This starts a VERY long time ago with the original hanging mice, made as Christmas ornaments back in 2013. Wow, even I was surprised it was that long ago. Anyway, one of the mice had a skirt made from Liberty Tana Lawn in the Wiltshire berries print and I thought then how sweet a set in other Liberty fabrics would be for a Spring/Summer version.

Skip forward nearly 10 years (10 years!!!!) and I finally got on with it.

I am very precious about my Liberty lawn collection as it costs so much money. I’ve used it in the past as cravats for Wolves, Foxes and Badgers, which seems like a good plan as it involves small amounts serving a highlight purpose against the linen suits, but I have quite a bit stacked in my cupboards and I’m on a mission to use up existing fabrics over buying new. It also seemed like a good way to use up some ric-rac bought originally for egg cosies even longer ago!

I am especially mean with two of the lawns I chose as they came from Japan at great cost but are so perfect that it had to be done. One is the above, no idea of the name, the other is a yellow version of Betsy which is slightly smaller in size than the standard British Liberty Betsy and a colour I have never seen here, I only have a small length of each and they probably cost the same to import as they cost to buy.

I messed up when adding ric-rac to the first mouse and went with pink (cut for the final berry skirt) on the multi-floral cotton when I had planned to use yellow. Doh! I ended up putting a second set of mice together with this anomaly for Folksy, with the others listed on my own website.

Because I am me, I agonised for a very long time about the cape colours and also about the beads used on the fronts. I actually got a bit obsessed about the potential of a coral cape but the company that I buy 100% wool felt from seem to have discontinued it and I do prefer 100% wool, it also would have defeated the point of this being a stash busting exercise. I did buy new beads in a pretty, pink colour.

After coral was ‘out’, I went with a deep pink for the final cape and the same colour version of Wiltshire berry as the original mice.

They were fun to photograph, the German paper egg in the background on the left is the one I was given as a kid with chocolate eggs inside each year. One of my friends used to get a pair of pants in hers – no chocolate! – I remember feeling really sorry for her as this seemed to defeat the point of Easter eggs to me.

The chocolate eggs are from a box of mixed luxury chocolates I was given for my Birthday that just happened to be Easter chocs and had a row of these praline eggs in sweet coloured foil inside. I would quite like to eat them now but might re-take some of the photos as I am slightly depressed to notice that the quality from my old DSLR camera is now probably less than my new phone, but I don’t know how to take decent product photos on my phone yet. Some would argue I don’t know how to take decent photos on either and I would say hush, we can’t all be perfect at everything!

I’m really happy with them. I especially like the dark red ric-rac with the yellow Betsy print, it is quite a grown-up colour combination. They have mostly sold already but I might make a final few to use up the remaining ric-rac as finishing things off always makes me feel content, it’ll annoy me to have a few centimetres left! For now, I need a break from mice.

They are listed here on my website and one set on Folksy.

Linen Rabbit egg cosies next!

This was meant to be a post about things I like from my own shop (a bit of blowing my own trumpet), then I got distracted.

I opened this box (looking for my own tweed purses) and realised how many lovely goodies I own that have come from other handmade sellers, often people I’ve got to know through blogworld (now mostly Instagram and Facebook as no-one seems to bother blogging anymore). I will have missed loads but will try to write another post another time, and the ‘blurb’ will be short and sweet as I have a million jobs to do today. (The name links will be clickable where the sellers are still in action).

First, these beauties from Mia (HandmadebyMia). Mia actually sent me the pouch as a gift, full of edible goodies and other beautiful bits when I was quite ill some years ago, it was such a lovely surprise and was very gratefully received. The snowmen coasters I bought, along with others that I gave away as gifts.

Zombie coaster from fiona t. I bought them for the boys (well for my oldest) and they both got lovely notebooks with covers from Fiona for Christmas that year too (sorry, I daren’t enter their lairs to find them to photograph, I may never return!).

A felt flower brooch based on a vintage pattern made by 1940sStyleForYou. I also bought a beautiful hand-knitted jumper (made from a vintage pattern) at the same time which is equally fabulous.

I had to go a looooong way back in my Etsy purchases to find this one. It’s a ‘Rosette Facinator’ by giantdwarf. Sadly, the Etsy shop looks closed at the moment. I remember that the seller went on to sell these through Anthropologie.

I love these pouches and quite a few people got them as gifts, it’s one of those designs I wish I’d come up with myself (and I am planning a weekend bag for me with a tapestry panel but obviously nothing like the above, more inspired by a Mary Poppins carpet bag!). They are from Ella Osix.

