Sewing as Therapy

Summer holidays and Pinterest

2011-08-15T11:55:00.004+01:00

We are well into the summer holidays now and the weather hasn't been too bad so we have managed to spend plenty of time out doors, although that means I have had less time to sew pretty things like this scotty dog, which was a present for a friends little girl.

Another thing stopping me from sewing is Pinterest. If you haven't been on the site already, it is like a virtual pinboard! Anything you see on the internet you can "pin" to your boards so you can find it again easily (much easier than bookmarking web pages) The only problem is there is so much on there! You can easily loose yourself while browsing everyone else's boards!

The plus side is that it has provided us with lots of inspiration for keeping the kids busy during the holidays. The biggest hit so far has been the super giant bubbles!

I am hoping to get back to sewing soon, the kids are staying with the in-laws this weekend so I will have a couple of days free to sew!

I'm back!

2011-07-13T17:55:00.002+01:00

Sorry for the prolonged absence! I have been here and I have been sewing but I have been struggling to post about anything for a number of reasons!

Family, life, nice weather, lots of things that have kept me away from the PC!

I hope to become a more regular poster again but for now I will leave you with some recent makes!

Shorts and shirt for Joe. He loves bright shirts (the more garish the better as far as he is concerned!)

Two Maxi Sun dresses for me! Please excuse the self portraits! I still have some fitting issues on these but I getting better at it!

I have some more things cut out ready to sew so hopefully I will be back soon!

Teaching the next generation.

2011-04-08T09:58:00.002+01:00

My eldest son, Sam, has been asking me to teach him how to sew for a while now. Previous attempts have not been very successful so when I bought a kit to sew your own Easter bunnies I didn't expect it to go well. I was happy to be proved wrong.

Sam cut out the paper pattern and then the felt by himself. He embroidered nearly all the face himself (I did one eye to show him how to do French knots) I threaded the needle and started him off on the blanket stitch and tied knots for him but the rest is all his work.

He is quiet happy with his bunny he has made and is now asking if he can make something else, trouble is I don't know what to try next!

Getting over my fear.

2011-03-15T19:03:00.004Z

For a long time I have had a fear of making my own clothes, it is not just a fear of constructing them but a fear of them falling apart while I am wearing them. This fear is not unfounded, it actually happened to a dress a made with my mother about 20 years ago, it ripped up the back seam while I was wearing it. This put me off making clothes for a long time as I spent a lot of time and money making that dress!

Now I am older and wiser and have been greatly encouraged by friends who make their own clothes and this gave me the confidence to try again.

I made this skirt a while ago but didn't have time to post about it at the time. It is McCalls M5431. It is a retro tattoo design on the fabric with koi carp and dragons on it. I originally altered the pattern because according to the measurements it wouldn't have fitted but it ended up being to big!

So I decided to try and make it again with some fabric I found at the charity shop. It only cost £3 for about 3 metres! It is a lovely African block print with elephants and snakes on it, it is a lovely weight and hangs beautifully. I think it will make a lovely summer skirt.

I found some more fabric at the charity shop, this time 50p! It is a black with white polka dots and as soon as I saw it I knew what I was going to make with it. This time I tried something new!

It has pipping under the waist yoke and red satin binding around the hem. I think I need some red shiny shoes to go with this skirt! (please excuse the grubby mirror!)

Now my confidence is growing but I think I will have a rest from making skirts and tackle some tops next!

World Book Day

2011-03-03T22:28:00.004Z

Today was world book day so the kids got to dress up as their favourite book character for the day. For Joe that meant Dr Seuss' Cat in the Hat which he has recently discovered and loves!

I am quite impressed with myself for managing to make this from scratch while battling a cold! I drafted the pattern for the cat outfit from one of his fleecy sleep-suits and added a tail at the back. The tail can be posed as it has some foam covered wire running through it (from my gardening supplies!) The hat is made from felt and is quite floppy as I didn't use interfacing, although it probably could have benefited from some! The bow-tie is also made from felt and the rest of it is fleece.

Joe loved the outfit and refused to take it off all day (even though he did get warm in it!!) and he won the prize for best outfit from his class which made him even happier.

I have some more dressing up outfits in progress which I will post about soon hopefully.

(I didn't leave my eldest son out, he decided he wanted to go in one of the bought dressing up outfits this year)

Getting skirty!

2011-02-16T10:13:00.004Z

I decided it was time to ditch the jeans and t-shirts that I had been practically living in since my second son was born and start wearing more skirts and what easier way to do it than making them yourself!

I have only used fabrics I already owned as I am determined to reduce my stash by actually using it! I used the Amy Butler Barcelona skirt pattern for the first two, it is such a lovely pattern to use, very easy to follow!

I also made a demin skirt from a pair of jeans. This has been on my to-do list for a very long time! I left the hem unfinished as I like it this way.

I am enjoying wearing these new skirts and I am already planning on making more!

Recent sewing

2011-02-01T11:08:00.002Z

I am still plodding away at the sewing, working my way through an extensive to-do list! This has been on my list for a while now, it is the Highbrow Hobo pattern from Lisa Lam at U-handbag.

Next is a 12 sided dice bag for my brother in law! I must have been mad when I said I would make this! I used this tutorial. It was a bit trickier than I expected as they don't fully explain how to sew the remaining pieces on after you complete the top part and it took me a while to figure out. Although I have finished it I am not happy with it and feel like I have to make it again differently to try and improve it!

Welly Warmer tutorial

2011-01-09T09:44:00.011Z

Here is my tutorial for the welly warmers. It probably isn't the "best" way of making them but it is a quick and easy way of doing it.

1 - First draw around your welly. When you draw around the sole keep the pencil flat against the welly so the nib ins't against the sole, this gives a bit of wriggle room (hopefully that makes sense if not I will take a picture of what I mean)

2 - Once you have drawn around the welly add 1/4" seam allowance all the way around it. Do not add the seam allowance to the sole. Once cut out the sole should be the same size as the bottom of the welly without the seam allowance.

3- Pin the pattern to the fabric and cut out. You need 4 pieces of the boot shape and 2 soles. If you are using patterned fleece you want the right sides together as that is what you will see in the welly. You want the stretch of the fleece to do the width of the boot and along the sole.

4 - Sew a 1/4" seam down the front and back of the boot shape (or you can use an overlocker)

5 - Pin the soles to the boot shapes. Be careful as the soles will be shaped for each foot so there will be one left one and one right one. I fold the soles in half length ways to find the middle point which is then pinned to the seams and then continue to pin all the way round. Sew with a 1/4" seam or overlock.

6 - To make the top band I copied the top part of the boot pattern (2 1/2") and doubled it. The sides do not have to be slanted as in my picture, it will work if they are straight as well. Pin to fabric (with the stretch along the width again) Cut out 4 pieces.

7 - Sew 1/4" seam (or overlock) right sides together. Once sewn fold over so the seams are enclosed.

8 - Pin to the inside of the boot shape raw edges together. The seams should be on the outside of the boot shape, you do not turn them. Sew round, repeat with other boot.

9 - Finished! The Welly warmers are now ready to go in the wellies. The seams stay on the outside so the don't rub against your feet and the top band folds over the top of the boot to stop them from rolling down. It does make your wellies a bit tighter but it should also keep you feet warm!

I hope this tutorial is helpful, any questions or problems just let me know in the comments!

Better late than never!

2011-01-08T19:44:00.005Z

Welly warmers are something I have been meaning to make for a while (especially when we had the snow!) but could't figure out how to easily. I had a pair of Welly warmas for Joe when he was younger but the construction didn't seem intuitive to me so I didn't want to copy it. I scoured the internet for patterns or tutorials but came up blank (there tutorials for fleece socks or adult welly warmers) So in the end I had to create a pattern myself, it took me a couple of attempts but I got there in the end.

Once I had figured it out they were quite easy to make! I managed to make pairs for each of the boys wellies today and now want to make a pair for my wellies! It has the added advantage of using up my stash of fleece!

Remnants

2011-01-08T13:50:00.003Z

I made this flower brooch with the rest of the zip I cut off from making the Christmas tree bag, The zip was 92" long (and cost £1.50 when my Grandma bought it!)

I may make some more in different colours as I inherited a lot of zips from my Grandma in lots of different colours!

Feeling creative.

