two hippos

kitchen help needed

2012-01-24T14:07:00.000Z

Source: desiretoinspire.net via Ruth on Pinterest

I have been busy pinning parts of kitchens and all sorts of interior ideas for our renovation. At the moment we are using the early 70's kitchen we inherited - want a peek?

So dreaming what the new extension with a fab open plan kitchen will be like, is what I do while walking the dogs. And I thought I'd pick your brains, what do you love about your kitchen, what do you wish you had done to make life easier? The biggest mistake? Worst flooring ideas?

This is our old kitchen, the floor was my biggest regret, it was honed travertine tile and did pit. Also although a light floor did help lighten the kitchen it also showed every paw print, I'm not ubber house proud but hate to see a long line of paw prints and with 2 dogs and a cat - well... The drawers were also a look that for me, didn't work. I have found the microwave we inherited here brilliant and having never had one (I know it sounds odd) it is on my wish list, along with pull out larder unit. What's your best appliances or things you could not live without, I loved my dishwasher drawers - could be used separately or together and great if there are only a few of you. Do you have a boiling water tap? Any advice you can give would be great.

Coffee & walnut Batternburg cake

2012-01-23T12:46:00.000Z

Miss T and I baked Mary Berry's coffee and walnut Battenburg cake yesterday, it was one of the technical challenge from the second series of The Great British Bake Off (in the second baking book). The recipe is on the BBC's Mary Berry page here. In the book she recommends using foil backed baking parchment available from Lakeland, we used a lovely tin by Silverwood (proudly British made). I found it on Friday when I had to go over to Monmouth, while in the town picking up a few things for my Pa I popped into Salt & Pepper and found it there. The cake is an all in one sponge with ground almonds, easy and the tin makes it simpler too. Just glue the cakes together with coffee butter cream and wrap in marzipan (we used uncoloured marzipan). Delicious!

I found this colourful and very patriotic version on the BBC recipe site, here's the recipe. Here's another fun version

fun for a bat party! And finally here's sprinkles spring batternburg cake, great step by step tutorial.

Rose star blocks

2012-01-22T15:58:00.000Z

This is the 3rd Rose star block so far, all in Amy Butlers Love collection fabrics. I have used freezer paper as a backing, although Bayaykoobo has used Floriani stitch and wash fusible for her templates.

2nd block and 4th about to start. If you want to join in the Rose Star block party along click over to Self Sewn's blog or the flickr group. Have a great weekend!

sewing kits

2012-01-18T10:09:00.000Z

I have my golden ticket for Fat Quarterly's retreat, so looking forward to it. Are you going? It made me think about what I should be taking along and a portable sewing kit will be essential. My sewing kit is a basket by my machine with various items thrown in - not portable though. It got me thinking and I have found some fabulous tutorials via pinterest and thought I'd share my favorites.

Source: lotsofpinkhere.blogspot.com via Kellie on Pinterest

very cute and there is also a patchwork version tutorial. May be this tiny matchbook needle case.

Source: roseycornercreations.blogspot.com via Trisha on Pinterest

Source: sew4home.com via T on Pinterest

A very cute kitty felt case.

Source: fun.kyti.me via Andrea on Pinterest

a fab jar from funkytime. And if you don't have time to make one there are some really great kits available.

Source: raystitch.co.uk via Jenny on Pinterest

Source: anthropologie.com via Cat on Pinterest

Source: modcloth.com via Mary Jo on Pinterest

a really lovely sewing basket from Great British baskets.

a button sewing box. And finally the Holding company have a few cute boxes.

rose star and quilt guild

2012-01-17T09:02:00.000Z

This is my second block, paper piecing is time consuming but oh so calming. Any of the days stresses disappear when hand stitching and discovered my self still stitching at midnight. There are some stunning blocks over on the flickr group, such an array of lovely fabrics. It was over on flickr that I discovered

the modern quilt guild, so brilliant that a guild has begun here in London! They meet up once a month and anyone can join - they have a flickr group and blog, do pop over and have a look. Right now I am going to ignore the ironing and vacuuming for a while and cut out some more Rose Star pieces while catching up on Call the midwife, did any one else see this?

just clearing the desk

2012-01-13T12:25:00.000Z

I have been trying to tidy up my things to do, before cutting out my Rose Star templates. So I made a pair of boxer shorts I did think I'd make before Christmas. Its a great downloadable pattern I bought here. Once you have taped all the correct pieces of A4 together and traced them its simple and quick, brilliant explained and suitable for a beginner too. I did go a little mad with what I decided to applique on the back

as they were for a mad Harry Potter fan. I also made the misstake of thinking I'd try a new stitch on my machine

a great stitch but on such a long word mmm. Any way that's what took the longest and I am pleased with the results.

I have been working on a project that I can not show as it is a gift and about to fly its way over the ocean. Some bunny egg cosies appliqued using the same blanket stitch I used on the boxers - just love the look of this stitch! But now the desk is clear and I can start cutting the rose star block papers.

Love fabrics

2012-01-11T08:55:00.000Z

Yesterday I popped into Peter Jones for thread and what should I see but lots of Amy Butler, Joel Dewbury and other quilting fabrics in the sale and they had just been marked down a second time to £5.38 a meter. So my fabric choice for the Summerfete's block party was decided very quickly, I chose 5 fabrics from Amy Butler's Love collection. I assume this is the same for all John Lewis branches that stock the fabric.

There was also a small range of sewing baskets in her fabrics there. Now to transfer the paper pattern pieces onto card, thought I'd glue the paper onto card and use them as templates. Hope that works.

Block Party 2012

2012-01-10T10:01:00.000Z

I have signed up to Summerfete's block party to make a fabulous paper pieced quilt. It is so beautiful I couldn't resist and having review the Block Party book last week!

If you'd like to join in go over to Summerfete's blog where all will be explained. The templates caused me the most angst and J ended up doing the geometry (using this helpful photograph)! My hexagons are quite large (the squares are 1cm)

I haven't decided on my fabrics, I've thought about fabrics from the West Indies collection by Jennifer Paganelli or Silent Cinema by Jenean Morrison. Are you taking part in this quilt along?

Fabrics Galore

2012-01-07T16:52:00.000Z

This morning Miss T and I headed down to Fabrics Galore. I bought the Mandy Shaw union jack pattern last year at the festival of quilts and with the move I just forgot about it, Miss T reminded me and we went to look for fabrics. In the end after a lot of discussion and help from Michael she decided on the fabrics above, spots, stripes and checks. I found some wonderful fabrics and in their amazing sale too

this great textured black and white fabric I thought would make this dress and maybe this skirt.

Some lovely silky cotton I thought would be great for this tunic dress and maybe this or Colette Peony. Will keep a look out on Etsy too for some vintage inspiration to, but enough to keep me busy for a few weeks! Have a great weekend.

eggs a go go

2012-01-06T12:47:00.000Z

Do you start the day with a boiled egg and soldiers? Sometimes like this morning its very rushed and ends up being toast in the car on the way to school! We love having eggs and soldiers at weekends when time is less stressed and we can chat or read the paper. Delia has researched the topic and has a definitive guide on how to boil and egg, possibly the first thing one ever learns to cook. With this in mind I have been working on a few egg cosies

there are more coming with letters and numbers, all for a little fun. I'm making one for my nephew who will be 10 and thought a 10 would be fun in amongst his gifts.

How do you like your eggs? Boiled, fried or scrambled?

blocks and books

2012-01-05T11:26:00.000Z

Block Party: The Modern Quilting Bee book promo from Alissa Haight Carlton on Vimeo.

I thought I'd share with you all a few if the lovely books I received this Christmas. The first book is Block Party, the modern quilting bee, by Alissa Haight Carlton and Lristen Lejnieks. I have read reviews about this book and Craftzine have a review with a free download project from the book. I love the idea of a quilting bee and this book is real inspiration, I know many reading this will have already taken part in virtual bee's and had enormous fun in the process. The book is laid out in 12 chapters of quilts - one for each month.

There are machine pieced quilts and my favourite quilt in the book is in part hand sewn hexagons (October by Rashisa Coleman-Hale). There is advice on selecting fabrics, colour combination, layout, quilt backs and quilting - machine and hand.

It is well written and has great photography, really inspiring, I am planning on making the hexagon quilt and August's Polka dots quilt (by Lisa Billings). There is also a section on how to hold a bee and also being a good bee member.

My mother has been inspired to make a Dresden plate quilt and there is a wonderful design in here too by Jacquie Gering. Have you made any of these blocks or taken part in a quilting bee?

happy new year

2011-12-30T20:27:00.000Z

Source: mitziscollectibles.typepad.com via Debbie on Pinterest

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year!

Planning a New Year's Eve party?

2011-12-29T19:16:00.000Z

Source: saraspartyperfect.com via Ruth on Pinterest

How about a star curtain to hang or theses great printables, including cupcake toppers and wraps,

Source: ellinee.com via Ruth on Pinterest

bunting, invitations

and even glass tags.

All designed by Ellinee Design House, found over on Pinterest.

sparkle

2011-12-27T10:33:00.000Z

Source: browneyedbellejulie.blogspot.com via Karna on Pinterest

With a few days to go to New Years Eve I thought I'd share some fun party ideas that are easy to make at home. We always held a New Years Eve party at home when I was growing up and as the years went by more of my brothers and my friends came along. Always so much fun. How about jars of sparkler?

Source: stylemepretty.com via Karna on Pinterest

or easy to make tiaras.

Source: ellinee.com via Ruth on Pinterest

A banner to welcome guest,

Source: supermommoments.com via Ruth on Pinteres

Do hope you all enjoyed Christmas day and still relaxing today.

Merry Christmas!!

2011-12-23T23:30:00.000Z

I do hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!

What can I give Him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;
Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.

Christina Rossetti

3 days to go.......

