apres Woolfest...

so Woolfest is over for another year...and thanks to everyone who made it such a fab event...again! I had so many wonderful people visit my stall, friends and strangers, lovely feedback, lots of chat and made some good sales too...

 

so did you miss me?? I am sorry not to have been here for a while...somehow I just needed a breather as I put such a lot of energy into my stall ...but I was very pleased with how it looked ...a BIG thank you goes to husband of patience who painted everything white (and himself!) and to him and daughter mine for being the tech team setting up the stall...and she and I did the arty arranging, she always has such good ideas...

and I did get time out to look around too, daughter mine and I enjoy going round and shopping together...

here's a few of  my favourite stalls this year...I would so like to make a basket like this one...made by High Fibre...check out their website here

 

 

and every year I buy some lovely felt items from Jenny Pepper...they're irresistible! see more here
 

Lindsey Tyson is another feltmaker, with such beautiful felt creations... see her website here
 

and still more lovely things I spotted...beautiful knits by Jennie Atkinson...see more of her gorgeous patterns here

stunning hats and scarves made by Felt by Bridget...and still more here 
 

and of course some beautiful animals in amongst all the stalls...

and loads and loads of people, and such a bustling happy atmosphere...

and to sum it all up...




my next challenge is ArtFest North in Kendal 27th and 28th July... put it in your diary if you're nearby

have a great week...summer is here so it's icecreams all round and sitting in the garden...haha I'm off to work!

Emmax

Quick, make... an Easter bunny or chick....

I know it's nearly here but there's just time to rustle up a few of these crafty little Easter goodies...for the children you understand...or maybe just for the child in us all!! So get making and stuffing...you only need a little felt...could be any colour you like...and some threads (I used embroidery thread but any kind will do) and a teeny bit of polyester wadding or similar to pad them out a little....it's child's play and that's the best sort in my book!

 

and wishing you the warmest and happiest and sunniest of Easters...and that the Easter bunny is kind to you...Emmaxxx

how to make a bird brooch....

...or ten...

it is soo feeling a bit more springlike out in the world of nature...lighter nights...birds twittering more...little signs of bulbs and green shoots and buds..and of course snowdrops...aren't they incredible, coming up whatever the weather is doing...little signs of hope!

it's all made me feel more creative and much more like getting to my mahcine and getting sewing and embroidering...and using some gorgeous new fabrics such as this delicious daisy design and dotty spotty (can't beat a good spot!)in fab colours...feeling springlike and ready for fresh new shades...

so if you're feeling like joining me in some making...

first draw or trace your birdshape on paper..keep it simple...cut out a pattern and use to draw onto, or just pin onto, a piece of craft felt and cut out...(do try and use a wool type felt as they are just so much nicer to handle and sew with) Please note:I make a lot so I cut a lot! 

then for some tiny hearts..iron Bondaweb or similar to the back of your chosen fabric...and draw on your heart shape...note the nice sharp pencil...a miracle in this house to a) find a pencil, b) find a sharp pencil or c) find any pencil and a pencil sharpener within a mile of each other...

I then spend a relaxing time with Radio 4 or some nice music playing and cut out all my little hearts...bless them! Don't forget to take the PAPER backing off before you try to iron them on...



aren't they cute?

so with care iron on the heart to the bird shape...take care not to iron the felt as it won't like it!

next cut out a little beak in a different coulour of craft felt...and then pin the bird shapes and beaks to a bigger piece of felt...this make it soo much easier to sew (here I've used a piece of felted wool jumper) WARNING!! do not try to sew a small bird on it's own as it'll drive you nuts!

sew carefully round the bird shape close to the edge... make sure you include the beak...(not shown here cos I forgot!)

I then free machine round the heart but you can do it with a normal foot if you prefer...

and ta da..a row of little birds appears ...

it is a lovely moment when you cut them out and they become proper little birds...

just something missing...look away if you don't like operations as the next bit looks painful... but I'm sure they don't mind!

mm and they must look real as Basil is showing a great deal of interest...



or maybe it's just that it's cold out there and warm and snug in here...

To finish... sew a nice brooch pin onto the back and wear with pride at your craftyness...celebrate the handmade and welcome in the spring!

and talking of handmade...check out UK Handmade's magazine...bright new spring issue here

Have a great week...and I hope, fingers crossed, to be in opening Etsy mode soonest...I will keep you posted (I'm still doing photos and writing the blurb trying to make sure it's all perfect and looking lovely for you!)xx

PS and I'me feeling a Giveaway for spring coming on...