Something completely different

This week, apart from numerous creme egg critters a friend wanted instead of a party bag for her daughter's birthday party...

Happy Birthday!

I was also asked for something I have never made before, a wedding ring pillow. The requirements were very specific - for a three year old page boy to carry, 8 inches square, very plain and simple in ivory.
So after, much pondering, fabric looking and some sketching, this is what I've made.

wedding ring pillow

The fabric has a very delicate pin dot  pattern on it and I've covered a button for the middle. I've used a cotton fabric, as I thought it would be less slippery than satin for a little one to carry.

ivory fabric and satin ribbon

My last idea was to put a strap on the back that he could tuck his hands in for extra security.

safer carrying?

I do hope the bride likes it.
I'm going to join in Handmade Monday this week, if Wendy is hosting it, and I'm really looking forward to visiting all the other blogs.

Geek cushions

Can you guess what it is yet?

Monday 23rd is Mr PL's birthday and Pickle-Lily and I hatched a plan, a very cunning plan for a present. Some time ago Mr PL admired the computer key cushions on Walden's sofa in 'Two and a Half Men' tv programme. So P and I have made him some!. We used grey wool mix felt from John Lewis to make three envelope style cushions and I cut out Alt, Ctrl and Delete from black felt and blanket stitched them on.



Computer key cushions

So a great present for any computer fan! We have now decided that we can make one for Grandad for his birthday and that you could use text speak as a teenager gift!
I will visit all the other blogs at Handmade Monday this week, so why don't you? I'll be announcing the winner of the Surprise, Surprise giveaway in the next couple of days, it is open until midnight on Mr PL's birthday.

Did you miss me?

Probably not!!!!!
The past week and a bit have been back to back busy, with two fairs, a full week of teaching (all you full time people are probably fake groaning at me here!) and then two more long fairs over the bank holiday.
So what has Pickle-Lily been up to?

Cushions for sale

Pickle-Lily herself, after learning to make cushions, has branched into the retail world (also inspired by too many episodes of Trade Your Way to the USA) and is making cushions to sell and made her first sales this week-end. She is so excited, and planning to use her money to pay for another sewing course. She has called herself In a Pickle and the little penguin is her logo!
My new creation this week are patriotic owl keyrings

red, white and blue owls

I'm very pleased with how different these are and they have been a big hit over the past week! I now need to make some more.

Isn't this brilliant!

One more thing I have to share with you - a pizza oven car! We met Georgios Pizzas on Monday, at Milverton Street Fair, where they had set up their stall in the pouring rain. They produced the most delicious pizzas (we had a margarita)  using their unique mobile oven - fab-u-lous (in my best Craig Reville Horwood voice).
This week P and I are busy making new stock, and I have some new ideas itching to come out of my fingers - as well as teaching and all the hundred jobs being a mum involves!
Hopefully I'll be back soon, and in the meantime have a read of all the other fabulous blogs hosted by Wendy for Handmade Monday and stay dry!
Jo x

A girlie day out

Don't you love this sign!

The finished cushion

Last week Pickle-Lily and I had a girlie day out in Frome. 17th century St Catherine's Hill in Frome is full of retro and vintage shops as well as Millie Moon and Marmalade yarns. P had been given a cushion workshop at Millie Moon's for her birthday and spent a lovely three hours learning how to use her sewing machine to make a beautiful envelope cushion cover.

This is the inside - very neat seams!

Which one shall I choose?

I spent a lovely morning visiting all the shops - buying lots of yarn in Marmalade yarns and chatting to the very friendly lady who was more than happy for me to sit and knit a while on their comfy sofa. I can recommend The Little Red Cafe at the top of the hill, where I had several cups of tea and some scummy cake whilst I waited for P. I also came back with a lovely bag full of London / Jubilee themed fat quarters which I love!

Aren't these fab!



No 2!



When we got home P decided to use her new found skills to make another cushion cover. She has now decided to raid my fabric stash to make some more cushions to sell at fairs, and use the money to go on a tunic making workshop at Millie Moon. Bunting has also been mentioned as well!

I'm spending this week at school, knitting more owls and reading all the other lovely blogs over at Wendy's Handmade Monday.