I will always have time for the giant poppy – I wear it most years for remembrance (I make sure I put money in the collections). I bought loads of berry brooches the same year and the strawberry brooch, and used them on wrapped Christmas gifts as decorations; they are made by jurooma.

I’m sorry about the quality of this photo, but these live on a bookcase that’s over my stairs and I’d have to get a ladder to get them down so I’ve gone for the in situ blurry and with crappy lighting shot! The print is by Dee Beal and the gorgeous papercut card (which is far too nice to give away so I kept it!) is by Saffa Barkhordar whose amazing ink drawings you can see on Instagram. I see these every time I walk downstairs.

And finally (for today, anyway) Miss Bumbles and her little felt critters, which ALWAYS remind me of Racey Helps and Molly Brett animal illustrations. Love them.

Well, that was a bit of a rabbit hole, it took much longer than anticipated to find the sources and it led me into an interesting look at my own Etsy shopping history and the various phases I’ve been through (Scand, felt brooches, purses and then more purses). It’s funny that I used to have money to spend in this way too, these days I tend to focus on food buying and paying the bills and I rarely buy myself these kinds of treats. I do still prefer to support small businesses, though, and Etsy (which weirdly I don’t sell on; I, perhaps stupidly, stuck to Folksy) is still my go-to most times.

I will try to write more posts like this, spread the joy a little. I think jewellery will get a post all to itself 😂

Right, off to do some sewing and give the chickens a quick clean-out. Where did the day go to?

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This post has been a long time coming and I know some lovely folk are waiting on it. Sorry.

I did buy new silk for the second batch of mice last year, but COVID kind of got in the way at the stage where I’d cut and stitched the skirts but hadn’t chosen the felt colours yet, cue this year and some ‘research’ which mainly involved trying not to eat the inspiration.

The pink girls were easy; mid pink silk and a darker pink cloak (looking very matchy with a tapestry in the background which is waiting to be stitched into a new chair cushion).

I then stumbled when choosing the cloak colour for the teal girls. I work in wool felt only (I’m really funny about fabrics, I prefer natural fibres for sewing and wearing) and it’s interesting to me that the colour pallet of different suppliers often don’t quite match, even though they appear to be the same colours at first glance; I assume it’s the dye particles used which then creates a cohesive set? The mint on the right comes from a different supplier but the teal, which matched the other felts used, was closer to the silk skirt colour than I’d like. In the end, I went with the teal, as the mint just felt slightly ‘off’. Looking back I find myself re-thinking the decision yet again, which is just me being a perfectionist. In the words of Frozen lady, “Let It Go.”

Then came the arduous task of choosing the felt colour for the boys. I was thinking I’d go with the same yellow as the original girl capes (to tie them all in together) and bright bubble gum pink was mooted too, but I got a bit obsessed by the fact purple would be like a mini mouse ‘Willy Wonka’ (I can’t put the boys’ photos up anywhere any more but this is an old one that’s already been on the blog, back from when they were cute and could stand next to each other without arguing…and when they allowed me to take their photo!) and so purple won. (As a separate project I’m tempted to make a set of ‘character’ hanging mice including a Mr Wonka with a little top hat etc).

Then the production line begins. I do love a little production line. I have mostly stopped taking these kinds of photos, partly because I am less enthusiastic about remembering that I should take photos and write a blog post and also because I got fed-up of the photos appearing in people’s ‘what I’m going to make for my next craft fair’ Pinterest album. I do know people copy, but it tends to feel a bit blatant when they’ve pinned all of my making photos so they can work out how best to go about it and for me, half the fun/battle of my work is finding clever processes that allow me to make things in a really neat and tidy way because that’s how my brain works.

The next decision was the dickie bow colour. I ordered the caramel felt in especially, stitched half of them then decided it was wrong! It toned too much with the waistcoat beads and the tails and meant that there was no pop of colour when all three mice were together as a set.

The original mice have contrasting green ties, so this seemed to fit better and the golden yellow matches the capes on the original girls, so for lovely people who buy both sets, they are all matchy, matchy (and if I could go back in time, I’d probably give the original boys teal dickie bows).

I had forgotten just how much hand sewing is involved in these mice and it took a lot longer than I’d expected to get them stitched. We did all get COVID a few weeks back too, and for the record, it’s a myth that children and people double jabbed don’t get ill. It was very satisfying to see the little ‘army’ of them grow on my desk and right now, I only have three left to finish

along with one set of the originals which I found in my project box, half-completed (and now rather aptly hanging out in a Robert Thompson the ‘Mouseman’ wooden bowl that lives in my studio).

I got annoyed trying to take and edit the photos, the light wasn’t really cooperating plus, after over twelve years of doing this I still haven’t learnt how to use my camera properly, that and I’m refusing to buy Adobe Photoshop, my version being on my old laptop (now donated to the oldest teen) and out of date to run with newer operating systems anyway.

