Orders, Inspiration & Flowers

Hello & "Happy Friday" to you dear friends & readers,

I have managed to complete another christmas order in between groups & other "goings on" here at my funny ol' threadbear life

Not sure how that annoying yellowish light got in there . . . sorry folks

Recently I made a hottie order for my good friend Sandy, to have at her caravan - you can read about them here.

Sandy loved hers so much she thought they would make special christmas gifts to post to family in the South Island.

Sandy's sister Bronny loves all things relating to Minnie Mouse, so together we decided on a red/white spotty theme along with some white frilled lace.

I lined it with a gorgeous polka dot fabric that was just perfect.
Sandy chose the pastel checked blanket with the flowers & the verse tape for her Mum

Many years ago Sandy's Dad drove a truck for the Fisher's Bread Company. With this in mind, she was able to find an old picture of a 1962 Bedford Van on the internet, which I managed to replicate

(with a little bit of help from The Mr who assisted in getting the van shape just right!!!!)

I thoroughly enjoyed putting together this order for Sandy & she was really happy with her Hottie Covers.

When it comes to creativity where do you get your inspiration from?

I get mine from all sorts of places & happenings throughout my day or week, & lots from reading other crafty blogs.

Last week I read this post from my clever friend Leeanne's blog
& also this post from Vikki's beautiful blog

They both got me "christmas inspired" ... especially Vikki's who made me pull out my Tilda book ... purchased long ago & never yet any projects made out of it
(hands up all those who can relate to this!!!!)

I found myself obsessing about making the Santa ... a little voice in my head kept saying "its all very well buying these lovely books Julie ... but sooner or later you actually need to make something out of them!!!!"

. . . & so, my version of Santa came to life . . .
(Now a little footnote here ... should you decide to make him yourself, this is what I would do next time round ... cut the sleeves wider (they are very narrow) & do NOT line the coat with thick fusible interfacing as stated in the pattern ... this makes it very thick & was not necessary I felt personally)

So Santa looked a little lonely I thought ... perhaps he needed a little "pixie" as a helper ? ?

So I made one of the adorable Pixie's on page 12 . . . 

. . . & now Santa has some company 
 I am hoping they will stand in the centre of my christmas table in the Cottage & keep everyone in order  :-)
(Tilda Book available from here)

After my bus the other day I took my camera around the garden ... I noticed the roses were looking stunning despite the awful winds we have been having lately ...

Click on the pics to enlarge them if you like  :-)

As the first flush will soon be over, I have been de-heading & gathering baskets of petals to dry for my potpourri

I dry them in our Sleepout as the sun pours in this room ... as you can imagine, it smells divine at the moment

The hanging baskets are still pretty but will soon need replanting again

These were planted in mid-winter so I have had a good long flowering from them 

There has been some naughty behaviour recently from the rascals ... disembodied mice & "prehistoric things" dissected & left on the lounge floor when I am not around

I think my life was simpler before the kittens & I am certain the cleaning up was only half the amount it is now !!!!!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend dear friends
thanks SO much for your visit today - & also the well wishes you left last post on my son's wedding
We are forecast for rain this weekend so perhaps I can find some sewing time indoors?
sending much love, friendship, & flowers to you all . . .

The rose "remember me" gifted to me when my Dad passed away 12 years ago

. . . Julie & the rascals
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