Monday 22 April 2013

Craft fairs, and recycled makes.

 I can't believe it's been nearly a month since I last wrote something on my blog. I have enjoyed reading all my favourite blogs, plus lots of new ones, and have decided to make up for lost time. So a few photos to show you what I have been up to.....
I have been to several craft fairs, one at Lowther Gardens, in Lytham...


A perfect cross stitched card for a family members special birthday made by Lynda Page of Sew Good and  I just had to taste some handmade coffee and chocolate fudge, here is some on a plate at home, but not for long! 



I went over to the Ribble Valley, and spent a lovely afternoon browsing for some thrifty bargains, where I found a maxi dress, that has been shortened, and the leftover fabric has so far been used to make a couple of scarves.


The scarf on the far right is one made from my maxi find. The others from leftover fabrics.

Much to my delight I discovered a patchwork and quilting shop www.patchesandbuttons.co.uk complete with beautiful fabrics, haberdashery, and many other goodies.... 

(I will be going to Clitheroe again soon, and will base  a future blog post about the thrifty shops, art gallery etc. as it's such an interesting place to visit)

I also went for a browse around the Crafty Vintage fair at St. Mary's Centre, www.craftyvintage.com
where I indulged in some delicious homemade brownies.

I recently visited a Crafty Vintage fair at Brockholes, one of  The Wildlife Trust Centres. www.brockholes.org

A great place to visit,  with regular organised activities all year round. (See link for more details), plus the added bonus of refreshments on a floating island, with wonderful views! 
There was plenty of entertainment on the day of the fair, lots of stalls to look at, I bought a pretty little heart box...


.and a few fabric squares based on a nautical theme, that have since been made up as part of  kindle covers. There is a great tutorial for these over at http://frizzylizzie.blogspot.co.uk/2011/02/patchwork-kindle-cover-tutorial.html


I have been sewing some more items for craft fairs, including new and recycled fabrics... A couple of handy lined tote bags made from thrifty blouses.



Tissue holders, and bookmarks.... 




Some phone cases, some of which have been made up from other fabrics bought  at the fair, I especially like the bus fabric.

For a change I have been doing some hand embroidery from little snippets featured in my copies of Mollie Makes magazines.



I will be doing some more of these as they are quite addictive!
Spring has been so long in coming, so here are signs from our garden...



I have been making childrens' reversible aprons, using some very wild and gorgeous fabric from Abakhanwww.abakhan.co.uk Some of the aprons have calico on one side with a large flower sewn on for decoration.




I rather like these, so will be making some in larger sizes.

I have been to a quilt exhibition, and as well as admiring the quilts, I couldn't help but purchase some fabrics, all of which will be revealed in the next blog post, that hopefully will be within the next week. I have no excuse as I am enjoying this week on holiday at home!

Enjoy the Spring weather, if it's Spring where you are.  I am now off to find some red embroidery thread for a special request for label on a quilt I have just sold on my etsy shop  as a wedding present .https://www.etsy.com/listing/101048098/patchwork-quilt-squares-in-squares-bed?ref=shop_home_active
I will make a cup of coffee tonight, and settle down to read and admire some of the makes on http://handmadeharbour.blogspot.co.uk/ So put your feet up and enjoy...

Love Wendy x

22 comments:

  1. Oh my you have been so busy. Lots of lovely days out and great makes. I really like the embroidery hoops and aprons. I can't wait to read your post on Clitheroe, it's years since I've been there.
    Ali x

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    1. Thanks Ali. I think the hoops might be a future selling idea. It's a great excuse to go somewhere so I can write about things !
      Wendy x

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  2. What a lovely, lovely post! You HAVE been a busy bee!!!
    I love the embroidery! I keep looking at all the sweet ideas in my Mollie mags, but haven't actually tried one yet. Must get on to it - yours look so cute!!!
    Carly
    x

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    1. It's something I can do at night if I'm watching TV, or (weather permitting) sit outside and sew.
      Wendy x

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  3. You have been busy. I've been to patches and buttons, it's such a lovely shop. Maybe it's time for another visit !! Sarah

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    1. I shall certainly be going there again. It's my idea of heaven x

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  4. Gosh!You have been busy.What gorgeous things you make.Such a lovely blog to read.

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    1. Thanks. Now have to have a few hours tidying up, and sorting out bits of material that have all got mixed up!
      Wendy x

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  5. Wow! No wonder you haven't blogged, where do you get the time to do so much??! I love the Kindle covers! Take care. Chel x

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    1. Thank you. I may just make some more. I'm just enjoying making smaller things for a change. Having said that I bought some more fat quarters to make up another quilt!
      Wendy x

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  6. The fabrics you have used are wonderful! I particularly like the first apron. You've certainly been busy whilst you've been away from your blog. Looking foward to hearing more about the Quilt Fair.

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    1. There will be more aprons on the way, with some being added to my etsy,folksy and luulla stores.
      Wendy x

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  7. I like the way you are up cycling old things into new. Very clever. I also notice that you have fueled your makes with some very yummy food - lucky you :)

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    1. That's the thing with craft fairs etc, there are so many delicious goodies on offer just waiting to be tasted!
      Wendy x

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  8. Wow, you've been so busy. I love the nautical themed cases

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    1. Thanks. They were quite easy to make, and the tutorial was simple to follow.
      Wendy x

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  9. I agree with all the other comments.....thoroughly enjoyed this fab post! Love, love the Kindle covers, the embroidery frames, the aprons....oh, flippin' heck....love it all! My Mum and sister are buying me a Kindle for my birthday in June....know where I'm coming for a cover, now, lol. :)

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    1. Thank you! I will be adding the aprons, and covers to my shops very soon.
      Wendy x

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  10. No wonder you haven't blogged for a while. I'm all in favour of up cycling. The fudge looks yummy.

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    1. Thanks. I love new fabrics, but I also love the challenge of giving some fabric a different use. The fudge was very yummy, a good excuse to visit another craft fair!
      Wendy x

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  11. It's lovely to see what you've been up to, you have certainly kept yourself busy!
    I thought I recognised the images in your embroideries. You've taken what was in Mollie Makes (isn't it a great magazine?) and arranged them in your own way - beautiful work.

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    1. Thank you. I do so love to read Mollie Makes. It's always full of great ideas, and sources of inspiration. I have really enjoyed making the hoop embroideries. More on the way with my own little drawings.
      Wendy x

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I enjoy reading your comments!