Embroidered Sampler Shopping Bag

Like most people I try to recycle as much of our household waste as possible and remember to take my own bags shopping about 90% of the time. Whilst sorting out my craft desk this week I found this bag folded in with some quilting material - I made this last year its a sampler / shopping bag, took me quite a while to do as embroidery always does.

The problem is I'm way to scared to actually use it. It's been sat on my craft desk for over a year and I've been using the hardy plastic bags you can get at the supermarket, I really need to get this out.

Think it will look really cute with a french baguette sticking out of the top....right that is my mission to get a photo of my using it to share with you 

Kit Review - The Craft Closet Clutch Bag

I've finally finished my The Craft Closet clutch bag. This was one of the treats I bought at the Spring Knitting and Stitching Show.

 

To be honest I've had the stitching finished for a while, but in true Becca fashion I never got round to the final step. Inability to complete is not one of my best personality traits!

Here it is -

Now I just need somewhere to go....

cocktails anyone?

The kit was really well made, a cute brown box with everything wrapped in tissue inside. It made me feel like I really was opening something special, and it had everything you need - down to cute pink topped pins and 2 needles, the only element not included was fabric glue, thankfully I already had a tube.

 

The instructions were excellent, stepping through each element in a clear manner, there were photos to show some if the steps. I would have liked a few more photos as I've never created this type of bag before, but I read and reread the instructions few times which did the trick.

The thick tapestry wool meant the embroidery was therapeutically repeatitive whilst also building up quickly which played to my need for instant results well.

Really enjoyed the kit and I'd definitely recommend it, think it would made a great gift for a crafty friend

Now I'm off out with my new bag ;)

 

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UFO Declaration

We all have a pile of projects which just need that last burst of energy to complete them. I know we are all the same as I keep spotting UnFinished Object posts on other blogs.

My pile is quite significant! It's not good. I've had some stern words with myself this morning and I am not allowed to start anything new until I start to finish some projects. This is a harsh reality of the state of my craft desk and (I hope) will spur on some energy to finish or ditch as I've got some lovely projects brewing in the back of my mind.

 

I've started well ditching a few projects including frogging an early attempt at knitting which didn't start well. It was part thrown in the textile recycling bin and part recovered to be used in another project

 

And here are some of the projects In my UFO pile at the moment

Ripple blanket - I've done 82 rows, reckon I'm about half way there, not ad seen as I only started in Jan/Feb

Zpagetti bag - loving the Hooked Zpagetti products so thought I'd give one of their bag kits a go - nearly completed

 

 

Mega stitched matt for the floor under my craft desk - about 1/3 complete

 

Quilt which was started years ago and I just need to finish quilting and bind

So no new projects for me until at least one of these is completed... Feeling exhilarated and deflated at the same time....although pleased I've shared this with you... Hi ho hi ho...

 

 

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Why do we always want what we can't have?

So I've been without a sewing machine for a week. I've got crochet and embroidery projects on the go but every project I think of involves a sewing machine.

 

Grrrrr

 

Well I have a plan....

- evidently my mum has secret skills as a magic sewing machine fixer, she has only just revealed these skills to me, I wonder what else she can do??? So when I next see her in early March I will be providing coffee whilst she as a little tinker

- Plan B is to buy a new machine at the Spring Knitting and Stitching Show, just booked my tickets. I'm off with a great friend for workshops, shopping and a good natter. Can't wait

 

Until then I'm going to have to stick to non-machine projects, quite frustrating

 

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#imapiece for Save the Children

Take a moment to look at the #imapiece campaign being run by Craftivist Collective in association with Save The Children. There is still a little time to join in, pieces are to be received by end Feb

 

Right I'm off to the post office...

 

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Well Hello Again....

How are you? 

It's been a while

I hope you're well, and had a great Christmas. 

