tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79439443186830662332024-02-21T03:01:10.488+00:00Sew far,sew goodFor sewing tips, easy makes and a little about life on the beautiful Welsh coast.craftylittlecottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14482121455160404311noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943944318683066233.post-90586516521730338942013-06-16T11:34:00.000+01:002013-06-16T16:55:24.181+01:00Fabric-aholic!<div style="text-align: justify;">
I find the fabric I work with wherever I can, and I'm always on the hunt for new fabrics. My expertise in finding places that sell material is a bit of a joke in my house. I have an ever expanding list of favourite places to go in the local area and further afield, whole days out and trips can be based around visiting some fabric shops and warehouses. Fortunately I have a few friends who share my passion, and I'm working on the rest.</div>
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I'm always on the look out for remnants and vintage pieces, so charity shops and markets make great places for a rummage. I found some fantastic linens in a local shop last year and used them to make a drawstring bag amongst other things ( Charity Shop Finds and Drawstring Bag Make 19/2/12). </div>
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Some lovely vintage gingham fabrics found at my most recent visit to Altrincham Vintage Market- all sorts of plans for them.</div>
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It has become a little embarassing as on a couple occasions recently shop assistants, without any prompting on my part, have shown me to the shop's remnant baskets. As I was being led to these secret remnant stashes, hidden away at the back of the shop, I did wonder if I give off a 'frantic for fabric' vibe. The shops in questions were Dunelm Mill and Terrys Fabric Warehouse, both sell good quality and well priced fabric. If you're only looking for small pieces of fabric the remnant bins are worth seeking out. </div>
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Scandi Storage Box lined with Ikea cotton in orange and cream spots </div>
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Ikea has also become a source of fabric for me, although I have mix feelings about the place- very much a love hate relationship. If I go, I usually slink in late at night as this generally avoids the crowds of people (family days out etc.) meandering through the shop. Then I try to beat the store planners, ignoring the arrows on the floor looking for the short cuts to avoid the marathon tour around the place. My aim is to get to the fabric department with as few distractions and hold ups as possible. I am very fond of Ikea fabrics as the quality is generally very good and the price reasonable (and in case you're wondering Ikea often have a remnant bin). </div>
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I tend to buy their plain cottons and linens for linings. They have some fabulous prints, sadly (for me) many are very large designs ideal for curtains and large cushions but not so good for smaller items. I do love them but tend to resist these large prints and also the ones that are very recognisably 'Ikea', but I recently succumbed ( encouraged by a very good sale discount). </div>
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I found a bold floral print cotton, with large stylised flowers with a real 'retro' feel, and a lovely striped cotton canvas fabric. The both fabrics have a wonderful summery feel and work together quite well- I think.</div>
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The first make was this large reversible bag which was designed for the beach and holidays. The bag is very spacious with a large base almost like a bucket bag. There is a large pocket that closes with velcro ( the button is just for decoration)- ideal for smaller items so they're not lost in the bottom of the bag. </div>
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The bag is reversible makes it a little more versatile, and it folds flat so great to fit in a suitcase. </div>
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The striped cotton fabric is ideal for aprons with its strong tight weave, and the flowers from the floral fabric just great for large pockets. They add a bit of fun and interest, and are quite practical. They are lined with the main fabric- this avoided any raw edges and also strenghtened the pockets.</div>
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The rest of the striped fabric and floral print is destined for cushions.<br />
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A quick word of warning about Ikea be prepared to measure and cut your own fabric (invariably with a pair very blunt scissors). Your fabric is then weighed by an assistant for pricing.</div>
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I have a long list of other favourite haunts for fabric including my local shop, Cae Du Designs, here in Harlech, Textile Express in Oswestry ( they also sell online) and many,many more. </div>
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craftylittlecottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14482121455160404311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943944318683066233.post-22430403354009127472013-05-14T16:41:00.001+01:002013-05-14T16:41:55.674+01:00Coming out of hibernation It's been some time since I've posted on my blog in fact it is a very long time since I wrote anything here. It is as though it has been in an extended hibernation and I think it is about I woke it up, although with recent weather I still need some convincing that spring has arrived.<br />
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Despite the unseasonal weather, and it is probably best not to dwell on it, there are plenty of signs that the year is moving on. I spend my time at the computer being distracted by the birds on the feeder just outside the window, particularly now this year's broods have started to fledge. It's quite comical to see a well fed 'baby' bird, with mouth open and flapping wings, waiting for food from parents who are worn out with feeding the youngster that is now bigger than they are.<br />
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I'm very lucky where I live as I get a fine selection of different types of birds in the garden, though I have to say one of my favourites is the humble little sparrow. They nest in the back wall of the house; they're noisy, a bit rowdy in fact they're rather raucous neighbours but I love that they are there despite their squabbling.<br />
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This year has been very special as there has been a blackbird's nest in a shrub just feet from the back door so it has been a thrill to watch the little family grow and fledge, sadly no photos as I've been very anxious not to disturb their nest.<br />
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The making goes on and this year has brought a few new lines and some exciting new fabrics. I think my favourite is a camper van print ( from Fryett, I think ) which is available in both cotton and oilcloth type ( PVC) fabric making it quite versatile. I knew the print would be popular but I'm still surprised by just how popular. The little vans seem to capture so many people's imaginations, and I've heard so many stories about vans past and present, which has been great. I've always had aspirations of acquiring a camper and this fabric might just be the closest I get!<br />
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The other fabric I'm very fond of is a laminated fabric with a matt finish from the Summersville range by Moda. I've used it to make storage boxes and lined it with a bold orange print from Ikea- just adding to the Scandinavian feel.<br />
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The boxes are great for storage all over the house particularly in the children's room, bathroom, keeping your desk tidy or to put crafting bits and bobs in.<br />
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The oilcloth fabric makes them very practical as they can be wiped clean easily- great in the bathroom or for keeping baby changing gear handy. The alphabet print (above) is made from a remnant I managed to pick up online ( I'm always on the look out for a bargain). <br />
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I've done fewer fairs this year, selling more online and closer to home, which has been nice. I still do some fairs and a couple of markets. I'm off to Altrincham Vintage Market this Sunday. I've done it a few times and it is always well attended. It starts at 10am, which is really quite civilised for a Sunday morning.<br />
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I've got lots of ideas for new makes, and I've started dressmaking again which is great, if a bit of a surprise, and I will share some of my makes and some dressmaking tips. So watch this space..craftylittlecottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14482121455160404311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943944318683066233.post-37737022389569940722012-09-30T11:13:00.001+01:002012-09-30T11:19:09.490+01:00Fabric FlowersIt's a little while since I made something for the blog, and I thought as the flowers were fading in the garden it would be nice to make some fabric flowers.<br />
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These are quite simple, and although I use the sewing machine here they can be made by hand- there isn't a great deal of sewing involved. <br />
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Strips of fine or light weight fabric- I've used a cotton fabric.<br />
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fuse wire (or the fine wire used by florists in flower arranging)<br />
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plant sticks/canes ( thin green wooden sticks- found mine in B&Q)<br />
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Cut a strip of fabric 10 cm by 50cm and fold in half - bringing the long edges together and press along the fold. <br />
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Open the piece of fabric out and make a running stitch along the length using the pressed fold line as a guide. <br />
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Fold the fabric back along the pressed fold line.<br />
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Now to make the petal shapes- fold the fabric strip in half bringing the short edges together, you should end up with a folded piece measuring 25cm by 5cm. It is probably easiest to use a few pins to hold the fabric in place.<br />
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You can either draw the petal shape free hand or make a template.<br />
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Mark the shape on the fabric- ensure the you do this along the open edge of the fabric and not the fold!<br />
