Brother Electronic Super Ace III - an auction find!

Brother Super Ace III 

Bought this recently at Auction ......in a dirty cardboard box - discovered when I got it home it would not sew nor did it have a foot pedal 

It came with one of those silly serger machines that are rather toy-like and never work! 

Anyway 

I fiddled , faddled...lots cursing - thinking I had wasted my money ............ checked web and found a blog  (internet is a wonderful thing) that said it was as a super machine as worked without a foot pedal - so back n checked all its buttons n bits ....and lo it worked (after a fashion) then cleaned out bobbin race (full of yuck n threads - ditto the bobbin wonder was a real mess) 

BUT then discovered wrong bobbin in  machine - tried a different one and sewed smoothly 

And yo ho ho it worked - a treat with the button ...............so ordered via the web and the Brother web site (very helpful peeps there) a manual and a new foot pedal that arrived this week and yes it works with foot pedal as well - yee haaaa 

So now a happy bunny - so gave it a good clean getting rid of lots dust n dirt 

But - yes another big BUT - I only have 1 bobbin that fits .......why oh why didn't I check and order a couple of boxes of bobbins to fit! It needs really thin bobbins all mine are too thick or wrong shape and the plastic bobbins are also too high - so the thread loops around the bobbin = a real thread snarl! 

So now have to order some bobbins .............

Look at teh nifty bobbin thread control - you pull it through it cuts and no fuss in pulling up bobbin thread - does it all automatically 

Also comes with I think 40 stitches and looks like a good sturdy modern machine - think about 10 years old - not sure - but really pleased with my auction find! 

Cooper Vintage Sewing Machine - stunning colour!

This is a super Cooper - in the most gorgeous shade of turquoise 

A vertical bobbin 

You can raise & lower the feed-dogs (Heavy- Medium - Silk) 

It also has a drop down extension at the side and lidded storage box at the side 

This machine I found in my husband's Mother's house - hidden in the kitchen 

Cleaned her up gave her a good oiling and now she works a treat and is now immaculate barely a chip in her lovely enamel - and yes she has to be a 'she' in this bright cheerful colour! 

Makes it a joy to sew - especially on a grey rainy day! 

Makes you smile just looking at her and I can easily bolt on a motor if I need to 

The bobbin is vertical and is accessed by the plate lifting up on a hinge - unlike the 'Singer's' that slide out 

The tension dial is on the end plate 

This is a Japanese copy of a Singer - guess from the1960's? 

Advent Calenders - 6 down and more to do....................

Traditional Heart Advent

Calico coloured background with burgundy and highlighted in gold

Christmas Cats - fub cats in burgundy with lots of gold

Made two of these

Dickens - very traditional

in Festive red & green with gold highlights

Nativity Advent - lots nativity scenes

in traditional red and gold with a lovely blue border with gold stars 

Nativity Advent 

With scenic panel with traditional Nativity scenes for the pockets, again lots of gold adding that festive glow 

All are backed in plain calico and padded and quilted.

I chose a plain backing so as not to detract from the patterned fronts 

All have a hanging pocket along the top 

Well that is 6 made and I think another 6 to do ............... some of them have folded pockets and even tabs - so really fiddly to make ................... anyway people have been asking how much they are so £25.00 each. 

Yet to do ............... 1 based on trains ; 2 are 'Toy Shop';  1 a lovely white and gold Angel 

Dales Jacket - pure wool

Dales Jacket

Hand crocheted to my own design in a variety of natural undyed wools - Jacob, Cheviot etc 

Aran weight wool - so really warm 

Raglan sleeved in stripes with borders 

Soft Flowers Bag - Felted and applique

Soft Flowers Bag 

Hand crocheted then felted wool bag with applique three dimensional flowers in soft pastels - in mohair wool with vintage button centers. 

Bag is fully lined in a matching cotton, with internal pockets and magnetic clasp 

One of my exhibition pieces at the Peninsula Craft Show this October 

Sewmaster Sewing Machine - vintage

This is a  really dainty sewing machine - heavy but one of the smaller sizes a bit like a Singer Featherweight 

1960's-70's I should think in date 

Just does basic straight stitch with a reverse and comes with an external motor with fold down flap to extend the base (which is in a lovely pale blond wood - has a rather naff fiber board top cover that latches onto the base) 

Has a dial for dropping the feed-dogs - for heavy , fine fabrics and darning 

Sweet simple machine 

Its just so small and cute! Look how small the harp is - just so dainty (but still a solid cast metal machine) 

Just love this little sewing machine! 

