Hand embroidered goodness

How her hair flows

2012-01-28T17:58:00.001Z

Now that I have finally gotten past my nasty bout of illness, no idea what it was but it certainly wasn't appreciated, I am getting back to a point where I can pick up where I left which was stitching the clock. The lady with the amazing hair is starting to look like I hoped it would, lovely. Its my aim today to get the rest of the main lines tacked down, remove the tissue and start tackling a section at a time.

And what I so far managed to achieve was:

This was the slow part, carefully removing the tissue paper from under the stitching. Used a needle and a pair of sharp tweezers to get rid of the fiddle bits.

And this was how it looked afterwards, never knew it was ever covered in tissue paper

Slowly but surely I begin to fill in the sections of the hair, with a combination of back, running, split and chain stitch. I also use machine and stranded cottons in dark shades of brown, all to help give definition to the hair. I might consider putting in the odd highlight of gold thread, but I will wait until complete before I consider that one.

This is how it stands at present, rather pleased with the look of it so far and the aim is by the end of the weekend to get the the other sections around the top of the head done. Then next week it will be starting the top of the hair...well the tips, the rest of the design basically, hopefully getting to the face next weekend. Depending on how much I get done during the week. I do hope to be able to tack down the tissue for the other clock design too....busy times.

Now what projects are you working on?

WIP: Collaboration underway

2012-01-15T18:14:00.002Z

So begins my next big project, been talking about it enough, yes I've finally started the stitching for the collaboration pieces. This is just one section of one design and after a bit of a false start yesterday, I've started a fresh today and cracked on. I had an issue with the transferring normally I draw on, long since gone past the days of pounce (I used to get it everywhere) I opted for thin tissue paper and stitching down the main outlines. Which works out as the better route for this lovely lady and her following locks.

I shall keep you posted with its progression...

Tips for Using Ring Frames

2012-01-14T13:36:00.000Z

Now I have always been the sort to work small scale when stitching, large pieces just don't do a whole lot for me and frankly I just don't have the space. Now if I was working big scale then I would work on a slate frame rested on a set of trestles, however, I don't mainly because it would take up most of my flat and secondly its been a very long time since I had a set of trestles and finally most of my work doesn't need to be done on such large frames. Now I am sure some will be going what are slate frames, and what the heck are trestles? If you had asked me before I did my Apprenticeship back in 2002 I'd have drawn a blank too.

Slate frames and trestles as seen in use at the Royal School of Needlework

The image above shows you what a slate frame and trestles would be like in use, it's ideal for keeping large pieces of fabric taut. I can't stand loose fabric (unless it needs to be.)

Anyway, because I don't use the above equipment I use a wooden hoop frame either in a barrel clamp or seat frame system. Now a tip if you are planning on doing a lot of embroidery, like me small scale, its worth investing in because unlike the skinny hoop frames, which frankly I prefer just to frame things in now, they keep the fabric nice and taut and so much easier to use because you can keep both hands free. The link to the barrel clamp isn't the greatest because its shown using a skinny hoop the best sort are the ones that are 1 inch deep, allowing for greater grip on the fabric.

However, I don't just bung my fabric into the hoop and get on with it, no I get the hoop ready. By that I mean I wrap some plain fabric or webbing round both sets of hoops to help keep the frame clean (easy to replace) and helps with the grip on the fabric.

You may have seen this hoop before, the webbing I used is a little grubby and is now due for replacing

Its not the easiest thing to do sometimes, especially if your not awake or your all fingers and thumbs. However, it is worth it, and once you've done it a couple of times you get used to it.

So how is it done?

Lets start with the bottom hoop (the one that will have the dowel attachment)

First thing to do is to either cut long strips of plain cotton, I used calico as it was the only thing I had to hand, or you can use webbing which is generally my preferred choice as it doesn't fray. Always have more than you need as depending on the size of the frame you don't want to be caught short, and the less you need to join bits together the better.

Hold one end on the side of the frame, start outside or in it doesn't matter, then tightly wrap the fabric round it so it covers the end, make sure that your wrapping is taut or it will just come undone.

This may take a couple of tries and countless swearing. Have tea on hand to calm nerves.

Depending on how long your stripes are (if not using webbing) you may need to join two bits together, this is easy just running stitch the two ends together, making sure the hem/join is, when wrapping, laying against the frame and not on the outside where it could come undone over time.

Carry on wrapping all the way round.

You will soon be back at the beginning and with a bit of patience you will be able to wrap round the bit of the frame that attaches to the dowel (that plastic bit) and cover over the bit where you first started. Again, make sure that your wrapping is taut or it will just come undone.

When you think your happy with the wrapping, cut off the excess strip, leaving enough to be able to tuck under (you can just see where I folded under about a centimetre of the fabric). Then with a needle and thread oversew the end to the intial wrapping, making sure stitches are pulled tight and secure, then either a knot and a few stitches to finish, then cut the remaining thread.

There you go one bit of the frame done.

Only the second to go!

Repeat the above steps, though with the top frame you will not be able to meet the beginning owing to the gap, so don't be tempted!!

What you will have to do is when you start, stitch the beginning of the fabric/webbing strip to itself before wrapping and when you reach the end, finish off the exactly the same way as before.

Now hopefully you've understood my instructions and you have yourself a set of well wrapped hoop frames ready to use!

Any questions?

New Clock

2012-01-09T20:50:00.000Z

Flower Patches Desk Clock

With the collaboration under-way, which I can say now is going to be a limited edition range of wall clocks between myself and Heidi Burton. I've been feeling more inspired than ever which was how I came to not only recently design a new style of desk clock but make it too (see image above and below). Its made in linen and liberty tana lawn. It's a bit of a proto-type but I am extremely pleased with the outcome. I will at some point, I am sure, come to do it again no doubt in a different mix of fabrics.

Going back to the collaboration I will be working on some samples for the embroidery this week and by the weekend I shall hope to post a shot or two from this. I am currently awaiting delivery of some lovely linen from the Tinsmiths in order for me to start the very first one. I really can't wait!

Me and Bergamot hanging out

Finishing & Starting a New

2012-01-04T10:37:00.001Z

A Christmas Gingerbread House, which I gave to my Auntie and kiddliwinks. Too much sugar for me..but fun to decorate

Christmas has been and gone and the New Year has well and truly started. Whilst January is one of those months that many, including myself, wish to skip this year I am quite happy to see it. Something about starting a fresh seemingly appeals to me at the moment, last year was so up and down that I hope it isn't the case for this year. I feel positive about what I need to get done and how to achieve it (sort of, but tea does feature strongly).

One thing I certainly want to get sorted out is what I want to achieve in terms of making and selling and this includes me doing a clear out of the store, some will be taken down and distributed between friends and family (aren't you lucky!) and other bits will be heavily reduced. I hate having old things hanging about especially if I don't make them any more, bags for instance.

Things you will see more of in the store:

Wordy tissue holders (these are a hit and they make me laugh)
Needlecases - though only till I have used up all my materials, this will be the last year I make them
Clocks! Oddles more clocks, I have new ideas for desk clocks and finally have the collab between myself and Heidi started.

I will be doing another blog post this week which will expand on the clock side of things. For now I must get ready to go out.

Finishing off an old project, a little something for a friend....

Nearing the end....

2011-12-20T20:59:00.000Z

of the year.

And boy what a year it has been. More ups and downs than a yo-yo. Can't say it's been the easiest ends to the years but I look to 2012 on a positive rather a negative. I have a creative drive that I want to maintain even with a busy day-today work load.

I hope to finally work on the collaborations with the Burton sisters, and really push my clock designing. I will for the love all things clockwork create another statement clock. Above all I am going to stitch and make time for it. I've been a bit of a bugger for that this year and have haven't exactly spent a lot of time pushing my work to the front, but bugger me if I am going to let that happen next year. So here is to a productive, and fun 2012. I wish all my followers a very Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year.

And a huge thank you to everyone that's purchased something from me I value your support guys!

Grab them while you can..

2011-12-17T13:41:00.004Z

Last tissue holders made for the year:

What's more running till tomorrow (18th) grab a last minute discount of 20% off, simply use the following code during checkout XMAS2011.

21 again.

2011-12-14T23:30:00.000Z

I remember turning 21 but it seems so long ago...but isn't really. Probably proves I have a poor memory! Ha.

I made this little beauty this evening for a colleague of mine at work whom I promised that when she turned 21 I'd make her something. So here it is. A felt brooch embellished with crystals, no no one will miss her!

Ha haa ha

Brown Paper Packages

2011-12-11T13:08:00.001Z

Brown paper packages tied up with Divine Twine

Christmas is coming and the goose is getting fat...Or in this case the hamster is. Bless poppit!

Anyway, I haven't made anything new but I hope to have some new stock in the works over the Christmas period hopefully working with the Burton sisters on our collaborations. Larger clocks and a new unique desk clock (not that any of my work isn't already, but this will be a real statement piece! I was mulling over it yesterday and I look forward to developing it.)

As for today I was tweeking the Christmas tree, gift wrapping (See above) and baking like a demon. I have a thing about making food based gifts for friends and family especially for those who have everything and plus its just nice to get something that you can scoff straight away. So I was in the kitchen for most of the day baking ginger biscuits like there is no tomorrow. 67 to be precise....cripes. This was only meant to be a test batch a head of next weekend....

There might be 62 left.....

Bergamot exploring my little rubbish pot on my desk.

Busy Bunny - Destash, Website Madness and packaging

2011-12-04T14:10:00.001Z

I've been a busy bunny of late with work and craft fairs (last one was yesterday) but still so much to do! This doesn't include stuff for Christmas, which there is still plenty to do thankfully not shopping that's done.

The craftshow wasn't that great yesterday but I am not disheartened I had a wonderful time with my friend Anna (Stall sharing is the way to go!) and we will be doing some more shows together in the New Year. One thing the show did make me do was sort out the packaging for the clocks which I will be mainly focusing on next year. See above and below images to get an idea of what it looks like. I rather like this simple yet effective look. Not only does it mean they get better shipping packaging but it brings the whole thing up a level.

