Summer is coming and the wonders of what can be made in a week

I would firstly like to thank all my blog visitors that visit me each week and take time out of their day to comment. Your comments mean a lot to me and love to read what you have to say.

Okay maybe not summer for a few months but have to get busy making now and be ready when the time comes. This week finally got around to my large bags in stripes which I think could be Hamptons and the boardwalk of course Nantucket. My neighbours gave me a large pack of brown paper to use up, had been holding for wrapping but found a new use, for my patterns. Funny as we used to use brown paper at college for pattern cutting, must have slipped my mind. Very strong unlike pattern tissue which is a pain to draw on.

When I start out to design, always start with the finished item in my mind and work backwards, cutting out pieces  of fabric as I go. Then I transfer to the brown paper for future use. I know sounds odd but works for me. Perhaps this gives an idea as to the state of my mind, one big muddle, lol.

Hamptons

Nantucket

As you know I never waste fabric and after my pink linen top and the waistcoat still had some bits of linen left. Brain into gear and turned them into lavender sachets with pink satin ribbon and a diamante buckle trim.

Butterfly Handbag/Purse

Found this fabric and whilst not pink do love lilac and with French wording had to buy. Already had this project in mind and just love the butterfly embroidery, think it adds a bit of joie de vivre.

No waste with some more diamante sachets and a couple of lavender bags

Bought this cotton ticking style fabric and as love swallows thought embroidering onto off white linen and adding to the front of the sachet, filled with lavender are so sweet.

Think that is about all for this week but do pop over to Lucy Blossom Crafts to see the other wonderful blogs in this weeks Handmade Monday, I am off to start a new project of chevron circle purses all will become clear next week.

Chief of Staff

Thinking what he can HELP!!!! with next....

Handmade Monday No. 73

Welcome to Handmade Monday hosted by Wendy from Handmade Harbour, check out the wonderful blogs in the linky party.

July has arrived, Wimbledon has started and what did we expect with the weather? well kiss of death and it has been raining cats and dogs on an off for weeks. When the sun does appear so grateful to see his cheery face in beautiful crystal clear blue skies.

Now what has been going on at Ocala Towers? well the stitching continues and found this chocolate rose fabric and just had to be bought with fairy frost aqua for the bag flap, a chocolate brown rose embroidered in a toile design.

Fairie Fae appears again this time made into a funky bag with a fabric remnant reminiscent of the 60/70's, handy for a trip out when not too much clutter has to be carried.

Polka Dot Coin Purse


Had been hanging onto this small remnant left over from the school bags, them found in my zip box a collection of small zips, as wanted these for a craft stall staple kept the machine embroidery down to just the words. Fun but for any age and who does not love Polka Dots.

Flower Power Coin Purse


As the polka dot another off cut

Scooter Tote Bags

Again left over from the school bags and could not resist some fun scooter tote bags(4 in total), fully lined with an inner  divided pocket plus a handy out side pocket with elasticated top for a mobile.

New Fabric

Well Fancy Moon fabric has a lot to answer for and I could not resist these wire dress forms with roses! perfect, vintage fashion labels in purple and chocolate brown Eiffel towers.

Have decided to make myself a handbag and wallet out of the dress form fabric, so think may have to buy some more, have been thinking about this for some time as should really use my own creations but just never got around to it. This fabric just spoke to me and as I stitch what could be a better advert, plus my purse is at the end of it's days, in fact a disgrace and not a good look for my street cred to throw coins around the shop floor.

You will also notice a new blog background this week, not sure what happened to the old one but I am loving the roses, so shabby chic and so me.

Happy creating and hopefully back next week

&

Blogging Monday is here again Folks

Now I know I am getting older, things are taking more time than they did a few years back my brain is willing although leaning towards memory lapses now and again but I never get as much done as planned, start the week on a Sunday evening with a 'To Do' list reading like War & Peace come Saturday does not look much better. Do go off at a tangent on occasion and can take some time getting back to the straight and narrow course so not as much as I would have liked to show, however 2 more tote bags, 1 tidy bag, kimono shoes to match the baby gift posted last week for a friend, just waiting for her to produce said offspring and a birthday card for BIL.

Back to what I love a crazy quilted silk Victorian door hanging in colours of the sea, blues, greens, greys, and cream with shell charms, flowers and beads. Machine embroidery stitches and lace. Although small these pieces take time but enable me to be more creative and love the randomness of the patchwork.

Everything bought for Shiloh's arrival on Tuesday, well almost all off to collect the baby gate reserved at Homebase tomorrow, some more grub as Golden's have a penchant for food. Builder almost finished the puppy run but will not be able to use fully until Thursday, at least the badgers stayed away had visions of them ploughing their way through half set concrete. Contract received and insurance through from the kennel club.

Blog started for Shiloh so anyone can follow his tails from Tuesday.

I want to introduce my very good friend Kim from Apple Crafts she is based in Lincolnshire and starting some new card making classes soon. Kim is a wonderful lady , very patient and an excellent teacher, if you are in the area and would like to learn new techniques plus have fun check out her website for more details.

Hobby and Craft Forum is still looking for new members, we have a directory to advertise your business, morning coffee to pass some time away and more, whilst small we are perfectly formed and have some big ideas for the future.



Check out the other blogs at:

Show and Tell Monday with Make Mine Pink


Handmade Monday with 1st Unique Gifts