tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23374094112482809142024-02-19T17:10:12.966+00:00Craft MattersAli Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02885665730344332235noreply@blogger.comBlogger139125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337409411248280914.post-45625843613781013892010-09-01T00:05:00.000+01:002010-09-01T00:05:22.695+01:00The Final Curtain Falls....<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">....on the Craft Matters blog. It's been fun, but I've decided it's time to move on...</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> It's a new month tomorrow (oopsie, today!), and I'm getting a new name and a new blog for the new season....</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">Here it is: </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://veryberryhandmade.wordpress.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">Very Berry Handmade</span></span></a></span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br /></span></span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">Come round and say hello! There's a Housewarming Giveaway happening very soon...</span></span></b></span>Craft Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06305376463091108389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337409411248280914.post-91177949793793219882010-08-30T20:58:00.000+01:002010-08-30T20:58:04.983+01:00Long time no see...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I've been really absent recently because I have big plans in progress....</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This Craft Matters blog is coming to the end of its life.... Soon Very Berry Handmade will be born! In preparation of my big revamp I am having a sale in my Etsy shop. All prices have been reduced by 20%. </span></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CraftMatters1970"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Pop round and grab a bargain!</span></span></a>Craft Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06305376463091108389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337409411248280914.post-51744156981133786372010-08-02T20:33:00.001+01:002010-08-02T20:39:35.074+01:00A Big Pink Project/Work-in-Progress Basket<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqNmj4tuj4CA9PEIjEIl2w5N8ozlLUN6GqSCUAWThYTW881VLmdhos_QXOmHPV1clGs8hz5Gtu1zMch0s4PE-5rTvvl2PZp2cAdhQ82kUl8JkE14_yHSfXW7Q-bGYCwWThOYiT0f4Ge1I/s1600/DSCF8301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqNmj4tuj4CA9PEIjEIl2w5N8ozlLUN6GqSCUAWThYTW881VLmdhos_QXOmHPV1clGs8hz5Gtu1zMch0s4PE-5rTvvl2PZp2cAdhQ82kUl8JkE14_yHSfXW7Q-bGYCwWThOYiT0f4Ge1I/s320/DSCF8301.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Here's what I've been working on in quieter moments amidst the great wedding outfit crisis that I've been having for the last 6 weeks... (sob). The yarn is the lovely Debbie Bliss Donegal Chunky Tweed, which comes in some gorgeous colours, </span></span><a href="http://www.debbieblissonline.com/Yarn.asp?yid=21"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">as you can see here</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. I don't think I could wear anything made with it (except maybe a big winter scarf) because it would be far too itchy for me, but it is lovely to use for this kind of housewares project, because it has so much body and texture. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSyJE0jVdAcU_cCvsy_U1GYrOlU3WnQWUHxFLV0kODeADTWvLZpIpEKywtk_ET9qL9dHhGGk7Ex4qjIYod_bK15YSmU9t7ciMDevsO2XJ_2mP9Du44Pg_NPV4ODPgPNKCQze8elo8Eros/s1600/DSCF8293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSyJE0jVdAcU_cCvsy_U1GYrOlU3WnQWUHxFLV0kODeADTWvLZpIpEKywtk_ET9qL9dHhGGk7Ex4qjIYod_bK15YSmU9t7ciMDevsO2XJ_2mP9Du44Pg_NPV4ODPgPNKCQze8elo8Eros/s320/DSCF8293.jpg" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I am dithering about selling the finished article because I like it so much, and I badly need the storage (most of my stash, yarn and fabric, is in plastic carrier bags...). I am definitely going to sell the pattern though - as soon as I've got it written up, that is. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The wedding is on Saturday, so just 4 days to go, but I </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">think </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I have something to wear... wish me luck as I finish it all off. </span></span><br />
<br />Craft Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06305376463091108389noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337409411248280914.post-28566123002714333752010-07-29T20:59:00.001+01:002010-07-29T21:00:37.567+01:00Quite a bit on my plate..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5OmMCyZkLALGJT2Q9KDwnW64d1Z8jwek63GhuefCGSKROWQ6OC0-eNSCMHHke_ikv4_NuaEf3sYq-MPLjqyRFjYEslNp6opsqJbP8Da8MPCm1pUMRBGJpu5e6AasmDENH9ZHzAOilBEo/s1600/dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5OmMCyZkLALGJT2Q9KDwnW64d1Z8jwek63GhuefCGSKROWQ6OC0-eNSCMHHke_ikv4_NuaEf3sYq-MPLjqyRFjYEslNp6opsqJbP8Da8MPCm1pUMRBGJpu5e6AasmDENH9ZHzAOilBEo/s320/dress.jpg" /></span></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I've got a lot to do over the next week! I am still in pursuit of a lovely dress to wear for my brother's wedding... I've been dithering about this for days now, and in spite of </span></span><a href="http://craft-matters.blogspot.com/2010/07/so-dress-is-all-finished.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">my plans weeks ago now</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">, I am as disorganised as ever... So, rushing around at the last minute, I went ahead and bought some absolutely glorious fabric from </span></span><a href="http://www.raystitch.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Ray-Stitch</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. I am so delighted with it - it's an organic crossweave cotton in a shade called rust. I </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">think</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> I am going to pair it with some of this lovely Amy Butler fabric (Martini in grey) - they do look fairly scrumptious together, in fact they look so scrumptious that I am afraid to start in case I mess it up. Fingers crossed I get it right. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsFRMynpnn0eI8_vULGVR7G9zftKVYCspfGvlZlR8m9uS2GU9DacL_XRoXkReGKIxjGQjLnJSXWCXt5oNPtDmbiH34AiVIQ54mKETu3_nJ32SbijuCNDpmYZyyvGSB-V5YIT3igu_pzY/s1600/IMG_3257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsFRMynpnn0eI8_vULGVR7G9zftKVYCspfGvlZlR8m9uS2GU9DacL_XRoXkReGKIxjGQjLnJSXWCXt5oNPtDmbiH34AiVIQ54mKETu3_nJ32SbijuCNDpmYZyyvGSB-V5YIT3igu_pzY/s320/IMG_3257.jpg" width="320" /></span></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I'm also crocheting a little cardigan to go with the dress - that's a bit easier because it's a fairly straightforward pattern. But I have to go and really crack on with it this evening or I am going to be in a serious panic because I have to do all this by next Saturday... And worse than that next week is a really busy one because we have family visiting on Monday, and then we are off up to London for the </span></span><a href="http://gbbf.camra.org.uk/home"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Great British Beer Festival</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> (GBBF) on Thursday. This will be my boys' 5th GBBF I think - it's a very civilised festival with an ace family area with lots of toys and games for them to play with. An excuse to include a cute picture of them at the the festival in 2005 - aged around 20 months. Lovely boys!</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I'm also got a swap to do - I couldn't resist </span></span><a href="http://meridianariel.blogspot.com/2010/06/bookish-craft-swap.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Meridien Ariel's Bookish Craft swap</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. I haven't really got the time but absolutely couldn't resist this one - books are so important in my life. My partner is Melanie who likes The Hollows series by Kim Harrison and other urban paranormal books. Urban paranormal is a totally new phrase to me, so you can see how far this is out of my comfort range! But that's what these swaps are all about - it's fun to have a challenge. I have an idea of what I am going to make for her - I just hope it works out ok and that she likes it. And that I get it finished somewhere even close to the deadline!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And on top of all that, today, I get an order for one of <a href="http://craft-matters.blogspot.com/2009/04/crochet-bunny-pattern.html">my crochet bunnies</a>... I am delighted to get it - especially as it's from someone who has bought from me before - I love a repeat customer. My gosh, it couldn't have come at a busier time - but hey! I can take crochet to the beer festival can't I? I've breastfed twins there in the past, and no one batted an eyelid - so crochet's not going to cause a stir!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Right, I have to go and tuck my boys in, and then it's time to get to work!</span></span></div>Craft Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06305376463091108389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337409411248280914.post-20523111169496984272010-07-22T21:03:00.003+01:002010-07-23T20:22:05.763+01:00Fabric News<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ahfabrics.com/upload_file/product/1249660348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.ahfabrics.com/upload_file/product/1249660348.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Alexander Henry - Around the World <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I've added a couple of new sellers to the </span></span><a href="http://craft-matters.blogspot.com/2010/07/directory-of-fabric-sellers-in-uk.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Great Big List of UK-based Online Fabric Shops</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. First up is </span></span><a href="http://www.fancymoon.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Fancy Moon</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. Fancy Moon used to be an Ebay seller (I think called Fancy Nancy) and I was really disappointed when the Ebay shop closed because I'd be a huge fan of their selection - especially of very funky Christmas fabrics. They've now launched as a stand alone shop and I'm just as impressed. Having a look round at the moment the main strengths are </span></span><a href="http://www.fancymoon.co.uk/?phrase=FMALEXHEN&start=0&template=s11.html&orderby=relevance"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Alexander Henry</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> and </span></span><a href="http://www.fancymoon.co.uk/?phrase=FMETSUKO&start=0&template=s38.html&orderby=relevance"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Etsuko Furuya for Kokka</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> (including </span></span><a href="http://www.fancymoon.co.uk/echino-nico-plane-1268-0.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">a brilliant selection of Kokka interior weight fabrics</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">). Y</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">ou can browse the fabrics in stock by designer, manufacturer or by theme (and there's a great choice of themes!) which makes finding just what you need very easy.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">To celebrate the launch of the new shop there is a 10% discount available on all fabrics until 31 July - just use 'launch' (without the inverted commas) as the coupon code. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Another fantastic new shop is </span></span><a href="http://www.theclothseller.