Roma & Mary

Roman Blind class

2012-01-02T11:21:00.000-08:00

I'm a huge fan of roman blinds. They are the ideal solution for dormer windows and a great alternative to a roller blind.Almost any fabric can be used in their construction. And when you get tired of the fabric you can re use the roman blind system (which is the most expensive element in the blind) to make a new version.

Win win situation in my opinion!!

I've been trying to put together a roman blind making class for a while but I simply did not have the room in the shop before this to facilitate a class without having everyone working on the floor (not good for the old knees). But now that I have re-worked the shop I am delighted to say that I am planning a class for Sunday 5th Feb.

To make a roman blind you don't need huge sewing skills. To be able to sew in a straight line is perfectly sufficient. The key to a well made roman blind is the accuracy of measurements. Most of the class will be spent preparing and marking out the blind.The actual sewing is probably the quickest part. So what I am saying is don't worry if you are a novice sewer!

The Plan:

You can make a sample blind of random size OR you can measure an existing window and make a blind for this.

If you are going to make a specific size blind give me a call on 087 6798798 and I can talk you through how to do the measuring, advise you on quantity of fabric and take an order for the roman blind kit required.

Curtain fabrics are generally 54 inches wide so for the purpose of the class we can make a blind up to 52inches wide. I will demonstrate how to join a fabric which requires matching for a blind wider than a width of fabric.

This is the type of roman blind kit I've been using for all the blinds I make. They come in various sizes. I don't keep them in stock so if you need one for the class please call to order one. Its not essential for you to have one if you wish to make a sample blind.

Class costs €60.(plus kit if required)

Class location: Roma and Mary, Bridge street, Ballinasloe.

Class Duration: 11-6pm

Also, bring a packed lunch and some nibbles to keep you going for the day!

Flower Cushion

2012-01-01T07:38:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all in blogland.

Surprisingly after no blog posting for 3 months(ish) I am on my second post in 2 days!.

I had a very lazy new years morning catching up on blog reading and looking for some creative ispiration. I came across the tutorial for this cushion, which I had filed away mentally on my 'to do list'.The tutorial called for felt which I don't have in my massive stash of fabrics, but what I have tonnes of, is fleece scraps leftover from my mammoth hat making before christmas for the craft fairs.

Pretty Cute eh?

How to make a simple tote bag.

2011-12-31T10:57:00.000-08:00

Here's a tutorial to make a really simple tote bag. It has pockets inside and a magnetic closure.

All you need

From exterior fabric

1 piece 26x16 inches (bag)

1 piece 26 x 8 inches (pocket)

2 pieces 26 x 4 inches (straps)

For Lining

1 piece 26x16 inches

2 pieces 6x2.5 inches (tab for magnetic closure)

I made my bag from home decor fabric and used a 1/2 inch seam allowance throughout.

I started by pressing in a 1/2 inch fold along the ends on both of the straps.

Next press in a 1/2 inch fold along the long edges of the pocket piece. Then press to make a double fold along the top edge of the pocket.

Interface the 2 tab pieced and then press then both in half.

Mark the position of the magnetic clasps. I place mine 3cms up from the folded edge.Then mark the place you need to cut to push the clasp through the fabric.

I use a seam ripper to slit

the position for the clasp.

Fold the tab in half, right sides tog and sew

along the long sides. Turn the tabs right

sides out and press.

Fold the straps in half and sew along both long edges.

Sew along the edge of the double hem on the pocket.

Place the pocket centrally on the lining. I marked a vertical line along the centre of the pocket and also some vertical positions to make smaller sections on the long pocket. You could have a section for your phone and maybe a pen pocket. Its your choice.

Sew along the lines you've just marked and also along the bottom of the pocket.

Next I pinned the straps and tabs in place along the top of the bag.Mark your centre....you can see I have used my marker to show the centre. From this mark I placed the straps 2 inches away. From the sides of the bag I placed the straps 2.5 inches in from the edge. (1/2 inch extra for the seam allowance).
Then centre up the tabs. Place them clasp faced down.

Place the lining piece on top of the bag piece, right sides together. Use plenty of pins to hold all together.

Sew along this edge.

This is what your bag should look like now!

Fold your bag in half, in and sew along the bottom and sides of the bag. Don't sew along the bottom of the lining.

Turn the bag rightsides out.

Press under a 1/2 inch fold along the bottom of the lining. Pin the edges together and sew close to the edge to seal up the lining .

Push the lining into the bag and sew 1/2 inch down from the top edge. This strengthens the straps and defines the top of the bag.

You could leave out the magnetic closure if you like. This tutorial forms the basis of a simple tote bag. Another idea would be to make a patchwork for the outside section.
I hope you enjoy making this bag.If any of the steps are confusing please let me know.
Funny though....I can make a bag in probably half an hour and it's taking me pretty much all day to do this tutorial!!!....

Changes..........................

2011-08-12T03:33:00.000-07:00

Giving you a peek at my new blog Header to go alongside all the changes I am making to my shop.......

All comments and ideas greatly welcomed.

As you know if you follow my blog rantings....I have an interiors shop called Dream Interiors in Ballinasloe in Co.Galway.......Business has been quieter than normal (sadly) for the past 2 years....I've adapted and diversified with sewing and craft classes this year.......lovin all this....I've met and taught the most fabulous people.....

So I've made the rather huge decision of late that I either have to close the business or give it a major re-jig........not being a person who gives up easily ,I've decided on the re-jig option!!!!!

For the past 5 weeks I have had the great opportunity to manage Duane Bridal Couture in Ballinasloe while the owner Angela was on maternity leave. It was the chance I needed to look at my shop from an outsiders perspective and make plans for the re-launch.It was also my FIRST time in employment ever.....believe it or not but I've never actually worked for anyone before, I've always been self-employed!!

Where is the Roma & Mary name from I hear you ask????

Well, my dad's mother's name was Roma.....she was a sewing extraordinaire....she taught me loads....she lived for craft and sewing....loved learning new things.....embroidery,dress-making,lace-making,knitting,crochet....she even did a teachers course in millinery.....a true inspiration to me......I have tonnes more to tell you about her!

My lovely mother Mary is my other inspiration.....(tears are coming now thinking of her)....died suddenly in 2002......what a loss to us all.My mom (as we called her) always made our clothes as children.When we needed a new outfit we headed for the fabric shop instead of a clothes shop.I can remember vividly some of the dresses I had made for me as a child.There are only 2 and a bit years between myself and my sister. Mom always made us matching dresses....same dress but different colours....my sister always got the nicer colour!!!......I would have blue or grey...she would have pink or red.....probably why I love colour so much now!!!!

