Hand-painted drawer knobs

I have loved these for ages and finally splashed out to update a simple pine chest-of-drawers. Find them at:

http://www.secretg.co.uk/index.htm

Crochet Squares

Having struggled for years to understand the more complex patterns achievable with crochet, I have finally cracked it! I am planning an indigo squares blanket/ afghan. With one square completed every night, it should be complete in no time!

Knitting Needle Case

Desperately in need of a good knitting needle case, I used Lexie Barnes's book, Sew What Bags!, to inspire my own unique case, which holds all my knitting and crochet implements. Check it out at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/1603420924/ref=ox_ya_oh_product

I'm using this book with the kids at school and they are loving it!

Vintage scarf cushions

As seen in Liberty... my own version of the silk scarf up-cycled into a cushion. A Coronation cushion to follow...

Goldfinches

Goldfinches feeding on our thistle seed... and baby goldfinch!

1940s cabled-yoke jumper

A vintage knitting pattern, rowan wool and some luck! Wool was thicker, people were smaller: hopefully this will work. Apparently 1940s 3-ply wool is more akin to our modern 4-ply wool. At least the needles remain the same! This could take some time...

1950s Pin-up dress

I purchased a couple of vintage patterns on Etsy recently and am beginning to think about making them up. I am not a size 18! People were much smaller in the 1950s, so this is an equivalent to a 12/14 today. I am making this up in a flecked wool. Follow my progress!

Had to do quite a few alterations to get this to fit, but it's coming along.

Pattern cutting on the stand

I am forever wondering how garments are constructed and learned how to pattern cut during my degree course. I now teach my students how to draft patterns and really enjoy helping them develop new and innovative products.

I have been studying my favourite period in dress- the 1940s and 1950s. I am working on recreating a 1951 Dior cocktail dress and have begun draping on the stand (see pictures).

Decoupage furniture...

I have a selection of vintage patterns, which I am loathe to part with. They are incomplete and too small for me- I could adapt them to fit, but this is time consuming. I couldn't stand them being packed away in an old suitcase any longer, so cut them up an decoupaged a side table!

Obi Belt

I bought this beautiful Kaffe Fassett fabric and didn't know what to do with it because I wanted to showcase the pattern. I made this simple obi belt, which is quilted in the centre and bound around the edges.