Notebooks

I've had fun the last few days making these notebook covers. I've combined all kinds of fabrics and materials, appliqued and embroidered. These are great journals, ideas books or even for recipes. I know I have a lot of pieces of paper flying around with recipes which need to be written in a book! Maybe I should make one for myself!

Cute kitty cat softie

Whilst I was making the rabbits for my order I decided to make a cat as well. He's really cute and I love the Kaffe Fassett fabrics I used, really pretty. I have also used antique linen for his face and appliqued a vintage doily.

Fun birthday gift!

We're off to a birthday party this afternoon. The little boy is turning 2 so of course at the last minute I decided to make a gift. I made a little playmat and toy bag to keep it in. I had the vision of little wooden cars and houses being used on it. I went to the toy store and found a wooden toy set with houses and cars so my vision is complete! The toys in the photograph are Lucy's, she has a girl version of the boy set I bought.

The playmat has been made with a linen base. For the roads I used beautiful Japanese textural fabrics. Then I used a mix of linen and cotton fabrics, many Japanese, for the applique. I also made a draw string bag to keep the whole set in. it was great fun to make so I hope I have the occassion to make more!

Tooth fairy pillows

How important and exciting is that first tooth coming out! These cute and original tooth fairy pillows make it all the more special and make for a great gift too. Lulu loves hers and it's ready for her next tooth.

These pillows are made with antique linen and embellished with aplique and embroidery. On the back I have appliqued a felt tooth pocket ready to receive the tooth fairy on that special day. The pilllow also has ribbon attached ready to hang on the wall or door.

WIP- Pam Garrison Stitchery

Rach and I both bought this stitchery from Pam Garrison on Etsy. Here is Pam's original. I started by sewing a whole heap of my favourite fabrics around the edges then started the embroidery. I did the tree first which took ages because of the leaves but I am happy with how it turned out. All the embroidery stitches are pretty simple ones like satin stitch, back stitch and french knots. When I am done it will be a cushion for the couch. Can't wait to see what Rach does with hers! If you are doing one as well let us know as we would love to have a look. Here is another one on Flickr.

Creative Wednesday!

Whilst I was busy stitching away Lulu (she's 5) decided she wanted to do something creative. I had bought a few little canvases a while ago and asked if she would like to do some painting. Of course she did!! She chose all of her own colours and subject matter. The top piece is a garden with butterflies, snail, bee and ant. Bottom right is a lady in a shop buying a dress and to the left a picnic! Love this one as on the white plates are potatoes, zucchini, bread with chicken and pears! I love the way Lucy always has grand descriptions for her drawings and paintings! Keep up the good work Lulu!

Set of bibs

These bibs are the last part of my order. I still have to sew the velcro tabs on! I made 3 for girls and 3 unisex/boy bibs. I used a mix of cotton and linen fabrics and love the way the colours turned out.

Very busy

I haven't posted for a really long time but I have been busy! I've been working on an order and still have to make 6 bibs and then I'm done! With some items I made a few extra for my shop. So here are some the goodies I have completed. It was quite difficult as we have had a heat wave here in Italy and i go bananas when it's humid!!!

20 broaches made as pretty flowers. I love these on dresses, bags hair clips, head bands, hair elastics and so on.

Star wangs, I made 6 of these in different colours.

Necklaces for little girls.
8 headbands all different

10 felt hairclips
10 hair elastics

6 bunnies, love the way these colours turned out.

New Softies

I have been working on some new softies designs with the ultimate aim to put some on Etsy and sell them. I have 17 different designs ready to sew. These are the first two which will both go to my son. I need to tweak my pattern a little bit before I can start selling. I am happy with 'Charlie the Crocodile' but 'Fletch the Cat' needs some alterations. I have about 19 cut out so far and just need to sew them up. I hope that look as good as I have pictured in my head!! Let's see! I am hoping to have some in my Etsy shop next week. I will post on our blog when they are there. There are a couple more pictures on Flickr.

Pouch antique linen heart

Another pouch, I made a series of 3. I seem to like making things in 3s!!! As usual the base is antique linen with applied trim of which some are dipped in tea. I applied a heart using antique sari and did some rows of embroidery stitches. I learnt this method from Jude Hill and just love applying to my own ideas. The button on the pouch is a vintage mother of pearl one, just lovely!

Pouch antique linen embroidered rose

Embroidered antique linen pouch. I used some wonderful tea/coffee dyed trims on this. I then embroidered the rose by first couching on some thick cotton thread and then embroidering around it. I was inspired for this rose by a wonderful Japanese embroidery book called 'Embroidery Design Notes'. I absolutely could not understand how they do the rose so I had to make up my own. The end result worked out the way I wanted so I am pleased with it.

Magnolia Quilt Block 4

This is my fourth block in my Magnolia Quilt. It takes a bit of time to complete each block due to the embroidery. Whilst it is simple stitching, it does take time to decide what to do and also decide when to stop. You need to be a bit controlled or you can probably take it a little too far. I really enjoy using a variety of threads. My collection is building and range from cotton, perle, silk, wool, chenille e.t.c. I have a lot of plain colours as well as an increasing range of variegated and hand-dyed threads. I can't believe that I recently went to the Quilt and Craft fair and did not buy one piece of cotton fabric.... instead I bought felted wools and threads.
The crossed pattern on the flowers are silk threads that are hand-dyed. I might add some beading later. I have some beads but need to increase my range for this type of quilt.

Here is the full block (un-ironed). I am excited to start block 5. I will do that tonight. I have also started a Flickr group for work inspired by Sue Spargo. If you do make some of her work or are inspired by her, add some photos.

I also wanted to let people know a few great places to source wool as it can be hard to find especially in Australia. A recent website that I bought from and found very cheap was Ram in the Thicket. Wool can be very expensive and her prices are great. She also have a huge range of colours to select from which can be a little overwhelming at first but will you will probably find just what you need. We also buy from a couple of different people on Etsy- Quilting Acres here colours are fantastic and she has come great textured/patterned wools. Three Sheep Studio also has some great colours and textures/patterns. Finally an Australian artist who has some nice wools is Anni from Hatched and Patched.

New antique linen pouch with appliqued antique French linen, trims and hand embroidered. Available in my shop.

Antique linen pouch cross stitch monogram

Well summer is in full swing here in Italy, hot and humid! The air doesn't move the slightest bit so there's no escape. How much do I love my fan at this time of the year! As a result my creations come in dribs and drabs. I'm not nearly as productive in summer as I am in winter!

I did manage to finish off this little pouch today. It's made with antique linen and trims, and is finished off with a lovely cross stitch monogram and vintage button.