2011-12-22T18:28:00.003Z

Source: etsy.com via Ruth on Pinterest

Its very cold at home, the boiler has broken down - up side lots of baking has happened! Biscuits baking as I type and delicious wafts of sugary goodness! Here's one recipe - delicious (although not very Christmasy).

http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/3803/anzac-biscuits

just a few more days...............

2011-12-21T12:40:00.000Z

Source: google.co.uk via Ruth on Pinterest

Is your tree up? Have you decorated, or like me a little more last minuet? We have a mixture of ornaments on our tree, some homemade, some beautifully handmade, collected over the years and Miss T chooses at least 1 decoration every year as a family tradition. We have made all sorts of felt decorations, paper and gingerbread, Nigella's Christmas biscuits were popular until Flo arrived as a puppy and used to derive great pleasure form plucking biscuits from the tree!

Source: cutoutandkeep.net via Ruth on Pinterest

I just adore the snow dome biscuits and am planning a baking session on Friday as there are so many things I need to do. An order to deliver and lots of finishing for me to work on.

Source: carinascraftblog.wardi.dk via Ruth on Pinterest

Thoughts have turned to a little light embroidery but I am I think being over optimistic! Dome inspired like my last post.

Source: rebeccacooper.blogspot.com via Ruth on Pinterest

Although I think a little sewing with paper and sweets may be more easily finished in time for Father Christmas to deliver.

Source: ohcrafts.net via Ruth on Pinterest

The baby quilt was finished and then washed (mmm not to sure about the results), it had a vintage look after as the batting inside shrank. A quick question do you wash your fabrics before and the batting?

and before

Anyway they loved the quilt, especially the fabric! So that's brilliant. Are you nearly ready for the festivities ahead?

deck the halls with bells and holly............

2011-12-17T21:29:00.000Z

Source: marthastewart.com via Courtney on Pinterest

Miss T & I have been away for a couple of days to stay with my mother and also visit my Pa who isn't very well at the moment. I had intended on bringing back some holly but just forgot once the snow came! Our tree is ready to be put up and decorated, but what to do?

Source: marthastewart.com via lauren on Pinterest

I am going to search the sales for domes - bell domes, taxidermy domes. They do look wonderful filled with all sorts of things, baubles or the paper trees. I do have a collection of pine cones and thought it may be fun to dress some up.

Source: marthastewart.com via Chantal on Pinterest

I have made lots of Christmas stockings over the years, some for family, some as gift wrapping but the fur topped denim number below is just fabulous! Love the hint of sparkle.

Source: sjarmerendejul.blogspot.com via Ruth on Pinterest

I did find a few adorable tutorials a few years ago and saved them, here is a link to a ballet slipper, there are also bare feet and Victorian boot. I adore bunting and garlands at any time of year and the Christmas tree bunting tutorial is so simple and quick.

Source: creativebreathing.blogspot.com via Ruth on Pinterest

The lovely Christmas garland from creative breathing is beautiful and would make a real heirloom piece. I am going to have to find some felt next week. But one project I'd like to do tomorrow is make a new wreath for out front door. The old one is looking a little tired and in need of sprucing up. I have been looking over on pinterest and found some fabulous examples. There is a burlap wreath tutorial that children could join in making. A 3D star wreath made from paper, a cute bauble DIY wreath and

Source: pickles.no via Evie on Pinterest

or how about a popcorn wreath, great for the birds. How have you decorated your front door?

pets presents

2011-12-14T07:33:00.002Z

Just before the last few days for mail order, I thought I'd do a post on cat's and dog's Christmas gifts. Now the amazing dog pod above is not British - but so beautiful and stylish I had to add it! I've been looking for a new bed for Flo, she is possibly a little large for the walnut pod, but the Ellipse pet bed caught my eye - also by Vurv design. Emily Jacobs has a very cute vintage suitcase bed, Edwina Jack has an adorable cupcake bed perfect for Lurpak. Pops sleeps in a crate and I keep meaning to do something to make it look prettier but have found the perfect solution, Devon made Hugo & Hennie crate covers.

I'm in love with this adorable Dog, its the look in his eye! He is sporting a rather fabulous collar, perfect for any occasion and from Emily Jacobs. Emily also has a fun corduroy quilted coat, great for when the weather gets colder. Wag Wonder Wear have a lovely cable coat, just right for cold wintry walks.

A glittery cat collar would look very smart, a little bling on a grey day! Lurpak has lots of bells on his collar to warn all the local birds to scram, as he is a real hunter. I do like this stripy cat collar and snowflake Christmas collar by Mogs Togs. A tweed harness for pooches that pull? Or a modern take on a Pug bell collar, reminiscent of Mary quite contrary!

This Sherlock Dog tailor Jacket is great fun, would look fabulous on Pops.

Weasel Factory have this amazing land of the rising sun pet bowl. Or a personalized ceramic bowl made up in Stoke-on-Trent. I have 2 smallish dogs but if you have larger dogs how about some wine box bowls? Amazon Cat bakes handmade dog treat, what could more perfect for a pampered pooch?

Isn't this hoodie sweet with the most beautiful model, all the way from Casper Couture Australia. Or how about a traditional British waxed green coat by Mutts & Hounds? Here's a link to You Tube and a tutorial on how to make your own pooch hoodie. Martha Stewart has a tutorial for a dog coat. Lori Marie has a simple tutorial too.

This adorable pug modelling a pea coat, from Rover Dog in Canada. And if you want a portrait of your adored pet, take a look at PVE's shop - there is a fabulous portrait of this very cute pug. Do you give your much loved pets gifts at Christmas?

Christmas stocking fillers

2011-12-12T10:12:00.001Z

Source: plumpstocking.com via Andrea on Pinterest

Today I am looking at Christmas stockings and what Father Christmas pops into them. My brother and I used to wake up on Christmas morning and who ever was up first used to join the other in opening up our gifts - sharing chocolates or satsumas and seeing what we each received. Always a special time, never too early - unlike my cousins who seemed to wake at dawn!

Source: etsy.com via Ruth on Pinterest

These fun crayons are a brilliant idea as are lots of different stationary items, I love the Clara post it notes,Yo Yo Me doodle pad, rubber stamp or how about Laduree post it notes I found last week in the stationary department (just too fabulous not to mention).

Source: littlemissmomma.com via Ruth on Pinterest

For girls hair accessories are brilliant, the bobby pin tutorial above is great - I'd love Father Christmas to put some of these in my stocking! Smiley Mile have cute fabric covered bobbles, Stella Blue have tiny clips, there is a great faux leather tutorial and a twisted headband tutorial.

Source: deliciousdeliciousdelicious.blogspot.com via Ruth on Pinterest

Sweets are a huge favorite, I love the spoons tutorial above, brilliant for all sorts of people. There are some cute penguins and chocolate initials, coins, Muji have silicone trays in the shape of spoon and letters amongst them - perfect for stocking home made sweets (homemade crayons too).

Soaps, bubble bath or bath bombs are a great filler too, I love these tiny duck soaps from Gifts and Goodies. There are some great tutorials on bath bombs and Lush is one amazing shop to visit.

Source: dotpebbles.blogspot.com via Ruth on Pinterest

There is a great fishing game to knit, Hen House Handmade has an adorable peg doll and the Tilda doll kit is brilliant. Or maybe a sleeping bag (PDF pattern) for a doll or teddy, by Flossie Teacakes. And finally don't forget nuts and a satsuma, we always loved them! What are you planning on putting in your Christmas stockings?

childrens Christmas gifts

2011-12-10T12:05:00.000Z

Source: womansday.com via Ruth on Pinterest

I have been thinking about what little handmade gift I can make or buy for my nephews and friends children. With time running ever more quickly as I have been finishing a baby quilt (ever so slowly) while listerning to Jane Eyre and also so much is happening with the planning on our home. The architect emailed through the final exterior drawings and I have oked all the plans ready for the planning submission next week, where all will be in the lap of the council. Anyway I digress, back to the loveliness of all things crafty. Miss T loved dressing up as a small child and I made all sorts of costumes and also matching teddy bear outfits! She loved mermaids,

Source: myhalfofthebrain.wordpress.com via Ruth on Pinterest

this is a cute dolls version, Miss T's was more if a skirt with a trailing fish tail in a deliciously shinny scale like fabric, this is a fun fishy tail. Jessy the cow girl from Toy Story was another great costume and these chaps are cute. Maybe little red riding hood? This is a very cute dolls cape

Source: weewonderfuls.com via Ruth on Pinterest

If you are looking for a quick simple no sew super hero mask, this is a fun tutorial. Etsy has some costumes Hattie Willow has some fun costumes for dolls and Wild Things dresses include an adorable bee dress for girls.

Source: dearstelladesign.com via Ruth on Pinterest

Softies are wonderful gifts for young ones, the elephant is a great tutorial and I just love this cute fox tutorial. Etsy has a beautiful Mary Antoinette felt doll pdf pattern (so great for instant print at home) and Nanette Regan has adorable linen horse softie.

Source: thefabledneedle.com via Ruth on Pinterest

There are wonderful rag doll patterns, Strawberry is cute and Knitted Babe has a knitted winter babe. Womans Day has the rag doll pattern at the top of this post, there is simple little babooshka tutorial, Martha Stewart has a fabulous free Wee Wonderfuls mermaid doll tutorial. Sewing in no mans land has a large rag doll tutorial called Evette, or may be a paper Clara doll Christmas special would make the perfect gift?

I have fallen in love with Elvis (the beautiful tiny bear above) lest you thought I was going to spring into song! There are a couple of cute crochet bear patterns (ah how I wish I could crochet) are they not adorable? Missy Ballance has a fun teddy tutorial and Martha Stewart has a felt tooth bear that would be quicker to make. The brilliant Janet Clare has a brilliant free pattern for felt polar bears - an early Christmas gift. And if you have a little babe and can crochet, I found this most adorable pattern over on Pinterest and is not British but as you can see - too adorable for words!

