Little Pink Lady

Little solutions to little problems

2010-08-19T22:35:00.000+01:00

Hair clips are a big pain in the bum in this house. I've lost count of how many sets I've bought for Izzy just to end up with lots of single clips and no matching pairs.

Does anyone else suffer from this problem? Where do these clips go?!

Anyway I saw this tutorial and it's such a pretty solution.

I used a frame from a charity shop which, as it was the first one I grabbed, is not in the best condition but once painted it looked a bit better.

I loved choosing scraps for the dresses and found some denim to use for the jeans.

It was really quick and easy to make so I might make a few for friends.

Next problem.....

...my daughter has a tiny bedroom but I love finding ways to get around this.

She recently got some chalks in a mixed box of Crayola bits and has been begging for a blackboard since. With no room for an easel I bought some blackboard paint and covered the front of her wardrobe with it.

Et voilà - one happy little girl and no extra space used!

I had just baked cakes when I wrote this!

The Never-Ending Tea Towel

2010-08-06T18:59:00.000+01:00

It's amazing how much you can make from just one tea towel! I had already turned my £1 CS tea towel into an apron and oven mitt and was finding it difficult to dispose of the scraps so I turned the leftover strip into a headband for Little Miss. P instead!

Shame she won't keep it on for more than 30 seconds! I still have a small strip left too so there may be hearts in my next post!

Speaking of the little girl who is the recipient of 99% of my makes, I am gradually turning her bedroom from a neutral nursery to a pink, girly bedroom.

She did have a cream and brown light shade but she now has a pretty pink one instead.

I used a delicious Robert Kaufman cupcake fabric, a pink flowery one I had lying around and some pink gingham from some of her old bedding.

Car Caddy

2010-07-26T22:21:00.000+01:00

I mentioned a few posts back about the car caddy I made using this tutorial.

I managed to get some pics...

I used some denim someone gave me a while ago and some spotty Laura Ashley fabric I found in a CS.

It's such a cute gift for a little boy who loves his cars!

I might try to make a girly one for Miss. P's Sylvanian Families (actually they were mine when I was a little girl)!

Little Hands that Bake!

2010-07-23T17:31:00.000+01:00

Little Miss Pink has recently moved into a grown-up single bed from her toddler bed and as it's a cabin bed the underneath has been transformed into a little playhouse.

As you can see she has a kitchen in there and she quite often has friends (of the stuffed variety) over for lunch and tea parties!

She has been busy serving tea and baking cakes without the most basic of kitchen essentials so this afternoon I managed to whip up some accessories.

I found an Emma Bridgewater Tea Towel in a charity shop a while ago which was perfect for a little girl's kitchen.

I just cut the tea towel into an apron shape and sewed some bias to the raw edges. The straps are one length of ribbon threaded through the bias to make it adjustable.

There was enough of the fabric left over to make an oven glove.

My little cook is very pleased with them!

In the near future I'll be making some curtains for the bed/playhouse which will hopefully turn out looking something like this or this!

Making Technology Pretty!!

2010-07-19T19:45:00.000+01:00

I wouldn't be without technology. My Macbook gives me my internet fix, my DSLR camera is my plaything and my TV provides me with episodes of Mad Men (which I'm loving at the moment)!

Now I have a hand-me-down iPhone thanks to Mr. P's need for the latest model! It's not the prettiest but most technology is fairly unattractive in my eyes, making an exception when it comes to one of these of course!

Of course I had to pretty my iPhone and who other than Cath Kidston would be the one to assist?!

Now isn't this nicer than a boring black phone?!

Even the inside is pretty! How wonderful.

Remember me?!

2010-07-15T21:54:00.000+01:00

I can't believe it has been so long since my last post! I have been very neglectful of my poor blog but since going back to work full time I haven't had the time or energy to post, let alone do anything to post about!!

But I've had a (much needed) week off and managed to do a cross a few things off my ever growing list!

First was this dresser unit that had been in Miss. Pink's bedroom for the last few years.

I needed to move it out to make way for a dolls house that was mine when I was a little girl (I'll post photos of that soon). Unfortunately our home isn't big enough to keep it so I thought I'd have a go at painting it before selling.

I finally got around to it this week and this is how it looks now.

I did try to varnish the top to keep the pine colour but it went horribly wrong and I ended up having to paint the whole thing!

I quite like it (more than I should for something I'm having to part with) and even Mr. P said he was impressed and he dislikes this kind of furniture!

I did also make a cute little car caddy for a friend's son's birthday (from this tute) but realised after I gave it to him I forgot to take photos! But it's a great guide for anyone wanting to make one.

Anyway, I will hopefully post again sooner than 2 months from now!

Better Late than Never!

2010-05-01T21:42:00.000+01:00

I had been planning to make a cover for my sewing machine for months and bought the fabric ages ago. Finally got around to it now I have a nice new machine and even more reason to protect it from evil dust (which there is loads of in my house)!

It hasn't got interfacing or anything so it's a bit floppy but it does the job.

Unfortunately Mr. P is not a fan of all things pink and flowery so I had to go with something a little less girly as my sewing corner is in the lounge.

I'm quite pleased with it especially as there was no pattern, I just made it up as I went along!

I have a new friend!

2010-04-28T15:09:00.000+01:00

I won some money in a competition last week and chose to spend some of it on a new sewing machine.

The one I had was kindly donated by my mother in law and I've wanted to choose one of my own for some time but could never justify the expense when I already had one that worked perfectly well. Some unexpected cash was the perfect opportunity to treat myself.

It arrived this afternoon and I have had a little play around with it but thought I'd share my excitement before getting really stuck in. It has 40 different stitches to play with! What fun!

Grannyfying!

2010-04-22T21:06:00.000+01:00

Winner!

2010-04-13T20:45:00.000+01:00

A random number generator picked a winner of the giveaway and it's Crafty Helen!

