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Goodie Bag Guidance!

Published by Thimberlina

For the next Yorkshire Spoolette’s Meet Up on the 25th February there’s going to be a goodie bag swap. It’s not compulsory to join in but it is compulsory for it to be fun!

A few of you have been wondering what sort of thing you could put in so I thought I’d give you a few ideas.

I’ve not even got any photos together yet, I’m going to find them as I write. And guess where I’m going to look first?

SEWCHET’s Stitching Santa posts!

She is the Queen of all craftiness and has the most amazing ideas. I think they’ve started to rub off onto her followers because everyone who took part in her Stitching Santa have made some great gifts. So that’s where I’m going to start!!

Before you start looking, don’t get worried. They’re just ideas and you don’t have to make a huge bag of goodies!

A key ring – made by Lyn at Tialys

A Zipper pouch – we can never have enough zipper pouches! Also made by Lyn – both gifts for Sheila.

A Padded Notebook – Tutorial from Sheila HERE. Kim made me one in my stitching santa and I LOVE it!

A Peg Bag! I would love one! I’ve made loads as gifts but not for myself! Some of my friends use theirs to put other things in or just hang them up for fancy! Here’s one I made for Corrine who’s a teacher.

Granny Mauds Girls has a great tutorial – click on her photo below – this is what got me started making them.

Or some coasters – I made these for Corrine in Stitching santa 2015

I also made some for Sheila for organising the Secret Santa

Sheila made my secret Santa parcel in 2015. It was HUGE!! She made me a case for handy andys tissues and a matching coin purse – both handy for in my golf bag, but would be useful to keep in your hand bag too.

And this needle keeper is one of the most useful thing I have – you don’t need to add scissors – you could attach the ribbon with a press stud. It’s fab because before this I was always looking for a needle when it came to doing a bit of hand sewing.

And I made one for my stitching santa this year….

If you’ve seen my stitchin santa post sorry, but here’s again what Kim from The Material Lady made me, and I love them all!

Is that enough ideas for hand made gifts?? I’ve started a Pinterest page too with more ideas. Some are more adventurous than others, but there’s quite a few that could be made in a spare hour or 2!

You could also have a rummage in your own sewing stuff and see if you have anything you could add. I’d been saving some free stuff up for my stitching santa and this is what I added:

Maybe some trim, or a zip, or a fat quarter, or a bit of embroidery thread?? An odd metre of knicker elastic even! You know that we would all love anything that’d put in it because it will have been chosen and placed in with lots of crafty careful thought.

Don’t have sleepless nights about it! It’s fun! And if you don’t want to join in it’s ok.

I thought I’d collect the bags, I’ll fetch something to put them in, and share them out after shopping when we go to the pub. If anyone needs to leave early I’ll make sure you get one!

And now onto the name badge I suggested we all make! I’m going to bring some stickers for those who don’t have chance to make or acquire one. Some of us might be lucky enough to own a name badge already. Margaret you know I mean you!!

Check out this super duper badge ladies…………..

Now I hope I haven’t scared the living daylights out of you showing you Margaret from The Crafty Creek’s awesomeness. She’s already won the best badge prize before she’s even got there, but I just had to share. Click here to read the story behind her badge.

For mine it’ll be something more like a blue peter moment, and I’ve no idea where to start, but I’m sure I’ll think of something.

If you want to add any links in the comments for other goodie bag ideas or for badges too, please feel free!

I hope thats put some of your minds at rest. Please don’t fret in silence – if you’ve still any questions or concerns please get in touch!

Ali xx

Blogiversary Textile Giveaway!

Published by Thimberlina

Sheila from La Cartera is hosting a giveaway celebrating her blogaversary. The prize is a selection from her Spoonflower collection…..😍

LaCartera Designs

I’m celebrating my 4 year Blogiversary and I wouldn’t have anything to celebrate if it wasn’t for YOU!

So I decided to share my love of textiles with one lucky follower!

textile-giveaway

You decide which fabrics, Wallpaper or gift wrap designs you want from my Spoonflower shop and I will have it shipped to you.

International and U.S. participants are welcome!

(Note: Spoonflower will ship to locations all over the world except Belarus, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Somalia, Yemen, Cuba, Iran, and Syria.)

