New Beginnings

This week I am really excited to announce the opening of my Etsy shop. 

I am planning to sell a range of pretty patchwork bags and gifts for your home. All the items are lovingly made by me and are all different, so you are sure to have a truly unique purchase. 

You can choose from my patchwork handbags, cosmetic purse ranges, quilts and throws or kitchen mats and cosies. 

I love to work with pretty, coordinating, high quality cottons and often team them up with up-cycled denim from old (clean!) jeans to make my trademark handbags. 

I can't resist bright colours and pretty patterns and spend hours dreaming about and planning new combinations and designs for my range of cosmetic bags and purses. These are always popular for gifts for the girls, from grandmas to teenagers!

I love making patchwork quilts but have too many at home already to make anymore to keep (says my husband!). These can take hours to make, definitely a labour of love but once finished will last for years if you care for them.

In the evenings I like to relax with my family but I have never been able to sit in front of the TV doing nothing. I have to have a crochet project to work on, it enables me to be creative whilst still resting! I can't claim to be an expert but am really inspired by my good friend Heather from The Patchwork Heart. 

Heather's tutorials and those by Lucy at Attic 24 have helped me to develop this skill.

I hope you like this little preview of my exciting new venture.

I will be adding to my shop regularly to please stop by and take a look.

X X X

Easter Activity

Spring is definitely in the air, the days are longer, there is the sweet smell of crocuses and daffodils on the breeze and we've had the first few warm sunny days here on the Wirral. The Easter weekend saw the house packed with the family, giving me the opportunity to indulge in a spot of baking, a pastime I love but don't do as often, now the children have all grown up and our waistlines need no further expansion! My chocolate Guinness cake is a firm family favourite and my chicken and ham pie went down a treat.

The brighter weather has inspired me to bring some colour into my creative projects. I've chosen these pretty chalky colours for the 'v' stitch blanket I'm working on in the evenings. Every new row brings a smile to my face as this bright little blanket emerges. Perfect for a little girl I think!

I'm definitely an all or nothing person. I can be fired up and full of creativity, my hands struggling to keep up with all the ideas whizzing round my brain. Then after a while I run out of steam and can't seem to get the motivation to make anything. I find these periods very frustrating especially when they coincide with holidays and I have time to spare. Eventually inspiration comes, often after browsing on Pinterest or talking with likeminded friends. The cogs start to turn again and I'm off!

I've had these striking retro print fat quarters in my stash for a while and decided to make them into a messenger bag swapping my usual heart appliqué for a 70s cosmic design! This bag shape is another favourite of mine as its so versatile. Its practical to use and the design has lots of scope for your own interpretation. I'm currently working on a tutorial so watch this space!

A couple of people who I sit with for lunch at work asked me for a lunch bag with a drawstring lining. I found this great tutorial for just the thing at Pink Penguin So far I've tried it out in these bright polka dots (anyone who knows me, knows about me and polka dots!!).

Today I found these fabrics in my local fabric shop while stocking up on bits and bobs. The green / blue combo and the Cath Kidston inspired heavier weight cotton will be great for these little lunch bags.

A while ago I was asked by a friend if I made tea cosies. I finally got round to trying one out. I found this lovely fabric with tea pots on it and thought it most appropriate!

The last thing to show from my latest making frenzy is this pretty set. The cube bag is a regular repeat but I haven't done a matching drawstring bag for a while.

Well This Easter break has been busy so far, I will hopefully be in touch soon with a new tutorial and some more of my makes.

xxx