Anything Goes Challenge #98 - Coffee Break and/or Food

Well, its time for another challenge at Anything Goes, goodness where has the last two weeks gone to? 

Our challenge this week is Coffee Break and/or Food and I decided to do another sewing project - afterall our sponsor the lovely Lynn at the Craft Den also stocks quilting fabrics and notions.

My little contribution this time is a coaster:

This was made using scraps of fabric in my stash. Just like in my papercrafting I keep even small pieces as they do eventually come in handy but more so with fabrics as they can be sewn together in a patchwork manner.

The pattern for this design was a freebie I downloaded from the internet but unfortunately can't remember where.

Please do take a look at my teamies creations over at Anything Goes

Anything Goes at Anything Goes Challenge #97

Time for another challenge at Anything Goes which is Anything Goes, so come on and show us your crafty creations, 

I used to be an avid dressmaker, making clothes for myself, my mum, daughter and ocassionally for others. However, when I returned to full time education I no longer had the time, study and looking after the kids was all consuming and the sewing machine was put at the back of the closet never to see light of day until......... I started papercrafting! Then it came out for machine stitching cards, mixed media projects etc.

Then I found patchwork and quilting! Wow! I so wanted to produce some of those fabulous tote bags and quilts - unfortunately time was a problem. Then at the end of March I reduced my hours at work to 3 days and  my DH bought me an all singing all dancing quilting machine for my birthday! I was off on another craft! 

But where are you going to sew DH asked? There's no room in your craft room! Well........ I will need a large table for cutting out (says I) sew (so) the dining table is ideal. Yes! You guessed it - the dining room is now my sewing room! I have even cleared out half the sideboard for my fabrics and notions. Problem is I already need the rest of it and I can't find room for the dishes elsewhere! LOL!

I needed to protect the table sew I made this mat to put the machine onto together with a pin cushion and bucket for the scraps.

I bought the fabric from the lovely Lynn at The Craft Den and it is called Sew Retro Montage by designer Makower and it is 100% cotton, 44" wide. Isn't it lovely? An ideal choice for this particular project don't you think?

The mat has been quilted using cotton batting and a matching blue fabric with a tiny design, all from the Craft Den. The pin cushion and bucket (gosh this is so useful at the side of the machine for all those bits of thread!) were made using the same fabrics and the pin cushion was filled with rice to provide weight. So pleased with this as it was only my second project!

My very first project was a craft bag which I made at a workshop with Lynn at The Craft Den. She runs a regular patchwork and sewing workshop one Saturday a month and she has a fantastic selection of fabrics. Lynn will sell you any length you want even down to a 2" strip!

Love the fabrics but it took me an age to decide which to use 'cos there was so much choice and I liked 'em all! Lynn does have a great selection and has recently expanded the range.

This bag is so useful for workshops as there are lots of pockets. I even took it on holiday to hold all those bits you need when sunbathing eg book, sunglasses, suncream etc etc.

Unfortunately The Craft Den website is undergoing a face lift at the moment but if there are any crafty goodies you need then do give Lynn a call at the shop 0114 234 0732.

The Craft Den is also on facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Craft-Den/222152974470195 or Lynn's blog http://craftden-lynne.blogspot.co.uk/

Don't forget to check out all the fab creations from my teamies at Anything Goes 

Anything Goes Challenge #96 - Checks, Stripes and Flowers

Hello again, time for another challenge from Anything Goes which is Checks, Stripes and Flowers. I must admit this was one of those cards that sort of came together. I searched my stash for DPs which met the criteria and these two papers fitted the bill perfectly, the check is from the Protebello Road paper pack by Papermainia but the stripes not sure about as they were scraps.

The Poppy montage image is a Stampington wood mounted stamp I have had for quite a while but it is a lovely useful stamp. The sentiment is from the IndigoBlu set Wild Meadow. Both stamps were inked with crimson red versafine and embossed with clear embossing powder.

Some lace, bakers twine, crochet flowers, wood buttons, die cut leaves and twine were added to finish.

I hope you like it but please pop over to Anything Goes to checkout  (no pun intended!) my teamies lovely creations. And don't forget to visit the Craft Den website for all your crafty needs.