Vintage Giraffe

Home management Binder

2012-01-08T12:15:00.007Z

Hey guys,

As promised last week I have feedback for you on my first 52 things in 52 weeks task. This was to set up my home binder and my filofax for 2012.
You saw my filofax set up in my last post. Today you will see my set up for my home management binder. I have really enjoyed setting this up, and I can already see it has helped me with a few new years resolutions, I certainly feel more organised with this, and I am doing much better with my budgetting as you will see with the next few photographs.

I was quite excited about setting this up, I had these 3 folders in my flat, never been used before, from ASDA. They are soo cute and were begging to be used.

Every project needs a title page, and I spent two nights this week setting up my sections so I could create my own dividers. These were dead easy. Wanting to spend no money setting these up, I had paper in (blue - the theme for this week) and these tabs, not the colour of choice but I quite like it in the end. Using my label maker and clear tape I set up these right at the end of setting up everywhere.Most of my pages have come from a small collection of sources, first of all I treated myself (I know I said no spend but this was the most motivating way for me as I know I would have put it all off if I had to set every page up myself! As a time saver this was perfect) The basis for my folder came from CleanMama Printables.

This woman is very inspirational not only are the bits to purchase absolutely perfect (I brought the entire starter set) but she has a really good blog (here) that has the occasionally free printable that can build up the binder to make it work for you.

CleanMama printerables are perfect for everyone for all walks of life. Some of the pages might not come in useful now, but they will be in the future I'm sure.

Using this as a basis I have gone on to produce some similar looking pages that fit in my folder that are more suitable for me. This page below has been taking from one of CleanMama's pages but being in the UK the American Medical system didnt work, so I created this to make up for me. The cleaning suggestions made my CleanMama and a few other websites I have been trundling around have been really helpful. I have made a few tweaks again. But it has already made a difference, instead of thinking I have an entire day I must clean, these systems take a little bite at a time.

I am also trying to declutter some of my life this week, and am following a daily decluttering schedule, however I haven't actually stuck to this very much.

Budgetting, being one of my areas of improvement this year, has been pages that I have been desperate to set up. I have printed enough of this page to last me the year, and I've noticed that I am able to keep up with what bills need paying, how much they are, when they need paying etc. So far this and a few other things has helped me save almost £300 this month! Hopefully this will also mean no more late fees.

Meal planning hasn't been something I have ever been interested in, but I realised that looking at what food I have in the house and working out what night's I have prior arrangements etc. I can eat what I have in, healthier and save money by not continually buying new items (After going through the kitchen I have 5 jars of Mayonaise in and 6 jars of Bicarbonate of Soda!)

There is a section that I have set up to record all the food I have in the house, including the quantity - some of the pages from the CleanMama purchase. These have made a massive improvement on my meal planning, especially as I don't need to rumage through the cupboards etc to work out what I have in.

To do - I'm known for starting something new before I have finished the first task. Because of this the two pages above have come in very useful. The first - Labels to make, came from the Nest effect. And the second from CleanMama I intend to use for several different purposes including craft items, decluttering, work related tasks etc.

And last but not least I had some of these wallets in my office that are sealed but have the holes down the side to add to a ring binder. Hopefully this will help me keep the clutter out of the house by allowing me to stick everything in this pocket and file it into the folder (or throw it away) later on.

All in all I have already seen a difference to my lifestyle etc. I'm much happier and think its partially down to this folder and having everything in one place. I can seriously recommend the CleanMama Printables. Please go and purchase yourself some of the sections and get yourself set up with a home management binder, Having everything in one place.

CleanMama is the most user friendly Etsy site I have been on for printables, she does small collections of similar pages, she allows you to purchase just one page from a collection, a couple of collections. Basically she is out there to help all of us set up for our perfect Home Management Binder.

I've come to realise that everyone's binder will be totally different. I would love to know if you have a binder, and if you are setting one up. I'm willing to offer help. Also check out CleanMama's blog and the Nest effect as these have really supported me and got me geared up for getting my life back in order!

I'm now well on my way to being Debt free before 2013!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My Filofax keeping me organised

2012-01-01T16:10:00.005Z

Ok this is my first filofax post. Hopefully there will be many more to follow. I first had a filofax about 8 years ago when I used to work in a stationery department of a big department store. I fell in love with Filofaxes and I think I brought about 5 while I worked there.
I had forgotten about these until about a year ago when I was trying to decide how to become better organised, the Dominoe attracted my attention in Tesco's on offer which I purchased and attempted. This wasn't much of a sucess to me until I found my love of Philofaxy and Imysworld both of which have given me lots of inspiration and made me realise the importance of being able to customise this over some of the other organisational diaries out there.

I really wanted a much more grown up filofax and found this dusty one in my local WHSmith, I've never seen it advertised anywhere else or heard many people mention it, I had a money off voucher and ended up buying it for a crazy amount (about £35 when it should have been £90).

This filofax comes everywhere with me, it even has a space under my duvet at bedtime. (Heaven's knows what I will do when I find myself a man)

The filofax dividers themselves were pretty uninteresting so after rummaging around in my scrapbook papers I found some of this nice thick study ones and made my own, all of the dividers you will see are ones I have made myself, some with tabs and some with pockets on the back (not that I have actually used any of them) they all either have shiny gold on them or glitter! I love them all Inside the front of my filofax I have all of my store cards and my driving license (I'm currently living card free and only spend cash so this saves me carrying around an extra purse full of cards)

You can see I have typed up my new years resolutions, I Also have a table (on the left above) that is for all my sewing ideas, It allows me to write the dates, the idea and if completed. This stops me running away and making the newest idea in my head, and allows me to remember them for when I'm ready.

52 things in 52 weeks is also typed up. So I am always able to remind myself what the next weeks task is going to be to be able to purchase anything needed.

My next section starts off with my work timetable, being a teacher this is important to me, and allows me to work out when I have free periods during the week to do some office based work or when I can do my lesson planning during work time.

This timetable actually changes every term so theres no need to have this laminated although I did consider it. This is one of my favourite sections next, these are my to-do lists. I do have the filofax ones that come with all the filo's but I am not a fan of them at all, I always end up leaving the most important jobs to the end and get worried and stressed about not getting them done.

Therefore I have set up this table (that I have seen several other people using) that allows me to divide my jobs up into 4 different categories and helps me work my way through this.

Weekly food rota is a new section to me this year that my colleague at work (who is very new to filofaxes) designed and offered me a copy. Notice I have printed these upside down on the back. This has actually been done on purpose as I decided I would like to have the current week at the begining of this section. This means at the start of the week I can flip the paper over and have the current one looking up at me.

Brainstorms are an important part of my planning, for this I wanted something a little bit more exciting than plain pages. So I found clip art of a "brainstorm" (I know this term is politically incorrect but as its normally only me that sees them) I also have a list of 101 things in 1001 days, I've been considering doing this for a very long time, I'm not sure if its going to work for me though, I cant even fill 40 things I want to do in that time, so for now I think I will stick to the 52 things in 52 weeks

Finance section is helping me become incharge of my own money, hopefully aiming to become out of debt by the end of 2012.

Right at the back I have my loyalty cards that are infrequently used, and the zip wallet that contains spare post-its (very cute speech bubbles from Wilco's) stamps and index tabs.

