sparrowarms

His Name Was Michael...

2011-01-10T11:21:00.000-08:00

A couple of days ago the fabric arrived for part of the Great Bertie Makeover. It's only the stuff for the cushions, but Oh My. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. I've always scorned the Fat Quarter, who wants such an iddy bioddy piece of fabric? But then as i perused the eBay vintage/retro fabric sections, I came across my new man (sorry Arran). His name is Michael Miller. Hello Michael.

His fabric designs are of such utter awesomeness, that I just new I needed some in Bertie. Unfortunately, the £12 odd a metre doesn't really fit with my uber cheapness, but, lo and behold, there was the fat quarter. At around £3 a metre it's still not cheap, but it's almost the exact size of a cushion front, so whack some coordinating plain on the back, add a zip, and BOOM. That's one Michael Miller cushion right there, for about £4. SONIC BOOM.

I've also discovered Fabric Rehab. Like fabric? Go there. Now. Seriously. I got this gem from there:

I think a cushion was made out of it within about an hour of opening the package. I didn't even pre-wash which is seriously against my sewing beliefs.

I also made something with one of my caravan appliques! Ta dah:

It's a good job Ruby appreciates my crafts...

2011-01-06T01:41:00.000-08:00

I am dying to start work on Bertie the Caravan, but I can't for the following reasons:
a. we haven't ordered any paint yet.
b. the fabric we have ordered hasn't arrived yet.
c. it's frickin freezing.

So desperate am I to do something caravan related, that last night I got down my scrap box, threw on some Naruto and got creatin'.

Large.

Medium

Small

They're Iron on applique's. I'm not sure what they're destined to ironed on to, but I think I may stick a few on Folksy, see if there's any interest. A range of caravan based items is forming at the back of my brain, I may be powerless to resist...

Hello 2011!

2011-01-05T02:01:00.000-08:00

Hi there! Remember me? I used to be that girl who updated her blog all the time, but once her crazy daughter stopped having afternoon naps (sigh), couldn't squeeze in the time for posting. Well with the help of said little one starting school this morning (sigh), I am officially backski! And a couple of exciting things to start the new year with:

Firstly, for the second time ever, I made it onto the Hot New Projects category on Craftster.org with Ruby's new kitchen! If you haven't seen it yet, please go have a gander and take a moment to appreciate the many hours spent in the freezing attic putting this bad boy together. Thank you.

Next, like my new look? It's still grey and cold and miserable out there, but this background makes me think of growing peas and picking strawberry's and impromptu outdoor eating. On a gardening note, I'm reaching the big three-zero this year, so it's OK to be excited about the quality of my soil right? Right?!?

I was going to add some pictures here of all the things I made for Christmas (and there was blinkin loads) but I'm feeling new year, new crafts. So first project posted will probably be the needlebook I just finished for a swap on Craftster. I cant post untill I've sent it, but I reallllly want to keep it for myself. Luckily, it being the nature of The Swap, at least I'll be getting one in return, and the lady I'm swapping with seemss extremely cool, so I'm very much looking forward to seeing what arrives in the post.

Projects lined up so far this year include the Great Bertie Makeover, for which I ordered a pile of gorgeous fabric yesterday, much to RBS's dismay, and a set of washable nappies for my bro and his lady who've just had a gorgeous baby boy called Jamie. I'm pretty sure they're not interested in cloth nappying, but what the heck, I'm forcing my crafts upon them anyway. Any excuse to sew and research.

Right, I'm off for a cup of tea before picking up the munchkin. I hope everyone had a fab Christmas and New Year and are excited about what 2011 has prepared for them!

xxx

WARNING! Boring blog post ahead!

2010-10-12T08:16:00.000-07:00

Another month, another lack of bloggage. I admit, I'm a bit ashamed. Especially after catching up at Weebeastie Creations . How pretty is this blog? I think it may be time to redecorate.

Anyhoo, from my rambling intro, you may have guessed I'm not that focussed right now. There are lots and lots of very exciting crafts on the go but they're mostly Chrsitmas presents so I can't share! Not yet anyway. There are one or two things that I'm working on that will be gifted in the next few weeks so as soon as they're done I'll pop them on.

Wowsers. Dullest. Blog Post. Ever.

Here ya go, hope this helps.

What a weekend!

2010-09-13T02:45:00.000-07:00

Monday is here again, and I'm glad to report that I've had a pretty darn good weekend. Crafting, playing, eating, all the good stuff.

Saturday afternoon was spent at the awesome Central Bazaar, I had a fab afternoon, met some great new crafters and caught up with old friends, as well as selling quite a few bits and bobs! It wasn't as busy as we would have hoped, but Wrexham's only just beginning to realise that crafts aren't all about tea cosies and the W.I. (Although both of those things, in my opinion, rock). My Design Your Own badges seemed to be the favourite of the day, so I'll be making a bigger thing of those next time.

Me at my post.

Speaking of next time, I will be having a stall at the Ashfield Park Fun Day on Saturday 25th September, 12.00 - 5.00pm at Ashfield Park, off Crispin Lane, Wrexham, which should be something different! A fun fair, the Fire Service, North Wales Police and a host of activities have been organised in order to attract as many people as possible. I normally just stick to craft fairs, but a very nice lady called Dawn approached me on Saturday to ask if I'd be interested and I though why the heckaroo not. And it's for a good cause too. <3 good causes.

After chatting to another lovely lady on Saturday (honestly, the place was full of them), she got me thinking about the prospect of printing directly onto fabric. Now this may seem a bit sad but this was a huge moment of creative enlightenment for me. You can print. On Fabric. With your printer. Good golly miss molly.

My brain then went into a bit of overdrive: I can print out pictures of everyone I know and make them into teddies, I can make floating head Christmas tree decorations, I can print embroidery patterns directly onto fabric... I CAN PRINT EMBROIDERY PATTERNS DIRECTLY ONTO FABRIC.

As you can probably tell that was the biggie. I have a craft swap that has to be posted in one week and until last night I hadn't really started it. I wanted to do a Transformers themed embroidery hoop, but was having an awful time trying to get the design right. Lots of craft swearing and square paper hurling later, and the idea got stuffed into the bottom of my bag. Until now...

That is printed onto fabric! (are you starting to get an idea of how excited I am?) Here it is in the hoop ready to be embroidered.

My gosh. I'm having a LOT of fun sewing this baby, and am glad tonight's Craft Night theme is embroidery so I an carry on sewing and blag onto the girls about printing on fabric a bit more.

Right, not another word about it. In this post.

On a less fun note, I made myself put some stuff on Folksy today. I took about 30 (bad) photos of things I want to put on, and managed to get 8 on before I wanted to top myself. I HATE listing things on the Internet. It's not even one thing, I hate the whole darn process, taking pictures, touching them up, writing the descriptions, waiting for everything to load... eurghh. It's a good job I've already come to terms with the fact I'm never going to be a dot.com millionaire. So if you want to see 8 very nice but badly photographed and terribly described items of jewellery, have a look here

Wowsers, that was some blog post. Hope it keeps those bored at work entertained for a bit. Oh, and here's a picture of a dress I made from a man's XXXL t-shirt that I wore to go out with a very lovely fella on Friday night.

