Summer

Life is just so hectic, I can never seem to find the time to blog these days. 

Although I don't have children at school, the holidays bring a little more freedom as I don't need to help run the church toddler group. But that is only one morning a week anyway.

Later this week we head off for our holidays, a week at our caravan in Devon, catching up with family and seeing the grandchildren, the three of them will join us for a sleep over in the caravan :)

After Devon we will drive up to our cottage in Wales for a week.

I've just made this little jacket and have started the second one, for the twins. The sweet little booties are for Eugene who we will be seeing tomorrow. And I've covered the wooden coat hangers in Liberty fabric for the cottage. 

So the weather here just changed, so far we've had a pretty good summer, plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures, today it all changed, chilly and very wet. Hopefully the warm weather will return. 

I'm hoping you are all enjoying the summer and will manage much deserved rest.

                

                

great finds

I am always disappointed that there is no decent sewing shop near to where we live. There is one that's OK but doesn't have the range of fabrics and haberdashery that I would like. Today I went to a shop about 30 mins drive away to try and find some bright green bias binding....nothing. I asked if they sold a gadget for making bias binding...no. 

BUT as I was wondering around this little town I passed a vintage shop which I have passed before but thought it only sold clothing  This time I ventured upstairs and found a whole section of vintage fabrics, haberdashery and patterns!

I bought a single Marks & Spencer curtain for £5 which will make lovely cushion covers. Two metres of cotton sear sucker fabric for £3 per metre and a pattern for girls dresses which I will use the body pieces for the main part of two princess dresses that have been requested for Christmas presents ;)

Girls skirts

While we were in Wales at the weekend I went to a great fabric show www.textileexpressfabrics.co.uk and bought this fabric amongst a few other items. Such a shame the shop isn't nearer....or maybe its just as well

African Fabric

While away in South Africa I bought some fabric, they have beautifully designed fabric over there. The first photo is of Shwe Shwe I have added a link to a blog which shows the history of this fabric. It is stiff to feel and requires soaking in salk water before use. I would have liked to have brought back lots of pieces, they look lovely made up into quilts.

http://awesomefabricsfromsouthafrica.blogspot.com/2009/03/history-of-shwe-shwe.html

The second fabric is called Khanga. Khangas originate on the East African coast, they are found throughout the region and contribute to the richness of the Swahili culture. They are a vibrant expression of style, as well as a medium for conveying messages in numerous cultural and social settings.

Shwe Shwe

Khanga

Baby Quilt

I have just taken a brief break from the Wedding Quilt to make this little Baby Quilt. A young couple from church are expecting their first baby and there is a baby shower planned next month. I really enjoy making quilts for babies, they are easy to handle and quick to finish. Now back to the Wedding Quilt!