LITTLE BUTTON TALES

Kidlet wall pocket x

I was looking through some photo's on my lap top and found these piccies of a Kidlet wall pocket i made for my niece and thought i'd share them with you. I had enrolled on an evening print and textile course and when the time came for us to do some fabric printing i knew just what I wanted to do. Having studied print at University i couldn't wait to give screen printing a go again and although a little rusty i printed this simple little street scene on one of the evenings. 

I then backed it - embroidered it and added some felt details and buttons before making it the pocket detail on the front of the Kidlet. My niece loves it and it hangs with pride on her bedroom door. I must make some more for little Avas many many books! x

A little skirt x

As little Ava is potty training at the moment i realised that she needed some more skirts - easier to pull up a skirt in a rush than pull down trousers! So i got this great little pattern from LeilaandBen on Etsy and made a new addition to her wardrobe from some fabric i had bought some time ago.

Such an easy little pattern to follow and took no time at all to rustle one up.

The pegs were courtesy of Ava's peg bag i made for her birthday complete with a little washing line of her own x

Thats my girl x

Two of the many things my little Ava said which made me smile over the last couple of days.

"look mummy - buttons" - after seeing lots of satellite dishes on the side of an office block

and

"look at all this fabric mummy - its beautiful" - looking and holding some of my stash

I melted of course at both of these and smiled to myself - that's my girl x

In love with Amy Butler x

But aren't we all!

My evening with Amy butler last night was just great and a real inspiration. After a buffet meal we were all taken through to a room where Amy had a presentation of her personal piccies from recent travels to Bali and India where she shared with us lots of cultural beliefs and traditions. The colours and patterns from these two countries are so inspiring and Amy's love of her travels to these areas was so evident as she brimmed with excitement as she showed us each of her wonderful photo's- the blues, purples, lilacs, oranges - i could go on and on. We had a sneaky preview of some of her upcoming designs and can really see how Amy has interpreted all that she loved from her travels.  She finished off showing some wonderful pictures of the workshop in India where her rugs are handmade - boy these guys are true craftsmen - i'm sure she said that it takes 5 men 2 weeks to make each of the rugs!! (don't quote me)- but seeing her pictures you can understand why. The detail and quality and of these rugs look amazing - and to know that each one has been done by hand just blows me away.

Amy was truly inspiring as were the many women who i spoke to last night who each had a different passion but who each had a common love of the crafting.

So thank you Amy i had a lovely evening x

 

An evening with Amy Butler x

How could i forget to tell you that i managed to grab a ticket for 'An Evening with Amy Butler' at the Hilton Metropole Hotel Birmingham tonight - i'm so looking forward to hearing what Amy has to say and to chatting to some new people - will tell you all about it tomorrow.

Now - what to wear - i only have 9 hours to decide so i must rush !!??

 

Come and meet my new little treasures x

As promised - here are the new additions to my fabric family (yes i have already stroked them!) bought yesterday from some wonderful fabric stalls at the Festival of Quilts.                              Did i need more fabric? - of course i did!! - Have i got anywhere to put them? - i'll find them a space!! - Did i spend far too much money - i'd rather not answer that!!!!!!

What i didn't mention in my last blog were some of the wonderful comments i heard whilst ambling around the show - all of which made me feel 'normal'

"Gasp -have you ever seen anything so beautiful" -about at a set of buttons 

"No i don't know what i'll do with it - but does that matter" -about a pile of fabric

"I know i could get it cheaper on the web but i just can't wait - i need it now" - about a craft book

"I'll add them to my pile and bring them out occasionally just to look at and stroke " a pile of fat quarters.

Oh how i smiled to myself and to others when i heard these (and more) - with that same knowing and understanding look x

In awe at the Festival of Quilts

So today i took myself off to the wonderful 'Festival of Quilts' at the NEC Birmingham for a day of inspiration - and the occasional purchase!!! (more of my overspend tomorrow - when i manage to sneak all my new beautiful fabrics into my stash without the 'other half' noticing that i have bought yet more fabric!!)

It was a last minute decision to go but i'm so glad I did as i was completely dumb struck by the sheer talent and patience of quilters and textile artists from all over the globe - the word of the day was definitely 'wow' followed by huge gasps of complete astonishment at the beautiful skills these women / men have. There were quilts,wall hangings,clothes and accessories of all shapes, sizes and colours - all of which completely bowled me over my their originality and beauty (can you guess that i enjoyed myself!)

However as i stared closely at the endless stitches and overlays of thread and fabric it confirmed to me that i am definitely an 'instant hit' crafter and that i do not have the patience (or skill) to work for weeks / months and possible years on a particular piece - i know that my attention span would not stretch to these lengths. So my creative hat goes off to all these truly talented artists - you really are hardcore - sewing adrenalin junkies!!

Here are some of my favourite quilts from the show - sorry photo's are not great (oh i wish i'd taken the SLR) and do not do them justice at all - but hope they give you a little insight into my lovely day. 

But my favourite had to be this one - more of a paper quilt but still made my eyes smile x

Summer days x

Being creative in the garden - why i love the summer.

For Gracie x

Little Gracie arrived into the world last week (on Ava's Birthday!) so i made a few little gifts for her (and her mummy and daddy) to say a big hello. I love making these baby things as they can't help but look cute on their new owners - will have to get some photo's of Gracie in her new shoes when they fit (oh how tiny and beautiful her new little feet are)

All packed up and ready to go with a few extra bits added to make life a little easier for two wonderful new parents x

Happy Birthday x x

It was little Ava's 2nd birthday yesterday (where is the time going!) so mummy got the yearly cake decorating bug and make a 'teddy bears picnic' cake. I had so much fun making this and despite being told 'i'd got too much time on my hands' (how little they know of late nights and making mini icing sandwiches in the early hours) I was quite pleased considering i'm a novice - Ava loved the sugar overload anyway!

So happy birthday my little angel - these last two years have been the best xx