Please send me your details so I can get your goodies off to you!

Was going to post without a picture but it looked naked so thought I'd show you my new bath hat! Very, ahem, happily modelled by Miss. P!

Delays due to good weather!

2010-04-09T22:33:00.000+01:00

I have been so busy enjoying the good weather that I'm behind with everything! So I won't be picking a giveaway winner until Monday 12th April.

If anyone still wants to enter, you have all weekend to comment here!

Pretty Useful

2010-04-05T15:31:00.000+01:00

Some things are necessary and useful but it doesn't mean they can't be pretty! I have some lovely round cake tins but they are no good for loaf and square cakes so when I saw these in Tescos I knew they were essential for my kitchen! A bargain too at only £6 for the set!

Spending my hard earned pennies need not be so painful when I'm using a purse that makes me smile every time it comes out of my bag (which is far too often)!

Hope everyone is having a lovely easter weekend and don't forget to enter my giveaway here!

Been Unfaithful + Giveaway

2010-04-02T14:20:00.000+01:00

I'm sorry to say I have been cheating on my hobby with another. (Please note that was hobby and not hubby)! My new camera has been getting lots of attention and it has left my sewing machine feeling rather sorry for herself!

I did make a sock monkey for my brother's birthday recently and he was quite a giant! I forgot mens socks were bigger than ladies!

I managed to get the Rosali bedding I wanted although it took me forever to decide between the white and the blue!!!

I even managed to get a bag from Primark when a kind blogger by the name of Claire over at Dolly Dollop spared me from my misery and sent one to me!

Now, as way of apology to my poor neglected sewing machine I am doing my first giveaway! Plus I need to give something back to blogland as I have won a few giveaways and been on the receiving end of the kindness of bloggers.

Not sure exactly what will be going in the parcel yet but definitely something handmade along with some other bits.

So leave a comment on this post by Friday 9th April and I will draw a winner after that.

Blogging is Torture!

2010-03-26T21:39:00.000Z

Through the wonderful world of Blog I have seen many a pretty item that I want but cannot have! Those lovely Primark bags but when I travelled a considerable distance to my (not very) nearest store, alas there were none.

And now the gorgeous Rosali in Ikea which I would love for my bed but I do not live near any Blue and Yellow stores! Could I, should I make a long trip for something when I may again come home empty handed?

We shall see!

Happy Snapper!

2010-03-19T21:23:00.000Z

Today I am a very happy girl indeed. When the postie arrives at my door holding a parcel he is a most welcome visitor but especially when it is an unexpected delivery. I was ready to make an accusing call to Mr. Pink at work for ordering things without consulting me (although I am the one guilty if this!) when I read the message on the delivery note. It was an incredibly generous gift from a family member completely out of the blue.

One of these.....

I do enjoy photography and have been coveting a DSLR for some time but there has always been something more sensible (boring) to spend our money on. Now I can surround myself with photography books, magazines and websites while I try to figure out what ISOs, Apertures and White balances are! I am already making notes of the lenses and accessories I will be saving for!

Obviously I had to try it out so got snapping with some of the goodies I bought in this shop. Some pretty fabrics.

And some lovely ribbon.

During the couple of hours I get to myself whilst Miss. P is at pre-school I often enjoy a child free stroll around the charity shops. It is lovely to be able to rummage without trying to stop a two year old from rummaging too! Yesterday I found these trousers made from Ikea CK Rosali. Unfortunately they are a bit faded but I think will look ok if used for smaller projects and I was pleased anyway as I'm always hoping to find some Rosali.

I need to be more picky!

2010-03-17T18:50:00.000Z

I bought this from a local seller on ebay with the intention of painting it and putting on the wall in my bedroom. This was last August and I'm ashamed to say that up until this afternoon it was still sitting by the back door completely unchanged. Actually, it had gained a layer of dust and some cobwebs!

The trouble was it wasn't exactly what I was looking for but I bought it anyway. I didn't have the motivation to do the makeover as I wasn't really in love with it. From now on I will only buy something if I really want it, promise!

Anyway, I've now almost finished the makeover so here's what it looked like before......

...and this is what it looks like now.

There are still some areas that need touching up with a bit of paint but apart from that I'm quite pleased with how it looks now. It's painted in a colour called 'Sketchbook' by Crown which is a really pale grey/off white.

The glass shelves I covered with some pretty ck-like serviettes.

I painted it with a mini roller so when it came to the more intricate leaf design the roller didn't get into all the nooks and crannies but I actually quite like it like this so I might leave it.

Unfortunately now I have completely gone off the idea of a shelf unit in the bedroom so I'll be sticking it back on ebay! So there ends the seven month story of why I must be more choosy with the purchases I make! Lesson learnt!

Pretty and Cute Overload!

2010-03-16T21:52:00.001Z

I'm back from my trip to Wales visiting family. Had lovely weather, better than I have ever seen that side of the border! I also managed to squeeze in a trip to the lovely shop that Mary Poppins previously mentioned. It was so full of prettiness I wanted to stay there all day.

I took some piccies but be warned, there are quite a few!

There were some lovely handmade bits in there but my budget was tight so I couldn't buy anywhere near as much as I wanted!

I must admit I planned to spend more of my hard earned pounds in the fabric shop next door.

My parents were with me and I really felt guilty as I took forever choosing which ones to take home!

On Mothers Day we went to visit some gorgeous little lambs and a couple were so new they were still very shaky on their legs. It was very difficult to resist smuggling one home on the train!

ETA - I forgot to say the two shops are called Copperfield and are on the Four Mile Bridge Road in Valley, Anglesey. Worth a visit if you are in the area.

Tea Towels and Travel

2010-03-08T22:13:00.000Z

I must admit I am not a big fan of Emma Bridgewater but when I see a brand new tea towel in a CS window for £1 I can't pass it by, can I?! It did happen to be the one EB print I like (especially the little dolly tea set) so it came home and will hopefully one day become an apron for Miss. P.