Its been well over a year since my last post, life just got way too busy and something had to give...unsurprisingly it was the part of my life which didn't pay the bills or ensure everyone was entertained which took a back step, but I've been missing my little blog more and more over the past few months and after careful consideration I'm back. 

Life has changed a little since we last spoke, my little man in now 2 years old and quite the character and we have moved house. We've moved to Hampshire, a lovely part of England, into a beautiful house which had been carefully decorated by the previous owners in various shades of bland. I aim to share the stages of change with you as we complete them - with one room stripped of cream flowerly paper this morning the re-invention has already taken its first step

I'm not going to promise daily essays but I do hope to share the crafts I have on the go and those which I have planned as well as pointing you to interesting things I have found on the web I think you will like too.

Here are a few teasers as to what I have in my craft basket at the moment 

Love to hear from anyone out there and to know what you are up to...do leave me a comment to say hi

Ta ta for now, I'll be back very soon x

Christmas in August

I recently posted that this year I'm preparing early for Christmas, no my tree isn't up and I certainly haven't started thinking about cards or gifts, I just started a Christmas crafts.

I bought this Christmas tapestry kit early last year. I didn't start it straight away as felt it premature to start in Spring / Summer, but then as Christmas did approach I didn't start as I knew there was too much work to complete before Christmas and didn't want to be doing Christmas crafts in January. I realised I was potentially stuck in a loop of never finding the right time or enough time to complete this.

I took the leap and accepted I was starting Christmas work in July....and thank goodness I did because I certainly hadn't budgeted for the amount of time it finally took to complete this project. Even once I had finished the body of the work there were 10 lines of edging to complete which was no small task in itself, but I'm proud of the outcome. I love the rich bold colours and the thick carpeted texture.

I'm not exactly sure what I am going to do with this piece, maybe a cushion? it would also make a good picture. I will have to make my mind up soon or there is a danger I still wont have a completed item before Christmas.

Crafting: A World Domination

I didn’t realise when I wrote the recent post on the patchwork Glastonbury sign under the title “Crafting: A World Domination” that this would turn into a little feature on my blog, but I have found more and more areas of everyday life where Crafting is making an appearance. I really do think that it is slowly taking over the world.

I don’t know if this is just a current trend linked to the recession and a need to make rather than buy (however, anyone who enters crafting for a “cheap” hobby would be bitterly disappointed, so far I’ve found it anything but cheap but then I do enjoy buying kit so I am my own worse enemy!) or, if there is a natural cycle of common activities, for example handmade and crafting were very popular in the Seventies (I have some fabulous crochet and knitting pattern books I really must share with you soon) so it could be a natural cycle that it has come back into popularity only to die again in a year or so to be resurected in another 30-40 years.

Well, whatever the reason it would appear that Crafting is bidding for world domination.


Today, I want to share with you an unusual embroidery community I recently discovered -

Fine Cell Work

Fine Cell Work is a social enterprise which has brought tapestry and needlework into the UK prison system allowing prisoners to learn new skills and earn money during their rehabilitation. 29 prisons are now running the scheme, and in 2010 there were over 400 stitchers who collectively earned over £70,000*.

Their work is stunning. It ranges from greetings cards to rugs and cushions to quilts. Tapestry kits of their original designs are even available so you can make these yourself.

Its great to see that an activity so traditional as embroidery is able to give some of societies most challenged individuals the focus to work through their demons.

If you are really interested in helping out it would appear that Fine Cell Work are looking for more volunteers across the UK.

* Source: http://www.finecellwork.co.uk/aboutus/

Cross Stitch Pattern Share

Just a quick post to say Thank you to Kate from Kate's Arty Bits Blog.

Kate shared a sneak peak of a lovely garden embroidery she was part way through. I loved the pattern so much I asked her what make it was so I could hunt one down and have a go myself. Very kindly, Kate has posted me her finished pattern and the unused threads from the kit. How lovely. It feels a little like my birthday to receive a treat in the post.

