Sew Do I

Sofia goes to London

2012-01-14T19:39:00.003Z

In September...

She was not so keen on the lobster...

Time out...

2011-09-13T16:35:00.004+01:00

for sewing....for other babies

This one was for Lily

detail on the back:

This one was for Harry:

detail on the back:

xxx

Cheltenham Caravan Refashion

2011-08-23T18:06:00.003+01:00

For my friend, the lovely textile artist Kate Talbot

Achtung BABY! It's a GIRL!!!

2011-08-12T09:06:00.003+01:00

Our beautiful little girl is here!

She was born last Sunday and she's a gorgeous little black hair doll.

It's been 9 months since my last post...

2011-07-27T21:21:00.005+01:00

can you believe that???

What could take someone 9 months of their time?

(Did you get the hint?)

How about that?! :)

Due very VERY soon!

xx

It's been a while...

2010-10-21T13:42:00.003+01:00

I know, I'm sorry.
But I have a very good reason. I've been on holiday :)

I went to Japan and on the way I stopped in Dubai for 2 days.
Was it hot, or what?!?!?

More recently (it sounds like a long time but in fact it was just 10 days later) I went on a mini-cruise to Belgium and France.

(I do think I deserve this...but it may just be me being spoiled :)

I'll put some pictures up ..there's even some craft related events (mostly shopping :)

keep checking back

xx

My first wedding dress..

2010-08-09T15:57:00.003+01:00

..well, not really MY wedding dress. It's the first one I made in 1999 (I think).
I was living in Cape Verde then and my friend Guta asked me to make her wedding dress.

The dress itself is made in 3 parts: the top, the straight skirt and the train/outer skirt which could be removed during the reception.

I also made the bouquet, the head band/pin, favours and ring pillow/basket.

I had to make pictures of the framed original photos as the photos as "glued" to the frame glass (as you can see on the photos).

The fabrics used were: a decorated organza for the top and pink (ish - salmon colour) satin and plain white organza for the skirts.

My Dream- in Denim

2010-08-03T16:24:00.003+01:00

My Dream - country style

2010-08-03T16:11:00.002+01:00

My Dream (one of...)

2010-07-07T15:12:00.001+01:00

Fur Lisa

2010-06-23T08:48:00.002+01:00

Just because .....
she is our little princess and she's definitely worth it.!!

xxxx

Farmer Simon

2010-06-09T15:33:00.003+01:00

Farmer Simon is one of the new little additions to the family...and he now has a little lamb...

a present from Tia Sonia xx

roll cushion

2010-06-08T09:30:00.002+01:00

I covered a foot stool for friend and then there was some fabric left which she said I could have.

Instead...since her birthday was coming , this is what I made for her

The tassels are the same as used on the stool.

Sew does Katie...

2010-05-11T16:14:00.006+01:00

Katie is my friend and a member of my sewing group "It's Sew Easy".

For her birthday I got her this patchwork and embroidery book from a lovely shop in Andover: Quilter's Dream (This is where I did my patchwork and quilting workshops).

And this is what she did

It was a present for her mum. Her mum loved it...and so did we.

May Fair

2010-05-09T16:03:00.013+01:00

We used this opportunity to promote our sewing group " It's Sew Easy".

Our tent:

My work:

Fi's work:

Our work:

Country life:

sewing room

2010-05-07T19:08:00.002+01:00

Work in progress..

1. Add some shelves and peg board:

2. Add a bit of love:
xx

bag holder

2010-05-06T15:53:00.002+01:00

(late) December Post

2010-02-20T12:17:00.003Z

So..it's not like I haven't been doin anything lately!
I November and December I participated in some craft fairs in Southampton, Salibury and even in my village.
I love Christmas craft fairs.
This was in Southampton:

Here's Christian proudly showing his reindeers, and so he should be. They sold out!

Alfie

2009-11-12T09:42:00.003Z

This is what I did yesterday at the sewing club..Oh, I haven't told you about the sewing club yet! Next post, I promise.

Anyway, this is Isabella's birthday (5) present! Alfie is her dog and he looks just like that :)

And then I got a sweet thank you from her...I think it means she liked the present ;)
xx

Candies...

2009-10-21T14:30:00.004+01:00

..to my eyes...

From this...to this:

Like a kid in candy shop...

2009-10-21T14:23:00.002+01:00

isn't that what they say?

At least that's what I felt when I was shown this:

and guess what...it's mine now!!! The "shop" aka as sewing machine and the "candies" aka fabric!!!