Tea towel number two is one I appliqued with our handprints for MILs birthday today.

Finally, after too long, I have organised my fabric stash so it looks all pretty now and I can see what I have without emptying the whole basket out. Unfortunately I have no space for anymore so looks like I may have to buy another basket! There is no way I can vow to buy no more fabric!

There is a new light in my bathroom that I found on ebay. Much better than the bare bulb we have had for way too long.

I won the Molly Cupcakes giveaway and received this lovely little goody package. I especially love the hook that will be going in the kitchen to hang my apron on.

Tomorrow we are travelling to Anglesey to see my parents and I'm hoping to get the opportunity to visit this shop that Mary Poppins mentioned recently. I am leaving space in my suitcase just in case!

This must be spring?!

2010-03-03T20:52:00.000Z

This has been the view outside my window for the last few days. Not a cloud in sight and warm enough to be outside without having to break into excessive physical activity to keep from freezing solid! My washing would have preferred a little more breeze but I'm not complaining. I have a feeling it wont last but it has been enough for me to add a peg bag to my 'to make' list!

I have mentioned I'm a big fan of my local library service and they have provided once again! I loved the series 'Mums Know Best' shown on tv recently so when I heard there would be a book to accompany the programme I went straight onto the website to reserve a copy. Surprisingly I was high up in the queue and I now have it all to myself (for about three weeks)!

It fits in nicely with some of the others that live here. Who knows, maybe it will impress me and gain permanent residence. Obviously I'd buy another and not steal the library copy!

Apart from the cook books, I also enjoy a good novel too (see my reading list down the side) and thought it was time I saw something pretty and handmade every time I pick up where I left off. I have wanted to make a bookmark for a while but needed pinking shears for the one I had in mind.

Once I finally plucked up the courage to spend an outrageous amount of money on what is essentially a fancy pair of scissors, I pulled out my scraps and made this for myself.

Of course the expensive fancy scissors were worth every penny (which was not actually that much dear Mr. P if you are reading this)!

Just out of curiosity dear readers, do you use your bookmarks ribbon/tassel end up or down? Mine is always down but I have often wondered which is correct! My mind is regularly filled with questions of such vital importance!

Anyway, I will have to make a couple more as I do often have more than one book in action at a time. I may just have to get some more CK samples!

And finally, anyone for chocolate brownies?!

Another Cushion

2010-02-24T21:00:00.000Z

I have been very good! I have been sewing everyday this week, I seem to be full of crafting motivation! I made another cushion for Miss. P's bed and she was most impressed.

It was the most adventurous patchwork I have ever attempted but I think turned out quite good. Her neutral bedroom is gradually getting pinker and girlier. Hoorah!

Now off to plan what tomorrow's project will be. What a good little crafter I am!

A More Organised Bag

2010-02-22T16:38:00.000Z

Does anyone else suffer with this problem? This is what I edited from the contents of my bag post! My huge pile of receipts that swim around in my bag and jump into my hands when I am urgently looking for something else in there!

I needed a solution so I made this today. A handy little wallet especially for my receipts and those coupons I always forget I have.

Hopefully now I will be able to keep better track of what I'm spending and easily find a receipt if something needs returning.

Next on my list of things to do is making over this dresser unit from Miss. P's bedroom. Next month she will be getting a dolls house that I was given on my 7th birthday and I need to make space for it as it is around the same size as this! It is in my parents house at the moment and I was going to put this on ebay but think it may sell for more if 'Shabby Chic'd' first!

We don't have a lot of space as we live in a flat and I don't have that much time so if anyone knows of a quicker and easier (lazier) way to paint it without all the sanding and preparation please share the secret!

2010-02-19T12:57:00.000Z

There have been a few bloggers recently revealing the contents of their bags and the nosey side of me has been very grateful! Now I haven't been officially tagged or anything (please do not report me to the blog police) but I thought I would show mine too. Obviously this is an excuse to show off that a) I have this beautiful new bag and b) my husband is able to recognise a hint when he sees one!

So, in my bag I have 2 books. One I am reading and the other is a cute little ladybird book I got in a CS. The usuals, keys, phone, tissues, purse, passport (not that there is any chance of leaving the country in the near or distant future), cheque book, ibuprofen and medication. There is also some essential hand cream and selection of lip glosses. Batteries to be recycled and a tape measure because you never know when you might come across a bargainous piece of furniture! Miss P's sunglasses, a CK shopping bag and notepad and pens.

Yesterday I spent the day in retail therapy. First I picked up these jars I ordered from Tescos and I was impressed that Mr P didn't feel the need to moan about them being too girly for the kitchen!

I also bought a few bits in the CSs including this double flat sheet. I love the print, so pretty but there is no label on it so I have no idea where it was from originally. I'm undecided what to do with it yet but I'm thinking maybe cushions, a bag or pillowcases.

Miss P is a dedicated reader just like her mummy. I have left one side on her cotbed so it is a makeshift day bed which she loves sitting on with a pile of books to keep her company. I have been meaning to make some cushions for ages so it is more sofa-like in the daytime and finally got around to making these two.

It was reading this post from Mary Poppins that inspired me to get off my bum and do it. She is very talented and her blog is full of pretty things (and lots of pink)!!

Anyway, I was quite pleased with them for my first attempt at cushions. I have another two cushions waiting to be covered so I'm just looking for some fabric to go nicely with these.

Watch this space because I am gradually preparing for my first giveaway. I need to have everything ready before I do it to ensure I send it out quick enough after the draw as I am not known for my speed. I have a few bits ready so it wont be long now!

