Baby blanket

This baby blanket was made from fabrics purchased at the weekly market here in Santarcangelo (except for the check sent to me by my mum). I also find heaps of great trims from the markets as well. I go nearly every Friday to see what treasures I can find! It's large enough for a cot or pram and has an wool type fabric as the backing so it is particularly warm. I've cut one out for a boy too and will blog it once I've finished it. I have many ideas for blankets but need to find the time to make more!

Baby blocks

I had the idea to make these baby blocks from the famous baby Zakka book. My mum sent me a whole lot of small squares of different fabrics and so I decided to use them to make large and small blocks for babies. They have bells in them and so make a noise besides being colourful. The embroidered patterns come from the Japanese book 'Design Collection for Kids' and another one (I'm not sure what it's called), and also from 'Doodle Stitching' which I purchased from Amazon books. I love this book and want to create more with the lovely patterns. Some more images on flickr.

Pussy cat heaven!

I just finished making 3 pussycats. It's the first time I've ever made anything like that, oh no it's the second, the rabbits were the first but they were simpler. The pattern came from the Marie Claire Bebè book and wasn't too hard to figure out (don't speak French!). It's amazing how they each took on their own little personality as I stitched their faces. For more images of these happy cats go to our flickr.

Embroidered and beaded cone

Another piece by Juju! She brought this beautiful cone with her when she came to see me in Italy for Christmas. It is stunning, completely beaded and embroidered. One of the things which makes mum's embroidery so successful (besides the perfect stitches) is her choice of colours. She always choices the most beautiful harmonious colours. For more images go to our flickr.

My wedding dress

This is a detail of my wedding dress. Yes the handy work is again by Juju, our mum. It is a very simple design but was very effective on the gown. I was very pleased with the outcome.

We love embroidery!

Below are some beautiful pieces of embroidery by our mum Juju (as the grand children call her). She is truely talented and is an inspiration to all. I've nicknamed her 'the guru' as she's the one I turn to for advice when deciding what to do, oh and also when I don't know where to go next with a project! For more images please go to our flickr.

The first 2 are details of a piece Jude emdroidered for my daughter Lucy which is to be turned into a cushion (maybe!). The 3rd image is a small embroidery which was destined to be made into a bag (it's shiney because I haven't soaked the solvey off it yet) as a gift but then mum whipped something else up and fortunately left this to me!

Jamie's Table and Chairs

I love Lucy's table. It looks great. Speaking of tables, here are some photos of the table and chairs I painted quite a while ago but I haven't added it to the blog yet. There are certainly signs of wear and tear, with some paint chips. I should have enither used a more durable varnish or done more coats. As you can see we have used the same table that can be bought at Ikea. I love that place!!! Who doesn't?? I went for a bright and colourful space theme.
For more photos go to our Flickr page.

Lucy's table

I finally painted Lucy's table!!! I've had it here for months waiting for inspiration, yesterday it finally hit me. As you can probably tell she loves Hello Kitty. To see some more photos of the table go to our flickr. One project down and 10 million to go. I still have to paint her drawers, it'll be along the same theme.

Bowl of Bunnies

I just wanted to share the bunnies we made last Easter. It started with an idea to make one and we ended up making about fifty. We had so much fun finding fabric and putting together different combinations. Everyone we know has one. I always get a lot of comments on them when people see them in my living room and my son loves playing with them. The pattern came from 'Better Homes and Gardens' magazine.

Painted furniture

I painted this chest of drawers and cupboard for my mother in law. I am pleased with the overall outcome and they look great in her apartment.