WOYWW 130

(To be sung in a broad Wiltshire, farming accent...)
OHHHH, I'VE GOT A BRAND NEW COMBINE HARVESTER
AND I'LL GIVE YOU THE KEY!
Ah, The Wurzels, a much under-rated group of musicians :)
But I was fibbing, I haven't got a new combine harvester at all, what I do have, I'm soooooo excited....is....
My early early Christmas present off DH!
Look, Jozarty, a Janome!!  It's not an all singing, all dancing computerised jobbie, just a very solid model that's got all the bells and whistles that I need. It's like driving a Rolls Royce instead of a jalopy.  I'm so made up by it. DH says he'll put a ribbon around it for Christmas Day :D
(My old Toyota did me proud for a couple of years - it's now being serviced and is then going to the teenage daughter of a friend, for her to start her sewing future!)
I couldn't wait before using my new, gorgeous machine (d'ya think I'm happy with it?? Lol) as I've had quite a few orders for Christmas prezzies.
Here's my desk - the tartan has been used to make different things from Kindle ebook covers to Santa Stockings to Corsages.  I've also been cutting out what seems like millions of circles from black felt on which to attach brooch backs for the corsages.
I've beaten the 'can't use buttons' syndrome and they're going on everything now....
Wahoo! Two wooden ones on this doorstop which was an order from last weekend's craft fair in Marlborough.  This doggy fabric is still incredibly popular.
An old school colleague placed an order for bread baskets for her 5 sisters and a couple of friends! So I've made a few of these. They're quite simple to make really, the fun comes in choosing pretty fabric combinations.  I don't know which is my favourite, the green one possibly.

Laura (of Airing Cupboard Stamping fame) ordered a tablecloth with the stipulation that it had to be festive and funky..
She chose the fabric remotely!! I kid you not... When Julia and I were last in Winchester, she took photos of various fabrics on her iphone and sent them to Laura, who picked out her preferred choice. Technology can be soo helpful sometimes  - usually I have black dog moments with gadgets, but this was great.  The green border picks out the tone in the main fabric, I hope she'll like it.
And finally, on a Christmas present shopping trip to Salisbury last week, I came across a new shop full of shabby chic stuff which was very reasonably priced. They had these sweet little blue/cream canvas bags with rope handles. Sweet. I bought two in which to put toiletries for presents but can't bear to give them away! Here's one on my desk holding my scissors and the weird 45 degree angled ruler that Mr Dunnit made for making bias binding! 

It's handy, I love the colours and it cost the princely sum of £2.98!! You couldn't make it for that!  Only problem is I've got to go back and buy another couple....what a onerous task.... ;)

Finally, finally - here's two little Christmas presents for you to have a go at winning - bunting and a padded heart.

If you'd like to be in with a chance of winning one of these, then please add the phrase 'What a Festive Fabric Frolic' to your comment! I'll announce the winners next week.

Hope you all have a great fun with your crafting, whatever form it takes xxxx











60 comments:

Hope and Chances said...

Lucky you - getting your Christmas pressie early! And what a fabulous gift - I'm envious! Adoring those bread baskets. Have a great Wednesday.

Sunshine Girl said...

Oooh what a lovely post this week (as always really!) now I will be singing about Combine Harvesters all week instead of an Elton John song! Love the baskets you have made must have a go at one of those one day - and what a lovely Christmas present you have had! I have asked for a sew table for my machine and now other half is trying to work out how to cobble one together cheaply rather than pay out the £100 for the one I want *sigh* oh well we shall see! Have a fab week. Thanks for sharing. Sunshine Girl – No 4

Sunshine Girl said...

Just read your comment on my blog - inka gold is actually a thick paint like a paste - have had two of them go mouldy but no doubt it will sit there for a while longer before I email them, should move it to right by the keyboard really that would probably move me into action! but thats far too organised for someone like me!

bebebubu said...

