A few weekends ago, my Mum and I went along to the Creative Stitches and Hobbycraft show at Bluewater.  This was my first time and I was hoping to be inspired by new techniques and products but we were both really disappointed!!  We left after an hour and a half feeling a little jaded and were caught by a market research lady who asked what we thought...so we told her, dissappointed with all the traditional items and kits available and were hoping for something more contemporary.

So after this disppointment, I felt the need to do something and dug out one of those free kits you get with books and magazines to make....

Ta da, the finished pencil case with cross-stitched flowers:

Only thing is.....it's not very contemporary is it????



Did you go to the show at Bluewater? What did you think?

My new sewing space

I'm excited today - my new sewing space is pretty much done.   I started sewing in June in the dining room having to get everything out and pack away again at the end of the day; a few months back, I moved up to the spare room but still had to pack everything away when we had visitors - this was my workspace (my table is tucked into the corner on the left!):

And now, I have this lovely space....

Everything organised and in it's place - lovely.  Now there's no excuse not to be working...right???



Dear washing machine,

Are you ok? Have I said something?  I think we've fallen out and I'm not sure why - are you playing mind games with me?

Everytime I put on a freshly washed pair of jeans you send me into a dither making me think I have gone up at least 2 dress sizes.  This is just cruel.  I can't bend down properly all day let alone eat a full meal - Day 2 seems to have eased a little (possibly down to the lack of food on Day 1) and then by Day 3, it's comfort all the way however the jeans are now in need of another wash and I'm back to square 1.

I thought we were friends, I use branded washing powder and even water softener to ease your joints but lately you seem to be squeezing me out - literally.   Please, please don't make my jeans so tight and I promise to give you a day off every now and then.

Can we be friends again?
Mrs L. xx

Bags, bags, bags

On Sunday I went to a fantastic class to learn how to make a clutch bag.  I've had a go at home before but wanted to learn the knack of fixing the clasp to the fabric and ta da...

And it even opens up to a lovely inside...

So I'm ordering supplies and excited to get started!  Only one problem, I'm not sure how many of these will actually make it to the shop  as I have a bit of thing for bags!