Hibernation

So the store has closed for another year, and I find myself now feeling the Christmas spirit a little more each day. Though I think that might be on account of the snow that has hit Guildford, I always think the weather plays a key part. I hate it when it's sunny or mild this time of year. It's winter therefore in my head it should be cold, grey and potential for snow. My wish has been granted.

View from my livingroom window

Now because of the weather it does make me want to do some stitching, and nothing beats curling up on the sofa stitching a quilt, especially when you don't really know what your doing and your going with the flow. No pretences as to the outcome. Bliss. The only thing I have settled on with this Quilt aside from everything being hand stitched is that there will be more buttons on it. Yes so help me button god there will be more! Sounds like a threat.

Quilt in progress

Now I am just having my first cuppa of the day and then it's getting on with a few household chores before I can even consider snuggling down on the sofa and stitch the day away bliss. My mind though does think on next year, and what I hope to create, but my mind needs a little rest before I can contemplate this.

Little spot of Christmas in my little flat

Hope your safe and wrapped up in the warm.

Sunday

Another Sunday, and another busy day. I am certainly making the most of my long weekend, no work tomorrow go back on Tuesday, and then it's only about five days after that at work. Woot.


So going back to Sunday, and what I am up today, I have just sorted out a chocolate treat which will be given out as gifts this year. This is of course the test batch.....


I never did find my applicator tips, but this is what I have managed to do with the wrong size one that was still on my crystal wand, I will feel better using the right tips so this may be the prototype and the real ones will be done in the new year. Just have to bite the bullet and by another set, a pain but no matter its nice to have a clean set again. 

Sparkly Snot

Now I'm going to muck about with some new ideas/designs, and then I think I might get back to working on the quilt (above) this project has been going on for so long now I don't know if I will ever finish it, but you know what I really don'y mind it's been lovely an therapeutic to work on. The perfect antidote to cold weather.

Camera clearly on the way out....Christmas Tree Topper

Hmm, so the Christmas decorations are finally done and dusted, and the tree no longer looks so naked, new decorations have been bought and a tree topper has been made. It's a soft squidgy star what more can you want?

As I write this two things have occurred though that has annoyed me immensely and I am sure I am not the only crafts person out there that has experienced this, I've lost a bit of equipment. For me this time it's the applicator tips for my Hot-Fix Crystal Wand, an integral part to the idea of the item I was going to make which now means I might have to get another set of tips. Which will mean I doubt I will get them in time this year to make anything with them. So my swell idea may have to be put off till the New Year, unless I find them tomorrow. The other thing is my camera is mucking about, like really badly, with the whole not saving files properly etc. So this could mean I need to purchase a new camera, sure mine has had a good innings about six years now, and it's not that high spec, but I really don't need another bit of vital equipment giving up the ghost. Hmm, ah well worst things in life.

Anyway at least despite the equipment issue I am attempting to make the last bits of the year that I feel I can slot in before I shut shop next week for Winter. Or it could very well be stock for the New Year, who knows, will see how it goes tomorrow. Hopefully tomorrow I will also be doing a very super easy Chocolate recipe nabbed from a newspaper. Fingers crossed might be able to take a couple of shots of what occurs tomorrow!

So what are the last minute bits and pieces you are stitching or making?

Super Sunday

Sunday man you have such a bad habit of sneaking up upon us all so damn quick sometimes, too quick for my liking especially as I write this it won’t be long till I have to consider bed. Never mind though it won't really be all that long till the next one.

For the next weekend, lots of things will be done be me, and will I think be equally as good as this weeks. This weekend saw me being surrounded by people I love and adore, so whilst I didn’t get to do anything like vaguely stitch related or even any housework done (not that bothers me) it was so good if not a little tiring. Next weekend won't see me seeing a whole host of folks but I will be doing some sewing and possibly some baking too as it's been a while.

One thing I need to mention before the time flies by I will be closing my store on the 17^th! This is to give it a break for the festive season and me a break to sit back and take stock of what I have achieved over the year, and decide what I want to do with it next year. A new year a new outlook. Of course with the closing for the winter period the most important things to note will be the last shipping dates:

International – 8^th I will be turning this option off on this day (though please note that I cannot now guarantee that you will receive it before Christmas)

UK – 17^TH

So don’t delay if there was anything you wish to purchase, and if you are planning on buying anything I have a special coupon code that will mean you will get 10% off your order (excluding shipping) this code will expire on the same day as my shop closes for Xmas. Simply enter the following code (cut and paste for ease)

H0H0H02010

Other good news to share with you that my work is featured in a magazine. You might remember a while back that I had my site featured on a magazine blog, well this time they asked me for updated text and it's in their magazine! You can find it issue 234, page 15 of Cross Stitcher magazine! What a perfect way to end the week despite the shockingly bad UK weather.

