SewToBed

The Wanderer Returns!

2011-08-31T01:01:00.010+01:00

Whatever happened to my New Year's Resolutions? It seems like they took a 6 month holiday. Well enough is enough!

I have just celebrated my 44th birthday - and if I don't give my life a kick up the backside NOW ......

So as with the start of a new year, I have made a list of "improvements" I am GOING to make.

1) Lose weight

2) Get Fit

3) Be a better wife, mother, daughter, sister, crafter etc

4) Blog more

5) Blow my own trumpet more

6) Grow my "business"

7) ENJOY LIFE!!

There have been some highlights since the start of the year.

After 6 long stressful months, my hubby has got a new job. "Yeah!" I hear you all cry. And yes it is fabulous news - but the downside is that we have to relocate from Shropshire to Yorkshire. "Boo!" I here you all cry. Not, I should clarify that Yorkshire is a horrid place to live, it's just the rigmarole of selling the house and uprooting Little Miss H from school etc.

So if anyone wants to buy a 5 bedroom detached house in Newport - just let me know!

Another piece of good news was that my son passed his A'Levels and secured a place at York St Johns University to read Media Studies. He has got himself a tiny little flat to rent that he will be sharing with his girlfriend who will be training to be a Primary School Teacher.

The lovely ladies of my Modern Quilting Bee provided the blocks to make a quilt to take with them. I just need to get it backed, quilted and bound in the next fortnight!

It has been the year of "big" birthdays. My son and 2 of my nieces turned 18, so here is the quilt I made for one of the girls.

My Mum turned 65 (and got engaged), so I used the same pattern as above - and with the help of my Quilting NewBEEs Bee Ladies - made the top of a quilt for her that will be professionally quilted as it is just too big for my little machine to cope with.

And as my youngest sister - who has just turned 40 - has taken up surfing, I decided that she had to have her own Camper Van!

I have joined in the new obsession with "Mug Rugs", and joined in a couple of swaps.

I've also kept my participation in the Flickr Doll Quilt Swaps going. Although it is always stressful trying to make something that you hope a total stranger will like, it does make me think "outside the box".

And last but not least, is my continued enjoyment of all things Retro, that can be turned into mini quilts made up of tiny squares instead of Pixels!

I'm still a member of a couple of quilting Bees, so I shall be keeping you more up-to-date with what I sew for them and all the other gubbings I get up to.

Talk soon

Leah x

I went a little swap mad!

2011-03-13T23:52:00.006Z

At the start of the year I signed up to participate in 4 swaps - eek! 2 were due on Feb 14th - double eek! But as both my partners and I have received our respective parcels, I can now tell you about them.

The first swap was Round 5 of the Placemat Quilt Swap. My partner was Isaacsmama, and we decided to make placemats for each other's children.

Her little boy likes robots, and when I saw a pattern for one that's in Dare to Be Square Quilting I knew it would translate well into a placemat. I kept the colours bright and the quilting simple and was chuffed how well it turned out!

In return, I received a fabulous little birdie placemat

that has the word "tweet" quilted over it!

The second swap was a new one for me and it enabled me to join in with the new craze of making Mug Rugs. "What's a mug rug?" I hear you ask. A mug rug is an oversized coaster for your mug/cup/glass with room for a treat on the side! So with great excitement I joined the Scrappy Mug Rug Swap.

In this swap, participants only know who they are making for, and I got Ljs742.

After having a look in her Flickr favourites, I decided upon a Union Jack pattern made using citrus colours.

I had so much fun making it that I am making another one in different fabrics to hopefully sell!

A few days after I sent my rug off I received a package from SleepytimeSewing filled with gorgeous goodies!

She had had a crisis of confidence with the linen rug (the one on the left), so made me another! She also sent some charm squares in my favourite colour - purple. I am one lucky lady!

I'll keep you updated with the happenings in other 2 swaps.

Pay It Forward

2011-01-20T13:36:00.003Z

Some time ago I signed up to received a Pay It Forward gift from Modernjax.

I promptly forgot about it until an unexpected package, sent from America, landed on my doorstep! "What's this?" I asked myself as I opened it up. Then imagine my surprise when I found these goodies inside!

I got a lovely dotty tote bag, some ironing starch, a couple of beautifully intricate origami hanging decorations and a packet of Buckeyes - which are little chocolates with peanut butter inside - yum yum!

As is the tradition with Pay It Forwards, it is now my turn, so here is how it works.

1. I will make a little something of the first 3 people who comment on this post. It will be a surprise and it will arrive when you least expect it.

2. I will have 365 days to do it in. What's the catch? To get a handmade present from me, you have to play too! This mwans YOU pledge to send a little handmade something for 3 readers of your blog. It doesn't have to be quilty - just handmade!

3. You must have a blog.

4. Once you comment here, you must post about your Pay It Forward on your blog to keep the fun going - with the Pay It Forward badge.

Let the fun begin!

A New Year = A New Beginning!

2011-01-02T09:53:00.003Z

Isn't it odd that I said this last New Year!

And then how many posts did I make on my blog between then and now? 5!

It's not even like I've done nothing. I'm part of 7 Quilting Bees, have done numerous swaps, plus sewn some bits and bobs for actual paying customers.

We ended the year quite low as my husband lost his job 2 weeks before Christmas, plus he, our daughter and myself all had flu over the Festivities. We are all on the mend but I am still coughing continually which is mega annoying!

As I was bought a website package for my birthday, I have resolved that I WILL MAKE SOME THINGS, and SELL THEM ONLINE. My biggest reason for not venturing into ready-made so far has been a lack of confidence in their ability to sell. I've always felt to wait until someone asks me to make something is safer - as then I won't have spend time and energy plus materials making items people don't want to buy!

I have a few ideas for making some monster softies, so perhaps I'll start with them.

I hope that 2011 is a great year for you all, and I PROMISE you will hear more from me on a regular basis from now on.

Love Leah x

My Little Rainbow!

2010-05-26T23:15:00.003+01:00

For those of you who know me - you'll be well aware of my love of Rainbows. Well now I have one of my own!

My daughter recently joined Rainbows - which is the most junior sector of the Girl Guides Association. In my day this level didn't exist - you joined as a Brownie.

For the last couple of weeks she's been learning and memorising the "Promise" at every opportunity, and last night she, along with 2 other girls, recited it when requested and so now she's the full arch!

She was really chuffed with herself, and I couldn't have been prouder.

I loved my time in Guiding and it seems that history is repeating itself.

And as I am such a hoarder that I still have the certificcate from when I became a Brownie! How sad am I? (My name was spelt wrongly - but this time is was the surname not my Christian name)

Things that make you go "GRRRR!!"

2010-05-15T13:36:00.003+01:00

Hubby shouted from the kitchen last night : Where's the cheese grater?

Me (after thinking for a moment) : Try the 3rd drawer down (we only have one set of drawers in there so not a hard to find place)

Him : It's not there, I've looked

Me (after thinking to myself that I was sure that was where I put it after washing it yesterday) : Well try the 2nd drawer then

Me : Or beside the sink (maybe I hadn't put it away!)

Then there is the sound of drawers and cupboard doors being opened and banged shut

Me : Have you found it?

Him : Yes

Me : Where was it?

Him : In the third drawer down. I didn't see it.

AAAARRGGHH!!! How can you not see a cheese grater in a kitchen drawer ????

Incidents like this are a regular occurance in this house - and the most annoying thing is that our daughter is exactly the same!

A Hive of Bees!

2010-02-05T23:36:00.006Z

It's been a while since I've updated you all about the blocks I've been making for my Quilting Bees on Flickr.

I'll start with my longest running Bee - SewConnected3 - who I last blogged about after September's blocks!!

October was a double month.

Firstly, I made a Wonky Log Cabin Block for Twiddletails,

and then a Bento Box Block for Cam11.

I really love the geometry of this block so it's a pattern I'll be asking the ladies from one of my other Bees to make for me!

In November, Poobah02 wanted a geometric block making from her Heather Ross Mendocino fabrics. I'm not sure is this pattern has a name, but I do like how it turned out.

We had December off, and in January it was Gretchen.D's turn.

She wanted an Amish style block made from solids - black plus 2 colours (in my case green and lilac).

I decided to make her a Basket Block and as there was enough fabric, a Jacob's Ladder Block.

September was the first month in the Eurovision Quilters Bee, and Wen_ot had the honour of kicking it all off.

She asked for a Dutchman's Puzzle Block and I, almost, managed 2 whole blocks for her, plus I made a Pinwheel Block with the offcut half triangles.

October was Flossyblossy's month and she asked for a Wonky Square-in-Square / Log Cabin Block. Again I managed to stretch the fabric to make 2 blocks.

In November, Vivie95 wanted Star Blocks made with her Japanese style fabrics. We were free to use any design and I managed to stretchhhhhh my fabric just enough. I had wanted some of the outer star points to stand out a bit more but it wasn't possible. I still like the result though!

Again December was a free month, but the New Year started off with a cheeky Gnome chappie arriving in the post. He needed a Wonky House to live in, and how could I refuse! I also gave him a little windowed extention just for a little more room.

To accompany the gnome, Daveandsusi asked us to make a little Mushroom/Toadstool Block decorated by a touch of lace. Both of these were a pleasure to sew.

2010 was the start of 2 new Quilting Bees that I have joined - Circuit Block Party and the Modern Quilting Bee.

In the former, Heidielliott asked for a Dutchman's Puzzle Block using black, white and red fabrics on a background of grey. Again I couldn't resist using the half triangle offcuts to make a Pinwheel Block!

Lastly, Melissa.leray sent us some precious Munki fabric to incorporate into a Wonky Log Cabin Block. I added a couple of stash fabrics to what she she and wonked out 2 blocks for her.

All in all, I think it was a great finish to 2009, and an exciting start to 2010. February's fabrics are here so I'll keep you posted what they turn into.

Addicted to Paper Piecing? I think I might be!

2010-01-10T00:18:00.007Z

It all started off so innocently.

Being asked to make a string quilt block using this tutorial.

When I first saw it I was horrified. Paper Piecing!! But the reality wasn't as bad as I'd anticipated and in the end the block turned out OK.

I then promptly forgot about it until I was Flickr-hopping looking for some inspiration for a couple of Halloween swap projects. I then stumbled upon Artisania and decided to take the plunge and use her Pumpkin/Jack-O-Lantern and Cat patterns.

I attempted the cat first and found out pretty quickly that these were going to a bit trickier than the string block to say the least!! It was all that back-to-front and upside down palaver that foxed me and my stitch ripper came into a bit of use I can tell you! But suddenly it all clicked, and I got them finished. I don't think it helped that I wanted to keep the backgrounds patchy and random but I am proud of how they look finished.

So with Christmas looming and another swap needed, it was back to Flickr-land where I stumbed upon Sewhooked. Jennifer has designed a whole heap of fabulous paper pieced patterns and I found the perfect ones to use.

Each individual block finished at @ 4" so some of the pieces were tiny which was a real challenge and with practice I'm sure that I'll be able to match the sections together much better.

I'm about to make another of Jennifer's blocks for her Batiks in Black Drawing. I'm using some brightly coloured batiks that I was kindly given by Flossyblossy.

UPDATE: The Batik block is finished!!

I have a Valentine Swap to make for so I may be getting the paper out again!!

A New Year - and a New Start.

2010-01-03T00:38:00.003Z

As the more observant of you can see my blog has been a little neglected of late. It's not that I've not been busy - in fact I was still sewing on Christmas Eve - it's just that I couldn't see the point in blogging about any of it!

Reflecting on this, I came to the conclussion that it doesn't matter if I don't get any visitors or comments left, I should just use my blog as I think it should be used - as an on-line record of my crafty outcomes and achievements, with a bit of family life thrown in for good measure. Something to look back on in my old age which believe me is not that far away!