I'm calling it the Whoredry Hepburn dress. See what I did there?

The Final Countdown... Again

2010-09-06T02:46:00.000-07:00

Less than a week to go to Central Bazaar and once again I realise I'm ridiculously under prepared. Why do these things only dawn on you when you're lying in bed and have no intention of doing anything about them? On awakening I've realised things aren't quite as bad as they seemed whilst dozing, but still lots to do.

I'm right now in the process of making some signage, and for once it seems to be working out first time... which is a bit worrying. I'm waiting for the printer gremlin to jump out "You may have designed them Jenno, but I sure ain't gonna print 'em! hahahahahahaha!"

If they do work out, they'll be loving pinned to my newly decorated pin board with some awesome button pins (which I've yet to make. Or buy). Next are some fabric badges. I realised I'd completely forgotten to make any in the furor of the film badges. So the craft night girlie's, although they don't know yet, will in fact be my Badge Brigade this week. we'll be singing some kind of working chant to help proceedings I think.

Crochet season is upon us again, woo hoo! I pulled out the project I've been doing since last winter and discovered I only had about 20cm's left to do which took about 10 mins. It's been in the cupboard about 6 months. Sigh. I've now started a cot bumper for thee soon-ish arriving nephew, which contains a lot of black... sounds erm, gross, but is in fact very cool! Will be making myself one as soon as it's finished. A blanket, not a cot bumper. I'm little, but not that little.

Ooh, Juniper and Roses has just come on the radio, my fave.

Right, back to work. Please, please, please come along to Central Bazaar this sat, 12 - 4 in Central Station, Wrexham, there's always so much beautiful stuff on display and you can maybe get a head start on your Christmas shopping! Also, mention this blog and you can have 10% off anything you buy from me, as well as a surprise, craft fair only offer I'll be revealing on the day. How good am I? That's to make up for the lack of pictures in this post.

Badges, Badges, Everywhere...

2010-08-22T11:49:00.000-07:00

I have finally finished some badges! What I thought would be a couple of evenings worth of work has turned into a bit of a marathon, but it's lots of fun so I don't really mind. I managed to get about a hundred badges cut out Friday and yesterday packed up all my badge making kit (which is obscenely heavy) and carted it to my folks to make them up whilst Rubes was entertained by other grown ups. Unfortunately though, I didn't take enough badge parts. Oh well. I still managed to get about half done, and am going to embark on the rest this eve whilst watching some kind of cheesy/scifi violent film.

To the pictures! They're all themed, and here some highlights:

Do you recognise the references? I'm going to be selling these at next month's Central Bazaar for a measly £1.50 a set! Bargain or what? As well as these, there will also be some True Blood, Grease, Die Hard and plenty of Twilight ones. Oh, and I'll be doing design your own badges for £1 each! Can you feel your creative juices flowing?

By the way, my fave by far:

I really do <3 Sheldon.

Interim...

2010-08-19T06:18:00.000-07:00

I was hoping to have some lovely badge pictures up by now, but as per usual, they're taking much longer than intended. I thought I'd be able ot bash them out in an evening, but I think so far I'm on night five, and that's just the designs! I'm really happy with how they're coming along, but alas, no pictures yet.

So instead, mouse crafts!

How cute?

Surprised? Not me!

2010-08-14T06:59:00.000-07:00

I didn't leave it six months between posts this time, oh no! I am back, primed and ready to blether on about the random crafts that fill my days.

Coming up very soon is Central Bazaar number 3! I am so excited to be involved again this time, I missed the last one, I just didn't have enough time to get stock ready (I know, excuses, excuses) but after a ring and earring set was very well received by my craftster swap partner, I decided "hey, they were pretty quick to make, you only have a month left and a two year old and a dog and trying to find a job to do, but what the hell!". I've not finished yet, but after spending £20 on buttons (yes, you read right), I can't bring myself to stock up again yet.

I'm making rings, earrings, hair clips and ring and earring sets, here's a few teaser pics:

I love those stripey buttons!

I feel like I've made loads, but I don't think these are going to fill a six foot table.

I'm also going to make some badges, but not sure whether to do just fabric ones, or some slogan type ones too. Thinking about doing sets of three themed ones, maybe True Blood, The Big Bang Theory (Bazinga!), Grease, that sort of thing... Think I'll have a go, see how they turn out.

Finally, a warning:

Some things even heroes can't weather.

Hello? Anyone Still There?

2010-08-09T11:40:00.000-07:00

Well it has been a terribly long time since I last posted. No particular reason really. Laziness maybe. I've been crafting away, that's not stopped and lots of things have been happening to fill up my time. Camping, new nephew on his way and the general running/jumping/playing chaos created by owning a two year old.

But by popular demand (ahem), I am back! Woohoo! So a few projects as proof I havent gone off and joined the circus. Although that would be pretty cool. I'd be a tightrope walker. Or big top re-sewer.

One of the things keeping me so busy is the participation in a few craft swaps on Craftster.org. It's awesome. You join up for a certain theme, get assigned a partner, chat about the things you like then get crafting for each other! The theme for this was 'Once You Pop' the idea being that everything had to fit into a Pringles tube! Clever heh? My partner and I also agreed to send one bigger item that wouldn't fit in.

This is what I sent:

She got a sock monkey with her name on, which I attached to the outside of the Pringles can which I decorated like a tree.

There's also a scarf belt, a handbag, a button ring and earring set, some Alice in Wonderland badges, a bookmark, and an embroidery, a new craft I've been playing around with. It was a lot of fun to do and she loved it all. She sent hers today so I should be getting it soon!

I have this ottoman that I got whilst I lived in Edinburgh and ever since, I've wanted to re-cover it. It's now Ruby's toy box and centre stage in my living room so I thought it probably the time. Only took eight years.

Before:

After:

Not bad eh? I bought the fabric for a dress and still have plenty left over so one day I may mysteriously disappear whilst looking for the doll's potty...

I also recently bought a book called One Yard Wonders, and it is awesome. I've made loads of the projects from it and liked one particularly which is a little fold up dolls house. I took inspiration from it, jiggled it around, added a bit of Jennyness and got this:

"Why, that's a nice bag."
"Thank you kindly, but it is more than just a bag..."

"It's a Peppa Pig picnic Tent!"

"Too much barbecue Daddy Pig? Time for bed I think "

I was so excited to give this to Ruby and she loves it. And all my measurements worked out FIRST TIME. That has literally never happened to me before. Ever.

You know, I've missed blogging...

Am I late?

2010-03-23T08:10:00.000-07:00

The shame! Woe is me! I am an un-dedicated blogger...

Better late then never though, eh?