Blogging?

What is this word?


Man it really does feel as though I haven't done a proper blog post in so long, and whilst it wasn't that long ago I did a post, but that was more of a service announcement rather than a post to say hey I've been stitching. So this is a post to say I have been stitching! Honest. Just nothing for my stores. It's not a bad thing I know but with work and everything I do feel a little detached from it all. I'm sure I am not the only one who feels like that when your tied to a job.


Anyway, my stitching has got me relaxing, and thinking about Christmas. I've finally finished my Tilda Santa kit, and now getting on with some commissions from my sister and a good friend of mine. My tree is up, and looking rather smashing if I do say so myself. 


Here is Noel.. I really enjoyed making him, and I've learnt a lot from doing so, everything is hand stitched I didn't resort to any form of maching with him, and I enjoyed that a lot because it meant I could do bits of it anywhere I wanted without the need of lugging out the sewing machine. Sure I've got it out to make the dozen of stuffed heart hanging decorations, but that's because it's saving me time and I need to get them done pretty sharpish, but with Noel I loved the process, and look forward to doing some more.

Look he's so tall <3

I call him Noel

I return...

I return from Belfast feeling exhausted, but happy to be home. Whilst my work load is yet to decrease until the week after next, I am at least glad it's over with. This post won't be long, as I have nothing pretty to show you but come the start of next week I hope to get back into the swing of things, as it is my store is back open! So if you have yet to purchase your gifts and your overseas, then please do make sure you get them soon!


Hope your all well? And crafting up a storm.

Belated Post

A short and sweet post to say that owing to work I have been super duper busy of late, and tomorrow I am winging my way to Belfast so this has meant I have had to put my shop on vacation mode. Fret not it will open again on my return on the 20th!

Monochrome Mini Button Wall Clock

Seem to be on a partial roll lately with the making of items, once a week I must be ill?

I'll be working on an embroidery next something small, naturally, designed on the train on my way up to London but rather excited to do it. Will keep you posted!

Available to purchase here

Sunday

Is it me or do Sunday's come round way to quickly, and then before you know what's hit you they are gone and your back to work? I am starting to feel as though its a conspiracy theory.

Aside from my usual grumbles about time going by too quickly I am back to my usually weekly amount of stitching whilst watching a box set. I have been progressing my latest freestyle piece and hope to have it done or at least at a stage that I can decide what to do with it. Mini Quilt/Art wall piece. I need to be more creative on the end result. Normally I know what I want to make or the end piece then work backwards. Though this process seems to be more organic. 

I will and must finish my Tilda kit and start thinking about getting the fabrics together for my Christmas tree decorations. Granted I don't have a tree yet, not that I want to get one yet it's still only October. Are you making decorations? If so what's your theme, if you have one, colours...style? I'd love to know what your working on. Show me links to your work if you wish.

Sunday Catching Up

Catching up on my life this Sunday and realising I am easily distracted. Nothing new there my mum would cry. It's not a bad thing mind you between the tidying up and the housework, and the planning of the coming week its good to kick back for an hour or two and enjoy the fact you aren't at work and that you can do what the hell you like.


So here is my random project for a Sunday, take one wooden wreath type shape, item picked up from a pet store, its for rabbit and other animals to chew on. Then raid your large stash of fabric because you have a lot of it, then because you happen to have a pattern shape for a heart, and a massive bag of stuffing create little stuffed hearts and then when your done...which I'm not yet...attach to the wreath. 


What I will do though is add a nice bow I think, and also some fairy lights nearer to Christmas. I am also going to sort out other decorations some point soon, and also I must get back to making another new item for my Etsy store!

Ending on a cute note

Bergamot the Hamster hiding from me as usual

WIP

I am feeling really positive today despite still feeling run down and also after standing on the blunt end of a sewing needle (whoever is afraid of having their blood taken do what I just did and I swear you won't complain), ouch. 

I've sold a few more bits last night which was great not had that happen for a while, and I am sewing and sewing more than I have ever done and it's not only for my store but stuff for me too. So I think I've reached the right balance for a change, and whilst I have to go back to work tomorrow long may my stitching continue I need it as much as it needs me. 

If any of you get bored or are looking for inspiration head over to Tumblr the folks on there are great and have a good idea especially for creative and handmade items. 

Currently working on another small item a quilt perhaps or just a mini wall hanging not decided and I like this a lot. 

Keep on Making

On a bit of a roll this weekend though the time seems to be going past quicker than I would like, and I still feel rotten. Last night seemed to inspire me to keep making I listed a picture of my recently made clock on Tumblr, and even now it's getting reblogged and liked, currently at 141 notes?! Not only that one of the lovely peeps who liked it purchased it as well. Will be winging its way to OZ tomorrow. =D 

So this morning I decided to use up more of my lovely stash, the stuff I've been holding onto for reasons only known by me, so here is an extra special sparkly needle case. Adorned as you can see by a Swarovski Button.

