I have missed you...... I'm sorry :-(xx

Did you wonder where I was?  I am so sorry that there has been a silence from me, it was quite unintentional but we had two little sweeties to stay with us over the week.  I wanted to make sure that I gave them my undivided attention whilst they were staying but had intended to update my blog.  However.........the best laid plans everyone do go astray with me.  I simply didn't have time to get any craft work done nor to write to you so I am really sorry.  I am back now with a vengeance ready to get going once again.  Thank you for your patience and your support.  I have had some people contact me to ask if I was ok so a huge thank you to everyone, I should have alerted you beforehand but really thought I could do everything - which I can't unfortunately.  I have been keeping up to date with my favourite blogs when I can so I will be back tomorrow.

 

I hope you are all well and happy - lots of love as always to all of you, Dorothy :-)xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Finished at last!

Hello Lovely People how are you all out there?  I hope life is treating you well, do come in and have a chat and a coffee.  I'll just pop the kettle on.  Well Everyone what a couple of days I have had.  As you know we were visiting my lovely Son and his wife and our beautiful grandchildren as I had some gifts to give to my granddaughter.  I had been out and done a little shopping to fill her pen bag

 

 

 

I bought her pens, erasers and a new Cath Kidston purse which had little birds on which just fitted the style of the pen case.  I also put in a little handmade make up bag with some goodies in for her including a new brush, some nail varnish and lipstick.

 

She was genuinely pleased with all of it and seemed to love the bag and the cushions as well.  I was going to take some photographs but wasn't able to as, unfortunately, I was unwell yesterday so my husband packed all her gifts up for me before I had chance to.  I have no idea what happened except that my eyes became inflamed and one of them actually was that swollen it closed up today.  I have been looking as if I have been in a boxing ring lovely Folks.  I am not that pretty at the best of times but the last couple of days have not been my best.  However, all said and done we had a most wonderful time with the family and really enjoyed ourselves despite my affliction.

 

This all brings me back to the felted satchel.  Well this is a tale to tell you.  The knitting and felting had gone well and I was happy with them but, the sewing up afterwards was horrendous I have to say and the bag has fought me every inch of the way.  On Thursday evening I struggled on trying to piece it altogether with the lining but wasn't happy about it at all.  I think you probably got the gist of that as you were reading my blog!

I don't know why Folks but the bag just wouldn't work for me, I usually never worry about felting as it usually comes out ok in the end but this wasn't.  I had promised to make the bag for a wonderful friend who is the best sewer I know but who doesn't knit.  Obviously the pressure was on to try and make sure that the sewing part of the bag was reasonable but on Thursday night I was starting to pull my hair out.  It must have been on my mind as I couldn't sleep and didn't feel that good anyway so I got up around 3am and had another go at it.

 

 

 

I was actually out shopping at 5am in the all night supermarket and after walking around the store for a while I decided that I would go home and unpick all the sewing and take it back to basics.  There was nothing to lose as I couldn't give it to anyone in the condition it was in.  So back home I went and started.............

 

I then had the idea of cutting out the shape myself rather than relying on the way it had been knitted.  I made a cardboard template and cut the back and front to this, putting more of a curve to it than was in the pattern.  I also halved the long piece which fits around the whole of the bag as this seemed so thick and awkward to sew properly.  I then made myself and latte and a piece of toast and had another think about it.

A miracle had happened.  Maybe it was all those prayers sent up to heaven, maybe all the positive vibes from you lovely Bloggers out there but whatever it was, a big thank you.

 

It just seemed to fit together much easier.  It doesn't look like the one in the pattern but it is unique and hopefully my lovely friend will like it.  The iPad also fits in it very snugly whereas before it was rattling around in the bag a little more than I liked.

 

I put in a new lining with the little hearts and this time made up the inner part separately and then joined it altogether as you can see below.  It seems to have fitted ok, not the most professional but it is passable and does the job it was intended for.

 

 

It was so rewarding just sewing up the lining and finishing it off.  I hope to get it to my friend by early next week and hope she enjoys using it.  After promising myself that I would never ever make another one of these I know feel differently and would make more but using the second technique of cutting it to shape once it has been felted.  They would make nice little gifts for Christmas if someone is getting an iPad - who knows I might even make one for myself.