I haven't been sitting round on my bum watching Judge Judy the last 23 days though, oh no. I have been busy sewing and making and being a bit poorly. Myself, Rubes and my Ma all came down with a virus that really knocked us about. The poorliest I've been since before Ruby was born. Managed to sort everything for the craft fair in the Northgate Arena, which turned out to be awful. Freezing cold (and it was indoors) insanely loud Gypsy Jazz music(which was really good for about 2 songs), hardly any actual crafted items, most just imported and I only made £2.30! I spent £5 at the chocolate stand.

It did mean however lots of stock ready for Central Bazaar, which was AWESOME. Did a lot better money wise and it was just a super cool day. The other stallholders had amazing products, I could have easily gone into some serious debt, and I can't wait for the next one!

As for none fair related items, been making a lot of tshirt dresses, mostly for Ruby but one for myself too. Will be making them at craft night tonight too. Also been working hard on the Lola makeover, it's nearly done, she's looking fabulous and I can't wait to go camping! Have a look at my other blog for updates.

A blurry tshirt dress for Ruby

A pair of pinstripe trousers made from one of my
pre-pregnancy pairs. She looks so cool.

Making ties and binding like this gives
me real pleasure. Am I bonkers?

Anyhoo, I hope everyone in blogville is fine and dandy and looking forward to a wonderful spring. Kisses.

Yep, Too Green...

2010-03-01T01:33:00.000-08:00

Papa Jones has come to the rescue and the comp is in full working order, a whisper of its former self. My laptop however did not take too well to the negative endorsement I gave it, and has carked it. Oh well. Ebay here it comes...

So, a round up of recent crafts...

A scissor roll from what's left of my current favourite fabric.

A snack bag and sandwich wrap for my sister's birthday.

Snack bag

Sandwich wrap closed

Opening...

Ta dah!

These are also going to be one of this weeks craft night projects, and I can't wait to make a set for myself! They're both wipe clean on the inside and fasten with Velcro, and the sandwich wrap opens into a handy place mat, to catch all those crumbs and put your crisps on.

I also visited a caravan show this week, which has inspired me to get Lola all dolled up ready for the coming season. I was going to chart her progress here, but I felt she deserved her own little blog so pop by and visit Lola Vanola and witness the transformation!

Right, I'm off to iron some gnomes.

What Do You Think?

2010-02-28T05:08:00.000-08:00

Too green?

Mac's Back

2010-02-24T11:32:00.000-08:00

My comp is poorly. It's gone off the Doctor Pappa Jones and the JCB hospital for some rest, recuperation and maybe a new fan, but will soon be returning home. For now though, I'm using my trusty old mac, which is great but not very trustworthy when it comes to pictures... so a photoless (aka boring) blog entry come forth!

Maya's been here a few days now, and we're loving having her in our house. She's fully embraced the life of a crafter's dog and happily snoozes on the sofa whilst the sewing machine brrrs away. I've torn myself away from dog crafting this week though, and although I haven't done any more fair crafting, I have been busy making Ruby some fabulous pinstripe trews, a sewing bag from some jeans, a scissor roll up case, and two pairs of curtains (five more to go...). I've also had the Crazy Crafting Sisters round for the first part of Easy Peasy Skirt night, and they're looking fab so far, with The Ladies Who Craft coming on Friday to make awesome lunch packs. Pics of both will be coming soon.

As long ans good 'ol El Compo survives...

Craft, But Not As You Know It...

2010-02-21T11:42:00.001-08:00

This week has been spent sitting at my sewing machine late into the night, frantically getting stuff ready for the craft fair. Oh, wait... that's a pork pie.

I have indeed been crafting, but it's been for one particular individual. Meet Maya:

Isn't she gorgeous? She's the newest member of the Jones household, and a reason I HAD to craft. Not that I need one. So far I've made her:

A bed (I know the fabric's completely impractical, but I made two and they come off for washing)

A lead (I'll be making a matching collar as soon as I get the bits)

A crate cushion (with removable fleece cover)

A bag for bits and bobs (brush etc)

a poo bag bag!

I had everything at my house already too, so they cost me nothing, wahey!

Right, back to craft fairness. Maybe I can fit a pair of pinstripe trews in for Ruby first...

Coolness is Bowl Shaped

2010-02-16T08:50:00.000-08:00

Holy Moly.

Goodness

2010-02-16T07:42:00.000-08:00

Today has been an extremely successful day. I ventured into town in search of vinyl records to make into bowls for display and to sell at the craft fair, and I managed to get all of these for £3! There's about 35 records there!

Whilst I was there, I also found this fantastic vintage suitcase which I'm going to display my purses in at the craft fair. Another bargain at £2.

I was also visited by my lovely friend Richard who brought me this:

Isn't it glorious? It was nestled at the back of one of the workshops in his new house. He was going to burn it!

A good scrub (well, as I good as I could, I seem to have an inability to get anything really clean) and it looks like this.

OK, it doesn't look hugely different, but believe me it is. I had to kill a lot of spiders to get it to this stage.

It's now the home of all the crafty goodness I keep downstairs, including sewing machine number 4. I'm going for one for every room.

The Bird is Back in Town

2010-02-15T03:57:00.000-08:00

Selfish sewing week is over, and I'm back on the sparrowarms train. Last week was very enjoyable, made a few dresses, did a bit of knitting and crochet, but as the craft fair looms, thought I'd better knuckle down.

I've been staying at my parents' this weekend so took a box of hand sewing goodies with me and made a pile of corsages. They're my latest fave as they're pretty quick and easy to make, but look really effective. Plus I can do them on the sofa under a blanket which is a big bonus on these chilly (aka frickin freezing) evenings.

Whilst the Rubes was at nursery this morning, I sewed 11 purses. ELEVEN! I'm quite proud of myself. They still need buttons/badges and poppers, but small victories and all that.

Last week also saw my second craft evening start up, so big welcome to my new students Alex and Lizzy, who made some awesome bags. At original craft night Natalie made this fabulous apron.

The photo doesn't do it justice at all, but Nat should be very proud of herself. I know she baked valentines gingerbread in it this weekend.

And what could top a quality week off? Raspberry Cheesecake, that's what.

Tshirtastic

2010-02-08T11:40:00.000-08:00

This week I've been making stuff for myself and the Rubester. Just a couple of things, but they're goodies, and all made from old tshirts:

Knickers, so easy and sooo comfortable.

This is what I began the next project with, a purple top and a piece of leopard print stretchy fabric...

... and turned it into this!I'm loving this shape of dress, I'm going to make LOTS more. I also made the belt type thing out of some black tshirt material I had in my scrap box.

I also turned these...

...into this!

Ruby was very excited when I showed her. I think she appreciates my clashtastic sensibilities.

All Change on the Sparrow Front.

2010-02-04T01:41:00.001-08:00

So, things in the business starting business (hmm) have taken a turn. I've been liaising with the job centre from the beginning, working out whether I'd be better off by going into business for myself. It all seemed very positive, even if I made nothing I'd still be better off because of Tax credits as long as I worked 16 hours a week.