New Plans for the shop.....

We will still the fantastic selection of curtain fabrics to choose from for tailor made Curtains and Roman Blinds....we just won't be dedicating as much of the shop to the sampling.....pictures of new collections to follow in another blog post .Clarke & Clarke , Harlequin , tipp textiles , and more.

Craft classes galore are planned....craft materials.....tutorials...kits...patterns.....and a craft cafe session (more about this later too)!!!!!

Keep an eye on facebook to track the progress.....

Crazy Shortcut Quilts Tutorial

2011-05-22T10:06:00.000-07:00

I have had a certain curiosity about the whole patchwork and quilting phenomenon. I have seen fantastic intricate patchworks and wonder where do you start, how do you keep it all so neat and perfectly matched.I have tried a little patchwork,you can see my attempts here, here and here.

Anyway I stumbled upon this book recently and having tried out the method....I am now a huge fan!!

Here's a little tutorial.This is what the finished crazy blocks look like.

As always it took me ages to pick my fabrics.I chose 6 fat quarters in colours I love.

First cut 23cms squares, 4 from each fat quarter.You don't have to be too exact with this cut because the finished block will be trimmed square at he end of the process.

Make a stack of 6 (1 each of the fabrics).Make a random cut through the stack.

Lay out the fabrics and match them up in any way that you like.

Sew each set together.

Press the seams flat and stack them with the seams going in the same direction.

Make another random cut through all 6 again.

Match them up .

Sew,press,stack and cut again.

And again...

DONE.....cool or what???

I trimmed each stack to 19cms square.

I repeated the method and now have 24 blocks ready for a project....Any suggestions for what I could do with them....not sure if I have the patience to make more for a quilt......Has anyone made a patchwork skirt.....I have an idea to join tem all together and cut a skirt from the piece.I could put a co-ordinating panel at the hem to tone it down....What do you think???

Hello I am back.....with a lush linky party...

2011-03-19T12:36:00.001-07:00

Hello bloggers ,I am back...very ashamed, to say the least.Its been about a month and a half since my last post.So many plans...so little time!!!!

Back with a brand new linky party....its open from today until April 17th to give us all time to make something FABULUSH!!!

If you want to link in your show and tell click HERE!!!.....Welcome aboard....now I am off to make...mmm...where to start??!!!

Meanwhile here's a peek at what I am working on at the moment...

I will post pictures as soon as I finish....

Simple Bias Binding Tutorial

2011-01-31T05:17:00.000-08:00

I have been promising myself for ages to do this Bias binding tutorial. My good friend Adair had been shown this ingenious method by her sister and I was lucky enough to be shown by Adair...so now it's my turn to pass it on.That's what I truely love about crafting.....if you know a little trick or a tip....isn't it just fantastic to let others know too.

I cut a rectangle 12inches by 21inches.

Fold back a piece and cut on the 45 degree line.

Cut at 45 degrees

Pin the Straight end of the triangle to the opposite side.Run down through the next pictures if this sounds confusing.Its simple...you'll see!!

Sew!

And press open.

Now then....Pin the long ends together,keeping the end of one side 1.5inches down from the other end.(I want 1.5inch wide binding)

Sew and press open and this is what you should have.

Cut around and around....and around the tube...I cut by eye but you can mark if you like.

From my rectangle I got 4 yard of binding....Brilliant isn't it....

Lush Bling cushion tutorial!

2011-01-17T04:58:00.000-08:00

Blog Hopping a few nights ago I came across Rachels fab blog Stitched In Colour .She is hosting a Bloggers Pillow Party. I could not resist joining in the fun.Pillows are My Thing.

My Spare bedroom could do with a bit of a jizz up so looking through my stash of fabrics I came across a piece of silk leftover from a dress I made myself for a wedding last year.And because I have arranged all my fabrics in colour (took ages)...right beside it was a beautiful piece of the most perfect co-ordinating silk.Yah!!!.....Bling,Bling bling I thought and grabbed a brooch from my bedroom and hey presto my 'lush Bling cushion was born.

Hope you like it!!!

Step by step tutorial to make this cushion.....simple when you follow the steps!

My cushion measures 16 inches square.I made it from two silk fabrics but you can use any type of fabric that co-ordinate with one another.
I love a bit of Bling!!!
All you need is:

For the front 1 piece 17x17inches

For the Back 2 pieces 17x12inches

For the front sash 1 piece 24x25inches

I pretty brooch

A 16 inch cushion filler...mine is feather Turn and stitch a double hem on the 2 25inch long sides of the sash piece
Turn and stitch a double hem on 1 long side of each of the back pieces.

Front Piece

Lay the sash piece diagonally on top of the front piece.
This is the fun piece.........Gather up the sash to the centre.

Close the brooch through all layers in a position you like.
Pin through the folds and trim the excess fabric.

Sew through the fold to keep them in position.

Lay one of the back pieces on top.
Lay the other to overlap.
Pin and sew around all four sides using a half inch seam allowance.
Serge the raw edges.

DONE!!!

Another tutorial link up!!

2011-01-12T13:38:00.001-08:00

Thanks Anne from Craft Gossip for linking up my tutorial to your amazing blog.

Lush shoulder Bag....have you tried it yet???

My tutorial is featured

2011-01-09T16:52:00.000-08:00

Just a quickie....very excited to find that my skirt tutorial has been featured on totally tutorials.How great is that...!!!

First Bondaweb Encounter!!

2011-01-08T13:31:00.001-08:00

Today I fancied a nice quick instant gratification project....you know the kind....not a lot of thinking involved and no arrgh moments when it doesn't go the way you had expected.
I had a metre of bondaweb stashed away crying out for a project.I remember a few years ago being asked to make an applique design on a quilt cover.It was quite a large design so I asked in the haberdashery shop(which will remain nameless!!) if there was any vilene type product to make applique easier.I was told there was not. Darn I thought,and proceded to stick all my pieces on the cover with the hemmit stuff for quickly hemming your trousers. Now,it worked,but the whole project was painful.It turned me off applique for quite a while.
Anyhow recently I had heard about this bondaweb product.You basically iron it to your fabric giving the fabric a little body ,then take off the backing paper and iron it to your fabric.BRILLIANT!!.....and it works....

I of course had to zig zag around....just in case...........

To stitch or not to stitch that is the question......will it stay stuck on through washing or not........do you stitch???

