Starting Simple

Well Char as promised here are a couple of pix of my new cushions... my first sewing project to brighten up my kitchen. I got the fabric from my sister for Christmas and thought it would be perfect for this. I am an awkward novice when it comes to sewing by machine and previously all the handmade cushions I have made have come apart after a while in places so I'm hoping my new passion will bloom and stay together! Still starting simple seemed a good idea and I am really loving just exploring what I can do.

Another simple start began last week when Beth started nursery, after only 3 days going there I went to see Jack at his assembly this morning and the little girl who wouldn't sit still was brought in with the rest of her class to sit in front of the other reception children. She not only sat perfectly still whilst his class told us about Chinese New Year and showed us the colourful dragons and lanterns they had made but also got a little WOW certificate for making a little fish and sticking colours on it. I was so sure that she would cry seeing me there watching her and kick up a fuss, but no, she got up in front of 3 years of children and all the parents watching and told the teacher the colours she had stuck on and pointed to the bits she had cut out. Totally unfazed, confident and so sweet. I was enormously proud and slightly shocked  just to see her behave so well... small starts but made me smile! She's also starting to potty train herself, which made me chuckle as the other night driving home in the dark a little voice came out from the back seat saying "MAYDAY MAYDAY I need a wee!" where on earth she got mayday mayday from I have no idea!! Today is a busy one, I've been to the assembly and a zumba class (which I'm loving, great fun and good music, I've never been to any exercise class voluntarily for 3 hours a week and this one has me hooked) and now on with the rest of the day! Tam, Lincolnshire, UK

WHEN I have time...

this is what I dream of learning...learning to know more than 3 embroidery stitches...you could call this one of my "goals"...I know it's not a biggie..and believe me, I have tried on numerous occasions. I'm sure if you were to check my Library records,you would see this book and others on embroidery having been checked out more than 5 times...

Anyway...here's a sneak peak into this wonderful book by Eaglemoss Publications.

Embroidery reminds me of painting...but with threads...I am a very touchy feely textile person...and love the feel of fabrics which have been worked on...

this book illustrates each stitch so well...that I'm sure I could learn a couple of new stitches. Somebody drew these illustrations...I'm sure they were able to Ebroider too!

I'm facinated by these knots...they look like they would last a life-time.

Look at this, you can make a ruffle with thread which hasn't been cut...love this.

These are some of my absolute favourites.

Look how beautiful and simple these Japanese stiches are...do think they really used them for "Darning"? Not so sure...

Good enough to EAT!!!

Smocking...but in this book they show smocking pillows and dresses...a labour of love...definitely.

Another Book which I picked up was this one :

It`s by Katie Cole...I have been searching for something like this. Being a stay at home Mum with limited funds...we have to re-use and re-cycle clothes to the best we can.

I know Little Miss A and Little Miss J would love some new clothes...so lets get creative!

Here are a few pages of inspiration from the book.

So many of us throw away, or donate clothes even if they`re in good shape...we're just board of them.

Look at how fun you can make a plain old T-Shirt...

Hearts and frills...every girls dreams...

Petals of spring...brighten up those dull clothes...don't throw them out!

This is what I have so far...an Easter Dress...

A pair of old jeans...a frilly top which shrunk and never looked right on me...

An old pair of plaid shorts...I loved them SO much that I wore out the back-end...

The perfect top which already had..."I Love YOU forever" in print on it...just perfect.

It's the start of many...gotta get creative with what we have.

Do you re-cycle and re-use your clothes?

Hope you're enjoying your Wednesday.

Char,ON

thread races

keeping the girls busy this morning...teaching a 3 and 5 year old how to sew...

but first...they have to learn also how to place the embroidery thread on the little paper spools.

lots of hand eye coordination...and...look at how many they have to do!

Thank you ALL for your well wishes, prayers and thoughts with regards to my Dad...I had a tough day yesterday...but your comments helped SO much.

I am blessed I have good friends and family around...and SO fortunate I have made some very wonderful friends through this Blogging World.

Thanks for being there.

What are you keeping busy with today?

I have to start those 2 paintings which have been put to the side for these past couple of days...and then have a hip-hop dance class to go to this evening. (haha...yeah...I just see it as a 45 minute work out),

I'll give you an update of how things are later.

HUGS.

Char,ON