Hello. It's been a bit chilly for gardening and there was a few spots of rain, so I kept busy indoors instead. It's my friend Carol's birthday soon so I made her a card. It's amazing what you can do with a few scraps of fabric. I used to make a lot of cards, but don't do so many now. I don't like gluing things so I sew the embellishments on instead. The cards I already have, bought ages ago from The Works, £4 for 50 cards. Four sequins and four beads, a Happy Birthday taken from an old card and attached with sticky pads, and there you have it. I have inserted a piece of white A4 paper cut to size and attached with embroidery thread down the centre, it covers the stitching on the inside.. Left blank to add a personal message.
These are the offcuts I used. The fabric doesn't fray, it has a rubbery backing.
I fancy having a go at making a fabric picture using a machine instead of hand sewing, but my electric one has two settings, either stopped or going like the clappers. It's hard to regulate the speed to a steady pace where I can control the direction of sewing, so I have dug out my old hand machine, buried somewhere under the piles of stuff in the
spare room, crafting supplies and fabric warehouse. The last time I had it out was a few years ago, it was playing up a bit. After much fiddling and twiddling knobs I gave up and buried it under a couple of dining chairs. So here it is, a bit more fiddling and it works.
Ready to go, just need to work out an idea for the picture. Glad I didn't give it away.
Walk all done for today, I did it while it was still light. Stopped half way round though to deliver some Easter Eggs to my friend Helen's children, as a thank you for tipping me off about the bricks. Helen got to keep the home made bag as well. Lovely friends, lovely kids.
Thank you so much for the smashing comments you have been sending my way, I am chuffed that you like my blog. Now the evening is mine to chill. Enjoy your Saturday night, and have a good day tomorrow. We'll catch up soon.
Toodle pip
A really cheerful card. Natalie
ReplyDeleteMore details on your sewing machine, please. Maybe a video on you operating it? I'm intrigued; I've never seen one.
ReplyDeleteIt's a new one on me too! would indeed love to have some details Ilona!
DeleteYour birthday card is lovely ! What a smashing machine. I had a hand one but it was so heavy .It pulled my chest muscles. They are good for slow sewers like me and for inching around corners. I bought a little John Lewis electric one, £50. Brilliant. I can pick it up and move it with one hand. Wouldn't manage thick material I don't think. But I only use cotton or jersey material. Certainly was too cold to go in the garden today, Ilona.
ReplyDeleteThe card you made for your friend is really lovely. She will be pleased to get such a thoughtful card.
ReplyDeleteHave an nice relaxing evening with your fur babies, Ilona.
I love the hand made cards, I think people appreciate a hand made card and tend not to throw them away.
ReplyDeleteIt's not easy getting these machines to work if they go wrong is it? I've given up before now with trying to get the stitch right. I haven't used a hand machine in years but used to love my old one, I'll have to keep and eye out when the car boots get started again. Easter weekend i think.
Briony
x
these old machines are so good. Lizzie Lenard vintage sewing has some great landscapes made on a treadle machine. well worth a look. the card is so pretty
ReplyDeleteMy gosh, you would pay a lot of money for a card like that if you bought it! It looks so professionally done. Love it!
ReplyDeleteLove the card. Looking forward to the next artwork. I always struggled with machines and ended up doing my sewing by hand. I have my Nan's very old singer sewing machine (she sadly passed away thirty years ago) but I have now forgotten how to thread it. I keep it for the memories but sew by hand. Crazy huh!
ReplyDeleteOh please don't neglect the Singer! Google the model and "how to thread" and you'll soon be Singering again!
DeleteHello from Indiana! i love your old hank crank machine. It's great you can sew without electric. I have an old treadle that great for that too. I'm anxious to see your sewing picture. Perhaps I will try one too!
ReplyDeleteThe card is great, so much more individual and thoughtful than a shop bought one.
ReplyDeleteYour card is very pretty Ilona and what a thoughtful gesture to give the youngsters Easter eggs I bet they were delighted.
ReplyDeleteHope it warms up soon.
Hazel c uk
Hi from Anna. I have just found your blog and am firmly hooked. I started reading back through the posts and an odd thing happened. I remember that I heard you speak at Burntwood WI years ago. It was the ladies trucker awards that tripped the memory. So glad that you are well, you are such an inspiration. Anna
ReplyDeleteCard is nice. A bit disappointed with previous blog where you spent £28 on plants. You can get most plants free by either growing from seeds or cuttings. An early morning trip to the local park gave me sufficient seeds for many different rows of flowers and taking a few short cuttings has given me a large grapevine. You can also grow houseplants from orange and lemon pips.
ReplyDeleteI'm addicted to pretty journals and your card would make a lovely journal cover or you could make them from your fabric and sell on at your craft fairs alongside your bags. I would buy loads lol
ReplyDeleteJust found your blog recently and I am amazed by your creativity. I have been making many mental notes to myself and going through my piles of donated fabrics. I love your patchwork art and this card is fabulous, true creativity.
ReplyDeleteWhat I love about your blog is that you are so real. You get tired and aggravated and your animals pee and throw up. Me too. You are interested in life and learning and making things. Me too. You made a decision to retire and love your life. Me too.
ReplyDeleteReally beautiful card. I'm sure your friend will be delighted. I know I would be. Kristel
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely card, made with love.
ReplyDeleteLove your blog.
Sending love.
Jeanneke.
I found your blog about two months ago its great it has humour, warmth, money saving tips.
ReplyDeleteChris Kent
What a thoughtful person you are. I try to live my life in thankfulness for all the gifts around me. One recent gift is finding your blog. Thank you! Kelly from the States.
ReplyDeleteIf I was closer to you I would happily have a look at your problem machine for no charge! There might just be someone in your area who would though....just someone who's keen on old machines like me.
ReplyDeleteHello...Love your colourful card...and your great use of those bricks! I look forward to your blog every day ! You are so motivational! Keep on living the good life ! xxx
ReplyDeleteYou continually amaze me with your creativity.
ReplyDelete