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Cut the petal shapes (reminder don't cut along the folded edge)- once done open out maintaining the fold on the long edge.<br />
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Again you may wish to use pins at this stage, stitch the two layers of fabric together, either with the machine or by hand, along the open edge of the 'petals' about 0.5cm from the edge.<br />
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Now to secure your flower to its stalk- the green garden canes. The ones I have are 25cm in length, and I've cut them in half. You can hide the cut end in the centre of the flower.<br />
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Thread a piece of fuse wire through the fabric strip bringing it out the other end a couple of centimetres, bend either end of wire to stop fabric coming off it, then draw up the running stitch.<br />
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Secure one end of the fuse wire to the end of the cane.<br />
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Then carefully start to form the flower head by wrapping the fabric strip round the top of the cane using the fuse wire to secure it.<br />
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It's a bit fiddly but it should hold in place if the wire is tight- take a bit of time here to shape the flower head. Once you reach the end secure using the wire.<br />
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Like previous projects you can modify this:<br />
- change the dimensions of the fabric strips of create bigger/smaller flowers<br />
-change the petal shape so you have more pointed petals or cut out using pinking shears<br />
-instead of folding a strip of fabric use 2 long thinner strips of different fabrics sewn together, fold along the length of the seam. <br />
-you can add leaves to the stems, again using wire to secure in place.<br />
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<br />craftylittlecottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14482121455160404311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943944318683066233.post-90511124743674406302012-09-25T09:19:00.002+01:002012-09-25T09:19:56.678+01:00Vintage Fashion & Textiles -My Kind Of Heaven<div style="text-align: justify;">
Had the most fantastic Sunday spending it at a Vintage Fashion & Textile Fair in Manchester. The fair is held twice yearly at the Armitage Centre in Owens Park, which is part of Manchester University although the fairs are not organise by them. The spring fair is organised by The Textile Society and the September one by Decorative Fairs It is an absolute must for anyone who has an interest in vintage/retro fashions and textiles with literally hundreds of stalls there. I had the most wonderful time mooching and rummaging, and meeting lots of folk who enthuse about fabric.</div>
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No photos from the actual event- far too busy looking (& spending) to take photos, but I thought I might share some of my buys (and there were a few she confesses guiltily). They are all favourites but for different reasons, and some I didn't realise how much I loved until I got home and had a really good look.</div>
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I bought a collection of knitting needles- when I picked up the bundle I didn't realise what was in it until I unwrapped it and found the most beautifully organised set of knitting needles. They had obviously belonged to a serious knitter- needles of all sizes in bamboo, metal and plastic, in various lengths and many double ended needles. To me a wonderful find, and scrutinising it when I got home it was difficult not to think about the previous owner and what they had made in the past. I'm afraid I get a little sentimental and feel it's a real privilege to take possesion of such an item.</div>
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Another purchase was a bumper tin of buttons- I was offered the box , the price was named and I have to say it was too good to resist. I hadn't the time to fully examine the contents of the tin there and then but I had a wonderful time going through the box when I got home, and wasn't disappointed.<br />
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There were lots of sets of vintage buttons all sorts of sizes, a few novelty buttons and some glass buttons. I think the previous owner must have taken buttons of clothes once they had finished wearing them and stashed them for future use in their button tin- something I do myself.<br />
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I wondered what they did with the rest of the items whether they were re-fashioned into other pieces of clothing or whether they were used to make something like another one of my purchases- a peg rug.<br />
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I said this was post was a bit of a confession, and it is. I found and brought home this fantastic peg or rag rug, what it's called depends on what part of the country you come from. These rugs like patchwork were made from bits of old and used fabric- the ultimate recycling. Many of the rugs haven't survived, or when you do find them they tend to be marked and damaged as they were made to be used and usually sat in front of the fire.<br />
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This one is made from pieces of wool fabric, and someone has spent some time planning and designing the rug. It is in need of a little T.L.C and a wash but otherwise is just perfect. So I'm delighted with this and am going to give it a good home.</div>
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I won't list all my purchases as it is becoming a little self indulgent but I thought I might just show you this lovely wool jacket I picked up (an absolute bargain ).<br />
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It is beautifully made and finished- I just love the detail in the tailoring of the jacket particularly the sleeves, the pleat in the back and finish around the pockets and front seams.<br />
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It was absolutely wonderful to wander round the fair and look at the most exquisite dresses, outfits and accessories of all vintages, and fabrics and textiles again of all vintages from all around the world. <br />
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The next fair in Manchester is in the spring and for details go to the Textile Society website- there is a bonus at their fairs as many of the textile guilds are also there including embroiderers and quilters along with the commercial sellers .Decorative Fairs do organise other fairs in the northwest of England and again more details will be found on their website.</div>
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Thanks for hearing my confession and perhaps I've even tempted you to indulge your passion for textiles and vintage fashion. If you feel the need for a little indulgence I would really recommend a trip to one of the fairs. </div>
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craftylittlecottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14482121455160404311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943944318683066233.post-44650984184713685282012-09-15T20:37:00.002+01:002012-09-16T10:28:06.131+01:00Ruby Gingham @ No16 The Downs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been quite busy the last few weeks in that I've been setting up my little patch in a fantastic new retail venture in Altrincham, a market town in Cheshire not far from Manchester. It's a place I know well having grown up there, and I'm a very frequent visitor still having family ties in the area. Like many small towns the last few years have been difficult, but now there's a fantastic movement to reinvogorate the town and bring back local shoppers. No 16 The Downs can be found on the first floor of Traders Outlet on The Downs, and it provides the opportunity that a lot of crafters and small independent traders dream of- retail space at low risk.</div>
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So what can you find there? Well there is a fabulous selection vintage clothes & home wares, artists, and crafters plus a beautician and importantly a coffee shop with cakes (absolutely vital to any shopping trip). There is a real mix of independent traders and a very pleasant relaxed atmosphere to shop in.</div>
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My little patch that has been a bit of challenge to set up and stock- I'm use to setting up my stall at fairs and markets more or less on a weekly basis but this is a bit different. Firstly there is quite a bit more space and also I won't be on hand most of the time to keep it tidy- so planning it was important to make the most of the available space and incorporate some storage space. With the help of some magnolia paint, some Ikea shelving units and a very 'shabby chic' chest of drawers the space has evolved into my patch, though even after couple of weeks trading it's still a work in progress.</div>
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Ruby Gingham at the Crafty Little Cottage now has a home away from home at No16. It's great to have a place to display my work on a more permanent basis, and to be part of such an exciting venture. </div>
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So now there's is a lot of work to get the word out there and increase the awareness of the place. There has been a lot of coverage in the local press and last weekend No16 had its official launch. There was a tremendous response and the place was packed which was wonderful- here's hoping folk keep coming back and tell their friends. So fingers crossed...</div>
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Find out more;</div>
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<a href="http://www.tradersoutlet.co.uk/">http://www.tradersoutlet.co.uk/</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.no16vintage.com/">http://www.no16vintage.com/</a></div>
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craftylittlecottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14482121455160404311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943944318683066233.post-20833725477107446962012-08-06T17:39:00.000+01:002012-08-06T17:43:17.459+01:00Blooming Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've just spent a lovely weekend in a marquee in the beautiful gardens of Erddig, a National Trust property in North Wales. It was real privilege to take part in their wonderful Victorian weekend, which was very well attended and it was fabulous to see so many folk wearing Victorian costume.</div>