Thanks Kim

CAPE VERDE Part II - Santiago

2009-09-10T13:13:00.007+01:00

Cidade Velha

Praia

S. Francisco

CAPE VERDE Part I- Boavista

2009-09-08T10:50:00.003+01:00

The devil makes work...

2009-08-21T09:09:00.001+01:00

... for idle thumbs!

(...during some boring management training session...)

Polka dots

2009-07-09T14:02:00.004+01:00

This is Ruth's present who loves everything Cath Kidston...

... box decorated by me (or should I have said 're-fashioned')

... and inside...

pocket tissue holder
mirror
keyring

xxx

Handmade Craft Fair @ Winchester

2009-07-07T14:39:00.007+01:00

This was at Winchester Guildhall:

And there were lots of lovely stall to visit...

This one even had a Portuguese name: Meninafeliz...and I loved their work!! Specially their coastal range!

And I have met some local artists..that live very very close to me!!!

This is Raspberry:

And this is Caroline Green Pottery:

These two artists will be participating in the Hampshire Open Studios event.

I can't wait to visit them!!!

Cath Kidston business

2009-06-24T09:19:00.002+01:00

..card holder..
(made some time ago)

As a leaving present for the lovely girl who loves Cath Kidston and had already received this underwear bag.

More card holders here: brown and orange, personalised, and mine!

xx

xx

2 dresses

2009-06-24T09:02:00.003+01:00

..one made by me and one made by my sister.
Yes, she made her own wedding dress!!! Isn't it so beautiful???

And I made my dress...you probably can't see it very well from the picture, but there are two pockets in the front. I made the two seams (darts) in the front go all around to my hips and that makes the pocket.

Her wedding was last month in Germany, where she is living.

Tschüßi

Whether you're 5...or you're 50....

2009-06-18T20:56:00.002+01:00

A birthday gift...

.... handmade with LOVE!

...enjoying British summer!!

2009-06-18T20:37:00.004+01:00

so maybe I can be excused for not being here...

Kids have been enjoying the weather, too.

I hadn't realised kids STILL knew how to play.. I am impressed!

Canterbury

2009-04-10T15:52:00.004+01:00

I was working in Kent yesterday and ended up staying overnight...
in Canterbury...magical

sometimes wonky...

always beautiful...

This was the view from my room .... Canterbury Cathedral!

The place where I had dinner last night...Boho Cafe ... so cute ...and the food was delicious

At the breakfast table...a picture of my hotel...

xxxx

tricotadeira...

2009-03-26T10:06:00.003Z

(knitter)..is the nickname of another new friend.

It was through her that I got to Tita (last post). This lady organises knitting meetings in Porto.

Xana is a lovely lady who has agreed to meet (very last minute) me when I was last at home. She has even got me a present

Some handpainted wool, with fantastic colours, by "maos de sapo" (another portuguese crafter);

and a lovely teddy knitted by her the night before. Don't you all just love to make last minute presents? I do! Or at least is my excuse the have a sewing room full of stuff I 'MAY' need.

Thank you very much XANA, you are fantastic and it's great to have met you!!!

xxx

learning to spin...

2009-03-23T13:54:00.010Z

anything better to do on your holiday?.. I don't think so.

I went home for a relaxing holiday and couldn't sit still..so let's look for something fun to do. How about learning a new (crafty) skill? Spinning??? Yeah!!!

A bit of internet searching put me in touch with Tita, from Oficina do Fio. Besides being a lovely person who enjoys sharing her knowlegde and a great spinner, she's also got the loveliest house (I am into old houses) packed with spinning wheels, and looms...summary: paradise!

I had a lovely time with Tita, and I learned quite a lot..though I have to admit I am not the best student.

1. one of my versions of paradise (another one could be a ribbon shop, buttons, fabrics, etc :)

2. Granny squares blanket...an original one! amazing. The brown furry thing you see is a poncho made of dog's fur. It is so soft you wouldn't believe. Now that was new for me, that you can spin dog's fur.

3. An Ashford Spinning Wheel (joy). This one is very compact!

3. The portuguese spindle. Tita is forever THE Portuguese Spindle enthusiast.

4. Tita showing me how it's done....my tries had too many lumps to be allowed in a picture

xx

copycat

2009-03-20T10:58:00.005Z

My dad saw this in a shop:

And we came up with this:

I think it turned out even better because I made the images mirrored.

So now his flat has got something made by me :)

leaving presents...

2009-03-01T17:17:00.002Z

for SJ...