For those of you wondering at the start of this blog - my supermarket trolley tag, a free one I picked up on a conference once, its a Womble. Saves me always digging to find £1 for the trolley if I go food shopping.

Here is a sneak peek of my next post, organising my paperwork, (None of this is new stationery everything I already had to hand)

Upclose of the boxes incase you can't read them.

Please let me know of anything that you would like to see, or anything in more detail. My next few posts are going to be the paper organisation and my brand new noticeboard I got for Christmas.

I also want to show you my work Filofax. Being a teacher we set things up a little differently, and I know I'm always searching the internet for ideas on how to set this up. So for all you teachers out there stay tuned!!!

New Years Desires

2012-01-01T01:26:00.003Z

OK, 1.20am seems like a perfect time to complete my first post of the year.

I decided I wouldn't have resolutions but desires. Things I would like to be able to do during this year.

So here goes...

Get better Organised

Appear on the blogosphere more often

Make myself at least 2 personal quilts

Build on my me-made wardrobe

Complete 52 things in 52 weeks

Learn to manage my money better (save at least £100 a month)

Enter in at least 3 more swaps

Spend 15 minutes a night putting things away that I got out during the day

On that note I thought you would like to see my 52 things in 52 weeks list so far... This is a work in progress and is always set for a small amount of change throughout the year. Theres also quite a few gaps until I get closer to those weeks that are still blank. Some of the earlier weeks I might want to repeat, but I will keep you updated on that as we go along.

Completely set up Home binder and filofax for 2012

Sort out books - set any aside for donation/rehoming

Tidy clothes

Make one item of clothing

Organise kitchen

Organise fabrics

Organise workroom

Make one item of clothing

Sort out filing

Make mothers day gift

Purge around home for donations

Organise handbag and work bag

Organise and design new filofax pages

Make Three items of clothing

Concentrate on personal quilt

read a book

Only watch 1 hour of tv a day all week

Make one item of clothing

Spend no money all week

Concentrate on personal quilt

List 5 things to sell on eBay

Make two items of clothing

Reorganise/rearrange workroom

Make a quillow

Purge through magazines

Make one item of clothing

Only watch 2 hour of tv a day all week

Learn how to knit a pair of socks

Make one christmas present

Make alcohol for Christmas

Make one christmas present

Research into gifts for colleagues

Set up new work planner

Make Christmas cards/gift tags

There you go, my list so far. I will update this and in keeping with one of my resolutions I also aim to blog about my 52 things in 52 weeks list.

Happy New Year to all of you.

Tomorrow I have a post about my Resolution of organisation and an introduction to some things I will be using to help me this year.

Surprise play it forward....

2011-12-04T11:21:00.001Z

SURPRISE PAY IT FORWARD

I have just spotted this great idea on Cherise's blog Sewing Along for a surprise pay it forward. This is how it works.

I will send a surprise gift to the first three people to comment on this post. This gift will be made by me and I will send it sometime within the next year. Exactly when you will receive it will be a surprise (it will probably be a surprise to me too :-D).
Of course there are some rules in this game. Here it goes:

Rules:1. I will make a little something for the first 3 people that comment on this post. It will be a surprise and may arrive at any time in the next 365 days (yes, a year).

2. To sign up to receive a gift from me you must play along too. Share the giving love on your blog by promising to send a handmade goodie to the first three people that comment on your blog post.

3. You must have a blog.

4. After commenting on my post, you have to post this (or similar) on your blog to spread the love. If you haven't posted in 48 hours then the next commentor will be chosen.

I don't know if three people will even get around to commenting on this, but I will say that if you find this post 6 months from now and only 2 people have left a comment, you can still be commenter #3 and get a random goodie from me! When you comment, I'll email you and get your address and then you will get something from me sometime before next December 2012.

Lots of love. Louise.xxxx

Advent Quilt Along 2012

2011-11-15T01:29:00.003Z

Well my baby is pretty new but I've spent a few hours today working logistics etc out.

There's a Flickr group for us now (created in the past hour so please be nice) and make sure you join it and update on it cause I plan on using both here and there for a few sneaky give always from time to time.

Please don't feel you need to commit to this every weekend if your not able to, you can work this as quick or as slow as you want to. I personally know I need to be quilting this in the summer holidays to get it finished in time for Christmas 2012.

Any questions feel free to ask.

Idea for quilt along

2011-11-13T22:40:00.001Z

Hey guys. Iv had this idea for a few weeks now and was considering posting this on here.

Would anyone be interested in this as a quilt along??

It's an idea of a quilt along. 25 blocks at 15" each. Dashing between. Perfect size for snuggling under or hanging on the wall.

I'd be interested if you wanted to do some adaptions to yours as well.

I would like to post every Saturday, 3 times a month and last Saturday as day off.

Each number will be totally different on each square and it would be up to you for order. I'd love to think I might have kids and maybe grand kids who would like to look for numbers in years to come.

I know it's a really basic sketch at the minute but I'd love to know if you might be interested. (please note Iv never done this before)

Customised Bag

2011-11-06T17:24:00.001Z

Well I'm living a thrifted life at the minute. And in need of a new work bag.

While visiting my parents I cleared out a large cupboard full of my stuff and found this bag my friend gave me for a job interview (the lesson was about bag uses)

I decided to remove the Huggies label and decorate it. Now my appliqué is not brilliant but it makes the bag much more cheerful and I'm happy I've found a use for some of my scraps!!

I feel this is a great use of something I already had and being a baby changing bag there's so many useful pockets in it and it's a decent size for work!!!

Thought for the day

2011-10-11T21:22:00.001+01:00

Recent made dress

2011-09-28T22:50:00.001+01:00

It's a quick post tonight because I'm shattered.

I made this dress after much deliberation for a special occasion at work.

I made 3 toiles for the bodice before I settled on a good fit! I wanted to get this one perfect as I was using expensive 100% wool suiting fabric that I had in my stash.

I'm soo pleased with this dress just need to loose a little tum to be 100% happy with it!!

Btw I'm the one with long hair.

Small catch up

2011-09-24T21:44:00.001+01:00

Ok Iv not managed to get my laptop totally working yet so I can only post the odd bits from my iPod.

This was the first full item I made in the new flat. I fell in love the single girl quilt and decided to try one block first to see if I was able to do it.

It was perfect for this, Iv had the wooden bar for 2 years and Iv never worked out what to do with it. Very fitting and works perfectly with this single girl in the entrance of my new flat.

To follow soon, recent clothes Iv made (and in the process of making) recent quilts n sewing projects Iv mastered. And photos of the flat.

Hope you are all well and glad to see me again.

Technical Glitch: Service will be resumed shortly

2011-08-24T18:42:00.001+01:00

Hey guys,

Sorry for the silence for so long. Anyone would think I had been sent to Coventry!

Anyway, I am pretty much all settled in my flat now (last piece of furniture arrives tomorrow) I will then of course be taking lots of photographs of my new place

You are going to be some very lucky people to also see some photographs of things I have made recently - particularly to fill the gaps in my new home.

Hold on to the seat of your pants cause this ride could become a little bumpy!

See you again very soon,

x

In hiding

2011-05-23T21:52:00.001+01:00

Just so you don't think I've disappeared off the face of the earth, I promise you I am still around however I'm in the process of moving house.