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I was last at Erddig at their Christmas market, so it was great to see the beautiful gardens that I wandered round in the depths of winter in their summer splendour. One of the things I love about doing events at this type of venue is the opportunity you get to mooch round before the gates open to the general public. I took full advantage of this yesterday morning and had a good look round the gardens before starting.</div>
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I always feel I have to excuse writing about gardens in what is suppose to be a crafting blog but they can be a great source of inspiration particularly with regard to the use of colour and textures.</div>
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There were plenty of colours to be seen at the weekend in the fabulous rose garden. The beds are planted quite formally with roses and lavender, and purple clematis and pink climbing roses growing up frames.</div>
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There is a great selection of sweet peas (one of my favourites) in the garden and the smell was wonderful. The picture above is of the walled vegetable garden, and in true Victorian style there are a couple of greenhouses tucked away and an orchard.</div>
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There are lots of ideas to take away for planting and surprisingly in such a big garden ideas for gardeners who work on a much smaller scale. The bed above has sweet peas, sunflowers, beans, purple sprouting broccoli, beetroot, marigolds and a cordon of apples on the wall. </div>
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I loved seeing the bees working hard in the orchards and they were busy yesterday in the early morning sunshine.</div>
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All in all it was a terrific weekend in a wonderful setting and the sun shone- at least for most of the time.</div>
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<br /></div>craftylittlecottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14482121455160404311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943944318683066233.post-29942810330046298572012-07-24T21:13:00.003+01:002012-07-24T21:56:36.256+01:00Accessorise with a yoyo- easy brooch makeI've just spent a lovely weekend in Sheffield taking part in the Folksy Fair. This was a wonderful craft and design fair organised by Folksy, the on line craft site (<a href="http://www.folksy.com/">www.folksy.com</a> ) and involvied individuals who sell on the site. The event was held in Endcliffe Park and was part of the Folk Forest music festival, so over the weekend there was a selection bands playing just adding to a really great atmosphere. There was a really good attendance and for a change this summer the weather played nicely giving us some brilliant sunshine ( and I have to admit I was even a little sun burnt by Sunday evening).<br />
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I was surrounded by some terrific designers and makers, and it was great to meet them after admiring their work on line. All in all a very good weekend.<br />
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When I wasn't talking to visitors and admiring other stalls I did a little making as I took some sewing with me. I think it looks good to be busy behind your stall. This is something I should add to my list of things to take to a fair -it nice at fairs to be demonstrate your crafting skills to visitors if you can. Unfortunately the sewing machine doesn't travel well so I usually take some hand sewing, something small that is is easy to put down and doesn't take too much concentration. This weekend I made some little fabric brooches while I was sitting behind the stall.<br />
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This is an incredibly simple idea and very easy to do, and like many things I mentioned previously easy to adapt and develop. The basis of the brooch is a 'yoyo' or I've also heard them called 'suffolk puffs', I think the names are quilting terms although I may be wrong.<br />
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The basis of the brooch is a circular disc of fabric, the size of the disc determines the size of your brooch.<br />
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Sew a small running stitch around the edge of your disc about 0.5cm from the edge. Running stitch is a very simple in and out straight stitch, make sure the end of your thread is well secured when you start sewing so when you have completed stitching round the edge of the disc and pull the thread the fabric gathers up. <br />
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This will bring the outside edge of the disc together, make sure the right side of the fabric is facing outwards, and manipulate the fabric disc so the gathered edge sits in the centre of the disc and secure and trim the thread.<br />
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Add a button and sew on centrally to hide the raw edge. Then you can just attach a brooch bar or a small safety pin to the back so you can wear your brooch.<br />
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So what about adapting the idea;<br />
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-you could sew a couple of yoyos in complimentary fabrics (one larger than the other) on top of one another to make a bigger brooch.<br />
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-the yoyo with the central button resembles a flower so you could make some green felt leaves and sew them to the back of the yoyo before adding your brooch bar.<br />
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-to accentuate the shape of your yoyo flower you could add a little stuffing, do this as you are drawing up the running stitch so you can secure the stuffing inside.<br />
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- you could sew several together so it appears to be several flower heads together, use a piece of heavier fabric or heavy interfacing to sew the yoyos to then sew your brooch bar to the back of this piece of fabric.<br />
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-rather than making a brooch sew several yoyos together and make up into a necklace.<br />
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This make is another way of using up scraps of fabric- the brooches (or if you developed the idea your yoyos may have multiplied to a full blown corsage) are great on jackets, cardis, hats and even bags. I've started adding these brooches to some my bags- making them up it the same fabric as the bag lining and using some big interesting buttons in the centre of the brooch. It is actually quite a nice way of showing off vintage, antique, or just nice buttons.<br />
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<br />craftylittlecottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14482121455160404311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943944318683066233.post-26076657810793037282012-07-07T22:27:00.000+01:002012-07-07T22:28:07.174+01:00Crafty Fairs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m now becoming a bit of an old hand at
craft fairs now that I’m into my third summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I wouldn’t call myself an expert but I have learnt a lot from experience
and have to say I’m still learning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
don’t think people often realise the preparation that goes into a fair, and
I’ve found that really getting organised makes for a better fair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a list of things I take, it’s fairly
generic with a few things that I need specifically for my stall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>List of craft fair musts:-<o:p></o:p></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Directions to the fair!! Remember your map or
sat nav.-<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>don’t give yourself
unnecessary<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>stress by getting lost on
the way<u><o:p></o:p></u></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pens</span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pad of Paper for notes</span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Labels</span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Scissors</span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Receipt book- some people do asks for receipts </span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bags- the size and type obviously depends on
what you’re selling</span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Business cards- I always have a few lying at the
front of the stall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People may not buy
from you then, but give them the opportunity to come back to you particularly
if you sell online. I always look at fairs as a marketing opportunity. I think
it is really important to remember that customers put a lot of trust in you if
you are making your own products and a fair is the chance to see the quality of
your work and to see YOU (it’s important to remember you are an important part
of your product- so it’s worth remembering to pack a smile on fair days)</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cellotape/ sticky tape</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">String</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Safety pins </span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Table covering- some fair organisers insist you
have something that covers the stall to the floor on three sides of the table
just to hide the stuff you’ve hidden underneath it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It does in fact make the stall look tidier
and more professional.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Float- cash for change. I find the amount you
need depends on the size of the event and it is always as well to be prepared-
it is frustrating to lose a sale because you haven’t enough change. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Copy of your public liability insurance- the
fair organiser may ask to see it.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you’re at a
fair in a tent, in a field, it is useful to have tarpaulin to put under the
stall to protect your stock and your feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Another tarpaulin is useful to cover your stall if you leave it set up
overnight, particularly if you’re in a tent- they are not always water tight
and even if it doesn’t rain they can get damp overnight just with condensation
or dew.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I always try to
keep extra warm clothes, waterproofs and wellies in the car- I’ve just been
reminded of this as I listen to the rain coming down in stair rods outside.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I find that the
clear heavy duty plastic boxes or crates are the best things for transporting
