Deer at the barn

Yesterday when I arrived at the barn I surprised a young female deer, she ran off through the field of wheat - but kept stopping and turning round to see if I was coming!!

She stayed about 40 yards away for a long time watching mebefore lying down and then i couldn't see if she had gone or not!!

Then today I walked in to the back of the barn and there were two young males right outside my window - they were nibbling at the moss - when they saw me they just looked up and stared. 

 I tried to take a photo - but I have bars on the back of my window - and as i tried to slip the phone behind the bars - they wandered off behind the hedge.

After a few minutes I went outside to see them - and they bounced off over the field - they were so beautiful - so swift - so supple they covered the wheat effortlessly. 

 I am always amazed by these beautiful swift shy creatures - they are so graceful and lovely and it is just another example of God's beautiful creation!!

 Til next time 

 God Bless

Sue..x

Mariners compass 

This is the first section of the Mariners compass- I used 16 different red blends to create this quarter compass.

This is the completed compass - I didn't sew it up in the right order - so it didn't work out quite as I expected - I shall sew another one in blue and try to improve it.

 I think they look quite spectacular - they are time -consuming to sew - ( particularly if you have to unpick) but well worth it!!

God Bless 

Sue..x

Appliqued cushion covers 

These are no more difficult than ordinary cushion covers - the only difference is that before you sew the cushion cover together - you sew the applique design on the front piece.

These silhouetted birds in soft blue work well with the grey tree branch- then using the same fabric as the piping - helps to balance the design

Why don't you have a go?

 If you need any help - just pop in - I will be happy to help you 

 God Bless 

Sue ..x

Cushion cover making 

Today I made these two cushion covers - they are not difficult to sew. 

 These are to fit an  18" cushion

Do you prefer the silver or the gold?

 How I did it

First I measured the cushions to be covered 

 then I added 1 1/4" to both measurements & cut out one piece following that measurement ( i.e 19 1/4 ")

 I then added a further 2 1/2 " to one dimension and cut a piece that measurement - ( 19 1/4 " x 21 3/4 " ) 

 I then cut a 5" strip off the larger piece and sewed it right sides together back to the piece i cut it from leaving an opening 16" long.

 I then turned under 5/8"along both seam allowances and fitted a zip.

I then cut a length of piping cord the perimeter of the cushion plus 2"

I cut bias strips from the contrasting fabric and sewed them together to make a long enough strip to encase the piping cord.

I then sewed the piping around the cord using a zipper foot.

 I then lay the piping around the edge of the single piece of cushion curving around the corners - I then placed the other piece( the piece with the zip in ) on top right sides together and sewed through all the layers using a zipper foot

 I then trimmed the edges and turned it right sides out and it was done!!

 Didn't take long 

 til next time 

 God Bless

 Sue..x

 

What an amazingly beautiful tree!!

This tree is just outside the barn where I have my workshop and shop

I think it is absolutely stunning - If God hadn't made this first you couldn't dream this sight up- it is amazing!!

creation & nature is just so incredible!!

 God Bless 

 sue..x

Ladybird dress

I loved this fabric as soon as I saw it!! I knew I would just have to make a dress for Aleesha from it - and then when my daughter showed me the new red shoes she bought for Aleesha - well that clinched it for me.

 This dress is not difficult to make - it has a fully lined bodice and a zipper at the back!

 Here's how I did it- first I cut out the two back bodices in both lining fabric and ladybird fabric - then I cut out the bodice front on the fold in both lining fabric and in ladybird fabric. Then i cut out the two skirt backs and the skirt front (cut on fold) 

step 1 - staystitch around the neck of all bodice pieces

Step 2 - sew shoulder seam together in main fabric and in lining fabric 

step 3 - sew lining bodice to main fabric bodice around the neck and armholes 

pull through to right side & press under 1.5cm along lower edge of lining

step 4 - sew lower back seam and side seams

Step 5 - sew large running stitch ( by machine) along top of skirt

step 6 - pin skirt to bodice gathering skirt to fit

step 7 - sew skirt to bodice - trim seams 

 Step 8 - stitch 9" zip to back opening 

step 10 - slip stitch pressed edge of bodice lining down.

step 11 - measure lower skirt and take up required amount and hemstitch down 

step 12- topstitch around armholes & neck edge

I told you it  wasn't difficult !

Tomorrow I plan to make some cushions - I will put the instructions on here tomorrow evening 

 til then 

 God Bless 

 Sue..x

Beach Kecks 

I am so looking forward to the Summer- I know we haven't had a hard winter but it just feels like it is ages since the summer.

I have made some Beach Kecks for my young grandson 

 Beach kecks are for those evening times when you've been on the beach all day - you've been in & out of the sea - but now the sun has dropped and a breeze is coming off the sea - but you don't want the day to end you're still happy to wriggle your toes in the sand - still keen to pick up prize shells - 

These kecks are for times like this - made out of a linen cotton blend - they keep you warm- but with wide legs you can still bury your feet in the sand - and with a drawstring and elastic round the waist they can be loose and comfy and there are two deep pockets for those special stones and shells

I can't wait for summer!

enjoy the sunshine 

 God bless 

 Sue..x