Craft it forward 2013

I can't really remember how I came across this concept, probably on one of the millions of blogs I read.. But I love the idea so I am taking part in the Craft it forward 2013 challenge!

So what is it?
The idea is that the first five people to comment on this post will receive something handmade by me, anytime in the next year, whenever the mood strikes me.. There is a catch though! Those five people must make the same offer on their blog (or Facebook). 
And so.. people all over the world (5x5x5x5..) will be receiving handmade goodness this year, how cool is that!?

And remember, you don't need to be able to sew or knit or crochet to take part.. Your gifts can be as simple as a card, a batch of cookies, a poem.. So come on, join me and get crafting!

And you could be receiving something like this.. (Remember those flowers? Well, a few pipe cleaners, a few bits of felt and a glue gun later..)

.. or something totally different!!

Flowers and another little boy

Remember I was looking for some pink buttons a little while ago? Well this is why..

Inspired by (or copied from, depending on your interpretation) this gorgeous little bouquet seen in a Mollie Makes magazine and pinned on my pinboard for a few months..

It looks simple enough to make on the picture but mine didn't look quite as nice so I thought, instead of making 1 with lots of flowers I'd make 2..

It looks a bit better but I'm still not convinced - think I need longer and stronger stems.. I love the idea though, so think I'll keep collecting pink buttons!

And I'll leave you with an old pic of M at the Pick Your Own (fruit and veg) farm. Doesn't he look so cute running after his friend with a basket in his hand??

The flower and the bee

I'd seen embroidery hoops being used for home decor on a few websites before and always thought they looked really pretty. They're such a simple way to add a splash of colour to some plain walls.
Look at that gorgeous wall, seen here..

You can also stick of bit of foam or cork at the back and turn them into pinboards, which is what I did to put up in my future sewing room (still need a table!). With my gorgeous floral fabrics (love the pink one!)..

Explanations here or here. I used foam sheets for the back, I didn't even glue them so not sure how long they'll last but I think they look good and will come in handy!
Pins are from my favourite stationery store Paperchase.

My initial idea was to make one for the kids bedroom for photos, cards, drawings etc but I don't think the hoop is big enough so will need to think of something else..

And this is my workspace!

Where the wild roses grow

That's it, we're all moved in to our new house! I've taken my sewing stuff out of the boxes, now I just need to buy a small table to put my sewing machine in the spare bedroom. So, normal service is about to resume!
There are so many things on my Sewing To Do list! Gifts, things for the kids, and also quite a few decoration projects. I dream of a home full of handmade things (not necessarily handmade by me!), I have lots of ideas but not much experience - I shall keep you posted!

With my sewing machine still in a box, here's what I made the other day..

I can't remember how I came across the tutorial as I found it on a wedding website! Instructions here.
It's a really nice little project. I only made 8 flowers but I think it would have looked quite nice too if there'd been more and closer together..