Very productive this week?. I love your bread baskets and the door stop. Very very cute.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I won't waste any time. 'What a Festive Fabric Frolic.' Now on to your desk. I am in awe of your sewing machine. It really looks super. I'm not a seamstress, I'm an altered artist who sews on occasion and I do more on paper than fabric, but I sure love what you have!

Sorry I missed you last week. It was unintentional and I was simply crunched for time. I appreciate the visit, though. Happy WOYWW from #7.

Annie said...

Fab new machine....I love Janome machines too. My computerised machine and my overlocker are Janome :-) You will have hours of fun with that. Love your crafty creations too....same design I used for Julia's desk tidy but of course her's had to be wipe clean :-)
Hugs,
A x

jude said...

Wow that sure is a rolls Royce..lol What ababe and what a darling hubby .hope he dont forget the red bow on crimbo day...lol
Thanks mfor the chance to win your beautiful creations keeping fingers crossed.
'What a Festive Fabric Frolic'Have fab wednesday and creative festive wqeek ahead!
hugs judex 9

Kath Stewart said...

loving all your stitchy makes...i love my janome and naughty you I'll be singing that song all day now...thanks for the crafty snoop...Happy WOYWW...hugs kath xxx (33)

Morti said...

I don't think we need any encouragement to say 'What a Festive Fabric Frolic' because your blog truly is, today! Love Laura's tablecloth - LOL.

and you just HAVE to name/locate the shop in Salisbury - I need to go Christmas shopping ASAP. ROFL

Hope you're keeping well hun!

Helen said...

Love your post today - and what a great present for your! The tartan is gorgeous, What a Festive Fabric Frolic indeed... Happy WOYWW from a non-sewer at 12!

CRAFTY WOMBLE said...

I agree 'what a festive fabric frolic'! Congrats on the Jenome, fabulous. I had the privilege of using a friends at the beginning of November and it was SO nice, it is 20 years old and cost a £1000 get that. The owner looked at trading it in because it is missing the featherweight but they would only give her £300 for it and she says she can't justify that for one stitch type. My mum just got a Singer and it is nice (I did some of the advent calender on it but I have to say the Jenome was a dream :)

Franka Benjaminsen said...

Your post gives me the idea you are really busy. But I love all the things you've made. I love the door stoppers most and I hope to make some for our new restyled home :-D (We start in spring)
Sewing with a new machine feels like a festive. I've had mine one year ago and I enjoy it every time I use it. Thanks for sharing and a happy WOYWW. xFranka #16

Crafting Queen said...

Congratulation on your new machine, have fun with it. Love your latest sewing projects, they are wonderful. :)

RosA said...

Wow, I bet you are pleased with your new sewing machine! I used to own a Janome which was great. (And if I wanted a brand new machine now that's what I would go for.) And my overlocker is a Janome and I think it must be over 20 years old and has never missed a beat! Lots of interesting sewing happening there! Happy WOYWW! RosA#18

Di said...

It's true - a new sewing machine is more fun than getting a brand new car! Enjoy, and I hope you stop long enough for DH to put a ribbon on it for Christmas Day! So much going on on you workdesk - What a Festive Frolic indeed :)) Di xx

Neil said...

Hi there and thanks for the peek into your creative zone. What a festive fabric frolic you have going on so thanks for sharing. Hope you have a brilliant week and have plenty of creative time!

Neil #24

Julia Dunnit said...

Good gracious LLJ, you sound busy, happy and not a little smug about the machine! Hurrah!!! Today's post is full of joy and festivenessness. I'm not entering the draw...I just know you'd fix it. Wouldn't you? !!

Jacqueline said...

Well ! What a festive fabric frolic you have going on there then! Love the look of your new "toy" I have a little Janome compact machine, quite a basic little baby but boy is it good! Had the thing for yonks and it's a wee dream! :D

Absolutley ADORE that doorstop! Love that fabric, it just seemed to make me smile! And those little bread baskets are a really 'sweet' idea! They would really cheer up the breakfast table! :D

Thanks for sharing your wonderful projects, take care and Happy WOYWW

Jackie x

Kirsty.A said...

