Busy mitts with technology

It's been a while since I've posted but here are som of the things I have been making recently, Christmas is a very busy time of the year despite the weather you,d think you would have plenty of time to sew but it is not the case at the moment. I've been making ipad covers, iMac covers and sewing machine covers. Embracing new technology in full crafty know how, what a lovely mix. X

Another Stunning Day at the Office!

Look at what arrived today! A whole stash of delectable fabrics! It'll be a struggle to part with these, I'm sure. I'll have to make a cushion in every fabric by the end of the week, or I might just pop. You want to peak? I know you do. 

Heres a little snippet of my new arrivals. You can purchase all of these at http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Patchwork-Paradise

I've put them on a special 24 hour listing! Grab a bargain. Happy Stitching x

Tampering with Tapestry!

I've been at my machine today, a colleague asked me to turn her tapestry into a cushion. So here's what I came up with, I wasn't overly keen on the tapestry and felt it lacked a little life but now it's had a face lift it looks tempting enough to put on my sofa, although I am sure she'd want it back! I've used Tilda Molly Blue and Inca Blue fabrics for this cushion, which I sell in my shop. You only need a very small piece of something gorgeous to turn it into something worthy of a place in your home. Have a good day and happy stitching. x

A little update and welcome to Patchwork Paradise!

It's been a while since I have had time to catch up with you all but here is a quick update. The last couple of months have been manic, working, working and well more working. I've been setting up my only little business and it's finally hit off the ground and I'm very proud to announce, I have opened a shop where we specialise in smaller pieces of fabric for patchwork and small home furnishings. We stock a lovely range of fabrics from Michael Miller to Tilda and even a little bit of Cath Kidston. Although busy I have managed to finish a couple of stitching projects and here they are for you all to see:

 I've had a real passion for making lampshades recently and this one I sewn by hand, I simply love it for it's vintage but retro style.

I've finished my Emily Peacock Cross Stitch and I'm very happy with it, it's looking rather beautiful next to my handmade bunny, given to me as a gift from my little sister.

I've even tried more modern lampshades, added a bit of Ric Rac and walla! The lampshade looks simply gorgeous, best part is, you can use absolutely any fabric you love, to customise it to suit your home.

So I've been very busy. :)

My little fabric store is called Patchwork Paradise and you can find some lovely fabric bargains and advice from me when ever you need it.

http://stores.ebay.ie/Patchwork-Paradise

Some of the beautiful fabrics me and my husband stock are shown below. :) Happy Stitching to you all.

How to Make A Bolster Cushion - Quick and Easy

Despite my busy schedule, I have managed to do my first tutorial for you on how to make a lovely bolster cushions. They are absolutely fabulous and increasingly popular. I hope you like it and it makes sense. I don't have a brilliant camera, so I've had to make do with so so pictures.

WHAT YOU NEED:

Sewing Machine
Fabric
Thread
Ribbon
Tape Measure
Pins

To start with decide the width you want your cushion to measure, mine is just under a metre in length each fabric piece has a 25cm width. Then take your various fabrics and measure 55cm's in length as shown.

I had 4 pieces measuring 55 x 25cm. Line up your fabrics in the order you want them to appear on your cushion and then sew a straight stitch for each length of fabric making sure that the pieces are back to back (as shown below)

Make sure you repeat the instructions for all your pieces of fabric depending on how much you want for your cushion. 

After you have joined all your fabric together, on each end fold the fabric over by 1.5cm and straight stitch with your sewing machine from top to the bottom.

Next: fold your fabric so that it is inside out and straight stitch the entire length of the fabric. Turn your fabric right side out and you should have a nice long tube.

Next: squeeze one end of your fabric to form a neat flower as picture below and pin into place. Hand sew this so that it holds. 

Next time to stuff. This is awkward due to the shape. Try to give the stuffing a real good beating before sealing and roll your bolster cushion like a rolling pin. Don't be afraid to beat it senseless to get it just how you want it. A tip is to take stuffing and place it where you can see there are gaps in your cushions to fill it properly. It should look something like this.

With the other end of the fabric repeat the method as above. Make another flower and pin and sew into place.