Source: jennyandteddy.blogspot.com via Ruth on Pinterest

and finally a very cool photo of a man with his Teddy!

Source: buamai.com via Liz on Pinterest

What are you planning on making for your little ones? Do you have a great tutorial that you can share? Have a great weekend!

gifts for teenage girls

2011-12-08T09:07:00.000Z

Source: creaturecomfortsblog.com via Gretel on Pinterest

Today I am looking at things for teenage girls, Miss and her friends I supose. I love Janine Basils creations the alice bands are fab! Well Lush has a cute red bow, Antemaccassa has a fun bandana knotted headband, button alice band and Altered Eras have some fun bobby pins. There are lots of tutorials about for hair bands and scrunchies, I like the tutorial below and Jezze Prints has a simpler headband. Craft Gawker has a fun recycled t-shirt version tutorial.

Source: alisaburke.blogspot.com via Ruth on Pinterest

Stationary is another huge favourite, I used to love going a choosing pencil cases and pens - still do! I found some fab decal stickers for laptops, walls and stickers.

Source: etsy.com via Ruth on Pinterest

There fabulous pencil cases over on Etsy, from leather to fabric, post it notes from adorable Clara to fun kawaii, Mouse mats and sticky tape. Many great tutorials for pencil cases, round, traditional and patchwork on line.

Source: etsy.com via Ruth on Pinterest

Purses are a fun item to slip into a Christmas stocking, appliqued fabric purses, embroidered felt or leather. Quiltsalot have a cute coin purse tutorial, purl bee frame purse tutorial and noodlehead have a gather purse tutorial, or if eco is more your teen's thing how about this milk carton purse. Bangles are a fun teen gift, whether it is a charm bracelet, chunky knit or leatherette. Ravelry have lots of knit or crochet bangles.

These hello sailor boxers are very cute, maybe rolled up under the tree as a cracker? There is a great pattern by Jennifer Paganelli on Etsy. There are fun nail transfers and hand painted acrylic nails.

The cute snowman would be fun, I love to add in bath bombs and melts - as they smell devine. Or how about some space invaders soaps? Lush is a place that can not hide on the high street as one can small it 100yards away, so if you like the idea of making your own Shirleyuk has a recipe and here is a bath melt recipe by Making Scentz.

These hand warmers are cute, these deep red cables would keep wrist and hands warm. Ravelry have a great pair by Pearl Soho, cute fabric rice microwaveable hand warmers tutorial and felted sewn hand warmers.

These clothes plaster from Hunkydory Home are fab, I noticed that Fabrics Galore also had them in too (individually), great for ironing over small holes in jeans or just for fun! What are you getting or making for teenagers this Christmas?

girfts for Grandmothers

2011-12-06T11:30:00.000Z

Source: polkadotchair.com via Joelle on Pinterest

My wonderful Grandmother, never cross, always patient, enormous fun and ready to Party! She was a huge influence in my life, her love of interior design must have rubbed off on me and she had an incredible sense of fashion. When it came to gifts I used to make her all sorts of things, when I studied millinery she was the first to have a hat. So I got to thinking what Miss T and I could find and make her Grandma's for Christmas.

I received a Golden Hands complete book of crafts in 1977 and loved the Holly Hobby cushion. So with my tiny toy sewing machine I made Granny a cushion with this pattern (above). In fact the page with the pattern is heavily indented with lines from tracing the pattern so often (a little like me)!

Source: mrxstitch.com via Ruth on Pinterest

Everyone loved a cup of tea and a tea cosy was a regular item in the kitchen, Etsy have so many to choose from her a a couple I like - 1, 2. This is a fun tea cosy pattern, the Guardian has a tutorial and

if you are a knitter the pattern of the cottage tea cosy from Kirstie's homemade home is available here.
Cushions were big (as in lots), especially with ever changing interiors, embroidered, applique, a dragon because she was welsh, patchwork and worded. There were lots of tapestry cushions I just adore Emily Peacock cushions, real splashes of colour - either made by you or someone else. There are some great tutorials on making cushions from the beginner, embroidered to piped.

Source: noodle-head.com via Ruth on Pinterest

Handkerchiefs are a favourite, there are some fab printed versions, embroidered, lace or cotton. The purl bee has a couple of great tutorials making them. I remember making covered coat hangers, grandmas and great aunts always love these - i'm getting to an age where I love them too!

Source: tarasloggett.com via Temple Gregory, and on Pinterest

Picnics and impromptu outings were a huge thing in our family and still are, nothing like packing up a basket of goodies and go off on a day trip to who knows where. Thermos flasks for the car, sandwich tin, blanket (as cars were always colder back then) and a basket or hamper, table cloth or ground sheet. I do remember lining a basket once for a gift. Fabric baskets would make a great gift, for knitting, sewing threads or logs. I love the pinecone fire lighter tutorial, a lovely gift for a grandmother with open fires (or anyone with open fires come to that).

Source: noodle-head.com via Ruth on Pinterest

Placemats are a fun gift to make, as are napkins - Purl Bee has a great tutorial for some and the gnomes set are very cute, so many ideas. There are so many ideas and still 19 days left! What will you be making this year?

Gifts for men - to make

2011-12-05T08:01:00.000Z

Source: sanfordhughes.wordpress.com via Tori on Pinterest

I loved this collection I found on Pinterest. I thought about all the tutorials and patterns available for men and what I could make for Christmas, here are a few I've found.

Source: ravelry.com via Crystal on Pinterest

Socks as I mentioned in my last post, I have heard that handmade are simply the best. Never tried to knit a pair though, these look great.

Source: blogs.babble.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

There are lots of tie patterns out 'there', Etsy has some fun patterns, Jennifer Paganelli, Burda Style, Ravelry, Martha Stewart and there are lots of bow ties. Wash bags are another very useful item, as are cotton bags for cashmere jumpers or scarfs. I thought I'd make a bigger version of this pattern.

Source: kojodesigns.blogspot.com via Ruth on Pinterest

This I Pod shuffle band is brilliant and a great tutorial. A lap top bag would be good, so too an ipad cosy. Cotton and Cloud have a fabulous scarf pattern and there lots over on ravelry, there's still time to knit one too! Sweets are another popular gift, I have in the past made up jars of all sorts of sweets. Martha Stewart has a recipe for savoury popcorn, peanut butter cups, old fashioned toffee, nougat, Turkish delight and I used to make my Pa rum truffles when I was a teenager.

Source: lucykatecrafts.blogspot.com via Ruth on Pinterest

This fabric envelope by LucyKate would make a fun business card holder and Julie Ann has a cute recycled card holder. And I thought I may add a moustache or two for a fun applique

Source: createstudio.blogspot.com via Alisha on Pinterest

Source: instructables.com via Ruth on Pinterest

One year I remember making one Grandfather a felt glasses case. There are lots of tutorials available, pinterest is full of them. Do you have any good tutorials to share? What will you be making for the men in your life for Christmas this year?

christmas shopping for men?

2011-12-03T11:29:00.000Z

(source)

I thought as its now the 3rd of December and Christmas only weeks away, I share some fun finds at Etsy and around. So every few days I'll post things I've found and love, as I try and get my Christmas shopping done. Last week we all went along to Cockpit Arts open day and and did a little shopping for family. Miss T and I just love SJM and have blogged about their fab ceramics, Thornback and peel have a fabulous array of gifts including some lovely Hankies (perfect stocking fillers for grown-ups). But there are so many fabulous designer makers there it is well worth clicking over.

I find the men in my life difficult some times to buy for, so hankies are perfect. Cuff links are also a staple buy every year and last year Miss T bought these Star Wars Storm Troopers

a huge success!

Lego bricks look great too, especially from little ones. The old typewriter keys are brilliant.

Ties are fun and the knitted skinny versions just above are by vknit on Etsy. Ties are a little more tricky at times, well my Pa has never liked or even tried to appear to like any tie bought for him - so we don't. But I know other men are no where as picky!

the space invaders are great and Liberty are just fabulous. Knitted Dickie bows are cute.

may be a beanie is more their style?

There are some fab shaving things available and I love things that are beautiful and useful.

Edwin Jagger are beautifully crafted and made in Sheffield, I found a few in a great place in Barnes (brilliant independent book shop very close by). There are lots of great products to go along with them too. One gift last year that was a huge hit with my Pa was a bottle of Acqua Colonia, smells divine and a beautiful bottle - available here. If you have a chap who seems to live with his laptop and have a larger budget this Harris Tweed bag is fab.

leather case, Macbook Pro bag

Harris Tweed, Ettinger for luxury, or a Batchel. Or will you possibly make one?

Or maybe a very smart umbrella?

and finally, socks. I buy a really lovely pair of socks that the man in question would never buy himself.

I've chosen British shops and makers as it does leave more time to choose, would thoroughly recommend Etsy. What do you buy for the men in your life, where do you shop? Does buying British loom large when you decide?

Sewing for Boys and the winner is..............................

2011-12-02T09:02:00.000Z

And the winner is........................ number 4! Congratulations KL (number picked by random number generator). If you could email me your address.

Source: roostblog.com via Kathryn on Pinterest

Last night I went to the V & A reading rooms to see Richard Corrigan talk about oysters. It was enormous fun and I tasted my very first oyster! I learnt that British oysters are the best in the world (well he would say that) and that they are threatened by the sea water warming and effluent being pumped out into the sea. I would thoroughly recommend the reading rooms as a place to have lunch with friends and an evening drink, just around the corner from the V & A and a lovely space to sit and watch the world go by. Have a great weekend.