Over the past year I feel that I have grown quite a lot as a crafter. My first Quilting Bee - SC3 will be coming to an end in a couple of months (mine being the last one!!), and because I've enjoyed the experience and especially the commeraderie built up between us - I've joined another 3!!

I've taken part in numerous swaps - mostly organised by some wonderful quilters on Flickr - and I hope to continue to participate in 2010.

Other bright ideas I have are:

a) sorting and organising my craft room - but I have to visit Ikea first for a table

b) make sure I link my blog entries to my uploads on Flickr

c) getting my own website - or at least opening one or more online shops (e.g. Folksy, MISI)

d) actually turning some of the mountains of fabric I have into something beautiful/usable etc.

e) learn to quilt in something other than a straight line

and f) those perennial favourites - lose weight and get fitter!!

I'll leave you all for now with a picture of the kids wrapped up in the quilts I managed to sew together just in time for Santa's visit (but they still need quilting!) but I promise I will be back shortly to show what I got up to over the last couple of months of 2009.

Happy Crafting.

Placemat Quilt Swap

2009-11-12T00:36:00.005Z

This is installment number 2 on the October Swap round-up.

The Placemat Quilt Swap organised by Krommama was an opportunity to think small.

The mats were to be pieced, quilted and bound as usual, but to be roughly 13" x 17" in size.

My partner was AnnaMichelleQuilts, and as it turned out we both have 2 kids (one of each colour) we decided to make them one each!

I struggled for ages trying to decide what sort of patterns to use.

For Anna's toddler son I settled on an I-Spy design inspired by Cindy Carter's Scrappy Split Rail Quilt.

As the mats needed to be durable and washable I used fleece as batting and I backed it with a couple of polka-dot fabrics.

The quilting was simple and outlined the blocks.

Instead of seperate binding, I made the backing big enough so that I could wrap it round to the front and then be machine sewn. This was a new technique to me, and I think it came out OK, although the corners ended up not perfect - but I'm sure they'd get better with practice.

For her young teen daughter's placemat, in the end I settled on a Spiderweb block design using Quilt It's tutorial for guidance.

Each of the strips finished at @ 1/2" wide so they were quite fiddly to make.

I backed it with a single piece of patterned fabric I had lurking and quilted it along the segment lines.

Again I used the backing as the binding although this time the edges turned out quite wobbly!!

The 2 placemats that Anna sent me were phenomenal.

The first used my favourite rainbow inspired colours sewn into a hollow hexagon central shape, plus 2 sidebars.

The second was just so fun as she used applique, and some fabulous food fabric to make it look that dinner was served.

Thank you so much Anna - I've really enjoyed this swap xx

Teeny Tiny Quilt Swap

2009-11-08T01:10:00.003Z

October has been the month for swaps, so to give each one justice, I'll be writing about them seperately over the next few days.

So I'll start with the Teeny Tiny Quilt Swap organised on Flickr by Quiltinkimmie.

There was an "anything goes" theme, with the only requirements being that the finished product measure 6" or smaller, be sandwiched and quilted, bound and labelled.

My partner, Ma.rysia, and I decided upon a Halloween theme.

Hers was first to arrive, and was a cute little appliqued Pumpkin, which was embellished with a cobweb in the corner. She also sent a little lavender scented hanging.

Bizzarely, I had also decided upon making a pumpkin!

I made it mostly from pieced squares, which when finished measured 1".

I also pieced the back, this time in a pinwheel pattern.

I quilted it by sewing around the edges of the eyes, nose and mouth, and then some shaped parallel lines on the face.

I finished it by adding a label and a ribbon for hanging.

It was only after finishing the binding it that I realised that I had miscalculated, and it was in fact @ 6.5" square.

Shhh - don't tell anyone in case they don't let me play again!!

My Crafty Candles

2009-10-31T00:19:00.007Z

My friend Martina has a little business, My Crafty Candles, which makes personalised candles.

She took the decision to take a stall at a wedding fayre, and wanted a banner for her table. It was to match - if possible - her website.

To start, I searched to find the font used for the lettering so that I could produce templates, but as this was unsuccessful I resorted to photographing the banner enlarged on my laptop screen!!

It worked and I was then able to cut out the letters from some gorgeous felt I'd bought from The Little Felt Shop on Ebay.

I then stitched these on to black fleece so I had the 3 seperate words. I was also lucky to find some embelishments that matched the floral bursts from her website - which I then glued on.

As a backing I used a length of creamy crushed velvet to try to create a light floaty feel but wth still some substance to the banner.

Although at the beginning of the process I was worried how it would turn out, I was pleased with the final result - and more importantly so was Martina.

She had a very successful day at the fayre - but I'm not sure that that was necessarily down to my work!!

SewConnected3 - August and September

2009-10-11T00:58:00.006+01:00

As I'm so behind with blogging - "NO!" I hear you cry - I thought I'd have a dual post for my August and September SC3 blocks.

For August, QuiltDad, gave us the option to make 2 different types of blocks.

The first option was to make either a 12.5" or 6.5" (unfinished) "quarter log-cabin" block. This could be straight or wonky. A Quarter log-cabin, means starting with a square or rectangle, and only building on 2 adjacent sides of that piece (instead of all 4 sides).

The second option was to make a "normal" log-cabin block. The twist was to make it slightly larger than usual - 13" unfinished - and then cut it into quarters to make four equally sized 6.5" blocks. These will be re-arranged and sewn together to make a 12.5" block.

I decided to try one of each kind. Here is the log-cabin uncut

then cut into the 4 quarters

and with the remaining fabric, I made a 12.5" quarter log-cabin

Then for September, OhThatAshley wanted us to make Maverick Stars. Mendocino fabrics was to be used for the stars, and Kona Cotton in aqua for the background. We could make them 12.5” square (unfinished), 6.5” square or even 12.5”x 6.5” rectangle blocks.

In the end I made all 3 sizes!!

The big square

The rectangle

And 2 x small squares

The rectangle was the hardest to make as I had to be extra careful ensuring that I placed the fabric correctly when sewing the points.

I've now started with October's fabrics which is again a double block month.

DQS7 - Received

2009-10-03T17:35:00.005+01:00

I was waiting and waiting for my quilt to arrive, but eventually it did (after about 3 weeks in transit), and my oh my was it worth the wait!

My swap partner turned out to be Jennifer (Quay&Co). We are both members of SewConnected3, and although I did comment on her Flickr picture that I hoped her quilt was for me - I never thought for a second that it would eventually be mine!!

IT'S A RAINBOW QUILT!!! Made from strips of different colours projecting horizontally out from a central black and white vertical strip. It's bound with the same fabric.

The back is made from a spotty fabric that blends in perfectly, finished off with a great label.

It's quilted simply with horizontal lines but it's totally in keeping and effective.

And there was more!!

She also included a gorgeous circular drawstring bag, made from a tasty looking apple fabric, and whose ingenious double lining creates little pockets around it.

There was also some black and white embroidered ric-rac, a length of fabric featuring patches in autumnal designs and colours, and to finish a square tile pendant with 2 different coloured ribbon "chains".

I am so so happy with my quilt and it WILL take pride of place in my craft room once it is organised and sorted - I promise. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Eurovision Quilters Bee - Block 1

2009-09-26T21:43:00.004+01:00

September was the staring month for the other Quliting Bee I'm a member of.

Wen_ot (a.k.a. Wendy) was the first to go and as she's from Holland, wanted a Dutchman's Puzzle block.

I took a great big gulp when I saw this as still being a bit of a beginner there seemed a great deal of accuracy needed. I started off on the wrong foot by cutting my first rectangle too small, so from then on everything was measured at least 4 times before my rotary cutter got any where near the fabric!!

In the end it wasn't as bad as I imagined it was going to be and I did feel quite proud of myself.

Due to the error above, I didn't have quite enough fabric left to finish a second block but I did as much as I could and Wendy can add the last sail herself.

As it seemed such a waste to throw away the cut off bits (technical phrase!!), I turned them into half triangle squares and had enough to make a third pinwheel-esque block.

October's fabrics have arrived so you'll have to come back to check them out.

I'm swimming the English Channel ...

2009-09-16T00:38:00.003+01:00

... well not literally, but definately theoretically.

I've needed to get into shape for a good few years now, and when I saw the Aspire Channel Swim, I knew this was an opportunity to good to pass by.

The idea is to swim the distance of the English Channel (22 miles or 35400 metres) over 12 weeks (14th September to 6th December). This is a sponsored swim and all money raised goes to helping people suffering from spinal cord injuries.

My local pool is 25 metres in length so I need to swim 1416 lengths. If I swim 3 times a week, that equates to 40 lengths per visit.

This morning I got my bag packed, and headed off to the pool after I dropped DD off at school. As it has been a while since I've done much more than paddle about in the shallow end, I took it easy and completed 30 lengths in around 40 minutes which I didn't think was bad!

Apart from yawning a fair bit this afternoon, I don't - at present - have any aches and pains. I plan to go again tomorrow and Thursday, so I'll keep you updated weekly as to how I'm progressing.

If you'd like to sponsor me, the link to use is below.

http://www.justgiving.com/Leah-Day/

The Big Day Arrived

2009-09-09T00:01:00.004+01:00

Today was the day that my little girl started Primary School.

She left pre-school a whole 10 weeks ago when we moved house - so we both have been climbing the walls a little. There is only so much soft play that a girl can take!!

We bought her shoes (black patent) and got her hair cut last week, and I finishing sewing on the last of her clothes name labels yesterday.

So this morning, after a good breakfast, she got dressed in her new uniform.

We headed off to school for the alloted time and met with the headteacher first. After H showed off writing her name we went round to her classrooom. They staggered everybody's entrances so that the children joined the class one by one, which I assume is no make it less scary for them as well as treating them all as individuals.

She waved us off with a wave and not much of a backward glance.

When I collected her 6 hours later, she presented us with her first artistic creation. She even told me she had eaten some potato for lunch. Not a big deal I hear you all say but she's the only child I know that doesn't really like chips/fries!!

She likes school so much she wants to go back not only tomorrow but every day. Phew. Thank goodness for that.

And as an extra, her older brother starts 6th Form College tomorrow!!

Doll Quilt Swap 7 (DQS7) Revealed

2009-09-05T20:36:00.005+01:00

I was provided with a little info about my secret swap partner for DQS7. But what interested me the most was that she has "a little helper" at home - who loves fairies!!

I picked out my fabrics (the easy part) - but what to do with them?? (the hard part). The deadline was drawing near, and still I hadn't decided on a design until at last my late night blog/Flickr-hopping came to my rescue - and not for the first time!!

I decided upon a Disappearing Nine Patch pattern, and fussy cut the main fabrics. I made the quilt 3 patches wide by 4 long - each patch of the block measured 4" when finished.

I had some scraps left so after sewing them in a long strip, used this down the backing of the quilt, accompanied by strips of 2 butterfly fabrics and the fabric I'd chosen for the binding.

For the quilting I used a mix of straight-line in the ditch and a wavy-line.

Lastly I made a little written label using of all things the Laundry Pen I bought to write DD's name on her school uniform!!

I had 4 blocks left over and what do you need to accompany a doll's quilt? A pillow of course!!

It is now heading west and I hope the little lady it's for loves it.

Please forgive the pictures - I decided to be all arty and photograph it on my washing line - but it was almost a Force 10 in the garden!!

Scrappy Christmas Blocks

2009-09-02T00:41:00.005+01:00

Remember how in this post, I mentioned the Scrappy Christmas Quilt Block Swap? Well I finished my blocks and they have been posted off to my 3 swap partners in the good US of A.

For the centres I used little squares that featured Christmas fairies.

For the logs, I used the same 7 fabrics throughout. A star pattern with 3 different coloured backgrounds - white, red or green, 2 plains - red or green, and 2 with a tiny gold spot on either a red or a green background.

