Quick Hello

Just wanted to post a quick message to say I haven't disappeared, I'm still busy as ever with Christmas fairs and making Christmas presents!  Here's a little picture as promised of my little one in her 'Christmas Dress' she had such fun twirling and playing with the little Christmas tree prop and as always the pictures by Dale from DRWPhotographics were amazing.

Off to do more sewing now, having a real challenge as my machine has had a fault and so I'm working on an old singer machine that my friend has lent me (lifesaver).  It has really taught me how much I depend on all of the features my new machine has and those wonderful machine feet!!  Oh well that's for another post!

Happy Sewing, Keri

Christmas Dress

Without a doubt the best part about sewing is being able to do this:

 

 My little girl 'needed' a Christmas dress ready to meet santa and have her Christmas pictures taken!  I have loved making this even though at the busiest time of year for Bella Boutique I tried to start and finish it in a night (it took me a couple of hours one night then half hour the next day to do buttons, ribbons etc).

  

Here's a closer look at some of the detail.  It was made from beautiful taffetta bought at the Shuttle in Shipley with fabulous heart shaped sparkly buttons, she loves it!  Oh and I had to give it the requisite net lining, very important for twirling and swishing! 

Our favourite photographer Dale Wain from DRW Photographics is coming today so as soon as we have the piccies I'll post one for you all!

Off to iron it now before the piccies!  I'd love to hear from others who have also been making Christmas dresses (or outfits for your boys) and see your creations.  I figure it's such a precious little time that they will be happy to have a dress made so I'm going to cherish every moment of my little one in her 'Mummy Made' Christmas Dress.

Happy Sewing
Keri

Busy Bee

Just a quick message to say, sorry, I'm sooooooo busy that I've not had 2 minutes to blog!  I have had some serious output this past couple of weeks with new baby gifts for friends and Christmas gifts for friends little ones also, this is what I've churned out just off the top of my head:

3 nursing covers
1 nursing cushion
4 personalised stockings
1 set of personalised letters
3 Christmas dresses for gifts (1 age 6, 1 age 4 and 1 baby)
15 G tube pads (for Post Pals children who are fed by tube to help make them more comfortable)
5 wiggly bags (for Post Pals also)
10 bandana bibs
2 height charts
2 applique'd vests
oh and I also finished my wrap dress in my sewing class, 

Phew, seriously my machine is begging for a rest but not likely just yet!  I also managed to fit in a trip to the Hobbycrafts show at Birmingham NEC which was brilliant fun and gave me chance to learn how to Needle felt and also to do some glass etching too.

Back soon with pictures of all my makes!

Keri

Christmas Clips

Preparation is almost complete for all of the Christmas fairs now so I thought I'd share a couple of pictures of more things I have been making using my big shot!  I bought circle and oval dies thinking that they could be quite versatile and have created these little lovelies!

Christmas Clips were a good favourite last year so I'm hoping for the same this year too! 

Soon to come are the last couple of machine feet tutorials including the 1/4" seam foot, roll on topstitching because this foot makes it super neat!

Happy Sewing

Keri

Post Pals Crafty Links

I promised Post Pals that I would work through a list they had given on their facebook page of Crafty links for things to make for children.  Post Pals is a charity which helps children with complex/life limiting or terminal illnesses.  They have a list of all of the children and their siblings with details about their likes/dislikes and you can pick a child to write to or send a little gift to cheer them up.  It's an amazing charity and I really love to send my post so for anyone reading who hasn't come from their facebook page, please have a look at their site and if you have a spare 5 minutes and a stamp you could put a smile on a little ones face, it's priceless.

Here are the links that I've found that may be of interest.  I'll keep posting any blog ones that I get also and feel free to add any you have in the comments.  It ideally needs to be something that can easily be posted.

Felt Superhero mask  - http://dollarstorecrafts.com/2011/10/make-a-felt-superhero-mask/

Easy Pilowcase Ghost dress - http://dollarstorecrafts.com/2011/10/tutorial-ghost-pillowcase-dress-costume/

Pumpkin Puppet - http://dollarstorecrafts.com/2011/10/make-a-jack-o-lantern-puppet/

DIY Lego Jewellery - http://dollarstorecrafts.com/2011/09/make-diy-lego-jewelry/

Sock Hobby Horse - http://dollarstorecrafts.com/2011/09/make-a-sock-hobby-horse/

Crayon Wreath for XMAS - http://dollarstorecrafts.com/2011/08/make-a-crayon-wreath/

Shark Crochet http://dollarstorecrafts.com/2011/08/shark-week-crochet-3-free-shark-crochet-patterns/

Harry Potter Wand - http://dollarstorecrafts.com/2011/07/make-harry-potter-wands/

Washcloth puppets - http://www.marthastewart.com/264331/washcloth-puppets

Bow Bookmarks for older children – http://littleloveliesbyallison.blogspot.com/2011/10/tutorial-bow-bookmarks.html

Snowman Family - http://dollarstorecrafts.com/2010/12/make-a-snowman-family/

Pillow Pet - http://dollarstorecrafts.com/2010/11/make-a-pillow-pet/

Happy Crafting

Keri

Hello Kitty

I have been having more fun with the Sizzix Big Shot and have made some lovely little Hello Kitty bags which are sure to be a hit!

 

I'm loving the penguin and gingerbread man dies too, great for little cute Christmas projects.

  

Just a short post for now as I had a fair Saturday night so I'm busily making up personalised stocking orders and, funnily enough some of the vests as above which were very popular!

Happy Sewing

Keri

Very Hungry Caterpillar

Inspired by Bella, this is one of my latest makes that has me smiling every time I look at it so I just had to share it with you. 

Inspired by Bella, how, you may think, given that she's only 2 and a half.  I had made Bella some pom pom Christmas clips and said "I'll put these Christmas clips with your others" to her to which she replied "they aren't Christmas clips Mummy they are hungry caterpillar ones", aha methinks a new line!  As you can see she loves the finished creation.  Aren't kids great!

They are now available in my etsy shop.