Good luck in your new job!!!

Snow and Spring

2009-03-01T16:32:00.002Z

...all in the same month...
xx

got it!!!

2009-01-18T18:48:00.003Z

I've always wanted to make this bag...
and here it is...
as beautiful as a flower!

New Year in...

2009-01-18T17:58:00.004Z

Trois Vallees....France...

with a little bit of this:

(my first time at snowboarding)

and some skiing...

a chance to spend some time with my sister, whom I hadn't seen for a year..

And a chance to meet Buchty. She's the sister of my dog, Rita ....but mine is cuter, of course ;)

We've had a great week, with some old friends...and also made some new friends...

At midnight... celebrating in the snow!!!! How cool is that????

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

XX

Xmas in....

2009-01-09T12:00:00.006Z

Cologne...

...me...

....its famous Xmas market....

...and its specialities...in this case: potato cakes (fritters) with apple sauce

.... some knitting....not done by me!!!

And in Dusseldorf....

Fred, The Dr. and C. ....

....the Dr. making some Brezeln (Pretzels) for me...it is a very dangerous task (literally)..hence the glasses (which should have been goggles)...

...and some more cute Xmas decorations in the shops....

And then Stuttgart.....

....but no pictures...sorry..... too busy relaxing....

The odd Xmas present....

2009-01-09T11:54:00.002Z

For the neighbour's kid....

And for Our PostLady (Eve):

xx

..and the second...

2008-12-10T07:06:00.003Z

was even nicer.
Look at this...

Passed the test...

2008-11-17T13:52:00.004Z

I've done my first craft fair and I thing it's fair to say: I have passed the test!
Look how lovely my stand looked...

That's my little helper in the back. The stand wasn't completely set up when I took this photo but I didn't have time to take others.

I think the shelf was a good idea. I find it very difficult to look at things when they are on the table only.

We had the best spot...you couldn't miss us just as you went into the cafe...

I had a great time.

All my items could be personalised..I have taken my embroidery machine with me so I could embroider names on the bags, etc.

My best seller were the flanels and towels, and were the items that were easy to make as they were ready to be embroidered! They were also the cheapest items ...

Next time I have to have a wider range of prices i.e. cheaper prices...

My first EVER craft fair...

2008-11-06T14:18:00.002Z

it's in 2 weeks, in a school in Salisbury (UK)..(you know, just round the corner from the Stonehenge)...and I don't knoe what I am taking...
Actually...I have a table booked and nothing to put on it because I haven't even started...

No..of course I am not panicking...ermmmmm...maybe just a little bit...

So I have bought loads of material and ribbons etc...and now need ideas.

From all the things you have seen in this blog made by me which do you think would be favourites in a crafts fair?

And what are your suggestions of things you haven't seen here but know I could make anyway....???

xxxx

fur Oma...

2008-10-13T09:42:00.003+01:00

embroidered birthday card for 90 year-old granma...

(can you tell I was dusting that shelf before taking the picture:)

xx

birthday card

2008-09-24T12:46:00.003+01:00

My latest (last minute) crafting session turned into this:

A birthday card for two brothers...two big boys!!

Here's more details:

The fishy smell has been eliminated by stuffing the cuties with lavender!

I am sailing...I am sailing

2008-09-23T23:13:00.003+01:00

yep...that's what me and C have been doing over the last 2 weekends!

yep...that's what me and C have been doing over the last 2 weekends!
We are now Competent Crew members according to the RYA...
I'm glad they don't take into account I get seasick :)

And this is Alice..our boat..

Too much fresh air can have strange effects on some people...

xxx

Wedding favours!

2008-09-16T14:41:00.004+01:00

Did you guess?
Here's a selection:

The favours were also used as place cards as each one had the name of the guest on a card attached to the heart. The cards were made using the template of the wedding invitation (hence the two hearts with the names of the bride and groom, not that you can read them). A hear punch was used to create a hole for the heart's string. The string was aslo the same as found in the wedding invitation.
Each heart had the guest's initial embroidered in cream.
The parents of the bride and groom had their hearts embroidered in silver to make it a bit more special. They also had a ribbon rose and a string of pearls on the top.

All the hearts (about 90 of them) were placed in 2 boxes, one for the bride's guests and one for the groom's guests.

The bride and groom's hearts had a silver ribbon and an arrangement of ribbon roses and pearls. They were also bigger than the others.

A preview of the tables after all the place cards (hearts) were set in place. The tables were later decorates with red and white roses and pearls.