Scent With Love

2010-02-12T14:11:00.000Z

I was lucky enough to be chosen in the giveaway over at Hearts and Dreams so I got a bit excited to see Postie carrying a parcel for me this morning! It had a lovely lavender aroma and it was so packed full of goodies I felt truly spoiled!

There were two lovely handmade cards and a gorgeous bag with a pretty heart sewn on.

A very colourful tea towel and some Sarah Smith cloths, perfect for making horrible cleaning almost bearable!

A teddy bear that Miss. P instantly grabbed and adores as it smells of lavender which she calls 'Fairy Stuff'. You know, that special stuff fairies make to help children sleep!

A lovely painted frame that will look perfect in my bedroom.

Some Cath Kidston Bath Powder. I am quite partial to a bit of CK (who isn't?!) and the bathroom is seriously lacking so this is a lovely addition. Will I be able to bring myself to use it though?!

I have no idea how she knew but this has taken place as my favourite chocolate since my mum introduced us! Luckily Miss. P saw it but seemed to think it was a record and not a bar of chocolate! Strange child!

The gorgeous lavender scent came from the hanging sachet which is now in my wardrobe and there was also a magazine perfect for flicking through with a cup of tea and a square (or ten) of chocolate!

Thank you Sian! It was such a lovely bunch of gifts to receive.

Are you reading, Mr. P?!

2010-02-08T22:38:00.000Z

As some of you may be aware, Valentine's Day is fast approaching and I'm sure a lot of men would be glad of a subtle hint or two! So, here it is, just for you dear husband if you are reading. A big, floral, pretty, colourful hint!

Speaking of floral, these pretty flowers jumped into my trolley in Sainsburys! I only noticed my matching vase and mug when I lost my cup of tea (they often get lost when I get distracted and I end up with half drunk cups of tea everywhere) and found it here. A little collection of pink and polka dot has cheered me up on another cold and snowy day.

I came across a bag full of embroidery goodies in a CS last week. There are two linen tablecloths, both unfinished but with a tin full of matching embroidery threads. Just perfect for someone who has never embroidered but is keen to have a go.

I think I'll attempt to finish them and maybe use them to make some cushions as I don't have a table to cover.

2010-01-21T18:37:00.000Z

I am a little under the weather at the moment and feeling sorry for myself. I have had some medicinal tea and cake and rest in bed with library books full of pretties.

There has been a small amount of crafting with these felt magents. I had some ugly, naked chucks of metal holding up my calendar (which covers my ugly boiler in the kitchen) which look much prettier as a cupcake and a strawberry.

Snowed in!

2010-01-06T14:57:00.001Z

We haven't had as much as some of the country but enough so I don't want to leave the warmth of home. A perfect excuse to make something pretty!

The wall behind my bed is looking rather bare. Mr Pink promised he would hang some pretty floral wallpaper months ago but as I'm still waiting I thought I'd come up with a temporary solution. I had an old whiteboard in the kitchen, stuffed down the side of the boiler since there is no wall space left. Plus I have fabric left over from my CK curtains.

Together they made this noticeboard. Trouble is I don't want to put any 'notices' on it as it would cover the lovely pattern.

So here it is above the bed and it will stay naked!

It was very easy as I just covered the board with some wadding and the fabric and used spray adhesive to stick the fabric at the back. The ribbon is pinned so there was no sewing (or effort) involved!

I am really enjoying making these sock monkeys! Trouble is I have no one to make them for so we may end up with sock monkeys everywhere!

Start as you mean to go on.....

2010-01-02T14:01:00.004Z

I am no good at sticking to New Years Resolutions but this year I am determined to make some changes in my life. One is to seriously curb unnecessary spending. I've never been one to go out and buy expensive things on a whim but if I see little bargains here and there, I grab them thinking it's only cheap but actually they all add up to quite a lot in the long run.

I'll also be making an effort to get off my bum and make more instead of blog-hopping for hours on end under the guise of looking for tutorials/patterns/inspiration!

I have actually started this today and made some pillowcases to go with my beautiful LA bedding. Instead of sitting around thinking about how nice it would be to have some I sat at the sewing machine and made them! I'm amazed at how quick and easy it was to make pillowcases!

The picture isn't great but the pink candy stripe goes really well with the roses (above) and I can't wait to get them on the bed! A bargain too as they are made from a sheet bought in a CS for pennies!

One other promise I have made myself is to comment more on the blogs I read. For some reason I don't often feel I have anything useful to say but then I realised how much I love reading comments on my posts, whatever they say. So if you have a blog, look out for my random nonsense in your comments!

Happy New Year!

2009-12-26T13:17:00.002Z

Merry Christmas everyone in Blogland!

Now the presents have been received I can actually show some of them on here. Only the ones I remembered to take photos of though!

These were my first ever attempts at making Sock Monkeys and they were received well by my two sisters-in-law. I'm impressed with how easy they were and have a feeling I will be making many more in the future. Especially as Miss. P seemed to like them!

A jewellery roll for my Grandma using the CK pattern from 'Sew'.

A passport cover for my brother's girlfriend using some LA fabric and pink candy stripe. I might have to make one for myself too!

Bunting for my twin nephews which was almost left half done but I remembered very late Christmas eve and it was finished early Christmas morning! Whoops!

Plus for those not so easy to sew for (otherwise known as the men of the family), edible treats were made thanks to some Nigella recipes.

I think my first 'Handmade Christmas' was a success and will be repeated for 2010 but I think I will be starting much earlier than mid November this time! Panic over and lesson learned!

In the Lane Snow is Glistening

2009-12-18T14:06:00.005Z

This is what my part of the world looked like this morning. Wouldn't it be lovely if it was the same next Friday?!

Birthday Treats!

2009-12-11T19:07:00.003Z

It was my birthday this week and I treated myself to a trip to London to visit the Queen......of Shabby Chic!

Filled with so many beautiful things and so few were offered the privilege of returning home with me. The window display was so pretty and colourful.

