Friday, 24 February 2012

10 things I love about you!

HaPPY Friday everyone!!!!

My first week back at school seems to have dragged!! But I am looking forward to a weekend off!

Tonight I've been reminiscing about my favourite movie: 10 things I hate about you!! Loves it- I mean have you seen Heath Ledger in this movie. This has gave me a great idea I am gunna share some information about myself, here are 10 things about me!

1. I was born in Sunderland and I grew up here! I guess that makes me a mackem
2. I'm a primary school teacher. Two years working with 4 year olds: Pure bliss!!!
3. I adore america. I often convince myself I'm an american just born in the wrong country!
4. I hate eggs!!
5. Ceaser salad pizza from Rosas on long island is the best food in the world! i've just discovered a restaurant that sells them in Sunderland- I'll keep you posted on how good it tastes.
6. I've only been quilting for about 6 months! I'm loving it
7. I'm scared stiff of needles yet regularly give blood- sucker for a treat!
8.  I went to a small school called Argyle House School: it was the best days of my life!
9. I'm a camera Nazi! live life so that it is worth the memories!
10. Disney world is a real life fairytale and the more hours I spend there the more magical it becomes!

For those who don't know me I hope you feel like you know me more now. For those of you who do maybe you found out something new!
Pay it forward!! Next time you blog tell others about yourself.....

Till next time: Keep Crafting

Ashleigh x

Wednesday, 15 February 2012

Half term crafting continued

Wooo!! Here's to celebrate one month of blogging- look at how many projects woohoo!! I'm loving it!

I have an obsession with hearts (nearly as serious as my owl obsession!!)
Heart garland, heart clocks, heart earrings, heart everything so today I desided to make a homemade heart for a birthday gift.
Heart hangings are my favourite creation because it usually takes minimum effort with maximum effect. It also gives me an excuse to use some of the gorgeous material I've bought but had no use for.

So I picked some fab patchwork fabric and chose the heart shape (big fat heart this time). To finish it off I added some 'home sweet home' ribbon to the front and hung it with red ribbon.


I got to use another new setting on my sewing machine- setting the needle slightly to the side so that I could finish the stitching using my machine.
What to make tomorrow....

Til next time: Keep Crafting

Ashleigh x

Sunday, 12 February 2012

A beginner attempts Cath Kitson!

Todays project was the free project kit from Cath Kitson's book Patch.
I'm sooo proud I managed to complete the tote bag and it looks soo pretty.

I found the pattern really hard to follow as a beginner I didn't understand some of the technical terms such as a slip stitch but I perservered making a few changes along the way e.g. i straight stitched the patches together using my sewing machine instead of using a slip stitch and I blanket stitched the pattern onto the bag.


I love my new blanket stitch mode on my sewing machine!

Its not perfect but I love it- Here's the finished product.



I'm now looking forward to a week off school with lots of crafting!
Till next time: Keep Crafting.

Ashleigh x

Friday, 10 February 2012

America America...

Hi everyone!
My latest project is a cushion made with american fabric. My nana wanted a cushion for her friend at calligraphy class. So we worked together to make this project.

 My nana cross stitched the panel and i made it into a cushion with some lengths of fabric making the patchwork effect by straight stitching them together.
I made an 18x18 cushion so gave myself a 2 inch seam allowance (20x20). Measured and cut out the material using my rotary cutter. I made a envelope back by cutting two pieces of fabric 15inches by 17 and 10 inches by 17. This time I remembered to face the seams upwards when joining to the front panel this time- always a good thing!!
Next time I make a cushion I am going to put a zip in the back of my cushion. I don't no how to do it yet tho!! My janome has a setting so I'm hoping to try it out in the half term holidays - I will let you know how it goes! I've also got some cushions to make for school with calico material.

Until next time- Keep Crafting!!

Ashleigh x

Wednesday, 1 February 2012

Christmas projects

Since I've been poorly bad this week I have been looking for some crafting TLC. I have looked at starting some christmas projects.
I've started my historical sampler cross stitch that I have found in the world of cross stitching magazine.

It's the second one in from the left. Although the other patterns in the magazine are also awesome. This is issue 184 (November 2011- I think).
Here is my project so far....
I will keep you up to date with the progress of this project.