Then I went for another meeting and got Pam, the lovely job centre lady to work out how much better off I'd be depending on how much I earned. It didn't look great. If I earn £80, I'd end up £40 better off than I am now, but to get that £80 I have to sell aprroxiamately 30 purses. Which is about 15 hours work, just in the making of them.

I also though getting 16 hours of work done would be easy. Ruby goes to Nursery two mornings a week, but that's only six hours of work time, which means fitting 10 hours into my evenings. Which leaves my weekends free, if I do every evening, but that never happens, because of, you know, Life. So I thought of putting Ruby into nursery another morning a week, which would end up costing more and being against why I wanted to work from home in the first place: to spend as much time as possible with Ruby.

Sooo. The New plan. Chill a bit, but still do the craft fair in March. Sell some things on Folksy, and take it easy until Ruby starts school next year. Then start again.

Rant over.

Friday.

2010-01-29T11:18:00.000-08:00

It's been a few days since I last posted and well, it's just been one of those weeks. The most exciting thing that's has happened is that I sold my first purse! Within 12 hours of putting it up for sale! It was a care bears one so I'll definitely be ordering more of that fabric. I think 80's cartoons are going to be a favourite.

I had another meeting with the business start up lady, which was good, she's helping me with grants and the like, but also brought flooding back the pain in the buttski that is paperwork. Business plans, invoices, receipts, tax... it should all calm down once I'm up and running, but at the moment it's 60% paperwork and 30% sewing. Not why I wanted to do this.

Also Ruby's been poorly this week, so I've not had my usual dedicated sewing time. Poor little Rubes. The lack of sleep for the both of us isn't helping either.

Moan, moan, rant, rant.

I do have five more large purses ready for poppers though and about 15 more cut out ready to sew. Same with the small purses and wallets. I think I'm going to have to fit in something for myself this week to lift my creative spirits. Hmm, mesthinks Lola needs a camping makeover...

Failure...

2010-01-24T11:52:00.000-08:00

My purses are done ready for Folksy. So are my wallets. And Badges. I am though apparently the worst photographer in the universe.

I've tried three different camera's one of which now only shows a black screen. I've built my own photographic light box. I've bought daylight lamps. Still my pictures look dreadful.

Dear God.

Hello Real World

2010-01-21T06:59:00.000-08:00

The snow has nearly all gone and this is good. I can leave my house again. I can go to places where there are more than eight people at a time. I can buy things I need like poppers and buttons. I have had lots of lovely visitors over the snowy period though, including Nat and Sarah to Craft Night last Tuesday, where we made flower bracelet pin cushions. Here's me demonstrating their glorious usefulness:

I've been desperately trying to get stuff done to put on Folksy tomorrow, but after making a few purses, I realised that after adding the interfacing, they are about half a centimetre too small. Not a big deal you'd think, but now they don't fit a phone in. Grr. So, I will now be selling both large and small purses! The large ones turned out really well and are the kind of purses that could hold a years worth of receipts, you mobile and a still have room for a lip balm, and although I'm really happy with, them they'e pushed me behind schedule.

I managed to finish sewing all the Folksy teaser stuff today, but they still need poppers, buttons/badges and photographing, so tonight will be dedicated to that. My pal Alex is coming for tea so she will be roped in. Poor Alex.

Even though I was behind schedule, I got really bored of cutting out. I'm trying to get everything cut out ready to sew next week. So to give myself a little breather, I made this for the Rubester:

That's my hand for size comparison. It's just like Mummy's, but you know, with Buzz Lightyear!

Yeehaw!

2010-01-18T07:05:00.000-08:00

As you know, my Folksy page is up and running, but with nothing on it. This isn't me just being lazy, honest! My business cards are in the process of being made, and I wanted the site on it, and to get the address I had to open the shop, and Viola! One empty sparrowarms shop.

My plan was to to my craft fair (March 13Th Northgate Arena, Chester peeps) and then put all the stock I bring back straight on. But I'm getting antsy. It's sitting there, all pretty and empty. Maybe I should put couple of things on, just to see how things go...

So I've decided by the end of this week to put on three wallets, three purses and three phone/MPP3 cases as well as a handful of badges. Just to test the waters. I've set to work on my first batch of wallets, they're all done except for the poppers, which I ran out of. It's a bit frustrating not to have them completely finished, but they're looking pretty darn cool.

I was going to do all the wallets with the crazy fabric on the outside but then a friend of mine said she knew someone who'd always wanted what looked like a normal wallet but had crazy lining, so I found this lovely linen type black cotton and whipped a few up. There's ones with Batman, Spongebob and Cowboy linings. The Cowboy one is definitely my fave. What man doesn't have an inner Cowboy?

Photo Glory, Here I Cometh!

2010-01-17T12:57:00.000-08:00

After all the terrible photo's I've been taking lately, and with so much lovely stuff to photograph, I finally got my buttski in gear and made my light box. I turned this:

Into this!

I need a brighter lights and a big sheet of white card, but check out theses babies:

So much better don't you think? I used my phone to take the pics, I think a new camera is in order. Or I need to learn how to use my current one. Which is the cheaper option I suppose.

Snow, snow, glorious snow. Erm, No. But a new bag...

2010-01-16T09:37:00.000-08:00

,
I tried for an hour to get my van out today, without success. Papa Jones had to practically push me back to my parking space. It wasn't fun. I have though had a day to myself today, so I've done a bit of sewing for myself (with a sparrowarms edge of course), which I haven't done a lot of recently.

I wanted to make a neutral coloured handbag that I could display some of my badges on and that was also big enough to hold all the stuff I cart around with me. I've had this gorgeous brown, stripey fabric for ages, probably about 6 months, but had been saving it for a pair of trousers. I was sure there was enough for both, but I usually severely underestimate the amount of fabric I need and end up with a piece big enough to make a fairy pillow.

The answer? Make the trousers first!

They're lovely and baggy, perfect for Sunday dinner greediness. You can't really tell how pretty the fabric is from my awful pictures, but I did have loads so I whipped up my bag too.

It's reversible, and I used a Salisbury's carrier bag for the pattern, making the straps longer so I can put it over my shoulder. It worked out really well, but I think I'll make the straps narrower next time.

I'm thinking of writing a tutorial on how to make this, it was really easy. Would anyone be interested?

The Finals are Finalised!

2010-01-14T06:54:00.001-08:00

I've now completed all the patterns for each item I'm making for the craft fair:

Wallet (the top picture for some reason, will only upload sideways. Hmm.)

Purse

Phone/Mp3 case (with fabric badge!)

Toiletries bag (with PVC, wipe clean lining)

Toiletries purse (PVC lined again, I use mine for wet wipes)

Also, lots of badges! I've been cutting out my fabric scraps, ready for a major badgeathon this evening. I also really need to do something about my photography...