I'm going to have an attic space that will become my sewing room!!!!!!! I'm currently sooo excited. The move is soo close now and I don't feel ready. Will post pictures when I get settled in.

xx

MMM Item 1

2011-03-07T21:43:00.003Z

Right I have decided to partake in Made by me March '11. Having joined very late, and not sure that I actually have that many clothes to wear. I thought it was best I got in both feet first as it was and make something for work.

I'm always annoyed in the morning that I cant find a pair of trousers or something when I dont have legs for skirts. Or that I have nothing brown to wear. So I found this pattern (while actually looking for a blouse pattern)

Its a womans weekly (magazine) pattern, there is no date on it at all but as far as I can tell from the fashions its probably mid 80's. The item I made was the trousers from view D. I had to make quite a few alterations (if I left all the pleats in after cutting the fabric out I think it would have been tooo detailed. So I took the one in the middle of the waist band out. They aren't actually sewn on the pattern but I figure that would make me look even more pregnant than I already do (even though I'm not)

The waistband wasn't working at all so allow me to wear these as high waisted trousers I removed the waist band and hemmed the top.

I also had to cut quite a bit away from the bottom of the trousers to get them to suit my length. Does anyone else find a height problem with Me made clothes?

Next project will be the top that comes with this pattern, and maybe the dress (shorter one) but with straps.

Make up Roll

2011-02-17T20:35:00.003Z

Well this project has been on my mind for exactly 7 weeks. Since I realised that I get frustrated in the mornings searching in my brush make up bag (a free-bee from the make up shop, and yes I have two make up bags, one for brushes one for make up) for the correct brush.

I realised although I had picked fabrics out 7 weeks ago to make this that the stumbling block was with the fabric I had chosen although I loved the fabric I originally chose I was afraid of cutting into it.

I won the fabric that I used for the outside months ago on a giveaway. I fell in love with this print ages ago but have been keeping it for using large scale. Most things I make I like to piece pretty small, when I found this fabric again this evening I realised this was the fabric I NEEDED to make the roll from.

So pleased with how it turned out. Also learnt a few things along the way including more basting required for things like the folded fabric. I would probably have put the binding on all the way around, but quite like the cutness of it not being there on the pink rose (seen above)

I have also put on binding by machine, which I have never done before, and would probably only do for little projects like this as I struggled slightly but was really exciting to try.

And finally a thanks to my housemate who lent me his white box to take the photographs in!

Teaching a friend to sew

2011-01-19T22:00:00.002Z

OK a friend approached me the other day telling me she is going ski-ing soon but doesn't have a case for her goggles. Having a love for making things I said it would be a breeze for me to make this for her.
All credit to her she asked if she could have a go at it herself with guidance. Well this was a little challenge for both of us as I didn't have a clue what to do, decided to go about making something similar to a pencil case with a top opening.

She choose the fabrics and I LOVE it!! Especially the square on the end of the ribbon pull.

Here she is looking very smiley, a very hard working student. (we are both teachers). Massive congratulations!!!!!!

Happy New Year and BOM

2011-01-01T23:36:00.003Z

Well I guess i Had better jump on the band wagon and wish you all a Happy new Year.

I'm sure many of you have noticed the BOM in my sidebar recently. This is by little Miss Shabby called Birdie Stitches.

I got really excited by this bring both embroidery and quilting into one project so I whipped straight on the internet and ordered a jelly roll and plain fabric.

I've been eyeing up Bliss by Moda for ages and guessed at Kona Solids Aqua. When it arrived it was perfect, and this morning Little Miss Shabby released the first BOM.

I LOVE IT!!!

A Christmas Affair

2010-12-12T20:36:00.004Z

OK this is really unusual for me to post so often, I'm sure this will stop again soon (or I will force myself to blog every other day for the next 2 weeks)

I realised I needed something Christmasy to wear to work this week. Loving the hair band that I made I whipped some christmas fabrics out and some matching buttons.

Exactly the same process as the previous one, I played around with fabrics that I have. I have never liked the fabric with the girl on before, but being almost fussy cut so that there is only one she looks gorgeous, I think it really tones the hair band down from the crazy christmas look.

Proof that I am wearing it. I love the green button on the "vintage" style fabric its a heart shape, perfect for this time of year.

If you look closely I also have a bell on there, at the top of the green suffolk puff. I brought these last year and didn't really know what I was going to do with it. I love it on there, thankfully though it doesnt actually ring too much unless I shake my head hard.

Hope you like todays creations.

Will be back tomorrow to show you todays dying attempts, not sure if its a sucess or failure yet, its slightly patchy!

First Ever custom order!

2010-12-12T15:41:00.003Z

I'm am sooo pleased about this. I have been putting it off for weeks and weeks.

A student at school came to me asking if I could help her with a christmas present for her little brother. She gave me strict instructions that it must be a green bib with a giraffe on it and be fastened with Velcro.

Boy do I feel I have delivered!!!

Thinking back to previous things I have made I feel that applique is something that I've never afraid of! this is a really complex shape that I wasn't sure I would be happy with.

I've surprised myself by choosing this brown fabric for the giraffe, it was something I had in my stash but I've no idea why I had it. When I saw it I immediately thought GIRAFFE!!!!!!

I totally love this and hope that the girl who brought it does as well. What do you think?? How much would you be willing to buy/sell this at?

This Week

2010-12-11T21:06:00.007Z

Wow I dont know what happened this week but the sewing bug has really taken hold!!

I took my students to the Clotheshow in Birmingham on Tuesday, theres a brand new area there where you can try making different things.

I loved this in about 3 hours I made:

A knitted Brooch (having never sucessfully knitted before)
A phone case
A sewn brooch
And did quite a large amount of shopping

I managed to build up my fabric stash, mainly with Japanese fabrics. I've never seen such an abundance of these in one place in person. Had to have. Thank god I ran out of money is all I can say!!!

It was a real special occasion taking my students on their and my first school trip. They love it when I make my own clothes so I whipped this little number up especially for the day (Have worn it twice more already since Tuesday)The pockets and the ties on the dress are all removable. A nice simple denim dress that I can easily customise for different occasions!

Original 1960's pattern that I was kindly given by a little old lady who was having a clear out!Another purchase at the Clotheshow was a kit all made up from The eternal Maker they also have a blog which is really worth reading.

The only clear photo I could find of the head band

(while being made)

I loved this kit and again all my students commented on it (and slightly embarrasingly 3 Technology teachers that saw it decided to touch it) little awkward moments!!!

I love this and think I might use the pattern again to make a few more.

Few other activities gone on this week but I'm sure most of you are in the same situation that they are all christmas creations!

All for now!

Baby quilts

2010-11-15T21:53:00.005Z

Ok I have been working on some treats last week. I only had 2 recipients in mind when I was making these how ever I got carried away and made a third because I had the fabric in my stash.

I think photo's will say everything I need.Girl'sBoy'sSpecial quilt for a little lady who is ill in hospital

They were all backed with the same fabric (IKEA)

Backing

The pink one was for a little lady called Daisy so its quilted with a Daisy instead of being signed.

My Brothers Birthday....

2010-06-18T21:49:00.004+01:00

Ok this sounds a similar post to the previous one...

I fell in love with this fabric at the Knitting and Stitching show back in October, I've not seen this fabric since then (until today on someone's blog).