I placed fabrics in alternating rings of colour - which started in the middle with either the red or the green. The white star fabric was used in every round and which travelled around the block in a spiral.

I hope that my partners like them. I'm either going to use the blocks I receive to make a table runner, or maybe a tree skirt.

What a Clever Boy

2009-08-29T22:52:00.005+01:00

All summer, August 27th has been marked on the calender. It was the date of my son's GCSE results. (For any of you not from the UK - these are exams taken at the end of Secondary School when 15/16yrs old).

Although he had achieved good marks in his Coursework, the final grades were also dependent upon how well he performed in his exams.

I don't know who was more nervous going to school to collect them - but we both took a deep breath and faced the music.

The outcome was that he passed all 11

Mathematics - B
English Literature - B
Divinity - B
Biology - C
Chemistry - C
Physics - C
English Language - C
Geography - C
Design & Technology - C
History - D
French - D

They were great results, but not quite good enough though to let him stay and study his A'Levels at his current school (he needed 5 x B's). So after an afternoon of letting everything sink in - we plowed on with Plan B.

He will now be going to the local 6th Form College instead, and will be studying Biology, Chemistry, Psychology and Business Studies.

We are so very, very proud of him.

I'll leave you with a picture of the electric guitar he made for his D&T course. He used the neck and electrics from a second hand bought guitar but designed the shape and cut it from a block of wood and fitted all the fixings to it.

Meet Barry

2009-08-23T23:54:00.006+01:00

In my last post, I gave you a sneeky peak of what I made for Blinking Flights Bug Swap.

Well now since the bugs have passed in mid air (to and from The Land of Oz!) and arrived safely I can now introduce you all to Barry.

Barry is both a spotty and a stripey bug!!

He has very unruly hair and a cheeky grin.

He likes Beer, Babes and the Beach. But dislikes Brocolli, Beards and Baseball.

TwoCheesePlease who was my swap partner sent me Penny.

By a weird coincidence she is both spotty and stripey too!!

I love her pigtails and glasses. She is also really cuddly as her back is made of fleece.

Her likes are the smell of old books, stationery and macaroons, but she has a dislike of windy days, crabs and brocolli!!

I really enjoyed making my bug and have agreed to make one for a special "ginger" lady.

A Heap of Bees, Swaps & Quilt-alongs.

2009-08-10T00:04:00.009+01:00

The observant ones amongst you might have noticed that I have a few new buttons on my sidebar. These are all links to a new heap of bees, swaps and Quilt-alongs that I've joined.

In no particular order, I'll tell you a bit more about them.

I've joined another quilting bee called Eurovision Quilters.

We are a group of 18 ladies all based in Europe! We have members in the UK, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Sweden, and Norway. We are not all originally from these countries for it's a real eclectic mix. We start in September - so look out for future posts to see what we're up to.

As I enjoyed being part of DSQ6, I couldn't wait to join Doll Quilt Swap 7.

This is a secret swap in that we work on information provided, but our recipient won't know what they are getting until it lands on their doorstep!! I have a design in mind for what I'm making, so I'll be cracking on with it in the next couple of weeks.

Another exciting swap I've signed up for it the Scrappy Christmas Quilt Block Swap.

For this swap we are using Oh Fransson's Hedgerow Blocks Pattern but using Christmassy fabrics. We could sign up to make either 6 or 12 blocks (I chose 6). I will be sending 2 blocks each to 3 seperate people and will receive 6 blocks total in return. My idea is to turn them into a table runner.

I had planned to make my blocks this week but when I raided my stash I realised that I had 9 panels for making Fabric Advent Calenders but no fabric for making the blocks - but I've now got some on order.

One swap I have completed is Blinking Flights Bug Swap.

Blinking Flights makes really cute softie bugs and a group of us signed up to trial her pattern and tutorial and as a bonus get to receive a bug!! Mine has been sent to my swap partner and as I don't want to reveal too much before he arrives, here's just a sneaky peek. I will show more in a future post so you'll have to pop back.

The 3 remaining buttons are for Quilt-alongs. All of them have been going a while, but time has prevented me for partcipating to date - so they will all be works in progress for a while to come.

Firstly - Oh Fransson's Mod Sampler Quilt-along.

I shall be using a variety of rainbow coloured fabrics in my quilt, with black sashing, and backed with a rainbow mosaic stained glass effect fabric.

Secondly - Old Red Barn Co's Sew-along.

I was given a Hoffman Fabric Bali Pops Batik Jelly Roll last Christmas that I shall be using for the quilt top.

Lastly - is ComfortStitching's Half Hexagon Quilt-a-long.

I love the idea of making a traditional hexagon quilt but I would never ever have the patience to hand sew them together, so this is a great way of getting the effect without the work!! I haven't got any fabric in mind for this but I'll probably again use a jelly roll but not necessarily in "traditional" patterns/colours.

Well that's all for now. We are off to West Devon for a bit of a holiday in the next few days so when I return maybe I'll have some pretty purchases to show you all. I can use the excuse of my birthday at the end of the month to warrant these - can't I??

SewConnected3 - July

2009-08-02T00:50:00.003+01:00

This was stitches&scissors month and she asked us to make String Blocks.

"That sounds easy" I thought to myself until I looked at the tutorial link she supplied and realised they were paper pieced!!

This is new technique for me, but once I got going they were quite easy.

Each of the four blocks made were 7" square so when sewn together make a master block of 13".

The fabrics she sent were mainly Park Slope by Erin McMorris, in hues of turquoise/aqua and limey green with some orange thrown for good measure. The only stipulation was that we used the solid white fabric in all 4 sections.

I kept opposing squares the same to give a bit of symmetry, and after lots of rotating settled on the final composition.

All Dressed Up ....

2009-07-28T22:37:00.005+01:00

.... but we had somewhere to go!!

I tend to focus on my crafting/sewing on my blog, but thought perhaps it was time to add in a little bit of personal/family stuff.

If you've been dying to see me (ha ha!) - here is a photo - but please excuse the funny looking others in it!

It was taken just a few weeks ago when we went to a family wedding. The clan consists of me, DH (Z), DS (emoboy) & DD (dancing-girl).

Z and I met when we both worked for the same company, but bizarelly only got together as a couple when we were both about to leave it. That was in Jan. 2000. He proposed on my birthday that year whilst we were sitting beside a pool in Tunisia. I valiantly put him off until Nov 2001 when we tied the knot. He is the Managing Director of a Plastics & Rubber Consultancy company - and as we like to tease him, he's "big in rubber" - in more ways than one!!

Emoboy has just turned 16 and is awaiting his GCSE results next month. He has taken: English Language, English Literature, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Divinity, French, Design & Technology, History and Geography. He is hoping to start studying for his A'levels in September and ultimately (after University) discover a drug to cure the world of Cancer and AIDS.

Dancing-girl will be 5 in September and will be starting Primary School (Reception) full time then. She was a much wanted baby who couldn't wait to be born as she popped out onto the bathroom floor whilst Z was on the phone to the Ambulance Service!! And she seems to have been in a rush ever since. She is on the go for 12 hours a day - but luckily has always been a good sleeper at night (she takes after her dad) so we get a bit of a break from her chaos. She sings and dances all the time and has a great imagination.

And then there's me! What can I say? I'm the oldest of 3 sisters. As a teenager I wanted to be a vet - but was never a high enough achiever academically for that to be a real option. I have indulged my passion for horses over the years by working as a groom and also on a Thoroughbred Horse Stud. It was great following the foals from conception (in some cases) through to their first outing on the racetrack.

I started sewing at school - as I was of the generation where the girls were taught Needlework and Cookery, whilst the boys studied Woodwork and Metalwork - the lucky beggers. Throughout the years I've done some dressmaking (including the dress for my first wedding) and made basic items such as curtains and duvet sets.

It's only been since I've been at home with Dancing-girl that I've dusted off my sewing machine and started sewing again. I love being part of the Blogging community and find Flick a daily inspiration.

Well best get back to it - I have a couple of swaps to work on (but more of them another time)

See you all soon
Leah xx

Charity Quilts Updates

2009-07-26T07:50:00.006+01:00

As you all know, some time ago I joined a couple of projects designed to make quilts for charities.

The first was TallGrassPrairieStudio's Project Improv.

I made 2 blocks for this project - a red/aqua one and a pink/orange one. Well, the quilts that my blocks are part of have now been finished. I think that my blocks hold their own amongst the others.

The second was the Bushfire Quilt Project organised by CampFollowerBagLady, set up to provide victims of the Australia Queensland bushfires a little wrappable comfort.

I sent 6 blocks in the end and these appeared in 2 seperate quilts.

In the end over 100 quilts were produced by this project alone (by quilters all over the world) and they have now gone to Victoria to be distributed.

Being part of this project really makes you appreciate what you have.

SewConnected3 - June

2009-07-23T20:00:00.004+01:00

This was the Belgium month of SewConnected3 as both ladies sending fabric live there - and are the only 2 other 'Europeans' in the group.

ForTheJourney sent fabrics with an autumn/fall theme and wanted something made that was both geometric and modern.

In the end I plumped for a pattern which I later found to be called Bento Box.

I reversed the fabrics in opposing corners and am very pleased with the results.

Craftywaffles set a much harder challenge. She wants a "Bubble" quilt!

I was sent a selection of Shabby Chic fabrics in pinks and greens that were to be cut into circles and attached to the plain white background.

She helpfully provided a list of tutorials that showed different methods of achieving this. After thinking long and hard about what I would like to do and then honestly about my sewing abilities I plumped for attaching the circles with Bondaweb and then used a stitch on my machine that gives a traditional blanket stitch effect.

The 'design' I went with was a mix of 2 circle sizes spreading out from a larger circle - the idea of which was to give the impression that the smaller bubbles were being blown out of the biggest bubble.

I'm Back!!

2009-07-15T17:23:00.000+01:00

Hi there everybody. Did you wonder where I was? Probably not but I can dream!!

There were 2 causes of me being away so long.

The first was that we lost our internet connection. We eventually found out that the router had had it - so we had to get another.

Secondly in the middle of the internet business we moved house. We had been trying to sell for 2 years (with DH commuting aroiund 3 hours every day!) but eventually secured a part-exchange on a new build. It's not our first choice of home (we prefer old with character) but it got us moved in time for DD to start primary school in September.

The bonus is that I'm allowed the smallest bedroom for my sewing - yeah - no more dining room table for me (well I actually do need to buy a table and some shelves for it first!!)

I do fancy seeing if I can sell some items at the local Farmers' Market - so what sore ofthings do you think I should focus on making?

And I've already signed up for 2 swaps!!

SewConnected3 - May

2009-06-10T00:16:00.003+01:00

The May month of SewConnected3 was again another double month.

SunnyNole decided upon a bird theme, and sent everybody a selection of fabrics she's been collecting for a while. My pack contained a couple of really cute owl fabrics.

I struggled a bit on making the block big enough from what was sent, but luckily some scraps I had left over from Sew-do-I's blocks co-ordinated nicely.

Can you see who I added to compliment the main owl?

Once that was finished I moved on to my block for Quayandco.

We were sent a selection of 2 1/2" strips in browns, creams and reds to make into a scrappy log cabin block.

I found this pretty easy and even had just (and I mean down to the last mm!!) enough fabric to make a second block.

Craft Clearout

2009-06-06T21:23:00.004+01:00

Sorry I haven't been on much lately - I have been busy with bits and pieces (some will be blogged about in the next few days) - but after 2 years of trying we have managed to find a buyer for our house!! Well not technically a buyer - as we're part exchanging it for a new build.

As I've been sorting and packing up the house I've come upon a pile of craft magazines - mostly Patchwork and Quilting ones but they do include 3 issues of Sew Hip! - and I've put them on Ebay.

You should easily guess my user ID !!

