Crochet baskets

I put an order in to Kate (creativeworld) to crochet me two little baskets to sit on the kitchen bench to hold pens, glasses and remotes. I am so happy with them, thanks Kate. I think they look cute.

Melbourne City tote out of old tablecloth

I came across a tablecloth in a local op shop, it was in great condition, with my favourite City Melbourne and all its lovely spots to visit. With a few cuts and joins I turned it into a tote bag, lined it, added a couple of pockets, put on some red strapping for handles and just love it.

Sewing sunday

I thought I would have a go at two projects on sunday out of an english magazine called Handmade Living.

Firstt I made a feely bag (their name is I spy bag) which was so easy and fun to make, the children in my day care just loved them yesterday and kept finding little surprises.

Then I had a go at a Pillowcase tote bag, it turned out fine, and so roomy. I made two. One is for my sister Chris is off overseas next week, it is the bright green one, hope it comes in handy. The other is for my daughter, who took about two minutes to fill it!

Kate made my day

Today my daughter came home with a surprise for me, a gorgeous old Singer sewing machine. I have always wanted one and admire them every where I go. I researched on line thanks to Alex I Askaroff (Singer sewing machine dating guide) that it was made in Great Britain in 1945. So as the War was ending my machine was being made, what a lovely piece of history. Now I am on the look out for one of those beautiful old sewing treadle tables for it to sit on and be in my home and sewing room for many many years. I just wish I'd have taken the one my dear old Mum had many years ago and gave away! Maybe it is only as we get older we start to appreciate these things.

Ring bearer pillow

My daughter was asked to cross stitch on a ring bearer pillow. I had to then come up with (sew)the pillow, didn't even know what a ring pillow looked like, (did they have them back in 1977 when we were married? not sure) I think it turned out quite ok. The material was very special to the girl asking for the pillow as it was bought by her and her late mother when they were holidaying in America. The pillow is for the girls sister. Lets hope they like it.

Sew easy - the essential guide to getting started!

My "op shop" daughter bought me this lovely book for next to nothing! There are some lovely ideas in there, can't wait to make a few. The pack has a 48 page booklet and 12 project cards.

surprise cushion

finished cushion

reverse side

I asked my daughter kate from (creativeworld) to make a favourite crossstitch that she would like made into something special. I am surprising her with a cushion, using all scrap material. I even used some very old lace left to me in a stash from my sister who recently passed away. Jen would have loved the re-cycling.

Afternoon tea with a friend

Yesterday afternoon a friend was coming for a cuppa, I made a date and walnut loaf, got out some camembert and crackers and we enjoyed a chat over a nice pot of English breakfast tea. I even dragged the cheese board out of the cupboard with the lovely australiana theme on top, along with lovely old Royal worcester tea cups and plates, (originally from my great aunts in England).