Embroidery fun with Ribbon

Twirled Ribbon Roses, French Ribbon Knots, Spider Web Roses and Needleweaving Bars.  Been an age since I did these, forgot how relaxing and fun they are to do. The A-Z Embroidery Stitches book I bought for my daughter last Christmas and borrowed it back just to have a browse and saw the ribbon embroidery and felt I just had to have a wee play, and as I was making my granddaughter Poppy a few outfits for her doll I thought I would try it out on a top..... might add it took me for ever and I won't be in a hurry to do another, the top took minutes but I reckon it took me a good 4 hours off and on to finish the embroidery. Fun book and perfect for beginners through to advanced.

Rose scented Sachet

Another Rose scented sachet

 Top and trousers made from an old scarf

Pants from an old T-shirt, the poncho is a doily with the centre cut out, bias trim round the top with pink ribbon tie,and a little pouch bag made from the left over centre. Ta da

The Twentieth Wife.... Indu Sundaresan

If you've ever thought of  pondering the wonders of India and long-ago lore... then step right this way into a tale of love, mystery, and devotion that eventually resulted in the reality of the Taj Mahal. I bought this book when I was in India and have just finished it today. I enjoyed the skillfull blend of historical reality along with the richness of the scenes the author created, and  whilst  reading it somehow brought all the magic of India back to me, only thing missing was a cup of chai.  I have just ordered the followup  "The Feast of Roses" and can't wait.

Curtesy Chai

Happy Holidays

World's Deepest Step Well... Chand Baori... Abhaneri India

This is just an amazing construction  of a Step Well  "Chand Baori" in a  village called Abhaneri near Jaipur in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Located opposite Harshat Mata Temple and is thought to be one of the deepest and largest Step Wells in India. Built in the 9th Century  by King Chanda  and was dedicated to Hashat Mata  (Godess of joy and happiness)  it has 3,500 narrow steps,13 stories and is a 100 feet deep. Not that I counted them I got dizzy trying. An amazing example of the architectural  workmanship of the past.  It was intended to conserve water and was a community gathering place.  When I saw this the name Escher popped into my head!!

What Can You Do with Rope TieBacks?

I just bet you have all seen these curtain tie backs around the second hand shops or car boot sales and just walked past. Well I buy them for next to nothing and I just wanted to show you a few things that you can do with them.

First just cut of the ends and you will have 3 strands (sometimes there are more) in this one there is a gold, chocolate and a gold and chocolate mix.

Then just unravel them and you will have beautiful spiralled thread.

Use to add a finishing touch to your craft project I used the gold on some lavender sachets

Finish your gift  with a lovely spiral effect

 I made these yo yo necklaces using the cord from the centre of the tieback, so nothing wasted

I tried a couple of poms poms one I left with a loop for hanging and the other could be a shoe clip, or again could be used to embellish a gift. I am sure there are many more uses for tiebacks, so next time pick one up and see what you can find to do with it. Would love to see what you come up with.

Twilight Zone

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MHD Designs....Doll Clothing patterns

Whilst browsing for patterns for my granddaughters new doll I stumbled upon this site and I am smitten (insert large heart). Just look at these beauties I want them all!!!! These patterns are for an 18" doll but she has many other sizes to choose from. Descriptions are from Magalie's Website

Joie de Vie

Here is a different, but very classy look for our Kaye Wiggs girls! It may seem like it is somewhat more advanced than some of my other patterns with all of the ruffles and button loops, but I show a very easy way to make the mini-pleat ruffles (with a video on YouTube!) and I really want you to keep in mind that all you need to do is sew one seam at a time. Your girl will be stunning!

Rayon de Soleil

This ensemble is light and fresh, just in time for Spring, and it's light enough for Summer as well. Easy to sew, requiring only two contrasting cotton on linen fabrics, I know that you will enjoy creating your own interpretation of "Ray Of Sunshine" for your girl!

L'Ecoliere

I've always the look of a school ensemble, so here is one for our girls with a jacket and pleated skirt.   It can be for school, or you can use the jacket with jeans, and the skirt with a knit top...   I also include pattern pieces for a longer jacket if you'd like to have more of a "coat" look.  Have fun sewing!

Frous Frous

This original pattern is for an Princess Line Collarless Flared Coat with gathered 3/4 length sleeves.  The coat is adjusted at the waist and gradually widens to a full skirt.   It is wonderfully complimented by the "50's Look" halter dress with a princess line cut, which features a sculpted bow at the bust line and a full skirt of gathered panels.   

This dress design includes a tulle underskirt attached to the bodice lining.   The Race Day Hat has a fabric "button" covered gathered crown and is decorated at the front with a double bow.   This design is wonderfully fun to sew, and you'll love how your girls look in the finished ensemble!

Tattered Delicates on Etsy

Explore the whimsical world of TatteredDelicates and see what she has created with crocheted doilies, soft old linens,  cotton fabrics and more and as she states herself  "I do get carried away with embellishments, as my imagination haunts my thoughts with "more is better."  Pop over and feast your eyes on some of her other creations, you wont be dissapointed.

This white crochet poncho is a vintage cotton crocheted piece. It has been upcycled from a vintage table doily. Poncho has a simple romantic design. This has a soft delicate feel and will drape gently off your shoulders. The thread used for this vintage crocheted piece is the thinner more delicate kind.

Altered couture blouse romantically embellished in a victorian style with lots of fluffy white laces. 

Cute shabby handbag in a romantic Victorian style with lace and doily embellishments. This bag has a puffy like body. This creme colored fabric has soft round popcorn-like bumps filled with poly fibers. They're like little pillows. Embellishment with a vintage crocheted doily, buttons, couple pieces of fringe, cotton lace and ruffled lace.

Altered couture blouse romantically embellished in a victorian style with lots of fluffy white laces. 

Shabby chic bag in a romantic Victorian cottage style. Handmade with vintage cotton crocheted doilies, lace trims, vintage lace remnant scraps, buttons, beads, satin ribbon roses, my handmade fabric rose, old used fringe (has stains), tiny metal dragonfly and butterfly, and a brooch with vintage faux pearls and gypsy coins. The body of this shabby purse is a white damask fabric.

Our Land Island Backwater Resort.. India

Every once in a while, when the hectic pace of city life overwhelms you and the chaos of the urban crush threatens to consume you, it’s always wise to retreat into some much-needed solitude. Tucked away in the backwaters of Kerala is Our Land, a panacea for the soul. An island getaway from the rigmarole of daily life, Our Land sits in an island of tranquillity to the south of Alappuzha, surrounded by green paddy fields fringed with coconut palm, bamboos and banana trees that stretch as far as the eye can see.
 

Staying here was by far the highlight of our 4 weeks in India. Beautiful rooms with views over the water. Excellent and copious helpings of freshly cooked Kerala style food. Cold beer! 

A great 90 minute walk with Radeesh one morning when he identified and showed us lots of birds. Followed  the next day with a great little trip up the narrow backwaters in a canoe which gave us access to areas you would never see in a bigger boat. 

Overall an outstanding experience for 2 nights - and we would have happily stayed a little longer though there is little to do other than kickback and relax.

Our Land Resort