Sidetracked by a Bear

 I got sidetracked by a bear last week. Blanket and costume making
had to be put on hold because this sweet little thing was demanding
to be crocheted and made into a bag.

The idea came to me one morning while I was thinking about presents 

I'd like to make for the girls and it kept nagging at me until I gave in. So

 I got my hook and yarn out and the pattern that I've worked out in my head seemed to have worked. Yay!

My bear is made of cotton yarn both DK and aran. Her face and nose

were crocheted on the round but her ears are double crochet triangles*

that I've slipstiched round to make them less pointy. I've even made

a loop and attached a button at the back so it can be closed like 

a proper bag. 

I'm really, really pleased with her. I'm usually not very confident
with crochet and wouldn't attempt anything without a pattern to
follow so I'm very chuffed with how this has turned out. And the
girls love it too which always makes it even better.

I'm glad to have been distracted by this little project because it's
given me lots more ideas. Someone said this will make a cute cushion and I do think it will work. I'll just have to make it much bigger and
add two more loops to close the opening. That's definitely something
I'd like to try soon but first I have to make another bag so the girls can have one each. They love this bear but I might make a fox or a cat
 for the next one. I'm not sure yet, we'll see!



*from 201 crochet motifs, blocks, projects & ideas by Melody Griffiths

Apples for the Teachers

School finished for the summer last Friday and these bags were our
gifts to Markie's teachers. I was busy making them last week, hand
stitching the appliques and then sewing together all the bag pieces.
I always enjoy projects like these and was very glad to be able to make
these presents to show her teachers our appreciation for all their
hard work. They've done a fantastic job making learning fun and interesting for the children and it's really thanks to them that Markie
 has had a good first year at school. She's learned so much, has made
many friends and most of all, she's really enjoyed her time at reception.
We are grateful to her teachers and it was a real pleasure making them
these gifts. Fingers crossed she'll be just as happy in Year One next
school year. But we're not really thinking about that yet. We're too busy
enjoying the summer holidays at the moment. We're off to the seaside
this Saturday and we're really looking forward to a whole week in
Robin Hood's Bay. A whole week! Can't wait!

I hope the summer holidays have started where you are and
it's going well. Whatever your plans are I hope you enjoy them.
See you soon!

Simple Happy Sewing

What a lovely, sunshiny Sunday we're having here today!
Maybe spring is truly, finally here! I do hope so.
The girls played in the park this morning and were so tired
they're both having naps right now. Which is perfect because
I get to have some peace and quiet and I might even
do a spot of crochet later. But first I'll show you the bags
I've just finished making for them.

They are simple tote bags made from calico fabric with 

their names appliqued on one side. I got the idea for these

from Gillian who made lovely personalised bags for her

kids last summer. I thought they would be handy for keeping

the girls' books and toys when we go on holiday or when 

they go to Nanny and Granddad's house. 

The girls love their bags and this makes me
very happy. Here's Markie with her bag.

And a very bored Lulu with hers.

She'd rather be watching Cebeebies.
Mummy's sewing may be lovely but it's not as interesting
as Mr.Tumble!


Hope you've all had a lovely weekend!

Back soon!

Hook and Needle

This week whenever I've had a bit of crafting
time I've been either crocheting or sewing.

I've treated myself to this lovely new book

and I'm so delighted with it. I wanted to pratice

making crochted flowers and made this one last night.

I don't think it's too bad for a first attempt.

I might add a pin to the back and turn it into 

a little brooch.

On the sewing front I've been making bags

for the girls-- with some help from my happy little assistant

of course.

I still have to hand stitch the appliques so will
have to show you the finished bags next time.
Til then I hope you all have a lovely, warm and cosy
weekend. See you soon!

Nice and Happy Things

Just a few of things making me happy lately.......



.........making this little bag for my older daughter.

It was a quick and easy project and now she has a
bag to keep her dance shoes in.

.......another Sunday afternoon spent baking with the girls.

This time we made Mary Berry's sultana and orange traybake. Yummy!

.......a dry and sunny morning like we had today.

We went for a walk before heading to a nearby playground for
some playtime, something we haven't done in ages and
the girls loved it.




.......this Bjorn Wiinblad plate from my mother-in-law.

It was a surprise Valentine's Day present for us and it's a lovely
addition to our little collection.




........reading my favourite magazines with a lovely cup of tea.

It's my preferred way to spend an hour in the afternoon alongside
crafting, baking and looking round antiques shops of course.



Thanks for reading!



Have a lovely week!

Home Sewing

I always love a bit of home sewing,
making things for my girls and for us to use at home.

I made this elephant cushion soon after buying my sewing machine
about two years ago then this patchwork blanket when I felt braver and
more confident with machine sewing.

 These were bandana bibs I made for my youngest when she was a baby.
They're made of cotton fabrics and an unused towel.

 Some of the other things I've made:

a case for our Kindle with a little applique,

 a peg bag with apple motifs,

cushion covers to brighten up our sofa

and this bag for my eldest girl's dance shoes.

I have to admit they're all a bit wonky in places
(don't look too closely at the patchwork blanket!)
 But I guess that's perfectly all right.
They're just for us so there's no pressure to get all the shapes
and stitchings right. I can relax and take my time which for me
 are parts of the joys of home sewing and crafting.

I'm hoping to do more of this in the New Year but for now
there's a commission I have to finish (the last one for this year)
and presents to make for Christmas so I better get on with them.

See you soon!!

x

Sew Last Summer

Around May this year I received a number of commissions, 

all from friends and family. It wasn't a lot but enough to keep me
 happy and busy. I spent many sunny hours working away in my sewing 

machine while my girls were in bed having their afternoon naps.

I made personalised buntings

and cushions.

This one was a first birthday present

and these were for a little boy and his new baby sister.
 The owls were a special request.  I added some toadstools
just because I like them.

I also made these little party bags.
I had lots of fun sewing those cupcakes and ice cream appliques.

And it was the first time I used my very own labels- exciting!

Last but not least this wedding present for my sister in law's friend.
I was asked to make a cushion with the names of the bride and groom
included in the design and the rest was up to me.
The happy couple both live and work in London and they also
got married there so I decided to put a bit of London in the design
and this was what I came up with

and the finished cushion.

My sister in law liked it very much and most importantly,
so did her friend. Hurray!

Some afternoons when I was busy sewing I had a little helper.
She was ever so good at keeping me company and (ahem)
 sorting out my things. I'm so lucky!

As I've said earlier it wasn't a lot, the commissions,
but it was plenty enough sewing for me especially with
 my crafting time very much limited to my girls' afternoon naps.
I'm so grateful to everyone for asking me to make some nice and
pretty things for them and to my girls for obliging me most afternoons.

And thank YOU for reading this post!

Wishing you lots of sunshine where you are.
(It's wet&miserable here in Sheffield)

Have a good week!