Monday 15 June 2015

Skirts 


This week I had a skirt making week 
 I love making skirts - they are quick & fun and you can make them plain or decorated 
 I started with this little skirt for Aleesha 
which was very quick - I added some pink ric-rac to jazz it up a bit!!


Then i moved on to this skirt for Aaliyah -
I started with the red floral layer - then i added the bottom tier and the first row of ric-rac - then I gathered the lower tier and sewed it to the middle tier and added red ric-rac - then i gathered the middle tier and added it to the upper tier and added red ric-rac - made the casing inserted the elastic and it was done!!!

I then made this skirt for me - i have been thinking about making myself a skirt out of this fabric for a wee while - so i did !! This one was a bit different as it has panels - first i sewed part of the panel seams then i stitched in the panels - then did the side seams then made a seperate waist band - added elastic and hemmed - it's just the right size and length!! Yay!!


Friday 22 May 2015

Deer at the barn


Yesterday when I arrived at the barn I surprised a young female deer, she ran off through the field of wheat - but kept stopping and turning round to see if I was coming!!
She stayed about 40 yards away for a long time watching mebefore lying down and then i couldn't see if she had gone or not!!

Then today I walked in to the back of the barn and there were two young males right outside my window - they were nibbling at the moss - when they saw me they just looked up and stared. 
 I tried to take a photo - but I have bars on the back of my window - and as i tried to slip the phone behind the bars - they wandered off behind the hedge.
After a few minutes I went outside to see them - and they bounced off over the field - they were so beautiful - so swift - so supple they covered the wheat effortlessly. 
 I am always amazed by these beautiful swift shy creatures - they are so graceful and lovely and it is just another example of God's beautiful creation!!
 Til next time 
 God Bless
Sue..x

Mariners compass 



This is the first section of the Mariners compass- I used 16 different red blends to create this quarter compass.


This is the completed compass - I didn't sew it up in the right order - so it didn't work out quite as I expected - I shall sew another one in blue and try to improve it.
 I think they look quite spectacular - they are time -consuming to sew - ( particularly if you have to unpick) but well worth it!!
God Bless 
Sue..x

Appliqued cushion covers 



These are no more difficult than ordinary cushion covers - the only difference is that before you sew the cushion cover together - you sew the applique design on the front piece.
These silhouetted birds in soft blue work well with the grey tree branch- then using the same fabric as the piping - helps to balance the design
Why don't you have a go?
 If you need any help - just pop in - I will be happy to help you 
 God Bless 
Sue ..x

Friday 24 April 2015

Cushion cover making 



Today I made these two cushion covers - they are not difficult to sew. 
 These are to fit an  18" cushion
Do you prefer the silver or the gold?
 How I did it
First I measured the cushions to be covered 
 then I added 1 1/4" to both measurements & cut out one piece following that measurement ( i.e 19 1/4 ")
 I then added a further 2 1/2 " to one dimension and cut a piece that measurement - ( 19 1/4 " x 21 3/4 " ) 
 I then cut a 5" strip off the larger piece and sewed it right sides together back to the piece i cut it from leaving an opening 16" long.
 I then turned under 5/8"along both seam allowances and fitted a zip.
I then cut a length of piping cord the perimeter of the cushion plus 2"
I cut bias strips from the contrasting fabric and sewed them together to make a long enough strip to encase the piping cord.
I then sewed the piping around the cord using a zipper foot.
 I then lay the piping around the edge of the single piece of cushion curving around the corners - I then placed the other piece( the piece with the zip in ) on top right sides together and sewed through all the layers using a zipper foot
 I then trimmed the edges and turned it right sides out and it was done!!
 Didn't take long 
 til next time 
 God Bless
 Sue..x
 

What an amazingly beautiful tree!!






This tree is just outside the barn where I have my workshop and shop
I think it is absolutely stunning - If God hadn't made this first you couldn't dream this sight up- it is amazing!!
creation & nature is just so incredible!!
 God Bless 
 sue..x

Thursday 23 April 2015

Ladybird dress



I loved this fabric as soon as I saw it!! I knew I would just have to make a dress for Aleesha from it - and then when my daughter showed me the new red shoes she bought for Aleesha - well that clinched it for me.
 This dress is not difficult to make - it has a fully lined bodice and a zipper at the back!

