tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89719039213902056532024-03-13T04:56:31.441+00:00The Owl ClubA blog about cutting, pasting, making and creating.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17025179704678543225noreply@blogger.comBlogger325125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971903921390205653.post-50473053095932704802013-12-16T14:56:00.001+00:002013-12-16T14:56:14.455+00:00cloud pompom mobile<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040982_zps0f4aa305.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
When, thanks to <a href="http://claireabellemakes.com/" target="_blank">Claireabellemakes</a>' <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/claireabellemks/pom-poms-for-life/" target="_blank">Pom Poms for Life</a> pinboard, I came across <a href="http://www.tante-tin.de/2011/05/tante-tin-%E2%99%A5-graziela/" target="_blank">this Tante Tin cloud pompom mobile</a>, I was instantly smitten and knew I had to create my own. Clouds seem to be a big craft trend at the moment, and I'm totally up for that. And who doesn't love pompoms? So soft, bouncy, colourful and tactile - there's almost nothing that doesn't benefit from a pompom, in my view. So bringing clouds and pompoms together was a stroke of genius (one that I wish I could claim as my own!)<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040981_zps7fd50464.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
Making homemade gifts for my <a href="http://theowlclub.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/plan-careful-christmas.html" target="_blank">Careful Christmas</a> is the perfect excuse to try out new ideas (well, obviously it would be wiser to stick with tried and tested but that's just not how I roll!) I made this for a friend's new baby's nursery and it is going to go so perfectly with the white walls with vintage wallpaper decals! I just hope she doesn't read this blog post - I think she's too busy (right?!) I'm risking it because there was no way I could wait any longer to share this, so chuffed am I by how it turned out.<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040983_zps5736eb82.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
It's made from old vintage sheet fabric and scraps of Sirdar snuggly baby yarn (appropriate, n'est-ce pas?), except the white one which is vintage mohair. I was worried about getting the balance right, but by sewing on the pompoms at the end I could adjust as I went and it hangs beautifully, the cloud turning slowly on it's yarn axis and the pompoms swinging pleasingly out to the side.<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040985_zpsd87f0f61.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
If more evidence were needed that simplicity can be beautiful, surely this is it? I'm totally swooning over this thing (and that's not really blowing my own trumpet, since I the idea came from <a href="http://www.tante-tin.de/2011/05/tante-tin-%E2%99%A5-graziela/" target="_blank">elsewhere</a>). I just hope its tiny recipient and her parents love it as much as I do. Now I might just have to make one for myself!<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040984_zps85fafa10.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
If you make one of your own pleeeeeease do let me know and share photos, as there are so many possibilities in terms of shape/size/colours/fabric/yarn that I'd just love to see what other people do! Come one, it's so easy, you know you want to....!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17025179704678543225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971903921390205653.post-66036028715836734642013-12-06T10:30:00.000+00:002013-12-06T10:30:01.155+00:00our Christmas tree<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040968_zpse95132ca.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
Our Christmas tree came to us last year in a pot, and has lived in our garden for the last year, moving into a bigger pot in the course of time. "Look how it's grown!" exclaimed our 3 year-old, who could wait no longer than 1st December to put up (or bring in, in our case) and decorate the tree. He is that excited about Christmas. Actually he has not stopped talking about it since last year!<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040969_zps1d99eeca.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
Like many people, part of the delight of having a Christmas tree (and indeed, of Christmas itself!) is getting out the boxes of decorations and pouring over all the objects with their varied provenance and memories. This year it was especially lovely to find some <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Paintingbliss?section_id=14594601" target="_blank">Ashlie Blake decorations</a>, including the benevolent star, above, that she gave me last year but which didn't arrive until after the tree came down. So this is their first Christmas and I'm thrilled to have little pieces of Ashlie on our tree!<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040971_zpsc7e38bd0.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
Somehow, when ornaments are hung on the tree, they bring with them an aura of the person they came from. This funny little Father Christmas was made by my mother long before I was born (she thinks 1972-5). For me that's the best kind of heirloom. And the 3 year-old adores our sweet homemade, bendy-legged Santa! <br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040973_zpsdd1c00c1.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
This year for the first time I made ornaments from dried orange slices. They were simple to make and I love the smell of oranges baking and drying in the oven. I think this may well become a new tradition. (Find out more about the golden owl <a href="http://www.theowlclub.blogspot.co.uk/2011/12/tree-stories.html" target="_blank">here</a>).<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040975_zpsdcc82f08.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
Also set to become a tradition, I think, is this mad Santa train, a gift this year from my French mother-in-law, who I think is quite as crazy about Christmas as her grandson! Of course since we also have a crawling 8 month-old who is highly motivated to get everything and anything in his mouth, the train is a bit of a pain really. But as far as over-the-top Christmas decorating goes, I actually rather like it, probably because I've seen trains round trees in so many children's books over the years, so it feels almost familiar.<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040972_zpsef3dc09d.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
Our tree always has lots of homemade things on it (in the train photo above you can even see some collage baubles my son made last year) and I like to add something new each year. This year, I enjoyed making this patchwork ornament, from a free craft kit that came with <a href="http://www.theowlclub.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/love-patchwork-quilting-review.html" target="_blank">Love Patchwork and Quilting magazine</a>. I haven't often used craft kits, but this one was lovely and I'll enjoy getting this out for future trees.<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040977_zpsc334d04f.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
Our tree doesn't have a "theme" and we don't even own chic white fairy lights. Instead we have three sets of garish coloured ones. This year's date from my student years - they used to hang over my bed all year round. My little boy did most of the decorating, though I will admit to moving some ornaments if there were too many bunched together and also he had a tendency to put everything at the bottom of the tree! We didn't use any of our breakable glass baubles this year because of the crawler - pretty much everything is safe to grab and drool over, though I have mostly managed to prevent this happening so far.<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040974_zps0dfecaea.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
For me, the tree should be cheery: part of the point of Christmas for us is that pagan thing of having something bright and cheerful in the cold Winter months. It's also about family and memories. I was asking my mum about the homemade Father Christmas and she reminded me that one year she made a snow scene with heaps of cotton wool and all the Santas (for there were many of them) on skis and sledges having fun and falling over in the snow. She thought I might have forgotten it, but the memory is perfecly vivid, just as the best Christmas memories always are.<br />
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[You might also like this post: <a href="http://www.theowlclub.blogspot.co.uk/2011/12/tree-stories.html" target="_blank">Tree Stories</a>].</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17025179704678543225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971903921390205653.post-20356971326556717832013-12-04T14:24:00.000+00:002013-12-04T14:24:44.352+00:00sewing cosy gifts<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040957_zpsad22f494.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
As part of the <a href="http://theowlclub.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/plan-careful-christmas.html" target="_blank">Careful Christmas project</a>, I've been making some cosy Winter warming gifts for family members (who aren't into reading blogs, so I'm safe to share these!) There's something particularly enjoyable about making gifts that both evoke and give warmth and comfort at this time of year.<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040959_zpsed5abc41.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
This super soft hot water bottle cover was repurposed from a worn-out cashmere jumper (sweater). I basically followed <a href="http://tinyhappy.typepad.com/tiny_happy/2013/05/hot-water-bottle-cover-d-i-y.html" target="_blank">this tutorial by Tiny Happy</a>, but added a lining for extra snugness and heat-diffusion.<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040958_zpsa1866166.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
Adding the lining meant it was tricky to keep the lovely touch of using the jumper's natural ribbing - but since I was using another knit garment for lining fabric, I used the ribbing of that too and just a small row of stitching to keep the layers together. Stitching knitted fabrics is hard! But then they are also kind of forgiving too, because they are stretchy.<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040978_zps241f2f8a.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
