A crafting video.

Good evening. Here I am talking about my new book cover, and Crafting Live at Doncaster. You may not want to watch this if you have already read the blog posts I did yesterday.  

That's all for tonight. Back tomorrow. Toodle pip.   ilona

Slow stitching book cover

It is finished. The front. 

Inside front cover. A long piece of fabric folded over at each end to make a pocket. Edged with orange and pink ribbon. Blanket stitch along the top and bottom. 

The back. 

Book open. Front and back view. 

Inside back cover. 

How it began.

A piece of cotton sheet, double thickness. Start in the centre, and add scraps of colourful fabric. Keep adding more until it is big enough to cover the book. I machined all the pieces on, folding under the raw edges. Overstitch with embroidery thread and add embellishments. Make it bigger than the cover and trim it to size when it comes to fitting it on the book. I added ribbon to the edges. 

Now I am onto the next project. 

It is 8.22 on Saturday morning. I just want to share this with you. From my front window I can see people passing by. Coming and going to work, and to school Monday to Friday. I just looked up and saw the sweetest thing. A daddy with his dog, and his little girl. She is sitting on a three wheeled scooter, he is pushing her along with the handle attached to the back. They hesitate when they reach the junction to make sure the road is clear to cross. 

Normally the mummy comes along as well. But it's a Saturday so he is doing his daddy duties while mummy puts the house in order. I have been watching them for maybe two years. From a baby in a buggy, and now a happy little girl. It's what a family should be, two people with their child and their  dog. I did speak to them once when I saw them in the village. A lovely couple. 

This brings tears to my eyes. I fear for their future. This is why the madness should be challenged, should be stopped. The top one percent who own just about everything are on a mission to destroy family life, by whatever means they see fit. Remember that as you go along with everything that is asked of you. 

Enjoy your weekend. Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona 

Stitching crazy

Hello. As you can see, the gilet is finished. What a strange word gilet is. They used to be called body warmers, or vests. It's a French word for waistcoat, or a sleeveless jacket. It may be waist- to knee-length and is typically straight-sided rather than fitted; however, historically, gilets were fitted and embroidered. In 19th-century dressmaking a gilet was a dress bodice shaped like a man's waistcoat.

I started at the bottom. Keep adding pieces, any shape any colours any patterns. Turn under a hem all the way around so there are no raw edges. 

No fancy stitching, just running stitch, anyone can do it. I used any colour of thread, split six strands into three. 

I decided to use one big piece of fabric for the back. Then outline the design with running stitches to hold the layers of fabric together. 

I try it on. All that stitching has made it slightly smaller than the original, but it still fits me. 

I went to the Arts Centre to show Nicky, but she wasn't there. She has gone away for an Easter break. I'll catch up with her when she comes back. 

While I was out and about I went to Sainsburys to buy a few things that I can't get at Aldi. Organic butter beans which go well in an omelette because they have soft skins and are easy to chew. Garlic granules in bigger plastic jars. I wanted frozen baby broad beans but they didn't have any. The bigger ones have hard skins. I had some baby ones before and they are really nice. I bought a tin of broad beans to try. I don't normally buy tinned veg. Toasted sesame seed oil, Aldi doesn't sell it. Danish blue cheese. I put it in a stir fry or a pan of soup. I bought Starbucks Caramel Latte sachets. I usually buy Nescafe but Starbucks is better. 

I'm still thinking about where I might go this weekend, but it will have to be where there aren't lots of people. The traffic reports are saying many main routes are busy with lots of delays. 

Whatever you are doing make sure you have a good time. We'll catch up soon. Toodle pip.   ilona

Stitch and chat

Good morning, it's sunny and almost the weekend. I think I need to go for a walk now in case the clouds come over and chuck some water down on us. 

I will park this video here, because I may not have time later. 

Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona

So far . . . .

Good morning. A little update before I go off to Crafty Club. The purple gilet I bought from a charity shop for £1 is undergoing a transformation. I have watched some videos and wasn't sure where on the garment I should start sewing on the patches. Starting at the bottom and working my way up to the top seemed the easiest way. 