I do have some hot of the press news! I finally tested out the new shop function for my website! It's totally new and for the moment in time I am using to sell my destash items such as ribbons, buttons, beads and more. Owing to the shipping functions I can only offer this to UK customers but if you are from overseas and would like to purchase something then leave me a message below.

Not only that I have created a gallery on the site too! Why not nip over to the website and check out the new things, and be the first to leave a gallery comment.

www.lamdesigns.co.uk

Post Craft Show

2011-11-26T22:31:00.001Z

So planning my little bit of the stall worked a treat and certainly saved a headache or two. The funny thing was that neither myself or Anna had coordinated how we were going to share the stand but by jove it worked a treat! Next week we have already decided what we are going to do to make it feel even more like a shop. So if you are in the Guildford area on the 3rd December why not swing by and see us. The show went rather well and I sold enough to make me happy, and hopefully next will be good if not better. Certainly went well working and sharing the stall with someone, craftshows on your own can be awfully lonely.

Tomorrow is a go slow day, perhaps a little bit of shopping, Christmas card writing and maybe some sewing but otherwise watching DVDs and drinking tea will be the order of the day. I am rather tired.

Before I toddle off my Etsy store is back up...

Guildford Craftacular Today

2011-11-26T07:52:00.001Z

This is where you can find me today, and next Saturday.

Etsy store is on vacation mode for the duration of the show and will be turned back on my return!

I will post later to let you know how it goes!

Very excited :)

Craft Show Preparation

2011-11-20T11:44:00.001Z

I am currently at that point of time when you realise that you have a lot to do and so very little time to do it in. In fact perhaps even writing this blog should have come later in the day, but dammit I wanted a custard cream and a cuppa.

This time next week I would have done my first of two craft shows of this year. I haven't done one in such a long time that I almost forgot what I need to do, and how much time it takes to prepare. Sure I should have done a lot of it a while ago, but as ever its the classic of its fine I have plenty of time....Uhmm no I don't. That's the problem when you also work a full time job which also has it's own set of deadlines. It's a bit of a pickle but it will all be okay on the day.

Today in order to get ready I spent most of the morning trying to work out the stand display, I'll be honest I am not a 100% happy with it, but I think it will work. The problem I have is that I have created a lot of things, and its hard to link the pieces together. So what you see in the photographs is only half of what I have stored away, and I have a feeling I will end up not displaying some of the items when I get there. I am fussy with layouts, and so I think I'll end up with a less is more approach come next Saturday. For instance I like the way I have hung my clocks and small wall art pictures but not so happy with the container for the needle cases, top left of the picture (see above). The tissue holders also don't look great, but then I haven't put the tissues into them yet, so perhaps will look better, less flat. I shall ponder on it some more today.

I still have to prep some more needle cases, and make a few more tissue holders, and I want to start a project that I can work on when I am there. I am thinking either another more complex clock or picture. I have a design that I came across last night that I have yet to do anything with. Then I have the bags to stamp up and price labels still to write.

Phew...

Ps. In case you have forgotten where I will be showing -

Oops always a bit late.

2011-11-15T20:22:00.001Z

A couple of new visual treats. I ordered my new Moo.com mini biz cards and product labels yesterday, can't wait to collect them. Yes they aren't getting posted, owing to my faffing about with the designs I stupidly didn't order them in time to be delivered before the craft show next week. As Moo are only down the road from my day job they have kindly allowed me to pick them up in person next week. Huzzah! Which has saved me the biggest headache! It is my own fault so I have no one else to blame.

I did need them though, biz cards are running low and with the change in branding as well it was nice to have everything looking the same. And also now that I have finally found some appropriate packaging for the wall clocks the product labels will finish them off nicely. Hopefully they look good in person, always worry about whether or not they will turn out right!

Speeding onwards

2011-11-12T09:35:00.001Z

This year is really starting to fly by. My holiday has been and gone in a blink of an eye, a year in my job has felt like only a month, and my best friend's wedding which was only last week already feels like a distant memory. And yet it's not over yet, I still have two craft shows to do. It is my plan, my intention, to get some new bits ready for it though how I am going to get it all done before the 26th is anyone's guess. I can but hope!

On top of this I have been making more Tilda bits, I know I should be concentrating on shop stock but sometimes I like to break and really I am making gifts for cherished friends and family. Oh and for the flat.....

This lovely Princess Angel is a second in a pair, you might recognise the style Tilda again, her sister went to my best mate and this one is for my little flat.

I've made an angel goose which is going to my mum which will hopefully stop her trying to nick Calico the Angel Pig. Hopefully she will like it I wasn't too sure about the Liberty print I chose for the feet and wings?

The next gift is for my other best mate's mum (the one that got married - Mrs M), who has been making me a tea cosy from a pattern on Raverly and in return I am making her a Tilda figure, but she doesn't know what. I shan't be saying here! It's a surprise.

I also have a wee decoration that I want to make for my part of the stall at the craft show that utilises a wee metal bucket (got to stop saying wee) that made up the wedding favours for my friend's wedding. It's perfect for me to make a tiny Christmas tree, Tilda has a design which I think would work perfectly, just need to decide on my fabrics, Liberty it is but not sure on the colour yet.

In this mess somewhere is the gift for my friend, and bits I am making for the show! What you crafty folks up to? And are you coming to Guildford Craftacular?

Time Flies...

2011-11-06T11:26:00.002Z

The year has been passing at a rate of knots that is almost hard to keep up with, one major event after another and I feel almost sad that yet another one has come to an end. Though for the couple in question it is the beginning of the next adventure. I do love a good wedding, and even more so when it's watching one of your best friends whose getting married.

I am at home now, in the warm drinking tea and mulling over the rest of the year, the next things to think on is Guildford Craftacular where I will be sharing a stand with the uber talented Anna of Sakura Jewellery. Should be a hoot if nothing else!

I will be there on both dates so if you are in the area why not swing by and purchase your goodies in person. I've yet to sort out my stock, but there is most certainly going to be clocks, tissue holders, needlecases and more. So if there is something in particular you wanted to be able to get that you've seen in my stores then just drop me a note.

Speaking of stock I shouldn't waste the day, time to get on with sewing and sorting out. xx

Psst...

2011-10-30T10:01:00.000Z

Psst...

Yes, you over there by the shadowy corner!

Did you know that my Etsy store has been reopened a few days earlier?! What's more as an extra added treat between now and the 1st November I will be offering free shipping!

To get the free shipping you must enter 'RETURNED' into the wee coupon code box during checkout.

Simple as that!

It's good to be back.

p.s there will be another posting later today with a tutorial, if I have managed to take decent another photographs of the process.

How to Help a Crafty Person

2011-10-23T13:24:00.002Z

I've had my fair share of creativity blocks over the years, it can last a mere day or it can take weeks if not longer to get over that hurdle. Sometimes it can come out of the blue and the answer to it also can appear out of no where.

I've pushed projects to one side simply because I don't know what to do it with it because I simply don't think it looks right, its missing something. So on..

One thing I often found useful to get over this was bouncing ideas off other people, even better if its in a place that isn't your home, workroom of where ever it is you get your craft on.

So I was musing therefore this morning of perhaps doing a little session like this. Quite relaxed, perhaps in a coffee shop of even the pub, where people can bring their projects or just themselves and a willingless to share and help others. Hopefully in return you will get over your hurdle, or creativity block whilst helping out someone else in the process. A nice bit of karma.

This is something that can easily be slotted into existing networking sessions, coffee mornings etc, but taking it to a slightly different level.

I don't know about you, but I love helping people and I like coming up with creative solutions, giving ideas and suggestions to others.

Not sure, if by the end of this musing, it makes sense and how I would move it to the next stage, especially given my limited time, but I am feeling somewhat more inspired to pull my finger out since seeing the lovely Anna in the Daily Mail.

Adventure Continues....

2011-10-12T00:14:00.000Z

Saturday's adventure: This was the first of the days of me hitting the museums in DC, starting at the National Museum of American History, National Museum of Natural History and National Gallery of Art (West & East buildings). It was a really good way to spend the day.

The American History Museum was one I have always wanted to hit, but the thing I found was that it didn't quite live up to my expectations. Perhaps they were too high? But I certainly found it was lacking something, and was a little tired around the edges. There were few highlights, and the displays weren't very flattering to the pieces. For instances the Ruby coloured slippers one of the major highlights was in a clear box in an area no bigger than my bedroom. Even Kermit the frog looked a little drab. Perhaps it was the choice of wall colouring but white would have been more appropriate it would at least set the pieces off better than they did. I know as they are fabric that certain lights are appropriate but the wall colour could have at least helped with that. Drab beige never did anyone any good let alone textile pieces.

I didn't stay long I stopped in the shop and headed off to the Natural History, which thank god was so much better. It was bright and the exhibits were well laid out the highlights been the under the sea and the gemstone exhibits. Whilst it was extremely busy, it was a Saturday and clearly the place to take the kids it was fine and easy to get round. Though the shops sucked but that's okay I didn't need any more magnets....

GIANT squid

Now where the Natural History appealed to my inner child the Art Museums warmed to my creative self. Man it certainly lived up to my expectations. The displays were as good if not better than the National Gallery back in London. The special exhibitions were particularly of interest to me finding an artist I want to learn more about John Taylor Arms. Amazing artist and draughtsman.

Now this museum isn't just one its two in one. With an East and West wing connected by a spectacular corridor which is nicknamed the Star Trek tunnel by someone I know, it's a light show. Though I admit I was somewhat tired by the time I got to this part of the Museum which houses the modern art collection. But still it was a pretty sight.

Watson & the Shark - this only means something to me and one other person who I have a running joke with them about it.

Giant Mobile! I wonder if this would fit in my flat.....

Star Trek tunnel - Pretty changing light show

That concluded the day for Saturday, something tells me I did something in the evening but at this second of writing this post (in the departure lounge at Dulles) I can't remember!