Sewing for Boys

2011-11-28T10:28:00.000Z

I was very lucky to win this wonderful book Sewing For Boys (sew mama sew review link and here's the Flickr group), as you may know I only have one wonderful daughter. So I thought I'd like to share some of the blog love and offer this book as a giveaway. So please leave a comment below and a winner will be picked on Friday. But the book got me thinking about what I used to sew for Miss T and where I found patterns for fancy dress costumes (here are 2 made for my nephews). The main fancy dress go to, was an Australian Woman's Weekly book, just the best ever easy patterns that can be used for so many costumes. I made costumes for Miss T's pre-prep nativity plays (and after she had left there), even a wedding dress for one little girl! This got me thinking about what is available out there for children now, sewing wise and where can one find very cute boy's clothes as there does seem to be less available out there for boys. So I thought I'd share some of what I have found.

Farbenmix have some fab patterns and Dots n stripes have a good selection, gone to earth have a great pair of trousers, Oliver and S have a great selection of boys patterns too. Etsy has a fantastic array of patterns available from original design to vintage, Little Lizard King, Heidi and Finn, Dear My Kids,

love this jacket by Lilly Giggle.

the vest pattern above is fun and a free pattern by Leila and Ben.

This is a cute cap tutorial. from Aestetic Nest and Made have a fun retro racer shorts tutorial. Ottbre magazine have a great collection of patterns and their website is great too.

Clothkits have a great collection of boys, girls and women - always great bright modern prints with a real retro feel. And finally Jennifer Paganelli has a fab pattern for boxer shorts (I have bought the adults version) one of the best things is that its a PDF download pattern instant gratification and no waiting for the postman!

Feel free to enter more than once and advertise the giveway!

Easy Cheesey Chevre

2011-11-24T18:44:00.001Z

Today I went along to a French goats cheese event, held at L'atelier des chefs. It was organised through Mumsnet and about 25 Mumsnetters/bloggers went. Goat's cheese is perfect for anyone who is lactose intolerant and doesn't smell or taste like the goats cheese my Pa used to eat when I was growing up. Although the cheese covered with chestnut leaves was on the pongee side, very tasty though! We had an interesting tasting session, all the cheeses were made from goats milk, my favorite was the roll Sainte Maure de Touraine

the hole in the middle comes from a stick stamped with its AOC and makers name. A very creamy tasty cheese that would be perfect after dinner, from the Loire Valley in France. The pyramid with the top cut off is Valencay, delicious again. There were 2 cookery demonstrations by Sophie Wright and we all got to join in, first making fish cakes for our own lunch and then French Goats cheese, rosemary and olive muffins. The fish cakes were delicious and the recipe is at the bottom of the post. There are recipes on the website too. We tasted some delicious crisp Sauvignon Blanc, perfect with the goat's cheese apparently - fresh and crisp. All of these delicious goat's cheeses are available from Paxton and Whitfield on Jermyn Street, a perfect gift for a foodie for Christmas (its my father's favorite cheese shop and street!). Another website was mentioned called Pong, such a fun name for a cheese shop! So if you are in the cheese isle or your local cheese monger, do give some French goat's cheese a try!

The other ladies there were great fun and I chatted to Orange Thyme who was lovely and others who enthused about Mums net arts and crafts board. Are you a member of Mums Net? And here's the delicious fishcake recipe.

Haddock & smoked salmon fish cake with melting middle creamy fresh french goats cheese.

ingredients:
100g spreadable fresh French goats cheese
300g haddock, skinned and pin boned
200g smoked salmon
2 table spoons chopped parsley
2 table spoons chopped chives
1 lemon zest
300g Maris Pipers potatoes
2 tables spoons drained capers
4 table spoons plain clour
2 eggs
100g bread crumbs
50mls vegetable oil for frying.

Method:

Peel the potatoes, cut them into 2" pieces and place them into a large saucepan of cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to the boil. Once the potatoes are soft (about 15 mins after boiling) remove from the heat and drain. Leave to cool for 10 mins before mashing or putting them through a ricer. Place the mashed potatoes into the fridge to cool while you prepare the fish cake mix.

Place the haddock into a food processor along with the smoked salmon. Blitz to a chunky texture before adding the parsley, chives, lemon zest and capers and the season with salt and pepper. Pulse the mix in your blender until all is combined. Blend the fish mix with the chilled mashed potato. Divide the mix into 4 portions.

Now take one of the portions and make it into a ball. Make an indentation into the centre of the fish cake using your thumb or a teaspoon. Take a heaped teaspoon of the spreadable fresh French goat's cheese and place this into the indentation. Close the gaps around the cheese so that the cheese is left in the middle of the fish cake. Mould into a pattie shape and place into the fridge while you make the others.

Once moulded and stuffed you need to bread them. Take 3 bowls and place flour into one, 2 beaten eggs in another and bread crumbs into the third. Coat each fish cake first in the flour, then the egg and finally the bread crumbs and let them set again in the fridge

Once all the fish cakes are crumbed, put a large frying pan on a medium heat and add the oil. Lay in the fish cakes and allow to cook o both sides for 3 - 4 mins until golden brown, once finished place onto a baking sheet. Place into a preheated oven for another 10mins. Serve with a wedge of lemon and crispy salad.

Version:1.0 StartHTML:0000000149 EndHTML:0000000578 StartFragment:0000000199 EndFragment:0000000544 StartSelection:0000000199 EndSelection:0000000544 “I am a member of the Mumsnet Blogging Network, a group of parent bloggers picked by Mumsnet to review products, services, events and brands. I have not paid for the product or to attend an event. I have editorial control and retain full editorial integrity”.

Hawaiian quilting

2011-11-22T15:20:00.000Z

Source: spoonflower.com via Ruth on Pinterest

Just recently I have fallen in love with the Hawaiian style quilts, bright and bold in design and stunningly beautiful. So when I had to order a few books on line I added this small book on Hawaiian Quilting by Dover Street Books. It is a simple and well laided out book, with 20 full sized patterns. Easy to read and understand instructions, applique technique and instructions on making the patterns into cushions, single block or joining multiple blocks. My favorite block is the pineapple and I have found some amazing pineapple quilt examples (lots pinned on pinterest)

Source: thedreamstress.com via Ruth on Pinterest

There are quite a few free patterns available online amongst them is a fabulous cushion by Purl Bee

Source: purlbee.com via Ruth on Pinterest

and the pile of cushions below are just wonderful! Fabulous zesty colours that remind me a lot of Jennifer Paganelli's fabrics.

Source: shhdesigns.blogspot.com via Ruth on Pinterest

Now to return to some actual sewing, iron turned on low!

ever had a day like this

2011-11-21T14:09:00.000Z

and this

ho hum!

New Look 6968

2011-11-18T14:02:00.000Z

OK not the best photo but, the best I could do. The pattern is straight forward and very economical on fabric just 130cm. I used a charcoal crepe fabric (from Fabrics Galore) that did have some stretch, so I lined the whole dress (attaching all the lining to to the main fabric the make it easier to handle and not distort). I decided to cut a larger size and ended up taking it in quite a lot. I love the darted neckline it adds shaping and looks great.

Planning on making another in a fabulous rich purple tweed, again from Fabrics Galore. Placing an invisible zip with my normal zipper foot was easy and straightforward, brilliantly explained in the pattern too. I didn't use any facings as I just don't like them and instead I cut my own bias tape and used that.

A tip I picked up from the amazing Magdalen Jebb (she taught a course through Prescott & Mackay on dressmaking about 7 years ago), was to cut the bias tape and there is no need to iron it into strips like commercially available tape. Saves so much time ironing and that is always a bonus. I've had my hair dyed - going grey and tried doing it myself using a rather mad red dye - a little like the red below (in search of my youthful self no doubt!)

Source: etsy.com via Ruth on Pinterest

and well it just wasn't me, not too sure what my hairdresser did is me either!

ummm, anyway Miss T and I are off to Blenheim Palace tomorrow for the Living Crafts for Christmas. We are looking forward to visiting Lilou's stall (we won a pair of tickets on facebook), her scarfs are fabulous!

Have a great weekend!

the three bears

2011-11-16T10:25:00.000Z

I was so excited to receive an email from the lovely girls at Crumbs announcing that I had won a hamper of porridge! It was such a lovely suprise and cheered up a grey day, Miss T was delighted too as she is a big fan of porridge and J thought he would have an endless supply of flapjacks! Thank you so much Crumbs!

I have been busy cutting out project 2 and working on my Etsy shop. There are so many fabulous small shops on Etsy and I love making treasuries, my latest is called a walk in the park - something I do every day with the dogs. Although I am generally there so early glamour is never my first thought, its practicality - as you can see from my walking shoes. Now I must get back to the jacket, all cut out and left in a neat pile ready for the elves!

country living christmas fair 2011

2011-11-12T18:11:00.000Z

This morning Miss T and I set off on the bus up to The Country Living Christmas Fair. Miss T is a teen who doesn't like shopping, so the idea of a trip to the fair was her idea - Christmas shopping all over in one trip! There are so many wonderful stalls there and it was much larger than my last visit, incredibly busy too. I thought I'd share what we saw and lovely people we met. Miss T and I are huge fans of SJM

there range is great and make perfect presents. We met Heidi Rhodes who's a textile artist, she had a brilliant applique and embroidered piece of St Paul's with the tent encampment! We discovered Butterfly Blue a great leather belt company, British leather with interchangeable buckles. Miss T fell in love with scarf belts and has now put one on her Christmas list. The guys from Side Show Designs were very chatty and have a fabulous range of prints,

this was one of our favorites, just need to add J's name! They sell them here. We met the wonderful Esther Coombs and Miss T loved her Christmas tree decorations, I just adore her china. The seed markers are great for a gardener and add a little vintage recycled cheer to the garden.

There were some great Alpaca stalls, I loved Pingush designs and the lovely John Arbon textiles were there - brilliant alpaca socks (always buy J and my Pa socks for Christmas - have no idea why)! And finally Miss T and I have found a wonderful hotel in Cornwall, just south from where we stayed this summer that is going to be running a whole series of craft breaks next year. So if you'd like to try preserve making, speciality bread baking or machine embroidery and so much more have a look at their website. What could be more fun, learning something and being by the beautiful Cornish coast.

