tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11949226948302256342024-03-05T10:35:12.909+00:00Love Making ThingsAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549006313944585453noreply@blogger.comBlogger575125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1194922694830225634.post-34649222408295814522020-08-16T00:35:00.002+01:002020-08-17T15:19:32.962+01:00Sewing (and knitting) in the time of Corona<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It seems the only time I'm disciplined enough to write a blog post is when someone asks me to share something I've made, so I have to thank Francey and Lorraine for making me write this. You'll have to forgive me if this doesn't look quite right as my faithful elderly laptop has finally died and I'm writing this on a borrowed machine with a different operating system. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0_XWuuK8IzdfQIu2vItjem0qmLSYS9YPpTQVJHvgiXTJBCwUEZiFvNCmzXh6ANKzrNzwftg5OA0t3X1l-SjrWoXx-e0eZPBDAVz1WsniW5_bfM2cgDwcgDaz7A76olsOHV8N6XRfBbhz/s2048/IMG_0048.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1962" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0_XWuuK8IzdfQIu2vItjem0qmLSYS9YPpTQVJHvgiXTJBCwUEZiFvNCmzXh6ANKzrNzwftg5OA0t3X1l-SjrWoXx-e0eZPBDAVz1WsniW5_bfM2cgDwcgDaz7A76olsOHV8N6XRfBbhz/s640/IMG_0048.JPG" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So! I recently posted this photo of a Knit and Go bag on Instagram. My Pinterest feed kept showing me different versions of these handy little bags and as the volunteer sewing groups I've been sewing masks, scrubs, hats, laundrybags, etc, etc for have now closed, I finally got round to making this one. Its quite a simple and quick make, though it will take a bit longer if you decide to add embroidery or other decoration.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is the pattern - its a variation on <b><i><a href="https://pin.it/6zGrDh4" target="_blank">this one</a></i></b> from Elena Jorge. I hope the photo is clear enough but if you start with a piece of paper 30cms long and 21cms wide you should end up with something similar to my bag. Use a suitable plate or tub to draw the curve.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGuq0uPv1uirz1rCzBjKxQyqntbRaVQudQgLtYAppQlVI3et7VYXpFiJWhFM7ONocU6tNnuNXh2oDnwMR7K_reJRLSvF32bc3Gxb9TUwKkxE9chAJgOSFm5YnmsZpVXbptDHH3m1bnQmn/s2048/IMG_0446.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1976" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGuq0uPv1uirz1rCzBjKxQyqntbRaVQudQgLtYAppQlVI3et7VYXpFiJWhFM7ONocU6tNnuNXh2oDnwMR7K_reJRLSvF32bc3Gxb9TUwKkxE9chAJgOSFm5YnmsZpVXbptDHH3m1bnQmn/s640/IMG_0446.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Choose your fabric - remember you will be <u>cutting the pattern on the fold</u> and you need to ADD SEAM ALLOWANCES. I used a good 100% cotton fabric for the outside and a polycotton for the lining. Cut out one outer bag and one lining placing the top of the pattern on the fabric fold. Cut out one in fusible fleece, again on the fold but this time without a seam allowance and fuse it to the back of the outside fabric. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I suppose you don't have to use the fleece - especially if using a sturdy fabric, but it does give shape to the bag, enough for it to stand up on it's own! <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgZ_l6CPNFZjZGYo8XSAKuEahP-Pl0aq2Pa5N0EVFnz8QhNki1hfG9_n0m4DtSwMV1ZSRy8T_WVwfdJ1o0l5_1sNs1TA38MqYm-DnWJ5ro7FoagGQJAyaA5QixhuS9UeJTK5J5zP9vgzC/s2048/IMG_0448%25281%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2038" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgZ_l6CPNFZjZGYo8XSAKuEahP-Pl0aq2Pa5N0EVFnz8QhNki1hfG9_n0m4DtSwMV1ZSRy8T_WVwfdJ1o0l5_1sNs1TA38MqYm-DnWJ5ro7FoagGQJAyaA5QixhuS9UeJTK5J5zP9vgzC/s640/IMG_0448%25281%2529.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqu3P5ZznRSXRDpATA_23jNG-WIC0baPh40cyW-uW3C4GE3FZNT3qACM6BzxTQ1pv0sih-SpRPgQA0WMNRBFLGxf5QQARJRxQDx1o4Lwy_M4GC8sbSIvyWV7IVIEDys3RWaADSmhPXn8vI/s2048/IMG_0450.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1438" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqu3P5ZznRSXRDpATA_23jNG-WIC0baPh40cyW-uW3C4GE3FZNT3qACM6BzxTQ1pv0sih-SpRPgQA0WMNRBFLGxf5QQARJRxQDx1o4Lwy_M4GC8sbSIvyWV7IVIEDys3RWaADSmhPXn8vI/s640/IMG_0450.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And the edge of the fleece makes a good line to follow when sewing. If you are going to add embroidery now is the time to do it. I did some raw edge applique on this bag and hand embroidery on the first one.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGTAS925gX2LvJQ7uEQQQVjX7dzrHCELn-QgO-qrR_k40K_fWKpqE69lB02rni_Qx6arl_aRposbbwlNPcGfAmXXIsht83P9DviGe_q4nXPgOmBSssUbkc-LuG8onM0-0Rc5sKCjcL600l/s2048/IMG_0453.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1832" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGTAS925gX2LvJQ7uEQQQVjX7dzrHCELn-QgO-qrR_k40K_fWKpqE69lB02rni_Qx6arl_aRposbbwlNPcGfAmXXIsht83P9DviGe_q4nXPgOmBSssUbkc-LuG8onM0-0Rc5sKCjcL600l/s640/IMG_0453.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next, place the main piece and the lining piece right sides together and stitch along the two curves of the 'handle' on both sides. Clip the curves, turn through and press. The two sides and the bottom of the bag will be open. You can top stitch the handle edges for a neat finish but start and end the stitching 1cm in from the edge to make the next step easier.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgocWrDMrADdEcTIMsPjkCQZKPykizR7A-v39ekihkgCPg37H9ejBQEi-eK8XWKZ6ZeAf2RXwT5L-CNWvhOh-Ugp-KbB-22fOFIRnNm6t5cPINmRHPgFaATyw-9h2T81QPJp2upagLi8EV1/s2048/IMG_0456.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgocWrDMrADdEcTIMsPjkCQZKPykizR7A-v39ekihkgCPg37H9ejBQEi-eK8XWKZ6ZeAf2RXwT5L-CNWvhOh-Ugp-KbB-22fOFIRnNm6t5cPINmRHPgFaATyw-9h2T81QPJp2upagLi8EV1/s640/IMG_0456.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next, keeping the handle out of the way of your pins, match and pin together the two outer sides and the two lining sides together and stitch right across from A to B on both sides, leaving the notches and bottom seams open.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUEvF7sqdklXOGIVXrpWeqTFNWYuhEMwf1RHAuIUb9Vnxdz5yQqo6G98P_LxIJLnt4xwNkLCPOPqgQwQAfDW-4RnNPTjzW5LkdAw529wECGBu5CDwY47T_W_Lbg-nR4qDcd-23GKlOziPD/s2048/IMG_0458+copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1682" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUEvF7sqdklXOGIVXrpWeqTFNWYuhEMwf1RHAuIUb9Vnxdz5yQqo6G98P_LxIJLnt4xwNkLCPOPqgQwQAfDW-4RnNPTjzW5LkdAw529wECGBu5CDwY47T_W_Lbg-nR4qDcd-23GKlOziPD/s640/IMG_0458+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Make sure the spot where the handle and side seams meet is matched carefully. Its quite difficult to explain but much easier to do! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next, sew across the bottom seam on the outer fabric, then sew the bottom seam of the lining leaving a GAP of about 8cms in the middle to turn the bag through. The white arrows indicate (not very elegantly) where to stitch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAlULVFapuxBs6s4J4Hd2c68xbghYaxwWjpGLNND1wRW26KHliLdRkCIcRSlqO2jvJDNj7iOf9mwMdlNwGXMbvpum1lg0kP5TnYo6AAsTNjv-FX0ivG-8NwPZyDEdkv-ZQ9VnDqfC7druG/s2048/IMG_0460+copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1640" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAlULVFapuxBs6s4J4Hd2c68xbghYaxwWjpGLNND1wRW26KHliLdRkCIcRSlqO2jvJDNj7iOf9mwMdlNwGXMbvpum1lg0kP5TnYo6AAsTNjv-FX0ivG-8NwPZyDEdkv-ZQ9VnDqfC7druG/s640/IMG_0460+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7lefS1b3zbukYfzUCdWFUdgmkHIKRUqiLI1dkAfdVi96vjpw6k6iutXPDtLgTClciXvbs643pGfBanjI4YAjJUneQqcO59LdXH9oeZ6sgkZq5EopQrbYvXxRVmD_IA3OGF6SoE3utEKLo/s2048/IMG_0461+copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2001" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7lefS1b3zbukYfzUCdWFUdgmkHIKRUqiLI1dkAfdVi96vjpw6k6iutXPDtLgTClciXvbs643pGfBanjI4YAjJUneQqcO59LdXH9oeZ6sgkZq5EopQrbYvXxRVmD_IA3OGF6SoE3utEKLo/s640/IMG_0461+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><p>Lastly, box the four corners matching the seams in the middle, and mark the line with a pencil or fabric marker at the point where the ruler shows 2.5cms each side of the centre line. Stitch the four box corners. Its easier to look at the picture than to explain!!<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigN-klrT47OtDX4Q9segEvT-Ts4teXCI1xuwQT4t64chbm-dE_GYfVieueuZ97FN8Ph2EMGKfeQyOZ1b-hpd6dYkFoCLtcv3Vo7Ok-dsCejhSXrPO-1apxlQebaL5XOgm1MO8-nQAmITwB/s2048/IMG_0463.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigN-klrT47OtDX4Q9segEvT-Ts4teXCI1xuwQT4t64chbm-dE_GYfVieueuZ97FN8Ph2EMGKfeQyOZ1b-hpd6dYkFoCLtcv3Vo7Ok-dsCejhSXrPO-1apxlQebaL5XOgm1MO8-nQAmITwB/s640/IMG_0463.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Now all that's left is to turn the bag through the gap in the bottom seam and hand sew or machine the lining closed.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHUztj8tduT3HhyPU9Y7970Ldm7-rc48KZg6PekGRTOT44cQ34d6FwQD9I4vz3deh7_wp-78mjdr7BDPhaUH-NZg6NkMr1j6TdfFvxkqVkYHW9jn9EkXzGLnGn8GTcLQfE_4kWKjdVNosk/s2048/IMG_0464.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1964" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHUztj8tduT3HhyPU9Y7970Ldm7-rc48KZg6PekGRTOT44cQ34d6FwQD9I4vz3deh7_wp-78mjdr7BDPhaUH-NZg6NkMr1j6TdfFvxkqVkYHW9jn9EkXzGLnGn8GTcLQfE_4kWKjdVNosk/s640/IMG_0464.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And that's it. Give the bag a good press. I stuffed the bag with balls of yarn to make it easier to keep the box shape whilst pressing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiP6PxLGggGnkNulpdwCF_1h4EMoYqMT3-MDSK7Rh1YHT8IIDJdfBViGKCEa5V7geqPmRQe7-kxmTyNtv3364_weUO3Ma28TGmqnkMn_kkA5JQg7N4IeIgF6XSQMZVZ9ZjHpSbWV7IPGvX/s2048/IMG_0469%25281%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1861" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiP6PxLGggGnkNulpdwCF_1h4EMoYqMT3-MDSK7Rh1YHT8IIDJdfBViGKCEa5V7geqPmRQe7-kxmTyNtv3364_weUO3Ma28TGmqnkMn_kkA5JQg7N4IeIgF6XSQMZVZ9ZjHpSbWV7IPGvX/s640/IMG_0469%25281%2529.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now it occurs to me that I have very skinny arms and these measurements were fine for my arm but if you think a bit more space is needed for the arm you are sewing for. adding about 2 or 3 cms at the top of the pattern, ie the fold line. This will make a bigger side opening.