Cath Kidston "Sew" bag project

Just one little tiny resolution this year,

make time to make. 

This is my second project from Cath Kidston's "Sew" book, the cute little bag featured on the cover, you even get the fabric and notions to make it, so no excuses!

It only took an hour to make, the results are really pleasing.

 My only tip: have a rouleau loop handy, I didn't, so tried the non rouleau method as in the book, which never went to plan, so in the end I opted for a ribbon closure, I think also next time I won't make the strap as wide, but all in all, a great little project I will definitely try again :)

 

Linking my project here.

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Gone Fishing

Thanks for hanging in there!

I can't wait to get creating again!

I will be returning in September, when my little people start school.

See you all soon xx

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A new hobby

These days I am finding it increasingly harder to find time for "my stuff" in fact verging on impossible, I don't have a single daylight hour I can call my own, and when the children are sound asleep and the chores have been done, well, I'm completely worn out! And for some reason at night time I just don't feel inspired to make jewellery.

Yes, I am feeling rather stressed :(

But do I really need "another" new hobby?

Maybe,

but what!?

I need something that will be relaxing, and something I can sit in front of the TV with, because rightly Mr CLV is not impressed when I spend my nights glued to the computer screen.

I've got it!

I'm inspired!

Remember the Cath Kidston bag I fell in love with?

(It was waiting for me on Mother's day when I got up, grin, grin, grin.)

Well,

that's it!

Embroidery.

Any excuse for new books :)

And I found the best books ever, by Trish Burr, she is amazingly talented!

This was my first purchase, there a a few more, which I will be buying very soon!

You must check out Trish's blog.

Righty then, 

got my hoop, 

got my threads, 

wish me luck, (I think I may need it!).

~

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Photo trouble

 I have been planning a shop update for quite a while!
I have a stock pile of vintage jewels waiting to be listed on Etsy,
but.....
I have a problem :(
My photos! I have a constant battle with my images!
I spend hours arranging,
I spend hours photographing,
I spend hours editing,
my problem- SERIOUS lighting issues!

Dark, dingy photo's every time!

I have a fairly decent camera,

I have daylight bulbs,

I have a soft box,

I have even been out doors to take my pictures,

I have fiddled around with the various light settings on my camera,

but still the same results :(

Ok, so I thought maybe IT IS my camera, but pictures of my children indoors turn out just fine.

I use Picasa to edit, the only function that I kind of like is the "fill light" but the results are not perfect, and I want perfect!

I have been thinking of investing in Corel paint shop pro??? Or some professional lighting equipment???

I need some help guys!

I need answers!

 I took over a hundred pics and I ended up with two that turned out kind of ok.

 It's fair to say I'm stressed :(

~

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A girl needs bags!

The new Cath Kidston magazine arrived this morning.......... 

 I love..........

the vintage inspired, embroidered linen clutch.

Too pretty......I so need it!

Love this mini tote in Winter meadow print.

 .........Or maybe the floral patches bag?
~

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Decisions, decisions, decisions.

So, what has been tickling my fancy this week?!

I have been working hard this month and think I deserve a little treat on payday?!

So what does a girl choose off her never ending wish-list?

An ipod touch has been on my hit-list for a while, did some research, liked what I saw, sorted!

Then one accidental click in my bookmarks and I found myself gazing in delight at vintage mannequins, (again!).

Remember my post, here.

I have my eye on this lovely female mannequin it is tailored in a fabric called 'Chatelet' by Sanderson and features a delicate and beautifully detailed oriental scene.

There are several choices of stands, I love the painted ivory.

 

It will look perfect in my craft room!

Decisions, decisions, decisions,

Vintage mannequin or ipod?

 What would you choose?

 ~

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Making Children's Clothes- Hair band (CBC)

Today I am sharing my first official Craft Book Challenge Project. 

The book I am using is called "Making Children's Clothes" By Emma Hardy.

I bought this book just last week, it's my second book buy from Emma (I also have "Cute & Easy Costumes For Kids" which is FANTASTIC!), anyway, the clothes are so sweet, and look fairly simple to make. My girls are gona love me this summer!

What can I say about the book in brief?

There are 25 beautiful projects for both boys and girls, ages 0-5 years, full size patterns are included, although my eldest girl is 7, so I will need to adapt the patterns to fit her, but it does not show you how to do this in the book (the only downside).

 The book is full of lovely photo's, it has easy to follow , step by step instructions (if you have some sewing experience), and a small section on techniques.

I love this book and rate it 4/5.

My first project from the book- the hair band.

I used "Spray Flowers" fabric by Cath Kidston (surprise, surprise!).

It was so quick and super simple to make, it took under 30 minutes, I fear I will be making one to match every outfit!

There are also instruction to make the embellishment (yo-yo), I finished mine off with a vintage mother of pearl button.

So what can I make next from this book?!?!

The gypsy skirt?

Love these linen pants!

What do you think girls?!

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