Pretty fabrics

I was out and about this morning, doing a bit of shopping, and just happened to be in the neighbourhood of our local fabric factory shop. The temptation was too great, I had to have a little look :) And I'm so glad I did!

I know that I don't need any more fabric, I have tons of it, but I found these gorgeous pieces ........


The 'blue tulips' voile is for my bathroom window and I thought I'd make a laundry bag from the matching cotton fabric. It cost me £1 for 1.5m of voile and 50p for the cotton!

 These Sanderson prints are Painter's Garden (left) and Early Tulips (right). I'm thinking of covering an artist's canvas with the vase of flowers from Painter's Garden, and using other elements of the print for appliqué on bags or cushions.
I haven't quite decided what to do with Early Tulips, although my daughter was drooling over it this afternoon! :)
At 50p each, I think I got a bargain!

My final piece is 1/3m of Liberty print that will be just perfect for the lining of a new bag I'm planning. At 40p, who could resist?

Well, enough drooling, I have sewing to do. :-)

New Folksy listings

I've been busy for the last few days, sewing on flowers and leaves to my latest tea cosy ...... sooooo many ends to sew in and trim off! Anyway, it's done now and listed on Folksy. I just love the rich colours of the flowers - if I had a garden, they're the colours I would like in it. :)

 I've also been finishing off this Aran bag - I had to machine sew the seams because I wasn't happy with the way they looked hand sewn. I think, probably, because the background is reverse stocking stitch, it looked a little untidy at the seams. But I'm happy with the way it looks now and I've listed it on Folksy as well.

 I lined the bag with Liberty print fabric; after over-locking the seams and adding a pocket, I hand stitched the lining to the bag. The toggle is another from the 99p chunky bracelet I found in a charity shop!

I'm currently working on a couple of projects - more Autumn/Winter stock and a little gift for my DGD. Piccies soon!  :)

Autumn preparations

I know, we haven't even had a summer yet (apart from our usual great British summer :-s) but I'm trying to fit in little bits in preparation for stocking my Folksy shop when the weather turns cooler. I love making these fingerless mitts; they have ribbing at the wrist, thumb and fingers to ensure a snug fit, and a ribbed back so that they'll fit a multitude of sizes. They're great if you spend lots of time on the computer or texting ....... or, even, knitting!

 These are made with Robin Paintbox which comes in a great range of colours.

Latest makes

In response to a plea, on CB forum, for ideas for a knitted gift for a 6-year-old birthday party guest (male), I took an idea from Craftseller magazine, played around with it and created a Little Monster!

 Just the right size for a little pad of paper and a few crayons.

Also for CB forum, this time a Crafty Challenge, I made this Hot Pink lacy cowl from some of my (vintage) stash .....

 It took less than 50g and is so light and delicate ..... but also very warm with its mohair content.

I still have another ball so I think I may make a beret to match. :)

Still working on my Xtreme bags ..... I have another two to sew up ...... and a whole lotta stash to sort through for more yarn combinations. Watch this space!