Customise a skirt

2011-01-06T14:40:00.000-08:00

Browsing through the Boden website I took a fancy to this skirt,but hey its £45.
So a trip to Penneys and Pippablue later......€4 skirt,€1.20 ribbon and €3 for 5 mtrs ric rac.I could not get velvet ribbon anywhere!!!

Pin and sew.....can it be any simpler???

Hey Presto....not bad eh???

Don't you just love it when a plan comes together!!!

Sewing through Crimbo!!

2010-12-31T07:57:00.000-08:00

When I was a child most of my Christmas presents were crafty,makey things I would spent my Christmas holidays making and doing! My poor parents would watch me open my presents on Christmas morning ,and frustratingly for them ,I used to open each box and look at making instructions and even start makng some stuff before folding the xmas paper up neatly and moving on to the next present. I know....i was a pain in the ass!!!....I remember getting a leather bag making kit one year .I insisted in making the bag before opening any more presents.

This Christmas I was in a serious make and do mode. During Christmas day and St Stephens day at my sisters house I managed to crochet some hats.This one is my favourite,made from pure wool I have had in the attic for probably the guts of 20 (shush!!) years. I bought this japanese panel in Pippablue a few weeks ago and immediately cut out a jacket the minute I got it home. It sat beside the sewing machine til this week.

Here is the almost finished jacket....only buttons and handsewing left to do. I am not mad about the collar but its nothing a lovely scarf won't sort out!

I have come to the conclusion that I have a bit of OCD going on. Ages ago I bought the Amy Butler Liverpool shirt pattern. I made one from a gorgeous Kaffe Fasset fabric and love it. It's a matter of leggings,t-shirt, boots, sorted, dressed!!

At the knitting and stitching show this year I bought some fabric with no clear plans in mind. I proceeded to make 2 more Liverpools. This week I was looking a one of the pieces of aforementioned fabric trying to figure out what to make, I even cut out a pattern of a dress but ended up making.....another Liverpool. I think the problem is that when I make something I don't really know if I am going to like it til its made and the Liverpool is my little comfort zone now.Darn....but I love it.

Kaffe Fasset and 3 fabrics bought at the knitting and stitching show.

I had a piece left over from one of my Liverpools so I made a simple A line skirt....I will be teaching an intermediate sewing class in Pippablue in january,showing how to make this skirt.It's a great little project....covers cutting out,seams,zip ( I have a really nifty method for beginners),ways to finish a waist band and hemming.Can't wait!!

Here's another version of the simple A line skirt anyone can make from the basic pattern.

Love this ribbon.

I made this little girls skirt for Ger and Eva in Pippablue to show what can be made from 2 fat quarters.

I love admiring other peoples patchwork but would not be a mad fan of making my own.I could not resist these fabrics and am loving how this turned out. I wanted it to be lightweight so I attached it to a fleece throw I picked up in Penneys.

Happy!!

I even managed to make 2 new roman blinds for my utility. Remember I made these for my kitchen.

Hope you all have a Crafty New Year!!!

I heart Mulled wine

2010-12-06T13:59:00.000-08:00

It's that time of the year again when I can whip up my really simple recipy fr mulled wine. I favour Neven Maguire's recipy which I started using a few years ago.

1 bottle Red Wine,
1 pint orange juice,
12 whole cloves,
2 cinnamon sticks,
1 orange sliced,
1 lemon sliced,
50-75g sugar,

Bung all the ingredients into a saucepan and heat up without boiling.

Drink!!
And it tatses even better the next evening....if it lasts til then!!

Purse making day

2010-12-04T13:55:00.000-08:00

I made yet another attempt to travel to work today.I live 26kms away from my shop and this journey usually takes me about 30mins. For the last few days the same journey has taken a nail biting 1hr 10 mins ish in the snow. This morning I drove to my brothers house which is only next door to drop Kian and Cerys off for the day.I literally skated along the road but kept the car reasonably controlled.The fun began as I tried to get the car out the gate to go to work. It was as if there was an external force on the car. I could not drive the car over the snow and out the gate. I tried reversing and making a run for it only to turn 180 degrees and wedge the car between the kerbs in the drive. I gave up and went back inside.

Thankfully I will always find something to keep me busy.Hooering,washing,ironing and cleaning were left again in favour of sewing.

This is my favourite!

I love the spotty lining.

I am quite partial to this one too!!

I am planning (weather permitting) to have a table at the Ballinasloe Community Market tomorrow (sunday Dec5th).These little babies will be there for sale.I might find it hard to let go of them though...maybe I should keep one for myself??

Lush shoulder bag tutorial

2010-12-01T07:26:00.000-08:00

This is my second attempt at a tutorial....here is the bag I am going to guide you through making.Please feel free to let me know if I have left anything out..

Place the pattern on a double layer of fabric. I used a home decor weight so did not interface it. If you use a lighter weight fabric I would recommend using an iron on interfacing to give stiffness.

Here you can see the measurements if you click on the picture to enlarge.

more measurements

Cut out lining...again on a double layer.I used fleece fabric for a soft finish.

This is the pattern for the pocket,cut two pieces.I used co-ordinating fabrics.

Note the marks at the top for the pleats

Pin the outside marks to the centre to form a pleat on both fabrics.

Pleat.

Pin the two pieces together ,sew around leaving a gap at the bottom to turn out.

gap

trim the corners.

Sew the 2 sides on the lining.

Sew one side of the main fabric.

If you like add a trim to the top of the pocket.I could not resist this pretty ribbon.

Open out the main fabric and place the pocket centrally on the seam you sewed.Sew the pocket in position.

Sew together the other side seam.

Open out the bag so that the two seams are on top of one another and sew along the bottom edge of the bag.Do the same with the lining.

Make corners and trim excess.Again do this for the lining too.

This picture might give you a better idea of how to do the corners.

Next is the button flap.Cut two pieces 5inches by 3 inches.

Sew around 3 sides and clip corners

Overstitch and sew a butonhole.

Place the lining into the main bag right sides together.

Place the botton flap between the layers centering it on the middle seam.

Pin the two layers together all around,keping seams and corners matched.

Starting about 5 inches from the end of the strap sew down along the strap ,across the front of the bag and up the second strap,taking care at the corners.

Stop about 5 inches from the end of the strap.

Sew the other side from beginning of the strap to the end of the other side.

Clip into the corners taking care not to snip the stitching.

Turn the bag right sides out through the straps.Pin and sew the strap seam.

Strap seam sewn.

Fold in a seam allowance on both fabrics.

Handstitch the gap together.

Sew in a button....and voila....all done...Enjoy your new bag!!

