn't my day job, I have a very demanding, all consuming career, for which my stress relief has been sewing, but I lost my mojo. It has slowly been coming back as has my energy. I really feel the Christmas season just left me drained mentally and physically, as I always seemed to be running after someone else. Things have settled a lot and I am feeling more energized. Ready to get back into the saddle, sorta speak.

I do think this is one of the advantages of on-line business's. I have still been able to service my customers and get my orders out, but I have been able to take a back seat on promoting and producing. I know the consequence of such indulgent behaviour will mean hard work to regain lost ground, but I feel in a better frame of mind about sewing. This fact is the key, I love to create. I have no problem making bags on production levels, but there has to be some "fun" sewing as well. I am hoping to recapture some of that personal sewing time and get a few projects completed for me and for others. I will also be updating my blog a more often and hopefully showing some of the new and fun stuff going on in our house. Including the introduction of tote shoppers and mini baguettes with chains to my store, bag patterns to my OH's store and my new website going live.

So watch this space for pictures and updates and thank you to all you guys that stuck with me and kept checking in.

my nephew the director

2009-12-30T12:26:00.000Z

A little movie directed by nephew (aged 8). It's his first.

A Steven Spielberg of the furture?

A well earned break

2009-12-29T12:23:00.000Z

Life was very hectic for a little while so I have spent some down time lately, catching up on important things like sleep. I have been making some fun purchases.

I purchased two of these fab little ornaments from Petite House. I bought the cupcake and the one on the far left.

I got one sent to my mum as a surprise

I have been after a wristlet now for many weeks from Made by Hank. When I say things like this people often exclaim "why would you buy a bag made by another". My answer is simple I appreciate others work and I also want something different.

Is it any different than a chef eating at someone else's restaurant? Things are always nicer when made by someone else. Anyway I have been after a specific wristlet but I kept missing it, I even had my poor OH checking many times a day but we always just missed it. We even put an RSS feed up to get updates. I had all but given up :( When magically and by complete accident I was online on Christmas day producing Christmas Quizzes for the dinner table, when I spotted the updated RSS feed. It said it was in stock but I could hardly believe it, I went to Made by Hank and there it was. So now all I have to do is patiently wait ..... for it to arrive.

Fab Christmas Idea

2009-12-27T12:57:00.000Z

I just love this tree by Open Door Studio which was featured on the Etsy Storque

An idea for Christmas next year maybe.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T11:56:00.000Z

Hope you all have a great day.

St George's Christmas Craft Fair

2009-12-03T08:01:00.000Z

I will be attending St George's Christmas Craft Fair in Belfast this year again. Last year it was our first ever craft fair, so we are looking forward to going back.

It is on

Saturday 5 December: 9am - 5pm

Sunday 6 December: 10am - 5pm

If you are in the local area stop by and have a chat.

***Update - Having just looked at photo's from last year it has suddenly occurred to me I didn't have much stock and this year I have tonnes.****

Disappearance

2009-12-02T23:35:00.000Z

While my disappearance should have been down to sewing my fingers to the bone for my next craft fair, but it has been down to the fact that life is even busier than normal. I finally got a weekend of last week to catch up on much needed sleep.

I have been sewing like mad this week, for Saturday and Sunday. I do I have a decent amount of stock, I'm just at this stage making bags I know are good sellers.

Bags, Bags, Bags

2009-11-20T08:10:00.000Z

I have listed some delightful new bags in my shop with many more to follow.

Just a little taster.

Yum

2009-11-19T22:09:00.000Z

I saw this on the front page of Etsy yesterday. Two of my favorite things - felt and chocolate yule log. A fab creation by Becky M.

More craft shopping

2009-11-18T10:00:00.000Z

From time to time I am a craft shopper. On Saturday my OH and I headed of to a craft fair on Londonderry in the Guild Hall. It was about an hour a little bit before we arrived so not to bad. The venue was fab and had a lovely feel about it, everyone we met was very friendly.

We had heard it was a good fair and were checking it out, as one to possibly apply for next year. It was lovely and a nice change being back on the other side of the stall. We drank coffee and ambled around. I spoke to a few stall holders I knew and they seemed to be quite positive, so a definite maybe.