I wanted to go really simple for him, didn't want to make it look too girly if you know what I mean.
It was going to be single until he decided that he wanted to live with his girlfriend, figured it should be double bed sized.

As this was also partically for his graduation I always really wanted to applique a cartoon doctor on the back (this is what he has just graduated for...) However, I didn't think his girlfriend would be very impressed with this.

Sorry the photographs weren't much better, they were taken at 8am the morning that I was giving him them, yes as usual I was sewing the binding on the night before...

My Boss'es birthday

2010-06-16T19:03:00.006+01:00

OK this possibly sounds a little bit late. My boss Sally's birthday was in March (I think) I made her a small collection of things for her newly furnished sewing room she had just finished before her birthday (and yes I am very Jealous!!!)

This was the small collection of bits, including a scrap fabric bin (only for the table top, please remember any quilter has a massive amount of scrap fabrics)

The Purple thing you can see is a shop brought letter S (for Sally or Sewing) to put up on the wall in her sewing room.

Two very cute "elf" houses, in red and white, very clean looking. And they look amazing on her black fire place!!!Here is an up close of the fabrics used for the scrap basket, she loves cats!!!

I also made her a tissue holder for her handbag from the fabrics left over from the basic, would you believe I must see it every week she carries it everywhere!! (for some reason I can't get Blogger to put these pictures on)

All these patterns have been taken from the sewing calendar 2010, I love so many things in there, had to spent about 48 hours trying to decide what I wanted to make.

Later I will show you another birthday present that I made. This time my brothers and my Dad's...

Finishes so far this year...

2010-04-30T00:39:00.002+01:00

OK I can't believe that we are already into May!!!(well tomorrow we are away)

Was discussing with one of my students the other that that I should probably write down somewhere everything that I have finished this year...

In no particular order (as much as I can remember now)

Linda's 50th Table runner
Nan's birthday present
Draw string bag(from the sewing class)
Cushion cover (from the sewing class)
Dad's birthday quilt
Mum's mothers day present
4 table mats (for charity)
2 wall hangings (identical - one for me one for charity)
3 swap blocks

WIP List!

Ok this one is likely to be just as long....

Mothers day gift for a friend
Red and white quilt
hexagon quilt (started over 7 years ago)
Brothers graduation present(and birthday prsesent)
Blouse

I will be back in the very near future to give some more information about the finished projects and hopefully to show you some more things that I will have got off the WIP's list at some point.

I can't believe how much I have made this month! Its been a mamoth sewing month and I believe my hands had enough of sewing bindings on for charity on Sunday (11 hours straight hand sewing, only stopping for the loo and food)

All the best everyone

Long time no post... (Mothers Day gifts)

2010-04-18T16:36:00.005+01:00

OK guys I know that it has been absolutely ages since my last post. I need to start getting a bit more up to speed with blogging.

Since my last post the UK has had Mothers Day racking my brains to come up with something a little different I thought about a table runner (they have a octagonal dining table and its been bugging me for years that they have a mat in the middle of the table that is Oval, it never did go at all)

This is what I came up with, fastest table runner I think I have ever made, as soon as I saw the fabric I knew this was the fabric that mum needed.

Not sure if you can see the stitch I used for applique-ing the Dresden plate blocks onto the top, but I found it on a machine at my local quilt shop that I attend. Its tiny little M's Thought this was perfect considering its a mothers day present (and yes I did fall in love with a machine that night)

Quilting it was a real challenge for me, I have never done free hand embroidery like this before, I wanted to make this a little different from a table runner that I gave my gran for her birthday (you might get an opportunity to see that another night) so I highly quilted the middle circle leaving the edges raw, I love the texture and feeling that this has given!

Vermicelli quilting was needed for the rest of the quilt, and I even managed to quilt the word MUM into it somewhere...

Later I will blog about my Dad's birthday present but for now, I thought I wouldn't give anyone a heart attack by showing them EVERYTHING I have been working on since I last blogged.

What do you think about the runner? Anyone else love the fabrics as much as I do??

Linda's 50th

2010-02-07T17:16:00.002Z

Ok, I'm sorry its taken me soo long to get back on my blog again. I know I have been very quiet for over 2 months! Begining of December I had an operation and since then I haven't been as good as I have been expecting, Although I have been doing quite a bit of sewing as and when I can.

Here is one of my newest completed projects for Linda, who I work withs 50th birthday. I totally forgot to take finished photographs of the table runner before giving it to her. But these were the photographs from her birthday meal (taking in our staff room at work hence the dish washer etc behind her)

On the back of the table runner I managed to get "Happy 50th Birthday Linda, Love Louise printed" I think this is what she is admiring in the first photograph.

The quilt was made with dresden plate blocks (made totally circular and appliqued onto a backing fabric)

It was the first time I EVER attempted to do free hand quilting and I absolutely LOVE the way it turned out, I soon realised that the only way to get the quilting to go right was to sew faster than slower.

Another birthday coming up on Wednesday, have finished the presents for this one last night, will put the photographs for this up soon, and will have a load more updates for you soon.

Sorry if anyone missed me too much.

Finished Baby quilt

2009-11-17T20:08:00.004Z

As you have all previously read, this was my first ever attempt at a baby quilt. I made a couple of close relationships with my unpicker while completing the top itself. But not as much as I thought I would do. I loved the finished top, the yellow really makes the top pop.

I included the next photograph, this is one of TWO only "I love Daddy" on the whole quilt, the fabric on the rest of the blocks were always conviently over the cutting line. I Love how the "I love Mummy" is right next to this.

I felt this very lucky and special little lady deserved something very personal to her. Which led me to painstakingly applique-ing her name on the back, the red fabric matched the small red spots on the front perfectly. I will admit I had several practices on applique letters before I started (I have two "e" letters appliqued somewhere in my room now, not that it bothers me, I'm tempted to make the rest of my name in different techniques to make something for myself)

The quilting is gorgous, I borrowed a machine from school for a weekend to be able to do this (I have brought my own machine, which will be arriving tomorrow!!!WHOOP WHOOP) this created a couple of problems in the backing fabrics (creases)after unpicking the worst, the small remaining ones became "Love wrinkles" I feel everything should be totally loved for what it is!

Here is the finished quilt with the very cute pink binding (with the same print as the red fabric for "Leah" but in the pink version that the company produce) And to finish it all off, a very cute awwwwww moment, the lovely lady Leah with her brand new quilt (looks a little big but she will grow to it)

Sorry to Mum and Dad for the lateness of the quilt, but the little lady joined our world much earlier than planned. Now she is home she will always be snuggled up tight.

So ladies and Gentlemen what do you think??

Look what I've done!!

2009-10-10T17:51:00.002+01:00

Ever since I saw this baby changing bag on the Moda Bake shop I decided I wanted to have it!! I brought the fabrics back in July, and was convinced by one of my students last week to get my bum into gear and get it made.
Thought this would be ideal for my trip to the knitting and stitching show tomorrow with my colleagues from work.

I love the fact it has plenty of storage in it (never mind its massive) There are "hidden" pockets on each end and 6 pockets on the inside with elasticated tops.
The fabric is Arcadia by Moda, And covers everything I absolutely love, bright colours and great shapes and styles. Perfect.