There is a flickr group for the lush shoulder bag....if you make a bag from my tutorial please add pictures to the group pool...I would love to see your bag.

Crafty Christmas

2010-11-22T15:19:00.000-08:00

I have been busy looking for some little christmas craft projects...here are a few I am dying to try.

These will be lovely on my dining table....just have to get some red pistachios... Instructions here

So cute...instructions here

Love these...instuctions here.

Halloween Fun

2010-11-04T16:21:00.000-07:00

We spent a fun day with Ness for halloween,decorating and 'spookifying' her house for the party. 'Mam why is our house not fun like this'???...wish we lived here!!!

What a little poser!

Huge!

This is how you do it!

Kian had spent the morning watching various youtube videos about pumpkin carving and was itching to give it a go!

I think he did a great job

Making a few changes

2010-10-26T14:53:00.001-07:00

Recently I have been at home more, taking a little more 'me' time away from work. It's been really lovely to drop the children to school and come home.I can get so much done before I go back to collect them...mostly sewing of course!
Maybe spending more time at home is making me feel the need for a few little changes. So this week I made some new roman blinds for my kitchen. I had been looking for a new fabric for some time and always wait til a fabric 'speaks' to me before I decide. I won't just choose something just for the sake of it.While the children watched a DVD on saturday night I worked on my new blinds.

Well what do you think???....a big change.

This is my bedroom.The picture looks very purpley but it's more mauve in reality. Again I need a big change so am thinking about doing the wall behind the bed in this pink paper and maybe a grey shade on the other walls.

I love this paper...its so Wow!!

Fun with fleece

2010-09-23T15:53:00.001-07:00

Did you know that lush stuff was born last winter???.

It all happened through a combination of a few events.Basically for the past few years I have been a closet crafter ,dying to find more 'me' time to try new things. But work and children always came between me and my time to make stuff. But last winter 'the big flood' allowed me more 'me' time. The road in front of my shop was closed temporarily due to the flooding and work did not exactly pour in (excuse the pun).So all of a sudden I had loads of time on my hands. I bought a few rolls of fleece fabrics, made hats,scarves,sweatshirts and ponchos and hit the Christmas craft fairs. I enjoyed it so much and have been looking forward to doing it all again this year.
I had planned to start making earlier than now but time has really flown...anyway I made a great start on tuesday.Here are a few so far modelled by my beautiful daughter Cerys....a budding model.

Here's the plan I had for those cute flowers I crocheted.Thanks Emily for the know how and the button idea.

Great for keeping the ears cosy.

Such a natural model eh!

Grass needs cutting badly.......You know it's to long when it falls over!!

I love the colours.
I certainly have not forgotten the boys,don't worry....more to be revealed soon. Also need a willing model for them too,daughter 'will not model boys hats'...
Linking up to lush friday.I would love if you would link too.
Also amy lous sew and tell

Cutie pincushions

2010-09-17T02:47:00.001-07:00

I was looking through the Anna Maria Horner blog during the week and spotted the tutorial for making these pincushions.I don't know how I didn't see it before.They are sooooo cutie.I made these. Pity I could not take nicer photographs because they really are so much sweeter in reality.
They were a simple ,fun little project and can be made from scraps. I am planning on making a few more too.They would make lovely pressies too.
I am going to link up to a few blogs today....amy lous,simply designing and lush friday here on my blog.

My patchwork clutchbags inspired Jessica.

2010-09-13T12:49:00.000-07:00

Imagine how flattered I felt when I saw Jessica's post about her latest obsession.I had to take a second look.I thought they were mine.So cute and I can tell you once you get started,you just want to keep making more...and more...and more!!

Check out SewCraftyJess, this girl can quilt...thanks Jessica for your contributions to lush friday.Keep 'em coming!!

An unproductive Week

2010-09-09T23:46:00.000-07:00

This has been the most unproductive craft week I have had in such a long time. I have crocheted nothing,knitted nothing,sewn nothing so made absolutely nothing,my house is a mess and I can't wait for the weekend.

I am so looking forward to our crocet get together in my shop next wednesday.

Here's a pic of our first night.

Look at what we had to nibble on in .Mmmmm.yum yum

See you next friday at the various show and tells.

jewellery making

2010-09-02T14:09:00.001-07:00

We were on holidays last week in Wales, staying with my uncle Keith and Auntie Diane.(Thanks for a great week xxx. ).
Imagine my surprise and delight on friday when I checked my emails to find a message from Beth at Magpie and Button announcing that I was the winner of her very first giveaway!!!

I practically attacked the postman on wednesday when I saw him arrive with a beautifully addressed envelope,tore it open and ...OMG .....such attention to detail in the presentation and packaging.I have never seen anything like it before...and of course I had no camera to photograph it before I opened the little packages inside.

Isn't this so sweet.I've been wearing it since and have had so many comments about it.I was told today that it was quirky and suited my personality.
While we were in Wales my cousin Emma brought us to the most addictive shop imaginable.When I say addictive I mean if this shop was near me at home I would be in it every day for sure! It is called wild about beads and I was well and truely wild about it. It is packed with every type of bead and fixings to make your own jewellery. This was completely new territory for me.I loved it. We choose our beads and sat at a table to make up our design. Help was at hand if we ran into difficulty and we even got a cup of coffee to keep us inspired....sweet.

My first attempt was this necklace

Cerys made this.

I could not resist a bit of bling.

So I made this

It was such a fun morning,I was sad to leave the shop. I am sure the owners were sorry to see me go too...ching!ching!

Come join me by linking up to my lush friday linky party.

I am also linking to simply designing,amy lou's sew and tell and frugal friday.

More patchwork clutchbags

2010-08-20T02:37:00.001-07:00

I have become slightly obsessed with making these patchwork clutchbags. I really like the way that, eventhough I am using the same fabrics in all the bags,they look so different depending on the fabric I choose for the end strip. I also love the braid I added too.

I have had such a busy week. I am attending the Terryglass Arts Festival Craft Fair on Sunday and am trying to make stock but it is selling quicker than I can make it. That's not a bad thing but I always worry when I go to these fairs that I won't have enough.

I am also very excited because I have started organising an xmas craft fair in Ballinasloe . Date is booked in Gullanes Hotel Ballinasloe for Sunday November 14th. (11.30-6.00 I want to target the 11.00 mass- goers).

Loads more going on too, and tonnes more news to come....

Versatile Blogger award

2010-08-16T14:14:00.001-07:00

What?? Me??? Really??? Thanks Michelle (the Desert Quilter) for awarding me The Versatile Blogger award. I am truely honoured.

