Handmade bunting

I've not had much chance to spend any time in the shed yet. But I have managed to make some bunting using fabric scraps, and a length of  pink and red bias binding. Red on one side and pink on the other. I thought I would use the red side for the Autumn and Winter. So far I have hung one strip along the back, and will try and make some more next week to hang along the front.

reversible bunting

strip of bunting

I  have also made something for my swap partner (see previous blog post),  but can't show the photo  yet as I want it to be a surprise!

I have been looking at ideas for a desk, including  charity shops, and the Ikea catalogue.  I moved a small round table and chairs inside,  the table and chairs were a bargain found on a camper van trip to Angelsey. The table top is a bit marked, so sometimes I use tablecloths on it.  I couldn't resist  making one in a soft pink cotton material, where I added a red and white spotted trim.  I cannot find the image, so I will have to add the photo to next weeks' Handmade  Monday if that's ok.

I have also seen  crochet and knitted bunting, I find it quite appealing to be sat in front of the fire with a basket of wool, making flowers and triangles. A great way to use up the tiny balls of wool  leftover from other  pieces of creativity.
I am now going over to take a peek at other projects over at Handmade Monday. I've not had much time to leave many comments lately  so hope to catch up.
Wendy x 

Handmade, aprons, cardigans,and hexagons

Well I was too late to post on Handmade Monday, although I did manage to take a peek at all the handmade gorgeous makes from some very talented people. Please take a look, you'll be glad you did!


I put the stripey fabric I bought at the vintage fair to good use as two large pockets on  a child's apron.

child's apron

The apron is reversible, with the flower pattern  repeated all over on the other side.

reverse side of apron

I really enjoyed making this and have already got a request for an apron with rainbows and cars on!  So I am now on another fabric hunt.

Since I included photos of seasonal apples last week, here is a  recipe for "apple crisp" a long time favourite from an old La Leche league cookbook titled "Whole foods for the Whole Family"

6 to 8 apples sliced
1/2 cup of raisins (optional)
1/3 cup of water
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup butter or oil
1/2 cup brown sugar or honey
2 tablespoons of cinnamon

Put sliced apples in buttered 9 x 13 " baking pan, or oven proof dish. Sprinkle with raisins and water Combine the rest of the ingredients. Sprinkle evenly over the apples. Bake at 350 degrees electric, or 180 gas oven, for 30 to 40 minutes, until apples are soft,  and topping is golden brown. Sere hot or cold. Delicious with ice-cream, cream, yogurt, or custard or on its own. Keeps for a couple of days in the fridge.


I finished the bright pink cardie,
and was quite pleased with the result. I added a fabric rectangle on the inside back, including a handmade with love label from Mollie Makes, then machine stitched the name. I always seem to do more knitting in the Winter.
I feel another cardie coming on, or at least a pair of fingerless mittens!

Finished cardie


I visited another exhibition at the Harris Museum and Art gallery in town, where a textile display consisting of hexagons was pieced together using fabric of importance to the maker. This was done to join in celebrations for The Preston Guild, held once every 20 years.

Pieced Hexagons

Celebrating Preston Guild

I took  the above two photos in a slightly  darkened room, on my mobile,  where  the piece was behind glass,  hence the slightly yellow appearence.

I am thinking of making a hexi cushion for the shed.
It will be delivered during the first week of November, and I am so looking forward to "doing it up". I shall be sat inside it on the first night with an oil lamp, deckchair and glass of bubbly to celebrate.. or cup of coffee and cake depending on the weather!  But that's for another post.

Thank you for reading this, I appreciate your comments, and hello to fellow followers!

retro rose quilt

Here are some photos of my finished retro roses quilt.

Patchwork roses

Showing border  and quilting details

Here is the rose sprig backing fabric

Front and reverse of the quilt

I am pleased with the way this quilt has come together. During September I will be selling this quilt on its' own, or in combination with the other roses quilt at a reduced price.

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Today I went to a vintage and craft fair  in Preston as part of the Guild celebrations ,  and  came across a  gorgeous yellow  tea set

Tea for two ?

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A splitie selling divine cakes

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cakes and camper vans


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And knitted pieces in unexpected places !

Plus I just could not resist the call of fabric bits and pieces saying "take me home, you know you want to !" So I did, but that's for another day .... and another quilt....
It's handmade Monday, an opportunity to look at other lovely blogs and this is my first contribution!