Skirt Number 3

Well, you have most likely picked up the fact that I have a complete affinity 

for wool...fabric....buttons....trim....

 

You may have also noticed that I usually can't stop at just making just one of anything.  So I immediately thought 'Skirt' when I found this gorgeous red cord fabric for the bargin price of £2.00.  The turquoise zip was pence from a charity shop and whilst it doesn't exactly match and it's oversized I love it just the same.

 

Here's me giving you a twirl!

 

This is Big Sis' sewing efforts.  Pretty impressive I'd say...

 

 

Jxxx

 

Marmalade and Wool

It's this time of year I think Ooh heck I've got to get a hustle on if my very own marmalade is going to be made, as January is the month for Seville Oranges and they'll soon be out of season.

It also reminds me that my sister in law, came to visit, all the way from Texas around this time of year as I melted my just done beautifully manicured nails, which we had done as a treat, during a marmalade making session. 

The oranges are far from being flawless, and tend to look gnarly and rough.  BUT.... what a taste they make!

 

Here is a peep at the finished item for the 'cozy' swap. 

 

However, when they were made I received an email to say that there were no other UK entrants, therefore I would be unable to take part.

 

I was so, so, so disappointed.

 

At the moment I'm pondering if I will find a new home for them, or if they'll just have to stay here with me in the shed.

 

Jxxx

Craft Swap - Gift Received!

So here's my very first gift that I have received in the craft swapping world.....

Upon reflection,I was surprised at it's shape. Perhaps I thought that everyone would think upon the same lines as I do, and create a stuffed crochet heart! 

So here it is....

Cupid's very own arrow! 

 

Jxxx

Craft Swap - Gifts Made!

These are the items that I decided upon for Valentine Sop Swap.  Something that I would wish to receive and very simple to make.

Attic 24 recommended that when making these sweet little hearts, you decorate them before sewing together - the flower and leaves that you see is her teeny tiny flower pattern, check it out here, if you fancy giving it a go.

 

Dah Dah!  Complete.

 

And I couldn't just stop at one could I?! 

 

And not two either!!!!!

Jxxx

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three travelled lampshades!

In our household there are now not one, or two but three travelled lampshades. 

This is the original lamp that you saw in the making state, which is now situated in it's new home in the lounge:

They are just so easy peasy to make I just couldn't help myself but want to make another.  No.2 is drying as I type.

Big Bro and Little Bro also took an interest, as there were army, animal and sports stamps. So I decided to let them create one for their room too.  I think it'll be finished in the next couple of days.

 

 

 

The only concern that I may get carried away and decorate the whole of the house with used stamps! (Could it be the next 'in' thing?!!)

Jxxx

Craft Swapsys

I'm very excited to be taking part in a couple of craft swaps this year.

I first heard about the idea at 'The Chain Gang' where I regularly attend.  They are holding a Valentines Sop Swap where participants take in a wrapped hand made gift to put in the goodie bag and take a gift made by another for ourselves.  I'm can't make up my mind whether I'm more excited about making a gift or receiving one!

Having liked the idea so much I went home to scour the Internet to be involved in another, and found one here (if you too fancy being involved),this one has the theme of 'cozy'.  With this swap in addition to making something based on the theme you also purchase a small gift for your swap partner up to the value of £3.00.  Here's the start of an 'individual' gift for one lucky person, can you guess what it's going to be?

I suppose the only down side of taking part is that you may dislike the item that you receive, but hey ho there is always the charity shop!!!!!

Jxxx

The travelled lampshade

My mind has very much been on making recently, so much so, that I've started to write all my ideas down (otherwise they have a tendency to whir around my brain).

With my ideas I find that they fall into one of three categories: 1) never happen, 2)take years to achieve or 3)pop out from no where.  This one was the latter, after I fancied having an inexpensive, unique lampshade that no-one else in the WORLD would have!

I already had the lampshade, and some PVA but got the used stamps from a local charity shop for a couple of quid. 

This is Big Sis choosing the stamp that she wanted on the lampshade.

My hands got rather messy smothering the PVA on the shade and arranging the stamps just so.

The stamps feature lots of quirky things, such as a tea pot, Punch and Judy, a London Bus, to name a few which make me smile.

 

I hope that you are smiling too.

Jxxx