I also used an old jumper (sweater) to make this very snuggly but simple rice handwarmer for my uncle, which I topped with some vintage fabric. This is a great gift idea for a guy, I think, especially if they're often outdoors in the cold like my uncle is. It also works as a heat pack for achy muscles.<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040961_zps18693bc6.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
I'm really pleased with my first attempt at a cafetière cosy. (Do you like our Silver Jubliee i.e. 1977 mug btw?!) This was a gift requested by my Aunt this year. I looked at lots of tutorials on Pinterest and was most inspired by <a href="http://bugsandfishes.blogspot.co.uk/2009/11/how-to-cafetiere-cosy.html" target="_blank">this Bugs and Fishes one</a>, but made mine in a completely different way! For one thing, I quilted it quite traditionally on the diagonal as I thought my Aunt would like that. I also used special heat resistant wadding.<br />
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The real challenge was that all cafetières differ in size, so for me that ruled out button or snap fastenings. I think velcro works pretty well and allows quite a bit of leway. Our cafetière is fatter than my mother's, for example, but the cosy still fits...<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040962_zps5074bbc5.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
I've found <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/theowlclub/boards/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> quite brilliant for handmade Christmas inspiration and have been pinning and browsing to my heart's content for the last few weeks. Feel free to check out my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/theowlclub/careful-christmas/" target="_blank">Careful Christmas pinboard</a> for some ideas! What cosy things have you been making for Christmas?<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040960_zps059afa9f.jpg" width="100%"/>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17025179704678543225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971903921390205653.post-70637835947922515422013-12-01T10:59:00.000+00:002013-12-01T10:59:00.851+00:00handmade 365 reflections<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040940_zps01197e89.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
As I mentioned in <a href="http://www.theowlclub.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/handmade-365.html" target="_blank">this post</a>, I am taking part in <a href="http://talesoftedandagnes.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Rachelle</a>'s <a href="http://www.theowlclub.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/handmade-365.html" target="_blank">Handmade 365 Project</a>, which involves wearing something handmade everyday for 365 days. Today, 1st December, is day 60 and I am proud to say that I haven't yet missed a day! It's been an interesting process and I thought I'd pause to reflect on what I've learnt from it so far (and also to share a photo, above, of my first ever self-made skirt, made from vintage fabric! Also featuring <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/BlueEyedNightOwl" target="_blank">Blue Eyed Night Owl</a> pin and handmade charm necklace from Toronto.)<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/IMG_1678_zpsb4df2992.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
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homemade infinity scarf from vintage fabric and seahorse earrings by <a href="http://www.tattydevine.com/" target="_blank">Tatty Devine</a></center>
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1. <b>It's encouraged me to make things for myself</b> - so often I make things for other people and it's been fun to make things for myself, motivated by the search for new handmade things to wear each day!<br />
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2. <b>But I can't wear new things all the time</b> - As time goes on, I repeat myself a lot. And so I don't share my photos daily anymore on Instagram (@theowlclub), just when I'm wearing something new, or if I feel in the mood or when I feel it will be an interesting photo.<br />
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3. <b>One of the best things is being inspired by others</b> - Even if I'm wearing the same old infinity scarf and pair of earrings, I love being inspired by what others are making and wearing! I've been making quite a few fabric cuffs, inspired by a photo I saw from <a href="http://www.fairyandsnail.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">@fairyandsnail</a>. One of them ended up being featured in a Show and Tell by the weekly digital craft magazine <a href="http://www.molliemakes.com/gathered/gatheredbymolliemakes/" target="_blank">Gathered by Mollie Makes</a>!<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/IMG_1690_zps7d448c71.png" width="100%" /><br />
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4. <b>It's made me think really carefully about what I buy</b> - I'm always looking out for businesses, like <a href="http://www.tattydevine.com/" target="_blank">Tatty Devine</a> (of the seahorse earrings featured above), whose ethos is "handmade in the UK", or for handmade vintage items (which have always been a favourite of mine anyway). Of course <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/" target="_blank">Etsy</a> is a great place to go for unique handmade things to wear.<br />
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5. <b>It's also made me wonder what "handmade" means</b> - If I pick up a shirt that says "Made in India" (or Thailand or Bulgaria or...) in Topshop, does that mean it's not handmade? Well no, because very likely someone's hands did make it and I don't want to ignore or disrespect that. BUT it was made by somone in a factory, probably paid the absolute legal minimum (hopefully not less, but possibly) and of course it will be one of thousands of others like it. When hands are being exploited to make generic items, clearly this is not the "handmade" ethos driving the project. On a completely different note, some participants have wondered whether customisation of pre-existing items counts - the response from the group seemed to be "yes"! So it seems to be as much about creativity and an ethical approach to clothing and accessories as it is about, say, the skill of sewing.<br />
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6. <b>It's made me want to improve my skills</b> - I long to make clothing now! It's tricky at the moment because, having recently had a baby, and still breastfeeding, I'm not quite sure what size or shape I'm going to settle into yet. But I can really see the potential and I'm so inspired by what others are making. I've seen <i>everything</i> - coats, skirts, leggings, vests, .... even knickers (<a href="http://mezzmakesstuff.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Mezz</a>, I'm looking at you!) As soon as my Christmas crafting rush is over, I'm determined to up the ante on the garment making front.<br />
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If anyone reading this is also taking part, I'd love to hear your thoughts and how it's going for you! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17025179704678543225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971903921390205653.post-25436349184299296102013-11-29T10:03:00.002+00:002013-11-29T10:03:54.653+00:00black Friday fun<a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/theowlclub?section_id=11416055" target="_blank"><img src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/003/0/5522080/il_570xN.406509512_kyjz.jpg" width="100%" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/theowlclub?section_id=11416055" target="_blank">vintage picturebook badges</a></center>
Zero points for originality here guys: I decided to jump on the bandwagon and join in the 'black Friday' fun. Don't know what that is? I didn't until last year. Apparently this is the day when the highest number of online purchases are made each year in time for Christmas, so there are lots of sales on to draw in customers. Commercial Black Friday makes me feel a little queasy at the rampant consumerism of our world, until... I think about all those small, ethical businesses and handmade shops that are boosting their sales. Yes, Black Friday can be fun! Maybe this year we can all think <a href="http://www.theowlclub.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/plan-careful-christmas.html" target="_blank">carefully</a> about where we're shopping and why?<br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/theowlclub?section_id=10388810" target="_blank"><img src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/017/0/5522080/il_570xN.505195320_sy32.jpg" width="100%" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/theowlclub?section_id=10388810" target="_blank">owl brooches</a></center>
Anyway I'm having a little sale myself, so from today - Friday 29th November - until Friday 7th December you can take <b>15% off everything in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/theowlclub" target="_blank">my Etsy shop</a></b> with the coupon code <b>BLACKFRI13</b>. Have a look around and you just might find an unusual little Christmas gift or stocking filler. Now is the time if you want to order in time for Christmas: last non-EU orders must be made before 8th December, EU 10th December and UK 18th December if you want them to arrive in time. I'm working on a commission at the moment, but after that I won't be taking any more custom collage orders, as there is so much going on making things for a <a href="http://www.theowlclub.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/plan-careful-christmas.html" target="_blank">careful Christmas</a>!<br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/theowlclub?section_id=11442539" target="_blank"><img src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/033/0/5522080/il_570xN.505379145_m4o6.jpg" width="100%" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/theowlclub?section_id=11442539" target="_blank">vintage magazine slogan badges</a></center>
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<b>Coupon code for 15% off in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/theowlclub" target="_blank">The Owl Club shop</a> = BLACKFRI13</b></center>
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<b>Lasts until end of Friday 7th December</b></center>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17025179704678543225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971903921390205653.post-69891893116986879902013-11-21T10:31:00.000+00:002013-11-21T10:31:06.620+00:00 my fiction project<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/image_zps0449c0e1.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