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaY9uKzmKWE8DJFt5tI3rSTWtZku5z_7AFTyyenicMeGrkB4flp2zz4JegH8zhPPflmjXqwuOYWG3tyUcoYe7aIL6QuT_SxdmXvoklymvrNzYNMTxUOcPzboxUifICb8Hcil8QVp7oY5aJ/s2048/IMG_0473%25281%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1745" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaY9uKzmKWE8DJFt5tI3rSTWtZku5z_7AFTyyenicMeGrkB4flp2zz4JegH8zhPPflmjXqwuOYWG3tyUcoYe7aIL6QuT_SxdmXvoklymvrNzYNMTxUOcPzboxUifICb8Hcil8QVp7oY5aJ/s640/IMG_0473%25281%2529.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The bag is big enough to hold two 50gm balls of yarn, plenty to be going on with when out and about. Perfect for knitting and crochet and even small embroidery projects would fit inside. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm not very good at tutorials but Elena is and wrote a brilliant one on her blog <b><i><a href="http://momentosdecostura.blogspot.com/2016/10/tutorial-bolsas-guarda-labores-de.html" target="_blank">Momentos de Costura</a></i></b> in October 2016. It has excellent photos and is written in Spanish but Google can translate it for you if necessary. Her bag is a different shape to mine but the method of construction is exactly the same and its the method I copied to make my bag. So thank you Elena! I hope you both enjoy making your bags..... and you may want to make more than one - I've made five so far!!! <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ann<br /></div>Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549006313944585453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1194922694830225634.post-24028332728252342302020-02-09T01:57:00.000+00:002020-02-14T08:52:45.547+00:00Little boxes and January<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVn-cGko1DwQXDldO24eyKlL7utFdFO6eJsKWHu2zS6jH-Pp2U-i-lKlnqHgIl8s4imaEVs33BfebyDGk5FZ6n9NRS2i5UKccxxCDrucKkQ1Q9UHyHFzQNwXsss2r1dqEqRkGeoU-CyqiD/s1600/IMG_0343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1215" data-original-width="1600" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVn-cGko1DwQXDldO24eyKlL7utFdFO6eJsKWHu2zS6jH-Pp2U-i-lKlnqHgIl8s4imaEVs33BfebyDGk5FZ6n9NRS2i5UKccxxCDrucKkQ1Q9UHyHFzQNwXsss2r1dqEqRkGeoU-CyqiD/s640/IMG_0343.JPG" width="640" /> </a></div>
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I recently posted these little boxes on my Instagram feed and there was some interest in a bit of a tutorial. Well, I found them in a Japanese quilting book. Instructions are minimal and in Japanese but it is possible to figure them out with a bit of patience. This is the 'how to make' page.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLRXUj91N1rhPeP_DolinchnO23nT_tOZa2_tSA74spCz1al7iq5eVCNPJT9PgQpxcABMFoQLiBbi4ILrUi0P6FLlPB6YuvsmoHlmaijJXwQh44wxYRDT9VSnbCuvfL8jO6z5k-n1I4dl2/s1600/box1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="561" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLRXUj91N1rhPeP_DolinchnO23nT_tOZa2_tSA74spCz1al7iq5eVCNPJT9PgQpxcABMFoQLiBbi4ILrUi0P6FLlPB6YuvsmoHlmaijJXwQh44wxYRDT9VSnbCuvfL8jO6z5k-n1I4dl2/s640/box1.JPG" width="546" /></a></div>
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Ok, its a bit vague so I made another box and took a few photos along the way. I used a heavy fusible interfacing called "fast2fuse" for the sides and cereal packet card for the top and bottom. I used circle dies to cut the card for neatness but they are not necessary. You can make the box any size of course but mine are small. The strip of interfacing is about 20cms long.</div>
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The interfacing is adhesive on both sides and you need to follow the instructions for your particular interfacing if it is fusible. So, cut your fabric about 10mm larger than the interfacing all around. Fuse the interfacing in the centre and then fold over and fuse the fabric allowances to the inside. Cut the inside lining fabric the same size then fold under and press the allowances to the wrong side before fusing. Only the centre of the lining will stick to the interfacing so you need to mattress or over stitch around the edges (see photo below) - small stitches will make for a neater finish, especially on the box rim.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigz9RiPZuRowJUrhDu6tNnJzT14EFFqT71f242sY9lBZq-I6NeDBecd8mq7dD-yvYVdB8UKtMCN9TTXF06UXXWRqHWkkhYi5cnVxnjVkC-QkGAmdu0vRLuTVHV_Cia6dYDzRv6_bVYD4H0/s1600/first.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="1600" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigz9RiPZuRowJUrhDu6tNnJzT14EFFqT71f242sY9lBZq-I6NeDBecd8mq7dD-yvYVdB8UKtMCN9TTXF06UXXWRqHWkkhYi5cnVxnjVkC-QkGAmdu0vRLuTVHV_Cia6dYDzRv6_bVYD4H0/s640/first.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Join the short edges with mattress stitch. The circle will be wonky but it will even out when the base is attached. Cut two circles of card to fit the base snugly. Two layers of cereal box will be enough. Cut a circle of the outer fabric about 15mm larger all round than the card and gather the fabric up in the usual way, with the card inside (see photo below). Fasten off the gathers securely and sew into the base of the box along the bottom edge using either matress stitch or over stitch, whichever is the easiest. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg1fODf-zOOXL3F8ojZu7skHOMebSlOtBevT8GXn6A5S1d0qvp9T2xdSV23p6W1iKoENbJPUe97vPvtNYCWjaoFi1RaO0c4jM1Z4i0afvI5wwQfEb59GzWrmRfD17w01A1CL4Bk9dX4cyd/s1600/box2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="1600" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg1fODf-zOOXL3F8ojZu7skHOMebSlOtBevT8GXn6A5S1d0qvp9T2xdSV23p6W1iKoENbJPUe97vPvtNYCWjaoFi1RaO0c4jM1Z4i0afvI5wwQfEb59GzWrmRfD17w01A1CL4Bk9dX4cyd/s640/box2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Make another piece the same as the base using lining fabric and push it into the bottom of the box. It will fit snugly inside and won't need stitching or sticking down. </div>
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Cut a piece of outer fabric for the lid of the box. The lid can be the same size as the base. Add your chosen decoration - I embroidered small floral motifs on calico and stitched them in the centre of the fabric. </div>
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Make the lid in the same way as the base, making sure the decoration is in the centre of the gathered circle. You can add a little padding between the top fabric and the card circles. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgag-vqYDpCtiu4xhe7gxC8bXRnRhCJAuEIGRAN8zONHUZLu4dMXXBu9L1K0NDYYgd1_LurTwd1FIoWO0oQOQJC9yNPm6fV6FcxbjGIig8MgISs5IdnSIN8OEggvqEJ3M5MEKvQy8XonkhY/s1600/box3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="1600" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgag-vqYDpCtiu4xhe7gxC8bXRnRhCJAuEIGRAN8zONHUZLu4dMXXBu9L1K0NDYYgd1_LurTwd1FIoWO0oQOQJC9yNPm6fV6FcxbjGIig8MgISs5IdnSIN8OEggvqEJ3M5MEKvQy8XonkhY/s640/box3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you want your box to close stitch on a loop of elastic or cord as you can see in my photo above. If your lid decoration has a top and bottom make sure the elastic is in the right place. Cut card for the inside lining circle of the lid slightly smaller than the top. Gather as before and stitch to the inside of the lid (see photo above).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcyfW_OnGsZuk6BRL7XEjb7XgtbIjFsnjpgyDILhc_kt_k28hg1R5tovp0ojzB-Yolm2ty6jTtFQkmyfUXPtE2LJBxLnXJOjHzThQm2Uvp8d2ZuCcC-7B0YVXJKducfG_7B2UZyzvHLoM/s1600/box4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="1600" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcyfW_OnGsZuk6BRL7XEjb7XgtbIjFsnjpgyDILhc_kt_k28hg1R5tovp0ojzB-Yolm2ty6jTtFQkmyfUXPtE2LJBxLnXJOjHzThQm2Uvp8d2ZuCcC-7B0YVXJKducfG_7B2UZyzvHLoM/s640/box4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Attach the lid to the box with a row of stitches - not too many or the lid won't open properly. Finally sew a button to the front to make the fastener. And there you have it! Quite simple really but a lot of hand stitching. If I haven't made something clear or you are puzzling over a step do leave a comment and I will get back to you. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrQIGZ0v43I_ud5KzRYshCQePaO0nbQbX-bSTHKFL9EDRd0_nPRsTuB6qnMAeIXvx4WatQEm3Fbw4tN_UKT8rkMDnLSXSxWIPPuzTX_b_HLh25vh7znAwPWUB0J-2jMQarDRnhaDT4olU/s1600/box3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="656" data-original-width="560" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrQIGZ0v43I_ud5KzRYshCQePaO0nbQbX-bSTHKFL9EDRd0_nPRsTuB6qnMAeIXvx4WatQEm3Fbw4tN_UKT8rkMDnLSXSxWIPPuzTX_b_HLh25vh7znAwPWUB0J-2jMQarDRnhaDT4olU/s320/box3.JPG" width="273" /></a></div>
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This is a photo of the boxes in the book. It's title in English is <u>Country Quilt Days</u>. I managed to find a hard copy of the book but you can buy a <span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/477342208/56-country-quilt-patterns-japanese?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=country+quilt+days&ref=sr_gallery-1-1&organic_search_click=1" target="_blank"><b>PDF</b></a></span> (click for the link) of the whole book and many others on Etsy for just a couple of pounds. If you do search for it search the title as the books often have different covers.</div>
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JANUARY</div>
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It is now 11 years since I started this blog and although I neglect it quite horribly, I'm loathe to let it go completely. I'll try to blog monthly in 2020 (I know, I'm already a week late for January).</div>
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So what happened in January? </div>
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The main happening was a new roof! A bit of a shock as I was expecting to just have the holes and slipped slates repaired. But the builder said the 120 year old structure was not fit for purpose and it would be best to do the whole lot! Eek! And on one very cold but glorious day a huge hole appeared for the new Velux window! The cat was in her element!!! </div>
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Don't worry the cat did get down safely - eventually! And although it took most of my savings, it will see me out and hopefully add a bit to the value of the house. AND I don't have to worry about emptying the buckets in the roof space any more!</div>
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And things started growing, slowly, including things I'd dug up and brought from my Mother's garden last year.</div>
