Sewchet

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VW Campervan Tea Cosy

I don’t know about you, but I love the current trend for vintage caravans and camper vans but don’t actually own one – yet.

If when I get one, it will have to be a seventies or eighties model in need of a bit of TLC so that I can “rip it out and start again” (suitable almost-pun from 80s band Orange Juice).

I’m already imagining an interior of pretty florals and spots in my favourite colours of blue, red, pink and white. The seats will be laden with crocheted throws and there will be enamel jugs and mugs on the shelves.

Bunting will adorn both inside and outside my teapot will have a proper tea cosy…except I didn’t have one until today.

And this is what I came up with….

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Perfect! In fact I liked it so much that I made another one….

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All I need now is a camper van to put it in:)

 


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“Rosetta” Cushion and Make Up Bag

Just finished another cushion – my favourite ‘sew’ far (sorry!)

I can’t decide which side I prefer because, although “Rosetta” is just glorious, “Dotty” on the reverse is a classic. Two looks for the price of one – bargain:)

I will design some more coordinating accessories in the next few days – I think a white bedroom with these timeless colours would be almost too pretty for words.

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Any ideas? Laundry/Toy bag, lampshade maybe….

 


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My Craft Studio

I love having a good nose into other peoples’ craft studios/sewing rooms/work spaces – whatever you want to call them. They’re just so inspiring!

Anyway, when we no longer had the need for a fifth bedroom (for which, read ‘loft’), I laid claim to the peaceful space under the eaves and set about creating my perfect workspace.

Perfect for me, that is, so I could put my hands on whatever I need immediately, without wasting precious sewing time hunting for pair of (sharp) cutting shears, NOT the really expensive pair that my husband ruined borrowed to cut cardboard (“But they’ll be fine – I only used them once….”).

Nobody comes up here, not because they’re well trained or under threat of death, but because there’s nothing of interest up here for them (apart from my old iMac which has been superceded by the latest model for my Photography business, but is perfectly suited for browsing Pinterest and Blogging). So I spend many happy hours in creative peacefulness surrounded by fabric and yarn – there’s even a pretty fabulous view when I stand up and look out of the velux window.

The fact that I still enjoy peeking into other craft studios prompted the creation of a separate, easy-to-find, dedicated page devoted entirely to images of my new space. Find lots of photos of my loft craft room under the tab named “My Craft Studio” at the top of the page. Here’s a taster…(click on the image for a larger picture).

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Pretty Make Up Bags

Whilst browsing for fabric (every crafter’s favourite pastime) I fell in love with the Clarke & Clarke range, in particular “Rosetta” and “Dotty”.

It’s quite an investment price-wise so, in an effort to make it go further, I designed some make-up bags. I used a PVC fabric to line them for two reasons;

  1. To make it go further
  2. The waterproof lining prevents spillages from ruining your Mulberry handbag (well, a girl can dream can’t she?)

Here they are, looking very pretty all in a row: –

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I thought they deserved an extra bit of loveliness so I inserted a hand-embroidered tag on one seam. (Thanks, Emma Lamb, for the inspiration:))

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Ready for sale complete with swing tag and free gift!

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(Audible sigh…) such pretty fabric.

I feel a “Rosetta” and “Dotty” combination cushion coming on so watch this space!


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New design swing tags

Wahay, my new swing tags/business cards have arrived from Moo.com!

After lots of deliberating and inspiration from the brilliant Pinterest, I decided on a very simple design; an image featuring my creations on the reverse with just text on the front. This will allow the addition of a little handmade brooch as a token of appreciation for my lovely customers:)

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This is how they look in situ: –

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I bought a paper punch with a doily edge a while ago with the intention of creating this pretty effect.

This is the reverse: –

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I’m quite pleased with the final design; what do you think?

 


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Crocheted Basket with flower inspiration

So here is the final finished basket and, yes, I am now happy with the way it looks.

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It is perfect for some of my many works-in-progress (well, who doesn’t have half a dozen things on the go at any one time?) or just for storing wool.

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I came across a version of this basket here http://crochetincolor.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/ombre-basket-pattern.html and just HAD to have a go myself. As mentioned in my previous post, I decided to embellish the less-than-invisible seam with crocheted flowers topped off by a butterfly.

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It certainly is easier on the eye than the plastic carrier bag that was formerly home to my mobile works-in-progress and will look a whole lot prettier sat by my feet next to the sofa.