I also made a few purchases and even bought something for myself from Hennies Beads.

craft book

2009-11-16T09:46:00.000Z

I splashed out on Stray Sock Sewing, because it is super cute and I welcome a fun new thing to do over the Christmas Hols. As soon as I picked this book up I was hooked, it is full of fun animals just waiting to be made. The book is split into sections, there is a section showing a variety of animals having adventures and a section showing how to make some of them. It is fun feel-good book which I am looking forward to trying out.

This little guy is the very last picture in the book and I just love him.

New Fabric

2009-11-15T23:26:00.000Z

On Thursday, my OH and I went to the Kings Hall in Belfast to the Stitch and Creative Crafts Exhibition. I buy fabric all the time, but I rarely get the chance to touch it before I buy. There were lots of stands all showcasing a variety of crafts and supplies. I was there for fabric and craft books. I did myself proud in terms of fabric and even got a delightful craft book (more tomorrow).

Dolls and Elephants

Monsters.....ohh scary

Singers and coffee cups

A little nip of christmas

Butterflies and flowers

Cats and Ponies

Fruit

Spots of course

These flowers and birds really sparked a few thoughts in my head.

Mmmmm

2009-11-13T14:36:00.000Z

Good enough to eat, oh someone has beaten me to it.

Angry Gingerbread Man by Bittersweets

My love of GingerBread men grows, nearly time to get Georgie out again.

Featured Shop - Sewn Natural

2009-11-11T11:17:00.000Z

While looking at around Etsy for Christmas stuff I found Sewn Natural. The idea behind this store is that nice things can be pretty "while making the world a little bit better at the same time". What I really liked was the fresh approach they take. These lovely christmas trees are made from red vintage Japanese kimono silk. It has a beautiful balsam fir tree sachet in it which would leave that christmas tree smell in the room.

I really like these little trees as well.

When I looked on through the shop I saw some lovely other items. Here are a few other lovelies.

upcycled duck baby rattle toy

retro elephant baby

Etsy Finds - Christmas

2009-11-10T09:46:00.000Z

Oh I can smell the cinnamon in the air, I even heard a Christmas song on the radio during the week. So I trolled around Etsy to look at the some of goodies on offer.

This little star is made by wordzoflife. I like the patchwork aspect in this decoration.

Stitchin sew prim has this pretty cushion in their store. It has a delightful country feel about it.

I have been looking at patchwork lately and I love this quilted wall hanging by Bound For Glory

New Bag

2009-11-08T10:34:00.000Z

A new little bag with a chain. It is styled like a baguette, but meets the requirements of having a chain. I think this would be nice with a leather short handle. Something else to work on. Now just a new name needed....Petite Baguette?

Is it bad to want this bag for myself? Love it. Look out for it in the shop soon.

Treasury - Tropical Vampire

2009-11-07T21:50:00.000Z

Thanks to samantha's art studio for the include in her treasury.

Craft Fairs

2009-11-07T20:31:00.000Z

So far I have been to 2 Christmas craft fairs in the last 2 weeks. Neither have been fabulous but certainly worth going to. The big upside is that I have created loads of stock, which I will be uploading to my shop over the next few days. It also means I have good stock for my big Christmas Fair in Decemeber.

One of the things I love about craft fairs is the opportunity to talk to my customers. Etsy is great but you don't get the chit chat, regarding what they would like. It allows me to see what bags and fabrics people pick up and touch. Often after fairs I feel the creativity flow and new things appear, one of which I will post about tomorrow.

Here is a picture of one of my latest tables.

At a lot of these craft fairs the tables can be.... lets say petite. I really struggle to not overload the table with bags and organise them in a way that makes people want to pick them up.

Still working at it.

Purchase

2009-11-07T03:49:00.000Z

There are many things I love to buy and wear, but as the weather starts turn it gives me new opportunities for purchases. I have a scarf collection that most shops would be jealous of. I also love, I mean LOVE, gloves. I think a bit part of the glove thing is winter weather. Last year I discovered long fingerless gloves, they are like leg-warmers for your hands. I had purchased a random gold sparkly pair quite a while ago in the sale for 50p ($1), but only wore them for the first last year and fell in love with them. I thought I would not be able to get anymore, so imagine my delight when I found these.

Pale Grey Cashmere Fingerless Gloves, I admit they were a little (!) more expensive, the upside was that the lovely M&S had sent me a voucher for a pair of gloves up to the value of £15, so I only had a little to add. They are toasty warm, you can text in them and you don't need to take them of to get change out of your wallet. Result.

Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T21:48:00.000Z

Every year my OH and I talk about carving pumpkins. No big deal you say but as children we carved turnips (!) not pumpkins. I don't think pumpkins really arrived in Northern Ireland until a few years ago. Anyway we always talk about pumpkins but something generally stops us - none left in the shop, no time, or they turned mushy in the fridge. This year since he is an invalid and I have sooo much time on my hands we managed to get it done. This is our best (!) attempt.

Certainly not up to our American cousins, but we had good fun.

I'm still here

2009-10-26T21:25:00.000Z

My....oh.....my things have been hectic here. Work (day job) has been all go go go for weeks now which is very draining. I have been battling the nastiest cold imaginable and of course I have been busy sewing for fairs. I now have a week off... bliss, some time to sleep, shop and eat out. I still have a rather persistent cough but I don't feel like I have been dragged through a hedge. So normal transmissions should resume shortly.

my own fabric

2009-09-25T13:05:00.000+01:00

I have been doodling around making digital images. My OH started a little supply shop called Fat Frog Supplies and I made him a little frog.

I messed around with the image a little and made a Mrs Fat Frog as well. I really like her spots but I'm not 100% about the mouth.

I decided to get them printed as swatches by spoonflower and am really impressed with how it turned out. I will be ordering more soon.

This one needs a little bit more tweaking but I really like the spots, so I may also do another one with the frogs having rainbow spots.

My Creative Space

2009-09-24T17:42:00.000+01:00

A little (!) pile of bags just waiting to be sewn round.

Getting my ducks in a row :0)

This is some of my new stock for christmas and I am loving the pale blue dotty lining.

To catch up on other creative spaces nip over here and check them out.

What's new

2009-09-23T23:23:00.000+01:00

I will be adding new zipper pouches. You can get them in my shop at the new price of $10.

Where Have I been?

2009-09-22T14:16:00.000+01:00

I have been busy over the last wee while. Work has been busy, as has my sewing machine and I have been recovering from a really nasty cold. I also started back to horse riding. I had ponies when I was younger but had to sell them when I went to Uni. I continued to ride regularly for a while, but for some reason stopped. I just decided to get back into it. I'm riding at a place called Tullynewbank and it is great. I was so sore the first time but I've been a few more times and I'm really getting back into it.

And the winner is.....

2009-09-11T16:57:00.000+01:00

The winner for my 100th post giveaway is

Comment 1: Tammy James

I love the fabric combinations you use! My favourite is the owls medium frame clutch on the first page, too cute!

Thanks to those who entered and a mini clutch will be on it's way to Tammy soon.

Mushrooms

2009-09-08T22:55:00.000+01:00

Here are just a few little mushroom lovelies to look at.
Here is a pair of mushroom softies from Manic Muffin Totes's. Take a look at the rest of the shop for some lovely softies.

Corrabelle makes some fantastic stamps, I especially like Melvin the Mushroom.

I really like this stationery from LittleTstudio's, just what every girl needs - fancy stationery printed at the touch of a button.

& So 2 Sew

2009-09-07T19:56:00.000+01:00

With my first big fair of the Christmas season 7 weeks away the time has come to start some serious sewing. My approach this year is very different, it is more structured and ordered.

At the beginning of each week I plan exactly what I want to have done by the end of the week and then break it up into smaller tasks. This has streamlined my processes and is allowing me to have a set work period every day. Some may believe that this stops the creativeness of the process, but really it allows me to focus on choosing fabric combinations. My bags are not "cookie cutter" but to fit the frames they do have to be cut to a specific shape so there are some limitations for creative freedoms.

Having tasks planned for each day means I come home from work, with my mind already switched on to what I need to do, so I spend less time ambling and more time working.

I am hoping this new approach will enable me to increase my productivity while keeping my sanity this year but I suppose only time will tell :0)

Watch this space for updates.

My Creative Space

2009-09-03T20:06:00.001+01:00

About 2 weeks ago on one of our many recent Ikea runs we picked up this DVD shelf which happens to be just perfect for my fabric stash. Now as many of you guys may know this is not all my fabric however it does hold my most recent purchases.

I have posted it as my creative space for this week because I have spent alot of time organising it in colours and properly folding my fabrics.

For more spaces nip over to Kirsty's.