The weather has been so dire, I have been closeted in my sewing room for almost the whole week. I decided to work on some new bunting designs incorporating applique lettering. Each letter is sewn arond with the 'blanket stitch' on my sewing macine. Using a different coloured thread makes it stand out even more. I thought the neutral shades would look good in a baby's room and the red is great for a little boy.






Also, I made some mini bunting, which I think looks so cute. The star fabric is from Cath Kidston, I bought it a while ago but couldn't decide how to use it. I think it looks great with the different coloured ginghams. I could see this in a playroom or at a summer birthday party.




The sun is shining again today, so I'm going into the garden to do a bit of scribbling in my sketchbook. I'm feeling in a drawing mood today. Perhaps being out in the sun will make me feel inspired.

Sunshine and harvests

The sun has been shining and it feels like summer again. We went to a 'Big Lunch' children's picnic yesterday and it was lovely to see all the little ones running around in the sunshine!

Back at home in the garden, we have had a mini harvest of some vegetables. The carrots and turnips were just thinnings but looked big enough to eat, so we kept them. Always seems a waste to throw them away. The only disappointment is the radishes, think I may give up on them for the moment I just don't seem to able to grow them. Any tips on growing them will be gratefully received.



We have limited space in our garden and so decided to pool resources and use a bit of my parents garden as an 'over flow'. My Mum is also a keen gardener, so it works out well; we do some weeding and digging for her and then we share the growing space. It's a great idea! We have our name down for an allotment but have been told the waiting list could be five years! I also registered with Landshare but it seems spare land is like gold dust in this neighbourhood.


I read this morning that there is still time to do a sowing of runner beans right now, so I might give it a go. If only I had more space!

Wedding Bunting

Well, here is my first tutorial. I hope you find it easy to follow. I was saying how I'm into making bunting and had a great idea for a wedding style one. Today I decided to get on and make it!


I have a huge stash of lace left over from when I used to make Bespoke Bridalwear. So I chose two similar designs with quite a dense pattern, so that it would show up well. The laces are very pale ivory in colour, one with a pretty daisy design, the other with a leaf pattern.





So here's how to make it:
You need:
About a half yard /metre of Lace in two designs
Cardboard
Disappearing Ink Fabric Marker
Satin Bias Binding
Ribbon and/or Silk Roses to decorate

Step 1 - Cut yourself a pattern out of cardboard. I like to make the triangle size approxiamately 7" wide by 8" long (18cm x 20.5cm). You can, of course, make any size or even two sizes, so you have alternate large and small triangles.


Step 2 - Now you have a cardboard template, use it to cut a pile of lace triangles, at least 20 or so. Use a disappearing fabric marker to draw around the shape, then carefully cut with scissors or you could even use pinking shears. When placing out the template on the lace, place one triangle one way, then turn it upside down for the next.


Step 3 - Now, using the satin bias binding, place the top of the lace triangle onto the inside of the bias binding, against the middle and then fold it down so your lace is caught inside. Pin it to hold in position. Space the triangles along the binding with about 3" or 4" (7.5cm or 10cm) in between them. Leave about 2" (5cm) extra at either end. You can tack in place if you wish.

Step 4 - Sew along the edge of the bias binding, making sure the lace is caught in between and that both edges of the bias binding are level. When you have done this you can fold in the edges either side of the first and last triangle and hand sew them to finish off. I added ribbon bow trims and some cute silk roses to the one i made. I just cut lengths of ribbon and tied them into bows and hand sewed them on alternately with the silk roses.You can add co-ordinated coloured ribbons to compliment the wedding colours.

And Voila! Wedding bunting!

It's been a wet and windy couple of days here, so not much chance of getting out and gardening. Had a quick peek out in between showers and everything's really coming along. All that rain has certainly given the plants a well needed drink. I took a couple of photos


I just love the Alchemilla Mollis, it looks so beautiful with the raindrops on it's leaves. I started out with one piece and it has generously self-seeded all around the garden.

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Hi and welcome to my blog!

Well, here it is, my first blog post. I have wanted to start a blog for a while and today seems as good a day as any to start.
I am a Mum to a two and a half year old daughter and try to fit my hobbies of knitting, sewing and gardening in amongst the trials and tribulations of raising a toddler.

I love making things and have an enormous stash of fabric. This will be part of my inspiration and starting point for my new projects, which I will post about. My current obsession is bunting. It just looks so cute in a child’s room and there are so many ways to personalise with colours, patterns and appliquéd names that it makes a really unique gift. I have a few ideas for some gorgeous lace wedding bunting and a smart beach hut inspired one. The possibilities are endless! Here are a few pics of my recent projects……