Buy me here.

What's the time?

Hell yeah look I made something!!!

I've not made a clock in an age, and I actually not only set out to do it but I actually made it, I am in shock...

It's now been listed on Etsy, so if you love it as much as I do toddle over and grab it whilst you can. As a rule of thumb I tend to make only one of every design.

Edit: Now Sold! Woot

Kick Back Relax & Stitch

AT LAST SOME TIME OFF...You can tell I am somewhat over the moon by this, even with the fact as expected I am feeling as though I am coming down with something, but who cares I have four days of kicking back. Huzzah. With this free time comes stitching time:

Yes that's right I have another clock in the works, and I haven't made one in such a long time, so I thought to ease myself back into it I'll keep it simple. I've been wanting to do this design for an age. Anyway should be done and made by the end of the weekend, if not sooner and will be available to purchase on my Etsy store, if you wish to reserve it then give me a shout by leaving a message here, or sending me a message via Etsy, my store.


I am now going to toddle off and get myself cleaned and scrubbed, and then I can get on with the day. Loves to all.

It feels like an age since I made something from scratch and finished it, and not only that listed it to my store. So I feel a smidge proud by the items I listed today, I set out to finish it and list it and I've achieved my goal. Small as it might be.

I would love to get some feedback on the small quilts that I am starting to make, I am not totally abandoning my past ideas of clocks, needlecases and tissue holders, etc, I will get back to them I am just enjoying working with my fabric scraps of which I have way to much. I should consider doing some more scrap packs to sell. I hope you like it as much as I do but thoughts about it, good or the bad would be most useful to me.

Available to purchase today $79.00

Picture Sunday

To make up for the lack of pictures in my last blog allow me to fill this post with pictures:

These images are all from the mini quilt art piece I am working on and when it's complete will be available to purchase. It's been an utter freestyle joy to work on.

This is the lush new Tilda book I purchased and one of the things I really want to make from it, squee a Christmas Piggy. And below is the kit I am currently working on, I have just sewn the legs, and the arms, then it's the body to stitch. 

Some point soon I hope to create more things for my store, thinking for stocking fillers its a mass batch of needlecases, and maybe a few tissue holders, tis the season to be snotty....

Magazine...

For those wanting to know...sorry not had a chance to do the photo's like I hoped, may tomorrow night!


Here is the magazine I mentioned - Making

When its good to be Sewing & I have a new friend.

It's been a funny old day, and not one that I will go into too much detail about as I honestly feel sometimes sharing everything out on the net isn't healthy. What I will say after a little encouragement by my mum, and money spare I found myself purchasing something I didn't think I'd ever do, or again for that matter. A brought a pet. Not just any pet, a hamster. You see I love the little creatures each have the most wonderful little characters, and the last time I had one was back when I was fifteen/sixteen. Now at the age...that I am at I find myself with one again, and I find my heart is happy. It's such a silly thing to do but I can't say I actually regret the decision even though it was a spare of the moment decision. Though I must say do not think I will neglect it, no not at all or get bored. I know how to look after them, and it's all come back to me.


It's a little shy so I won't post a picture, and I haven't yet found a name I like, though I find myself leaning towards Teacup, or even Biscuit. Two things my stomach loves. I will of course post a picture when it is ready to show its face, and I will announce its name when I have decided. 


Speaking of things purchased to make you smile, I had a bit of a shopping day yesterday, and that resulted me purchasing two wonderful Tilda items, I adore her work, her style just everything about her designs. I got a Christmas Santa figure kit, and another one of her books, I think I only need to get two more and then I'll have the set. Yes, I am thinking about Christmas, the one word I actually loathe, but I find myself looking forward to decorating my little flat, and my head is bursting with ideas. I can't wait to start the kit but I must remind myself not to rush it, I will be hand sewing it completely, not wanting to use the sewing machine which it states in the instructions. Which yes will take longer, but I really just don't want to get the sewing machine out, so basically I am lazy yet making more work for myself. Not that it bothers me.


I also picked up a magazine today, never seen it before, well I won't have done as it was the first of its' kind, has anyone else seen it on the shelves. Has the UK finally published a crafts magazine that isn't full of tat? That rivals those produced in the UK? Blow me down with a feather I think they have, and it's even better than Sew Hip, the photography for a start has proven that. No offence SewHip but the photo quality is so poor in your magazines, how did you ever let them go through? Perhaps its just me and my expectations are too high.


Anyway I do hope everyone's Sunday's is going well, and that your pets are snuggled up in a ball like mine, and that your doing whatever it is that makes you happy.


Peace out.


p.s photo's to follow took some shocking photo's so I will have to wait till it's light again.

