Last Minute Christmas Gift

I had a last minute (about 10pm Christmas Eve) gift to make. And as usual, CK came to the rescue. Anyone else noticing a theme ?

A small needle case was the perfect item. (Sew Pg 77)

It took about 40 mins, and was so nice, I made another identical one for myself today.

I think this is a really nice, easy and pretty grif for the crafter in your life - or even just to treat yourself.

Quicky Hearts and Birds

I'm trying to get some quick, pretty and simple Christmas gifts sorted. Apart from the blasted (millions) of strawberries I am doing, I needed something simple and quick to add to my present stash.

Thank you Cath Kidston! (Sew Pg 65)

I have added stuffing as well as the dried lavender, otherwise I think they hearts and birds may have been a little overpowering on the lavender front!

2 down, approx 30 to go!!!!

Bag of Redemption

Since returning to a pretty demanding job in April, and developing coping strategies to manage two children, crafting has been on the back burner.

However, today the man who is not my husband, kindly took both girls to a party which meant I have an unprecedented four hours all to myself.

What better activity to do in ths time, than to make a bag!

Quick and easy to do, it was the perfect project for me to renew my friendship with my sewing machine.

Bags and berries and the projects on the cards for the next few month (with the C word in mind!)

Beginnings of DSLR Photography

Having always taken lots of photos, albeit with a very basic point and press digital camera, I have recently purchased a lovely DSLR (Nikon D5000).

Since getting the new toy, I have taken about 4500 photos, of which approximatley 50 were half decent.

Apart from (obviously) taking hundreds of the children and the dog, I seem to be oddly turned on with taking pictures of flowers. I think it is because, even though I am a total beginner, I am enthralled with how well the camera captures colours and definition.

So, the craft work is still ongoing, having a run on baby activity cubes and fragrant strawberries for gifts at the moment, my embrionic creative juices are currently flowing towards photograpahy.

So, for anyone interested, below is a link for some of the better flower shots taken recently.

http://www.photobox.co.uk/slideshow?album_id=772728965

Creativity: A Question.

Are you born with creativity? Is there a gene that allows your mind to come up with all sorts of wonderful ideas to craft?

I'm thinking a big fat YES!

I (generally) love tinkering about with the small projects I have on the go. What has struck me today though, is that all my ideas are from books and magazines. Ok, I may change them a bit, but nothing I have done so far has been original as such.

This has depressed me.

I look at many sites and blogs and I am in awe of many of the ideas people come up with. I just don't "get" how they come up with these things.

I have not been born with the creativity gene. So the questions is, can I develop one ?

How do you become creative? Formal learning? Wishful thinking?

How are you creative? Where do you draw your inspiration from?

No, seriously, I'm asking you! You there! Reading my blog.

What's your secret?

Quicky Christmas

As I was sorting through my sewing books and magazines today, I came across "Cross Stitcher" Issue 234. That months free gift was some small cross stitch Christmas gift tags.

For want of anything better to do tonight, other than mindlessly surfing the internet for hours, I decided to have a go at one of the tags.

It was a very easy project, other than the fact that the stitching is very small, which doesn't go well with my ham-fisted sewing techniques I am currently mastering.

This is the first time I have stitched with "shiny" thread. I am sure there is a proper "technical" name for it, but you know what I mean. Wow! How slippery is it ?!?! Not very keen on that. Drop stitch, drop stitch, swear, drop stitch!

I thought it would take me about 15 minutes, in reality, it took me about an hour. I hope I speed up a bit after I have done a few more, otherwise (come October) I'm off down Tesco's for their 3 for 2 tag packs!

So, here is the (almost) finished article. Just have to cut it out and attach it to the tag. I think I will stitch as many designs onto the Aida before cutting them out, otherwise I will have a fraying issue.

" Oooooohhh Sparkly "

Hyper-Organised Christmas

Yes indeed! It's my first Christmas blog of the year!