Here are your options to mix textile designs or match one single design (Kona Cotton Fabric, and Satin Gift Wrap valued at $55 :

5 Fat Quarters (Mix or Match designs )
3 Yards of Fabric (Mix or Match designs )
2 Yards of Fabric and 2 Fat Quarters (Mix or Match designs)
1 Roll of Wallpaper
4 Rolls of Gift Wrap (Mix or Match designs)
2 Rolls of Gift Wrap &…

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#SundaySevens 85 – the first of 2017

Published by Thimberlina

I’m so glad I write my Sunday Sevens. The end of the week comes along and before I actually look through the photos on my phone I often feel a bit despondent that my weeks been a bit flat, too much work, no nights out, and just a bit mundane. But then I look through my photos and within less than a minute I’m feeling loads better and always have a smile on my face.

The mundane things and the every day stuff bring back just as many happy memories of what I’ve been up to in the week, almost as much as when I’m looking through and see a pic when I’ve drunk too much wine and can’t quite remember the photo being taken!

Don’t get me wrong, it’s not always easy remember to take all these photo. My family have gotten used to me whipping out the phone for a quick Sunday Sevens pic, and the hubby no longer pulls a face at the suggestion of a selfie. At the beginning I’d forget all the time but now it’s just a part of my life, snapping away.

I’ve just looked through my folder of “2016 Sunday Sevens” on my computer. 482 photos!! I don’t think I’ve put all of them on my blog but probably not so far off.

Well enough waffling. I just thought I’d share my thoughts with you, and if you’re thinking of joining in, it really is worthwhile. Not just for the lovely comments from you guys, but for yourself too. Remember the little things as well as the big things that go on and often get forgotten.

I’m thinking of uploading all my Sunday Sevens pics to photo box and having a Sunday Sevens photobook made. A little pressies to myself!

Sunday 1st January 2017 – I called in to see Cyber Mom & Pops to wish them happy new year on my way for my night shift.

I bought 2 of these yummy chocolate orange puddings from M&S for boxing day. We were so full we only needed one, so even though it was a couple of days out of date we risked our health and ate the second one! I think the only after effects were sparkly wees and glittery number 2s. (only kidding!)

What is it about cats and sewing? I really need to teach her how to use scissors instead of just staring at what’s to be done!

Remember the fabric I bought in the sale at John Lewis? Well, when she was cutting it out, I said to her (very politely) “if you’re going to cut it to the exact cm (which she was doing) can you make sure it’s actually straight. So she messed about for ages. Her cutting table was over flowing with fabric and ‘stuff’ (not mine!), and she said when they had their training the table had lines on. This didn’t.

When I got round to pre washing it this week one length of the red jersey is only 195cm and the other edge is just over 2m. The teal is a bit better and exactly 2m on the shortest length.

I don’t usually have a problem as most shops cut a little big extra to allow for this but she was cutting exactly on the 2m mark spot, which made me say something, especially when I saw how wonky she had it lined up.

It’s only 5cm, but then by the time you’ve lost a bit for shrinkage in the wash it’s soon quite a bit less than 2m. Am I just being a grumpy fart, and should I do anything about it? Maybe a polite email to John Lewis??

On a brighter note! I’m joining in the Secret Valentine Exchange. It’s a lot like Sewchets Stitching Santa. Oh my goodness! I’ve just check their blog and there’s over 400 participants! Think that might be you next Sheila!! I’ll give you hand!

My zipper pouch from my Stitching Santa in action….. it’s like a tardis with all I can fit in it!

Friday Cyber mom came for lunch. It was breakfast for me as I’d only be up an hour. But it’s never too early for cheese cake. Especially with this cream…. toffee and pecan flavour. I swear I had all not not eating it all straight out of the tub!

A golf ball cleaner – made using the puff stitch that is on the face scrubbie from my secret santa pressies. Golf balls get very grubby this time of year and we’re allowed to clean them in between shots if they’re on the fairway. This little piece of handiwork will fit easily in my pocket, and all the dirt will be inside it so it does dirty my pockets! I’m quite chuffed with my invention, though I won’t be taking it to the Dragon’s Den I don’t think!