I adore the lining in all the pockets adding extra colour to the bag, only thing I wish I could change would be making sure that the bag was totally reversable so these amazing fabrics seen inside could also be on the outside at some point.

I have included the divider in the bag, but for some reason I have a crease in this, and I might remove this as I'm not sure how useful this will be.

Thanks once again to Moda Bake shop and to Melissa of Polkadot chair who gave us this amazing tutorial on this bag. Made totally out of a layer cake and a charm pack, I have loads left over to create accessories for this bag as well!!

Christmas Stocking Swap

2009-10-06T14:35:00.003+01:00

I'm sooooooo excited!!! Pop on over to Indigo Blue, she is arranging a christmas stocking swap. Would be lovely to see some of you lovely ladies there, joining in.

I have loads of ideas, can't wait to see what other people have for ideas as well. Hope you pop over quickly. don't want to see too many people dissapointed!

Click the picture to add yourself, (takes you to Indigo Blue's website where you can add yourself in her Comment box)

Hurry up and get yourself joined!!!!!!!!!!! You know you want to!!!

Update

2009-10-05T00:38:00.004+01:00

I know I promised this sooner, I can only apologise for the delay with everything. The world seems to be travelling 20 times faster than I can handle right now. I have been poorly for the past few days, hence why this Thanks has taken its time to get out there into the blog-o-sphere.

Thank you ever so much Angela from Land of No Cooking. I won a giveaway over at hers, and by chance was visiting my parents (who don't live that far away from Angela when she delivered my prize)

Hope you don't mind Angela, I had to borrow your photograph as I have already started creating with these amazing fabrics before I had a chance to find the camera. She has got me perfectly, I have been admiring these fabrics from a far for a very long time! Very proud to say I am now an owner of some!! and the note cards and post-it notes are equally as gorgeous! Thank you!

The baby quilt is coming along really well, this was the last photograph I managed to take of it this evening before the light totally dissapeared. Trust me its alot less pink than it appears at the moment.

The pink fabric that the blocks are on is going to be the backing fabric, it's not actually creased its that the only fabric I could find that was big enough and the right colour was a Sainsbury's single fitted sheet, so the elastic is pulling it in a bit at the moment.

This is only half of the quilt, I aim to make another 6 patches to make it a little bit bigger, and the very lucky girl is going to have her name embroidered on the back of the quilt, in a way so that mummy and daddy could fold the top of the quilt over in the cot and see her name written. (Fingers crossed it works)

Thats all for now. Hope everything else is going well in the blogging world.

Ooo and keep your eyes open for a play it forward that's happening soon, I just got one but I must sleep now, will tell all you lovely people about it soon.

AWOL

2009-09-30T11:14:00.001+01:00

Sorry people I know I haven't posted in a wee while.

Its been mega manic around here recently. New job, commitments, moving house.

Last night my school had an open evening, and I feel like I've not sat down for a week.

More details of WIP's later.

My First Baby Quilt

2009-09-14T18:26:00.003+01:00

Family friends have just had their first baby girl. Unfortunately they were expecting twins but I heard this girl is doing really well. Just a little bit early.

I decided I would make a quilt for the gorgeous little girl. As normal I thought it would be best to create a sample block before I actually plow my way into the real thing.

What do you think? I decided to try fabrics that would really stand out as different fabrics. The girl is going to be soo lucky in that her first hand made quilt will be made with moda fabrics in shades of white green blue and yellow.

What do you think? Wish me luck with my first ever baby quilt. Will give you an update when I get it finished hopefully in a few days time!xx

Evenings Entertainment.

2009-08-20T12:37:00.002+01:00

My Brother came home from a shopping trip yesterday afternoon with this basket from a garden center meant for flowers but he wanted it making for his girlfriend to be able to make a picnic and take it out in central London for an afternoon.

Well this is what I came up with, he brought the gingham fabric himself and allowed me to have the freedom to do what I wanted with it.

I decided to fully line the inside of the basket including the lid. I just love the frills around the outside, I think it finishes it off quite nicely. very kitch and I hope that she likes it.

Im sure I am the same as most of you, once you start you just cant stop. So after creating the lining for the basket I then went on to create napkins to match. (Still not quite sure why my brother thought he would need 2 meters of fabric to line this little basket but never mind!!)

What do you think? It has made me think about items I can create with the rest of the gingham fabric to go with the basket. I am jealous myself, wish I had something like it, Im contimplating going back and seeing if there are any more. Think this would be brilliant on my sewing table fully of fabrics or threads. Having two seperate compartments would allow two totally different sides, maybe even different fabrics lining each side.

Next time more about the Halloween quilt block swap

Current Creations

2009-07-22T16:50:00.004+01:00

Well not that much has actually been going on in my world related to quilting etc.

Other than my mums birthday presents which I will post in the near future.

Got a friends wedding coming up soon and was finding it near impossible to get a card that was like the bride (as she is our friend) after buying the present and trying to buy wrapping paper, thats where my mind ran for a card. The sweet wrapping paper has butterflies and dragonflies on it, so I thought I would carry that theme with this on the card, and who could resist a matching gift card for the present while I was at it??

I have also been working on Jane's Halloween swap, These are doing really well so far. My 9 patch, are nearly there, ran out of purple fabric so had to find something similar, so 4 will be of slightly different fabrics.

The themed blocks of ghosts are great, I was hoping to get these all finished before I go away on holiday this weekend, but doesn't look like I will manage that, it takes me nearly a whole day to sew a whole block. So I will be taking the unfinished ones with me on holiday.

I am yet to sew the faces on, will be taking threads with me to complete once I have sewn all the bodies.

How is everyone else's blocks coming on? I love seeing peoples while I pop around the internet.

Unclaimed prize

2009-07-09T01:00:00.003+01:00

Well I'm finding this really hard.

Yet again the winner of the lanyard hasn't come forward to claim their prize.

The first person to comment on this blog and email me will win it. The first person to complete both of these will have the prize in the post first thing on Friday.

You must email little_missoakden(AT)hotmail(DOT)co(DOT)uk.

Lots of you are well in chance of winning these. Please don't bicker over winning it.

If two lucky people email close together I will send out to both of you.

A first and learning on the job

2009-07-08T20:41:00.006+01:00

Well, I was aiming to create a couple of quilts as gifts during the summer holiday. So thought what better way of finding out if I can do this by creating one first. I have never created a complete quilt before.

I purchased some vintage fat quarters from a woman in America, which worked really well together (sorry I was so eager to start this quilt I didn't take any photographs before I cut it all up)

I worked on the principle of the wonky 9 patch. Not sure where I read about this but on someone’s blog they mentioned taking large squares piling them and simply cutting where you feel comfortable and reordering the pile and sewing them back together again.

I must admit I really enjoyed creating this top, except for the brief problems I had with my rotary cutter which soon sorted itself out when I cleaned all the fibres out of the blade.

I wanted to carry on this vintage feel with the back and the binding and remembered the fabrics I brought HERE. I wanted the orange floral print on the back, but wanted to create something that could also be used as a top if I wanted something different on the bed.

So using the remainder from the fat quarter I decided to create bricks, I feel this works really well.

The next challenge for me was the quilting itself, I have never tried this and have read so many people’s blogs saying how much they hated the quilting process or how often it had gone wrong!! this petrified me!