stock and storing it under the stall. They stack more easily, they are great
for protecting your stock and the clear boxes make it is easier to see what’s
in them when you’re looking for something.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Things to consider taking:-<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Clothes pegs/ pins</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Screwdriver- OK possible over the top but worth
considering. I have a clothes stand that needs to be assembled for the stall so
a screwdriver is quite important.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Chair- it’s worth checking whether or not a
chair is provided. Possibly more important check that a table is provided. It
may be that you are renting a space and the table is not provided or is
provided at extra cost. A chair you can manage without but it’s more difficult
to manage without a table. Most organiser usually do make it clear what you are
getting when you book a stall.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Drawing Pins</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stapler</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Blu- Tac</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The list could
be much longer I suppose and obviously you need to adapt it to your own needs
and requirements- it would be interesting to know what must haves other folk
have on their list.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I like to take a
flask of coffee, some snacks and a packed lunch- this is not to say they are
always eaten but it gives you options particularly if there is a lack of, or
limited, onsite catering, and (here’s the miser in me speaking) it also means
that you don’t go and spend your precious take on food. There is often enough
temptation to spend your money at other crafters stalls.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now off to get organised for another
event...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4XFT5s0d0UWFlLSiGHIamDyTFrFX5pyizYdMLTh4l70TqR3HOeEym4EWIf3eNCdSuPAdJ3FkK_eHMeWm-AknuTMV30Q2bUQuMx6JzcfLcKLNeC8m6UgEux0C_uOyI7FlQdsLWlsMfbkti/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4XFT5s0d0UWFlLSiGHIamDyTFrFX5pyizYdMLTh4l70TqR3HOeEym4EWIf3eNCdSuPAdJ3FkK_eHMeWm-AknuTMV30Q2bUQuMx6JzcfLcKLNeC8m6UgEux0C_uOyI7FlQdsLWlsMfbkti/s320/009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>craftylittlecottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14482121455160404311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943944318683066233.post-51872781847826050812012-07-01T16:39:00.002+01:002012-07-01T20:24:22.147+01:00Something Fishy to MakeThere is a strong smell of lavender through the house at the moment as I've just spent the last few hours filling lavender bags. Yesterday I took delivery of a 3Kg box of the stuff ( which is quite a lot I now realise). <br />
Filling lavender bags is always an enjoyable job, I love the stuff and make lots (& lots & lots) of lavender bags in various shapes and sizes. The lavender fish are still very popular...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_GXEW0i5X8p634zUeCGunq54giSv6VpAgRnM58Mczjoezkth2hTjXQz3Guv1g7-h8OpgUKSo2lIuTwZMZnX2F8KW9BJTj1AmH_ihpK5qMVv2Z2CiVgVa16yw4Wa_57InvD-nbA_EV7yh/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_GXEW0i5X8p634zUeCGunq54giSv6VpAgRnM58Mczjoezkth2hTjXQz3Guv1g7-h8OpgUKSo2lIuTwZMZnX2F8KW9BJTj1AmH_ihpK5qMVv2Z2CiVgVa16yw4Wa_57InvD-nbA_EV7yh/s320/013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/103393445/trio-of-lavender-fish">https://www.etsy.com/listing/103393445/trio-of-lavender-fish</a></div>
<br />
The fish are quite simple to make and they don't need to be filled with lavender. They could be filled with dried rose petals or just ordinary toy stuffing. They are great fun and look fab hanging up.<br />
<br />
The pattern is quite easy to make- I find it is usually easier to start with a pattern although you could probably do this free hand straight to the fabric.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgd35BSFJRIFDBm8TBx2XOULmvJ-vtVXsiN9ApBMaaR0m40cppqnClKy5UOd4e3GUaSXDPmI7cktiAR49wD0pd9fpskFdNPw717yr91_p7MkJfSzEgYMj_XTbrKuD4FJG6VjVWa0j9BcQ2/s1600/051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgd35BSFJRIFDBm8TBx2XOULmvJ-vtVXsiN9ApBMaaR0m40cppqnClKy5UOd4e3GUaSXDPmI7cktiAR49wD0pd9fpskFdNPw717yr91_p7MkJfSzEgYMj_XTbrKuD4FJG6VjVWa0j9BcQ2/s320/051.JPG" width="318" /></a></div>
<br />
I mentioned lines of symmetry when I described making my pirate applique a few months ago. All you need to do is fold a piece of paper in half lengthwise (use the fold as your line of symmetry) then draw half a fish. You can put a few marks to guide your drawing -decide how long you want your fish to be, length of the tail and how fat you want your fish!<br />
<br />
Remember to include a seam allowance, I would suggest about 0.5cm, and also not to make the gap at the point between the tail and body too narrow as you need to be able to turn the fish right side out once you have sewn it together.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjziUndyPf3cYvA6R0H3uKyFRoABCOd9UDLSxHOh56O9pRDtmT0KJFXVPPc_SwoTrvlHu2kWxMb09xig4wqdAE9iFxU0T1IFyxV8S5ywAm8TOwM584A5fNXbiCHmJwvmm9cdNWXHGMC2bLd/s1600/052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjziUndyPf3cYvA6R0H3uKyFRoABCOd9UDLSxHOh56O9pRDtmT0KJFXVPPc_SwoTrvlHu2kWxMb09xig4wqdAE9iFxU0T1IFyxV8S5ywAm8TOwM584A5fNXbiCHmJwvmm9cdNWXHGMC2bLd/s320/052.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmS4M2ysYnfwSbuddBsHh-Ufl2R_CAm__lE9PWQ3RM3qsZwccakpg68sQbNIzU3THR3VQDNqGifQTmnqlTO6xIQIHt9zBlQ6gzYgp9s1hqdEh-mhcM4FqlHHd3NBQfHMW6XQBQgIKvgbg/s1600/053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmS4M2ysYnfwSbuddBsHh-Ufl2R_CAm__lE9PWQ3RM3qsZwccakpg68sQbNIzU3THR3VQDNqGifQTmnqlTO6xIQIHt9zBlQ6gzYgp9s1hqdEh-mhcM4FqlHHd3NBQfHMW6XQBQgIKvgbg/s320/053.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Cut out a front and back for your fish- place them right sides together and sew round with a seam allowance of about 0.5cm. Remember to leave a gap of about 3cm so you can turn the fish out.<br />
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<br />
Clip the corners at the nose and tips of the tail. Clip round the curves, this ensures that the fish retains its fishy shape when you turn it out- I go round with pinking shears. Take care that you don't accidentally clip the seam stitching!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4G5xy4F7_BbEByDp3VWQJxZY3l3_At814tBWXT1q4uS4l0_JvBo7qfKggHUKpczJ0SZEAqsZ3qdv-mIKolJDuVKNwgqiEgt9GTbkFSmmZHmUAjBDqjXD1idCi6t3GHXI-HD1NQ9JaXB0z/s1600/057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4G5xy4F7_BbEByDp3VWQJxZY3l3_At814tBWXT1q4uS4l0_JvBo7qfKggHUKpczJ0SZEAqsZ3qdv-mIKolJDuVKNwgqiEgt9GTbkFSmmZHmUAjBDqjXD1idCi6t3GHXI-HD1NQ9JaXB0z/s320/057.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
Turn the fish out, carefully pushing out the corners- the blunt end of a crochet hook is quite useful for this job.<br />
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<br />
Add the string loop for hanging- easiest to do before stuffing the fish. This fish has been filled with polyester toy filling. Close the fish by hand stitching the gap used for stuffing the fish, ensure the raw edges are all tucked in.<br />
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<br />
This little fish has been embellished with button eyes (one on each side) and a simple quilting stitch on the tail.<br />
<br />
The fish are more effective hanging up in groups...<br />
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<a href="http://folksy.com/items/3446042-Trio-of-Lavender-Fish">http://folksy.com/items/3446042-Trio-of-Lavender-Fish</a></div>
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For cat lovers out there, what about a treat for your cat? You can fill the fish with catnip and your cat will love you forever! Just a few words of caution, I would suggest using a strong tight weave cotton fabric for your fish, and to omit the button embellishment or any other embellishment that may accidentally end up inside kitty.</div>craftylittlecottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14482121455160404311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943944318683066233.post-82390230525657548122012-06-26T18:27:00.000+01:002012-06-26T18:43:49.891+01:00JuneI've just about recovered from a very muddy weekend spent at Arley Garden Festival- it has taken me a while to clean up my boots, clothes, ground sheets and car. Despite the mud it was a good weekend and considering the weather (and ground conditions) there was a really good turn out; lots of hardy gardening types looking for plants, garden accessories and visiting the beautiful gardens at Arley Hall.<br />
Unfortunately the weekend weather was fairly typical of the weather through May & June- I've spent several soggy weekends behind a stall in damp marquees wondering at the great British public who turn out in such weather ( and thanking them for their support).<br />
There have been a couple of lovely days and fortunately they fell at the time of the Cheshire Show- which was fantastic!<br />
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Meet Nobby and his woolly mates!</div>
I love the Cheshire Show and have had a stall in one of the craft tents for the last couple of years. This year has been the first time I've really have had an opportunity to have a good look round. It's a huge event with something for everyone. My highlight had to be The Sheep Show and its woolly stars; the sheep are just fabulous! It's a hoot, (sorry, it's quite educational)! The sheep are all introduce by name and breed as they come on the stage one by one. It's great for kids and grown ups alike as you hear about different breeds, see sheep shearing and hear a little about how wool is processed. Who'd of thought you could train sheep, like many of us they seem to be fairly well motivated by food. These guys apparently are regulars at county show and events around the country, and I would certainly recommend their performance if like me you are a sheep fan. <a href="http://www.thesheepshow.co.uk/">http://www.thesheepshow.co.uk/</a><br />
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So back to the sewing machine. I've a few quiet weeks to replenish stocks and get ready for more events later in the summer.</div>craftylittlecottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14482121455160404311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943944318683066233.post-28367082386268167482012-05-13T20:32:00.002+01:002012-05-13T20:39:54.174+01:00Cottage GardenI spent this morning in the garden after too long neglecting it.It's a few weeks since I've been in it, what with the weather and one thing and another. It is a place I love particularly at this time of year as it starts to fill out and my favourite flowers are in bloom. I love the aquilegia- so pretty and delicate and something I really look forward to seeing, and then in complete contrast the camellias with their big, brash blooms which fortunately grow very well here.<br />