A lovely tree but can't imagine Mr. P ever allowing a pink one in the house!

Unfortunately there were breakages. It has been glued and will be my 'special' mug that cannot be held by the handle. Only for warm tea then!

These pretty tea towels are now hanging in my kitchen but Mr. P was firmly reprimanded when he tried to use one! I don't think I could cope with seeing them dirty!

Another birthday treat was this Laura Ashley bed linen that I have been lusting after for quite some time. It even made it onto my 'must haves' down the right hand side of my blog. Apologies for the picture but I threw it over my bed straight from the packet to take piccies.

Isn't it beautiful?!

We also paid a visit to Liberty and all I could afford to bring home was a bauble for the tree which Miss. P was pleased to help with. Although she does prefer removing them to hanging them up.

Today I popped into a CS I rarely visit and got lucky. Can you guess what it is?

I have never found any CK in a CS before so I was obviously quite pleased......

......especially when I spied the price tag! Bargain!

Also I found these baubles for 60p although I don't really want them on the tree. Will have to find somewhere else for them to go.

And finally, I couldn't resist this cute little pincushion for 50p. I wonder if I will ever get around to making one for myself.

2009-12-04T09:11:00.002Z

A friend of mine is pregnant and due on 22nd December so I was excited about making a present for the baby. Luckily I actually got around to it fairly quickly and made this taggy blanket using some lovely thrifted Laura Ashley fabric. Anyway, I heard her waters broke yesterday. Just waiting for more news and then I can make another present! Maybe a pink or blue one this time!

Here is my little collection of felt Christmas decorations. I finished the robin and tree yesterday. Just need to decide where to hang them.

On the Christmas tree?

Or on some string like bunting? Hmmm..........

Reversible Apron

2009-11-27T18:09:00.003Z

I have loads and loads of silver pins but find them very fiddling and, if I'm honest, a bit boring! So today I got some pretty colourful ones and couldn't wait to try them out.

I managed to finish another Christmas present and it's one I can actually show on here. I made a reversible apron from my friends little boy. On one side it has a small pocket and the other side has a place to hold crayons.

I am extra proud of this as although I got some inspiration from things I'd seen on the internet, I made it completely unaided, without using a pattern or tutorial. That is quite a first for me!

At this rate I might actually get all presents made by Christmas!

Two Pleased Girls!

2009-11-20T19:08:00.002Z

Miss P was a happy little girl when I took a break from my Christmas crafting to make her some little nappies for her dollies. She even sat on my lap and 'helped' me make them!

I was also very pleased when I realised my local fabric shop has a range of pretty fat quarters. I know they are not good value for money compared to buying by the metre but it means I can afford to buy a selection of designs rather than just one.

So I bought these three Christmas designs. Just need to think of something to make with them! I love the one with the trees. The Michael Miller fabric on the right is from ebay and I bought it for bunting for my twin nephews. I just wanted to show it because it's so nice and I don't get to enjoy boys fabric much!

Apart from dolly nappies and Christmas presents, I have been making these decorations which will probably be some sort of garland. I have a few more to do first but these are ready to join my unusual gingerbread man. I am finding the hand sewing to be quite theraputic.

Nothing to See Here

2009-11-13T18:25:00.001Z

I haven't really had much to blog about lately. The sewing machine has been working hard and some Christmas presents have actually been finished but I can't show any photos because of prying eyes (you know who you are)!

I won Debbie's Giveaway of some lovely Fat Quarters but the makes I have planned for those can't be started until all presents are done.

So I will show this very strange looking Gingerbread Man who has been made as a decoration and should be joined soon by some equally erm....unique looking friends! Please be aware it was very late at night when I did the mouth! Ok, I'll admit, embroidery is not my strong point.

When I had a spare few minutes I patched up a pair of Izzy's jeans with a scrap of Cath Kidston. Very 'Make do and Mend'! She is now the most stylish 2 year old I know!

A Little Bit Retro!

2009-10-15T20:40:00.002+01:00

I have officially started preparing for the dreaded Christmas! First on the list was a stocking for Miss P and I couldn't resist this cute fabric by Alexander Henry. It's lined with some LA gingham. I'm really pleased with it and am looking forward to seeing what Father Christmas fills it with!

I was out looking for a tin to keep my loaf shaped cakes in and spotted this set of three Ladybird tins in TK Maxx. Not exactly what I was after but I couldn't resist. I love the images on them. Not sure what to keep in them yet but I'm sure I'll think of something to persuade Mr P they were an essential purchase!

Still looking for that loaf tin though!

This apron I have lusted after for a while and finally treated myself. It's made by Boojiboo and it's so cute and retro. Plus it gets me in the mood for cooking and cleaning. Well, maybe not the cleaning! There is one issue with it and that is I would now rather get my clothes grubby than the pretty apron.

In My Kitchen

2009-10-13T10:18:00.004+01:00

My recent absence from my sewing machine meant more time to spend in the kitchen. I do love creating new things in there and if they are successful, the recipe wins a place in my household folder! I cannot take credit for creating the recipes unfortunately but maybe one day I will be able to come up with my own.

This was a delicious Salmon and Broccoli Pasta Bake. Very easy to make which is always a priority for me when choosing something to cook!

This Banana Cake I have made a couple of times now and does not last long. In fact I was lucky to get a picture! Great for using up those over ripe bananas that I always seem to have in my fruit bowl.

There is another girl in our household who loves being in the kitchen too. In fact she asks nearly every day to make cakes. She chose a recipe from my cupcake book and got to work.

I've never seen anyone concentrate so hard on stirring!

Of course you cannot be a successful cook without having a taste along the way. Luckily the mixture met her very high standards.

After some very hard work with icing she was very pleased with the final result.

Can you spot the spider unhappy about having one eye removed by a small finger?!