Not suited to quilting though - no space to roll up a quilt in that little harp space - but ideal for small sewing projects 

It is a Japanese copy of the Classic Singer 15 sewing machine 

AND 

YES

I seem to be starting to be a sewing machine collector ................. they are just so lovely and all SEW (THE criteria for having and also using - yes they do get used each for different weights fabric and types of sewing) 

Luckily my dear hubby rather likes them as well - he admires the engineering in them 

I do sew most days - so they certainly do get regularly used! 

Forest of Clune Coat at Peninsula Craft Show

Here are some examples of what was on offer at the Peninsula Craft Show the other weekend - ceramics, wall art, jewellery 

PLUS - my 

Forest of Clune wool coat 

In cream wool with black, brown and gold nepps 

Hand crocheted to my own design - a zig-zag maxi-length light weight coat / topper

Seen with long black dress 

This coat is subtly shaped to fit and flare over the body - a very flattering fit 

It is single piece construction with cape like sleeves 

It is a very useful layering piece, a lightweight coat  which provides warmth without bulk 

Also to the left you can see my DALES jacket - in undyed wools - Jacob, Cheviot etc 

This has now been SOLD 

Frister Rossman - PZ Series: Vintage Sewing machine

My new toy !! 

Bought this other week (bit of a risk as couldn't get it to work in the store) - took me all day to get it working - talk about squealing and racket .....thought wasted my money on this one! 

So after some serious oiling - adjusting so the motor worked and general tweaking - the machine looks very little sued once took it apart as no oil lines etc 

The dials are still very stiff (so don't plan to turn them much!) 

It does NOT like light fabrics at all - it gathers them up (so have to adjust the bobbin tension I think) - otherwise shall just sue it for curtains, cushions & upholstery work ......and I hope leather sewing .............. 

It looks little used just a few chips in the enamel - dusted n washed out the drawer, and now she is ready to gooooooooooo !! 

Frister Rossmann PZ Zig-zag sewing machine 

The underside - really clean and nice heavy duty props, bars and gears! 

Discovered in the drawer: sewing box of attachments - some never used and one I am not sure quite what its used for - just has an open rectangle ....any ideas anyone??? 

Has the usual - zig-zag /ziper/cord/quilting/rolled hem feet - but other accessories are missing e.g. screw drivers, twin needl, no bobbins  etc 

Sewing Manual 

All in a 60's retro sewing table sewing table with drawer at the side and tapered screw in legs (which if you put in wrong place you end up with a most weird lopsided affair ..... not funny trying to balance a really heavy machine in table top & screw in legs and then get it wrong as the whole things wobbles - discovered the legs are shorter in the front and the 2 back legs are longer .... got it wrong first time ...oops) 

The only annoying thing is that you can not access the drawer unless the machine head is swung up onto the table - as the machine catches the drawer then you cant push it back in! 

I suspect it dates from 1960-70's ?? Anyone know?? Cant find a date anywhere on the web ........... not much info at all really which is rather frustrating 

Melange Jacket

Melange Jacket in subtle tweed stripes

Hand crocheted to my own design in a blend of colours: Honeys/blues/burgundies/greys/ black

Simple chic Chanel style jacket in premium wool blend tweed yarn. 

Single piece construction with raglan sleeves. 

Border trim on sleeves and around body to give a neat finish 

A soft warm and easy to wear piece, and the wide variety of colours means it will match many things in your wardrobe.

Winter Crop Circle waistcoat & Berrylicious Hat

Winter Crop Circle Waistcoat - back view

Winter Crop Circle Waistcoat - by one of Maggie Lamb's quilts in the Exhibition Room 

Winter Crop Circles Waistcoat - front view

A circular waistcoat with shaped shoulders and waist. 

Crocheted to my own design in NORO wool.

A pinwheel back with set-in shoulders with a cut-away front 

I matched each ball to ensure that there is a continuous colour sequence. 

