Friday 30 May 2014

Bird applique bag for life



I've spent the day today designing the pattern for this pretty applique bird, both the pattern and instructions for my bag for life are on the web site! Hope you like it...






I do love the look of hessian, and the smell reminds me of the countryside, but you could make it up in any fabric you like! And sell as many of your creations as you like!


Half Yard Home

This is my next book to be published on the 15th October this year, followed by Sew Useful later on...

It's so exciting to see the hard work coming to life, and so rewarding to see my name on the front of a book! My younger self would never have foreseen this!

I'm working on a range of patterns and products, please feel free to chip in with any requests, anything you feel is lacking in our world of cloth and thread!




Thursday 29 May 2014

Tote bag with zipped divider

This one's a really long video, but I'll show you how I appliqued the chicken, made a zip patch pocket on the back, and a zipped divider in the centr
e. It's not a difficult as you'd think, and can be re-sized larger or smaller, so an organiser bag to a purse!


click here to go to You Tube...




Sew magazine article

I've just been sent this copy... a bit about me and my sewing room in Sew Magazine, next months magazine will feature instructions for the blue smocked cushion cover in the picture. If you make up the cushion [or any of my projects for that matter!] I'd love to see pictures!


Sunday 25 May 2014

Felt applique patterns

I've really enjoyed designing these patterns and there will be loads more to come! I enjoy hand sewing tremendously, although they could be sewn with a sewing machine too. I used wool felt as it has a lovely handle, and makes the cushion covers even more snuggly! Dogs and cats coming up over the next couple of days, and let me have any requests! Click here for the patterns and instructions...



patterns and projects

I have a couple of instructional projects for you to buy on my Thimble Lane web site, there will be more but it takes a couple of days to design, make up and photograph the process so bear with me! The vintage apron is a slightly different design to the You Tube one, and the hot water bottle isn't available anywhere else.

Feel free to make and sell as many as you like!




Monday 19 May 2014

Patchwork cushion cover project

                                       




This is an easy little project that can use up your square from a charm pack, mine measure 5" square and I've used 16 for the cushion cover as I've only decorated the front. My cushion pad is a large 18" but obviously you can make it smaller or even bigger by using more squares!





 Sew the squares together with a 1/2 " swam allowance, into rows of four.



Join the four strips together to make a square, and press. The back of my cushion cover will have a zip in the centre, so I've cut a rectangle of fabric, the width of the front of the cover, but 2" longer. Then cut this in half.


Sew the two pieces back together again, with a 1" seam allowance. PLace your zip over the seam and mark where it will sit.


Pin, then hand tack the zip, facing downwards, over the sea.

Put your zipper foot on your sewing machine and stitch all the way round.



With your quick-unpick, undo the stitches over the teeth of the zip.


Pin the back to the front of the cushion cover, right sides together, and sew all the way round. Remember to leave the zip slightly open or you'll find it difficult to turn it the right way round!

Snip across the corners, turn, and press.

Then stuff with your cushion pad!



'


Add a few beads and bows...


Or applique shapes into each square...



Wednesday 14 May 2014

Another pinny!


I enjoyed making the vintage apron so much I've made another, it took me the best part of a day but I love the result! This time I made a heart-shaped pocket and rounded the top of the bib, the tie's a bit wider too.  And I've sewn ric-rac around the green fabric. I think the red and green work really well. I think I'll make the apron without the bib next time... guess what everyone's getting for Christmas this year!






Saturday 10 May 2014

Vintage apron tutorial








Here's the link... I had loads of fun making this one, I think I'll make a few for gifts, maybe with a heart-shaped pocket and a bit of lace!


Thursday 8 May 2014

Ribbon hearts


Doesn't this look easy! Going to have a go tomorrow... I'll post pictures, always like to try things differently...




Monday 5 May 2014

My visit to Abakhan

Anyone got fabric envy? This huge store is North Wales is a dream! The stock absolutely everything you'd need to sew, knit or craft, and such good prices! Really nice lunches too! And the staff are a lovely knowledgeable bunch.

Take a look here...





Roman Blind Tutorial


This is the link to the roman blind video on You Tube, a simple small blind fitted into a wooden window recess. I get my supplies from J A Milton Upholstery on line and the fabric's from my shop, www.thimblelane.co.uk

Hope you like it!