Custom fabric and tripods.

Hi Everyone
not sure about the weather today - could go either way ? Its a bit dampish 'underfoot' but the sky is mainly blue - fingers crossed !
I had a great surprise this morning - a Miss Mitchell fabric sale !!!! am so excited about this.

Miss Mitchell fabric

I need to do more designs for fabric. If you are interested - you can get it from an online shop (just type in Miss Mitchell in the fabric shop)  spoonflower  I have some myself. This picture shows a bit of my foot to give an idea of size. I still have't made anything with it - I like the idea of something to wear. Needs to be done !

tripod aka 'the thing' for my 'camera'

I also have a new thing to help with my photos. Regular readers will know of my frustrations taking reasonable photos of my stuff for the shops. I am using my phone (I know this is not ideal) but at the moment I don't know which 'real camera' would suit my needs - I don't want to buy an expensive item which does not do the job. So, in the meantime, I'm experimenting. I took this photo with one hand while sitting at a desk computer - not much space,poor lighting and no staging !! I will continue to call the equipment 'the thing' - I like it better than a tripod. Thought I might give it a name label. Not sure how it will work out so will play with it later. I need to upload for the shop tomorrow so ideal for a 'trial' in a real live situation.

Am a bit behind with my work menu this week - I've had a few disasters (mini) with cutting out fabric etc. this has delayed things out of proportion. Will get a collage here tomorrow as I did for last weeks shop fill friday to show my efforts. I have moved on with some paintingss and will do more in a moment - so a positive week on balance .
PS My item for today is a felted butterfly - may not be complete for the deadline !!!


Bye for now

Fab frames and pretty hearts and more !

Hi Everyone
weather great yet again - bright and cold !
I managed some painting yesterday and have a new Miss Mitchell head - will get the dress organised today - Miss Haversham senior and the village have suffered (from being ignored !!!) - Big news -some frames arrived for Miss Mitchell - they are great and make the picture into lovely things. Pictures are better than words here - decide yourself . I'm pleased how they look.

frame is approx 28x39cm

frame size approx 13x17cm

Also spent some time looking for the nail varnish remover print project (as discussed yesterday) - no luck finding it but have found another which seems better here it is project tutorial - am definitely using this one.

Downton Abbey inspiration

Also inspired by a book offer from Amazon about Downton Abbey  - loved this series for all sorts of reasons - the whole thing was so well done and I feel there is a link with the imagary of some of my work with this period of history, especially the clothing and the mix of ornate flourishes/curls and textures - looking at some of the pictures - here they are I'm almost persuaded to buy the book - my birthday is coming soon !! In years gone by, I always used my birthday - the actual day to buy a book of my choice - a real indulgent book that I wouldnt normally buy. This could be it. I especially like the dress on the left and will use it to model the new Miss Mitchell dress today.

My papersac item for today is a linen heart - more 'folk style' than the rounded felt heart and, of course, filled with lavender. The idea is for the lavender smell as well as the pretty thing to see. The felt heart is much more a practical pin cushion (this is my considered conclusion after being a little disappointed with it (I talked about this on Monday). The story of Miss Mitchell (soon to be published) does have sewing and embroidery links - the butterflies story is all to do with embroidery - so it seems fitting to give Miss Mitchell a red heart pincushion.Looking at it again - I intend to have a needle case to add. I like the idea of  hanging the pincushion to hold pins/needles etc. mid sewing projects (when there is lots of clutter - even for the tidy person). This stops the pin cushion falling on the floor (happened to me all morning until I hung it up) and feels good to use. As I've used it myself today - I now need to make another one, I can't part with this one.
Must get on.
Bye for now.

Printing technique and another dress !

Hi  Everyone
weather is great again - a 'real' frost (early) but sunny and bright. Much happier weather for me.

Busy again with work menu 'overload' - I've got to the point where I'm panicking and I'm not sure why ? - all my own doing ie the pressure. Must get a grip and relax !
On my trawl today, I've been to Modlcloth again and found a lovely little dress (its in the sale so maybe ? )

I've decided to paint today - focus was on sewing yesterday and I'm out of practice ! - I'm left disappointed when this happens, I did some hearts and not that pleased with them. They are what I'd planned but the items are not 'up to scratch' for me - they need altering in some way so have decided to change the style a bit. Will put one on the shop (Fri) just to check other peoples reaction.

 I've also done todays item, its an embroided button - a big button ! I do like this one - not sure what I would do with it but am thinking. I think I should do a range of sizes - so may come up with an idea on how to use as a collection. Will get some pictures here to share.
My paintings today will be the Miss Haversham senior painting and the village but I also want to do another : Miss Mitchell, so will get to it.

I also came across another printing technique - my current quiet obsession is finding printing methods. This is it Transfer Project. I found another which talked about using nail polish remover, but cant find it. Will keep trying. Anyway , this one looks good - I'm going to give it a go with some Miss Mitchell things.

Must get on.
Bye for now

Fabric teacups and cropped leggings-update

Hi Everyone
the good weather has come back again - gone are the damp,grey skies and today we have blue and sunshine. Still a bit cold !
Had a very unproductive morning - did lots of home paperwork and now need to treat myself. Almost lunchtime but I've just seen the most wonderful thing - inspired me to make it - if/when I have a moment
( as if ?) 
Here it is - a fabric teacup and saucer - lovely. Its made by this seller on Etsy. Go take a look she has lots of different ones. I always like my coffee in a china teacup - this fabric one would be good for trinkets on my dressing table.

I've also been thinking about making some leggings (as described last week on this blog) I've found some fabric and will try to make a pattern as per the instructions. I fancy a pair of cropped lighter leggings to wear with summer short dresses. Will keep you informed.
Its Monday - so its a new thing for the shop. Todays item will be some Red felt hearts for Miss Mitchell. Am almost there. I did start last week on this project but needed to wait for some bits and pieces to complete the item. Will get a photo later and post. Will do this tomorrow. - pictures did not come our well. Need another review too.Have done this and come up with lots of new ideas - jewellery and another Miss Mitchell ! So many new ideas. My work menu needs to be sorted for the week.
Will be back later with updates.

Bye for now.

Family etc.

Hi Everyone
todays weather is so disappointing - bit cold and damp and dreary !! Its been lovely for abour a week and I was going to spend a lovely morning planting herbs and prepping a little box for some pretty window flowers !!! Not vey inviting at the moment. If weather improves, I may change my plan until later.
In the meantime, I will try and get some fabric hearts and a little bird idea going ? - will report back later if this happens. Weekends are so busy with family things.

Did half the prep and almost started my creative project when my little boy came down with something and needed emergency shopping for medicine. No project. Better chance tomorrow. Will share some pictures when I get them off the camera.

Bye for now