Emily Pickle

Angels & Urchins

2010-09-12T15:22:00.000-07:00

Very excited to get back from my hols and see that some of my Liberty print accessories for Peak Princess have been featured in the current issue of the London based parenting magazine Angels & Urchins...

here's a close up ...

how cool is that? must go on holiday more often...

wish you were here....

2010-08-27T08:20:00.000-07:00

Em and I joined in with postcrossing recently. We have recieved 3 cards so far, one from Poland...

One from Germany (Em has blue tacked this one to her wall!)...

and one from South Africa...

The site has been operating for 5 years and over 5 million cards have been swapped so far. The swaps are not direct so it's a really nice surprise when you recieve a card as you don't know who or where they are coming from. You get an address to send to and then you can check their profile to see what kind of postcards they would like to recieve. I have also been trying to buy pretty stamps to put on my cards (easier said than done), they have to be 60p for Europe, 67p for everywhere else. Anyway, all good fun so far, I would definitely recommend taking part.

I'm off on my hol's tomorrow and I will be back in 2 weeks, see you soon! xxx

Wild Thyme decision time!

2010-08-20T12:42:00.000-07:00

I am so lucky to have recieved this beautiful Wild Thyme fabric from fabulous designer Carolyn Gavin. I am a huge fan of Carolyn's beautiful drawing style and use of colour and won the fabric in her blog giveaway. I had to leave a comment saying which colours I would like and what I would do with the fabric. I also need to send pictures when I have completed my making. I said I would make some home furnishings for Emily's doll house people so I chose pink. Anyway, Carolyn has been really generous and sent me half a yard of the following 5 designs so there will be plenty to make something for the real house too! I am thinking either a patchwork throw or cushions, I can't quite decide. I will admire them all a while longer before I start cutting...

Waste not want not...

2010-08-13T05:41:00.000-07:00

I may be to blame for all the rain we are having. I bought these 2 gorgeous sun dresses for Emily from Folksy shop Waste not want not and it has rained pretty much every day since! The dresses are cleverly made from vintage pillowcases with shirring elastic.

I have not made many things over the last few weeks. I am trying to sort out my sewing area and also create a sort of design studio so I can be organised when preschool starts again in September. Easier said than done!

fab fabric!

2010-07-29T10:17:00.000-07:00

This is my latest fabric purchase from here and again, I can't bring myself to cut into it! Luckily it is approx cushion size. I will make it into a cushion cover when I figure out how to!

I have been making earrings from buttons covered with Liberty fabric. I took some to Bakewell Farmers Market on Saturday where I was sharing a stall with Lissa. This pattern called Nina seemed to be the most popular. I tried to design my own earring cards but ended up losing my patience and ordering these. They work well with all the designs and come with holes already punched in them.

My helpful assistant has no preschool now for the summer. We are looking forward to going to the Vintage Fair in Sheffield on Saturday.

Curious Cleo Vintage Clothing Boutique

2010-07-16T14:54:00.000-07:00

Curious Cleo is now open, online at www.curiouscleo.co.uk and also a bricks and mortar shop in Dronfield, Derbyshire.

Officially opening last Saturday with a vintage tea party, Dronfield is not too far from where I live so I went to take a look and do a bit of shopping!

The shop is run by Becky who I actually met through my Folksy shop after she bought some clips and bobbles from me. Becky is stocking some of my vintage fabric accessories and bags in her shop amongst some really fab vintage finds.

The shop looks really lovely, previously a washing machine shop, Becky has used Monsoon wallpaper on the back wall and covered the counter with Cath Kidston floral oil cloth.

There are strings of beads to match any outfit (Emily and I both bought pink necklaces!)

Mary Quant body stockings for the very brave....

And lots of fabulous fashions and prints.

I had to have this gorgeous skirt for a bargain £7.50! I really enjoyed my visit to the shop and can't wait to see what Becky gets in stock next.

Hi !

2010-07-13T08:49:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update, I have loads of new things to show you but very annoyingly my internet connection at home is not working at the moment. Hopefully be back very soon... K xxx

Diary Project 2011

2010-07-02T03:28:00.000-07:00

This is my page in the Fantazya 2011 diary project. Each page has been created by a different designer. The deadline has now passed but I think there are a few dates left if anyone wants to take part. Click here for more info x

mini sale...

2010-06-19T12:53:00.000-07:00

just a quick post, I'm having a mini sale in my Folksy shop to make way for some new ideas. Please click here for a bargain!

Emily Pickle for Peak Princess

2010-06-11T06:27:00.000-07:00

Peak Princess is run by Lissa Cook from her home in the High Peak. Lissa makes really beautiful clothes from Liberty fabric, her designs can be found in this months Country Living magazine!

Lissa spotted my Liberty print hair accessories and asked if I could make some to match her clothing range. I was really chuffed to be asked and put together these samples from her currrent best selling prints.

When I took my products round to Lissa's, I was in my element to see her fab sewing room and root through her scrap bin! Such joy! I came away with this bag of various pieces of tana lawn and have also borrowed this book about Laura Ashley. (I love the dress on the front cover - perfect for bike riding!)

I have been making some more Liberty accessories for my Folksy shop. This is my favourite print. It is called Phillipa and designed by Grayson Perry.

I have called this set London to Brighton after the bike race which my partner will be taking part in on the 20th June. Please check out Lissa's blog if you haven't already & have a fab weekend xxx

Very Beautiful Things...

2010-06-08T10:22:00.000-07:00

A little while ago, I won a giveaway on the totally gorgeous Lark blog. My parcel arrived this morning, wrapped in Belle & Boo paper, and was almost too beautiful to open!

Well, almost anyway. Inside was a gorgeous CK wash bag, a mirror and some beautifully packaged sweets! Thank you so much Allison!

Also arrived today was an order I had placed at Emma Bridgewater. Just look at the box!

Anyway, I'm not in the habit of buying myself things from here. Emily has the melamine tea set, Stewart has the 'Daddy' mug and I have felt left out for a while now. I had entered a photo competition* on the EB website and while I didn't win, EB very kindly gave all the entrants a £10 voucher.

I spent ages choosing what to buy. I was so tempted to get a mug but I would be so scared of breaking it! In the end I bought these two tin trays. Our kitchen is downstairs so they will come in really handy.

Last but not least, the EB journal was a tk maxx find at the weekend. It has sections for days of the week but no dates printed. Makes me feel more organised just owning it!

*my photo is here, on the right hand side, 6 up from the bottom - it says Kate, Buxworth. Click on the photo to see it in full xxx

moo cards

2010-06-07T14:20:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to have one of my Folksy blog badge entries picked as a runner up. I am really chuffed and my prize is some Moo mini cards. Typically, I have just bought some but you can never have too many!

These are my most recent cards, I have been colour coding: blues and green for the vintage stuff, purples for Liberty and pink for everything else!

I am really pleased with how they have turned out, I love all the colours and how they look with different fabrics. I think the blue and green ones are my favourites.

Happy Half Term!