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Cloth Seller</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, which specialises in organic and fair trade fabric, and as such, is offering something rather different and new to the UK - ethical fabrics where colour and style are the priority. The Cloth Seller states that all their fabrics ' have been grown and harvested using sustainable, organic farming practices' and that 'they are woven and dyed without the aid of dangerous chemicals'. Good news and definitely to be applauded and supported (an excellent excuse for buying!). </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.daisyjanie.com/images/about_fabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.daisyjanie.com/images/about_fabric.jpg" width="171" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Geo Grand by Daisy Jainie</span></span></span></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">They are the UK distributor for a new organic fabric supplier called <a href="http://www.daisyjanie.com/wholesale.html">Daisy Janie Fabrics</a> - the brain child of designer <a href="http://daisyjanie.typepad.com/daisyjanie/">Jan DiCinto</a>, who has produced a lovely graphic collection in very strong colours called Geo Grand. The <a href="http://www.theclothseller.co.uk/index.htm">Cloth Seller</a> also stocks the lovely, and very practical <a href="http://www.westfalenstoffe.de/main.php">Westfalenstoffe</a> <a href="http://www.theclothseller.co.uk/userimages/Mediumweight(1903104).htm">medium weight cottons</a> and gorgeous <a href="http://www.theclothseller.co.uk/userimages/Heavyweight(1910145).htm">heavyweight interior fabrics</a> by <a href="https://modgreenpod.com/collection/fabric-prints/">Mod Green Pod</a>.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Finally some news about one of my favourite sellers - Julia of <a href="http://www.gonetoearth.co.uk/">Gone to Earth</a>. The Gone to Earth blog has moved house and you can now find it <a href="http://gonetoearth.typepad.com/">just here</a>! So don't forget to pop round there and make sure that you are up to date with all the news. To celebrate (not sure if that is the right word!) the move, Julia is having a brilliant giveaway of a fab book called <a href="http://gonetoearth.typepad.com/gonetoearth/2010/07/fat-quarters-and-designer-fabrics.html">Small Stash Sewing</a>... really, what more reason do you need to go and take a peek? </span></span><br />
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</div>Craft Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06305376463091108389noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337409411248280914.post-70610683870082061542010-07-20T11:49:00.000+01:002010-07-20T11:49:36.140+01:00Space Invader!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDYBfxZQtdMWAd0T_JZm-CGrJynowcknsEPkD1VnG8XVtgdZ6wXNLlHm_QoO_fAKTZQSC0jxkBFcD0ynNQ-h8nKHeQZWOxVVjuXtiz9damArNGc_dv9olg_scymoWwSgJmWwscqLPcWU/s1600/toms+design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDYBfxZQtdMWAd0T_JZm-CGrJynowcknsEPkD1VnG8XVtgdZ6wXNLlHm_QoO_fAKTZQSC0jxkBFcD0ynNQ-h8nKHeQZWOxVVjuXtiz9damArNGc_dv9olg_scymoWwSgJmWwscqLPcWU/s320/toms+design.jpg" width="266" /></a>Our rather precipitous return from our camping holiday meant that I had time to put together an entry for the <a href="http://www.crafteroo.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=7243.msg54823#msg54823">Crafteroo Forum Summer Challenge</a> (there's still time if you can get something made by Friday!). The theme is Space Invaders - which I've interpreted very loosely as anything vaguely alien! I used Tom's (my youngest twin by 2 minutes) drawing of an alien as my starting point. Here's the drawing - cute isn't it?! Tom has just started drawing obsessively after barely picking up a pencil or felt tip before. We are quite astounded and feeling very proud of him - we love his pictures - they are so full of imagination and verve. I've been wondering if I could try and get them printed up onto T-shirts and maybe even on some fabric. I'm definitely going to look into that... my son the designer!<br />
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I thought about creating a softy with some felt, but in the end decided to turn to my trusty crochet hook, especially as I have lots of lovely new colours of yarn, picked up in the sale at my local wool shop. Here's the finished article - I dithered about adding a trunk-like mouth, but in the end decided I like it how it is.. poor alien is going to have to take in sustenance in some other way! I also can't decide if it's a male or female, which is hampering any attempt to think of a name.. any suggestions gratefully accepted. Maybe I should ask Tom... <br />
<br />Craft Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06305376463091108389noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337409411248280914.post-18228912949279783092010-07-18T20:17:00.000+01:002010-07-18T20:17:48.763+01:00Holiday Drama!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">Well, we have had such a week in our tent in Wales... Ned and I are pretty seasoned campers by now - we've been camping as a couple since the early 90s, and with the boys since they were 9 months old. As you can seen from our lovely camping set up - we take it all pretty seriously! We're particularly proud of our tarpaulin... but maybe that's something that only fellow campers will appreciate...</span><br /><div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">In all our years of camping though, we've never experienced weather as bad as we had last week. We coped ok in the rain - in fact we rather like sitting in a cosy tent, with hot cups of tea, just spending time with the boys. And we had some lovely sunny spells too, when we spent time exploring the hills and rivers nearby, and taking a ride on the local narrow gauge steam railway. It was all going pretty well, in spite of the very damp conditions. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">However, on Thursday night at about 11pm, the wind started to get up very strongly. We rushed outside and cleared away what we could and then went off to bed, hoping that all would be ok. I don't know about Ned, but I spent the next 2 hours praying that the tent would not collapse on top of us! It's hard to describe how scary it is to be inside a tent that is being violently wrenched about in the wind... </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">Sadly, at about 1am, a guy rope was ripped away from the tent causing one of the main tent poles to collapse. All of this was totally fixable, but not in pitch darkness in a howling gale, with rather upset children to sort out. We dived out of the tent and spent the rest of the night squeezed into our car, trying to get a bit of sleep. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">The next day saw us waking early to more torrential rain and a lot of very wet stuff... For the first time ever we decided to give up on a holiday and come home... So here we are, back early, but glad to be safe and sound. We had lovely fish and chips last night and I've made scrumptious Victoria sponge today to cheer us up. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">S</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">ome good things on our return: </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">An Etsy order from from someone who had actually been waiting for me to turn off my Vacation Mode setting - what a compliment! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">T</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">he crochet project that I took with me to work on during the holiday survived all the trauma, and is looking pretty good so far.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">Our garden is looking very pretty after some much needed rain.. tomatoes are growing to epic proportions and I harvested 4 courgettes for our pizza tonight.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">So it's not too bad to be home (and we are planning to go camping again in September...). </span></div>Craft Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06305376463091108389noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337409411248280914.post-33335255118549220732010-07-11T19:46:00.000+01:002010-07-11T19:46:48.089+01:00Off on my holidays...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Bye for a bit!</span></span></b></div>
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<br />Craft Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06305376463091108389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337409411248280914.post-43230567343272757972010-07-08T21:41:00.010+01:002010-07-08T23:19:30.365+01:00Finished this one today<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMDHoaH_35S56N6Zqk3_Dx3LXB4Ahi9e22Is_edfLqrHBsLu_-2e2dDJUrDbRwfquY4esk9lz8cS8BnlOkJJo-1yrQvKKWfZXVtNpGxwNecg2nYVKxaxdvYeCkcP52Qya-w2VES6TOhOU/s1600/DSCF8042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMDHoaH_35S56N6Zqk3_Dx3LXB4Ahi9e22Is_edfLqrHBsLu_-2e2dDJUrDbRwfquY4esk9lz8cS8BnlOkJJo-1yrQvKKWfZXVtNpGxwNecg2nYVKxaxdvYeCkcP52Qya-w2VES6TOhOU/s320/DSCF8042.jpg" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I'm trying to finish a couple projects off before we go off on our camping trip to Wales on Monday. Now that the World Cup has finished we are free to leave the house! I'm really looking forward to getting away and living the outdoor life for a few days. Nothing beats cooking and eating in the open air - I love it. And I can't wait to be sitting by the campfire with Ned, drinking single malt and looking at the stars.. just the World Cup Final, the 3rd place play-off match (why?), oh yeah, and the packing to do first...</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So, back to the bag.... It's shoulder bag size, fully lined with an internal pocket (more zips!) AND I made bias binding, so I'm feeling most pleased with myself. As usual when I make something just out of my head, I am feeling slightly panicky now that I wont remember how to make it again. And as usual, if I say this to Ned, he'll just say - "didn't you write it down?". Well durrrr! Doesn't he know that writing it down would just interrupt my creative flow?!</span></span>Craft Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06305376463091108389noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337409411248280914.post-55510678274540616422010-07-06T21:57:00.007+01:002010-09-01T00:09:49.116+01:00A Big List of Fabric Sellers in the UK<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><b>I'm leaving this here for the time being - but <a href="http://veryberryhandmade.wordpress.com/about/big-list-of-uk-fabric-shops/">the most up to date version of this list</a> can be found on my new blog at <a href="http://veryberryhandmade.wordpress.com/">Very Berry Handmade</a>. Please come round and say hello. </b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A couple of friends, who know about my fabric addiction, have recently asked me to send links to good online sellers. It made me realise that when you're starting out with sewing, it's difficult to know what the best fabric places are - and of course there seems to be new places opening up all the time. I've also seen lots of interesting sounding shops advertised recently in Sew Hip and Selvedge magazines that I'd love to investigate in the future (hope my other half isn't reading this...), so I'd make a big list of UK based fabric sellers who have a good selection of cottons for patchwork, dressmaking and accessory-making. Feel free to get in touch and recommend others if you know of them - and if you've used any of the shops listed here and have feedback, then I'd love to hear from you - then I can update the list with your experiences. Btw, the fabric images are for decoration only, and not an indication that they're available in the shops listed...