When you watch a video they start with a piece of backing fabric, which is usually square or oblong. Then add a piece of batting, then turn the edges in, and sew the patches on top of that. Next question, do all the stitches go in one direction only, or is there a mixture of vertically and horizontally? All raw edges have to be turned under, or hidden under the next piece of fabric, to prevent fraying. Any scraps will do. I am trying to mix up the colours. 

All stitching is supposed to be uniform. Lines the same distance apart, and stitches of the same length throughout. I am not going to achieve that standard of perfection. When I wear it I doubt people will notice the mistakes. All thread colours can be used. 

This will take a while to complete. I'll keep you updated. 

I am reminded of this song.

And although we had no money I was rich as I could be
In my coat of many colours, mamma made for me

Just to find the others laughing and making fun of me

But they didn't understand it and I tried to make them see

That one is only poor only if they choose to be

Thanks Dolly. 

 

Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona

Frugal sewing and frugal soup

Good morning. Here's a video I knocked up yesterday. Redesigning old clothes, making a new gilet. How to make a quick soup with half a tin of peas. 

This is what I did with the other half tin of peas. The green deal. A piece of toasted seeded bread, a chopped up avocado, warm up the peas with some spinach. Pile it all on top of the toast. Everything gets eaten here. 

Now I must get on. Thanks for popping in. Catch ya later. Toodle pip.   ilona

Coffee chat with a warning

Good evening. Shall I put a blog post out or not? Oh go on then. Another wet and miserable day today. More events cancelled. Our Christmas Fair is next Saturday, in the Village Hall, so that will go ahead. I am not having a stall, but I will call in and say hello to everybody. 

If you watch this video it will tell you what I have been doing today. 

Sunday night is yoootooob night. The people I follow usually put their videos out on a Sunday. I see that Janine and Liam have crossed the channel and are now in Belgium. Bruges looks like a nice place. They are heading north and want to be in Lapland by Christmas. It will be interesting to follow their journey.

Willie and Sarah on the Isle of Skye tell us how they make their money. Sarah is an artist and Willie writes music. Both very talented people. 

Emily and Louise are still renovating their cottage in Ireland. Their campervan videos have been ace.

Stephen and Dan are in Northern Spain at the moment. 

James and Helen are back from their USA holiday. Helen is back at work and James is travelling around the north west uk. 

Adam is in Norfolk, back in his Ford Galaxy after it has been off the road for a few weeks. No fear, he has a second car for his camping trips. 

Heidi the Narrow Boat Pirate is moored up in Cheshire at the moment. 

Who needs a tele when there is so much entertainment on yoootooob. 

Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona

Frazzled brain

 Good evening. Those who like my photographs will be pleased to know that I have spent the afternoon receiving computer tuition from a friends husband. He talked, I listened, and I learnt quite a lot that I didn't know before. I have been blindly stumbling around hoping it all comes right in the end. That technique is all well and good until you find yourself up the creek without a paddle. 

The way I was uploading photo's and videos worked perfectly well for the last few years, but when a rogue message comes up on the screen I was baffled. But fear not, I now know a different way to perform the tasks. It's like driving from A to B. Pick a route and stick with what you are familiar with, passing the recognisable landmarks along the way. Now I am going down a different route that I am not familiar with, so I am learning new tricks. All I have to do is remember what Philip told me, and practice. I may be a bit slow at first but it will come easier as time goes on. 

Here are three new photo's I have uploaded all by myself. The art project is finished. A friend has claimed it and I will let her have it for a donation to the cat rescue. 

I need to go out for a late walk to rest my frazzled brain.

Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona

25 squares

Good morning. A little rain during the night but not much. Dry start to the day. The hedgehogs are still coming and finding the food I put out. Mayze likes to spend time outside, under the table near the back door, even when it's raining. I fetch her in about 9pm, she protests and doesn't want to be picked up. Soon settles on the pet beds I have on the desk next to the computer. We usually finish off the evening by watching a yoootooob video. 