There were lots of Country Living regulars like Jan Constantine and Caroline Zoob. Wonderful pottery by Heron Cross Pottery, wood sculptures, fun hats and ear muffs, great prints and cards by Emma Hardicker and she will be producing a small range of fabrics in the new year. We loved her Christmas cards. If you have a child 8 to teen Dog Tired will be a sure fire winner - organic and comfortable PJ's. And finally we thought Chase and Wonder were fab. A fun but exhausting trip, I had thought poping up to Ray Stitch but had absolutely no energy left. Another trip up to Islington soon!

va va voom

2011-11-11T18:47:00.000Z

This week has been happy and sad, a friends little baby boy was born and J's uncle died. These adorable Alexander Henry fabrics (found at Jody's fabulous shop) will form the quilt for little tiny Joshua Ottis, along with a couple of other fabrics. Managed to finish one dress this week, no photographs as yet (the flat is dark at times and am hopeless at self portraits). Hope to get a good photo and will write a pattern review as this one was simple although did have a few odd quirks. Miss T has chosen a great pattern for a cute pair of boxer shorts by Jennifer Paganelli, the pattern is a download and print - so no waiting for the postman to arrive, instant gratification! Oh and the fun of writing something on the seat of the boxers too!

Source: annekata.blogspot.com via Crabapple on Pinterest

I have also been decorating for J at work (its getting closer to Christmas), I found some fabulous large paper balls from Re-found objects, since then I found a great tutorial for these stars via pinterest. I think I will try and make a few for home. Do hope you all have a great weekend!

sinterklaas Speculaas Cookies

2011-11-08T11:05:00.001Z

Source: marthastewart.com via Pinteresting on Pinterest

These fabulous biscuits above are speculaas, a special Dutch biscuit made traditionally for St Nicholas' Eve (December 5th in Holland). Speculaas are thin, very crunchy, spiced biscuits and have an image or figure stamped on the front side. I remember my brother and I being given large St Nicholas biscuit from my Dutch Grandparents before Christmas, so possibly on the 5th. Sinterklaas is celebrated on the 6th December, young Dutch children place out clogs to be filled with sweets by St Nicholas, somewhat like our stocking tradition. Martha Stewart has a great recipe and the biscuits above are from her website, so to has My kitchen diaries and Food o del mundo.

Source: etsy.com via Ruth on Pinterest

I have made up an Etsy Treasury on the moulds used to make the speculaas, as I think they are beautiful in their own right. Do you have any different family Christmas traditions?

lets sew

2011-11-04T09:03:00.000Z

Source: theprudenthomemaker.com via Ruth on Pinterest

I have a growing photo list of things I like and great tutorials on pinterest. I thought I'd share a few free patterns with you this morning.

Source: projectrunandplay.blogspot.com via Ruth on Pinterest

something for summer or a fun sunshine getaway this winter

Source: pages01.net via Ruth on Pinterest

Source: grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com via Ruth on Pinterest

Source: blog.horrocksesfashions.co.uk via Sew is this on Pinterest

A cute little summer dress

Source: yourstylerocks.com via Marguerite on Pinterest

a nice cup of tea

2011-11-02T14:59:00.000Z

Source: creaturecomfortsblog.com via Ruth on Pinterest

Do you know how it feels to loose your va va voom? I'm running on empty at the moment, and have just sat down with a cup of tea to read a few blogs before revving up my sewing machine to finish dress number 1 ready for a fitting. I think a dressmakers dummy would be useful, does anyone out there have a dressmakers dummy? Would you recommend yours? I have discovered that Collier Campbell are back and making accessories, scarfs, cushions and smaller items in their wonderful bright prints. I fell in love with their fabrics as a young art student in the 80's, dreamed of having a huge first floor apartment in Cornwall Gardens, fully decked out with Collier Campbell prints and large plants! I have found this over at Jocelyn Warner's blog.

fine cell work

2011-11-01T17:45:00.000Z

Source: finecellwork.co.uk via Ruth on Pinterest

I wanted to let everyone know that Fine Cell Work are holding a Christmas Fair at the 20th Century Theatre on Westbourne Grove, W11, here in London. Wednesday 9th - Thursday 10th November. They will be holding some great workshops too (posted on their facebook wall), so if you can pop by do. Just discovered their blog too.

Source: finecellwork.co.uk via Robin on Pinterest

Christmas Crafting in no time

2011-10-30T15:35:00.000Z

I found this great book in my local library, very surprised to find such a fabulous collection of new books there. Christmas Crafting in no time by Clare Young, is a lovely book full of simple designs, perfect for a beginner, teen or busy mother with little time. The book is in sections, decorations, food, table, decorations, cards and gifts and the bonus is all the templates are full size! That is a real bonus as it does make everything a little easier.

I chose to make the linen mouse, great clear simple instructions and he is nearly finished too! But a really quick project.

This is what he should look like above, they do look fabulous in the book (will share my Mr Mouse when he is suitably dressed!). There are patterns for a dress, shirt and shorts but one could make a whole wardrobe of clothes for them.

The stockings on the front cover are lovely, Scandinavian in style and as you can see clear simple instructions. The paper crafts were Miss T's favorite section

Lots of great practical and simple projects, many can be made with in a hour and with out huge expense either. Brilliant in these austere times, like the franking sheet used above on the robin card. Have you discovered a great new craft book? If so do share as its always great to discover new books.

home

2011-10-28T21:18:00.000+01:00

Source: marthastewart.com via Cynthia on Pinterest

This is kind of what our home looks like now, architect, structural engineer and 2 builders later. Lots of small or larger holes everywhere to open up what is behind walls and ceilings. Pre-planning will go ahead next week and I am hoping all will be ok to go straight to planning. But this has not put me off an afternoon trip to Fabrics Galore. I came home with wool fabrics galore, some fabulous purple moon woolen fabric, black boucle fabric for this jacket and a fabulous grey wool viscose mix for this dress. They also have in some Prada lining, I went with a purple shot with black for the dress. All the photos of the fabrics look wrong, so promise to photograph the items as they are made. Its been an eventful week, one dog made a break for freedom and was returned by the dog warden, kitty met the neighbours cat and came off slightly worse for wear and produced his first fur ball. Have a wonderful weekend!

outsider tart

2011-10-25T19:21:00.000+01:00

Today I had an hour to wander around Chiswick, normally I spend an hour in the evenings once a week sat in Kitchen and Pantry with a lemon and ginger tea as everything else is closed. But today I went into Outsider Tart for the first time and what an interesting place it is. Full to the gills of American ingredients like fluff, grahams crackers, Hershey bars and some huge freshly baked cookies.

I think this was called the monster and it was. There are super sized peanut butter jars, chocolate brownies all sorts and its a cafe too! So if your in London and yearn for a little piece of America and Wholefoods doesn't do the trick, hop on the tube and head for Chiswick!

what to make?

2011-10-21T14:32:00.000+01:00

This morning I dashed over to Fabrics Galore and tried to choose a few fabrics in way to short a time and ended leaving without buying, although I have every intention going back on Monday morning. I did find this amazing sequined fabric, blue one side silver the other - perfect. I was there for a base fabric for a wall hanging for Miss T's room - could not decided. There were some amazing jacket fabrics in as well as fabric perfect for winter dresses, so that has had me searching on line and planning what to make. Here's an ever growing list, are you planning on making some clothes this winter? Can you recommend a pattern?

Source: simplicity.com via Ruth on Pinterest

Source: voguepatterns.mccall.com via Ruth on Pinterest

very cute dress

Source: etsy.com via Ruth on Pinterest

Source: simplicity.com via Ruth on Pinterest

perfect vintage pattern

Source: etsy.com via Ruth on Pinterest

love this new colette pattern

Source: misformake.co.uk via Ruth on Pinterest

here is is again, available from Ray Stitch.

Source: None via Ruth on Pinterest

and adore this dress modeled by the divine Christina Hendricks.

Source: etsy.com via Ruth on Pinterest

Sort of classics I suppose, worn with bright tights. Well once made that is!

baby its cold outside

2011-10-19T14:59:00.000+01:00

Source: katespade.com via Sara on Pinterest

This morning the air had a real cool edge, crisp under foot. I bumped into a friend and all the dogs had a great time running together. But by the time I got home, my hands were frozen and my ears were cold. Later I wandered passed Kate Spade's shop and I saw a fun bow headband and thought I'd be able to knit one, a few click over lunch and I found the following collection What do you think?

Source: ravelry.com via Ruth on Pinterest

and maybe a coat each for the dogs!

Source: ravelry.com via Ruth on Pinterest

the Vintage Tea Party book

2011-10-14T14:11:00.001+01:00

Today I joined my new local library, ah the joy of such a large well stocked library. I do have a habit of judging schools on their libraries - we are looking at moving Miss T for A level and its a marker for me (one place has been totally discounted as it is shedding books altogether for technology). Anyway, there on a shelf I sound the Vintage Tea Party Book by Angel Adoree, this has been on my wish list for a little while and was so please I could snap it up and take home.

The book is divided into sections on brunch,afternoon, evening and style, with some fabulous craft makes along the way including 3 pinnies. There are some invitations printed in different shapes and styles (all vintage vibe), interesting recipes and tips - I'm keen to try the coddled eggs and have found some glass egg coddlers in my favorite cook shop (not vintage, so more searching required).

The recipes have a handy timer on prep & cooking time, as well as how many each recipe feeds.

Interesting tips on hair styles from victory rolls to poodle curls and make up, as well as how to look like Hilda Ogden (now I am really showing my age!). There are great recipe for potted prawns and crab choux

don't they look fab? Ideas for Parlour games and interesting cocktails too, who wouldn't want to at least try a tea tini, tea-quila sunrise or green jasmine tea bubbles.