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And I bought some absolutely gorgeously soft and warm yarn from<span style="background-color: white;"> <span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://moelviewyarn.com/" target="_blank">Moel View Yarn</a></span></span> to knit a lovely <span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://www.trulymyrtle.com/shop/pokiha" target="_blank">Pokiha shawl</a></span></span> (pattern from Truly Myrtle) to keep me warm when I'm sitting sewing. It's clever shaping keeps it firmly on my shoulders without pinning.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjALITiuqQK8UOvAqBF4xy7_C-Cyo4VKMyh7zFxs4fnR98GsA5vrJVWdiPdXcoSpeDyf_bKKvFz-Bp-Fcwh5KVGyGQkKtkYRVLqZP_G5Wp3NjPTHZSbSUp_f9CXFbcKSBSR5ELBdnzUrfba/s1600/IMG_0121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjALITiuqQK8UOvAqBF4xy7_C-Cyo4VKMyh7zFxs4fnR98GsA5vrJVWdiPdXcoSpeDyf_bKKvFz-Bp-Fcwh5KVGyGQkKtkYRVLqZP_G5Wp3NjPTHZSbSUp_f9CXFbcKSBSR5ELBdnzUrfba/s640/IMG_0121.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1npSmM18YH7yWjUOJad-ufRwHN5vOeg-zUcsbjsK8UV2rlhKSs_wB3VJE8zzKQKgQqiBK17n-I1_eAnFSH3ZFr7_1NIFhvSJHoNn-t0Vb3A6uDXIw4nKx3tkVGecjHKgVocyBN_znn850/s1600/IMG_0232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1581" data-original-width="1600" height="632" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1npSmM18YH7yWjUOJad-ufRwHN5vOeg-zUcsbjsK8UV2rlhKSs_wB3VJE8zzKQKgQqiBK17n-I1_eAnFSH3ZFr7_1NIFhvSJHoNn-t0Vb3A6uDXIw4nKx3tkVGecjHKgVocyBN_znn850/s640/IMG_0232.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Moel View yarn is produced just down the road from here and you can see that "moel view" through the hole in my roof! This is what the wonderful <span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://www.loopknittingshop.com/" target="_blank">Loop of London</a></span>, (which stocks Moel View Yarn) says about Paula's product:</div>
<h1 class="ct_mainContent_header" id="ct_sh_title">
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<i>Natural, Botanical Dyes - on darling yarns and pure ethically sourced wool. Wales.Loop is incredibly excited and proud to be stocking Moel View yarns.<br /><br />Overlooking
'Moel Famau' - the tallest peak of the Clwydian range in North Wales,
Paula uses only the finest yarns and gently hand dyes each skein
with thought and care, using natural botanical ingredients to create
colours that truly reflect the natural landscape and changing seasons.</i></div>
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And there were sunsets, and a sprinkling of snow, and I sewed a few more purses, and rescued some hyacinths from the supermarket which three weeks later are still filling the room with colour and perfume...... but that's enough for now. Its late and I want my bed. You can see what else I did on Instagram if you are curious!!!</div>
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To be continued at the end of February.......</div>
Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549006313944585453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1194922694830225634.post-52918229249103032052019-11-27T21:06:00.000+00:002019-11-28T08:54:22.344+00:00Japanese Potholder/Mug Cosy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Needs must! Today I posted this picture on my Instagram account and foolishly offered the pattern to anyone who would like to try it. I say foolishly as I'd completely overlooked the fact I'd found it in a Japanese craft book and the instructions are, of course, in Japanese!<br />
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I managed to work it out from the diagrams but to avoid any disappointment I'm writing the instructions here where anyone can access them. To start with here is a scan of the page which includes the pattern and diagrams:<br />
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So first download the image (its a jpg) and print it out on A4 paper ensuring you tell the printer to print actual size. Cut out the paper template. I stuck the paper onto cereal packet card as I made a few potholders and needed something sturdier than paper. So, now for the instructions:<br />
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1. Cut out 2 fabric semicircles <b>ADDING</b> a seam allowance. I use cotton teatowel sets bought in bargain stores as they are inexpensive and hardwearing and the patterns will co-ordinate. So cut one semicircle in each of the fabrics you choose. You can makes a few potholders from one teatowel.<br />
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2. Cut one batting semicircle <b>without</b> the seam allowance. I used a heat resistant batting called Insul Bright that has a metalised film sandwiched between polyester fibres. You could of course use any other batting/fleece but they may not give the best heat resistance when handling hot saucepan handles etc.<br />
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3. Baste/tack the batting to the wrong side of the fabric which is to be the outside of the potholder. Just around the edge is good enough but not too close to ensure it doesn't get in the way of stitching.<br />
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4. Fold the piece in half, right sides together, along the straight edge and pin. Cut a piece of cotton tape about 3" long, fold it in half and slide the folded edge of the tape in next to the centre fold as shown in <u>diagram 1</u>. This will be the hanging loop at the peak of the potholder.<br />
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5. Stitch the seam as shown in <u>diagram 2</u> (the red line). Use the edge of the batting as a guide.<br />
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6. Stitch the seam in the lining piece leaving a gap for turning as shown in <u>diagram 3</u>. Press the seam allowance on both pieces to one side.<br />
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7. Turn the outer potholder right side out then place the lining piece on top of it so that the two right sides are facing eachother. Pin the bottom edges together all the way around making sure you align the two perfectly. The batting will be the bottom layer as shown in <u>diagram 4</u>.<br />
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8. Stitch all around as shown in <u>diagram 5</u> - the red line.<br />
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9. Turn the potholder right side out through the gap in the lining seam and use a chopstick or similar to gently push out the pointed top. Press everything neatly. Handsew the gap closed as shown in <u>diagram 6</u>.<br />
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10. Top stitch around the base on the outside to make a neater job. The lining will show a bit on the outside but I think this looks quite nice. Press again.<br />
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And, ta-da! Its finished. Make another one to co-ordinate or to match.<br />
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Of course if you can read Japanese the book probably makes a better job of the instructions than I did!!! Do say if I've made any mistakes.<br />
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If you've not visited my blog before you might notice I haven't written a post for some time. I kept meaning to but never found the right time. The last two years have not been happy ones. My Mum died at the end of 2018 and then three months ago we lost my younger sister. Its the first time I've written that. In between times our family home of almost 50 years had to be emptied and sold. Hopefully I will get back to blogging in 2020. I'll try to make it my New Year resolution!<br />
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<br />Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549006313944585453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1194922694830225634.post-23288205045337385462019-03-08T00:01:00.000+00:002019-03-08T00:04:12.151+00:00World Book Day 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Its World Book Day and the day has been perfect for staying in and reading - wet, windy and grey grey grey! I'm reading these three at the moment. Meadowland and Four Hedges have chapters titled with the months of the year (a genre I especially enjoy), so after reading the March chapters I'll leave them both bookmarked and pick them up again in April.<br />
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That leaves "Miss Buncle's Book" which is not a book I would have picked up without the recommendation of the mighty Scott at <a href="http://furrowedmiddlebrow.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><i><b>Furrowed Middlebrow</b></i></a>, who in turn pointed me towards an enabling review by <a href="https://bookssnob.wordpress.com/2010/06/30/miss-buncles-book-by-d-e-stevenson/" target="_blank"><i><b>Book Snob</b></i></a>. But be warned, once you click over to Furrowed M you may be there for some time and spend even more time searching on line for books and writers you would never have come across otherwise!<br />
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Two more minutes of World Book Day to go and I need to get to bed so I can read another chapter before closing my eyes!<br />
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Really enjoyed making more bookmarks by the way!Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549006313944585453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1194922694830225634.post-29310310184091889592019-02-16T23:20:00.001+00:002019-02-16T23:20:34.436+00:00An Occasional Update - Spring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We're only half way through February but there are signs of spring everywhere - even in my sewing room. I like using old embroidery transfers and this Weldons transfer couldn't be more spring-like could it. I don't actually use the transfer that would be a shame. I photocopy the transfer sheet and then use my lightbox to trace the design onto fabric with an erasable pencil/marker. <br />
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Spring is inside and outside - most particularly in the garden. There's nothing like a warmish day in late winter to encourage a bit of spring cleaning - tidying, snipping back and pulling a few weeds. This year I've a lot of transplanting to do too.<br />
