Oh, Christmas Tree.........!

 Our church held a Christmas Tree Exhibition last weekend; another function in our Raise the Roof Campaign. It was such a success, it took the total amount raised so far to £30,000.

Here's a pic of the day before, with some trees ready and others in the process of being set up. I think there were close to 20 trees in total, all provided by various local groups and businesses.

All the trees were bigger than they look in these photos. Most of them at least 5 feet tall. This one is by my Craft Group, and is decorated with all our handmade decorations.

This one, by the Women's Institute, is very eye-catching, with it's snowmen, all knitted by their members. All visitors were asked to vote for their favourite tree, and this one came a close second.

Having decided on a food theme for our Ladies Group tree, I was stumped as to what to have on the top. I eventually thought of making a felt gingerbread man as an alternative to a fairy. I also dried orange slices and made popcorn 'tinsel' strings.

Other members of my group made decorations out of cinnamon sticks, cupcake cases and pasta, and made hanging biscuits or polystyrene ball 'Christmas puddings' wrapped in gingham. We then added candy canes and chocolates. I have to say, the overall effect was almost a Victorian look, and much better than I'd expected. We were delighted to get the most votes, as it seemed to have captured the Christmas spirit for a lot of people.

I already have an idea for our next tree, if they organise another Exhibition in a couple of years!

Bye for now
Teresa x

Stitches!

There have been a lot more knitted stitches produced here at A Time for Stitching, recently, than sewn stitches. But they were mainly for plain beanie hats, so didn't make for interesting photos.

However, I still have pics of other sewn projects that I haven't shown you yet.

I designed a new handbag pattern a few weeks ago. It can be adapted so that each one is unique. I was pleased with how these turned out and, although they didn't sell, they had lots of positive comments, and I've had a request for one in a different colour.

I sold a baby quilt earlier this year and the lady who bought it tracked me down via a mutual friend in order to request another one. She wanted to give a quilt to a friend who had admired hers. So, I made it in double quick time and it has already gone to its new home. I am more productive when I have a deadline!

Our church is having a Christmas Tree Exhibition this December, as part of the ongoing campaign to raise money for a new roof. My craft group is having a tree at the event, and the obvious theme is handmade decorations. I made these 3 out of wooden curtain rings, which I crocheted around then added felt and wool features. My ladies group is also having a tree, with a food theme. I've been drying orange slices and making Christmas trees out of cupcake cases, and plan to make some popcorn garlands nearer the time.

This is the item that restarted my yarn production. Do you remember these? A friend wanted me make this tea cosy for her friend. I've seen many, but never made one. Nor did I know how it was made. Here, I'm trying it on one of my tea pots for size.

A lot of what I've made recently has been as a result of requests. Back in August, I was asked for some lavender bags. I made 2 for that customer, then carried on and made many more sets of 2, using cotton fabrics and vintage hankies or doilys. I only have one set left now but still have lots of lavender to make more.

On the knitting front, I've made 3 beanie hats and a scarf, and now have on the needles a waistcoat for myself. The waistcoat must go on hold (again) now, though, because I have an order for a baby jacket to knit.

It keeps me out of mischief!

Bye for now
Teresa x

Hellooooooooo....!

My goodness, it's been a long time since I posted. Let me know if there's anyone still out there! Just say hello.

I loaded these pictures a few weeks ago and a lot of what is here has already sold. The cat quilt has gone to the new great-grand-daughter of a lady from church, and half of the glasses cases were sold at various selling events that I've done.

I've had a stall at 4 or 5 events in the last couple of months, a couple of which were quite successful. I've also had independent requests to make things; like a couple more baby quilts, a knitted tea cosy and a phone case.

I have a couple more events booked this month and I'm trying to be more professional. The trouble is, I'm still too good at procrastinating.

And so, I'm off to get on with some knitting.
Bye for now
Teresa x

End of an Era!

I've never known such changes in our village in such a short space of time as are currently happening. The hotel and 2 pubs are all (or have) changed ownership, the senior citizens' sheltered housing block has closed, and the village 'Fun Day' has restarted this year on a grand scale, for the first time since the 1980s. The biggest change, however, has been in relation to the village school.

The school was made up of 2 buildings: the infant school (above) and the junior school. I was one of the first pupils to attend the infants because it was built when I was about 6 years old. I took this photo shortly before it was demolished, ready to make the site into a car park for the new school. The junior school is also closed, but future plans for it are still uncertain. We've had a brand, spanking new school built by the council  (on a site just behind the trees behind this school) and the children have all started there this term.

This is my first class photo at the infants school, where my gran was the school cook; a role that I also took on many years later. I am in the top row, second from the right, with a yellow cardigan on. I can name many of the girls here, but the boys all look the same to me now!

Just before the demolition of the school, a get-together was hastily organised and some past pupils met up to reminisce and look at old photos.A few of the people in the class photo are here (amongst some from other classes), including one of the teachers (the lady in the middle with the white handbag). In this pic, I am in the front with a light jacket and black trousers). I haven't changed much, have I.......!!??