Evening Jaunt

2011-10-08T12:07:00.000Z

An evening jaunt ended up me seeing all the main monuments in the National Mall & Memorial Parks. I hadn't planned on doing that I was only going down to the Washington Memorial before trotting off to grab some food....but, once you do one on that strip you can't help but go down to see the others. The evening was lovely and I was taking advantage of lots of people being around to go and take some more photographs. Here you go:

National World War II Memorial

Vietman Woman's Memorial

Vietman's Veteran's Memorial

Lincoln Memorial

Needless to say I earned that Five Guy's burger!

Day 3 of my adventures in Washington

2011-10-07T20:40:00.003Z

Another day and yet more walking needless to say I am somewhat shattered so tomorrow it will be museums and sticking to the Mall.

This was from yesterday when I went to Arlington, this is the Netherlands Carrillon. Plays music on the hour.

Iwo Jima Statue (US Marine Corps Memorial)

Washington Monument

This was from today's adventures, I went over to the National Zoological Park, and saw many an animal the small mammals and the panda was some of my favourites.

I slogged over to the National Cathedral. I did totally forget it was shut down owing to the maintenance work to repair the spire following the earthquake the other month. It was a very long walk, and it was very hot. Needless to say it was somewhat of a relief to get back to the hotel to have a rest and to change my clothes.

My adventure

2011-10-07T13:29:00.002Z

Yep I am in Washington DC folks!

Now time for me to get a move on, off to the Zoo today. A proper blog this evening x

2011-10-03T11:51:00.000Z

Hot of the press...another Tilda design completed. Yes you could say I am getting somewhat addicted. Especially as I will be moving onto finish this ladies twin before making another pig angel, reindeer head and a few other things besides.

Countdown Continues

2011-10-01T13:58:00.001Z

I've fallen a little silent since I put my shops on hiatus. I wish I could say I've been up to anything really exciting in that time....but its just the usual life stuff. Work mainly as I've had to clear a lot of stuff of my desk prior to my holiday which officially started 5pm yesterday. Then there was a hen do weekend and just the usual life things.

So there you go.

However, I haven't stopped crafting, just because I put the shops to sleep for a bit, I have been stitching but things for me. Which has been rather gratifying. It's bits for the flat mainly and the start of Christmas gifts (sorry I hate using that word so early into autumn, so don't shot me for saying it! haha

Say hello to Harold: Designed by my favourite crafts person Tilda. Gawd her designs and books are to die for. This is the first time I've actually done anything from her books, I kept coveting and saying I would, but I finally pulled my finger out.

Once you start you can't stop, and here is Calico the Angel Pig

I can't wait to hang Calico up, he'll be flying over the top of my tree in place of the usual angel. I've still not finished, one my best mates very kindly purchased me a Tilda kit and well I can't just put it away and do it after my holiday, no I have to start it and I'm nearly half way through one of the girls already.

I'm determined to get one finished before I fly on Wednesday so fingers crossed.

That's where I am at the moment. Aside from that I am currently in the midsts of packing and making final preparations before I fly out to DC on Wednesday. I am excited and a little nervous at the prospect of travelling on my own but god dammit I can't wait! As I will be taking my netbook with me I will be making the most of the free wifi in the hotel of an evening to upload images to my Flickr account and Facebook. I also hope to blog about the trip as well.

P.s the stores will be reopening on the 1st November

This time next week...

2011-09-11T09:25:00.000Z

The stores will be on hiatus!

I am rather looking forward to having a break from stitching things to sell, not that I am by any means the sort to make things on a regular basis; life and work get in the way for that. Still it's going to give me time to de-stress and think about my direction for the following year. I have a plan you see and it's an awesome one. Best of all it involves working with my favourite girlies. It's an idea that I had worked out a few months ago, limited edition, collaboration clocks, this is still the idea but I want to make it my main focus. I am rather looking forward to it, especially as it also means a revamp of packaging, and I am a sucker for good quality packaging. As this progresses I will keep you in the loop.

Yesterday I was at Thames Festival, yes I made myself go up to London at the weekend. I am glad I went I met some wonderful folks, some I know and others who I know online but have never met in person. So I shall now give a shout out to the following: Tiina Burton, Heidi Burton, Anna-Marie Stassen, Laura Harris, Karen Jinks and Mary McDermott.

Spot of Tango anyone?

Miss Heidi Burton, doing what we all love to do drinking tea and eating cake.

P.s. Don't forget to take advantage of the 15% discount I have in my Etsy store! You will need the following code during the checkout process to receive this discount - DCHUZZAH11

Winding down

2011-09-04T18:50:00.001Z

I find myself starting to relax. I assure you it has been a rather long time since I've said that. I am no longer making items for the store and the hair thing idea for my outfit has also been discarded. You know what I am okay with this. Instead I turn my attention to other things like; doodling, more hand stitching on the quilt, and I am thinking about making a couple of other bits for the flat and for Christmas.

The latter was prompted by the arrival of the Panduro catalogue, which always makes me want to buy load and make more things than I have time for. I have in mind to make a Reindeer head (sounds so wrong when you type it) I'd show you a picture but I am having issues with my memory card so I can't access the pictures. I also want to make some button tinsel, and a flying angel pig for my Christmas Tree. Just a few things. Will keep you in the loop! Hopefully get a new memory card in the post next week.

Don't forget: 14 more days to take advantage of the 15% discount in my Etsy store. Use the following code at my Etsy store to receive a 15% discount - DCHUZZAH11

Tea, Cake and Discounts

2011-08-29T08:58:00.001Z

I am having a nice chilled out Bank Holiday weekend before the onslaught begins on a very busy month on the run up to my holiday. Yesterday I was up in town having a very lovely afternoon with Ms Tiina Burton we try to meet up as often as we can to have tea, chat and a good old natter. This is then usually followed by a good old window shopping session. She is very good at stopping me from buying jewellery. I need someone to do this....

Now normally we go to Liberty's for tea but since they have changed the menu (which is so dull) and reduced the number of tea it offers (which is now piss poor) I was on the hunt for somewhere new. Just round the corner in Carnaby Street is Kingly Court (highly recommend it great boutique shops) and up on the very top floor is Camellia's Tea House. Oh my lord so many teas to choose from I personally loved 'Skinny Bitch' but opted for Sweet Orange which was lush. This helped wash down the scones, yummy. Very good prices far cheaper than Liberty's and a much nicer atmosphere. For those in a wheelchair whilst it is a little awkward to get round you can get to the top floor via the lift. The staff were very nice too (again better than the snotty lot at Liberty's which can sometimes ruin a good day out). www.camelliasteahouse.com <-edited

No trip to Carnaby's is complete without a quick dive into the Play Lounge were yet again I walked out with items I didn't really need to purchase but couldn't bring myself to leave behind. So I got some really cute stickers and another 'I love Tea' (lunaartik.com) I am determined to find Earl but got Oolong instead (blue one). They are slowly starting to overtake the flat. I was really tempted to by the uber large Cavey (it was pink and squishy) but stopped short from do so, another time.

You will note also in the photo below (left) that I have redrawn the headpiece design, I was bored on a train, I think I prefer the design on the second teardrop shape various running stitched circles rather than running stitched lines, works better with the other shapes on the design.

Now its time for me to pull my finger out, stick Supernatural on and stitch.

Oh before I disappear to stitch let me tell you about the following discount code: DCHUZZAH11 which is now active in my Etsy store from now till the 18th. It entitles the buyer to 15% discount. It's a little something before the store closes for my autumn vacation.

Again..

2011-08-21T12:51:00.001Z

Unfortunately my computer has decided it didn't like me very much and has died on me again, it's currently being fixed for a hard drive issue. So it's a double kick lost programmes and files as well as a hit to the wallet. But never mind, can't be helped and hopefully will have it back next week. It's just as well I have the netbook for a back up although that did just break my memory card....managed to fix that with a bit of tape but it does make me think whether or not I am cursed?? Will find out on Monday when I get into work and use the computer there.

In the mean time I have been beginning to wind down the project making as I hit a very busy time at work and head towards my holiday in October. I decided in my wisdom rather than buying a hat or a hair thingie for my friends wedding to go with my outfit, I've decided to make something instead.

Here is the design drawn in sharpie on a back of a brown paper bag, which was also used to make the pattern pieces too. It's going to be a hand embroidered selection of almost teardrop shapes, with various types of embellishment ie. buttons, crystals and beads. Attached to a ribbon wrapped metal hair band.

With the design done, I opted to try out a test version I don't often do examples but with this to know whether or not it would or could work I decided to do it. Also rather making yet another bit of decoration that floats about the house I've turned it into a one of a kind brooch and listed in my store.

It has a stiff middle, I didn't have any pelmet vilene which was a bugger so I used two layers of waste canvas which does the job nicely. Light weight, can be stitched through and can be shaped so it's ideal. The nice thing about doing this example is that it's shown me that the edging needs more thought. Whilst it works (wrapped edging and couching) it to me looks a little rough. So I am going to think of an alternative option. Maybe buttonhole stitch?

This just means I now have to pull my finger out and start working on the main parts in order to get the actual headpiece made in time. Granted whilst I know what I want to wear I really should also pull my finger out and get the dress....

Anyway, that's enough of the head piece for today will start it again during the week think its time for a spot of Supernatural and stitching the quilt. I am starting to get closer to the end with that project.

Although I forgot to say I came to the conclusion this week that owing to busy work commitments I will be closing my store on the 18th September through to November 1st. This is because I can't guarantee that I will be able to post things, and I really don't want to stress myself out any more than I am already. I am slightly getting panicked by the amount of work there is to do over the next month. Everything is coming at once!

I may very well open the store up earlier and I will keep blogging so will keep you in the loop.

In Pieces...

2011-08-07T12:24:00.002Z

So with another commission done and dusted I've reverted back to working on some new content for the store, the Etsy one, I'm still getting used to Wow Thank You store, the set-up and layout. With the new items I have gone back to raiding my pretty stashes of fabric and bits n pieces to make a couple of squeezie purses and new clocks. Nothing like playing about to get the creative juices flowing.

