Yes, it's good news everyone, I have found a sewing holiday! I am so excited, and will share all the dates as soon as I know them. I popped over to Hertford for a few days to help Andrew settle in his first job, he is working in the Marriott Hotel and I am soooo proud of him, and while I was there between appointments with sleezy realtors and charming bank tellers I managed to spend some time in a sewing sanctuary.
The Creative Sanctuary I must admit to spending quite a bit of time there, (Andrew even joined me on a few occasions but I think that was to sample the delicious cakes) I participated in a sewing class, met Erika Knight, the knitting designer and even tried out the crochet class. Lots to do and learn. The sewing teacher was a wonderfully patient lady who taught us how to make a skirt without a pattern, it was so incredibly easy and we all had such a great time, while we sewed we chatted and the owner of The Creative Sanctuary, Angela, told us that they are going to host a Staycation week, we all come and sew, knit, crochet all day every day for a week! As soon as she finalises the dates, I will pass them on to you all and we will see who can join us.
 |
| Angela enjoying the class |
 |
| Jane helping out |
 |
|
The crochet teacher may even manage to do what many before her have failed to do: she may manage to teach me to crochet! We will see.
During the class Jane introduced us to Invisible zips. Wow! What a great way to put in a zip. I will need to buy a special foot but it will be worth it, it was so easy to sew in, the foot hooks itself into the zipper and it cannot go off track. Here is my skirt zipper that I put in. There are great instructions on YouTube and call Angela at Creative Sanctuary if you need to order the foot she will recommend the right one for your machine.
 |
| Invisible zip |
My favourite purchase while I was away was some wonderful fabric that just screamed CHELSEA at me. My darling daughter is so eclectic and creative that its very hard to make her things but she loves polka dots and apple products so I think this fabric was perfect. I made her a little zipped up bag, hope she gets some use out of it.
 |
| Apples and Dots |
Before my Travels I spent Saturday morning at
Stoffmarkt Holland buying fabrics for curtains, clothes and some smocking that I want to try. I remember smocking many years ago and want to get back into it, I really have no excuse though because all my nieces keep having boys and I really don't think they would appreciate smocked dresses! (Note to self...find something gorgeous to make for baby boys)
I made the curtains and while I was at it I covered the dogs' bed so that it all goes together nicely. She seems to like the idea and spends even more of her day on it, that may have something to do with the horrid weather we are having though, Vizslas really don't like rain.
I am still knitting up a storm and it looks like I will be for a while, I don't like knitting in hot weather but it doesn't look like we are in any danger of getting any. I have made some easy baby hats and now just need to find some babies that need hats, anyone know any? I also bought lots of knitting magazines in UK so I can raid them for ideas and patterns, there are a lot of great knitting magazines over here in German but I get frustrated when I can't follow the pattern.
Well, till next time.....keep your scissors and needles sharp, but not your tongue!