And just an explanation of my ‘feature’ pic. Cyber mum cracking up laughing….. after lunch she was catching up reading my blog and went back to the dreaded dress post and was in hysterics at the photos and the comments. There mom, you’re featured, that’ll teach you for laughing, lol xx

Sunday Sevens – a short-ish blog post with seven/a few/lots of (delete as appropriate) photos from your week, invented by Natalie from Threads and Bobbins

Save The Date For The Next Dewsbury Meet-up

Published by Thimberlina

Yay! It finally arrived at 11:19 last night!

The email letting me know for definite the big changes that would affect my shift pattern and when they will take affect from.

That can only mean one thing…

A date for the next Spoolette’s meet up can now be set! I didn’t want to do it before knowing as I’d be gutted if I arranged it and then couldn’t even go myself!

Saturday 25th February 2017

We’ll be meeting at the same cafe as last year but in the afternoon instead of going to Weatherspoons I’m thinking we might go to the pub at the train station instead. I’m going got make a trip to Dewsbury in the next week or so to let Fabworks and Lucky Fashions know to expect a stampede of fabric starved ladies, and to check out meeting places.

If you’ve not been before it’s a time to spend a fews hours laughing, admiring and stroking (clothes of fellow Spoolettes) and generally having a fab day with people who you’ll feel you’ve known for years by the end of the day!

I’ve had a couple of new ideas….

Make a name badge!!

It can be paper, fabric, plastic, anything! From my own experience you will have that moment when you know someone’s face from IG or their blog but you can’t remember their name! If you wear a badge we’ll all know who you are!

Bring A Goodie Bag!

Now with all the best intentions I would love to spend time sourcing all sorts of loveliness to make each of you a goodie bag, but I really don’t have time. So what about we all make just one, put your own name on it so whoever gets its knows who has put it together. You don’t have to spend money, hand made gifts are just the best, or add a notion or 2 from your stash. If you don’t wish to take part in this, that’s fine, but you won’t be able to receive a goodie bag if you don’t bring one (hope that doesn’t sound too harsh!!). What do you think…. a good idea or not….I’ll go with the general census of opinion, other suggestions are welcome too!

I’ll be writing another post in a couple of weeks where you’ll be able to add your name if you’re coming and I’ll give you all the details of the day!

Now hasn’t that just made your Friday! Now Christmas it’s over unless you’ve got a holiday booked soon there’s not a lot to look forward to, well there is now!!

See you on the 25th Feb!!

Ali x

If you want to read more about past meet ups and what Dewsbury has to offer their a section on my main front page with all the links to the Spoolette posts.

Here’s just a few pics from past meet ups!

Top 3’s of 2016

Published by Thimberlina

I’ve been blogging now since September 2013, but this is only the 2nd time I’ve looked back and posted on the previous year. I tend not set myself any goals or targets, and generally just amble along and see where my sewing takes me.

I was surprised to read I had named 3 garments that I said I would make in 2016 when I was just looking back at my 2015 review . None of which I did!

Lets home my #2017makenine that I’ve posted on IG is more successful!

I’m basing my post around Gillian’s Annual Roundup but only doing the top 3 of each category and I’ve tweaked them a bit too.

So here’s my top Threes………

MY TOP 3 FAVOURITE GARMENTS

1 Butterick 6390

I only completed this in November but have worn it to death and have received so many compliments. I think if I’d have made this earlier in the year it would have been in the top 3 most viewed – it only had 2 months on my blogs but wasn’t far off. I’ve shown it with my Holly Jumpsuit which was a favourite but didn’t quite make my top 3.

2 Vogue 9082 – Made for the Big Vintage Sewalong

My all time favourite frock. Umpteen (2!) muslins, though it felt like umpteen! The fit was spot on and I just know no one out there has a dress like mine!

3 – The Brooklyn Hoodie from SCBB

No where near as glamorous as the other 2 in my top 3 but worn probably the most out of everything I made in 2016. Comfy, stylish, smart when needed and can wear it with jeans, a maxi dress or my gym gear! A definite winner!

TOP 3 MISSES

1 Simplicity 1873

Unfortunately only worn 3 or 4 times. I had high hope for this pattern with the fabric. It was the style not the fabric, it just never hung properly and I felt I was forever adjusting myself. I still have it and it’s free to a good home if anyone would like it!

2 Vogue 8805

Another garment that I had high hope for. it’s all finished except for buttons and has some stunning edge stitching, but I just felt like I was in theatre scrubs when I put it one!!