2010-06-01T12:16:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post as its not been a very productive week so far although I have managed to make some clips with the gorgeous fabric I got from Summersville.

Thanks for the lovely encouraging comments on my last post. As far as I know, Folksy have not yet picked a winner. There are some really fab entries though so I don't hold out much hope but am looking forward to changing my blog badge to one of the new designs they pick.

Hope you are all having a great week xxx

The Fabulous Folksy Blog Badge competition

2010-05-28T14:53:00.000-07:00

Here are my attempts at designing a new blog badge for Folksy:

Worth a try when the prize is a years free listings...

Details of the competition can be found here but quick, you only have until 30th May to enter! Check out the other entries on Flickr.

Have a fab bank holiday weekend! xxx

Vintage!

2010-05-24T08:42:00.000-07:00

I think I may have found my all time favourite piece of fabric and to be honest, I think I will frame it as I can't bring myself to cut it.

I found it at The Vintage Fabric Market where I also bought this piece...

And while I was looking up the site to link to my blog I also saw this! (there is still a bit left if you are quick!)

Another site I have just discovered is Rag Rescue. They have lots of small pieces, the bits I got are 4 inches and 6 inches square in size, I will probably use them for buttons. They do have some bigger pieces too so are worth a look if you are after something a little different.

I got these florals and also Emily's favourite piece - "Stuart Little".

So anyway, I will hopefully get a few bits and bobs made out of the pieces I can bear to cut!

mad about vintage...

2010-05-18T10:38:00.000-07:00

This is the first of a few of my recent vintage fabric purchases. It's off an Etsy seller in Australia and is completely insane. It makes your eyes go really funny if you look at it for too long as all the patterns are really small scale. It is printed to look like patchwork and judging by the odd shaped piece of fabric I recieved, it may have once been an item of clothing - very scary thought.

Anyway, I totally love it (I wouldn't wear it though). Separate each of the patterns and you have some really lovely retro and vintage designs. Perfect!

More vintage purchases to show you soon...

P.S. thanks for all the comments and links on the last post, much appreciated xxx

screen printing...

2010-05-14T04:18:00.000-07:00

If you have followed my blog for a while you will know that I really want to screen print my own designs on to fabric. I don't think it is going to happen any time soon but I have bought a few pieces from two clever screen printing Folksy sellers.

The first two pieces are Avenue print from Summersville, I bought this in the red and the blue colourway and am thinking about hairclips with little houses on and maybe a purse or two.

I also bought two pieces from She Draws and was very impressed when they arrived in a matching printed envelope.

I have already started to make some button brooch sets from this fabric...

I will hopefully have more to show you next week, have a great weekend x

Cute!

2010-05-05T09:15:00.000-07:00

I have made the cutest clips ever! (even if I do say so myself...)

made from one of my all time favourite fabrics...

I have been buying on etsy again and this fabric has just arrived in time for some summer makes...

and also this unusual hello kitty one...

A bit of a contrast to last weeks sophisticated Liberty prints!

Liberty

2010-04-28T12:37:00.000-07:00

All of a sudden, I have discovered Liberty fabric. I have been aware of it forever but have never actually considered using it for my own makes until I saw these small pieces on ebay while browsing for vintage florals.

There is alot going on in each design, perfect for my button accessories. The colours are really vibrant and the tana lawn fabric feels like silk even though it is made from cotton.

I have been making many clips and button bobbles. I ran out of medium sized buttons so have made some hair bobbles with big buttons.

I am really enjoying working with these prints, a little goes a really long way! For more Liberty inspiration, check out Target's new range for Liberty and these Fred Perry shoes. For gorgeous kid's clothes made from Liberty fabric check out Peak Princess.

welcome to the mad house...

2010-04-23T02:54:00.000-07:00

After carefully placing all her peppa pig stickers on the wall...

our interior decorator popped on her thinking hat...

and in her own words "made a Christmas tree for Daddy".

job done. have a lovely weekend xxx

sticky stuff!

2010-04-21T03:36:00.000-07:00

Just loving deco tape at the moment. Apologies to anyone recieving a parcel from me as you may struggle to get in it! I got this pretty set from Sticky Fingers on Folksy...

My other half has helpfully pointed out that I have more tape than sense.

pretty vintage...

2010-04-20T09:38:00.000-07:00

I have been using vintage fabrics to make some covered button ponytail bands and snap clips...

The floral designs work really well with the bright clips for a lovely summery feel!

I only have a small quantity of each fabric so I treat it as very precious material and love the way that each piece is unique and seems to have it's own personality.

I would happily keep them all but I am trying to list an item a day on both Etsy and Folksy until the end of the month. (I only started today but a group on twitter have been listing every day since the beginning of the month - search #folksylistingclub and #etsy #listingclub to see what is going on and to join in)

sitting ducks...

2010-04-18T10:13:00.000-07:00

This is my latest fabric purchase from Fabric Rehab. The design is called Sitting Ducks and is by the very talented Lizzy House.

I bought the fabric to make a birthday present for one of my friends and I made her a large purse...

and a matching bag...

I have more fabric left over than expected as I was pleasantly suprised to find that Fabric Rehab's fat quarters are actually quarter metre's not yard's so I should be able to make a few more bits for the Folksy shop. I have also ordered half a metre in this colourway:

and I have some of this not at all ugly "Ugly Duckling" fabric on order too.

Oops, bought another...

2010-04-13T05:46:00.000-07:00

I have accidentally started collecting Orla Kiely bags...

It all started about ten or maybe more years ago with this one from Orla's Designers at Debenhams range. It was a bargain at £15 and has been used for holidays and swimming ever since and looks slightly worse for wear these days.

This one, the multi stem design, I had my eye on for a very long time and finally got it for my birthday last year. I love it and only use it occasionally as I refuse to put fruit shoots in it and it also clashes with most of my clothes!

So anyway, on Friday, I went for my fancy hair do that I won and was a bit early. I had a quick look in one of my favourite shops and I spotted this. I got closer and noticed that it was on sale. It was also pay day. One thing led to another...

Just look at the tiny teacups!

So, well, couldn't really not buy it could I? !!!

swapping and shopping...

2010-04-02T09:26:00.000-07:00

I recently signed up for the Sew Scrumptious flower swap and was really lucky to be partnered with Rachael at Made with Love x. When we swapped addresses it turned out that we are not that far away from each other so decided to meet up in Knutsford where there are some very pretty shops. I took Emily with me and Rachael had very kindly wrapped up some personalised items for her which she is ever so chuffed with, this picture:

And one of these heart lavender bags - I got one too!

Em's things are already pride of place in her room:

I received this gorgeous personalised note book which will come in really handy as I am going to be all organised one day! It's already full of lists...

I also got this brooch which I have worn loads already and got lots of compliments:

And a keyring:

And some pretty fabric and sweet pea seeds...

We had a good look around the shops, I bought these cards in House Interiors & Gifts. Unfortunately I have to send them to people although I would like to keep them to just look at. The bear is one of Cally's Bears and the cat one is by Sarah Battle.

