Wednesday 28 December 2016

What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday #395

Here we are in that strange no man's land between Christmas and New Year. When you don't really know which day of the week it is. Luckily, Julia popped up in my news feed this morning, reminding me that is in fact Wednesday today.

























There was a small crafty project on the go yesterday afternoon and I took a quick snap at the kitchen table. That tiny baby that we welcomed into the family last December is now a whole year old. I know, I can't believe it either.


Wednesday 14 December 2016

What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday #393

I managed to get here on the right day this week. Nothing crafty on my kitchen table though. Today is the busiest day of December for me. It began at 6am, getting my girl off to college, and will end some time after 3am (and around 120 miles later) when we get back from the midnight showing of Rogue One.

I do have something to share. If you were one of my half a dozen visitors last week, you might remember the moose and Santa faces. This is where Santa ended up....

























The last Christmas card I make with my class, each December, is always a fun interactive one. To give to kids.....big or little.

























The hat is on a slider so that it can be lifted from Santa's head for a bit of a fun. It kept me amused for ages!

Happy to have found a little window to join in with Julia and the Deskers this lunchtime. Hope to have another this evening, between the school run/dinner and picking up my boy from work at 10pm, ready for the cinema. Now I'm off to pick up my Mum and drive over to visit my brother on his birthday. See you later.

Thursday 8 December 2016

What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday #392

Wednesday huh? I took the photo on Tuesday and I'm blogging it on Thursday. Ah well, it's been one of those weeks, which you'll already know if you were here on Monday.


























I had a class yesterday and a laptop that refused to recognise the internet router. I seem to have fixed the issue now, more by luck than judgement, so here I am a day late.

We used that cute little moose to adorn a gift card holder, similar to this one that I wrote a tutorial for a while back. Santa made his appearance on an interactive card for kids, big and little. I'll share that at the weekend.

Joining in with Julia and the Deskers, fashionably late.

Monday 5 December 2016

Memorandum Monday ~ Waiting Up

It's been a busy weekend around here. Lots to do on little sleep. Waiting up for my boy to come home from his work Christmas party on Friday and a night out with friends on Saturday. That was a first.

























As a result of those 1am and 3.50am bedtimes (the latter followed by a 6.30am alarm call to give him a lift to work) Sunday lunch was soup and a toasted sandwich.

Waving to Sian and the Mondayers on this grey December afternoon.

Thursday 1 December 2016

Snap! ~ Frosty

It's been a while since I joined in with Helena's meme. The temperature this morning prompted me to wrap up warm and get out to take a few quick snaps.














































































I don't think I'll be hanging out any washing today!

Wednesday 16 November 2016

What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday #389

Those four weeks flew by. I don't seem to have much time for my poor neglected blog these days. I taught a class this morning and snapped the contents of the kitchen table, once I'd unloaded the car. The tools of my trade.

























I've had two new ladies join the group in the last couple of months. The challenge is to build up their skills, beginning with the basics, but keep the projects interesting for those who have been coming several years. Today, that was a fairly simple box to hold four tealights. The lid lifts to reveal the contents.....

























.....and the drawer slides out to access them.

























The finished box makes a sweet little gift. That's it from me today. Linking up with Julia and the Deskers. I'm about to head out and pick up my girl. I'll be round to visit after dinner. Happy Wednesday.

Wednesday 19 October 2016

What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday #385

I'm very late to the party today. Had a class this morning and the rest of the day just disappeared. This was the scene at the kitchen table on Monday morning.

























I taught the baby wipe technique today and everyone had fun creating their own unique ink pad.

























The finished tree in Autumn colours.

Linking up with Julia and the Deskers, before Bake Off. Then an early night for me. Rock and Roll!

Sunday 16 October 2016

Finish-A-Long Q4 2016

I first came across the Finish-A-Long at the beginning of the year. I'd missed the deadline for the first quarter and intended to join in for the next. Then the whole university debacle happened and it got forgotten. Joining in with the #saturdaynightcraftalong, I saw a reminder on Archie the Wonder Dog's account, for the final round up of the year, and immediately wrote it on my to do list for today.

1. Maria Denmark Yasmin Yoke Skirt

























First up, the dressmaking project that has been hanging around the longest. I started to pin it together and couldn't figure out why the pocket linings wouldn't fit. Eventually, after much head scratching, I realised that I hadn't added the seam allowance when I cut them. I've written myself a helpful note on the pattern piece and just need to find a scrap of cotton to cut another set from.

2. Two Zip Hipster bag

























Here are the fabrics I shared on IG last night. I've pulled them from my stash to make a replacement for my much loved denim Fat Face bag, which is slowly falling apart. The gingham is a similar weight to the denim and together they will make the outside of the bag with the polka dots for the lining.

3. Colette Laurel dress

























This project stalled when I decided I wanted to make it sleeveless and realised I would need bias binding. I wanted to make my own from the Tree of Life fabric, but I'm thinking I might just buy some hot pink binding to match the zip and be done with it.

