30/10/2014

DWELL - New Baby Textiles Range

I'm counting this as market research as I should really be doing some sewing today, but happened to get distracted thinking about revamping Freya's room...
 
DWELL have just launched a beautiful collection of textiles suitable for baby's and young people.  They have a new Safari and Meadow range which are both so adorable.  They have a retro simplistic feel to them that I just love.  Hmmmm now what would go in Freya's room?

 
 

 
 

27/10/2014

Studio Unpacking = Vintage Fabric Finds

So, I'm in the process of unpacking my studio in our new home (This may take some time!), I happened to stumble upon some of my vintage fabric finds that I'd forgotten all about.  I was soon distracted from unpacking and lost myself in fabric and possible cushion creations..
 
Soon to be cushion covers! .... https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/HannahRedden
I just love the large bold floral print of this fabric.  Unfortunately (I don't think you can see this from the image) there is a faded line right across the middle of the print, I guess where the fabric has been folded for so long, or possible sun damage?  However, the colours are luscious, very suitable for this Autumnal time of year to warm up any interior.  I have a vision in mind for two new cushions, I've got the perfect trim in mind. 
 
Soon to be cushion covers! .... https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/HannahRedden
This vintage, hand sewn cross-stitch is so unique, I can picture this paired with a lovely bold backing fabric.  This will have to be made into a cushion cover.  Maybe for our guest room as it would fit the vintage theme perfectly.
 
Soon to be cushion covers! .... https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/HannahRedden
This table runner is stained in the middle, but at either end has this hand embroidered design.  I really like the bold coral and yellow.  I will need to get my thinking cap on for this as I am unsure how to transform this into something yet.  More to follow on this one ...
 
 New Cushion Covers - https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/HannahRedden
 
Here are my two latest additions to my handmade vintage cushion covers.  I found a pair of 1977 Silver Jubilee Tea Towels and thought they would make a delightful one-off pair of cushions.  I've yet to add these to Etsy (I need to create a new photo booth in my studio), but will announce soon when these are in online.
 
Right, I'm off to attempt to do some more unpacking.  Have a good productive week. xx
 

25/10/2014

So... When should we be posting to all the different Social Media sites?

I've been doing a bit of research on this and have found the following site quite useful:

ADD THIS  - Content Engagement Made Simple.

Anytime someone shares, follows, or interacts with a piece of content, there's a good chance AddThis has something to do with it. According to comScore, we reach over 98% of the US — that's more than Facebook or Google. Our team is focused on building the best social tools, content recommendations and targeted advertisements. It's growing like crazy and we're proud to be the leader in content engagement.



Although an American site the information can be transferred across to the UK depending on your market.  So, my next plan is to make a schedule!
 

21/10/2014

Childrens Fabric Pencil Roll / Holder

 
I've been searching for a box or bag for Freya to store her pencils in, for some reason she loves tearing up the boxes that they come in!?
 
This blog post I've found by Kath Red is ideal!  Why didn't I think of sewing one earlier?  I will attempt this over the weekend.  I'm sure Freya will find some way of destroying it!  Extra strength thread? :)

 
 
 
 
 

 




13/10/2014

Cushion Making Step by Step

Well, I now have a few Christmas events to prepare for so thought I'd better get sewing again.  I thought I'd share my recent sewing project with you ...
 


 



STEP BY STEP CUSHION MAKING

WORDS OF CAUTION:
1. Wash the fabric beforehand in the way you normally wash the type of fabric you've selected. Otherwise, unwashed sewn fabric can shrink in a hot wash or dryer later and cause seam rippage.
2. Always Iron the fabric before sewing. It's important to do this before you cut: a piece of wrinkled fabric will be a slightly different size and shape once ...pressed.

MAKING THE CUSHION COVER: Step by step

1. Cut a square of paper the same size as your cushion pad. Now cut two more pieces of paper: the first should be the same width and at least half the height, the second should be the same width and at least three quarters of the height. (Don't add an extra 1cm all the way around for a seam allowance, as most patterns do, because when the cover is slightly smaller than the pad, the cushion appears plumper.)

2. Take a good look at the fabric's pattern and choose a section you like for the front of the cushion. Lay the first piece of cut paper on top. Pin it to the fabric in all the corners, and once on each edge. Then cut around it.

3. Pin the other pieces of paper to your fabric and cut around them. Hem one long edge on each piece. Lay the fabric right side down, fold one long edge over 5mm. Iron to secure the fold, fold over 5mm again. Press again and backstitch 2mm from the edge.

4. Now lay the front piece on a flat surface, with the right side facing up. Stack the smallest of the back pieces on top, right side facing down: line up the un-hemmed long edge with the top edge of the first piece.

5. Add the third piece, right side down: line up the un-hemmed long edge with the first piece's bottom edge. Pin at the corners and once on each edge.

6. Use a backstitch all the way around the cushion cover, 10mm from the edge. (To help keep your line of stitching straight, use a pencil or a piece of tailor's chalk to add a guideline first.)

7. Once done, turn it inside out using the slit at the back. If everything looks neat and tidy, turn the cover back inside out again. Snip each corner off, 2mm from the stitches.

8. Finally, turn your cushion cover back the right way round, and use a pencil or chopstick to carefully push out each corner into neat 90-degree angles. Stuff the cushion pad in, and it's ready.
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