</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I've tried to limit this list to those shops with really good user interface, really good stock and/or unusual fabrics. Some sites haven't made it because I'm not particularly into their fabrics or the website is just too dreadful to use. Sites in bold are those that I've actually bought from myself.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 26px;"><a href="http://www.abakhan.co.uk/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Abakahn</span></span></b></a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Masses of 100% cotton to choose from - but mostly fairly traditional choices. Huge variety of other craft and dressmaking fabrics available too.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.africanfabric.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">African Fabric Shop</span></span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A fabulous shop with a lovely range of fabrics that could never be described a run of the mill. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Gorgeous beads and some really good kits too.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><a href="http://www.backstitch.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Backstitch</span></span></a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Not an enormous selection of fabric, but very well chosen (<a href="http://www.kaffefassett.com/Fabrics.html">Kaffe Fasset</a>t, <a href="http://valoriwells.com/">Valori Wells</a>, <a href="http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/main.php?fl=0">Amy Butler</a> etc.). There is a really excellent selection of patterns including <a href="http://www.oliverands.com/">Oliver + S</a> and <a href="http://www.colettepatterns.com/">Colette</a>.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><a href="http://www.celticfusionfabrics.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Celtic Fusion Fabrics</span></span></a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Another very well chosen range with some designers & manufacturers that you don't see everywhere else, such as <a href="http://saffroncraig.com/">Saffron Craig</a>, <a href="http://www.itonao.com/">Naomi Ito</a> (Nano Iro fabrics) & <a href="http://www.westfalenstoffe.de/main.php?target=home&lang=en">Westfalenstoffe</a>. The pictures on the website are lovely, but I find the white on blue text a little difficult to read.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.theclothseller.co.uk/">The Cloth Seller</a></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Cloth Seller specialises in organic and fair trade fabrics. This is a revelation if you're used to the standard organic and fair trade fabrics that are out there... They have cottons, jerseys, lawn and velvet & furnishing fabrics in stock, and manufacturers/designers include <a href="http://www.westfalenstoffe.de/main.php?target=home&lang=en">Westfalenstoffe</a>, <a href="http://www.daisyjanie.com/">Daisy Janie</a> (they are the UK distributor for Daisy Jainie) and <a href="https://modgreenpod.com/collection/fabric-prints/">Mod Green Pod</a>.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://clothaholics.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Clothaholics.com</span></span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Kimono, Genshodo and indigo fabrics.</span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiU6LTSMyr5-_uAtNUqKyHwaPMawZP-UHQJ7W5cQrRbdZJXluLiI8tSDyM_5b4Fob6f4gtx8DCfdF-MazC_G4b1CFR-Roky4fMpE3nxYgwtWtPhsZCV9gAIrbQ_CdwS-xUiuwhmnTsUxU/s1600/heatherb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiU6LTSMyr5-_uAtNUqKyHwaPMawZP-UHQJ7W5cQrRbdZJXluLiI8tSDyM_5b4Fob6f4gtx8DCfdF-MazC_G4b1CFR-Roky4fMpE3nxYgwtWtPhsZCV9gAIrbQ_CdwS-xUiuwhmnTsUxU/s200/heatherb.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<a href="http://cottonpatch.co.uk/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Cotton Patch</span></span></b></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I really like Cotton Patch - because of their enormous range of fabric, notions, patchwork and quilting gadgets, books, patterns, fabric bundles & threads they are an essential destination for quilters in the UK. You could spend hours (and a fortune!) on this website. If you think you are going to be a regular, it is well worth joining one of their clubs which entitles you to discounts. There are some downsides - if you order a 1/4 metre you seem to get a skinny quarter rather than a fat quarter, the site is a bit catalogue-ish (lots of long lists), and delivery can be slow unless you pay for the expensive Express option.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.croftmill.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Croft Mill</span></span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Lots of fun fabrics from people who are clearly very enthusiastic about their work. Really excellent prices too.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://dittofabrics.co.uk/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ditto</span></span></b></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A lovely range of dressmaking fabrics (and some cottons that would be great for patchwork and other sewing) at good prices. You can order online but payment is taken over the phone.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.doughtysonline.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Doughty's Online</span></span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A new site to me, but has a wonderful selection of fabric at some GREAT prices. A really big range of <a href="http://www.kaffefassett.com/Fabrics.html">Kaffe Fassett</a> (always a draw for me) & other Rowan designers, and some very tempting batiks too. They also have lots of other fabrics, yarns, threads and craft materials. The website is also very easy to navigate, and they have a pricematch feature. I shall definitely be testing them out very soon.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKG68y0NncX5c5aXZ0Y7bkHBhO7eKL_VNky0YwLMeNRruJwoZPGte5KYhzXCc9zgej394BLdE8uPf3u2ru2TcJ-G6AThn4oyuWQ_VuvhtFgNEMKx5Lr-j8ON5HJVRmYGAnehUjZ-2Sfxs/s1600/echino.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKG68y0NncX5c5aXZ0Y7bkHBhO7eKL_VNky0YwLMeNRruJwoZPGte5KYhzXCc9zgej394BLdE8uPf3u2ru2TcJ-G6AThn4oyuWQ_VuvhtFgNEMKx5Lr-j8ON5HJVRmYGAnehUjZ-2Sfxs/s200/echino.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 19px;"><a href="http://www.emmagarry.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Emma Garry Designs</span></span></a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/main.php?fl=0">Amy Butler</a>, <a href="http://heatherbailey.typepad.com/">Heather Bailey</a> and more. Not masses to choose from, but some good stuff here. There are also patterns, kits, and some beautiful handmade items.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.eternalmaker.com/index.php?cPath=63_68"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Eternal Maker</span></a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">There are huge quantities of lovely fabrics here (lots & lots of gorgeous <a href="http://www.kokka.co.jp/en/">Kokka</a> stuff for example), but it's quite to find them because the menus are quite hard to locate. 11/10 for stock, but it would be so fantastic if it was just a little bit easier to navigate the site.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.fancymoon.co.uk/">Fancy Moon</a></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A really excellent range of fabric - specialising in Alexander Henry amongst others. You can browse by designer, manufacturer and theme, which makes finding what you want very easy. The fabrics from the various designers are very well chosen. A real bonus is a big range of interior fabrics by Etsuko Furuya for Kokka. </span><br />
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<a href="http://stores.ebay.co.uk/fabric-garden"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Fabric*Garden (on Ebay)</span></span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Nice selection, including some lovely Japanese fabrics such as Sunny Place and <a href="http://www.kokka.co.jp/en/">Kokka</a>. Seller has a 100% feedback rating.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.fabricinspirations.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Fabric Inspirations</span></span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I love the range of fabrics here, but I have to say I find the menu options on the website very limiting (thematic search only, very useful in itself, but what if you are after a particular designer or colour?), so I find it rather frustrating.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.fabricland.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Fabric Land</span></span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This website is a total blast from the past and exhausting to use, but the prices mean that it can't be left out. No designer fabrics here, but lots of useful stuff at good prices (if you can find them...).</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.fabricrehab.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Fabric Rehab</span></span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Really lovely selection of more unusual contemporary fabrics, with the emphasis on retro and funky. A deservedly popular site, with a great design, but I would love more non-thematic menu options for browsing.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.fabricsplus.co.uk/index.php?"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Fabrics Plus</span></span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A selection from <a href="http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/main.php?fl=0">Amy Butler</a>, <a href="http://annamariahorner.blogspot.com/">Anna Maria Horne</a>r, <a href="http://heatherbailey.typepad.com/">Heather Bailey</a>, <a href="http://www.denadesigns.com/">Dena Designs</a>, <a href="http://www.makoweruk.com/">Makower</a> and <a href="http://www.unitednotions.com/un_main.nsf/main?openpage">Moda</a>.</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 22px;"><a href="http://www.gagafabrics.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Gaga Fabrics</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Funky and retro fabrics with a lovely clear interface. Not a vast selection, but some very tempting things here, and the selection is a bit different.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.gonetoearth.co.uk/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Gone to Earth</span></span></b></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I'm a regular at Gone to Earth - the customer service is second to none, and there is a very well chosen range of fabrics, patterns and notions which means that you're very likely to find almost everything you want. Delivery is always incredibly fast too.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.gossypium.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Gossypium</span></span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Organic and fair trade fabric - not much choice at the moment but included because it's fair trade and organic.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.liberty.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Liberty</span></span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Lucky you if you can afford it! But always worth a look for a bit of inspiration if nothing else. The </span></span><a href="http://www.liberty.co.uk/fcp/categorylist/dept/fabrics_new?resetFilters=true"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">new season stuff</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> at the moment is absolutely delicious.