The only problem with all this cooking and baking is that I end up eating too much! I have more cake than is good for my waistline but I'm sure it's good for mental health to sit down with a cup of tea and a slice of homemade cake every day!

Sew Sorry!

2009-10-09T19:29:00.003+01:00

I have been a very bad blogger lately! Mainly due to my lack of motivation so when I heard everyone getting excited about the new Cath Kidston book 'Sew' I thought it might be just what I needed.

This is my version of the bag that came with it. It is lacking some top stitching and has some added bunching which I'm sure is not a feature on anyone elses but I am pleased with it. Plus, imagine my joy when I realised although it's quite small, the book I'm reading fits snuggly inside!

I forgot to sew on the CK label before taking pictures but that has now been remedied. I added some candy stripe lining and a cardboard base.

The button loop was a bloomin' pain to make and took me ages to turn so won't be making one of those again!

What I am most pleased with is my button holes! I have never sewn any before and after a few practice goes, I found them rather theraputic! I might just do them for fun in future.

A few weeks ago my mum and dad had the pleasure of visiting York and found themselves in the CK shop (I am very jealous)! They bought Izzy these pretty slipper socks that look so cute on her chubby little toddler legs!

2009-09-15T20:54:00.002+01:00

As I have been unable to make anything recently (due to a major lack of motivation) I thought I'd post pics of what I sent for the SSC August swap.

The chicken was made with Laura Ashley fabrics and I was sad to see her go! I may have to make one for myself if I ever sit at my sewing machine again!

These adorable chicken egg cosies I found in a CS where I also found some candy stripe pillowcases and other bits equally as nice. If I could remember where that CS was I would go back again!

A little ladybird made from a top my daughter never wore.

A scented UJ mini cushion from some CK and LA scraps.

I hope I get some motivation soon and start making again as I really need a new bag and have the fabric ready. Maybe the library books will give me the inspiration I need.

A bit of light reading......

2009-09-10T21:30:00.001+01:00

.....from my local library. To please Mr.P and our bank balance I have been very good and avoided Amazon even though I had a list of books I wanted to buy. I thought I'd check my library to see if they had any of the titles I was looking for, but wasn't very hopeful. Well, I was pleasantly surprised and soon had a very long reservation list.

Here are the ones that were ready to be picked up today. There are so many pretty projects I don't know where to start!

I already have two more to collect so I better get a move on with reading, drooling, making etc!

Boxes, Books and a Makeover

2009-09-02T11:40:00.002+01:00

When browsing in boots sales or charity shops I can never resist opening a tin or looking inside a box. Mostly they are empty or contain nothing I'm interested in but last boot sale I got lucky. I only stopped to buy some dressmakers scissors and pinking shears and spotted this box under a load of junk. Had to peep inside and was happy with what I found!

There were lots of lovely threads inside, all nice bright colours. Even though I mostly seem to use white thread when sewing I couldn't leave this behind so happily gave the gentleman my £1.

I'm not sure what the box is supposed to be used for. It has some slots in the back of the lid and front of the base. I thought maybe paintbrushes but if anyone does know, please do tell. Whatever it's for, I think it needs a splash of paint and maybe some nice decoupage on the lid.

I've also bought some bits from charity shops lately. These two penguin books were around 50p each. I love Of Mice and Men and have never read Lady Chatterley's Lover so have just started it as I finished reading Rebecca yesterday (which was very good by the way).

I found these two rolls of Laura Ashley pink gingham wallpaper in my favourite charity shop for 50p each. Bargain! I was going to save it until I want to decorate Izzy's bedroom but there is not enough. It's from 2003 (I think) so I'm unlikely to find more so I may sell it. Not decided yet.

Lastly, I came across this book stand for 50p in a CS. I have been looking for one for ages and of course it doesn't really go in my bedroom so I had to paint it.

I use Farrow and Ball's 'New White' and decoupaged some flowers onto the sides using some Tescos serviettes. It was my first time using F&B paint and it was lovely to work with although I only paid £1 at a boot sale. Not sure I could stretch the £15 or so for a new tin. Oh well, I'll just have to make the most of the pot I have.

More goodies!

2009-08-28T15:25:00.000+01:00

I got another swap parcel in the post today. That's two in one week! This is the August swap from Miss_Phish at SSC. It's a lovely birdie bunting made with really pretty pink fabrics. I just need to find somewhere to hang it now.

Also this week my lovely mum sent me this book that she found hanging around the house. It has so much information in it that I don't know where to start but I think I will have a go at crochet soon.

Plus I found this book in a CS. It is full of packets, adverts and toys from the Edwardian period to the 80's. While flicking through it, I mentioned a place near Hastings called Yesterday's World that I would like to visit and he actually agreed to take me there soon! Can't wait to see all the old goodies they have there.

Cupcake Swap Goodies

2009-08-24T20:02:00.000+01:00

This morning Mr. Postie delivered a rather pretty looking parcel! It was my cupcake swap from Louise at SSC and it was all wrapped so nicely in pink gingham.

The oven mitt I had seen before and lusted after. She must have known. There's a lovely picture frame which will be going in Izzy's room, yummy looking notecards and some cake making bits.

This gorgeous handmade cupcake is a brooch and will be taking pride of place on my bag.

Izzy has claimed this and keeps pretending to eat it! She says it's delicious.

This was my first SSC swap and it's so exciting getting something I know someone has made just for me. Thanks Louise x

Pretty Suitcase

2009-08-20T09:38:00.002+01:00

I found this idea somewhere in Blogland but can't remember exactly where from. So whoever it was, thank you!

The suitcase from my last post is looking much prettier now although it's not very neat! I needed to use up some of my wallpaper samples anyway as dh found my stash and thinks I have way too much.

I didn't know what to do with the join so that stayed as it is but it doesn't really notice as it is now under the bed and filled with clothes. Will be doing the cream case with the blue paper next.