Here's a preview of me in on the wedding day. And this is the dress I made as well as the clutch...Remember this fabric?

I hope to show some more pictures later. I just love this dress.

xxx

WIP

2008-08-04T09:32:00.003+01:00

(work in progress)...any guesses?

xxx

Handmade in New Zealand

2008-08-02T11:42:00.004+01:00

My sis made this little felted purse for me when she was in New Zealand. She has also learned how to spin wool and she has sent me a little bit...

Thanks Nita!
xx

Cath Kidston

2008-07-31T22:54:00.005+01:00

...lingerie bag for a very lucky (and lovely) girl...

more to come

xx

Mr & Mrs

2008-07-18T16:57:00.002+01:00

Wedding present for Sarah B...

I think she liked it ;)

xx

wedding present

2008-07-03T15:34:00.004+01:00

This was made as a wedding present last year. I bought some towels and embroidered the bride and groom's initials inside a heart. Then I made a simple white cotton drawstring bag with the same embroidered design.

I broke the camera taking these shots (fell of my hand) so I don't have pics of the towels, sorry.

I suppose they could use the bag as a laundry or lingerie bag afterwards...

I have got to make some more wedding presents and favours soon... looking for ideas...

xxx

AVAILABLE...Oscar and Cerise

2008-06-22T18:05:00.004+01:00

... and looking for a good home...

OSCAR - A cute little mouse made of very soft yellow cuorduroy and blue linen...completely handmade and embroidered. It stands 35 cm (13" 1/2) tall... can you resist this?

£ 20 (postage include within the UK) € 25 (postage included within the EU)

for other destinations please contact me.

No loose or small parts so suitable for young child.

CERISE - the cutest oicloth lunch bag...just perfect: perfect size, perfect yummy colours...
It is lined with yellow polycotton fabric and it has a little internal embroidered pocket...

The dimensions are H 24cm (9" 1/2) x W 22cm (8" 1/2) and the 'thickness' (sides) is 12cm (4" 1/2)

£ 16 (postage include within the UK) € 20 (postage included within the EU)
for other destinations please contact me.

xx

coming up....

2008-06-22T17:13:00.004+01:00

...some day...

These are fabrics I bough to make some clothes for myself....but they have been waiting on the shelf for a long time

This red one will be a blouse..probably with ruffles on the collar...
I think my mum used to have one with a similar fabric in the 80's and it's still on my mind..

The yellow- also for a blouse; (the circles are transparent) no idea about the design, yet.

This is a cream fabric something like satin (but I am sure it's some sort of silk)... with loads of embroidered flowers.

I will make a dress to go to a wedding in September...I am sure it would look good on a strapless dress but I think I am going to go for straps. I was thinkinh of a gathered top and tight waist, followed by a big skirt..sort of the rock n' roll dresses..capice?

This red patterned cotton is for a suit. I may tray a fish tail skirt from a pattern I got from Mary but I am not sure about the jacket yet. I would like a short one...maybe short sleeves as well... something cute...

And this one was for a dress. It has a lovely drape but I can't come up with a design yet...

Happy Sewing!!!

xxx

Coming soon...

2008-06-21T17:00:00.001+01:00

..to a blog near you ...keep tuned!

Winter is over....

2008-06-15T18:37:00.004+01:00

I mean...finished!!

Remember this?

Now look at it....gorgeous....

And it will look even better when I find the perfect twig to hang it from...

cathedral window

2008-06-08T20:02:00.004+01:00

..another patchwork technique...
.. a pincusion ... a sweet smelling pendant...and a block for a future project (don't know what yet, any ideas?)

SEEDS of love...

2008-06-08T14:54:00.004+01:00

I made these little bags for a plant swap...

It was so difficult to let go of these...combined with the desire to share these cuties.

The seeds were from packs that I go withe some gardening magazines. There were four little packs in an envelope. I made a bag for each of the packs and embroydered 'Seeds', so then people can use them with any seeds they have. I made a tag using the graphics from the seeds envelope. I glued a picture of each of the plants on the little pack; these pictures are from the front of the envelope. On the the tag I used a smaller picture from the back of the envelope which was next to the sewing instructions. so on the back of the tag I glued these sewing instructions.

These are so thin that you can fold and put inside an envelope and post to some friend...maybe your own 'special seeds'..all you have to do is take a picture of the plant whilst in bloom; otherwise it's like a recipe book without pictures. (Unless you want it to be a surprise)

Let me know how you liked these..
(and sorry for the bad photo)

xx

vintage pleasure

2008-05-10T19:27:00.003+01:00

What else can a girl say when she receives such an amazing package from Mary.