3 Jersey Top that came free with love Sewing

I won this gorgeous gingham from Girl Charlee but it just doesn’t fit properly. I think I might have sewn up the wrong size, so again free to good home if theres someone who’s a RTW size 10 it should fit you.

3 NONE SEWING HIGHLIGHTS

I met up with a patient from over 10 years ago. He fell from of about 2-3 storeys and wanted to say thankyou for saving him. I remember the day it happened like it was yesterday, and it was very humbling to meet him again. It had suffered life changing injuries but how he coped was an inspiration.

–

Another year as a none smoker!

–

I can’t think of anything else that I’d call a proper highlight – does that sound bad or ungrateful for what I have, I hope not!

So that’s 2016 gone in a flash! I’ve just had a count up and I made 27 garments, I baby quilt and quite a few other bits and bobs. They call all be seen on my Handmade in 2016 page.

I’m hoping to carry on the Sunday Sevens in 2017, as well as focussing on making garments that will be worn lots, and not just filling my wardrobe with orphans. I’m also going to carry on thinking about quality and not quantity, which I think I managed to do in 2016.

So in 2017 may your seams be straight, your collars pointy and your reader be full of inspiration!

Stitching Santa 2016 – The Reveal

Published by Thimberlina

3 years ago Sheila from Sewchet thought up the fantastic idea for us crafty folk to have a Secret Santa, and called it Stitching Santa! I didn’t join in the first year, I was a little shy as I’d not been blogging very long, but jumped in feet first when it was announced the year after.

Up until I joined in for the first time in 2015 (read about my reveal here) I never dreamt that I’d have anything under my tree that would make me proper excited just like when I was a child. But Stitching Santa did just that! It was like believing in Father Christmas all over again!

My parcel arrived and took pride of place under the tree. It came from Kim who blogs at The Material Lady.

On Christmas morning H had set his alarm for 6am, and I leapt out of bed too at this time to open my special pressies when I heard him getting up!

The first gift I found as I opened my parcel was a pattern magazine. It was a burda style, but in Spanish, with lots of patterns inside. Lots of tracing…..she must have read about my crazy love of tracing….I’ve one or 2 patterns traced off that I’ve not even cut out yet. I just find it really therapeutic!

There’s some very stylish makes, and very on trend, I think sometimes the Europeans are quite a bit more ahead of us in the fashion stakes.

I’ll need to learn fabric types, especially needing to know if a stretch or woven is required, one of the first things I might make is this dress….. You can’t see properly but there’s a peplum that stops short of the front, and it’s more fitted that it looked in the line drawing. I think the detail at the bottom would draw the eye away from my not so narrow waist!

Then there was a toiletries bag filled with goodies…… Kim used a free pattern from Rhonda’s Creative Life. I’m not going to use it for toiletries as I don’t want to spoil it, instead I’m going to use if to take my ‘to-do’ stuff to work – that’ll be my iPad, it’s charger and whatever crochet or hand sewing I have on the go. It drives me mad if we have a quiet spell and i’ve nothing with me to do. It’s usually just on the seat next to me in a carrier bag and it all ends up all over the place when I brake hard – which happens quite a lot when some plonker doesn’t hear the sirens or see the blue lights!

Not only had Kim been busy sewing, she’d been crocheting too. She made me these cute face scrubbies too from The Stitchin’ Mommy. These are just fab! I thought they were too nice to use too and put them on display in my bathroom but did use them and they’re ace! Even H thinks so – I’m going to make him some blue ones so he doesn’t pinch mine!

And she’s been doing some sticking and gluing too! She made me this fabric covered notebook – she must have seen my comment admiring Sheila’s on her blog when she wrote a tutorial how to make one. I’m going to use it for my sewing plans and aspirations for 2017.

As well as been busy making, Kim also managed to spend the £10 wisely definitely got value for money – there must be a bit of a Yorkshire lass in there somewhere!

Snippers!! These are fab! I’ve always wanted some off these as I’ve seen other sewers wearing them round their neck. So a couple of years ago i bought some, but they just wouldn’t snip properly. These certainly do and have been put to good use already!

A cow tape measure! I must admit I wondered what it was at first, until I pulled one of it’s ears! How cute! This will be handy for in my handbag. I usually keep a normal one but it gets tangled.

A bobbin and thread matcher upper! What a good idea, I’ve seen these on blogs but not in real life!