4. Roberts Collection dungaree dress

























This is the newest project on my list. I have a bit of a thing for denim dresses and this one looks perfect. I changed my mind on which fabric I'd use for the facings. Can't resist those polka dots.

5. Pyjama bottoms

























Lastly, those PJ bottoms I mentioned last weekend. Along with Sandra and Jo, I've challenged myself to get a pair of these made by the end of October. Finally pre-washed my lovely elephant fabric this afternoon and also found this Butterick pattern in my collection. I figured it would save me tracing off the one in Love at First Stitch. That should speed things up. The end of the month will come around all too soon.

I have many other sewing projects whirling round in my head (as always!) but I think that's enough to be going on with.

Monday 10 October 2016

Memorandum Monday ~ Stranger Things

It was a quiet weekend around here. I injured myself at the gym a few weeks ago and I'm still not quite back to normal. I managed to aggravate the pain around my shoulder blade on Friday morning. Making packed lunches of all things.

Rest was forced upon me and I did something I've never done before:

























I binge watched my way through a whole series in two days.

I had noticed Stranger Things on Netflix back in the Summer, but didn't think it was my cup of tea. I'm not a fan of The Goonies (much to my boy's disgust) and I'd heard it compared to that. It was much more Spielberg and Hughes, with a nostalgia inducing soundtrack including The Clash and Bowie. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Are you a binge watcher or do you prefer to work your way through series at a slower pace?

Linking up with Sian and the Mondayers this afternoon.

Saturday 8 October 2016

Sewin' on Saturday

My sewjo seems to have upped and left. I haven't completed a single dressmaking project this year. I have patterns galore and enough fabric to open a shop, but it's just not happening. I decided I needed to give myself a little push. To that end, I chatted with a couple of friends on Facebook and we came up with a plan.

I thought it would be fun to sew the same thing and as they both have a copy of this book, we chose from there. The Margot pyjama bottoms are a nice simple project and don't require a great deal of fitting. Perfect.

























And perfect timing for me. These are my favourite pair of PJ bottoms and as you can see they are past their best. They've seen me through seven winters so they haven't done too badly.


























The Margot pattern ties with a ribbon, but I'm going to deviate from that slightly as I prefer an elasticated waist. I'll probably add a ribbon as well, because it looks pretty and it'll give me an opportunity to try button holes on my sewing machine.

Anyone else fancy sewing up a pair of pyjama bottoms? You don't need a copy of the book. There is a Simplicity pattern, currently half price, with child and adult sizes. Alternatively there are lots of tutorials around on how to draw a pattern from a favourite pair. Feel free to join us.


Wednesday 5 October 2016

What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday #383

Another Wednesday rolls around, all too quickly. Another class. Two more cards, each with a matching gift box.

























This was the kitchen table on Monday afternoon, with sample making in progress. It's empty right now. We've had our porridge and will be off on the "school run" shortly. A 35 mile round trip, followed by 45 minutes to kill in town, before I can get into the venue and set up for class. Never fear, I'm armed with coffee and a book.

Linking with Julia and The Deskers this dark October morning.

PS I shared the matching card on Saturday, if you want to see it.

Saturday 1 October 2016

Stampin' on Saturday ~ Penned and Painted

It's World Card Making Day today, so what else to do but share a card with you.

























Another design using the Penned and Painted set from Wednesday's post. This time just the outline stamps for the background.....

























.....with a three layered flower fussy cut and added on top.

I'll be putting an order in tomorrow (Sunday) evening. Shout if you *need* anything.

Wednesday 28 September 2016

What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday #382

On the Wednesday in between classes, I'm usually planning for the next one, but not today. Instead, I'm making use of the stamps that are already mounted up, from last week, to make a batch of cards....


























....like the one below....


























....for when I need them. In fact I'm just stamping the strips of flowers. I can then change the background colour and sentiment to whatever I want.

That's me. Short and sweet. Linking up with Julia and the Deskers today.

Wednesday 21 September 2016

What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday #381

We are back into some semblance of a routine now. My classes start again today and there was actual paper crafting going on at the kitchen table yesterday.

























Testing out the colour combination I had in mind, before making the final sample.

There are three stamps that make up this gorgeous flower. If I were making this card at home I would most likely use the one ink pad. Stamping it in first and second generation shades of colour.

With ten ladies in the class, and three flowers on each card, this is not an option. I don't like anyone having to wait around for too long. More importantly I don't want the person stamping to feel under pressure, with a queue behind her. It's supposed to be fun.

Linking up with Julia and the Deskers this morning. I'll be round to visit, with a nice cup of coffee, this afternoon.

Wednesday 7 September 2016

What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday #379

Last time I showed my desk (nearly a month ago!) I was busy making a card and gift box for a wedding. There's no crafting going on at the kitchen table this week, but I am making a few plans. Autumn sewing plans.