Twin Delights

2009-05-14T18:05:00.003+01:00

A friend asked if I'd make a couple of patchwork quilts (plus matching pillowcases) for her twin boys as they were moving house and having a new room.

She showed me a design of one she liked - so off I went.

I used a selection of basic plain cottons purchased from Doughty's (fab service by the way) on the front, and a Bunny Hill Design flannel on the back (Beary Boys & Girls Blue Dots).

The squares are 8" square, and although I used the same fabrics for both - the "patterns" are different. I'm still not confident enough for the squares to be placed totally randomly so if you look you will see that the sequences is repeated across the quilts.

I couldn't decide on how to quilt them, and as I can't do fancy stippling, knew it had to be something simple!! Up to the last minute I was just going to quilt in the ditch, but remembering the original design featured diamonds, went for cross-square stitching.

Worried how straight my lines would turn out to be, I used one of the programmed decorative stitches on my machine - a squiggle - and I'm so glad that I did.

I love the result - and more importantly - so does she.

Birthday Gifts

2009-05-12T20:55:00.005+01:00

DD was invited to the birthday party of a boy friend at pre-school.

I found out from his mum that he's currently interested in space and rockets and as chance would have it, I had some suitable fabric left over from another project.

I added some sashing to tie the pieces together, and backed it with a co-ordinating colour fleece so that's it's light enough to use as a summer coverlet.

Feedback is that he loves it. Happy Birthday C.

The second birthday (and partial farewell) gift was another of my Heart Hangings based on TallGrassPrairieStudio 's tutorial for a local friend.

This time the recipient, Mrs D, has blue as her favourite colour. So I combined this with a few more bright, vibrant colours as they suit her personality.

On the back I used the colours in a stripe pattern.

There will be another few of these made in the coming weeks - who will be the lucky new owners??

You'll have to wait and see.

Doll Quilt Swap 6 - Revealed

2009-05-09T19:26:00.004+01:00

The deadline for DQS6 was fast approaching, and although I'd had an idea in my head from the beginning, technically I didn't think I was up to it, so at the last minute I changed my mind - and I'm glad I did!!

My swap partner was ATiny House. Looking through her blog and pictures on Flickr, I decided I wanted to make the quilt for her son's new bedroom.

I used squares of some alphabet fabric I had to spell out EAMON (his name), and make I-Spy blocks in boyish designs all outlined in bold primary colours.

I used the Robot fabric I was originally going to use as backing for my preliminary idea, and used polka dot binding.

I added a label embroidered on my new posh machine, and quilted in squares around the blocks.

It reached America in under a week, and was well received by an excited little boy.

DQS6 was a round robin swap - so who I was making for wasn't the person making for me.

I has said that I'd like it made for DD, and we were both pleased when it arrived from *~Uplifting Arts~* in Seattle the other day!!

It is made from tiny (1cm) squares - and is a real work of art. It's bordered and backed with a lovely terracotta coloured butterfly print fabric.

Thank you Leah (great name!!)

SewConnected3 - April

2009-05-02T22:33:00.002+01:00

Here's what I made for SewConnected3 in April.

It was Sew~Amy's turn to send out the fabric.

She sent us fabrics in white, black and reds with the emphasis being ANTS as she wanted us to make blocks for a picnic quilt.

I'm so novice at this patchwork business that I thought it was a specific design - but it turned out that it's a quilt that she'll take on picnics/outings to sit on. How daft did I feel?? Very!!

In the fabric bundle she sent was a piece with an embroidered ant on - so I decided to make him the centre of my block. I then cut out 60 triangles from the other fabrics and made them into this ...

As I had some fabric left I decided to make 4 small square blocks with the feature fabrics at their centre, and outlined in the opposite colour fern fabric. All outlined in white.

They are now winging their way to America - and I hope Amy likes them.

A Whole Quilt-full of Buttons!!

2009-04-20T19:40:00.003+01:00

I was asked by my friend Gemma, to make a couple of padded button throws for her 2 daughters' new bedroom.

She wanted them to look like some produced by a large high street store as she liked their look but couldn't afford their prices!!

I used some dusky pink faux silk dupion and after a lot of searching found buttons that were a great match.

The throws themselves were easy to make - 2 layers of fabric with a layer of wadding between - but instead of "traditional" quilting the buttons had to be sewn on to hold the 3 layers together.

As you all know, hand-sewing is not something I enjoy (in fact I usually try to avoid it as much as humanly possible!!) but in this case there was no getting away from it.

96 buttons later the throws were finished. PHEW!!

I was glad to hear that they were well received - that made the sore fingers all worth it.

SewConnected3 - March

2009-04-15T17:54:00.005+01:00

I haven't blogged for a while as we've has the Easter holidays and we went to visit my sister in Eastbourne. DD returns to school next week so I'll be back at my machine with a vengence!!

I just thought I'd update you on how the SewConnected3 Quilting Group is coming along.

We are a group of 18 quilters brought together on Flickr. Each month one member (or in our case sometimes 2) send out some fabric to each of the others. They then each make a 12.5" square block (or 2) within the month and send back.

At the end of the process we will all have enough blocks to make a complete quilt.

For our first month March, Sew-do-I and Rocklilly's fabrics took centre stage.

Sew-do-I who lives in Thailand, gave us freedom to do whatever we wanted with her fabrics.

Scouring the web, I found I liked and although it was tough to do - and my slighlty wrong calculations resulted in me having to add a small border to make it the right size, I am pleased with the results.

I had enough fabric left to make a second - much simpler block - made from triangles.

Rocklilly lives in Australia and wanted a square within a square block.

I felt the Amy Butler Mermaid fabric she included needed to be highlighted, so I made this the centre of the block and included as much as I had.

Both blocks have arrived back to their respective owners, and I'm now working on April's block - but more of that another time!!

A Swap from the Heart

2009-04-03T12:45:00.006+01:00

I signed up to a Heart Swap organised by MollyCupCakes.

The idea was that you send your partner at least 6 "heart" objects, at least one of which had to be handmade.

My partner was BekisBloggyBits.

After stalking her blog to get an idea of her possible likes and dislikes, I settled on making a little wall-hanging using TallGrassPrairieStudios's "Be Still My Heart" tutorial.

I used green and pink fabrics that I received from ChickPeaStudio's Spare Change Swap.

In backed the hanging in just squares.

I was undecided if, or how, I should quilt it but at the last second decided on a heart shaped spiral.

I really liked how it turned out and I plan to make a few more.

I also made Beki a little heart shaped hanging - again in the pink and green stripes.

For the other heart items, I send a few lengths of ribbon, a cookie cutter, some fleece, some buttons and a packet of "Love Heart" sweets.

In return I received a gorgeous bundle of goodies from Beki.

There was a tote bag (which will great for out shopping), an ice-cube tray, heart shaped head pins, a packet of "Love Heart" sweets (lol!!), a little notepad, a gorgeous little magnet, and to finish it off a fabulous heart shaped hanging made from red buttons.

It must have taken her ages to thread them all onto the wire. I just need to find the right place to hang it to show it off.

I really enjoyed this swap.

Chocolate and Strawberries

2009-03-23T22:21:00.007Z

Mmmm I hear you say. Well I think so!!

I was asked if I could make some "real" patchwork baby nursery items in pink and chocolate brown.

I found a selection of Moda fabrics that matched the brief.

After cutting out 200 squares(!!), I cracked on making the crib coverlet, cot bumper and comfort blanket (taggie). Halfway into the project I was asked to make a matching cotbed coverlet for the baby's big sister!!

I found organising the layout and machine piecing definately speeded up the process. They were all backed with pink fleece.

The set

The Taggie

The Bumper

The Cotbed Coverlet

I have some left over fabric so I make a quilt to keep - or even sell (how cheeky am I!!??)

Vintage Sheet Quilt

2009-03-21T00:53:00.005Z

I decided on Thursday afternoon that I was going to make a lap quilt for DD's Godmother!!

She is a lady of the old school, who goes to bed by 10pm and she's always up at 6am. But lately she's been waking at 3am and going downstairs where she dozes in her armchair. So the quilt will be something cosy to pull over herself to keep warm.

I decided to use the fabrics that I received from OhFransson's Vintage Sheet Patchwork Swap.

I also added a couple of length of broderie anglaise trim.

It was made simply with 8" finished size blocks, it was sewn together inside out and then turned out (I don't know if there is a technical quilting name for this!) so I didn't have to sew on binding, and then quilted simply.

I was posted so that hopefully it will reach her in time for Mothers' Day on Sunday.

We have a WINNER

2009-03-17T21:50:00.004Z

There was a delay in picking of the winner of my 100th Blog Post Giveaway as family life got in the way of crafting - how dare it!!

Assisted by DD, the 20 names were put into the hat (well actually a patchwork basket I got for a swap at Christmas).

And after a thorough mixing, a name was drawn.

And the winner was .......

..... Sarah from Autumn Rose Crafts. CONGRATULATIONS.

She has asked that I make her one of my Camper Vans so I'd best get on with it.

Thank you to everyone who entered. xx

100th POST GIVE-AWAY!!

2009-03-07T14:30:00.006Z

Well I've at last reached my first century post.

So in accordance with blogland tradition - I'm hosting a giveaway!!

The prize will be a CUSTOM MADE SOFTIE.

I'll be giving the winner a choice - a softie for a boy, a softie for a girl, or a Retro softie.

To enter - leave a comment telling me which of the softies I've already made is your favourite - and why.

My Softies
Originally uploaded by sewtobed

If you mention my giveaway on your own blog, you'll get a second entry into the draw.

Forgot to mention I'll keep this open until next Saturday 14th March 2009.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE xx

Treats for Me!!

2009-03-05T21:35:00.005Z

As I miscounted and my NEXT post will be number 100, I thought for this one I'd show a few things I've bought for myself lately.

Firstly, with DH's blessing (and cash), I bought a new sewing machine. It's a Husqvarna Quilt Designer II. I got it brand new but for half its retail price. A bargain I hear you say - but it still cost a small fortune!!

It sews, quilts and with some additional software embroiders too. It is all computerised - no knobs to twiddle anymore - and I'm so scared of it I haven't even turned it on yet. (add a blushing face emoticon here). I'm going to take the giant step at the weekend as I have commissions for some real patchwork quilts.

Onto some slightly cheaper purchases!!

I had Amazon vouchers to spend (some curtesy of winning the Crafter..oo Christmas Competition) so I decided to buy some quilting/patchwork books - and got these.

* Traditional Patchwork Quilt Patterns - this comes with some helpful plastic templates.

* Stash-Buster Quilts - the only drawback is that I don't have a stash to bust so that means I'll need to spend more money sometime!!

* Material Obsession - which is filled with some lovely designs

* 200 Quilt Blocks to Mix & Match - great for the basics

and I'm still waiting for Kaffe Fassett's Country Garden Quilts to arrive.

Lots of lovely pictures in them all to drool over and wonder if I'll ever be skilful enough to make.

Owl Swap Goodies Received

2009-02-26T16:53:00.006Z

Well I was well and truly spoiled by Ngaire, who was my partner in Meridian Ariel's Owl Swap.

I had missed the postie so had to go to town the next day to collect my parcel - which turned out to be a HUGE box stuffed full of delightful goodies.

There was a card;

A little stationery set with beautiful cards (one with an owl on), a place for envelopes, stamps, tags, love notes and an address book;

A wooden picture frame block labelled "My favouite Quilts";

Another picture frame block for "Our Family";

3 FQ of lovely fabric;

A Quilting magazine;

A quilt pattern;

A wooden hedgehog magnet;

and to finish a packet of crisps and a little box of chocolates.

I was a very, very, very lucky girl. Thank you very much Ngaire. xxx

To finish - I've just realised that this is post 99 - so I suppose I should think of a giveaway for my century post - any suggestions??