We also went in another shop, I can't remember the name of it though as I was very distracted bt the selection of buttons on offer and managed to spend a small fortune on this little selection. So pretty....

Thanks Louise for organising the swap and many thanks Rachael for all our beautiful gifts. I really appreciate the thought and attention to detail that has gone into each item. Happy Easter! xx

rabbit rabbit rabbit

2010-03-26T12:12:00.000-07:00

I love this fabric nearly as much as Easter eggs...

Have a great weekend x

how not to embroider...

2010-03-24T09:33:00.000-07:00

Any of you who have followed my blog for a while will know that I can't resist a swap, so when I saw feeling stitchy's embroidered button swap I was in!

Not stopping to consider that haven't tried to embroider anything for many many years I tried to disguise my lack of embroidery skills by throwing in a bit of applique and alot of hoping for the best!

I remember being told once that the back should be as neat as the front...

Thankfully the front is a bit neater!

I used the dots on the fabric as a guide to where to plonk my flowers...

And I made into a button brooch to attach to this spring flowers purse:

The swap involved 6 embroidered buttons, my last button, the smallest of the 6 became the centre of a felt flower brooch...

Which I decided I would present on a gift card for my lovely swap partner Robina.

Thank you feeling stitchy and Robina for such a fun swap x

Diary Project 2011

2010-03-21T11:14:00.000-07:00

Here is the page I put together for the Fantazya Diary 2010. I will be designing a December page in the 2011 version. Each page is designed by a different designer, artist or maker. I have a copy of this years diary and have to admit I have not dared write in it, it is far to pretty! The project involves designers from all over the world, using a huge range of illustrative styles.

If you would like to take part in the Diary project 2011, please see here for all the details and a list of available pages: Diary 2011 Project

School Bags...

2010-03-19T04:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the last of my textile lessons, I have worked with the same class for two hours a week for the last four weeks. I have really enjoyed it and learnt alot myself! Yesterday we made medium sized lined tote bags. As I wanted to complete the project in one go, I cut out all the fabric at home ready for the girls to sew.

The girls did really well and some added buttons they covered themselves...

This one I really like, the student accidentally put the handles on the side bit instead of the top but I really like the result...

And this one is just gorgeous - with applique and a button brooch. I have serious competition!

School Photo's

2010-03-15T08:20:00.000-07:00

As promised, here are some pictures of what the students have made so far...

Lots of zip purses - I think everyone was relieved to finish these and I think a few of them were going to be presents for Mothers day which is really lovely. We also got a bit carried away with button bobbles, clips and brooches - here are just a few...

I took Robina's embroidered buttons (see previous post) to show the class who were very impressed and some even had a go at embroidering their own. It is the first time I have worked with a school class. I am really lucky to have a class of all girls who are into pink and hair clips!

They have done a great job of getting their motifs in the middle and put together some lovely combinations for clips that I wouldn't have thought of...

I love these purple ones and also these three, made by three friends but I think that they look great as a set...

And these I love - this girl has some gorgeous floral fabric her Nan gave her...

This week bags. Wish us all luck!

Laughing Flowers...

2010-03-12T05:09:00.000-08:00

I recently signed up to the Feeling Stitchy embroidered button swap. The swap includes sending your partner a set of 6 embroidered buttons. I was partnered up with Robina who has lots of fab pics of her creative work on her Flickr account Laughing Flowers.

I recieved these gorgeous buttons all presented on their own little card. I also recieved some big pieces of fabric which I can't wait to get sewing with. My favourite is this bark cloth one with co-ordinating button. I also recieved three pieces of floral fabric and some lovely ribbons...

I really love Robina's cards. I'm not sure how she has made them but I will try and find out. And there's more...

this tartan brooch and lots of other goodies including Scottish tablet (I had never heard of this but it is a magic sugar / butter combo - this will come in handy tomorrow*)

Robina does not currently have a blog although she has been thinking about starting one. Please take a look at her Flickr photos and if you think as I do that she would be a fab blogger please leave an encouraging comment here!

I will be at a fair tomorrow at the University of Derby, the Dome campus in Buxton from 10 - 4. * I am working a night shift tonight so will be running entirely on the power of sugar! Have a fab weekend! xxx

Thursdays...

2010-03-08T04:37:00.000-08:00

For the last two Thurday mornings, I have been showing a textile class of local high school students how to make button hair bobbles and zipped purses. I chose several pieces of fabric from Fabric Rehab including the following designs. I wanted designs to co-ordinate so front and backs could be the same or different and also I wanted the students to be able to choose from the selection available so that we were not all making identical items.

This bird design and the pink dots were very popular...

Also this mushroom stripe design - it is great for little purses as the motifs are a really good size...

I am hoping that we will all finish our purses this week and can hopefully make bags next week. I will try and get some pics of the finished items. So far so good...

Wednesday...

2010-03-05T13:18:00.000-08:00

I have had a really busy but fun couple of weeks. On Wednesday, I took part in a pamper evening at school. We are trying to raise funds for an adventure play ground. I never think I have enough stuff to take but then try and display it all and run out of space!

I displayed some of my bags (a bit randomly!) on this kid's coat stand I got from the charity shop...

Next to my stand were these gorgeous sticky cakes with some of the biggest strawberries I have ever seen!

Salon One from Buxton were doing hair do's, make overs and massages - I forgot to get some after photos, there was some very clever curling with (pink!) straighteners going on...

To top off a fab evening I was lucky enough to win the top raffle prize - a voucher for a much needed free hair cut and colour!

clip art...

2010-03-05T03:43:00.000-08:00

So anyway, I have eventually managed to sort my camera out. This is my spoonflower fabric - the pic shows the whole fat quarter with each circle the right size for my button hair clips...

I have had alot of fun putting them all together...

I think these cross hatch ones are my favorites...

button designs...

2010-02-22T03:28:00.000-08:00

I am having problems geting my photos off my camera so I thought I would show you my new design that I have had printed at spoonflower. Motifs are placed in circles ready to be cut out and turned into buttons. I will hopefully be able to show you the finished result soon...

Pretty and Practical...

2010-02-13T10:22:00.000-08:00

I have just won one of these gorgeous pin cushion rings in Karens giveaway over at Blonde Design. Check out Karen's Folksy Shop for some inspirational pieces. Hope you are all having a lovely weekend xxx

work in progress...

2010-02-11T02:11:00.000-08:00

hopefully I will be able to show you lots of finished things next week!

I have been doing lots of cutting out and playing with fabrics and pretty zips...

and trying to colour match zips and brooches.

just need to get on with the sewing bit now!

Free Clips!

2010-02-10T05:56:00.000-08:00

Free pair of button snap clips with any order placed today! www.emilypickle.folksy.com

beads, buttons & blanks

2010-02-06T05:36:00.000-08:00

These are some of the supplies I have just listed on Folksy. I'm hoping to stock some other bits and pieces soon. Please take a look x

Pickle!

2010-02-05T11:34:00.000-08:00

No, this isn't Pickle, this is a super cute bunny on some new fabric which arrived today - perfect for some Easter bags & purses...

