Cute Puppy Jumper December 2012

When trying to think of Christmas gifts this year I was inspired by what my sister has been trying to find for a while now. She has searched all over the internet (and beyond probably) for a jumper, or a knitting pattern with a picture of a Yorkshire Terrier on, as she has the cutest pair going.

So I made her one for Christmas this year!! This was the result and the pup who inspired it, Toby, how CUTE!!

So I just used a picture that I found of Toby looking super cute and still!! It is a good picture as it is mainly big shapes which are easy to sew.

First I cut out a shape in a pale brown fabric, which resembled the shape of Toby's head, but simplified. I then pinned it to a jumper that I bought in the men's section in Primark, the sturdier the fabric the better. I used the same colour thread to satin stitch around the shape. This was done using a zig-zag stitch on the machine, but you could do it by hand, it would just take longer. It's a technique called appliqué, easy to do but looks really effective.

Next I cut the shape of Toby's beard in a darker brown fabric and again used satin stitch to attach it to the jumper.

Then sewed a nose shape using chain stitch and filled it in using chain stitch again. I used the same method for the eyes and the mouth, but used black thread.

I think it looked rather cute, and it could be done for anything really, as long as the shapes are kept simple enough.

If you are interested in anything that I have done, or would like me to sew something for you then just message me on here or contact me on my Facebook page or Twitter!!

Personalised Presents- Dec 2012

Christmas is coming!! It's so close now! But what do you get the person who has everything?! Well their very own personalised present! It doesn't have to be just for Christmas, it is a perfect idea for pretty much any occasion. It is also good for those who are trying to save the pennies.



Something hand made or hand personalised is so lovely to receive and great to make and completely original! Something that is really simple but really effective is just sewing someone's name onto an item, whether it be a t shirt, a teddy bear, a bookmark or what i've been doing recently make up bags.


So I used a plain black, quite sturdy make up or toiletries bag. It is from Sainsbury's I think (this was for my sister's friend so my sister provided the bag). Really plain, so a great blank canvas. So firstly I drew on lightly the name that I wanted to add (this is obviously for Danielle's birthday!!). I then chain stitched over the outline that I had made. I used a really pale lilac as it stands out well against the black.

Then after that it is completely personal preference. I added flowers and leaves to make it girly, but you can basically add anything. The flowers are just long and short stitches using one colour of thread for the outer petal and another for the centre petals. The stems are vine stitch and the centre of the flowers are french knots.

I have done a few more of these personal presents but can't reveal any names as I don't want to ruin any of the surprises before the big day!! But I'll add some pictures of the decoration on them.

Hope you've got a few ideas, or if you want to get in touch about getting some items personalised by myself check out my Facebook or Twitter or message me on here!!

Merry Christmas!! 

My Most Unusual Request Yet

Most of my alterations work tends to be repairs, taking up hems, sewing buttons on etc. so when something a bit more unusual and creative comes my way I love it.

So I was asked to make a funny christening present for a little baby and was sent this picture.

 

Now this is a Japanese product which basically a duster on a baby grow, so when the baby is crawling around it can clean the floor as well!! How funny is that! So he brought me a baby grow and those microfibre cleaning mitts and I worked my magic!!

So it took me a while, as the microfibre was quite tricky to sew, but I think it turned out great!!

How cute? Yes? I thought it was a really simple and different Christening present!! It also turned out quite cheap, plus everyone who I have shown it to has thought it was hilarious so win win!!

If you want something like this you can contact me on Facebook, on Twitter or on here! 

x x x