Desperate Measures!

I haven't been up to much sewing this weekend.  The in-laws are over visiting with us, and we've had some lovely weather & places to visit with them!

But there are a couple of things I want to show you!

Me and my kids were recently inspired by this while on holiday during the summer:

'Patchwork' Decoupage!

We recently made a cranky old coffee table redundant in our house, and my eldest said she would have it in her room.  I suggested she give it a decoupage treatment, and this is the result!

Some of her old fashion and teen mags where put to good recycling use!

And at the same time, my middle daughter wanted to makeover her plain white Ikea desk using 2 Beano magazines & some PVA glue!

Isn't it funky! 

She said to me afterwards 'at least revising won't be so boring anymore!'.  Mmmmm, maybe this wasn't such a good move afterall!

Before I go, I want to send out a wee appeal to all you generous blogging friends on behalf of my friend and new blogger, Ruth (Simply Sew).  Ruth is having a go at EPP but as she is in the v.early stages of building up a stash, she would be grateful if you have any small pieces of red fabrics you no longer need. They only need to be 2.5"-3" square and you can send them to me if that is easier and I'll happily pass them on.  You can read more about Ruth's request here.

Many thanks in advance lovely peeps!

Hope you've had a brill weekend!

Tray Cloth Treasures

I've been enjoying a 'vintage themed' summer, exploring antique shops, upcycling old furniture and working with vintage sheets.

18 months ago, my Nanny passed away, and when mum and I were clearing out her house, we came across some beautiful tray cloths.

I don't think my Nanny embroidered them herself, but they were definitely handsewn.  I decided to keep them and yesterday I fussy cut a few sections to create this:

The front

The Back

Detail

And you might have noticed I've used some of my recently aquired (& freshly laundered) vintage lace!

The 'soon to be' owner of this pouch appreciates vintage fabrics, and I hope she likes this tray cloth pouch as much as me!

Finally, a wee sneaky peek on another gift in the making:

I sewed all these (& more) on while watching the Olympics Closing Ceremony! My days just won't be the same now without a daily Olympics fix!

And just time to tell you about another friend who has crossed over into the fun world that is Blogland!  Head on over to my friend Ruth, at Simply Sew and give her a big blogging community welcome!

Hope you've enjoyed your weekend.