So, what happened to this little sewing project I started. Just an idea to brighten up the front of a plain fleecy top I have. 

Add a few more squares and the job is done. 

I thought about doing a running stitch around the edges but after washing they may become detached. Blanket stitch is a safer bet. 

Job done, now to move on. I have to be busy with my hands while they still work properly. No sign of arthritis yet thankfully. 

I did two dog walks yesterday. After two days of rain Billy and Rocky were keen to go out. No dog walks today, I have the day to myself. 

Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona

Tips and tricks

 Good morning. Looking miserable outside. I was up early, 6am, that's because I went to bed early last night, 10pm. I don't like these shorter days. 

My photo turned up on the 20 21 Arts Centre facebuck page. I was in there last week, they had an event on where you choose a garment from a rail, and leave one of your own. A clothes swap. It was about re cycling and re using. As I am a regular in there, and my attire was bought from charity shops, I was asked if I would pose. This is part of a montage, so only a split second of me is shown on the page.  

I find bungees very useful, so when I saw these in the middle aisle at Aldi I thought it was a good buy. £3 for ten different sizes. They were in the camping section. Check out your middle aisle. 

Mayze insists she has to lie on the mousemat close to the computer. That's ok if I am just watching a video, but not ok if I want to use the keyboard. 😻

Mickey has settled in nicely, and found his favourite spot to snooze. The arm chair is so comfy. 😺

A new sewing makeover has begun. A plain pale blue fleecy top, needs some decoration. You may remember that I cut some pieces of blue fleece into squares. Some of them I used to decorate a black beany hat. What to do with the rest of them. Watch this space. ✂

A tin of baked beans has always been a good item have in the cupboard to make a quick and easy meal. Just lately I am getting mighty bored with them. So how to spice it up a bit?  I have added a spoonful of roasted garlic chutney, and a shake of garlic granules. Seeded bread with an egg on top. Lovely. You could use any chutney, I particularly like caramelised onion. Or any spices to give it a bit of a zing. 🍴

It is now 8.30am. I haven't a definite plan for today. It depends on the weather. I have a day out in mind, maybe today, or tomorrow, or Thursday. 

Keep busy, and creative. Toodle pip.   ilona

Exclusive fashions.

If you possess a garment that is a little bit boring, and you don't enjoy wearing it, you could jazz it up a bit with some stitchery and some buttons. Let your imagination run wild. Add colour. 

This cardy was £1 from a charity shop. It's functional, made in a far away factory, and it's a bit bland. Needs something. Needs colour. I followed the lines in the pattern and added some colourful running stitches. I took the original matching buttons off and replaced them with colourful odd buttons. I also added extra bigger buttons for decoration. 

What next? I know, I need pockets. Old socks worn out on the heels, cut them off at the ankle, and there you go, pockets. Glittery bits added. Now what do I do with the other five pairs of socks? I'll think of something. 

I thought about extending the coloured stripes over the shoulders and putting them down the back as well, but that would be too predictable. I need circles. Some on the back and three on one arm. I might add some more later. 

I am now looking at my clothes in a different way. Not shoving them to the back of the wardrobe if I don't like them. What could I do to customise them? Maybe start my own fashion label. You never know, the trend might catch on. Friday the 13th, unlucky for some. But lucky for me because I have just found out there is a local event on tonight. I may be going for a walk. 

Have a good weekend. Toodle pip.   ilona

My breakfast. my sewing, my garden

Good afternoon. I felt a bit peckish this morning so a cooked breakfast was made. Mushrooms which needed using up, frozen green beans, spinach which needed using up, half a packet of left over noodles, and half a packet of sweet and sour sauce. Very nice it was indeed. 

A little bit more done on the cardy makeover. I will keep adding to it and stop when it's enough. 