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><a href="http://www.lucylovesfabric.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">LucyLovesFabric</span></span></a></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifs6hZh0xvBwK538v8vq6S5P-TiEhnn-ICvxqVquGYcxYyc3_0B_Vurj_mva_F3gtP_9bzTwMkAyZv0quAK5fI07xe8urRdE_b1uvW16e6iL3sYswQS0weQzURcBO2dVLLXulkE1FC2Ro/s1600/kaffe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifs6hZh0xvBwK538v8vq6S5P-TiEhnn-ICvxqVquGYcxYyc3_0B_Vurj_mva_F3gtP_9bzTwMkAyZv0quAK5fI07xe8urRdE_b1uvW16e6iL3sYswQS0weQzURcBO2dVLLXulkE1FC2Ro/s200/kaffe.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Some of the standard designers here - <a href="http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/main.php?fl=0">Amy Butler</a>, <a href="http://annamariahorner.blogspot.com/">Anna Maria Horner</a>, but also some really lovely vintage fabric finds. Definitely worth a look.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://lymingtonfabrics.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Lymington Fabrics</span></span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">They have a very good range including <a href="http://www.unitednotions.com/un_main.nsf/main?openpage">Moda</a> and Freedom Fabric. They have lots of fabric bundles, jelly rolls, charm packs on offer - which look fantastic. They also offer free delivery, which is always good.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.macculloch-wallis.co.uk/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">MacCulloch & Wallis</span></span></b></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Masses to choose from with the added bonus of huge quantities of gorgeous haberdashery.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.milliemoonshop.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Millie Moon</span></span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Not an enormous selection but some good fabrics including <a href="http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/main.php?fl=0">Amy Butler</a>, <a href="http://www.ahfabrics.com/">Alexander Henry</a> and Tilda.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.nerybethcrafts.co.uk/itcs/index.php"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Nerybeth Fabric and Crafts</span></span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Stocks <a href="http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/main.php?fl=0">Amy Butler</a>, <a href="http://www.kaffefassett.com/Fabrics.html">Kaffe Fassett</a>, <a href="http://annamariahorner.blogspot.com/">Anna Maria Horner</a>, <a href="http://heatherbailey.typepad.com/">Heather Bailey</a> and <a href="http://www.unitednotions.com/un_main.nsf/main?openpage">Moda</a>. Seems to have a very good range - sells sewing accessories & patterns too so this is a bit of a one stop shop.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 22px;"><a href="http://www.patchfabrics.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Patch Fabrics</span></span></a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Very nice site with a good selection of fabrics, including a fair few from <a href="http://www.michaelmillerfabrics.com/MMF/Home.cfm?Gid=1222">Michael Miller</a>. I particularly like the lovely fabric bundles and inspiration packs. If you are nervous about choosing fabrics then bundles are a good way to find stuff that go together.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQ-0LeTCdrTA30kxH5ZZ1nPgi_I44sRTFeVZ8eLRz4_k6mcFy12X4wVLGmlZTywJm5l-Z2Oz4nUbTBvQfDpQfvhGTZ86IU3RANdPBjXnf5Pg-_tKwdzLg3hB1vI0BomMUq0k675lDgoo/s1600/valoriw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQ-0LeTCdrTA30kxH5ZZ1nPgi_I44sRTFeVZ8eLRz4_k6mcFy12X4wVLGmlZTywJm5l-Z2Oz4nUbTBvQfDpQfvhGTZ86IU3RANdPBjXnf5Pg-_tKwdzLg3hB1vI0BomMUq0k675lDgoo/s200/valoriw.jpg" width="193" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 22px;"><a href="http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Quality-Fabrics-4U"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Quality Fabrics 4U</span></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> (on Ebay)</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This Ebay shop has one of the widest selections I have seen in this survey - majoring in <a href="http://www.michaelmillerfabrics.com/MMF/Home.cfm?Gid=1222">Michael Miller</a> and <a href="http://www.ahfabrics.com/">Alexander Henry</a>, with some good prices too.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.quilterscloth.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Quilters Cloth</span></a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A lovely site, with a really excellent menu to allow easy browsing. There appears to be an absolutely excellent range here, including gorgeous batiks. They have some lovely fabric bundles too.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.quiltroom.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Quilt Room</span></a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A strangely impersonal website, but there's some lovely fabrics here, including the gorgeous <a href="https://www.frenchgeneral.com/">French General Rouenneries</a>, and some lovely heritage and reproduction fabrics.</span></span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.raystitch.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ray Stitch</span></a></span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A really lovely new site with a gorgeous and very different selection of fabrics including <a href="http://cloud9fabrics.com/about.htm">Cloud 9</a>, <a href="http://www.kokka.co.jp/en/">Kokka</a>, and plain organic cottons.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.saintsandpinners.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Saints and Pinners</span></a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A very representative collection of all the current fave designers like Heather Bailey, <a href="http://grandrevivaldesign.typepad.com/">Tanya Whelan</a>, <a href="http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/main.php?fl=0">Amy Butler</a> & <a href="http://www.erinmc.com/home.html">Erin McMorris</a>. Very useful browsing menu too.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 22px;"><a href="http://www.seamstar.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Seamstar</span></span></a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Another shop with a really imaginative selection of fabrics, including <a href="http://www.sproutdesign.net.au/">sproutdesign</a> from Australia, <a href="http://www.hoodiescollection.com/fabric%201-2010/fabric%202010-1.html">Hoodie</a> and <a href="http://www.laurenandjessijung.com/">Lauren & Jessie Jung</a>. They've got some really great free project patterns on the site too - very inspirational.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So there you go - hope you find it useful.</span></span><br />
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</span></b></span></span>Craft Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06305376463091108389noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337409411248280914.post-14112051424300362362010-07-04T17:06:00.003+01:002010-07-04T19:37:23.843+01:00So, the dress is all finished...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvVJk5QLCISlVsTECArAC1Y1y9w8hPexRHCz0KGXHXGQYi6u3blgHhDBzHCe32ZZmC13s1Kzwy3I3E-amw3xrFcQWE_UginZ4WAZ5ues8-msYQGDSlS8T89B7YpMSKgmFR4iN53662fEc/s1600/DSCF7946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvVJk5QLCISlVsTECArAC1Y1y9w8hPexRHCz0KGXHXGQYi6u3blgHhDBzHCe32ZZmC13s1Kzwy3I3E-amw3xrFcQWE_UginZ4WAZ5ues8-msYQGDSlS8T89B7YpMSKgmFR4iN53662fEc/s400/DSCF7946.jpg" width="220" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Here it is.. not a terribly exciting photo I'm afraid, but at least it proves I tackled the dressmaking and survived. Actually, it was pretty straightforward and unstressful in the end. The pattern was a very easy one, and my sewing skills have significantly improved since I last did any proper clothes making. I really enjoyed doing it, and am pleased with how it's turned out. It's lovely and comfy to wear, and I think quite flattering too. Having said all that, after nearly reducing myself to tears of frustration trying to find some fabric I liked to make the 'proper' version of the dress, I've decided to wear something else for the wedding. And to cheer myself up I have bought a pair of <a href="http://www.clarks.co.uk/find/onsale-is-onsale/size-is-_5bd/colour-is-red/product-is-20339682">these gorgeous red sandals</a> as my starting point... Well, a girl can change her mind (and buy shoes) can't she?! </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I was tempted to just wear this dress, but there is a weird stripe on one side, because I bought it from a remnant shop. It was quite liberating working with such cheap fabric - it was great not to have to worry too much about cutting in the wrong place on some expensive stuff - I think that was partly what I was stressing about when it came to buying more fabric. The upside of all this is that I have a lovely new casual summer dress, which I think will look great later on in the year too, with a long-sleeve top underneath, or a cardie on top. Result!</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Now, I'm off back to lie on the sofa and digest <a href="http://seasonal-matters.blogspot.com/2010/07/gooseberry-fool-recipe.html">my gooseberry fool</a>.. ahh, Sunday afternoon bliss...</span></span>Craft Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06305376463091108389noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337409411248280914.post-69720037789209843592010-06-25T21:04:00.002+01:002010-06-25T21:33:02.593+01:00Dressmaking...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My little brother is getting married this summer, and rather than traipse round the shops looking for, and not finding, something good to wear I have decided to make something for myself... I want to do something a little bit different so I had a look at all the wonderful vintage patterns that are available on Etsy. There are tons sellers of vintage patterns available on Etsy - I used </span></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Goofingoff"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Goofing Off</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">, and was really impressed with the quick delivery from the USA.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Here's the one I bought:</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQDJLRtYK8TZwmDhKbXepX5_787MSqjiLD3vk0K4t0fWereOS5i2oLXeuRivm7-u8kYr3YSkfAdhfIM6-YKwmNwJ1_TiIXF8KnuWTAeMpdeWm5nIn7SBn1ATRH8HFYaqZqIvyjGViTKE/s1600/pattern+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQDJLRtYK8TZwmDhKbXepX5_787MSqjiLD3vk0K4t0fWereOS5i2oLXeuRivm7-u8kYr3YSkfAdhfIM6-YKwmNwJ1_TiIXF8KnuWTAeMpdeWm5nIn7SBn1ATRH8HFYaqZqIvyjGViTKE/s320/pattern+cover.jpg" /></span></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I'm making the sleeveless version, and am planning to crochet a little shrug or spencer to wear with it (maybe whilst we're on holiday next month), just in case! Rather than rush straight in there with the final version, I am making a prototype with some cheap grey fabric. It's going really well so far, but I wont speak too soon! </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As usual Flickr is a brilliant resource for inspirational dressmaking. </span></span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamephotos/sets/72157606567157676/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Mame*'s Clothes I Made</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> is an incredible line-up of gorgeous clothes, many made with vintage fabrics. </span></span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamephotos/3319441367/in/set-72157606567157676/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This dress</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> is my favourite, I think, but it's hard to decide!