2011-01-07T21:51:00.002Z

Since Christmas I have been feeling the urge to sew, I have been in a bit of a slump with my sewing and not wanted to do much. Now I have a list of things I would like to sew this year (hopefully I will stick to it better than previous lists!) Before I could do any sewing though I had to put all the decorations and Christmas tree away. We have an artifical tree that was given to us and it gets put up where my sewing machine usually lives. As the tree has been around for a while the box has seen better days, in fact it has fallen apart completely now, it has been taped and re-taped over the years and I thought enough was enough!

The problem....

The solution....

I made a storage bag from a left over curtain and a huge zip I inherited from my Grandma's sewing stash. I have seen storage bags for Christmas trees for sale but they don't have very good reviews as they are made from thin nylon. It is a simple unlined boxy bag where the zip extends down the sides. I used the original box inside for strength and stability and there are a couple of handles on the top for carrying.

Now all the Christmas things are safely packed away I can get going on my sewing!

Handmade Christmas

2010-12-31T14:47:00.005Z

This year was I tried harder to make a more of a handmade Christmas because with me being out of work our budget is tight but I love giving gifts.

The sewn gifts included a sock monkey for my mother-in-law, the teddy and a cloth book for my niece, an apron for my brother-in-laws girlfriend and a blanket for my aunty.

The other gifts made up hampers for most of the rest of the family. I had such great fun making onion marmalade, chilli jam, orange marmalade and lemon curd. Not pictured is the fudge and truffles we also made. The best fun I had was making the flavoured vodkas, they are so easy to make but look very impressive! My favourite was the coffee vodka!

Everything was well received and I am already thinking about what to do for next Christmas!

Hope everyone has a great New Year!

The countdown to Christmas starts.

2010-12-01T12:55:00.004Z

I haven't been able to do much sewing recently as we have been decorating downstairs and all my sewing things have been packed away (I sew in a small corner of our dining room) so now it is a race against time to get all my Christmas sewing done!

I always leave thing till the last minute and can often be found still sewing gifts on Christmas Eve (this runs in my family as my nan was the same)

I have made a start and finished this bear yesterday. It is meant to be more for decoration than a toy and is for my new niece. He is made from a recycled felted sweater after I saw a bear made out of a similar cable knit in the shops. He is only small and I have plenty of the sweater left to make some more things.

I have a few more things planned to make this week as long as the snow holds off here and the kids can still get to school!

Doing something different.

2010-10-22T12:54:00.003+01:00

I have been really busy recently with one thing or another but it has meant that I haven't had time to sew for a while. The urge to do crafty things is strong though so I thought I would try something different for a change! I made tea cup candles. My idea originally was to make a couple for Christmas presents but they are such fun to make I thought I may make a few extra to sell at Christmas fairs. The wax used is soy wax which just washes out once the candle has been used so you are left with the pretty cup and saucer to use.

I have had great fun searcing out old tea cups at the charity shops and car boot sales and I have some really pretty ones yet to use. I would have carried on making them but I ran out of wax and need to order more. I will post pictures of the others once they have been made.

Making time to sew

2010-09-24T12:14:00.005+01:00

I thought when the children went back to school I would have more time to myself to sew and do other nice things. Unfortunately it doesn't really work like that! In between doing the school run I am doing the housework, washing, drying, ironing, cooking and baking as well as job hunting.

I recently took time out of my housework schedule to take part in an apron swap on the mysewingcircle.com forum. I always enjoy taking part in these swaps but don't always have time so I thought now would be a good time to do one.

There are lots of free apron patterns and tutorials all over the internet but I picked The Purl Bee's adjustable apron pattern as my partner said she liked plain aprons without frills. i altered the pocket size a bit just to suit my fabric better.

The fabric I have had in my stash for a while waiting to be made into something special. I still have lots more of this fabric to use up so I guess you will be seeing more of it!

I received a beautiful apron from my partner along with some cute animal buttons that deserve to go on something special.

I will make more time to sew, I have a few UFO's (un-finished objects) to complete before I start on anything new. I am also starting on my Christmas sewing to make sure I am not finishing things off on Christmas Eve which is what usually happens!

I hope to be back posting with more regularity soon!

Still here, still sewing.

2010-08-31T19:37:00.003+01:00

Although not quite as much as I would like! Trying to keep 2 energetic young boys entertained over the summer holidays limited my time for sewing, especially as they have both been ill with chest infections (one after another rather than at the same time!)

I did get a request to make a couple of PE bags for some little girls starting school in September. They are both made with babycord and are lined with the same fabric that their names have been appliqued in.

Last week we were supposed to meet up with a friend but Sam had quite a bad cough and felt poorly on the day so we had to cancel. To cheer them up we made super hero masks and capes. This one was a simple design in felt with a star applique in silver.

Not sewing but just as much fun were some ink blot t-shirts we did at the weekend. I found the instructions on Instructables. It was easy for them to do and so much fun that they wanted to do some bags as well. The fabric they used is still being turned into PE bags but here are the t-shirts.

Once school starts I will have a bit more time on my hands for sewing but not much as I am looking for work and have plans for cleaning and sorting the house while I have time!

Newest machine!

2010-07-23T18:47:00.004+01:00

singer 185K hand crank, originally uploaded by scary_mary.

It seems a bit strange calling this my newest machine seeing as it is older than nearly all my other machines! (and that makes it sound like I have a huge collection of machines! I don't have that many, really!)

It is a 1958 Singer 185K hand crank machine that I was lucky enough to find at a charity shop. It has it's original case but unfortunately it doesn't have any addtional feet although I know they can be picked up on ebay.

I bought the machine because my eldest son wants to learn to sew and I thought this would be a nice machine to start on. I would have used my nan's old hand crank machine that I learnt to sew on but it needs restoration.

My son has already had a play on it so now I need to find a nice easy project we can do together.

Mr Men shorts

2010-07-11T22:27:00.001+01:00

mr men shorts, originally uploaded by scary_mary.

I finally got the shorts made to match the sunhat. They are getting plenty of use at the moment with all the nice weather we have been having recently.

The next things on my sewing list are for me. I don't sew much for myself but after going on a pattern fitting course I feel a little bit more confident at tackling clothing patterns.

Hopefully I can post about them soon!

Simple Sunhats

2010-06-18T20:37:00.004+01:00

I have trouble at this time of the year finding sunhats from shops that I like. There is usually a choice of baseball caps (which don't offer enough protection when the sun does come out!) or dreay colours. Manufacturers seem to think boys only like camouflage, denim or various shades of brown.

Simplicity 5581 has a nice bucket style sunhat pattern that I have been meaning to try for a while so when the sun started to shine I decided to give it a go! I made a few adjustments to the pattern as I didn't like the way it was constructed and I also wanted to make the hat reversible.

I used some of the Mr Men fabric I bought a while back for one side:-

The reverse is a blue cotton fabric, it looks a bit like denim in the photo but it is just a quilting weight cotton.

I am hoping to make some shorts to go with the hat but they may have to wait as my youngest is poorly at the moment so isn't in the mood to be measured up so I am working on a dress for my niece instead.

Another denim beanbag.

2010-06-05T21:13:00.003+01:00

Another beanbag this time for my youngest son. I had to make it a bit smaller than the last one as I only had ladies jeans left in my bag which are quite a bit narrower in the leg than men's jeans!

This one also has a large patched area on the top (it was a specific request from my son to have the patch!) and as the jeans were ripped anyway it seemed a good idea to make a feture of it.

Now they each have something comfy to sit on outside when they are on their "deck" and my recycling pile has been reduced a little bit!

Now I just have to work on my mending pile! (Am I the only one who puts off mending?!)

More recycling

2010-05-31T13:46:00.004+01:00

This time a pile of denim jeans. I have been saving all our old worn out jeans for a while to make into a denim quilt but instead I turned them into a bean bag! I wanted something hardwearing as it is for the kids outside (for when we do have the nice weather!)

I had to come up with a pattern myself as all the tutorials/patterns I found online would not fit the denim I had. It was easier than I thought, especially to sew, my Brother sewing machine copes a lot better with layers of thick fabric than my old Janome. Now I just need to make another one so each child has one! The only trouble is I have no beans left to fill the next one - I filled this with ones I scavenged from 2 old bean bag poufs I had!