Yesterday I made a clock which was fun to do, and I was so pleased with the outcome. The idea had come to me the other week when I was working on the Pirate clock for my friend. It was basically very thin stripes of various Liberty tana lawn prints stitched together to create a new sort of fabric. It was quite a fiddly operation, but you know me I like to work small and I don't shy away from a challenge. I bonderwebbed the back of each strip applied to a plain white linen and stabbed stitched down each strip, it took a little while, but once you get into it soon gets done.

I have an idea for another one and will probably work on that one after I have finished my latest project, or knowing me will start it regardless. Anyway, the outcome as you can see is really cute. I stitched very tiny shell buttons to indicate the hours, where I used batting underneath to give it more definition, I just want to prod it. It's now available to buy just click here.

Now the other project I am working on and soon after I finish this blog post will get right back to it, is a quilted squeezable purse. See the progress:

So this morning I decided to play, I don't often do samples because I am usually the sort to get an idea and just get on it, but this morning I thought no, lets do some playing about with the fabric I want to use. The above image is the result of me using different thickness of threads, colours. Originally I was going to do a series of maze like squares (can't think of the word for it) but then as I started to just do running stitches I ended up doing neatly spaced out straight rows, you can see that result at the bottom corner. With that sample done, I decided it was time to crack on. Here we are stitched in black machine thread for four rows, then in nice scarlet red for one. It will keep me quiet.

What projects are you working on? Show me some links to it! I love looking at pretty things.

2011-07-31T18:46:00.001Z

Nothing beats starting and finishing new projects! Because it normally means I am out of a funk and back into the rythmn of making things again. I find this does tend to happen when I have a shed load of work on at well my day job. Perhaps its the fact it gives me a release and the more I need to do at work the more I want to do my own thing.

So the above lovely clock is for a lovely lady friend of mines son and the little beauty below is something I knocked out today. It's completely hand stitched no sewing machine for any of the seams. It was lovely to stitch. I have a few more squeezie frames laying about (now I remembered I have them) I will make a few more pouches over time. They are great for holding needlework tools and other bits & pieces.

However, with these bits sorted out I can start working on another clock idea I have, which is a little different from the last couple of clocks I've made and also get back to doing more of the quilt. I will get it finished.

You can pick the pouch up from my Wow Thank You Store

Stitchin Saturday

2011-07-23T19:36:00.001Z

Before I start today's blog allow me to introduce myself, hi!

Today has been a rather good day have managed to complete a good couple of projects and still have time to return back to my old faithful of a project, the Quilt. Which almost sounds like a really bad horror movie...I suppose the synopsis would be a quilt becomes animated and smoothers people in their sleep, starting with an unsuspecting little old lady......Sounds horrifying but cosy at the same time.

And here is the stitching then, above is a clock I have just completed for my little baby nephew, Leo. For his brand new look nursery. I get to see him tomorrow, so lots of squidges to him. Below is a clock I have just completed for my friends young boy. The only thing I am not sure about this is the silver wave, I might do some post surgery and remove them, and see if I have something pirate like that I could sew in its place. This could be a little difficult as it's now been mounted...the other option is to sew a few more waves at the top and bottom of the clock to balance it out and stop it looking weird. I shall leave it tonight and come back to it later.

Finally this is how the quilt is looking these days, you can't see much from these images but I have done the centre, the first ring round that square and now on the next row...if that makes sense? Anyway, soon as this blog post is completed that's what I'll get back to doing. I hope to god I can get this completed by Christmas. It would be nice!!

Tell me what projects your doing?!

75 Days to go!

2011-07-22T11:00:00.001Z

75 Days to go!
Originally uploaded by lamdesigns

Okay the countdown for the holiday started bloody months ago but now as the months are flying by its time for me to pull my finger out and really get my days in order!

So this is me starting to prepare where and what I am going to do on my very first trip abroad travelling on my own! Gawd I can't wait to get back to DC.

Tools of the trade:

One well thumbed tourist guide book
Pop up Map (have 2 so this one is getting doddled on)
A new moleskein notebook...just because
Tabs!
Sharpie for the tabs and for doodling on map
Biro

Arrgh

2011-07-17T16:54:00.002Z

I promised myself some stitching this weekend and I have so far delivered on that promise to myself. I have sorted out the start of a clock not only for my little nephew but for my friends boy as well. Pirate clock anyone? Hopefully will get these both finished by next Friday. In the meantime I think I am going to do a bit more on my quilt.

Pirate & Ship clock - Combination of appliqué and embroidery.

Stitching

2011-07-16T20:17:00.000Z

Start of a three day weekend and I promised myself some stitching time, and here is the start of it. Technically this was the third project I started, of the day. I mounted and framed something, which I will show later and I have another appliqué clock under way, as well as this little beauty. This is the start of a clock for my darling little nephews bedroom. It's an extra birthday prezzie from his smitten Aunt. x

A Very Productive Day

2011-07-10T14:38:00.000Z

Having a nicely productive Sunday, which is nice. Sometimes I set out to do a lot and I'll be lucky if I get one thing done. Today therefore has been a lovely surprise. I have designed two clocks for some very lovely people I know. A pirate clock for a friends little boy, and a little boat for my darling little nephew. I even dug out an embroidery I started but never finished. I have plenty of those knocking about. I got it out and did a bit more to it, and I think I am happy enough with the outcome to finish mounting, I will do so shortly. It will be in my Etsy store soon enough.

I even started progressing my next stumpwork piece, only drew it yesterday and already I have drawn the main lines, and appliqued fabric to circle it. I had a brainwave this morning. I think after another cuppa, I will just stab stitch down the circle then start picking out what threads I am going to work the tree in and other such details. Like with the last one I am going to take it bit by bit, no rushing. Then I will go on and work some more of my quilt, you know I think I might even get that done by Christmas. Which will be nice.

Next Stumpwork

2011-07-09T18:26:00.000Z

Just starting to work out the design for the next stumpwork piece, since finishing the peacock I had the urge to start another. I had it in my minds eye how I would do it, and this morning it was just a matter of working out various sketches to get to that stage. Inspired again by another decoration.

Can't wait to work out the next step, working out the threads and the fabrics...and this one is going to have a little extra sparkle......

Who won!

2011-07-09T16:24:00.000Z

Ladies & Gents we have ourselves a winner!

Congratulations to Jenny! If you would like to either send me a direct message on my Etsy shop or leave me a little message.

Well done!

Thanks to everyone who participated there will be another competition in the future!

2011-06-27T20:14:00.000Z

It took a little searching and lots of finger crossing but I finally managed to find a frame suitable for the Peacock Stumpwork. There are something I hate to buy on line, frames are one of them but I was lacking places to find one suitable and ended up finding this beauty on line. I took a chance and ordered it and I wasn't horrified at all. It's perfect!

So now I can finally say the picture is complete!

If you wish to purchase this beauty then head over here...click me.

P.s don't forget still time to enter my little competition!

How about a Little competition?

2011-06-19T14:55:00.001Z

In celebration of my branching out and joining Wow Thank You and opening another shop, I have decided that it was high time for a little competition. Once again I have a little button needlecase up for grabs and to go along with it a small set of Liberty Tana Lawn buttons.

How does that sound?

To enter simply leave a little comment in this blog post!

You have until Midnight on 3rd July!

Please note I won't be giving away my super sharp scissors or my fave thimble as shown in the image. As I sort of need them to make things.

Old School

2011-06-19T12:04:00.000Z

Ever wonder what kicked start my love for stitching peacock feathers? When it happened? Well this little piece was my very first piece I had ever stitched where the design was the feathers. I think I either made it in my second year or during the first few months of my last year? One thing I am certain of and remember was that it was inspired by an embroidery that was hanging up on one of the walls in the workrooms. I used to walk past it every day, an angel with the most magnificent peacock feather headdress.

The colours were amazing for such an old piece of embroidery. Now if my brain doesn't fail me it was designed by Edward Burne-Jones who had close links to the Royal School of Needlework. (If any fellow apprentice can recognise the piece or recall the one I am thinking about it used to hang near the lunch/break room, quite a long piece? And partly stitched??) I wish I could find my original notes from when I made it but anyway, I loved it and this was the product of my love for it:

A pocket mirror and little drawstring bag. Stitched in vintage silk threads on silk fabric. It was a fiddly piece to construct, in order to get it round the glass mirror tile without making it too bulky.

Start of Good Weekend

2011-06-18T12:33:00.000Z

Nothing makes a weekend go well when most of your chores are done before Saturday, and all the errands are run before the morning is out. Followed by a spot of shopping and baking and that's it. Holed up for the weekend with good food and a box set.

Sweet!

Spelt bread, with organic set honey, raspberry leaf tea and a new mug! Couldn't resist the mug, after all it says tea and scones on it. I wouldn't mind living on Tea Street or Scone Close!

You will recall that I have recently completed the Peacock Stumpwork, and I had hoped to get a suitable frame for it, but couldn't get one. Which is a tad frustrating so I will have to look on line now for a suitable box frame and then list it. However, all is not lost. What I did buy today was some new plain button shanks ready to make some more liberty tana lawn buttons. A set of which will be given away as part of a competition which I hope to get under way this weekend! Keep an eye out for the post on it :D

For the Spelt loaf recipe taken from the Telegraph site:THREE-MINUTE SPELT BREAD

This recipe originally appeared in The Daily Telegraph a couple of years ago and has since built up quite a following on the internet.

Mixing up a yeast dough and then baking it without giving it time to rise (let alone kneading it) is counter-intuitive, but it works. Baker Andrew Whitley says that if you let it rise slowly, in a cool place overnight, it will be even better.

1lb 2oz/500g spelt flour
2 sachets/10g fast-acting dried yeast
½ tsp sea salt
2oz/50g sunflower seeds
2oz/50g sesame seeds
2oz/50g linseeds (optional)
17floz/500ml warm water

Heat the oven to 200C/400F/gas mark 6.

