Thursday 15 October 2009

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.

15 comments:

Victoria - Florence and Mary said...

Look at you and all these fantastic things you've been making!

I'm going to try and make my CK bag this weekend

Victoria xx

Serenata said...

Goodness you have been busy! I love the Tilda books as well and the duck was next on my list to make so it is lovely to see one made already. You have enthused me - guess what I might be doing tonight?!

Thedarkerside73 said...

Wow what lovely stuff you have been making. Love the ducks and the little rabbit too and the bird mobile is just fab! lucky little girl these are definately my favourites!

I hear so much about the Tilda books and I have to say the stuff always looks so yummy. But I tend to come out in a rash every time I even think about following a pattern! I really to think I am allergic!

Look forward to some more of your lovely makes.

Pixiedust said...

Wow you have been busy all those Tilda makes are fab. I've got the new book and the CK one but haven't got around to making anything yet. Will be checking out WH Smith for that mag.xxx Pixie xxx

Indigo Blue said...

Crikey! You have been veeerrry busy! i am after the new Cath Kidston book too. yet to get my hands on it though, yours has got me wanting to make the lovely bag. Yours has turn out very nicely indeed.

Unknown said...

What a happy post full of such great things , thankyou .

Anonymous said...

How busy you have been ... such lovely things too. I really LOVE the crochet owl. The sewing encyclopedia was a good find I found a 60s on in the charity shop... some awful designs but the knitting, sewing and crocheting basics were there....

Callies Cottage said...

You are so clever- I find you all so inspiring! I LOVE the Tilda books too and am currently attempting some of the Christmas things - but not too well just yet,a russian doll came out a bit too fat!!
Warm Wishes,
Cally.

Dawn said...

I love your oyster catcher, so unusual.
Lovely blog, too.

Hi! My name is erica. Would you be my friend? said...

I have no idea what I'm doing about Christmas at this point, but I'm thinking I'd better hurry before I feel bogged down! The things you made are lovely. I especially like the ducks!

sharie said...

Now I REALLY like the Oyster catcher! Well done with all your makes, the cath kidston bag looks really nice (fabric is gorgeous) and the lavender doll is lovely too.

Had a look at your dolls houses - the 1940's one looks even more interesting to me than the others. Have you got any more photos?

Pomona said...

That is an amazing collection of makes - wonderful stuff. And the Weldon's book looks fantastic - just the sort of thing I like!

Pomona x

Country Cottage Chic said...

You have been busy! Lovely things - especially the angel.

Jayne

Gill - That British Woman said...

you are very creative and very, very busy.

Gill in Canada

Jennie said...

oh I have both of those books and have yet to make anything from them. You are so productive!! Everything has turned out so lovely. xx