I really enjoyed stitching the teal ones as the silk rustles a lot (in a good way) and I love the bright pink nose with the colour of the skirt.

I am going to have to re-take the shop front photo and the one of the little boy as his colour is very off and I can’t correct it, but as I know people are waiting, they are listed here for now.

I realise that being bored of the whole COVID thing is a luxury; I am lucky I don’t work in frontline services and have to face the draining and constant horror of it all and for us, it’s just about surviving in our own little world of the ‘house’. I also feel lucky the boys are older and can (mostly) get on with school work on their own, and I am pleased I’m not currently doing the hideous double school run that was really stressing me out; but, (along with half the planet) I am fed-up of it all now and this is definitely more difficult then the first lockdown. Also, who knew that teenagers, just like toddlers, can pick the exact moment you nip to the loo to BOTH suddenly urgently need you…surely they grow out of this!….At least I can just tell them to bugger off when they come knocking on the bathroom door these days. I want my quiet, sometimes clean and tidy house back.

I keep myself positive with little ‘treats’ which can range from eating a bit of cake (yep, I am a comfort eater and I’m happily adding to the COVID 15 tally) to evenings watching some utter silly rubbish on Netflix.

I’ve done Bridgerton, The Queen’s Gambit and Cobra Kai and I’m currently on Snowpiercer, The Great (Channel 4) and The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. Actually, I’ve just finished Sabrina and I’m at that moment of loss you feel when you’ve got really involved in a (somewhat silly teen but fun) world and all it’s inhabitants and then it’s over, never to return in this case. I am a sucker for comic based stuff, sci-fi and also period drama so this really filled the spot, especially as it’s just daft at the same time so not too taxing on the brain or draining; since watching, I’ve developed a crush on Zelda Spellman’s wardrobe – see above for why!

Anyone who reads my blog regularly knows that I do love dressing up but that I don’t get to do it very often as I don’t get out much, boo hoo. I also love clothes but I’m not interested in current fashion, I collect vintage clothing (and have done since I was a teenager) and if buying new I’ll often go for things that are a bit more expensive and timeless; I don’t buy clothes often so I need them to last.

With this in mind, at the same time as my Sabrina watching I was searching for something nice to buy with Christmas money I’d been given and I was drawn to the LK Bennett sale. Full price their clothes are way out of my reach but in the sale, it’s doable and it hits my usual vintage vibe and my new Zelda adoration. Their clothes are really well made, I think, although I have a hatred of dry clean only things (I can’t afford to have things dry cleaned). I didn’t buy all the above, obviously, but they are all dresses I’d happy own if money were no option and I ever actually left the house and so needed to put proper clothes on.

Other discoveries from my recent online browsing are Lola Ramona shoes of Copenhagen, some awesome vintage vibes there.

and if I were robbing a bank, these beauties from Freya Rose, London. I mean, check out those heels! A girl can dream.

Anyhow, back to reality and pyjamas every day (this isn’t actually true, I do dress but it tends to be on the ‘comfy’ side of things at the moment!), another thing currently bringing me joy are gel nails. Bloody awful photo here, but I am too lazy to take a better one. I bought a Mylee gel nail set, again with Christmas money and I’m really enjoying it! As a rule, I normally only paint my nails a handful of times a year as I can’t keep standard polish on, it chips in an instant and I’ve only had gel nails done twice at a salon but this I am loving, especially in the dark colours. Glitter dark blue next!

As for the rest of life, I am still revamping my studio with new cupboards and shelves (an Ikea Billy hack) on either side. I will fully photograph it soon but it’s proving really difficult to finish, especially with the new lockdown. I closed the shop up as I didn’t want to keep making unnecessary trips to the post office but I need to get back to selling so I may reopen Folksy and sell small items only that can go into the local post box. On the shop sewing front I am attempting to stash bust to make more space so there will be lots of smaller, quick to sew items coming up.

Right, back to the endless grind of tidying up after teenage boys. Ooh and Marcella is back so that’s another thing to add to the TV list!

This post is really for me so I can see what was missed in my blogging hiatus. Sorry it’s a bit dull!

I have surprisingly few photos from the past year.

I’ve been working away but mostly sewing curtains and when I have been doing more interesting work I’ve not taken many photos (lovely choice of curtain fabric above).

There has been the constant ploughing through open work (will these purses EVER be finished!) as well as some new things,

and we’ve also had our fair share of drama, starting with Birdie attempting near death.

She burst a lung falling from a height, basically, and I was told she was moments away from dying when I found her and rushed her to the vets who were amazing, and with emergency surgery, saved her life.

