Tuesday 28 May 2013

What do you call a group of hedgehogs?

I was wondering what the collective noun was for hedgehogs so looked it up on a few websites.   The official term seems to be "Array" however a couple of sites also suggested a "Prickle"!

So here is my "Array of Hedgehogs": pin/brooch cushions made from some lovely vintage Laura Ashley remnants. The back is made from contrasting gingham and has a woven label. 


After the cutting, sewing and stuffing I add ric-rac trim, gingham button eyes with contrasting embroidery thread and black pom-pom noses.  Just waiting for some orange gingham buttons to finish, then they will be added to my shop.


Wednesday 22 May 2013

UK Handmade Summer Showcase

One of my favourite cushions is being featured on the UK Handmade Summer Showcase.  

This is a great site for anyone who is a maker, it has interesting articles as well as a forum where you can post your your makes.  

The showcase allows makers to be featured and will be promoted by UK Handmade so fingers crossed I get some new followers and may be some sales.

http://ukhandmade.co.uk/showcase/summer


  

My New Sewing Machine

I have had my old Toyota sewing machine for over 20 years and it does have a lot of features.  However it is metal so very heavy and now and again plays up!

So when I saw this little beauty in John Lewis I had to have it.  See further details....

It does straight stitch, zig-zag and scallop so given this is what I use 99.9% of the time its ideal.  

Its very light and can be lifted by one hand and is so small I won't need to keep moving it off the table.  But most importantly it looks great!!

I will keep you posted as to how I get on with it but at £35.00 its got to be a bargain. 



Gingham Glory - The Start

This is my first attempt at a blog!  

I have always loved vintage items spending many hours in jumble sales when I was young moving onto charity shops as I started to get more pocket money. Although a lot of my collections have moved on I have always kept my linen, some of which came from my grandmother.

 I have also enjoyed sewing and in the past made a lot of clothes and home furnishings. However as work commitments increased over the years collecting and sewing took a back seat.


Now I have the time and having been inspired by programmes such as Kirstie's Handmade Britain and magazines such as Making I looked at what I could do that was different.  So Gingham Glory was born. http://folksy.com/shops/lal179
The first range for my shop was Linda's Linens, hand made cushions from rescued vintage embroidered table linen with contrasting gingham backs. 
My love of fabric also extends to vintage and retro patterns which I have used to produce 1960s and 1970s inspired cushions. 

Another of my favourites is my hedgehog pincushions, they can be used by sewers or look equally cute on the dressing table with brooches.

I had forgotten how much pleasure sewing gave me and double so now as it gives me a good excuse to go out hunting for old table linen, retro fabrics and lovely trimmings. 
I am aiming to give updates via this blog on my new makes and places and things that inspire me.  And if the weather improves you might get to see some of my garden!