The award comes with a few easy rules:

Thank the person who gave you the award.
Tell 7 things about yourself.
Award 15 other bloggers that you enjoy reading.

7 Things About Me:

Favourite Tv Programmes - any programme of Goks! Sex and the City-the only programme I can watch over and over and still laugh.
Was in New York once and would love to go back again.-someday....
Only learned to swim last year after always having a fear of water. I was determined!
Wish I had more time to grow more veggie . I love getting my hands dirty in the garden.
Love Shoes....can't resist them.
I want to learn how to do a fench plait in my daughter's hair. I have tried so many times and can't do it. What the heck am I doing wrong??
Eventhough I love my work I would love to be able to spend more time learning new crafts.

Here's my list of 15 Blogs I am awarding with The Versatile Blogger award.( in no partiular order)

Emily at thenest
Ger and Eva at pippablue
Fiona at patchworkdelights
Tyne at Tyneboden Necklaces
Karen at sewing tales
Larri at seams inspired
Neen at neencrochet
Ruth at Nicedaydesigns
Rebecca at Luckyrainbowdesigns
Nina at Mrs Moen
Craftyirelandteam at etsyireland
Rachel at balancedcrafts
Jessica at sewcraftyjess
Rita E at myquiltparade
sarah at confessionsof a fabric addict

Crochet Flowers

2010-08-13T00:00:00.001-07:00

I have an idea.....and it involves....crochet flowers. Now it's ages since I crocheted (probably years!), but it's like riding a bike..yes?
I trawled the internet looking for a pattern or a tutorial for a cute simple (it had to be simple.I am happiest with instant gratification). Now I did find some great stuff,especially on utube but nothing exactly what I was looking for.

Thank God for our little crochet group meeting,which met on tues night...Emily our master crocheter,hands and hook quicker than Concorde, showed me How To.

I got this fab yarn (trying to break a lifetimes habit of calling all yarn Wool) in pippablue (of course,sure where else would I go).

And made these...
My idea is to make children's fleece hats and have a cute detachable(handy for washing!) flower.

Made these too from 'fluffy' yarn....mmmm did not turn out quite how I had imagined...bit of a blobby flower...

As usual I am linking up this weeks 'makes' to a few fun blog parties....lush friday,simply designing,amy lou's sew and tell,

Pressie for the birthday girl

2010-08-08T10:53:00.001-07:00

I have been making an effort of late to make my own presents for people , buy from other makers or buy from Irish businesses.
So it all started when I bought this cute little bracelet from Martina at Glitzandglam.net. I bought it for my little niece Shauna who's birthday was today.I wanted to give her something else too so I made her a skirt and top combo to wear with the bracelet.

Scooby was a little curious when I was trying to photograph it on our back fence.See that for a tongue!!

I was really pleased with the way it turned out.

I am getting great mileage out of the fabric I bought in Pippablue. Think it might be time to re-stock a little.

I heart vintage florals

2010-08-02T11:38:00.000-07:00

It's not everyday that I open a delivery of new fabric books and totally love them. I am sorry to say that i don't always like the new season fabrics. I know that some of them will be best sellers but they don't always float my boat.!!!

I felt such sheer delight when this book arrived that I had to order some pieces to do a new window display. Dream Interiors is renouned for its colourful and lateral thinking window displays.It is a task I love undertaking. I won't just hang up lengths of fabric like many other shops do, I have to think of a concept and start making.I get such a thrill when I see cars slowing up outside the shop to take a look.

I will embroider this one in a stronger pink the next time

Some random patchwork featured!!

As well as making for the window I also started a little giveaway on facebook. All you have to do to get your hands on a personalised apron is become a fan and leave a comment telling me what you would like written on your apron. I have had some fantastic suggestions already.

Upcycling is the new black!!

2010-07-30T02:58:00.001-07:00

Having my own curtain shop gives me access to loads and loads of fabric. I don't actually stock any curtain fabrics in the shop. I have hundreds (I kid you not) of sample books where we basically choose a fabric,work out the quantities and then order in what we need It usually takes about a week for the fabric to arrive into our workrooms and then Hey Presto the little elves work away on it and out comes a beautifully finished pair of curtains-I wish!!

See I was not kidding about the huge number of sample books. Eventually these books are replaced by new designs and I have to throw out the books. I have to buy all these books so it kills me to dump any of them.
This week I got a note about newly discontinued books. Usually I groan but in this instance I was happy because they are the most beautiful children's applique (ridiculously expensive!!) fabrics. And I had a plan.

Unfortunately I did not photograph the book before I got my scissors to it...

I made these cushions. Each one different to the next. I knew they would be gorgeous but they turned out even better than I had imagined.

Also this week I have been studying the manual I got with my embroidery sewing machine and figured out a few things. I found out how to repeat a design on one fabric so I tried it out like this.
And then used the designs to cover buttons-Sweet. Thinking of putting them on a white cardi, Maybe...
I have a bag of clothes ready for the charity shop (ready since my xmas clearout). I rummaged through it and found this t shirt.
I turned it into a pair of shorts for Cerys. There's not enough sun here though to warrant shorts so she had been wearing them to bed!!
And I made my first tutorial.Jeepers it takes ages to make one. I think I may have too many photographs in it but it was a great experience to do it. Definitely more to come. Check it out and let me know what you think.
As usual I am linking up to a few blogs:
lush friday (my very own show and tell), amy lou's sew and tell, simply designing ,

Lush Skirt tutorial

2010-07-26T14:56:00.000-07:00

Remember a few weeks ago I made this skirt and top for my daughter,well I decided to write a tutorial on how to make one.

Bear with me,this is my first tutorial...and its for a skirt for my 7 year old Cerys. We love these wonderfully colourful fabrics. The combinations are endless.
This is a gathered skirt with a flat front waistband and elasticated back waistband. The length of the skirt from the top on the waistband to the hem is 15invhes.So if you want the skirt to be a different length ,adjust your piece lengths.

What you need for this skirt are

2 co-ordinating fat quarters

Piece of 1 inch elastic

Thread

ric rac(optional)

Decide which will be your main fabric and cut the fat quarter in half so you have 2 pieces each measuring 10 x 21 inches ( front and back)

Cut co-ord fabric into 2 pieces measuring 5.5 x 21
and
1 piece 13 x 4(front waistband)
and
1 piece 21 x 4 (back waistband)

Take the 13 x 4 inch piece ( front waistband) and front piece. Mark the centres

Centre markings

Pin some pleats in place, keeping centre markings centred until the front and waistband are the same width.

