Cupcakes and Cotton Candy

Sorry

2011-04-27T16:33:00.000+01:00

I've really been neglecting my blog these last few months and I thought it was time to catch up and make a resolution to blog at least once a week.
So, what has been going on in my world? I've made major changes with my work life and not before time either. Money was coming in slowly from my hand mades and haberdashery stuff but I was seriously considering giving the whole lot up as a bad job as I wasn't earning enough to pay the bills. I was also quite depressed and had let home life (i.e. housework) get on top of me until I wasn't sure if I'd ever get back on track with it all. So, not being the kind of person to lie down and give up I decided to start by sorting out the many hundreds of books that I have acquired over the years, and I do mean very many hundreds. After filling a mountain of cardboard boxes with books I started to churn over an idea in my mind. What to do with the books?? Then it came to me, sell them at the market alongside my other stuff and that's how "Bookworm pre-loved books" was born!! It's proved to be very successful and not only have I created extra space in my home but I've actually been able to enjoy the fruits of my labours and treat myself to life's little luxuries every now and again. In fact, it's proved so successful that I'm now having to buy second hand books to replenish my stock. Another plus is that apart from having to clean all of the books before I sell them I have so much more time to do the things I love. I won't ever stop sewing but at least this way I have an income and I can make stuff because I want to make it, not because I'm hoping that someone will want to buy it and psychologically that makes a big difference to my peace of mind.

I've been making lots of Union Jack bunting this last few days ready to decorate my market stall for the Royal Wedding on Friday. I've also sold quite a bit of it and a few Union Jack aprons as people seem to be determined to celebrate in style and a lot of folk are having barbecues if the weather is still good. I hope that the sun shines for William and Kate on their special day and that they don't find the television cameras and crews too intrusive.

Catching up at last

2011-01-30T19:03:00.002Z

I didn't realise how long it had been since I've had the time to write my blog. Goodness me, how time flies.

A lot of things have been happening in our family recently. We've had a new baby boy, my 5th grandchild. His name is Edward Reuben and he was born on 3rd of January. He is absolutely adorable and much loved by all of the family. Unfortunately for my daughter-in-law Sarah, Reuben was born by emergency c.section as he had turned into the breech position when she went into labour but she recovered very quickly and was up and about within hours of his birth. My son Richard is absolutely besotted with Reuben, as are we all. I just wish that my late husband was here to enjoy him with us.

On the work front, my market cabin is going from strength to strength. Special orders are pouring in and I'm swamped under at the moment with repairs and alterations too. I'm also busy launching a new range of babies and children's clothes on my own "Little Cupcake" label. I'm also teaching sewing one day a week at my cabin too. So as you can see, I'm keeping very busy indeed.

My collection of vintage sewing machines has grown and I now have 3 hand crank Singers, a treadle Jones and an old electric Jones too. I'm hoping to acquire a rare Jones cam machine soon which I can't wait to get and I'm on the lookout for an old industrial machine that I can use for my business.

The weather here in the High Peak of Derbyshire has been quite bad this winter and we have had more than the usual amount of snow to contend with. It's also been bitterly cold a lot of the time which means that I go to the market in so many layers of clothing and socks that I look like a well padded teddy bear. Won't my regulars get a shock when the summer comes and I can wear my more usual attire of jeans and a t-shirt. I just can't wait for summer to arrive so that I can get out into my little garden to do all of those little jobs that always need doing. I'm planning on creating a lavender garden this year and a small herb garden plus a catnip plot for the fur babies to enjoy. I want to get some climbing roses too to go around the back door and lots of jasmine in pots plus a few strawberry plants and tomatoes. Meanwhile I shall have to be content with reading my gardening books and looking through the new seed catalogues for inspiration.

I must post some new photographs of my cabin too as it has changed a lot in the last few months.

Catching up at last

2011-01-30T19:01:00.000Z

A few photo's of my booth

2010-10-02T21:15:00.000+01:00

Just few photographs of my booth at the local market. I appologise that they aren't the best photo's in the world but it was absolutely teeming with rain all day yesterday and also I'm not the best photographer in the world!

I've used the walls to display quite a lot of stuff. The rail of tea towels and aprons usually goes outside in front of the booth but it was too wet yesterday.

The table is still a little bare but that will soon fill up once I get working on more new things.

Some of my Halloween goodies. This part of the wall will be turned into a fireplace for my Christmas display.

The Santa sacks by the chair near the doorway. I've put a couple of my dolls in the top and stuffed the sacks with cushion inserts to show how much they can hold.

The view from outside, fortunately there is a small slanting roof above the doorway which keeps the rain off the door displays though I did have to cover the cushions over with clear plastic.

2010-09-27T23:05:00.000+01:00

I love the way these turned out, especially the hat, it looks so old and worn. In fact, it looks nearly as old as the sewing machine it's sitting on.

Two little black cats for some of my more conservative customers.

Little Mr Teddy is knitted from organic mohair and cotton and is proving to be a big hit already and someone has ordered another three. This one is for a very special lady called Jan who is getting married to my eldest son on Saturday.

Things are going well at the market too and I have decided to take a permanent booth. I should get the key sometime this week and I'm hoping to get it ready for Fridays market and I'm opening with a Halloween theme. I'm so excited because it's been my dream for the last few years to have my own little shop where I can sell my work and also that of other local artisans and my little wooden booth is the first step in the right direction. Needless to say I may not have much time to post this week but I shall take lots of photos of the booth and post them over the weekend. Wish me luck.

Oops!

2010-09-17T10:08:00.000+01:00

I didn't realise how long it had been since I last posted anything. I've been very busy setting up my market stall and making enough stock for it that I've been run off my feet. I've also had to source and purchase fabrics and haberdashery items and it's a maze out there when you're looking for a reliable and economic wholesaler. I still go to the mill shop but they have put up their prices quite a lot which makes it expensive when I'm wanting to buy aprons and tea towels by the hundred and despite me being a regular customer I can't get a discount for bulk buying so I only buy what I can't get elsewhere from them. I did get some lovely Victorian style apron fabric which has been printed with line drawings from Mrs. Beetons cookery book.

I did the local farmers market last week and had a great time getting to know the folk from the local market that I will be selling on as from tomorrow. My dolls were one of the best sellers as usual, also my linen Union Jack tea towels went like hot cakes. I've also been busy with the knitting pins and have made a pair of Victorian wristlets. I used to knit a lot many years ago but I stopped because I've always preferred sewing which I think suits my personality better as I like to be able to see a project through from start to finish without a break. I started knitting again to give me something to do in the evenings that is relaxing as I had got into the habit of working 12 to 14 hour days and was feeling guilty if I sat down in the evening and watched TV. So now I can relax and still be productive and hand knitted articles are becoming fashionable again this year and I'm enjoying experimenting with different types of wool that weren't available when I used to knit in the 80's and I love the big chunky knitting pins too. I've knitted some panels to make up into bags and I'm just waiting for the clasps to arrive so I can finish them off.

If any of you are in or around the Glossop area tomorrow please come and see me in the market as I'd love to meet you all face to face.

Appologies

2010-07-12T10:31:00.000+01:00

I didn't realise how long it had been since I posted here. I applogise to my blog fans and promise I won't leave it so long next time.
I've been busy making things for a carnival I was having a booth at last weekend. It went really well and we sold quite a lot of stuff. I also got some orders for nappy cakes, quilts and bunting which is great. I met someone who works with my late husbands cousin and she is setting up for me to have a stall at the local market each week at a reduced fee. Great, that's how Marks and Spencer started out and now they have shops all over the world. I don't suppose I'll do that well but it will be a step in the right direction towards getting my little craft shop one day.
I hardly dare say it, because if I do things start to backslide but, I think things are on the up at the moment because I've also got some firm teaching sessions at New Mills library in September. I love the teaching and I'll be offering quilting too this time around.

Here are a couple of the dolls I made for the carnival and a quilted bucket tote bag I sold on Ebay.

2010-06-11T16:20:00.000+01:00

Hsppy Birthday

2010-06-06T10:21:00.001+01:00

Today is my "babys" birthday and she will be 28 years old. This time 28 years ago I was waiting for her to be born and wondering if I would, at long last, have a daughter as I already had 3 gorgeous sons. God was good and granted my wish which was a good job as I'd been knitting lots of pink outfits! It seems like only yesterday that she was placed in my arms and I felt such an overwhelming rush of love for this tiny little baby that was my daughter. Over the years we've laughed together, cried together, in fact we've done everything together. I've watched her grow from a shy little girl into a confident and outgoing mother of three wonderful children and a lovely partner.

I love you Ele and just want to thank you for the past 28 wonderful years. You are a daughter any mother would be proud of. Thank you so much for being you. I know if your Dad was still with us he would be equally as proud of what you have achieved too. He loved you all very much but he had a very special place in his heart just for you, his darling daughter.

Moving on at last!

2010-05-29T13:52:00.000+01:00

I got a new car today and I feel so pleased with it. Of course it was only new to me but I feel so happy to be able to get rid of my old one at last and all of the memories associated with it. I now think I shall be able to move on with my life and not have any permanent reminders of my failed relationship because every time I got into my car I used to think of all the places we used to go in it and now instead of feeling sad I will be able to get into my new car and think of all the places I will be going to with my lovely daughter and my grandchildren. I felt a bit wobbly when I drove it back home because it is quite big compaired to the old one but I shall soon get used to it. It's got power assisted steering which I've never had before so I'm overdriving it a little but I shall soon get used to it. I have to say a big thank you to my late husbands cousin Linda for selling it to me because I wouldn't have been able to afford to buy one from a car dealer. So, thanks Linda, I shall take good care of it and I've no doubt I shall build up a store of happy memories of all the places it is going to be going.

Buckles and Books

2010-05-22T09:24:00.000+01:00

The belt buckles are now on their way to America to my good friend Sherry because she will find them a lot more useful that I will so we're having a little swap.

I'd ordered a book from Amazon on Retro crafts and it arrived all safe and sound yesterday. There are some fantastic ideas in it for using your old bits and bobs and I can't wait to try some of them out.