A bias maker, this can also be used to add fusible iron on bias onto fabric, I’ve seen this online too and will investigate further!

Thank you so much Kim for your presents and all the thought that’s gone into them! And thankyou to the management for wrapping them up and posting them off. I feel very lucky considering how poorly you’ve been, you must have gotten started in good time to get all the handmade gifts made in time.

Now onto what I made/bought and collected to send off to my Stitching Santa recipient who was Rita from Rita’s Design.

She’s Hungarian but now lives in Germany with her husband and 2 young boys. I already follow Rita but reread some of her older blog posts and did quite a bit of stalking and rummaging around her blog to get a feel for what I thought I could made and buy her to go in her special parcel.

I started acquiring a few bits and pieces to go in the parcel even before Stitching Santa had been announced and before knowing who I’d be playing Santa for. Stitchy sorts of things that would suit anyone into sewing. I then added some more after stalking Rita’s blog.

The animal fabric is left from the quilt I made for a new member of the family. There was a decent fat quarter ish size left and I thought maybe it would come in useful for making something for her boys.

The reusable swatch kit was a spare one from a giveaway I’d previously organised.

And then the 2 patterns were freebies from magazines – with Rita not being from England I thought it would be unlikely that she would have them, and reading her blog I learnt she’s venturing into the world of sewing with jersey.

And my copy of Love Sewing Magazine – I wouldn’t normally part with this so easily but as it was late being despatched they sent subscribers an e version, so I was happy for Rita to have my hard copy.

And just a few more freebies….! A Yorkshire tea bag! Hopefully Rita will enjoy this whilst sat sewing at her machine.

A heart shaped squishy tree decoration – this was from Cyber mom – it could also double up as a pin cushion.

8 pieces of fabric that came free with a magazine.

A tunisian crochet hook. I’ve no idea if Rita can do tunisian crochet, but she’s very crafty so I imagine she can turn her hand to anything!

And finally a couple of embroidery threads which have been added to my stash from someone elses so also count as ‘free’!

Now onto to how I spent my £10. I was very mindful that I couldn’t buy anything too heavy as I was posting my parcel abroad.

When I went to the Knitting and Stitching show back in November I spent all the money there (except the spool) and got lots for my money!!

The first thing I bought was these cute jeans/pants pattern which would be perfect for her boys! Only £1.50!! The lady said “you do know it’s in German?”. Of course I did – and Rita’s learning German so no problem! Hopefully they’ll be straight forward!

This was the biggest purchase – it’s ones of those things that flips onto your wrist and has a magnetic pin holder attached!

Some embroidery scissors. Last year Sheila gave me some with a needle keeper attached. I pinched the idea and used one of the squares that I’d made when I went to Raggedy Annie’s class at the Fabbadashery.

And finally this spool of gorgeous tape that I picked up from TKMAX very cheaply! I did by too so I can sew them in things I make too!

And a made a few things too…..

I didn’t have a lot of time in front of my machine so set about early in December to crochet a scarf for Rita. I had just one ball of this yarn in my stash so it was never going to be very big, and I couldn’t go out and buy another! So it’s quite thick and just long enough to tuck under a coat.

And a zipper pouch in some Liberty cotton I had left from making my PJs….. I used the cover stitch in an attempt to do some fancy quilting, and also to insert the zip.

So that’s my round up of Stitch Santa 2016!

I have loved taking part, have loved reading all the reveals and seeing what everyone else has sent and received and made, and really really can’t thank Sheila enough for organising.

Fingers crossed we can do it all again in 2017!!

#SundaySevens 84 – Christmas Special!

Published by Thimberlina

Hello!

This will be my last post of 2016, so I’d just like to say Happy New Year to you! I hope 2017 will be happy, healthy and full of creativity.

Thankyou for following me, and taking time to read my posts and comment too.

I know it’s it not Sunday, but I’m on nights over the weekend so thought I’d be early for a change, especially as it’s a 2 week round up from the Christmas period.

I’ve not been able to spend much time at the sewing machine, but have had quite a few nights in front of the TV crocheting another heart scarf. I’ve made quite a few of these and never get bored of the pattern. I bought the pattern on Craftsy, it’s quite easy and there’s photos for each row which really helps. Here’s the link if you fancy having a go.

Rory having a big yawn but looking quite ferocious!!