Thomas Pyjamas

2010-05-23T18:55:00.002+01:00

More recycling - this time a curtain! Simple elasticated trousers and a cut out of Thomas the Tank engine on a plain t-shirt.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

2010-05-22T19:27:00.003+01:00

Everyone has heard about Reduce, Reuse, Recycle these days, recycling is seems to be something trendy to do now. Strange thing is, it is what we have always done, not everyone like the disposable society. People never used to just throw things away because they had no use for them anymore, if things got broken they were mended, worn out clothes were cut down to make something else or used for rags if they were at the end of their life. Things were often passed on or sold on, remember wearing many clothes passed down from my brother and going to many a jumble sales when I was young.

The sewing forum I am a member of have a spring challenge to up-cycle 3 items (up-cycle seems to be the trendy word for recycling but I hate it!) I do a lot of this in my sewing, I re-use fabric from our clothes that are worn out to make lots of different things. I have even been know to find things in the charity shops just to make into something else! My problem has been trying to narrow it down to just 3 items - I have felt quite inspired by the challenge! I haven't finished all the items yet and I am not sure which ones I will post for the challenge but here are the first couple.

First thing I made was a shirt for my youngest.

It was originally a mans XL shirt that was given to me sometime ago, as you can see from this photo when my brother first gave it to me! It is the same child in both pictures! (he is 1 in this photo!)

Then I made a simple cushion cover from a shirt - I love how easy this is to do so maybe making more!

I am currently working on some Thomas the Tank engine pyjamas which have been made from a pair of curtains! Hopefully I will have them ready to post about tomorrow.

Normal service will resume shortly!

2010-05-01T20:50:00.002+01:00

Over the past couple of months I have been involved with a Craft Fairy project over on one of the forums I am a member of. It is similar to a Secret Santa, we are given the name a person we are to craft a gift for and in return we receive a gift from someone else. Unfortunately because it is a secret swap I can't show you the gifts I made!

Now spring is here with the warmer weather and brighter nights I am managing to get more sewing done again. I have several projects planned which have to be put on hold until I have made my son some clothes out of the Mr Men fabric I bought yesterday! (He was very upset when I couldn't magic them into clothes the minute we got home from the shop)

I'm off now to go look through my box of patterns to see if I have suitable for a small 4 year old!

Been a bit quiet on the sewing front.

2010-03-27T18:57:00.002Z

I have been busy with other things recently which have prevented me from getting much sewing done.

On Thursday I went to the Sewing for Pleasure Event at the NEC in Birmingham. I have never been before (it is a yearly event) so I didn't know what to expect. I had a great time, there were lots of stalls selling fabrics and haberdashery as well as bead and button stalls. There were also exhibitions of quilts and other textile art that simply took my breath away! I took lots of pictures but there are simply too many to post them all so here are some of my favourites!

All the needlework on this childs chair is hand done by Isabel Elliot.

If you want to see more pictures from the event they are all on my Flickr photostream.

The other reason I have been busy is because both my sons had birthdays this month. I have spent the past few weeks organising a party for my eldest son, he shared a party with one of his friends at school. The thing I hate most about parties is the goodie bag that is expected at the end for the children that attend. I don't like all the cheap plastic toys that they sell to go in the bags, they usually end up in the bin after a short time because they are not very good! Last year I made notebook and pencil holders but this year I was stuck for what to make. I knew I wouldn't have time to sew anything so I went for something quick and easy - Lego keyrings!

I had seen the idea on the internet and they are suprisingly easy to make! I think I will be saving this idea for future parties!

Birthday Gifts

2010-02-27T11:09:00.002Z

Joe went to a party yesterday for a little girl from his pre-school and I wanted to make something. I decided on a bag and a pencil roll. I had a small piece of beautiful red cord from a friend of mine already in my stash but I did buy the co-ordinating stars fabric to line it as I had nothing suitable to match!

I love making presents for other people but I do always worry how they will be received. I hope she likes them.

Inspiration.

2010-02-21T10:10:00.004Z

I have been asked a lot recently why I sew and what got me started, some people find it strange that I can sew toys and bags but then struggle with simple clothing patterns. I think a lot is done to this this lady, my nan (she was my grandma's sister)

I used to spend hours watching her sew on her little hand sewing machine making toys and gifts for people. She was always very generous, giving away a lot of what she had made. I remember getting many dolls made by her when I was little including a copy of a cabbage patch doll when they were all the rage! Unfortunately I don't have many of the things she made for us, they were given away many years ago. I have a few keepsakes packed away.

She was very talented and taught me how to sew and embroider. The first things I ever made on the sewing machine were a toy emu and penguin under her guidance. I think that is where my love of making toys came from.

I didn't do a lot of sewing during my teenage years, I did the occassional embroidery or cross stitch but didn't really take up sewing again until after Joe was born.

I wish my nan could see some of the things I have made, I think she would be proud. It is 9 years ago today since she died but I still miss her.

Adding some colour to my life.

2010-02-19T15:41:00.003Z

With winter still being with us and the days mostly still grey and dark I thought it was about time I added some colour to my life. It started with finding a bright pink wool coat at the charity shop a few weeks ago, I'm not usually a pink person but I love the coat and it is bright and cheery.

I did feel it needed a nice brooch to go with it and after finding this rolled flower tutorial on Wee Folk Art I just had to make it! (I did say I would make some more things from that site!)

Then to contiue the stash busting I recovered my ironing board. My old cover was covered in bondaweb from doing my appliqed tops and was past it's best. I have actually been meaning to do this since my friend re-did hers. I followed the U-handbag tutorial to do it and it was quite easy.

I have lots more ideas for things I want to make, now I just need a few extra hours in the day!

Cat Door Stop

2010-02-14T16:43:00.003Z

I found this tutorial on the Wee Folk Art blog and just had to try it as it looks a lot like our cat! Luckily I didn't have to buy anything as I already had the felt and embroidery floss so I can count it as part of my craft burn challenge!

They have lots of great free patterns on the site (look at the top left hand side of the page for the link to click) which will be great for practising my hand sewing, which is still a bit shaky! Trouble is I don't know which one I want to start with first!

It is always going dark...

2010-02-07T20:21:00.003Z

..by the time I have finished sewing so it is impossible to get great pictures! Today was a day for being re-inspired for applique tops! After making lots and lots of appliqed tops in the past I had a bit of a burn out and didn't touch these tops I bought to do for Joe nearly a year ago!
As part of the stash busting I decided to have another go.

I was inspired by the tops on the Make it and Love it Blog that I have just discovered and the "celebrate the boy" month over on Made by Rae, making sure our guys don't get overlooked in the crafty endevours that are on the net.

So apologises in advance for the bad lighting on the photos and onto the pics!

Argyle style applique, I like this one and can see some more variations of it in the future!

A superman top for his current superhero obbession!

A snails top - I got the cute snail fabric before Christmas to make PJ's for my nephew! (I haven't made them yet!)

And a picture of the snails top reluctantly being modelled by Joe! Along with the green pants I made today!

Although I didn't clear much of my stash of fabric making these at least it was another thing to tick off the list!

No sewing tonight

2010-01-27T21:00:00.001Z

Because we are busy scoffing this cake that my hubby got me for my birthday!

100 day craft burn

2010-01-24T10:36:00.004Z

I have accepted a craft challenge over on the Baby Wearer forum (where I spent a lot of time when my son was younger - now I tend to just browse the DIY section) The idea is not to spend any more money on any crafts for 100 days from Friday 22nd Jan (essentials like needles and thread are allowed though)

A stash busting challenge is something I have needed to do for a while as my fabric stash has got a bit out of hand recently! It will also encourage me to complete any works-in-progress (hopefully!)

This is what I have started with, 2 car caddies as presents for a party Joe went to yesterday. I used the Homemade by Jill tutorial but made the it a little taller and the road a little wider this time.

I also finished this mini quilt from this tutorial. Unfortunately I couldn't print on the fabric with our printer so had to trace it (mine looks a little bit different because A4 paper is different to the standard size US letter paper) I did mine with a variegated purple embroidery thread which with hindsight doesn't look as impressive as I thought it be! It is a long time since I have done any embroidery and it shows!

I definately need to improve my hand sewing skills so I think I may be doing this again with different fabric and brighter coloured threads!

Time.

2010-01-19T14:53:00.004Z

Every since I went back to work I never seem to have enough time. Balancing my free time for sewing with spending time with my family (and doing all the other things I need to do!) means my sewing time has been cut drastically and my blogging time even more!

