WOYWW - I've moved house

the 'new' workbench

OK, so I exaggerate, but yes fellow WOYWWers (What's on your workbench Wednesday) I report to you this week from a new location.  I really can't work in the studio at the moment (due to the cold) and tired of putting the machine away each evening, I asked OH if I could put a table in the bedroom.

I haven't quite sorted things out yet, but I'm still really pleased with it, as I can pop in for half an hour and get stuck straight in.

I didn't find an extension lead, so the sewing machine ended up on the short side of the table.  Actually this is a good thing as it leaves the rest of the table for picking through the fabric.

the fabric being hugged by the hoover arm

Yesterday I had the car, so I whipped down to Machynlleth to Wheeler's Fabrics again.  I picked up some more background fabric and had a little look around for beach hut fabric.  Which means this week I shall have a bit of fun checking out what will be suitable.

Now hop off and see what everyone else is upto over at Julia's

WOYWW - Close your eyes ...

What's on your workbench Wednesday is an opportunity to take a tour of everyones desks, everyone that is, that is listed over with Julia at Stamping Ground.

I like to use lots of photos in my blogs to keep you all awake but this week I have a bit of a PROBLEM - my card reader is missing.  So you will have to use lots of IMAGINATION and I will have to use lots of DESCRIPTIONS. 

First of all it really should go without saying, but my desk is MESSY.


 I have returned to the STUDIO area, and the tea tray has been emptied. (on to the desk)

now empty

I have broken my promises of 'can you keep a secret' blog, well, adjusted them really.  I haven't bought any fabric from Wheelers Fabrics, but I have bought from several other places.  They are all still in the BAGS I bought them in, PILED ontop of one another.

Imagine: sewing machine in middle, loads of bags in back corner!

The SEWING MACHINE is in the CENTRE, and last night I made a Christmas stocking, which didn't come up to standard, so I shall have to make several more before I get it right.

Finally SOCK NEWS: right sock is progressing nicely towards 1st of October deadline!

Handmade Monday

Handmade Monday has come rushing around again, and I don't have much to show for it.  Production this week has been slow again, I did finally manage to visit the local fabric shop.  Which in turn means that I could embark on Dreamstars Tutorial.

I bought fat quarters of William Morris prints. It is an expensive way to select fabric, but at least it made a decision, (otherwise I might still be there browsing).  I don't have much in the way of remenants, so I even purchased the plain colours.

My first attempt

My second attempt

I intend to attach them to the headbands I designed previously.

I can't be trusted in a fabric shop, but I can be controlled!  I only came away with one extra piece, and here it is.  I am unsure what to do with it, and suggestions gratefully received! 

Help needed!

Here's hoping that everyone else had a much more productive week.  Take a look, over at 1st unique gifts.

A day out

By Dimitra Blana, Flickr.

Today, whilst juggling several other tasks, I treated myself to a visit to Wheelers Fabrics in Machynlleth.

I should have taken my wirework jewellery to a charity craft fair - but my childminder (otherwise known as my other half), let me down.

As I would now have 3 and 1/2 days at home I thought I'd embark on potty training the younger child.  However I had forgotten that the children had been invited to a birthday party, (getting the hang of juggling yet?).

The party was 17 miles away, so I felt I could allow myself the luxury of dropping off the older child and continuing 3 more miles to Machynlleth (with the nappy-less child).

By Kelp, Flickr.

Now Wheelers Fabrics is a treasurer trove to anyone, but to me it is very near perfection and the only improvement I could suggest is adding coffee and chocolate cake!

 I don't think I have managed a trip to this wonderful emporium since July, so you can imagine my joy when I realised that my nappyless child, had stubbornly refused to wake, despite being transferred from the car to his pushchair.  Three floors of fabric, friendly staff, and now, no children - heaven (except for the coffee and chocolate cake).

So what did I buy?  Well I would like to boast that I exercised huge self-restraint, and bought only what I went in for (well OK, I did buy one extra item).  As ever my tight budget kept me in control, but my head is buzzing with fabrics that I desperately want to buy!

I am hoping to show my purchases in their new form, shortly.