 

 

 

Finally Folks, my lovely husband treated me to some new tea towels as he does know how much I love them.  A lot of women like perfume, make up or clothes (I love all of these too) but you can't beat a good tea towel. 

 

I particularly like the new Cath Kidston design of the toadstools, so cute along with the red spotted fabric.  The other three are from Marks and Spencer and I will definitely use these for Christmassy things.  The festive period I am assured by many people is not that far away so get working lovely Folks.

Well I will finish now - my eye unfortunately is still sore and very swollen but the Pharmacist has assured me that it will respond to treatment so I am feeling a little sorry for myself at the moment.  However, next week we have our two delightful little granddaughters coming to stay so that will keep me very busy indeed.  I will keep in touch with you all as usual, do leave a comment if you wish, I always love to hear from you.  Let's know what you think about the felted bag - be honest now!

Have a wonderful Sunday wherever in the world you are, I hope you have peace, happiness and laughter, all at the same time.  Keep safe everyone and speak soon, lot of love, Dorothy :-)xxxxxxxxxx

 

Just a quick hello

Hi Everyone just wanted to say a quick hello to you all and to thank you all once again for taking part in my giveaway, another coming soon.  Do come in and made yourselves comfy while I pop the kettle on. 

Lesley and Coddyette the two lovely winners have both been in touch with me so I am packing up the goodies as we speak ready for posting tomorrow morning, hopefully they will receive them by the weekend.

 

I have been working today and it has been a long day, no time for crafting at all so I am feeling blue about this.  I had to nip into the big Marks and Spencer not far from where I live to pick up a few little gifts for my other grandchildren who I am visiting tomorrow for tea.  They are both older and I am also taking along the hand made gifts to give to my granddaughter, fingers crossed that she likes them. 

I did do a recheck on the price of the two tea towels that I used for her presents and I won them on Ebay for £1.04p each plus £1.20 for postage so the grand total of £3.38p for two new tea towels which made two unique gifts.  I did buy a few little bits and pieces for her to go in her bag which I will photograph tomorrow to show you.  I have only just got in so wanted to post this to you before having my tea.

 

I did notice a couple of things in Marks and Spencer which I wanted to show you.  This piece of fabric (or so I thought) was hanging on the wall as part of a display. 

 

 

It reminded me a little of the fabric which I used on the upper section of the big beach bag a little while ago at Liberty Bell.  See what you think.

 

I thought it was really sweet and after a closer inspection I realised that it was a duvet cover.  I asked the lady if they had anything else in this line but all they had was a picture for the wall.  Now lovely Readers it did cross my mind that I buy one and cut it up but, my sensible head told me off straight away as it was quite pricey - £29.99p for a double size which isn't too expensive I know but my sewing skills are not that good so I couldn't justify paying this for sewing.

 

I have to admit though that I did actually buy it for the bed as we do need some new ones - maybe when I get tired of it or it gets a little shabby..................Would love to know if any of you like it too?

 

 

The other little thing I noticed was this little cute cushion..............





 

 

Now she is rather lovely and has such a lot of nice detail on her.  Her price was nearly £20.00, not sure if you think that is expensive or not?  

 

 

However, she did remind me of a little cushion I made a couple of weeks ago from a tea towel if you remember.  Now mine is not as detailed or luxurious but I guess with some beads and bits and bobs she could be made to look even more glamorous. 

 

 

 

Well lovely Readers I hope you have had a glorious day or evening depending on where you are in the world.  Reading the newspapers today one can only be filled with sadness about the awful things going on in the world and the terrible loss of life.  I do bless each day for the life I have and pray for the souls who have to endure such awful times.  I think the world should be run by all of us crafters, we would soon put things right for everyone. 

 

I shall hopefully speak with you all tomorrow, do drop by when you can, you know that you are always more than welcome.  Thank you for stopping by today and speak very soon, lots of love, Dorothy :-)xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The winners are...........

