I need to be liked :-))

Hello, I've spent some of the holiday weekend setting up a Facebook presence for my sewing and artwork.  (I've still to put some of my paintings on there ...).  You can find me at:

www.facebook.com/MargueriteDesignsOnline

BUT, I need a few 'likes' - at least 30 to get info about my pages's activity.  So, can anyone help please by just pressing the 'like' button on my page?  I'm asking everyone, even though most of the people I know don't even do Facebook (I'm of that generation ...).  Anyway, thanks so much in advance!  

Essential Top Pattern and Fabric

I'm using these for the Top Sewalong.  I already had the things in - the pattern from last year, I love the ruffle down the front - and the 60's art silk in pink and lime green.  I'm going for the top with the sleeves but putting a short ruffle on rather than long, as I think it would be too busy for the fabric pattern otherwise.  Anyway, I've cut all the bits out now, just need to sew!

Pattern haul!

I went out bill paying on Friday - not very exciting ... but I thought, I'll just check on my favourite charity shop on the way back to see if they have anything interesting.  I was SO glad I did!  Look at these little beauties, all in my size too and uncut!

They date from the 60's and early 70's ... I love the coat and the shift dresses.  Actually, the model on the far right of the coat pattern with the long hair reminds me of Kate Middleton!

Claiming my Bloglovin Blog

I've been reading all the scary stories about Google Reader closing down, which has prompted me to do something about it!  I've claimed my blog here should anyone new want to follow ....

2013 Essential Top Sewalong - Who's in?

Anyone else want to join in on this with me?  I found out about it through Barbara at The Flowery Skirt.  Faye at Faye's Sewing Adventure is hosting the sewalong to mark the arrival of spring and the rules are as follows:

The sew-a-long will start next Sunday and run for two weeks (March 24th through April 7th)

Any style top will qualify (sewing pattern of your choice, self-draft or refashion)

THERE ARE NO QUOTAS

You can even participate if you don't have a blog, just email her your pictures and she will display.  You just need to leave a message on her blog that you want to take part.   I thought it would be the ideal project for me to start sewing again ... I realise I haven't done anything yet this year!   

A bag for Red Nose Day 2013

In the UK, it is Red Nose Day today, an annual event to raise funds for charities all over the world.  Everyone is supposed to have a laugh and a bit of fun raising money in some way.  I managed to hunt down a Lulu Guinness Spotted Nose Bag - I think they are like goldust to find, as I couldn't get one anywhere in Cambridge - selling through branches of Sainsbury's supermarkets only.  I found mine in King's Lynn.  They are £5 and all the proceeds go to charity.

Photo is from Lulu Guinness's websie - I hope she doesn't mind!  Will gladly take it down if she does - though it is re-published for critical review only and with the intent of spreading the news about this charitable cause.

Taracat's Amazing Blouse!

Taracat made the most amazing (well she is amazing) top from the fabric she won in the Sew Grateful Giveaway.  I've nicked a photo from her blog to show you, though if you hop over to here, you can see many more fab pics.  I'm just so pleased she could find such a great use for it.  I'm so pressed for sewing time these days ... hey ho ...!

City & Guilds Module 6

I'm up and running with posting again - I was surprised at how easy it was to get set up again.  There hasn't really been anything major happening in the world of computers.

Anyway, here are some pics of my latest knitting module.  I've learned how to shape round corners and make stripes go in different directions.  I also tried to combine some stitch patterns (which I need to do again) and did a bit of artwork.  I was a bit more successful with choosing a source of inspiration around which to create some design work.  I used the 'walls' that I walk past every morning and evening.  I'm going to further this idea in the next module, where I need to design a cushion from scratch.

     

RIP faithful computer ...

My computer died on Saturday...  A faithful friend, all of 8 years old - truly vintage in computer years, but as I told the sales assistant at a well known computer store on Sunday, (who found '8 years' incredible ...), 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it!'  It served me well and did everything I needed it to do, so I'm a bit sad!  Especially as I can't post properly until I'm up and running with something new...  Anyway, until then, bear with me!   

A late Christmas present

I was given a 'Grow Your Own Amaryllis Kit' at Christmas.  I've never really been a particular fan of them, but the flower turned out gorgeous when it bloomed last week.