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!