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Yesterday I listed a few new things on Etsy too - here they are in all their glory:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/32221538@N05/4733295643/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="New stuff by Craft Matters, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img alt="New stuff" height="257" hspace="5" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1226/4733295643_eb8d86a7cf_b.jpg" vspace="5" width="512" /></span></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I had such a busy day, because I also managed to squeeze in a bit of domesticity. I made a sourdough, some rhubarb compote and a new batch of our addictive House Granola. It's so good, I've written up </span></span><a href="http://seasonal-matters.blogspot.com/2010/06/our-granola.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">the recipe</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> for you on our Seasonal Matters blog - give it a try!</span></span></div></div>Craft Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06305376463091108389noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337409411248280914.post-36728066013295406492010-06-16T22:15:00.001+01:002010-06-16T22:25:26.818+01:00It's a start..!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The bags of fabric bits are oppressing me... And in spite of wanting to get going with some patchwork projects, at this time of year (busy in the garden), I haven't got time to experiment with anything too complicated. So thinking of lovely strippy quilts that I've seen <a href="http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=strippy+quilt">on Flickr</a> and at the <a href="http://www.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/future_exhibs/Quilts/index.html">V&A exhibition</a>, I decided to just start sewing little pieces of fabric into strips and think about what to do with them later. It was lovely to sit and sew in straight lines, and not worry too much about colour and design! So once I had my strip, what to do with it? Here's what I came up with..</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8QN8HqFYYY6Dr62cQkActWuS-Sk_8r5VhSXNj2PN44SQg1lKYEQkG8gz0hLOhMmfHrXTOX4WoThlyh5-cWy2VoVtWt5OWRpXYtWLoZgqs44SJr0GFdbqHK9fr3Q2a7Gndsk_gmw41SQc/s1600/DSCF7627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8QN8HqFYYY6Dr62cQkActWuS-Sk_8r5VhSXNj2PN44SQg1lKYEQkG8gz0hLOhMmfHrXTOX4WoThlyh5-cWy2VoVtWt5OWRpXYtWLoZgqs44SJr0GFdbqHK9fr3Q2a7Gndsk_gmw41SQc/s400/DSCF7627.jpg" width="400" /></span></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Yes... it's another zippered pouch... Now I've worked out how to do this kind of zipper I can't stay away from them. This time I've made the zip look even neater by covering the ends in this lovely tidy way. The other thing to know about this colourful little pouch is that the lovely grey linen used to be a skirt and that sophisticated grey and white lining fabric is an ex-shirt. I do like to recycle - it gives me a real buzz not to throw things away.... but it does, of course, mean a lot more bags of fabric. Oh dear!</span></span></div>Craft Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06305376463091108389noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337409411248280914.post-1942058848141694382010-06-13T16:40:00.001+01:002010-06-13T16:44:00.144+01:009 Patch Perfection<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">We've been talking about the attractions and problems of hoarding on <a href="http://atakitchentable.com/">At A Kitchen Table</a> (the lovely parenting forum where I hang out). I'm not really a hoarder because I really don't like clutter, but you wouldn't know it if you saw my house! It's</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"> overflowing with fabric, yarn, craft books, magazines, buttons, and all sorts of crafting ephemera. Partly it's because our storage is really limited, but it's also because I really can't bear to throw away anything that is bigger than absolutely tiny! So I am hugely keen to get going with some patchwork to use up some of the masses amounts of scraps that I have 'stored' in carrier bags... I'd quite like to make some 9 patch and log cabin pin cushions, and maybe, if I have some bigger pieces, I could try some proper-sized cushions...</span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">I've been browsing on Flickr for some 9 patch inspiration... Look at these beauties!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1277/4695928883_b0fcefd63e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1277/4695928883_b0fcefd63e_b.jpg" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1. </span></span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/georgiamcdonald/4605101145/in/faves-32221538@N05/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1930's 9-patch quilt</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, 2. </span></span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/redpepperquilts/3060105557/in/faves-32221538@N05/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Nine-Patch Quilt</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, 3. </span></span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/twinfibers/3676262843/in/faves-32221538@N05/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">crazy9patch11</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, 4. </span></span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bloominworkshop/2584624403/in/faves-32221538@N05/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hugs & Kisses</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, 5. </span></span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/handpicked/4450891581/in/faves-32221538@N05/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">9 errrr.....10 Patch Baby Quilt</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, 6. </span></span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29079159@N02/3766288067/in/faves-32221538@N05/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">9 A Day Quilt Along</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, 7. </span></span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/11712869@N00/3066318609/in/faves-32221538@N05/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">scrap 9 patch close</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, 8. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uppitygirl/4409679019/in/faves-32221538@N05/">crazy nine patch quilt</a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So, what are you guilty of hoarding? Tell me all about it! I was actually thinking of doing a hoard-busting challenge (with a prize of course - maybe I could declutter some of my craft books!) - if you're interested in playing along, please do say (you're not committing yourself - just expressing an interest!), and I'll try and think of some rules...</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div>Craft Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06305376463091108389noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337409411248280914.post-44439040404044310692010-06-11T16:01:00.000+01:002010-06-11T16:01:04.127+01:00Getting all prepared!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I'm off to the </span></span><a href="http://www.creativeopenworkshops.com/handmade-market-12th-june-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Creative Open Workshops Handmade Fair</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> tomorrow, so I'm getting myself sorted today - finishing off a few bits of pieces, doing some ironing (yawnnnnnn....) and making price labels. I've also taken advantage of the sudden appearance of the sun to dash out and put a net over my French beans - now they've finally germinated, something (wood pigeons maybe?) wants to nibble them. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I've just this minute finished this fab market trader apron so that I can keep my huge stash of cash nice and safe:</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSWicHWKsFCt9E8Q3GHfujdmK3l7jf31JEgCvPlnRg-w5vouI6kHi-b5VG1ls93iXXPxlDnsJ1KwW5fdP3sWMrm4hZKVjU6dbJ_khT25tpFAB1JEvscCpbZDf7EPFoN2atRO87SUPpuu4/s1600/DSCF7312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSWicHWKsFCt9E8Q3GHfujdmK3l7jf31JEgCvPlnRg-w5vouI6kHi-b5VG1ls93iXXPxlDnsJ1KwW5fdP3sWMrm4hZKVjU6dbJ_khT25tpFAB1JEvscCpbZDf7EPFoN2atRO87SUPpuu4/s320/DSCF7312.jpg" /></span></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I used this ace tutorial by </span></span><a href="http://kitschycoo.blogspot.com/2009/05/craft-vendor-apron-tutorial.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">KitschyKoo</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> (yes, I copied her spotty fabric choice too - what can I say, I'm easily influenced). The floral fabric is some groovy Free Spirit stuff that I picked up cheap at </span></span><a href="http://www.abakhan.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Abakhan</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> (genius shop). Feeling a bit nervous about tomorrow because I've decided to go on the train - hopefully there wont be any hold ups and my bags wont be too heavy! Wish me luck!</span></span>Craft Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06305376463091108389noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337409411248280914.post-80378759765971624012010-06-07T20:41:00.001+01:002010-06-07T20:47:22.815+01:00Conquered the Zipper...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWdME_JwIc7iMk73QHtKeANh33ihtOJXbQPx3-ni1Q_zwMhYQoaZU2hglVRXEahAJfjiOpCMArvkoZSWIkODspo5-655gNFJ4GoJ03nn8Wv8AePne7OEVkZfzm_vMK_CzfhLYNvAUI4-M/s1600/DSCF7279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWdME_JwIc7iMk73QHtKeANh33ihtOJXbQPx3-ni1Q_zwMhYQoaZU2hglVRXEahAJfjiOpCMArvkoZSWIkODspo5-655gNFJ4GoJ03nn8Wv8AePne7OEVkZfzm_vMK_CzfhLYNvAUI4-M/s320/DSCF7279.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I have really really struggled today to get to grips with making a lined, zippered pouch. Most people who have a go (judging from all the tutorials that are out there) seem to struggle with the outer fabric, zip, inner fabric sandwich that you make (doesn't that sound delicious) when you are starting to assemble fabrics plus zip, but I got my head round that ok. My big problem was that after sewing round all the edges and turning the complete purse the right way, the zipper didn't seem to sit quite right - no one goes into much detail about this bit, so I had no hints to help me on my way. I wont go into detail because it's very hard to explain if you haven't made one of these yourself (and, errr, a bit boring!), but the good news is I finally worked out where I was going wrong.. What a relief... So now I've mastered buttonholes and zips and I'm feeling pretty pleased with myself. Here's the finished pouch. I love these fabrics - the floral stuff is Geranium Leaf in Taupe (good grief taupe is a truly horrible word) by Philip Jacobs for Rowan. Cottonpatch have this in a few colours at the moment in </span></span><a href="http://www.cottonpatch.co.uk/acatalog/Discount_Philip_Jacobs_Fabrics.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">their bargains section</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> at £1.85 per 1/4 metre. The other fabric is Cotton Shot in Sludge (!!) by Kaffe Fassett - it's absolutely lovely and not at all like sludge!