Arriving home after a night shift has it’s benefits – there’s been some amazing sunrises and sunsets recently. This isn’t one of them but still it’s easy on the eye.

Hubby won a hamper at work! The Yorkshire Popcorn was particularly yummy!

I’ve had quite a few shopping sprees in Leeds. I left H with a pasty in Greggs and popped into Samuel Taylors. The beige and grey are power mesh which I’ve been meaning to buy for ages.

Christmas hair do!

Christmas eve we went into leeds for cocktails and a bit to eat, and shopping too. I’m stood on a step here but am still the shortest by a mile!

Christmas Day we went out for a curry. I wore my new frock – made using the Sewaholic Renfrew.

Boxing Day I made a Christmas Dinner

Followed by Play Your Cards Right – thanks Cyber Pops for making the stand on the day!

Big Sister and I drank a little bit too much wine!

Another shopping spree – Leeds from a different angle showing the top of the trinity centre.

And a wander through Leeds market down to the new John Lewis.

There were a few fabrics half price in John Lewis but not many. I bought 2m of cotton jersey (red) and 2m of viscous jersey (teal). I’m trying to buy solids to make more wearable garments and less orphans.

A little bit of knitting in between the crochet. I’m using one of the chucky 25mm needles from Wool And The Gang.

Boxing Day 2015 and Boxing Day 2016 – H with his older cousin and Grandpa. I think my dad’s shrinking!

Here’s what I was planning to make for Linda’s Designing December……

But made this!! Not sure yet if it will be worn outside of the house!!

Well, I must dash. I’m on duty in 40 minutes. I hope the people of Yorkshire will be healthy and safe tonight, and around the world too.

Happy New Year!! xxx

Sunday Sevens – a short blog post with seven/a few/lots of (delete as appropriate) photos from your week, invented by Natalie from Threads and Bobbins.

#SundaySevens 83

Published by Thimberlina

Gosh, Only 6 sleeps to Christmas and time for 1 or 2 Sundays Sevens before the year’s out!

It’s been a funny week, starting with a couple of night shifts with not a lot of time for anything other than work. I woke up to go to the backroom mid morning after my first night only to discover our electric was off. And worse still, no one else’s was. I actually discovered this when my sewing machine wouldn’t work. I should have been going back to sleep as I’d only had 5 hours but I wanted to make one more Stitching santa pressie before I had to post off my parcel. I ended up not been able to sew, no electric for 5 hours, and this big hole in my drive! And no sleep either!! And even worse, nearly a week later the hole is still there!

One of my Stitching Santa pressies. Even though mine’s the stitching one I thought my giftee might like something crocheted.

I’ve managed to make a quick muslin of the close fitting stretch top form my Winifred Aldrich book. I’m wanted to make something with the Funki Fabric from Wakey Makes but I don’t want to rush into anything and spoil it.

I started a crocheted shawl with a new to taking it to do on the flight to Poland.

Stuffed mushroom. Any old left overs (well not too old!) wizzed up in the processor keeps my hubby happy! He loves these and thinks I’m so clever that I can make them!!

Thursday morning we flew to Krakow. My hairdresser actually recommended we go to Wroclaw but I got it wrong when booking the flights!!

Here’s the view from our hotel. Try as I might I couldn’t persuade the hubby to try his hand (or foot) at ice skating!

I sampled many cocktails and took advantage of the happy hours!

We stumbled across one fabric shop. The shop keeper was miserable and never even acknowledged me, or said hello so I didn’t spend any money. There was a lot of fabric, and could easily have made one or 2 purchases.

On the Saturday there was all sorts going on at the main square including grown up nativity plays!

It was only a 2 night break but i managed a me made 3 days, which I was really pleased about. The main thing I wore was my new Cleo Dress with my me made tops. I loved it with my new shiny Renfrew. Sorry for the funny face – I had a mouth full of cake (for a change!).

We walked for miles each day and saw some beautiful sights. The weather was just below zero, but really crisp and gorgeous for exploring the city on foot.

All in all a busy week. We arrived back Saturday night and then it was back to reality at 6am Sunday morning when i was back in work. I’ll share a few more pics of our stay when I get chance and let you know where I found the fabric shop. And also a few tips if you’re planning a trip to Krakow.