I've got a big new project in mind too. I've decided to finally try my hand at quilting and I'm going to attempt to make a quilt to celebrate the new addition to our family. It's a good job I've got 8 months to work on it because I have to admit I'm not sure how to start it off. But, one of my "Crafty Ladies" also wants to learn how to quilt so we can learn together. We're off to the fabric mill later today to see what goodies we can find for our quilts. I must say Sharon is a lot more adventurous that me as she is wanting to make a quilt to go on her bed. Brave lady, that's an awful lot of quilting.

I've been making some more Retro aprons this week as these always sell well.

My old fashioned button through cushion covers are always popular too.

And I've added a new line of Aga pads too. I made them from cotton duck fabric and lined them with extra thick wadding and backed them with white cotton ticking so they should be hardwearing as well as pretty. I shall be on the lookout for some other suitable fabrics today as I have a feeling these will be popular at some of the events I'm going to be attending this year.

My family is growing bigger

2010-05-21T10:01:00.002+01:00

I just found out that my son and his partner are having a baby! Another grandchild to love. I so wish that my late husband was here to celebrate the good news with us.

A bevy of belt buckles.

2010-05-20T21:05:00.001+01:00

I was given a bag of vintage buttons today and to my suprise there was also quite a few lovely 1940's vintage belt buckles in amongst them.

The one in the middle of the bottom row is very like the snake belt buckles that little boys used to be so fond of wearing in the 1940's and 50's. They're all made from hard plastic and quite a few of them still have the metal pin intact, one is still on the card! I've no idea what to do with them so if anyone has any suggested I'd love to hear them.

More Patriotic Aprons

2010-05-09T17:27:00.000+01:00

I found some different Union Jack fabric on Friday and I couldn't resist using some to make aprons out of.

It's lovely fabric but the pattern makes your eyes go "googly"!

Rule Britannia

2010-05-05T13:42:00.000+01:00

I've gone all patriotic recently and made loads of goodies in Union Jack fabric which is very popular here in the UK at the moment. All of these and more are available in my Ebay shop and I've even found the time to make some for myself at long last.

Our New Boy

2010-05-03T16:49:00.000+01:00

We've got a new boy! He walked in through the back door last week looking quite bedraggled. He is so cute with one blue eye and one amber eye. I think he may well be blind in the blue eye and I also have my suspicions that he's deaf because he startles if you approach him where he can't see you. His gorgeous white fur is looking much better now and he has started to wash himself again and he loves his food. I've called him Macavity after Macavity the Mystery Cat from Old Possum's book of Practical Cats by T.S. Elliot because where he came from is a mystery to me as we've never had any white cats locally as far as I know.

My Crafty Ladies

2010-04-19T21:00:00.000+01:00

I've had an absolutely fantastic afternoon today. It was the first of my craft classes for the Library Education Services and it went much better than I could have hoped for. There were only 5 ladies who turned up but they all got on well together and really threw themselves into things. Most of them had never done any machine sewing before but they all managed admirably. I took my Janome Memory Craft sewing machine as the speed can be controlled by a switch and though they all started off on the slowest speed most of them finished the session turning the speed up. One lady even started to make a Tilda's doll and she is going to be stuffing it next week. For saying that she hasn't done much sewing before she is a natural. I'm taking them all to get fabric from the mill shop on Thursday as we have been given a budget for things we will need. Not a very big budget mind you and I shall have to buy the stuff myself and put the bill in so goodness only knows when I'll get it back because Local Authorities are notorious for taking ages to pay you.
I've also been asked if I would like to teach another afternoon a week at another library, and I have also been asked if I would consider doing another afternoon a week at a drop in centre for victims of domestic violence and rape. I feel so much more like my old self again now and it's done wonders for my self esteem which had taken a severe knock since I split up from Mr Messy last year. I didn't realise how much I missed teaching people new skills and while it might not be doing the therapy job which I was trained for it's certainly just as interesting and nice to see people who walked into the room very tentatively, go out after three hours smiling and relaxed. Can't wait until next week.

World Cup Football

2010-04-16T19:06:00.000+01:00

Football is not one of my favourite sports, in fact, I would sooner watch paint dry than watch a game of football which has been a sore disappointment to many of the men in my life! So, I'm not quite sure what possessed me to make an England teddy bear to cheer on our team at the World Cup later this year but here he is. Now please note here that most of my teddy bears are girly bears, but, not wanting to be accused of being sexist I have at long last made a boy teddy. The honest truth is that I don't think football and girls mix though my niece would argue that point as she has always played football and is a member of a ladies football team!

The truth of the matter is, I really shouldn't me playing around making anything or wasting time blogging at all. I've got my sewing/craft classes starting on Monday and I should be sorting out books, fabric and everything else ready for that. I've also got a couple of old sewing machines that I need to clean, oil and get in good working order too to say nothing of scrambling around on my craft room floor picking up all of the pins that I've dropped over the last few days. My floor is like a magnet for pins, they just leap out of the tub and bounce onto the floor giving never a thought for my poor old back when I have to scrabble around rounding them all up like a field full of cows!

Another dolly day!

2010-04-14T09:41:00.000+01:00

Flowers for Mommy.

2010-04-12T20:44:00.000+01:00

It has been brought to my attention that April is National Child Abuse Awareness month in the US. As many of you will already know, I campaign here in the UK for the NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) who are working hard to stop Child Abuse. All I really want to say is, it's no use being vigilant for 1 month of the year, you need to keep your eyes and ears open every day of every month of every year. If you suspect that a child is being abused, stand up and be counted, report it. You can make a big difference to the life of an abused child if you do what you can to help by reporting any suspicions that you may have.

Another new dolly

2010-04-12T10:48:00.001+01:00

The latest addition, I love how her face turned out.

New Dollies

2010-04-11T10:30:00.000+01:00

2 new dollies and teddy makes 3.

Making an early start

2010-04-03T16:59:00.000+01:00

I've decided that this year I'm going to make an early start making things for the craft fairs and local shows that I'm going to attend. I'm going to try to make a couple of things every day instead of leaving it until the last minute and then chaining myself to my sewing machine for 12 hours a day! The pink hearts are going to have rose petals added and I shall also do them in lavender with a filling of dried lavender. The one in the picture is for my grandaughter as she loves anything pink.

Happy Easter

2010-04-01T18:16:00.000+01:00

I love this bunny and was so reluctant to part with her when she was sold.

Happy Easter everyone. xx

A rose for my rose!

2010-03-25T17:09:00.000Z

I've been meaning to attempt to make some fabric roses from my newest craft book for quite a while and this is the first one I made. Not bad for a first attempt but I think the petals could do with being darker tinged at the edges.

Easter is just around the corner

2010-03-24T11:05:00.000Z

I had so much fun making this bunny ready for Easter. She is wearing her Easter bonnet too. I did some machine embroidery on her clothes and added a little paper rose to her bonnet.

New designs

2010-03-22T15:01:00.000Z

Just a few of the new designs I've listed on Ebay at the moment. I'm working on a design for a 40's Retro style crossover apron and turban too. I've also been busy contacting people regarding having a booth at some of the County Shows this year providing they aren't too expensive. One show that has always intrigued me is "Padfield Plum Fair", it's held very close to my home and I've been a couple of times. I have to wonder where the name came from because there don't appear to be any plums there! I must try and find out how it got it's name.

Garlands and Annies

2010-03-08T20:37:00.000Z

The colours on the garland have not come out right at all. I made the garden angels wings from a lovely soft pink raffia and the dresses were in shades of grey and maroon which should give you some idea of the true colours of them. The little seed bags are duckegg and pale pink with a grey striped button on each one. They are filled with a mixture of stuffing and lavender and smell heavenly.

I am very pleased with the way this doll turned out though. I have got her listed on Ebay with a start price of £5.00 and I will be donating 50% of the money she makes to Breast Cancer research. As you can see from her photo she has her breast cancer awarness ribbon on and I put a little pink polka dot heart shaped button on top of it. So come on all of you and do your bit for all of those sisters (and some brothers) who will at some time in their lives be diagnosed with breast cancer.

Fame at last!!!

2010-03-03T16:27:00.000Z

As most of you know, my week didn't get off to a very good start but things are really looking up now. A lot of you who have followed my blog for a long time will know that I used to work with children and families with problems and I have always had some quite outspoken views about Social Workers. Well, to cut a long story short, I campaign for the NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) and I support them as much as I can. I replied to a post of theirs on Facebook regarding getting the law changed so that Social Workers have to interview children that are at risk without parents etc., present because at the moment this doesn't happen which makes me pretty cross because if a child is being abused in some way by a parent they are not likely to say so in front of that parent for fear of things getting worse. So, I received an email from Helen at the NSPCC asking me if I would be interested in airing my views for the BBC Breakfast Programme (not sure yet if it's national TV or radio) and asking me to email the producer of the programme which I have done and she is ringing me tomorrow. I am so happy to have finally got the chance to air my views in public, though, no doubt I shall have to follow guidelines regarding what I can and can't say.

What a disappointment

2010-02-27T20:39:00.000Z

My fun filled weekend with the girls (both large and smaller) had to be cancelled as far as I was concerned. I woke in the middle of the night with some sort of tummy bug which gradually got worse as the day went on. I managed to get all of the things finished for the girls at the party and delivered them ok but didn't dare stay because I didn't want anyone to catch what I have got. Things went rapidly downhill from there, firstly my car is very sick, it barely made it home and by the time I'd parked it up it was giving off a very nasty smell too. And, if that wasn't enough I have now got a sore throat and a thumping headache. In fact I've got all the symptoms of swine flu! Lucky old me. Not that I can let it get on top of me because I'm going to have to work twice as hard this week to save enough money to get my baby car fixed. I'm lost without it. Thanks goodness my grandson will come round on his way home from school to take the mail to the post office for me. I do pay him though because I remember when I was eleven I could always do with some extra cash.
So, now I'm off to bed in my lovely fleecy pyjamas to read (once again) Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. I hope I feel a bit better tomorrow after a good nights sleep.