Brain Like a Seive

2010-01-13T06:47:00.001-08:00

I also forgot about a certain Mr Gareth Price, Accountant Extraordinaire. He's been setting me on the right road to businessville, so this post, Mr Price, is just for you. I hope you like fabric badges.

And they told me fabric wouldn't work.

How could I forget the Green?

2010-01-13T05:52:00.000-08:00

I would have been kicking myself if I hadn't told you about the hugely talented Mr Ross Green, who has kindly taken on the task of doing all my graphics. And I'm a difficult customer, he won't mind telling you, but he has come up with some beautiful stuff.

Thanks again Mr Green, keep it coming!

Badgetastic

2010-01-13T05:38:00.000-08:00

So, I'm still snowed in, but that's not stopping my get my craft on. I've 20 purses and 17 wallets cut out ready for sewing and have added another string to the sparrowarms bow: badges!

I had an idea about making badges out of my scraps of fabric, did a bit of googling and OH MY. My creative excitement went a bit overboard. What if I photocopy the fabric? Then I can make loads? What if I make comic book badges? Or use children's books? The one draw back is that badge making machines are really, really, really expensive. So with very little oil in my heating tank, I bought one anyway (ahem).

I have a plan though, honest. To make up some of the cost I'm going to try and make badges for bands and the like. I'm not making any money on them, but if i can at least recoup some of the outlandish outlay, I'll be happy. I'm also going to take the device to the craft fairs with me so people can make their own!

I'm feeling good about it.

And I already have my first customer! A big thank you to Kev Tunnah of Search for kwan and also to Nat, my official badge advisor, without whom, I wouldn't have a nice, pink, Pffft badge.

This snow is LAME. Sewing though, is GOOD. Even without interfacing.

2010-01-07T06:38:00.000-08:00

I think I have the final purse design. Its made without interfacing, so is a bit floppy, but all the pieces are there.

What do you think?

I also gave in and ordered a pile of stuff from the Abakhan website. Here's hoping they can at least get to me, otherwise I'm borrowing next doors' sledge and strapping it to the chickens.

Snoooooooooooooooooooooooow!

2010-01-06T07:09:00.000-08:00

Today we are snowed in. This is bad, for two reasons. One: Myself and the Rubester don't have high cabin fever thresholds. Two: I am out of iron on interfacing. That may not sound like a trip to Disasterville, but pretty much all my current projects need it. A new and interesting development is that my attic sewing room is FREEZING. I had to stop about 5 times yesterday whilst sewing on a popper to warm my hand up by sitting on it. Rubbish.

Anyhoo, I did manage to get a couple of purse prototypes done:

I like the general style and shape of both these, but i think they need another card pocket and maybe something along the top flap to brighten it up. A nice ribbon or big button or something. Hmm. The blue one was going to be my test wallet, but Ruby half-inched it within seconds. She approves at least.

Notice the difference in the colour of the pics? I was using natural light and the colours of the purses threw the white balance right off. I really need some help with photography...

Also, which do you think is better, the straight on closed pic or the diagonal closed pic?

Can't face the cold of the sewing room today. Have spent a productive couple of hours researching craft fairs and chatting to Ross Green of Greenflare about some graphics stuff. Very talented fellow. Think I'm going to have to relocate the sewing room to the bedroom, for the sake of my fingertips.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-04T08:34:00.001-08:00

Hope you had a fabulous festive season! I had a marvellous time, lots of quality time spent with the family eating, laughing and playing Trivial Pursuit. Good stuff.

That's not to say I haven't still been sewing away, oh no. In fact I'm actually impressed with myself how much I've fitted in! My crafty business idea is on its way to becoming reality, and I had a meeting just before Christmas with a lovely lady called Gillian at Wrexham Business Development who's set me well my way, and so my next few months look like this: January will be spent researching, developing my products and getting all the paperwork in order and ready to go. Ruby will also be starting nursery. Eek. February I'll be busy sewing, sewing, sewing trying to make as much stuff as possible ready for the Mad March Fayre at the Northgate arena, Chester, where Sparrowarms will be premiering! Any items that don't sell, will then be put onto my brand new Folksy page (which is in development at the mo).

I'm very excited. So far I'm thinking of selling wallets, purses, everything bags, phone/mp3 cases, knitting needle rolls and mini sewing kits. Dependent on my development though. Fancy a sneak preview? Here's a few wallets I've been working on:

My first Batman wallet. Currently being tested by Kev, too shallow and needed a fastener (hence my finger holding it closed) so onto:

Thundercats wallet (made from the scraps of the Thundercats blanket) and a belated Christmas present. Not quite neat enough so onto:

Spongebob wallet. Better construction, but I put the seam in the wrong place and still not quite neat enough.

Finally, Batman wallet number two! Think I have the size, construction and style sorted here. Yay. Now to cut out a million of 'em.

I also made this:

It's Ruby's birthday present! It's based on the card table Play house, and is lit with fairy lights, has a window, curtains, pockets and a cot and table inside! Ruby LOVES it. Yay to sewing.

Christmas is nearly here!

2009-12-22T06:47:00.001-08:00

Whoa, last post was the 9Th of December. Naughty me, but as i'm sure you can imagine, December is a busy crafting month. I had most of my presents done by the start of this month, but there's always a couple you forget, or have to re-do as you decided to keep them, or fleece trousers to make as this snow WON'T GO AWAY.... So before the big day arrives, I though I'd round up what I've been doing with myself the last few weeks.

I've been thinking and working a lot on my new business plan. It seems to be coming together nicely, but I'm taking my time. One of the ideas I'm toying with is mobile phone/mp3 covers.

Sorry about the bad photo's. Again. I have a new camera, but I'll come to that in a bit. This is the case I'm using for my phone, it's not quite as refined as the finals will be, but overall, I'm liking it. It's the same style as Papa Jones' Spongebob one.

Here it is with my Ipod in.

I made this one for my Mum. She likes elephants. It's also lined with red denim. Yum.

I got a new phone this month too, I purposely picked one with a decent camera (it ain't pretty) but I liked the idea of having one less device to carry around. Here's a pic taken with it of the Thundercats throw and pillow I made for my friend Pricey which he has yet to pick up. I might stick it on Ebay if he's not quick.

Here's another idea I'm playing around with to sell.

Its a PVC lined everything bag. I'm using this one at the mo for holding nappies and snacks for Ruby. It fits in my bag lovely, and keeps the stuff together! It would also be a really good sized makeup bag, or great for packed lunches as the inside is wipeable. Much better than a Saino's carrier bag.

It holds three nappies perfectly, with plenty of space for two Pepperami mini's and a Babybell, the current snacks of choice.

Momentous happening this month too, Ruby's had her big bed (Yay!) so I wanted to make her a special blanket. I fancied patchwork, but didn't have enough of the fabric I wanted to use for the entire blanket, so appliqued the patchwork onto two layers of fleece with a layer of wadding in the middle.

It's so cosy, and makes a great play mat too.

