The Sewing Shed

Great excitement this week as my sewing shed finally arrived. I bought it at half price on the condition I waited till the Summer season was over and then it would be delivered at the beginning of November.
A base had to be prepared first.

wooden frame ready for cement base

hearts were added by OH at each corner!

Then early one morning it arrived at 7.30am just as I was leaving for work.  I could hardly wait to get back home to see it.

early morning arrival

The pieces were taken through to the back garden, and carefully put together.

one corner three more to go

almost there...

finishing off...

I think they did a great job!

side view on the day I bought it in the Summer

frosty roses

I love the details on these leaves

The cold weather is here for sure.  I can only stay in the shed for a few minutes,   but slowly over the Winter it will get light and warmth, and I will post more photos as things are added to the inside. I feel very lucky to have this sewing shed. So thankyou  Dad, for enabling me to treat myself to the shed. I know you'll be watching down on me from somewhere as I sit sewing in what will become a cosy place, to sew, make things and just be.

Couldn't resist hanging this up!


It's been quite hectic here lately, so I will slow down,  and  browse through the  makes on show at Handmade Monday. There are always great displays from lots of creative people!

Oh yes, I almost forgot! I have a swap partner over at Make And Craft. The very creative Alison at Fiddley Fingers, who also takes part on Handmade Monday.  So  must  get working on that too....

Vintage fairs and apple pie

Who knows where the time goes....(the title of one of my favourite Sandy Denny songs...Fairport Convention). The signs of  Autumn are all around us,

Apple crumble

I see an apple pie..

Postcard of vintage fair

I went to a local vintage fair, and found some pretty pieces of material

Another  quilt

I like these abstract leaves

An apron I think

We had a delicious lunch at the pub where the fair took place, I had a potato, fennel, and blue cheese bake, with parsnip curls, and a drizzle of  a herb tomato  sauce. It looked beautiful on the plate, but unfortunately I was half way through my meal when I thought about taking a photo!
Instead I took  photos of a textile work displayed on the wall.  

Isn't this amazing stitching

life like birds head

Lace hung from the birds' beaks, and the lace was interwoven with  words.
This was made by Morwenna Cats.

My head is spinning with  possible ideas using my latest finds.
Hope you all have a very creative week!
I am going to take a look at what else has been happening over at Handmade Monday.

Birdcage quilt

Here are some photos of  a quilt I recently completed. I am quite pleased with the way it turned out. I was going to add rick-rack  to it, but decided I preferred it without. I like the way it has two looks to it, with the other side mainly covered in birds and birdcages fabric. The colours complement the blocks on the front.

front of quilt

birdcage fabric

I started to hand quilt certain areas, then because I love the soft effect, and also I love to quilt, I ended up completing the rest of the quilt by hand.

reverse of quilt

completed front and back

working out block designs

I used  a design wall to help work out fabric arrangements of  this quilt. Sometimes I just make things up as I go along !

We spent a couple of days camping by Ullswater in The Lake District. I took these photos early evening, I love the subdued tones to the light, and of course the breathtaking views. Our camper van was just behind me, that's how close we were to the water. 

view across the lake

early evening

remains of old pier

Will start working next on finishing border of a quilt made up of darker rose patterned fabrics. Think I will machine quilt this one, or I could hand quilt roses on it!