I have a couple of projects on the go at the moment, and as I have shared I have a problem with UFOs, so I am forcing myself to finish these before I start anything new.

This has got me thinking, does anyone know of an embroidery pattern library? I generally only want to complete an embroidery patter once, unlike knitting and crochet patterns where its fairly usual to complete them a few times. This must mean there are patterns lurking in homes around the world unused and unloved. Maybe there is an opportunity to have pattern share scheme?

A central repository where once loved patterns can live and be loaned out to keen embroiderers to complete and then return.

What are your thoughts?

Christmas in July

As we enter July we are all thinking of summer holidays, BBQs and relaxing in our flower filled gardens whilst our high-street retailers are all considering when is too-soon to bombard us with Christmas Carols, fake snow and sparkly baubles. Is it just me or have you also noticed Christmas is starting in September / October these days?

Personally, I think its shocking we can't seem to enjoy each season for its own merit. I love the Indian summers we have experienced in September recently and then there are the beautiful oranges and browns that autumn offers before the long nights of winter draw in allowing us all to hibernate in our cosy homes with a mug of tea and a packet of biscuits (because there are months until we need to be seen in that swimsuit)

This year I have a little confession....Christmas is making a fairly early appearance in the Becca-Lou household.

Yes we are having a little bit of Christmas in July.

No we do not have any decorations up, nor is the CD player primed to blast out "Oh Come All Ye Faithful" at the mere press of a button.

I have simply realised that projects take a little longer to complete now that the little man is here, so in order to ensure my Christmas tapestry is completed by the big day I have started it a little early. 6 months early to be exact. Its nice to be prepared. And this is a monster of a tapestry so its going to take me a little while to complete.

Have you started any Christmas crafty projects yet or is the rest of the world putting off the thought of Christmas until after the summer? Has anyone else started Christmas in July?

Finally Finishing - My Little House

I think I've mentioned before that I really struggle to finish projects.

I truly love the excitement of a new project. Getting the right tools out, shopping for the necessary materials, planning my development, these seduce me every time. Once the initial new project excitement wears off I really have to press myself to keep going.

That new project excitement usually lasts right up until the very last stage. This means that I'm usually left with lots of 90% complete projects requiring that one last push to complete. I even leave the projects in view so I see them regularly, and every time I see them I feel a little disappointment in myself for not having the commitment to complete the project. I do find this quite embarrassing, why cant I be more disciplined to commit to finishing what I start, this cant be a particularly good personality trait. This challenge doesn't stay at home either, I suffer at work too but there I have managers and annual pay reviews to spur me on, maybe I need to ask hubby to take up this role at home??? what an idea!

Does anyone else suffer with this? Do you also have an embarrassing pile of UFOs??? (UnFinished Objects?)

I found this little house in a magazine late last year and just had to have a go at it. It's so cute. I diligently completed the detailed stitch work on all 4 sides some time ago and it has been sat in this state for months.

At the weekend I put dinner into cook and had 30 minutes spare, and I got this project finished. It only took 30 minutes to do the final stage but I have been sitting on it for months, pathetic I know. I even made a little internal bag of rice so this is weighted at the bottom.

Now that it is finished I'm really pleased with the result. However, I'm really not sure where to put it right now, T is becoming more and more mobile, and being 9months old EVERYTHING is destined to be tested on his 4 little teeth. Not sure how the stitching would survive the rugged biting and tugging they will be subjected to. Maybe my cute little house will be destined for a cupboard until the biting phase is over.

Do you have any tips for avoiding the growing pile of UFOs? or do I just need to be harsher with myself and not allow the starting of new projects until the previous one is finished? All thoughts gratefully received

Now I know my ABCs wont you sing-a-long with me

It's been a while since my last update. Life has been crazy, but I'm now 37.5 weeks pregnant and have finally finished work to concentrate on maternity leave and making sure R and I are prepared for the arrival of our first little one.