I'm starting with the Christmas crafting early, as I plan to make many of my gifts. As my maternity leave finishes this month *sob*, I don't think I will have as much time as I have enjoyed recently.

So, my first Christmas project is Fragrant Strawberries, inspired by "Sew Pretty Homestyle" by Tone Finnanger.

I have purchased a few kilner jars from a local garden centre - although I have recently discovered Sainbury's do them cheaper. I am using scraps of red gingham that I have in different size checks for the main strawberry and some green fabric scraps for the leaves.

I bought the strawberry scent from an ebay shop. It is the same scent as used in soaps.

Each jar will eventually contain two strawberries and a vial of scent. I plan to put a pretty ribbon around the top of the jar.

The strawberries can be taken out of the jar and used to fragrance a room. When the scent becomes less, a couple of drops of the scent and they will be as good as new.

My first strawberry has been a bit of a trial and error project. I really need to make my hard stitching neater (although I may machine sew future strawberries) and I had a couple of failed attemps at the leaf. I left too small a hole to reverse the fabric, and frayed the edges.

Below is a picture of my 1st attempt in its jar.

Grump

I've admitted defeat with regards to the fabric boxes. No matter what I do, my brain just doesn't get the instructions. I have put it aside until I stop sulking!

I have been doing a bit of work on the baby sampler. But like many cross stitch patterns, it seems to take a while to all come togeather, and enthusiasm can wane.

I seem to have lost my crafting mojo.

I need a quick, exciting (easy) project to re-ignite my interest.

Any suggestions?

It Takes Time

I love it when I finish a project. However, I have very limited patience, and want things done now.

I find the hardest part of craft work, is not the technical work (although I often make so many errors it's untrue!) but the fact that I have to "wait".

I currently have two projects on the go:

* Baby cross stitch sampler for my 5 month old daughter
* Fabric box (should be simple, but recent events prove otherwise)

Pictures below show *in progress* as well as what the finished articles *should* look like! Place your bets now!

Shabby Chic Bunting

I love bunting, and thought I would have a go at making some for the smallest ones bedroom.

I used the "how to" from CrossStitcher Issue 223, minus the Christmas cross stitch needlework.

The felt and fabric came from Hobbycraft, and the ribbon came from a lovely little fabric shop in Rugby:

Mo's Fabric and Dance - 01788 540930

I wanted a distressed/shabby chic look for the bunting. Once I had hemmed the fabric triangles, I sewed them onto the backing felt about 1cm in so that a "loose" edge was left.

It was quite a simple task once up and running. And I think it looks great in her room. Please excuse the washing in the mirror, at least its not a naked reflection of me!

Laundry Day Horror

With the advent of seemingly nicer weather, I am, like many people, becoming excited at the prospect of spring.

Now, don't get me wrong, the nicer weather, lighter nights and blooming gardens are all well and good but the thing that excites me the most about spring is laundry!

The coming of spring heralds a new era once again in our household. The sheer volume of washing generated by himself and the 2 girls is astounding. Spring means the tumble dryer will be used with less frequency - Hello cheaper electricty bills - and means that I no longer need to have the clothes airer constantly erected - Hello ensuite bathroom!

So with this in mind - and with inspiration from a very pretty design in CK "Sew" - today I have made a peg bag.

Now, before I go any further, you need to understand that sometimes I lean a tad towards arrogance. I decided, with my half a dozen projects under my belt,that I could do this without following the instructions. FAIL!

The whole thing has been a catalogue of errors. But the two main ones were:

* I made the slot too small, which then made it impossible to insert the
coat hanger. Cue, unpicking all the machine stitching, inserting coat
hanger and trying to stitch with the hanger in situ.

* Ignoring instructions to hand stitch the bias tape. Nope, I decided
to machine sew. To summarise, it went horribly wrong.

So, on reflection. This one will do for now, however, I am determined to have another go next week. Reading (and following) the instructions, and doing a proper job.