She’s fine now, although she rarely leaves the house these days, I think there are too many male cats around with 5 boys living on the short terrace who like to kick off a bit, she prefers a quieter life sleeping indoors.

We had lucky timing and bought some new chickens just before COVID as mine were all quite old and not really laying any more and then in a rather devastating moment lost the lot overnight when a fox in and ate them all.

I was gutted, we’d had some of the chickens for many years and we treat them all as pets, including a few I’d hatched from eggs. We managed to replace them eventually and we currently have 9 hens; a mixture of pure breeds, and two hybrids (who never lay any eggs!) who live separately and with my remaining cockerel.

Next came a bit of a shocker. Pre-COVID we found out that my youngest son’s long term back ache wasn’t from carrying heavy school bags (as the doctor – and to be fair, I – had thought) but rather he had spinal tumours. It was originally diagnosed as Fibrous Dysplasia (VERY rare in that part of the spine) but a later CT scan to monitor the FD showed it to be ABC (Aneurysmal Bone Cysts) that needed to be removed as they are aggressive growing.

C had the ABC removed over the summer and his spine re-enforced with a graft from his hip. It involved a stay at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, whose specialist care he is under (during Lockdown). It went really well and although he can’t carry heavy bags or do sport, all is good at the moment. The children’s wing of the hospital is full of beautiful murals taken from The Book of Lost Words by Jackie Morris.

Some of the sewing I’ve been doing has inevitably been masks, above a bundle for me and the boys.

I will add these to the shop in the next week or so, although I don’t plan to stay open too much longer, I’d like a proper break for Christmas.

I’ve also been doing a lot of DIY. We were in isolation most of Summer, as we had to isolate before C’s surgery, which got cancelled two days before, then isolate again for the next operation date so it’s been Lockdown, isolation, isolation again, Lockdown 2 and now Tier 3 for us! One great thing is I’ve finally tackled the studio with an Ikea Billy Bookcase hack so that’s one to photograph and share when I have some time.

Despite is all sounding a bit bleak, we have no complaints. We are healthy and happy and just getting on with it, like everyone else. Onwards and upwards!

I know how long it has been. What can I say? No excuses really except COVID!!!! Yep, let’s blame it for EVERYTHING including my inability to write blog posts (seems fair…right?!).

Anyhow, (pathetic) excuses made, on with the post.

Due to dreariness of Lockdown (and now Tier 3) like the rest of the county we were game for some early Festive cheer to bring a bit of sparkle to our lives, starting with a tree.

I love a real tree and in truth, I’ve always been a bit of a Christmas tree snob and I NEVER thought I’d go for plastic but the fact is, even when looked after carefully (bottom cut off and kept in water) real trees just don’t last all that long, especially with our underfloor heating so this year I decided to delve into plastic.

This is how I understand it to be. Trees are made entirely from PVE or they have PE tips. PVE is like the above – flat bits of even coloured green twisted plastic, like a bottle brush.

PE is moulded plastic (in some cases with a mould taken directly from a real tree) and, it’s said, feels like a real tree (I’m not sure about that bit!).

For trees with PE, only the tips are PE, with the main inside body of the tree still being PVE.

After a bit of research the tree make getting a lot of positive reviews seems to be the Kaemingk brand, specifically the Everlands Grandis Fir, which is what we went for as I found it quite cheap (£130 for a 6ft tree from Tong Garden Centre, which was a good price in comparison to other places). I liked the fact it appeared to have a more natural shape, I’m not really interested in perfect triangles.

When you first start putting the tree up it looks really crap, basically; you really do have to ‘fluff’ up the branches.

And then it looks pretty decent.

by the time it’s decorated you can’t really see it’s ‘fake’.

As always, we went with ‘Tat’ theme – all plastic and glitter from the 1970’s, 80’s and 90’s.

I’m not sure it’s the very best tree out there, I did fancy John Lewis’s ‘Peruvian Pine’ as above (too expensive and I wasn’t sure it’d be better) and we should have gone for 7 ft (I forgot that when I buy our usual 6 ft real tree it goes in a pot, off the ground by quite a bit so adding false height).

All our other usual decorations have come out, including the ‘evil’ fairies (as my kids call them).

And the vintage mini tree with all my mercury glass and another ‘evil’ fairy on top!

It has really cheered me having the decorations up and we were lucky to buy our tree just ahead of the curve, as I see many places are now sold out. I’ve made a sterling effort with getting gifts ordered early and we just need to make it though the final weeks of school (if the boys actually get to go to school and aren’t permanently at home isolating!), mock GCSE’s and us all being cooped up together for even longer then roll on 2021 and let’s hope it’s better then 2020!