Wow! You are busy. I love the red and white bread baskets - so Christmassy
#58

VonnyK said...

Wow, you have been busy, I bet the new machine makes it really easy. Happy woyww, VonnyK #35

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

Woo hoo!! an opportunity to win a piece of Lunch Lady Jan's work, wow what a big bonus! almost as good as your lovely new pressie from darling hubby - isn't it grand - actually I have good solid machine which replace my Janome some years ago - and still love my machine, Mind you dont use it anywhere near as much as you, but it does come out for the necessities occasionally.
Happy WOYWW and happy playing with machine - combine harvester or not! love Shaz in oz.x

"What a Festive Fabric Frolic"

Craftin Suzie (Susan Wykes) said...

Love your sewing machine and I see that you will put it to very good use!! You have made some scrummy things, love all the fabrics you have used x

Anonymous said...

What a great desk and a super sewing machine, I love the Scottie door stop as I am owned by a very proud Scottie dog. Have a great Wednesday. Laura

Jacqueline said...

Well Jan, I'm just back from the hairdressers! All be it £40 lighter and looking VERY different! :D.... *sigh* (just think of the distress stains i could have bought with that)!!...oh and yes....purple WAS involved lol!

Jackie x

Sylvia/LittleTreasures said...

"What a Festive Fabric Frolic" kind of a tonque twister!!! Fab Frolic visiting your blog. WOW a new Cadillac style machine...happy for you, you always have lots to sew. Love the little bread baskets. Do they hold a 8x8 hot pan too? You're fabric choices are great for your projects. Enjoy WOYWW and have fun with your New stuff.

JoZart Designs said...

Wow! It really is "What a Festive Fabric Frolic"!!! So many lovely things there.
I can't recommend Janome enough as their machines are so reliable. I had a Bernina (which cost so much) before my Janomes but I think was a Friday night model and ended up having to go back to Switzerland and was still duff when it had been seen to by "dozens of Swiss engineers". I'll stick to Janome.
Have you seen the mini hanging towels I made which have proved popular? I blogged them on 1st Nov. I'm sure they'd sell well for you!
Love JoZarty x

Deb said...

What a festive, fabric frolic! How lucky you have your xmas present early and what a christmas present! Love the fabric on the tablecloth, lucky girl, she will love it!
happy WOYWW! Debxx #92

Bellaidea said...

wow, so cool!

Debs Willis said...

Bit late to be bringing in the harvest, dontcha think??? but those bread baskets are seriously gorgeous!

Happy WOYWW Debs xx

Ann B said...

What a Festive Fabric Frolic -

and it certainly is with all that jolly red bread baskets - love them and the give-aways so fingers crossed I'm the lucky one.
So much to see this week Jan you have been busy.
Thanks
Ann B
#30

Twiglet said...

'What a Festive Fabric Frolic'
Fab post Jan - I have a little Janome - very basic- that I keep set up for free maching - its a little gem. Hope you have hours of fun with yours. x Jo #42

Bellaidea said...

Hi! Thanks for comments :0 99% of my work are layouts so I will use all tagsfor my projects as dt or for challenges, have a great evening
psone of my scrap dreams is to use sewing machine:)

Anonymous said...

Wow Jan 'What a Festive Fabric Frolic' this post is! Can't believe you turned in a Toyota for something else, lol! (Three guesses as to where I work!) Lovely fabric makes, great colour choices for everything and that little doorstop is just so cute, I can see why it's popular. Hope you asked for something else for Christmas too or there'll be nothing under the tree with your name on.... and this after all, is for work!!

Hugs
Brenda 78

fairy thoughts said...

what a festive fabric frolic,I mean that most sinceely. I thought I was busy, but you give the word a whole new meaning, I'm exhausted just reading all about it. It all looks fab. It is becoming quite popular to photo stuff in shops now, I really love the numbers fabric on the table cloth.
The snow flake die cuts on my desk are from dies to die for made by memory box, they are fabulously delicate.
janet

MaggieC (Silvercrafter) said...