You may remember I previously took part in the <a href="http://www.theowlclub.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Sketchbook%20Project%20Limited%20Edition" target="_blank">Sketchbook Project</a> and the <a href="http://www.theowlclub.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/memoir-project-update.html" target="_blank">Memoir Project</a>. My next undertaking was the Fiction Project, with an almost all-encompassing theme of 'tell the world a story'. <br />
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Inspired by some old photographs of unnamed people I came across among <a href="http://www.theowlclub.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/my-granny-as-i-never-knew-her.html" target="_blank">my grandmother</a>'s things, I decided to gather photographs from old newspapers and magazines, plus a few from my collection and imagine a story for each one. <br />
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I ended up writing quite close to the deadline and things progressed quickly because they had to. It was exciting to feel the stories pouring out, and to inhabit all these different worlds.<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/image_zps4f14dab7.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
I imagined myself into the skin of someone looking at the photograph who was either pictured or close to someone pictured. Gazing at the image I found myself becoming that person. Sometimes I drew on information in the newspaper article or on the back of the photo. One image of a little girl had '19 months' written on the reverse, for example. The old magazines had dates and captions to incorporate into the stories. <br />
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It was a stimulating writing exercise and I was surprised sometimes by what unfolded. I called it 'All the Lonely People' after the refrain from the Beatles song Eleanor Rigby. It will be digitised once it arrives in the <a href="http://www.sketchbookproject.com/brooklynartlibrary" target="_blank">Brooklyn Art Library</a>, where the original will be kept. I hope you'll consider having a browse and let me know what you think.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17025179704678543225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971903921390205653.post-88638873273137760922013-11-09T13:52:00.003+00:002013-11-09T13:52:51.626+00:00giveaway winner!<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/381f7c26-c1cd-4de6-a86d-be0960cd0093_zps1db48849.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
I'm delighted to announce that the winnder of my happy handmade giveaway is Laura from <a href="http://blueeyednightowl.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Blue Eyed Night Owl</a>. Congrats Laura! Thanks so much to everyone who entered and spread the word. I'm glad Rafflecopter had to choose the winner automatically for me, because all the entrants were just such lovely people and bloggers! By the way, the winner Laura's blog is a great place to stop by... for instance her latest post features this ridiculously appealing cardi from <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/cardigans/owl-over-town-cardigan" target="_blank">Knitted Dove for Modcloth</a>...<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMU5slbJUQFTvXApb2TLtxBXc2zJdBuzCxlDoPCMqzUvB2zb4vU-S-t6xHtRiEImmd61L6v9wEQaXrDHmzxrhDrt0Z70eqQc5i0Xz7xm_9npYfk3e8Hy9F0gJYihMF2ifIMnEk_oQZ8WY/s640/library+owl.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
Sigh... so pretty! Laura makes and sells beautiful felt accessories (stop by her <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/BlueEyedNightOwl?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a> for your <a href="http://www.theowlclub.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/plan-careful-christmas.html" target="_blank">Careful Christmas</a> gifts) and is a huge supporter of all things handmade, so definitely worth following if you're not already.<br />
Anyway, I loved doing this giveaway - must do them more often! I'll try to do another one before Christmas, okay?!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17025179704678543225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971903921390205653.post-33875503661990922292013-11-08T15:48:00.000+00:002013-11-08T15:48:00.064+00:00vintage fabricYou might have noticed that I've got a bit of a thing for vintage fabric. I think this has it's roots in my fascination with <a href="http://www.theowlclub.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/my-mothers-stash.html" target="_blank">my mum's fabric stash</a>.<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQuLRgdrqPdYxH4Y86RcBb3fl4UAgNrVs43t-l5JeGzFGjlT0Con6fU4B827A4stgyny7-t2JD18AfqLKbFakO48VBKRWh8PIqc7Lzw2a6zUtpXNkzVTFKzxp6RBA-LfGX5PCK9vLeGfg/s1600/mumtreasure09.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
Being a bit of a hoarder (yes, that's where I get it from) my mother accumulated an immense treasure trove of fabrics, mostly bargains and oddments, and quite a bit from when she used to trawl the bins outside London fabric shops! These are the fabrics that surrounded me as a child, when she would make clothes or lavender sachets or toys. Before that she used to make shirts for my Dad, really flowery 1960s pointy collar numbers with French seams.<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC5DI97pqrvT3z3rrUQ_70E1KJyAn33pxp7ypCqQePvgnS6lTwJ7EBeQ0WwsrDcX96HWr1D73oE9sSps75OCYWMgzjLPExhQPrQoFkKe8mSvMLljko2I7bQ6STTSbr4-q8gsEx6x94PfE/s1600/uof1.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
Since my mother doesn't enjoy sewing these days she is passing on her knowledge and materials to me, for which I am incredibly thankful! I love wearing things that have something she's given me included in them. And no matter how disorganised my own stash gets, I always know what has come from her. But I've also expanded my collection - I just can't get enough! The vintage feedsacks shown above came from Texas, where my Dad lives. Occasionally I get lucky in a Charity Shop, but I'm also willing to pay the quite high prices that often come with buying on <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/search/vintage?q=fabric&view_type=gallery&ship_to=GB&vintage_rewrite=vintage+fabric&original_query=2&page=4" target="_blank">Etsy</a>, <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/bhp/vintage-fabric" target="_blank">eBay</a>, or <a href="http://www.ragrescue.co.uk/" target="_blank">Rag Rescue</a>. <br />
<img src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/022/0/6415284/il_570xN.499776634_tjl5.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/162200941/vintage-fabric-lot-of-5-cotton-fabric?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank">vintage cottons from vintagelady7</a></center>
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For me, using vintage fabric - be it new old stock, or used bed linen or whatever - is an particular pleasure, because it is fabric with a bit of history. Each piece reflects something of the time it was made, and I love the idea of giving it new life in the present. More importantly, using new fabric is not (I hate to say this but it's true) very environmentally friendly. Cotton is the most pesticide-heavy crop in the world (<a href="http://www.greenchoices.org/green-living/clothes/environmental-impacts" target="_blank">source</a>) and foreign demand for cotton contributes to water shortages in cotton-producing countries (<a href="http://doc.utwente.nl/58372/1/Report18.pdf" target="_blank">source</a>).<br />
<img src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/024/0/5272331/il_570xN.479258862_pfcb.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/156600848/seventies-vintage-childrens-fabric?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank">1970s owl fabric from FrauSvensson</a></center>
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Now, I don't deny I have quite a bit of new fabric in my cupboards. I do find it hard to resist a bargain, or a fat quarter of something just gorgeously pretty. Also there are some producers making <a href="http://www.greenchoices.org/green-living/clothes/more-sustainable-fabrics" target="_blank">organic and sustainable new fabrics.</a> But when there's so much lovely old fabric floating around it does seem crazy not to try to use (or reuse) it. Last year at a Christmas craft fair, I mentioned to a customer that some badges were made with vintage fabric. "Does that just mean old?" she said, sceptically. I guess this post for people like her who don't get why using "old" materials can actually be really rather lovely, in a whole variety of ways.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17025179704678543225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971903921390205653.post-4965888408081290082013-11-05T15:56:00.001+00:002013-11-05T15:56:59.792+00:00plan a careful Christmas<img src="http://www.paintingbliss.com/.a/6a01538e5b4736970b019b008016c6970b-pi" width="100%" /><br />
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logo by <a href="http://www.paintingbliss.com/" target="_blank">Ashlie Blake</a></center>
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A couple of years ago I had this idea of moving away from the consumerism of Christmas and planning something a little more <i>careful</i>. I came up with the <a href="http://www.theowlclub.blogspot.co.uk/2011/10/careful-christmas-project.html" target="_blank">Careful Christmas project</a> to help me have a handmade, recycled and reused Christmas, rather than over-spending on stuff that taxes the earth's resources and encourages the exploitation of cheap labour. This year, my dear friend <a href="http://www.paintingbliss.com/" target="_blank">Ashlie of PaintingBliss</a> has relaunched the project to encourage everyone to join in.<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040777_zps672e714c.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
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handmade gift tags by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/MissChaelaBoo" target="_blank">MissChaelaBoo</a></center>
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Here are the original guidelines I gave myself:<br />
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<ul>
<li>homemade gifts, e.g. badges, sewn things, preserves, food</li>
<li>handmade gifts, e.g. bought on Etsy, craft fair or similar</li>
<li>vintage/second-hand gifts</li>
<li>gifts that recycle or upcycle things I already own</li>
<li>re-use saved wrapping & ribbons</li>
<li>or use up new wrapping bought in previous years</li>
<li>I have a lot of cards already, any extras must be handmade</li>
<li>decorations: same principles as for gifts</li>
</ul>
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<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040101_zps49399e5b.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