Pin and sew together

Pin right sides of back waistband and back piece together (no pleats this time).Pin and sew as front.

Press seams flat towards the waistband.

Pin front and back right sides together at sides.

Sew side seams together .

Pin and sew co-ord fabric 21 x 4 inch pieces together at sides.

Pin hem band and front pieces together making sure the side seams line up

Sew and overlock together, also overlock the raw edge of the waistband and the hem band.

Press up a little hem on the hem band.

Press under the waistband so it is about 1.25inches high.

I cut my elastic 10 inches long. Pin the edge of the elastic to the side seam of the waistband on each side

Sew in place.

Place some pins through the layers along the lower edge of the waistband .

Sew along the lower edge taking care not to stitch through the elastic.

The elastic will gather up making it difficult to manage so put the needle down into the fabric, lift the pressure foot and move the elastic through.You may need to do this a few times.The ric rac is optional ! Place it on top of the seam and sew along.

I sewed ric rac on the lower edge to sew the hem in place. If you do not use ric rac simply machine or hand sew the hem.
Here it is ...the finished skirt. If there is any part of this tutorial you cannot follow please comment below and I will try to enlighten you!!

Bicycle bucket

2010-07-22T23:55:00.000-07:00

This week has been so full and busy that I reached thursday before I even noticed and I had nothing for show and tell. Yesterday evening I thought back on the week and realised that I had done very little sewing. Well.....very little I could show and tell. I had actually done tonnes of sewing. I had altered a wedding dress for a lovely girl getting married next weekend ,altered a debs dress for a debs last wednesday night, made clutch bags and shoulder bags for a wholesale order,and made curtains at my 'real' job!! Then in the midst of all that I won a giveaway for an Amy Butler pattern and some fabric. No wonder the week flew!!!

So in a bit of a flap yesterday evening I locked myself away in my sewing room and came up with this idea of a bicycle bucket for my friend Emily's High Nellie!!!!

And just so that nobody else thinks it is their's I embroidered her name on it...

Just as cute on the inside

As usual I am linking up to a few delicious blogs ,of course my very own lush friday, fab friday, amy lous sew and tell, simply designing ,saturday soiree

Patchwork attempt!!!

2010-07-16T02:57:00.001-07:00

I had a seriously quiet day at work in my shop last saturday. Cerys had come to work with me for the day and she kept asking if we were going to ever have a customer..just to make me feel eveen worse. Summertime is generally a dull time in the shop but saturdays were never this quiet. Anyway I made a quick phone call to Eva in pippablue and headed into Galway on a mission to get some fat quaters to make my first attemp at patchwork. I had been threatening this for weeks and felt it was time. The weather was terrible and traffic was worse but we were determined. The only trouble was trying to decide on a colour combo. I left it up to Cerys to choose, she loves fabrics too. Eva gave me the name of a few blogs to look at to find a tutorial and I eventually decided on this stacked coins quilt on the moda bake shop blog.

I cut all my pieces

Put them into groups and shuffled

I really enjoyed sewing them all together and watching the combinations unfold. In hindsight I would not have included the red/purple spotty one. I think it pops out too much from the overall design. I had to re shuffle the lines a few times to keep those spotty ones apart. But I am happy with the finished product. It is by no means perfect but what the heck.

I have started quilting. I am eyeball quilting because my gauge foot is missing a holding screw for my sewing machine. This is as far as I have got yet.

I am hosting my 4th lush friday and I am also linking up to fab friday,simply designing,amy lou's sew and tell ,frugalicious friday and saturdays craft envy. I would love for you to link up to lush friday and why don't you pop over to the other links too to see what else is going on.

Bits and bobs/this and that!!

2010-07-08T23:46:00.000-07:00

I was so tired this week,I think i may have overdone it for the past few weeks preparing for the Portumna Great Outdoors Festival where Sprinkles and I had stalls. I spent every spare moment I had making bags and purses and anything else I could think of . It was a great day ,I really enjoyed it. I found it brilliant for getting feedback on my stuff.

I completely sold out of these so I have to make some more.

I had this pretty pink polka dot fabric left over after I shortened a pair of curtains and thought it was ideal for this bag I had been dying to make. I bought the applique pattern some time ago for my embroidery sewing machine and I love the way it turned out.

I panicked last week thinking I had not got enough to sell last sunday so I made these purses with the help of my niece Ciara. She chose the fabric combinations.

Isn't this one cute!!

I bought this fabric some weeks ago and haven't gotten around to making anything with it yet. I originally bought it to make another one of these tops.I think I will stick with the plan.I get so much wear out of the other one I made

Having read so many blogs lately I am itching to try some quilting so hopefully I will go shopping on monday to buy some fabric. I have looked through my fabric stash and can't come up with a combination that I like.

Wish me luck!!

I am hosting my 3rd lush friday and linking up to fab friday,simply designing,amy lou's sew and tell and saturday craft envy. I would really love if you would check out my 'lush friday', and maybe link up too!!!
See you next week..

Portumna Great Outdoors Festival

2010-07-05T04:27:00.000-07:00

For years Portumna had a summer festival that we all looked forward to but it simply died away.But this year it was back and ..back with a bang...better than ever and all this as thanks to the great efforts of the Portumna Chamber of Commerce.There was a huge amount of work put into the oragisation of the weekend and this could be seen by the crowds of people soaking up the holiday atmosphere in the town over the weekend.

On sunday there were activities planned for children.. face painting,puppets,ice cream,art and craft workshop and all for free...

So in amongst all this you could also find a little stall manned by yours truly and my two beautiful assistants. Lush stuff had come to display (and hoping to sell) my wares. When we arrived at the playground area in Portumna on this lovely but windy day, I have to admit to having my doubts that we could cope with the wind. But we chose our position and set up. Sprinkles (cupcakes and custom made cakes) also had high hopes for the day and set up beside us. Thanks to my friends Nes and Helen for coming up with the idea of filling paper bags with stones to hold all in place.

My two assistants (with cupcakes yum yum)!!

Sprinkles

We sold loads of these

I love to see that people like what I make and am delighted when they buy but often I find it hard to let go of some things..like the applique pouches (like the cow one above). Silly isn't it or does anyone else feel like this?????.......................

lush dress

2010-07-02T00:07:00.001-07:00

Ta Da !!!!

Here is the dress I made!!

What do you think????

It's ages since I made anything for myself...but I think this is the start of many more new additions to my wardrobe.It has been a combination of not finding any nice fabric that I like and not having the time to sit down and sew over the past few years that has stopped me making more for myself. Silly really because most stuff I buy in the shops has to be altered to fit properly anyway.