Happy Birthday Louise

2010-02-26T21:09:00.000Z

Today is my grandaughters tenth birthday. It seems like only yesterday that she was born, time has flown so quickly. She is having a slumber party tomorrow and I have been busy making some lovely personalised fabric handbags for the girls. I've finished the bags but still have the hair bows and matching scrunchies to do. She also wanted me to make each girl an eye mask as they are going to be having a girly evening with lots of beauty treatments. I've also been roped in to help too so wish me luck, I've got my pyjamas packed ready.

Passing on the skills

2010-02-25T20:50:00.000Z

I've just received an email from the Local Authority asking me if I would be interested in teaching basic sewing and crafting skills to adults! What, me? I said, yes please I said, I'd love to do it I said. Adult education is quite well paid too so that will make a big difference to my finances. I've been saying very selfish prayers to "the man in charge" recently and it just goes to show that he does listen to me and gives me a helping hand when I'm down.

Bedtime Reading

2010-02-25T17:33:00.000Z

I'd amost forgotten that I'd ordered the new Tilda book from Amazon and it was a lovely suprise when my neighbour came round to give it to me as the postman had left it with her because I was out. I shall be having an early night tonight and I shall enjoy reading it from cover to cover. I love new books.

Special Dolly

2010-02-20T11:35:00.000Z

I'm working on a very special doll right now. I am making her for a raffle prize at a big PHAB (Physically Handicapped and Able Bodied) folk evening which is held every year in May to raise funds. I first became involved with PHAB 22 years ago when I worked with a young man in a wheelchair as his teaching assistant at school. He was quite a shy young man so I got him involved with the local group to give him a bit more confidence and enable him to make friends. I also got one of the AB young ladies at the school interested in the group at the same time. As I can't contribute by giving my time any longer due to my own ill health I thought that it would be a good idea to contribute in another way so that is why I'm making a very special dolly.

New Doll

2010-02-18T20:19:00.000Z

I love making black dolls, they always seem to have so much more character than the white ones. This one certainly has, I've had to top stitch the soles of her feet because if she doesn't get her own way she has a bad habit of stamping them!!

1st Craft Fair of 2010

2010-02-17T19:22:00.001Z

I've just booked my booth at our local community house craft fair which takes place next month. I went to the same one last year and sold all of the dolls which I'd taken with me and a couple of primitive hearts too. I was really suprised at selling those things because I thought that they may not attract any attention. All of the things which I thought would sell came back home with me. So, this year I shall take more dolls, patchwork teddy bears and a few primitive bits and pieces plus Mothers day gifts. Fingers crossed for a good day. I've also emailed some photo's of my work to a big knitting and stitching show who are looking for new designer/makers and I've asked for details about the Great North West craft fair which takes place at the end of October and is a real "biggy" here in the UK.

So excited

2010-02-16T11:34:00.000Z

I'm feeling really pleased today as I've been asked to design one of my bags for a disabled lady. The ones I've got on Ebay at the moment are too small for her to get all of her clutter in - oh the things we women try to fit into our bags - and she also has arthritis in her hands so she needs a really roomy bag that's got easy axcess and a long strap to fit around her when she's in her wheelchair. I feel very honoured to be asked to do this for her.

Staffordshire Pot King Charles Spaniels

2010-02-15T20:37:00.000Z

Just for a change I thought I'd show you a couple of Staffordshire Pot Mantle Dogs. I've had them for years but I have now listed them on Ebay because I've never really been that fond of them and I'm sure that someone out there will love them. I may well be listing more of my unwanted ornaments and vintage clothing soon as I am trying to de-clutter the house once and for all.

Valentines Day

2010-02-13T15:45:00.000Z

I hope you all have a great Valentines Day.

A new crafting book.

2010-02-12T11:04:00.000Z

I found a great blog earlier this week, called Shabby Home which belongs to a lovely Italian lady called Francesca Ogliari. She has just written her first crafting book and had a link for it on her blog. But, try as I might, I couldn't find anywhere that sold it so I emailed her to ask where I could get hold of a copy. Lovely lady, she emailed me back and gave me the website in the UK that had it in stock. So, to cut a long story short, here it is and it was well worth the trouble I had in getting hold of a copy. It's full of the most gorgeous things to make, animals, angels, hearts and the most beautiful fabric roses that I have ever seen. In fact it was the roses that made me want the book in the first place. This book is a must have for all of you Tilda and Tone Finnanger fans because Francesca's style is very similar though not quite so simplistic. I'm now off for a sewing orgy!

More Retro Aprons

2010-02-04T20:45:00.000Z

I've been busy today with a new apron design. I just wish I was better at taking photos because the aprons look fantastic in "real life" and I don't seem to be able to do them justice when I photograph them.

The black and white one is my favourite.

The pink and white one reminds me of ice cream.

The yellow one looks so clean and fresh.

I must take a trip to the fabric mill on Saturday to see if I can get any more of the black and white gingham because she didn't have any in last time I went and it does make up really well and I've only got enough left for a couple more aprons. I shall be getting a lift from my son-in-law because the brakes are a bit dodgy on my car and the mill shop is at the bottom of a very steep hill on a twisty road by the river and I don't want to end up taking a dip if my brakes fail. I shall take my grandaughter with me and let her choose herself some fabric to use with the sewing machine I got her for Christmas. It won't be long before she is running up aprons for Ebay too!!

2010-02-04T10:26:00.000Z

I love making these aprons and they seem to be evolving all the time. When I first made them they reminded me of a skirt I had when I was a kid. I loved that skirt, when I twirled round and round it shot out in a circle - good job I was young because it must have shown all my undies too!! In fact I loved that skirt so much that I continued wearing it long after it was too small for me and one day when I was on my way to ballet class with my Mum I passed out because it was so tight round the waist and Mum threw it away when we got home. So, that's what gave me the idea of putting ric rac braid around the bottom.

Today I am working on a pattern for a full apron in gingham, just like my old school cookery apron was and I've got an idea for a new dolly too. I really do need to catch up because I haven't done much over the last few days because of being in so much pain with my spine. I am now nicely floaty with pain killers so I just hope I can sew a straight seam.

Dolls and Aprons

2010-02-03T15:10:00.000Z

I've been a little slow for the last few days and not really made much at all. As most of you know, I have a trapped nerve in my spine and it's been playing up this week which makes it difficult to do anything much, especially as I'm on such strong painkillers that my brain seems to be floating around inside my skull. But, not to complain because they certainly take the edge off the pain. Come to that they take the edge off everything! I made a little Annie yesterday and I've just finished a new apron. I have even managed to sew my finger today which is a first! I wonder how much I'd get for it if I listed it on Ebay!!!

This is Hermione Ann and she's all dressed ready for bed in her pyjamas. She can be a bit of a handful so she will need a Mummy who is firm but loving.

I've started a group on Facebook called Cupcakes and Cotton Candy and I'm having a giveaway which finishes on 12 February. I'd love it if you all joined the group. To qualify for the giveaway all you need to do is join yourself and invite as many of your friends as possible to join too. The person who has invited the most friends will get one of my handmade dolls. I'm working on an idea for a rather lovely Norwegian folk art style angel which is going to be the prize. I'm happy to post her worldwide so if you aren't in the UK don't worry because you will still be in with a chance to win her.

Claire Ann

2010-01-31T17:37:00.000Z

This is Claire Ann and she is quite a mischevious little Raggedy. In fact, she is downright nosy to be honest. While I was painting her shoes, there she was, bending down to see what I was doing and whoops, she managed to get paint on her hand. Whoever "adopts" her is going to need their wits about them or she'll run circles round them.

More raggedies

2010-01-29T13:22:00.000Z

I've just finished two more Raggedy Annie dolls! I'm enjoying making the dolls again and am now whipping up a little batch of gingerbread men and hearts garlands for Valentines day.

This Raggedy has a pair of pale blue gingham loons underneath her dress.

I love the way this doll turned out, she looks so cute in her dungarees.

A Sister for Olivia

2010-01-27T18:17:00.000Z

Olivia Ann is happy to announce that she has now got a little sister, Mariah Ann.

Olivia Ann

2010-01-26T17:51:00.000Z

I enjoy making aprons but I felt that it was time I had a change - and here she is!

Her name is Olivia Ann and she is looking for a new Mommy. She is such a little sweetheart most of the time, but, be warned she has got a habit of stamping her feet and rolling her eyes when she doesn't get her own way. She should be joined by her sister very soon.

More Retro Aprons for sale

2010-01-24T20:06:00.000Z

I've been busy again this week making more aprons.

How Lucky I am

2010-01-20T12:51:00.000Z

Please say a prayer for an e-friend who's family are going through bad times right now. Firstly her Dad died a week ago and now her uncle is in intensive care after being trampled by a horse and has lost one of his arms. Her sister has also recently lost her brother in law. This family are experiencing so much grief and I'm sure that all of your prayers would really help them to come to terms with their sad loses.

New Designs

2010-01-17T22:00:00.000Z

The snow has finally stopped and it is now melting thank goodness. I love looking at the snow but I hate driving in it so I'm glad that it's all melted away. I've been working on a new design of apron.

I love the colour of this one. The fabric is cut on the bias and I have added a lining too so that it falls beautifully.

A pretty lemon apron to remind us that spring will soon be on it's way.

A pretty little floral tabard design for children.

An apron for Mom to match the tabard.

Last but not least an unusual apron using toile for a bit of a change.

Snow, ice and new aprons

2010-01-08T17:34:00.000Z

The weather here is very snowy and colder than I can ever remember having in the UK. Last night we had minus 17 celcius and I woke up this morning to see 3 foot long icicles hanging down outside my craft room window. The world looks so beautiful when it's covered in snow and icicles but it makes driving conditions very bad indeed and even walking is not recommended because of the frozen snow on the footpaths. The local authority usually send the gritting waggons out but I think they were caught by suprise and so people and cars are slipping and sliding all over the place. Which is why I have stayed all warm and cosy at home and done loads of sewing. More aprons of course and am now working on matching tea towels too.

Gingham always looks so fresh and clean and is one of my most popular aprons.

I love the way this turned out, especially the red satin bow on the pocket. Those tiny hearts are a perfect compliment to the pocket. I've already had an order from a guy who wants one in a larger size, minus bow!