And after attending such a lovely decadent party who would not wish to send a cute Thanks You card. Love the dark wall, bunting and Union Jack flag, a perfect setting. I absolutely love this book, although as yet have to actually try to cook a recipe, maybe the Rosie Lee loves her tea cocktail tonight!

I am thinking of holding one once all the boxes are finally unpacked. We have started to slow down on that, I say we as J emptied his first box on Sunday and slipped a disc in the process and has been in agony. So no unpacking since, well unless you count me getting my sewing machine out and starting to plan and amass fabrics ready to start. Now to walk the dogs, the new exercise regime is working, it exhaust all 3 of us and hopefully is cellulite busting too! Have a wonderful weekend!

galloping away

2011-10-11T17:26:00.000+01:00

Source: annwood.net via Ruth on Pinterest

I love this idea of a wall of galloping horses (by Ann Wood) - a wall hanging, quilt or canvas? What would you choose?

were in!

2011-10-06T09:49:00.000+01:00

Source: etsy.com via Melissa on Pinterest

We're all home together, poor Lurpak is still unwilling to let me out of his sight and has to sleep on our pillows. The dogs have settled in, love there new routeen too, walking Miss T to the bus and then a run in the park. Just a homes worth of boxes to unpack! Hope to be back on line by the weekend, lots of lovely blog reading too to catch up!

make with me - halloween

2011-10-01T13:07:00.000+01:00

Mencap are holding a Make with Me initive for Halloween and have some fab downloads from bespoke cake maker Lily Vanilli, ivillage and sublime stitching. Do pop over and have a look, they also have a facebook page too. Lots of spooky fun! Have a blissfull weekend in the sunshine, we are moving in to our new home on Monday, can't wait!

tutorials

2011-09-30T14:36:00.000+01:00

Source: kojodesigns.blogspot.com via Carmen on Pinterest

The bobby pins above are cute (click the pic and it takes you to pinterest, click again and it will take you to the tutorial).

Source: annwood.net via Ruth on Pinterest

paper cups by Ann Wood

Source: sew4home.com via Ruth on Pinterest

Source: zitzmanfam.blogspot.com via Ruth on Pinterest

a few fun projects or maybe just sit and enjoy the late summer sun.

Source: sueswink.tumblr.com via Sue on Pinterest

Have a great weekend!

patch?

2011-09-29T09:47:00.000+01:00

Source: homeshoppingspy.wordpress.com via Lucy on Pinterest

Yesterday I was reading a local London magazine and I came upon an artical about Cath Kidston and her new book called Patch. I have the first Make book (applique patterns), Sew (patterns and fun simple sewing projects), Miss T has stitch (cross stitch and tapestry patterns). Patch sounded fun and a few Cath Kidston shops are holding after hour events to launch the book, so if your in York, Oxford, Tunbridge Wells, Manchester, Glasgow, Brighton Harrogate or Marylebone - your in luck - just contact your local store. I am going to order my copy off Amazon once we move in to our new home (on Monday, can't wait!)

Source: cathkidston.co.uk via Janice on Pinterest

seeing star

2011-09-27T11:28:00.000+01:00

Source: modernlogcabinquilting.wordpress.com via Ruth on Pinterest

I have fallen in love with stars! Here are a few wonderful inspiring quilts.

Source: acraftyfox.net via Ruth on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Ruth on Pinterest

Source: quilt-it.blogspot.com via Ruth on Pinterest

monday morning

2011-09-26T09:18:00.000+01:00

Source: kristanlynn.com via marie on Pinterest

I thought I'd share some great printables this morning. A little early for 31st October I know, but parties always take some planning. Having said that I've never been to a Halloween party, been trick or treating!

Source: to-be-charmed.com via Melissa on Pinterest

Source: classyclutter.blogspot.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: familyfun.go.com via Jane on Pinterest

Source: partyplanningcenter.blogspot.com via Stacey on Pinterest

Source: jackaroolove.blogspot.com via Natalie on Pinterest

Have a great week!

runing around in circles

2011-09-23T12:14:00.000+01:00

Source: purlbee.com via Ruth on Pinterest

I spent yesterday in a whirl moving and these circle quilts seemed to fit the mood! We've moved now, keys handed over and goodbyes said - just the new adventure ahead.

Source: flickr.com via Ruth on Pinterest

Source: kojodesigns.blogspot.com via Ruth on Pinterest

Source: andothersillythings.blogspot.com via Ruth on Pinterest

Lots of differest ways of appling circles, I do love Anna Maria Horners way below.

Source: annamariahorner.blogspot.com via Ruth on Pinterest

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

boxes arriving

2011-09-20T08:48:00.000+01:00

Source: pinkpreppylillylover.blogspot.com via Chen on Pinterest

The boxes arrive today, so I can pack a few things. All the packing will be done by the men on Thursday, but I wanted to sort through my sewing room before they come. My machine will go back into its box, no more sewing for a few weeks. So I thought I'd share some inspiring projects and tutorials I have saved on Pinterest over the next few weeks, until we have moved into our new home.

Source: petitevanou.tumblr.com via Ruth on Pinterest

Being a city girl I don't get to see many chickens, but love this image with the appliqued cushion. Fat Cat Patterns has some fabulous applique patterns, free to download and amongst them are some rather adorable chickens. I like the De Colores, reminds me of the old Corn flakes adverts and Vanessa Arbuthnotts chicken fabric too.

Freya & Fred

2011-09-17T10:04:00.000+01:00

While at the Festival of Quilts in August I met the lovely Janet Clare, Miss T and I loved her hot off the press book. I am surrounded by pregnant friends and have a little while to make a few baby quilts, one friend knows she will be having a girl and I have chosen the pattern from Freya & Fred. The book is beautiful and laided out in days of the week.

Monday Freya learns her ABC's and there is a quilt, 26 boys and girls to applique, ideas for school bag and embroidery. Tuesday Freya and Fred are out having a picnic and there is a picnic blanket with Fred (Freya's dog) running all around. Wednesday Freya goes to ballet and I think the ballet blanket was the one eye catching design Miss T and I just adored, I think as grown up as she is Miss T would love one! Thursday Freya plays with friends and Friday she bakes a cake, Saturday Freya goes to a party and Sunday she has an early night.

The projects are a mixture of quilts and other ideas using patchwork, embroidery and applique. All explained in detail with beautiful photography, lots of ideas and projects using vintage and new fabrics. I love the back cover with quotes from Janets sons

and the first project I am going to try will be Saturdays party quilt - but I won't be able to start that until we move. Its all getting very close now, packers arriving on Thursday and then we move into a hotel for 10 days until we complete on our new home and the dogs and cat are off to a lovely place in the countryside. Had hoped to tie the two together but it was impossible and this was the easiest way, so it will be a treat not to have to cook and clean for 10 days! Knitting will take over, I have Miss T's Harry Potter jumper to finish and that will keep me busy and I may even finally sew together my cardigan finished at the beginning of the year.

rag dolls

2011-09-15T08:40:00.000+01:00

While walking Miss T to the dentist, we wandered past Bottega Veneta and these adorable ladies were perched on carved French sofas. Just had to snap a photo!

domestic goddess................?

2011-09-13T09:27:00.000+01:00

Source: thisislondon.co.uk via Ruth on Pinterest

I read in the Evening Standard on Friday a piece written by Lily Allen, all about being a housewife - do take a read here. I don't very often call my self a housewife, mother yes, wife yes, housewife no - if pushed on forms write domestic goddess! Anyway Lily talks about ordering a sewing machine and is about to embark on making baby things, made from tutorals from Sew4home, I'd never heard of it but found it an interesting place to look. I found a cute little kitty sewing kit that I thought would make a fun little gift for Christmas (can't believe I actually mentioned Christmas in September!). Do you have a favorite website that you go to for inspiration, patterns or tutorials?

cosy crazy

2011-09-09T11:08:00.000+01:00

My tiny zig zag experiment made with 1 by 1.5 inch oblongs is finished. I used some fabulous Jennifer Paganelli fabrics left over from previous projects and what to make, well a phone cosy! I can loose my phone at the bottom of a bag and my keys that are attached to something similar in my hand bag, so they don't blend into the stuff I carry around. One question though, now I have a machine that will quilt - what do you do? Stitch in the ditch, straight lines or free motion?

I tried the straight stitch here and did try free motion only to get the stitch ripper out! I know I need to experiment with this, but any advice for a beginner at machine quilting?

making molly makes

2011-09-07T12:20:00.000+01:00

I bought this months Molly Makes, the freeby on the cover was linen and a pattern for a gadget cover. Well, I couldn't resist and here it is, I used a blanket stitch on the machine - well just to try it out really and I'm pleased with the result. I've also started sorting through all my sewing stuff, off cuts and scraps of fabric kept as they were too lovely to throw out. And as I need to start sorting though all our things for the move, decided what I really should be doing is trying out a small pattern for a larger quilt I am planning on making once we move!

1" by 2" pieces to make a zig zag quilt/mug mat umm possibly pot holder! Something along the lines of this super quilt below

Source: redpepperquilts.com via Linda on Pinterest

I don't think I have time to start before we move, not long now just a couple more weeks. I have decided on the fabric and just need to order it, ready for a friends 50th birthday.

back to sew

2011-09-03T20:23:00.001+01:00

My new sewing machine has arrived! I went down to the Wimbledon Sewing machine center, they are so nice and friendly decided on a brother quilting machine. It does so much compared to my old machine, Miss T has had lots of fun experimenting and managed to teach me how to use the automatic threader! So no more hunting for my specs to thread the needle.

