Jewellery - A Custom Order

A few weeks ago I was talking away and the next thing I knew I had a custom order.
So I posted some beads on Instagram in blue. The rest is history.

A Summer (dress) Revisited

After an unsuccessful shopping trip in 2008 I decided I wanted to learn how to sew and use commercial patterns.  I signed up for an adult education class.

One of the first things I ever made was a New Look pattern. The number is 6890 but is now discontinued. 

I made this summer dress and it has worn really well.  I still get positive comments about it.

We have had some lovely weather in the UK in the last few weeks so I have been wearing my orange summer dress. 

I thought I would I would make another dress from the same pattern.   This time I wanted short sleeves.

I thought about pattern matching this fabric, in the end I didn't bother. 

I pressed my hems in place before sewing them.

 

Attaching the sleeves was pretty easy especially when I referred to my other dress. 

I covered a button with some scraps and I also made a scrunchie.

Apart from the bottom hem I managed to complete the dress in one evening.  I was really pleased with that as I have been struggling with my energy levels. 

I loved making this dress and will make more in time. 

What things are you making? 

A Crafting Project for Worcestershire & the West Midlands

As some of you know I have a great love of sport, Basketball in particular.  This sport has kept me off the streets when I was a child.  It also has given me support, focus and a sense of belonging in my darkest times.  I have been privileged to officiate at some of the biggest Wheelchair Basketball tournaments held in the UK.  In 2010 the World Wheelchair Basketball Championships were held in Birmingham and this is when I started knitting again.

At the end of August the European Wheelchair Basketball Championships will take place in Worcester.  University Arena is the home of Great British Wheelchair Basketball & British Basketball.  This is alongside the BBL team Worcester Wolves and age group academy teams.

So when I got the request to bring two of my greatest passions together I jumped at the chance to get involved.  The organisers of this tournament would like to give the athletes and support staff a handmade gift and good luck message from the West Midlands and Worcestershire.

This project hopes to engage local groups and people from the area with European Wheelchair Basketball Championships.

Here is some information about the project

• How many gifts are required?

Each team will have 12 players and support staff i.e coaches and at present 19 teams are entered.....grand total of 228 players (You wouldn't need to make all of the gifts)

• What type of gifts?
  • Cushions,
  • Note books,
  • Knitted scarves/cowls,
  • Hats,
  • Dolls,
  • Key rings
  • Cufflinks
  • Brooches

All gifts will be greatly received but oversees players will need to get gifts home so it has been recommended them being smallish.

• What countries are taking part?

Men’s Teams

• • Czech Republic
  • Spain
  • France
  • Great Britain
  • Germany
  • Israel
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
  • Poland
  • Switzerland
  • Sweden
  • Turkey

Women’s Teams

• • Spain
  • France
  • Great Britain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
  • Turkey

• What format do the good luck messages need to be in?

If possible would be a lovely touch to leave personal messages in nations native language but again I'm sure they would appreciate it just as much in English.  

• Are makers able to share that they make other things by leaving business cards with their gifts (Not everyone has to sell the things they make)?

Yes more than happy to promote business and we will encourage players to promote through social media.  

• How will gifts be collected?

They can be sent to me (Rebecca Orleans) and then they would be collected from myself.

• If gifts need to be sent will any costs for postage be covered?

Yes if cost is sensible as there is a small amount of money, or I can collect from Birmingham as I don’t drive.  I just need to confirm how this will be paid.

• Is there any finance to cover the cost of materials?

There is a small budget but not enough to cover postage as well as materials.

• Can you confirm the deadline for completion?

20th August 2015, this is so the gifts can be placed in the accommodation before arrival.

This project is open to people, crafters and the handmade community in Worcestershire and West Midlands.  So if you would like to get involved drop me a message at poppybead@gmail.com or via social media. Or Lee Lough l.lough@britishwheelchairbasketball.co.uk

My day out in the countryside

I thought I would start this blog with a bit of history.  My friend Imogen who makes great gluten free cake introduced me to a group called Handmade is Hot on Facebook.  This group has become a valuable resource in my journey through crafting as a business.  

After meeting other members of the group at my first craft fair,  I met some more members on my birthday. 
Sometimes it's easy to hide behind a computer and forget about interaction with others and possible customers.  Each time I have met other "hotties" everyone has been really nice and honest. 
I can't remember exactly when the discussion started but I wanted to join in with making a blanket for a picnic.   With all good intentions I started a crochet granny square blanket.  Over 6 months later the blanket hasn't grown much so I thought I sew one, that was an epic fail.  
I managed to find something I had already made and off I went to the countryside of Lichfield. 

You can see the house reflected in this picture.

I am very much a city girl and can't drive so don't get out to the countryside very often.  But yesterday I made the effort to go Hottie organised event at Curborough crafts and antiques centre.  With my hottie badge, blanket, picnic and camera off I went.  I took the cross city train line to Lichfield Trent Valley and thought maybe I should of got off the station before.  I was given a number for a taxi and I shared it with a lady called Kiki who was going to play the violin at a wedding, how random?

When I got to the venue I wanted to have my hair done in a vintage up do.  It's something I have never done before.  I really liked it and think I would do it again. 

There was loads to see and so I started exploring and taking 
pictures. So here is a link to my Flickr photostream

There was lots of Hottie badges around and I was really pleased to put some faces to names/wellies.  One conversation that sticks in my head was about social media.      I have got presence on Instagram and Pinterest as I thought they would be useful to my brand and I am rather addicted to Instagram.  House of Harrie Hattie if you want some help let me know.

I had a lovely day networking with other crafters, hotties and even ran into a colleague from my day job.  The music was great and the weather was fantastic.

I have got some inspiration and renewed motivation from going to this event.  Great job Lucy.