Well hello Everyone how are you doing?  I hope you are all well, happy and contented.  I have had a very busy day but one filled with laughter and happiness as we spent more time with our delightful grandson.  It is amazing how children can transform your day to day life with their uncomplicated views on life - they really put things into perspective with their honesty and humour. 

 

My grandson was very excited to hear that he was going to be part of the grand draw today for my blog - he doesn't really understand what a blog is mind you but he was thrilled anyway.  I really, really wished that I could send you all a little gift as I count you all as my dear friends now, even though my blog has only been going since May.  The support and encouragement I have received has been overwhelming and I thank my lucky stars that I started this tremendous journey.  Thank you one and all for taking part and I hope that this will be part of my other giveaways as my blog continues.

 

I do apologise as I am not that confident with the mechanics of blogging as yet so haven't got the knowledge of how to do the computerised random selection process.  If anyone can put me right on this I would really appreciate it as I want you all to know that I am being fair throughout the whole process.  I was so pleased that my lovely grandson was able to take part and be entirely objective about it.

 

I went through all the blog comments and made a note of the names and the bloggers and put them all in the coffee pot and then shook them all up to make sure that they were fairly distributed to give everyone a chance.   As you can see, Miss Bunny watched over this part of the selection.

 

My grandson then gave the coffee pot another good shake and picked out the first name.

Another big shake and then the second name was chosen out of the coffee pot.

 

 

And the first winner is..............

And the second winner is...........

So Miss Bunny is now officially Miss Flora Grace which I think really suits her.  What do you think?  Now Flora Grace would like to send out a huge thank you to everyone, she adored every name sent in and was only too disappointed that we weren't able to send a gift to you all. 

 

Could Lesley and Coddyette get in touch with me via the message form at the bottom of the page and I can parcel up your goodies and send them to you.  I must say that I have really enjoyed this little giveaway and hope to do many many more in the future.  Thank you for all taking part and being such fun along the way.

I have a nice surprise this morning when a lovely teapot which I had bid for on Ebay arrived.  I won it for a princely sum of £2 and just love it as I have been wanting a crinoline lady for ages.  She is in such good condition and has no nicks or breaks, perfect.  I gave her a good wash ready to introduce you to her, I think she is a little sweetie, what do you think?  Many years ago I used to collect teapots but found that they did take up a lot of room on the shelves so eventually donated them to a charity shop, something I regret now.  I have a few now but try to limit myself due to lack of space.  I won't be giving her to a charity shop though, she is staying!

 

I am trying hard to finish off projects so over the last couple of days I have nearly finished two more.  Below is a little crochet heart which I made, I got help from Lucy in Attic 24, a blog I really love as she is so helpful and interesting.  I think it came out ok but I need to do more work on the shapes to build up my confidence. 

 

The second project was one I started absolutely ages ago and as you can see, it is a felted bag.  Now this one was sewn up before felting and was so much easier to complete.  I have now lined it and put on the handles and just need to add the ribbon and the felted flower - do you like it Everyone?

 

 

Well Everyone it has been so lovely to speak with you all.  I am sorry that I do not have an awful lot to show you tonight but I do need to crack on now and complete the pink felted satchel.  I must admit that today I couldn't face returning to it as I had a lot to do - children do expect our attention and I love to make sure I give it to them.  I know you will all know what I mean - it is a labour of love. 

 

I really want to finish the satchel and keep on chipping away at the other unfinished projects from my sewing room.  I am determined not to buy any more yarn and try to stop myself buying fabric although I do find it very difficult.  I will speak to you all tomorrow hopefully.  Have a lovely evening or day depending on where you are.  Well done to Lesley and Coddyette and a big thank you from Miss Flora Grace and me.  Speak very soon, lots of love, Dorothy :-)xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What a fiddly job!



Well hello Everyone I do hope you are all doing ok and are happy.  Do come in, you are all so welcome.  Have a seat and I will just put the kettle on.  I have been really enjoying reading all the gorgeous blogs out there and being amazed at the talent that is around everywhere in every country. 

 

I must admit I have been struggling with a couple of my urgent jobs to do.  I think I told you in the last blog that I had promised my lovely daughter-in-law a cover for her coffee maker and had borrowed hers to measure up properly.  The fabric had came in kit form and was a lovely old fashioned type of pattern for both the main piece and the lining. 