Combine all the ingredients, adding the water last. Mix well and turn the dough into a greased loaf tin.

Put straight into the oven and bake for an hour.

Remove the loaf, turn it out of the tin and then return it to the oven without the tin for a further 5-10 minutes.

Peacock Paradise

2011-06-12T17:07:00.000Z

As promised I have finally completed the stumpwork piece that has been several weeks in the process, if not months. And byjove I am very, very pleased with the final outcome. Only thing that does remain is getting a shadow box frame before finally listing it. This piece will be listed on Wow Thank You rather than Etsy, will let you know when it is up.

SO many stitches, threads, and time went into producing this beauty and I am almost sad its complete, but now it means I can move onto other projects, whatever they maybe.

Sheep!

2011-06-12T16:00:00.000Z

Working on private commissions can be a love/hate affair, but what is a lovely part of it is when your working on it for a good friend. Finally finished this week the sheep clock.

Hopefully I will be able to post up some images of the peacock stumpwork finished! I know, very exciting!!

Wow!

2011-06-07T17:44:00.000Z

Don't forget you can now find a selection of my stock over at my new online store Wow Thank You (click the picture above). I am in the process of slowly adding bits and pieces to this shop.

I will be celebrating this new shop by doing a little competition at the weekend to win one of my lovely Button Needlecases I know it went down last time I did this and I am thinking about also giving a set of Liberty fabric buttons away as well. So watch this space! You will only be able to participate in this competition from liking and following my Facebook page - so why not join now?

Inspiration

2011-06-05T12:43:00.001Z

Sometimes its just nice to take photographs for no real reason. Here are some shots taken during a visit to Loseley House and Gardens. Wonderful place, only taken about 12 years to go....

Byjove! What's that a New Shop?

2011-05-31T19:36:00.000Z

Now I don't normally do a midweek post but I thought what the hell busy week, lots happening...

The first and most foremost and the main reason actually for this blog post was to let you know I have taken a leap and set up a new store. Now as many know I have been boring a lot of people to death over my indecisiveness as to whether or not to leave Etsy. Now whilst I haven't fully jumped ship this is probably the start of me doing so. It still allows me to ship internationally but does mean I can concentrate on my home country, I am all about buying UK handmade. Now I haven't got a lot on there at the moment but if you keep an eye on my store over the next few weeks I will begin to slowly add new stock, whilst I get to grips with the administration side of things. Click the image below. It may be the only place I list my clocks, so keep an eye on it!!

What else, well aside from this I have also decided very last minute, so very me, to enter the Kitchen Table Talent Awards competition for best craftsperson. I always freak out a little at enter competitions but what the heck what's the most I lose, a fiver for the entry but that goes to Prince's Trust so I don't feel that bad about that. So who knows!

Quiet Time

2011-05-30T10:09:00.000Z

I've been a little quiet over the past few weeks owing to work commitments and an issue with a project but I won't go into that. What it has taught me is that I am prone to mistakes, much as I hate to admit that who likes to admit it out loud that they were wrong? I've learnt some painful lessons and slightly expensive one at that in terms of time lost. I know what to do, but suffice to say I won't be doing a commission for sometime, well I say that but I am in the process of stitching some clocks, but I don't feel so pressured with those.

So that's what I'll be doing over the next week or so working on the clocks, finishing off my peacock stumpwork piece, and generally finding my mojo as it had gotten a little out of whack. In other news I am considering leaving Etsy for a new market place, I know nothing 'new' as I have said this time and a time again, but this is the year of change and I think after nearly six years it's time to move on. I will keep you posted on this development.

Finally before I forget I have a discount code ST1TCH1NT1ME which I have been very slack in promoting on my blogger account. It runs out tomorrow, but entitles the shopper to 20% off, excluding p&p. I just realised I have posted on Facebook it runs out today, but really it's the end of the month.

You can tell I need a holiday.

Final Straight

2011-05-14T12:42:00.000Z

Now you can see the final stages are upon this project and I am almost a little sad it's drawing to a close. I've thoroughly enjoyed every bit of this piece, its tested me a little at times and has allowed me to be rather organic with the approach, adding bits as I go, the sketch layout was so basic so I really let myself go with the flow.

The only thing that remains now is the actually finishing it, normally the boring yet satisfying stage. Normally I would have just straight mounted it onto slightly padded card, but this time I am going to mount it on patterned fabric. So not only will the design show through the eyelets but it will also act as a border.

You can see from this sketch roughly what I had in mind. I will be stitching a very sweet picot border around it, making it a square then this will be as I said mounted onto fabric covered card. It will be stabbed stitched onto it. Then that will be it, it will be done and ready to be listed. Never to be repeated again.

Its the picot edge just under the buttonhole loops that I will be doing as my edging its a

mix of buttonhole and picots.

Peacock Stumpwork...it continues

2011-05-10T20:40:00.000Z

Like a strangely addictive epic the Peacock continues on at quite a pace. The nice thing is I finally got the beak the way I wanted it and the little feathery detail in his head, one of them but you can't quite see is actually thread wrapped wire. I will try to get a closer shot of this at the weekend, hopefully this weekend I will attach his wing properly. Left to do is a few more eyelets and satin dots, I am contemplating a few more wired paisley shapes and or couching of vintage threads. Then it will be working out if my finishing ideas will happen or not....

Work in Progress

2011-05-08T13:43:00.000Z

I added a new dimension to the peacock picture I am in the process of adding trailing, you can see it clearer on the picture below, it's the wiggly lines. Basically it's like a form of couching but rather than spaced out stitches they lie next to each other very close, and very neat. I've done various things to this trailing, splitting the lengths of the core threads, and also cutting them back so the lines of trailing can get thinner and thinner, or branch out like well like branches on a tree. I am on the homeward straight with that I've gone from very pale turquoise to emerald green and I will end it on a dark royal purple.

I've still got plenty more to do with this picture, you will note the wing has come off, that's because I will stitch that down last, I also want to add more eyelets and satin dots too. So watch this space.

Progress

2011-05-01T18:40:00.000Z

Up date as promised. Last night and today I have....

stitched around each of the tail feathers in various ways, french knots, buttonhole loops
applied the tail feathers to the back (secured)
Stitched around the background shape
Stitched the legs - trailing

I'm going to leave this here for the day, because I am at a point where I am not sure how I want to progress. I have in my mind what I want to do for the head and I want to add more to the tail, but it's the background I feel that more can be done to it but I can't fathom what. Perhaps some tea, and watching the second series of Spaced will help....well it can't help.

Stumpwork Progress

2011-04-30T17:53:00.000Z

Just a wee postie today to show off the progress of the peacock stumpwork and I have to say now that I have the tail feathers completed and I know where I want them; I utterly love it! I am so pleased that the tana lawn has behaved and I haven't had to much of a headache, it's such a light weight fabric that I wanted to get out of having to back it in any way and it's worked a treat. If your wondering how I got them like that, its wire that's been very tightly/neatly couched over, the wire that's been used is the ones florists and cake makers use, its wire that's been wrapped in paper. I normally like to stab the wire down first which you can see in the very top picture before going back round with the closer stitching.

Once it's stitched onto the fabric you carefully cut it out, and with very sharp scissors and a steady hand you cut very close to your stitching, use the blade to get as close as you can, and brush you nail back and forth (gently) over the loose fabric to bring the fibres to stand up (makes it easier to trim).

To make them stand up I've pushed the excess wire in through the fabric and on the otherside I will tack them down, and securely fasten them before trimming the wire back.

Baking - Sharing is optional

2011-04-24T15:01:00.002Z

It is true what they say that practice makes perfect, at least I find that with baking and I must say I am really getting into the rhythm of making Iced Buns. They are such a cheerful, easy recipe to make that is just lush with a cup of fresh tea.

So here is the recipe enjoy!

Ingredients:

500g White Bread Mix (usually only costs about 85p)

100g Caster Sugar

1 Medium Egg

300g Icing Sugar & some luke warm water (1 tbsp if not more..take it slowly when you add it.)

Sprinkles and Colouring (I use pastes and natural colours)

250 - 300 ml of Luke warm water

Method:

Preheat an oven to about 200 for non-fan over or 180 for fan
Pulse together the bread mix and sugar in a processor
Whilst the mixer is running add the egg and the water until a soft dough is formed, I find that it gets rather sticky but don't panic.
Tip it out of the bowl onto a floured surface and with either lightly oiled hands or dusted with flour knead it. And keep dusting with flour if it keeps on being sticky. Patience. Knead for a good 5 - 10 minutes or until your wrist gives out.
Form into a nice smooth ball and put into a lightly oiled bowl and cover with cling film leave in a warm spot until the dough double in sizes. Usually takes a good thirty minutes to an hour.
Once doubled, or nearest dammit, knock it back with your fist (good stress relief).
Get a tray and lightly oil it and now divide the mixture up into as many decent sized pieces I usually get about 16. You could probably get more, but aim for about golf ball size if not a bit bigger..play it won't really matter. Now you can either roll into sausage shapes or keep them proper bun shaped. I've had more success with them looking like round buns than iced bun fingers.
Leave to rest on the tray, covered with cling film (may want to oil but I've had no issues with not), let it double in size again.
Then once doubled put in your preheated oven for between 7 - 9 minutes or until they have a slightly golden, basically they look a bit like a bread roll. Leave to cool on a wired rack.
Fun time! Ice and decorate your buns. You want your icing to be nice and thick too runny and it goes everywhere. So keep it stiff as possible. Put the sprinkles before the icing sets.
Sit back and eat with a nice cup of tea. Sharing is optional.

YUMMY

Even made....Foccacia!
It's not all for me, I am actually having a picnic tomorrow but had this recipe that I wanted to try, and it's not turned out to badly!

Peacock Stumpwork

2011-04-23T12:51:00.001Z

I am just going to slot in a wee post about the progress of my stumpwork piece 'Peacock', not a catchy title but I will figure that one out once it's completed. At first I wasn't so convinced by it but now that I have finished off the wing (not sewn it down yet) I am rather pleased with it and look forward to working on the tail feathers. The tail will be a mixture of appliqué and free form wired shapes that will be raised up like the wing, I'll also be mixing the fabrics and notions too.