Wrroarr!! - it's a "Dine-saw"

2009-02-13T02:02:00.003Z

I was asked if I could make a softie that resembled the Dinosaur that is Peppa Pig's brother George's favourite toy.

I have tried to match it as best as I can - although an open mouth was a little beyond my sewing skills!!

I also made him 3 Dimensional by putting an eye on either side of his head and not both on the same side as he's depicted in the programme.

Twit Twoo

2009-02-10T18:20:00.004Z

Today I finished the item I've made for Ngaire who is my partner in Meridial Ariel's Owl Swap.

I decided that my owl would be mostly patchwork so I set about cutting up some 1.5" by 2.5" pieces and put them together in a brickwork effect.

I then added a torso, corduroy wings (back and front) and some felt facial features.

He'll be winging (ha ha!!) his way to Australia tomorrow.

I hope that Ngaire likes him and that he's a welcome distraction from the worries of the bush fires that have come within 1km of her house.

FQ Swap Received

2009-02-01T23:41:00.005Z

I signed up to Katy's Fat Quarter Swap 2009, and was paired with Michelle.

My parcel for Michelle is on its way across the oceans to Australia, and mine from her arrived the other day!!

It arrived all beautifully wrapped in brown paper and string - a la "The Sound of Music"!!

Inside were 2 lovely pieces of fabric in shades of Sky Blue. One has white dots (about the size of halfpennies) and the other with a paisley design in browns.

I also got a length of sky blue dotted ribbon, and 4 gorgeous wooden buttons.

I immediately thought they'd be lovely as a bag - maybe like the one I made for the Cupcake Swap.

Thank you Michelle - they are all lovely. I hope you like the contents of your parcel when it arrives.

100% Improv - 0% Log Cabin

2009-01-28T22:47:00.003Z

If you remember from my post here, I've joined Project Improv.

Well yesterday I decided to give my charity quilt block a go.

I laid my fabric out, grabbed a couple of bits, did some sewing, a little cutting, more grabbing and sewing, a bit of unpicking, more sewing, cutting and some time later decided that I'd just double check the final required size.

This is where it all came unstuck!!

The joining e-mail from Jacquie says that the block should be log "cabinish" - mine looks like crazy paving - OOPS!! - back to the drawing board for me.

A Bag for School

2009-01-23T16:51:00.003Z

At DD's pre-school, the older children have now been using book bags to carry their homework in - and to get them ready for using them at "big school" in September.

As these only normally come in green, or sometimes red, and as I came across a remnant of Disney Princess PVC tablecloth fabric whilst in the haberdashers the other day I decided to be a little different!!

A couple of hours, and a few unpickings later - VOILA!!

I had to cut the fabric so that Cinderella on the front as she's her favourite Princess.

She loves it and even took it to Show & Tell at Tumble Tots today.

Just like Mummy

2009-01-22T01:06:00.004Z

I was asked if I could make a pair of oven gloves for a little girl who got a Play Kitchen from Santa.

Never one to turn down an opportunity, I of course said yes, and then offered (how cheeky of me!!) to make her feel even more like a little chef by making a matching apron.

The kitchen is wooden with pink highlights which just had to be matched.

Here's the resulting set.

I've been told that they were well received and she now does feel "just like mummy".

Long Time No Blog

2009-01-20T00:02:00.005Z

Hello there bloggy peeps. I'm sorry that it's been a while since my last post but things have been a bit manic here.

After 18 months we finally seem to have a buyer for our house who wants us out by the end of February (!!) so we've had to drop everything to scour Shropshire for a new abode. I'm hoping that whatever we find will have a little sewing room just for me - I can but hope.

As an update to my post I've been assigned my swap partners.

For Katy's FQ 2009 Swap I'm paired with Michelle who's in Australia.

She loves blues & browns plus contemporary stuff (Valori Wells, Heather Bailey, Sandi Henderson etc.) With polka dots and plaids other favourites. I'm got my gift organised so it will be on its way shortly - keep an eye on the mailbox Michelle!!

For Apryl's Owl Swap my partner is Ngaire who is also in Australia.

She's a scrapbooker who's just getting interested in sewing and fabric. I have drafted a design of what I'm going to make her so now just need to get on with it!!

You'll also see 2 new buttons on my sidebar.

The first is for Project Improv being organised by TallGrass Prairie Studio. The idea is that instead of following an existing pattern to make a quilt, you just "make it up as you go along". As this is how most of my crafting evolves I should have no problems whatsoever!!

As a second part to the project, everybody involved is making a 12.5" square block in one of 3 colourways (I've got Red & Aqua) which will be made up into quilts that will be given to charity.

The second is for a virtual quilting bee called SewConnected3. Here a group of 18 quilters (brought together by Quilt Dad) will every month make a block from fabric supplied by one of the group. I'm quite new to quilting so I hope that I'll be able to hold my own amongst them!! You'll be able to keep up with what we're making on Flickr.

And to finish I thought I'd just show you all a picture of what my DD got up to at the weekend.

I've signed up for 2 New Swaps and it's only Jan 6th!!

2009-01-06T17:37:00.005Z

Start of the year as I mean to go on!!

The first is Katy's (imagingermonkey) New Year Mix Up Your Stash Swap

The idea is that you send your partner 2 Fat Quarters (18" x 22") piece of high quality cotton quilting/sewing fabric, and a little treat - something like a bit of ribbon, some thread, buttons etc., wrapped up and accompanied by little note.

The second is Apryl's (MeridianAriel) Owl Swap.

In this one the world is your oyster as to what you want to make and send!! In addition to your owl should be a small edible treat and a small stash gift.

Go and Sign up for both.

Christmas Gifts

2009-01-04T22:33:00.005Z

Thought I'd show you all the crafty gifts I got for Christmas.

Firstly my youngest sister bought me Jelly Roll Quilts by Pam & Nicky Lintott. (In fact I have 2 copies so if anyone wants to offer me something in exchange - then please do!!)

Secondly my Brother & Sister In Law bought me a Hoffman Fabrics Bali Pops Fabric Strips in their Mulberry colourway. There are 40 full width strips of 2.5" depth. These are beautiful Batik prints.

I also treated myself to a piece of Amy Butler FOREST fabric in Grey & Orange. I need a new bag so it may be used for that.

Lastly I bought 24 approx. 9" x 11" pieces of Vintage 1800's/Civil War design fabric all in Chocolate & Cherry colours. Now I just have to find a quilt pattern to use with them.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2009-01-01T02:33:00.002Z

Just a quick message to wish you all a happy and healthy 2009 and I hope that you get all that you wish for.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The generosity of friends

2008-12-28T11:58:00.010Z

I just thought I'd finish off the year by showing you how generous my bloggy friends are.

At the end of November, a few of us Midlands crafters had a meet up at Ikea in Nottingham. There was me and my DD, Apryl (MeridianAriel), Sam (IncyWincy) plus her DD, Kerry (Pennydog), Amy (LucyKateCrafts), Katy (I'maGingerMonkey) and her DS, and Lyndsey (EthelandEdnasTearoom).

I received a couple of surprise gifts whilst I was there.

Firstly Katy gave me a lovely smelling candle in a tin, a roll of ribbon, and a little handmade stocking filled with chocolates.

Then Lyndsey (who I met for the first time that day) gave me a fab little organza goodie bag. In it was a origami folded paper box, one of her fab embroidered Christmas Tree hanging ornaments, some tiny red pegs, 2 lengths of ribbon, a bobbin of thread, a few chocolates and my name spelt with scrabble tiles.

DD even received a little embroidered denim drawstring bag filled with chocolate coins.

WOW WOW WOW!!

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Not long after the meet, Kerry said I should submit my Christmas Ornament Swap Stockings into the Crafter...oo! Christmas Decoration Challenge. Not thinking much of it I added a pic and was shocked to find that I made the final 3!!

The other 2 finalists were Lyndsey's Christmas Tree Decorations and Izabela's (Knit and Crochet) Crocheted Trees.

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The next stage of the competition was for the members of the forum to vote for their favourite. And you could have knocked me down with a feather when I WON!!! The prize was a £20 Amazon voucher so I'm going to have great fun choosing some books on quilting.

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Thank you everyone who voted - you really boosted my confidence.

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The final gift was sent to me by my friend in the west - Megan (MaximumRabbitDesigns). She had entered the Folksy Angels Christmas Decoration Competition - where the brief was to make a decoration from recycled items or items from your craft stash - no buying new supplies!

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She did fabulously well with her paper angel and unknown to me sent it with a couple of items I bought from her!! (If you haven't already seen her Button Christmas Tree hop over to her blog - seeing is believing as it's FAB-U-LOUS!!)

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The Angel has now settled in well with our Christmas Themed Russian Dolls (another thing that Megan is mad about!!)

I also wanted to thank all the crafters who have have been my swap partners over the year. I finally totted them up and I was involved in 15!! (This didn't include 2 fabric swaps or the mini quilt I still have to make for Lucy (LucyLocketRecycledHerPocket) - I haven't forgotten honest!!)

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I received truly great gifts from Australia (twice), Spain, America (twice), Scotland and various locations in England. I hope that you all loved what I sent to you!!

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Although I missed my first Bloggiversary, I shall hit 100 posts sometime in the first few months of 2009, and a customary giveaway will be in order. As I don't have a "signature" make - I'd love some feedback on what you think would be a popular prize.

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Finally, I hope you've all had a very Merry Christmas and are looking forward to the Hogmaney celebrations and the arrival of 2009.

My final project of 2008 - A Softie Doll

2008-12-23T09:44:00.003Z

To finish off the year I decided to make a Rag Doll for my 6 month niece, Alice.

I found a lovely tutorial for one via the Flickr group 60piggies Softie Dolls, on Nicole Owen's blog 60piggies.

Due to Alice's age I decided to make the doll totally from fleece so theoretically she can be washed.

I think she's turned out pretty cute - even though I say so myself!!

I hope she likes it.

Christmas MeMe

2008-12-21T01:31:00.002Z

This was emailed to me by Apryl.

Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends.

Okay, here's what you're supposed to do, and try not to be a SCROOGE!!! Just copy (not forward) this entire email, and paste into a new e-mail that you can send. Change all the answers so that they apply to you. Then send this to a whole bunch of people you know, INCLUDING the person that sent it to you......Tis' the Season to be NICE!

1. Wrapping Paper or gift bags?
Wrapping paper - this year its plain red.

2. Real tree or Artificial tree?
DH insists on a real one but then says he's allergic to it so can't help dress it!! But I think they do look better than artificial ones.

3. When do you put up the tree?
Usually a couple of weeks before the big day. This year we did it today.

4. When do you take the tree down?
12th night of course!!

5. Do you like eggnog?
I've just had to Google it so I can safely say that I've never had it - but whipped raw eggs -yuk!!

6. Favourite gift received as a child?
Probably a bike although I did get a pony but not sure it was for Christmas!!

7. Hardest person to buy for?
Always DH!!

8. Easiest person to buy for?
The in-laws as they always want Warner Hotel Vouchers.

9. Do you have a Nativity Scene?
No - but we have a fabric panel book I made for DD that tells the Xmas story.

10. Post or E-mail Christmas cards?
Post – as most of the people we send to don’t have E-mail!! But we always include a recent picture of the kids and a little letter saying what we’ve been up to over the last 12 months.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
I seem to remember I got a blender off my Ex!!

12. Favourite Christmas Movie?
“Miracle on 34th Street”.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
As late as possible!! I’m still trying to think of what to buy never mind hand over the cash for them!!