What a lucky girl you are, Jan. I am sure you will have such a wonderful time learning how to use your new machine. I am afraid I am still using my very ancient Singer (which was my mother's 21st birthday present - it is electric) and the machine that Mum bought after I pinched her Singer. I love looking at all your lovely material. Maybe, in the New Year, I will have a go at more sewing again. Thank you so much for your visit and lovely comments. Enjoy your fresh bread.

HeARTworks said...

Hi LLJ! You are as pleased as punch about your new car I can see! And you've been so busy, fired up, in fact! Your enthusiasm jumps out of the computer! "What a festive fabric frolic!" indeed! Patsy from
HeARTworks

Sue said...

Wow Jan, lucky you :0))))) my mum used to sing, Oh a sewing maching a sewing machine a girls best friend! She bought me a Singer as a wedding gift 18 years ago and it's still going strong today! It doesn't sing or dance either but it does the job! fab fabrics and goodies, love that dog fabric, Happy Crafting, Sue xx

lisa said...

I loooove your early Christmas pressie. You must have been a really good girl this year!!!!
Those bread baskets are lovely. I have the exact same thing on my desk in my craft room that I brought back from Austria last year. It holds all my to do projects!!!!!
I'm going to be cheeky and add What Festive Fabric Frolics, although I'm seeing fabric hearts myself at the moment. They are not a patch on yours though and I adore the bunting.
I had to smile at all your buttons, would never do in this house with my button phobia.
Have a great week.
Hugs Lisx #61

My name is Cindy said...

Such a lot going on!! and now there'll be even more with that gorgeous new machine! Had to laugh about your flirtation with technology - did the same thing the other day with a card that had been commissioned that I wanted the person to 'approve' before I stuck the name on. Very useful, even though it did require two teenagers to help!!

Peggy said...

here's where I learned how to make the book Christmas tree http://www.kaylaaimee.com/how-to-make-a-paperback-christmas-tree/
hope this helps Peggy

ScrappnBee said...

Congrats on the new machine! Hope that it helps the sewing fly! Love all the craftiness! Makes me want to fly over and visit! Darned the expensive plane ticket! Thanks for sharing & visiting! -Amanda #21

Shoshi said...

Wow Jan, what a flurry of creativity this week! Gorgeous. Those little square "baskets" with the ribbon ties at the corners - our nephew's bride made one for us and my hubby brought it back from the wedding in Estonia in Aug. She made it from her bridesmaids' material and embroidered their intiials in one corner. It's a lovely keepsake.

A new sewing machine!!! Wow wow wow!!! What a fabby Christmas present! It looks really posh. I've got a Pfaff which my parents gave me for my 21st - I'm now 58 and it's still going strong! It doesn't get used as much as it used to, but it's such a good solid machine, from before the computer era but still does quite a few fancy stitches.

Thanks for the lovely comment on my blog. You are very kind and complimentary about my altering skills! I hate altering and would much rather be creating, but I do feel very satisfied to have finished these 2 garments.

I got some more wool today from the Internet - some gorgeous purple for my next project, and some dark green for my stash - beautiful quality. I'm really looking forward to starting on the freeform crochet - hope you enjoy looking at the links to the books. My hubby says they are on the way. Can I wait for Christmas? Probably not!

Happy WOYWW, Shoshi #62

Pam said...

They just announced that the Swiss have created thread made out of gold. Maybe next Christmas hubby can get you some of that? Ah, hec, you can buy it yourself with the money that's gonna be rolling in from your Rolls Royce creations.

okienurse said...

Awesome lot of projects today! 'What a Festive Fabric Frolic' it truly is! I love the pink basket with the rose print but then those red ones really call out to me! Congrats on your new Janome machine! I love my new machine! Thanks for sharing and hope you have a great week! Vickie #67

Craftychris said...

So many makes and all soooo cool!!! I love all the colours - brightened my day! Thanks for your comment and have a fab creative time x

sandra de said...

Gorgeous fabric goodness and lovely to see an early xmas pressie and I hope he remembers to put a ribbon around it on the 25th.

