Some sewing, a swap and a few books.

As Christmas is fast approaching and I have an ever growing list of Christmas things to make (sorry I mentioned the 'C' word twice in one sentence!) I thought I would tackle some of the things I wanted to make from some new sewing books that I have bought recently, I must apologise for the poor quality of the photos, the light is either too bright or too dull at the moment.

I adore all the Tilda books and must say I find them the best value for money as I always want to make just about everything in them plus there isn't any faffing about with the pattern pieces. The latest book is 'Sew Sunny Homestyle' and so far I've made the oystercatcher, birdhouse plant sticks,

mother and baby duck

seahorse and starfish

a couple of beach huts

and a long legged lavender angel.

These two are from 'Sew Darn Cute' I did change them slightly as they should be fleece teddies but I used linen and played about with the sizes. Lily says the larger one is a bunny.

This arrived in the post last week

so I quickly made the bag it only takes about an hour, I changed the button loop & didn't bother with an adjustable strap. I must say it is a lovely little bag in very pretty fabric.

I also made the bird mobile for Lily's bedroom, quite hard to photograph I had to hang it in the lounge as am awaiting a hook for her ceiling.

Now at the SCC we had a flutterby swap basically anything with wings, I sent these to Bloomin Myrtle

A felt butterfly brooch.

an amigurumi baby owl from Ana Paula Rimoli's book

and another owl made from a Sew Hip magazine pattern.

Whilst I'm talking about sewing I thought I'd show you these, which I bought at a book sale a couple of weeks ago. I've always wanted a darning mushroom but have never come across one at the boot sales etc. At this particular sale they have a bric a brac stall, I was just paying for some plates when out of the corner of my eye I espied this one and nabbed it quickly at 50p I was very happy!

The book is also delightful, even cheaper than the mushroom, 30p. It is Weldons Encyclopedia of sewing, old but I'm not sure how old as it isn't dated. It covers absolutely everything from applique, embroidery, smocking, dressmaking, crochet, tatting etc, etc. including patterns.

Well I can now concentrate on important matters - making lists of all the things to make for Christmas including looking through and drooling over an Australian Handmade Christmas special which I managed to find in WH Smith's.