This denim is for a dungaree dress.....


























.....and I'll use the Amy Butler print for the facings, just because.

I think this lovely drapey blue stripe will be perfect for a Hemlock tee.....




.....and the black striped cotton sateen is destined to become another Ginger skirt. I'm going to attempt cutting the pieces to form chevrons. Wish me luck!

Linking up with Julia and the Deskers on this sunny Wednesday afternoon.


Monday 5 September 2016

Memorandum Monday ~ The Cornish Wedding

Goodness, it's been almost a month since I last posted here. What a glorious Summer we've had. Topped off by a wonderful week in Cornwall. Back to reality now as college begins today for my girl. I'm a little late in sharing my "something new" with you as it actually happened last weekend.

I attended my very first outdoor wedding ceremony.....

























.....on a Cornish clifftop.....


























....and it was perfect.....


























.....down to the very last detail.

Waving to Sian and the Mondayers. Have a great week.

Wednesday 10 August 2016

What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday #375

Hello, hello. Only a fortnight between desks this time. Things are looking up!

























Playing around with my lovely new floral die. It cut beautifully first time with the precision plate. I found it a bit alarming rolling the sandwich through though. The plate is solid metal and there is no give in it. I was sure I was going to break my trusty Big shot, after 10 years good service. All was well. That roller brush is a big help with all the little pieces. Gotta love a handy gadget.



Now to decide on the ribbon and I can make the gift box, ready for the wedding at the end of the month. If only my outfit was as easy to put together!

Joining in with Julia and the Deskers today. Happy Wednesday to you.

Monday 8 August 2016

Memorandum Monday ~ The Workers

Ah Monday, we're glad of a quiet one this week. Yesterday, the alarms (all three of them!) went off at 6am, to get my boy off for the first full shift in his new job. This was the goody bag he received at a previous interview with the same company. He didn't get that job, but they kept him in mind and called him back a fortnight later.


























While he was out of the house, for twelve hours, I had plenty to keep me busy. The Room of Doom has been calling my name for a while and I could put it off no longer. Those of you that follow me on Instagram will have witnessed my shame, no need to repost here! I was pleased with my progress.


























The workers were well rewarded for their endeavours, with a home made chip dinner cooked by The Mechanic. Egg for me and steak for my boy. That was something else new. A cut of steak that we'd seen recommended on an eat well for less type of show. It got a big thumbs up. Tastier than fillet and a whole lot cheaper.

Waving to Sian and the Mondayers on this sunny afternoon. Have a great week.

Wednesday 3 August 2016

Snap! ~ Unexpected Guests

Joining Helena today with a set of visually linked images.

This is what happens when you spend a few days travelling the countryside, from London (more on that another day) through Northampton to Oxford followed by a couple of days with an old friend in Shropshire, and neglect to mow the lawn.



























































































All guests welcome here. Although The Mechanic may not agree!

Wednesday 27 July 2016

What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday #373

Hello. It's been over a month since I showed you my kitchen table. How very remiss of me. The party is now back at Julia's place, after a few weeks of being capably hosted by the lovely Jan.

























This was the scene yesterday afternoon. I was making a batch of cards using my new Jar of Love stamps and dies. It started to rain before I had a chance to take any photos.

























Instead I'll show you the card I gave Darnell, when I had the good fortune to meet up with her (along with Jan, Julia and Morti) last week. What a lovely afternoon and evening we had. I never imagined the connections I would make when I started this little blog of mine. On Friday, I'm off to London to make some more. Can't wait.

Monday 4 July 2016

Memorandum Monday ~ Shrouds

On Saturday afternoon I met a dear friend in Exeter and we stood in the sunshine trying to comprehend what was laid out before us. 19,240 figures. Each one representing a life lost on the first day of the Battle of the Somme.

























It was almost impossible to take in. My photograph doesn't even begin to portray the enormity of it. I wondered aloud, what we have learned 100 years on. After the events of last week, not much it would seem.

Linking up with Sian this Monday afternoon. You can read about the shrouds here.

Friday 1 July 2016

Snap! ~ Wild Hearts

I'm taking part in Rinda's Summertime Photography Scavenger Hunt again this year. The first item on the list is a "wild heart" - a naturally occurring heart. I've come across a fair few of these on my daily walks.







































































Here are some of them, making a set of visually similar images for Helena's Snap!




Monday 27 June 2016

Memorandum Monday ~ A Referendum

There was great excitement in our house last week. My boy is passionate about politics and he was entitled to vote for the very first time on Thursday. We walked to the polling station together, in the evening sunshine, to make our marks.

























Sadly, our buoyant mood was short lived. We woke the next morning to find that we were in the minority.

























I feel social media must be navigated with care in the coming days and weeks.

A subdued wave to Sian and the Mondayers today.