I only have time today because my youngest son was sick last night so hasn't been to school which has meant I had to have some time off work so I have been able to grab a bit of PC time.

I finished this apron on Sunday, Sam is starting a cookery course at school on Thursday and needs to take an apron with him. I used the Sew Liberated apron pattern with a few adjustments, the pattern is for a 3-6 year old and as he is nearly 7 (gosh where did the time go!) I enlarged the pattern by an inch all around. I also swapped the velcro fastening for buttons so I could make the apron reversible and so I could use the one step buttonhole on my sewing machine for the first time!

The Darth Vader side is just a panel cut out of the fabric appliqued onto plain black. I was running short of this Star Wars fabric and only just had enough to make it.

I also made a couple more of the car caddies but I am not happy with them, the denim I used this time is really stiff and I don't like the way they turned out. Hopefully I can get them remade tonight if I have enough time!

The thaw.

2010-01-12T13:27:00.004Z

The snow that fell last week is melting. The worse weather the UK has had for years is easing, in typical UK weather fashion the weather has jumped from sub-zero temps to very mild very quickly.

While we have had the snow I haven't done a lot of crafting - it was too cold in our house at night to do anything other than relax under a throw on the sofa! (the disadvantage of having a Victorian Terrace is that they can be draughty!) I did make some simple fleece hats and scarves out of scraps I had left for a charity.

I have been thinking about the projects I want to do this year - as usual it is a very long list and I know by the end of the year there will still be things I haven't done as I get easily distracted! I tried compliing a list but it got too long.

I think I will try and get a couple of birthday presents made first before I do anything else then maybe make something just for me for a change. I always seem to be sewing for other people but don't make much for myself, maybe I can finish the bag I started to make last year!

Snowed in!

2010-01-05T09:44:00.002Z

It is very unusual for us in this part of the UK to get this amount of snow (it all fell over night) and it is still snowing.

The children have an unexpected day off school and I can't get to work either so I am trying to find things for them to do to keep them busy. My eldest would love to be out in the snow all day but his little brother is not so keen!

We are off to do some painting first. Hopefully I will get to do some of my crafting later!

Christmas was a hit.

2009-12-30T18:15:00.002Z

I think! The gifts seemed to be well received and I can now post pictures of the other things that I made. I would have posted the pictures sooner but my sister didn't make it up to visit on Boxing day as planned as she was unwell and then after they did visit I left the camera at my parents' house!

This is the finished doll quilt.

Here is a little car caddy for my nephew - it has pockets to store the cars.

This was my favourite thing I made. A tote bag for my sister to store her knitting projects. I also made a needle roll to store her needles and a small drawstring bag to keep balls of yarn or a small project in.

I hope everyone had a great Christmas!

Merry Christmas Everyone.

2009-12-25T08:26:00.001Z

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas.

Tis the season......

2009-12-13T19:06:00.004Z

.... to be sewing! I have been very busy sewing lots of nice things to give at Christmas. Unfortunately I can't post pictures yet in case anyone sees them at it spoils the surprise!

I can post these ones though. First is a toy pouch for my nephew to carry his dolls around in (modelled by my youngest in the picture). Just a simple fleece one. His big sister already has a toy ring sling but I have a request for a toy buckle carrier for her as well - we will see if I get time to make one!

Secondly is an apron and oven mitt set for my mother-in-law. I can safely post about this as they don't own a computer so won't see the pictures. It is the same butterick pattern I used for mine eariler in the year. I really like making now I have figured it out! It looks a bit odd on my dress form but I think that is all the extra padding I added has slipped down a bit recently!

ETA:- The fabric for the apron is called Rose In A Round from the 'Doll Dresses' collection by Holly Holderman of Lakehouse.

I also made a matching oven glove. It a bit on the petite side but that shouldn't be a problem as she has little hands like me. (please excuse the pen marks on the picture I haven't washed them off yet!)

I can't wait until I can post about the rest of the things!

I don't just sew.

2009-12-03T21:19:00.003Z

I occassionally branch out into other crafts too! I couldn't post about these before as they were made for a gift for my sister. She is teaching herself to knit so I thought I would make a few knitting related goodies to go with her birthday present. So I made a row counter bracelet and some stitch markers.

It has been a difficult couple of weeks recently with family members in hospital so I haven't had much time to get any crafting done. I have started some more of the Christmas presents but I will not be able to post pictures until after Christmas so I don't spoil the surprise!

Simple baby gift

2009-11-12T19:03:00.002Z

Firstly I must apologise for the rubbish photos! I thought I had taken some already but it turned out I hadn't so I rushed taking them just before I wrapped it up!

It is a gift for one of the mums at my sons school who had a baby boy last week.

It is the Ikea Barnslig fabric backed by a co-ordinating Barnslig flannel sheet.

The two fabrics were basted together, trimmed and then edged with satin bias tape (I think next time I would use red or blue though.)

I hope they like it and aren't bothered about the pink on it (apparently some people think boys can't have anything pink! LOL!)

Rememberance Sunday

2009-11-08T10:21:00.004Z

A poppy to remember the sacrifices of the members of the armed forces and civilians in times of war.

Gearing up for winter.

2009-10-25T12:40:00.002Z

There is definitely a chill in the air now here and after a depressing time trying to find my eldest son a "nice" dressing gown (they are either covered in characters, or in camo fabric or skulls which my son hates!) I decided to tackle the problem myself!

It was a fairly straight forward pattern (one I could actually understand!) Butterick B4652. I did the smallest size from the packet which was age 7 (as he will be 7 next year) but as you can see there is plenty of growing room! I left the pockets off as requested by my son.

On the whole I was pleased with it (although I was rushing so it could have been a bit neater) until I was finishing the sleeve. That is when I noticed a fault in the fabric - a line of several holes! I was gutted! This was brand new fabric not a seconds and it has several holes in it! I have checked the rest of the fabric and there are holes in that too. I will be complaining to the shop!

I have a confession........

2009-10-10T17:57:00.002+01:00

I bought a new sewing machine 3 weeks ago! I was going to post about it but I haven't completed anything on it yet! I have spent lots of time getting to know it.

Unfortunately I have been battling with this pattern (Simplicity 3893) for some time now. It is not the pattern itself that is difficult but I need to do a full bust adjustment (FBA) on it as most patterns are designed for people who wear a B cup bra (which I am definately not!) As I have never done an adjustment before I have been finding it really tricky so for now I am going to put it to one side and concentrate on other things. Hopefully I will be back on track making things soon!

Disappointed..

2009-09-14T19:59:00.003+01:00

..tonight I was supposed to start a "creative crochet" class at night school but it has been cancelled due to not enough people enrolling.

I have been trying to go to a crochet workshop or class for over a year now but every time I sign up to one something happens and I don't get to go. I hope I'm not a jinx!

Looks like I will have to struggle on trying to teach myself for a bit longer.

Back to school.

2009-09-13T18:03:00.002+01:00

I am a bit late posting this but last week was such a busy week for me I didn't get much time at the computer!

The school holidays are over and my eldest son,Sam, went back to school first closely followed by his younger brother, Joe, who started to the pre-school there this week. I can't believe how the years have passed so quickly!

As they both take a packed lunch to school I thought it was about time I made some more sandwich wraps as I hate using plastic bags. I was orginally only going to make one for Joe as Sam already has a plastic tub I use for the sandwiches but when he asked me to make one for him too when he found out. Luckily they both picked the same fabric (which I originally bought to make something else!)

They are simply made with a layer of cotton and one of PUL and fasten with velcro, so much nicer than a plastic bag don't you think?!

I'm a finalist in the sewing caddy challenge!

2009-09-02T08:45:00.003+01:00

I have been picked as one of the 3 finalists on The Sewing Forum with the sewing caddy I made!

Pop over to the forum and have a look at the other great entries!

Sewing again!

2009-08-29T20:27:00.004+01:00

I have had a bit of a sewing slump recently. Partly caused by the school holidays because I am busy looking after my boys and partly because I have gone back to work part time and no longer have any child free time in which to sew except when they have gone to bed.

I decided to join in a sewing challenge over at The Sewing Forum to make a sewing caddy made from recycled items or items from your stash, well I have plenty to choose from!