Patchwork close up. I love the guitar fabric, but have now used every scrap. Sniff.

Over Christmas, I'll get pictures of everyone with their handmade gifts, so expect a MEGA January post!

Merry Christmas everyone! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Oh, the Excitement

2009-12-09T07:11:00.000-08:00

I went to Asda today and bought this:

"Why the heckaroo would a svelte (ahem) young lady buy such a humongous shirt?" you might ask? Well, to turn it into this:

I LOVE IT. Holy Mackerel. I will now be buying XXXL tshirts wherever I can find them. I'm so excited, I want to get changed into it RIGHT NOW.

OK, overuse of capitals over. I also made this for Papa Jones:

Whenever he has a new mobile, I make him a new case for it. I got sick of doing boooring black ones, so asked him " Does it have to be black?" he replied "I don't care as long as it protects the phone."So this baby has Spongebob on the outside and Batman on the inside. Oh yeah.

By the way, people keep asking me if I'm losing weight, or watching what I eat. Well I do watch the cake/rocky road/ pie go into my mouth I suppose. Just shows what properly fitted clothes can do.

Good Sewing, Bad, Terrible, Awful Photography

2009-12-08T08:28:00.000-08:00

Today and yesterday, I've been on a clothes making frenzy. I've made a fab Thundercats skirt and two, yes TWO dresses! Unfortunately, the pictures I've taken of them are absolutely awful. Don't believe me? Take a gander at these babies:

My Thundercats skirt, made from a pillowcase. It's an awesome skirt, honest!

The back:

Obscenely out of focus.

My purple jersey dress. Papa Jones took this for me, I asked him to cut my head off and just photograph the dress, but I think he ignored me which explains the stupid face I'm pulling. There's also a random stain on the front, which I cant seem to find in real life.

Dear god what an unflattering angle. This dress does have two frickin sweeeet things going for it though; it has motorbikes all over it and it's the first time I've attempted sleeves! And they worked! That was a pretty darn exciting moment for me. I've always been scared of sleeves. Not in general, not like they were going to come alive and strangle me in the night or anything. Just making them.

I made the pattern for these two dresses by putting a tshirt and skirt that fit me well onto some paper and drawing round them, and it works really well for my weird body shape. I think the neckline needs some work though.

I'm going to wear this dress out this weekend, but jazzed up like this:

Holy mackerel.

It says a lot that these were the best of the photo's.

Yay Geekcrafts

2009-12-05T06:30:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited!I was contacted today by Shayne from geekcrafts and Dinohorsie is going to be on the website! Yay!

I LOVE geekcrafts, you should go and have a look at the awesome stuff they have there!

Busy, busy, busy...

2009-12-04T06:57:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted for a while, but that's because I've been sewing my buttski off! We've been a bit poorly in the Jones household, so after The Rubes has retired to bed, I've been snuggling on the sofa in my PJ's with Lost and some hand stitching. Heaven. This afternoon my parents were kind enough to babysit, so I've been up in the attic, working my way through my 'To sew' list. This is what my week has brought:

Matching Pirate skirts for Ruby and I made form fleece. So cosy! Thanks to Kegga for this idea. I've got lots of fleece, so will be making many more.

A fleece dress for Ruby.

A skirt for Ruby made from and old jumper. I left the ribbing at the top, zigzagged elastic for the waistband, and zizagged the bottom too to give that rufflyness.

Pink cord edged in some random stuff I got in a huge bag of lace and ribbon from a carboot sale for a fiver. That was a good day. Elasticated waist again.

Herb. He was supposed to be a Christmas present for my friend Richard, but I'm going to give him to Ruby instead as I want him to live at our house! I'm not even going to wait until Christmas.

And finally...

DINOHORSIE! Ever since she was really little, Ruby has called Dinosaurs, Dinohorsies. I wondered what a dinohorsie would look like... I was going to give him a mane and all sorts, but the fabric was enough on its own. That hair got frickin everywhere though.

Graaawwrr

2009-11-30T07:46:00.000-08:00

I made this for Ruby on Saturday night. I was supposed to be going out for dinner, but didn't in the end and actually had a pretty darn good evening, sewing and watching a LOT of Lost. I couldn't be bothered going upstairs to the attic for my sewing machine, so hand stitched it all and gave myself a migraine! I could barely see putting the eye's on the hat. When I got up the next morning, I realised i'd sewn them on upside down, so had to do them again anyway. I was determined to get it done ready for Sunday at Nanna and Grandad's though.

You can't really see, but there are teeth on the fastener of the hat too. Hehe.

Essentials

2009-11-25T07:31:00.000-08:00

I still haven't made the amendments to the skirt tutorial, but I'm working on it. Today though, I found another reason why it's great being able to sew. When you need something, you can just make it!

Ruby's at the age now, where I don't need to lug around a huge bag of stuff for her. A couple of nappy's and some baby wipes and we're good to go. A pack of baby wipes though, is about half the size of my handbag. And it ain't pretty. Throw in some nappies and there's hardly room for my Ipod let alone anything else. So I made this:

Big enough to hold three nappies, and a wodge of wipes, but about the size of the original bag of wipes! And a whole lot prettier.

Skirt Tut success! Well Almost...

2009-11-22T06:36:00.000-08:00

The skirt tutorial has been tested and I am proud to say it works! Woo hoo! It needs some minor amendments, but when that's done, I will post it up here. I saw the finished article, made by my sister-in-law today, and it is fabulous. The fabric she chose is gorgeous, I'll post a pic as soon as I get one. That is one of the greatest things about making your own clothes, being able to chose any fabric you like. The weirder/cheesier the better. Which leads me to:

You may recognise this fabric, most people do. In your aunty's house? Or Grandparents? I just love it and snap it up whenever I see it, usually in charity shops.

I have it in pink and purple, and in both bedding and curtain materials. This skirt is made from the curtain, as is my knitting bag and needle roll. I made a dress out of the pink sheeting, but it was too small. Gorgeous though. It had a yellow zip. Sigh. The pillow cases on my bed are the pink too.

As well as making this skirt yesterday, in half an hour I might add, I finally got round to making some bedding for Ruby's bed. I've been wanting to get her a quilt for her cot, but they are ridiculously expensive, considering they are half the size of a normal quilt. So I bought a 4.5 tog single one for £8, and cut it on half. Now she has one for chilly nights, and I can double it up for super dooper chilly nights.

The cot size duvet covers were equally expensive, so I took a double quilt, folded it in half and measured the smaller quilt onto it, poppers still at the top. I now have two matching quilt covers, with poppers, a pillow case and some left overs for probably about a £1. Would it be wrong to make her a matching nightie?

Oh look, there's some pink too! I may be obsessed.

Skirt Tutorial

2009-11-20T13:48:00.000-08:00

I've just spent the last two hours writing a tutorial to make the A line skirt, but I've decided to hold off posting it for now. I think I'll get someone to try it for me first. What if it's too wordy? It makes no sense? Doesn't work? It's only the second one I've ever written.

