Saturday 6 February 2010

Stop Press - I've made something!

Now, you may have noticed but mine sadly is not a very crafty, creative blog. Despite my best efforts it is very clear that the crochet and knitting gene does not feature in my DNA. This makes me a bit blue but I have coped admirably buy buying up every crochet blanket that comes up for sale in North Staffordshire - or at least that's what Woody would have you believe!

Every now and again though I do pick up a needle. Not brilliantly but I can sew a little and I absolutely love and adore fabric and have quite a fearsome stash in my airing cupboard. Bags and cushions can be found a plenty at No.25 and, although some of them have to be unpicked to remove the covers for the wash (!), they're not too bad and all hand sewn (I don't own a sewing machine). Its just that the mood or patience doesn't come down on me very often and I don't often have the time either.
But I've been itching to make something for quite a while because there is a very big event on the horizon for our family. My dearest, darling sister and brother-in-law are about to welcome their first little bundle of joy into the world and I really wanted to mark the occassion. But I've been struggling with what to make.

Bunting was high on the list but because we don't know who will be arriving its tricky to buy the right fabric. Then I thought about a playmat but don't really have time to make one. And then during a tea break at work, inspiration hit - a picture. Not much fabric or skill (thank goodness!) required. By the time I'd drained my mug the design was done, I cut up the fabric while tea was in the oven and sat and stitched merrily one evening last week and now its almost ready.
Just waiting for the last number now (not too pleased with the embroidered letters and numbers but hopefully it'll all look a bit better ironed and framed). Now I admit that it does lean definitely towards assuming that the new arrival will be of the pink variety but I have some similar pieces in blue all ready and waiting if required that can be swiftly swapped.

I am ridiculously excited but very anxious too. Everything I have is crossed. Not long to wait now. Crocus time and all being well, I'll be an auntie!

30 comments:

Anonymous said...

that is the cutest thing and you must be immensely pleased with yourself!

Well done, you doe have making genes!!!

tinyinc

Dawn said...

It looks lovely, well done!
I especially like the buttony wheels.

Rubyred said...

It's gorgeous! I bet your sister will love it!
Rachel x

Justine said...

Aww, that's lovely! Can you make one for my little boy please?! Hope your new nephew/niece isn't as overdue as my little one was (17 days), so you don't have to unpick the '3' and replace it with '4'!

dottycookie said...

It's very pretty - I'm sure they'll treasure it!

Lyn said...

Thats lovely Steph, They will love it I am sure.
Love
Lyn
xxx

Lynn said...

Beautiful - you are very clever :)

KC'sCourt! said...

Oh that is really lovely

Amanda said...

Its lovely and the writing looks good as it looks like a child's handwriting, if you get what I mean. Fab!

VintageVicki said...

That is really lovely - what a lucky baby. I'd have been thrilled if someone had made something similar for my boys :)

Marg said...

Is is so cute and very pretty, well done. I am sure they will be thrilled with your craftiness.

Helsie said...

Well done ! It is lovely and a lovely idea. Your sister will love it.
Helen

Rebecca said...

It is lovely and really well made! What a lovely gift, so thoughtful! x

Garden Girl said...

wow- how exciting!!! I bet you can't wait! I love your clever picture, they will be so chuffed, and it's something he or she will be able to keep forever. Well done you!
x

bellaboo said...

I think your sister will be so thrilled that you designed, and made,something so lovely for her and the new baby.It's lovely.
Congrats on becoming an...nearly... auntie!

Bellaboo:)

Claire said...

Oh Steph, you have kept your talents hidden from us all, but now they are beginning to surface, this is just the start! It's a gorgeous picture, all the more special because you made it and the bunting is soooo cute. Looking forward to more craftiness in the future

Bertie Meadows said...

It is so lovely Steph, your sister will treasure it always, and your little niece or nephew too. You are a dark horse. I hope you'll share some more of your sewing talents with us soon.
Bertie x

Frances said...

There is something so tender about sewing something totally by hand. It's akin to the vanishing art of the handwritten letter.

I think that you are creating a future heirloom. The fabric picture will delight the new parents, and I can imagine the time when that new child realizes what was made with love by her auntie.

Cheers!

sarah-jane down the lane said...

Ah bless you, exciting times indeed. I would be bursting with joy to receive such a beautifully thoughtful hand made picture, it is relly lovely steph. Love the broidery Aglaise and the pretty ditsy pram fabric.

I shall keep everything crossed for your sister,

Sarah x

Jane said...

It's simply lovely Steph.
Made with love in each stitch - what could be better.
Xxxx

Pink Feather Paradise said...

Wow... hand sewn... all of it? goodness me I would not have the patience... well done you.. not creative...! I think you are immensly creative and if I ever find myself in your neck of the woods I would love to teach you to crochet...

big hugs and let us know when the new arrival makes an appearance...

x Alex

LissyLou said...

thats lovely, well done you x

salty pebble said...

you sure have a wondeful talent for creative fabric collage! its really cute- lucky little one will treasure that...my twin is expecting her 1st baby in april very excited!! and my little sweetpea cant wait for a little cousin- best wishes for your family ;0)xx

Jo said...

It's utterly gorgeous - there is no way you can tell yourself you don't have thise creative genes now! Enjoy being an auntie!

Jo x

GardenOfDaisies said...

That is very cute! I think sometimes I am much better at admiring other people's work than doing my own. Trying to do better.

...Nina Nixon... said...

It's gorgeous Steph and just perfect and I will imagine treasured for a very, very long time.

You have a very creative eye don't you know.

take care and have a lovely week,

Nina xxx

Sara said...

That is adorable, and handsewn - wow! You have more patience than me! I'm sure your sister and brother-in-law will be thrilled :)

Bobo Bun said...

Hidden depths Steph. I'd never really notice crafting or not as your blog is so lovely to visit and read.

Your sister will be thrilled with your wonderful work. Now I wonder what the last number to be added will be?

Lisa x

The Curious Cat said...

awww..congrats! It looks very pretty and cute! You did a good job! Better than I would do definitely! :) xxx

Unknown said...

I Love It !!