Ashlie is <a href="http://www.paintingbliss.com/blog/2013/11/careful-christmas.html" target="_blank">crocheting up a storm</a> making the most gorgeous mittens (all I can say is I hope I make her Christmas list!) and I am planning several infinity scarves, some cuffs, and some cafetière cosies (the latter is a request from my Aunt). I am also making a large batch of my Spiced Apple Chutney (<a href="http://theowlclub.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/spiced-apple-chutney.html" target="_blank">get the recipe here</a>!)<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1030595_zps6b9ab2ee.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
And don't forget that I'm running a little <a href="http://www.theowlclub.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/happy-handmade-giveaway.html" target="_blank">handmade giveaway</a> on the blog - you could win some gifts to get your careful Christmas off to a great start (or just keep them for yourself!)<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/381f7c26-c1cd-4de6-a86d-be0960cd0093_zps1db48849.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
And I also recommend checking out Ashlie's mixed media art, available in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Paintingbliss" target="_blank">her Etsy shop</a>, as you might just find the perfect and completely unique gift there.<br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/166529568/parakeet-budgie-mixed-media-aceo-atc?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank"><img src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/044/1/5500696/il_570xN.515772095_od4c.jpg" width="100%" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/166529568/parakeet-budgie-mixed-media-aceo-atc?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank">Parakeet mixed media AECO by Ashlie Blake</a></div>
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What plans will you be making for a careful Christmas this year? If you're making things and use Instagram or Twitter, please tag them #carefulchristmas so we can see all the lovely creativity!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17025179704678543225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971903921390205653.post-54225217354840446332013-11-01T16:03:00.000+00:002013-11-16T21:04:06.597+00:00happy handmade giveaway {closed}<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/381f7c26-c1cd-4de6-a86d-be0960cd0093_zps1db48849.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
So a while ago I mentioned that I've <a href="http://www.theowlclub.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/etsy-shop-update.html" target="_blank">updated</a> my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/theowlclub" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a>, and that a giveaway would follow... well, it's taken me enough time but here it is finally! You can enter to win everything shown here, made with love by yours truly.<br />
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There's a big old <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/theowlclub?section_id=11043777" target="_blank">lavender heart</a> made with vintage fabric, a button and garden twine...<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040952_zps16a726a1.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
There's a brooch made from a vintage wooden jigsaw puzzle, varnished and fitted with a brooch back, like <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/theowlclub?section_id=14235022" target="_blank">the ones in my Etsy shop</a>...<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040953_zpsf635296e.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
There's a little set of fabric pinback badges, made with vintage fabric...<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040955_zpsf7840a0e.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
And also one of my upbeat little <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/theowlclub?section_id=11442539" target="_blank">collage badges</a>, made from vintage magazines and one of a kind...<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040956_zps6833ecbe.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
...And finally an <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/theowlclub?section_id=10388810" target="_blank">owl brooch</a>, in a larger size than the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/theowlclub?section_id=10388810" target="_blank">ones available in my Etsy shop</a>, and with colours that have more than a hint of a certain festive event that will soon be upon us (haha!)<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040954_zps1f00e049.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
I like to think that these things would make a cheering November parcel, full of handmade and vintage goodness, and I'll be delighted to send them to whoever Rafflecopter picks out of the entries! Rafflecopter do a neat little widget that will guide you through entering and offer you lots of extra ways to gain entries too. The giveaway is open to anyone, anywhere, and will close next Saturday 9th November at 12 noon GMT. Spread the word, and good luck!<br />
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b1de8d2/" id="rc-b1de8d2" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17025179704678543225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971903921390205653.post-33411227738850069692013-10-30T13:10:00.001+00:002013-10-30T13:10:32.963+00:00make a ghostie tree<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040948_zpsd7355ef4.jpg" width="100%"><br />
It's not too late to make Halloween decorations! With or without help from the kids, this cute ghostie tree is an easy little craft project to get you in the Halloween spirit (haha).<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040947_zps249a6068.jpg" width="100%"><br />
Here's everything you need, except a needle and some card for a template (but ghosties are easy to draw - you could cut them freehand!) To make each one just cut two pieces of white felt, glue on some black eyes (I like them slightly different shapes) and stitch round the edge with white thread using blanket stitch, popping in some toy stuffing towards the end. To make them hang, I just threaded through some black embroidery thread and tied a knot.<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040949_zpsa409ecaf.jpg" width="100%"><br />
My three year-old helped by drawing round the templates (a skill he learnt at nursery that he was proud to show me) and glueing on the eyes. Older kids could easily do the whole thing. Of course my little one was also given the special mission of finding the perfect branch on a trip to the park.<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040950_zps20db4001.jpg" width="100%"><br />
To save even more time, use only one layer of felt (no need for sewing) or use cardstock instead. I do like the ghosties to be a bit fat and fuzzy, however! We're having a mini Halloween party tomorrow night for the kiddos and will be swapping our eco-bulbs for blacklights, meaning the little ghouls should glow in the dark - even more fun. What Halloween things have you been making this year?<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17025179704678543225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971903921390205653.post-11335790189647961932013-10-28T21:39:00.000+00:002013-10-28T21:39:00.591+00:00hundreds and thousands magazine<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0V3zd12jljXZP-8B6XKwb8CwjC9P8Oy-w-OSnf2BahZxRxT32BkVPOrefCCttY2oitU8lUm7qPr-Ah4Cw_2zr4UwWVztzlIXEpV00R-mBABAbUaCG7h8obuyS4XVS5Of0ja5pe5HFwUKr/s1600/blog+header_NEW.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
I've been looking forward to writing about <a href="http://hundredsandthousandsmag.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Hundreds and Thousands</a>, a new Australian magazine celebrating all things handmade. While I have yet to hold a copy in my hands - because the <i>very first ever issue</i> is about to be released! - I'm pretty sure I'm going to love it.<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040695_zps751ee7d1.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
And it's not just because I am a contributor, honest! Although I am very honoured to be a part of this starter issue with my tutorial for a patchwork ball (filled with rattling things for little ones or lavender for grown-ups - or vice versa if you so choose), it's the quirky, pretty, thrifty, musical, vintage-loving, op-shopping (down under version of charity shopping) ethos of its two editor founders, <a href="http://mezzmakesstuff.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Mezz</a> and <a href="http://butterandbuntings.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Taz</a>, that gives me more than an inkling it's my cup of tea.<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicGWgyZ7HcUCNJwsQRy954n536tWDsvjzIoywSkVn34_aeKzjX86i3uDuDEqnHH3Rs-VCTNPQf_AiRPysfbKl92K4vDn7e4BMMW0og2flzhJ1G4Hk_jtCW2v_odEimEbpYRjHS6Xfo1Qb_/s640/little+things+splendid+pic.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
Make sure you visit and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hundreds-and-Thousands/209386459225703?notif_t=fbpage_fan_invite" target="_blank">'like' their facebook page</a> to be among the first to know when it goes on sale in the next few days! Then you can be the proud owner of the first edition of what (well, who knows?) may go on to be quite a phenomenon... It will certainly be a thing of loveliness and a venture worth supporting. I will be writing more about it once I receive my copy (can't wait!)<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/BUTTON_zps8488aa34.jpg" width="100%"/><br />
This is also the first time my crafting has been featured in a magazine so I am feeling more than a little flush of pride right now and am looking forward to seeing the tutorial in print!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17025179704678543225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971903921390205653.post-36893008816789401952013-10-20T13:14:00.000+01:002013-10-20T13:14:00.650+01:00sprocket pillow<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040932_zpsf3794e16.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
As mentioned in my <a href="http://www.theowlclub.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/love-patchwork-quilting-review.html" target="_blank">review of Love Patchwork and Quilting magazine</a>, this was the first project I made from Issue 1, and it was a lot of fun. My brother has had some disappointments lately, plus he's having to spend part of the week away from his family in a rather grim bedsit for work. I thought I'd make him something cheery and this seemed just the ticket.<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040928_zpsd0f2b067.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