All I asked for was a copy of the fish tail skirt (on the left) and not only she sent me the ORIGINAL one, she's also sent all the other beauties.

How can you not love vintage patterns...always so elegant...which one will I try first????

Thank you so much Mary!!!!

My first cloth doll..

2008-04-13T19:28:00.003+01:00

...with a face! And what a pretty face.

I have made a cloth doll once, and it still exists ..without a face. It must be more than 10 years old now.

This one is from Colleen's free pattern: Pinelope. I didn't have all the right materials so I just made it up as I went along. I did make a point in getting the right colouring pencils though, and I think it shows.

I am really thrilled...here's a project done in a couple of hours!

Quilting - aplique

2008-04-13T15:28:00.003+01:00

I have started a new set of quilting and patchwork classes. I have decided to dedicate myself to different techquines. The panel below is based on 'applique'...basically applying different layers of fabrics.

I got the little cages in Portugal.
We used to have them when I was little to hold crickets...Weird, I know...
But now I find them so cute!!! Don't you agree?

Quilting-all other blocks

2008-04-13T15:00:00.005+01:00

because I am so slow in posting sometimes...most times...I have decided to post all the other blocks I did in my Patchwork and Quilting classes so I can show you what I have been doing lately.

Lesson 7 : Bear's Paw

Lesson 8: Baskets

Lesson 9: Log Cabin

Some day I will put them all together into a quilt...someday...

Sassy Apron Swap - Received

2008-03-18T10:15:00.003Z

Look what I got from Jenn for the Sassy Apron Swap (Spring)!!!

Aren't these colours fantastic? Yes! It's lined with the same beautiful colour as the cute bow in the pocket..

Thank you so much Jenn!!!!! You did a wonderful job!

I am a lucky girl.

PS. Can't wait to try the soup recipe ... watch this space...

Quilting - pinwheel (lesson 6)

2008-03-13T17:34:00.002Z

and with the same technique...

Quilting - star (lesson 5)

2008-03-13T17:32:00.001Z

Quilting - boat (lesson 4)

2008-03-13T17:30:00.001Z

This is one of my favoutite blocks

Sassy Apron Swap - Spring

2008-03-06T10:42:00.003Z

Remember this?

Well, it's part of this:

and it has been sent across the 'pond' to my swap partner as part of the Sassy Apron Swap hosted by the lovely Lucy.
(I can't name my swap partner yet, otherwise it would ruin the surprise... but I hope she likes it)
She has received it now(or should I say alreay?!)...it went to Mary ...have a look!!!

Other aprons from this swap can be seen here.

xx

Quilting - Shoo Fly and... (lesson 3)

2008-03-02T18:27:00.002Z

and a variation.....

Quilting - Friendship Star (lesson 2a)

2008-03-02T18:11:00.004Z

Using the same techniques as the previous block...

Quilting - Jacob's Ladder (lesson 2)

2008-02-27T16:20:00.002Z

This one uses squares and triangles..

they say quilting is very forgiving....I surely hope so...some squares became rectangles (hope you didn't notice )

xx

Quilting- Nine Patch Block (lesson 1)

2008-02-26T14:18:00.004Z

I started a quilting course, for beginners, in early January. There will be 9 sessions in total. In each session we learn/improve techniques by making at least one new block.

Lesson I: Nine Patch Block

Homework: a variation of the previous block, using the same techniques

more to come...

xx

Chicken scratch

2008-02-26T14:11:00.003Z

...a type of embroidery done on gingham.
You can get beautiful results ...the final result looks like lace ....
This is my first attempt...

Do you like it? I do!

xx

What I have seen ... recently

2008-02-25T17:32:00.004Z

from my trip posted previously...

I found all of these in a fantastic restaurant called "O Bernardo" in Boavista dos Pinheiros (near Odemira and Vila Nova de Milfontes), in Portugal.
I wanted to take everything with me...and I did...in pictures...

...a rag rug...
... a lovely couple...
(sewn by the owner of the restaurant...and she says she can't sew?!....)

...some patchwork bags...

I've seen some of these posted in A Saloia ... she calls them 'Talegos'

Where I have been...recently

2008-02-25T17:22:00.003Z

a town....

a city...
(some will argue it should be 'THE' city ;)

surely some of you will be familiar with one of these?!?!?!