Its seen active service this morning and I managed to finish this hexagon quilt, made from some Jennifer Paganelli fabric and white & spots from Fabrics Galore.

some of the points are a little out - so its going to line the dogs crate. At least bringing a little cheer to their resting place. The brother sews like a dream and no need to add the walking foot, bliss! Will have more of a play and start a small new project, more of that next week.

iced raspberry souffles

2011-08-31T19:26:00.000+01:00

Source: whisk-kid.blogspot.com via Svetlana on Pinterest

Today I had friends over for lunch and needed an easy pud. After flicking through a few cookery books I came upon this recipe below from Good Housekeeping cooks collection (no longer available). They proved to be a huge success!

Iced Raspberry Souffles
1 orange & 1 lemon
700g Raspberries
225g caster sugar
450ml double cream
2 large egg whites

1. line 8 ramekins with baking parchment, make sure you have a colar above the rim.
2. Squeeze the juice of the orange and lemon, put 2 tbbsp of each in a processor with the raspberries and sugar. Wizz until smooth.
3. set asside 150ml of the sauce, cover and refridgerate. Place the remaining sauce in a large bowl. Whip the cream until it just holds its shape. Using a large spoon fold the cream into the raspberry sauce.
4. Whisk the egg whites to a soft peak and fold into the cream mix. pour into the lined ramekins. Freeze for at least 3 - 4 hours or overnight.
5. Dip ramekins in hot water and turn out the souffles onto a plate. Pour over the raspberry sauce and decorate with fresh raspberries.

delicious. Here's a link to the proper recipe as I did cheat and not add the chocolate colar or the mixed berries, here's what it should have looked like......

just had to share this - hex-a-puffs

2011-08-28T11:23:00.000+01:00

Source: tinyowlknits.wordpress.com via Ruth on Pinterest

My sewing machines has now died, ahh! So officially searching for a new one, any advice please comment as I am so not sure what to go for, what do you sew with - quilt with? And with the move getting ever closer I wondered if I should just wait. Anyway I wondered over onto Ravelry and saw a knitted hexagon quilt, just fell in love! Its made by the fabulous Tiny owl knits, great patterns and a fun blog too! Oh and if you are in London she is holding a class at loop later in the autumn. Have a great long weekend and my thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affect by the horrific storm on the Eastern seaboard.

Source: ravelry.com via Ruth on Pinterest

escape

2011-08-24T14:45:00.000+01:00

Miss T and I have escaped to have some fun at the seaside. Normal transmission will be resumed soon.

sewing machine help

2011-08-19T16:35:00.000+01:00

My sewing machine has finally given up and I have been looking for a replacement. At the quilting show in the NEC I saw a few machine and the Brother quiting machine was my favorite, possibly as they let Miss T and I loose on the quilting model. Any recommendations?

here we go.......

2011-08-16T15:23:00.000+01:00

Source: apunchofcolordesign.com via Nanette on Pinterest

We exchanged on our house this morning, awaiting exchange to our new home hopefully tomorrow. So all in a whirl! Moving from our house to a place that requires total renovation will be a challenge and quite an adventure too. So to calm my nerves I went to our local library and discovered a great cookbook called The Jewish Princess cookbook. I'm trying out some of the recipes this week but just loved the Princess Pledge. Are you ready for a few?

*I pledge to have a clean and tidy home (but I never said I would do the cleaning and tiding).
*I pledge that I will be prepared to go on holiday, even at very, very short notice.
*I pledge to treasure my true friends, as they are the diamonds that every girl needs.

Oh and as every princess knows that cakes have no calories if you take a bite from someone elses plate, stand on one leg when eating, sniff them, only ever nibble a sliver. Now I'm not Jewish but it made me laugh and that can only be a good thing, right?

festival of quilts

2011-08-12T09:20:00.000+01:00

Yesterday 3 generations made the journey north to the Festival of Quilts at the NEC. It is a huge and busy, so much to see and buy. We met the gorgeous Katy and the girls at Fat Quarterly, great stand with the most lovely quilts. I am very backward at saying hi I'm Ruth from Two Hippos, smile and say hi - in a quiet will they think I'm mad kind of way, but they recognised me! Also met Janet Clare - Miss T and I love her style and I did embroider her crufts dog blanket for my youngest nephew, we just had to buy her hot off the press brand new book. But to begin with we did wander the isles of quilts, apologies to anyone there who was mowen down by a lady in a disability buggy - my mother just couldn't get the hand of driving it! So to the quilts...............

Indian embroidery and quilting

This was about a world tour trip

made from recycled/repourposed blankets

3d cups

Miss T's fav, the app quilt, oh and finally the Mercats!

have a fabulous time if you are going along!

apples and preserving

2011-08-10T08:03:00.000+01:00

Source: barefeetinthekitchen.blogspot.com via Ruth on Pinterest

I have been busy working with a friend for a few days, very interesting and totally new glamorous world. Working opposite us was a lovely lady, who had the most delicious dehydrated apple crisps as part of her display. I discovered that she had made them herself from apples her children picked in their south London garden! She was so enthusatic about her dehydrator, its made me want one - a fabulous way of preserving friut. J loves making chutney, but other than my various attempts at marmalade, jam and jelly all not that sucessfull, freezing is my main way of preserving. I have found some great ways of preserving, but now have a dehydrator on my Christmas /birthday list.

Source: foodinjars.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: housingaforest.com via Johanna on Pinterest

Source: thenovicehousewife.wordpress.com via LightWading on Pinterest

Source: hipgirlshome.com via Nicole on Pinterest

Source: urbanveganista.com via kristin on Pinterest

Source: borninthewrongcentury.com via Satsuki on Pinterest

Am looking out on ebay now!

foraging

2011-08-04T13:38:00.000+01:00

J likes to think he is foraging when coerced into picking blackberry's on our evening walk with the dogs! With the idea that he's turned into Hugh F-W! Most evenings we pick quite a few, this is yesterdays pick in a smart little trug my mother gave me. But what to make with them? I have tried jam and jelly, but I'm just not that great at jam making. Blackberry crumble, maybe a cake - if it cools down enough to have the oven on. I have frozen some, but with the move looming ever closer not a long term option. With a quick googled I found some great ideas on the BBC food website, pinterest also have some wonderful photo's of all things blackberry. I'll leave you with a delicious photo...

Source: justcookalready.com via Elicia on Pinterest

blackberry frozen yoghurt.... mmmmm.

bananas...............

2011-07-30T12:25:00.000+01:00

I finally tried to photograph the Dance with me quilt and listed it on etsy, again with a donation to UNICEF East Africa Appeal. I love the vibrant Jennifer Paganelli colours and the large hexagon print, as its a cheats cloth. I have also been busy with a baby quilt, large hexagons in blue and white that just requires hand quilting and another iron.

The light at home can be very tricky for photographs, hopefully when we move it will be easier, we are due to exchange next week - fingers crossed....

We still had some banana's at home, starting to look just not that great. So I turned to my cookery books and found a couple of more interesting banana recipes. The cookies above are chocolate chip, banana and oats from Home Bake and below are banana and cinnamon muffins from The Hummingbird Bakery cook book.

The Home Bake recipe has a basic choc chip that you can mix up with various other ingredients. Here's the recipe, just in case you have the odd banana left in the fruit bowl.

Chocolate, banana & oat cookies

Pre heat oven to 170' (150' fan/325f/gas 3). Line 2 baking sheets with baking paper.

175g melted unsalted butter
250g plain flour
1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
200g soft dark sugar (i used only caster sugar as we didn't have any dark)
100g caster sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 egg plus 1 egg yolk
150g dark chocolate chips
150g rolled oats
1 very ripe banana mashed.

1. Sift the flour, bicarb and salt in a bowl and put to one side.
2. Cream the melted butter and sugar together, until well blended.
3. Beat in the vanilla extract, egg and yolk and banana until light and creamy.
4. Add the oats and sifted flour mix until just blended. Finally stir in the chocolate chips.

Drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Each cookies should be 2 tablespoons of dough. Eric's tip is to use an ice cream scoop for the dough. Do not flatten, as the cookies will do this as they bake. But remember to leave enough space for them to spread.

Bake for 15 - 17 minutes, or until lightly golden. Take out of the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before lifting onto a cooling rack.

Have a great weekend!

Banana cake

2011-07-24T12:12:00.000+01:00

Miss T and I have been pottering around together, nowhere exactly but out and about. This week we went down to a local market and came back with lots of delicious fruit and half a tree of banana's. Well what does one do with so many, but bake! We have tried out Eric Lanlard's Banana cake from his Home Bake book, great recipe and worked really well.

before it cooled J had dived in so no great photo's just!

Here's the recipe:

Banana Cake

Preheat the oven to 180' (350'/gas 4), line a loaf tin.

125g unsalted butter, softened
175g soft brown sugar
2 eggs
300g plain flour
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
150ml milk
3 medium bananas, peeled and mashed
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp poppy seeds
75g walnuts, chopped
50g dried banana chips

Cream butter and sugar together until smooth. Add one egg at a time and mix well. Sift the flour with the bicarb, add half in with the butter mixture and beat. The add the milk and the rest of the flour. Fold in the bananas, vanilla extract, poppy seeds and walnuts. Pour the mixture into the lined tin and level the top. Arrange the banana chips on the top of the mixture and bake for 1 hour, or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. Cover the top with foil it it browns too quickly.

Allow to cool in the tin for 20 minutes before turning out.

cat in the hat quilt

2011-07-22T11:21:00.001+01:00

My cat in the hat quilt top arrived this morning from Karen and it looks great! The quilting is an all over kite and works really well. More photo's when I have finished the binding.

I have started a baby quilt using diamonds again as a start and then wrapping the hexagon shape in white and the blue polka dots. But before I started I made a small mock up, just to be sure. I do love the tumbling blocks and maybe my next baby quilt will be just blocks tumbling! All these quilts will be placed in my etsy shop and the money I make will again all be donated to UNICEF East Africa Children's Crisis Appeal. I just can not watch the news reels without feeling so useless.

diamonds

2011-07-19T19:37:00.000+01:00

With all the rain today and news, Miss T and I worked. Home work and patchwork! Infact I managed to finish the diamond cushion, inspired by the Jane Austen quilt.

