Holiday Reading

On my recent weekend away I took a new quilting book with me for a bit of light holiday reading and inspiration.

It is a beautiful book, the hardcover is printed and slightly textured and the photography inside is a joy.  Who'd have thought a dodgy bit of wall plaster and an old metal bed could look so appealing?

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I didn't buy this for the patterns- they are very basic and I tend not to follow quilt patterns directly, a lot of the fabrics are not quite my taste- a lot of very big vivid florals- but the writing is wonderful.  Each quilt has it's own story-design, fabric, materials and direction.  She describes the inspiration, how the fabrics were chosen including details of the actual fabrics used -  I can't believe how many quilting books don't credit the fabric- as well as resources, suppliers etc.  At the back there is a quilt gallery with a clear pic of each quilt often including more than one colourway option  

The writing flows, Jane Brocket has an intimate style.  It reminded me of Nigel Slater, his recipe books are often a chance to read his great writing and musings, not just cook up a stew.

I love this picture- I  fancy the idea of text on the wall, maybe not hymn sheets like this though...It has a different cover in different parts of the world- looks a bit more sedate.  Recommend it for inspiration.

Trash to treasure

The tiny teacups that I bought a couple of weeks ago are now pincushions- they are so quick to do.  One for my friend Kathy and two for me.  The fabric came from an old apron with a great print so great recycling all round.

I found these place mats in a charity shop- block printed on linen, unused- 25p each!

Made by disabled girls- not very politically correct label from older times.  They are just a bit wider thatn the width of my sewing machine so with a bit of grey cotton I think they are destined to be a sewing machine cover- an improvement on the tea towel I currently use, might use this print- it was cut up to make a 50's shift dress

More trash at the carboot today.  I loved this musical box, 60s or 70s made in Japan with great Manga Heidi style characters

And this tall Japanese matchbox, great designs

and more matchboxes, more simple bold designs- love it

Happy sundays in the fun and to Damian- a great father to Lula, (he doesn't know I've written this) x 

Apple for my swap partner

Did you guess?  Coasters, a lovely design by Ayumi at Pink Penguin in the current issue of Stitch magazine.

I have to wrap this up for my Modern Swap partner well in advance before I am tempted to keep it to myself-  apples are very tempting!

Swaps-Needle case

News about this nice little swap came in the mail this morning and I couldn't resist- I like to make small things and who doesn't like a swap?

Pattern and tutorial are provided and you make in your own fabrics taking your partner's likes/dislikes into account.  Tempted?

 If you want to take part click on the link in the sidebar- closing date 5th July

Wednesday Work in Progress

For my modern swap partner- a tease pic

It will be something to use in the sewing area, or it/they could be used elsewhere.

Any ideas?

What do you like to have with you when you are sewing?  Something hot?

( I do not think Cryptic Crossword setter beckons as a future career...)

Holiday clothes, sun, sea and sand

Sun, sea and sand are three words that  don't always sit happily together in the UK but this weekend was all of those.  I finished my Pochee tunic just in time (I won't mention the lace underdress/petticoat that I made but couldn't wear as it was too weird and needs more work)

A bit posey, this is more like it

The Anna Maria Horner Little Folks voile is I the nicest fabric I have ever sewn with.  It is soft and silky, cuts well, doesn't slip and is a pleasure to sew.  This pattern is Diamond Mine pattern in Sky.  It feels just as lovely on and was great for keeping lily white skin covered on the beach.  I buy Pochee magazine from ebay and etsy seller pomadour24.

We stayed at Challaborough bay which looks on to Burgh island.  The hotel there was made famous by Agatha Christie and is a beautiful Art Deco building.  As England were playing on Saturday night we had the beach to ourselves

Damian taught Lula how to skim stones

All of us restored, rested and home.

Presents from Finland

My goodies from Mia's blog giveaway arrived yesterday

How lucky did I feel?

I loved everything.  The bird is in my sewing space so I can see it a lot and  I am using the bag and pouch to pack stuff in (we're away this weekend).  Thank you so much Mia!