Something For The Smallest Ones

I came across a really great idea for a toy - an activity cube - that I could make for my baby daughter. This was the first item I made using my new sewing machine.

It was also a great project to use up the numerous off cuts of fabric I seem to be rapidly accumulating.

It was very simple to make and looks great when completed. I also had requests to made several more (paid commission - get me!) for friends who saw the cube.


Materials
8 x assorted fabrics (14 x 14 cm)
Bondaweb (for applique "surprise" behind door)
Wadding (batting) for the door
Filling (batting) to stuff the cube
Beads in a container buried in the middle of the cube to make it rattle.
Velcro

Time Taken
Approx 3 hours
This was a really good project for the 1st attempt at using a sewing machine. Hand stitching would have taken hours. I only had to hand stitch (over sew) one side of the cube and also the applique "surprise" heart.

Things I have learnt
When sewing items "inside out", bear in mind placement of any external attachments. I had to unpick my velcro loop twice as I had sewn it as if I had been sewing with the cube the right side out !
10.01.11

Below are a selection of photos showing cubes in construction and completed.

New Love Comes Cheap

Having only recently taken up sewing and needlework I had to start from scratch regarding materials and equipment. I took me about a month to realise what I really, REALLY needed was a sewing machine.

The world of the sewing machine is a scary place for novices. I looked at many makes and models, from the cheap and cheerful to the expensive all singing all dancing models. I tied myself in knots trying to decide which one would suit me best.

In the end, I abdicated all responsibilty, advised the other half that I would really like a machine for Christmas, and left it to fate! I am pleased to say, he came up trumps.

Come Christmas morning, I was the proud owner of a very basic, cheap "beginners" machine from John Lewis. And I fell in love!

My machine is a godsend. I had it up and running and was practising some, albeit very wobbly, sewing in less than an hour.

For a first sewing machine, it is absolutley ideal. All the tasks, from winding the bobbin, to threading the machine, to sewing hints and tips and explained clearly and easily.

It has 10 simple stitch choices, and 9 tensions settings, what more could the novice machinist need!

I now try and choose projects so that I can use my machine, as it is such a pleasure to use.

Bags of Obsession

I'm a bit obsessed with bags at the moment. I'm not talking about Gucci, Chloe or whatever bit of arm candy Mrs Beckham is lugging around at the moment. No, I'm talking about simple, honest, home made bags.

I first got interested in bags when looking at doing a few simple applique projects. There is so much you can do with a plain tote and some scraps of material.

I do tend to cheat, and purchase my drawstring bags and plain totes from some very good eBay shops, simply because you can pick them up so cheaply. I have, so far, made one bag myself, and more will certainly follow.

Anyway, here is my collection of bags so far.

These bags were my first foray into applique. Very simple to do and they make great shopping bags. Materials/resources used:
* plain tote
* fabric scraps
* Bondaweb
* needle and thread
* iron

The bags were give to 3 lucky (unsuspecting) family members, who were obviously delighted to received these unique and one off designs.

My eldest daughter has recently started dance classes, and my youngest daughter will be starting nursery in April, so I wanted to make them a personalised pump bag each.

The materials and resources used were similar to the tote bags. Although this time, of course, I have used red drawstring bags.

The bags were quite thin, so I lined them both with red and white check gingham material .

The bag I am most proud of (at this point anyway) is one that I made just this last weekend. I used instructions from Sew Pretty Homestyle (Tone Finnanger)

I purchased the round handles, polka dot material and cream lining from eBay shops.

Although I made a couple of mistakes

*the material gathered around one of the handles is not quite flush
*having to unpick it once (machine stitch) when halfway through due to
it being "back to front"

I really enjoyed making this simple bag which only took about 2 hours. I have other material which will lend itself well to a similar project, and I will probably get all technical and try and add a couple of pockets. I'll let you know how I get on.

Book Inspiration

I thought it would be a good idea to share some of the books I have used so far for inspiration.

I would love to hear from anybody who has any suggestions for books that you feel I might like.

