Happy New Year

Happy New Year to you all.  Yes there has been a miracle this Christmas at No.23,   The computer has decided it is not quite ready to be replaced (but for how long, who knows)

We had a lovely Christmas, the usual pressies, nice walks between the downpours,  played new and old games, and drank and ate far too much.

Looking back on last year, a quick recap of the better parts.

Best Buys of the Year are ...In no particular order, Ive been wanting to share these for a while now.

This vintage Sole Mio blanket (which are still available to buy, but now made in  Belgium  not Britain .  They now retail from  Euros 265. This blanket feels like new with a texture like a scourer,  springy but extremely soft,light and Soo warm.  I had intended to keep in downstairs but it is so bulky, that it now sits and the foot of our bed,  a much better place for it. What a find, and it only cost my £3.00.

I also picked up on my travels this lovely patchwork blanket.  However can such a lovely piece of work end up in a Charity Shop is beyond me.  Such time and effort making this hand stitched blanket,  I truly appreciate this (excuse drab picture) I would never have the patience to make one of these, so lucky to come across it. 

I am so looking forward to getting back into dressmaking after knitting Christmas pressies, I am definately a season sewer, thinking about Spring and not having to wear coats etc.  I purchased the above pattern V8355 last year. We have been invited to a wedding in August this pattern would be ideal.  I love the line of this outfit.  When I went to The Shuttle in Shipley in September I bought these fabulous fabrics.



The silver grey with the net overlay is patterned at both ends, but it has a slight pull.  You could probably  get a cocktail dress at a push out of it, or maybe the skirt.  The pink is a linen/cotton  mix, dress weight. Im not sure if they are too much of a contract.  I have plenty of the pink for a suit, but would it be too much.  Come on ladies inspire me. Of course being the thrifty Yorkshire lady I am, these two fabrics only cost £16.00,  But also a step on the bathroom scales tells me I have over indulged this Christmas and will need to loose some 1lbs first....

Toward the end of the year, my own personal achievement was the sale of my bears which I have previously mentioned.  Selling my work at a proper price  was a  fantastic result.  It has given me such a boost.   I hope to continue making and selling.  Any advice would be appreciated.  After 2 hours with a careers adviser just before Christmas  they only conclusion I came to, was my crafting urge was much too strong for me to be in a 9-5 job.

Anyway, I have been a busy bee creating something new and exciting , and Im pleased to say I have already sold one even though they are not  finished yet,.  I promise to show you them when they are completed. Here's a little peak inspired by this lovely picture of 1920's fashion that I came across on the internet, such an elegant era.