It was fairly quick (a few short evenings) and easy, though perhaps not 'easy peasy' as the magazine claims! Stuffing it evenly was tricky, and there is some skill required in easing the fabric into a circle when you piece the whole cushion together. I haven't made anything cylindrical before so it was a challenge, and my circle is far from perfect. But I enjoyed trying something new.<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040931_zps3d9fd46d.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
I especially enjoyed choosing the fabrics. I knew I wanted brights - this was meant to be cheerful! - but wasn't quite sure how to stop the whole thing becoming too much of a riot. Enter an old favourite of mine: embroidered vintage linen. One handkerchief (bought for 50p at an attic sale) was perfect for four of the 'sprockets', giving the cushion a sense of pattern. All the other fabrics were scraps of vintage material, except for the green paisley strip, the ladybirds and the polkadots, all of which I fell for at the John Lewis craft department till, where they keep remnants in a tempting little pile...<br />
<a href="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040933_zpsa036e547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040933_zpsa036e547.jpg" width="100%" /></a><img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040935_zpsec363ca0.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
This is the first time I've made a fabric-covered button too. It was a little tricky to get the backing to snap down over the embroidered fabric, but with some careful snipping it came right in the end, and I love the fact that the button is unique, and the colours are perfect.<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040934_zpsc3fb70be.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
For the backing I used a piece of a vintage sheet that I'm loving sewing with at the moment and using for everything from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/theowlclub?section_id=11043777" target="_blank">lavender hearts</a> to baby bibs. It was very gratifying that, the morning after I finished it my three year-old grabbed it and said, "wow, a new cushion! Did you make this, mummy, is it for me?!" I've promised him his very own one in due course.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17025179704678543225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971903921390205653.post-4232588630037997422013-10-17T12:28:00.000+01:002013-10-17T12:28:03.533+01:00Love Patchwork & Quilting review<a href="https://www.facebook.com/lovepatchworkandquilting" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/LQP01cover_uk_zpsd25774dc.jpg" width="100%" /></a><br />
Has anyone else noticed there have been quite a lot of new craft magazines over the past few years? It might seem surprising in our digital age, but clearly there are a lot of crafty folk out there who, like me, enjoy curling up with a real, page-flipping mag (and craft magazines are full of great paper for art and collage afterwards too!) I was excited about <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lovepatchworkandquilting" target="_blank">this new patchwork and quilting magazine</a> and immediately signed up for the trial subscription. And guess what? I think I have a new favourite!<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/LQP01project_cover_zps24080db6.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/lovepatchworkandquilting" target="_blank">Love Patchwork and Quilting</a> is full of projects that just make you want to run to the sewing machine (or fabric shop - but I'll come to that later). I love their emphasis on 'modern' quilting. Not that I don't also enjoy traditional quilts but projects like the plus-sign quilt, pictured above, have an appealing freshness and a simplicity that means they can be adapted to pretty much any taste.<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/LQP01project_shoelace_zpsf8733429.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
Although it's a specialist magazine of sorts, they have cleverly included projects to draw in pretty much anyone who has basic sewing skills, like these fun scrappy patchwork laces (almost tempting me to convert from zips and buckles - maybe once the baby is a bit older, haha!) There is great variety in the projects (totes, wall-hangins and plushies as well as quilts) and all are clearly explained in easy-to-follow illustrated steps. <br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/LQP01project_triangles_zps4b4fe75d.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
The nature of patchwork (i.e. things made of small pieces) means that - yay! - there are lots of full size templates in the mag too. This is heaven for me as I don't have easy access to photocopiers and printers at the moment. For many projects, like the stunning triangle quilt shown above, I can just cut and go - brilliant. There are also lots of great tips and pages of information about quilting, just what I need to take my quilting to the next level. Equally if you've never made a quilt before, I'd definitely recommend this first edition of Love Patchwork and Quilting, as it makes a really good introduction to the art.<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/LQP01project_roundcushion_zpsd6301598.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
These fabulous sprocket pillows by Allison Harris caught my eye straight away. I've been wanting to make something for my brother who needs cheering up, and these seemed the perfect quick idea. I'll be writing more about the cushion I made in a separate post. Here's a little sneak preview...<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040935_zpsec363ca0.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
Finally, while the merit of free gifts with craft magazines is debatable (see <a href="http://miss-beatrix.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/on-magazine-craft-kits.html" target="_blank">this post by Miss Beatrix</a> for some interesting thoughts on the matter) I am pleasantly impressed by the first Christmas-themed gift. It's something I'd genuinely like to make and also provides a good idea for making similar baubles using strips of fabric or ribbon, so in that sense it's worth more than the sum of its parts.<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/LQP01freegift_zps2736255d.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
If Issue 1 is anything to go by, Love Patchwork & Quilting has found a loyal subscriber in me. However I'd like to end this review on a slightly different note. Perhaps inevitably for a magazine of this genre, there is a strong strand of fabric fetishism running throughout. Don't get me wrong, their choices are gorgeous and I'm a serious fabric addict. But I try to be mindful of the environmental cost of new fabric. I'll be writing more about this in another post, but just to say that I'd like to see more use of <b>vintage and repurposed fabrics</b> in the magazine in future. That for me would be the cherry on the cake.<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/LQP01nextbasket_quilts_zps803b4617.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
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All images from the magazine in this post were kindly provided by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lovepatchworkandquilting" target="_blank">Love Patchwork and Quilting</a>. This review represents my personal opinion.</center>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17025179704678543225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971903921390205653.post-17191338522067159592013-10-15T10:14:00.000+01:002013-10-15T10:14:12.751+01:00infinity scarf<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040913_zps8dd20aa7.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
So, you know, just showing off the infinity scarf I made recently, i.e. a scarf that goes round in a loop. I saw a fellow <a href="http://talesoftedandagnes.blogspot.co.uk/p/handmade-365.html" target="_blank">handmade 365</a> participant wearing one and was inspired to make my own. So glad I did. I guessed it would have a really good effort/reward ratio and I was right. I used <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WSiwjgXLKQ" target="_blank">this tutorial from the Crafty Gemini</a>, and had a look at some of the others available online - there are plenty to choose from.<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040914_zps586f6326.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
It's fairly simple, but I must admit I still got confused at the sewing-up-of-the-loop bit, got it wrong and had to unpick. Even in spite of that it was quite quick to make! I used some lovely ditsy print floral fabric - from my mum's vintage fabric stash - and some brilliant tweedy fabric I picked up for 50p from a charity shop to make a wear-with-anything scarf that's perfect for Autumn and Spring.<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040915_zps5be2d276.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
I will be making more of these for Christmas presents... and I'd like to try a patchwork design too, something I've also spotted among the #handmade365 photos on Instagram. I haven't made a dress yet, but as you can see, thinking daily about wearing handmade and seeing what others have made is already inspiring creations - more coming soon!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17025179704678543225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971903921390205653.post-37926617416150727772013-10-07T08:52:00.002+01:002013-10-07T08:52:42.349+01:00handmade 365<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBec5hkHcpPJz1Q8miGGpwu1fK339gktZunKDobcvvlmJQ5gVm4ZGc4epSBGIwBe4ld8Gvo9dFLIrBQKFnQA7A3B2fZMK0L3-fBiqaypr5BxWtdGp2kSl96bZ0qqyVIPXTZbqFUAonssC/s1600/handmade585.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
When I heard about this year-long challenge, run by Rachelle of <a href="http://talesoftedandagnes.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Tales of Ted and Agnes</a> (one of the authors of the book <b><a href="http://www.theworks.co.uk/p/books/granny-chic/9780857831552" target="_blank">Granny Chic</a></b> no less!) I decided to give it a go, since I believe in the importance of celebrating and supporting the handmade in our world of mass-produced junk, and trying to avoid encouraging the exploitation of cheap sweatshop labour (when we think about handmade, we sometimes forget the 'hands' faraway, that have laboured over that Primark dress).<br />