So anyway, a comment left on my blog by Auntie Cake made me giggle. I thought I would add to the confusion - I am not actually called Emily Pickle, it is the name of my business. I'm Kate, the business is named after my daughter Emily. We have different last names, neither of which are Pickle although I think Emily now gets called Emily Pickle quite alot too! I think I have confused myself now as there is really no logical reason for the Pickle, I just like it!

Pretty Packaging - Part 1:

2010-02-03T03:12:00.000-08:00

Apologies for the recent lack of blogging. I have been working on a few lovely projects including designing packaging for my hair slides. I have used Vista Prints recycled paper business cards and have had them printed on both sides:

I have designed the card to have two lines printed on the reverse as a cutting guide so that the slits are in the same place each time (I like these things to be perfect!) also on the reverse is a little warning.

I am pleased with the result. I have left enough space at the top to punch a small hole if needed for shop / craft fair displays etc. I am currently working on some new designs for button hair slides using my own designed fabric. I have just placed a little order with Spoonflower to see how they turn out. Fingers crossed! x

roll on summer!

2010-01-22T02:22:00.000-08:00

I have just made my first serious fabric purchase of the year, this lovely Woodland Delight fabric by Paula Prass for Michael Miller. I love it and have ordered a fair bit as I am going to use it for everything!

I have also been trying to finish off some of the many things I have half started including these purses and button brooches made from a thrifted Isle of Wight table cloth.

Have a fab weekend xxx

This year I will be mainly making in Pink!!!

2010-01-15T09:00:00.000-08:00

This week I have made some hearts for Valentines...

Some bunnies for Easter...

And some pink polka dot pieces just beacuse I like pink and polka dots.

A lovely friend has been showing all my stuff to her friends so I have some new customers and have had some unexpected and very welcome sales. 2010 going well so far. Just the fabic to design but I have a few ideas...

sewing underground...(sorry!)

2010-01-11T13:57:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the sewing cellar. It is only half underground, I do have one window...

and if you say the magic words it all folds away to make a lovely dining room...

The ex sewing room is on it's way to being tidy....

although all this still lives in here...

I am so not good at being tidy!

Friday!

2010-01-08T11:55:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure where this week has gone! It really doesn't feel like Friday already, I have hardly got done any of the things that I wanted to do this week. I am just in the process of taking all the Christmas things out of my Folksy shop and replacing with new items like these clips. I am trying to think about Valentines, Mothers Day and Easter. Will I ever catch up with myself?!!!

Hope you have all had a fab week, I am hoping to catch up with some blog reading next week. This weekend the sewing room is relocating to the cellar - yikes! At the moment it is at the front of the house but we are trying to sell and I think the creative / bomb gone off effect of my room may scare potential viewers away!

Resolutions:

2010-01-02T09:00:00.000-08:00

Happy 2010! Here are my resolutions:

1. I am not going spend more on crafting supplies than I make from selling finished items. I am only going to spend money earned from crafting on fabric, buttons, pretty things etc.

2. I am going to design and print my own fabric one way or another. I keep toying with the idea of screen printing and digital printing. Maybe this year. Watch this space...

3. I will try and keep up with my blog starting with these pics of another Christmas swap I did with Blueberry Heart. I have been meaning to blog about the swap since before Christmas! (I have used pics from Kerry's blog as they are much better than the ones I took!)

Here is what I recieved - there was also some chocolate and a lovely heart decoration made from bells. Thanks Kerry!

Here is what I sent:

Christmas Swap...

2009-12-18T06:07:00.000-08:00

My Polka Dot xmas swap parcel from Gilly Bean arrived today!

Very exciting stuff, all the way from Australia, I received all these goodies...

A pretty zip purse and pin cushion - I love all the colours and facric.

and some Christmas decorations - a set of these paper birds (these will probably be all year round decorations!)

these cute little wooden painted angels and star - not sure what I am going to do with these, any ideas?

and also this gorgeous bauble - another all year round decoration I think! this was wrapped up in this cream fabric with gold snow flakes. I might use the fabric to attempt a "Kirsty" style stocking for Emily.

Thanks very much Gillian, I love it all. And thanks Stacey for organising another fab swap. It's actually starting to feel like Christmas here now.

swapping and bidding...

2009-12-14T04:34:00.000-08:00

Gilly Bean has recieved my Polka Dot Christmas Swap so I can show you what I sent...

A reversible decoration (with polka dots...)

A vintage fabric zip purse and some vintage fabric covered button hair bobbles...

A felt flower hair slide for Gillians daughter Abby...

And some hot chocolate, shortbread, christmas labels and a CK Christmas card.

The upcycle auction finished on Saturday and there were some fab items up for grabs. I bidded and bought this beautiful soap dish made by PennyDog. It is resin with part of a silk scarf embedded.

The three items I entered raised just under £20. Did anyone else enter, bid or buy?

it's time to bid...

2009-12-08T13:05:00.000-08:00

All 144 upcycle entries are now on ebay including my three. The online auctions finish on Saturday. Please click here to browse and bid!

buttons & flowers

2009-12-03T14:00:00.000-08:00

this week I have been making lots more buttons and I can now even get the motif in the middle!

I have also made lots of these for tomorrow nights Christmas market stall...

Wigley Fair...

2009-11-29T10:55:00.000-08:00

I had a great day yesterday, my friend managed to get me a place at Wigley School's Christmas fair. There were some fab stalls and a very impressive grotto. I sold a fair few bags, purses and hair slides and met some really lovely people. I treated myself to this tie necklace which I am very pleased with. I'm hoping it's makers will open up a folksy shop as I wouldn't mind it in few other colourways!

I have spent today re-stocking my Folksy shop. This week I am taking part in a Christmas market on Friday night at Emily's pre-school and then a shopping evening at my freinds house next Saturday. After my initial panic at being so new to these events, I am actually having alot of fun!

PS. I have just noticed that this is my 100th post. There will be a giveaway soon.......

birthday bunting...

2009-11-25T05:06:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, Stacey at Polka Dot Daze kindly offered to make me some bunting in return for one of the purses in my Folksy shop. I have been avoiding making bunting for quite some time but really fancied some for Emily's birthday in a couple of weeks.

This gorgeous parcel arrived today containing not only this fab bunting...

But also these hair bobbles...

We are currently wearing one each...

and Stacey also included a bag of fabric scraps (I feel some buttons coming on...)

Thank you so much Stacey. The bunting is gorgeous, I love all colours and patterns and Emily has decided we are having a party right now!

a new obsession, some proper decorations and a very pretty parcel...

2009-11-20T03:15:00.000-08:00

My blog has been a bit neglected recently while I have been panicking about 3 Christmas fairs I have been lucky enough to get places at. The first one is a pamper evening tonight and I have no idea what to expect! Fingers crossed for a few sales. I have a school fair next Saturday and a Christmas market stall the week after. I have been madly sewing bags and purses and also my latest obsession: covering buttons to make ponytail bands...

