Tuesday 9 September 2008

A thank you, and a sewing swap

Firstly, a huge thank you to everyone who left lovely supportive comments about Ben's chicken coops. It's been an exciting week for him, and my post has also led to some orders and enquiries. Wow! Ben has read every single comment, too, and has been overwhelmed at how generous you've all been. So thank you again.

And now to something a little more mundane - namely, my sewing. Just over three months ago I joined a pin cushion and needle book swap over at Down to Earth. The intention of the swap was to use thrifted supplies and bits from your stash. So far, so good. And we had three months in which to complete the project. No pressure then. Mmm. Not good. Procrastination is my middle name. Give me all the time in the world and I'll leave something to the very last minute (Suzanne, this is familiar I think?!!). I finally got to work two days before the posting deadline. I wanted to use some felted jumper and a piece from my large pile of vintage blankets. The advantage of this for me is no fraying edges, for starters. In my head I can sew...in reality, I struggle to sew straight lines, especially on the machine, so my projects never turn out quite how I envisaged. Small photos here, in the vain hope that the wonkiness is less evident! (edited: I've re-posted the photos, they were too small!)

pin cushion

I decided to try a little embroidery on the needlecase, having been inspired by Melissa's beautiful work, and Sally Anne's. My stitching is at best clumsy and I can already see that I should have divided the strands of thread - I used six and I think three would have been ample. Sewing is a constant learning curve for me.

needle case


needle case - inside

These have gone off to Ann in Australia, along with some of my cards. I have received my package already, but not yet photographed it. The handiwork puts mine to shame....

On a kind of blog admin note.....I seem to have had emails going astray left right and centre this past week...so if you've emailed me and I've not replied chances are it's got lost somewhere in the ether, either way. Please try again!

15 comments:

ginny said...

Hi Diana,
i think your projects look lovely...i love your choice of materials and i especially like the button on the needle case. I did email you last week to say thank you for the beautiful card you sent me...so i will try and resend it.
thank you my lovely friend x

Aubrey said...

You shouldn't be so hard on yourself. The needlecase and pincushion are lovely. As was the tote that you sent me. I had the same problem with the time. It was too long a period for me. So I waited till the last week. :)

Gina said...

The pin cushion is especially beautiful.

silverpebble said...

I think those things are very lovely - Sounds as though you're rather harsh on yourself about the embroidery as it looks magic to me.

kristina said...

I think you very much underestimate your sewing abilities! K x

melissa said...

what a beautiful little set! your stitching is lovely and i also really like the colour scheme you chose for your the pieces.

dragonfly said...

Exactly what Kristina said!

They are both just lovely...

Sally Anne said...

I think they are both lovely and beautifully made. I really like your choice of materials too !

Anonymous said...

Hi Diana
The really special thing about these swaps is that everyone does their own thing. I love your set, the colours are one of my favourite colour combinations. I would love to be able to do free embrodidery like that.
I sent mine off last week and can't wait to see what my swap partner is sending me, so exciting.

We had a nice morning in Falmouth but you will never guess, it's raining again. We were going to take a walk down to the town to see the tall ships but think might wait till tomorrow.

Pippa xx

Simone said...

I leave things right to the last minute too! I like the colour inside the needlecase. Well done on completing the task!

Pipany said...

Gorgeous sewing Diana and I mean that! Such pretty things to have and use. Tall Ships week is upon us and I wonder if you will be somewhere in the crowd? xx

Anonymous said...

Both items are lovely - both in colours and execution! Well done - I think you are being a little hard on yourself!

Ann said...

Diana,
The pincushion and needlecase are lovely. Excellent work - thank you.
Ann.

French Knots said...

They are lovely, such a great colour combination. I sent my swap off last week to America and hope it arrives safely, isn't Rhonda's blog inspiring?

Anonymous said...

Hello (first time reading your blog). I love your needle case! The colours are lovely and it's very cute!