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The thing is, I don't own many handmade clothes and despite becoming quite a sewing addict over the last few years, I've never made clothing for myself before. So I guess I'm hoping that this challenge will inspire me to give it a go. Maybe the first months of my handmade year will mostly be about jewellery, accessories and some handmade vintage clothes. But ultimately I hope to be following in the footsteps of some of the other creative participants and be posting Instagram photos of myself in handmade tops and dresses. Wish me luck! <br />
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And it's not too late to join in... <a href="http://talesoftedandagnes.blogspot.co.uk/p/handmade-365.html" target="_blank">click here for more details</a> (we're on day 7 at the moment!)<br />
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(Find me on Instagram as @theowlclub, by the way).Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17025179704678543225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971903921390205653.post-50213307030079077172013-09-30T16:00:00.000+01:002013-09-30T16:00:09.041+01:00Etsy shop update<img src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/044/0/5522080/il_570xN.505179974_ox32.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
<center>
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/theowlclub?section_id=11043777" target="_blank">lavender hearts</a></center>
It's the biggest update of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/theowlclub?ref=si_shop" target="_blank">my Etsy shop</a> that I've had since... well, ever! It's the kind of shop update I've always meant to do, but never quite got around to it. OK, so I still need to revisit my shop banner, ideally. It's definitely time for a new one. I guess I'm just not one of those super-organised people who launch their shop properly and do everything at the right time! But that doesn't make me any less excited to be selling all these new things!<br />
<img src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/033/0/5522080/il_570xN.505379145_m4o6.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
<center>
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/theowlclub?section_id=11442539" target="_blank">collage badges from vintage magazines</a></center>
These badges make a statement. I like the idea of making phrases with them! And the alphabet is coming soon too...<br />
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One thing I definitely *will* be doing soon is a giveaway to celebrate all the new handmade loveliness. So watch this space!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17025179704678543225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971903921390205653.post-60414391090210846032013-09-28T15:41:00.000+01:002013-09-28T15:41:00.143+01:00top tips for muffins<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040762_zpsc7600123.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
I've posted about <a href="http://www.theowlclub.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/muffins" target="_blank">muffins</a> on this blog before, probably because they are my one of my favourite things to bake: they're quick, easy and can be made to be healthier than other cakes without being any less delicious.<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiklw0ruwe5W3gDesnxHTvTQSZQ0oHbfKNYpaL_vaxqVnW9kKulwDtIMtVgfenqkVT1M7b31uO1y564ATdscbPWTQemW2WIJBe2z91mrtr0xEOMxmNOzPvfkSkbQyoj4WsRoiWKHdBEOow/s1600/muffins1.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
Baking is one form of cooking where precision is often paramount but, provided you stick to a few basic principles, muffins are the exception, making it easy to tweak recipes and whip up a trayful of inviting goodies with whatever you have in the house.<br />
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I've also learnt recently that it's possible to make them almost entirely one-handed, e.g. with a baby in the other arm, which is very, well, handy! While the jury's out on my recent Sweet Potato Choc Spice muffins for the <a href="http://www.theowlclub.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/cherry-hinton-festival-craft-party.html" target="_blank">Cherry Hinton Festival Craft Party</a> (some adored, others found them too sticky and rich) I have learned a thing or two about making moreish muffins, so here are my tips:<br />
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1. You can make them a lot healthier quite easily: try reducing the sugar in recipes - you won't even notice 50g less. Take away another 50g and replace with mashed banana and/or grated apple.<br />
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2. Substitute some of the white flour for wholemeal flour (for goodness) and/or spelt flour (for sticky moistness and low gluten).<br />
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3. Subsitute 50g (or more if you're feeling indulgent!) flour with ground almonds. Moist marzipan-like gorgeousness. Goes really well with apple/sultana muffins, or plum, or apricot. (Oh yes and for a treat you can pop in little squares of marzipan too - mmmm!)<br />
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4. Try adding: sultanas (muffins are almost always better with some fruit in them, except maybe chocolate muffins), chopped pecan nuts, chopped dates, grated carrot, mashed sweet potato, oats. All tasty and nutritious.<br />
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5. And on the health note, I find that a lot of recipes have way too much oil or butter in them. I often halve the suggested quantity (e.g. 2 instead of 4 tablespoons of oil). Who wants greasy muffins anyway?<br />
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6. Keep your dry ingredients separate from the wet ingredients until the last minute. The magic happens when you mix the two. But you can fold in fruit aftewards.<br />
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7. Don't mix the batter too much. Lorraine Pascal says, "no more than 8 turns of the spoon" - well, I reckon that's exagerating a bit, I mean, you do want it all combined... but only just. It's great if it's lumpy! This ensures they rise nicely and aren't too dense.<br />
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8. Get them in the HOT oven as quickly as possible once you've mixed wet and dry ingredients - again this is all about getting a nice, well-risen crumb.<br />
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9. So a totally basic recipe for 12 would be 300g flour (or subsitutes), 100g sugar (easily reduced), 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of bicarb of soda, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons sunflower oil, 125ml milk (you can easily subsitute the milk with fruit juice, skip the egg if you're vegan). Mix dry ingredients in one bowl, whisk wet in the other, then combine. Bake in a hot oven for approx. 20 min until risen and golden. Now play with it! (See also my recipe <a href="http://www.theowlclub.blogspot.co.uk/2011/09/mmmuffins.html" target="_blank">here</a>).<br />
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Let me know if you found any of this useful!<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040862_zps254106ff.jpg" width="100%"><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17025179704678543225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971903921390205653.post-87797779177587180642013-09-26T11:49:00.000+01:002013-09-26T11:49:13.260+01:00my granny as I never knew her<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040867_zpsb0aeda2e.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
It was this photograph that caught my attention, as we were going through a suitcase of my granny's things (she died last year aged 104 - and her incredible age and loss of faculties didn't make losing her any easier). Labelled 'Blackberry stain - Château de Guy 1931', it looked like something out of a surrealist film. It caught a moment and a person almost magically. It should have been a moment of swearing grumpiness. Instead it catches the drape of an elegant dress, a side-parting pointing to a peachy cheek, the body curved in surprise. Was it staged? I don't know, but for me it is art. I wanted to know who this charming young woman was.<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040865_zps7497bc4d.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
The charming young woman appeared quite a number of times in the old brown brown album simply marked, 'From My Camera'. She <i>must</i> be related to my granny, I thought, as she looks so like her. Gradually it dawned on me. It <i>was her</i>!<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040866_zps245ffa6f.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
It was her with an elegantly belted sweater on the beach, wind in her hair, it was her with dimples and a gorgeous cheeky grin. Oh my, she had such great taste in clothes! As I knew her, my granny was smart, but somewhat staid. Her clothes were <i>stiff</i>. In these pictures her clothes are youthful and supple like she is. They are the clothes of a new generation of women who would begin to change the world... who would seize their freedom.<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040869_zpsa2870015.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
In the early 1930s my granny was a young graduate. Yes, you read that right. She actually went to University and read French (something her granddaughter went on to do... and I married a Frenchman!) I'm not sure when women began to be awarded degrees at Bristol University (their website seems to avoid the issue) but I don't believe it was before the 1920s. Women were not formally admitted to Oxford University until 1920s (though they had been studying there for 40 years by then). My granny was a proud member of the British Federation for Graduate Women - because it was so important to her that women be allowed a University education if they chose. I always knew that independent streak in her character.<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040870_zps46273a5c.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
But I didn't know this carefree person (here pictured on the right with her friend Elizabeth - I think - on the left). Look at her tumbling curls, her beaming smile... what is she laughing at? What just happened? These photos show her before she married my grandfather. As we were looking at them, my mother told a story of how on my granny's wedding night my grandfather dropped his clothes on the floor and said, "you're my wife now, you pick them up". Can you imagine? This spirited, playful, independent, intellectual woman, encountering <i>that</i> on her wedding night? I think maybe from that moment she thought she'd made a big mistake...<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040871_zpscdb2fa6d.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040872_zps34f0e3c1.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