I'm still trying to ignore the fact that it is Christmas next month although I was lucky enough to find these baubles in the charity shop. These are what I call proper decorations!

And I got this in Paperchase... (words can't describe...)

Lovely Louise at Sew Scrumptious recently blogged about some fabric she was not sure about. I jokingly offered it a home and today this pretty parcel arrived (with a gorgeous tag)....

containing a huge piece of this!

Thanks Louise, I love it!

Christmas Inspiration...

2009-11-06T14:42:00.000-08:00

I'm finding it difficult to motivate myself to make Christmas things. I bought this tea towel set in Waitrose which I am going to use to hopefully make a few Christmas gift ideas. I like the retro feel to the designs, I think the pears are my favourite.

Raggy Baby...

2009-11-01T06:49:00.000-08:00

Aswell as co-ordinating beautifully with the sofa cushions, Emily has been doing a fab job of looking after her doodle girl doll who she calls "Raggy Baby".

I have just listed the cot quilt in my last post. The folksy folk have approved my using new wadding for the competition. Please support me by adding it (or any of my entries) to your Folksy favourites. Hope you are all having a great weekend.

more upcycling...

2009-10-30T06:41:00.000-07:00

I have become slightly obsessed with the upcycle competition. My latest attempt is this reversible cot quilt...

I am really enjoying the challenge of making things completely from thrifted materials as I am using pattern combinations that I would never usually put together and loving the results! I was lucky enough to come across a child's curtain in a charity shop on Tuesday which just looked like it should be a cot quilt.

I have used the curtain for every other square and also the reverse. Other squares are from my collection of thrifted fabrics. I have had to use new wadding. I hope this is not cheating, I will have find out.

I actually kind of want to keep this quilt. I won't as the auction is for charity but I will have to make another for Emily as she still shows no sign of wanting to sleep in her bed!

Upcycle Christmas...

2009-10-22T08:32:00.000-07:00

Is anyone else taking part in the Upcycle competition on Folksy? You can make as many Christmas gift items as you like but they have to be made entirely from thrifted materials and then they will go into an auction at the beginning of December in aid of Sue Ryder Care.

The participating Sue Ryder shops will give you 5 items to use (you will need one of the 200 tickets available on Folksy). I got these 5 from the shop in Romiley...

But you can use any items from any charity shop so I also bought these 2 tops from Sue Ryder...

These blouses from St Anns Hospice...

And these 2 very vintage pieces of fabric from Oxfam. These two are very synthetic so I have no idea even if I will be able to sew with them - I will let you know!

I have made and listed this purse already...

and I have also made this lined book bag which I will be listing soon.

There are lots of categories for the competition including peoples choice - the item with the most favourites so please favourite mine as I don't really stand a chance in the other categories and I would really like to meet Wayne Hemmingway!!!

hello dolly!

2009-10-14T14:56:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post to introduce you to my first doodle girl...

She seems pretty friendly but has left the sewing room in a right mess...

Doodle Dolls

2009-10-11T14:00:00.000-07:00

I have just found a fab etsy shop - Bit of Whimsy Dolls - which sells sewing patterns to make these exceptionally cute toys. With a few Christmas presents in mind, I thought I would treat myself to a pattern although it was difficult to choose only the one!

I love these "Lenny" ginea pigs and the "B movie monsters""....

But have finally selected the "Doodle Girl" pattern so I will be able to make one of these...

Or hopefully a few of them...

I have never tried to make anything like this so wish me luck!

anyone for knitting?

2009-10-09T07:16:00.000-07:00

I picked up this little booklet of baby and toddler patterns from the thrifty shop...

The pictures made me giggle, especially this poor child in the blue all in one...

I actually really like this yellow dress though (not sure what is going on with the red) and I love the crocodile and sea horse toys (toy patterns not included unfortunately but I might have a go anyway...)

And there are some cute cardi's amongst the scary teddies...

Anyway, as I can't knit, I will happily post these patterns to someone who can. Leave me a comment if you think you will be able to use them and I will be in touch. Have a great weekend.

even more pink...

2009-10-08T12:23:00.000-07:00

I have decided to make some girls gift sets with a shoulder/tote bag, purse and hair clip. This is the first one...

pink, pink and more pink!

2009-10-07T08:16:00.000-07:00

Following the tea party success (total raised for charity so far £209), I have bought some more fabric to create with for the next event. I found that my pink items were the most popular so I have purchased these four lovely fabrics from Fiddlesticks Fa brics on ebay - worth checking out.

So far, I have made some more purses with bird badges (the top one is made from some vintage fabric I already had). Two will be going in my Folksy shop, one will be going to Stacey at Polka Dot Daze who is going to make me some bunting in return. Take your pick, Stacey!

I am doing very well out of swaps at the moment. Louise at Sew Scrumptious made me this gorgeous pencil roll recently. I love it! I have used Louises blog photo as I want to leave it all wrapped up ready for Emily's birthday. Thanks Louise!

Polka Dot Swap!

2009-10-02T01:44:00.000-07:00

Remember the Polka Dot Swap? It was organised months ago by Stacey over at Polka Dot Daze. I swapped with Mary Jane (Sweet Emmelie) who sent me some beautiful things. I was getting very worried that the parcel I sent had got lost but it finally arrived in New Zealand this week. Here is what I sent:

A brooch and Purse for Mary Jane...

Some pretty cleaning cloths, an address book and some good old smarties...

A t-shirt for the youngest of 3 daughters...

Bags and hair clips for the older daughters....

(the polka dots are on the back)...

And three polka dot fabrics...

Tea Party Update

2009-09-29T11:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's tea party went really well. I had a few sales and lots of compliments about my products. It was really interesting to see whick items people bought, pink things were the most popular so I will be investing in some more pink fabric.

Between us we raised over £130 of our £200 target for Childrens Hospices UK. To keep up the good work and help us reach our target, 10% of anything bought from my Folksy shop before Sunday will be donated to the charity.

Please click here if you would like to make a donation directly to the fund.

tea and cake!

2009-09-25T09:01:00.000-07:00

I am taking part in a butterfly tea party on Monday. It involves tea and cake and selling some of my products alongside representatives from Phoenix Trading, The Body Shop, The Cake Nest and Folksy seller Liz Dyson Jewellery - check out these fab earrings!

It is in aid of Childrens Hospices UK and I will be donating 10% of my sales to the charity.

Best of British...

2009-09-24T03:15:00.000-07:00

Here are 2 of my entries for the latest Tigerprint competition. The brief is "Best of British" and there are some fab entries. I found this brief much more difficult than I thought I would but after convincing Gemma to enter I thought I had better have a go myself! The deadline is midnight tonight so there is still time to get your entries in!

dots and spots...

2009-09-20T05:03:00.000-07:00

I am well chuffed! I have just won these fab goodies in a give away by dots and spots to celebrate national cupcake week. How lucky am I?

Check out the dots and spots website and blog for some gorgeous designs. I can't wait to get my fab cup cake goodies!

Next Stamps...

