Painting, painting and more painting

Quite happy not to see another tin of paint for some time, the stairs took an age mainly because 3 walls go up the full height of the house, not an easy task. Could not leave Lee on his own as would have meant climbing down the ladder to reload the roller. Still, now done, he started on the landing now which is on terra firma and I am free to do what I like, hence sewing.


Rolled Shopping Bags

This weeks makes? had rolls of fabric which I got as a win in a competition a few years back and never used. Decided to make some shopping bags which roll up for convenience, popped in a handbag just in case.

Wanted some feedback and made 1 for a friend along with a set of 4 cards which I have added to my website, for her to test and let me know what she thinks.


Boutonnieres 

Have a lot of old buttons both from my Mum and MIL, thought would use some to make boutonnieres wrapped in a faux silk ribbon, with added ribbon and lace. I love old buttons and can remember going through my Grandmother's tins when young. A treasure trove of tiny prettiness.

Roses Grow On You

This saying takes me back to the old 'Roses chocolate'' adverts with Norman Vaughan, they don't make them like they used to, lol

Back to crafting bought 2 fat quarters of this pretty fabric made into a couple of frame bags. The silver tone roses, not even sure where I got them from or when, just add something as an embellishment. Used up the scraps into a set of rose potpourri sachets. Still have a fat quarter to use but atm undecided.

Check out the other blogs at Handmade Monday

Until next week enjoy the summer

Vintage Baby and Fripperies

I subscribe to a new US magazine called Classic Sewing, mainly children but also weddings. Some wonderful project ideas and all classic styling.

BABY BONNET

This week made the linen hankie baby bonnet. Only problem I did not have a linen hankie so decided to make my own. You have to pull a warp and weft thread from all 4 sides, cut along these which gives a perfect square. Then pull out approx 4/5 threads about an inch in round all 4 sides. Fold the outer edges over twice and hand hemstitch round. Although this takes some time the result is so pretty and very peaceful to sit and hand sew. Once done the bonnet can be made with embellishments of your choice. I chose ivory lace round the front with lace hearts and organza ribbon for the ties.

Did not have a baby to model on so my silk flowers had to do. I loved making this and will certainly be making some more. Also think they would fit into my stall at the Home and Vintage shows.

This idea is a Victorian one and used to be given to a baby on their Christening, then when they got married they undid the stitches and had a keepsake hankie. I made mine with sturdy stitches so not an option and adding the lace to the front also puts paid to that idea but a good one.

Millifiori Pendant Necklaces

Some hand embroidered Millifiori pendants, found the hand embroidery very relaxing

Sold 3 within minutes of posting to my website, so happy.

Boho Style Bag

This is a new embroidery design and thought would look good in single colour embroidery, using a Paris print fabric. Adding the chain makes the bag special.

Fair props and display

Following on from the baby bonnet above finally made a sort of hat stand for displaying. Made from a kitchen roll holder, painted with Annie Sloan paint, half a 5" ball of polystyrene covered with fabric and lace added. Got the idea off Pinterest. Cost about £3.00 including the paint. Just goes to show how every day objects can be improved for craft displays.

Another display item, this time a towel rail (did have 3 various height bars but took out two of them). Bought years ago for £2.99 and have been using but without the paint or hooks and think looks much better painted than left as wood. Can use just with the hooks or add my pink wire heart.

As you can see I have found my desk in the workroom/stockroom. Still in the throws of a big sort out. All the surplus 'stuff' has been moved to the garden room, which now looks like a tip but this has given me room to work. Currently have the props and stock mixed together but want to separate and have to the two large shelves for stock with the smaller shelves for props. Finally when all done will do a stock take and make sure items are in the correct numbered boxes. Seem to spend a lot of time searching for items that the fairies have moved around, lol.

Got to decide with all the items I do not want do I put on ebay, facebook, table top or boot sale. Must admit not happy with boot sales as hate the way the gather round the car when you are trying to unpack. Doing this on my own makes it harder.

Notice Board

Treated myself to a noticeboard for my sewing room, from Crafty Little Me Crafts, so pretty but as soon as I unwrapped Lee whisked it away to put by for Christmas, so my treat has to wait.

Check out the other blog at Handmade Monday

That is it for this week, have fun