(Also) handmade for me

2008-02-19T21:38:00.007Z

As they say: "better late than never"

So here it is, these beautiful (Xmas) presents that my frieng G made for me.
I am such a lucky girl!!!!

(tres chic...oh la la )

( I need to make something worthy of these beautiful buttons)

(funky!!!!)

(romantic...)

Handmade Christmas...by her

2008-01-08T16:28:00.000Z

My sister made/embroidered these two presents for her in-laws:

* Embroidery on dressing gown for the mother-in-law; and

** A headband for the father-in-law who likes running. The 'G' is for Gambrinus, a Czech beer, his favourite!

Good job!!!!

2007 Handmade Christmas

2008-01-06T13:34:00.000Z

Handmade for me.... the perfect handwork from an 89 year-old Grossmama...

Handmade by me....

my first handknitted gloves....

xxx

Merry Christmas

2007-12-26T12:35:00.000Z

...to all my friends and their families!!!!

This was my handmade card for this year...soooooo cuuuuuuute :p

xxx

a mouse or a cat?

2007-12-04T12:48:00.001Z

well...
I made a mouse but my friend insisted it was a cat.
I made this mousie for my friend's 3 year old son and he loved it! At least he was playing with it all day; I guess in kids terms it means they like it?!

The pattern was taken from the book ' For Sweet Baby' (isbn4-07-246385-X), one of those cute Japanese books you just can't resist.

Here's some more pictures from the book in Angry Chicken's blog.

still sewing....

2007-11-23T19:26:00.000Z

... believe it or not...

this beauty is used to hold plastic shopping bags and is now in a beautiful country kitchen. Perfect!

xxx

BBQ in Winter

2007-10-26T09:01:00.000+01:00

It took me so long to update this blog that it's almost like a far distant memory...except for my friends, of course!!!
Here's some pics from my party in Bolton...

Only me to decide to have a bbq 'out of season'... and always struggling to get some coal...

xxx

smells like...

2007-10-07T18:39:00.000+01:00

lavender!

I made this little sachet for C's mum.

This is the kind of stuff I come up with when I am totally bored and have nothing to do. Fortunately, it seems that Frau S. always has everything I need... and the lavender is from her garden, handpicked that day.

THE business card wallets!!

2007-10-05T09:23:00.000+01:00

Here they are, the business card wallets finished sometime ago..but I hadn't had the chance to show them off yet....

Sam's:

Tina's:

Marie Louise's:

Marguerite's:

Aren't they so cute?

xx

Lake of Constance, Germany

2007-08-30T22:17:00.000+01:00

Last weekend we went around the Lake of Constance, by bike. This Lake in the south of Germany is surrounded by three countries: Switzerland, Austria and Germany. We managed to do the biggest lake in 3 days, averaging 50Km per day. It's a really easy ride as it is flat all the way..it was however very hot!!! Here are some of the pictures:

more pictures to follow...soon...xx

a dress...for ME!!!

2007-08-22T19:31:00.000+01:00

Here's my latest work, a dress I made for myself to go to a wedding in Germany. I got the fabrics from an Asian shop. I love the fabrics at these shops! They usually come in a combination of three fabrics so you could make a typical asian outfit with: trousers, tunic and scarf. Here's the result...

And here's a detail of the bow..it is actually just tied with a pin I had and thought it matched perfectly...This has got to be my favoutite piece..the bag. The outside is made with the blue fabric (the same as the ribbon) and the inside is made with the same flowery fabric as the dress. There's also a small trim on the outside with the dress' fabric. I am so happy with the result! I got these frames a few weeks ago and this was the right opportunity to try them. Isn't it so cute... I have got a few more frames so now I can make some bags if anyone is interested....

more business card wallets

2007-08-20T12:19:00.000+01:00

These are the new ones specially designed and handcrafted for four special ladies:
I will show more pictures in a couple of weeks when they receive them.... This is my new label....I thought I would make them myself...
And these are my homemade tags....I am deeply inlove with my sewing machine stamp. I had bought it ages ago and hadn't had the opportunity to use it. Here it is...
xxx

Where have you been Ms????

2007-08-12T15:40:00.000+01:00

GUESS?????

Here's a couple of clues:

And finally..

The question is NOT 'How did I get it out?' ...

The real question is ' Why did I drive it in the first place???'

Duh..... :p

I've done it again

2007-07-24T23:09:00.000+01:00

Following G's business card wallet...here's mine..

I'm so happy with the result!!