I decided to make a bag to carry things in to the sewing group I go to (also found through the sewing forum) and I adapted the crafty carry case pattern from Sewing World March 2007. The original design is good but there is a problem with the pattern in the magazine that when you enlarge it by 250% (like it says in the magazine) it is still too small. So I had to try and calculate all the measurements from the final measurements and the sizes given to cut the pocket pieces from.

This is what I ended up with:-

The outer is made from a pair of jeans and I made the handles from some dowel rod that I had left over from another project.

Inside has 1 large pocket on one side and then I changed the pockets on the other side so I now have: a tool pocket with slots for pens/pencils, seam ripper etc Then down the middle is a strip of elastic to hold my needle case and pin cushion and threads and then a vinyl pocket.

The pin cushion and needle book were made from selvages inspired by the Selvage blog.

I have the itch to sew again so hopefully it won't be as long until my next project gets posted here.

Sewing machine is packed away..

2009-07-26T20:27:00.002+01:00

..ready for my holiday! I did manage to run up a few more little things before it got packed away though.

Both boys were given some holiday spending money from Grandma and Granddad and they wanted somewhere to keep it safe, so I whipped up a couple of small lined zipper pouches.
Each choose the fabric they wanted, my eldest picked the rainbow stripes and the youngest went for dinosaurs. Very quick and easy to do.

I also made a quick fingertips oven mitt from this tutorial at Savvyseams but it has been packed away before I managed to get a picture of it! Maybe I will get a picture when we get back.

I am hoping to learn a new craft while I am away, I have to keep busy, we are going camping so there won't be anything else to do in the evenings! Hopefully I will have lots of pictures to share when I get back.

Holiday sewing

2009-07-25T15:17:00.002+01:00

While spending all that time doing the sewing for the fair I neglected to keep up with my own sewing projects (oops!) so now I am hastily trying to finish all the sewing I wanted to do before my holiday.

Firstly some spare "piddle pads" for the car seat for my youngest son. These were easy to make as I already have a Wetec one that I simply copied using my own fabrics, in this case 2 layers of flannel (from an old sheet) and some PUL.

I also made a drawstring bag for the Potettee portable potty I have been carrying around since my youngest potty trained! The plastic bag it was supplied in fell apart recently. It has a main drawstring pocket and then a smaller pocket on the front for extra liners.

And lastly a cutlery roll, we are going camping but I like to use proper cutlery instead of plastic ones so I whipped up this quick roll to keep them all together. This was the easiest thing to make as I used a tea towel so only had to sew the divisions between the cutlery and then sew a ribbon on to fasten it. The top just folds over to stop anything falling out and then you roll it up and fasten it.

I have a couple more things I would like to finish if I get the chance!

My first fair.

2009-07-18T18:37:00.003+01:00

Well I am back from the summer fair! The weather was at bit glum this morning with showers (which is why the photo is a bit dark) but it picked up for the afternoon and we even had some sunshine!

I had a nice time and sold more than I expected (seeing as it wasn't a craft fair) The hair clips and brooches where the most popular by far!

I think I will have a rest tonight and then add the rest of the things to my shop tomorrow.

Sorry...

2009-07-15T14:19:00.003+01:00

..for the lack of posts recently! I was right in my prediction that things would be getting busy!

I have recently gone back to work, I am providing maternity cover for my replacement, so I am no longer a stay at home mum. It is taking a bit of getting used to with the change of routine but I like it. It is nice that I have gone back to where I used to work before as that has made the transition easier I think.

Going back to work has meant that I have lost my only child free time I used to have to sew! (although hubby has been doing his best to keep them busy at the weekend for me!) This wouldn't really been a problem except that I am busy preparing for the summer fair at my son's school which is on Saturday! I am a bit nervous about it, I have never sold face to face before!

I have tried to stick to making lots of small pocket money items rather than lots of bags. I will try and get a few pictures of the things I have been making, I have been waiting for some sunshine which seems to be a bit lacking these days! I did manage a quick picture of the hair clips I made using felt and buttons, most of which have come from my Grandmas huge collection I inherited.

Fancy Dress

2009-06-28T17:54:00.006+01:00

Today my eldest was invited to a fancy dress birthday party. He loves an excuse to dress up as superhero of favourite TV character. At the moment Ben 10 is flavour of the month and of course whatever the eldest one has, the youngest has to have as well!

We didn't have that outfit and I refuse to pay £15 for a dressing up outfit that is just a white t-shirt and green pants especially as both boys wanted one (I'm glad I didn't buy it as I have now been told the sizes run really small and the top ends up looking like a cropped top!)

So what's a crafty mum to do but to make the outfit. Luckily it required very little outlay as I was given a huge amount of green fabric from Freecycle a while ago, I had a pattern that I adapted for the trousers so I just needed a couple of white t-shirts (Tescos value) and black fabric paint.

I used Simplicty 3997 Costume pattern for the trousers and just added pockets to the side of the legs to look like cargo pants. Then I just painted the black lines on the t-shirts, simple. Both outfits cost a lot less than 1 of the shop bought ones and I have 2 happy boys.

Eeek!

2009-06-26T16:04:00.002+01:00

I have a busy few weeks ahead of me so I wil apologise in advance if I get a bit slack on the blogging front!

Firstly, I go back to work next week after a career break of 3 years! It is part time but I think it will take some time to get into a new routine (just in time for the kids to break up for summer and start a different routine LOL!)

Secondly I am having a stall at the school summer fair to sell my things! I am alternating between being really excited and really nervous about doing this. I need to build up some stock so I will be busy sewing for the next few weeks! I will be concentrating more on the kids items I make than the bags as they are quick and easy to make but I am hoping to have a few of my bags made.

All this as well as looking after the children and home and planning for our camping trip which is at the end of July!

A great weekend sewing

2009-06-22T10:07:00.003+01:00

I had a bit of time this weekend to get a bit of sewing done (not as much as I would like but better than none!)

I finished off a couple more of the notebook / pen holders that my sister commissioned me to make, she is giving them as gifts to friends of her daughter for their birthdays. Unfortunately I didn't get good pictures of the first ones I made.

Then I went on to make some fabric boxes for my bathroom. We recently re-painted the bathroom and it was looking a bit lifeless and needed a bit of colour so I bought some orange towels (think goldfish orange) This Urban Chicks fabric compliments them well and I am happy to use one of my favourite fabrics in there to brighten the place up, I just wish I had more of this fabric. The boxes are on top of the bathroom cabinet to hide all the assorted things that live up there.

I have plans for more things for the bathroom made with this fabric but first I have to make my sons new dressing up outfits. I promised them I would do Ben 10 ones for them, all I need to do now is figure out how!

I finally made something wearable!

2009-06-17T15:59:00.003+01:00

I must admit I have avoided learning how to make clothes for a long time now thinking it was too complicated but I finally decided to give it a go.

I found some lovely fine cord fabric at a recent trip to Abakhan fabrics in Manchester, as soon as I saw it I knew that I wanted to make the layered skirt from Sew Hip magazine I had seen recently.

It looked fairly easy but I hit upon a few snags. Firstly the pattern is designed so that the layers are cut parallel to the selvedge so you get nice long strips, this is ok unless you pick a fabric with a directional print, like I did!
Then the instructions tell you to make the casing for the elastic before you you sew the side seams which I ignored. I did the casing after I did the side seams otherwise you can't thread your elastic around.
Then when making the skirt up I managed to mix the bottom and middle layers up and ended up sewing the bottom to the top and then had to un-pick it all!

Now I have made something wearable I am itching to make more things! I have lots of this fabric left and think I need to make something for my niece with it.

Feeling creative and a bit nervous

2009-06-12T19:23:00.003+01:00

I made this mini messenger bag as a gift for one of my eldest sons friends from school. Usually I just go and buy things for school friends but things are a bit tight at the moment and I have lots of fabric and things available to use! I am a bit nervous about how it will go down as a gift though, it is the first time I have given a hand crafted item as a gift for a birthday.

It was made completely from stash items so I didn't have to buy anything. It has the same butterflies print as the lining and a simple divided pocket under the flap.

If I could have changed anything it would be the strap, I only had 1" webbing and I think it would have looked better with a wider strap.

I hope she likes it.

Mobius Wrap

2009-06-08T12:47:00.003+01:00

I haven't been doing a lot of sewing (or crafting recently) and I really wanted to make something to cheer me up, so when I saw the June issue of Sew Hip I knew exactly what I was going to make...a Mobius wrap!