But anyway I am back.....back sewing ....with a passion..!!

I added a little gather to the sleeve to kinda dressy it up a bit more.

Originally I was looking for a skinny silver belt but having failed to get one I thought of this ribbon.

And of course the bag.....and the shoes. I bought these shoes about 2 years ago(very expensive).I love them..they go with everything . Best shoes I ever invested in...and I sure did invest. I can wear them all day and never have sore feet.

And my cute ring..

Scrappy was ,of course .out to see what i was up to....he was a lot hairier a few weeks ago but I gave him a ,not very good,haircut....Much cooler for him now..

I am off to a wedding today...in my new dress....the sun is shining and birds are singing..looks like it's going to be a lovely day.

I am linking up to lush friday, amys sew and tell and simply designing....why don't you check them out....

Blogging causes weight gain!!!!

2010-06-28T12:04:00.000-07:00

I am going to a wedding on friday. I had the most beautiful dress in the wardrobe waiting for an occasion like this. So when the invitation came through the door I immediately thought of my gorgeous red dress. mmm Unfortunately I have realised there is a direct relationship between facebook,blogging and......weight gain. There was at least 1.5 inches between the 2 sides of the zip. I have tried over the last few weeks to shift it but said dress is still pretty tight.Darn.

Last night I came to the decision that the dress is definitely not going to get an outing this time. Thankfully I had been fabric shopping recently.So yes you have guess it.....I made a new dress. I am not going to unveil the dress in this post. It will make its debut for 'lush friday'.

To give you a sneaky peek ,today i whipped up this cute little cluch bag to match from the leftover fabric.

I had this Red raw silk which was perfect for inside.

This is the pattern I used for the dress. Such a simple pattern to use. Of course I made a few slight changes to it, as I usually do.

If you want to see the dress pop back on friday!!!

My New button!!!!!!!

2010-06-27T07:46:00.000-07:00

See my 'lush friday button' over there on the right hand side taking pride of place . That took about 2 hours to make.And I made it all by myself-can you believe it????????.

I have seen pretty 'buttons' on other blogs and wondered how they were made. I thought to myself 'who makes then' and 'where do I get one from' .So ....the power of Google again.... I googled 'how to make a blog button'. I found a brilliant tutorial here and 2 hours later( after I briefly thought about giving up after it just would not work for me) I made it.

The plan is for my followers and 'lush friday' participants to put it on your blogs so that maybe others out there in blog land will check out my blog and join in with us on 'lush friday'. Simple as that.There is a step by step instruction how to add the button(gadget) to your blog here.

I am off to see if I can make a pretty banner for my etsy shop now. There is no stopping me since I discovered photobucket.

Welcome

2010-06-25T04:12:00.000-07:00

*****Welcome All to the Very First 'lush friday'******

I was in a real Sewing Zone this week , I made camera cases, bags,bags, and more bags.I have met some lovely crafty people this week through a load of different blogs and facebook fanpages. There is a lot of highly talented people out there.I have so enjoyed this week, sewing promoting my 'lush friday' ,and seeing all the fans arriving to my facebook page.

Here are my latest bags........

During the week I was making lovely neat shoulder bags and I decided to make a Big bag for show and tell. This is a roomy bag,has long shoulder straps and a magnet to close. It is colourful and a little quirky with the different fabrics.

I am also linking up to simply designing ,fab friday,along for the ride and amylou's sew and tell. After you link to 'lush friday' Why not link in there too!!!!!

If you would like to link your project to 'lush friday' click here

Wow camera case and matching handbag

2010-06-21T14:46:00.000-07:00

The weather here at the moment is the sort of weather I remember our summers were like when I was a child. When we got our summer holidays from school we wore our shorts and summer clothes until we went back to school in September.Now I don't even buy new summer clothes. They just don't wear out from year to year.

Anyhow, today I really wanted to sew up these bags I cut out yesterday. I cut them out on my patio tables in the sunshine. I was not going to miss a bit of that sun. I am back at work tomorrow(tues) so will only be admiring it throughthe shop windows. But today I was dying to sew them up so I wrestled and put up the gazebo (a bargain at €17.99 from argos). Brought lock ,stock and barrell down from my sewing room(in the attic-I was determined) and finally with the help of a very long extension lead I was in business. sewing away to my hearts content.

Here's what I made.....

It's even colourful inside

Logo embroidered on the closing flap.

Velcro to close, and a clever intertwining of the straps keeps it closed...love it...

Little pocket at the back too.

Fits this size camera.

A very fetching combo....

I am hosting my first 'lush friday' show and tell this friday 25th june. Please join in, more info here

Wristlet purses

2010-06-19T15:35:00.000-07:00

I had great fun making these wristlet purses. Each one was different and unique. I made them from a curtain fabric sample book which I had not got the heart to throw away once it became discontinued from a range of fabrics I sell in my shop. I just knew that I would put it to use one day. That day came last friday.I took a lot of time cutting up the pieces of fabric so that I put it all to good use. All the flowers are applique and have sweet little buttons too.

This is a gorgeous duck egg colour.(did not photograph well)

The flower is applique with a little button in the center.

I lined them inside with some curtain lining.

I was so pleased with the way they turned out. What do you think??

I am planning on hosting my first 'lush friday' show and tell next friday . Please join in,all are welcome. For more info look here.

NEW top-show and tell friday!!

2010-06-18T15:11:00.000-07:00

This is my second week at show and tell. I have been so looking forward to friday coming this week. I was so motivated that I made this weeks project last sunday just so that I would definitely participate this week.
I bought this top in Monsoon last summer. I wore it so much and thought to myself 'if only I could find fabric I like then I would love to make one like it'. I was in pippablue in Galway last monday and saw loads of gorgeous fabrics. I chose 2 Amy Butler fabrics and. went home full of enthusiasm

This is the top I bought last summer in Monsoon.

I lay out the top and cut the fabric pieces. It was tricky because there were darts on the back and the sleeves were an awkward shape. When I had it all cut out I thought ''mmmm maybe I should have cut a pattern from waste fabric first''. But I was happy with it. I actually lay out the fabric pieces on old curtain lining then and copied a pattern because I know I will be making another one of these tops.

VOILA!!! My finished top. I love it!!

Sleeves turned out great for me. I was really pleased. See how I used the other fabric to trim the edge!!

There are little gathers at the neck line..

I am linking up to Amy's Show and tell friday,craftenvy, frugal friday,simply designing. Why not pop on over and see everyone elses projects.

I am planning on hosting my first 'lush friday' show and tell next friday. Please join in, the more the merrier. For more info look here.