A family friend lovingly had lent me an embroidery machine for the weekend from the school she worked out. I really wanted to get my hands into this and have a real play. This was a real experiment trying this, being unsure if it was able to take such a thick fabric. But I’m really pleased I have. These little hearts are in the middle of every 9 square. and the bottom right one also has a button embroidered on it. So pleased with this. That was until...

I came to binding this, I realised that when binding I hadn’t quite smoothed the backing out on the quilt before I started basting it. Thankfully because of those bricks I was able to take the edge of those apart and fix the worst of bits. The back still isn’t perfect but it’s good enough for my first attempt and I have learnt plenty of lessons for next time.

Again I managed to find a vintage piece of fabric that worked really well with the rest of the quilt for the outside.

Unfortunately I didn’t have any vintage wadding, so this is the only thing that was new, But this was selvedged from left over’s so really still an eco/green quilt.

To finish it all off, I thought I should sign this, also wanted to remember finishing my teaching qualification this week. Luckily the machine I was leant was also able to write and after a couple of scribbles on scrap fabric came up with this.

All in all I think my first practice of creating a quilt went really well. and the whole experience took me less than 24 hours (although I know it will take me longer if I have to do this by hand!!!

What do you think???

Play it Forward

2009-07-05T23:57:00.003+01:00

I love the idea behind Pay It Forwards no matter what shape or form they come in. I was fortunate enough to become involved in one, even though the crafter didn't particularly want to post outside of the US. I can't wait for this surprise to appear on my door step.

So... here it goes...The concept of a PIF occurs when acts of kindness are performed without expecting anything in return and are passed on, trusting that the recipients will do the same and Pay It Forward, resulting in a never ending chain of kindness.By signing on, my commitment is to make and send a gift to the first 3 friends who post a comment to this post requesting to join this exchange and who promise to Pay It Forward to 3 other persons, and so on.I am not exactly sure what my three gifts will be just yet, but I will assure you it will be a gift made by me and from my heart that I will send to you within the next 365 days. This way, it will be completely unexpected and will be that much more rewarding. By signing on, what YOU then have to do in return is to Pay It Forward by making the same announcement and commitment on YOUR blog. I am very excited to be participating in this wonderful venture and I hope you too will join me.If you are one of the first 3 that sign up, please be sure there is a way I can contact you through your blog or email so I can get your contact info.

For those of you out there that arn't quilters but follow my blog in some way, (or just happened to stumble across me by chance) that is fine as well. It doesn't have to be a quilt related project, can be absolutely anything you think is from the heart that someone else would like.

So... Who will be my 3 PIFs???

On another note, I have a great blog for you all tomorrow, my first complete quilt, from cutting to finishing binding in less that 24 hours!!! thats a record for me! Maybe I will break it one day!

xxx

New Announced Winner

2009-07-03T23:42:00.002+01:00

Well, I think I have given enough notice for you to come forward to claim this prize.

So I am offering this again

The winner is Bev of My Wee stitchy Blog!!

Please contact me Bev and let me know your address to send a lanyard of your choice to.

Please also include what colours you would like this in

Louise

No News from Sally

2009-06-29T19:10:00.002+01:00

Come on Sally,

This is your last chance to claim your prize, I've waited for you all week to hear back from you.

Please please please contact again before midnight GMT or I will be forced to choose another winner.

Sorry to do it but Its not fair for someone not to be enjoying this!!

Louise

Winner

2009-06-21T21:36:00.004+01:00

Well, I know I have left this a little longer than I had originally offered. Had a very busy week, but no one has entered since the deadline anyway.

The soon to be proud new owner is someone very close to my own heart. She is also a Textiles Teacher, and she left me such a lovely message. Congratulations Sally, please Email me as soon as possible, with your address and what colours you particularly like.

On a slightly different note, I am getting ready to open my own shop on Folksy. I have several Lanyards left over from my recent sale at school. So keep your eyes open, you can always buy yourself one.

Congratulations again to Sally, and everyone pop back soon to find out about a PIF. Just got to think carefully about wording etc. so Till then.

Louise xx

Presents and a giveaway!!

2009-06-16T22:51:00.005+01:00

Well I offically leave my final placement school on Friday and qualify as a Textiles Teacher. I really can't wait.

Iv been racking my brain for what I can buy some of the people who have really molded me during this year. Decided I should make them something a bit more personal.

The school has these lanyard things that lots of schools have, and to be perfectly honest they are pretty Naff. So I thought I would liven them up. Some teachers do have different Lanyards so I know they could have differnt ones.

This is what I created.

These were created from the same fabrics as I got for this. I really love the way they have turned out. As you see below. I thought I should practice one for myself first. Those of you that know me really well know i have issues with keeping track of my memory stick. So thought my first attempt should give me a chance 2 keep hold of this.

I made sure the front fabric was different than the back, and that they went together really well.

All of these lovely Lanyard have gorgeous homes to go to. But as an offer to you, I want to offer you one of these. Weather you want it for keeping your ID for work round your neck. Attach it to your keys, or to attach your ipod round your neck. What must you do? I really don't want a simple enter me. I want to hear what you would do with a lanyard if you won one of these lovelys, what your favorite colour/s are (so I can make one you would like).

Only one enterance each please. BUT you can get extra names put in my hat if you...

Become a follower of my blog

and/or

Write about me on your blog.

Please come back to me and post another comment telling me you have done this.

Best of luck to all of you. For every 25 people that comment I will make 1 lanyard so chances are quite high.

I will leave you now with a sample of the fabrics I have already created, to inspire you to enter my give away.

This give away will be open until Friday 5pm (GMT) any entries after this will not be counted. Sorry.

New handbag

2009-06-04T21:46:00.003+01:00

Well I really don't know what the weather is like where you are but here its been absolutely gorgeous. My handbag I made a while ago (see here) looks a little bit wintery with sandles and lovely summery clothes.

So I dug out some gorgeous Amy Butler fabric that I fell in love with but thought I would never find something suitable for showing it off well enough. (BTW I brought this fabric as a reminant but had no idea of how much I had, I made this bag and still have a fair amount left over)
I have had this idea for a bag for ages but haven't had the courage to try it. would you believe it took me less than an hour to create it. Unfortunatly I didn't create a pattern I just cut and sewed. Would be a really simple one to make again though. Im really pleased with the way the handle turned out. Was going to carry on with the Amy Butler print but discovered this vintage piece of fabric that went really well with it. I also used this for the lining and felt using it for the handle broke the print up really well. Thought maybe at first it was going to be a bit too big but turns out its the perfect size.

My housemates feel I should create a pattern for this and share it with the world, I'm not so sure its good enough to do that.

If I could change it I would probably put pockets in side and somewhere to hang my keys. but thats a minor thing I can always do if I make this bag again.

So what do you think? Would you like to see this?? What have you done with this Amy Butler fabric?

Halloween Theme block swap 2009

2009-06-01T21:15:00.003+01:00

Head on over to Jane's Fabrics and quilts she is hosting a

SPOOKTACULAR HALLOWEEN THEME BLOCK SWAP 2009

It looks so exciting even is Halloween is so far away. I saw it and signed up straight away, Iv thought over previous swaps that have come up and missed the chance once I made my mind up.