Mine was created with a jelly roll of batiks and prints. I found it a frustrating experience, not because of the pattern but because of the fabrics. There were significant variations in the lengths of the different fabrics (with the batiks being a lot shorter than the prints) and also along the lengths of the fabrics (which should be about 2 1/2" wide)

That said I would like to make another one, maybe a more colourful one!

No 3 off the list and a lesson learned

2009-05-11T14:18:00.002+01:00

I decided to tackle my apron next. It is a Butterick See & Sew pattern that is supposed to be easy (B5125)
I have had this pattern for a while and attempted to make it some time ago but couldn't get it to work so left it un-finished in frustration! So when I decided to make it again I thought I would use some of my stash fabric that had been given to me just in case I got it wrong again.

Well this time it worked and I found out where I went wrong - I didn't read the instructions properly and had missed cutting out 2 facings! (oops!) So this time having the right number of pattern pieces I finally made it! So, lesson learned - check your pattern and cut out the right number of pieces!

I think I could have made it smaller (I cut out the large size) I will try and get a better photo when I have someone older than my 3 year old to take the picture!

Number 2 off the list.

2009-05-05T19:00:00.003+01:00

I made the spring top the other day. No action shots at the moment as I don't like the fit on me :-(

I knew there was a chance I wouldn't like it (which is why I didn't make it in my good fabrics) but at least I feel I can cross it off my list as I have tried it.

I have a pattern for another top that I have had for a while that I am going to attempt instead for my summer top.

I am going to add something else to my list now, pyjama pants. I found some nice fabric in the charity shop (in the form of a huge nighty) that I am going to reconstruct.

First one off the list

2009-05-02T19:07:00.002+01:00

Is my Onbag baby! I finally got round to making it!

I used curtain fabric for the outer and a teal taffeta for the lining, it's not the best picture but I took it in a rush as I was off out meeting friends today.

I feel better now I am working through my list.

My sewing to-do list

2009-04-29T17:58:00.003+01:00

I frequently have a long list of things I want to sew. Surfing the net, reading blogs and forums I come across so many inspiring things that then get added to this never ending list.

To try and keep myself focused I am going to put my list on-line, then I can cross them off as I do them! Hopefully this will keep me more on track!

So in no particular order:

Removable sleep hood for a Mei Tai (for a friend of mine)
Onbag baby - although I don't carry my son any more I do still need a good bag for days out that can fit lots in and doesn't hurt my shoulder.
Spring top - just because I am intrigued to see if I can make something wearable for myself! I think I might miss out the ruffles and pockets though.
Buttercup bag for my mum
Highbrow hobo - using some of the apples fabric I got recently.
Appliquéd / stencilled tops for youngest son
Travel jewellery roll
Rucksack for my friend

There are a few other things that I want to make as gifts for people so I can't list them or it would ruin the surprise.

I will probably keep adding to the list as I come across things on the internet but hopefully not before I have started crossing some of these off!

Jumping on the Buttercup bandwagon.

2009-04-26T18:59:00.003+01:00

A friend of mine has recently been making Buttercup Bag s using a free tutorial available on the Made By Rae blog. It is a cute little bag that can be made up in an evening. Which is what I did last night, I find I am easily distracted by other little projects even though I have lots of other things already planned!

It is not perfect as I used my new sewing machine to sew it and I am still getting to grips with it's little quirks! I used the left over fabrics from the curtains I made recently for this one. I will be making another one soon (my mum has requested one)

Off to write a to-do list now to try and keep my projects on track!

I love a bargain!

2009-04-20T10:58:00.003+01:00

I love bargain hunting, I could spend many hours rooting around charity shops and car boot sales but what is even better is when a bargain falls into your lap!

Yesterday I went to my local home wares shop to finish my door curtain off (I was too lazy to go up into the loft to see if I had any there!) and just opposite the curtain tape are rolls of discontinued prints and end of lines. Imagine my surprise when I found this:-

Prestigious Textiles "Pomme" fabric for 99p a metre! It is a very hard to find fabric and to find it at such a cheap price is amazing!

Now, what to make with it?

Easter Break sewing

2009-04-17T18:20:00.005+01:00

We have had a wonderful Easter break, my husband has been off work for a couple of weeks so even though it was the school holidays I have managed to get more sewing done than usual as well as a few jobs around the house. There is nothing better than a spring clean and making new things!

I have been partly inspired by all the lovely weather we have been having recently and partly by a desired to work through my to-do list (not an easy task as things keep getting added to it on a regular basis!)

So here are a few of the things I have been working on.

An apron for my mum, she chose the fabric from Ikea and picked the pattern from this tutorial

After that came Easter sock bunnies for the boys.

Bed tidies for both boys beds (it is actually tied to the wrong end of the bed on this picture but is just to show it better - it is hard to get a good picture of it on the other end as there is not a lot of room)

And today I finished my first fully lined curtain! It is only the second time I have attempted curtains and I am quite pleased with them! I don't know why I always thought I couldn't make them, now I am itching to do some more! This one is for the front door (it gets quite drafty in winter) and I am planning on making one for the back door as well.

I am even more please because the fabric I used was a bargain, it cost £5 for 2 cutains. It was in the sales section of a local DIY store and it had no size info on it (the original packaging was missing)but I could tell they were long curtains so I bought them with the intention of making bags out of them.

When I got them home I decided to use them in the house instead as they were so pretty! They were pretty long, I have had to chop quite a bit off including a solid red border at the bottom (I was in too minds about keeping it) Here is a close up of the print and border.

I have a few more things planned for tonight (if the kids go to bed without a struggle! LOL)

Easter Baskets

2009-04-04T18:51:00.003+01:00

This afternoon we went on an Easter Egg Hunt that is run by my sons school so I whipped up a couple of baskets for the boys out of this cute fabric I found yesterday (breaking my no spending on fabric oops!).

The hunt was at a local scout hut which is surrounded by fields and lots of trees, the weather was great even though it had rained earlier in the day. We didn't find any eggs (there were only 6 hidden) but we managed to collect all the parts of the bunny needed for the boys to get a prize and the baskets came in handy to put all the other bits and pieces in they collected over the afternoon.

The boys had a great time especially Joe who had his face painted for the very first time!

I was surprised he wanted it doing but then it was of his favourite character!

Stacks of colour

2009-03-27T22:04:00.003Z

Today was my eldest son's 6th birthday party (time really does fly!) He was having a joint party at a local play place with a girl from his school class. We decided to do our own party bags rather than pay the £1.50 each child that they would charge us for theirs!

Now I hate trying to make up party bags, the stuff they sell in the shops specifically for them are rubbishy plastic toys that aren't particularly cheap when you have to buy 20 of them! I like to give things that I think will be used or played with and I struggled to find anything to suit, so what should a crafty mum do but make her own party favours!

Little notebook and pencil holders, I included a notebook and pencils with each one.

I did some boyish fabric, some girly and some neutral.

It was a great stash busting exercise, the only thing I bought for them (besides the notebook and pencils) was a bit more elastic as I ran out.

What do you think? I am thinking of making some of these for my shop.

Happy Mothers Day

2009-03-22T21:24:00.003Z

rose brooch, originally uploaded by scary_mary.

Today was mothers day in the UK.

I wanted to make my mum something different instead of just a bag (she has lots of my bags now)

So I came up with this brooch for my mum from a felted sweater. I loved making it and can see myself making a few more now!

I just need some more wool sweaters in lots of different colours now!

It's been a while...

2009-03-11T14:41:00.002Z

I have struggled to find things to blog about recently. I have been busy crafting but it is for a secret swap I am involved with so I can't post pictures or it will give the game away!

I did quickly whip up these notebook and pencil holders today though, they are for a couple of children at the school my son goes to, their mum has generously given me a bag of uniform that her youngest has grown out for when my youngest starts pre-school.

I based them on this tutorial. I am not entirely happy with them though and if I was to make them again I would do things differently. They are made out of an old pair of jeans, some ikea fabric and some dinosaur quilt fabric. I used fabric covered buttons and elastic as closures but I think I would try something else next time.

I used the back pockets from the jeans so they can have somewhere to store stickers and things.

Save our Bees!

2009-02-23T10:47:00.002Z

This morning I received a packet of seeds of wild flowers from the "Save our Bees" campaign as part of National Science Week which is soon.