 Here's how I did it- first I cut out the two back bodices in both lining fabric and ladybird fabric - then I cut out the bodice front on the fold in both lining fabric and in ladybird fabric. Then i cut out the two skirt backs and the skirt front (cut on fold) 
step 1 - staystitch around the neck of all bodice pieces
Step 2 - sew shoulder seam together in main fabric and in lining fabric 
step 3 - sew lining bodice to main fabric bodice around the neck and armholes 
pull through to right side & press under 1.5cm along lower edge of lining
step 4 - sew lower back seam and side seams
Step 5 - sew large running stitch ( by machine) along top of skirt
step 6 - pin skirt to bodice gathering skirt to fit
step 7 - sew skirt to bodice - trim seams 
 Step 8 - stitch 9" zip to back opening 
step 10 - slip stitch pressed edge of bodice lining down.
step 11 - measure lower skirt and take up required amount and hemstitch down 
step 12- topstitch around armholes & neck edge
I told you it  wasn't difficult !
Tomorrow I plan to make some cushions - I will put the instructions on here tomorrow evening 
 til then 
 God Bless 
 Sue..x

Wednesday 15 April 2015

Beach Kecks 


I am so looking forward to the Summer- I know we haven't had a hard winter but it just feels like it is ages since the summer.
I have made some Beach Kecks for my young grandson 
 Beach kecks are for those evening times when you've been on the beach all day - you've been in & out of the sea - but now the sun has dropped and a breeze is coming off the sea - but you don't want the day to end you're still happy to wriggle your toes in the sand - still keen to pick up prize shells - 
These kecks are for times like this - made out of a linen cotton blend - they keep you warm- but with wide legs you can still bury your feet in the sand - and with a drawstring and elastic round the waist they can be loose and comfy and there are two deep pockets for those special stones and shells
I can't wait for summer!

enjoy the sunshine 
 God bless 
 Sue..x

Friday 10 April 2015

Yay!! Spring is here!! 



Hooray! I really believe that Spring is finally here!!
 I accept that we may still have a cold spell - but it will only be a spell - it won't be the norm- the norm will be milder temperatures and hopefully brighter skies!!

 I have been sewing for the summer -  and i have made a little pair of beach pants with a frill all round and a matching tunic for my little granddaughter



She is going to look so cute in them!!
 I have decided to run some dress/clothes making classes to run alongside my patchwork classes - i am just trying to find the best day to run them on!!
The new fabrics in this Spring are wonderful - there is something for everyone & i am busy sewing a new summer quilt and designing a new block of the month for later on in the year.

These safari fabrics are lovely and the coastal range is 
gorgeous too!

I also have an ever expanding range of dressmaking fabrics in stock too! 
Take a look at my facebook page - go to my website and click on the facebook button 
 God bless & happy sewing
 Sue..x

Friday 27 March 2015

Spring sewing







I'm really enjoying doing a bit of dressmaking - this little shirt in nautical fabric is for a 2-3year old - has a stand up collar - a tab front with red buttons - two pleats to a yoke at the back - short sleeves & curved lower edges !! 
The country style blouse in pretty floral fabric is for a 4 year old and has a slit opening at the front - with a ribbon through seamed casing around the neck line - long sleeves with embroidered edges and elasticated cuffs and is a loose flowing fit!!
Both made in 100% cotton easy wear & easy wash - a must for active children!!
I have taken delivery of some lovely new dressmaking fabrics recently- including denims - cords- twills- chambrays - poplins - linens and linen cotton mixes and some jerseys - it's all great fun and i'm really enjoying it!!
 til next time 
 God Bless 
 Sue..x

Tuesday 10 March 2015

Getting ready for Summer






All this lovely sunshine has inspired me to sew a tunic ready for the Spring. A lovely blue print with turn up blue sleeve cuffs and two pockets with blue headings. A little v neck with a blue button.
This would be great over jeans or shorts or on a hot day with just a belt,
 I love it --think i might make another one
Also i made these two skirts for two of my girls

now all we need is some more sunshine

Happy sewing
God Bless

Sue..x

Saturday 28 February 2015

Crochet animals 




I fell in love with these cute little crochet kits at the trade show last week - i found them so appealing I had to have some - this one is the bunny - but I also have the kitten - the sheep - the bear and the reindeer.
They all come in their own little bag with the instructions the alpaca yarn a crochet hook and the stuffing - they are gorgeous!!
I can't wait to start crocheting them!!
 when i'm done i may even make them some little clothes - i suppose then i'll have to name them - any suggestions??