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The family home is to be sold and the garden turned into a building plot. I cared for the garden for 25 years after my father died but now it will be dug up so I have to save as many plants as I can. First this year have been the snowdrops and they were a success! I know advice is to move them "in the green" but I took a chance and moved them in flower and two weeks later they look like they've always been there! So happy!<br />
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And I had to stitch them too - just in case. The last couple of days I've moved on to crocuses and daffodils. Not so easy but I'll let you know how I/they get on. They are looking beautiful at the moment.<br />
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And so is the country roundabout. I always think it looks its best in Spring sunshine. Something to do with the light.<br />
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Its a good year for snowdrops - in abundance on my walk this week but before you know it there will be primroses and violets....... then...... so many plants! There's much to do!<br />
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<br />Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549006313944585453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1194922694830225634.post-8968917291643498922018-11-18T00:23:00.000+00:002018-11-18T00:23:14.593+00:00Not just for Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The inspirational Minki Kim published her second book <b><a href="http://www.minkikim.com/diary-in-stitches-2/" target="_blank">Diary in Stitches</a></b> recently. Its full of design ideas and patterns for the type of small gift I like to make for Christmas fairs at this time of year. I made these Christmassy bookmarks using some of the festive patterns in the book. A friend gave me some strips of very thick cardboard just right for the inside stiffening and I just cut strips of linen and cotton print to fit and stitched them together. Its best to do the embroidery before cutting the linen to size. Use an erasable pen.<br />
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These second lot are slightly smaller and don't have the edge stitching. I do think the edging makes them look for finished so if I make more I'll make them slightly bigger so there's room for the stitching. Books are the best type of Christmas gift as far as I'm concerned. I loved to get an annual when I was a child and still enjoy dipping into a long wanted title on Christmas morning..... though usually I've bought it for myself!!!<br />
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Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549006313944585453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1194922694830225634.post-44830885853692916482018-10-17T22:55:00.004+01:002018-10-17T22:55:56.761+01:00Autumn decoration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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October is the start of the crafting season - in my life anyway as Christmas isn't far away. And a change of season is the cue to bring out my autumn decorations. It seems this autumn's must have is the white mini pumpkin. They are in all the most beautiful Instagram photos. I think they may be called Mini Boos but they haven't reached us up here in North Wales. So I thought to make my own. Its an easy crochet pattern I found at <a href="https://www.planetjune.com/blog/free-crochet-patterns/pumpkin/" target="_blank">Plant June</a> and you can make two or three in an evening - well, perhaps crochet one evening and put together the next. June crocheted her stalks and so did I previously, but for my little white Boos I used a small stick from the garden or a cinnamon stick and a die cut felt leaf hot glued in place.<br />
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Next I stitched acorns using <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/172829679/pdf-acorn-and-pine-cone-sewing-pattern?ref=shop_home_active_34" target="_blank">this pattern</a> from Tatiana Maximenko. You might have seen I used her pattern for the mushrooms I photographed for my last post. Tatiana's patterns are beautiful, simple and photographed in detail to help you in your sewing. Her stitching is perfect and I must admit it needs time and patience to achieve anywhere near the same results. I need to try a few more as, of course, practise makes perfect - well as perfect as I can get.<br />
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My last project was somewhat easier to execute. I was looking through my pile of Landscape magazine back issues for a cake recipe I remembered - I thought last year. But I was distracted by the cover of a winter issue featuring decorations using Honesty seedpods. I'd collected the dried pods earlier in the summer and they were stored in my shed waiting to have their seeds saved for next year. I sacrificed a few to make these lovely window decorations. I stuck the seeds to the "silver pennies" with a dot of liquid craft glue and then used the same to glue them into a flower shape. When the sun shines through the window they light up!<br />
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Have you ever noticed the seedpods are three layers thick. There is a stronger outer layer and inside is the silvery tissue paper thin layer with seeds on each side. Such a clever design! Its quite easy to peel the layers apart with your fingers and of course easy for the winds of autumn to separate those layers too and fling the seeds far and wide. Isn't nature amazing.<br />
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<br />Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549006313944585453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1194922694830225634.post-81415652719181530272018-10-01T23:45:00.001+01:002018-10-01T23:49:18.859+01:00Is there anyone out there!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Its the first of October and first thing this moring I walked out into my small garden to take a photo to post on my Instagram account. The sun had just risen above the hills and lit up this lovely Japanese Anemone, absolutely at its best at the moment. I decided now was the time to restart my blog.<br />
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Its been over a year since I last posted. I've kept up my Instagram and occasionally my two Facebook pages during this time - they are easy - it only takes a photo and a few words and its done in just a couple of minutes. Blogging however needs more thought, more words and perhaps more photos. I need to be in the mood and I haven't been in the mood for all these months. There are reasons of course, mainly family reasons. But its a new month and a new start...... well not a new start, just a carrying on of what I considered my online diary since 2009. I couldn't quite bring myself to let it go altogether, so here we are again.<br />
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I'm still crafting whenever I can - sewing is my thing at the moment. <br />
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Still watching the wildlife in my small garden and tramping the fields with my camera.<br />
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And still enjoying the wild spaces and attractions around me in North Wales. So nothing much has changed but everything has changed. </div>
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I'll write it down here from now on and maybe, just maybe someone will read it. </div>
<br />Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549006313944585453noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1194922694830225634.post-22298621004298127702017-08-24T10:25:00.000+01:002017-08-24T10:25:16.823+01:00It's about time......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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You know what I'm going to say.... it's about time I updated my blog! Summer has reached its peak and the season is due for a change! Last year was all about turning the jungle outside my back door back into a garden after almost 20 years of neglect. This year my handy handyman suggested the tumbledown shed could be cleared away and a new one built in its place. I quite liked the extremely "distressed" look of what was obviously once a wash-house but after a bit of persuasion I agreed.<br />
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And now its all but finished I have to admit I'm very pleased with it and am enjoying having a place to store all the junk that used to live outside my backdoor. And I really like the fact that its been cobbled together with a door found in a reclaim yard for £10, windows are second hand from someone who had had replacements, the roof changed from corrugated iron to perspex to make the most of evening light, and the corrugated iron put to use as the back wall.<br />
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Someone sometime had painted this pretty floral decoration on the door - I would love to know where it came from.<br />
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I bought the gorgeous red geraniums from an NGS open garden we visited in July and have even bought some coloured solar lights after vowing I would never go in for garden lighting! But that's okay as they are inside the shed!<br />
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At the end of July I met up with my sister in Amsterdam for a short break. We took our lives in our hands walking about the city centre trying to avoid being run down by the bikes, scooters, cars and trams all vying for space on the busy streets. Much more to my taste, we visited the great windmills at Zaanse Schans, a sort of open air museum, where we also watched clogs being made, resisted buying a pair (!) and bought cheese instead.<br />
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Then August has been all about gadding about with my sister visiting from Germany. We managed a trip out on most days of her visit - we're very lucky to have many places worth visiting close enough for a half day trip. These are just a few.<br />
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A dash to the coast to watch the sunset. We found an escaped kite on the shoreline and got it into the sky again. We gave it to a passing family who after a bit of practice, also got it flying.<br />