It makes scary reading that bees are in such decline that they could be extinct from the UK by 2018! 3 species of bee have already become extinct in the UK.

Although many people find bees a nuisance they do perform a vital function by pollinating about one third of all the foods we eat. The economic value of crops grown commercially in the UK that benefit from bee pollination is estimated at approximately £165 million per year. Without the bees many plant species will die out as well.

So why are the bees dying?

Scientists think it is due to a number of reasons including:

Disease from mite and virus infections. The varroa mite reached the UK in 1992 and now infests 95% of hives. Untreated bee colonies die in 3 to 4 years and even low populations of mites affects the bees' health. Other notifiable diseases include American Foul Brood and European Foul Brood have all been found in some areas of the UK.
Changing weather patterns. Recent wet and cold summers have prevented bees from foraging for food and have affected the time of year that forage plants appear.
Loss of Habitat. Flower-rich grasslands in England have declined by 97% over 60 years, with similar losses elsewhere. This has hit the UK's bumblebees particularly hard. A range of options are available to farmers to create useful habitat but if we can all work together to create a flower-rich countryside, this would help our UK honey bees, bumblebees and other pollinating insects survive.
Insecticides. Insecticides used to kill agricultural pests may harm bees if these are applied incorrectly or without care.

What can you do to help?

Register your support here or you can join the Bumblebee Conservation Trust.

Use more traditional native plants in your gardens. These include bluebells, rosemary, geraniums and honeysuckle, which bumblebees prefer to the more exotic imports and annual bedding plants which contain little or no nectar for the bees.

Spread the word! I knew bee populations were in decline but I hadn't realised how serious it was until I saw it mentioned on another website. Blog about it, twitter it, talk to people about it, make people aware of how serious a problem it is and what they can do to help.

I will be planting my wildflowers seeds in a few weeks and I am looking at what other plants I can have in my garden that will attract more bees. It may not be much but it is a start!

I have a new sewing machine

2009-02-17T17:03:00.004Z

Well it is new to me!

It is a Husqvarna Viking selectronic 6570 and dates from around the 1970's. I went against a friends advice and bought it from ebay for the grand price of £62! (I paid for a courier but the guy came and delivered it himself so it wouldn't get damaged) It needs a service but does work.

It came with all the original accessories which includes the user manual, lots of fancy presser feet and 8 different stitch cams which gives me a choice of 32 different fancy stitches!

It is going to take me a while to get the hang of it, there are so many things you can change on it!

A weekend with no internet and sewing...

2009-02-17T16:22:00.002Z

Meant I finally finished a scarf I have been knitting on my loom since August!

I have a set of Knifty Knitter round looms and usually complete hats and scarves very quickly but for some reason I just stalled trying to do this.

I think part of it was the type of yarn I was using (Sidar Firefly) it doesn't seem to lend itself to quick knitting on a loom, I much prefer to use real wools!

Now it is off the loom I can plan some new knitting projects (a bit late for this winter but hey, there's always next year!)

Playing with the new camera

2009-02-02T18:25:00.006Z

As we had a light sprinkling of snow today I thought I would give our new camera a test drive and try and do some arty shots. This is my first time doing this, what do you think?

CPSIA - update

2009-02-02T18:12:00.002Z

The CPSC has issued a one-year stay of enforcement on the testing and certification requirements mandated by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) for some products covered by the law, including children’s products. Manufacturers and importers will not need to test or certify these products, but are still required to meet the new lead and phthalates standards.

This is a positive development for companies that were struggling with the complex certification rules. CPSC Commissioner Thomas H. Moore recognized that “Many of the smaller businesses do have legitimate concerns about how they will comply with the new law and the cost of the new testing and certification requirements.”

The stay is in response to the growing chorus of voices of business owners concerned that the rules are unclear, confusing, and economically untenable. Additionally the decision gives CPSC staff more time to finalize four proposed rules which could relieve certain materials and products from lead testing and to issue more guidance on when testing is required and how it is to be conducted.

This is a reprieve from testing and certification for some products; it does not apply to the requirement for expensive third party testing for lead in paint and other surface coatings, cribs and pacifiers, painted products, and products for children under three that may have small parts. Nevertheless, the stay puts the entire industry in the same situation as thrift stores across the country, in that the CPSC has removed the requirement of testing but is holding them to the new standard under the threat of civil and criminal penalties.

Hopefully the continued lobbying will bring forth changes before the stay ends next year.

Bloggers Unite - CPSIA Blog in

2009-01-29T16:32:00.005Z

Ok - I am a day late in doing this but better late than never!

Less than two weeks to go now to the crucial date of Feb 10, when the CPSIA comes into effect. This far-reaching act is starting to be noticed by more than just the sellers it affects directly, with coverage in some news programmes and the US national press. I agreed to do a CPSIA post today as part of a group of Etsy sellers that are affected by this law (thread is here).

"As parents and concerned citizens I’m sure most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They're banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we've seen in decades. I'd like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA.

Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too.

How will these new laws affect you? Well, here are a few examples:

To the Parents of Young Students:

Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.

To the Avid Reader:

Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there's always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all.Article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322

To the Lover of All Things Handmade:

Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.

To the Environmentalist:

Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.

To the Second-Hand Shopper:

Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits.

To the Entrepreneur:

Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.

To the Antique Toy Collector:

Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html

To the American Economy:

Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.

To the Worldwide Economy:

Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses.

If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbes: http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.html

And for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Law: http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html

Did you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react.

I'm in the UK, so why do I care enough to blog about it? Although I haven't yet sold anything to the US it now means I will be unable to even if I wanted to. It also means a lot of small businesses on Etsy will be closing and a lot of the small baby carrier businesses.

It is very sad that legislation brought in to protect children against dangerous toys that are mass produced in countries like China will affect items that are hand-crafted with care and love.

If you would like to show your support for cause, feel free to copy any or all of the text of this post into your own blog and spread the word!

More appliqued t-shirts

2009-01-28T17:26:00.004Z

Felt parrot with freely moving leaves and wing. He has a bead for his eye.

Felt lion with a loose mane and tail (hopefully they will fluff up a bit in the wash)

Sheep with a poodle fur body and felt head and legs. He has a button nose and eyes made from buttons and beads.

I love doing these! These were for my nephew.

First needle felted person

2009-01-27T20:31:00.004Z

first needle felted person, originally uploaded by scary_mary.

This is my first attempt!

She is not perfect but I like her.

I love birthdays!

2009-01-27T11:08:00.004Z

Needle felting kit, originally uploaded by scary_mary.

I just received this in the post today! It is a deluxe needle felting kit.

Needle felting is something I have wanted to try for a while (I love trying new crafts)

Off to find some instructions so I can have a go at making something!

Charity shop find

2009-01-25T11:48:00.001Z

Charity shop find, originally uploaded by scary_mary.

I love charity shops, you never know what you might find in there!

I went to the ones near my parents house yesterday and my mum spotted this. A lovely Diana adjustable dressform (it has got the stand as well) for the grand price of £9.99!

All I need to do now is learn how to make clothes!

Another butterfly picture

2009-01-04T18:51:00.006Z

While I was searching for a frame for my last butterfly picture at the charity shops I found a smaller frame and decided to do another one instead (it is very addictive!)

This one is a bit different because I picked a colour theme.

Sorry about the poor pic but it was dark here when I finished it! (excuse the messy craft area a.k.a. my dining table)

Take an old catalogue, a punch and a piece of card.....

2009-01-02T18:42:00.006Z

and you get this...

I was inspired to make this after seeing this post on craftster.

I still need to get a frame for this one and I have plans to make more. I have already punched out the butterflies, it can be very therapeutic!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T17:51:00.003Z

I hope everyone had a great Christmas and New year!

After such a hectic time before Christmas it is nice to have just a little break before I get stuck in again. I can't wait to start sewing things for my shop and now I will be able to take decent photos of everything because we spent all our Christmas money on a new camera!

We are now the proud owners of a Nikon D40 and have been spending the last couple of days getting used to it!

Unfortunately son number 1 won't pose nicely for pictures any more - this was the best I could get!

Whereas his brother always likes to pose for the camera!

Finally I get to post some pics of the presents I made!

2008-12-25T22:26:00.003Z

I must admit a few things did get knocked off the list as I ran out of time but they will keep for birthdays or next year!
Please excuse the poor pics it was late when I finished these so the lighting wasn't great.