The original jacket on the mannequin sold - so the hat matched that, but not this waistcoat! 

The hat is in a shaded wool in purple, green, brick red. 

It has a soft brim that folds back and can be re-shaped with the matching flower brooch. 

So you can have the brim in any style you wish 

Thinking of my friends in NJ as they are being battered by Hurricane SANDY ..................

Watched it all last night as lived in NJ for a while so can really relate to the situation - I saw the boardwalks being ripped up in mid-90's when last hurricane ripped through the area. 

So hope everyone is OK!! 

TAPIZ Hat & Scarf

Tapiz Hat & matching scarf 

In wool and Alpaca

Mongolian style hat with striped scarf - with tassels on each shaped end

In honey with red, blue, grey, green stripes. 

Hat warm and cosy, has a deep fold up brim - certainly jazz up a plain coat and being in a variety of colours will not only match lots of things but add some colour with plain coats. 

TAPIZ Coat - Wool & Alpaca

Tapiz Coat - Back View 

Tapiz Coat - Front View

Crocheted to my own design in a blend of wool and alpaca 

The graphic design is based on a Kelim carpet in flecked shades of honey, with bold stripes in stepped design in red, blue, green and light & dark grey's 

Simple striped  border 

Single piece construction - to minimise bulky seams 

Drop shoulders with dolmen sleeves and straight jacket  

The result is a soft yet structured jacket that would look good with jeans/trousers or a skirt/dress 

On the baby grand piano you can see two of my Crocheted Amish style crocheted throws - one double bed sized in a graphic pattern of triangles and squares; the other a smaller single bed topper in Amish Bar stripes; plus a co-ordinating cushion in a log cabin style.

Both hand crocheted in pure boucle wool - black, brick red, teal and lavneder. 

Peninsula Craft Show - All Set up

Well finally home .................. last one to ealve ptures, BUT all set up - Exhibition room full of lovely things - wicker work, quilts, ceramics, sculptures, bead work, wall hangings, wood bowls/vases even a fruit bowl and fruit in wood (you can't tell the difference!) 

SALE Room all done - tables loaded with all sorts sumptuous goodies - a truly comprehensive collection of  items anyone would be thrilled to have as a gift! 

RAFFLE prizes selected - again a wide selection of things for all tastes!

So............... now its a case of final touches early tomorrow morning then wait in hope of lots people coming and buying!  

Lets hope its a good show and weather kind to us ....................... hope to see peeps there over the weekend! 

Will take pics tomorrow .......as lots fresh new things to choose from 

MY Stuff at the Peninsula Crafts Show 26-27th October WOLVERSTONE

Just an update - I shall have on show 6 BRAND NEW DESIGNS in the Exhibition Hall .....

1. TAPIS - a striped straight 3/4 coat in wool and alpaca - in vertical stripes in honey, red, blue, greys based on a kelim carpet design. A striking design - a real show stopper
• also has a matching  Mongolian Crown Hat and Scarf 
2. AROUND THE SQUARE - a real round peg in a square hole of a design - using soft striping yarn in a single seamless piece of construction. A bolero style jacket with a fold back collar. In a  soft boucle yarn in dark midnight colours of green. navy, black, red, brown ......it will match everything in your wardrobe. A soft snuggly bolero that will look good over trousers/jeans or that new length skirt.
3. WINTER CROP CIRCLES - stunning colours using NORO wool - a circular waistcoat in bright winter colours of reds, greens and golden browns. Shaped so it will wrap around you - yet long enough to cover your bum for those cold winter days ahead ...................
4. FOREST OF CLUNE COAT - a Missoni ripple style long coat in cream wool with fine brown and black nepps. The coat is named after the wool as it is such a special wool! Light and elegant that will look good with all your cream, browns and blacks to tone in or contrast. 
5. SPRING FLOWERS BAG - Felted wool bag in an unusual stone-pink colour with soft mohair flowers trimming the top - soft , fun, and flirty!
6. MELANGE JACKET - a subtle blend of various tweed wools in stripes with border design with raglan bracelet length sleeves. A Chanel classic looks good over jeans or more formal skirts - for that effortless country chic look.