Anyhoo, until it has been tried by my carefully selected cross-market focus group (my sister-in-law) here's some pics of the newest one I 've made for inspiration.

Isn't that great fabric? I now have a skirt and dress in it, and Ruby has a quilt. Only scraps left now though. I wonder how far I can make it go?..

All Quiet on the Sock Monkey Front

2009-11-19T06:29:00.000-08:00

Last night was sock monkey night, but due to circumstances beyond anyones control we were down to two, but we still had a great time. Claire finished her monkey and I finished Sarah's for her, she's not very well so I'm going to deliver it to her tomorrow. We also started our Christmas decorations!

They're mainly made form felt, and are so quick and easy to make, which is nice after the month it's taken to get the Sock Monkey's done. I'm looking forward to doing more next week when hopefully the gang will be back together Pink Ladies stylee.

Whilst I was waiting for the girls to arrive, I got excited about a pattern I'd seen in a sewing book called "Yeah, I made it Myself" and thought I'd start it. I finished it before I went to bed, and here it is!

Isn't it a fab colour? You'll have to excuse my random arm position, I was trying to hold my cardi out of the way. I'm so pleased with how it turned out. It's a little big, and the fabric is a tad scratchy, but it has darts! And a zip! And two rows of pink stitching on the hem (which you can't see).
I do love an A line skirt, it's an "I can do anything you throw at me " kind of skirt. For example, today I have shopped, done the washing and fixed my chicken run in mine. The best bit about it though? It took but one little hour.

Tonight I will be making another.

I am a Technological Genius.

2009-11-17T08:03:00.000-08:00

OK, not quite, but I did work out how to get the photo's from my phone! Well, it was more luck than anything else, but the result its the same. So here's a few pics!

Meet the Flubly! It's a microwaveable rice heating bag, you use it like a hot water bottle, and may be one of the most amazing things I have ever made. No exaggeration. Stick it in the micro for a minute and a half and it stays warm for an hour and a half! Have I posted about this before? I don't even care. It's THAT good.

It has a 100% cotton inner bag, and a cover you can throw in the washing machine if you need to. Mine needs washing already as it's covered in chocolate thanks to its new owner.

I've been busy, busy with Christmas presents, one of which I've decided to keep for myself! It's the slippers I made for my Mum. There's a reason though, one was a bit wonky. Honest. I just realised though, the pic is on my normal camera, which I'm not talking to at the moment. I actually hate it. I'm going to start using my Dad's old one, but it takes about 19 batteries.

Sock monkey night tonight too, woohoo! The little critters should be finished this eve, so onto Christmas Decoration night. I m made a few prototypes yesterday and they're looking pretty darn cute if I say so myself! Pics coming tomorrow. If I can persuade Norway to lend me their power supply to get my camera going.

In other news... progress is happening in the Home Craft Business. Watch this space...

Until then...

2009-11-12T06:40:00.000-08:00

I still can't work out how to get the photo's from my phone. Grr. But I have made lots of new things. Yay! Unfortunately, they're all Christmas gifts, five made to be exact (I was on a roll yesterday), but I can't put them up until they've been given! So until I make more things for myself, or the Christmas decorations get done, here's a couple of Sock Monkeys to keep you going.

Lyssa Sock Monkey, a present for another one year old. Also being ignored.

Currently unnamed Sock Monkey, hopefully to sell.

Back to the Christmas present making! This one's a goody...

Naughty

2009-11-10T13:26:00.000-08:00

I've neglected my blog a little this week, and my excuses are as follows:

1. I've been trying to finish some Chrsitmas presents off. I've done one.
2. There's a new boy distracting me.
3. Ruby has Hand, Foot and Mouth disease!

The first two reasons are nice, I don't mind being distracted by sewing and boys, but Ruby being poorly has not been fun. At first I thought it was chicken pox, but soon found out it was Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease. She's fine now in herself, just the spots in the afformentioned places, but the hardest thing for the both of us at the moment is that it's contagious! So we're banned from public places. It's not very contagious to adults, so have been visiting the grand parents, but jeepers, cabin fever is setting in like crazy. There have also been a few early morning issues, and tiredness + boredom = Naughty Daughter + Grumpy Mummy.

Anyhoo, onto the crafts. I have managed to squeeze a few things in though, I've discovered the joy of microwave rice heat bags! Literally take 15 mins to make, microwave them for a minute and a half and it stays warm of an hour and a half! Great to take to bed on these chilly nights. I have taken photo's but unfortunately I cant work out how to get the photo's from my phone onto my new computer yet, and the batteries are dead in my camera. Grr.

Tonight should have been Sock Monkey night too, but postponing until next week. We'll hopefully be starting Christmas Decoration night too! As long as I can get out of the house to buy supplies...

Time for more Sock Monkeys!

2009-11-05T07:05:00.000-08:00

We had another Sock Money night yesterday, it's so much fun.We ate pink birthday cake, drank tea and watched Pretty Woman. Oh, and did some sewing.

Here's how we're coming on:

I think they're looking pretty darn good!

Here are a couple more I've done recently but haven't been able to put up as they've been gifts. They have now been received and are hopefully enjoying their forever homes!

Katy Sockmonkey, the first with clothes! A very fetching, if slightly saucy black lacy skirt. Apparently she's been very naught in her new home, scratching her bum and sniffing it. Tut.

Lottie Sockmonkey. So far completely ignored by her1yr old receiver, but I think she's a grower.

I really need to work on my photography...

Ta Dah!

2009-11-02T12:15:00.000-08:00

After about a year of trying and making probably six or seven dresses, none of which have fit, I have finally done it! I've finally made an easy peasy aline dress pattern!

I've tried so many different ways, patterns from books, proper patterns, going from my measurement and making it up, but none have worked so far. I seem to be patternly challenged. I never picked the right size, no matter how carefully I'd think I'd worked it out. They either wouldn't go over my boobs, or be so big I couldnt even take them in.

After all this, I have finally done it. It's a very basic shape, is only two peices, and takes about an hour to make! I'm going to have them in every fabric I can find. It also only has a small slit at the top back, and a button to fasten, the same way I make my daughters dresses.

Here it is!

It doesn't look much here, and it's not a slinky, figure hugging number, but I was looking for something I could throw on with leggings and go about my daily business of mothering and making, but still feel pretty. I didn't want to worry about "holding it in" all the time. You ladies know what I mean.

Add a belt and some skinny, skinny jeans though and...

Voila! I love it so much. I need to go make another.

Oh My God.

2009-10-31T05:29:00.000-07:00

Need I say more?

If only they did 11-12...

2009-10-31T00:50:00.000-07:00

This website was featured in SewHip this month and I love these dresses! It's such a good idea. If only they went up to 11-12, I can fit my bum into those...

Yummy. I'm going to have to work on a pattern.

Drumroll please...

2009-10-30T12:26:00.000-07:00

This is a vey exciting post for me, for here I will be introducing you to a new friend of mine... Sock Monster!

