Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween! Now the winters truly set in
its time to enjoy a few craft and diy projects,
I love this websites for inspiration.
Mollie Makes, website has a daily feed of
tempting, fun crafty,  ideas. Perfect
now that christmas is just around the
corner, and time AGAIN to make a
few pressies. And I  definitely want to try
making these. I hate the rain B U T
it's a good excuse to stay in a get
creative.

Home made Christmas

My thoughts are turning to Christmas -
Christmas gifts to be more precise. Last year
I bought Mollie Makes christmas, I loved and
made the vintage stocking and the I pad cosy.

Both as gifts that were well received
(i think !) and I used the finger puppets
templates to make some hanging Christmas
tree decorations. There are lots
of craft ideas and inspiration in the book.
Also some knitting and crochet projects.

 The book would make a good
gift for someone that likes several
crafts as it has a couple of christmas
projects, for knitting, crochet, embroidery,
paper craft, rather than just sewing
projects, however if you do not knit
or crochet, they would not be enough
in the book the justify the 7.99 price
tag.

 If you are looking for a few Christmas
projects for your home or, to give as
gifts, I would recommend Prima
makes Christmas, which you can pick
up in the supermarket or  at a newsagents.

Priced at 3.99 its got an easy project for everyone,
Christmas stockings, christmas baubles, lots of
wrapping ideas! a guide to making your own
Christmas cards, the lovely crochet bunting
shown above, pop poms, christmas crackers
the list could go on and on. On the plus side
too you get to flick through the magazine
before you buy ! I am going to try the
vintage fairy lights made with transparent
plastic cups.............. I will report back !

Girls Style Book by Yoshiko Tsukiori

After being very impressed with the Japanese sewing books
"Stylist Dress Book" and "Sweet Dress Book", for women
both by the designer Yoshiko Tsukiori,
I eagerley awaited the arrival of"Girls Style book".
I was delighted with the book, page after page
of "treats" to make for girls aged 2 to 10 years.

 Gorgeous simple patterns, with the same clear, easy to follow instructions.

 You trace off your full size pattern from the patterns included with the book.
It is a little fiddly finding your pattern and size (age of child), but very "do-able"

 The graphics used through out the book have a lovely simple vintage feel.
Another bonus with this book is that as you have to trace off the size you need
you are left with all the bigger sizes for years to come, a good buy, and a good
price as all the patterns and sizes are included. I got my copy from amazon

Love Sewing ? Got a baby ?

If you love sewing, and have a baby or you are expecting one,
or your  friend is, or you are a auntie or a granny, this book is great.
Simple Sewing for Baby by Lotta Jansdotter, I got my
copy from Amazon.

The book includes full size patterns for each project,
none of that confusing scaling it up by 200%, which I
Personally hate ! Sorry.

Each project comes with clear instructions
and some include illustrations, to explain any instructions
that maybe confusing ! (or new to you)

Most of the projects would be great for a beginner,
little hats, bibs, pants, elastic waist trousers, dribble bid,
girls head scarf, etc, and the book moves on to include simple
dresses and the snuggler, which would be great project
to try as you gain confidence.
Plenty of the  smaller projects only take small amounts of
fabric, fab for using up "leftover" bits of fabric from
previous sewing projects.

 My personal favourite these book ends.

Without exception all the items in the book
would make a thoughtful and creative present for a baby
or toddler.

The Stylish Dress Book - Yoshiko Tsukiori

I bought this book from amazon WOW, it does not disappoint !
26 Patterns for £11.09 p, if you like the look of White Stuff/Fat face
I think you would like this great book of relaxed contemporary dresses

and tops.You have to trace off the pattern from a large sheet with
all the patterns and sizes on, but once you have navigated this, its

straightforward sewing for the dressmaker with some previous
experience. There is no tricky sewing ie zips or buttonholes
mainly easy shapes, that fit together without to much "bother".

The instructions are clear and straightforward. You may what to double
check the sizing as the patterns have been created in Japan, I just when up
one size i.e. small to medium and that was perfect.

Now I am going to try the same style book for girls, I will let you know how I get on.

Ardingly Antique Fair

An amazing hot day at Ardingly Antique Fair,
 Hundreds of stalls selling everything under the sun !
Well all most!
Tucked under a table I found this suitcase of
retro patterns, and bagged 14 for 10.00 big smiley face.

 Lots of sixties and seventies chairs, desks and lamps !

 A while back I was after one of these retro metal desks, however I gave up
my search and got a great retro wooden one, but I had a little pang when I
saw these beauties !

 Thirties vintage fabric only enough to make a cushion, approx. 20 inches
square and the stall holder want 10.00 ! My very terrible haggling got it
knocked down to 8.00. All in all a great day.

Yes ! Peas ! Bibs

I made these Yes ! Peas ! bibs from Pip Lincolne Book
Sew La Tea Do. This book follows Pip's hugely popular
first book Meet Me At Mikes. The bibs would have looked
much better if I had some fab retro fabric, however
I was able to use some "leftover" bit of fabric, and in
no time at all I had these little gifts made.

Perfect gift for a baby shower !