Christmas is almost here...

... well it isn't really, but it already feels too close for me!

I've decided to make everyone's presents this year (something I will no doubt regret later). I always get a bit worried about making gifts; will they turn out OK, will the recipient like them, will I get them done in time? Last year I was up 'til all hours on Christmas Eve, frantically printing out family calenders left, right and centre and I'm determined that this year will be more organised! Haha, yeah right..

Anyways, things have started well; here comes gift number one. Sis, look away NOW! ;)



My Sister loved the fabric that I used for the tote project in Home Ec and I was lucky enough to have some left over. I found this fab bag pattern over at sewingwithme and couldn't wait to get stuck in.



It's a really cute bag, and was fairly easy to put together. I had a mild dilemma when I realised I'd cut the pattern upside down (that'll teach me for doing things late at night), and I didn't quite have enough of the green fabric for the strap (I ended up joining two pieces together).



But, I'm still happy with the end result. Hopefully the sister will agree.



So, the count down to Christmas has begun, anyone else making gifts this year? :)

Orla Lampshade

Finally, I have something new to share with you guys. Work is being pretty demanding of late, so nothing is getting finished around here....

I've had a lampshade kit for sometime now (bought from Duffy London) but just couldn't decide how I wanted it to look... until I found this amazing Orla Kiely print bring sold by the lovely (and very talented) Manda over at Treefall

It was a little tricky getting everything to stick together using the tape provided, but after a little intervention from some very strong glue, everything came together just fine!

I love my new lampshade, and so my Orla obsession continues.... :)

Little Burb would like to know...

is it Halloween yet?

My little Orla Kiely obsession..

Eek, is it bad that I decide to have an obsession with a designer that is SO expensive over here in the UK (although what isn't expensive over here?). We don't have the luxury of her Target range and everything seems to have at least a couple of naughts on the end. Just means I lust after it ever so slightly more...

I've already been buying fat quarters from eBay to make these lovely cushions...



and then I simply HAD to make these canvasses for my room...



Cutting this big piece up seemed such a crime, so I made a canvas out of it also...



Today is payday, so I treated myself to some of this fab orange car print. I have a make your own lampshade kit with its name all over it!

Must stop looking at the Orla section in Heal's... Must do more Home Ec projects....

PS. Sorry about the rubbishy photos, I've been hit with the flu and my camera is at work :(

Project Pot Holder

I cut the fabric out for this project last week, and it has just been sitting and waiting patiently for my sewing machine to get better. I thought that this project was rather fun to do, and not too taxing on the old brain (which is always good). I really like the way that Hannah finished her pot holder off with the tape, so I think I might do that for my next attempts... 




Monkey seemed to enjoy it too...



Talk about posing... anyone would think I'd created it just for him!



Apparently it's the perfect sized mat for a cup of tea.



Although that's Monkey's tea, not mine!

Little Burb

Sorry things have been a bit quiet around here lately. There are lots of things happening in the real world at the moment. Some good, and sadly some not so good. Crafting has taken a back foot somewhat...

I did however manage to finish off my ironing board cover. My sewing machine took pity on me and decided to start working again :)



It's a shame I had all the frustrations with my machine, as it prevented me enjoying what turned out to be a fairly simple project. Ahh well, it's done now! So long as people don't expect me to suddenly become an ironing goddess with the thing ;)

I have also been taking advantage of any free time that comes my way, and drawing where ever possible. Without realising it, most of my doodles seem to resolve around the same little character.

So, from scribble...



To computer...



To fabric (not quite finished yet)...



Little Burb says hello :)

Poorly Sewing Machine :(

Sadly the tension problem that I had on my sewing machine has resurfaced (just as I was making my ironing board cover - boo!). So whilst that goes back to the repair man I'm having to fill my spare time with other things...

Like the fact that I'm a designer with an irrational fear of Illustrator. There is no logic to it. I know I 'can' use it, but I always get scared... Way back at the start of the year I made the resolution to get drawing again... So far all I've done is look at the fab artwork out there from everyone else  ;)

Like these ace pictures from vol25 and Stephanie Fizer

Or this amazing piece by Owaikeo

 

Ok, so enough of the surfing. I have my sketches, I have my graphics tablet. I can use Photoshop, I CAN use Illustrator. This weekend I WILL create an Illustration.

Hmm, anyone for a brew? ;)