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I'm rather a lazy gardener. I try to keep my garden simple and it's filled largely with shrubs and perennials- fill the beds to cut down on the weeding. I do have some fruit bushes, herbs and something I think no garden should be without, rhubarb ( maybe that's just me)- it's cropping very nicely at the moment. I have this fantastic clematis that winds it way through a rowan tree and the moment is just coming into flower.<br />
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So this morning was tidying, weeding and the cutting the lawn- a rather posh way of describing the scrappy patch of grass filling the space between the beds. It's a amazing though how just cutting the grass improves the whole look of the garden.<br />
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So feeling rather pleased with my efforts I had coffee in the sunshine and surveyed the results of my efforts this afternoon.craftylittlecottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14482121455160404311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943944318683066233.post-19539926287845159322012-05-10T08:55:00.000+01:002012-05-10T08:55:44.741+01:00Tea TimeThought I would post a pic of a wall plaque I've just made. It was something I was asked to do- although I didn't quite stick to the brief but I'm really pleased with the end result. <br />
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The picture is really simple, and was fairly easy to put together once I'd created the templates for the teapot and teacup. The fabrics have worked very well together- I love the mix of prints set off by the neutral linen background. I've mention before I tend use 'Bondaweb' for most of the appliques I make and have done in this picture. There is a row of machine stitching around the edge of the pot and cup- this helps define the shape.</div>
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The plaque is stiffened with some very heavy interfacing and backed with a piece of linen. The fabric could as easily been stretch over a canvas frame.</div>
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So I think it may by time for a cuppa!</div>craftylittlecottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14482121455160404311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943944318683066233.post-90821709887961367852012-05-01T14:42:00.000+01:002012-05-01T14:42:38.464+01:00More Crochet<div style="text-align: justify;">
So still busy with a crochet hook and I've now actually manage to make something useful with my efforts. I tried crocheting with various different yarns, but my favourite so far is string to make flowers. The cotton string works really well and fabric covered buttons make the perfect centres for the flowers.</div>
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I've added little brooch bars to the back of the flowers so they can be worn.<br />
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The flower brooches are now available for sale in my Folksy and Etsy shops.</div>
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I've been adding other new products to the shops this morning so I'm feeling a little cross eyed after spending a couple of hours sitting at the computer screen. I've managed to get hold of some new fabrics and despite saying I wasn't going to make for the forthcoming Jubilee I've given in. I found some fab fabric that I just couldn't resist, so there a bit of red, white and blue available in the shape of wash bags and bunting with a few more things to come. Hopefully all made in the best possible taste! </div>
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I'm off to Llandudno for the Bank Holiday weekend and the annual Victorian Extravaganza- the craft fair is in the Town Hall on Sunday and Monday (6th & &7th May). I'm also doing a couple of event in Shropshire later in the month both new to me this year so a step into the unknown. I'm off to an event at Dearnford Lake near Whitchurch on the 19th & 20th for their country fayre ( <a href="http://www.dearnfordlake.com/">www.dearnfordlake.com</a> ) and the following weekend the Shropshire County Agricultural Show ( <a href="http://www.shropshirecountyshow.com/">www.shropshirecountyshow.com</a> )in Shrewsbury. I'm looking out the window just now hoping that the weather is going to improve over the next few weeks.</div>
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<br /></div>craftylittlecottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14482121455160404311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943944318683066233.post-39287463680176794052012-04-20T08:27:00.002+01:002012-04-20T08:33:31.945+01:00I have to thank a lovely ( & very interesting) lady I met the other weekend at a craft fair. For years whenever I've seen someone busy with a crochet hook I've bemoaned the fact that I could knit and sew reasonably well but had never been taught to crochet. Like many crafts it is much easier to learn if some actually shows you what to do. I had spent time trying to figure things out with a book and had quite literally got tied in knots.<br />
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</div>So very kindly Sharon brought in a hook and some yarn in for me. A woman with great patience she got my started crocheting. Teaching me a few stitches and with the rudiments of crochet I was off. Can't tell how satisfying it feels to learn something new and obviously now I have to practise ( & practise).<br />
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I'm now groaning under a stack of crocheted flowers having trawled You Tube for instructions ( just a quick google search for 'crochet flower' brought up thousands of results- perhaps not surprisingly). There are so many videos on there with folk demonstrating the making of huge numbers of different crocheted items. Knowing how to use a crochet hook and having learnt a few stitches made it easier to follow the videos, but I'm sure there are instructions on how to get started out there as well.<br />
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I'm a convert to crochet although I'll never give up knitting - they actually complement each other nicely. So a big thank you once again to Sharon.craftylittlecottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14482121455160404311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943944318683066233.post-26066672849532884162012-04-16T08:40:00.002+01:002012-04-17T08:28:02.302+01:00Woodland blooms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvoShnJJXolSDJtgbH73u8YvQBv0ZcD9UUbcBCydPjE7Qwpga_09ijpyYOc84KN7Qkfh5Vx4-iay7G9iw5-PZ0g1z_NVahD3IZx2t6_HaL4_qE8i2vnddCAjjEi3Z8ZQZCDeHlwlAUJqX1/s1600/098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvoShnJJXolSDJtgbH73u8YvQBv0ZcD9UUbcBCydPjE7Qwpga_09ijpyYOc84KN7Qkfh5Vx4-iay7G9iw5-PZ0g1z_NVahD3IZx2t6_HaL4_qE8i2vnddCAjjEi3Z8ZQZCDeHlwlAUJqX1/s320/098.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I managed to get to mid March before getting a little lazy with the blog and breaking my New Year's resolution ( New Year, a distant memory). It reflects the fact everything else has been quite busy over the last few weeks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> Over Easter the tranquil life of this little part of Wales suddenly changes as lots of visitors arrive for the holiday. It wakes us up after the winter and prepares us for the influx over the summer. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The beach is incredibly popular so I take to the hills to walk the dog. It's lovely walking up through the local woods at the moment as the spring flowers are in bloom.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">My camera accompanied me for a walk over the weekend, so I have added a few snaps here. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div align="justify" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>craftylittlecottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14482121455160404311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943944318683066233.post-63275811788034931722012-03-15T19:08:00.003+00:002012-03-16T10:20:28.711+00:00Wee Highland HooseI fell in love with this wee hoose last week when I came across the knitting pattern for it on Esty. I live in a beautiful part of the world but I dream of a little croft in the Scottish highlands and this is about as close as I'll get. <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The knitting pattern is by Julia Marsh and can be found on Etsy <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/85791482/knitting-pattern-scottish-red-roof-croft">http</a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/85791482/knitting-pattern-scottish-red-roof-croft">://www.etsy.com/listing/85791482/knitting-pattern-scottish-red-roof-croft</a> . It didn't take me long to knit - the pattern is very clear and easy to follow. I used ordinary toy stuffing to fill the house, but I think next time I'll probably use foam as advised in the pattern, or make a fabric lining and fill that with stuffing before putting it in the knitted shell. This would improve the shape of my cottage never the less I just love it- the little croft house is so sweet.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> I'm off to complete my highland village with lots of little highland hames- may be knitting for some time.</div>craftylittlecottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14482121455160404311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943944318683066233.post-87755751003552091292012-03-11T09:20:00.001+00:002012-03-11T09:54:19.909+00:00This week<a href="http:///"></a>Had a great time last Sunday at a vintage and antique textile fair in Manchester. It was nice to spend a day as a customer and even nicer rummaging round such wonderful stalls. The fair was organised by the Textile Society ( <a href="http://www.textilesociety.org/">www.textilesociety.org</a> ) and is an annual event. There were a large number of commercial sellers, representations from various guilds including embroiderers,quilters, and button collectors, and there were also talks given by experts and academics.<br />
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I found the Textile Society while bumbling around on Facebook. It organises events and talks up and down the country through the year- so it's worth looking them up if your interested in textiles.<br />