Cath Kidston fabric always gets a lot of attention. Unfortunately this was the last of this particular design of fabric and there was only just enough to make the one apron.

Another pretty Cath Kidston fabric. I love the colour of this one, it reminds me of sugared almonds.

Thanks Stephanie

2010-01-04T19:04:00.000Z

A great big thank you goes to my friend Stephanie over at My Calico Heart for changing my blog template. THANK YOU SO MUCH. Why not pay her new website My Calico Heart a visit she has some beautiful things for sale.
I've been busy making some more aprons over the weekend. A lot warmer and more satisfying than battling with the snow and ice we have again. Roll on summer.

One of my favourites is this one in burgundy with a gingham pocket and frill.

This one is for Cath Kidston fans everywhere.

A pretty calico print to remind us of summer days filled with the scent of flowers.

I knew as soon as I spotted this piece of fabric that it would lend itself ideally to a 50's Retro apron. I had socks this colour when I was a little girl and I couldn't resist setting it all of with an acid orange coloured border on the frill and pocket.

Driving myself mad

2010-01-03T17:56:00.000Z

I'm slowly going round the bend here. I just can't seem to get the hang of copying and pasting. I keep on trying to change the look of my blog with one of those beautiful free templates that there are so many of but I'm getting nowhere fast. If someone reading this can please explain to me in plain English just what I need to do I shall be eternally grateful.

New apron listed

2009-12-31T14:00:00.000Z

Happy New Year to everyone. I hope you all have a wonderful 2010 and that all of your hopes and dreams are fulfilled

.I'm really getting into Retro sewing at the moment and I've just listed a new apron on Ebay.

I've closed my Ebay shop because it was ridiculously overpriced for the few bits and bobs that I had in there. So, at the moment most things will be going on auction instead of buy it now because I think people really feel that they have got a bargain if they bid on something and win.

Where have the weeks gone to?

2009-12-29T22:18:00.003Z

My goodess, I didn't realise that it had been so long since I wrote anything here on my blog. What with being busy making Christmas sacks and stockings for all of the orders which came in so late this year and also making gifts for my friends and family I just seem to have lost track of time in blogland. I shall try to be a little more organised in the new year and write regularly.
We've had some very cold weather recently in fact we were actually snowed in for a while. I hate driving when the roads are bad and I had a couple of very scary experiences, both in the very same spot. I was coming down a steep hill in the village and started to skid and my brakes locked and I lost control of my car completely. Luckily I didn't hit anything (there were cars parked on both sides of the road) and I managed to stop just before I reached the crossroads. I needed a large drink to stop my poor little heart going ten to the dozen. To have it happen once was bad luck but twice within 5 days was just so freaky! Luckily the snow has almost gone now but I won't be going anywhere near that hill again until the rest of the ice has melted. I shall have to go the long way round to my daughters house but I figure it's better to be safe than sorry. I certainly won't be trying out for the bobsled in the next winter olympics!
My daughter, a friend and I are opening a new business in the new year and so we are all busy trying to set things up and made in order to approach the local press to see if we can get them to give us some much needed publicity. I shall say no more at the moment but we will be holding a party in a couple of weeks time in order to do some market research. Don't worry if you don't live locally, I am working on a survey which you will be able to take online.

The Car is back

2009-12-04T19:04:00.000Z

Well, the ongoing saga of the sick car is rather strange. My lovely garage owner and his mechanic picked my car up yesterday and took it in to the garage. Guess what, she must obviously like the manly touch because they could find nothing wrong with her. I felt so silly when I rang this morning to find out how things were progressing to be told that everything was ok and that she might have been a little on the damp side! They had tested her up hill and down dale and she ran as smooth as silk for them. That guy is definately my knight in shining armour because he even delivered her back to me and charged me nothing. I'm wondering if the reason that I had the problem was because I don't use my car a lot nowadays and I have vowed to go for a short drive every day to see if that stops the same thing happening again. Fingers crossed that she behaves tomorrow because I've got my church Christmas fair. I've just spent the last couple of hours getting everything ironed and packed ready to be put in the car first thing tomorrow morning. It's only a couple of minutes drive to our church so I won't have to get up at the crack of dawn and can enjoy a leisurely cup of coffee or two before I go. I just hope I've remembered everything I need to take. Wish me luck.

All at sea!

2009-12-01T15:14:00.000Z

This week hasn't got off to the best start. I was busy all day yesterday making nappy cakes and other lovely baby gifts to take with me to a local nursery open evening last night. I had the car packed and ready to go, all I had to do was wait for my daughters friend to call round as she was coming with me. So far, so good. She arrived on time and off we set, looking forward to a fun evening and making a bit of spare cash for Christmas. We were half way there when suddenly, just out of the blue, the car refused to accelerate and as we were going up a steep hill it just got slower and slower. I was crossing my fingers and everything else that it was just that we had got quite a load on (we are both a little on the cuddly side now and I had the back of the car full to bursting) so I urged my darling little red KA on to the top of the hill to see if it would be any better once we were going down the other side. No such luck so we had to turn around and try to get back home, which we did but it was not the quietest of journeys I've ever made. Something under the bonnet was clunking and grinding and we got rather a lot of very strange looks from passers by. We did manage to get home in one piece but now my car is waiting for it's trip to the car doctors and I'm stuck indoors as my trapped nerve in my spine is giving me hell at the moment. But, as they say, "onwards and upwards" and looking on the bright side I now have a lot more things to sell at the Christmas Fair at our local methodist church on Saturday so it can't all be doom and gloom. God works in mysterious ways me thinks and the church will benefit more than we would have so I am now praying for a good turnout and lots of sales.

Isn't it silly, the way a little thing like a "dead" car can throw us all out of kilter. I was worrying about all the usual stuff, how to get to the shops etc., post off my Ebay yet when I told my darling daughter about the car she immediately offered to do my shopping and posting until I get my wheels back. She even volunteered her lovely partner to drive me to the garage to pick up my car when it's ready. I feel truly blessed to have such wonderful children and their partners. Mmm! I wonder how good they are at putting things together, I've got a new bed and sofa coming on Thursday from Ikea and their stuff always comes in lots of pieces. According to the description even the sofa is flat pack. I'll let you know how we get on and take pictures once we've managed to get everything put together.

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T13:29:00.000Z

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my friends in the US. I hope you all have a wonderful day.

I haven't posted for a while because I seem to have been chasing my own tail as they say. The pre-Christmas rush has started at last, much later than last year though. I don't think that there is so much money to spend on presents for a lot of people this year. I know that the recession started around this time last year but folk were still spending money like it was going out of fashion then but it has been a very slow start this year. Maybe it will get better, I certainly hope so.

I've been working on some 50's Retro style aprons and this is the first one which I listed yesterday on Ebay. I don't have so much time at the moment for sewing because I have so much fabric to sort out for listing and the fabric sales are what keeps my little ship afloat right now. I've had a couple of orders for Santa sacks but not as many as I had hoped for this time of the year. No doubt there will be a last minute rush around about the middle of December. I certainly hope so.

Henry Knuts

2009-11-19T21:16:00.000Z

This is Henry Knuts and he loves having his picture taken.

and he loves looking for mischief even more!

"Now let me see, do you think she'll notice if I climb up to the top shelf to play with Santa?"

Little Cupcakes Bakery

2009-11-03T16:02:00.000Z

I'm adding a range of nappy cakes and other baby gifts to my website and I've just finished working on a few baby smoothies.

Almost good enough to eat.

I had great fun making the smoothies.

Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T15:06:00.000Z

New fabric listed today

2009-10-29T20:27:00.000Z

I've just spent the last 4 hours listing fabric on Ebay including some Cath Kidston so if you're a fan of hers I'd get over there quick as one piece has already had two bids on and it's only been on half an hour. There is also some Cath Kidston cotton duck fat quarters blue or pink stars for sale as buy it now and both colours have had some pieces bought already.

Even more fabric de-stashing

2009-10-24T17:41:00.000+01:00

I've just listed a load of fabric on Ebay, all at buy it now prices and I shall be listing even more later, all at 99 pence start price and I havent even scratched the surface yet. I may well be in for a pleasant suprise or two when I reach the bottom of the piles. Goodness only knows what little treasures I might unearth.

Fabric De-stash

2009-10-23T16:58:00.000+01:00

It's time to let some of my stash of fabric find new homes. I really do hate parting with any of it but I have got far too much and I really can't see the wood for the trees as they say. So, I'm listing a mountain of fabric pieces on Ebay UK tonight. There's a lot of lovely Retro style fabrics which I had planned to turn into cushion covers and also quite a few pieces of furnishing fabrics too. Some of it is linen and the rest is pure cotton of varying weights, some duck and drill cotton and even a large piece of black and white pinstriped silk. I am having to be very firm with myself about this because I really am a fabric-a-holic and I just can't resist buying the stuff. No more mill shop for me unless it's to buy the fabric for my Santa sacks and stockings and only then if they are already ordered by customers. This has come about because yesterday I decided that I just couldn't do any more sewing because I couldn't find anything in my studio. I have got fabric piled high and it's just dawned on me that it really is a hazard because if one of the stacks fell on me it would be so heavy that I would be likely to do myself some sort of damage. I started my clear out yesterday by getting everything that I have made for my website (and a lot of things that I didn't even remember having made) and putting them all into those lovely large blue Ikea bags. Today I have been picking up pins, needles, buttons, beads and all of those necessary little things that get dropped and disappear never to be seen again. Well, in my studio they do anyway because I took up the carpet and have bare floorboards in there. I got quite a good haul too and even found a couple of doll needles lodged in the cracks between the floorboards. By this time I'd really got my pioneers head on and so I decided to tackle the mountains and alps of fabric. I've got two large bags of small pieces to take to my local primary school (those poor teachers are going to love me when the kids get their hands on those bags!) and 44 good sized pieces to list on Ebay. I think I've only just scratched the surface of my studio too because somewhere underneath the rest of the fabric are about a dozen boxes of collectables that I had when I used to sell antiques and collectables on Ebay. Once I get to them I'm going to list them as job lots buyer collects. Maybe then I can reclaim my space and get organized with lots of shelving. Hopefully the collectables with pay for the shelves and I'm going to do something about the floor too because if anyone ever took down my kitchen ceiling they'd be in danger of being accupunctured by all of those needles and pins which would rain down on them.