Jumped straight in and decided I was going to make Ghost's myself. Can't wait to get started and have already been looking at fabrics, the UK has nothing at all exciting for Halloween fabrics, hoping my friends in Canada and America will be kind enough to bring me some fabrics home during the summer.

I suggest you hop on over to her blog as soon as possible so you don't miss out to!!

P.S - Does anyone know how to put this picture in my sidebar so I can show off I'm on a swap??

Charity Shop finds!

2009-05-30T15:27:00.004+01:00

Iv been staying with my parents this week as it is Half term here. I quite enjoy wandering around the charity shops with my mum and often come out with some amazing bits.

I haven't taken photographs of EVERYTHING as I really didn't want to bore you all. I brought a large box full of buttons. 15 Zips. some old patterns (most never used) several sewing books. lace, beads, buckles, pop studs, brooches. I also brought a large pile of old fabrics, some table clothes, some bed spreads and others just old cuts that have never even been used.

This is my most favorite thing I have found in a charity shop in ages. Thought it was perfect to photograph in front of my WIP my grandmother's garden quilt.

I Love that this mouse is doing the patchwork. If you look really closely the mouse also has a little tiny needle and thread to help her do this. I adore the way the tail curls up around her body.

So tell me do you go charity shopping / thrift shop shopping??? What is the best find you have found???

Quilt Block Swap May

2009-05-26T21:16:00.004+01:00

My partner finally recieved her block today, so I can post about this.

It took me ages to ponder over what I was wanting to do for my partner. I had plenty of initial thoughts, but nothing quite seemed to fit my Partner. Getting to know her a bit better I finally decided on this one.

If you look really closely you will notice there are tiny little hearts on the red fabrics, I thought my partner might think I was crazy including a "this way up" sign, but Im sure she understood the reason for it!!

Took me ages but Im sure this perfectly suits my partner.

Fingers crossed mine will arrive soon as they were posted on similar days. I just don't understand the amount of flights etc across the big pond why it always seems to take sooo long for post to arrive. Oh well the wait will surely soon be over.

WIP

2009-05-25T21:35:00.004+01:00

Well this week I am lucky enough to have another follower this week!!! WAHOOO!! That brings my followers up to 3! lol. Check out Evelyn's blog shes a very talented knitter, makes very cute baby things with a very gorgous family with 3 adorable cuties!!!!! Very jealous, wish I could knit as well as she can!!

Well progress for me this week, I have 2 very similar projects going on at the moment, both I plan to be christmas gifts, but not giving full details away at the moment because Im sure the person these gifts are for is reading this at some point!!!!

These strips were a real bargain at my local quilting shop!! can you believe I got over twice the amount in all these photo's for only £2!!!!!!! I had to go back a few days later and clear out their basket full, got plenty of ideas for these.

This one has a very christmassy theme and I plan for it to only be used during this time of the year. The other a much more all round theme (with any luck I might actually get this one finished for someone's birthday but I have a few months for that yet!!!

I aim to be making a few little gifts for people at work as I am leaving in 15 days, its sad to be going but I have an absolutely amazing job to go to!!! So good and bad points soming up soon!!

Hope to show you my creations at some point again soon, as those of you as lucky as me to have a week break this week enjoy what ever you are doing!

Waste no Want Not

2009-05-21T21:20:00.004+01:00

I needed one of those bags for carrying odds and ends in the bottom of your hand bag. This was the creation I came up with, based very much on the similar pattern as my pencil case . Totally made out of recycled fabrics and selvedges.
It tickled me and I didn't realise until afterwards about the selvedge that I chose for this bag. I find it quite funny I wanted this big enough to take Paracetamols and vaseline etc. and its a Quilt for a cure! lol.

I love these colours and think they work well together. Lots of work at uni at the moment, but its half term next week. Got one or 2 more WIP's to show you over the next few days and hopefully by next weekend one of those WIP's will be finished!!!

What are you up to at the moment???

School Projects

2009-05-19T22:15:00.002+01:00

I made this for a group of low ability year 9 pupils that I am currently teaching in my placement school. The project is cushions, based around "make do and mend" to a particular theme of their fancy. I really wanted them to think about cushions of different shapes etc.

This was the only way I seemed to achieve this was by giving them examples to hold. I also tried to include some of the information they needed to include on their cushion. Such as 2 forms of decorative technique (applique and tucks)

I found this in a magazine for a soft toy which was slightly too small so blew it up on the photocopier to make it large enough to make a cute cushion. The kids absolutely loved it! and it really inspired them to think outside the box as well!!!

Quilt block Swap

2009-05-19T22:09:00.004+01:00

Not sure if I shared this information with you before, but Im part of the quilt block swap. I get really excited at the begining of every month to find out who my partner is and make exciting blocks for them. Unfortunatly due to my excitement with my job interviews etc I never got round to blogging about this one. Really sorry about this Angela, this block is absolutely amazing, and Im really sorry the photograph doesn't really do it justice!!

I promise you it didn't arrive this screwed up. I'm looking forward to collecting these over the next few months and making myself a gorgeous bed quilt for my first house I plan on buying in 12 months(ish) time!

It would be absolutely amazing to say this quilt was made all over the world especially by me, and know that as much love and care was put into them as there was into the squares I made for others.

Thanks again Angela,

Louise.xx

Long Time no see

2009-05-19T08:16:00.001+01:00

Well its been ages since I last posted anything.

So quick up date. I have a brand new job, is absolutely perfect and I get a house with it as well. Can't wait to start but Have to wait until September, its at an amazing school in Essex. Working with a very friendly team. And I have even had the opportunity to meet one of my classes already!!! Im so pleased.

Unfortunatly this means I haven't had quite as much time as I would have liked on quilting projects but I do have several new projects to post about, but unfortunately I dont have time to right now, as soon as I do I will let you all know.

I have been teaching my year 9 (14 year Old) pupils how to do patchwork and quilting. Hoping to get them as "quilt-fingered" (just like green fingered but for quilts) as I am. I will try and get photographs of their efforts to post here once they have finished.

So just as long as you are all sure Im still alive.

MissOakden

Tardiness

2009-05-07T18:36:00.000+01:00

Sorry for the lack of posting at the moment. This is only a really quick one.

I have not been able to post for a while as I am currently on a job hunt. The deadline for teaching jobs is in the next few weeks so I have been working extra hard recently in preparation for the job interviews that I have recieved.

Sorry crafters of the world I will be updating you soon..

xx

Shopping trip

2009-04-14T22:55:00.002+01:00

Went shopping today with my mum, picked up some great bargains!!!

Dad decided this morning he didn't want a monster after all he actually wanted a monkey, So I have been on a sock hunt. Found these cute tights in BHS for £1 each thought they would make great gibbons and means I actually will get one for myself, Cant decide if I will keep the pink or Blue.

Brought the beige with white spots as well, this is actually Oilcloth, Decided Im going to make myself a lunch box with it, to be able to keep everything in. Amazing what you can find out of scrap bins in the local Dunelm Mill shops!!! Cost me £1 for a meter!

Also my final Bargain was this top, inside it states was part of a pair, but had the bottoms missing, its actually a pj top but I love it so much might wear it around the day, or make it into a cushion cover, not sure yet. Might do both over time once Iv had enough of wearing it!
Fell in love with this fabric on the market, love how the big strawberries match the little ones, and then felt I had to have something to go with it. Not sure what I will make yet so I might just add it to my stash till the summer holiday.

