Monday, 9 May 2011

Handmade Monday - Practical but Pretty

I can't believe it's Monday again, and that means 'Handmade Monday'. It was my first time last week and I was amazed at the lovely contributions and talented bunch of individuals that are out there. Why not visit their blogs? Thanks to wonderful Wendy at 1st Unique Gifts for hosting such a good idea. Make sure you pop over to say hello or better still why not join in with your own hand made make.

This week is all about practicality.  I love my mid morning coffee but nothing gets me started first thing like a good old 'cuppa tea'.  My problem is that the first cup usually doesn't touch the sides, but by the time I get around to my second, the pot's gone cold!  So this called for drastic action, (well it didn't really I'm just trying to make the most of a weak build up) and so I made a tea cosy.


I really enjoyed making this as it gave me a chance to use a new toy.......drum roll....... my 'Big Shot' (who thought of that name!***!!!) It's basically a die cutting machine and I love it because not only does it cut through paper, plastic, and thin metal, to name but a few, but also......FABRIC! I had great fun cutting out the flowers with my new flower die which I purchased from Vicky at Crafting Clare's paper moments and I just know I'll be paying her another visit sometime soon to add another die to my collection of one.

It certainly saved alot of time.  More time to embroider........

 and make loops....
 and make linings......

In fact it saved me enough time to sit down and have a ..... cup of tea.


To be honest, I was a bit disappointed when I received the floral fabric. I had won it on an Ebay auction and the colours didn't really look much like their on line photograph. However, I love a challenge and pretty soon I'd found just the perfect complementary fabric from my stash.  Now of course, I love it.

Spent a lovely Sunday morning with friends, browsing at a local vintage market, lovely stalls, lovely bits, some of which may make an appearance on a later post - watch this space!

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16 comments:

  1. Wendy9 May 2011 at 12:05

    I love it! I didn't know the Big Shot would cut through fabric - fabulous use of it!

    Thanks for taking part in HM x

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  2. Used-to-Bees9 May 2011 at 12:52

    Another lovely creation! The Big Shot sounds fabulous, but your free-motion stitching is what makes it. Can't wait to see what you purchased at the Vintage Fair you went to...
    x

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  3. Craft and Activities for All Ages9 May 2011 at 13:17

    Have had my Big Shot for 2 weeks and just love it! Cutting felt flowers is so easy now...Your tea cosy is just made by the appliqued flowers - lovely! Nancy

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  4. Jan9 May 2011 at 13:43

    I love a tea cosy, it's like a welcome sign sitting on the table. Your flowers look great.

    Jan x

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  5. Unknown9 May 2011 at 13:51

    Gosh, that is so pretty... I wish that I liked tea. I am not moving until you make one for a cafetiere! Now I am going to check out the link to the die cutter...

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  6. Your Friend Susie9 May 2011 at 15:18

    Oh, that is just awesome! I love it, the flowers are just stunning! I wonder if my Cricut can cut fabric. I think not, but I think I will research. Anyway, very pretty. I mostly drink coffee, but I do love tea once in awhile. :) And a fun blog post too, very well written.

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  7. cj- catmumdo9 May 2011 at 15:43

    That looks really nice and so well made! I love the choice of colours and the way you've embellished the flowers. A great make :)

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  8. Vicky Hayes9 May 2011 at 17:23

    Hi Caroline. Thank you so much for the mention. I feel so proud that I had ANY part in the production of this amazing project even if it was just showing you the gorgeous die and taking your cash! You have worked your usual magic of course - the fabrics look wonderful together and although I'm not a major tea drinker I would have one of these just to look at stroke! Perhaps you could make one to fit the coffee pot I bought at the market!

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  9. stylesofcooking9 May 2011 at 20:11

    Looks absolutely brilliant well done. I got a BigShot for my birthday last month and i love it. Best thing ever and soooo amazing!

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  10. June9 May 2011 at 20:48

    Lovely tea cosy, the colours are very gentle. I use to love tea cosies but these days, dare I say it, I usually just make tea straight in the cup.

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  11. ZukieStyle10 May 2011 at 11:27

    So that's what the big shots all about! Hmmm I may have to invest! I am just the same in the morning, I love coffee but cannot wake up without the first cuppa! Lovely idea and lovely cosy. I hope your tea stayed nice and hot :) Thanks for stopping by my blog xx

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  12. Little Harriet10 May 2011 at 18:51

    Aw I really love those flowers, the colours you have chosen really work together.
    I may have to have a look into the bigshot but I really, really shouldn't buy any more gadgets!

    LH
    x

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  13. Polly Polkadot10 May 2011 at 22:40

    I admit to being very very jealous. I've never heard of a Bigshot before, but it has just been added to my fantasy shopping list.

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  14. Caroline Lovis (Redneedle)11 May 2011 at 10:21

    Thanks for your lovely comments. Perhaps we should start a 'Big shot appreciation society?'
    Caroline x

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  15. Carolee Crafts12 May 2011 at 05:44

    So pretty, love tea cosies and think they are making a come back

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  16. Bella-Boutique27 July 2011 at 21:51

    Big shot! I sooooo need one of those, I'm working on my hubby to see if the birthday fairy can bring one! I do lots of applque baby things and I know it would just help me make lots of pretty things really easily!

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