 God Bless

Sue.xx

Wednesday 4 February 2015


New fabrics - new ideas - new designs



These beautiful new autumn leaf and trees fabric arrived today - together with some lovely sea and sky - sand & pebbles fabric!!

The denims are in as are some lovely new cottons and drills type fabric - I can now get some serious sewing going!!
Last year i ran some charity days making quilts for the homeless - this year i'm thinking about running some 'little dresses for Africa' and 'britches for boys' sessions!!
 I will look into it and let you know!!
The evening socials will start in February on the last Monday of the month - by which time it will be lighter and brighter!!
I'm making some more bags this week - and will have some more patterns available.
 I am ordering some more wool and have already started my 'knit & nattter' / stitch & share' sessions - they are held every Thursday 10.30 - 3.30!
Now i'm off to do some knitting myself
 Have fun & as always 
God bless 
 Sue..x

Wednesday 21 January 2015


A new start in the barn!!



Well I spoke before of having a change at the barn in 2015 - and here is the start - I have had some beautiful cotton chambrays delivered in soft grey blues - stripes and spots and plain cotton chambray - I intend to do a little more dressmaking this year starting with making some dresses and shirts.

I have also received some lovely fabric to make shorts & trousers - add to that some more floral poplins and the dressmaking area in the barn looks quite impressive!!
I haven't forgotten that i said i would go back to stocking some selected yarns and i am working on that - hopefully I should have some really lovely and competitively priced yarn in the barn very soon.
The sale at the maltings was a success with many many people getting some fantastic bargains - great for you and great for me as it has created some space in the barn!

 I have taken delivery of some lovely batiks - some gorgeous lawns and some bright 1930's style fabrics as well as some soft vintage fabrics !!

 The new seasons lessons are under way and this year starting Thursday there will be 'nit & natter ' sessions from 10.30 - 3.00.
I look forward to seeing many of you in the barn this year and wish you all peace & blessings 
 God Bless 
 Sue..x



Wednesday 14 January 2015

Sale Season


Hi everyone,
 well now that we are well and truly in to the New Year it is sale season again. I have been humping & dumping bolts of fabric about the barn - trying to decide which ones to put in the sale.  i think i've just about sorted it out now and i have approximately 160 bolts of fabric that are going in the sale
Below are a few of them



On Sunday 8th January the Maltings holds in annual quilters fabric sale - and i will be taking my sale fabrics there - however the day before I give all my customers and the local ladies 'first dibs' at what I will be taking
so if you are free on Saturday - 17th January come along to the barn and have a rummage through the fabric on local first dibs day!!

God Bless 
 Sue..x

Wednesday 7 January 2015

Back in the saddle again




So today I re-opened the barn after being closed for 17 days and today has been much as I had expected.
 Unfortunately I didn't achieve what I set out to over the Christmas break - but then I never do!!
 But today I did start quilting my New year quilt which I start teaching at the end of the month.


This is how it looks at present - but hopefully it will soon be finished - it's going fairly well - but they never go as well as I hope - I guess i'm just too optimistic!! 
I'm looking forward to the Maltings sale and the pre-maltings sale in the barn on the day before - it's always good to have a sort out and re-organize everything!

There are lots of fabulous new projects to tackle with some fantastic new fabrics - the only problem is - I can't do them all - I don't have enough time and it's difficult to choose which ones to attempt and which to leave - they're all so exciting!!
 I will be doing some dressmaking shortly and some more knitting - because I just love it!!
I will post some pictures on my facebook page and here for yo allto see how i'm getting on and to see which projects i'm tackling!!
 

See you all soon 
God Bless 
 Sue.xx

Sunday 4 January 2015

New Year 







Well here we all are - Christmas is over and we have entered another year!!
A New Year - a new beginning - we can wipe the slate clean and start over!!
 What does this conjure up for you? maybe a new hobby - a new career - a new way of life even?
For me it means a new way of doing things - maybe fitting more or possibly less into my days? Perhaps spending more time with family or friends or maybe spending more time alone - time to think - time to dream - time to plan - time to search.
We tend to think that the new year will be better than the old ? - sometimes it is - sometimes it isn't- some people think they have good odd years and poor even years or vice versa - maybe they do -
 Whatever you feel about New year - I would like to celebrate the optimism and Hope that comes with the beginning of a New year and wish that the hope you experience at the beginning of a new year remains with you throughout the year!!

Happy New Year 

 Sue..x