Bye for now
Teresa x

Stories from my Makes

The more eagle-eyed readers will recognise these makes from previous posts. After I've sold an item I don't just forget about it when I'm working on something new. I'm always pleased to hear how it's being used in it's new home or, best of all, see it in action. So, as well as my makes having a 'past' story, based on the various places the materials came from, they also have a 'present' story. And, hopefully, a long and full future.

When I sold the pink baby quilt, the customer told me it was destined for the first baby girl to born in their family for 50 years. It was a great honour that they thought my humble quilt suitable for such a momentous occasion in their family.

The blue quilt was bought by a friend for a friend of her's baby boy. She reported back to me later how her friend loved the quilt and would lay the baby on it, noting his position on the design so she would know if he'd moved when she looked at him again. That she thought enough about it to pass on the story was quite special.

Another friend asked me to make the purple bag for her step-daughter when her previous one wore out. I see her around and about quite a lot and she, more often than not, has the bag over her shoulder. It's so lovely to see that she likes it and that it gets plenty of use.

Finally, an elderly friend bought the daffodil bag from one of my stalls. I see her quite often and she likes to tell me where she has taken it and how useful it is. Apparently, it's been to Norway on it's travels!

I hope the stories keep coming because it, somehow, makes what I do more meaningful (although I'd still do it even if I didn't hear anything back).

Bye for now
Teresa x

Blankets and Bunting!

Hubby and I are recently back from lovely week in Cornwall; specifically, Charlestown. This is the third time we've been to Cornwall, and the second time we've stayed in Charlestown. It's a great base for exploring the area. I'm glad we revisited the Lost Gardens of Heligan because the amazing new Poppy Field of Remembrance was in full bloom.

We were having a lovely time right up until the Thursday..............when hubby managed to catch a 12hr bug (or a touch of food poisoning) and I fell (into the road, in front of a car)! Luckily the car wasn't going very fast, but it stopped with a dramatic screech making everyone in the vicinity turn to look. The result was a skinned right knee with ripped trousers, and a lovely big bruise on my left knee. We had only just stepped out of our accommodation because I was determined to get an ice cream from just down the street. I still made sure I got my ice cream, though, before we went back to dress my wound. 

In crafty news, I finished this wavy design baby quilt before the holiday and started the next one (below) ready to take with me.

I always take a craft project on holiday but rarely get a chance to do any of it. This time I managed quite a bit. I also picked up a pretty bundle of pink fabrics and a couple of doilies at a wonderful craft/vintage emporium in Mavagissey. I've already used the doilies to decorate a baby quilt, which I'll show next time.

The stitching group I go to on a Monday evening seems to have ground to a halt. Nobody seems to have the time to go, and as we meet in a pub no one wants to walk in if they think no one else is coming. Before it fizzled out we were knitting bunting for decorating our village fun day. I've put mine together and will get it to the fun day committee soon. As for the stitching group - I hope it's just a blip and it gets going again. I still go to my Tuesday afternoon group, and it's going strong. We meet in the local scout hall and average around 8+ members per week. We're in the process of arranging a meal out together and we're going to continue right through August, when most groups have a break.

I'm waiting for a customer to come and pick up this order of bunting that she requested for a party in August.
There are three strands of 10 flags each here, to decorate a marquee entrance.

I had a stall booked at a craft fair this week that was cancelled, but I've got a few more booked later this year. So I'm going to be optimistic that they will be successful and try to make plenty of stock.

First, I have to finish:
the stripy, crocheted blanket above (lots of ends to sew in!)
2 quilts that need quilting and binding
another baby quilt - that I haven't started yet.

Bye for now
Teresa x

Random Round-up!

 I've was lucky, recently, to have the chance to buy a selection of fabric sample books from an ex-interior designer.  I had a good rummage and came home with 5 full books and a pile of larger samples - all for £30.
She had about 140 fabric books in her garage so it wasn't easy to choose just a few.

The fabrics are perfect for bags and purses. The boxy bags above are my first projects with the samples.

I had a couple of round cushion pads taking up valuable space in my shed. This one now has a crocheted cover, complete with zip, and is ready for my stall.

I saw a triangular shaped purse somewhere on the web recently and had to have a go to see how it was made. I think I've got it out of my system for now!

In non-crafty news, son and girlfriend have moved into his new house. It's not quite finished yet but they couldn't wait. It's lucky they can still pop over the road for showers and internet connection. I had visions of them moving in one weekend, with us all traipsing across the road with all his belonging until it was done. No such luck. We still  have all his belongings, too. I'm sure it will go eventually, but it'll be a much slower job than I thought.

Bye for now
Teresa x

Recent finishes!

I was hoping not to have to go out today. The weather is horrible - cold and wet - after we had such a lovely day yesterday. But I have to go to the dentist for a check up, so I have no choice. 

