Wednesday 6 March 2013

Spring refurbishment

Last weekend I had a massive clearout of clothes, books and general bric-a-brac. It really felt so good! I also decided that I need to have a spring re-fresh here and started work on that.

My spring re-fresh necessitated some sewing. Regular visitors to this blog will know that I mainly write about knitting and crochet. Over the years I have had a bit of a love-hate relationship with sewing. When I was in primary school, and first learnt to hand sew, I loved it. I loved the order of tiny neat little running stitches, went to a sewing club and made a beanbag frog (sadly he is long gone (along with my childhood!), but trust me, he was gorgeous!).

I then had a long gap where I did not attempt any kind of craft, before picking up knitting again, then learning to crochet, and somewhere in there attempting a little bit of sewing. It was that little bit of sewing in there which caused the hate and frustration! All my cut edges were wonky, my stitches suddenly seemed to look uneven and untidy, the thread would snag and knot so that I had to start over, and frankly it all just seemed to take so long!

However, over the last year or so, with some perseverance I am slowly rediscovering my sewing ability and finally starting to like what I am producing! So, on Sunday, realising I wanted to refresh some of the furnishings and generally perk things up a bit at home with some fresh spring colours, I got sewing!

So, 'enough of this waffle' I hear you cry, 'what did you make?'

Here they are!

Amy Butler fabric cushion

 I started slow - just a little cushion cover, using 2 pieces of fabric and a zipper fastening.

Tilda and Amy Butler fabric hearts

Then I moved on to hanging scented hearts - attempted several times over the last few years and responsible for not a little of my previous frustration! I had an epiphany with the construction of these last summer when I bought the book 'All sewn up' by Chloe Owens - I never knew you were supposed to cut notches by the stitches - felt so frustrated that  my little hearts did not go into the correct shape when I turned them right side out. Still, this time I think I have really got the knack!

Tilda and Amy Butler fabric hearts

I've now made 6 of these little cuties in total - I think I am a bit addicted to them! 

Tilda and Tanya Whelan fabric hearts

So. what's next on the list in my sewing marathon?

2 cushion covers (probably patchworh as I don't think I have single pieces of fabric large enough)
Some little purses of differing sizes
More hearts?
A travel project bag for my crochet at the weekends
A runner for my dressing table
Anything else I can think of before I run out of fabric!

I'm sure I will share the results with you here.

One last thing before I go - I wanted to show you my latest lovely dressing table acquisition - this gorgeous Wedgwood trinket tray

Wedgwood angela trinket tray

I saw this on eBay - the pattern is 'Angela', for a bargain price. I initially bought this for something to stand candles on, however, when it arrived this morning it looked too gorgeous for that! I think I may have to use it for trinkets and look for something else for the candles!

Wedgwood angela trinket tray

I so love these delicate little painted illustrations of flowers and butterflies - they are just breathtakingly beautiful!

Wedgwood angela trinket tray

Until next time.....

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6 comments:

  1. Well done for rediscovering your sewing mojo! Even if you only ever make hearts and cushions it will be worth it! x Jane

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    1. Thanks! I'm planning some more sewing as soon as I can get some more fabric.

      Jen

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  2. Hello Jen, Very Lovely Sachet Hearts and I adore all the wonderful fabrics you made them it. You certainly had a good time sewing. I look forward to seeing more of your creations. Love the wee china roses. Beautiful. Hugs Judy

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    1. Thank you, I did really enjoy making yhe hearts- so much fun!

      Jen

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  3. Very pretty hearts Jen! Love the fabric! I really love your blog, all the colors here just make me smile, I will surely be back to visit again to see some more of your beautiful creations!
    A New follower, Shari ")

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    1. Thanks! I saw that you have had to move and rename your blog- good luck with the new one. I had to rename mine last year as I kept getting spammed.

      Jen

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