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Port Sunlight in Cheshire was a lovely day out. So many beautiful houses to admire and a wander around the Lady Lever Art Gallery to admire some of my favourite Pre-Raphalite paintings.<br />
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And on a warm sunny afternoon we wandered about the beautiful garden at Nantclwyd y Dre, an ancient house restored and open to the public here in town. The garden is a work in progress being recreated by volunteers. Could have stayed there all day!<br />
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So with all this roaming around I haven't been that creative. However with Autumn on the way and Christmas looming in the distance I think I'd better start thinking about it!!!<br />
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But I haven't completely stayed away from my beloved sewing machine and my hooks. There are always gifts that need making. This one was for my new tablet that had to be bought after the BBC decided not to support iPlayer on my Kindle anymore. I can't manage without iPlayer in the evenings when I need to be at my Mother's house.<br />
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I made these two covered notebooks for my sister and her friend who both need to be planning for their retirements. It will be here before they know it - like it was for me!!<br />
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And I hooked this summery scarf for a friend's birthday. It was a total copy of one an Instagram friend posted on her feed. I just loved the style and yarn she had used so I'm hoping she thinks imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.<br />
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And one more photo - I learned how to make these origami flowers and gave them as another birthday gift. Very easy but rather time consuming.<br />
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There have been other makes too of course since I last posted, but this will do for now. Its time to look forward not backward and there is much to do!Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549006313944585453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1194922694830225634.post-51277718375749019172017-05-02T01:16:00.000+01:002017-05-02T01:16:19.628+01:00May Day Catchup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well April flew by and was surely a month of contrasts! We did have a few sunny days for walking on the beach and even a visit to the local nature reserve.<br />
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But there have been plenty of dull, cold and wet days just right for staying in and sewing. I discovered flex frames and gave them a go. I've always wanted to make little coin purses but have been put off those snap frames as they looked rather difficult and I didn't fancy all that glueing.<br />
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The flex frame is much easier and suitable for straightforward flat purses or the boxed corner kind. I found a nice pattern in this gorgeous <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Patchwork-Style-Simple-Projects-Colorful/dp/159030649X" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Japanese craft book</b></i></span></a> (don't worry it's the English version).<br />
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Anyway, it seems I missed Easter altogether here on the blog but I did enjoy making a few Eastery bits and bobs when I found <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/iManuFatti?ref=profile_shopicon" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Manuela's Etsy shop</b></i></span></a> and her cute felties. These chickens were my favourites. I managed to machine stitch them rather than hand stitching as recommended in the pattern. <br />
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Okay, I know snails aren't normally an Easter image but they were so cute I couldn't resist! Could you!<br />
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The garden has come to life again and is demanding my attention.... rather more attention than I've been able to give and there's a lot of weeding to catch up on!<br />
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The trouble with leaving the blog for a month is there is much to catch up on - I think rather more than will fit into one blog post. So I'll finish now and hopefully write a bit more later.<br />
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But one more photo from the garden. These little creatures demand feeding every day now as they are busy with courting, nest building, egg laying and brood feeding. They are costing me a small fortune but they give so much pleasure I don't begrudge them one shilling! Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549006313944585453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1194922694830225634.post-29913573177053074522017-03-31T01:12:00.000+01:002017-03-31T01:12:53.670+01:00Sweetly Stitched<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We celebrated Mothering Sunday last weekend here in the UK. My mother is 92 and not in good health so apart from flowers there is nothing she really wants. But I wanted to stitch something for the occasion and as I'd lost my phone case the week before decided to make one. I based my make on a project for an eyeglasses case in Amy Sinibaldi's <a href="ttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Sweetly-Stitched-Handmades-Projects-Loved/dp/6055647664" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Sweetly Stitched Handmades</b></span></a><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">so I can fit it into the <i>2017 Sewing Book Challenge</i> over on Instagram. However I have changed the design a bit by decorating the front with some sewing illustration. I've a Pinterest board of mid-century </span></span><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">czechoslovakian matchbook labels - such wonderful designs - and adapted this boy and girl to fit in with the Mothers Day theme. I haven't tried to translate but guess these two labels are encouraging a healthy diet but I changed the cabbage into a bunch of flowers and the dish of yogurt(?) into a nice cuppa!</span></span><br />
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I liked the project so much I just had to try a few more and this time did use Amy's design. Pretty happy with how they turned out. And of course they don't have to be for glasses. My phone fits perfectly into one and I'm sure you can think of other uses - a few sewing notions or crochet hooks for crafting on the go comes to my mind. I like to have a few small items on hand for gifting and these fit the bill nicely.<br />
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After all that stitching I awarded myself a Mothers Day treat of a Sunday afternoon walk by the Alwen Reservoir.<br />
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After watching an item on BBCs <i>Gardeners World</i> the Friday before I was on the lookout for Lichens and Mosses as I seen lots there before. I wasn't disappointed - just look at those colours!</div>
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Then in the evening it was lovely to see that very same area featured on another BBC programme <i>Countryfile</i>.<br />
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PS - I found my phone case under a chair a few days later whilst looking for something else!!! Isn't it always the way! 😄Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549006313944585453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1194922694830225634.post-88621081744048930392017-02-28T02:29:00.000+00:002017-02-28T08:30:55.141+00:00Post Haste Challenge Bag<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On the last day of the month I'm fitting in my single project for the monthly <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BO0ECXmBJvf/?hl=en" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><i><b>2017 Sewing Book Challenge</b></i></span></a> over on Instagram. I only managed one challenge make in February - why does this month always seem to fly by so quickly? It is only 2 days shorter than the other months!!<br />
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The Long Handled Bag pattern is from Sew Illustrated by Minki Kim and Kristin Esser and is a gift for a sister whose life has suddenly been turned upsidedown - and not in a good way. I'm hoping the cheerful print and gingham will in some way brighten the dark days she is going through at the moment - and also be useful for carrying little comfort essentials on hospital trips.<br />
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Although I used the bag pattern straight from the book I changed the surface decoration as I was bowled over by the gorgeous <a href="http://www.minkikim.com/stitched-rose-bag/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Stitched Rose Bag</b></i></span></a> Minki blogged last week and tried a simplified version of her design. Because I wanted to get the bag finished quickly I used a patchwork "cheater print" from LECIEN I'd been hoarding for a year or so. And I had a large reel of woven braid found in a charity shop which was just the right colours and the perfect width for the handles. <br />
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I used stamps for the flower embroidery, though I didn't actually stamp on the fabric but used a light box to trace the outline image on the stamp set's acetate holding sheet straight onto the linen with a Frixon pen.<br />
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And I added a bit of colour with Copic markers - if you try this be careful to colour with the lightest touch and pale colours so as to prevent any bleeding over the stitched lines. It all came together very nicely and was finished in one day - though I have to admit rather late in the day! Now I just need to get it to the Post Office post haste!<br />