2009-09-16T07:53:00.000-07:00

I bought a set of these rubber stamps for Emily at the weekend. They are from the kid's department in Next of all places. Anyway, I let her play with them for about 5 seconds before running off with them and stamping a load of little tags...

I have stamped the other side with one I got ages ago from vista print with website details on.

Ta da! cute tags for my little purses. Just going to do a few more then I suppose I should give the stamps back. I may have to invest in another set for myself though!

mini totes...

2009-09-10T06:20:00.000-07:00

On close inspection, my mini tote bags are ok as gift bags and great for holding clothes pegs but would be better for holding very important things if they had a lining...

After a few disasters I have finally worked out how to line them. I am quite pleased with these ones which will be birthday presents for some little people. We have 2 parties this weekend - Em's social life is far better than mine!

I just need to work out how to photograph them - it is quite difficult to get a good angle on the lining! Luckily it is a lovely sunny day here today and my neighbours have a great washing line...

Any photography tips very welcome! Hope you are all enjoying the sunshine. x

Samples Sent...

2009-09-08T17:02:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the lovely supportive comments and great advice. I have wimped out and sent one of each of the following items to one of my favourite shops...

I have tried to show a selection suitable for both children and adults. Hopefully there will be something here that takes their fancy!

Shop Samples...

2009-09-07T13:34:00.000-07:00

I am going to try and get a small gift shop or two to stock some of my pieces. I have no idea how to go about this. I am going to pop some samples in the post with a little note and hope for the best as I am not brave enough to go in person!

I am just deciding what to send and what to write...

Wish me luck!

112 days to go...

2009-09-04T07:15:00.000-07:00

There are 112 days left until xmas - I didn't count them, I found a website that works it out for you! Anyway, there is a small chance I may be ready for it this year mainly thanks to Rose who sent me this fab Christmas themed paper craft set after I won a give away on her very pretty blog.

My favourite bit is the fancy hole punch which does this:

I have also recently bought some winter scene fabric to make into mini tote gift bags.

Patterned Purchases

2009-08-31T12:57:00.000-07:00

Here are a few things I came across last week and had to have!

The first is a very large piece of Noah's Ark fabric from the charity shop. It looks quite old but unused. It is fairly heavy weight and a good size and I have no idea what I am going to do with it! I thought maybe cushions but it seems a shame to chop it up...

I also found this old table cloth. I have already started using it to make some more zip purses. It had a tea stain in the middle which would not wash out so I didn't feel as bad cutting it up! I really like the colours and the fabric has a nice linen texture.

I also treated myself to a posh notebook (from TK Maxx) - it is a Caroline Gardner one with these cute vehicles on and far too nice to write in!

And last but not least, this 1930's reproduction fabric by Windham fabrics. I bought it from John Lewis where you can purchase as little as 10cm width. I got a tiny bit more but this was the only piece of fabric I bought. I really like this range by Windham, this was the only one that John Lewis had in stock but I have seen a few more that I like on Etsy.

Hope you are all having a lovely bank holiday weekend, I have won a giveaway on Victoria Rose Crafts blog - thanks Rose. It is for some paper craft goodies - this is something new for me to try so I will let you know how I get on!

The Little Nut Tree

2009-08-27T09:45:00.000-07:00

The little Nut Tree - a website selling unique baby, toddler and kid's clothes have got in touch with me. They have seen my baby gift sets on Misi and want to put them on their website. This is good news as I did have them in my Folksy shop but there is currently no baby category to sell them in which made them quite difficult to find! Anyway, the Little Nut Tree looks like a lovely website so I will let you know how I get on!

two swatches and an award!

2009-08-20T12:07:00.000-07:00

Up until midnight today - USA time, it is free swatch day at Spoonflower. You can have up to 2 swatches measuring 8 inches square digitally printed onto any of their fabrics. Even delivery is free and you can make a donation to the charity Heifer International when you check out - this is optional. You just upload your design, it has to be 150 dpi, then choose your layout and fabric. I have taken the opportunity to do some hand written labels to see how they look. My second swatch design is taken from yesterdays pattern and I have chosen two different types of fabric just out of curiosity!

Lovely MelMel has given me an award!

Thanks so much! I have to list 5 of my obsessions. I think these must change on a daily basis so today my obsessions in no particular order are...

1. Retro patterned mugs! I started collecting these on tuesday and bought my second one today on ebay - I will show you when it arrives.

2. Screen Printing - hopefully this will happen soon!

3. Etsy & Folksy. Totally addictive.

4. 50's, 60's and 70's patterns. You know the ones.

5. This wallpaper (and this shop too!)

Thanks MelMel x

Inspired...

2009-08-19T13:37:00.000-07:00

This little beauty found me yesterday as I was browsing my favourite thrifty shop. I thought it would make a lovely pen pot or something...

Then, whilst gazing at the super duper retro pattern, I thought hmmm... maybe something like these motifs are just what I need for my screen print design, so I have been doodling and this is what I have come up with so far...

buttons, bobby pins and super strong sticky stuff...

2009-08-18T13:10:00.000-07:00

I have been meaning to assemble this little lot for a while now and finally got round to it yesterday! I have just popped them in my Folksy shop to keep all the zips company!

I have run out of zips...

2009-08-13T15:53:00.000-07:00

These are my latest creations. They are made from screen printed fabric by Danielle Smeets.

I have had this fabric for a few weeks while I have been practicing my zipping. It is too lovely to go wrong with! I bought one of Danielle's scrap packs off etsy. It has been great for making purses with.

I am one step closer to screen printing my own fabric - after much searching I have found a company called Loligo who seem to be very helpful and can expose screens so fingers crossed!

Free UK p&p until end of August!

2009-08-10T12:14:00.000-07:00

I have listed the following zipped creations in my Folksy shop. They are priced between £4.00 - £4.50 and post and packaging is free for all UK orders until the end of August. (Delivery to everywhere else is £2.00). Thanks to everyone who bought from my Folksy sale and a huge thanks to those of you who blogged about it. x

practice makes...

2009-08-09T12:05:00.000-07:00

...well, loads better! After weeks of struggling with zips, I think I have finally got it!

...there is no stopping me now... I am going to put these in my folksy shop as soon as I have finished admiring them.

...and if you are wondering how many goes it took me to get the zip right - it was 14th time lucky. Really. Here are the first 13...

Spell Check Please!

2009-07-30T15:32:00.000-07:00

I have a page in the 2010 Fantazya Diary. I only found out about it this week and the deadline is 1st August so I have not spent as much time on it as I would like.

Anyway, here is my page: 22nd April:

You have to put the date in English, French and Spanish and also a description of what you sell. As my product range is still evolving I have been a bit vage and gone for "fabric and gifts".

If anyone can speak French or Spanish, please can you see if this looks ok?

Thanks very much.

Here is the link to the diary project. It is free to take part in and gets you a bit of advertising.

http://www.fantazya.ca/diary2010.html

Polka Dot Swap - Thanks so much ! xx

2009-07-28T06:45:00.000-07:00

I recently took part in the Polka Dot Swap organised by Stacey at Polka Dot Daze. I was very lucky and got to swap with Mary Jane from Sweet Emmelie in New Zealand. Here is what she sent...