</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/francine/PAqGxDHNiLSea1TTCU4qM4FpW7u7ZZVXEhWHNXPkloHVK1TZA3l6iVJzHTeN/Handmade_12_June_MailChimp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/francine/PAqGxDHNiLSea1TTCU4qM4FpW7u7ZZVXEhWHNXPkloHVK1TZA3l6iVJzHTeN/Handmade_12_June_MailChimp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Mastering the pouch was a complete distraction from the great wallet search, but I needed something to give my brain a rest (I didn't plan on struggling with the zip!). I am hoping to make a few more of these before the weekend, using other fabrics too, to take along to </span></span><a href="http://www.creativeopenworkshops.com/handmade-market-12th-june-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Creative Open Workshops Handmade Market</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> that I'm doing this weekend (look - there's my needle book on the poster!). I'm really looking forward to this market, once I've got over the logistics of getting down to Birmingham. I've had a look at the things that the other sellers make and I really have to remember NOT to take too much money with me otherwise I'll be in great danger of spending more money than I make. </span></span>Craft Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06305376463091108389noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337409411248280914.post-37741941911114024222010-06-01T19:21:00.005+01:002010-06-01T20:25:42.101+01:00Wallet 1.0<table cellpadding="5"><tbody><tr><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/32221538@N05/4659953637/" title="Prototype wallet (1) by Craft Matters, on Flickr"><img style="float:left" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/4659953637_04efcb5470.jpg" width="400" height="328" alt="Prototype wallet (1)" hspace="5" vspace="5" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">So after a bit of time thinking, drawing and sewing, here's my 1st attempt at a wallet. Don't look too closely or you'll spot a few mistakes. Put it this way - it wont be appearing in my shop any time soon! I've found that it's very rare for me to hit upon a design that you're happy with the first time round, and this time is no exception. There's quite a few slightly dodgy sections here!<br /><br /></span></span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/32221538@N05/4659948705/" title="Prototype wallet (1) by Craft Matters, on Flickr"><img style="float:right" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4023/4659948705_c3d2278f75.jpg" width="300" height="197" alt="Prototype wallet (1)" hspace="5" vspace="5" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The positives: I'm really happy with the outer section - it looks very simple and (I hope) sophisticated - although I must say it's really hard to go wrong with this yummy Amy Butler fabric. I also like the layout - 3 card pockets, a little section for change, another pocket for receipts, shopping lists, stamps and all that other ephemeral I seem to collect in my wallet, and a section for paper money (that you can't see - it's in between the outer fabric and all the inner pockets.<br /><br />The negatives: in my enthusiasm to get it all finished I forgot to topstitch the pockets, which means they look a bit wonky and a bit home-made rather than handmade... There's also a bit too much clumsy stitching and bumpy seams for me to be completely happy with it - that was mainly because I miscalculated the seam allowance, so had to squeeze everything a bit too much so that it would fold up right. The main design problem is that seam down the middle of the inner section - it makes everything far too bulky and hard to sew and fold. So, I'm off to have a rethink... By the way - if you want to leave a comment, I would love to knwow what you look for in a wallet..</span></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Craft Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06305376463091108389noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337409411248280914.post-77280359300247938462010-05-29T22:07:00.002+01:002010-05-29T22:19:37.527+01:00New Facebook Store<table cellpadding="5"><tbody><tr><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/32221538@N05/4651091244/" title="facebook store by Craft Matters, on Flickr"><img style="float:left" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/4651091244_52301d38c5_o.jpg" width="400" height="324" alt="facebook store" hspace="5" vspace="5" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I'm proud to announce the launch of my new store on Facebook! Here's the link:<br /><br /></span></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/craftmatters?v=app_135607783795&ref=ts"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Craft Matters on Facebook</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">.<br /><br />For the next couple of days (until the end of May), to celebrate the launch and because we're all in holiday mode, all Facebook Fans will get a 5% discount. So pop along now to have a look. </span></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Craft Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06305376463091108389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337409411248280914.post-60576196846977892752010-05-28T20:19:00.006+01:002010-05-28T21:21:16.955+01:00Quilts 1700-2010 at the V&A<table cellpadding="5"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/32221538@N05/4648373618/" title="Ann West's Quilt from the V&A exhibition by Craft Matters, on Flickr"><img style="float:left" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4060/4648373618_861401c687.jpg" width="358" height="400" alt="Ann West's Quilt from the V&A exhibition" hspace="5" vspace="5" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I had a wonderful time in London last weekend - and have been trying to catch up with myself every since which is why I haven't updated recently.<br /><br />The </span></span><a href="http://www.vam.ac.uk/collections/textiles/quilts-1700-2010/exhibition/index.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Quilt exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> was an absolute joy - I spent a good couple of hours having a look at the wonderful quilts that they have collected together. The only down side was the poor quality of the information provided alongside the pieces - I assume that was an attempt to encourage you to buy the book linked to the exhibition... I would have loved to read more information about the practicalities of putting together quilts, but that was sadly lacking. However, the quality of the items on display more than made up for that. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I could probably go on at length about almost ever piece in the exhibition, but as I don't have any photographs (not allowed) I'll just mention my favourite piece a coverlet (i.e. it is not wadded) created in 1820 by Ann West, who it seems, was probably a tailor in the Somerset area. It is created on a wool background with masses of wool applique and is a very early example of this kind of work as well as being the only known example of work like this created by a woman (they were often created by male tailors to advertise their work). </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/32221538@N05/4648390304/" title="Detail from Ann West quilt by Craft Matters, on Flickr"><img style="float:left" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4065/4648390304_9f29fb8a28_o.jpg" width="408" height="306" alt="Detail from Ann West quilt" hspace="5" vspace="5" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The pieces of fabric have been manipulated and sewn so that the pictures she has made are incredibly textured, full of life and absolutely captivating. She has intertwined biblical scene and every day domestic vignettes - the central panel is a well loved biblical image of Adam naming the animals - the animals pictured include a squirrel, a robin, a goose, a peacock, a hedgehog, a turkey and a monkey, and the whole thing is adorned with very modern-looking wool flowers. In this detail you can see a little band of performers and street sellers - one playing a little violin, and others with masks. I have thought about this coverlet loads since I saw it - and always with a smile. Can you believe that it was discovered a few years ago, folded in a trunk in someone's garage. The owner used the money he got from its sale to fund a trip to the Football World Cup!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Since I've been home I've been working on my Facebook Store, putting the final touches for a VW Campervan ATC for a swap, and working on my design for a wallet, as well as trying to get our garden into some kind of order. It's been such a cold winter and spring, but with the recent warmer weather all the plants of gone completely crazy, trying to make up for lost time! It's lovely to be out there though - I don't think I'll be working on any huge quilts any time soon - definitely a winter activity.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div></td></tr></tbody></table>Craft Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06305376463091108389noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337409411248280914.post-89273838107078574992010-05-21T20:04:00.005+01:002010-05-21T20:42:44.243+01:00What I made today...<table cellpadding="10"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/32221538@N05/4626877011/" title="A bag for me by Craft Matters, on Flickr"><img style="float:left" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3372/4626877011_23d99f609b.jpg" width="430" height="500" alt="A bag for me" hspace="10" vspace="10" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I've been catching up with all the blogs I follow and popped round to </span></span><a href="http://kelly-handmadeathome.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Handmade at Home</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> - a lovely blog written by Kelly in West Sussex. First I was drawn to the lovely heathery colours of the </span></span><a href="http://kelly-handmadeathome.blogspot.com/2010/05/noro-boneyard.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Noro shawl</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> that she's recently completed, and then I spotted </span></span><a href="http://kelly-handmadeathome.blogspot.com/2010/05/my-new-favourite-bag.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">a lovely bag</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> she'd made too...<br /><br />To make her fab bag Kelly had used a tutorial and pattern from the </span></span><a href="http://verypurpleperson.com/2010/04/making-reversible-bag.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">VeryPurplePerson blog</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. It's a brilliant blog and a very wonderful pattern - quick to do, and the has a lovely shape. Here's my first attempt - I actually made it a little bit wider because I need to get a fair bit of stuff in it! It still looks good, but I think in future I'll stick to the pattern! I'm looking forward to making lots more. A good excuse to stock up on yet more fabric! The fabric I've used for this one is some vintageLaura Ashley fabric that I remember mum buying at a sale back in the mid-80s! I really love it... The buttons are Oxfam finds - I think they are glass and they are utterly fabulous. This one is definitely a me me me project! Novita the blogger from </span></span><a href="http://verypurpleperson.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">VeryPurplePerson</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, has some lovely patterns and tutorials, it's definitely worth popping round to take a look - there's lots of inspiration there.<br /><br />I'll be getting lots more inspiration tomorrow because I am off to London... partly I am catching up with old friends, but I'm also taking the opportunity to go to the Victoria and Albert Museum to see </span></span><a href="http://www.vam.ac.uk/collections/textiles/quilts-1700-2010/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Quilts: 1700-2010</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> - a major exhibition that they have on at the moment. Can't wait!