The English Romantic

I have promised myself to reduce my stash of fabrics and not buy any new until I've used what I have. This is not easy! I have avoided all the shops that I know will tempt me..... It's hard just walking past. Today I had a mission --- use some up!!! I caught sight of a piece of vintage Welsh blanket as I retrieved a bag of chocolate buttons hidden in the piano stool.( don't ask). It's in beautiful 1930's colours' then I remembered a couple of linen tablecloths maybe the same date and in similar colours. The blanket was big enough to make three handbags, this is the first, it has a long handle to go over your shoulder. There is also a pretty linen purse. Both are decorated with hand dyed lace. They would be great for anyone who loves a vintage look. I'm putting them in my Etsy shop, so pop over for a closer look. xox Angela.

I can't help it, it's taken me over. My love affair with fabric books can't be stopped. I love them and wanted a sketch book/journal to keep all my thoughts and inspiration. This is how it turned out. I've made so many mistakes in the construction of this book, but I am learning as I go along. There are lots of pages for keeping notes, each one edged with lace and fabric. Of course there had to be some little pockets to keep my treasures. I'll be filling this book with notes and sketches and inspiration. You can see it again later as I go along. The next one won't have so many mistakes and maybe I can sell it in my Etsy shop. My head is full of another project so I'm off to start that. See you soon! xox Angela.

                                 My latest book is just the place to keep your stitching treasures.                         I've shown you this cover before, now I've added the pages.                          The centre spread is my version of an English Country Garden.           The last pages have some Sweet Devon Violets and pockets  for more ribbons and lace                              ...

I've just finished a second book in lovely soft lavender colours. It's called 'Pocket Dreams' and I am really pleased with the way it's turned out. I started by embellishing merino wool tops and my hand dyed silk ribbons on to a piece of felted blanket. I used free machine embroidery over the top.                                  I wanted the ends of the ribbons to tie along the spine. The pages were a set of recycled linen placemats that were just the right colour, a soft shade of gray.                                    The fringes made a pretty edge to the bottom of the page.             ...

If you read my Mouse House blog you will see that I have been on holiday to the beautiful island of Madeira.                                          Stunning scenery.                                         Pretty churches. A real delight! Crochet is sold all over the island but my favourite are these exquisite pieces found at a local car boot sale. The lady explained to me that they had been made to be stitched on to a towel. The work is so fine it must be worked on the tiniest hook. Really beautiful! I am going to use them in my work somehow. On another stall were these ancient keys, at one eu...