Lots of pressies... (had to take photo quickly as Emily was in unwrapping mode - she is very quick!)

Some lovely goodies - made by Cadburys but they have been keeping from us in the UK!...

And the most gorgeous and totally beautifully made little apron for Emily. It is actually nicer than most of her clothes so she will be taking it off to do anything messy. Just kidding. She won't actually take it off...

Here is the little lady modelling it.

And here is a close up of the very impressive frilly bit.

And as if this wasn't enough, Mary Jane also sent this lovely little skirt with fairies on. It is so well made, I want to keep it for Em to wear to birthday parties. Em says it is "for dancing".

or riding a pink moped. Sorry not a great pic but the child will not sit still...

Also as part of the swap, we had to send three bits of fabic. Mary Jane sent me some of the fairy fabric same as the skirt but in a different colourway...

some blue bird print...

and last but not least, some pink with polka dots! All very generous sized pieces so I look forward to using them to make something special.

I am really chuffed with absolutely everything we recieved in this swap parcel. A great amount of thought and effort has been put into it all and Emily and I really appreciate all your hard work. So a big thank you Mary Jane! Hope your parcel arrives soon and thanks also Stacey for arranging the swap. xxxx

Folksy Finds

2009-07-22T10:52:00.000-07:00

I have been very lucky recently and sold a few things on Folksy. The money from these sales stayed in my pay pal account for around ten seconds before I purchased the following fab items...

This necklace for myself! I hardly ever get myself jewellery or anything like that so it is nice to treat myself for a change. This just caught my eye as it is quite unusual. It is from Kist Jewellery and came next day in a lovely gift box. Such luxury!

This hair clip is for Emily although I might borrow it. It is beautifully made and looks very cute in her hair. Also came quickly and wrapped with tissue paper and ribbon from ooh la la's buttons and bits - definately worth checking out.

I also treated Emily to one of these doll's bed sets from Sew Scrumptious. Emily's is actually blue with a red butterfly motif on it but there are several different versions in Louise's shop. It is really nicely made (hand stitched?) and Em loves it!

And finally, I bought some of these flower tags. I got them with holes punched in as they come in really handy for wrapping presents - I have used three already this week. These are from Glamglass gifts.

one happy customer...

2009-07-21T07:17:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post today. My Folksy sale is going really well and a happy customer has been very kind and blogged about a T-shirt she bought from me. Please check out Nina's blog Tabiboo where there are some lovely pics and some very nice comments indeed!

I am hoping to have some new products in my shop from August onwards but still seem to be faffing about with zips and doing my sums to see when I will be able to get some screen printing equipment. Anyway, enough about both of those.

I have recently treated myself and my research assistant to some fab bits and bobs off Folksy so I will be showing you those hopefully tomorrow.

I'm dying to show you what I sent in the Polka-dot Swap so here is a sneaky peek...

yesterday's makes...

2009-07-15T05:38:00.000-07:00

Here is what I made yesterday...

A much needed notice board for my sewing room - it is an old piece of MDF which used to be a drawing board. I covered it with heavy weight fabric (this was from ikea) and then cut 3 bits of elastic to make big elastic bands to stretch over and peg stuff to. The elastic stays in place without being stuck down which means I can alter the height and add more rows if needed.

I also made some flowers. The middles are from the HR print I bought off etsy (see previous post). These will be made into hair clips or brooches...

Although they look pretty all pegged to my new board...

I have also completed my polka dot swap. I am just going to wrap it up then it's off to the post office.

Screen Printing and Helen Rawlinson Purchases

2009-07-13T05:27:00.000-07:00

I really want to start start screen printing my own stuff. I am in the process of saving up and trying to work out if I should go the gocco route (but they are only small) or if I would be able to set up a proper silk screen print area at home. I would also have to figure out a darkroom type of thing to develop the screens. I have not been able to screen print since art college where we had a big print room and a very helpful (slightly scary) technician!

I have just recieved a couple of bits of screen printed fabric I ordered on Friday from Helen Rawlinson's Etsy Shop. The blue circles panel is for making new things for my folksy shop - not sure what yet. The Alphabet piece will go in a frame in Emilys room as she loves letters and numbers at the moment.

Has anyone else tried screen printing at home? Any advice would be appreciated!

Fabric Sale...

2009-07-10T09:09:00.000-07:00

As the "material addict" bit of the name suggests, I have a fair bit of of the stuff. Although I love it all, I just know I will not use it all so I have put a few bits in my Folksy Shop Sale at bargain prices.

Please take a look, individual fat quarters are £2.95, packs of 3 fat quarters are priced £3.50 - £4.50. Postage is £1 UK, £2 elsewhere and free on additional items.

Please take a peek and have a great weekend. xxx

I think I may be to blame for the weather....

2009-07-07T10:48:00.000-07:00

I've been waiting for a bit of rain! I managed to get one of these in the Milletts sale. It is a "cag in a bag", the pattern is by Celia Birtwell. It's very lovely.

SALE SALE SALE!!!

2009-07-05T10:23:00.000-07:00

I am having a little sale, please take a look.

Please visit my Folksy shop where many items are now up to half price.

I need to make some space for the new ideas I have.

Sale ends 31st July.

long time no blog...

2009-07-02T10:49:00.000-07:00

...well only a week or so but too long! aswell as enjoying the fab weather I have been trying to get sorted out for my meeting with the Princes Trust on Monday.

I have also made 6 bithday cards for 2 year olds (I still need to do some age 3 ones). These are for Emily's friends who all seem to have birthdays at the same time. I have made them with fabric bits and stuck them together with good old bondaweb.

After much avoidance, I have finally made something with a zip! This is my third attempt and the corners are still slightly lumpy but is a vast improvement from my first go (which ended up half inside out). A few more goes and I may have something I can put in my folksy shop.

This is more like it - no lining, no zip, no problem. The handles and reverse are made from Laura Ashley green polka dot fabric.

And I have finished this little quilt. It is far from perfect but I am really pleased with it anyway.

Hope you are all having a great week and enjoying the sunshine xxx

Tigerprint Entries

2009-06-24T02:38:00.000-07:00

I have spent this week scribbling ideas for the latest Tigerprint competition. The brief is to design a new character suitable for their baby card range at M&S.

My character is a bear called Edward. He is a proper teddy
bear and takes his job very seriously. He also likes stripy jumpers.

Edward (or Ed to his friends) has a friend called Flo who is a
tortoise. She likes her shell to be decorated with flowers.

Ed and Flo take good care of each other.

To see all the other entries, click here. There are some very cute entires.

Blog Awards...

2009-06-22T10:13:00.000-07:00

The lovely Little Gem has kindly given me and my little blog these two awards. Gem's own blog is totally fab so it is a great compliment that mine is one of her faves. Thanks Gem!

If you haven't already seen Little Gem's Blog, it is definately worth a look. She also has a blog shop and a Folksy Shop both named Roses and Gingham selling many pretty things like this very cute union jack key ring.

speculate to accumulate...