</span></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Craft Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06305376463091108389noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337409411248280914.post-79460963831054668792010-05-17T21:55:00.003+01:002010-05-17T22:11:30.078+01:00Some New Needle Books<table cellpadding="10"><tbody><tr><td><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Here are some of the needle books I made in preparation for the craft fair the other week. Some pretty green ones:<br /></span></span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/32221538@N05/4616129889/" title="Green needlebooks by Craft Matters, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4008/4616129889_66dfb82f8d.jpg" width="500" height="252" alt="Green needlebooks" hspace="10" vspace="10" /></span></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/32221538@N05/4616129889/" title="Green needlebooks by Craft Matters, on Flickr"></a>The 1st uses some cute spotty fabric from Amy Butler called Sunspots, and the other is Floating Flowers by Kaffe Fassett, which is one of my all time favourite fabrics. Isn't that green button cute? I picked it up on ebay as part of a set of vintage buttons - I love it!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Here are some very BRIGHT needle books:</span></span></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/32221538@N05/4616134819/" title="Colourful needlebooks by Craft Matters, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/4616134819_a81a59c1ce.jpg" width="500" height="252" alt="Colourful needlebooks" hspace="10" vspace="10" /></span></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/32221538@N05/4616134819/" title="Colourful needlebooks by Craft Matters, on Flickr"></a>I love that combination of pink cord and blue button with the Free Spirit sewing-themed fabric. The heart fabric is thrifted - it's part of a blouse I bought last summer - partly re-purposed for a sun hat (which was very cute!), and now I've used this last bit for a needle book. It's very vibrant - you'd certainly struggle to lose this needle book amongst all your crafty bits and pieces! These are all up for sale </span></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CraftMatters1970"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">on Etsy</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> now, and will be coming to my in-development </span></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/craftmatters"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Facebook store</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> soon. Facebook fans will get a 5% discount during the first couple of days of my shop opening so sign up as a fan now! I'll be adding some more needle books over the next couple of days too.<br /></span></span></div></td></tr></tbody></table>Craft Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06305376463091108389noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337409411248280914.post-80785208844492991432010-05-14T16:47:00.006+01:002010-05-14T17:07:28.959+01:00Inspiring Wallets<table cellpadding="10"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/32221538@N05/4606707526/" title="Inspiring Wallets by Craft Matters, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/4606707526_7188ee5c5f.jpg" width="400" height="400" alt="Inspiring Wallets" hspace="10" vspace="10" /></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /><br />1. </span></span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cocoandmilkweed/3055639927/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">upcycled vintage leaf pocket wallet</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, 2. </span></span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xnickerx/3725678415/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">handmade wallet in designer fabrics</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, 3. </span></span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lbaccessories/3948460632/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Embroidered Wallet Plum Zinnia on Seafoam</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, 4. </span></span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bcharmer/3060093100/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Tomboy Wallet</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, 5. </span></span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48576091@N08/4444937990/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">plaid and fern purses</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, 6. </span></span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/11145451@N03/4441605858/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">crochet/sewn purse !</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, 7. </span></span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/glassbeach/1694243443/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">3 Pocket Flip Wallet-Lollipop Forest</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, 8. </span></span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/vanezia/4417281589/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">big wallet . ziazia.</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, 9. </span></span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurabucci/2991059468/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Wallet - Flower outlines</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Created with </span></span><a href="http://bighugelabs.com/" rel="nofollow"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">fd's Flickr Toys</span></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br />Other half and I both woke up feeling a bit under the weather today, so we've taken a long weekend (we home-school our boys and work from home so we get to do that kind of thing!) and we've tried to have a relaxing (if shivery) day.<br /><br />I've not been feeling like doing any proper crafting, so I've had a really enjoyable time browsing on Flickr for inspiration. A lot of people have mentioned how much they like the style of my needle books, but they don't sew... so I've been thinking that I'd like to design a wallet along similar lines.<br /><br />I'm trying to work out how I want to structure my design, and it's always worth having a look at how other people have approached the challenge. Aren't these examples really yummy? I'm sitting here now trying to work out which one is my favourite, but it's very difficult - number 3 and number 8 are extra wonderful, but really I love all of them. Which ones do you like best?<br /><br />I love this lovely flickr mosaic tool! It's great to play with - here's a mosaic of the knitting needle and crochet hook rolls that I've listed on Etsy this week.<br /><br /></span></span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/32221538@N05/4606812806/" title="Needle rolls by Craft Matters, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3335/4606812806_42c60317ff.jpg" width="400" height="200" alt="Needle rolls" hspace="10" vspace="10" /></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I was hoping to get more of my wares listed on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CraftMatters1970">Etsy</a> this week and set up my planned new Facebook Store... but the weather has been terrible for taking photos - it's been so cold and rainy here - so I'm hoping for a bit more brightness next week and some motivation to get through the long slog of listing everything. In the mean time - have a great weekend everyone!</span></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Craft Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06305376463091108389noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337409411248280914.post-57685380714830337712010-05-11T15:54:00.014+01:002010-05-12T17:50:25.964+01:00Craft Fair Essentials<table cellpadding="10"><tbody><tr><td><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/32221538@N05/4540185753/" title="Pin cushion by Craft Matters, on Flickr"><img style="float: left;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4041/4540185753_d3cf07303f.jpg" width="335" height="400" alt="Pin cushion" hspace="10" vspace="10" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I thought it would be really helpful to record all the helpful information I got from my fellow crafters when I was getting myself sorted for the fair last week.... yes, it's a craft fair tutorial..! I couldn't think of a good way of illustrating this one so here's a picture of a pin cushion which was the first thing that I sold at my first ever fair..</span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What you need to take:</span></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330033;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Stuff to sell</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(well of course!) - take as much as you can, and don't forget to practice your stall arrangement if it's your first time. Seeing my 'practice table' helped me feel a lot more confident about the whole thing.</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Price labels</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> - I grouped my items and used general labels so as not to clutter up my small table too much.<br /><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Wrapping stuff</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> - I used pre-cut tissue paper - and sticky tape in a dispenser.</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Carrier bags/other bags/your packaging of choice</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> - I just grabbed a load of bags we have saved at home.</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Cover for your table</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> - I chose a cream throw so that all my colourful fabrics stood out beautifully. I also spent aeons ironing the thing - which is very important! In future I am going to try and find something that doesn't crease...</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Large bulldog clips</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> - or something similar to hold yor table cover in place - I didn't have these and could definitely have done with them, to make sure nothing slipped. I expect that they would be absolutely essential at an outside fair on a windy day.<br /><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Large sign or banner</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> - to tell the world who you are.<br /><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Lots of lovely business cards</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> - and remember to give them out! I totally failed here - but next time will try a lot harder. I got so busy chatting to people that I forgot all about giving them my cards.<br /><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Small sign telling people more about your work and your inspiration </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> - I used an old photo frame that stood up nicely on my table without taking too much space. I found it really useful because it acted as a conversation starter with customers.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Display stands of your choice</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> - to create more space and some different levels on your table. I used boxes under my table cover which worked pretty well, but hope to invest in some more fabulous display stands when I can.