The Green Eyed Monster

2009-04-13T23:03:00.004+01:00

Well it was great that mum feel in love with the sock monkey straight away ( named Lope, as he is to become an office monkey, she feels it is short for enve'lope')

Well my dad shortly became the green eyed monster and raided his sock drawer to see what I could create for him!! He's always said he hated these socks but has now fallen in love with them again.

What do you think?

I love his curly tail. He only got one green eye cause I felt he should be called 'the green eyed monster'!!

Mums New office Buddy

2009-04-13T18:08:00.002+01:00

For as long as I can remember Mum has worked at the Local Grammar school She always enjoyed her job, but a few weeks ago she was TOLD she was moving to another office instead of the one she had worked in since she started there (almost 18 years ago) She doesn't seem very happy about this and doesn't want to move.

So I thought I would recycle something and make her a buddy to move in with (previously there were 5 in the office with her, now its her on her own).

What do you think? I love sock monkeys but have never made one before myself, Im thinking of trying to make one with knee length socks!!!

Want your suggestions for what to call this monkey now.

Happy Easter.

Louise

Help wanted!

2009-04-12T22:39:00.000+01:00

My mum brought me a few years ago, a pair of knitted slipper type things. I love them to pieces but they are starting to look a little bit too loved! I was hoping to find somewhere to make them myself.

I know basic knitting (I can knit, purl etc and with a few books infront of me I can do fancy stitches 2)

Does anyone know a good pattern? or give me some idea of instructions on what to do???

Many thanks

Louise

New Pencil Case

2009-04-11T15:02:00.001+01:00

Well this is a first for me, following an online pattern. I really wanna thank Pink Penguin for this, she makes really lovely tutorials, and this is the first time I have plucked up the courage to see what I can create.

I just love the fact that all of this fabric was created from scraps, Think the inside was a skirt my grandmother made when I was a baby. I love recycling things as often as I can, and those that regularly read will remember I like putting stories into my work. So as before this has stories, the Cord being from a pair of dungrees (afraid they only suit little kids not big kids like me) the pinks are scraps from quilts, and the black gingham is a cut up blouse that I made last year when I first brought my overlocker.

Don't you just love it when you have everything to hand? Just had to raid my mums sewing box to get a zip, and pluck up the courage to attempt to attach a zip myself. Afraid Im slightly hopeless before, but very pleased with this!!

update

2009-04-08T19:54:00.001+01:00

I forgot to mention, looking at the photo's from my last blog, looks like my squares are wonky, its not that, but I decided with my new over locker to make a feature of them, its simply where I havn't ironed it since getting it out my WIP's box and they don't all lie flat.

Hated WIP

2009-04-08T17:53:00.000+01:00

Here is the final piece I am uploading today.

This is a piece I made my first year in uni, I got as far as adding the sashing and decided the black was too harsh, But couldn't decide what would look good and didn't have the heart to unpick something that took me hours to create!!

Again Suggestions would be really good on what you think I should replace it with.

Kind thanks

Louise

Old time Friend

2009-04-08T17:47:00.000+01:00

Well as promised that I would up date you on my WIP's here is one I have been working on since I was 14 (thats 7 years!!!!!!) It keeps being put away, and I only seem to work on it during the summer holidays.

Its nearly finished now, sorry for the photo being folded up but I simply don't have space to spread it out for a photo here. Will take some open when I'm Back at uni.

Im thinking probably one more row of flowers then its ready for batting and backing! Sorry about the choice of colours as mentioned I was 14 when I started this, my tastes have changed since then!

As you can tell its all been hand pieced, I recycled envelopes to create each hex. Most of the fabric has a story behind it, I love just sitting and looking at it, reminds me of so many happy and not so happy moments!!

Trying to decide what colour to back it with, what do you think?? Suggestions will be welcome

Saturday Project

2009-04-08T17:40:00.001+01:00

Returned from Uni this week, so there will be quite a few posts in the future about WIP's that I left at my parents house.
Thought you should see this post first! When I moved to Worcester, I found this amazing Quilting shop and had to buy this pattern and fabric for the bag, Its been sat on my to do list for 6 months now, thought it was finally time to complete it.
Not quite happy with some bits, the bottom seems to be a little higgldy piggaldy, but never mind.
I love the two pockets created on the inside from joining the two seperate parts together. (as you can see i couldn't resist using this bag, so sorry for not emptying my bits out of it for the photo)

I had to put the above photo in this blog, as I wanted to you see how I altered it slightly, I have an amazing computerised sewing machine that Allows me to quilt really interesting patterns, these along the bottom(seen on the plain green fabric) are little kisses!!
Hope you Enjoy this, and the others to come, please any questions don't hesitate to ask.
xx

Assignment

2009-03-24T19:55:00.000Z

Ok, this might seem like a bit of a long one, but I feel I need to get you all up to speed!!

Im currently working on a hand pieced grandmothers garden piece. Im nearly there. Its as big as my matress jst need to make it a little bigger (sorry there are no pictures as it is at my parents house, will take pictures next time Im home) Nearly there though. This is the current one Im working on,

Iv recently moved to Worcester and have found an amazing little quirky quilting shop, seems near impossible to describe to people where it is! Its a real bargin. Brought these 5 fabrics - sorry about the blue hexes as you can see I couldn't keep my hands off it!

Teaching Textiles I regularly get asked to pop into Hobby Craft on my way home as I pass it anyway, unfortunatly this often means I end up buying fabric. This is what I brought yesterday!!

Today I have been fortunate enough to return home to find two packages on my door step! I love recieving post and was soo happy to see these - Iv discovered an online vintage fabric shop and there prices are amazing and their photo's and descriptions are always perfect. I love the fabrics they have, these are my two buys that arrived this morning. How cute are this little birds???

I love the blues in this pile of scraps, Im so excited about starting something new but Im trying to get myself to finish my grandmothers garden quilt first.Now on the last note, I want to show all of you my organisation technique, I got these great sandwhich bags from IKEA they are amazing, but they are never enough of them around, there is no real order to my organisation as all fabrics when brought get put in seperate sandwich bags.

These are the cutest ever and there is this gorgeous little design all the way up one side. When I first brought them the packet was green and red bags (different colours are different sizes) but when I went to buy some a couple of weeks ago they are now Blue and red, so this saves any confusion.Well thats it for now ladies and gents, Feel free to message me, especially if you have any ideas on what I should give a go next with my vintage fabrics.

Im also quite interested in getting involved in some swaps, I have so many things around here that could do with a new home. Thanks

Keep well

Louise

Let there be light

2009-03-23T09:54:00.000Z

This is the first time I have thought about blogging, so I guess I should tell you a little about me.

Im from England, Crazy on all things involving my sewing machine!! I am currently trying to finish off a grandmothers garden patchwork quilt that I started when I was 14. Thanks to my Grandparents who got me hooked. I love quite a few different crafts, these also include cross stitch, card making and scrapbooking, and will try and encourage anyone around me to give it ago as well)

I am training to be a textiles Teacher at secondary level, and am loving passing my sewing knowledge onto the new generation and seeing their excitement at creating things.

Im actually at school at the moment, so will post some photo's when I get home of some things I have made recently.

Much love
Louise xx