Saturday 20 September 2014

A magical moment



 

On Tuesday I had the privilege of watching my first grandchild being born.  Little Florence arrived just before 5.30pm very happily into the world.

Needless to say Les and I are on cloud nine and are already in love with her.  The excitement we felt during all the months of knitting, sewing and helping her parents prepare is nothing compared to how excited we are now.  I am sure it is the same for all new grandparents – but to us she really is the most beautiful girl in the world.

Monday 15 September 2014

Drawing with my sewing machine


 
My 'drawn' Robin
On Friday I spent the day at Abakhan, a craft centre close by that sells all types of sewing, knitting and craft goodies. They also run craft courses and this is the second one I have attended.  I so loved it I want to do some more.  I have spent the past few months or so  knitting baby clothes for my first grandchild that is expected any day now so it was lovely to do something different.  

I have always loved crafts of all sorts and was lucky enough to learn at both my grandmothers and my mother’s knees: Knitting, crochet, dressmaking and embroidery as well as at school. In fact anything to do with crafts. In recent years I have been more interested in painting, mainly because for years nobody wanted 'home made' stuff.

Well now that we have a complete renascence for all things ‘crafty’,  it was great to go along with a group of like minded people and spend the day learning a new skill.

Just started this one at home
Combining drawing and sewing seems obvious –although the process isn’t quite as simple. Getting to the actual drawing takes a while. You must find a suitable subject in this case it was birds. Find the right scraps of fabric and stick them onto calico with bonding web prior to adding the 'drawing' with thread on your sewing machine.  With a special  craft foot you can 'draw' in any direction making up the picture with lines of tread. Fabric paints can then be added for more details.

It was a great course and has opened up a whole new world of creativity for me. I shall certainly be doing some more. Abakhan’s new brochure will be out in November so I am told but check out their website for more information. I know I will be adding to my range of crafts next year.