Cushion for my mum (I had problems with the gift I was going to make so I am going to do that for her birthday in a couple of weeks)

This is a free Amy Butler holiday pattern

It is supposed to be made in felt but I didn't have any so I used fleece, I think it turned out well.

My dad's reusable lunch set, 2 sandwich wraps and 2 sandwich bags

This is the fabric I had printed at Spoonflower, I managed to salvage some of it but there are still a few areas where the print is blurry.

My Spoonflower farbic arrived but....

2008-12-19T20:06:00.002Z

there are flaws :-(

There are areas where the print has not gone on top the original layer printed so it looks like it is smudged. It means I can't use some areas of the fabric so it will limit what I can make with it now.
Customer services at Spoonflower have been amazing though and they put everything right.

More Christmas sewing.

2008-12-19T18:53:00.002Z

This time as a custom order from my sister. She loved the rucksack I made for her son so much she asked if I could make one for her daughter as well.

She picked the XOXOXO the cat fabric and it was originally going to be a denim bag but I didn't think the fabrics went well together but I just happened to have some grey cord in my stash that matched perfectly.

The cat face is felt applique.

I hope she likes it!

I finally get to post a pic of some Christmas Gifts

2008-12-13T17:15:00.003Z

I have been busy sewing for Christmas but I can't post any pictures or details because I don't want to ruin the surprise for everyone.
I can safely post about these as they are for my mother-in-law and she doesn't have a PC so will have no chance of seeing them before Christmas.

It is a travel set.

A travel wallet to store tickets and passports.

A jewellery roll to keep everything safe on her travels.

Hopefully I will be able to come back and post pictures of everything else I made after Christmas.

Web Sites as Graphs

2008-12-07T17:33:00.005Z

After seeing this done on my friends blog, I decided to have ago as well!

This is my blog as a graph. Have a go yourself here.

Every cloud...

2008-11-30T16:01:00.003Z

I was supposed to be doing some baby wearing training today but due to illness it was cancelled so as I was supposed to be out today any way, I left hubby to look after the kids while I caught up with some sewing.

I got cracking on my secret Santa gift that I am involved with on one the forums I visit, unfortunately I can't post pictures as I don't want to give things away! I have also been making more felt food for my niece which has been great fun! I can't wait to post pictures of it.

I also got round to listing some more items on Folksy and Etsy!

I decide to donate 50% of the sales price from this carrier to Slinging in the Rain.

It is made from a piece of Didymos waves wrap that was dyed. It was donated to the sling library by one of the founders of the group but I didn't need such a large piece so some was used to make the Onbag for the raffle for the groups family day and some used to make this toy carrier.

I've done it!

2008-11-20T12:34:00.004Z

First thing listed on Folksy (going to do an Etsy listing next once I can work out the $!)

Now to get sewing up a storm!

Why am I so nervous?

2008-11-19T22:15:00.003Z

I have been planning the Etsy shop for a while now and although I have struggled to build up stock due to other commitments, poorly children and busy life in general I do have some things made ready to stock.

So why do I keep putting it off? Why am I so nervous?

I began a post tonight for a toy carrier twice and deleted it! I just need someone to kick me on the butt and tell me to just get on with it!

Is is always this nerve wrecking when setting your own shop up?

Raffle prize done!

2008-11-13T22:05:00.004Z

As mentioned in my last post I finally finished the bag for the raffle prize. I found it a struggle to make as it is constructed differently to the bags I usually make.

I should add that this is an Onbag baby. The mama that developed this pattern has kindly made it available for anyone to make their own even though she sells them as well.

It now has a matching key ring to go along with the water bottle carrier. I hope to get one more thing made if I have time!

Sneaky peak....

2008-11-11T18:33:00.003Z

I am making some things for a raffle prize for an event I am helping to organise on Saturday.
We are holding a Family Day as part of International Babywearing Week.

I am making a babywearing bag (if I ever get it finished!) and some accessories.

This is a bottle carrier with detachable strap made with a piece of a dyed Didymos waves wrap. I am hoping to make some more for my store out of different types of wraps.

Disappointed

2008-11-06T18:17:00.002Z

My learn to crochet workshop has been cancelled :-(

The person who runs it is poorly and the next one is fully booked up. It will be the new year before I can try and get on another one.

I was so looking forward to it.

Spoonflower

2008-11-04T12:10:00.004Z

When I first heard about Spoonflower and having your own fabric printed I thought it wasn't for me. I love the idea of designing your own fabric but I don't have the skills but sometimes find it hard to find the right fabric for a project, so I thought I would give it a go using a copyright free image.

This is what arrived this morning, a circuit diagram (it is only a swatch):-

It may be an odd choice but my dad is an electronics engineer and draws things like this for a living and I wanted this fabric to do a project for him for Christmas.

I was worried how it would turn out but I'm quite happy with it. I now have a head swimming with ideas of what else I use this fabric for and lots more ideas of what fabric I would like to get printed (if only I could get the hang of photoshop!)

New love!

2008-11-03T16:52:00.006Z

During the course of looking for somewhere to sell my bags (when I finally get around to making them!) I came across Folksy.com it is a bit like Etsy but just for UK sellers.

I came across Fibrespace who makes wonderful things with felted wool, including this brooch (which I just had to buy!)

I think felted wool is my new love, I am amazed at the beautiful things that can be made using felting techniques. I have used felted wool for longies (to go over cloth nappies) but I have never crafted with it. I think this will have to change. Maybe I should put a needle felting kit on my Christmas list?

Bags I have been working on

2008-10-27T20:43:00.003Z

My hobo bag pattern adapted from this one I have seen on-line (that is available for commercial use)
I am not totally happy with my versions, I can't get the strap attachment neat enough (or maybe I am just being too picky!) Maybe I will try skipping the rings?

I am not happy with the pattern placement on this one. It should be centred.

This last one is my favourite fabric.

Gold clutch

I really need to work on getting better photos as well! So if anyone has any suggestions on this it would be great!

Using other peoples patterns for your gain

2008-10-27T17:17:00.002Z

Ever since I decided to start selling the bags I make I have been trying hard to make my own patterns. Most of the bags I had made have been done using patterns and tutorials. To design something new is hard and for bags it is usually just a variation of a theme.

I have spent a lot of time browsing the internet to see what type of bags sell and to gain inspiration but time and time again I have come across people selling bags from tutorials and commercially available patterns. Most of the patterns do state NOT for commercial use.

I have even seen someone today selling a pattern that looks like a direct copy of one that is available free.

I wonder how these people feel, maybe they haven't seen the small print and don't realise they should be using these patterns?

Is it just me that feels that doing this is morally wrong?

Keeping the kids busy

2008-10-26T08:36:00.003Z

It has been half term here this week so I haven't had much time to do any sewing but I have been doing things with the kids to keep them busy.

One thing we tried is recycling crayons. It is surprisingly easy to do and the kids really enjoyed it.

Here are our results:-

We learned a few things along the way, all the crayons had different melting points so some didn't melt at all. Keep the oven temp low and keep checking on them. The first lot we did boiled because the oven was on too hot and we left them too long - they turned out more sludge coloured then multi-coloured.

I think we will be making more of these.

Business card holder!

2008-10-21T20:55:00.002+01:00

I was that excited to get my business cards that I had to whip up a card holder for it!

It needs tweaking a little bit and the stitching isn't neat but it was difficult fabric to work with and certainly something I will work on improving.

It is part of a Storchenwiege baby wrap. It is called Inka and always makes me smile when I see it.

Business cards are here!

2008-10-21T11:55:00.003+01:00

business card, originally uploaded by scary_mary.

It is starting to feel more and more real as I received my business cards today!

The original sketch was done by my brother's friend who is an illustrator which my brother then turned into this! I gave him free reign to come up with something and then just offered a couple of suggestions.

It still needs tweaking here and there but for a first attempt I think it is great!

My Etsy banner will be the same as the top of the card!

Learning something new

2008-10-20T11:38:00.002+01:00

Inspired by my friends post about wanting to have a go at lots of different crafts I booked myself onto a beginners crochet class.

I'm quite excited about this, I have wanted to learn to crochet since I was a child. My maternal grandma was a crocheter and she produced many lovely things. Unfortunately she died when I was still quite young before she had a chance to pass on her skills.

I still have a long list of other crafts I would like to try but hopefully I will get time eventually.