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I'm taking part in a virtual craft fair this week, something I find intriguing and am really interested to see how it goes. The 'fair' is organised by Creative Connections and Craftfest runs through this week ( 10th- 18th March ). To set up your stall you produce an album of your wares with links to where the items can be purchased, and the organisers promote the event. There are over a 170 stalls selling various crafts - so lots to see. There are several events through the year and the next one is in June. <a href="http://creative-connections.ning.com/page/craftfest-home">http://creative-connections.ning.com/page/craftfest-home</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXL89lc781y5kP9N8HRi5388_jCBM3cdZDplJDxITmI9GHR-CO6ElGVmlHbu4pAYFovMIHVY794dtRhoOxrY1RDhsJV-HnXPKecDPpOhAWfiVHNcXT4aW-z7cqkgZJEBBt9-Qnh4ubQrRA/s1600/wpc409a5af_06.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXL89lc781y5kP9N8HRi5388_jCBM3cdZDplJDxITmI9GHR-CO6ElGVmlHbu4pAYFovMIHVY794dtRhoOxrY1RDhsJV-HnXPKecDPpOhAWfiVHNcXT4aW-z7cqkgZJEBBt9-Qnh4ubQrRA/s1600/wpc409a5af_06.png" /></a></div>craftylittlecottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14482121455160404311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943944318683066233.post-65672605628119964442012-02-28T18:08:00.000+00:002012-02-28T18:08:54.925+00:00From Britain With Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK5JSVgVecBGcevI4jbhLWE6vrRaNms8pysyZEQCUJ7Wq0YuLH2w-b2A0G5xTp5w4AkXBLUPtNfaRN045B6u8VUv2e671LDxYvQCSLaSVk-pzP6Vw6mTmOqf_EBy86JE-1bf3_eHBAXpWb/s1600/053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK5JSVgVecBGcevI4jbhLWE6vrRaNms8pysyZEQCUJ7Wq0YuLH2w-b2A0G5xTp5w4AkXBLUPtNfaRN045B6u8VUv2e671LDxYvQCSLaSVk-pzP6Vw6mTmOqf_EBy86JE-1bf3_eHBAXpWb/s320/053.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Just a tiny bit pleased today as the very kind people at From Britain With Love have featured one of my tea cosies in the editor's picks. So a very big thank you to them!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.frombritainwithlove.com/">http://www.frombritainwithlove.com/</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.frombritainwithlove.com" target="_blank" title="Editor's Pick on From Britain With Love"><img alt="Editor's Pick on From Britain With Love" src="http://www.frombritainwithlove.com/images/link-to-us/link_128x128editor.jpg" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjJf8qUwD9ojeZl5Gwwf9bFDtBrKicce5IjcwKGGbO710vBc10NavGG8hqdaC5X_XrAHYELgOG8cNnE21I9Maswl90TYtCqXvLAOfVVHJ3ShSlk75hX6aMLK9AYUToLxai-JlzKOYwQM_/s1600/051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjJf8qUwD9ojeZl5Gwwf9bFDtBrKicce5IjcwKGGbO710vBc10NavGG8hqdaC5X_XrAHYELgOG8cNnE21I9Maswl90TYtCqXvLAOfVVHJ3ShSlk75hX6aMLK9AYUToLxai-JlzKOYwQM_/s320/051.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://folksy.com/items/3006806-Nautical-Red-White-Striped-Tea-Cosy">http://folksy.com/items/3006806-Nautical-Red-White-Striped-Tea-Cosy</a></div>craftylittlecottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14482121455160404311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943944318683066233.post-80270106791186463372012-02-27T11:13:00.003+00:002012-02-27T15:16:51.500+00:00Tea Cosy- The Make Part 2Following on from the previous post on how to make a tea cosy pattern. Having made your pattern cut out your fabric: 2 pieces in your main fabric, 2 in the lining fabric and 2 in wadding ( I've use 4oz polyester wadding).<br />
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Pin each piece in the main fabric to a wadding piece ( wrong side to wading). and then tack either by hand or with a long machine stitch around the edge of each to secure wadding to fabric.<br />
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With right side facings put each of the main/wadding pieces and the lining pieces together, pin along the base (straight edge) and sew together (1.5cm seam allowance).<br />
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Open each piece out so the seam is facing towards the lining fabric.- use a warm iron carefully (do not use an iron directly on the wadding)<br />
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At this stage you can add a loop the top of the tea cosy- I've made a loop from the lining fabric but you can use a piece of ribbon- use a 10cm piece fold in half, place at the top of the curve in the centre with the raw edges towards the curve, as shown pin and tack in place.<br />
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Put the two halves of the cosies together, match the seams where the main and lining fabric meet carefully, pin remembering to leave a gap (about 10cm) in the seam in the lining to allow you to turn the tea cosy right side out. Sew round with a 1.5cm seam allowances- mind the gap!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKCnjKm-LKoIJIvBElNbTAFbAGKC1pttnk0tLeQEfSYinQaUUMHV3517InDIlAcO7DKenePmqZ2gDlvjFhYaolCObcdZiWCFcezpjqTwCS4hEDFKGaWpQxpXXMHyE1HPezJ3mRcrReOjF/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKCnjKm-LKoIJIvBElNbTAFbAGKC1pttnk0tLeQEfSYinQaUUMHV3517InDIlAcO7DKenePmqZ2gDlvjFhYaolCObcdZiWCFcezpjqTwCS4hEDFKGaWpQxpXXMHyE1HPezJ3mRcrReOjF/s320/027.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Turn the tea cosy right side out and close the gap in the lining.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIXtc_ZGH_-NC0eZDDkyqeT5M75lO2XIiV8hChVw0KfT9VT9grFBZ25a5auUnSUpkYP4_pP0s8NsgioV20nh1aBWHIcBCglVx27L0t0TlI_1W-ehyuXCGPD5RHFv7qidcxygmSzHKCivdz/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIXtc_ZGH_-NC0eZDDkyqeT5M75lO2XIiV8hChVw0KfT9VT9grFBZ25a5auUnSUpkYP4_pP0s8NsgioV20nh1aBWHIcBCglVx27L0t0TlI_1W-ehyuXCGPD5RHFv7qidcxygmSzHKCivdz/s320/029.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Turn the lining into the main body of the tea cosy, match the main side seam and the lining side seam on each side and pin.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_L5ym8ktfMdEto3mhU8zRIF9zolZEp_YaMY7dez6FXkwkXpBYhkU8tRfJ5QHRyXIxzmxiOpE383eHrzSNILX1Ep2c_NuKy1lIWkSF5je3IsuHfE-8NbPgVQmxVyqPAXBwU9SzQwaSCjg6/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_L5ym8ktfMdEto3mhU8zRIF9zolZEp_YaMY7dez6FXkwkXpBYhkU8tRfJ5QHRyXIxzmxiOpE383eHrzSNILX1Ep2c_NuKy1lIWkSF5je3IsuHfE-8NbPgVQmxVyqPAXBwU9SzQwaSCjg6/s320/032.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Stitch around the base just below where the main and lining fabric meet- this keeps the lining in place and strengthens the base.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3aVHp0c3SzMcOZB0JV53VDaXnNZNfjikzvNjhl1WPxbdbMhWz8pa9QpwIchJdvixJ5KOR8oRKb0OSzHcz0_HNqp_HV8MkBDw8gl6ix6ABmm5zmZC2dmtOfNTWTsTycXzPkWoCkswcTJY/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3aVHp0c3SzMcOZB0JV53VDaXnNZNfjikzvNjhl1WPxbdbMhWz8pa9QpwIchJdvixJ5KOR8oRKb0OSzHcz0_HNqp_HV8MkBDw8gl6ix6ABmm5zmZC2dmtOfNTWTsTycXzPkWoCkswcTJY/s320/033.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt6eEzDHJtpQbL6-Ug2pn-otAkajWa_xK9irT-Q_rErP2C0FS3VFp16msosmLG74OX1M0aTo0aQTMt6ZSkZlV9uKbNn-8kx3xo7mdr5WRIPSZYPruBw8SHbXavAinhPsF8u9F726OdEP3w/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt6eEzDHJtpQbL6-Ug2pn-otAkajWa_xK9irT-Q_rErP2C0FS3VFp16msosmLG74OX1M0aTo0aQTMt6ZSkZlV9uKbNn-8kx3xo7mdr5WRIPSZYPruBw8SHbXavAinhPsF8u9F726OdEP3w/s320/036.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ5qvrKc-Z4822_namDDi4SyOKBNlxw44R4I3abriZhF5RxI9L0SdM_a_aslsKqtIuFDpGSeXocKhaXm3j2FSFg9bE3fRTfavbuJZ17_QMo-Dzr4sja2V5WY34gptZ1KUKV-JaMxg0VEVS/s1600/047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ5qvrKc-Z4822_namDDi4SyOKBNlxw44R4I3abriZhF5RxI9L0SdM_a_aslsKqtIuFDpGSeXocKhaXm3j2FSFg9bE3fRTfavbuJZ17_QMo-Dzr4sja2V5WY34gptZ1KUKV-JaMxg0VEVS/s320/047.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://folksy.com/items/3006950-Nautical-Love-Life-Tea-Striped-Tea-Cosy">http://folksy.com/items/3006950-Nautical-Love-Life-Tea-Striped-Tea-Cosy</a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm off to make a brew!</div>craftylittlecottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14482121455160404311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943944318683066233.post-63177781776806467722012-02-24T18:57:00.001+00:002012-02-24T18:59:39.425+00:00Time for a brew? Tea cosy make- the pattern.<div style="text-align: justify;">I'm not a huge tea drinker but one of my favourite indulgences is to sit with a pot of tea and a book for the afternoon, and if you have a pot of tea it's essential that you keep it warm with a tea cosy.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Here's a way simple way to make a tea cosy pattern- the dimensions given here will make a cosy big enough to fit a 4-6 cup pot but you can obviously change the dimensions to suit your teapot. I tend use graph paper when making patterns- makes measuring and straight lines easier although you do still need a rule.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZ-bimxscClmHoF1V9l0kCFyv7Sp048-ago2kn2yIIc33pEpA8Hqa9CR-qQSw5O1hdUk5jLfowGi3NE_T0omnSh3RowGNgLWUoTTBc4wTCBdpTo4AskpbqT5B5kh21rGFmRSRfCFPjH1d/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZ-bimxscClmHoF1V9l0kCFyv7Sp048-ago2kn2yIIc33pEpA8Hqa9CR-qQSw5O1hdUk5jLfowGi3NE_T0omnSh3RowGNgLWUoTTBc4wTCBdpTo4AskpbqT5B5kh21rGFmRSRfCFPjH1d/s320/005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Draw a rectangle 17cm by 28cm- in the picture I've folded the graph paper in half but if you don't have a piece of paper large enough make half the pattern and place on the fold when cutting out the fabric for the cosy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizcP0jJ7Gi2YIjDxfDmgp4pdhKkRbx853Px3aoKiNUvd2KlLseUZS2a3z_iNImh53dQhnESA2dLF-KCmx1txgBDUfaau4eWJfgwLl1gf-xYtHTtphh3IyZ01pZtJXwmPI-V7r0dKOIvCZf/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizcP0jJ7Gi2YIjDxfDmgp4pdhKkRbx853Px3aoKiNUvd2KlLseUZS2a3z_iNImh53dQhnESA2dLF-KCmx1txgBDUfaau4eWJfgwLl1gf-xYtHTtphh3IyZ01pZtJXwmPI-V7r0dKOIvCZf/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">To get the curve I have used a plate- if you have a flexible curve the type used by artist and quilters use that. I tend to make the most of what I have to hand in the house and the plate was just handy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsagZOU8w4LeKuhnrloIcoj3UH_2H0lFYcTGpR8o5DTzB4Bo5ZRFHWnzMxGWid4eX-lHKcCV28ZaODexGHLWVjRO8vhGod_D3qdwiRbLamfEE9FM1pmzDIYPSHAUzT9OMK_fo-XN3DQYOd/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsagZOU8w4LeKuhnrloIcoj3UH_2H0lFYcTGpR8o5DTzB4Bo5ZRFHWnzMxGWid4eX-lHKcCV28ZaODexGHLWVjRO8vhGod_D3qdwiRbLamfEE9FM1pmzDIYPSHAUzT9OMK_fo-XN3DQYOd/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="justify" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cut out your pattern.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvYKNFv5K8dF2bwXah6VtNeapL1SNBCScI6K2hTPBmgbPqDZb3zDxMM3_VidhJwbHHo4g7lFAPJlHy0PsRd-gq2BK5M5IeX0YMCPFV539ehV9-ZlE1LiYuCLOG7IQ9lDo3bZeXuoE3gkxq/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvYKNFv5K8dF2bwXah6VtNeapL1SNBCScI6K2hTPBmgbPqDZb3zDxMM3_VidhJwbHHo4g7lFAPJlHy0PsRd-gq2BK5M5IeX0YMCPFV539ehV9-ZlE1LiYuCLOG7IQ9lDo3bZeXuoE3gkxq/s320/009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-idj7l16jYZZTopf6tQwL_NJOQyapkykNzju5rB4zJ5CY0X3bB-RIGqGR6_6vLq_QeL1q8UQWiZQ4Xcrc8BII60aYJTAx0BIxB0gIuaixsF8iP-40i7DuvEo6CoVTpN96uJoA5ORTjbnV/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-idj7l16jYZZTopf6tQwL_NJOQyapkykNzju5rB4zJ5CY0X3bB-RIGqGR6_6vLq_QeL1q8UQWiZQ4Xcrc8BII60aYJTAx0BIxB0gIuaixsF8iP-40i7DuvEo6CoVTpN96uJoA5ORTjbnV/s320/036.