I shall work on this one a bit more tomorrow for now I am going to disappear to go and enjoy the sunshine at my parents abode, work on the quilt some more and watch Doctor Who. Life is as they say is getting better with each day, and the sunshine is certainly helping.

Simply Stitching

2011-04-17T17:36:00.000Z

At this point I had stabbed down the cordonnet and started stitching the needlace

This post is going to be fairly short and to the point. Not feeling awfully great owing to a stinking head cold, it did however force me to chill out on the sofa and I did stitching whilst watching Supernatural.

This little lot is what I was working on today, I need to still stab stitch down the appliqué shape which I will probably do in a minute, along with the padding under the main body of the bird (the bit in the middle). Then I will be able to start working on feathers on the tail, I won't stitch down the actual needlace until I've gotten most of the embroidery done and I am happy with the general layout. This piece I have an idea what I want to do with it, but relaxed enough and flexible to change it as I go along.

Anyway, desperate need of a laydown!

Tiny wired wing

Bergamot, Buns and Blimey

2011-04-09T13:16:00.000Z

Lots of b's today.

Finally was able to take a really good shot of my elusive ninja hamster. Bergamot the Ninja hamster who likes to escape, lost count now. He's cute for a furball but he's a pain in the neck owing to the fact he's very jumpy and doesn't particularly like being handled. So it makes for a bit of a love hate relationship. Anyway, I was mainly trying out my new camera now that I have finally gotten round to getting a SD card for it, so yay! Looking forward to testing it out in Washington in the fall.

What's with the buns and the blimey though, I can hear you asking. Well the buns is because I am making 'easy' iced buns, well we will see if they are easy when they are finished proofing. They are for tea tomorrow, seeing Anna (UK handmade).

The blimey is for...well I have decided its about time I do something stumpwork related whilst I am working on ideas for my collab with Heidi, just a small piece, not that I do anything large but anyway here's a nice shot so you can see what I have in mind. It's based on a Christmas decoration I purchased many years back. I am thinking of a good mix of liberty fabrics and stitching is a must. Will keep you posted on its progress.

I leave this post on I hope your enjoying the lovely spring weather as much as I am.

Breaking Tradition & Mother Appreciation

2011-04-02T10:00:00.000Z

And posting on a Saturday...well not really breaking a tradition but whenever I come to write a blog post I do tend to find its on a Sunday. This Sunday, however, if your in Blighty is Mother's day and I won't be spending the day hunched over my mini netbook instead I'll be hanging out with my biggest supporter, the one that listens to my ramblings and tells me off when I forget to tell her something important. Yep, my mum!

I don't know about all your crafting types but I wouldn't have gone down the path of doing more and more crafting had it not been for my mum. She was always baking and sewing or even turning her hand to glass and silk painting when I was a kid. Having someone who was free to create around you and encouraged you to get involved is one of the best kick starts to life. So it's to my mum that I give huge kudos to for without her I don't think I would have never have gone to art classes when I was a nipper.

So today I will be spending drinking tea (I have a lot to get through and catch up on) working on the collaboration project with Making Strangers and then stitching of course!

Stop...Collaborate...

2011-03-27T09:56:00.000Z

No I am not suddenly quoting Vanilla Ice....there is a reason though why I might have seemed as though I was starting off down that line, I am in the process of working on a collaboration with the very sweet, and highly talented Heidi Burton. Details are still being worked on but its hoped between us we will come up with some super fun pieces and I must say its really has been quite the creative kick I've needed. With this and the lovely sun starting to make its presence known I am feeling far more inspired. So I can't wait to start working on it. Though I do have to finish up some prep and get it over to the lovely Miss Burton.

What else is happening in my world well aside from a very super busy time at work, at slight annoying issue with the neighbour upstairs there isn't much to report on other than I had a huge clear out of my crafting stuff I have been threatening it for years and finally pulled my finger out. Though I have a couple more boxes left to go (I've started and will finish in Easter) I have put up several bags and boxes worth of crafting stuff up on freecycle whilst a good chunk of it could have actually could of been sold I just really didn't want to be dealing with listing it all. Lazy but really the idea of it all going to one good home seems a much better way of doing it.

There is one exciting bit of news though I have finally booked my sort of mini once in a lifetime holiday! I am going to Washington DC on my own in October and I can't flipping wait! I've been wanting to do it for so long and now its finally happening. Hotel and flights have been booked and paid for and now all I need to do is plan what I want to see and do and do a spot of research.

And now its time for me to pull my finger out get dressed, perhaps do a spot of baking and some more stitching!

If anyone has any crafting based places to go in DC be it a store, gallery etc then leave me a comment.

Pastel Patches Mini Wall Clock

2011-03-20T21:01:00.000Z

I must be on a roll lately, my promise which was to do a bit every night didn't quite work out this week but I have at the very least been making more than I ever have done! Look I cranked out another clock! It was a bit of a challenge this one because of the centre, where the piping gets pushed out owing to the clock mechanism but it just about works.

Tick Tock

2011-03-13T15:37:00.000Z

Another clock to add to the collection though as much as I am happy with the outcome, I am less than happy with the photography, just can't seem to get it right today. Another battle for another day, it is however listed. Just check out my Etsy store. Click on the tab above.

A Little Curio

2011-03-13T10:59:00.000Z

For those who wondered what it looked like once finished.... I was aiming for a strange little specimen, a little bit of a odd nature in a little curio box. I was rather pleased with the outcome it's very tactile. I almost inclined to make another one and put it in the same small glass box.

Spontaneity

2011-03-12T14:09:00.000Z

One quick doodle can lead to one quick bit of stitching.

I hope you enjoy looking at it as much as I do.

Thoroughly enjoyed this spontaneous spot of stitching.

Making a Promise

2011-03-06T13:13:00.001Z

Playing

In which I make a promise to myself not to be lazy.

I made a promise to myself this afternoon, but I wonder how long it will last. It's one of the reasons I don't bother making these sort of promises usually because I end up forgetting it or changing my mind. However, this time I hope it will be different.

What is this promise?

It's to do more crafting, and not waste my time in the evenings, using that old excuse of being tired or not bothered. It's such a waste, I can do half an hour in the evenings! I can do this! I hate having nothing to show for a week when I used to do so much, even when working. Sure my work time has changed, I am no longer part-time so I don't have the extra time in the mornings to work on bits. Why should I let that stop me from doing something that actually in the long run makes me relax, otherwise you get stuck in a rut or just mull over work and where is the fun in that??!

So I make this pledge to do more with my time!

Can someone keep me going? Prod me occasionally or send me a nice link to a inspirational website?

Working on a new clock, something akin to patchwork..

Buy Handmade Campaign - Have you Signed?

2011-03-01T20:57:00.000Z

If you only do one thing today, or at all this month, endeavour to sign up and join this worthwhile campaign, if anything it use it as a chance to remind yourself that buying handmade rocks.

Buy Handmade Campaign

A Little Break

2011-02-27T15:01:00.001Z

IMG00273-20110227-1024.jpg
Originally uploaded by lamdesigns

A wee postie from Bonnie Scotland. Sadly will be returning from St. Andrews this evening.

Grey Sunday

2011-02-20T16:34:00.000Z

It's a dreadfully grey, and overcast day but it's not stopped me from feeling energized and happy. Sure I am a little tired but then when am I not?

Work is picking up a pace but I am determined to not let it distract me too much from stitching at the weekend. I have some ideas a foot with things to make and potentially something lined up with a fellow crafty friend. Good times.

The start of a banner, another one off embroidered/quilted piece of art....I enjoy these pieces as it's a chance to play with textures and to use up all the interesting scraps of fabric etc that I have laying about that I can't bring myself to throw away. What you working on? Anything with lots of textures?

Another WIP is done!

2011-02-06T15:58:00.002Z

It's done!

Finally finished the little quilt, and look here it is!

I have yet to list it because I want to spend a bit more time taking photographs of it, the camera I am borrowing at the moment isn't very good, and so I will fit with it next weekend, when I can take the shot first thing in the morning. Afternoon light is a bit shocking at the moment.

So what now you ask?

Good question on to the next ninety projects I have whizzing around my head varying from the extreme like finishing the large pink quilt. One thing at a time. To another clock. Was up in town yesterday and a few textures I saw have made me want to do more, things like layering and tarpunto (sure I spelt that wrong). Anyway, things of that nature.

So lets not waste time by sitting here and idling away the hours staring at a computer screen I do enough of that at work. Time to sit down and actually stitch.

Peacock Clock Mini Wall Clock

2011-01-30T16:29:00.000Z

Another clock finished today, and I must say I rather love the outcome! I haven't stitched a Peacock feather in so long it was nice to do.

Perhaps the feather will make a bit of a return this year?

This beauty has just been listed and available for purchase here.

Post & Peacock Feathers

2011-01-30T12:16:00.000Z

I have been stitching I promise, though this seems to be turning into a weekly, if not fortnightly confession. What I have failed to do is post about it or actually finish the projects enough to list them. Although one of the projects is something I mentioned previously and can now show it because the recipient has now got it. As you can see I have stitched a little figure taken from an illustration by Heidi Burton a very talented illustrator and a friend of mine. I have always loved the picture on the postcard and had been itching to stitch it and finally pulled my finger out and did it. That is the result. Not wanting to keep it I sent it on its way to the lovely lady who drew it. Sometimes I don't often know what to do with the embroidery, i,e. the end product. I wonder if they need to be practical as I do like to combine the two, but in this case a tiny picture for a tiny person seemed the logical solution. However, I have combined practical with beautiful embroidery by designing another clock.

Peacock feather clock that it is nearly completed, just need to get it mounted up in the frame fix the mechanism and add the final finishing details. Hopefully my camera will behave long enough to allow me to photograph it. Fingers crossed. The feather itself is stitched in hand dyed varigated cotton thread, highlighted with gold thread and a Swarovski Crystal.