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
Probably – but depending upon what it was most likely either swapped it for something I did like or donated it to a good cause

15. Favourite thing to eat at Christmas?
I love those party packs you get with tiny pretzels etc in – oh and Twiglets!!

16. Lights on the tree?
We have a mix of white and coloured – some static, some blinking.

17. Favourite Christmas songs?
Although I’m in no way religious I love Christmas carols. I’m afraid I hate “Christmas” songs – Slade and the like – especially when piped in stores as Musak around September.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
It depends – this year we are going to my brother-in-laws but New Year will be here at home.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?
Only if I Gooogle them!! But I can remember – Rudolph, Prancer, Dancer, Donna and Blitzen.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star?
We have a gold angel.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
Morning – although sometimes we open a small one last thing on Xmas Eve. I grew up with my parents working on Xmas Day (they ran a hotel) so we only had our stockings to keep us going until they has cooked other people their Xmas dinners.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?
I dislike shopping throughout the year and especially at Xmas!!

23. Favourite ornament theme or colour?
We just have a mish-mash of ornaments etc from over the years though my favourite baubles are some clear glass droplet ones.

24. Favourite for Christmas dinner?
This is a hard one as I’m vegetarian so no turkey, chipolatas and angels on horseback for me!! I do love roast potatoes and parsnips and Brussels though, normally accompanied by some sort of goats cheese pastry tart. And it has to be Christmas pud and custard (but with no added brandy) for afters.

25. What do you want for Christmas?
The body I had as an 18 year old, but baring that – the new Dick Francis book, the new Il Divo CD and I’d love a Bernina of my own!!

So now you know a little more about me!!

My first real go at Applique

2008-12-16T12:49:00.009Z

I've been asked to make a couple of items lately that required some applique to personalise them.

The first was requested by Apryl, and it was a gift for her friend's recently born daughter.

The blanket was yellow fleece and I appliqued onto it a little bumble bee. As this was my first attempt at this sort of thing, I was pleased with the results.

Next came a Comfort Blanket

Then a couple of fleece Christmas Stockings.

I'm not sure that I got the shape quite right but I'm sure the recipients won't notice come Christmas morning!!

On to some blankets that are to be Christmas presents for 3 grandchildren who live in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Each of them were double-layed (as it's cold over there!!) and had the child's name sewn on along with a motif/image.

The applique was done in fleece too so that there will be no problems when washed.

I had originally cut each letter from different patterned fleeces but they never seemed to look quite right so in the end I made them all from the same.

If I make similar ones in future I think that having the back of the blanket to match the letters would just tie it all in nicely.

Last, but not least, are a couple of Christmas Present Sacks.

These are HUGE!! (1m high by 75cm wide) so have loads of room for all those gifts from Santa!!

I cut the initial letters from a script that I thought looked like elf shoes - and added a few stars for extra detail.

I did enjoy making all of these and hope their new owners like them too.

A Whole Heap of Softness

2008-12-14T21:15:00.004Z

I don't know if it's because Christmas is coming but lately I've been asked to make a few softies.

Firstly I made another of my Robot's for I'maGingerMonkey.

Secondly there was a pair of Razzledazzles from the BBC CBeebies programme of the same name.

And lastly a Red and Green Tombliboo who's a character from "In The Night Garden" (another children's TV programme). This was the second one I made as the head of the first wasn't wide enough!!

And still on the drawing board (or should that be cutting board??) are a pair of RagDolls that I'll be making for my neice and DD's godfather's daughter. I'll be using this tutorial from 60piggies. So that they are washable I'll be making them totally from fleece.

A Christmas Swap

2008-12-07T21:18:00.008Z

I took part in a Christmas Ornament Swap organised by Emma (Embelish).

It was a round robin in that who I made for didn't make for me - someone else did - so it gave it an extra dimension and a chance to "meet" 2 new crafters.

Rosemary (who doesn't have a blog) - and lives in the gorgeous city of Barcelona - made for me.

What I received was a fabulous little patchwork basket that will be used to hold little sweet treats to munch over the festive period. This was accompanied with some pretty fabric coasters and for the tree, some chocolate kings.

Thank you Rosemary - they are all lovely - just be careful as you may well catch the swapping bug!!

I was given Ali to make for. She lives in sunny Australia and is married with 4 gorgeous children (2 of each variety). I found out just before I started making that there is to be a new addittion to the family come 2009 who I just had to include.

I decided quite early on that I wanted to make a wall-hanging and have on it Christmas Trees to represent Ali and her family.

I decided to steer away from traditional seasonal colours and went for stripes in co-ordinating hues. Reds & Oranges for Ali, Greens for her hubby, Pinks & Purples for the girls, Blues for the boys and I chose Yellow for "the bump".

I accompanied this with matching stockings - filled with chocolate coins - for the kids. Ali has told me that they were well received!!

To top off this great swap, I was asked to submit my makes to the Christmas Decoration Challenge being held on Crafteroo. I was surprised to be one of the 3 finalists (the others being Ethel and Edna and Knit & Crochet) and even more shocked to find out I had won!!

WOW WOW WOW!!

What a great start to Christmas

A Tale of Two Quilts

2008-12-02T16:32:00.003Z

As mentioned in a previous post, Katy (ImaGingerMonkey) were partnered up in a Lap Quilt Swap.

Katy, as always, was quick off the mark and had my quilt finished and sent in record time. And true to form, mine took a little longer!!

I'm totally in love with mine. Whilst I'm blog-hopping late at night, I pull it off the back of the sofa and wrap it around my legs and feet. Totally snuggly.

The fabrics I chose were Makower Zen 2 in the Slate colourway.

The fabrics Katy chose were all flowery in a blues, reds and pinks. Totally exuberant - just like the lady herself!!

This is the first "proper" quilt I have made, and I must admit to having a crisis of confidence when I'd laid the strips out. I just wasn't sure the combination was right - a theme that runs through all of my sewing.

But the construction was simple. I decided to quilt inside the seams of every "block". After re-reading how to do the binding a good half a dozen times I managed to get it sewn on correctly and then took HOURS to hand sew it on the reverse side. I have a total aversion to hand sewing but it had to be done properly.

As a result I really have caught the quilting bug!!

Cupcakes Galore!!

2008-11-11T17:32:00.005Z

You'll remember that I was involved with a Cupcake Swap organised by HmmDesigns. My partner was Beth who lives in Canada.

After weeks of debating whether to make a Cupcake Softie Cushion - and then deciding that was a bit obvious - I settled on using fabric with a Cupcake design.

I used the pattern of Amy Karol's Charming Handbag in her "Bend The Rules Sewing" book.

I split the front panel to have the Cupcake fabric on the bottom with a co-ordinating spotty fabric in pink on the top and back panel.

The inside was again spotty but this time in blue.

To accompany it I made a little needlecase.

Bizarrely the day my parcel got to Beth, hers got to me. I was very spoilt as I actually got 2 parcels both stuffed to the gills with Cupcake goodies!!

First to arrive was a GIANT cupcake pincushion. Beth even included the pattern leaflet so now I can make them too!!

This was accompanied with 3 little cupcake pincushions (I think) that have beaded frosting and 2 little cupcake soaps.

The second parcel contained 2 little cupcake appliqued cushions,

a softie doll made with cupcake fabric,

a cupcake recipe book, and a cupcake related story book for DD!!

WOW WOW WOW - she really spoiled me.

This was an interesting swap to be involved in and I can't wait to see collectively what everyone made.

Update #9

2008-10-21T23:37:00.003+01:00

As Maxine has received what I made for the Camper Van Swap, I can now show you a full picture. I made her a cushion/softie. It was made of fleece with button detailing plus and a personalised numberplate!!

In return I received a collage picture that is Maxine's logo, a pencil drawing depicting a close-up of the VW logo badge, 3 magnets, a postcard of a Pink van plus a little embroidered badge. Thank you - they're lovely.

My sister T, requested a cover that she could put on her car seat belt to stop it rubbing against her neck. The only proviso was that it contrasted with the grey interior of her car - so it had to be pink!! It worked out really well and I'm going to make one for myself.

I've sent off my contribution for the Spare Change swap so can't wait to see what I get back.

Today I finished a fabric advent calender. It shows Santa Claus appearing out of the top of a chimney. I backed it with some ready-quilted fabric and outlined the design to give a bit of detailing.

I've made a start on my gift for the Cup Cake Swap, I've then got to complete the BTRS Easy Lap Quilt for Katy, applique a bee on a fleece blanket, make another robot softie, make an ITNG Tombliboo, make 2 fleece buggy liners and a buggy blanket, design and make my gift for the Christmas Decoration swap...

... oh and 3 pairs of curtains and a bedspread for my mum!!

Whew!! Best get on

Blog-hopping Giveaways/Swaps Found

2008-10-11T00:19:00.006+01:00

Just thought I'd let you know of a few giveaways and swaps I've found whilst blog-hopping.

Sherry at My Mothers Daughter is giving away 100 items from her stash to celebrate reaching 100 posts. Deadline is 20th October.

Chick Pea Studios is holding a Spare Change Swap.

Each participant will send the equivalent of 1/2 yard of fabric, or 24 squares. The fabric can be pre-cut in 5"x5" squares, of different prints or be all the same print. It will all be divided amoungst everybody. Deadline is 15th October.

Itching2bstitching is giving away a pink apron to raise awareness of Breast Cancer as October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Deadline is 12th October.

Thousands of women, men and their families are affected every year. If you want to help spread awareness then on October 31st WEAR PINK and support a great cause.

Rachael Rabbit has a great little pumpkin pincushion tutorial over on her blog, plus she's giving away one, so hop over there and leave a comment for a chance to win. Deadline is 23rd October.
If I find any more out there I'll update this entry

Swaps Swaps Everywhere

2008-10-08T10:26:00.008+01:00

I thought it was about time I updated you all on the swaps I've been/am involved in.

Firstly there was the Fairy Tale Swap organised by Meridian Ariel.

My swap partner was Jessica. She was first to post and sent me beautiful collection of items with a "Little Red Riding Hood" theme. There is a journal, a little note book and some notelets with envelopes. There's a huge amount of detail in these, but if you visit her blog you'll see that's normal.

Jessica's favourite fairy tale is "Alice in Wonderland", and as soon as I heard an idea popped into my brain which I then hummed and haaed over for ages as I wasn't sure my sewing skills were up to my vision!! But in the end I took the plunge and made her a Cheshire Cat cushion.

Next up was a Camper Van Swap organised by JellyBelly*JellyBrain.

My swap partner this time is Maxine. I can't give much away as she hasn't received what I've made yet but here's a Sneaky peek. "Can you tell what it is yet??"

Number 3 swap is a Cupcake Swap organised by HmmDesigns.

My partner is Beth who has given my free rein to make what I like in whatever colour I like!! I have been mulling over some ideas and I'm now ready to get making.

And last but not least is swap for a Easy Lap Quilt as per Amy Karol's "Bend the Rules Sewing" Book organised by Adrienne.

Surprise, surprise but who should turn out to be my partner in this but good old GingerMonkey herself!! We are the only 2 in the UK doing the swap so we're special.

Katy sent me an "explosion in a flower shop" to quote the lady herself, whilst my fabric choices were a bit subtler - and I think that sums up our personalities a treat!!

I really can't wait to see how they turn out

Winter is a-coming!!

2008-10-02T15:38:00.005+01:00

Since coming back from holiday I seem to have been sewing nothing but items to keep off the winter wind and rains.

This has included: some fleece hats and matching scarfs.

A faux fur Russian style hat

A fleece buggy liner and stay-put blanket set

And a couple of waterproof buggy stay-put blankets.

I have a few other little items to complete (including 3 pairs ofcurtains for my mum!!), so I'm mainly concentrating on finishing items for the swaps I'm involved in - but more on those in my next post ...

Birthday Girl

2008-09-25T14:14:00.006+01:00

Price of place is the card from DillyDallyDingle

Last Wednesday (17th) was my daughter H's 4th birthday.

She spent the morning at pre-school as normal, but in the afternoon we went with her best friend (and her mum) to see the English National Opera who are touring with "Angelina Ballerina". DD goes to ballet weekly and loved it - though ever since I have been getting asked why the dancers were wearing heads they can take off!!