New skirt and top

2010-06-13T14:44:00.000-07:00

I had been admiring and lusting after some fabulous fabrics on etsy and various blogs I had been reading. They were 'Amy Butler' fabrics and had caught my eye due to the glorious colours and patterns-right up my street. I googled one day to find that I could get my hands on them in pippa blue in Galway. You can only imagine my delight. I had expected to have to import them and there they were just down the road from me (well-35 miles away).
I went to Galway with the kids on bank holiday monday(after a quick enquiry on their website to make sure they were open). I was truely spolied for choice. I picked up four pieces of fabric and some ric rac with a top for me and a skirt for Cerys in the plans.

So today I made a skirt for Cerys..............

I love the ric rac ... its so cute....

I was sorry that I had not bought enough to make a top as well but found a plain t shirt and appliqued a flower using my embroidery machine.............

I was so pleased with the result...................

I also made the top for myself using a top I had bought in Monsoon last year as a pattern.Here's a little look at the cutting out stage. I will post pictures of the finished top later in the week. I was really happy with the way it turned out. If our weather improves I know I will get loads of wear out of it.....mmmmmmm maybe I should get some more fabric for a skirt too.......or maybe more for another top. i have definitely been bitten by the sewing bug.!!!

I am linking to strut your stuff thursday .Go on...Pop over and see what's going on.!!

Todays Bag

2010-06-12T11:26:00.001-07:00

I was busy bag making again today. I had to tear myself away from the oilcloth I was using yesterday though. It's so easy and quick to make things from it.

So I took out a few remnants I had of this gorgeous silk fabric and made this cute lttle bag. I used a pattern I bought some time ago. Looking at the picture on the pattern I thought the bag would be really small, but it turned out to be quite a tidy size. As you can see from the pictures below I managed to fit all the everyday stuff in it-phone, wallet,lippy and a notebook.

It is pictured beside an artificial plant which my nan watered one day because she thought 'it looked a bit dry', Didn't do it any harm anyway. Artificial plants are great in my house because I keep forgetting to water the real ones. Only thing is you have to keep dusting them instead!!!

I used a bright green and brown embroidered silk in the lining.There is curtain interlining between the inside and outside fabric to give it body.I added a little flap at the top with a magnetic closing thingy to keep safe.

Phone,wallet,lippy and a notebook (and room for more too) fits with ease..

Lovely embroidery detail.

I like the shape of it when it is full.
mmmm now where can I go to show off my new bag.......
I am linking this post to craftenvy and along for the ride
Why not take a peek at what others are up to on saturdays!!!

oilcloth heaven 'show and tell friday'

2010-06-11T13:08:00.000-07:00

I am so excited!!! This is my first 'show and tell friday'offering. I have been addicted to tuning in every friday for the last few weeks and promised myself every week that I would definitely have something next week to show. Well finally the week has come for me at last. I have been getting carried away with oilcloth this week. I am trying to make some bags for some carft fairs coming up soon. I just adore all these fabrics.The bags are so simple and so spacious.
I am linking to Look what I made and sew and tell friday. Why not check them out and see what others are up to this week!!

To start the apples were my favourite and then I loved the dots...

......so I made a little wristlet wallet to match......

.....then I really really loved the Dogs pattern....................

...............then I fell for the kitchen patchwork one............. !!!

I put some gym stuff in to see just how much could fit in. See...loads of room.

Which is your favourite?????

A wash out at BLOOM 2010!!!

2010-06-06T12:20:00.000-07:00

We went to Bloom in the Pheonix Park today. When I got up this morning the sun was shining,birds singing-get the picture,so we headed off to collect Nes all excited about the day ahead. When we were about 30mins away from Dublin the clouds got very dark and threatening!!. 'Well ' said Nes 'thank God I brought my rain coat'(just in case).. Oops we didn't of course.. Very big Oops actually. Apparently the Bloom people had been giving out rain ponchos but had run out when we arrived. Cerys had a hood on her top but me and Kian had to just suffer the rain.

That tea pot always comes on picnics.

The show gardens were really gorgeous. I noticed a lot of similarities in them. Hostas and Alliums were very popular,as was the use of water features.

This was our favourite garden.

Boy these Alliums were big.

Cerys at work with me.

2010-06-05T03:29:00.000-07:00

Nanny went to BLOOM today,(hopefully we will go tomorrow. Can't wait).Usually Kian and Cerys would stay with her on saturdays. So Cerys came to work with me for the day. Kian went to Nicolas(my sister) to play with his cousins.So everyone was happy!!

She cleaned the floor

Mmmm this one is really nice. What do you think??

There was a lot of serious work to be done then on the computer..........

I could watch work all day!!

2010-05-19T08:54:00.000-07:00

On sunday we(husband and I) decided to dig up all the surviving plants in one of our flower beds. The dogs had made it their mission to chew their way through it over the past few months. We had let the weeds grow out of control in an effort to 'hide' any of the remaining (bless them!!) plants. It was our plan to re-plant them in the other fenced off beds.

Iomar did the digging while I rummaged through the weeds to find the shrubs. Well, behind every good man there is a great fore-woman.

Ah there's definitely a plant in there somewhere.

The dogs watched on.( Scrappy the very badly knotted and stinky Shih-tzu and Scooby the Great Dane.). Is Scrappy giving Scooby and little peck on the cheek. Ain't love Cute. Two boy dogs by the way!!

Bags of fun

2010-05-08T13:38:00.000-07:00

Here's a few I made earlier...............

I tried to be all arty with my camera, shame the sun had vanished!! The tree is beautiful isn't it...

I added a handy little pocket inside for a mobile phone. At least if it is in the pocket it might be easy to find it when it rings..

I asked my daughter which was her favourite. She said 'that's a hard one Mammy' .She picked this one. 'I like the colours' she said...... It's an embroidered polyester. I have the same fabric in other colours too. It is so eyecatching. I can't wait to make more....watch this space.

The fabric in this one is a Villa Nova silk. I love it... It's pure silk, the piece in the middle is embroidered and the green straps have brown embroidery on them.

My bff...............

2010-05-08T13:32:00.000-07:00

This is my trusty sewing machine. We spend such quality time together.

The first cut

2010-05-02T15:25:00.000-07:00

Last sunday our lawn had its first cut of the season. Cerys(age 7) was mad to drive the lawnmower.

Dad sat with her but she did ALL the steering, and drove the mower up the ramp on her OWN-something I definitely would not attempt. In fact I don't show any interest in the mower for fear I might learn how to use it.....