Over-committed!

I admit it... I totally over-committed myself this Christmas.  What with a few commissions, plus a whole heap of Christmas gifts I decided I was going to make, I find myself in full on panic mode with a ginormous list of sewing left to do, no Christmas cards sent and no present wrapping done!

And this kind of panic leads to sewing disasters....

but first the good stuff :)

One doorstop completed for a commission due on Christmas Eve.  A remake of the hungry caterpillar to match is on it's way too.

Another commission, two kids book bags (for twin girls) and a large cushion cover.  The cushion was fun because I was handed the old one (on the left) and asked to replace it "in the same colour scheme but a bit more interesting"....I really hope this will fit the bill!

And a large washbag destined as a Christmas pressie for someone who I think doesn't read my blog!

There's more, but I can't show it just yet.

Did I mention a sewing disaster?  Sigh. 
It all started pretty well. The request is for four dining room chair cushions destined for brother number 2 and his girlfriend (also hopefully not blog readers).  I've never made these before so I'm in "make it up as you go along" mode.  I started by purchasing four cheap cushions and unpicking the covers on them (Tip: this worked out at half the price of having foam cut to order!)

Using the old covers as templates, I cut my fabric for the first one, added a zip (ha ha, so easy to type, but not so easy in real life) and stitched the top and bottom together, with piping and cotton tape for the ties.

It's a bit messy at the zip ends, but it's passable.

Encouraged by this, and with the learnings of zip number 1 under my belt, I embark on cover number 2.  It goes like a dream, the zip, the piping, the corners...I even finish the insides with a zigzag stitch.

Number 2 is on the left...can anyone spot why I am officially a Doofus?

Yes, the fabric is upside down. I think I want to cry :(

James says it won't be noticeable when people are sitting on them....had to smile at that...am giving up for this evening and am going blog surfing...goodnight all!

x

 

It's been a busy week (or two!)

 I've been a bit remiss on the bloggy front recently (both reading and writing of blogs!).  It's been a bit hectic round here, but hopefully normal service will be resumed next week...

First off there was the wedding in Ireland

which was a boozy three days long and much fun (this picture is day three, and the bride is the radiant blonde on the left!).  The Norwich girls were reunited which was brilliant.  Hopefully they are now subscribing by email to keep in touch with my ramblings :)  Hello all!


Then there was a day out with Terri, gorgeous Brit Bee friend

where there was much chatter and a teensy bit of fabric browsing

All whilst working on a commission and stock for the new shop which is opening in a weeks time.

(Oh, and Felix has decided long morning naps are for wimps....)

So here is just a bit of the sewing that's happened around here:

The second two cushions are commissions.  The rainbow one is made from all sorts of fabric, including 3 silk scarves, 2 skirts, some of the scraps from Jan and Ilona, some red and gold sparkly tops, and a pair of jeans!  Interfacing was used with anything sheer or vaguely stretchy but piecing it was still a little tricky!

I also made the same customer a doorstop using my treasured Ruby Star Rising "vintage ladies". 

The last door-stop I made was half the size of this and filled with rice.  The problem was it just slid across the floor with the weight of the door.  So this time I made it twice the size, and filled it with play sand.  The sand is in a food bag and there is a calico lining so this should be safe enough...it's definitely heavy enough to stub your toe on :)

oh, and look what arrived from Amazon...  how did that happen?!

More things to sew!  anyone got a time machine?

x