<br />Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549006313944585453noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1194922694830225634.post-84909738117232805432017-02-10T00:00:00.001+00:002017-02-10T00:00:25.948+00:00Winter into Spring?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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February is here and of course Valentine's Day is all over the place. I don't join in the sending and receiving of cards/gifts on the day but a friend asked me to make a couple of small love tokens for her daughter and a dear friend of her mother's so I turned once again to the wonderful Minki Kim and took my inspiration from her <a href="http://www.minkikim.com/valentines-day-tags/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Valentine's Day Tags</b></span></a> post. There's a key ring for the daughter and a bookmark for the friend. Hope they suit.<br />
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I do rather feel this yearly celebration of romance marks a turn in the season - especially as the sun has returned to the very bottom of the garden for an hour or two in the mornings. But of course its still cold and winter may well have something in store for us before we can definitely celebrate spring. However the sunlight on the old brick edging and spying one or two of my resident flock of sparrows with feathers and other nesting materials in their beaks is a cheering sight.<br />
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So, I wish all you lovebirds a Happy Valentine's Day next week and trust you will receive the appropriate love token. When I was young we all hoped for an anonymous card from a secret admirer - I never got one but how times have changed!<br />
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<br />Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549006313944585453noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1194922694830225634.post-34378710158679476282017-01-26T11:35:00.000+00:002017-01-26T11:35:41.958+00:00Picture taking woes!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I finished another project for the Sewing Book Challenge last week and it was another requested gift - this time to cheer my friend's niece who is at college in far away London and missing her home in North Wales.<br />
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Its another make from my favourite<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Books/Sew-Illustrated-35-Charming-Fabric-Thread-Designs/1617451789" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b> Sew Illustration</b></span></a>, an embroidered needlebook. I made a pincushion to match and added the recipient's name.<br />
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January is not a good time in my house for taking photos of my makes. Even on sunny days the houses opposite shade my windows. I sometimes add my daylight lamp but for some reason it still doesn't make a decent photo so I usually resort to Windows photo editor. But often even that doesn't produce a photo I'm pleased with.<br />
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I had such problems with this photo of two zip purses this week. Even now I'm not happy with it. I think its something to do with the thread I used - a dark one for the duck and light for the lamb. Too much contrast for the camera. I found inspiration for the little animals in Francoise's lovely book illustrations. I've loved her books for some time and always thought her simple shapes would make good embroidery motifs. I'll be trying some more.<br />
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Anyway - January is almost over and the sun is rising higher in the sky every week. I'm looking forward to the time when it rises above the houses on the other side of the street and will fill my sewing room with light.<br />
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Yesterday was sunny and cold - a perfect winter day. I went for my favourite walk and visited some of my favourite trees. And on the sunny side of the lane the snowdrops were in bloom.<br />
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These are always the earliest to flower - those in the garden won't come out for another couple of weeks and by then we'll be half way through February and definitely looking forward to Spring!Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549006313944585453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1194922694830225634.post-28819256149139470662017-01-12T17:05:00.000+00:002017-01-14T13:01:40.124+00:002017 - a year for some crafty challenges?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Firstly I want to thank you, Julie, Anja, Yve and Simone, for you kind and encouraging comments on my last post. Especially as I never get round to reciprocating on your blogs, though I do visit honestly! I love you guys! :o)<br />
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As always I/we start the new year full of intention and enthusiasm, which usually fizzles out by the end of January. However I have not made resolutions this year but have signed up for a couple of challenges. I've already mentioned Minki Kim's 2017 Pincushion Sew-a-Long and have so far notched up at least one of each design. There's still a couple of weeks before the end of January when the SAL ends and I know I won't be able to resist a few more - yes they are addictive but what do you do with a mountain of pincushions!<br />
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Another challenge I've signed up for will last a bit longer - until the end of 2017 in fact. Like me Carla Peicheff has a shelf of craft books full of wonderful projects seldom utilised. I have to admit I've at least twice as many volumes on my shelves (well at my great age I expect I've been collecting many more years than Carla!) all of which contain at least one project I've intended to make. So the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BO0ECXmBJvf/?taken-by=cpeicheff&hl=en"><span style="color: blue;"><i><b>challenge</b></i></span></a> is to make at least one thing from a book on that shelf each month.<br />
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And guess what, I've already made two this month!!! It helps when I have some reason for making and I'd been asked to make for a new baby. So I dipped into Amy Sinibaldi's lovely book Sweetly Stitched Handmades and made the cute teddy bear nursery cushion and a ruffled bib. I know only that baby is a girl named Mia so do hope these will be to the parents' taste. <br />
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There is one more challenge signed up to and its one I've made for myself. That is NOT to buy ANY fabric, yarn, or haberdashery in 2017. If you could see my sewing room you would have a fit (sorry - I'm certainly not going to share any photos of it here or anywhere else)! Something needs to be done! So unless I absolutely have to buy something, like plain linen or interfacing or something else absolutely necessary for a particular project, I'm not going to be beguiled into buying that oh-so-pretty fabric, that bargain price yarn or anything else I covet on someone's IG feed or blog or pinterest board.<br />
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In fact I started off well in December and made all my Christmas gifts from stuff I already had in my huge stash. These makeup brush travel rolls were made for my often travelling nieces and were created from pieces from my scrap bin and braid that was used to tie sets of teatowels I'd bought at Primark earlier in the year. I did however have to buy the wooden toggle buttons. This project is from another favourite book <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1617451789"><span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Sew Illustrated</b></i></span></a>.<br />
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Now I've got the bug I'm looking for a couple more challenges to keep me busy. Let me know if you see a good one. Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549006313944585453noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1194922694830225634.post-3937736296869366002017-01-01T23:18:00.001+00:002017-01-01T23:20:07.173+00:00Happy New Creative Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Wishing anyone who reads this a Happy, Creative, Peaceful and above all Safe 2017! Its been a pretty awful year for the world and it hasn't been too good for this blog either. I've toyed with the idea of closing it down but there's so much of my life over the past 8 years recorded here I'm lothed to do it. So I'm going to try a different tack in 2017 and write shorter posts but more of them.<br />
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I became infatuated with "sewing illustration" in the second half of 2016 and have even bought myself a new sewing machine for Christmas, one more suited to this style of machine embroidery (I just can't get on with free motion - I need more control!) So to start off the new year, a new sew-a-long from the wonderful Minki Kim. Want to join in? Here's a link to the details: <a href="http://www.minkikim.com/pinchushion-2017-sewalong/">http://www.minkikim.com/pinchushion-2017-sewalong/</a><br />
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Back soon! Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549006313944585453noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1194922694830225634.post-91889326539190369332016-12-04T00:04:00.001+00:002016-12-04T00:04:58.561+00:00November in the Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well November passed in a flash! We had some gorgeous days and some wet ones but luckily I was able to rake up the leaves in front of my mother's house before they got too wet and soggy. As you can see there were rather a lot - this picture shows them during mid-rake. There seemed to be more than ever this year and believe me there were a lot more than shown here.<br />
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As well as the grass in front of the house there's the drive and the border to clear too. I did have company though - the birds really enjoyed mooching around picking out little tidbits as I raked and of course my most helpful companions were these two. Don't know what I'd do without them!<br />
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Blue plastic rake is much better at leaf raking than a metal one which just gets clogged up with the leaves, and Red snow scoop is her perfect partner. <br />
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Whilst I was raking a flash of gold caught the corner of my eye. When I went to investigate I found a beech leaf on the path caught in a ray of sunshine. It really did look like it was coated in gold leaf (no pun intended!!) November 2016 has certainly been a good one for catching autumn's beauty in the camera lens.<br />