And now, I have four orders!!!
These will be for Marie Louise who wants one like mine..and then Sam and Mags want something more like G's and another one for their friend Tina. These ladies were at the conference and have seen our business card holders..they immediately asked if I would make them one...Of Course !!!!!

Got to get this creative waves flowing...

keep watching this space.....

xxx

amigurumi

2007-07-13T23:25:00.000+01:00

I've had my first attempt at 'amigurumi', a Japanese art to make crocheted dolls.
I got the dude pattern off crochet me.
The doll idea is from Rebecca Velasquez' amigurumi baby; only because pink yarn was all I had available :p
Of course hers is so much cuter! I love that tattoo.

The best part of my doll was making the diaper and I love how it looks...the worst was the yarn. I don't know what kind of yarn it is exactly but it kept twisting.

NOTE to self and others: try with a thicker yarn next time. It was really difficult to keep hold of that yarn.
Overall I'm quite pleased with it!!

sew does ... she

2007-07-12T17:36:00.000+01:00

I don't remember how I came across sewing and crafting blogs...probably some Google searching on a pattern or whatever.
The point is, it got me started with sewing again.

And I'm quite happy that my blog has got someone started with sewing again as well, my sister Nita. She's living in another country and my blog is sort of a way for her to see what I've been up to.

She's a fine seamstress... I have to say that, we've been to the same schools :)

She's learning how to knit socks ... and in the meantime she's been doing some re-fashion and has even sewn a little emsemble for some friends' baby.

Isn't this soooooo cute?

xxx

we're in business

2007-07-08T17:09:00.000+01:00

Here it is...
The business card holder for my friend and colleague G. I got the eye fabric from her some time ago and I know she really likes it. I hope she will like this wallet too.

It has been done with her taste in mind; I know she will like the eye, the embroidery around the iris, and the use of natural linen on the outside.

I don't think she will be too keen on the silver zigzag and probably the initials ...but I wanted to make it look a little bit professional..in case she wants to use it for the conference next week..

What do you think???

xxx

looking for inspiration...

2007-07-07T10:49:00.000+01:00

... for a business card holder/wallet.

We're holding and participating in an international conference in less than two weeks time and desperately need a business card wallet.
My colleague G. already has her business cards and mine were only oredered this week; they should be on the way.
This might be my last conference and I have to make the best of it...including networking...

I was looking for some inspiration on the internet and found some very interesting examples:

from Lana Stewart, a bookcloth business card holder;

from Freelance Monster, some cute stuff in felt;

from GlassBeach, a polka dot number;

and my favourite, this crazy quilt business card holder from Shunklies.

Looking forward to a crafting weekend ...

xxx

all revealed

2007-07-05T23:17:00.000+01:00

I can finally show you the apron I made for Mia, my swap partner and swap hostess at One Hour Craft. I am so happy she liked it. Here it is for you guys:

The pocket is an oven mitt which is attached by a hook to the apron. I embroidered the apple on the mitt to match the apron fabric and the little heart makes space for the thumb.

There's also the surprise I prepared for Mia's daughter...a matching apron based on a traditional Portuguese design blogged before

Mia's apron has been submitted for the Tie One On's June theme 'The pocket'...actually this is where it all started...
and I hope the other apron can be submited for next month's theme ' Local Pride'....

'boy, am I proud??

xxxxxxxxx

S. João

2007-06-30T22:14:00.000+01:00

Hey, I'm back...
Been home for a few days...and look what I've been up to...

Yep, I've been home for our most popular event (in Porto), S. Joao. For those of you who don't know about it, it's a bit like St. Patrick's day. The similarities are that they close the city for the party, people head off for downtown to celebrate it and it's all about having fun. This party is not celebrated or known worldwide like St. Patrick's but my opinion is that it is much more celebrated, i.e., I could bet the numbers are much bigger in Porto than in Dublin ( I might be biased but I've been to both).

S. Joao (St. John) is the patron saint of Porto and it's celebrated on the 24th of June, and it's a bank holiday in Porto's Metropolitan area. On the 23rd evening they close the streets in the city and everybody heads off towards the river. The picture above shows my crowd, Herr C., Mike, 'moi' and The Daddy. The 'thing' you see in my hand is a traditional hammer and we hit each other on the head with that. It usually squeaks like a toy. Traditionally you would take a garlic flower and brush it on people's noses, like this one (it stinks):

At midnight, there's the fireworks....half an hour of it...simply spectacular:

You can watch this show from both sides of the river, from Gaia and Porto.
This year they had a giant metal ball hanging from a crane. I saw a very similar thing a couple of years ago in Sidney for the New Year. I remember the fireworks finished and people were still looking at the ball to see what would happen but nothing did. I was very disappointing. I kept wondering if something would come out of this ball...and it did:

Pictures aren't enough...you really need to live it.
Afterwards you just drag your group around town, drinking and dancing..there are music groups performing in each of the stages scattered around both cities. And don't forget, keep hammering:

Here's something you won't find in Dublin, a mobile bakery...not just any bakery, it has got traditional wood fire ovens made of clay and they bake bread with cured meat inside... mmmmm

Some traditional games... at 1am.... in the middle of the street...