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I like quite this tea cosy to make as there is no fiddling with bias binding around the bottom. The appearance of binding around the base is actually the lining brought onto the front of the cosy. How to make the cosy will follow.</div>craftylittlecottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14482121455160404311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943944318683066233.post-57543469148590837772012-02-21T13:31:00.003+00:002012-02-21T13:36:43.932+00:00More Lavender PyramidsThis is just an addition to my post of a few weeks ago- thought I would just add a photo of some more of the lavender filled pyramids I've made. So here is a pink selection, I've added little pink ribbon tags to these bags.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi49AsPDVR1nMrAVlOmvsaECtr1K0BuSjkj9GiacyLvLaCmn5SOWaAfmmrpOBbzumfn7gXzHiMchOno02eCNvgs8ofOAe1JSWGn0BG2VyPTRWzQuCYwLXCEq005YfqPfLR_xewOmAkWYw6H/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi49AsPDVR1nMrAVlOmvsaECtr1K0BuSjkj9GiacyLvLaCmn5SOWaAfmmrpOBbzumfn7gXzHiMchOno02eCNvgs8ofOAe1JSWGn0BG2VyPTRWzQuCYwLXCEq005YfqPfLR_xewOmAkWYw6H/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To make see post Lavender Filled Pyramids</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://myblogcraftylittlecottage.blogspot.com/2012/02/lavender-filled-pyramids.html">http://myblogcraftylittlecottage.blogspot.com/2012/02/lavender-filled-pyramids.html</a> </div>craftylittlecottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14482121455160404311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943944318683066233.post-68641851550932525482012-02-19T18:16:00.009+00:002012-02-20T15:00:13.361+00:00Charity shop finds & drawstring bagsI love rummaging in charity shops and am always on the look out for books, ceramics and fabric. I was slightly shocked last week when in a local charity shop to find some familiar Laura Ashley dresses (probably circa 1980) marked as 'Retro'-I suddenly felt very old! Having overcome the shock I found a lovely collection of fabric- a mixture of new and used pieces, and amongst it was some unused Irish linen ( marked Made in Ireland). Somebody must of had a big clear out and I felt I couldn't possibly not give the material a new home.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ZH10_w0-2adTCryqX2f3nmUEoJ2SVdPxBAyqr638psZTD5hykqZLPgEh2_9Ktdj9OnyHi9sLEyAar1XClkP2w3XfxFWVmsUWezlwMj3qWepbzLburpTi2An3ILCN8tx-BpXsupeJr5fz/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ZH10_w0-2adTCryqX2f3nmUEoJ2SVdPxBAyqr638psZTD5hykqZLPgEh2_9Ktdj9OnyHi9sLEyAar1XClkP2w3XfxFWVmsUWezlwMj3qWepbzLburpTi2An3ILCN8tx-BpXsupeJr5fz/s320/025.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center">My little stash of fabric at a bargain price.</div><div align="justify">I will always find a use for the fabric and have plenty of ideas. I have put together this drawstring bag with some it. I'm a big fan of drawstring bags- they're very simple to make and useful. Once you get the hang of making them (not difficult) you can alter the dimensions to suit your needs. You can make anything from a small gift bag to a large laundry or stuff bag. I use them for storing bits and bobs round the house, they're great for holidays as toilet bags or to put your undies in.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdLg1sW9foHVBKKQbJcUsyYkvwHCwHi02hL8pNADqeb2wl7lIWM791KUtLW4bvD9rlawvmfLmd0IeL_Yw84P5_d8LBnKaXtw0w4INCeANWuIn08GntLCJLDmbL-OT3I7NQA4nt5wy5JpTc/s1600/052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdLg1sW9foHVBKKQbJcUsyYkvwHCwHi02hL8pNADqeb2wl7lIWM791KUtLW4bvD9rlawvmfLmd0IeL_Yw84P5_d8LBnKaXtw0w4INCeANWuIn08GntLCJLDmbL-OT3I7NQA4nt5wy5JpTc/s320/052.JPG" width="256" /></a></div><div align="justify">This bag is lined- I prefer to line bags for several reason: to hide raw edges and seams, to strengthen the bag and to give more shape and body.</div><div align="justify">You need 2 rectangles of fabric measuring 55cm by 35 cm, your main fabric and the lining fabric. Pin the 2 pieces together along one of the long edges and sew them together with 1.5cm seam allowance. Open the fabric out & with wrong side facing press the seam towards the main fabric.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHByPcWxGJtmA92mDN5NxzJD57B_Fa0YUhWEJEwXzU2gsNP4spsjeFNIfyHTGQyGHvcptvC3pkLhsFPFq-ZN8sBNj-4vD3kINtl1WqY3kJ73tTiZpuEEVVuTrCCDC5jPz7D9amVHJCe3g0/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHByPcWxGJtmA92mDN5NxzJD57B_Fa0YUhWEJEwXzU2gsNP4spsjeFNIfyHTGQyGHvcptvC3pkLhsFPFq-ZN8sBNj-4vD3kINtl1WqY3kJ73tTiZpuEEVVuTrCCDC5jPz7D9amVHJCe3g0/s320/028.JPG" width="238" /></a></div><div align="justify">Fold the fabric in half matching the long edges together (ensure the seam between the two fabrics matches). Pin and mark to allow gaps in the side seam 1/ in the lining ( approx 10cm gap) to allow you turn the bag out 2/ in the main fabric between the top seam about 2.5cm for the drawstring.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-7Pf77XEzER2MBXFvUQZjAmYE1CcZCaaQOODsgB3z6fj1oAiI8EsdmBcjGLawUEogtO1EPlwsnbWNZi0szQzowbFFN01eeN0ecwPUPs0SPV1L1sp2-0ABXpHG9GaP0iwNoQZuPhvZErQK/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-7Pf77XEzER2MBXFvUQZjAmYE1CcZCaaQOODsgB3z6fj1oAiI8EsdmBcjGLawUEogtO1EPlwsnbWNZi0szQzowbFFN01eeN0ecwPUPs0SPV1L1sp2-0ABXpHG9GaP0iwNoQZuPhvZErQK/s320/031.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> Sew round the edge to form the side and bottom seams- remembering not to sew the gaps! Clip the corners, press the seams open and turn the bag out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9vJC0R4WGQ0UFBtN6_ahY6DNeRw8gbGfRLk-6wjG69l1lhbNtY5HMXAe22RGfMvC3mTY0kAdGFPB79iQ5OhHqe05I_VrlVc-cwP88u0iGsqQGzUmmEZrvc5mlPo4NvSKMI8HoCEHCGOl_/s320/034.JPG" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Stitch the opening in the lining side seam closed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Push the lining into the main body of the bag- press the top seam making sure the lining lies flat within the bag. To make the casing to hold the drawstring- match lining and main fabric side seams, and on the opposite side of the bags match the side folds in the lining and the main fabric- pin in place.</div><div align="justify" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_lDpyT1ZoCAoZ_x4WMh9KCI407u7rdTOW7jZFx47BcZZ3FA8W6WbQqS7ftY7J4DyL94MzImuAGT-WPWlDyq2qWWg5j6xrD6xMiVPQiDRWW7JQuBRiOjgQf8-UcJ-6K9Wpk57WihxQyL9/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_lDpyT1ZoCAoZ_x4WMh9KCI407u7rdTOW7jZFx47BcZZ3FA8W6WbQqS7ftY7J4DyL94MzImuAGT-WPWlDyq2qWWg5j6xrD6xMiVPQiDRWW7JQuBRiOjgQf8-UcJ-6K9Wpk57WihxQyL9/s320/037.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">To make the casing stitch around the top of the bag about 0.5cm from the top, and a second line of stitching 2.5cm from the top. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Using a safety pin pull the drawstring through. Then tie the 2 ends of the string together- you could finish the bag here but I like to put a little fabric pull on the end of the drawstring.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnON3mPtDX226WuHlS04w3OoJyYzepPw20fpl1-UR9YcGUlv9WR2dMXspYFsTWbLxgcowmoo4FIqPCTfWWJFZXPGmghy0qTrq1vc5axY4bmmikLfT8QnCT0C8n9KjktX6D9_8HxE62ye8/s1600/053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnON3mPtDX226WuHlS04w3OoJyYzepPw20fpl1-UR9YcGUlv9WR2dMXspYFsTWbLxgcowmoo4FIqPCTfWWJFZXPGmghy0qTrq1vc5axY4bmmikLfT8QnCT0C8n9KjktX6D9_8HxE62ye8/s320/053.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The pull is made from a 10cm square of fabric- fold in half and sew along the long edge- 1cm seam allowance. Press the seam open.</div><div align="justify" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDqETj9Q3U3UG49JUf4tLEgTaNSfgC2928GdS399n7S5FFTyh75HrRljRu8PqCgtbJvGHvbt-hH_y_VqgLei5tYJSR91n8y_6-s-A9s-qZhqHNCuXfFFsQq2V2qGTrXy4j3OaUBY4peXrT/s1600/041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDqETj9Q3U3UG49JUf4tLEgTaNSfgC2928GdS399n7S5FFTyh75HrRljRu8PqCgtbJvGHvbt-hH_y_VqgLei5tYJSR91n8y_6-s-A9s-qZhqHNCuXfFFsQq2V2qGTrXy4j3OaUBY4peXrT/s320/041.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Turn the tube open half way- matching the side seam from a double walled tube.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7pKEhgTtV1msS7Qcejm0TPfB8mSWBfW60G7glB_1Rt1UD2VgGdyMM6IA-1YGew_nhzxoTIVczGc5TXO3sRvSzS_QEGRZ74a6YCElZCLpscJlBtf2zt4HEtsB2cpQALBpPH5Tq_2_3jcN/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7pKEhgTtV1msS7Qcejm0TPfB8mSWBfW60G7glB_1Rt1UD2VgGdyMM6IA-1YGew_nhzxoTIVczGc5TXO3sRvSzS_QEGRZ74a6YCElZCLpscJlBtf2zt4HEtsB2cpQALBpPH5Tq_2_3jcN/s320/042.JPG" width="312" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">With a small running stitch sew around the top of the tube ( top= raw edge) then place the tube over the end of the drawstring- raw edge closest to the knot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJMa-_MFjdNSMWweCUIlO4QqJCqnd6Qh_c8gAo-2c7xy041a7yd1IQnLvGJh_ZR2m5h8poagJmKEnae4rCSDVwpHOx3qdh17OMJNSLTtgzWHzdgN8Y-DCqewAIZ1SL9F7HOLjKf7460mn/s1600/043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJMa-_MFjdNSMWweCUIlO4QqJCqnd6Qh_c8gAo-2c7xy041a7yd1IQnLvGJh_ZR2m5h8poagJmKEnae4rCSDVwpHOx3qdh17OMJNSLTtgzWHzdgN8Y-DCqewAIZ1SL9F7HOLjKf7460mn/s320/043.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSYxI4P-2AadofAdwWOSW_nKUvM3g7dwaHetQJj6nRGNuIKT0H-cq2kSMxorsVNjM8KRMwDIKHVa4B1V5zhe3kVnTY5AlZZOUH-2CgKC1-bH0GRLhdquusLyyN3-M2rl1lqEtRHvMKAMe/s1600/046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSYxI4P-2AadofAdwWOSW_nKUvM3g7dwaHetQJj6nRGNuIKT0H-cq2kSMxorsVNjM8KRMwDIKHVa4B1V5zhe3kVnTY5AlZZOUH-2CgKC1-bH0GRLhdquusLyyN3-M2rl1lqEtRHvMKAMe/s320/046.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQuvPYjVHgm5HwBrzQRpll8lgTvIkJLGgBO7PYstJ_YEnPZtlNxswUsxnm7lS5WBnvXhz_Z0wlvu0R-4RYNX6POi4e0lp3l5lD1wR_kHg5UlQkwLJnhQnXtXsrUuhPZPOdBOBcV0l3sVD/s1600/048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQuvPYjVHgm5HwBrzQRpll8lgTvIkJLGgBO7PYstJ_YEnPZtlNxswUsxnm7lS5WBnvXhz_Z0wlvu0R-4RYNX6POi4e0lp3l5lD1wR_kHg5UlQkwLJnhQnXtXsrUuhPZPOdBOBcV0l3sVD/s320/048.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> Pull the running stitch tight, and secure the thread.Turn the pull over the knot to cover it. Finish the pull by folding the edge together and place a few stitches in the centre, fold the opposite way and place further stitches to form the bud shape.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJS1GkFFx-Kp1hH_qzOx3eBfbfGlKBzb1-JQrzZUIK3xVczH4qDMiqkCjCZrYWV3RuR86IoUnwgwxf6hU_PSYIYYgTjA9-VGKKfYJFSGzjr-_VWXvPgd2B0Obs885JMhbJsfha5286hR71/s1600/049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJS1GkFFx-Kp1hH_qzOx3eBfbfGlKBzb1-JQrzZUIK3xVczH4qDMiqkCjCZrYWV3RuR86IoUnwgwxf6hU_PSYIYYgTjA9-VGKKfYJFSGzjr-_VWXvPgd2B0Obs885JMhbJsfha5286hR71/s320/049.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3AnohHBLoxWO8kITMv_T0ZtTNmHJJNdGhJMg5lrCykedSB2eA6wvik7XlvGlsDN5XDWvLMAc3gTRVyP9ukAZnUYvYx870bfq0rCDEGCKlaqOq1GSGxH-Ro9rmij3Y2NcDW_1bDj4FJHD/s1600/050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3AnohHBLoxWO8kITMv_T0ZtTNmHJJNdGhJMg5lrCykedSB2eA6wvik7XlvGlsDN5XDWvLMAc3gTRVyP9ukAZnUYvYx870bfq0rCDEGCKlaqOq1GSGxH-Ro9rmij3Y2NcDW_1bDj4FJHD/s320/050.