I finished work last week and have been using my time to finish baby related projects as any day now I could be whisked off to hospital only to return in a whirlwind of our new world.



I'll share my projects with you over the next couple of days but wanted to show you the long overdue finished baby sampler. Well I say finished, I obviously cant add the baby's name (we opted not to find out the sex at the scans) or the birth date, but it is as finished as it can be at this time.

This pattern is from the Historical Sampler Company, whilst I was a little dubious of some of the letters (Ewe for E and Washing for W????) I think the overall effect is really lovely, and hopefully wont be out of date in a year or 2.

I'm looking forward to having this framed and hanging in the nursery, and hope that it will adorn my home for many years to come, I've got images of this hanging on a wall filled with crafty pictures in my perfect cottage kitchen.....well we can all dream....fingers crossed for the next house

What to do...

It's that time of the year again.

It's time to decide whether to submit to the Discerning Eye competition. This is open to art in any media from any artist. The pieces are selected from those submitted by art critics and celebrities and are then shown at the Mall Galleries, London in November. All pieces have to be available for sale. It really is a great opportunity to have your work shown.

I submitted a couple of funky cross-stitch pictures last year. I wasnt selected :o(

But what to do this year? Pieces have to be submitted in early September so if I want to come up with something new there isnt too much time. Or I could submit the same pieces as last year as the selectors are totally different.

What to do....what to do....

G to S

I may not have been telling you about it, but I have been (slowly) continuing with my baby sampler.

As I'm now 30 weeks life has had to take a little bit of a slower pace. I've still got quite a few more weeks at work and am stubbornly refusing to give up my social life completely so the thing that has had to give is my craftiness.

With weddings and summer bbqs, weekends have also been a little insane, but I can see the light now and with August setting in I can see a few free weekends lined up and have my projects ready for the making.

In the mean time here is the latest on my sampler...still plenty of time to finish before bump makes an appearance.

E is for...

another rather strange "is for" picture, but the sheep does look quite cuddly and I'm loving the little heart.

The overall picture is really starting to come together though...loving it...

D is for.....

Not entirely sure what I do if bump is a boy. We have opted not to find out the sex in the second scan as wanted a little surprise when bump arrives. This really was the most unisex sampler pattern I could find, oh well in the world of metro-sexual men I'm sure my child wont be scared for life because Mummy embroidered "Dolly" for D on the baby sampler

C is for....

Cluck, Cluck, Cluck

or maybe this should be Cake considering the volume I've been eating recently...

B is for...

Splish....Splash....Splosh....B is for Boot


2 down 24 to go

A is for....

Thank you for all the kind words.....I've obviously know about the little one for a while know so have been buzzing away getting bits'n'bobs done so I'm pleased to be able to share some of this with you now.

I got a little excited about bump at the Stitch and Craft show in April and bought various kits and patterns which I will share over time as I make them up.

I started with the item which I thought required the most craft-hours...and boy was I right so far. Its a cross-stitch sampler, a classic design from the Historical Sampler Company

Here's the first letter....

It's an interesting choice of picture for A, think I would have gone with a traditional "Apple" but hey looks like my little one will be learning a wide vocab from an early age...

I think I've mentioned before that my Grandma was a big cross-stitcher and I've still got the sampler she made me for my birth so I wanted to do something for my little one. I'm still learning about about the craziness I can expect when bump arrives so am attempting to do all the work now so that only the name, date and framing are left to do.

My weekend in pictures

There has been an invasion in London....yes all over London there are reports of multi-coloured elephants....

Over 250 elephants have been installed on London's streets, parks and shops to campaign for the conservation of the Asian elephant. Brilliant for kids young and old, if you are in London thoroughly recommend hunting some of these fellas down.

You can find out more and a map of where they are here

Elephant trekking is hungry work.....mmmmm cake......

There was a spot of crafting too.....

Hope you had a good weekend