I'm now feeling very virtuous and am treating myself to spinach and riccotta canneloni and a large glass of red wine for my evening meal.

Cushions, bunting and candy cones

2009-10-21T15:58:00.000+01:00

I've been busy adding some new things to my website.

I love making these candy cones. These are a few of the designs I made last year and I'm now making them in lots more different fabrics.

I love the colours of this 50's Retro hourglass cushion.

This one reminds me of all of those lovely hot summer days spent lounging about in the garden.

What little girl would be able to resist this pretty patchwork style frilly cushion

Or the matching bunting.

Maybe your little angel would prefer flower fairies in her bedroom

Once again with matching bunting.

How about Winnie the Pooh for a younger child. Also available in blue.

Red gingham to brighten up your winter kitchen.

Or pink mini dots to complement your home decor.

All available on my website. If any of my overseas blogging pals want to buy anything just email me and I'll work out postage for you.

Old Friends

2009-10-19T18:40:00.000+01:00

I've just caught up with some very old friends this weekend on Facebook. I hadn't seen most of them since I was in my early twenties so we are talking 35 years here. It was so good to talk to them again and I mean to stay in touch with them now. Actually, one of them is my first husband, we met at 16, married at 19 and by 21 we had separated. We were just too young for the responsibility that marriage and a family brings. It was good to hear how he has been since I last saw him about 18 years ago. He has been with his partner for 30 years now and they just got married last year! How romantic is that. I'm afraid that a little bit of the "green eyed monster" showed through though and I felt just a little bit jealous because Mr Messy and I had planned to get married this Christmas and I still miss him so much. But I am so happy for John and his wife Chris.

I did some Christmas shopping too this weekend and I have bought my grandaughter a sewing machine. I know it is what she wants so I am sure she will love it. It's a nice lightweight machine with nothing fancy on it, ideal for her to learn on. I didn't want to get her a childs machine because I think that she is old enough to want to sew properly and she loves using my machine when I take it around to her home. I've just got to put her a sewing bundle together now so that she can get right on with sewing as soon as she gets it on Christmas day. I've also finished getting my youngest grandsons Christmas presents so that is another weight off my mind. I've only got my eldest grandson to sort out now and he has said he would prefer money so that he can put it towards clothes. It's also his birthday on Christmas day so I am making one of my fabric boxes for him and I shall fill it with toiletries because he loves to smell good. He is like most other boys of his age though, a little heavy handed when it comes to applying the "smellies" so I am looking out for something that won't send us all light headed with the smell. The adults are not bothering with gifts for each other too much this year and will just get each other something small. I'm making my daughters present as I know that there is something that she really wants me to do for her but I'd better not mention what it is just in case she decided to read my blog.

I've been making Christmas things ready for my 2 craft fairs which I have coming up. One next month and another one in December. I'm also getting stuck into making diaper cakes and baby cupcakes as I have been invited to take them to a local nursery and have a table at their open evening. I'm working on an ad. for my diaper cakes and will be putting posters up in the local doctors surgeries and child care clinics because I really do think that they could take off in a big way. People always love them when they see them and nobody else makes them so I'm hoping they do well.

Christmas is just around the corner

2009-10-17T16:08:00.000+01:00

I have finally managed to get photographs of some of my Heirloom Christmas range. My camera has been playing up and so I've decided to pension it off and buy a new one which I hope will arrive at the beginning of next week. Meanwhile here are some pics taken with the old camera.

The cream and claret Santa sack. I know you don't have these in the USA but for children in the UK these are traditional.

The claret and cream sack. The pockets on the front are for the kids to put in their letters to Santa and hopefully, for Santa to put a letter from him when he fills the sack.

This sack is one of my favourites. I guess I'm just an old fashioned girl at heart and I love red gingham.

I used linen to make this stocking from and some gorgeous checked fabric which I got from Ikea.

Christmas is my favourite time of the year and I love making Christmas goodies and decorating the house. I've just finished making a cream linen stocking with a pink spotty cuff, toe and heel for all of those Shabby Chic lovers who don't do a "traditional" red and green Christmas. I'm planning on doing some with lavender spotty fabric and duck-egg too. I shall post the pictures when I get my new camera. Ooh, I'm so excited, not that it will improve my photography but if my late husband couldn't do that in the 20 something years we were together then what chance has a new camera of doing so. (Hubby's Daddy was a professional photographer and it seemed to run in the family).

Now it's time for me to run and find my car keys as I'm babysitting my gorgeous grandchildren tonight.

Blog Action Day

2009-10-15T20:37:00.001+01:00

Today is blog action day to raise awareness about climatic changes. I've noticed that a lot of the blogs I follow have written at one time or another about unseasonal weather and this has been something that I've been thinking about quite a lot lately. Yesterday we had a glorious sunny and warm day which would have been great if it had been the end of August or the beginning of September, but, half way through October we should have been having it much colder and even looking "forward" to the snow. I'm trying to !do my bit" by recycling, only using sustainable resources such as cotton or linen for sewing, making sure my carbon emissions are within acceptable levels etc., but unless we all start to take notice and act pretty quickly we are not going to have a very nice world for our children and their children to grow up in. I've been using my own jute bags to carry my groceries home from the supermarket for a while now and it's little things like this that can help a lot. Goodness me, what ever did we do before the advent of the plastic carrier bag? You've got it, take our own shopping bags with us. I'm trying to buy mainly organic vegetables and fruit too because it won't have been polluted by an insecticide which in it's turn will be contributing to global warming etc., etc. So what if my fruit and veg look a bit dirty, I can always give them a good wash under the tap.

Any comments will be gratefully received.

Santa Claus is coming to town!

2009-10-08T19:26:00.000+01:00

The first two designs of my ever popular Santa sacks have been listed on Ebay and my website. They've caused rather more trouble than they should have done. I decided to photo them in my living room and took them, the camera and some black fabric down with me. As you can see, they look fine but I had my hands full of everything and tripped on my way back up the stairs and I now have a couple of broken ribs which are very painful. My daughter laughed when I told her and remarked that I seem to break ribs quite often! LOL It's true, I must have broken ribs at least 5 times in the past 20 years. Will I never learn to be more careful I ask myself. The answer is probably not.

I've started working on a Nursery Accessories collection, storage bags, personalised heart garlands, bunting, teddy garlands and whatever else I can come up with.

Yellow shaker style fragranced cushion cover.

Green shaker style fragranced cushion cover.

and pink shaker style fragranced cushion cover.

I think I may have to photo these again as they have come out looking very lobsided and crinkly.

That's it for today my blogging buddies. I'm going to take some knock out painkillers and snuggle down in bed with the electric blanket on while I watch a movie.

New cushions listed

2009-10-07T16:47:00.000+01:00

The birds on this cushion have wings that I have filled with dried lavender.

This gold and brown cushion is made from pure silk.

Another hourglass cushion. I love making these.

Tomorrow we're off to Stockport to have a wander around Hobby Craft. I could spend serious amounts of money in that store if I had it so I shall be very firm with myself and only get what I need. Even that could prove expensive because I usually find so many things that I just can't live without! No doubt we shall also visit Toys R Us so that my youngest grandson can tempt Grandma to spend even more money. On the way home we shall call at the Mill Shop. What a wonderful day we shall have tomorrow.

Rain rain go away, come again another day

2009-10-06T18:33:00.003+01:00

I think if it rains much more I shall be growing webs between my toes like a duck! It has rained non stop all day but it has also been very warm too. I imagine that this is what it feels like in a tropical rain forest. The times of the seasons seem to be changing and even though we have had rain today the temperatures were more suited to late summer. The nights are drawing in though and it's already dark here and it's only 18.40. I love the winter but I really miss the long summer evenings when it doesn't get dark until 22.00.

I went shopping today with my daughter and youngest grandson and Tesco were having a half price sale on some of the toys so I got a Pepper Pig, Bob the Builder play set and a Toy Story set to put away for Christmas for the little chap. I also got a couple of tops for myself. Well, I had to get something to cover up the toys with didn't I!! I don't think I succeeded though as he asked me if I was going to give them to Santa to save until Christmas.

I've uploaded a lot more items to my website. More hourglass cushions and a couple of Honey bears. I'm working on some pure silk cushions at the moment and should have them ready to list tomorrow. In between the cushions and tea towels I'm trying to fit in making some Christmas decorations too and have just finished some pretty folk art birds and hearts.

Sneek Peek!

2009-10-04T17:01:00.002+01:00

A quick preview of some of the things I am listing on my website. I fell in love with the cushions and I shall be making some for myself when my renovations are finished. The black and red one is the same fabric that I have got to make myself some new curtains. Thanks to my darling daughter fore allowing me to use her beautiful home as a location for some of my photographs. Thanks also to my grandaughter Louise for letting me use her bed to photograph the teddies on. I shall be sending these two photo's plus another one to the Ideal Homes website for my entry into their directory. Fingers crossed that the ad brings in some business.

Shopping Thursday

2009-09-25T10:50:00.002+01:00

I had a really great day yesterday. My daughter Ele and I went to Ikea to have a look at the bed and sofa that I am hoping to buy. First of all though we had breakfast in the cafe there. I was very impressed, 2 breakfasts for £1.55 including as much tea or coffee as you wanted. The breakfasts weren't small either, we had scrambled egg, beans, tomatoes, sausage, bacon and hash browns. All nicely presented and tasting yummy. Then it was on to the serious business of spending money. I loved the sofa and bed and will be ordering them online to be delivered but we still managed to buy plenty. Ikea is so cheap compared with other home furnishing shops. I got a pile of cushion inserts for my hour glass cushions (will be starting those today), a couple of cheese graters, 2 pairs of curtains that were so cheap that I couldn't have made them for that price (for my bedroom when I've finished decorating it), a gorgeous metal rack to put hot pans down on and a whole host of other bits and bobs. I even managed to get some wooden spoon sets for my mini chef range that I'm busy working on.