There will also be a various new accessories including scarves, shawls, cowls, hats, wrist-warmers; plus other items to wear waistcoats and jackets; blankets; and much more to see - feel free to touch as all are in gorgeous wools, cottons and other yarns 

Photographs to follow - hope to see you there!! 

Watch out for my new range in luxury yarns in ALPACA, MERINO, SILK - for that special person or event 

Commissions taken - in fact preferred as I can fit the item to you and you can pick the yarn of your choice from my stash which includes rare and vintage yarns.

 I usually do 2-3 fittings to make sure it really fits well and flatters you. If a jacket / coat etc does not suit you I will tell you as it is important to me that it looks really good on you!

PENINSULA CRAFTS EXHIBITION - THIS WEEKEND!!!

Hi Everyone!

Its that time of year for our Annual Autumn Exhibition & Craft Sale - so please do come and bring your friends - we have been exhibiting for over 15 years with changing membership and guests to ensure a fresh variety of crafts on offer.

Get that Christmas Shopping done early and in lovely surroundings, no crowds  and you can ponder, over a cup of tea and chunk of cake, as to what to buy ...... for whom ...........  You will be spoilt for choice! 

There will be festive Christmas Trees to help set the scene to get you in the mood 

IPSWICH HIGH SCHOOL 

WOLVERSTONE 

SHOTLEY PENINSULA 

(Just outside Ipswich)

SATURDAY & SUNDAY 

27-28th October

10am-4pm 

The Exhibition Hall 

will be showing a wide variety of hand crafted pieces 

including:  

Quilts and Wall Hangings

Woodwork

Wood turned bowls and vases 

Jewelry in silver and semi-precious stones

Beaded jewelry

Crocheted jackets, coats, bags

Padded boxes 

Fused glass work

Ceramic sculptures

The Sales Room in The Orangery

Quilts 

in various sizes and colours by several crafter's

Wall hangings 

pieced, quilted, enbroiderd 

Christmas stockings and decorations

wide range on offer 

Advent Calenders

Turned wood

Ceramics 

Stoneware

Porcelain 

Pottery

Cards - crafted and photographic

Photographs - framed

Silver and semi-precious jewelry

Bead work

Chain Mail 

En-caustic Art work 

Padded Boxes

Bags

Cushions 

Paper Art 

Aprons

Cards 

and lots of other things! 

Perfect for early Christmas Shopping 

GLORIA 

will be providing 

Cakes and sandwiches 

Coffees and teas 

(very yummy !!)

There will also be a Raffle - so a chance to win something truly gorgeous! 

Work on show will not only include work from the Peninsula Craft Group, but also a select number of local crafts people, extending the range of crafts and items on offer 

 There will be items for suitable for babies, toddlers, teenagers to adults - so something for everyone

Weather permitting you can walk around the grounds while there - so a lovely day out! 

Peninsula Craft Group

Marianne Brame - Stirling Silver & Gemstone Jewellery

Sue Brudenell - Quilts & textiles

Mark Cordle - Wood Turning

Lynn Dyson-Bruce - Crochet and Textile 

Brian Fitzsimmons - Wood Turning

Peta Jane Gulliver  - Freeform beadwork

Linda Haylock - Netted and woven beadwork

Anne Marie Jarvis - En-Caustic Art work

Maggie Lamb - Patchwork Quilts & Wall Hangings 

Helen Rounds - Quilts and Wall hangings

Guest Exhibitors 

will include: 

Deborah Baynes - pottery

Margaret Cossey - textiles

Suzanne Franks - paper and card work

Sarah Hicks - felting

Jill Hodgson - Artist & Interior Design

Barbara Hooper-Greenhill - Pottery

Carol Lacey - Chain Mail

Ann Lawson - Textiles

Carol Mayston - Fused Glass 

Julie McCormack - Photography 

Lal Pegg - Textiles 

Usch Spettigue - Stoneware & Porcelain 

Mary Wyatt - Ceramics 

Plus others

So there will be plenty of choice and prices range from a few pounds to several hundred! 

Please remember to bring lots of cash or your cheque books as we sadly can not process charge cards yet) 

We can reserve exhibition items till Sunday for pick up 

We look forward to seeing you and welcome any who wish to become members of our group - 

just ask a Steward!

