Isn't oilcloth brilliant? It's cheap, cheerful, wipeable, and it adds a delicious retro flavour to any kitchen-diner. It comes in a dizzying array of colours and patterns - both 'off the roll' and finished with fabric edging.
This 'sweet' design from Berry Red costs £43 for a large tablecloth, £32 for a small one and it's neatly edged in red.
It's official! Embroidered art rocks and this simple, but oh so effective, piece proves it.
Made by the talented duo known as Fieldguided using bright blue thread and a quote from singer-songwriter Joanna Newsom. It's available here for approximately $30.
[Via MadeByGirl]
This gorgeous shopping bag is made from old rice sacks, embellished with scraps of pretty cotton. It's fully lined, too, with a couple of internal pockets.
Designs vary as each is handmade. £36.50 from Pepper and Brown.
I also love Rice's patchwork travel bag. Hop over the cut to see if you do too!
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
Easter weekend has arrived, but there is just time for one more Easter-themed post... These beautfiul bunnies combine fine fabric (from Liberty) with a classic bunny soft toy.
£7.95 from Roullier White.
Just as I hoped, Kathy Cano-Murillo's book is a treasure trove of quirky ideas and arty-projects - all of which are simple enough for a beginner to tackle.
Kathy's enthusiasm positively leaps off the page, and I dare anyone to resist her upbeat 'anyone can do this' attitude.
There are thirty projects in the book; from bags and clothes to off-beat pieces like Kathy's lovely fabric postcards. Plus, I know I will be turning to the bright, funky pictures time and time again for inspiration.
Continue reading "BOOK REVIEW: Crafty Chica's Guide to Artful Sewing by Kathy Cano-Murillo" »
New to bag-making? Want a simple project that you can complete in an afternoon? Of course you do!
Jennifer Ladd's fat quarter handbag tutorial is easy-to-follow and uses minimal materials - a fat quarter of delicious fabric, solid colour lining fabric, fusable interfacing, thread, and a pair of bag handles.
For clutch purses, bags, laptop cases and baby booties in delicious fabrics, check out Jennifer's shop.
Related posts: Sew-Your-Own Wine Tote | Scrabble Tile Pendants