My home renovations seem to be coming together nicely. I have been told that I can apply for grants for a lot of the structural work that needs doing because I'm on working tax credits including the disability element. (that bad old trapped nerve in my spine). I wouldn't have believed that I can get so much payed for - new kitchen and bathroom, rewiring, central heating updated including a new boiler and even the roof tiles that blew off in the gales can be replaced. They will also pay for loft insulation. How good is that. I used to feel bad about applying for stuff like that but I've always worked since I was 16 years old so I have paid plenty in taxes so it's time I got a little of it back. If I manage to get grants for everything I shall have the most beautiful little cottage in the world and I can't wait. It's a good job Mr Messy has left because it wouldn't have taken him long to put his own individual messy stamp on it and break stuff.

I got a book yesterday called "Where Women Create" and it's very inspirational. Those women have gotten their work spaces not only looking great but actually working for them. I think on the whole we crafters can be an untidy bunch and lack of space is probably the main reason for that. I'm going to re-think my workspace/studio to make it work better for me. I've just taken delivery of a large (and I mean large) sack of stuffing for my teddies and dolls and now all I've got to do is figure out where to store it. But first I've got to get it up the stairs. I shall have to ask Ross, my daughters partner. He's a builder and has muscles where most men don't even realise muscles exist.

My son is looking a lot happier these days too. He split up from his wife a year ago and he took it very badly and stopped doing most everything, from caring about his appearance to eating and he started to drink too much too. But, a few weeks ago he met a lovely girl called Sarah and he is now enjoying life again. She really is gorgeous, very tall and slim and so pretty. Thank you Sarah for caring about my son and helping him to get over his divorce. I have always been very family orientated and thought that when Mr Messy left I wouldn't see my stepdaughter again but she has emailed me and said that she still wants to have me in her life because she has grown close to me. I'm so happy because she is like another daughter to me and I love her very much. She's got a great partner too. I consider myself fortunate that all of my children have now got lovely partners and I'm fond of them all. Lucky me.

It's time now to go and try out my new stuffing on a cat doll I've made.

Welcome to Kian James

2009-09-22T17:59:00.003+01:00

We've had a new addition to our family. My late husbands cousins son and his girlfriend had a baby boy yesterday and we are all so excited. I've made a nappy cake for the proud parents - the first one I've ever made and it was darned difficult to photograph. I should have taken a photo of it before I wrapped it in cellophane but I wasn't planning on listing it anywhere so I didn't bother. I made the fabric box myself and it holds a whole package of nappies and lots of other lovely baby things. I've put a brush and comb in, 2 onsies, 2 weaning spoons, 2 pairs of striped socks, baby bath, a soother and one of my baby cupcakes which contains another two pairs of socks. I'm going to put flyers in all of our local shops plus the hospitals to see if I can sell any more of these (when I've had a bit more practise) because I wouldn't want to send them through the post in case they got squashed.

The weather has been very "back endish" as my Dad used to say. For saying that it was so gloriously hot and sunny last Sunday, just two days down the line and it is drizzling and has an autumnal feel in the air. I'm quite looking forwards to the nights drawing in because I love to get cosy in front of the fire and read a book or do some hand sewing. I'm especially looking forward to the sewing bit because when Mr Messy was here he smoked so I had to keep everything well away from him and his nasty habit. Since he's been gone my home smells so much better thanks to my passion for air fresheners, plug in's and fragranced candles. Today I'm burning my "mulled wine" fragranced candle and it smells gorgeous, all cinnamon and spices. Ele and I can't go to the supermarket without spending a long time and a small fortune in the "smellies" aisle. I got a lovely "winter snow" fragranced plug in last weekend and it makes the whole house smell good. I've got candles and other fragranced things dotted around all over the house, even the kitchen where I have a "clean washing" plug in. It smells so much like the washing used to many years ago before washing powder got popular. I remember my grandmother used Sunlight soap to wash the clothes. It was a great big bar of green soap about the size of a small brick and my plug in takes me right back to my childhood.

Bread Warming Bags

2009-09-21T16:09:00.004+01:00

I've just added our exclusively designed bread warming bags to my website. They are so simple to use, just pop them into the microwave oven for 2 minutes maximum to heat up the organic wheat grains which have been sewn into the bottom. Once your bag is warm just put your loaf inside, tie up the cord and wait until your bread is warm. They make gorgeous gifts for any occasion. I'm now working on a bag designed to warm up baguettes and hope to have it finished soon.

Happy Sunday

2009-09-20T18:34:00.002+01:00

Today was my youngest grandsons 3rd birthday party and he had a fantastic time. I think we all had a great time and I met all of my daughters partners family too and my sons new girlfriend who is lovely. I usually find it difficult to cope when I'm meeting a lot of strangers for the 1st time as I have quite a serious hearing impairment and can't wear hearing aids because they make me get a lot of ear infections. I don't know if my daughter had told them about me but I had no trouble at all hearing them. I never have the same problem with children as they are usually noisy little people anyway so I mainly spend my time at something like a party helping the little ones to enjoy themselves. The little ones at this party sure had a great time and so did the "bigger" little ones too. In fact, a good time was had by all I think. It isn't really Harley's birthday until Wednesday so we will have a little family get together then too.

I appologise for not having posted anything much for the last few weeks. I am still busy getting things made for my website and on top of all that I am in a position, at last, to be able to begin renovating my little cottage so it has been all go here with not a minute to spare. I'm off out on Tuesday to buy a new bed and a new sofa from Ikea. I love that place and could easily spend a fortune in there but I have got to restrain myself so that I have enough money left for the new kitchen units and to have my bathroom completely refurbished. I am having a massive clear out and getting rid of most of my old furniture and replacing it. I've got a few really old pieces of furniture which I am hanging on to but the rest of it is being donated to the Furniture Project here in Glossop where it will be passed on to those who need it more than I do. I'm even getting rid of all of my video tapes because I never watch them anyway. I can't wait to get started on my bedroom because I am having a cream carpet (not possible whilst I was still living with Mr Messy) which has always been my dream for my bedroom and I've got some lovely Laura Ashley wallpaper to put up too. The new bed I have chosen is made from white rought iron and I can't wait to throw out the old one and have a beautiful new one that "he" hasn't slept in. I'm finding it very therapeutic and I feel so much better for having taken the initiative to re invent my house and myself. I'm even going Salsa dancing every week and am going to start going to water aerobics too next week. Of course, I still feel sad sometimes but it is getting less frequent and I'm no longer constantly trying to think of ways to get "him" back. I have come to the conclusion that he was actually a bit of a liability and I am better off on my own for the moment. As for the future, well, that can look after itself.

Indian Summer

2009-09-13T19:59:00.003+01:00

We've had absolutely glorious weather here in the High Peak all weekend. I had planned to get out into my garden and do some much overdue weeding, but, as they say, the best laid plans of mice and men oft gang awar. (not sure if that's spelt right) Instead of being out in the lovely sunshine I've been chained to my sewing machine. Let me explain. On Friday I emailed our local website "Glossop online" to find out if I could advertise my website there. By Saturday lunchtime my cousin Linda has asked me via facebook how I managed to get my website put on the Glossop online one. First I knew about it so I thought I'd better check it out. Lo and behold, not only had they given me a little write up, they had also put a photograph on from my website and links to my website, blog and Ebay shop. I'm still trying to figure out how they found my blog and Ebay shop, but I think it may have been through my email address which is the same as the blog. I'm so pleased to have got my first little bit of free advertising and I hope that there is more coming soon. I also emailed our local newspaper but am still waiting to hear from them.

Things seem to have snowballed from there. I had an enquiry on facebook from one of my daughters friends (well her Mum really) asking how much it would cost to make some baby cupcakes. I had made one for another one of her daughters and she loved it. So, we got that all sorted and now her sister, who works in a nursery, has asked for some of my business cards to give out to people as she is sure that they will be interested in the baby cupcakes. They're pictured above on my best frosted glass art deco cake stand. So, it's easy to see why the gardening never got even started, never mind finished. I plan to add baby smoothies to my website next and have ordered the smoothie cups.

The cushion is just one of a series that I have made for my Shaker range of cushion covers. The gingham heart on the front is filled with dried lavender and they smell wonderful. I'm off to Ikea tomorrow to get some cushion pads for my new hourglass cushions though how I shall fit everything in is anybodies guess. I've also done a couple of things for Christmas and have been trying to persuade my daughter that she really wants to put her Christmas tree up soon, like in the next few days so that we can begin to photograph the Santa Sacks. I love being this busy, it keeps me occupied and takes my mind off my personal life (or lack of it).

Christmas is just around the corner

2009-09-11T14:53:00.002+01:00

I went to the fabric mill today and they had the first Christmas fabrics in stock. I love Christmas and I bought rather a lot more than I should have including some fabric top make Rose and Hubble advent calendars and lots of different Santa sack fabric, tablecloths, aprons and a whole lot more.

I was going to get out into my little garden today to give it a good tidy up before Autumn but I just couldn't resist getting started on my Christmas sewing. I'm busy making cotton drill aprons with matching tea towels and will post when I have finished them.

A few more new additions to my website

2009-09-07T19:01:00.004+01:00

I've added a couple more laundry bags and an apron to my website today. Goodness me, it's very slow going trying to get everything made and listed. But, as my daughter says, once everything is on there it will be easier.

It's now time for an early night as I have a mountain of things I need to tackle tomorrow.

Cushion Covers galore

2009-09-06T16:19:00.004+01:00

A sneek peek at some of the cushion covers I've just added to my website. I love these and I just wish I had the time to make some for myself. I'm going to be adding to the romantic range with mini dots covers in a range of colours and some plain ones with mini dot bows. Then I'm getting to work on some Shaker style cushion covers and a more traditional style range too. Any feedback on these or any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

I'm enjoying building my website but I must admit that it's evolving all the time as I find new features I can use so don't be suprised if it changes every time you look at it over the next week or so.

