Saturday 22 September 2012

Daisy's made a pocket with Ellie Evans


I've had the most marvellous of days at
Hope and Elvis making pockets
with the lovely Ellie Evans.
This is some of Ellies work.
Pockets...


Needle books and pin cushions...


Cross stitch heart brooches...


Beautiful hand stitched work in cutlery box frames ...



and stitched purses.
Her work is exquisite with
hours worth of stitching in every piece.


I had a very old piece of patchwork that I
bought years ago which I was saving for
something special.
Today was something special.
I had a go at cross stitching a heart.
It was extremely tiny.


My initials were a bit bigger
and a lot easier.


My pocket was about me and my Mum.
It was Mum who taught me to sew all those years ago.
She patiently threaded needles for me.
She shared her fabric stash so generously with me.
She encouraged me to play with fabric.


From being very little I loved them.
I remember my clothes, the fabric they were made of
and their colours.
That love has never left me.


A wider view...


A work in progress...


I want to add a lot more stitching
before I sew it all together.


There are lots of hiding places for secret words
to be added.


This is the wonderful lady who started it all.
My darling Mum.
Thank you.
A million times - thank you.


To Ellie and Louise...
Thank you for all your inspiration and knowledge
and to the mystery lady who created the fabulous patchwork
thank you for making such a gorgeous piece of work.
It will be treasured.

Love Daisy
xxx 

Monday 17 September 2012

A year in the life of Daisy's fireplace


When I first moved into my new home nearly a year ago now
there was something missing.
The lounge lacked a focal point and the wall lights were
placed in a very strange arrangement on the wall.
It screamed fireplace to me but there was no chimney
and very little budget to play with.
Christmas was on the horizon and I really wanted a mantel to dress.
Hmmmm....


Then I found this in a charity shop.
I didn't know quite how I was going to make it work or fit
but it was a steal so I thought I would give it a try.
Steve helped me collect it and he drove it home in the snow 
with the boot open!
Bless!


It then had a makeover.
First an undercoat, as it was a tad shiny.


Then a couple of coats of Farrow & Ball and it was ready to assemble.
I looked at fireplace plinths but they were really expensive 
and at the end of the day I wasn't entirely sure this whole idea
would work or if I would like it long term.
So I went to B & Q and asked a very nice man
to cut me a piece of thick MDF to the correct size 
and also a piece to sit at the back of the fireplace frame.
I painted the plinth with a black metallic finish paint.
It worked a treat and I was thrilled with it
but there was still the issue of what to fill the hole with.
(Please also note that I had to check that the Christmas tree would
fit in the corner too!  
Priorities!)


So with my new found drill skills I hung a mirror on the wall
and attached the fireplace to the wall so it wouldn't suddenly fall over.
(I can tell you're impressed!)
Then I went for a rummage in my sewing room upstairs 
for just the right bit of fabric to cover the back board.


I found this!
It was the perfect size too.
Whoever made this so many years ago
stopped at just the right time.
Put it away and never made it into anything.
I wonder if she knew...


that I would treasure every stitch ...


even the tacking ones?


It worked!
I loved it!


It made the room feel warm even though
it didn't give off any heat.



I have played all year with it.
Dressing it as the seasons changed.


Adding bits here and there.


Yes, lots of playing and...
hello Dan I didn't see you there!


 Here we are in autumn.


'I'm going now' and 'Looking for clouds'
are living amongst the old books with Owl.


Jessies book keeps them company.


I hope you enjoyed the visit.
The Arkletts bid you farewell.


I wish you the best of days.
Love
Daisy
xxx

Thursday 23 August 2012

Daisy's flowers

Hello!
Apologies again!
I've been feeling quite poorly recently and
haven't had any energy to do much
on the computer.
I have missed reading all your news and
I am now trying to catch up!
I have uploaded my new photos tonight
so here are some flowers to
share with you.


 A rosy vintage plate


Beautiful pink enamel jug of roses


Vintage silk flowers


in pastel shades


Stunning clematis


Paper flowers made by moi


Get well flowers from a friends garden - gorgeous!


Tiny yellow flowers on this vintage wedding find


Pale pink roses with my beautiful niece 
on our family picnic


Hydrangea blooms in my garden


A touch of  darning on this precious French antique fabric


Floral fabrics being sorted


My latest dress with antique quilt flowers
stitched on the hem


My new homemade dress
I just love this faded spotty linen
Thanks for reading x
Night night 
Love Daisy xx

Sunday 29 July 2012

Daisy's bit of stitching

I've been doing a bit of hand stitching lately.


Inspired by the great Julie Arkell, Janet Bolton, Jessie Chorley and
 Betty Pepper workshops I've been lucky enough to go on recently.
I've hardly been able to put my needle down!


I've been working out of a suitcase.
It's full of bits of gorgeousness but I've
found it incredibly relaxing to just use
whatever is to hand rather than being overwhelmed
with the contents of my sewing room.


I have loved sewing little scraps of loveliness together.
I dream in colour.
Do you?


This was a piece of smocking that I bought
from the Embroiders Guild box of goodies 
at the Knitting and Stitching show in Harrogate.




I've turned it into a cuff by adding a bit of
vintage fabric and a few press studs.


I adore using old threads too.
They compliment the mellow faded fabric so well.


'She loves the sea'


This dress is a project that has been
sitting in my head for a long time.


I have a collection of antique dolls clothes
but didn't really know what to do with them.


When I bought this French linen dress earlier in the year
the idea started to come together.


It was beautifully patched and so very easy to work with.


Each piece seemed to find its own place.


I have to say I have loved wearing it. 
It will continue to be a work in progress
as I find new treasure to add to it.


The last show and tell for today is 
'A shy rabbit'


I have no idea why she turned French but turn French she did.
'Where is she?'


The inspiration for this one came from
reading lift the flap books with Steve's grandson.


The delight on his cute little face when he sees
what's hiding!


'I am here'
 says my little pink rabbit.


I'm off on a trip to York tomorrow with the lovely 
Lemonade Kitty for a girly sewing day.
Will report back soon.
Have a lovely evening.
Hugs
Daisy xxx