PS: Help us celebrate our 25th Exhibition next Spring 

25-27th MAY 2013 at 

The Shipwreck Shotley Peninsula 

so watch this space for special announcements ...it will be a very special exhibition!!  

Art on the Prom ...........

Estelle wearing one of my pinwheel waistcoats in shades grey and putty 

Standing in front of both our stalls 

Estelle here wearing one of my waistcoats - standing by her ceramic art 

We shared our stall space again  .......... 

This year we swapped a jacket for a pot. 

Anyway a brilliant if exhausting day - sunny and dry all day - it only rained after the day was over! 

I am still in recovery mode - been sleeping and exhausted since .....mega zzzzzzzzzzzzz 'ing ...

Dear H put everything up and took it all down .. I certainly could not have done it ... and he helped during the day as well - what a star! 

At least this year no panic at the end with whipping winds and rain like we had last year! 

Plenty of people were there - cruising up and down the promenade 

A couple of friends popped by and said hello which was really nice!

Lets hope next year will be as good!

PS MY STALL  WAS FEATURED IN THE LOCAL FELIXSTOWE PAPER! 

So thrilled to see out of ALL on the Prom my stall was one of several otehrs featured - WOW!!!

Children's Art Aprons - for the 'Budding Artist'

Budding Artist's Aprons 

Bright colourful aprons for toddlers and young children - for budding future artists possible  Art on the Prom Artists ! 

Help the creative child express themselves with these funky little aprons - bright and colourful yet practical - helps protects clothes and lots little pockets for crayons, art materials or anything - children just so love little pockets to keep their little bits and pieces in! 

Each is reversible with one or both sides having as series of small pockets for those all important things! 

Each 'Budding Artists' apron comes with the pockets filled with crayons or felt tips ready for the budding artist to express themselves!

The gardening aprons have a packet of seeds in the front pocket

Past purchasers have told me that once their child/grandchild has it on they wont take it off! 

Of course the aprons can also be used for lots of other messy tasks such as helping Mummy cooking in the kitchen or helping in the garden! 

I wish I had thought of them when my children were young! 

Priced £10-12 each

PS Some of the aprons come with matching adult aprons - so Mother/Father  Daughter/Son
or matching aprons can be made on request 

Frister & Rossmann E Series SPHINX CLEOPATRA - Vintage sewing machine: my new toy!!

Frister & Rossmann: E Series - Sphinx Sewing Machine 

After cleaning and full service - shining bright CLEAN!! 

and now working - was rather filthy and very jammy before ...

I just so thrilled with it ...like a kid with a new toy!!!

Think I will sew my Mt Fuji silk quilt with it - nice controlled sewing of lots little pieces fabric - LOL!!

Yet to find out what it likes and dislikes in fabrics - sewing machines can be very temperamental and I have found the older machines favour one type of sewing over another and many do not like their tension being constantly re-adjusted. So I tend to have machines dedicated to specific materials and weights i.e. one vintage machine for heavy duty sewing, another for fine silks  and a modern electronic machine for all the fancy stitches .............. getting to be a sewing machine junky! But I am beginning to have quite a love affair with the old vintage models - they are just so beautifully engineered.

Now where in a modern machine does it say (& I quote) "This machine with correct maintenance will last many decades" Take your breath away in this modern throw away society - these machines were made to LAST  !?! 

I rest my case for sewing with a vintage machine!!! 

The Sphinx on the sewing machine head - very female unlike the original!!

Cleopatra eating a Lotus on the flat bed  - you can see where Madonna had her idea for her 'Madonna Bra's.... Nothing is new! 

The Quiltman badge on the pillar - still very bright and shiny!

Now found out that this machine dates to the 1920's 

The 'E' Model was the most popular machine that Frister Rossmann manufactured - a German company 

It is adaptable in that it can fit into a treadle base - the holes, complete with metal lining, in the base are there ready to go - shame it wont fit into my old treadle as it is a smaller machine not the wider base. 

One of the main reasons I bought her is because she has an adjustable stitch length (via  screw knob) not just for forward stitching but for reverse as well! Whereas most vintage sewing machines I have seen only have an adjustable forward stitch but the reverse is just a standard length ............ a close up of this pic coming..........

