Rainy Day

I bought some blank cards a few months back with the intention of making my own greetings cards, but they had been lost in my sewing room along with everything else. So as Saturday was such a dismal rainy day I thought I would retrieve them and give card making a go. I had some of the little patchwork squares left from Little one's skirt and started off with them

a mini bunting birthday card




then I made a wedding card with a cute little wedding dress


I must say it was quite addictive! It certainly brightened up a very dull day!

Patchwork Skirt

I love fabric and can't resist buying it in any shape or form, fat quarters, by the metre or even tiny 3" squares. It's so addictive! Whilst trying to tidy up my sewing room the other day, I found these Patchwork squares.



I had completely forgotten that I had bought them! (I know I have some more somewhere with butterflies on them) So I started to sew them together and made Little one a new skirt. There seems to be a lot of patchwork around for childrenswear this season, there are some lovely dresses in Next with crochet bodices and patchwork skirts. I'd love to have a go at making one of those!



After three weeks of waiting (un)patiently, my seeds have germinated! I know I should have really had them in a heated propagator, but mine is underneath everything in the shed! Anyway, on the south facing kitchen window there was obviously enough heat to get them through.


As you can probably see from my home made label, these are Aubergines and Peppers


and these are Artichokes. I tried these once before, they came up well but when I planted them in the garden I put them in quite a shady spot and they didn't really grow much bigger, so I think these will need a sunny position. If you want to have a go at growing them, got my seeds from Sarah Raven, her site is great with lots of information about the plants and seeds she sells.

Second Quilt

Spring is here at last and I have planted some seeds! Tomatoes, peppers, aubergines, chillis, artichokes and onions are all sitting happily on my kitchen window sill and I am waiting (not very) patiently for them to grow. I also have a lovely pot of hyacinths by the back door, which I think smell gorgeously of Spring.

I have made a second quilt and listed in my ebay shop to see how it goes. I did a bit more applique on this one and trimmed it with gingham ribbon and pink ric rac braid. (Not sure you can see it that well in these pictures though.)



It is made with a mini pink polka dot fabric, embroiderie anglais in pink and cream, red gingham, Laura Ashley Polka Dot in Eau de Nil and Cath Kidston's Little Rose, which is a really cute fabric.


I'm pleased with this one, the colours have come out well. I might try a boy's one next to make a change from all the pink!

Redecorating

I can't believe it's been a month since I last posted. There is a valid reason though; I have been working on a new project and will reveal all soon! In the meantime, I thought I would show you a throw/quilt that I made.





It fits beautifully on Little one's white cotbed, but would also be lovely as a play mat. The backing is soft white fleece, so it can be used in a pushchair, it's quite versatile!



Little one took for first one for her bed, so I made a second, which sold and now I'm making another in Cath Kidston fabric with pinks, reds and a soft green.
I'd love to make a double size one for my bed. My bedroom is due for a redec soon. We are trying to go through the house and complete all the little jobs that have been left, but finding that they have been left so long that each room now needs completely re doing! I love Cath Kidston, Laura Ashley and anything Shabby Chic so it's difficult trying to get all those to go together! The porch has been the first place to get the makeover treatment. Husband took up the old floor tiles and put down some new creamy ivory ones that we just happened to 'find' whilst tidying the garage! (I think they are left over from the kitchen when I miscalculated how many we would need and we bought twice as many as we needed!) Anyway, he has made a great job of the tiles and it looks so much fresher out there, that was until little came in wearing her muddy wellies! Ho-hum! Just need to find a new doormat now!
I shall post some 'corners of my home' pics as we go along.

Also wanted to show you another Hobby Horse I made for an order. This one went to USA so hopefully is happy in her new home!

O Christmas Tree!

I have so many little off-cuts of fabric left over that this weekend I thought I would put them to good use and make a little patchwork Christmas Tree! It's been decorated with cream ric-rac braid and green buttons from my vast collection. It just needs a little star or ribbon bow at the top. I have so many ideas for some more; I'd love to make a lace one with mother of pearl buttons, sort of vintage style.

After making the tree, I was doodling a star with a Teddy Bear in it. I wanted to make a decoration to go on a Christmas tree that could be personalised.



This is it made in felt.



Another doodle with a little girl's face.



Almost done, just needs blanket stitching all the way round the edges.