Because I'm spoiled rotten..here's what I got from The Daddy :)

And these are my three little (one big) princesses:

(now you try to get the three of them to stay still, look at the camera and say cheese :)

xxx

'M' is for Maria

2007-06-19T22:16:00.000+01:00

aka Mia.

Yes, I've been really fortunate to have the lovely and talented Mia as my swap partner for the May OHC Apron swap.
My parcel was sent yesterday by Airmail so I hope it doesn't take too long to cross the Planet and reach her safely. Let's see if she likes it...

Here's a sneak preview:

xxx

Outside

2007-06-11T23:32:00.001+01:00

crafty weekend

2007-06-10T21:59:00.000+01:00

This weekend I had the chance/excuse to do what I enjoy doing best...sewing.

I was going to meet a friend of mine whom I hadn't seen for a few years and she now has a baby girl. I decided to make something for her little girl and this is what happened:

Of course I also had to make something for her sister's twins (a much belated gift)... both twins' names start with the letter 'S' so I thought it would be a good idea to put the initials on, then they can wear any of the bibs.

And here's a pic of the three bibs with the detail of the back fabric.

I got the bib pattern from here sometime ago and this was a very good opportunity to try it.
It was great fun and I think they liked the presents...

xx

soxs

2007-06-05T22:19:00.000+01:00

:)

I learned to knit socks over the last Xmas holidays, in Germany. Me and my boyfriend were over to visit his family and for the first time I was really bored there. I guess it's because it was winter and there wasn't really much we could do. I went to their attic to see if I could come across any interesting findings (craft ideas) but because Mrs. S. (the mother) is a primary school teacher, all the things I could find were children related. Suddenly my boyfriend remembered that Mrs. S. could knit ...socks!!! We asked if she could teach me..and she agreed.
I spent the rest of my holidays there knitting socks. I knitted one pair for my father and one pair for my mother (I don't think I have any picture of these...I posted them home as a Xmas present :)
Since then, I have knitted another three pairs : one for myself, one for my lovely friend Christine and one for Akbhar 'my' technician (I'll explain later).
Christine's socks were actually a special request, as a birthday present. Of course they had to be green because that's her favourite colour.

As for Akbhar's socks...well, you see, Akbhar is the knitting technician at my University and since my PhD is in knitting (not this kind of knitting :p ) he is 'my' technician. Anyway, when I told him I had learned how to knit socks over Xmas he offered me a couple of cones of wool, so I thought I should make some for him. I hope one day he will teach me how to knit socks in one of our circular knitting machines ;)

I've asked to be taught how to knit gloves next Xmas holiday...can't wait!!! Might be so lucky to have the grandmother teaching me...

Tschuss
x

Crocs (sort of)

2007-05-31T23:11:00.000+01:00

These are my new 'Crocs'...well, sort of. These Mary Janes' are actually by Skechers and I think they are actually nicer then the Crocs version 'cause the front is not so wide.

And I'm so in love with the colour too...CHOCOLATE!!!

The nice photo (not mine!!! the one behind the shoes :p ) was taken by my dearest friend Martinho during his trip to Egypt.

x

My backgarden...done!

2007-05-30T20:20:00.001+01:00

Specially for my mate 'Mike':

here's a view of the backgarden completely renovated. It took an entire year to get all this work done. The pictures show the work in progress and final layout. This was all done without spending a penny...well, I did buy some seeds and the compost bin, but that's it.
Hope you like it!

First step (June 06): My (very helpful neighbour 'Blue' started digging up the crazy paving and built a new step which made up to a quarter of the garden. I made a 'stone' wall with the dug out stones.

August 06: He eventually completed the entire step and this is what it looked like (as well as the mess left in front of it):

April 07: I used some of the stones to build a couple of little walls at each end of the step (see next pic on the left corner, just behind the carpet).

And finally...just completed this weekend (May 07)....