Monday 28 April 2014

Needlecases

Hi all,

I've a wee bit more sewing for your today which I'm linking to Handmade Monday.

I've been asked to take a table at the local school's Summer Fayre which is at the end of May.  After the Christmas Fayres I did, I've virtually no stock left, so yesterday afternoon I rustled up a couple of needlecases ...




They're very easy to make.  All you need is a couple pieces of fabric (about 7.5" x 5")which you sew round (right sides together), leaving a gap for turning.  I then just insert a piece of wadding before top stitching all around, which closes up the opening.  Attach a couple of pieces of felt to the inside by stitching down the centre.  You can add a hoop and button or some ribbon for fastening or to simplify it even further, you could leave it without a fastening, as long as you use some pretty fabric I think they look good.

Okay that's me for today - short and sweet.  It's a lovely day here today so I'm away to sit outide for a wee while with a cuppa.

Thanks for popping in

Suze xx


Monday 21 April 2014

Beginnings of a Quilt

Hi everyone, and a happy Easter weekend to you all.

I've got some sewing to show you today.  I recently took it into my noodle that I'd like to have a go at making a quilt.  I've made a couple of small child size charity ones but I've never had a go at a "proper" quilt.

First stage was choosing the material and deciding on an (easy) pattern!  I managed to buy some nice (bright) fabric at half price, so I thought if it doesn't turn out well, then it's no big loss!


I decided to do a "disappearing nine patch" block.  Basically you sew nine squares together, then you cut it vertically and horizontally through the middle then sew it back together to make a different pattern ...




Well, I tell you this has been a large learning curve in sewing seams, unpicking seams, then sewing them back together so that they (mostly) matched!

In total I've made twelve of these blocks and here's how it looks so far, now that I've sewn the twelve blocks together ...



I now need to find some plain fabric to sash it, then maybe add a colourful border - I'm not really sure yet.  It's not going to be a huge quilt, just a large single sized lap quilt, otherwise I'll never get it finished!

So that's what I've been up to recently, I just needed to do something different!

I'd like to link my sewing to Handmade Monday.

Thanks so much for popping in, hope you're all enjoying the lovely spring weather.

Take care
Suze xx


Monday 14 April 2014

Little Gift Box

Hi All,

Oh lordy, what a lazy crafter I've been - it's four weeks since I  last posted, oh well, I've no excuses really, just haven't had the inclination! (actually I've had severe insomnia which probably hasn't helped but fingers crossed I'm getting over that now).

Anyways, the reason I'm here today is for the new challenge over at Crafty Cardmakers and More.  Our hostess is Fiona who has chosen the theme "A FLORAL PROFUSION" (create something which showcases your handmade flowers).

I've made a wee gift box ....




I made two flowers to adorn the box ....



I used this tutorial for the ribbon flower and the cream felt one was made with the Tim Holtz tattered pine cone die. The felt leaves are TH Garden Greens die.

Our sponsors for this challenge are ...


I'd also like to enter my wee box into the Let's Craft and Create challenge, which is "Punches and Dies".

Hope you're all enjoying the spring weather, it's been a bit of a mixed bag here, still a bit cool for my liking, though hubby and I had a lovely little walk round Castle Fraser last weekend ...

ever get the feeling you're being watched!

think this must've been an old cold store


Sorry for the long post - I guess it's either a feast or a famine!!

Thanks for popping in.

Take care

Suze xx