sock people

Long time no messages

I have been very busy these last few weeks, I have started teaching nine disabled teenagers how to make soft toys, this has been a dificult learning curve, most of them cannot cut out or sew, so preparation beforehand is important, using glue is also needed. I have an enabler who sews the main pieces by machine and with lots of short cuts we have managed to produce some really lovely creatures. The students are really happy and come back every week to see what we are going to make next. I am also doing a teaching C&G cert, which requires lots of writing. I had my graduation ceromony last Monday in the lovely Coventry Cathedral, I felt really honoured being presented with my certificate in such lovely suroundings. I will publish some pics of the students work and maybe a pic of me in my cap and gown in the next few days.

Bookmark Swap

I am taking part in a bookmark swap with Heather at Crafty Daisies babyblossomsonline@gmail.com I wondered if anyone else wanted to take part? There is a closing date but I cant remember when, check her blog.

garage finds

These are a few of my purchases from a recent garage sale, the basket was coated with layers of old gloss paint so I painted it white, lined it for a sewing basket, the tray I also painted white and I lined it with rose design paper. The dish and cup and saucer are rosey too.

my absence

I did not realise that it has been so long since I have added to my blog. I have been busy making new quirky toys, and doing my workshops ect. I have been to a garage sale and picked up 4 beautiful sahries 50p each, I don`t know what I will make from them but I am just enjoying the looking at the colours. I have been on several country walks, enjoying the colours and collecting elderberries which I used as a dye. I have done a table top sale at my local church, making bags to sell for use instead of the plastic supermarket ones, these sold very well.

Needle Case

Good news, bad news?

I have been been busy sorting though masses of paper work, to find copies of sewing notes and patterns. I have managed to find space for two classes in a community centre. I am calling them "Needlecraft Group" I feel this is what I want, a group of people who are eager to carry on their skills and those who want to learn, all getting together to share in making something crafty, soft furnishings or wearable clothes knitted or sewn. The rooms are in an old Victorian school, with high windows that I remember from when I went to infant school. I am preparing the first meeting, making a needle case using crazy patchwork also a pin cushion, two simple things to make while we get acquainted. I guess at the moment I feel a bit nervous in case no-one turns up!!!! I had a fall on Saturday and I have cracked a couple of ribs, I can not sneeze or laugh because it hurts, they don`t strap you up anymore, I am taking pain killers and they seem to take the shine off my days at the moment because I feel tired, but looking on the bright side the weather is great and I can sit in the garden.