Hope you all have a fabulously festive week. I’ve a couple more shifts to work before I break up, but I’m feeling more Christmassy now I’ve bought my goose fat!

Sunday Sevens – a short blog post with seven/a few/lots of (delete as appropriate) photos from your week, invented by Natalie from Threads and Bobbins.

Fabric Shopping In Krakow

Published by Thimberlina

Has anyone been and can you point me in the right direction for any fabric shops. I’m going in the morning for a short break, mainly eating and drinking but hopefully shopping too.

And can you give any tips for stumbling across these shops without my husband realising it wasn’t accidental!

#SundaySevens 82

Published by Thimberlina

Hello Sunday Seveners!

This weeks pics revolve mainly around my hubby’s 50th birthday, and a girlie golf night out with a couple of other pics thrown in for good measure!

When it’s mine or the hubby’s birthday we try to take the day off work and depending on the weather either go play golf our head somewhere undercover.

This year we headed into Leeds and mooched around the shops and went to the theatre. The new centre that homes John Lewis is very impressive, but still not a patch on some of the old arcades.

A spot of lunch and cocktails in the Alchemist before we went to the theatre to see the Commitments.

And a mandatory Starbucks fitted into the day too!

After the show more food in the local with they family.

Friday night was the ladies christmas dinner at the golf club. There were lots of dancing and cracker pulling!

And afterwards, the night was still young so we headed to our favourite local for a spot of karaoke. It’s a good job there’s no such thing as last orders any more otherwise we wouldn’t have been let in!

The morning after in true trooper style we hit the gym for a Body Vive class and sweated the alcohol from our system. Do you recognise Karen – she blogs at the Sewing Miserablist? She joined us too – I’m loving making more real life friends as well as online ones, a lot of which I’m hoping our paths will cross one day.

Sunday was really cold and windy. H couldn’t have had his football batch in a more exposed spot!

Feature pic – H has been helping himself to all the chocolate in the advent calendar! without me knowing! I don’t usually buy these type, I fill in the pockets of one we bring out every year. i don’t think I’ll be buying these again!

Sunday Sevens – a short blog post with seven/a few/lots of (delete as appropriate) photos from your week, invented by Natalie from Threads and Bobbins.

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I’m celebrating my 4 year Blogiversary and I wouldn’t have anything to celebrate if it wasn’t for YOU!

So I decided to share my love of textiles with one lucky follower!

You decide which fabrics, Wallpaper or gift wrap designs you want from my Spoonflower shop and I will have it shipped to you.

International and U.S. participants are welcome!

Here are your options to mix textile designs or match one single design (Kona Cotton Fabric, and Satin Gift Wrap valued at $55 :

Saturday 25th February 2017

I’ve had a couple of new ideas….

Make a name badge!!

It can be paper, fabric, plastic, anything! From my own experience you will have that moment when you know someone’s face from IG or their blog but you can’t remember their name! If you wear a badge we’ll all know who you are!

Bring A Goodie Bag!

TOP 3 MOST POPULAR POSTS

1 – The GBSB Drapey Knit Dress

2 – The Yorkshire Spoolette Meet Up in Dewsbury

3 Inspiration From People Watching

MY TOP 3 FAVOURITE GARMENTS

1 Butterick 6390

3 – The Brooklyn Hoodie from SCBB

TOP 3 MISSES

1 Simplicity 1873

2 Vogue 8805

3 Jersey Top that came free with love Sewing

3 NONE SEWING HIGHLIGHTS

So that’s 2016 gone in a flash! I’ve just had a count up and I made 27 garments, I baby quilt and quite a few other bits and bobs. They call all be seen on my Handmade in 2016 page.

I’m hoping to carry on the Sunday Sevens in 2017, as well as focussing on making garments that will be worn lots, and not just filling my wardrobe with orphans. I’m also going to carry on thinking about quality and not quantity, which I think I managed to do in 2016.

Hello!

This will be my last post of 2016, so I’d just like to say Happy New Year to you! I hope 2017 will be happy, healthy and full of creativity.

Thankyou for following me, and taking time to read my posts and comment too.

I know it’s it not Sunday, but I’m on nights over the weekend so thought I’d be early for a change, especially as it’s a 2 week round up from the Christmas period.

Gosh, Only 6 sleeps to Christmas and time for 1 or 2 Sundays Sevens before the year’s out!

Hello Sunday Seveners!