I've had several attempts to film the birds in my garden. Sneaking up on them when they are all busy eating and bathing in the water bowls doesn't seem to work very well. I need one of those huts that you can hide in so they don't get panicked and fly away. Mind you, I am not going to wait for hours for the right moment. This will have to do. When they all come down it's pandemonium out there. They are queueing up to hop into the water. Three together, scrub each others back. 🐦🐦🐦🐤🐤🐤 

Is it the first of September already? Good grief. The members of the walking group are invited to check in with their miles. Let us know how you are doing. I have to confess I am not keeping up with the targets. Yes, I know I should lead by example. My excuse, there is so much more fun in visiting new places, ambling around, and taking photo's. 

We had rain this morning, and now it's gone and the sun is out and it's warm, so I'm going to take this opportunity to get my boots on and do my usual local walk. 🏃🏃🏃

Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona

I'll think about it.

And now as if by magic, the picture is finished. 

All I have to do now is think about what I am going to make next. I have several ideas floating about in my head. Just need to find the right piece of fabric, the right thickness, and the right colour. Or should I make a needle felted picture in a hoop. Or should I do something with wool, got plenty of that. Crochet or knitting perhaps. Maybe some patchwork. Or paint something. 

Up and down the stairs, looking in cupboards and drawers, checking the storage boxes, looking for just the right materials. Maybe I'll just go for a walk. 

Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona

Self analysis

I recorded a video this morning, after watching a video from Melanie Sykes. What she said struck a cord with me, and answered some questions I have had about my life. This is the video if you want to take a look. 

It's been very hot today. I managed to get a three mile walk in. It's going to take the rest of the year for me to catch up with the lost miles. 

My cat sitting job has finished, my friend came home today. 

The lawn needed mowing so I got everything out ready to start. Cleared the water bowls away, Was just about to start and found Hedgie was bimbling around. Ok, so I'll wait until it has finished eating. 

I had almost finished mowing and went inside to check something. When I came back he had reappeared. So I waited again until he had finished. He doesn't eat all of the food, just nibbles it, then runs away. I watched where he went. I think he has a den under the hedge behind the wheelie bins. 

A work in progress. The background fabric is actually red. A lot more to add to it. 

Tomorrow I need to go food shopping. And I need to check the pressure in my tyres. A warning light is flashing up telling me to do that. Nothing else to say. Now I need to go outside and water the pot plants. 

Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona

Ideas.

A while ago I stitched some buttons onto small blue fleecy squares. I added some of them to the edge of my  hat. 

What to do with the rest of them? No ideas came to mind, and then I thought why not trim them from squares to circles. And why not sew them onto a background and make a picture. So here we are. A work in progress. Not sure how it will end up at this stage. Watch this space, but it won't happen quickly. 

Thanks for popping in. Grey and overcast here, hoping it doesn't rain.

Toodle pip.   ilona

I heart hedgehogs.

Something I have been playing with over the last couple of weeks. I like to keep my hands busy. It's 6.5 inches diameter. I have used felt because it's easy to work with. Buttons and threads given to me. I have enough now to last forever. No patterns used, I make it up. Hoop cheap from Home Bargains. I wrapped the outer hoop in green wool. Makes it easier to sew the backing on, and I like the contrast. The actual heart shape is a bit wonky. Could be better. 

Hedgie was a bit early last night, it wasn't quite dark. I am sure he is sleeping somewhere in the garden. I normally feed it close to the house, but last night he was running up the garden. I don't know if he looked in the usual spot first, I was busy. I quietly crept closer to him and he froze. They curl up when they are frightened. I put a handful of food near him and left him to it. They must have a good sense of smell because he found it quite quickly. 

Thanks very much, now I'll have a drink. 

Feeding animals has become a bit of a routine here. It's almost lunch time and the ducks have not yet arrived. They will appear at some point. I think they scout around in different gardens. The cats are loving it outside. Even Mayze who is mainly an indoor cat. They have their hidey holes and when I go outside they appear as if by magic. Ooooh good, the food is coming. 

Now I must get my lunch. Have a good weekend. Toodle pip.   ilona