Anyway, I've not been very good at updating my blog lately so I thought I'd get a post done before I go.  

Some of these makes are a couple of weeks old but I feel like I'm getting a really good momentum going with my making at the moment (I have more finished and more on the go to show soon). They are all made with recycled materials and without using copyrighted patterns.

another pic of the hexagon crocheted blanket that I promised last time to show. You cans see here that it's a good size and the hexagons are quite large. You can also just make out the scalloped edging all around.

These little bags, above and below, are child-sized little tote bags.  I'm hoping they might be good sellers at my next craft show.

Finally..........waaaaay back in Jan 2013 I had a silly idea to make a whole quilt by hand. I used a quilt in a picture from Country Living as inspiration and got to work. I wrote this post about it at the time. Well, I finished it last month, and here it is.

Ta daaaaaaaaaaaa!

In a phrase very similar to a quote from Lilo and Stitch - "This is my quilt, it's smallish, and it's not pretty, but it's good. Yeah, still good".

Off to the dentist now - wish me luck (I'm sure all will be fine - it usually is).

Bye for now

Teresa x

Processing!

Hello folks! Hope you had a good Easter. We had a quiet one at home, with a few hot cross buns and a little chocolate consumed. I enjoyed a lovely, impromptu coffee with friends after a simple, meditative Good Friday service, then a rousing Easter Day service.

An airer full of donated fabric drying.

I am very lucky that lots of lovely friends give me yarn and fabric they no longer want. I usually try to wash fabric before storing it in the shed. This is mainly to make sure any shrinkage happens now, and not after it's been made up into something. When I have lots of bitty-bits, I put them in a duvet cover to wash. They still get a bit tangled but it prevents the washing machine getting clogged with frayed threads.

Along with the lovely, pristine, unused balls of yarn I get from people, or from charity shops, I also un-run jumpers etc to use the yarn. This is a deconstructed jumper after being tied into hanks and washed by hand. These are now dry and rolled into balls waiting to be made into something else.

I finished this longer term project the other day. A crocheted hexagon throw that I've been gradually making at my  2 weekly crafting groups. I had a couple of photos showing more of it but they've disappeared from the laptop. They should still be on the iPad, though, so I'll load them onto my Facebook page in a couple of days (I don't know how to get them on this blog from there without a lot of faffing). This throw was sold and paid for before I'd finished making it, by a lady at one of my groups.

 At home, I'm still on bags. I don't know why, but every piece of fabric I pick up in my shed says 'bag' to me. It's about time they started saying something else. This one,covered with applique flowers cut from another fabric, is my usual boxy style. The main fabric is a sort of strong hessian type. It's lined with a flowery fabric and has an inner zipped pocket.

And this one is a completely new design that I made up in an oddment of plain fabric, to try out before making the 'real thing'. The outer zipped  pocket is also a new thing I tried. It's made from 2 tea towels, a pillow case and a belt. 

I'd like to say I'll have something completely different to show next time, but I have a strong suspicion it may be more bags!

Bye for now

Teresa x

Bags!

Spring is well on its way! This wonderful spread of snowdrops was a lovely surprise in daughter and SIL's garden. Until they've been in their house a year, the garden will, hopefully, keep producing surprises.

Bag making has been the craft of the past few weeks. At the suggestion of a customer, I made a couple with zip fastening tops.

This one has already been sold! The pocket on the front is a new style for me. It has darts at the bottom for more fullness.

I'm really pleased with how this bag, above, came out. The coloured panels are patched pieces edged with bias binding. It was a bit of a fiddle to do but really finished it off well. It also has an internal zipped pocket (another new procedure for me). My mother wanted a bag for her music folder so I gave this one to her for Mothering Sunday.

Bag number 4 is almost finished - I think it's about time I made something different!

Bye for now
Teresa x

Commissions!

 I had requests to make a few things over the holidays.

First, I was asked to make a tea cosy.  Not something I've made before, but the customer gave me an old one as a template for size she wanted. I couldn't work out for a while how the lining was joined all the way around to the outer while obviously being made separately - but I sorted it out eventually.

 The request was for a signature colour of orange, and, as usual, I made 2 to give a choice. She chose the teapot one!

Something else I've not made before is a dog bandana. Daughter requested these for her 2 dogs and, at her suggestion, they are made to be slid over the dog's collar as opposed to tying on.

Last, and something I have made before, was a request for a lavender heart to add to a bag of goodies as a gift.

I treated myself to this book last week after no success in dropping hints before Christmas.

One good result over the holidays, though, was the re-siting of my shed at the back of the house. Unfortunately, I haven't been near it (or a sewing machine, knitting needle or book) for well over a week after succumbing to a dose of the flu that has knocked me for six. I think I'm on the home straight with it now, and managed to type some invoices for a client today. Luckily, I've not been needed at work since she moved house, because they still have no internet to receive orders.

Bye for now
Teresa x