Monday 29 August 2011

Sumer holiday

I have just returned from a week away. Not being beachy hot weather types, we went on a staycation to the Midlands. Actually alot nicer than it sounds. Here is Mia and I in front of our holiday cottage:


OK, so it's Eastnor Castle. Our cottage was very similar though.

Before I went I started my friend's wedding cake at last. Here is my helper just helping with the final touches:



While I was away I did nothing sewing related, I looked in about a hundred second hand shops for sewing related things but no luck. We did manage a visit to a recreated medieval village built on the foundations of the original village, I liked the applique on this blanket in one of the houses but I have no idea how authentic it is:



There was also a loom to show one of the women's main occupations:


My vintage sewing will definitely not be going that far back! I did dabble in a little crochet while I was away from my shiny new sewing machine:



A very little crochet, I think you'll agree.

Finally, sewweekly.com news, I missed 1970s week, but was quite glad because my "ample figure" doesn't do the 70s very well, however this week I have returned to find we are doing plaid. I have some tartan in my stash, by accident, as I am scared of it now I know you are supposed to match it up. That all sounds very complicated. Anyway here is the fabric:



The one on the right was an accidental ebay panic buy - it sort of feels like that ribbon you get round flowers from the florist. I am not sure about it at all. The other piece is a thick wool, sort of blanket like. A kind lady gave it to me and I had forgotten I had it (surprisingly as it is so bright it would stop traffic). I am going to have a go at doing something with it.......

Tuesday 9 August 2011

Project Runway

Project Runway is ace: it's official. I must admit, I never knew. (Project Catwalk, the UK version, is dire apparently. This is not a surprise. I haven't seen it but I can imagine.) Project Runway (US version) has just started series 9. Yes, 9! So I have loads to catch up on..... I was put onto it by the lovely sewweekly girls, a step ahead, as per usual. Here is Mia doing our own Project Runway challenge (lolly stick dolls, felt clothes, a freebie from the always popular Charlie and Lola magazine - ever popular in our house anyway!).




And a free extra, the ladybirds - ladybugs for Judy ;0) - seem to be swarming. I have never seen this before ...