Something new

Moving house has definitely killed any desire to be crafty. Aside from crafting with the children (and I really don’t count that!), my boxes of fabric and notions are still largely unpacked and staring at me every minute of every hour! I was hoping to carry on with my Grandmothers Garden doll quilt but I haven’t looked at it for the last 8 weeks – eek.

The one little glimmer of light has been the ATC swap organised by Ali at Very Berry Handmade which I signed up for before we moved house. The theme was ‘Something New’, and had to be predominantly textile, and measure 6.4cm by 8.9cm (2.5″ x 3.5″). The back of the card had to show your name and the date.

I had a couple of ideas about what to make and fortunately my partner specified Vintage/Shabby Chic/Retro. I tried making a couple as I’m still getting used to my new sewing machine but the tension was so dodgy I gave up and made one by hand.

Anyway, I wanted to combine a piece of vintage embroidery so chose a pretty yellow flower with a lovely edging as the main feature of my ATC. I attached it to a piece of felt using small crosses on soluble canvas.

For the back I used a piece of pink felt and cross stitched my name, the month and year in a darker shade of pink, again using soluble canvas. I finished it off with a piece of vintage ribbon.

My partner flaked on me so I was sent a card from the very talented Nicky at Mrs Sew and Sow. Her ATC was titled “Hidden” and shows an embroidered deer amongst grass. It’s lovely and will be displayed in my sewing area as soon (as it’s sorted out).

Nicky also sent me an adorable patchwork apple coaster which is too good to use.

I think Ali will be organising another swap soon if you would like to try your hand!