Dh got a little treat from a CS yesterday as I found this Lowry for 50p. I don't really like Lowrys and would prefer not to have them in the house but that's love for you!

Decoupage and Freebies

2009-08-17T21:37:00.003+01:00

I made my first attempt at decoupage today. I bought two mannequins from Matalan for £1 but they don't really go with my bedroom so I recovered one with a pretty CK tissue. It's far from perfect but I like how it turned out and I will be doing the other one in the pink version.

I've been looking for some nice storage for overflow clothes for a while and then came across these in a charity shop for £1 each. Bargain! (The stickers say £2 but I haggled). Plus they are perfect colours to go with my blue and cream bedroom. They are a little bit musty so they are being aired and sprayed with febreeze before they take up residence under the bed!

And finally, good old Freecycle! I got this 1901 Singer today and I love it so much. Will have to hide it somewhere as I already have a 1950s one on a treadle which dh was not best pleased about me buying! Still when it's free you can't say no, can you?!

I love my local CS!!

2009-08-06T17:55:00.002+01:00

I went to my local charity shop (RSPCA) a few days ago and they had a sign outside saying 'Not accepting donations due to lack of space'. This could only be a good thing for bargain hunters! They're prices are very reasonable anyway but they were stacked to the rafters with bags of donations to sort through. I managed to get a few bits. A spice rack for 50p, another Enid Blyton book for my collection and a pretty floral top for Miss Pink but knew there would be more soon.

So, I went back today and was not disappointed! I got this beautifully plump eiderdown. It has a very pretty pink and green paisley design with pink on the reverse. It's only a single so will live in my bedroom until Miss P gets a proper single size bed.

The best thing of all was the price. £1.50!!! I walked all the way home with a massive grin on my face!

Going back to my EB collection, I have now written a list of which ones I own to avoid buying doubles. I'm pretty sure my 'Brer Rabbit's a Rascal' is a first edition but unfortunately it has no dust jacket so I can't be sure. What a shame.

Back to the sewing machine

2009-08-05T17:21:00.001+01:00

After a little while of staring lovingly at my fabric stash but not actually doing anything with it, I have finally got off my bum and made something! Nothing extravagant, just a few hearts as I felt my bedknobs were looking a bit naked.

These were my first real attempt at hearts so please don't look too closely. In fact if you could squint a bit and stand back from the screen that would make me feel much better! I will get more practise soon as the wardrobe door handles are getting a little jealous.

I collected this corner cupboard from ebay for £5 but now I have it I'm not sure I like it! Will have to see what it looks like painted. I have a variety of shades of cream to choose from (exciting)! If I still don't like it when it's painted I'll have to stick it back on ebay and look for a pine one which is what I really wanted.

Always double check your makeovers!

2009-08-04T21:10:00.001+01:00

I found this picture on my phone and thought I'd share it with you! I took it a while ago at a boot sale when I saw this rather amusing caption painted onto a chair. I do wonder if they sold it and if the new owner wonders why they can't get any peace whilst sitting in it! :)

Booty and other bits.....

2009-08-02T16:10:00.001+01:00

I've been very ill recently with possible Swine Flu so have been stuck on the sofa with my laptop for a companion! Found lots of blogs I hadn't read before which was nice but couldn't wait to get out of the house. I was going insane. As soon as I was feeling better I dashed out to cross off some items from my 'must have' list!

I have been looking for a nice enamel jug for the bedroom but failing to find one quick enough to satisfy, I got this pretty polka dot one from Sainsburys.

Then, after reading a post on the Shabby Chic Cafe, I dashed off to Focus to buy wallpaper for the bedroom. It's one I had been umming and ahhing over for a while and when I found out it was reduced to £5 a roll I couldn't refuse. It looks like this and even Mr.P loves it. His training is coming along very well! ;)

Bought this lovely quilted bedspread from Matalan for only £30! I saw a very similar one in an antique shop a while ago (that I fell in love with) but that was £115!

Sorry the pics of it aren't that great.

Plus I saw these in Matalans sale section (there were 2 of them in the box) down from £8 to £1. Might practice some serviette decoupage on them.

Now for my boot sale booty. Bought these Emma Bridgewater tins but only one problem. I don't really like her stuff! Just bought them because surely it's a sin to ignore certain makes at boot sales. Might pop them on ebay. Not sure yet.

Added to my collection of EBs only the one on the left I already have! Must start taking out a list with me! The seller wanted 30p each (a bargain anyway I think) but as he didn't have change for £10 he took 25p for all 3!

Some candy stripe pillowcases I've been looking out for. 50p

And finally some lace to use maybe as shelf edging. Again the seller didn't have change of £10 so gave it to me for free. :)

I'm really pleased with this lot as the last few boot sales I've been to have been a bit rubbish so I feel I've had my fix for a while now!

xx

2009-07-28T16:14:00.002+01:00

I finally got around to altering the Cath Kidston curtain I bought from ebay which was left for so long mainly due to my lack of courage! The hems are far from perfect and they are slightly different lengths but I feel an enormous sense of pride every time I walk into the bedroom!

This is what the window looked like before. Please note the awful blinds were not my choice but the remains of the previous owner of the flat.

And now, much prettier. On the look out for a nice enamel jug for the window sill now.

Any ideas for hiding the hideous tv that Mr.P says we NEED in the bedroom (we never watch it)?!

When they are closed the room has a cosy blue glow.

As I had the camera in the bedroom thought I'd take a pic of my corner. Mr.P's corner is way too messy to show!

Actually done something other than buying!

2009-07-14T13:49:00.004+01:00

I have just finished the sewing box I bought a while ago. I've painted it cream and lined it with Laura Ashley 'Abbeville' paper.

Before

After

Hopefully I will someday get around to doing my own one! He must be very jealous of his friend's new makeover! He is going to be sold (fingers crossed) but I'm off to a car boot tomorrow so will no doubt find another to jump the queue.