Romantic cushion covers

2009-09-05T18:33:00.002+01:00

I've spent most of the day designing some pretty romantic style cushion covers for my website. Once I've photographed them I'll post the pics. I was going to go to the fabric mill but it was so cold and wet here that I decided to stay home instead and sew. I told myself that I really didn't need any more fabric until I had sorted out what I have already. LOL I always need more fabric, I think it must be hereditary because my grandaughter is beginning to get the same way too and is always asking to come to the mill with me. She was quite glad when I said I wasn't going today as she now goes to football practise with her older brother on a Saturday morning. LOL She used to want to learn ballet but I think she is built more like a footballer. The girls in our family are usually stick thin whilst the boys are more substantial but with Jake and Louise it's the other way round. Jake is like a racing greyhound and Louise is - how shall I put it - a little more solid. No doubt she will soon shoot up and lose all of her puppy fat.

I had 84 visitors to my website yesterday in about 8 hours. Just a pity no one bought anything but it's early days and not fully stocked so I live in hope. I just wish that Ebay would pick up a little, only 6 hits all day yesterday. Maybe once the children are back at school and folk have managed to pay back credit card bills from the holiday period, things will begin to look up again. I know Ebay was always supposed to be a good place to look for a bargain but nowadays people seem to want things more or less given to them and don't seem willing to pay what things are worth. One person puts her dolls on at a 99p start price which is a little annoying for people like me. I honestly don't think that anyone could make a doll for that amount and I refuse to make a loss just to pull in the customers. I'm still not making any more dolls right now in the hopes that things will pick up closer to Christmas. LOL Christmas in September, I need to get Halloween out of the way first. I do look forward to making things for Christmas though, it is usually my favourite time of the year. I'm just hoping that I feel a little less rejected by then as I don't want to spoil it for anyone.

Back again

2009-09-04T12:13:00.005+01:00

At last I've gone live with my website. I didn't realise quite how much work it was going to be to design and set it up. It isn't fully stocked yet but I will be adding products all weekend and next week too and I'd love it if you went on over there to have a look and tell me what you think. I'm so excited that it's finally live, all I need now are customers. This seahorse tuck is made from pink polka dot fabric and stuffed with a mixture of stuffing and dried lavender and is just one of the beautiful fragranced hearts, stacks and tucks that I am offering on my website. Just click on the title of this post to go directly to Cupcakes and Cotton Candy.

I appologise to everyone who follows my blog for the lack of entries and not getting the blog giveaway off the ground. As well as trying to get my website up and running I've also had the added stress of trying to get my ex to collect the rest of his things. He doesn't answer his phone so I've been running round in circles trying to find out what he still wants and when he's coming for it. As I had no luck I put all of his clothing out to be collected for the "Save the Children" charity!!!! Serves the old bugger right, his books, cd's and dvd's will be the next to go. I really need to try to get on with my life and I'm finding it impossible whilst his possessions are still here so I have to be kind to myself on this one and get rid of them as fast as I can. I'm also trying to decorate my little cottage throughout and I'm having a giant de-clutter (or should I say downsizing).

cupcakesandcottoncandy.co.uk

2009-08-13T15:30:00.004+01:00

Sorry to all of you out there, I just haven't had a minute to myself to put up the giveaway photo. Why? you may be asking yourself, well, I've finally got myself a real website! It's not quite up and running yet as I'm still busy making things to sell but I hope to have some stuff ready to put on over the weekend. I'm so excited to be having my own little space on the web at long last. I've been putting it off for so long, mainly because of the cost but my late husbands cousin told me that she had bought herself a takeaway website from Amazon and that it was soooo reasonably priced that I decided to take the plunge. It's called Mr Site and is amazingly easy to use and the prices start at £17.00 for a beginner site and that is all inclusive including your domain name. You just have to pay that every 12 months so if any of you are considering getting a web site check it out. My site is http://www.cupcakesandcottoncandy.co.uk and I'd love for you to pop on over and have a look over the weekend. I shall be adding more items during the next few weeks so don't forget to check back often.

250th Post Celebration giveaway

2009-08-06T20:25:00.005+01:00

I really do appologize for not writing anything for the past couple of weeks. Things haven't been going so well again but I'm determined to stay positive.

OK, well, I promised a celebratory giveaway for my 250th post and the lucky winner will be getting 12 fat quarters of Cath Kidston mini dots fabric in an assortment of colors. I'll post the picture of them tomorrow. All you have to do is leave a comment here on my blog and I shall enter you into the draw which will take place on the 21st August (my eldest sons birthday).

Here are a few of the things I've been working on these last couple of weeks and you can find them all listed on Ebay. I've made lots of bunting in a whole range of different fun fabrics. I'm enjoying making the bunting as it is so quick and easy. I've also made another 3 teddy bears and I'm really pleased with the way they are turning out. I babysat my grandchildren last Saturday and my grandaughter helped me to stuff one of the teddies and she made a fantastic job of it. I shall be getting her to do some more soon because she loves to craft.

New Items listed on Ebay

2009-07-23T21:50:00.004+01:00

These are just a few of the things that I've listed on Ebay today. For my American friends, the tote bag is made from Licquorice Allsorts fabric and Licquorice Allsorts are sweets (candies). I don't know if you can get them in the US but at the moment anything that resembles Licquorice Allsorts is very popular in the UK. Don't ask me why because I haven't the slightest idea and I don't even think the sweets are very nice either.

Over the weekend I am hoping to start listing some things for sale directly from my blog. I shall also be having a giveaway to celebrate my 250th entry so don't forget to drop in to say hi and find out what I am giving away to one of my lovely blogging friends.

Nobody Came

2009-07-13T21:00:00.002+01:00

I have just finished reading the book "Nobody Came" which is the true story of how boys were abused in a Jersey care home in the 1950's and 60's. It is written by Robbie and is about how himself and his three siblings were lifted from their family home after their Step-father and Mother (who they call Gloria) and were taken into the care of the local authority. These poor children may have been neglected badly when they were with Gloria but the treatment they received once they were placed into care homes must have made their home life look very rosy indeed. Not a good read but I can empathise with the story completely, having worked for almost 20 years with "problem" children. Unfortunately, as we all know, child abuse still goes on today and even though the number of cases that are reported are rising, I fear that we are still only seeing the "tip of the iceberg". This book, along with many others written by adults who were abused as children, has moved me to tears. I would ask you all to stay vigilant and if you even half suspect that a child is being abused in any way, voice your fears to those who can do something about it. Help save a child today.

More teddy bears

2009-07-12T18:32:00.003+01:00

These are all my latest creations. I really am enjoying making the teddy bears. The one with the pink bow in her ear has already had a bid but the others are going to be listed later today. I've even managed to make a couple of Raggedies this week despite still feeling pretty down.
I'm looking forward to Tuesday though as my daughter Ele and her family are back from their holidays in Spain. I spoke to her today and evidently it's too hot for them. They should be here if they think Spains too hot, you need webbed feet and a thick jumper here today. The weather is awful. I think I'd better get the fake tan out tonight, I'm sure that they will all be looking tanned and healthy. They are going to see my youngest son Tom today as he lives in Spain. I haven't seen him for absolutely ages but, as long as he's happy that's all that matters to me.
I've got a DVD to watch tonight after I've done my Ebay listing. I've also listed some stuff in my MISI shop (EleLou Primitives). It's so long since I listed anything there and I'm so glad I did because I've already sold a Shabby Chic tote in Cath Kidston fabric.
I hope you've all had a good weekend.

My first Tedy Bear.

2009-07-03T20:04:00.003+01:00

I actually managed to get something made today. My first Teddy Bear and I know she's not perfect but I really enjoyed making her. If any of you out there have any tips on how to sew the legs shut after stuffing them I'd welcome some advice because you can see the stitches on my bears legs. Poor darling looks as though she has been through major surgery. I had trouble with the ears too, placing them was a bit of a puzzle and I'm still not sure that they are in the right place. I'm going to make a few in different colours for the carnival. I think I've got my "muse" back again thank goodness.

I'm off to the mill shop tomorrow if my car is finished in time. I haven't been for over 3 weeks and I'm getting terrible withdrawal symptoms. Goodness only knows where I'm going to put any more fabric but I'm sort of considering swapping my bedroom and craft room around. My bedroom is much larger than my craft room so I would have a lot more storage space and now I'm on my own again I think maybe a smaller bedroom would be more cosy. You watch, the minute I do so it'll be just my luck that hubby decides to come back home again. All I can say is he'd better get a move on because I'm getting stronger every day. Not that I would say no if he did decide to come back. It's not as if he's got another woman, at least, he says he hasn't. We are communicating but not often as yet. But, enough of that.

I'm having an early night again tonight because I've got a couple of movies I want to watch. One of the is called "The Devils Backbone" and is by my favourite producer Guillermo del Toro. He produces some excellent movies and if you like paranormal movies I can recommend "The Orphanage" and "Pan's Labrynth". They are in Spanish but have subtitles in English. So, it's goonight from me and fingers crossed I don't end up having nightmares.

2009-07-01T18:50:00.002+01:00

Hi all. Sorry about the long space between posts. As you all know I've had some personal problems so I really didn't feel like blogging. Well, I'm back and though nothing has resolved yet, we are talking and I've got my fingers crossed that we will get back together again eventually. We're meeting up now a couple of times a week and we'll see how it goes.
I must admit I haven't been doing any sewing at all and haven't listed anything in my Ebay shop either last week or this week. But, today I went back into my sewing room and got a few little cupcakes made and I've started on some ice cream cones too. I really do need to start to do more as I've got a carnival coming up a week on Saturday and if the weather is as hot and sunny as it has been here for a few days now, there will be loads of people there. I must be feeling a little more positive because I'm actually looking forward to the carnival.
They say things happen in 3's and I've had my 3 now what with my partner moving out and as if that wasn't enough the shower flooded overnight and the kitchen resembled Niagara falls with water running down the walls, and then, my car broke down and is now waiting to be taken to the garage to be fixed. I hope that's it now and things start to look up again soon.
My daughter, son in law and the three children went to Spain yesterday for two weeks. I had a text from her today saying they are having a great time and I'm so happy for her because she deserves the break more than anyone I know. One of my sons lives in Spain and she will be meeting up with him too so it will be nice for them both and the grandchildren miss their Uncle Tom so they should enjoy seeing him too.
I'm off now to do some more sewing. My sewing room is so hot during the day because it gets the sun most of the time so I've decided to wait until the sun moves around so it wil be a bit cooler. I'm planning on trying to turn my body clock around a little while it's so hot so that I can get up really early before the sun hits my sewing room and get plenty of work done before the heat sets in for the day. I shall then have a little "siesta" in the afternoon and continue working in the early evening. That is one thing I couldn't do when the hubby was around so having the place to myself does have some advantages.