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I don't know where Sark is (somebody tell me?) But look at that hat... and those sunglasses in her hand! I love to see my granny like this, her head full of French poetry, her style incredibly chic, her heart full of future possibilities! And then I want to weep a little for the bird-like toothless creature I saw at the end, hands like tree roots, skin like crepe paper. Oh granny I wish I'd known you then! Instead I just know the you that's in me. I will carry your spirit forward! (And my husband picks up my clothes too!) You can read more about my granny in my <a href="http://www.sketchbookproject.com/library/13826" target="_blank">Memoir Project</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17025179704678543225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971903921390205653.post-6909560058822459372013-09-24T21:58:00.001+01:002013-09-24T21:58:42.228+01:00Cherry Hinton Festival craft party<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040763_zps15ef168b.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
Last Wednesday night I participated in the <a href="http://www.cherryhintonfestival.moonfruit.co.uk/" target="_blank">Cherry Hinton Festival</a> Craft Party, hosted by the lovely Claire of <a href="http://claireabellemakes.com/" target="_blank">Claireabellemakes</a> (I realise I quite often describe my blogging friends as 'lovely' - but only because they really, really are!) It was also my second time selling my wares in a mini craft fair.<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040767_zps87b198c9.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
My offerings were made using vintage fabric and repurposed materials such as vintage wooden jigsaw puzzles and magazines. I was working with a warm Autumnal colour palette of pinks and oranges. I think maybe it wasn't your typical craft stand, with my eye-popping pink table cloth (my mum's, from 1964!) but I was happy with it.<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/IMG_3421_zps57da5ce9.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
<center>
image by <a href="http://claireabellemakes.com/" target="_blank">Claireabellemakes</a></center>
I enjoyed browsing the other stalls too: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/MissChaelaBoo" target="_blank">MissChaelaBoo</a>'s stall was full of creative goodies including cute cards, beautiful felt brooches and mini-tags (it also had some great colour coordination going on!)<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/IMG_3419_zpsca6d739b.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
<center>
image by <a href="http://claireabellemakes.com/" target="_blank">Claireabellemakes</a></center>
I snapped up these pretty tags decorated with ribbon...<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040777_zps672e714c.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
I also bought some amazing rocket gift tags from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Bluerana?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Bluerana</a>'s Sharon (for similar see <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Bluerana?section_id=12605957" target="_blank">here</a>).<br />
<img src="http://claireabellemakes.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/bluerana-stall.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
<center>
image by <a href="http://claireabellemakes.com/" target="_blank">Claireabellemakes</a></center>
Claire's stall had a selection of her pretty accessories including some desirable new sparkly heart brooches, soon to be featured in her <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/claireabellemakes" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a>. After dithering about the colour I finally bought one of her popular <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/155210400/adjustable-custom-macrame-bicycle?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank">macramé bicycle bracelets</a> the next day.<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040773_zps9f2a5fc9.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
But the evening was a gathering of crafty folk to learn and create and practise, more than it was about selling things. This was helped by the selection of cakes (I wasn't the only person having cake for supper that night).<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040769_zpsaf1fbea1.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040770_zps374ca326.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
Michaela's vegan sponge cake was divinely moist - completely delicious whether or not you're vegan.<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040775_zps7946242b.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
I had a lovely time learning to crochet for the very first time ever! Claire was on hand to teach us and we sat chatting and eating cake, a mix of super-advanced and uber-newbies. <br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040774_zps59b8f7ae.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
Typical me, I was very very slow but I did get the hand of it. While some beginners managed to finish the sweet crochet bow project we were supposed to be making, I merely managed a little mouse's scarf... It may end up in my son's dollshouse.<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040776_zpsfad6caf8.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
It was a lovely evening with a cosy huddle of like-minded crafties. It got me out of the house at bath/bedtime for the first time since the baby arrived (hubby did a brilliant job of getting both boys to sleep!) And perhaps most importantly it spurred on a frenzy of making, leaving me with lots of fun new stock for <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7221684" target="_blank">my Etsy shop</a>. Like these vintage wooden <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/theowlclub?section_id=14235022" target="_blank">jigsaw puzzle brooches</a>, for example...<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/IMG_3425_zps4689844f.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
<center>
image by <a href="http://claireabellemakes.com/" target="_blank">Claireabellemakes</a></center>
See Claire's post about the evening <a href="http://claireabellemakes.com/2013/09/20/craft-party-at-the-cherry-hinton-festival/" target="_blank">here</a>, and Michaela's <a href="http://misschaelaboo.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">here</a>. They've got some great pictures and cover things I've missed out. Thanks ladies, I had fun!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17025179704678543225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971903921390205653.post-1896805790543056292013-09-19T13:21:00.004+01:002013-09-19T13:21:57.377+01:00handmade card swap - what I sent<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040708_zpsd38aeebf.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
Kate has received my cards now, so I can share what I made for her. I played around with a similar idea to the cards I wrote about in <a href="http://www.theowlclub.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/simple-sweet-wallpaper-cards.html" target="_blank">this post</a> and was inspired by Kate's <a href="http://www.theowlclub.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/simple-sweet-wallpaper-cards.html" target="_blank">amazing travels</a>.<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040710_zps12c38bd9.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
Kate mentioned that she liked using vintage maps to wrap gifts, so I also incorporated a piece of vintage map into the designs.<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040711_zps6c208ba1.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
And I used some pages from an old book about ships and the sea, along with vintage wallpaper and hand-stamped text.<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040712_zps3f1889c4.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
I enjoyed making them and hope Kate will find them fun to send. I wonder where the cards will travel?<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040709_zps56bc04b2.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
See the cards Kate sent me <a href="http://www.theowlclub.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/handmade-card-swap-received.html" target="_blank">here</a>. We're now talking about doing a handmade Christmas card swap to continue the fun...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17025179704678543225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971903921390205653.post-53198212292834690592013-09-13T11:04:00.002+01:002013-09-13T11:04:18.436+01:00handmade card swap - received<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040742_zps500262ba.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
The lovely <a href="http://mezzmakesstuff.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mezz</a> organised a handmade card swap and I was paired up with <a href="http://littleredtreefrog.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Kate</a>. I was impressed by <a href="http://littleredtreefrog.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">her incredible travel blog - 'little red tree frog' -</a> definitely worth checking out if you fancy a virtual world tour! She made eight lovely cards, each with a different message inside. I love the way they were packaged with gold ribbon and a shimmer of lilac glitter.<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040743_zps9f10cb3d.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
All the cards are beautifully made. Kate was worried they'd be more her taste than mine, but I love the fact that I wouldn't have thought to make these myself, that's part of the point of the swap! I know I'll enjoy using them. <br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040745_zps0b365c94.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
Her attention to detail was great. I especially loved the little logo she made on the back of each card. And her handwriting is really pretty!<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040746_zpsf8b6c887.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
'Just be yourself!' and 'Here's to sharing the housework' (the latter is going off with a wedding present to a dear friend of mine).<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040747_zps0ba847c6.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
