Stitch Magazine

I have been trying to control my urges to purchase fabric books, however I can never resist Stitch magazine. So imagine my joy when I discovered the new spring addition was out.

 

I usually get it from Interweave in the US, but I discovered that the delightful Hulu Crafts, here in the UK now keep a limited supply of it. The big advantage is that I only had to wait 24 hours for it from Hulu Crafts, compared to nearly 6 weeks from Interweave. So I was able to have a little browse over the weekend and here are some of my picks.

 I like mushroom fabric and really love this little quilt.

 I've been doing some work with felt lately and this little cushion is like eye candy, all those lovely bright circles.

 A bag with some free embroidery

 A lovely cuff

 A pretty scarf made from linen

The funny things is the I never really make anything to wear,  but these last two are really possibilities. I like the fact they are accessories, which seem less like putting myself out there.

I enjoy reading about techniques and seeing how I can incorporate those into my bags. If nothing else I like the eye candy. It allows my brain to think about all the things I could make if I just had another few hours in the day. Oh I feel a little daydreaming coming on.

Girls who love horses by Heather Ross

I saw this delightful fabric by Heather Ross, while blog hopping.

New kokka range

 I am always on the look-out for horse fabric and I still have a little stash of original Heather Ross horse fabric.

original horse fabric

  This new line will be available from Kokka from spring 2011, but some prints are available from Spoonflower in different colours.

Fabric day

Last week, I ordered some new Moda fabric from Hulu Crafts

I also bought some new pre-cuts. I love this new hideaway range from Moda. I was attracted to some of the cute snow glade patterns and the hideaway hamlet, top fabric.

As usual I have grand plans for this, but will I ever get to use them? I hope so, watch this space. I'm not sure what yet but I may just try something simple.

Distracted

I've been very distracted lately. We have a new arrival around here. He has been much sought after and waited for.

Meet The Accountant, I know it's an unfortunate name, so we've named him Buddy. He's very cheeky and quirky, so he should fit right in. He has already escaped from his stable once and has had to have new locks fitted to his door. He is a looker and quite a ladies man. This is the only descent photo I have right now and even that was taken by my cell phone. I'm sure more will follow, although I am going to try and not become one of those "mummy's"

The new addition has given me pause for thought. I now have an extra mouth to feed, so I'm going to have to start working a little harder :o) Maybe I should phrase it as I need to start working, again.

Wandering Trip

Sometimes I like to wander around shops drinking in the colours, ideas and fabrics. Yesterday it was IKEA. I really love going to IKEA, not only do I often discover things I didn't know existed and can't live with out, but they always have fantastic colour combinations. Their prints are bold and striking. One unfortunate side effect is that often spend much more money than I intended on fabric, and other things.

Yesterday was less about spending and more about absorbing. It was mental therapy. A slow amble on a cold evening, the place was pretty empty and I had time to look, touch and think about all the things around me.

I did buy a couple of little things, none which I actually needed.These two little cutie's came home with me, and I bought an extra bunny for my mum, it's an Easter decoration. I hope the horse/donkey is a good omen for my much awaited news from the vet.

Other peoples negative thoughts

Sometimes those around us have nothing but negative views. A long time ago I made a decision that I would try and not allow negative people to have an influence in my life. Unfortunately every so often something sneaks by and gets round me. Don't think this means I don't see things for they are or that I am naive. I do try to see the best in a person or situation, while still trying to make an objective judgement.

The thing is that sometimes people are just hurtful, whether they intend it or not. It's one thing to give an opinion it's another to try and force your views on to someone. These the challenges we all face on a day to day.

On a more positive note, I, and my friend A are starting a sewing club for some kids in our school. Watch this for some of their offerings.

New Year, New Ideas

Happy New Year

Thank goodness all the madness of Christmas is over. All the craft fairs just left me shattered and the weather was unbelievable!

It was so cold that last week before Christmas Day, never getting above minus double figures and oh goodness the snow. I want to say it's better now but all I can say is that it's milder, but still very cold.

After all the delightful excess of Christmas, with loads of chocolate, my OH and I have embarked on our usual cut-back January. No chocolate/crisps for two weeks (half way there already), no Chinese (or any fast food for that matter) for the whole month - this one is the killer and still a long way to go. It isn't really a hardship and it's always worth it at the end.

The hunt for a horse continues. I have a lead on one but the weather is getting in the way. Updates to follow.

One piece of sad news was the passing of our little rabbit. We had Snowball for over 8 years. He had been very sick throughout his life but a real fighter. He lived much longer than we, or the vet, had expected him too but towards the end he was very poorly. We took the sad decision to have him put to sleep, as he had stopped eating or drinking. Much loved and never forgotten.