The Coaster

This is so simple anyone could do it! and they are so useful! This is just a couple of different pieces of fabric and a medium piece of wadding. I have made a few of these using different types of fabrics for different effects. I have made one using red fabrics to match the Log Cabin cushion. They can be used to protect surfaces. I have placed one in the bottom of my camera case for added protection as I am rather accident prone when  it comes to dropping things. My mum has got a few scattered around the house where she is likely to place down her coffee cup. These make nice presents make a set of six and pile them up tied up with a pretty ribbon and a gift tag.

The Baby's Ball

This week I have had my niece Maizey with me to stay! She is such a good baby and she is easily entertained.    She has enjoyed tearing mums TV magazine to shreds and rolling around on the floor. I thought it would be nice to use all my scrap fabrics to make her a ball. This hand stitched ball took around 4 hours to make, (though I didn't have the patience to do it all at one time). The way I made this is similar to the way I made the note book folder. With hexagons and pentagons you can't machine stitch, so this involves cutting out cardboard shapes tacking, stitching then removing the papers. In side the ball I put a bell (I found it hard to just get hold of a single bell so yes its a cat toy bell, does the trick) this makes it a little more fun than just a soft fluff filled ball. This ball is suitable for new born babies and can be thrown indoors and out so no damages to worry about =] I recommend. Maizey loves it!!! 

Note Book Folder

This is my note book folder and it took forever to make, well it took 3 days. But I love it and it is very useful.Using the fabric from my log cabin cushion so once again I am recycling. I also created the note book my self by covering it in a wrapping paper or my choice which I picked up in paper chase reduced down to 30p! I do love a bargain. All the hexagons were completely hand stitched. This is my favourite item so far I have to say!

The Log Cabin Cushion

So this is the Log Cabin Cushion. This is a very traditional patchwork, which takes its name from the log cabins built by the early American pioneers. The central panel was traditionally red, representing the hearth, with the surrounding strips longer than the preceding one, forming logs around it. This was quite easy and took around three hours. I love the patterned fabric I chose for this think it works very nicely together.

The camera case

So this is the camera case. I decided this would be a useful thing to make myself as camera cases are so expensive and I am not willing to fork out for a case that's dull and boring when I can make my own lovely one just the way I like it. I used some of the fabric from what I had used to make my quilt so I am also recycling which is always good. It closes with a simple piece of hook and loop tape. No need to make a strap because my camera came with one =] win win situation all round I think. Very happy.

My Patchwork Quilt

So this is my second project and something I have wanted to make for a long time! I have to say this was harder than I was expecting, but just like everything that's homemade, it was worth it! I bought these selctions of fabrics from Alders in Croydon and the rose binding is from Fabric Land in Kingston. I have never been a fan of pins in the past for obvious reasons but on this project I learned just how important they are. Using a sewing machine practically for the first time I realised that pins are vital to keep the layers of fabrics all lined up, or you can seriously fudge up and be quite disapointed with the result to say the least. But I am happy with my quilt all 108 squares of it!!

My first Teddy

I made this teddy for my niece as it's her first birthday coming up at the end of July. Along with other things I have bought her I wanted her to have something homemade by me that she could keep forever! So along came chestnut (that is the bears name). This is where my 'Homemade Smile' journey began. After the frustration of putting this bear together I was very pleased when he was finally completed. I loved the sense of achievement that I finally finished it! OK he is not the most handsome bear out of the bunch but he is very fluffy and made with love. I hope when Maizey (my baby niece) grows up she will be proud of her auntie =)