2009-06-19T02:21:00.000-07:00

I need to spend less. I thought I would start to do this by buying myself a new purse.....

Starting to see where I am going wrong here but I had the idea that if I had a new smaller purse I would leave the plastic cards at home?

It is from Pickle Things on Etsy (great name, no relation!)

Hello Sailor!

2009-06-18T10:34:00.000-07:00

After a bit of a wait, the first of the kitsch colour designs has arrived printed on to cotton by the wonderful spoonflower. (For an idea of scale, this pic is of approx 1 fat quarter.)

I am very pleased with the quality of the printing. I ordered one yard and have reluctantly started to cut into it.

I am using some of it to make bags, some for T-shirt motifs and I have 2 fat quarters left to sell (one is listed on folksy and one is on etsy).

I would love to see other people using my designs for their own projects. I have a meeting soon with the Princes Trust to see if I can get some funding as I really want to be able to print fabric myself. I am working on the finer details of this slightly ambitious plan...

Tag!

2009-06-16T11:52:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged and I have changed the rules ever so slightly...(hope no-one minds)

Rule 1. answer the questions on your blog

Rule 2. replace one or more questions that you dislike with a question or two of your own invention.

Rule 3. tag three other bloggers.

So here goes…………

What is your current obsession?

2nd hand book shops and charity shops. Have also just discovered oxfam online perfect for when the charity shops are shut!

What is your greatest achievement?

My little girl, Emily.

Coffee or Tea?

Strong Coffee!

What have you just made?

Actually nothing yet this week. Today was my sewing day but it was too hot to be indoors all day so I have been out with the dog and then had a quick wander round the charity shops.

My next projects will be some tea towels which I will get digitally printed but they are still very much on the drawing board!

What are you listening to right now?

La Roux, Lady Ga Ga, Empire of the Sun, Metro Station, Ladyhawke and the Noisettes.

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

knobbly bobbly's because the name makes me giggle!

What do you think of the person(s) who tagged you?

Totally lovely and very talented! Click here and see what you think...

If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?

The big apple. Would need more than an hour though. I went once and really really really want to go again.

What’s your favorite quote (for now)?

Basically the whole of withnail and I but especially: "Eat some cake. Soak up the booze."

What is your favorite colour?

bright green, teal and duck egg blue. and red. actually anything except black and grey. I like bright cheery colours.

What is your favorite piece of clothing in your own wardrobe?

Currently, it's a top by Pepper Tree Clothing that is turquoise with strawberries, bunnies and toadstools on. Sound's a bit mad but I love it. It's the one I bought the cosy brooches to go with.

What is your dream job?

Anything creative that pays enough to live on!

What is your worst habit?

Shopping.

If you had £100 now, what would you spend it on?

Shopping.

Do you admire any one’s style?

I think Gwen Stefani always looks totally gorgeous.

Describe your personal style?

tops with bright retro type patterns, jeans and ballet pump style shoes

What are you going to do after this?

watch "Mary Queen of Charity Shops"

What inspires you?

Anything that catches my eye and all the people on Folksy and Etsy that are giving it a go.

Your favorite book?

All of the "Tales of the City" books by Armisted Maupin. If you havent read them then you should. In the right order though as there are 6 of them.

Do you collect something?

I used to collect Barbie dolls but I don't anymore. I am tempted to get a blythe doll now but really need to be sensible.

What is your favorite smell?

strawberry lip balm

How many times do you press the snooze button before you get up?

Emily does not seem to have a snooze button.

Cats or dogs?

Dogs - this is our border collie Alfie when he was about 12 weeks old. He is now nearly 4 years old and a really big softie!

What’s your biggest fashion mistake?

I've worn all the daft thing everyone else has. The only things I think are mistakes are the things I have impulse bought but ended up never wearing. I keep reciepts now and will take something back if I am not totally sure about it.

What would you like to make next?

Some money to fund all the projects I have ideas for!

I am going to tag:

Lovely Little Deer

Plastic Bat

Shabby Chick

two quilts and one tired girl

2009-06-12T08:17:00.000-07:00

This is what I have been making this week. It is for a cot quilt / playmat type thing which measures approx 80cm square-ish! It is the first time I have tried any patchwork on my sewing machine, it is so much quicker than by hand! It has taken me 2 evenings so far but needs the back putting on which is my least favourite bit.

I am making it as practice but if it works out ok, it will be donated to a childrens hospital. My partners step mum is part of a sewing group that do kid's quilts and then they get given to children in hospital who get to take them home after. I think it is a great idea.

This is my ongoing project. It measures 120cm x 150 cm and is sewn by hand (madness). It has taken months and is also waiting to be backed. I'm not very good at actually finishing things. It is to go on my daughters first bed which she refuses to sleep in at the moment, prefering her cot. She likes the patchwork though and does a strange hopscotch style dance on it.

And this is a picture of my tired little girl, asleep at the table as I type! I am working two night shifts this weekend so will be in a similar position myself by Sunday. Have a great weekend!

we have a WINNER!!!

2009-06-10T10:21:00.001-07:00

Well done to Tracy at Plastic Bat who is the winner of my little giveaway! Cards are wrapped and ready to go...

Thanks to everyone who took part. All the name suggestions were fab.

I have managed to list the postcards in my Etsy shop today. Please pop over and take a look. I'm not sure if the pink dotty background looks a bit mad when viewing all the items?

Catching up & Giving away!

2009-06-08T13:18:00.000-07:00

I'm back from my week (and a bit) off. Had a lovely time, visited Brighton and London so full of new ideas. Going to spend this week catching up on the blogs and hopefully get some stuff listed in the Etsy shop.

Also just wanted to say hi to everyone who has just started following my blog. Please feel free to enter my little give away if you haven't already. I will be picking a winner on Wed. There are some great name ideas so far!

Kitsch Colour Boutique - Give Away!

2009-05-31T07:46:00.000-07:00

To celebrate 3 things:

1. having a week off!
2. Getting some postcards with the back print the right way up!
3. The launch of my Etsy shop - Kitsch Colour Boutique - (opening mid June)

I am giving away a complete set of 8 postcards - (2 of each of the ones in the pic + envelopes)

To enter:

Please make sure you are following this blog and leave me a comment on this post telling me which is your favourite of the designs and just for fun, what you think the child in your favourite image would be called!

Please enter before or on 09/06/09 as I will pick a winner at random on the 10th. To be entered twice, just mention my giveaway on your own blog but please remember to let me know that you have done so. I will post anywhere in the world. Good Luck xxx

Cosy Brooches...

2009-05-27T13:19:00.000-07:00

To top off my day yesterday, I lost a button off my new favourite top. I really couldn't be bothered to find a new one and sew it on (was very fed up!) so ordered these fab little brooches off Folksy. The pair cost me £5.00 and having two, atleast I will have a spare for when I lose the first one (have turned into a pessimist but atleast I'm prepared...)

Oh, the brooches are from Cosy.