April said...

Before I forget to put it ******* 'What a Festive Fabric Frolic' ******* would love to win those they are lovely!!! Looks like the run up to the festive season is keeping you busy! love all of your wonderful creations as always! have fun with your new toy er I mean sewing machine :o) x

JaneH said...

Thanks for leaving a comment on my blog and that led to me discovering yours!! Wonderful. I love those little bread baskets ... I bought a similar one a few years ago at a French market and paid about £20!!! Enjoy your machine. I'm also loving my new one. Those baskets would make a great project for it.

What a Festive Fabric Frolic you have!

Terrie said...

Thanks for visiting & welcoming to WOYWW. As I browsed through your posts, I can see you're a very talented seamstress and like to keep your work area tidy! I loved seeing your projects - hope you have a successful crafting sales season!

minnie_mac said...

What a fabulous array of beautiful handmade gifts. You asked about the calendar in my post. If your schoolteacher friend googles "dodecahedron calendar 2012" she will find lots of websites that provide templates that can be printed on to A4 card. It's best to use thicker card, about 300 gsm, if it will go through your printer. Oh, and yes ........ What a Festive Fabric Frolic !!

Marilyn

Tertia said...

What a fantastic Fabric Frolic!! And I mean that in every sense of the word. As usual, your work is great. I love those bread baskets.
Thank you for visiting my blog. I finally finished all that marking, so now I can visit without feeling guilty.
Happy WOYWW

Anne said...

You make such beautiful things from beautiful fabric. I would so love to win the beautiful banner and padded heart so here goes -'What a Festive Fabric Frolic' Thanks for visiting my desk. Anne x

Asia King (aka Joanna K) said...

Wooo hooo, isn't it lovely when Xmas comes early? lol ;) My DH Santa brought me a Toyota last year so looks like another year for me before time for the upgrade lol ;) Lovely crfty space, thank you for sharing! Greetings from Faringdon to Lechlade and Whiltshire! And you have a new follower, too! x

Angie said...

I know I was awol this week but I'm dropping around a few blogs for a read ...Love your bread roll baskets and yes 'What a Festive Fabric Frolic' you have in your space ...even more so with your new toy on hand. xx

famfa said...

Your sewing machine looks lovely. I am a beginner and need one, would you suggest this one or the Toyota?
'What a Festive Fabric Frolic' - I would love to be in with a chance to win your fab stuff. Love it. It will brighten my home when the container doesn't arrive!!!!!
Loving all the stuff on your post - how cute are those bread baskets? Xx

Elizabeth said...

Lovely sewing machine - it looks as though it's got quite a few stitches on it, and who needs all singing, all dancing anyway - just so much more to learn and get wrong :)

And, yes, What a Festive Fabric Frolic, indeed ... the bunting and heart is fab so i'd love to be in with the chance of winning, thanks.
Elizabeth x #111

Kezzy said...

Wow loving all your amazing sewing and I bet you love your new sewing machine, I guess its like us crafters getting a new die cut machine lol. What a festive fabric frolic, they are gorgeous. Kezzy x

Sue said...

Hi Jan, sorry took so long to reply but we had an art exhibition at the weekend so been busy with that, anyway those fabby fabrics are from a Craft fair I went to, the lady actually takes photos of different things and then has them made up into fabric! how talented is she!! this is her website sjguest.com, Happy Sewing, Sue xx

Robin Panzer Art said...

Lovely work. I just got a Kindle Fire as an early Birthday present so Kindle covers in tartan sound great! Happy WOYWW! ~RObin

Lori said...

Lovely work. You've been busy! I'm all thumbs when it comes to sewing - I'm not sure why. Give me hammers, metal and torch and I'm at home. So, I always appreciate and treasure anything made with material. I'd love a chance to win What a Festive Fabric Frolic.

WOYWW 769

 WE'LL MEET AGAIN.... I'm going to take a break from blogging for a while - please don't worry, all is ok! - think I just need a...