Children, Clothes, Crafts and Conversation: April 2012

Sunday, 29 April 2012

Thrifty Tutorial - Patchwork Cushion

It has been a while since I have had the sewing machine out. Many of my creative projects have been put on hold while the pennies are stretched with a variety of other extra curricular activities (including a sneaky little girlie trip to Espana next weekend!) This is why I love this simple project so much, it didn't cost me a penny, as I based the creation around various bits and bobs I already have in my S&B room.

You will need:
Cushion inner 17" (or size to suit)
25 Patchwork squares 4"x 4"
Cotton thread
19" x 19" fabric (for the back)
Rotary cutter and board (or scissors and tape measure)

Thrifty Tip
Some of the patchwork squares used to be clothing of mine! So before you throw out, think patchwork.

Step 1.
Cut out the 4" x 4" squares from a variety of scrap fabrics
Lay out to your personal preference 5sq x 5sq

Step 2.
Take 5 squares from the top row
Sew two squares together (wrong sides facing)
Then add the third, forth and fifth until row is complete
Press the seam allowance out flat

Step 3.
Repeat step 2 until all five rows complete
Then sew (wrong sides together) top row to second row and so on
Until whole square complete

Step 4.
Lay (wrong sides together) the backing fabric and completed patchwork front
Pin
Sew all round the square, leaving an opening at the back (big enough to fit the cushion in (approximately 3 squares)

This cushion is for a rocking chair in Little Miss P's room so I needed the back to be smaller in width so sewed across each corner.

Step 5.
Turn the cushion cover right side out, poke all four corners
Insert cushion
Then pin and then slip stitch to close and finish

Congratulations - Your Patchwork Cushion is Complete!

Nice to see you again.
Xxx.

Friday, 27 April 2012

Fashion Fridays - Goodbye Nasty Nails

So I confess I am and have always been a nail biter. Much to Mr P's annoyance I incessantly pick at the skin around my fingers!

I have tried everything to stop this terrible habit, including high levels of reinforcement, regular redirection therapy, as well as plenty of pampering and making pretty. The only thing that works consistently for me is a hideous tasting aversive treatment.

I am really trying hard, especially as I want to decorate my fingers with all these there amazing nail colours and designs.

I usually just pick up Rimmel (especially with the maxi brush, so easy), I also love the colour ranges from Model Own and Topshop. Essie or Opi are a special treat, unless I find them offer. I dream that one day I will only be wearing Channel.

My favourite trend of the moment is painting the ring finger a different complimentary colour. Here are my nails this Fashion Friday.

Rimmel Pro Camouflage Chic and Topshop Moving House

What colours or brands are you using? Any favourites?

Who has moved onto Shellac treatments? I am tempted as my nail varnish always chips or fades. However, I get bored easily and like to change colours all the time.

Nice to see you again.
Xxx

Friday, 20 April 2012

Fashion Friday - Geek or Gorgeous Glasses

Is it me or glasses getting bigger! Check these gorgeous girlies out, even the trend setting celebs are onto it.

Fearne Cotton, Kelly Osbourne, Holly Willoughby and Alexa Chung

I have tried wearing contact lenses with little success. They have been handy for a night out when the glasses don't fit with the dress, but I find after just a few hours my eyes are dry and irritable (could be the wine!) With this Gorgeous Geek style I think I can get away with wearing my glasses anywhere.

I was tempted recently by laser treatment following in a few friends footsteps, until I recently went into Specsavers of all places, I know not so trendy, however I was mistaken. I became instantly obsessed with the new range of geeky glasses which are in fact quite gorgeous, so I just had to get myself a pair. Then I found BOGOF, 2 pairs of geeky but gorgeous glasses, bonus.

These are the two pairs I chose in the end.

A pair of Karen Millen and Gok Wan.

Geek or Gorgeous?

Nice to see you again.
Xxx.

Monday, 16 April 2012

Music Mondays - Soulmates

It is not my intension to expose myself too much here as a soppy cow, although I fear I am just about to.

It was my gorgeous hubby's birthday at the weekend, so I felt it only appropriate to dedicate today's Music Monday to him.

I am very proud of our relationship and our family, which is why I have decided to share this today.

I am very lucky to have been with my husband for nearly 18 years, married for 7. We got together when we were just 16, we are almost childhood sweethearts. He is the most supportive, kind and generous person. He is such a happy go lucky person, who always makes me laugh and keeps me going during any tough times. I can talk to him about anything, he is my true confidant.

He is my best friend my soulmate.

Hope - Who am I to Say

Hope

Happy Birthday Baby.

Nice to see you again
Xxx.

Friday, 13 April 2012

Fashion Friday - Shoe Sale

Well the day has finally come...I have to give up on high heels. I have been thinking about this for sometime and I want you to appreciate this has by no means been an easy decision.

I love wearing heels, they have the power to give you so much confidence, feel slimmer and sexy, they are often responsible for completing an outfit.

After receiving some physio treatment for a repetitive running injury I have been made aware I am hyper-mobile. This has contributed to some of the recent complaints I have had following exercise; including weak ankles, puffy knees (nice), bad back and incessant clicking of all lower body joints.

So along with a number of strength building exercises and other recommendations I have decided to give up the heels. While I am currently mourning this decision I hope that others may benefit. So I am having a shoe sale!

So I thought I would share the sale with you here my blog. All items can be found on my ebay. So please click on this link to see what have on offer. All shoes are size 5 and in great condition. I always wear insoles in my heels to 'soften the pain', so they are as new.

These are my favourites that I am very sad to see go.

River Island - Size 5

ASOS Size 5

Miss Selfridge Size 5

You will also find some other bits for sale, some flat shoes, jeans, tops, coats etc, as I am having the annual wardrobe spring clean. Let me know if you are interested in 'buy it now' or 'local pick ups'.

Nice to see you again.
Xxx

Monday, 9 April 2012

Music Mondays - Running Shuffle

Well after two weeks off from exercise - what better start to a Monday morning. So despite the wind and rain at 8am this morning I managed a healthy 40 minute run.