He's the first sock related creature I've made with the intention of selling, a big step for me! His name is Marvin and he likes rainbows, going on the train and walks on the beach. He was once told he looked like a Monster Munch. He costs £15 and that includes embroidery of a name of your choice, gift wrapping and delivery!

Anyone want to give Marvin his forever home? Then email me at sparrowarms@hotmail.com.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to all the crazy health and safety standards and policies, I cannot recommend my Sock Creations for anyone under the age of 14. Sniff.

I got more socks today, including itty bitty tiny ones that will soon become keyrings. I am very excited to get cracking, so i'm offski. I'll leave you with a pic of my temporary studio, and a big thanks to Chris from Freecycle who gave me some shelves for the big tidy tomorrow!

Cheater, cheater, pumkin eater.

2009-10-29T06:49:00.000-07:00

I finished the Sock Monkey I started at Sock Monkey night. I'm naughty I know. But it's going to be a birthday present which is before the next meeting so it had to be done! And she is awesome. I can't put pics up yet as the recievee has yet to become the reciever but as soon as it's arrived (which will prob be January. Postal strikes. Do they not know there's Sock Monkeys that need delivering?), they'll be here. I will say this: she is wearing a skirt.

Other exciting news, the new SewHip hit the doormat today, woohoo! I tried to read a bit pre-Ruby nap, but that didnt work out too well, so think it will be kept until bedtime. Or if I can distract Ruby with The Lion King.

This post feels a bit naked without a picture, so here are some Dinohorsies.

Sock Monkey Night 3

2009-10-28T07:31:00.000-07:00

As promised, here are the beginnings of the Sock Monkeys from last night!

We had a great night. stitching and gossiping, drinking tea and eating cake. Is there a better way to spend a Tuesday? Well maybe if Brad Pitt was serving the tea (we watched Mr and Mrs Smith too). Next week will be faces and arms.

I also finished Norm:

I love him. I'm thinking of making him into a keyring, but he may be too big. Hmm.

I have realised I am terrible at photography. This must be addressed and rectified.

Making a silk purse, IN a sow's ear...

2009-10-27T07:15:00.000-07:00

To make myself feel better, here's a few things i've made in the Studio Of Horror:

Eric the Craft Creature! Made for Kerry for her birthday. He has a secret zip pocket under his teeth and his big eye is a removable pin cushion. On the back...

... a giant pocket for lots more goodies. There are pockets on his legs too.

The Naruto wallet! Currently holds tobbacco, which my high horse and I don't approve of, but it is well loved.

Sarah Sock Monkey. The photo doesn't really do her justice, she's way more purple.

And finally...

Tiny Norm the Half Finished Sock Monkey. Look how small!

Tonight is Sock Monkey night so should have lots more lovely photo's tomorrow.

The shame...

2009-10-27T06:49:00.000-07:00

I've decided to shame myself into tidying the attic studio. This is what it currently looks like:

That's Ruby's dollhouse on the chest of drawers. I've had it about a year and all i've done is put it together. Next to it are very organised tubs of Stuff and my sewing machine desk.

My work table. Ahem. On top is a fab filing chest I got from a carboot sale for £4. Contains zips and elastic now. Currently has no home.

The fab shelves Pappa Jones built. There was some order and organisation at some point.

My sewing table. My lovely sewing machine lives under that bit of blue plastic. The bulb went ages ago so have to point that lamp at it whenever I sew. Unfortunately the lamp is hotter than the sun.

Just behind is my ironing board, which I do actually use a lot when sewing. I never iron any of my clothes though. Underneath lives my scrap pile. Scrap mountain. Scrap universe.

Anyway, it's big.

My adjusting dress form. Brilliant for altering clothes, not so great for making them, as I apparently have unusually shallow shoulders. Currently used as an obscenely expensive pin cushion.

And finally, my fabric stash. Oh my.

I am now crying a little inside.

Returning with Monkeys...

2009-10-26T08:16:00.000-07:00

It's been a loooong time since I last posted, but I though it was time to get back on the blogging horse. A lovely new PC courtesy of Pappa Jones that I can actually upload photos onto has helped a lot!

So until I get said photos onto said loveliness, here's a few pics of my growing Sock Monkey family I managed to swipe from my Facebook page. A small but excuisitley formed Sock Monkey craft night has started at my house on a Tuesday too, so the Sock Monkey joy is being spread!

The one that started it all: Original Sock Monkey. Now the well loved and well played with (and occasionaly repaired) possesion of my two year old.

Kev and Chris Sock Monkeys. Made for male friends of mine. Baby Eric sits in the middle, the prototype for Eric the Craft Creature (pics coming soon).

Baby Sock Monkey. A revelation, made from baby socks, can be hand sewn in one sitting!

Kathryn Sock Monkey, made for my sister, with sparkly eyes and yellow french knot nail varnish.

My sewing room is in the middle of an overhaul and i'm at the stage where I go to start tidying it and come straight back out again. Also my excuse for not making anything that can't be done on the sofa. Hopefully one of my lovely siblings will babysit for me on Saturday and I can hit it hard. Or i'll watch 10 episodes of Naruto.

Snow, snow, go away!

2009-02-06T01:39:00.000-08:00

I still haven't made it back to my house, so here's the skirt I made, and as I have no sewing machine at my parents' , it's all hand stitched which has actually been really enjoyable!

I used the leg excess for the front patch, but it wasn't wide enough for the back so put this piece of fabric in which I think adds a bit of zazz. I'm thinking about putting yo yo's around the bottom, but not sure yet. It's a size 16, but as I'm a 12 it sits nicely on the hips. I think this will be a regulare wear with my superhero T shirt collection!

Snow does not a fence build...

2009-02-03T12:17:00.000-08:00

I was really hoping to put up my new fence yesterday as the first step towards getting my rescue chickens. New fence = garden safety = enclosed 1 year old = time to build excellent chicken run. Unfortunately, it snowed. A lot. (That's me digging a path to my car).

I haven't actually been able to get home for more than half an hour the snow is so bad. So I packed up a handful from my scrap box, some neutral cotton and have been going Yo yo crazy. I've been making them slightly different from the instructions I've found online, I like the center's to be really tight so have eliminated the hem. Seem OK so far.

I'm also halfway through a jean skirt, so think I'll combine the two in a funky/yo yo/up-cycled/denim extravaganza. I'm very much enjoying turning all my ill fitting trousers into skirts. It also makes me feel better about not being able to fit my post-baby bum into a size 12.

My first post!

2009-02-01T02:38:00.000-08:00

After many years spent crafting and making, I came across the wonderful world of The Craft Blog. My eyes, mind and heart have widened discovering not only that there are thousands of people out there just like me, those who can't resist a pearly button, ingenious new adhesive or flowery scrap of fabric, but who's ideas and creations are hugely inspiring. I hope with my blog, I'll be able to give back a little to those who gave me so many ideas, and lots of crafty eye candy!