Sew Pretty Homestyle - Tone Finnanger

This is my new favourite book, with lots of "cutsie" craft ideas for around the home. If you are not keen on pink, this is probably not the book for you.

I have already make a bag featured in this book (p26) which I will post about at a later date.

Other projects that I want to attempt from this book are:
* Chair Cushions (p49)
* Fabric Boxes (p85)

Blankets and Throws to Knit - Debbie Abrahams


This book has loads of great examples and patterns to use. When I finally get around to knitting a blanket for the smallest one, there are loads of designs to choose from in here.

Naughty But Nice Cross Stitch - Claire Crompton


There are loads of quirky and funny cross stitch projects in here. Utilising many humourous sayings to make a variety of objects.

Stitch - Cath Kidston


I love Cath Kidston. Her work really appeals to my (deeply hidden) girly side.

Stitch has loads of great projects that are usefully graded regarding skill level.

There are several pages at the beginning of the book showing differnt needlecraft techniques, explained in a clear and understandable way.

I have my eye on the following projects:
* Union Jack Cushion (yes another one) (p47)
* Union Jack Purse (I have a thing about Union Jacks) (p82)

Sew - Cath Kidston


Another book in the CK series. Again, using the same winning formula as "Stitch". The helpful hints and skill gradings are again present.

Projects from Sew:
* Floor Cushions (p42)
* Peg Bag (p62)
* Quilted Hottie (p70)

Make - Cath Kidston


My final book in the CK trilogy. Again, same formula as the two previous books.

Projects from Make:
* Linen Tea Towels (p27)
* Flowery Tote (p60) - I have already completed a project based upon
this idea, which I will post about at a later date.
* Floral Drawstring Bag (p77) - Again, I have alredy completed a project
based upin this idea, which I will post about at a later date.

2nd Cross Stitch

I love cross stitch cushions, and wanted to make one for myself. I came over all patriotic and chose an Anchor Union Jack chunky cross stitch kit.

I started this is November 2010 and finished it this weekend. If I wasn't so stubborn, this project would have sat in my sewing box gathering dust!

Although, now finished, it looks great, it was painfully boring to do. It was literally row, upon row, upon row, upon row (see a theme here) of cross stitch using wool.

Once the stitching was complete, it was a case of stitching some plain cream material along the back, inserting a cushion (purchased from Dunelm Mill) and sewing the 4th side togeather.

I am pleased that I completed it. But I can safely say, I will not undertake a similar project again.

1st Cross Stitch

My first foray into the world of craft, specifically needlecraft, came in the form of a pretty cross stitch project that I thought would be lovely as a Christmas present for my mum.

I had never done any kind of needle work before, so maybe this was a little bit ambitious. Once I had started, I was determined to finish it.

I pretty quickly found out what an embroidery hoop was for, and this made the stitching so much easier!

However, I still cannot do a French Knot, despite lots and lots of practising. I generally just throw the thread around a bit and hope for the best.

Once stitched, I framed the work and wrapped it ready for Christmas.

Although it is not technically perfect, I was really pleased with how it turned out. And more importantly, my mum loved it, and it has pride of place on her fireplace.

I used a Dimension #65033 kit.

Hello, welcome and a bit of an introduction.

Hello, and welcome to my blog.

My name is Claire and I am a 34 year old mum of 2.   I have 2 daughters, aged 4 years and 5 months and am currently on maternity leave.

I am, sadly, one of the least artistic or craft minded person on the planet.  I have no flair and limited imagination.  Or so I though.........

Back in September when I started my maternity leave, I wanted to make a knitted blanket for my new baby (which I still have not got around to!).  However, on doing some research, I found a whole new and interesting world of crafts.

I have taken a great big leap into the world of crafting, and am excited about how much I enjoy it and how easy it can actually be.

This blog will show my projects, during and after completion.  I have named it "My First Crafts" as I am very much a novice.

I hope you enjoy it, and I look forward to reading any comments or suggestions.

Claire x