 

 

 

It wasn't as complicated as I first thought but it was a fiddle making sure that the overall cover fitted perfectly, which I don't think it does.  The overall sewing together was quite easy but I did miss some of the stitching on one of the side panels and had to redo it.  I wasn't happy with the final result but time is pressing with this so I did my usual trick of covering it up with something else.  You can see in the photograph below that I had used some lace flowers which are very pretty but I think I am going overboard with the flower theme here!

 

 

 

 

The cover does fit quite snuggly but I was a little disappointed that it didn't join together as much as I would have liked it but it is my first try so I have to live with it.  I only hope my daughter-in-law likes it.

 

 

 

I am not sure why I put these three flowers and beads on the front - getting carried away as usual - they look straight but in this photograph they do look a little wonky - not my best piece of work to date I feel but passable.  What I did do was to get an exact copy of it on paper so that I can make another one for her at Christmas time, thought this would be something a little different.  Any ideas or comments would be welcome.  The lovely Jo from Three Stories High passed on a really lovely crochet pattern for one which I am thinking of having a go at as it will extend my crochet skills a little more.

 

 

 

Now the other big job has been the satchel which needs to be finished as soon as I can as I am embarrassed at the length of time I have meandered along with this.  The knitting for me was easy peasy and you couldn't have an simpler pattern.  The felting bit, although very straightforward is not an exact science and you have to see what comes along.  Below is the front piece which has been felted and joined to the side edge.

 

 

 

Now I had a real job trying to sew the side edge to the main pocket, I mentioned in my last post that I always sew everything together and then felt it as it is much easier.  The pattern for this says that you must felt all the pieces on their own and then put them together once felted.  The sewing up is real hard work, particularly is you are OCD like me about things coming apart.  I always do extra stitches to make sure that things don't fall open up, usually very unnecessarily.  My fingers were really sore after this first piece of sewing.

 

I wanted a sturdy lining so went for this pretty tea towel which blended well with the colours of the bag - well I think so, would love to hear from you lovely People out there.

 

 

 

You can see from the photograph below how felting changes the shape of the knitting and can make it difficult to work with.

 

Below is the main pocket with the smaller pocket about to be pinned on and stitched.  It seems such a fiddly way of doing things but I do understand why it has to be sewn this way.

 

 

 

 

 

Below is the fabric sew into the pocket - it seemed too complicated to make a lining going from the shape of the bag so I decided to sew it onto each felted piece individually, probably making more work for myself but that is the way I have decided to do it.  Any hints or comments warmly welcomed Folks.



 

 

 

Unfortunately this is not the finished product below but I have just put it together loosely to show you how I hope it will all turn out in the end.  I am getting frustrated with it as I do lack patience and am not the neatest hand sewer in the world.  I did try to do some on the machine but broke my needle and realised that it is just too thick to sew this way so hand sewn it has to be.

 

 

Do you like the straps?  I just love them and they are from a wonderful company which I have used many times in the past.  Do have a look at their website, I have a lovely pair of pink handles just waiting for my new crochet bag - next job along the way.

 

Sorry it is such a short post tonight Folks but I am really busy today with things from work and household duties - I just wanted to remind you about the cut off date for the giveaways - 12 noon tomorrow - British time.  If you haven't already please send a name for the lovely Miss Bunny - my grandson will be doing the draw and I will post the names tomorrow - good luck everyone.

 

Well I have to love you and leave you all now - it has been wonderful seeing you all again, you brighten my day.  Do call in again and please leave any comments as I do love to hear from you all.  Speak tomorrow with the names of the winners.  Have a wonderful evening or day depending on where you are in the world.  Lots of love to you all, Dorothy, :-)xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Bits and Bobs

Hi Everyone, I do hope you are all doing fine and are happy.  This post is a little bit itty bitty as I am trying to sort out all the jobs that need to be finished sooner rather than later.  I know that I have been a little remiss with my knitting and crochet having been on a bit of a sewing fest.  I sadly haven't anything finished to show you today, something I don't like doing as I like to give you something interesting to look at and read (hopefully).  It is so lovely to see you all, pull up a chair and have a coffee and some cake.

