HANDMADE EMBROIDERY….

lace

National Embroidery month is from February 16th – 22nd.

According to ‘wikipedia’ embroidery is the art or handicraft of decorating fabric or other materials with a needle and thread or yarn.

It can also incorporate other materials like pearls, beads, quills and sequins.

Different stitches are used in embroidery from chain stitch, buttonhole, blanket stitch, running stitch, satin stitch and cross stitch.

Although the origin of embroidery is unknown, some examples survived from Egypt, Iron Age and the Dynasty China around 5th – 3rd Century BC.

Different materials can be used in embroidery from wool, linen and silk.

A very popular magazine available throughout the world is ‘Embroidery and Stitch Magazine’, which has free designs and templates on the internet.

‘Embroiderer’s Guild’ is the UK’s leading crafts association with 10,000 members http://www.embroidersguild.com

The last time I embroidered was about 13 years ago when I was recovering in hospital after developing an infection after my last spinal surgery. Due to all the medication I was on I found it difficult to concentrate to read and with one arm attached to a drip, I really only had one hand free. So, a friend suggested doing some embroidery with my free hand and a picture was born. I’ve still got it but not framed it as the memories of making it are not something I want to remember.

Have you done embroidery recently, it’s like knitting, it’s become very fashionable again. I really fancy doing some on some hankies for my friends.

NOVELTY HANDMADE MINI APRON FOR YOUR WASHING UP BOTTLE…

pinafores

I love these trendy novelty mini aprons for your washing up bottles, http://www.craftroommagic.co.uk/NOVELTY-MINI-PINNY-MAGIC–.html

A friend bought me one for Christmas and I bought one recently for my daughter.

Washing up bottles are far from attractive at the best of times but with these aprons on them they are so much better.

There’s lots of choice from ebay sites and online shops (like the one above), and with mothers day the next date in our diaries, it could be an ideal gift. I’m also sure we could make these ourselves.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MINI-NOVELTY-WASHING-UP-LIQUID-BOTTLE-APRON-HAND-MADE-/250697928172?pt=UK_Kitchen_Accessories&hash=item3a5ec2cdec

novelty pinafores

RECYCLE THE SHIRT OFF HIS BACK…

The shirt of his back

‘The Shirt off his Back’ is a book by Hilary Bruffell which has 30 projects ideas on what you can make out of a man’s shirt.

It’s available from Amazon and other good book stores. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shirt-off-his-Back-transforming/dp/1906417644

The Shirt off his Back provides crafters with the ultimate thrifty, creative project. What happens to men’s shirts when they are no longer worn? This book puts them to excellent use and shows how, with a little imagination, it’s easy to transform them into beautiful, useful objects – from bunting to bags, doorstops to duvet covers, cushions to chairs and much more. Successful blogger and craft expert Juliet Bawden reveals how to re-invent men’s shirts to make an array of charming, pretty and functional projects, including things to wear, accessories, toys and a host of ideas for your home. Charity shops are always brimming with men’s shirts in a wonderful array of styles, patterns and colours. Whether it’s stripes, checks, florals, retro prints or plain brights or pastels, you’ll have little problem sourcing inexpensive, good quality material with which to create fabulously stylish items. Each project is beautifully photographed and features clear instructions as well as either painted illustrations or step-by-step photos. You’ll be surprised and inspired by how many inventive ways there are to utilise every part of your shirt – from buttons to sleeves, collars and cuffs.