She is now a little beauty and now sewing well after a massive clean and degunge - I took her to bits and cleaned n scraped all the dirt n rust off - had to use WD40 to ease rusted in screws (but quickly wiped off to prevent damage to the finish), so I could access its inner workings and even just to free the sewing machine foot. 

Then oiled and oiled some more - and scrubbed & scrubbed with toothbrush - lots & lots of paper towels .......cotton buds ....and hours afterwards this is the result a wonderful clean machine which now sews like a dream! Certainly worth a whole days work! 

The case is to be cleaned and re-waxed and should be pretty good as well - just wish had taken some before pics! 

Behind it you can see an old basic Czechoslovakian machine I tried to rescue - I gave up on it as just could not keep the tension - would snarl up everytime I changed fabric weight, and the bobbin constantly kept falling out - so all teh effort to clean n oil it was wasted. I managed to contact the Czech company but they have no record of it now and no spare parts and advised that I don't bother with it - shame 

I also have an old Lotus Singer 99K (12" base - great for quilts) in a treadle base - now this needs serious work as well to get it back into order and a new treadle belt and I don't know what else 

I have moved it out of the drawing room so I can work on it and clean it without the fear of oil and solvents dripping onto the carpet .... then I have to get into treadling mode...... trouble is I am not sure I will have the energy to do it due to the M.E. but maybe in very short sessions of a few minutes .... now that will take forever to sew anything! I will post pics of that - but with a before as well as after cleaning and servicing it. 

I cleaned it and stripped it down and sews fine now - used a motor and disconnected the treadle belt as I just do not have the energy to pedal these days :( 

ART on the PROM - SUNDAY 2nd SEPTEMBER

The next Art on the Prom

 in 

Felixstowe 

is on 

SUNDAY 

SEPTEMBER 2nd 

2012  

The Art on Prom Display in Pierrot's Window - who kindly support the event 

Detail of the display 

See the video advertising this years ART on the PROM
http://www.felixstowetv.co.uk/video-archive/viewvideo/919/community-a-charity/art-on-the-prom-promo

On the display board along with some lovely art work and photography are a couple of my items -
Hand Felted  and Crochet Floral Bag - with flowers and bead embellishment
(Part of a series of bags)
Hand dyed and crocheted  Shawl
Hand painted cushion cover 

I will be there......................so look out for me 

DH will be helping me and doing all the hard work setting up and taking down for me and helping through the day 

I will be sitting on my chair - lets hope good weather and lots people buying!! 

I will have among many things ..........

A wide range of my crochet - clothing and throws 

Hand painted and quilted beach hut - bags and cushion covers

My photographic cards 

Ask if you do not see anything you like as I will have extra things in crates under the table 

Remember you will be able to order things in alternate colours and yarn qualities - so just ask! 

Better get busy and make a few small things - do not have any lavender bags left for example! 

Double sided damask throw

Upholstery weight reversible cotton damask

So what do you do when you have an odd piece of fabric and 4 cut trimming bits???

This is a cotton damask with a positive and negative side - and you cant decide which side to use - or how best to use it??

MMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmm she thinks ? 

....................waiting for that brainwave .............. 

Aha ...........

A reversible cover with contrast binding - uses ALL the fabric bits = no wastage and reduces the stash and makes best use of the reversible nature of the damask  .............. and replaces my damaged  cotton knit throw (wine spillage) 

BUT used the binding strips to highlight the pattern by putting a positive side with the negative and vice versa  - so each side has the contrasting binding - neat eh?? 

So this is what I did .................... just in case you are interested ......LOL 

Reversible cotton damask throw - all done! 

Well I might add big cotton and beaded tassels on the corners .......

Well I took the four trim pieces, cut and then re-pieced them (placing fabric front to back), then folded them to make binding for the bigger piece. Sewed each piece on (double check you have enough length and put them on shortest side first - unlike me  that sewed wrong sides first! Meant a bit of bodging ....ehhh hmmm) Also make sure you place the wrong side against a right side - so trim will contrast when folded out 

I did plain strips without mitering as I did not have enough length of trim 

I fringed the ends so as to reduce the bulk at the corners 

Here it is thrown over  the corner of my sofa

So a new sofa and throw all made from scraps and remnants, plus roll ends all of new fabric - now you can't make a cover as economically as that - well unless you recycle used fabric (which I have done in the past) 

So for less  than a £100 I have recovered the cushions for the sofa and its matching chair, plus a matching throw!