Granny visited the day before and gave her a present of a Minnie Mouse costume.

On the Saturday, we held a party at a local playcentre - Jungle Madness. There were roughly 18 kids who had a great time burning off some energy before re-stoking the burners with sandwiches and cake!!

Everybody was very generous with their gifts and we now have a mountain of Arts & Crafts activities to keep us busy in the months to come.

Birthday Pressie

2008-09-19T08:18:00.004+01:00

Just a quickie (oohh eerr Missus!!) to show what hubby bought me for my birthday.

I know you'll think he's splashed out a bit, but he never got me anything last year (my big 4-0) as I couldn't decide what I wanted - so it's a bit of a joint gift.

It's a PURPLE laptop!! All for myself!!

Our main PC is rather slow - and it saves me pinching his work laptop in the evenings.

I'm now trying (subtly) to get him to understand that me saying "I don't really need a new sewing machine" is exactly what I mean!!

Happy Birthday to me

2008-08-30T14:00:00.002+01:00

Today is my birthday - I won't tell you which one as then you'll all know that I'm an old codger!!

I've been staying with my youngest sister this week - who's little girl was born in June - and she's having her annual BBQ this afternoon and as the weather is sunny here in Eastbourne it should be great.

I've just been told that to eat she's got me veggie burgers and sausages, halloumi cheese and veg kebabs and corn on the cob - yum yum!!

I may even have a glass of Rose or two

I'm Back!!

2008-08-19T23:59:00.004+01:00

We've arrived back from our hols and if I'm honest I need another to recover from it - it was hell!!

On the positive side - the hotel complex itself was nice. Very spacious, 3 large pool areas, palm trees everywhere and its own private beach.

On the negative - no shade to sit under around the poolside drink areas, 40+ degree heat, food that made you wish you were spending time at "Her Majesty's Pleasure", staff that uncooperative to say the least, and a stomach bug that had me in bed for 3 days.

But then again as I came home 8lb lighter maybe the last point above is really a positive!!

To top it all off, the taxi we had booked to bring us back from the airport wasn't there to greet us and when DH got through to them (this was at 1am) even said there was nothing in their records although they did confirm that DD's car seat was in their office!! And the boiler seems to have give up the ghost whilst we've been gone - but at least the plumber is coming tomorrow.

Well enough of feeling sorry for myself. Here are a couple of pics.

The first is of DS (15) and DD (nearly 4) not squabbling for once!!

And the second I've named - "You can take the girl out of the pool ..."

On a crafty/sewing level, as I'm off to see my sister and my new neice at the weekend I only have a couple of days to make a fleece hat and matching mittens set plus my Fairy Tale Swap item.

WHEW - I need a break!!

2008-08-04T02:58:00.002+01:00

As you can read, the last few weeks have been hectic.

It's the time of the year when some part of the world is exposed to my pasty white body (although I must add most of it WILL be covered up), as we go on our annual summer holiday.

This year the lucky destination is Sharm El Sheik, on the Red Sea in Egypt.

We are due to be collected today, Monday 4th Aug, at 10.45am so that gives me approx. 7 and 3/4 hours to finish the packing and squeeze in some sleep!!

On that note I'd best go.

I hope you all enjoyed reading what I've been sewing lately.

See you all soon xx

A Robot for a LIttle Ginger Monkey

2008-08-04T02:47:00.005+01:00

Following on from my previous post, I had to make something for Katy's DS.

His favourite themes at the moment are: cars, dinosaurs and robots - and I chose the latter.

I decided to keep on with my recent 3-D cushions and make him a robot shaped one!!

I wanted to keep it bright and cheery as well as "snuggly" so I chose to make it from fleece material.

The front is red, the joining fillet orange and the back is blue but patterned with robot images.

I embellished the front with ribbon, ric-rac, felt and buttons, plus an identification code.

His arms and legs have elastic in them so they can be pulled and will "ping" back.

Here is DD, Little Evie and RoboMan before he was parcelled up to send.

I hope you like him Little Ginger Monkey.

A Little Doll for a Little Lady

2008-08-04T02:36:00.003+01:00

As mentioned previously, for MeeCrafty's KIDDY INSPIRED SWAP I was partnered with ImaGingerMonkey.

As always she was quick off the mark, and my DD soon received "Little Evie". (We have named her this as DD's middle name is Evelyn).

Her dress and hat are lovely and jazzy and her hair and eyes match DD's too.

She also has pretty lacy socks on.

And here are the 2 together.

Thank you Katy, she was well received and may even be slipped into DD's suitcase to come on holiday with us!!

A Matching Trio

2008-08-04T02:19:00.005+01:00

I was asked if I could make a cotton buggy liner in a jazzy fabric - to complement one of these new fangled trendy prams you see everybody with!!

I was then asked if I could make some padded buggy straps to match. And to finish off the look, could I make a small changing bag!!

Well here's the finished result.

I designed the bag from scratch and went for a messenger style.

I gave it 2 pockets under the front flap.

One big pocket across the back.

4 pockets inside.

And with an adjustable strap.

There are a few inperfections with it - that I'd iron out should I make any more - but I don't think it's really bad for a first attempt!!

Russian Doll Gocco Items Received

2008-08-04T02:08:00.003+01:00

For I'maGingerMonkey's Russian Doll Swap I was partnered up with Christine.

I received from her a lovely Gocco Printed Stationery Set.

This comprised of some postcard sized cards.

Some tags in 3 sizes

And some pretty circular stickers - which I'm having to keep from DD!!

Thank you Christine, they are truly gorgeous. xx

Update #8

2008-08-04T01:59:00.005+01:00

Since Update #7 I've completed:

Russian Doll Swap - already blogged
Matching set consisting of 1 x Buggy Liner, 3 x Padded Buggy Straps, 1 x Messenger Bag - see later post
Kids Inspired Swap - see later post
Lightshade
4 x Sensory Cushion Covers

Outstanding:

Mini Quilt Swap
A Fleece hat and matching mitten set

I've also signed up to another swap - this time organised by Meridian Ariel. It's a FAIRY TALE swap and I've been partnered with Jessica who's favourite fairy tale is "Alice in Wonderland". I already have in mind what I'm going to make for her!!

A pile of sheets!!

2008-07-26T23:43:00.003+01:00

I took part in Elizabeth's Vintage Sheet Swap and yesterday I received my parcel.

The idea was to sent a number of Fat Quarters (FQ) from vintage sheets etc and you'd receive the same number back.

Elizabeth finally received 2,314 fat quarters in 318 prints from 72 swappers - WOW!!

She took the time to wrap the FQs in tissue paper and accompanied each package with a cute card.

I received a selection of prints in PINKS

And a selection in YELLOWS and GREENS

I don't know what I'm going to make yet but I'll keep you updated.

Thanks Elizabeth - it was great of you to organise this swap.

"Natalia" - the Russian Doll Cushion

2008-07-22T17:55:00.005+01:00

Now that Christine has received her swap from me - I can reveal what I made.

It was a fleece material cushion made in the shape of a Russian Doll.

I used a similar of embroidery and sewn on felt details that I used on my Easter Bunny Cushion.

I also gave her and apron outlined in Broderie Anglaise trim.

To give her a real personality I decided to call her Natalia.

Update #7

2008-07-17T15:29:00.004+01:00

Since Update #6 I've completed:

ITNG Makka Pakka Soft Toy
1 x Buggy Liner
30 x Fleece Nappy Liners
1 x Drawstring Playmat - see picture
1 x Cushion Cover

Outstanding:

Russian Doll Swap - almost finished
Mini Quilt Swap
1 x Buggy Liner
3 x Buggy strap pads
1 x Messenger Bag
Kids Inspired Swap - but I have in my head what I'm making

But to the list I've added:

1 x Lightshade
4 x Cushion Covers - all having different textures as they are for a sensory room

EDIT: Russian Doll Swap FINISHED!!

A Crotchety Little Madam

2008-07-16T00:50:00.003+01:00

Today's postlady was bright and early and delivered a new addition to the family who had travelled all the way from the West Country where she had left Camilla.

I'm not sure if her little crotchety face was as a result of having to travel by Royal Mail or because she caught sight of DD!!

The two have been inseperable all day but by bedtime, Clarissa's (as she is now named) expression has not changed.

But maybe she just needs a bit of time on her own to adjust!!

She has some lovely detail - especially on her dress.

And she was accompanied by a cute baby face brooch.

Thank you Camilla - she was worth the wait. xx

Personality Type

2008-07-14T00:43:00.002+01:00

I got the link for this from 23BeechHill but I have undertaken the Myers-Briggs "personality" tests in the past.

You Are An ISTJ

The Duty Fulfiller

You are responsible, reliable, and hardworking - you get the job done.

You prefer productive hobbies, like woodworking or knittings.

Quiet and serious, you are well prepared for whatever life hands you.

Conservative and down-to-earth, you hardly ever do anything crazy.

In love, you are loyal and honest. If you commit yourself to someone, then you're fully committed.

For you, love is something that happens naturally. And you don't need romantic gestures to feel loved.

At work, you remember details well and are happy to take on any responsibility.

You would make a great business executive, accountant, or lawyer.

How you see yourself: Decisive, stable, and dependable.

When other people don't get you, they see you as: Boring, conservative, and egotistical.

What's" Your Personality Type?

Birthday Boy

2008-07-13T12:32:00.006+01:00

Today is my son P's 15th Birthday - my my where has time gone??

Forgive the hair - it doesn't see a brush very often

He was conceived in the first month of trying but made us wait an extra 11 days past his due date and arrived after a 30 hour labour with the cord around his neck!!

He was gorgeous though (but doesn't every mum say that?) - and I can still recall those few days at the hospital doing not much else but watching him sleep.

At 11 when DD was born

He was walking at 10.5 months (before he crawled) and hasn't stopped ever since. He's now a strapping 5'10" tall, has UK size 11 feet and a 34" waist - and his hormones have still to kick in!!

I made him an iPod Cozy for his birthday - and kept to his current favourite Emo style by using a skull and crossbone fabric.

For the rest of his presents he raided the Rollersnakes catalogue and chose amongst other things these Vans

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

love Mum, M & H xx

In The Night Garden

2008-07-10T15:34:00.004+01:00

Well today I have finished the 2 "In The Night Garden" character softies.

Firstly there is a Haa Hoo - the yellow spotted star shaped one.

This is the 2nd one of these I've made and I'm happier with this one as the first one had a spot where a nose would be and it didn't look right. This time I positioned the fabric better!!

Secondly I made Makka Pakka.

I had real trouble deciding how I was going to make the knobbly bits that protrude from his head. I worked out a solution in the end but not until after the use of a few expletives!!

There are a few more shots of them on Flickr.

I just hope that the receipients like them!!

Update #6

2008-07-07T13:50:00.005+01:00

This week I've completed (and the pics are on Flickr):

1 x pair of Curtains
1 x Sequined Cushion Cover
ITNG Haa Hoo Soft Toy
1 x Cot Quilt & Cot Bumper Set - made from a single bed duvet cover
1 x iPod cozy - for DS's birthday

Outstanding:
1 x Russian Doll Swap - the concept has been finalised so just need to get sewing!!
1 x Mini Quilt Swap
ITNG Makka Pakka Soft Toy

But to the list I've added:
2 x Buggy Liners
3 x Buggy strap pads
30 x Nappy Liners - but that's just cutting up some fleece!!
1 x Drawstring Playmat
1 x Messenger Bag
1 x Kids Inspired Swap - see details at MeeCrafty

Happy Birthday - all Bling and Thomas

2008-06-30T13:08:00.007+01:00

Today is my twin niece and nephew's 3rd birthday.

Megan is very boisterous and girly and pink is her favourite colour.

Liam is quieter in nature but loves Thomas the Tank Engine.

