Crochet blanket

I started learning crochet this time last year. It has been a challenge

and great fun at the same time. Once a month I go to a local group

meeting, where we crochet, chat and swap patterns. 

Here you can see the blanket I am making.

Work in Progress

It started as a cushion

The pattern is in this book

More yarn arrived from Wool Warehouse

Sashiko Shirt Cushions

Sashiko is a type of Japanese embroidery, which I really like and

 have some previously stitched projects.

I knew I had 2 finished sashiko pieces, the right size for cushion

covers, and  I knew they

 would be a great gift , for friends who have birthdays on the same day.

I used old shirts for backing and made patchwork borders.

Now I have two finished projects, and two  home made presents.

You can read about the Sashiko embroideries here:

Leaf and Hemp

http://texturetrail.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/some-more-sashiko.html

Grape

http://texturetrail.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/more-sashiko.html

Sashiko Shirt Cushions

Grape Design

Leaf and Hemp Design

Back of cushion

Shirt Back

Matching Pair

Tag Tuesday-I remember when

This week on Tag Tuesday the theme is "I remember when"

I have made a " Nostalgia " tag, because I

wanted to use this photo of two sisters. I really

wish this was an old family photo, but I found it in

a Brocante in France last summer!

I have used a stamp which evokes

memories of times gone by, lace for a vintage feel,

and a birdcage.

 I have added a close up of the sweet photo of two little sisters.

Holiday in Italy

Here are some photos of Tuscany and Umbria.

We had a lovely holiday, and visited some beautiful places.

The scenery was perfect! 

Typical Tuscan landscape

Walled town of Pienza

Coffee in the town square

Narrow streets

Magnificent bank

Epoch 3-new shop in Caversham

We have a new shop in Caversham, selling revamped

furniture and arts and crafts by local artists.

If you look carefully, you will see some of my stitched

textile pictures on display!

Epoch3 is a bright, but cosy shop, with lovely furniture

and things for the home.

This is what it looks like today!

 

Tag Tuesday-Blues and Browns

I am back with you again after a blogging and tagging break over the summer.

The past few weeks have gone by very fast, and it is hard to believe it

is September. I have been spending time at home, and have just

returned from a fabulous holiday in Italy. I will post photos of it soon.

For my Blues and Browns tag, I have used random colours of writing materials 

 and bits and pieces from my studio ( courtesy of Pat Brennan, from when

we did a stash swap)I enjoyed layering on the colours,as some sank into the

handmade paper background. The other pieces were placed on top.