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_BuyM22IoqFjDANkugXWJEpYMwGdqyNPYeauwCBIhoNbtXwS3yHn8kut1WsfHPnE-EuSUWKmzMznCiajoh3l8Zyx3ECuAEBmtdWRNnprRbWERfUO-2YX8vFFZnaeAv0Kc1u8O5yhV58m/s1600/051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_BuyM22IoqFjDANkugXWJEpYMwGdqyNPYeauwCBIhoNbtXwS3yHn8kut1WsfHPnE-EuSUWKmzMznCiajoh3l8Zyx3ECuAEBmtdWRNnprRbWERfUO-2YX8vFFZnaeAv0Kc1u8O5yhV58m/s320/051.JPG" width="236" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbmeXVEAUhkjYRnX4L8TWitUL8CZbDFptpdf_qsTgpshfM5xjz4Iz47gaAA5t9OyZA6_0cor8nGwVPaB1db408IIfqMx6f3YI1gcaxOyIRI8CrvuIUaNdp2EswwFjwJPQ57k9gVqADGEkH/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbmeXVEAUhkjYRnX4L8TWitUL8CZbDFptpdf_qsTgpshfM5xjz4Iz47gaAA5t9OyZA6_0cor8nGwVPaB1db408IIfqMx6f3YI1gcaxOyIRI8CrvuIUaNdp2EswwFjwJPQ57k9gVqADGEkH/s320/026.JPG" width="282" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://folksy.com/items/2963106-Apple-Print-Drawstring-Bag">http://folksy.com/items/2963106-Apple-Print-Drawstring-Bag</a>-</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I'm very fond of this apple print cotton- a drawstring bag is a nice way to make something useful from a favourite fabric and it can then be displayed on the back of a door or coat rack ( pretty & functional).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The canvas drawstring bag with its skull and cross bones design was made as laundry bag but would work equally well as a toy bag, and of course is ideal for any voyage your little pirate crew may be embarking on.</div><div align="justify" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-kkQKWMOzBqYRTZUB0cWfQcnLPh47FBioNni8rAS05anH_DSuppxY4-bjyOMcVE6cpBa2CKm7uieuTs6ETi8YcqW8MUPmn-hSryD4z5Pl-E_lTmdjxWtak5PsMQiLw3i1uzljuy3nTsB/s1600/047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-kkQKWMOzBqYRTZUB0cWfQcnLPh47FBioNni8rAS05anH_DSuppxY4-bjyOMcVE6cpBa2CKm7uieuTs6ETi8YcqW8MUPmn-hSryD4z5Pl-E_lTmdjxWtak5PsMQiLw3i1uzljuy3nTsB/s320/047.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://folksy.com/items/2906690-Skull-and-cross-bones-laundry-bag">http://folksy.com/items/2906690-Skull-and-cross-bones-laundry-bag</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">So now for the rest of the fabric...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="center"></div>craftylittlecottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14482121455160404311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943944318683066233.post-92073985349364225342012-02-12T22:49:00.001+00:002012-02-13T07:07:06.530+00:00February Freeze<div style="text-align: justify;"> Fortunately things have warmed up over the last couple of days after a very cold snap. I know it hasn't been as cold here as elsewhere in the country, but still it has been little chilly. The only consolation has been beautiful clear days ideal for walking the dog. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_ssrWuqMyUZ_BA0RCZgTsA5ph3EPk4va7tCX1VllCiRgsNhWDaPVAQCpqPBbCzI-UU39MT_K20fQuetTmex0ra_OKBbp4ZXvaT2ahw3D70Uo886cs-akFG4ECdt6SmdCzjH916MCEoJG/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_ssrWuqMyUZ_BA0RCZgTsA5ph3EPk4va7tCX1VllCiRgsNhWDaPVAQCpqPBbCzI-UU39MT_K20fQuetTmex0ra_OKBbp4ZXvaT2ahw3D70Uo886cs-akFG4ECdt6SmdCzjH916MCEoJG/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Unfortunately the top of Snowdon was hidden in cloud the day I was out with my camera despite that the mountains look great with their coating of snow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJg9ZvC-8OTSYHzN0fTICU304SlulK7MbC56q1M962csekiNk8bidgy97CrC7hiplV23mFgm9pvkQncwFdBn2adMX9OaE-5vJpl3EUhIhAHH3QwFdsSqiHfbJraKYKl2t4wLCAxkmL7CA/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJg9ZvC-8OTSYHzN0fTICU304SlulK7MbC56q1M962csekiNk8bidgy97CrC7hiplV23mFgm9pvkQncwFdBn2adMX9OaE-5vJpl3EUhIhAHH3QwFdsSqiHfbJraKYKl2t4wLCAxkmL7CA/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWnktgXLVa_Wx9K5YvkW-ZWJ8RK2NF00uCBxoigxxp5zjaWaZywpQk0EXKDbug3ni5vYsqxrtIvop_S8X96ycHp-yJG4yyB5rL-Z2w_j2V-elML5BB9RwLmO3Eraq8TFViHuKotlzKFRfb/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWnktgXLVa_Wx9K5YvkW-ZWJ8RK2NF00uCBxoigxxp5zjaWaZywpQk0EXKDbug3ni5vYsqxrtIvop_S8X96ycHp-yJG4yyB5rL-Z2w_j2V-elML5BB9RwLmO3Eraq8TFViHuKotlzKFRfb/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have been doing some sewing, and although not deliberate there seems to be a bit of a Valentine's theme going on...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJw8cJwLZTA5CSga0mk-sBB5wEWcAeN8mKhGdXiVRcp6ErUHy0w2wFd3wvtjmxVuP7r1J7qnP5RDSl8oQB9_Hp0ms-InccEEF1668zmxWh60DYR-bi5KEFBBcnM3obaZN0BFPBHHpHF88/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJw8cJwLZTA5CSga0mk-sBB5wEWcAeN8mKhGdXiVRcp6ErUHy0w2wFd3wvtjmxVuP7r1J7qnP5RDSl8oQB9_Hp0ms-InccEEF1668zmxWh60DYR-bi5KEFBBcnM3obaZN0BFPBHHpHF88/s320/022.JPG" width="287" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I'm very fond of ticking and gingham, and red, white and blue- it all works quite well together on the cushions<em> </em>( I think). Cariad is a term of endearment in welsh meaning sweetheart or love.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFJywPMbRHZN2gE6GwOlDig_g4dE2X6iEQxKGHQBes-FDDl_5w3q3XNJkiVOhztRRDZJSSIM5WFiyhGvnplrmMPBnLoBdQe53gzRAWgjCmP1NVTAqqLCrPlyE4BoyZR-sZIYu29oO8r1a/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFJywPMbRHZN2gE6GwOlDig_g4dE2X6iEQxKGHQBes-FDDl_5w3q3XNJkiVOhztRRDZJSSIM5WFiyhGvnplrmMPBnLoBdQe53gzRAWgjCmP1NVTAqqLCrPlyE4BoyZR-sZIYu29oO8r1a/s320/016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">More lavender bags!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div>craftylittlecottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14482121455160404311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943944318683066233.post-19164976562307286802012-02-09T16:45:00.001+00:002012-02-09T16:47:23.631+00:00Lavender Filled Pyramids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPGAS1G3n4rfR0d8t2OonXAPbeQGjBDVbY2I2L8ny6S2Jf-0UifygGyTMIMyYwOMl-0g33FGexf6tYWQd8SNMwdm8fJLvWtFEF5cWn3Ibb374nzaPniGWLwe6E6HqRd7JNb59izsNsqFr/s1600/068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPGAS1G3n4rfR0d8t2OonXAPbeQGjBDVbY2I2L8ny6S2Jf-0UifygGyTMIMyYwOMl-0g33FGexf6tYWQd8SNMwdm8fJLvWtFEF5cWn3Ibb374nzaPniGWLwe6E6HqRd7JNb59izsNsqFr/s320/068.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
These lavender bags are very simple to make and they look great. The pyramid shape is slightly more interesting than the usual square bags but they are just as easy to make.<br />
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Cut a rectangle of fabric 17cm by 9cm, and fold in half bringing the short sides together, as shown.<br />
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Sew across the top and side (seam allowance 1cm) leaving the bottom open.<br />
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Clip the corners, as shown.<br />
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Press the seams open, turn the raw edge at the bottom about 1cm and press. Turn the bag out so the seams and raw edges are on the inside ( make sure the top corners are push out). Then fill the bag with lavender.<br />
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To close the bag and get the pyramid shape bring the bottom edges together matching the side seam with the side fold- the bottom seam is then perpendicular to the top seam.<br />
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</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRexqwsPFPk2FI1vEj6JD6wA8LDDvi7pXu34S4fcDn9FuVNQq2FEPopXY9HG2ql6W98FGFt_X6WMjO_zIFQE5AoVruk80rHIrr5kmAShCZFCi6QHuCsrIzhJsF3GCq4lmQrQ3u4ayK87Ym/s1600/062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRexqwsPFPk2FI1vEj6JD6wA8LDDvi7pXu34S4fcDn9FuVNQq2FEPopXY9HG2ql6W98FGFt_X6WMjO_zIFQE5AoVruk80rHIrr5kmAShCZFCi6QHuCsrIzhJsF3GCq4lmQrQ3u4ayK87Ym/s320/062.JPG" width="290" /></a></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">Stitch the bag closed.</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">This lavender bag could quite easily be made without a sewing machine- just ensure your stitches are quite small to prevent the lavender escaping. You can embellish or decorate the fabric rectangle before sewing the bag together, and add a ribbon or string loop to allow you to hang the bag up. </div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">It is a really nice way of using up scraps of fabric- make a few in different fabrics and display them together in a bowl.</div><div align="left"><br />
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</div><div align="left"></div>craftylittlecottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14482121455160404311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943944318683066233.post-20755276263266305452012-02-01T23:19:00.000+00:002012-02-01T23:19:08.082+00:00Amser Paned - Time for a Cuppa!<div style="text-align: justify;"> I've lived in Wales a couple of years and have tried learn a little of the language. Welsh is incredibly important to the locals here- most are bilingual and for many english is their second language. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I've manage to acquire some important phrases and words- I can meet and greet folk politely in welsh, after that I'm a little like Eliza Doolittle sticking to the weather and health as topics of conversation (but please speak slowly to me). One phrase that always works is 'amser paned' which means 'time for a cuppa' - it can be tea or coffee and for me it is always time for a cuppa!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrnWZmST4hSSKYDwcZHpIMUPtwa7FAHNv5h_0eujP6JSe5RyuYPue2AqvZG5zhKOby9Yogo5FqrwHvPXyO3r7-EcY1J-gneYBgzWHT_BAnwf_-ko9vAaxaeL-x50TJVHWg8BUcUDMgr37s/s1600/052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrnWZmST4hSSKYDwcZHpIMUPtwa7FAHNv5h_0eujP6JSe5RyuYPue2AqvZG5zhKOby9Yogo5FqrwHvPXyO3r7-EcY1J-gneYBgzWHT_BAnwf_-ko9vAaxaeL-x50TJVHWg8BUcUDMgr37s/s320/052.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0fnUeVjowVcPJX5ZXXBxB5vA6Cui43GSzj3f69_3HSCJ-5P8yandQk3OavRjpVDag1DtNsEb_K7RrQY7jpfWPmJPp6xN8qVevEvmXfnVP1o5uIC-UnziCJrK83ztEukrC6_cTtcIkj9qV/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0fnUeVjowVcPJX5ZXXBxB5vA6Cui43GSzj3f69_3HSCJ-5P8yandQk3OavRjpVDag1DtNsEb_K7RrQY7jpfWPmJPp6xN8qVevEvmXfnVP1o5uIC-UnziCJrK83ztEukrC6_cTtcIkj9qV/s320/012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The tea cosies do come in english versions but we're in Wales. The embroidery is done on my machine embroiderer (which I love) but could be done by hand either in satin stitch or perhaps more easily in cross stitch (working on a fine Aida cloth- making counting the stitches simpler).</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So, amser paned?</div>craftylittlecottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14482121455160404311noreply@blogger.com