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Can't resist sharing a few more photos.....<br />
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<br />Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549006313944585453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1194922694830225634.post-25067360769306905342016-11-15T00:12:00.000+00:002016-11-15T08:47:48.748+00:00Supermoon Monday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Okay! We've had all our September family birthdays; we've had Halloween, and Bonfire Night; and this last week has seen Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday passing in their turn. Every year I get the feeling this is the right time to turn thoughts to the festive season and gift ideas. And tonight there was a supermoon which, apparently, was the largest since 1948, which just happens to be the year I was born! I think its an omen! Tomorrow let the stitching begin!<br />
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I have made a start - I took some inspiration from Minki and Kristin's fabulous book <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sew-Illustrated-Charming-Fabric-Designs/dp/1617451789"><span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Sew Illustrated</b></i></span></a> and stitched a couple of coaster sets using patterns in the book. Seeing photos on my Instagram account my sister ordered her Christmas gift and now I have a suspicion "coasters" will be written against quite a few names on my gift list this year! And they look so nice tied up with a matching gift tag don't you think!.<br />
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I chose some suitable images from my stamp collection and a piece of lovely red gingham for the Christmas coaster set. Its easy to transfer designs to the fabric by stamping them with a light neutral colour ink like grey or brown and machine stitching over the inked lines. However my preferred way to transfer the patterns is to use the images printed on the stamps' acetate holding sheet and trace them with an erasable pen. Use a light box if you have one or, in the traditional way, tape to a window. Outline stamps work best.<br />
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I've also made some bookmarks using stamps. They are perfect little personal extras to slip in with a gift book - and who doesn't enjoy a new book at Christmas. Now, I need a little Pinterest browsing to fill up some of those other empty spaces on my 'to-make' gift list. Time is slipping past so quickly.... I thought I was writing this post at the beginning of the month but suddenly find its already half way through!!! Agh!!<br />
<br />Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549006313944585453noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1194922694830225634.post-30111431767829090282016-10-01T01:21:00.000+01:002016-10-01T01:21:13.238+01:00September's Song<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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September is ending and its been mostly sunny and warm here in North Wales. Its a month for gathering in what you can from garden and hedgerows and stashing the bounty away for winter. The ancient pear tree in my mother's garden still produces fruit but much of it looks uninviting as the skins are scabby and mottled but underneath the flesh is sweety and juicy. Perfect for a fruit crumble pudding or two.<br />
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As I mentioned in my August post, my little garden is being resurected and is now almost finished. Its rather bare of plants at the moment but I'm hoping next Spring perennials and bulbs I put in many years ago will stir into life and I will see exactly which patches of earth need filling. <br />
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There's slightly more paving than I would have planned myself (I let my handyman have a bit of a freehand as there was so much to do) but I have space for plenty of things in pots now! And I've a sunny spot for sitting with my crochet if weather and time permits. I'm joining in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/sixtymilliontrebles/"><span style="color: blue;"><i><b>60 Million Trebles project</b></i></span></a> and am currently on my third blanket.<br />
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I'm hoping that Mr Handyman will return next year to put up a bit of trellis along the boundary to make my space a bit more private and there's an old shed that could do with a bit of work! <br />
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I'm still enjoying the sewing illustration style of applique and recently stitched a small thankyou for Mr Handyman's birthday using <a href="https://sevenhillscrafts.co.uk/garden-grow.html"><span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Altenew's Garden Grow</b></i></span></a> stamp set for inspriation. </div>
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And there have been a few more birthday gifts needed - September is a busy birthday month for our family!<br />
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<br />Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549006313944585453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1194922694830225634.post-50133206765918278692016-08-28T11:59:00.001+01:002016-08-28T12:07:50.078+01:00Sewing and Gardening in August<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Does anyone else get excited by a new teatowel design at our local B&M Bargains shop? No, I thought not! But I do have my reasons - they are perfect for upcycling into these......<br />
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..... my teatowel bunnies, teddies and pussy cats. The fabric is perfect for these little toys as its soft, cuddly and of course made to be washable. They come in sets of three - one plain (usually with a bit of embroidery, though this one has a little applied printed panel), one patterned in gingham or check, and one waffle weave. All tied up with a nice piece of cotton braid and a bonus of length of jumbo ric-rac.<br />
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I unpick everything including the seams and put them in the wash, where they shrink slightly and form a tighter weave. To be honest the waffle weave towel is not suitable for toys - I've tried and it unravels itself too much for sewing good seams in such small items, but I have used it as backing for projects such as mug rugs, coasters and placemats. It also makes a reasonable substitute wadding for a small quilted project. You could of course just use it as a teatowel - in that case don't unpick!!!<br />
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As well as toy making, August has been all about sewing illustration still. I'm absolutely loving it and some may say have become slightly obsessed! I'm continually thinking of new images (including stamped images) to sew. These above have Welsh names with the English translation. It all started with my discovery of <span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.minkikim.com/"><i><b>Minki Kim's blog</b></i></a>.</span> And then her newly published book which I purchased on its day of publication and stitched that little sewing machine pincushion on the same day!<br />
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August 2016 has also been the month my long long neglected and overgrown garden has come back to life with the aid of a very handy handyman friend. Ok, I admit he did 99% of the hard work! The other 1% has been me doing a bit of planting and weeding and the garden reviving itself. For instance these beautiful feverfew plants have grown completely by themselves from seeds lying dormant in the soil for years. Isn't nature miraculous!<br />
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<br />Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549006313944585453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1194922694830225634.post-64775820085697664052016-08-08T10:36:00.000+01:002016-08-08T10:36:12.641+01:00First things............<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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First thing is to thank my lovely blog friends Simone, Lin and Mrs A for their so so kind comments on my last long overdue blog post. You are wonderful people!<br />
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And I don't know about you but my first thing most mornings (if I have time) is to try to catch up with everything on line - Facebook, Instagram, Email, Pinterest, Twitter, etc, etc, etc. This is combined with having my breakfast but in a twinkling of an eye a couple of hours whizzes past and its 10.00am already!<br />
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I'm not a coffee lover but I rather wish I was as apparently it gets one going for the rest of the day - and I need to get going!! Especially on a day that is meant for sewing/crafting. Today is a charity shop day and I'll be off in an hour or so but I'm making time for a blog post first.<br />
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I made the top coffee picture for my sister who is definitely a coffee addict and reaction on Instagram persuaded me to stitch a couple more to add to my gifty stock. I'm really loving this "sewing illustration" way of making fabric pictures. I recently bought a <a href="http://altenew.com/products/coffee-love"><i><span style="color: blue;"><b>coffee themed stamp set from Altenew</b></span></i></a> which is just right for stitching. I do hope a "tea set" is somewhere in the pipeline for release!<br />
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<br />Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549006313944585453noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1194922694830225634.post-62885206005567052202016-07-17T11:27:00.000+01:002016-07-17T11:27:05.476+01:00Happy Summer!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Its been a while - my last post had the title Happy Spring and now we are in July and it is apparently Summer. We are enjoying sunny days and blue skies (as on this day in May at Llandudno) but also many grey days and lots and lots of rain.<br />
