Author: sewnupgifts

Daily Writing Prompt – Hobbies Over Time

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This daily writing prompt really jumped out as I started this blog as a craft blog. If you are a crafter you may of seen the meme that’s along the …

Daily Writing Prompt – Hobbies Over Time

I too am planning a house move after 24 years, the longest I have lived anywhere and I am in my early 70’s. But the only craft I have ever worked at is dressmaking and machine sewing for various reasons, even mending.

In about 30 years of sewing I only had one machine and the basics for dressmaking. But once the internet got into full swing I was tempted with must haves. My sewing equipment has gone from one drawer in a chest to one room and two chests of drawers!

I am embarrassed by this and now having read that others too, struggle with craft “ stuff” beyond use I am set to downsize, or I will never find a new home, with a sewing room of course.

Scrappy Days

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Like a lot of stitchers I end up with lots of odds and ends of fabrics that I cannot bear to throw in the bin, but decisions have to be made or I will be swamped!

So I have taken the plunge and decided on a herringbone style scrap quilt pattern and will put it together using quilt as you go. I have not attempted this before, in fact I have not done any patchwork and quilting for 3 or 4 years.

So far so good, I am pleased that there is no need to choose a definite range of patterns or colours, I like it comes together quickly and finally it is not a show stopper if you are not quite exact! For me that is the icing on the cake!

A few blocks put together.
Just a few scraps.

Slouchy shoulder bag remake.

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I put together this useful bag for a friend who kindly tidied her fabric collection in my direction. She was obviously being very brave moving her precious stash along so I made her this bag of what I thought would be her favourites.

I hope she approves. The pattern was from Simply Sewing magazine. A nice quick make and a great way of showing off small pieces of special fabric.

Commemoration Hall Huntingdon

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A new venue for us at Sewn Up Gifts . I am really looking forward to taking part as this Hall has been recently totally revamped and renovated and is really smart. Most importantly it is a volunteer led theatre and really special for our town. I am hoping others agree!

Sewn Up Gifts will also be here!

There is a wonderful bar in the Theatres’ foyer selling really tasty cakes and coffee as well as a very comfy seating area and library room downstairs.

Always difficult to know how a new sales area will work so hoping for the best.

Love Animals?

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On 3rd June Sewn Up Gifts was at RSPCA Block Fen Wimblington Cambridgeshire for an open day. This was a special 20 year anniversary of the event and an important fund raising event for the animal charity.

As a result I was very very busy in my sewing room surrounded by animal print cottons and bags in order to represent as many domestic and wild animals that sometimes need our care. UK is well known as a country of animal lovers but sometimes things go wrong which is why the work the RSPCA do is so necessary and important.

It would be really amazing if this years fund raiser was a bumper one. There were over 70 small businesses attending including, live music from musicians who perform at Cambridge Folk Festival, classic cars, dog shows, food drink and craft stalls . Something for everyone!

Even after all the recent Bank Holidays the centre was buzzing on the day, the sun shone, the ice cream vendor made a fortune and even the animals were smiling. And the target was reached for the charity so a tremendous success all around.

But best of all it was a most enjoyable day and I met some lovely people and pets. Now when is the next event for Sewn Up Gifts? The 24th June at Godmanchester plant nursery. Better get sewing again I think!

Beautiful Bath

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We have just returned from a three day visit to this incredible city. I had been before but years ago with no time to explore as then I had two little children in tow, so I was really looking forward to these few days.

The English weather was being kind to us and the sun made an appearance each day, it makes such a difference! Only problem was I had packed all the wrong gear, but not to worry always an opportunity to pop into one or two shops.

I always just think of the city’s Roman history when Bath is mentioned but of course the place has been there forever, just think of Stonehenge just down the road, the same stone as used in all those Georgian terraced homes.

Here are a few photos, I have tried to show different aspects of the historic town but you could write a book, and many people have, to describe this beautiful town. If you can, I recommend visiting in off peak times, it gets busy in the centre and most interesting sites should be booked beforehand.

Roman Baths
Bath Abbey West Door
The Kennet and Avon canal
King George V post box
The head of the Roman god Minerva
Paulteney Bridge
The mineral laden source for the Baths
Trompe-l’oeil on the old lending library wall

Bags of sewing.

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http://folksy.com/shops/sewnupgifts

Come and call in at my new shop on Folksy. New things being added all the time!

Beautiful Beagles
Lovely Labradors

Two weeks of inactivity away on holiday have given me a little push to get cracking on with my bag making endeavour. I have an animal charity stall in June to attend ( I know it’s ages away but time rushes by!) and the organisers said animal themes are the way to go, makes sense I suppose!

These 3 are the result so far and yes I know one is denim no animals in sight! There is a heap of materials stacked up in my little sewing room and this weekend is a no sew one as we have company for 3 nights. Lovely but a no no to any thoughts of creativity!

My next dog walking bag is cut out and is one for golden retriever owners. Then I am going for a change, perhaps a feline theme or something totally wild, who knows!

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Jeans to a bag!

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It’s been a really long while since I actually did some denim therapy ie reworking jeans into another useful life. My granddaughters’ year 10 jeans have been refashioned into a sweet new handbag , and I am really chuffed with the result.

My granddaughter is not yet appreciative of my “makes” although she is a loving and polite 15 year old now, and is amused with my efforts on the sewing machine and on the web. In fact she is my IT support team and I am always in awe!

Brass clip fastened belt and lots of pockets.

I am trying to get more sewing done but now that spring is almost here the garden calls too, perhaps I shall get said grand daughter involved there !

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