Jan May

July is upon us - and I've been busy creating some summery makes ... All for sale soon! I'm so pleased with these tiny embroidered buttons - awaiting supplies now before I make some more. This is a definite one-off, created from 2 tea-towels I thought were just too pretty to be relegated to a life of boring old housework. My shabby chic jumbo button - don't you think it would look lovely gracing the front of a bag? Vintage charm needle-cases with wool felt pages. Each one is different, featuring vintage prints and charming text. My "Sophie"" bag. I've had a wonderful response to this make. This is my own - and is my "it" bag of the summer. This one was a vintage curtain in a previous life. I just love it - big and roomy, and very comfortable to carry as a shoulder bag, or crooked elegantly over an arm. Available in two sizes, the smaller version is an ideal evening bag. And finally my little fabric gift box. This was the initial experiment. I...

Earlier today I was at my local Tesco buying a large bag of Purina dog food for my loyal pet and was at the checkout when the woman behind me asked if I had a dog. What did she think I had, a bloody elephant?   So... since I was in a sarcy mood, on impulse I told her that no, I didn't have a dog, I was starting the Purina Diet again. I added that I probably shouldn't because I ended up in hospital last time, but that I'd lost 2 stone before I woke up in intensive care with tubes coming out of most of my orifices and IV's in both arms. I told her that it was essentially a perfect diet and that the way that it works is to load your pockets with Purina nuggets and simply eat one or two every time you feel hungry. The food is nutritionally complete so it works well and I was going to try it again. (I have to mention here that everyone in the queue was now enthralled by my story) Horrified, she asked me if I ended up in intensive care because the dog food poisoned me...

What do you think?  This was very much an experiment I hoped would work - and I rather think it does.  An easy to fold gift box made entirely of fabric.  This one features Flower Fairy fabric on the outside, and is lined with pale pink gingham.  As a test version, I simply added wording I already had printed.  I'm thinking in the future that I could personalise each box as required.  Just the right size for a special small gift.  (By the way, ignore the stitching - my tension is completely out on the machine, and was so desperate to see if idea was work, I didn't correct it!) Secured at the top with a little piece of contrasting ribbon and a pretty button, and totally re-usable. I'd be really interested to see what you think of this idea.  I want to put them on Etsy or Folksy, but would like a bit of feedback first.

Congratulations to Juliet.... A purple themed Little Tweetheart kit will be winging it's way to you shortly.  Please message me your address xx Thank you to everyone who took the time to look at my Blog.

found here Don't you just love this poster - it's so simple.  I want it printed on a bag! Over the years I've tried all sorts of crafts.  I've had a long dalliance with watercolour painting, a brief sojourn with cross-stitch....and have finally found my niche with sewing.  However, I'm still coming across new things that I'd like to try.  Are you the same? See if these give you any ideas........ Tutorial on The Lovely Residence Blog Isn't this pretty!  I've long admired the wide array of scrap booking papers available, it's like looking through stacks of fabric samples.  Scrap booking has never appealed to me - but now.... here's a way to show off the gorgeous papers.  It looks mighty complicated to me, but the effect is brilliant. from Fine Gardening.com These pretty tea-light lanterns look so effective painted, don't you think?  And how simple to do. from grayhood.com These wedding invitations are inspired!  Printed ont...

I've been a busy little bee today.  Even the arrival of the second issue of Mollie Makes didn't deter me for too long.  (okay it did really, but let's pretend shall we!).  For a while I've been working on my Little Tweethearts Sew Simple collection.  I have several projects all mapped out, it has been making them up that has slowed me down. I've only gone and finished one! May I introduce my first ever kit........ (drum roll please) Little Tweetheart Doodle Keepsake I'm so pleased to be showing you this.... that I'm also going to offer my first ever giveaway too! A complete kit to make your very own tweetheart.   Kit Includes Everything you need to make the heart (you only need add stuffing) Fabric Threads Buttons (including 2 of my Cajame ceramics) Vintage Lace Vintage crocheted doily Part of the Little Tweethearts Sew Simple Collection Pretty Portable Projects - Ready to Go Hand sew your own special Keepsake Full instructions will help you co...

Roses and Ruffles Quilt I just love anything that's pink.  There's something so cheerful and warm about it.  So this is what today's blog is all about......  Pink, pink and more pink! I'm a big fan of raggy quilts.  I enjoy making them, and I love the way they improve with each wash.  I couldn't cope with anything so screechingly cute on my bed - but how gorgeous would it be for a little girls room?  The link offers a downloadable PDF pattern for this design, though the quilt is so straightforward, I doubt it is needed. Darling Phoebe I have to sneak my dear little dog into the frame.  This is how she appeared after discovering my make-up bag.  Blusher everywhere - but she looked so pretty it was impossible to be cross with her.  Phoebe was just a puppy here and extremely tiny. A Bichon Frise, she's an absolute darling and a joy to have as a pet.  She's a constant companion and loves nothing more than to snuggle in for a...