Give your cushion a good wack! Finally as a finishing touch I put some coordinating ribbon on the ends of my cushion and I am very happy with the results. I hope yours turns out nicely. I'm not very good with instructions but I thought I'd have a go. Hope you like it.

 

Recently.........

I've been super busy the last week, I finished 4 x 12 hours shifts in a row on Wednesday and today I am test running my first day as a domiciliary carer, which is very exciting. I also have been practicing my crochet, because frankly, I crochet like a small child. So here's how it's going, my tension is getting better but their is no way I can crochet to size yet.

I also have this cute little cross stitched butterfly to show you, I think it's beautiful and it only took  me 4 hours. I got it free with CrossStitcher magazine. Also some more news, I was thrilled to be contact by The World of Cross Stitch to feature in letters page and I also won a prize, I've got to wait till the 20th June though, boohoo. I'm to excited. x

Quilting Temptation and Shoe Creations

I tried my hand at quilting yesterday and made this scrummy Cushion. I used Cath Kidstons Fabric and a felt square to make the heart in the centre. I've never used my machine before to applique something, so I decided to applique the heart to my cushion. I think the results came out surprisingly scrumptious. As this is a first attempt in many things, I was pleasantly surprised with the results. I also whipped up the 9 square patchwork cushion with the free fabric from the Sew magazine this month. I am gradually getting a very tasty, comfy cushion sofa.

I've started a little unexpected project. I wanted to try to spice up my shoes. I've got a couple of pairs that are in need of love. Here's how it's going so far. I've got a fabulous idea to also make an oversize red bow and to attach this to the front of each shoe. I need to find the right needle, strong enough to stitch through the shoe. x

Fashion Passion (Desigual, Irregular Choice and Ness)

Everyone who has met me knows that I am a saucy eccentric dresser. I don't do normal! The bigger and brighter the better. I went out yesterday wearing this tangtastic outfit and felt that it was good enough to show off to you. A lot of people lack the courage in wearing bright and bold colours but I want people to be inspired to get out their tangerines and strawberries and spread a little colour and happiness in the world. I often get compliments that my dress sense lights up the room and brings a cheery smile to a gloomy world. Perhaps my outfits aren't to every ones taste but they suit me and my personality, which is what matters the most. I dress according to who I am, not according to what is in fashion, which is so over-rated. What's new in Vogue is next months history and for a normal everyday woman, you just can't afford to keep up with Fashion, so forget them and create your own.

The Shoes - Irregular Choice Flik Flaks
The Dress - Desigual
The Jacket - Ness
The Bracelet - Made by Me :) x

Stitched for Love

I got a couple of scrummy pictures for you. The first is a project I started in January and I've just finished it off today. It was a gift for my husbands wedding Anniversary, instead of a traditional card. I made it with gorgeous Cath Kidston Strawberry Fabric and Laura Ashley Gingham. Super Scrummy, it's become more of a gift for me as it adorns my sofa. Love it.

Next: I had a wonderful package in the post today. I bought what I would define as perfect fabric, which includes some Tanya Whelan, Tilda and Amy Butlers scrummy designs. Which ones your favourite? Can you match designs to the designers. x

I've got Mollie Makes Madness

I just picked up the new Mollie Makes magazine, and I was thoroughly happy with the cute little pooches on the front. I just adore them. I have all the wonderful magazines except Issue 1 and 3 :(
These are proving to be crazily expensive to purchase and I can't really afford to spend 30£ on one of these magazines. If you haven't been introduced to Mollie Makes, you are truely missing out. Here's a little glimpse of their gorgeous goodness so far. If you just love what you see you can find out more here ---------------> http://molliemakes.themakingspot.com/

Oh and if their are any issues 1 and 3 out their that are reasonable, please contact me I would love a copy. x

Coton De Tulear cross Yorkshire Terrier (6 Months Old)

My family have been baby sitting this cute little baby dog (called Maxwell) and I've fallen utterly in love with him. I just had to go see him and love him. His fur is so soft it's like baby hair and he is so tiny, honestly the cutest dog ever. Pictures just not do him justice and he is so affectionate. My hubby has said I can have one when we move to a bigger house as we live in a flat now, so it wouldn't be fair to have pets who have no Garden. If you have never felt or seen this dog breed, then you haven't discovered the cutest and softest pups on the planet! He's a real life Teddy bear. x