I made this flower pincushion too with some of my CK fabric samples I had lying around. I'm quite pleased with it for my first attempt at this design.

2009-07-10T12:08:00.002+01:00

This week Kbarty from the Shabby Chic Cafe sent me a lovely blue spotty mug from Sainsburys as I mentioned they were sold out in my local store. There was also an extra little gift in the package which I was most pleased to receive!! Isn't she wonderful?!

Also this week I have been preparing for my plan of trying to pay off some debts by selling some bits on ebay. I bought these fabrics to make some doorstops although it will be VERY difficult to part with them if they do sell!

I went to a boot sale and found a little friend for my sewing box but he shall be painted and lined and also banished to ebay. Bargain for £1.21 (it was all the change I had in my purse - luckily the seller didn't notice the £10 note hiding in there)!

Here are a few of my other purchases this week;

A lovely old cookery book from an antiques place in Suffolk

A pretty set of coasters 60p from CS - It's a shame they are a bit sun damaged but still nice

I'm a sucker for an EB book!

A few bits of fabric to add to my growing stash. The bottom one will hopefully become a bag

And finally there is the lovely Sarah Smith flower sponge I received in the post to trial. I almost don't want to use it though (and not just because I hate washing up)!!

Anniversary

2009-07-09T10:01:00.003+01:00

Yesterday was mine and Mr. Pink's 4 year wedding anniversary. He took me out for a lovely meal and I had a few delicious pink cocktails!

I love you Mr. P! xx

My little girl is 2!

2009-07-03T22:40:00.003+01:00

It was Isabelle's 2nd birthday today. My little girl is growing up so fast I can't keep up!

She has gone from this.............

............to this..................

Anyway, we had a lovely little family party and I was quite daring making and ambitious cake! As one of her favourite words is 'dinosaur' (or rather die-ga-roar) I made her a nice girly version of a dino-cake!

Plus some cupcakes just for good measure!

She had some lovely presents wrapped in pretty cupcake paper!

Now I can go back to sewing rather than baking for another year!

Some Past Projects

2009-06-30T20:32:00.002+01:00

I said I would post pics of my previous projects and purchases so while I have some time on my hands I'll add a couple.

I bought this bed from ebay and it was a dark green colour with brass knobs.

I spray painted it 'Heirloom White' (which I think means cream)! It was hard work and took a few coats but well worth it. Looks lovely in our bedroom. Just need to make some fabric hearts to hang from the knobs.

Then we have some of my favourite purchases. The Cath Kidston curtain I bought from ebay and was lucky enough for it to be local so didn't have to pay for postage. It's huge but has a join down the middle so I (at some point) will alter it into a pair of curtains to go in my bedroom. Just waiting to find a thrify brass curtain pole as at the moment we have those hideous 'tape measure' blinds. Yuck! Oh, by the way, it cost me £11!!

The other pair of curtians are Laura Ashley and were £3 (I think) from a charity shop. As the are the wrong size for any of my windows I am trying to decide wether to make pretty things from the fabric or to sell as they are.

Ok, one more for today. This is a makeover of my bedroom lamp. It was originally brown suede-like material all over. Got a cheap base from ebay and covered the shade with Globaltex 'Tilly'. Looks even better now it has a matching doorstop!

Before (sorry about the dodgy pic)!

After

I won't bore you with any more for now! ;)

Party Planning

2009-06-30T18:50:00.004+01:00

My daughter Izzy is turning 2 on Friday so I am in the throes of planning her cake and party. I am a beginner with fancy cakes but if all goes well I shall create something respectable enough to post a picture of!

Unfortunately there will be no car boot action for me in the next few days as the car is broken (I'm sure the mechanic who has it would disagree with my terminology) which is really annoying as I have a huge list of things I am looking out for and it is only getting longer.

Anyway, here are a few bits I have bought recently;

2 books to add to the collection - my first with a dust jacket!

I have been lusting after these for a while and could no longer resist

Something pretty to cover the ugly Virgin box in my bedroom

A little pretty vase - a bargain at 10p!

Plus I made another doorstop, this time for myself! Haven't filled it yet though as all my rice is gone!

2009-06-24T14:36:00.002+01:00

Thought I'd write a quick post while I was having a cuppa.....

....in my new (huge) CK mug! With 20% off in Debenhams it would have been rude to just walk past it!

Then I found this recipe book holder in a CS for £1.80. Just needs a good scrub and a lick of paint. I have been looking for one for a while, just glad I chose not to buy the one I saw at a boot sale a few weeks ago for £10.

Doorstops and Disappointment......

2009-06-23T22:08:00.003+01:00

I now have a job working weekends so my first thought was obviously, 'when will I go to boot sales'?! So off I went on Monday to a late starter (11.30) hoping it would be full of delights. A perfect first day out for my new trolley. But alas, I was the only shopper in field of around 8 tables! My poor trolley didn't even touch the grass. Plan B is one on Thursday which will hopefully be bigger and better!

Today I made a doorstop from this tutorial. It's a present for my mother in law but I really want one for myself now!

2009-06-18T19:54:00.003+01:00

Well, here it is! My very first blog post. I knew tweaking backgrounds, templates, fonts etc was just an excuse to delay posting so I'm forcing myself to type!

I am hoping this blog will give me the motivation I need to get started on the ever growing list of projects I have. Mainly revamping old furniture and sewing things with pretty fabrics with a dollop of thrifting in between.

Anyway, bad start as no projects have been started today but I did purchase something pretty that will come in handy when I go to the next boot sale.

I want to add that everything I have done so far (which I will post pics of in the near future), everything I am planning to do and creating this blog has all been inspired by those in the list of blogs I follow and the brilliant ladies at The Shabby Chic Cafe who are all incredibly talented.