Tuesday 12 May 2009

Ironing and Tea Towels


Right, here I am, slippers on, homemade soup next to me, ready to talk! So how's everything going with you? Having fun crafting/creating at the moment? I have to say that I am. I'm really enjoying myself these days, now that I'm back into the sewing thing. I feel like I am actually doing something for myself, for a change, and not just housework, cooking, wiping bottoms and all that lovely stuff we mums spend so much time on.

Look what my mother bought for me yesterday! Aren't they so lovely and red and ginghamy? I am trying to decide what to do with my tea towel collection. They have been bought with a project in mind, I'm just not sure which particular project they will end up as. Maybe more bags, kids aprons maybe. Who knows? Anyway, they make me happy just looking at them at the moment, so no hurry.

Yesterday I made this roll for my Grandmother. It matches her crochet bag I just gave her, and is designed to hold her crochet hooks. I really need one for myself, but wanted to practice on lesser fabric first. Is that rude? I hope not. Well, you know how I am about cutting into that precious red gingham!! I might not be able to do it, it might have to be red polka dot instead like my bag.


Never having made one of these things before, I didn't realise again, how long it would take. The tension was giving me trouble from the beginning, but after reading the sewing machine manual, I had the problem under control. Very good. The lines were sewn freehand, I like a bit of fun from time to time. They are actually quite straight luckily.

I hand sewed the last edge of the binding and mitred corners, (I just learned how to mitre) and added the velvet ribbon. Project all finished - thank goodness!


I was talking to Hazel, a good friend, yesterday. She was laughing about how we should take a photo of our ironing boards as they are usually a bit grotty but we spend so long at them while crafting. So here is a challenge for you all. What does your ironing board look like? Mine is screaming out for a new cover but I haven't decided which fabric to use yet. Not sure about using a red print, as I would hate for husband A's shirts to end up pink!


See the awful stains on it? And the cover keeps slipping off too. Flippin' awful really!!

Now, Hazel lent me this pattern at playgroup this morning. I think I could have a bit of fun with aprons. I have that fabulous red apron fabric sitting around, looking to be made up. Could be the next project.

Well that's my lot for today. I do want to thank all of you who have left me lovely comments lately. I try and visit you all on your blogs but Sumea, I really don't know how to leave a comment on your blog! I've tried but to no avail - please forgive me. Guess I still have a lot to learn about blogs. Anyway it was nice of you to visit and I have been checking your blog out as well.

Have fun everyone, with whatever you are enjoying at the moment!

11 comments:

One Flew Over said...

Your crochet roll is beautiful and if you can do that you would find quilting a breeze. Looking forward to seeing your Apron!

One Flew Over said...

Yes...you really would be able to manage the Lasso quilt, such a quick and easy pattern. You could always do just square blocks, like the pillow you do but on a bigger scale. That would be easy too x

meg said...

Just thought I'd say hi because I've been reading your blog lately :o) I love red gingham too! Crazy. Felt inspired to comment because I'm just getting into sewing and my ironing board is so old and rusted and makes horrid squealing noise as you put it up. I made some cute kids aprons recently (from an old duvet cover), if you want to check them out there is a link to the free pattern on my blog.
http://growingkiwis.blogspot.com/2009/04/craftiness.html

Anonymous said...

I like your crochet roll ,I'd like to make one for myself but it looks a bit difficult to me.
I wouldn't show my ironing board as it looks... well ,let's say " it is screaming out for a new cover" more than yours ....
The pile of fabrics in the picture looks gorgeous . I didn't like red too much before ,but on your blog I see it so often that actually I begin to like it more and more...
hugs:Manka

Unknown said...

Hey there, looking forward to seeing which apron you choose to make. My ironing board is pretty ordinary, with a couple of rips in it for good measure, been thinking of treating myself to a Cath Kidston cover for it. But my iron, she is beautiful! She's about two weeks old, as our last one stopped working. We always have to go for the most expensive ones that beep when they have been left on, because I am notorious for leaving it left on and going out!

Floss said...

Oh, yes, I got myself a Cath Kidston ironing board cover in the sale last year (my first ever CK buy) and it absolutely delights me! I tend to leave the ironing board up near my laundry/mending area, and when the board is not in use I put a few vintage crocheted mats on it which exactly match the striped pattern. Sounds a bit OTT, doesn't it, especially as I'm soooo NOT a domestic goddess! Anyway, the cover is often visible on my blog as a background for my photos, and you can even see it on my title header at the moment.

OK, CK rant over, now it's time to thank you very much for your lovely pictures and congratulate you on your super work!

Hazel said...

The crochet roll is so lovely and I can't wait to seeing it. What the hell is 'mitre' sounds tricky??? I've got so many things on my to do list I don't know where to start. My ironing board is just going to have to wait I'm afraid - I'll wait and see what you do first and then get your advice. Cheeky or what?

A Thrifty Mrs said...

You crochet roll is so lovely!
Great to find your blog.

Lace hearts said...

Thanks so much for popping by my blog - your blog is so lovely, and I think the crochet roll must have been very well received. It's so pretty.
Not sure I would dare post a pic of my ironing board! I'll have a think about it.

PaisleyJade said...

Love the crochet roll... I need to make one of those!!

Rachael said...

the crochet roll is so pretty. What pattern did you use to make it or did you just come up with the design yourself.