Back To Start A New Season

Hello 

I'm back from a weeks holiday in Wales where we had a week of lovely weather ! 

As this August has been most unpredictable it was a really lovely surprise I can tell you.

Just before I went away I made my friend Karen a blocked beret in royal blue sinamy with a tutti frutti band of raffia wrapped around the hat, wired navy petersham ribbon and a selection of vibrant beads as a trim complemented her shoes and finished off her vibrant splash of colour. It went really well with her royal blue dress. 

Even Dad approved which I believe was a real compliment so I think I got it right !

I've also used up the final pieces of my beautiful caramel french ticking. This time I've made a shoulder bag wallet and little hand pouch.

Also attention all fabric fans. I will be demonstrating some fabric manipulation at 1.00pm at The Salvedge Fair in Barrowford on Sat 23rd Sept. 

https://www.selvedge.org/products/23-september-pendle

It will be a very inspiring event with embroidery and many other traditional crafts to view and purchase. Plus a pop up shop of various art and crafts and the cafe and garden at the centre are a lovely place to sit and relax.

I think I will be upstairs so come and say hello.

Right I'm off to continue with more autumnal pieces in felt and tweed ready for the cooler months.

Chrissie x

French Ticking And Market Bags

Last summer I bought quite a few pieces of French ticking in various stripes but for some reason I never got round to making them into anything.

This year I intend to put that right by making lots of items with them and the first is this roomy market bag.

It's lined with navy blue gortex and has a large pocket in the stripes inside.

Soft cream leather handles and a hard card bottom so that the bag keeps it's shape when you fill it with your necessities ! plus the kitchen sink if you're like me.

There's also a d ring and key fob to clip the sides together for security or you can open it out to full width if you need to. This picture shows it with the key fob clipped to the d ring creating a tucking in version.

I am really happy with the shape as it was one I designed in my head quite a while ago !

Last week we had a few days of sunshine so I tried to get out and about spotting my favourite hellebore's in bloom and a few glorious views.

The little flower head sketch is one that I hope to screen print next, Mainly tea towels,napkins and face cloths I think.

My Turn For Renovations

Patience has been required since January as I waited for things to dry out. Mainly the cellar to drain etc etc, but finally it's my turn for the builders to arrive and renovations to commence.

My working practise has been tricky for the first few weeks of the year but I am so looking forward to a new clean workroom and of course the shop which is going to look very different as I am not replacing my checkered floor this time.

Sunday was Mothers Day and we all went to the coast to blow the cobwebs away, it was cold but bright just right for a good blast of fresh air.

There's a lot to do but I have many lists made so I am just going to plough my way through them.

I went to buy some new fabrics on Monday including one of my favourites French ticking.

There will be lots of new products available once I re open so I better get cracking !

Chrissie