</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Props to dress your table</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> - if you've got a large table then I think it's really worth while using a few bits and pieces to create a stronger brand image. I used crochet hooks, knitting needles and lovely colourful pins, vintage thread and buttons to add to the crafty vibe. </span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Paperwork</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> - basically whatever you need! For this particular fair I needed just my insurance details, but if you're using electrical stuff you need your safety certificates and you may need your table booking information too. </span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Receipt book and/or sales book</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> - to record your transactions. Pens and paper and a visitors book/mailing list for people to sign is also a really good idea.</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Box or money belt (!) for your cash</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> - a money belt would be particularly useful if you are doing a fair by yourself - that way you know where your money is at all time. If a money belt sounds like a really unattractive idea, pop over to Kitschy Coo's blog - she has a fantastic tutorial for a </span><a href="http://kitschycoo.blogspot.com/2009/05/craft-vendor-apron-tutorial.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Craft Vendor Apron</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. I would have made one if I'd had the time before the fair.<br /><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Float</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> - how much you need really depends on the price of your goods - it helps to have prices with whole numbers! I took about £50 in loose change and a few £5 - in the event I barely needed any of it, but it was good to feel confident that I had enough.</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Something crafty to do during quiet moments</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> - this can be a great conversation starter too. I had several conversations about crocheting flowers.</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Refreshments</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> - your hot drink of choice in a flask, a bottle of water, some non-messy sarnies (Jane of </span><a href="http://hookedyarn.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hooked Yarn</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> shared her experience of a very messy coronation chicken sandwich!) and biscuits to share with your fellow vendors. Don't waste your profits on buying food and drink at the fair!</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Trolley/case on wheel</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">s - to get your stuff from your car to the venue. I used the one that came free with my sewing machine - the 1st time I've used it!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Tissues, wet wipes, first aid stuff and make-up</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bin bags</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> - for any mess you create - this is also useful if you're outside and you need to keep your stuff protected when it rains.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';color:#990000;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And:</span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Research cheap convenient parking</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> - and print out a local map to get you there easily, if you don't have satnav.</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Dress in lots of layers</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> - that way you're prepared for whatever the weather - even though we were inside on Saturday I was pretty cold and wished I'd worn thicker tights!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So, I hope that's useful to you, I'm sure I'll be referring back to it now I've caught the craft fair bug... I've compiled all this information with a huge amount of input from:</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Toadybobbins (</span><a href="http://busyfingers-toady.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">blog</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> and </span><a href="http://www.folksy.com/shops/ToadyBobbins"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Folksy shop</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">)</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Big Blue Bed (</span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bigbluebed"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">etsy shop</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, </span><a href="http://www.folksy.com/shops/BigBlueBed"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">folksy shop</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> and </span><a href="http://www.bigbluebed.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">blog</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">)</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Gloria (</span><a href="http://www.dichro-findings.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">dichro-findings shop</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> and </span><a href="http://gardenglassworks.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">blog</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">)</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hooked Yarn (<a href="http://www.hookedyarn.co.uk">blog</a> and <a href="http://www.folksy.com/shops/gtlady">shop</a>)</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So a great big <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">THANK YOU!</span></b> goes to them.</span></span></span></span></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table>Craft Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06305376463091108389noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337409411248280914.post-64299062987334842732010-05-10T14:32:00.004+01:002010-05-10T15:10:12.758+01:00The Craft Fair!<table cellpadding="10"><tbody><tr><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">So, I really enjoyed my first craft fair...! I did lots of preparation and everything ran very smoothly - thanks to lots of really useful advice from my friends at </span></span><a href="http://www.crafteroo.co.uk/smf/index.php"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Crafteroo</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. Unfortunately it was an incredibly cold and rainy day and so customers were very thin on the ground - I would estimate that only about 30 or 40 people came through the doors, but in spite of that I made 5 sales - which is about 4 more than most... It was also really useful to chat with other sellers, do some networking and get some recommendations for good events to go to. Here's some photos of my packed up goodies:</span></span><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/32221538@N05/4594920327/" title="First ever craft fair - packing! by Craft Matters, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1174/4594920327_77fd147018.jpg" width="400" height="400" alt="First ever craft fair - packing!" hspace="10" vspace="10" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; ">One of the best things about the day is the lovely feedback I got from some of the buyers and other sellers. It was such a boost, and their kindness really helped me to ignore the buyers who clearly didn't share my taste... Can't wait to do my next fair now!</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table>Craft Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06305376463091108389noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337409411248280914.post-79258705968511112552010-05-02T15:40:00.003+01:002010-05-02T16:23:46.946+01:00Claire's Pin Cushion Swap<table cellpadding="10"><tbody><tr><td><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I'm so busy doing tons of creating in preparation for my 1st ever craft fair (have I mentioned this before??!!) next week, that this blog has been severely neglected. But, even though I feel quite panicky to be separated from my sewing machine just now, I really do need to do a little round up of the swaps I participated in during April - especially now that May is here! </span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">First up is </span></span></span></span></span><a href="http://clairesblog.paynedesign.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Claire's Pin Cushion Swap</span></span></span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">... My swap partner was </span></span></span></span></span><a href="http://frostedtreats.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Jessica of Frosted Treats</span></span></span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. She was really quick of the mark in getting my swap gift to me (a swap swot indeed!) - look at the dinky little pin cushion she made:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/32221538@N05/4514973093/" title="Lovely pin cushion from Jessica by Craft Matters, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2771/4514973093_379e5ffbc3.jpg" width="274" height="300" alt="Lovely pin cushion from Jessica" hspace="10" vspace="10" /></span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />It's so pretty and such a great idea to use a pretty cup as the base of the cushion. It's already seen plenty of use - it's very useful to have such a stable pin cushion to shove pins into when I'm feeling full of sewing frustrations...! She also sent me loads of lovely extra goodies (yarn, pretty buttons, trims and more!), all with a blue theme. What a treat!<br /><br />My return gift was sent at almost the very last minute - no change there then! - and I'm afraid that DISASTER STRUCK... (I may be overstating this a little)... it got caught up in all the volcanic ash delays and so Jessica had to wait very patiently for her swap goodies to arrive. Here's what I sent...</span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span><a href="hhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/32221538@N05/4561152688/" title="Pin cushion for Claire's Pin cushion swap by Craft Matters, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4068/4561152688_b1331006f7.jpg" width="295" height="300" alt="Pin cushion for Claire's Pin cushion swap" hspace="10" vspace="10" /></span></span></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="hhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/32221538@N05/4561152688/" title="Pin cushion for Claire's Pin cushion swap by Craft Matters, on Flickr"></a>Jessica makes gorgeous cupcake beads for </span></span></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/FrostedTreats"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">her Etsy shop</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, so I thought a cupcake theme was the obvious choice. I think she liked it - I certainly enjoyed making it. A very successful swap all round. You can see all the other pin cushions that were swapped over at the </span></span></span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/1371627@N21/pool/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Flickr pool</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. Thanks to the </span></span></span><a href="http://clairesblog.paynedesign.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">very talented Claire</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> for setting it up.<br /><br /></span></span></span></div></td></tr></tbody></table>Craft Mattershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06305376463091108389noreply@blogger.com3