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I've been busy making of course and trying to keep the garden in some sort of order, as well as working part time, volunteering in the charity shop and sharing the care of my frail 92 year old mother. I've also been keeping in touch on line via my social media accounts - my Facebook page is up to date, I occasionally "do" Twitter and when I inherited a smartphone from my nephew I was finally able to have an Instagram account - something I'd been wanting for some time. However my blog has been neglected and I'm sorry but I have been determined to catch up with myself before Autumn sets in!!!!!!! Today is that day.<br />
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I'm thinking I can't possibly update on everything so here are just a few things I've made. I made this little quilt for a friend's first baby. I actually started and blogged the little embroidered patches in January though the quilt was't put together and sent off until May. I hadn't made a quilt in years so this small project was just right. And apparently baby Mai and Mum in Hawaii love it.<br />
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And this little pin tray says it all where my crafting time is concerned - embroidery, hand and machine has been my love over the last few months. <br />
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I've been practising my machine 'handwriting' a lot and have been able to use some of my stamps and dies for applique.<br />
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I gained a new stitching hero too - Minki Kim at <a href="http://www.minkikim.com/"><i><span style="color: blue;">Minki's Work Table</span></i></a>. I've found so much inspiration on her blog and excitingly there's a book due for publication in September - can't wait!<br />
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The other time consumer is the garden of course. With all the rain the garden has been growing apace and is rather turning into a green jungle - apparently its the same all over the country at the moment. Turn your back on a weed for five minutes and it will always take advantage. But my old faithfuls still seem to fight their way through - like the verbascum and David Austin rose above.<br />
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The other big thing at the moment is the raising from the dead of my own small back garden. Over the last 15 or so years (yes YEARS!) I've completely ignored it in favour of my Mum's large garden. But this spring I found a strong and reliable friend of a friend who was willing to take on the task clearing and reviving this small patch. Work is still in progress and although I didn't take any "before" photos through shame, I have taken a few along the way to this interim stage.<br />
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And I'm delighted to see the birds and some beautiful plants have been hiding away all this time and have now come into the light so to speak.<br />
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There haven't been many days out or excursions but my sister arrived at the weekend for a month's stay at my Mum's so if the weather behaves I hope we can be out and about a bit. I'll be putting my camera in my bag to record anything photogenic along the way but in the meantime if you have stuck with me and have occasionally wondered where I was you might like to take a look at either my crafty <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PlowmensClocks?ref=hl"><span style="color: blue;"><i>facebook</i></span></a> page or my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/annhayes2008/?hl=en"><i><span style="color: blue;">Instagram</span></i></a> feed. And there's a link to my personal Facebook at the top of this page.<br />
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See you soon!!! I promise!Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549006313944585453noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1194922694830225634.post-70185114867566086532016-04-17T03:30:00.003+01:002016-04-17T03:30:53.641+01:00Happy Spring! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There are Spring flowers to be found in every corner of the garden this week - you just need to seek them out amongst the newly emerging weeds and the dead stuff from last year waiting to be cleared away. These violets grow in the corners of some stone steps and through the cracks in concrete paths so are easily missed.<br />
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The Snakeshead Fritillary is, as always, gorgeous and still manages to push through the rough grass. But of course it is a meadow flower so maybe my neglect is just what it needs.<br />
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I started some much needed cutting back and pruning this weekend as well as weeding. The willows I grew from twigs have been left far too much to their own devices and some drastic reduction was needed. I feel bad about cutting down so many catkins but there are still plenty left for the bees - though only the large solitary bumble bees seem to be out and about so far.<br />
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It is still cold - the mountains were white this morning - but the snow soon disappeared and the sun feels quite warm when you are in it. I did see a butterfly high up on the laurel last week fluttering from flower to flower. I think it was a Peacock wakened from its hibernation by the sun. I hope it survived the cold nights we've had the last couple of days.<br />
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Spring is also the start of the craft fair season and I've signed up for one the middle of next month so really need to start creating. I've a bit more time at the moment as I've given up one of my part time jobs and until I find something else there are two more days a week I can sew or hook or stamp. <br />
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Inspired by that Peacock butterfly I have made a start on some stock. I even tried a bit of free-motion embroidery - its been so long since I've done any I couldn't even remember how to set my machine up. Thank goodness for Pinterest! Methinks much practice is in order, but luckily this technique is very forgiving. :o)<br />
Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549006313944585453noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1194922694830225634.post-25655865451567678422016-03-11T15:38:00.000+00:002016-03-11T15:38:00.288+00:00Ydych chi'n siarad Cymraeg? (Do you speak Welsh?)<br />
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My standard answer is <i>dypin bach</i> (a little) but in fact I'm afraid to say it should be <i>dypin bach iawn iawn</i> (very very ) little! But I've ingested the language and know and understand many words and everyday phrases from being born and bred in this part of Wales. And some phrases are part of life, like this one - "would you like a cuppa".<br />
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A friend has suggested I try some picture designs using Welsh phrases or words and here are a few I've embroidered this week. This one is a line from the lovely Welsh song <i>Calon Lan</i> and translates as <i>I ask for a happy heart</i>.<br />
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Gee Ceffyl Bach (Gee up little horse) is a nursery rhyme all Welsh mothers sing to the baby on her knee, bumping him/her up and down like a pony and at the end of the rhyme the excited baby is dropped between the knees when 'falling into the river'. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ia9IhI1aiZY"><span style="color: blue;">Here are two ladies</span></a> doing exactly what I did with my son 40-odd years ago!<br />
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These are the first two lines of a lullaby that goes like this "<i>You are a thousand times more beautiful than the white rose; Or the red rose on the brow of the hill; Or the proud swan swimming the lake, My little baby.</i>"<br />
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And lastly the title of a very famous Welsh hymn "<i>Ar hyd y nos</i>", (All through the night). I didn't want to use the obvious words/phrases usually seen in Welsh gift shops and craft fairs, ie, Cwtch (which is not much used in North Wales), Croeso, Cariad, Hiraeth, etc so I'm hoping these go down well.... or am I completely off track! If you see this <b>Gill</b> what do you think?Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549006313944585453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1194922694830225634.post-43581479815805888432016-02-28T23:12:00.000+00:002016-02-28T23:12:02.311+00:00Harbingers of Spring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I posted this on my facebook page today in the hope that winter really is gone. However in the UK we all know we could easily face snow storms or torrential rain or inch thick ice tomorrow or the day after or next week or even next month. But its nature and our gardens that convince us Spring really is springing.<br />
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I've been using some spring-like colours to crochet too. I don't usually make much for babies or young children but I read a blog post about what sells at craft fairs and it seems baby makes are popular so I thought I'd try a few items. I found the pattern for these pretty rattles and balls in Greta's Etsy shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/atergcrochet?order=date_desc&page=1"><span style="color: blue;"><i><b>ATERGcrochet</b></i></span></a>. I used Petra No3 crochet cotton and bought some rattle inserts on ebay.<br />
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Afriend said she would love a jar full of the flower rattles for her windowsill but they are rather time consuming to make - all those colour changes - so it wouldn't be practical time and price wise to make them in large enough numbers to fill vases - if you know what I mean.<br />
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Of course you could simplify by using fewer colours and I might try one to see how it works out. On a practical note, I would love to have jingle bells inside instead of a rattle but I haven't been able to find any inserts small enough or make something suitable. If anyone knows of a supplier of jingle bell inserts about an inch square do let me know.<br />
<br />Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549006313944585453noreply@blogger.com3