Sweet Treats and Stocking Stuffers

It was that time again ................. this year I thought I would like to attempt to make a few gifts for a couple of my favourite people.  Just testing the waters you do understand, next year I might make more gifts.  I find it quite hard to make things for friends as I get overcome with nerves as to whether or not they like the gift or are just being really kind to me.

I am freakishly sensitive and giving a bad gift is enough to stop me sleeping properly for weeks!  I know, this is really trivial when you think of all the actual misfortune in the world. But I guess we all have our thing!


So this ring is assembled from bits and pieces
I have collected over the years.  Have always loved
the tangle of discarded jewellery found at the bottom of a jewellery box.  To me it represents an intriging past life and the promise of discovery - each piece is like treasure to me.

 

 

Love working with silver - so shiney and soft, wirework is such a pleasure.  Both these pairs of earrings are made from repurposed sterling silver necklaces.  Oviously the posts are brand new.

Both pairs contain semi precious gemstones.

Sewing Circle - Lesson Five

Teaching is really satisfying - you get to nurture and progress other people's talent which is a very rewarding feeling.  I could be wrong, but maybe this could be my calling???

Lesson five, my fantastic pupil made me a new ironing board cover, we created the pattern from the existing one which quite frankly should have been replaced about 10 years ago.  This provided an opportunity to sew around sharp curves on both the overlocker and the standard sewing machine - not so daunting when you have done it a few times.

LESSON FIVE - Mini Ironing Board.  Perfection!

Awwww, how cute is that???

See how nicely it fits the curved end?

A very snug fit indeed.

Not a unclipped thread in sight!

IN LESSON SIX WE WILL BE LEARNING TO MAKE A BASIC KIMONO SHAPE.  It will either be a dressing gown, blouse or a dress - watch this space ................

Sewing Circle - Lesson Three/Four

Seems a lifetime ago that I completed my City and Guilds Tailoring, B-TEC Womens Outerwear, Silver Jewellery City and Guilds and Fashion Design Degree not to mention the PTTLLS Teaching Qualification - at last - something I can apply it all too!

My star pupil in lesson three produced the following Jewellery Pouch which taught her some transferable techniques such as sewing curves, quilting, attaching bias binding and covering buttons.  She did marvellously as you can see from the results.

LESSON THREE/FOUR - JEWELLERY POUCH.  LOVELY BUTTON EMBELLISHMENT!

Check out the perfect quilting!

Splendid job with the bias binding!

Sewing Circle - Lesson One/Two

 Well dear reader, I finally succombed to teaching and found I actually really like it!  Surprised am I or what?  Well it helps that my first ever pupil is so clever, a quick learner and an all round lovely lady.

So what has she made so far?  After only five lessons (never having touched a machine before now) she has successfully made the following items;

LESSON ONE:                       Cushion Cover    -   photo coming soon..............................
LESSON TWO:                       Tote Bag
LESSON THREE/FOUR:        Jewellery Pouch
LESSON FIVE:                       Ironing Board Cover

LESSON TWO:                TOTE BAG.

Check out the perfect corners!

Excellent securing of bag handle!

Pretty Glass Flower Necklaces - Bouquet of Beautifulness!

Pretty opaque red and peach flowers wth green leaves.

Pretty pink and burgundy flowers with green glass beads. 

Lovely, influenced by Victorian floral swags, remind me of romantic funeral wreaths.  For sale in store at Eishen-an, Adel, Leeds.