In other things there is something nice about getting things in the post. This week was quite a good week for that, I received a wonderful package of goodies from Lupin a nice gesture after I managed to send her a metro that featured one of her lovely handmade felt brooches in for their Christmas shopping edition. I also received a lush Japanese hand embroidery book on flowers I ordered as a treat for me the New Year and for getting a pay rise.

Have you purchased anything nice lately? Or received anything nice in the post?

Doing a little bit of what I love....

2011-01-16T18:00:00.000Z

Coming life from my little kitchen. Something rather satisfying about cooking isn't there? I have been finding that it's highly enjoyable of late, perhaps not so much during the week, but at the weekend I find it rather pleasant coming up with something nice to eat, perhaps something that will even last me throughout the week. The meatloaf week was testament to that. But yes anyway I am in my kitchen cooking a one pot meal effort, Honey & Mustard Chicken anyone? I also baked some scones. I love scones and I hadn't had any in ages so I found my cheese and chive scone recipe that I posted up here....though now I come to find it I can't. Anyway will locate later.

I am still here and I am still stitching. I have my little store up as I announced last week, and have been adding the odd new line to the sale area go and check it out. Today I added....

There are a further two colours in these sets as well I added turquoise and hot pink, you might remember them though? They are items I made back when I first opened my Etsy store back in 2006 and whilst they never sold I took them off and never did anything with them. So I decided to take some more pictures and list them as a set rather than individually, and each set is a bargain £12.50. It's not that I want to get shot of them, but really its time to move on. It was a phase I enjoyed but I don't think I'll return to.

So if you have a spare few minutes go and have a look. Other things I have been doing is stitching, I have a WIP piece from before Christmas that I am finishing off, it's like a mini art quilt is the best way to describe it and I made something for a friend of mine which I'll be posting to her tomorrow though she doesn't know anything about it...so I look forward to seeing what she thinks of it. I'll post something up about it once I know she's seen it

What have you been working on?

Happy New Year - Sale & Hiccups

2011-01-08T14:09:00.000Z

Happy New Year everybody!

I hope your all well and starting to get back into the swing of life? I am please to say that I have survived the Christmas season and now getting into the swing of things, though not without a few hiccups along the way, though before I explain that I am pleased to announce that my Etsy store is now back open, and not only that to make way for new stock and to tidy things up a little bit (nothing like a spot of cleaning) I have many items that are now half price. I am slowly adding bits to the sale section but do go and have a little look!

Now the minor hiccup is one that isn't such a massive problem and isn't necessarily the end of the world, but is a pain in the neck, is that my lovely desktop computer just before Christmas decided to die on me. Needless to say I was not a happy bunny. It's not the end of it though but it is an expense I could really do without, I don't get the whole extended warranty cover still don't think it would have solved the issue I have with Packard Bells customer service department. Anyway in theory my files etc are still on the hard drive as it was the Motherboard that pegged it. So to cut a long story short it needs to be looked at by the manufacturer and well it's not been easy. Customer service it seems still isn't PC manufacturer's forte and that will be the last time I buy a Packard Bell computer.

In the meantime I have a little new shiny notebook, it's not ideal and cannot handle a mass load which is why I have decided not to upload new items to my store till my other computer is sorted out. If though it appears it could be sometime till that is sorted, then I have some alternative ways of getting round it. So watch this space!

Hibernation

2010-12-18T09:57:00.000Z

So the store has closed for another year, and I find myself now feeling the Christmas spirit a little more each day. Though I think that might be on account of the snow that has hit Guildford, I always think the weather plays a key part. I hate it when it's sunny or mild this time of year. It's winter therefore in my head it should be cold, grey and potential for snow. My wish has been granted.

View from my livingroom window

Now because of the weather it does make me want to do some stitching, and nothing beats curling up on the sofa stitching a quilt, especially when you don't really know what your doing and your going with the flow. No pretences as to the outcome. Bliss. The only thing I have settled on with this Quilt aside from everything being hand stitched is that there will be more buttons on it. Yes so help me button god there will be more! Sounds like a threat.

Quilt in progress

Now I am just having my first cuppa of the day and then it's getting on with a few household chores before I can even consider snuggling down on the sofa and stitch the day away bliss. My mind though does think on next year, and what I hope to create, but my mind needs a little rest before I can contemplate this.

Little spot of Christmas in my little flat

Hope your safe and wrapped up in the warm.

Sunday

2010-12-12T12:38:00.000Z

Another Sunday, and another busy day. I am certainly making the most of my long weekend, no work tomorrow go back on Tuesday, and then it's only about five days after that at work. Woot.

So going back to Sunday, and what I am up today, I have just sorted out a chocolate treat which will be given out as gifts this year. This is of course the test batch.....

I never did find my applicator tips, but this is what I have managed to do with the wrong size one that was still on my crystal wand, I will feel better using the right tips so this may be the prototype and the real ones will be done in the new year. Just have to bite the bullet and by another set, a pain but no matter its nice to have a clean set again.

Sparkly Snot

Now I'm going to muck about with some new ideas/designs, and then I think I might get back to working on the quilt (above) this project has been going on for so long now I don't know if I will ever finish it, but you know what I really don'y mind it's been lovely an therapeutic to work on. The perfect antidote to cold weather.

2010-12-11T17:37:00.000Z

Camera clearly on the way out....Christmas Tree Topper

Hmm, so the Christmas decorations are finally done and dusted, and the tree no longer looks so naked, new decorations have been bought and a tree topper has been made. It's a soft squidgy star what more can you want?

As I write this two things have occurred though that has annoyed me immensely and I am sure I am not the only crafts person out there that has experienced this, I've lost a bit of equipment. For me this time it's the applicator tips for my Hot-Fix Crystal Wand, an integral part to the idea of the item I was going to make which now means I might have to get another set of tips. Which will mean I doubt I will get them in time this year to make anything with them. So my swell idea may have to be put off till the New Year, unless I find them tomorrow. The other thing is my camera is mucking about, like really badly, with the whole not saving files properly etc. So this could mean I need to purchase a new camera, sure mine has had a good innings about six years now, and it's not that high spec, but I really don't need another bit of vital equipment giving up the ghost. Hmm, ah well worst things in life.

Anyway at least despite the equipment issue I am attempting to make the last bits of the year that I feel I can slot in before I shut shop next week for Winter. Or it could very well be stock for the New Year, who knows, will see how it goes tomorrow. Hopefully tomorrow I will also be doing a very super easy Chocolate recipe nabbed from a newspaper. Fingers crossed might be able to take a couple of shots of what occurs tomorrow!

So what are the last minute bits and pieces you are stitching or making?

Super Sunday

2010-12-05T20:53:00.000Z

Sunday man you have such a bad habit of sneaking up upon us all so damn quick sometimes, too quick for my liking especially as I write this it won’t be long till I have to consider bed. Never mind though it won't really be all that long till the next one.

For the next weekend, lots of things will be done be me, and will I think be equally as good as this weeks. This weekend saw me being surrounded by people I love and adore, so whilst I didn’t get to do anything like vaguely stitch related or even any housework done (not that bothers me) it was so good if not a little tiring. Next weekend won't see me seeing a whole host of folks but I will be doing some sewing and possibly some baking too as it's been a while.

One thing I need to mention before the time flies by I will be closing my store on the 17^th! This is to give it a break for the festive season and me a break to sit back and take stock of what I have achieved over the year, and decide what I want to do with it next year. A new year a new outlook. Of course with the closing for the winter period the most important things to note will be the last shipping dates:

International – 8^th I will be turning this option off on this day (though please note that I cannot now guarantee that you will receive it before Christmas)

UK – 17^TH

So don’t delay if there was anything you wish to purchase, and if you are planning on buying anything I have a special coupon code that will mean you will get 10% off your order (excluding shipping) this code will expire on the same day as my shop closes for Xmas. Simply enter the following code (cut and paste for ease)

H0H0H02010

Other good news to share with you that my work is featured in a magazine. You might remember a while back that I had my site featured on a magazine blog, well this time they asked me for updated text and it's in their magazine! You can find it issue 234, page 15 of Cross Stitcher magazine! What a perfect way to end the week despite the shockingly bad UK weather.

Blogging?

2010-11-28T18:08:00.000Z

What is this word?

Man it really does feel as though I haven't done a proper blog post in so long, and whilst it wasn't that long ago I did a post, but that was more of a service announcement rather than a post to say hey I've been stitching. So this is a post to say I have been stitching! Honest. Just nothing for my stores. It's not a bad thing I know but with work and everything I do feel a little detached from it all. I'm sure I am not the only one who feels like that when your tied to a job.

Anyway, my stitching has got me relaxing, and thinking about Christmas. I've finally finished my Tilda Santa kit, and now getting on with some commissions from my sister and a good friend of mine. My tree is up, and looking rather smashing if I do say so myself.

Here is Noel.. I really enjoyed making him, and I've learnt a lot from doing so, everything is hand stitched I didn't resort to any form of maching with him, and I enjoyed that a lot because it meant I could do bits of it anywhere I wanted without the need of lugging out the sewing machine. Sure I've got it out to make the dozen of stuffed heart hanging decorations, but that's because it's saving me time and I need to get them done pretty sharpish, but with Noel I loved the process, and look forward to doing some more.

Look he's so tall <3

I call him Noel

I return...

2010-11-21T18:14:00.000Z

I return from Belfast feeling exhausted, but happy to be home. Whilst my work load is yet to decrease until the week after next, I am at least glad it's over with. This post won't be long, as I have nothing pretty to show you but come the start of next week I hope to get back into the swing of things, as it is my store is back open! So if you have yet to purchase your gifts and your overseas, then please do make sure you get them soon!

Hope your all well? And crafting up a storm.

Belated Post

2010-11-14T19:24:00.000Z

A short and sweet post to say that owing to work I have been super duper busy of late, and tomorrow I am winging my way to Belfast so this has meant I have had to put my shop on vacation mode. Fret not it will open again on my return on the 20th!