Now just think how much I would have had to pay someone to make them .................. hundreds of pounds!!

Now I can use my full rolls for jobs that require much bigger single pieces of fabric e.g. curtains

But I am still thinking on doing a patchwork chair .where each section is a different piece of fabric - again all in cream damasks ...............mmmmmmm oh dear may have to use these covers to get the necessary variety of fabrics ................. but that can easily be done as the covers can be easily taken apart if I need the fabric 

Ahhh now to make a cup of coffee and admire my latest efforts ............. :-) 

Sofa's New Covers ........so easy its ridiculous!

Here is the sofa with new covers an all its cushions - various damask cottons in cream

The big pillow is in a gorgeous textured two tone cream and taupe fabric - the flowers and leaves are all puffy and raised by the weaving process - just stunning!

This was 'before' - but when I washed the covers they shrank even further so cushion covers were too small for the feather cushions - so they became like rocks to sit on - very uncomfy!!

Underneath the Sanderson covers was eh original gold brocade on the base of the sofa - just a couple of marks to try ad get off but otherwise in really good condition and much nicer than the over tight  'colourful covers' 

Chair after recovering cushions in cream cotton damasks - with a new honey chenille cushion on the arm

This the matching chair - with it's too tight covers 

The covers were a nightmare to try and get off and on as too tight - really hurting my hands and arms............

These covers are the easiest ones I have ever made! Perfect for me with my arthritic hands and lack of strength due to the M.E. - ie I can get them on and off with great ease as NO zippers or Velcro and so easy to get on and off for washing or just changing  colours! 

This project made great use of all my cream cotton fabric stash of remnants and ends of rolls .....each cushion took a piece - so each cushion different fabric (except two in damask so just reversed the fabric sofa +ve and a -ve) 

I have enough left on the roll of linen (which I did the summer curtains with) to make a loose slipcovers on the bases of the chairs/sofas - I think! Otherwise be made in sections of different fabrics again .. will see.

I just made simple bags - side seam and bottom seam - left the ends open - sewed a flange around (could have made them tighter and made sugar bag bottoms- which would have been even easier). SO openings are at the back or bottom of the cushions and excess fabric is just tucked in like a pillow slip) So ever so easy to make - and get on/off in case of spillage or change of colour scheme! 

So nice loose fitting (so when washed they wont be to small - but did prewash all the fabric) relaxed style for the summer .......... and my poor husband says sofa now so comfy and falls asleep! zzzzzzzzzzzzz 

Plus of course recycled several old pieces of furniture that would have been taken to the dump
They were worth doing as in good shape, sprung seats, horsehair stuffed arms and all the cushions are feather
I was thrilled when took off the slipcovers to discover the original gold brocade covers - which is just a gorgeous fabric - it must have been an expensive piece when first bought!
Now to do the rest ...................

Designs for the Larger Woman ............bamboo-cotton jacket

A re-work of my Ziggy-zaggy Missoni Style Jacket/Coat design for a larger size - and it worked beautifully!

Still flatters the figure - easy to wear 

Made in a  summery cream bamboo-cotton blend - so a gorgeous drape and swing! 

Ziggy-zaggy Missoni Style Jacket 

three quarter length with cape sleeves to the elbow 

Hand crocheted in cream bamboo-cotton blend which has a lovely drape and hang

This the version for a c40-45" bust 

Hangs well and fits and flares 

It has been picked up and fitted perfectly and looked super on! Well pleased :-) 

The Origami Jacket - with NO seams! New Design

Side and front views 

Shawl collar, which can meet at the front or fold back with full length sleeves 

Well a new design has flew off the hook ................... was paying with my yarn (as I do) a space dyed wool blend .........and started making a shrug .................. which got fiddled with (as I do) ................ then remodeled the outer border ............as one does and hey presto a new shrug/bolero! 

A neat tidy design - involves NO SEAMS! 

Back view - showing the square based back panel 

Lilies - best I have grown !

This year have had the most magnificent Lilies - this is one pot! 

Was going to move them so I could see them from my kitchen window - but would end up covered in pollen 

Are they not just lovely???