Baking, Posting & Other ing's

I have officially died and gone to baking heaven.

I am not a fan of muffins I find them to be just a tad to much for me, being as I often navigate to fairy cakes, I like things small. I even find cupcakes a bit daunting to eat.

However this cheese and chive muffin recipe is the best and simply made me say aloud, Oh my god....

What's even better is that the recipe is simple as, just mix all the ingredients together till they combine then whack them in the oven.

Ingredients:

 1 egg

3/4 cup - Water

1 cup - Self Raising Flour

1/2 tsp Salt

1 1/2 cup - Grated Cheese

1 tblsp - fresh chives

As I said you mix them all together till they combine, then divide the mixture into a muffin tin (I used silicone ware and its great cause you don't need to mess about with cases)  

Bake in a preheated oven, at about 190 for about 15minutes. For my oven it was perhaps longer but I'd say until the cheese crust goes a nice golden colour.

Then eat as many as you can.

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I am happily content also with getting back to sewing and these two little projects so far have been a joy to work on and I'll be just about to dive off the computer to carry them on so other pictures to follow.

Tell me what your working on?

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Finally but not least!

Normal posting has been resumed! I am no longer beholdant to Saturday posting, so rush out and purchase....nah only kidding (unless you want too :) )

Late Night Stitching

Late Night Stitching

Not done that for sometime and it's something I have been trying to make a concious effort to do now that I work full time in London and free time is at a premium.

So here we go I have been making wrapped loops for no other reason than I like the effect, especially the one I did last night which was two plastic circles held together and then buttonhole stitch/loops all the way round. Then for added detail I stitched on small beads. Fun. I highly recommend this easy method of creating circles.

More to Come

Project finished!

How it was looking this afternoon
Just sewing on the press fasteners

Nothing quite like finishing a project for your own abode, I always feel slightly smug when I finish a project when its for me. Because frankly I rarely make anything for me, and to make something that's for me and practical frankly its almost a myth. Here we are an end of the bed thingie (I have no name for it) with pockets, done and dusted! Go me! It's now willing me to finish the experiment I had with the net curtain in the livingroom, going to finish it today, or at least get a fair whack of it done, so far I have two buttons badly sewn on and doing nawt.


Of course it does make me feel bad at the same time, I wanted to make some more things for my shop but I honestly don't know what to make. Which I feel sad about. So I think I'll get on with the mini patch work sampler and see where that takes me.


What wonders have you made?

Done!

 

Bedroom tidy...for a change.
End of bed hiding thingie put to use.

New WIP

Feels good to be doing random stitching, I think this is the way my work is slowly heading, gone are the days of the pre-planning the working out everything single step, stage, stitch and material you name it. Sure I will still sketch, and have perhaps a little idea of what I want to make but I think owing to a new line of work where concentration and a 100% focus is needed I need to be able to switch off, and this is where these little projects come in.

I hope you enjoy the progress of this little quilt as much as I enjoy stitching it.

Look I listed something!

Well would you look at that I have finally finished some bits and listed them! God it's been an age, but it feels good doing it again and I have a lovely day with a good friend of mine tomorrow and I hope to work on a couple of small projects whilst with her. Thinking some extra large coasters, a clock and maybe something for the wall. Not decided like the idea of going with the flow at the moment. With my new job my mind feels set on concentrating on that but a break is always good especially if it's something you don't really need to be totally focused on.

Hopefully that made sense....

So what can you purchase:

Little Tree Single Coaster

Little Nature Scene Single Coaster

These are what I have been making for my flat, and finally finished today, nothing special and just quick and simple. I know I could have done something fancier but I wanted to keep it fairly low key for the flat as I have other patterns and fabric stuff going on.

Sunday Stuff

Take one set of grim looking net curtains that are dirty, and with holes in them...and completely take them down. Sadly can't ditch them (I will have to put them back up when I leave the property..) 

Then muck about with the idea of having a cafe style net thing going on instead, spend far to long staring at net curtain get more than you actually need and then muck about most of the morning trying to decide whether or not you actually made a wise decision.

I'll be honest I am still unsure, and I am now thinking that a natural coloured muslin may have been nicer but for the time being I will stick with my original choice. Ah well it doesn't actually look to bad, I did have it all gathered up but it looked hideous. So it stays up. Now I work on my original idea and the reason for thinking a cafe curtain would be nice was to make it a bit more jazzy...

By adding buttons in colours that match the tie backs and  done in a tasteful way I was thinking about adding the odd crystal highlight..too much? The buttons I like, and I think I will actually carry on with that idea and add them, the crystals not so sure.

Now I am going to pause here cause I've been pottering about all morning I am about ready to chew my hand off. This after I am going to prep my project for the afternoon, add the buttons the net curtain and make some coasters. Go me!

Pictures and a further post to follow.