Monochrome Mini Button Wall Clock

2010-10-31T18:36:00.000Z

Seem to be on a partial roll lately with the making of items, once a week I must be ill?

I'll be working on an embroidery next something small, naturally, designed on the train on my way up to London but rather excited to do it. Will keep you posted!

Available to purchase here

Sunday

2010-10-24T15:26:00.000Z

Is it me or do Sunday's come round way to quickly, and then before you know what's hit you they are gone and your back to work? I am starting to feel as though its a conspiracy theory.

Aside from my usual grumbles about time going by too quickly I am back to my usually weekly amount of stitching whilst watching a box set. I have been progressing my latest freestyle piece and hope to have it done or at least at a stage that I can decide what to do with it. Mini Quilt/Art wall piece. I need to be more creative on the end result. Normally I know what I want to make or the end piece then work backwards. Though this process seems to be more organic.

I will and must finish my Tilda kit and start thinking about getting the fabrics together for my Christmas tree decorations. Granted I don't have a tree yet, not that I want to get one yet it's still only October. Are you making decorations? If so what's your theme, if you have one, colours...style? I'd love to know what your working on. Show me links to your work if you wish.

Sunday Catching Up

2010-10-17T15:16:00.000Z

Catching up on my life this Sunday and realising I am easily distracted. Nothing new there my mum would cry. It's not a bad thing mind you between the tidying up and the housework, and the planning of the coming week its good to kick back for an hour or two and enjoy the fact you aren't at work and that you can do what the hell you like.

So here is my random project for a Sunday, take one wooden wreath type shape, item picked up from a pet store, its for rabbit and other animals to chew on. Then raid your large stash of fabric because you have a lot of it, then because you happen to have a pattern shape for a heart, and a massive bag of stuffing create little stuffed hearts and then when your done...which I'm not yet...attach to the wreath.

What I will do though is add a nice bow I think, and also some fairy lights nearer to Christmas. I am also going to sort out other decorations some point soon, and also I must get back to making another new item for my Etsy store!

Ending on a cute note

Bergamot the Hamster hiding from me as usual

WIP

2010-10-11T15:10:00.000Z

I am feeling really positive today despite still feeling run down and also after standing on the blunt end of a sewing needle (whoever is afraid of having their blood taken do what I just did and I swear you won't complain), ouch.

I've sold a few more bits last night which was great not had that happen for a while, and I am sewing and sewing more than I have ever done and it's not only for my store but stuff for me too. So I think I've reached the right balance for a change, and whilst I have to go back to work tomorrow long may my stitching continue I need it as much as it needs me.

If any of you get bored or are looking for inspiration head over to Tumblr the folks on there are great and have a good idea especially for creative and handmade items.

Currently working on another small item a quilt perhaps or just a mini wall hanging not decided and I like this a lot.

Keep on Making

2010-10-10T13:20:00.000Z

On a bit of a roll this weekend though the time seems to be going past quicker than I would like, and I still feel rotten. Last night seemed to inspire me to keep making I listed a picture of my recently made clock on Tumblr, and even now it's getting reblogged and liked, currently at 141 notes?! Not only that one of the lovely peeps who liked it purchased it as well. Will be winging its way to OZ tomorrow. =D

So this morning I decided to use up more of my lovely stash, the stuff I've been holding onto for reasons only known by me, so here is an extra special sparkly needle case. Adorned as you can see by a Swarovski Button.

Buy me here.

What's the time?

2010-10-09T11:18:00.001Z

Hell yeah look I made something!!!

I've not made a clock in an age, and I actually not only set out to do it but I actually made it, I am in shock...

It's now been listed on Etsy, so if you love it as much as I do toddle over and grab it whilst you can. As a rule of thumb I tend to make only one of every design.

Edit: Now Sold! Woot

Kick Back Relax & Stitch

2010-10-08T09:24:00.000Z

AT LAST SOME TIME OFF...You can tell I am somewhat over the moon by this, even with the fact as expected I am feeling as though I am coming down with something, but who cares I have four days of kicking back. Huzzah. With this free time comes stitching time:

Yes that's right I have another clock in the works, and I haven't made one in such a long time, so I thought to ease myself back into it I'll keep it simple. I've been wanting to do this design for an age. Anyway should be done and made by the end of the weekend, if not sooner and will be available to purchase on my Etsy store, if you wish to reserve it then give me a shout by leaving a message here, or sending me a message via Etsy, my store.

I am now going to toddle off and get myself cleaned and scrubbed, and then I can get on with the day. Loves to all.

2010-10-03T15:13:00.001Z

It feels like an age since I made something from scratch and finished it, and not only that listed it to my store. So I feel a smidge proud by the items I listed today, I set out to finish it and list it and I've achieved my goal. Small as it might be.

I would love to get some feedback on the small quilts that I am starting to make, I am not totally abandoning my past ideas of clocks, needlecases and tissue holders, etc, I will get back to them I am just enjoying working with my fabric scraps of which I have way to much. I should consider doing some more scrap packs to sell. I hope you like it as much as I do but thoughts about it, good or the bad would be most useful to me.

Available to purchase today $79.00

Picture Sunday

2010-09-26T16:11:00.000Z

To make up for the lack of pictures in my last blog allow me to fill this post with pictures:

These images are all from the mini quilt art piece I am working on and when it's complete will be available to purchase. It's been an utter freestyle joy to work on.

This is the lush new Tilda book I purchased and one of the things I really want to make from it, squee a Christmas Piggy. And below is the kit I am currently working on, I have just sewn the legs, and the arms, then it's the body to stitch.

Some point soon I hope to create more things for my store, thinking for stocking fillers its a mass batch of needlecases, and maybe a few tissue holders, tis the season to be snotty....

Magazine...

2010-09-22T22:02:00.000Z

For those wanting to know...sorry not had a chance to do the photo's like I hoped, may tomorrow night!

Here is the magazine I mentioned - Making

When its good to be Sewing & I have a new friend.

2010-09-20T19:28:00.000Z

It's been a funny old day, and not one that I will go into too much detail about as I honestly feel sometimes sharing everything out on the net isn't healthy. What I will say after a little encouragement by my mum, and money spare I found myself purchasing something I didn't think I'd ever do, or again for that matter. A brought a pet. Not just any pet, a hamster. You see I love the little creatures each have the most wonderful little characters, and the last time I had one was back when I was fifteen/sixteen. Now at the age...that I am at I find myself with one again, and I find my heart is happy. It's such a silly thing to do but I can't say I actually regret the decision even though it was a spare of the moment decision. Though I must say do not think I will neglect it, no not at all or get bored. I know how to look after them, and it's all come back to me.

It's a little shy so I won't post a picture, and I haven't yet found a name I like, though I find myself leaning towards Teacup, or even Biscuit. Two things my stomach loves. I will of course post a picture when it is ready to show its face, and I will announce its name when I have decided.

Speaking of things purchased to make you smile, I had a bit of a shopping day yesterday, and that resulted me purchasing two wonderful Tilda items, I adore her work, her style just everything about her designs. I got a Christmas Santa figure kit, and another one of her books, I think I only need to get two more and then I'll have the set. Yes, I am thinking about Christmas, the one word I actually loathe, but I find myself looking forward to decorating my little flat, and my head is bursting with ideas. I can't wait to start the kit but I must remind myself not to rush it, I will be hand sewing it completely, not wanting to use the sewing machine which it states in the instructions. Which yes will take longer, but I really just don't want to get the sewing machine out, so basically I am lazy yet making more work for myself. Not that it bothers me.

I also picked up a magazine today, never seen it before, well I won't have done as it was the first of its' kind, has anyone else seen it on the shelves. Has the UK finally published a crafts magazine that isn't full of tat? That rivals those produced in the UK? Blow me down with a feather I think they have, and it's even better than Sew Hip, the photography for a start has proven that. No offence SewHip but the photo quality is so poor in your magazines, how did you ever let them go through? Perhaps its just me and my expectations are too high.

Anyway I do hope everyone's Sunday's is going well, and that your pets are snuggled up in a ball like mine, and that your doing whatever it is that makes you happy.

Peace out.

p.s photo's to follow took some shocking photo's so I will have to wait till it's light again.

Baking, Posting & Other ing's

2010-09-12T15:43:00.000Z

I have officially died and gone to baking heaven.

I am not a fan of muffins I find them to be just a tad to much for me, being as I often navigate to fairy cakes, I like things small. I even find cupcakes a bit daunting to eat.

However this cheese and chive muffin recipe is the best and simply made me say aloud, Oh my god....

What's even better is that the recipe is simple as, just mix all the ingredients together till they combine then whack them in the oven.

Ingredients:

1 egg

3/4 cup - Water

1 cup - Self Raising Flour

1/2 tsp Salt

1 1/2 cup - Grated Cheese

1 tblsp - fresh chives

As I said you mix them all together till they combine, then divide the mixture into a muffin tin (I used silicone ware and its great cause you don't need to mess about with cases)

Bake in a preheated oven, at about 190 for about 15minutes. For my oven it was perhaps longer but I'd say until the cheese crust goes a nice golden colour.

Then eat as many as you can.

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I am happily content also with getting back to sewing and these two little projects so far have been a joy to work on and I'll be just about to dive off the computer to carry them on so other pictures to follow.

Tell me what your working on?

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Finally but not least!

Normal posting has been resumed! I am no longer beholdant to Saturday posting, so rush out and purchase....nah only kidding (unless you want too :) )

Late Night Stitching

2010-09-07T20:40:00.000Z

Late Night Stitching

Not done that for sometime and it's something I have been trying to make a concious effort to do now that I work full time in London and free time is at a premium.

So here we go I have been making wrapped loops for no other reason than I like the effect, especially the one I did last night which was two plastic circles held together and then buttonhole stitch/loops all the way round. Then for added detail I stitched on small beads. Fun. I highly recommend this easy method of creating circles.

More to Come