Friday 9 August 2013

The end of another week

Hello Everyone how are things?  I cannot believe that time is whizzing along so quickly, the days seem to be drawing in already and I notice in the shops that there is already the swing towards the cooler days ahead.  But, let's enjoy the summer while we can, goodness knows it is short enough for us here in the UK.  Greetings to you, one and all, do make yourselves at home and I'll make us all a drink.
 
When I left you last I was in the process of completing the pencil/pen case for my lovely granddaughter and I know that I was pondering about putting her name on the top of it.  I decided against in the end.  It was tough going at the end of the sewing process and took a lot longer than I imagined.  For some reason my sewing machine was playing up and I couldn't use it properly.  Never thought I would moan about hand sewing as it was always the route I took rather than using the machine.  Putting on the lining was quite tricky as there was lot of fabric to get through because of the wadding.


 
 
 
 

However, I managed it but it took time to do but I was pleased once the lining was in and I had pulled through the main part of the bag to reveal it in it's fully glory.  I never cease to be amazed that this trick works every time and to me it is real magic.
 
 
I was really pleased with the finished bag, think it is the neatest one yet I have made, although credit to the lovely Rachel from the sewing group as she was tremendously helpful to me the other night, thank you Rachel. 
 
Apologies to all you lovely Folks as I am aware that my photographs are not that hot - not sure what I am doing wrong as I need to enlarge them on the blog but this seems to distort them and I am not happy about them.  I would love a new camera so would appreciate any good advice about the best one to buy for blogging.  I look at your lovely blogs and the photography is stunning and really puts me to shame.  I don't want to spend a huge amount of money but Christmas is coming along in the distant future (not too distant, sorry Folks) and I could ask for some cash to buy a reasonable camera.  I will wait to hear what you all have to say Everyone as you do give me such excellent advice always.
 
 
 
 
 
I have cut these last two images down a little to see if that works better for you - perhaps you could let me know?  I managed to fit in a tiny bead to signify her birth date which I thought looked sweet, hope she likes it, not always sure that my taste matches hers but she always humours me.
 

 
I still  had the second tea towel but it was a bit on the big side for the cushion  so I had to cut it down a little.  Not sure if you can see properly but I took a slice out of the centre and then fixed the fabric back together again.  I also cut out some of the flowers from the piece taken out and sewed these over the attached piece.
 
 
 
 
This is the fabric I chose for the back - it was one I had bought ages ago and I just had enough for the cushion.  It is quite a pretty shade I think and as you have probably guessed I am using the lovely LillyBlossom's pattern once again.  I just find this pattern a dream to work with.
 
I also decided to try and trace Lauren's name in beads as you can see below but this was a complete disaster as it was too small and you couldn't make out her name clearly.  I turned to plan B and found a badge I had bought for her last year from Ebay and cut this up to fix on to the cushion.
 
 
 
 

 
 
The lining looked lovely with the colours of the tea towel, hope you all like it too.
 
 
 
Here is the finished cushion, I am pleased with it and like the little details, just hope Lauren likes it too.
 
 
Well my lovely Folks I have sorted out the giveaways for you and there are two.  I will pick out the winners next Wednesday.  My lovely little grandson is staying with us and he will do the honours with Miss Bunny adjudicating to make sure everything is fair.  I wish you all good luck.  I have had a lot of interest already and these nominations have been noted and written down.  If you haven't taken part yet please add a comment giving the name you think she deserves.  She is getting very excited as the prospect of having her names specially chosen by such important people as yourselves, it is an honour for her.
 
 
 
 
 
Well my lovely Readers I have to leave you now to sort out tea and tidy up yet again - I love it when the house is ultra tidy and neat but just wish it would stay that way a tad longer!  Have a wonderful day tomorrow Everyone, thank you so much for stopping by, it means such a lot to me.  Take care of yourself, be happy and enjoy yourselves.  Lots of love as always, Dorothy :-)xxxxxxxxxxx
 


16 comments:

  1. By golly you've been beaving again!!Love the pencil case and well done with persevering with the lining, it really does look wonderful. I have to add that I spotted some rather straight stitching there!! It looks really professional and I am sure she is going to love it. I love the little extra touch of the birth day, how very special. Now for the cushion, oh my, I honestly couldn't have envisaged this when I saw the teatowel and I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!!! It is magnificent and I am sure you are going to have a very happy granddaughter. What a very special granny she has and how lovely of you to make this for her. Well done as you really deserve it lovely Dorothy. I hope you got my email, do let me know. Sending you much love and yes do enjoy the last of this summer as it will be gone in one shake of a lamb's tail. xoxo

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    1. Thank you Hannapat you make my day, I didn't receive your email could you resend for me, have a fabulous day tomorrow
      Lots of love
      Dorothy
      :-)xxxxxxx

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  2. That is a beautiful cushion. I am sure that Lauren will treasure it as it shows so much care and love. Lesley x

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    1. Thank you so much Lesley, have a lovely Monday.
      Dorothyxxxxx

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  3. Thank you so much Lesley it is so lovely to hear from you
    Lots of love
    Dorothy
    :-)xxxxxx

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  4. Both the pencil case and cushion are really lovely. What thoughtful gifts got your granddaughter. Wishing you a great weekend!
    M x

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    1. Ah thank you so much Ladybird, have a lovely Monday.
      Dorothyxxx

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  5. A pencil case! I wouldn't have thought of that for an old tea towel. You're creative.

    Laura
    Harvest Lane Cottage

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    1. Thank you Laura you are a bit of a dab hand yourself, thank you for your comment.
      Love
      Dorothyxxxx

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  6. Wow, what a fortunate granddaughter you have to have such a talented, thoughtful grandma! Awesome pillow and pencil case. You are a wonderful person, and you have a wonderful blog.
    Your friend, Alyssa

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    1. Alyssa you are a lovely Mom and give so much to all of us bloggers all over the world so a big thank you
      Love
      Dorothyxxxxx

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  7. That's a really stunning idea. You have made it beautifully. This is why I love blogs, getting to see inside people's creative minds and the wonderful outcomes.

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    1. Hi Lillypip just found your blog, it is fab, hope you don't mind but I am going to put you as a favourite. Thank you
      Love
      Dorothyxxxxxx

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  8. Love your makes. I have been on holiday so slowly catching up with blog reading. I have an Cannon Ixus and it is fantastic. You can get some great advice for photos on blogs on Bunny Mummy. She has a tutorial for taking blog photos on her right side bar. Hope that helps. I would like to call the rabbit Belinda - I don't know why it just sort of looks right! Hope you are well. Jo x

    I have finished a cardigan on holiday http://joeveryday19.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. Hi Jo I have missed you, hope you had a fantastic time, good luck with the name and the link will certainly look into it. You always have wonderful photos so thanks for the suggestions of the Cannon.
      Lots of love
      Dorothyxxxxxx

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  9. That was such a great idea with the pencil case and cushion and its so personal for her- love it love it love it!!!

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