A beautiful leaf garland

I am an avid reader of Elsie's A Beautiful Mess blog. One of her recent Autumnal projects Fall Leaves Garland really inspired me to get back to some hand stitching. Here's my version at the window in my favourite colours, I had the felt and mustard coloured wool in my stash waiting to be used! I'm really pleased with the finished look.





I finished the project this Friday evening and this weekend has been the hottest October on record in England!!! I'm making the most of it by getting my Vitamin D while I can!

What new projects are you working on this Autumn?

Emma x

Pull up a chair

It has been a while. Finally I am settled in my new home. I thought you would like to see my new sewing area. As the flat is in a grade II listed building my grandparents inherited furniture looks fantastic against the stone walls, even with a modern machine and accessories. Feel so lucky.

I have also been working on a steamer chair refashion. I used Amy Butler fabric to cover the cushion and stained the chair to improve the surface of the wood. Before and after photos below.

Emma x

Moving on...

I am mainly surrounded by boxes at the moment. My sewing station is one of two clear areas to spend time in (the other is the bed). I decided to start work on one small home sewing project which will look great in my new living room. It's the Amy Butler tissue box cover. I was given a sew-it kit for my birthday and this included gorgeous fabric, cotton, template and pattern to make it. I started cutting out last weekend and intend to finish this coming weekend.

I move on Easter Saturday and I'm looking forward to getting back to my routine of sewing at weekends. It has been so cloudy here today, bring the sun back!

I also wanted to share with you a photo of my favourite sewing shop in Cambridge - Cally Co. This was taken while I was on holiday a few weeks ago. Doesn't time fly! Whilst I was away I bought a sewing kit to make this gorgeous guy below, Cyril Squirrel. I love his little jumper. I think you call it geek chic.





Anyone shopping for fabric right now should check out Seamstar they are doing a limited time 15% off printed and plain fabrics (excluding sale fabrics).

I will be back with photos of my tissue box cover and new, improved sewing station soon.

Bye for now,
Emma x

Trims and things: New projects for Spring

More crazy times have led to an absence of sewing so I've decided to share with you the potential projects I really want to get done this Spring.

You will notice many are home projects. I have some very exciting news to share with you - I am moving to a new flat! I want to decorate with lots of lovely home-sewn creations. Here is a list of the sewing books I can recommend to you. I've selected my favourite patterns from each book for you to check out.

1. Amy Butler's In Stitches

A pretty sash...


A stylish apron


Funky sofa cushions


Fab floor cushions

In Stitches was a gift and is great value as there are 25 sewing projects to choose from.

2. Amy Butler's Sewing Kit

Tissue box cover

Another great gift, the kit contains fabric and coordinating thread to make a tissue box cover in my favourite colours, plus several pattern cards (some are duplicated in Amy's In Stitches book).

3. Sew by Cath Kidston

Egg cosy

I am loving these cute egg cosies which will look great in the new kitchen.

4. Fast Fabric Gifts by Sally Southern

Fabric covered photo frames

I can see these dotted around the flat displaying photos of my friends and family. Also, they would make great presents.

Sewing basket

This old-fashioned sewing basket and strawberry themed sewing accessories are gorgeous. Who wouldn't want this basket of goodies sitting in their home.

I am pleased to report the library Frock Exchange event went really well. The event took place this Sunday at Central library. You can view the photos here. Sewing fans should check out The Pin Tin, Funky Poppy and Love bobbins web and Facebook pages, I was totally inspired by their stalls.

I am on holiday for a week from Saturday and unable to take my machine with me. Such a shame but I will be doing some hand sewing and knitting whilst I am away.

Happy Wednesday!

Emma x

Library Frock Exchange

I already mentioned the clothes swapping event I am organising on March 13. Here are full details for you as promised. I just love the image, after all beautiful books are our unique selling point. If you live in the Plymouth area and want to come along you can buy your ticket at one of our libraries. Full details of all our libraries on the website.

The great thing about clothes swapping events is that you can still get the same exciting rush as when you purchase a new item, whilst saving money and the planet. Quids in!

Don't worry if you can't make it, our event photos will appear on the library Flickr page. I will post the link after the event. There's still so much preparation to do yet :)

We're really excited to have The Pin Tin selling fabrics and haberdashery, plus fashion students from the local college will be customising and altering clothing. I hope we can inspire people to learn to sew and save. My new mantra is make do and mend. I found this lovely poster online, so shopaholics join the campaign and put them up at home!



Emma x

Trims and things: Weekly sewing wish list

A list of my favourite sewing goodies online this week...

Stunning themed fabric bundles from Backstitch.

Bellini bundle


Metropolitan bundle


Images via Backstitch

I'm also loving the look of two particular beginner patterns at Raystitch. So chic!

Hot Patterns Uptown downtown knit dress


Colette Sencha Blouse

Images via Raystitch.

Seamstar have this beautiful crochet ribbon edging as well as a plethora of gorgeous new fabrics.


Image via Seamstar

And just for fun, these novelty buttons from Clothkits. I can just imagine them decorating a mustard or navy cardie.



Clothkits also have a range of funky bobble trims available in various sizes and colours, only wish I'd known about them this winter. Click through and check out the full range.


Images via Clothkits.

Happy sewing,
Emma x

Crazy times!

There have been some big things going on in my life this week that have prevented me blogging. I have missed it very much. It's so good to have a creative outlet to balance things out! But my absence was for very good reason. I wasn't able to go to my sewing class as my car boot handle locked itself and I couldn't get the machine out. I was so embarrassed as I had booked my place on the class in advance. I had it fixed and finally, was able to get the trolley out yesterday.

Last weekend our library was tweeted by comedian Phill Jupitus. He wanted to arrange to work with us for a morning to mark Save our libraries day (which took place across the country yesterday). I have been busy arranging his visit and making sure all was in order. Phill read Winnie the Pooh to local children. There is a photo of Phill and I on the library Flickr site. Here is a link to the photos if you are interested.

I also went to the Frock Off at Plymouth Guildhall and swapped a skirt and shirt for these two gorgeous ASOS dresses, and a beret! The Frock Off was in aid of Motor Neurone disease, a charity close to my heart. We all had a great time and took home some fantastic swaps.




I'm organising a library Frock exchange event in March and I'm really looking forward to hosting again. I'll be posting details here soon.

I thought it would be good idea to show you why I love the trolley that carries my sewing machine to classes. When I've looked for custom-made sewing machine trolleys I'm usually disappointed with the designs available and they look enormous! Mine is actually a large rucksack on wheels that I have used as carry on luggage in the past. It's ideal for my petite sewing machine and the pockets are perfect for all my sewing accessories.







The trolley is by Aerolite and cost around £15 when I bought it. My machine is a Brother BM model.

Thanks for reading,
Emma x