So for their birthdays I had a t-shirt each commissioned.

My friend Justine who designs diamonte transfers created one with Megan's name on.

Another friend Sarah at SewandSoaps embroidered a Thomas motif and Liam's name onto his t-shirt.

To accompany these I made them both a crayon and pad roll keeping with their themes for the fabric choices.

So as not to leave their older brother Kieron out (I don't mind doing this with shop bought gifts but it doesn't feel right with home made ones), I made him a roll too with a Cars theme.

Update #5

2008-06-29T09:36:00.009+01:00

Since my last update I've completed:

1 x Baby Car Seat Wrap Blanket - see pictures

1 x Kitchen Item Swap - see previous entry

3 x Crayon & Pad rolls - see next entry

Outstanding:

1 x pair of Curtains
1 x Mini Quilt Swap
1 x Sequined Cushion Cover

ITNG Makka Pakka Soft Toy

ITNG Haa Hoo Soft Toy
1 x Cot Quilt

1 x Cot Bumper

1 x Russian Doll Swap

I am also joining in with a KIDS INSPIRED SWAP

This is being organised by Chloe over at MeeCrafty - so hop on over and join up

"Tea Vicar?"

2008-06-28T19:50:00.004+01:00

I finally got finished my gift for Katy as we were swap partner's in Sarah's Kitchen Item Swap.

I had planned to to make her a teacosy, but she got in there first and made one for me!! So I had a rethink and finally made her some mug coasters and one for her teapot.

I made them in the design of Wobbly Log Cabin Houses. They were backed with a red polka dot tea-towel and to protect her surfaces they were filled with pieces of thermal insulated table protector.

EDIT:
I forgot to add that my inspiration for these houses was the great work produced by Sarah of House of Krom whom I found on Flickr. She has a great little tutorial on her blog.

Another great Log Cabin Tutorial can be found of Melly and Me's blog.

I'm an Auntie!!

2008-06-20T18:15:00.006+01:00

On Wednesday (18th June), I became an Auntie!!

My youngest sister and her husband became a family of 3 when their daughter ALICE HOPE GLEN-BARRON arrived safely at 03.45am. She weighed in at 6lb 10.5oz.

The yellow blanket you can see in the picture is circular and was knitted by my Granny when I was born!!

They knew they were having a girl, and as the nursery was going to be lilac, I happily gave them a nursery set I had made.

It consisted of a cot bumper, coverlet, cot tidy, nappy stacker and a drawstring bag.

The fabric is a beautiful patchwork effect and I co-ordinated it with plain lilac.

Today I finished some personalised bunting to hang in her room.

Update #4

2008-06-20T17:46:00.005+01:00

It's a bit like that thing with buses around here - none for ages then 3 at once!! (I know this is only my 2nd post today but there is one to follow!!)

I've completed:

1 x Cot Quilt

3 x strings of Bunting

2 x Duvet Sets

1 x Buggy Liner - pictured below

Outstanding:

1 x pair of Curtains

1 x Mini Quilt Swap

4 x Cushion Covers - maybe!!

ITNG Makka Pakka Soft Toy

ITNG Haa Hoo Soft Toy

1 x Cot Quilt

1 x Cot Bumper

1 x Baby Car Seat Wrap Blanket

1 x Kitchen Item Swap - I have started work on this and it will be finished in a few days

1 x Russian Doll Swap - I have a definate idea in mind for this.

The DOLL I made now lives in Somerset. I called her Lucinda. She loves cream teas in the afternoon and a glass of Pimms on a summer evening. Here she is in all her glory.

Here is also a couple of pics of my TOADSTOOL.

I made the cap from the softest snuggliest fleece imaginable. Spots for the top and stripes underneath. The stem is fleece too.

My idea was that it's a house for those fairies that live at the bottom of our gardens. There is a little front door, a window in the roof, and flowers and grass outside.

I've also sent off my contribution to the VINTAGE SHEET SWAP - so I can't wait to see what I get in return

A Bowl of Felt

2008-06-20T17:31:00.005+01:00

Last weekend I received my gift from the FUNCTIONAL FELT SWAP.

The person making for me was none other than Jen from Painted Fish Studio herself. (My contribution went to the sister of Annie the other organiser!!)

I got a fabulous deep bowl made from the most gorgeous purple felt.

It was accomanied by 2 hand-made Lavender scented glycerine soaps also covered in felt.

"How do you do that?" I hear you ask. Well the answer is here.

This was a great swap to be involved in and although it challenged my skills I'm glad I participated.

Swap Update

2008-06-12T00:35:00.004+01:00

Here's a round up of the Swaps I'm involved in.

FUNCTIONAL FELT SWAP

The Clutch bag I made was well received but I'm still waiting on my item to arrive from the US of A - hurry up Mr Postie!!

DOLL SWAP

This was organised by Chloe at MeeCrafty and my swap partner is Camilla at Madebymilla.

I had been formulating a new design of fabric doll for months, but when the first attempt of making her revealed a few flaws that need tweaking, I decided to make a more "conventional" doll!!

She is now finished and is on her way to her new home. But here's a sneeky peek ...

TOADSTOOL SWAP

This was organised by LucyKate and my swap partner is Amy at AmyWishbone.

I received my toadstool last weekend from Amy and its gorgeous. It's made from a pink fabic with a tiny floral print and burgundy felt with a lovely bead detail on top. It was accompanied by a little tray for it to stand upon.

This was another swap where I'd already had a design in my head for my contribution, so I through caution to the wind and the outcome did pretty much actually resemble what I had in mind!! Here again is a little peek.

MINI QUILT SWAP

I still have to make my Mini Quilt to adorn LucyLocket's wall!!

VINTAGE SHEET SWAP

No sewing here!! This has been organised by Elizabeth at OhFrannson.

The concept is that you send her a number of Fat Quarters cut from vintage (pre-1980) sheets/fabric, and you get the same number back selected from what's been sent to her.

It's a fabulous way to received some new stash. You can see some of the contributions on Flickr.

KITCHEN THINGY SWAP

This has been organised by Sarah over at PinkPetalDesigns and my partner is Katy from imagingermonkey.

You have to make "something" that will be useful in the kitchen - be that crocheted, knitted, sewn etc.

As always Katy was quick off the mark and this arrived today - a lovely little House Tea Cosy. I don't drink tea but i'm going to use it in the kitchen to cover something else instead. I have a few ideas what I'm making in return so watch this space!!

RUSSIAN DOLL SWAP.

This has been organised by the above mentioned Katy - and my partner this time is Christine at Papercloth.

The creations have to be inspired by Matryoshka - or Russian Stacking Dolls. Again we have a free rein on what we create. I love these dolls and already have a few ideas!!

WOW - I'm certainly involved in a lot of good challenges

Update #3

2008-06-12T00:22:00.003+01:00

It's been nearly 2 weeks since I last blogged - but I promise I have been busy!!

Of my "To Do" list I've completed:

1 x Duvet Set
1 x pair of Curtains
1 x Voile curtain
1 x Uplighter
3 x strings of bunting
1 x Doll Swap
1 x Toadstool Swap
15 x Voile squares for a playgroup

I also added in a Cot Quilt and a drawstring bag - my first international sale!!

What's definately left over is:

1 x pair of Curtains
1 x Mini Quilt Swap

I need to check if these are still needed:

4 x Cushion Covers
ITNG Makka Pakka Soft Toy
ITNG Haa Hoo Soft Toy

And I've now added on:

1 x Cot Quilt
1 x Cot Bumper
2 x strings of Bunting
2 x Duvet sets
1 x Buggy Liner
1 x Baby Car Seat Wrap Blanket
2 x Swaps

Weekly Update #2

2008-05-27T17:54:00.002+01:00

Checking over my list, here's what got finished:

1 x pair of Curtains
3 x Voile curtains
1 x Mini Quilt Swap
Functional Felt Swap
1 x Uplighters
1 x string of bunting
Roman Blind

Still Outstanding:

1 x Duvet Set
2 x pairs of Curtains
1 x Voile curtain
1 x Mini Quilt Swaps
Doll Swap
1 x Uplighters
3 x strings of bunting
4 Cushion Covers
Toadstool Swap
ITNG Makka Pakka Soft Toy
ITNG Haa Hoo Soft Toy

The only addition I have is 15 x Voile squares for a playgroup.

On a more "technology" front - I've joined Flickr !!

I have my own Photosteam and have added the badge to my blog homepage (a feat in itself!!), and have joined the groups set up in conjuction with the swaps I'm involved in.

I also set up a Group of my own so that the Mumsnet Crafters have someplace to show off their talents.

Updates on My Swaps

2008-05-27T17:12:00.005+01:00

It's been over a week since I last made an entry but the time has been quite productive, so here's an update on the swaps I'm involved in.

LucyLocketRecycledHerPocket Mini Quilt Swap

My "official" swap partner is Lissa. After a lot of provaricating (my thoughts of what I wanted to make totally outnumbered my skills to make it!!), and asking my colourblind DH his opinion, I finally finished and it is now on its way to a land down under.

It involved my first attempt at "real" patchwork, and also using Bondaweb, but I think the finished article is pretty good!!

Here's a sneaky peak - I can't show you more in case until it arrives with Lissa.

I'm also going to be making a mini quilt for LucyLocket herself. I have found a "traditional" pattern that I like, and I've picked out some fabrics that I think will go well in it - so I just need to pick up my rotary cutter and make a start!!

Functional Felt Swap

I'm glad to report that the start of this process - the felting - was a success, as I shrunk a ladies UK size 10 jumper to one just about big enough for my DD to wear (she's nearly 4!!).

As you can see the jumper has some lovely eastern inspired details and I wanted to keep something of this - I went in the end for the "buttons"and not the mandarin collar. Again the next stage involved lots of sketched on tiny pieces of paper as I put off again and again cutting it up. But I at last took the scissors into my hands and chopped away.

I decided to make a little clutch bag that my swap partner Ellie (she has no blog so I can't link to it) can use when she goes into the city. I lined it with pink satin and stiffened the walls with cardboard. It closes with 2 press stud fasteners.

The only problem was the topstitching as the jumper has strings of beads on and these and my sewing machine foot didn't always enjoy each other - so some of the stitching is wobbly which I'm a bit miffed about - but that's life.

Doll Swap

I have been designing a doll for some months and thought this swap might be the perfect opportunity to unleash it on the public!!

I've been paired with Camilla - but after looking closely at her blog and e-shop I don't think it's her style (sorry Camilla) - so I'll be making a more "traditional" doll but she will be dressed in a style that's close to Camilla's heart.

Toadstool Swap

This has been organised by LucyKateCrafts and I've been paired up with Amy - whose blog shows some mighty inpressive and lovely things she's made.

This is still "on the drawing board" - but again I have ideas of what I want it to look like so just need to get on with it!!

WHOO - now what else have I had time to do ???

Weekly Progress

2008-05-11T17:57:00.003+01:00

I've decided that I'm going to to keep track of what I'm up to by having a weekly post with what I have to complete.

This will either have the effect of totally demoralising me when I realise that I've "too much to do in too little time" or else it will inspire me as I realise what I've achieved!!

Over the last few weeks, DH, DD and myself have all had tonsillitus but my "done" list is not too bad.

Coverlet for a doll
5 x Bandana Bibs
A string of personalised Bunting
Little Girl Fleece Bag
1 x Duvet Set
1 x Pair of curtains + tiebacks
3 x Drawstring Bags

Looking forward my "to do" list consists of:

1 x Duvet Set
3 x pairs of Curtains
4 x Voile curtains
2 x Mini Quilt Swaps
Doll Swap
Functional Felt Swap
2 x Uplighters
5 x strings of bunting
4 Cushion Covers
Roman Blind
Toadstool Swap
ITNG Makka Pakka Soft Toy
ITNG Haa Hoo Soft Toy

Whew!!