Life is a little complicated right now

2009-06-20T19:47:00.002+01:00

Sorry I haven't written anything for a while but life has been rather less than perfect here. My partner of 9 years has left today and so I may well not feel like writing anything for a while. Come to that, I may well not feel like doing anything for a while. I'm trying hard to be strong at the broken places but it's very difficult right now.

Update

2009-06-13T18:15:00.002+01:00

The carnival went well last Sunday but the weather was awful. I spent most of the day hanging on to my gazebo to stop it flying down the field with me attached to it. I had visions of doing my own version of Mary Poppins minus the umbrella! It rained solid all day and was so windy. Such a shame as it would have been a great day for everyone if the weather hadn't been bad. The Civil War Society were there, all dressed up in their uniforms. Even the kids were dressed authentically and I saw one little girl who had on her prairie bonnet and long pinafore underneath her Dads oilcloth cape. The re-enactment was great though not all of the surrounding neighbours thought so. I read yesterday in the local free newspaper that someone had called out the fire brigade because she thought that the paint factory was on fire as she could hear explosions!! No dear, just the civil war with it's guns and cannons.

Of course, the weather was so bad that hardly anybody sold anything and we ended up closing early as we were all so wet and cold. It wasn't all bad though as I have been asked to attend another local carnival on 11th July. I also met a lovely young lady who is interested in starting craft classes and has asked me to teach alongside herself and a friend. We've already got some people who are interested in attending so I think we will start after the summer holidays. Zoe is going to enquire if we can use part of the church as she is sure that all we would need to do is pay for the heating and light.

I've been busy making door stops and other odds and ends for all of the craft fairs and I've just finished experimenting with a cupcake pattern and have made cupcake number 1. I'm figuring on making a whole lot of them for the next carnival and loads of other things that will appeal to children such as pirate flags and windmills.

Tomorrow we are putting up the new shelving in my craft room at long last. If my hubby ducks out of doing it again I shall end up with steam coming out of my ears because I've waited so long for it to be done and my craft room is in such a mess with piles of fabric everywhere which makes it so difficult to find what I want. I fantasize about all of my fabrics being on shelves where I can see exactly what I've got and not having to dislodge a mountain of fabric to get at the piece I want to use. Goodness only knows what I'll find in amongst the piles that I had forgotten about.

Panic, panic and even more panic!

2009-06-02T09:35:00.002+01:00

I probably won't have the time to blog for a while because I was asked yesterday if I would like to have a table in the craft tent at our local carnival. Great I thought, then I found out that it's this coming Sunday. Plus I've got another two craft fairs this month too. So, only 5days to prepare and make sure I've got enough stuff to sell because the carnival is a big event and should be well attended, especially if the weather stays as hot and sunny as it has been since Saturday. It's so hot in my craft room that I'm thinking of taking my sewing machine into the back garden where I can craft and get a tan at the same time.

Will post again when I've got a little more time. Wish me luck.

Teddy Bear Garland

2009-05-29T18:55:00.003+01:00

I have always loved Teddy Bears so what could be more appropriate than adding a little Teddy garland to my Nursery range. I'll be making them in blue and lemon too. I'm working on some soft baby blocks that can be personalized with babys' name and date of birth but am having trouble finding the foam cubes that I want to use inside them.

Nursery Accessories

2009-05-28T20:38:00.002+01:00

More shelf edging! I bought this pretty sugar almond pink mini dots fabric last weekend and I've been waiting for inspiration to kick in and today I finally had an idea and got out the scissors. I loved the shelf edging I did in the Cath Kidston fabric and so I started out making another plain one in this fabric but as soon as I'd finished putting the binding on the scallops I realised that it needed something a little bit extra and so I ended up making yoyo flowers and putting a little pale green pearl in the centre of each. After I'd finished it I thought how lovely it would look in a nursery and what a beautiful and original gift it would make for a baby shower or a new baby girl.

I seem to be going through quite a creative phase at the moment and am having so many new ideas I don't know where I'm going to get the time from to make them. I've decided to design a whole range of baby gifts and nursery accessories and all because of a couple of metres of pretty pink polka dot fabric! I've also got the same polka dot fabric in baby blue, light petrol blue, duckegg, peach, lilac, dark lilac, green and yellow so I'm going to create the whole range around that first of all and I may well add pretty pastel ginghams at a later stage. The range is going to be called "Little Cupcake".

I don't think I'm going to be getting much sewing done tomorrow though because I've lost my MOT certificate for my car and I need it to renew my road fund licence so I shall be turning the house upside down trying to find it. Goodness only knows where I've put it. Fortunately, if I can't find it I can get a replacement for £10.00 from any garage that does MOT tests. I think I'm getting forgetful in my old age!! LOL I've always been forgetful. The trouble is I put things away in what seems to me to be a safe place and then I just can't remember which safe place I've put them in. Time for a Latte and piece of chocolate cake I think.

New designs

2009-05-26T16:53:00.003+01:00

I've just finished designing and making a some Shabby Chic shelf edging. It goes really well on my Welsh dresser but it's not quite right for the new colour scheme we're having in the kitchen so I've listed it on Ebay. LOL Where else!! I've also ran up a load of bunting, a peg bag and am working on some soft designer fabric baby blocks so I've been very busy today and have just stopped to have a cappucino and a large slice of rich fudge chocolate brownie cake. I shouldn't but it does taste so good.

Table Linen

2009-05-21T21:06:00.003+01:00

I've just finished making this tablecloth and four matching napkins. I love the red gingham fabric, it so pretty and brings back fond memories of all of those cups of coffee that I've had sitting outside various French cafes. I had to add the Cath Kidston fabric because all of the things that I have made using it seem to be so popular. I'm going to make a plain red gingham tablecloth next to brighten up my outside table (if it ever stops raining). We've not had one single day this week without it raining. A typical start to our British summer. Next thing will be a hosepipe ban because the reservoirs are empty, it happens every year. I wonder where all the rain goes too if not into the reservoirs. I think that the water board must have some very short sighted employees because the three reservoirs near our home are always full. Ah, the mysteries of life.

Catching up

2009-05-18T19:43:00.005+01:00

I appologize for not having blogged for over a week. I've been so busy with an order for tote bags and 45 dog bandanas!! The dog bandanas certainly aren't what I would be putting my own dog into but they are becoming very fashionable. I've also been busy making things to list on Ebay so I just haven't had any time for blogging at all.
I'm up to my eyes in wallpaper, paint and paste too as we are decorating our bedroom and the kitchen. Not before time may I say so I'm trying to make time to slap on a couple of lengths of wallpaper in between doing everything else. At the rate we're going it will be getting on for Halloween before everything is ship shape and Bristol fashion again.
As you can see from the photo's, I've had a change of name too. I'm not changing our Ebay shop name yet but everything I make is not going out under the Shabby but Chic label and I have had some professional labels made for me to put into all of my handmades. I've been selling a lot of the Shabby Chic cushion covers and that sort of thing and at the moment I'm not going to be putting any more of my dolls on Ebay as they just don't fetch a good price. Unfortunately there is one person on Ebay UK who insists on listing all of her dolls at a 99 pence start price so the rest of us just aren't even getting a look in and I refuse to sell dolls that have taken me 8 hours to make for just 99 pence. (about 60 cents in the US). Not to worry though as I always find that my dolls do really well at craft fairs and I have two coming up next month. Meanwhile I'm churning out cushion covers, peg bags, tea towels and all sorts of quickly made stuff as it is so profitable at the moment.
I shall be listing all of the stuff in the photos later on Ebay as I want them to finish next Monday which is a Bank Holiday (don't think you have these in the US) and I've found that bank holidays are a really good time to get plenty of customers in.

2009-05-06T15:29:00.002+01:00

I've just been asked to make my tote bags for a new shop that is opening up at the end of the month and I'm sooo excited. I've said I'll send a sample tote plus fabric samples so that they can decide exactly what they want and we'll take it from there. Honestly, I flog myself stupid making dolls and that sort of thing and all of a sudden simple little tote bags are a must have. Thank goodness they are so quick and easy to make. Fingers crossed that they go down well. I've ordered some labels to fix on them saying "Handmade by Shabby but Chic" which is my Etsy shop name and more suitable for my shabby chic items I think. So, now the hard work starts, getting the things made, not that they take too long to run up.

Lazy Day

2009-05-04T22:18:00.002+01:00

I've deserted my sewing today and spent most of the afternoon getting my new laptop up and running and connected to the internet. I have to admit that I love it. I am very fond of my bed as a lot of my friends already know and now I can surf the web from my lovely cosy bed. LOL It will save me a fortune in WAP on my mobile now that I can stay connected to Ebay. It's not that I'm a lazy person, I just enjoy relaxing in my lovely warm bed when I have the house to myself which I do every Monday as hubby goes out to his Irish music session. Monday evenings are my "me" time when I can do all those girly things like plucking my eyebrows, painting my nails, getting up close and intimate with my foot spa. In fact all of the things we girls like to do when our "other halves" are out of the way for a while.

I really must get sewing again tomorrow though as all of the stuff I made from Cath Kidston fabrics is doing really well on Ebay so I need to get creating a few more things. Watch this space.

Totes and Pigs

2009-05-03T19:56:00.002+01:00

Another of my tote bags hot off the machine and already listed on Ebay. The piggy make do pin cushion is just a bit of an idea I am playing around with for my next couple of craft fairs. I'm intending on doing quite a lot of different animal and bird make do's because they are so quick and easy to put together.