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Now all I have to do is convince the puppy that chasing her round the lounge with a rapidly-unravelling ball of wool in her mouth is NOT the fun it seems to be.

 


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First Wedding Anniversary!

Hubby and I have just returned from a lovely city break in Geneva for our first wedding anniversary. Four days of sight-seeing, sampling the (VERY expensive) Swiss cuisine and relaxing in general, we are now refreshed and glad to be home again – not.

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Seriously though, I did enjoy being pampered away from the six children, two dogs, eight hens and an extremely vocal cockerel, but am now thoroughly revitalized and itching to get creating once more.

I. Love. Flowers.

Flicking through our holiday snaps, I noticed a disproportionate number of flower pics, some also featuring yours truly; here are a couple of examples: –

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I crocheted a basket a few weeks ago and was not quite happy with it, but not sure what it needed to finish it off. The seam was not exactly invisible and kept jumping out at me so something had to be done and, whilst admiring the Genevan (is that even a word?) floral displays, I thought “flowers”. So that’s what I did. Results to follow:)


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Crochet Edge Cushion Tutorial

If you like the crochet edge cushions and would like to have a go at making one for yourself, I’ve put together a tutorial to help you.

If anything is not clear, please let me know and I’ll amend it.

So, here goes!

You will need: –

  • A 30 x 50cm cushion pad
  • A piece of fabric 34 x 53cm for the cushion front
  • A piece of fabric 34 x 65cm for the cushion back
  • Yarn for the crochet edge (I used Drops Muskat Cotton and a 4mm hook)

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1.Make a narrow hem on one short edge of each of your pieces of fabric – this will be the opening edge.

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2.Take your back piece and, wrong sides together, fold the hemmed edge in 12cm. Press and pin.

3.Pin front to back, wrong sides together and stitch around the three raw edges with a 5mm seam.

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4.Trim seam to 3mm. Turn inside out and press.

5.Stitch a 10mm seam around the same three sides, this time enclosing the raw edges.

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This creates a “French” seam which stops any fraying (and is really neat!)

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Your cushion cover is made and now for the exciting part…

6.Cut a length of yarn about eight times the width of your cushion cover and blanket stitch all around the opening edge.

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7.Row 1 – 3 dc into each blanket stitch (English terms are used)

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Row 2 – ch 1, *dc into 1st foundation stitch, skip 2, 5 tr into next foundation stitch, skip 2* Repeat to end, filling any remaining stitches    with dc.

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8.Close with a slip stitch and pull yarn through to finish.

Voila! A gorgeous cushion cover with the prettiest crochet edging.

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I would love to see your versions – post photos to my Facebook page (link on top right of this post).

If you would like to use this on your blog, please link back to this page.

Have fun:)

 

 

 


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Shop Open!!

Crochet Edge Cushions are now available in my new shop!!

www.sewchet.folksy.com

What do you think? There are some really modern designs on their way – do you have any suggestions for designs you’d like to see?

Here are the latest ones: –

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I love the reverse – lavender blue with white spots.

They’re all double-sided so you can display whichever side the mood takes you. Great for changing the look without spending more!

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Another classic floral, this time with bold red gingham as a contrast.

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Sea-Green crochet makes an unexpected contrast; time-consuming, but sooo worth it.

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Looking pretty, stacked on a bed….

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Now to crack on finishing that tutorial:)

 

 


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Crochet Edged Cushions

Hello and welcome to “Sewchet”!

My two favourite crafts are sewing and crochet so, for my first post, I thought it would be appropriate to share with you my newest creation – cushions with a crocheted opening edge. And, yes, these are the ones featured in the banner above. They’re so pretty I can see them every time I log in!

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I just love pinks and blues and these cute fabrics were just crying out to have a pretty edging.

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This one’s for the boys; who says boys can’t enjoy crochet too?

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I love the change in texture both to look at and to touch, it makes it so much more interesting don’t you think?

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Here’s how they look on the day bed in my Craft Studio; they’re going in my new Folksy shop for sale (www.sewchet.folksy.com)…if I can actually bear to part with them:(

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I’m writing up a tutorial so, if you’re interested, look out for it in the next day or two. That is, of course, if I don’t get sidetracked making some more in the meantime ‘cos they’re REALLY addictive!