 

I am not sure if you remember a while ago I made a little clothkits dress for my gorgeous granddaughter.  I have bought the kit very cheaply ages ago and must admit that I simply hated the colour, although a lot of people said that they thought the green shade was really pretty which goes to show that we are all individual. 

 

I had not done anything like this before and the buttonholes were a put off having not done them before.  I did struggle with these a little but the lovely Rachel in my sewing class and you lovely bloggers urged me on and it was completed.  I also lined it although this wasn't with the original kit.  I was pleased with the result and when my lovely daughter-in-law saw it she said that she would have chosen this dress in a shop.  It fitted her but I didn't take any photos and I know some of you asked me to show the dress on her when it was finished.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here she is in the dress Folks.

 

 

Looking for her sweeties!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 It was so lovely to see my granddaughter in a dress I had actually made, even though it was in kit form. 

 

This weekend I also set to work on a project which was started weeks ago and I am ashamed that I didn't finish it a long time ago.  It is a gift for a very special lady and is all knitted up now.  You might remember the pattern she chose for a cover for her iPad.

 

 

 

I did some work on it yesterday and thankfully have completed all the knitting on it now, save for a tiny handle for the top which I am undecided about at this stage.  It is now ready to go into the washing machine for felting.  I am debating about how to make up the lining - I had thought of lining each separate piece once it is felted before sewing it all up or just measuring all the pieces and cutting out the fabric in readiness for sewing up. 

 

 

I usually sew up all the knitted pieces before felting that I feel that this makes it so much easier to handle and stronger, as well as giving a more professional finish.  However, the pattern suggests felting all the pieces unsewn and then sewing them together afterwards, fitting in all the pieces and cutting anything off that is too long.  I am a bit apprehensive about this as it is a special gift and I want it to be exactly right.  Any suggestions from you lovely felters out there would be most appreciated.

 

Also, just to show that I am not neglecting my crochet I have been working on some granny squares as well as I want to make myself a small crochet handbag.  I know I have loads of bags Folks but this one would be for me and it is something I have wanted for ages.  I know exactly how it will look and want to have some gorgeous pink leather type handles to set it off.

 

 

Finally, I had promised my lovely daughter-in-law that I would make a cover for her coffee maker ages ago.  She didn't mind if it was knitted, felted, crocheted or sewn - so plenty of scope there.  I had bought a kit a while ago with the colours I knew that she would like and although I had the measurements of the coffee maker I didn't really want to start until I actually saw it.  My daughter-in-law loved the fabric so we are going with the sewn one and I can log into the site where I bought the kit from for the pattern.  I must admit that this is a bit of a faff and I would rather have the pattern emailed or sent to me as I don't always have access to a computer if I am away.  I have bought the machine home with me so I can fiddle with the measurements as I am making it.

 

  

 

The kit does look rather nice though and I am looking forward to having a go at it.

 

 

However I do want to make another cover either knitted or felted for Christmas for her as she uses this a lot when she is entertaining.  I would really welcome any pointers towards some good Christmas patterns Folks if you see any.

 

Well Everyone a bit of a mixed bag today and apologies once again for not having anything completed.  Today I have been reading an article about the downfalls of being a perfectionist which I must admit I am.  After reading this I can see how fruitless it can be sometime and can recognise some of the things being said about perfectionists.  I see it all the time in my own work and must confess I find it difficult to accept praise even from the lovely comments I have had.  I had to try and address this and try and see it from the perspective that whatever we do in life, when we try our best then you can't ask for more.  Imperfection is often more beautiful than complete perfection so I thank you one and all as some of you have already pointed this out to me.

 

I shall speak to you shortly - I want to get the bag felted and make a start on the cover for the coffee maker so that I can give it to her next weekend.  My lovely grandson is staying over and will be picking out the names for the giveaways on Wednesday so good luck with this.  Have a wonderful Monday and look after yourselves.  I hope you enjoyed our chat and the tea and cakes.  Lots of love as always, Dorothy :-)xxxxxxxxxxxxx 

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