The pink is from Jennifer Paganelli's Flower Power collection, white cotton poplin and lilac gingham (both form Fabrics Galore). It is quilted in pink thread and fully lined with calico. I have listed it in my Etsy shop and the money I make form the sale will be donated to UNICEF's East Africa Children's Crisis Appeal.

quilt inspiration

2011-07-17T10:29:00.000+01:00

Source: lilysquilts.blogspot.com via Ruth on Pinterest

I think things creatively speaking at home have been a little slow, this year. It started with enthusiasm that dwindled, lots of things happening around in my normal day life and with the very snap decision to move - not like me at all. I have put it down to hormones - on of my Pa's favorite comments regarding women of a certain age - be that teen or over 40 (he's a retired GP)! But I have now a desire to make a new quilt, not enough squares for Katie's scrap vomit quilt yet. I have been amassing a collection of quilts over on pinterest and have finally made a decision on style - but thought I'd share a few of the collection.

Source: flickr.com via Ruth on Pinterest

Source: handpicked.wordpress.com via Ruth on Pinterest

Source: redpepperquilts.com via Ruth on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Ruth on Pinterest

Source: imagingermonkey.blogspot.com via Ruth on Pinterest

Source: bizarrequilter.blogspot.com via Ruth on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Ruth on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Julie on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Ruth on Pinterest

The last few show how I am planning to go, a diamond. I love the Jane Austin quilt but the colours for me are a little muted, I am planning on using Jennifer Paganelli fabrics, last year Jennifer wrote to me and was so lovely about some of the quilts I made using her fabrics that she sent me a bundle of fabrics. I have kept them safe wrapped up with lavender and am finally ready to start cutting them. I have found a cutting template in Tikki for using a rotary blade, for precision cutting. So this week evenings will be knitting and a few hours cutting, although during the school holidays its not always so easy. Having said that I am completely useless with Latin and Spanish home work!

harry potter

2011-07-15T19:39:00.000+01:00

Source: tumblr.com via Ali on Pinterest

It must be said I'm not the biggest HP fan but I have a child who is. So last night I went along with a group of super hyped teens to see the Deathly Hallows part, part 2 started at 12.15am - way past my bedtime! The cinima was packed to bursting and full of well dressed Hogwarts students - so many had dressed for the occassion. Utterly exhausted today, but it was fun!

cupcakes

2011-07-13T13:12:00.000+01:00

Yesterday Miss T went to a cupcake decorating night at The Make Lounge and had a ball. These a a sample of what she made, they taste delicious too! She made the marzipan roses too, I'm heading off later to hunt down marzipan as she wants to make more as it was so much fun. The lovely Louise who ran the class has a great website and a blog.

One tip was Lurpak makes the best butter cream and whip the butter for 3 mins and then add the icing sugar, for light and fluffy results.

knit wit

2011-07-10T15:10:00.001+01:00

Its been a very stressful week as anyone selling and buying a home will know. On Monday Miss T and a few friends came home and wanted to whip up a batch of 40 cupcakes to take into school for her birthday - we had 3 viewing due one after the other and there were a gaggle of giggling teens baking! Well the wafts of vanilla worked its magic, the estate agent thought I had done it on purpose! Its a long road to exchange and completion but we are now under offer.

With this in mind and a premiere of the final HP film, I have finally taken Miss T over to Mrs Moon where she chose the yarn for her Harry Potter jumper. The yarn chosen was Fez by Debbie Bliss, beautifully soft in a dark and light grey. I should also thank Kay for her advice on knitting the Harry Potter jumper. Do hope you are all having a great weekend.

prints

2011-07-07T18:32:00.000+01:00

Source: manmadediy.com via Ruth on Pinterest

Thank you so much for all the birthday wishes for Miss T! I thought I'd share with you some lovely prints I have found via pinterest, I have finished a quilt but with such bad light I will wait to photograph it.

Source: swelldesigner.blogspot.com via Ruth on Pinterest

Source: secretstitchclub.blogspot.com via Ruth on Pinterest

Source: howjoyful.com via Ruth on Pinterest

Source: zitzmanfam.blogspot.com via Ruth on Pinterest

and after a very late night with teens at a concert (yes embarassing mother had to be left to bop alone!)

Source: howaboutorange.blogspot.com via Ruth on Pinterest

birthdays

2011-07-06T08:49:00.000+01:00

it is so hard to believe that 15 years ago I left hospital with a tiny bundle of joy. I remember buying Mr Men books when she was a few weeks old and reading them to her, creating tiny hats and knitting for her. Weekly trips to The Tate and other museums, hundreds of art carts later we still have fun and enjoy the odd art cart (maybe its me!).

Happy Birthday my darling girl!

the cat in the hat

2011-06-30T16:45:00.000+01:00

I've finished finally the cat in the hat quilt top, just needed a few hours of consentration. Love this caption - so apt today.

It was missing a block, so I embroiderd 1 to finish. I just wished the weather would brighten up, so I could photograph it properly. I do love the fabric patterns and how they mix together

although not hugely impressed with the fabric quality. Has anyone else found this? Anyway, just so pleased it is finished and ready to be sent off for quilting!

moving

2011-06-28T14:20:00.002+01:00

After some thought we have decided to move, 5 years of living back in central London has been brilliant. The agents photographers are arriving this afternoon so have had to be incredibly tidy. Posts may be a little more infrequent - but finishing 2 quilts are now very pressing, to tidy up my sewing room, as its a bedroom! A few dresses are in the making, more when the agents have left.

The science of knitting

2011-06-25T15:40:00.000+01:00

I read in The Evening Standard yesterday about a Stitched Science weekend at The Science Museum. Sounded fun so Miss T and I went along this morning, there were lots of things to join in with

we knitted a few bricks! Here is how to knit a lego brick

can you guess who it is?

I loved the petri dish

and Miss T was able to tell me about the science and molecules

So if you have a few hours or half a day and are in or around London, pop in.

knit a chill pill!

have a great weekend!

birthday season

2011-06-21T07:32:00.000+01:00

I am now entering Birthday season, so many of my family have birthdays very shortly. Starting with Miss T, so have been looking at printable invitations - here's what I've found via Pinterest:

found here

available here

available here, with cards, invites and cupcake toppers

for the pirate in your life, invitations, cupcake toppers and more here

available here

circus birthday, invites and more here
and finally

available here

Have a great week!

dea dress

2011-06-20T09:04:00.001+01:00

Ok, I made a mistake and miss read the instructions - just one of those things for me. Would anyone like to try to make the dress? Its a size 14 and am offering it for £10 (half price) + P & P. E-mail me if you are interested at twohiphippos@yahoo.co.uk. Also having a tidy up and selling a few sewing related items on Ebay, the Prada waterproof fabric, zips, patchwork fabric and a few other items being added later today.

Anna Wilson-Patterson - open studio

2011-06-19T10:04:00.001+01:00

Yesterday we braved the wet and windy weather and travelled down to Herstmonceux in East Sussex, to see an open studio at the Arts Hut. We had loved a painting I saw on line, but when we walk through the door there was a red dot besides the painting. But the gallery did have lots of other lovely paintings. Miss T loved the print above and thought it would look amazing in her room. J and I fell for a large sunny painting

do, go and have a look at her website and blog that is posted every day. And I read today that it's her Wedding Anniversary, so Anna Happy Anniversary hope you both have a wonderful day!

dea dress

2011-06-17T12:04:00.000+01:00

I have nearly finished the Dea Dress by Merchant and Mills. The pattern comes beautifully packaged in a thick cardboard tube, the pattern it is made of pattern card and precut in your ordered size - so no need to trim pattern paper. I found chalking around the pattern tricky (the fabric kept moving), mostly on the muslin for the lining (as recommended) and if I made this again I would trace around the card onto Burda tissue pattern paper (I found at the Wimbledon sewing center). Now as a proviso I must say that being dyslexic can hamper the reading of some patterns, spell check can hide amazing mistakes!

Anyway, cutting out instructions well layed out and easy to follow. Only 3 pieces of main fabric and 3 lining. The darts are punched dots and quick to mark with taylors chalk and easier to pin and sew than lots of tacking (there are instructions on how to cut out with a card pattern). The part where I had trouble is marked THE TRICKY BIT (not wrong there for me anyway) but I found the directions a little unclear - so I left it unfinished and will be bound with bias binding. I did sew the outer fabric of the other stoulder seam by machine and then hand stitched the lining for a better finish as I couldn't work out how to do it as discribed in the pattern.

Before I finished the hems I tried the dress on and well - (although never terribly pleased at my reflection, was disapointed)

The fitting could (probably) be down to me and could be corrected by pinning a pattern piece to the fabric, the neck works well and sits properly - just very disapointed with the draping

this is the fabulous dress made by M & M

me. It could just be my mistake and they do happen believe me.

PS the fabric is from Fabrics Galore and reminded me of bark cloth I saw at the Lucienne Day exhibition. Michael and Beverly did recommend a wonderful black silk mix fabric by Armani - perfect drape, but I think I will have to get someone to make me the dress in that!

quilting is good for you

2011-06-14T13:50:00.001+01:00

image via pinterest
I heard the tale end of a piece on the radio this morning. The jist of the matter being quilting is good for you! I found this in the daily mail onine and also this on NHS website.

look after the pennies

2011-06-09T09:34:00.000+01:00

I found this free printable image via pinterest, with all the austerity measures going on around us. And thinking of saving pennies with all the strawberries fruiting now I found these fabulous labels with a recipe for Strawberry jam

Martha Stewart has some great printable lables too for fathers day

Lots going on at home, house full of visitors so must dash............