Craft Kit

A little while ago, this amazing box arrived in the post.

I had been looking forward to recieving one of these since I knew that Marna from Little A Designs was going to be selling them.

I wrote a blog a while ago about Little A Designs after I attended one of her rosette making workshop. Her work is gorgeous and Marna is lovely, kind and generous.

Inside the box is everything needed to make a family tree cushion, in the same style that Marna uses. Here is what is inside.

There is a piece of linen to use as the base fabric for the cushion. The tree itself has already been cut out by Marna and then there is a selection of different fabrics to use as the leaves (leaves have been drawn on the back and just need cutting out). There is also a packet of various buttons to use as embellishments.

What I wasn't expecting was the selection of sewing equipment, scissors, threads, pin cushion, thimble, pins, needles, tape measure and glue! You can literally take this box anywhere and not need anything else to create the fantastic cushion! So that's exactly what I intend to do. I am going to Tenerife in August and this is the perfect travelling project.

Hopefully I'll have a complete project to show you soon and *hopefully* it will look something like this.

Photograph and cushion by Marna Lunt, Little A Designs.

Visit Little A Designs Facebook page here.

Pom Pom Trim

I LOVE pom pom trim. I have added some to cushions in the past, but it hasn't always been the best quality. I decided to buy some better quality trim, made from proper velvet.

This love trim is from Deckchair Stripes.  

I have made this cushion and added the pom pom trim. I bought a fat quarter of this fabric and then realised I loved it so much I needed some more, so ordered plenty! I am going to use some of it in my next quilt (when the first quilt is finished!)

Does anyone have any good tips for sewing on pom pom trim? It seems very tricky on cushion seams. I used the zipper foot on my machine but still struggled. Maybe there is some cheat method I'm missing!?

I just bought one of these cheap and basic sewing machine from John Lewis.

We have a house in Tenerife and when we go on holiday we want to take a little machine with us that we can leave there. This one is perfect as it is small and light and is well within hand luggage restrictions (with removal of needle). I haven't used it yet, but if it sews as good as it looks I'll be happy. Also, it can be bought in a range of colours!

Thanks for reading.

Rachel x

Handmade Heart Swap

I have posted about my love of heart shaped/themed items before and so was eager to be involved in Mary Poppins Handmade Heart swap.



I received my lovely parcel from Helene a few weeks ago, but have only just got the chance to post about it.

I was very excited about the swap as it is the first I have been involved in since joining Bloggerland!

I was definitely not disappointed. Here are a few of the things I got.

This was the main item of the package and most definitely my favourite! Helene corcheted this gorgeous floral hanger with beads and heart at the bottom. Her crochet is so neat and tidy and she picked gorgeous colours. It's now hanging in my bedroom.

She also crocheted me this lovely stuffed red heart.

Here are a few other things she sent. Some polka dot fabric, pom pom trim (which I love), some ribbon with hearts on, and some blue and cream ribbon. She also sent a cute little crocheted heart keyring.

Thanks Helene! If you like your package just half as much as I like mine I'll be happy!

Love Rachel x

Thank-You and New Look!

This is a thank-you post for Artwork by Angie.

Way back towards the beginning of the year I contacted her after seeing her fabulous work and asked if she would create some artwork for my blog, including a logo and a background design. She put me on her waiting list and finally at the end of June my turn came. Yesterday, I was expecting to see my proofs so kept checking my e-mails eagerly. I was soooo thrilled with the designs Angie sent, I haven't met her in person but she managed to capture exactly what I wanted only by communicating via e-mail and sending various attachments.

Although I dont have a proper business, I do make items for people and as gifts and I decided it would be nice to have some branding to go with them.

Here is my new logo which has also been used as my blog header, she created the gorgeous new floral blog background and designs for business cards. What do you think? I am going to head over to moo.com for some mini moo cards and some stickers!

Thanks again Angie!!