Thursday 25 April 2013

sickness and hold-ups

I am sorry to say that I haven't finished my project for this week due to sickness again :( boo! 38 weeks pregnant and feeling quite fed up means that finding the motivation is difficult but when I am already tired and then sick, it's more challenging still.  I did start and have some pics of my progress, but it will be delayed (again) in making it onto the project 52 page.  Please forgive me and bear with me in these next few weeks.  I will write more when I complete the post properly but here are the crochet squares so far for a blanket for our new addition.  I haven't made him much so far-in fact, this will be the first thing for him.  I hope to make a cover for the car seat too but all other preparation has been cleaning and washing rather than lovely crafting.  All in good time though.

Monday 22 April 2013

spoils for me

I shared some pics of the things I had been making for the craft fairs and mentioned how I was running low on some of my favourite material.  I decided that I would be a little selfish and make myself a bag from this said material and thought I'd show you the end results.  It isn't a new shape or particularly a challenge and so I haven't used it as a project in the Project 52 challenge.  Having said that, I did do a button hole for the first time in addition to an adjustable strap which I haven't attempted before either.  Enough waffling though- here are the pics:
 I decided to add a little ric- rac detail as I love it sooo much!  It was the last of the white and pink though making the bag all the more precious!
 Here is a close up of the wooden buttons I have used for the adjustable strap with said button hole.
 Not perfect but not too shabby either!  I also added a little belt loop for the strap to pass through to hold in place so that the bag doesn't flap open.  I didn't have enough fabric to make a messenger style bag but I may still add a little magnetic popper clasp to the top.  For now, the belt-style loop is working.
 It is lined with a thick white cotton pillow case.  I cut off the top and then inserted the bottom straight into the bag and sewed up the sides so quite a quick make.  As you can see,  I have already been using it and it is a perfect size for my maternity notes and a magazine in addition to the usual purse, phone, make-up keys etc
But I didn't stop there!  Inspired from the last make I did, I decided to make a matching makeup bag et voila;
 Using strips of material and more odd cuts of ric rac, I made a patchwork purse/ bag.
 Fortunately i have a little stash of zips in a wide variety of colours and this lavender one was perfect.
I needed a little extra fabric for the back and so needed to use some green sheeting for the bottom and used this lace to hide the seam.  The curtains which make up this fabric, the lace and green sheeting (and white pillow case for inside of bag) are ALL charity shop buys.  the zip was in a bag of about 14 which a guy in my local market on the haberdashery stall sold to me for £1.  I LOVE being thrifty and up-cycling these items and now I get to keep them.

Friday 19 April 2013

new project-garden kneeling pad

Here's the latest make; It's on the project 52 page now with more details. I have also been working on a few other things which- if I can find my camera, will share over the weekend.  Lots of baby preparation is taking place at the moment-both in my body and in the house so hopefully I'll have more than crafts to show you soon :D




Friday 12 April 2013

Week 13 and 14 projects

I shared what I had been doing earlier in the week but had no pictures to show.  I have now uploaded the detailed account with pics of my latest makes seen below.

I have already completed my make for this week and hope to upload them onto the project 52 page too although we have family staying this weekend so I can't promise anything! Have a good weekend x

Monday 8 April 2013

dresden plate-cath kidston

I am posting from my phone as the pictures have been taken on this on account of a misplaced camera Battery charger. I must admit that this weeks project has taken me a LOT longer than I had anticipated! I massively underestimated the fiddley-ness of it, not to mention a bruised (possibly broken) index finger on right hand, which has hindered sewing somewhat! Here's what I've done so far but a full account will appear on the project 52 page soon. It would seem that my phone will not upload the pics at present- Boo! I will try again tomorrow.

Thursday 4 April 2013

Easter break

I have been away visiting family over the Easter hols and we extended our stay a little which has kept me away from my computer and posting.  It has given me the rest I have needed and as I slow down with housework etc I hope to be fairly creative in the next few weeks.  I mentioned that I would be doing a fair on Good Friday which would be the last one until after baby is born.  Now that I have done that, I can start making things to welcome our little boy.  Before I begin those though, here's what I did for the fair following on from my last project.  The newest one should be posted tomorrow as i will have to charge camera battery overnight before taking pictures.


I used the faux fur instead of the velour which was much more user friendly.  I also experimented with a few other animals and tails....

 These following items were made from curtains purchased in charity shops.  I LOVE the pattern on the first bags/ aprons and am sadly coming to the end of it.  It has been perfect for the bags as it is thick and hard wearing.  I love the dense flower pattern in addition to the colour scheme.  I conceded that I may have gone a little overboard on the apron theme but with children being off for Easter for 2 weeks, I know that it can be hard to keep them occupied and the washing basket low so these are ideal.


 
Probably another familiar fabric to you by now but again, almost the last pieces to be made from these cafe curtains I bought in a charity shop.  There were 3 pieces and some areas were worn or frayed but generally, there were in good condition and also thick cotton so perfect for my projects.