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With the weather (finally) improving, it really is time to get out in the garden.
As my fingers are not exactly green (I prefer the sitting and admiring of beautiful gardens to the hard labour of weeding and planting), I shall have to rely on the pretty flowers on these vintage-style trays to brighten my patch.
They cost from £6.50 and come in three sizes from The New Eden.
This simple white bedding set from Tesco is 100% cotton but costs just under thirty quid. Although I love colour, there is something - yes - enchanting about crisp white bed linen. Plus, it's the perfect base for any number of pretty cushions, blankets, quilts or bedspreads...
Cath Kidston has been at it again... Writing a book, that is. It's out in October, so plenty of time to save up your pennies, and it's called Sew!
There are 48 projects in the book including bags, soft toys and clothing, plus trace paper and cut-out patterns. As if that wasn't enough to make you reach for your credit card, Sew! also comes with a length of unique fabric (specially printed for the book), handles and button, to make up into a bag.
[Thanks to Kate for the tip-off!]
I'm thoroughly enjoying Kirstie's Handmade Home, how about you? Kirstie is such a warm and enthusiastic presenter and there have been some truly beautiful projects and crafts on the show.
Most of the crafts (glass blowing, iron work, cake decoration) are probably beyond my skill and time - and cash - but I loved the idea of quilting (Episode 4, catch up at 4OD here). Firstly, I have a sewing machine and basic needlework skills. Plus, I am a fabric junkie. In fact, I can't believe I've never considered quilt-making before...
When trying something new, I'm all in favour of starting with a kit, and this cheerful Circus quilt from Buttonberry is calling to me... It's £28 and could be used as a picnic blanket or toddler's playmat as well as a cosy quilt.
Related: Fat quarter handbag
Fabric hearts are a shabby chic staple, but I see no reason why pretty hanging birds cannot enter the mix.
These are made from felted wool (taken from old blankets and jumpers, so ethically very sound) by British designer Elizabeth Cook.
The birds are handmade and will vary slightly. They cost £4.50 each from Green Tulip.
Related posts: Bird and heart ribbon | Bird clothes pegs
When Sharilyn of Lovely Design wanted a dedicated sewing area in her already full-to-capacity craft room, she decided to maximise her space by using the closet.
By removing the bifold door and clearing out the clothes rail (and the clutter that invariably breeds in cupboards), adding wallpaper, shelves and a cut-to-measure desk, she has created a clever nook.
Read all about it here. Don't forget to check out Sharilyn's beautiful products in her web shop, too.