'Happy birthday' and 'Thank you'.<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040748_zpse0310dbd.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
'You make me smile' and 'Bon Voyage'.<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040749_zps8c41eef5.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
'Dinner?' and 'Bon Voyage'. Thanks Kate, I love my cards and this was a fun swap! I'll be sharing what I made for Kate as soon as I know they've reached their destination in Australia.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17025179704678543225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971903921390205653.post-9729710991532452262013-08-21T14:02:00.002+01:002013-08-21T14:02:45.727+01:00laundry days<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040688_zps2317f75b.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
I've long had "make peg bag" on my to-do list, because it's one of those useful objects that is so worth making. More than this: our pegs had been living in an increasingly cracked plastic box, one that was no longer living up to the name of "container", leading to much swearing and cursing.<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040689_zps474a9db3.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
The only thing is, I was somewhat nervous about making a peg bag. The talented and lovely <a href="http://miss-beatrix.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Anna of Miss Beatrix </a>once posted about her <a href="http://miss-beatrix.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/peg-bag-of-doom.html" target="_blank">Peg Bag of Doom</a>, making me suspect (knowing myself as I do) that a lot of basting, fiddling, and indeed more swearing might possibly be involved in the process... Luckily, after much searching, I found the right method to help me making something quickly and without fuss. I made my own pattern, but followed the process in Emma Hardy's <i>Sewing in No Time</i> (very useful book I picked up for £2 - score!) You can also refer to an online version of the tutorial <a href="http://www.housetohome.co.uk/articles/make-a-floral-peg-bag_195226.html" target="_blank"><i>HERE</i></a>.<br />
<img src="http://housetohome.media.ipcdigital.co.uk/96/00000893c/20c6_orh550w550/Pegbag.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
<center>
Emma Hardy's peg bag</center>
The only thing I'm not too keen on with this method is that there are some raw seams near the hole where the hanger comes through. Emma Hardy hides this with a bow at the front, but I added a vintage button at the back too, to help keep that seam folded over and neat (any excuse for a vintage button, you may say).<br />
<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040690_zpsbc80df4e.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
While I'm on maternity leave, every day is a laundry day, and I love that this wonderful Summer we're having (yes, still!) is allowing me to hang out every load. Now that I finally have something both functional and pretty (clock that vintage fabric... ahhhh!) to help me along, the daily rounds of sheets and onesies genuinely feels less onerous!<br />
P.s. yes this would be even prettier with a wooden hanger - but I'm not about to throw out a perfectly good green plastic hanger!! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17025179704678543225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971903921390205653.post-64007477265291313842013-08-11T21:06:00.000+01:002013-08-11T21:06:00.038+01:00trinket house<img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040527_zps1c8003d6.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
I've been having fun with the decoration of my boys' room, and I'm delighted with this simple little project. My first inspiration came from <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/25403185370103160/" target="_blank">this pin</a> (sadly I can't find the original source, though the pin does link through to the website)...<br />
<img src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/ee/15/5d/ee155d46d0e39b9d5727bd0b5148a941.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
See the little shelf on the wall? (Note also the amazing bubble boxes - I want me some!) Then I was blown away when I saw on Instagram that <a href="http://thepamperedsparrow.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/retro-pattern-love-diy.html" target="_blank">The Pampered Sparrow</a> had bought an adorable house-shaped shelf! She guided me to finding one on eBay (just type 'house-shaped shelf'!) and soon it was mine. Here's the beautiful shelf she made with her vintage wallpapers.<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmci-2G3zXMY1aHUX4_Q_O1zvFK7J6sjBG0KEA5Fu9-9X025np83LCS4hk14Ly9H_dddvE2QuPPtzCH3snrIyFM0jsFknwVRG_VweDCyDxkrOYCzt8D1QZdNX0JBXln6rnIMmL6yt6Ag/s640/hs10.JPG" width="100%" /><br />
I love her choice of colours, love light and pompom garland! Her <a href="http://thepamperedsparrow.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/retro-pattern-love-diy.html" target="_blank">blog post </a>guides you through the whole process, so check it out if you fancy doing something similar! I also used vintage wallpapers in bright colours, especially red which is a linking bright throughout the room. It was a little tricky to get the triangle shapes right, but with a bit of perserverence they came out fine. I'm so into my vintage wallpapers at the moment! If you fancy getting some yourself I highly recommend <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Vintagesheetaddict" target="_blank">VintageSheetAddic</a>t on Etsy. Here are some of the lovelies she has for sale right now...<br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/153275281/brights-vintage-wallpaper-pack-45-metres?ref=shop_home_feat" target="_blank"><img src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/023/0/7317279/il_570xN.478606429_btnl.jpg" width="100%" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17025179704678543225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971903921390205653.post-43222931415534147142013-08-08T15:13:00.000+01:002013-08-08T15:13:00.160+01:00a list about me<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa433/theowlclub/P1040664_zpsff96a2c9.jpg" width="100%" /></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I enjoyed reading <a href="http://butterandbuntings.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/a-list-about-me.html" target="_blank">Taz's list </a>so thought I'd join in with a little snapshot of what's going on for me right now.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Making : a bunch of things made out of vintage fabric and jigsaws<br />
Cooking : steak and broccoli - my son's favourite meal<br />
Drinking : mango juice<br />
Reading: books on collage, illustration & doodling<br />
Wanting: 1930s feedsack fabrics, Veja shoes<br />
Looking: at the beautiful Fenland sky<br />
Playing: Humpty Dumpty games with my son<br />
Wasting: money eating out<br />
Sewing: patchwork balls, embroidered badges & lavender hearts<br />
Wishing: I didn't crave ice cream so much<br />
Enjoying: seeing my 3 year-old and new baby growing a relationship.<br />
Waiting: to get my hands on my new-to-me vintage, mint green Olivetti typewriter.<br />
Liking: the sound of heavy rain in the garden.<br />
Wondering: how I'm going to get everything done that I'm planning in the next couple of months.<br />
Loving: my boys, big and little, so very much<a href="http://www.branchshop.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><br />
</a>Hoping: my mum will be OK<br />
Marvelling: at the runner beans we grew from seed running along the neighbours' tree!<br />
Needing: more time in every day<br />
Smelling: baby milk breath<br />
Wearing: a bird print dress bought in France, a baby in a sling<br />
Following: lots of creative & inspiring blogs<br />
Noticing: all the sensory details of life<br />
Knowing: that love makes the world go round<br />
Thinking: about the laundry that needs hanging out<br />
Feeling: emotional, anxious about my mum's health<br />
Bookmarking: gentle parenting websites<br />
Opening: parcels from eBay<br />
Giggling: with my son when we play all our silly games together<br />
Feeling: grounded, loved and loving</span><br />
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</span> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I'd love to have a little glimpse of your life so here's a list for you to copy and paste - please link back so I can read yours!</span><br />
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</span> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Making :</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Cooking :</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Drinking :</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Reading:</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Wanting:</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Looking:</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Playing:</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Wasting:</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Sewing:</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Wishing:</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Enjoying:</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Waiting:</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Liking:</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Wondering:</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Loving: </span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Hoping:</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Marvelling:</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Needing:</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Smelling:</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Wearing:</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Following:</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Noticing:</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Knowing:</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Thinking:</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Feeling:</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Bookmarking:</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Opening:</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Giggling:</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Feeling:</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">To see other posts about me, click <a href="http://www.theowlclub.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/me" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
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</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17025179704678543225noreply@blogger.com0