Someone's gonna do a lot of eating ..

I just finished a large custom order for 12 placemats. The hand binding alone took me almost 2 hours each, who'd have thought making placemats could take that long. I hope you like them.



Someone will do lots of entertaining, or possibly they have a very large family. I like the thought of a lot of people sitting around a table and using my placemats.



The backs (2 of each colour scheme)



I hope you like them.

Love, Nadine

Let's get drawing - New Coloured Pencil Roll

Hello everybody,

I think I mentioned at some point that I am in creative overload, despite having been quite stressed out at work and feeling a bit under the weather too. But I have been making things non-stop and some are finished or about to be finished. Hurrah.

I wanted to make another coloured pencil roll with 20 coloured pencils so the one I have in the shop doesn't feel so lonely, and I have finally finished it. It looks great, very similar to the other pencil roll but obviously with different fabrics and a more colourful pink Amy Butler binding this time. You can find it on Etsy.

I think I want to make more of these but am not so sure about the coloured fabric strip on the outside. I was thinking I should just use a cute kids fabric instead. What do you think? Do you like it?

The outside:





Rolled up and fastened with buttons and elastic band





More coming soon, so stay tuned. Oh, and I have been given the Lovely Blog Award and will have to find some nice blogs to pass it on to, so watch this space. Your blog might just be one of them.

Love, Nadine xxx

It's a HOOT!

I have been experimenting a bit more with bag making and this latest one turned out quite well. I used It's a hoot and Crush fabrics and firm interlining.

I am still struggling a bit with the interlining actually.

I am still trying to find the right sort of interlining for bags like this one. The one I used just feels a bit too much like paper. I wanted to use something that is iron-on fusible and will stick to the fabric but it just doesn't feel right. If you have any suggestions I would really appreciate the advice.

Otherwise the bag is actually quite usable even despite some minor mistakes.

Let me know what you think.

Love, Nadine



I added two inner pockets, one open and one with a zipper

My first bag

Hurrah. I made a bag, a simple reversible one just to try and see how it turns out. Will have to try more and experiment a bit. Certainly should have made it bigger and the strap smaller. Will be better next time.

Love, Nadine





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Futile Attempts

Ok, here is the problem. I am still trying to get used to my sewing machine. Man, they are complicated. And all the ironing I have to do now, never had to when sewing by hand. But I am getting there.

Tried making a purse yesterday and failed. Tried again today and it looks much better.

Here is the failed attempt (I'll show you the semi-successful one another day)


















Now a few questions for you experienced sewists.

- Do I have to backstitch all the time? Or how do I make sure the seam doesn't come apart? I want to try some strip piecing and am worried the seams won't hold when I cut the blocks.

- Am thinking of getting a walking foot. Can I use it for piecing and normal sewing too or do I have to change feet all the time?

Will have more questions when they occur to me. Any advice is welcome.

Love, Nadine

Leonie's Pencil Roll

Hurrah. Another Christmas pressie finished. This one if for Monkey's niece Leonie and I think she will really love it. She paints and draws all the time and to my shame I have to admit she's shown me off a few times. Her artwork is very creative and a lot less confined compared to mine. Maybe I am showing my age there.

I saw a similar pencil case on Oh Fransson! and thought I should try it. It is very straight forward and one doesn't need a pattern for it. I am very happy with the result and think it turned out quite nicely for a first try.

I am thinking of making more of these and maybe selling them in my etsy shop once I have one. I could also personalize them if customers wish it. Hopefully in the new year, well, that's the plan anyway.

I hope you like it.

Love, Nadine

No such thing as too many stockings

Another pair of Christmas stockings. This time I used red velvet for the lining. Feels great.

I have no idea who will get these but I am sure I can find a lucky recipient. Most people will receice handmade gifts this year and one can never have too many stockings.

More to come.

Love, Nadine










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What is it?

My latest creation. So what is it?

Is is a coaster?

Or is it a placemat?



Is it maybe a wallhanging?



No, it is in fact my first potholder.



And I made 4 just in case.



Will test drive them on the weekend. Hurrah.

Love, Nadine