WOYWW 127

THIS CAT'S ON A HOT TIN ROOF.....


I like to think of a pertinent musical title every week (though the last blog was a movie quote..) and this one, though slightly obscure, sums up how I'm feeling at the moment.  There seems to be so much to do and not enough time in which to do it.  I know this is a common theme for many of us, but where do the hours go.....??
(The song title is from Brian Setzer's album. You can Youtube him if you're interested. He does a mad cross between rockabilly and big band stuff. I play it very loudly in the car! :D)


Anyhow...my desk...
I found the funky union jack material in my fav shop in Marlborough, it's a heavy duty cotton drill and so far has been turned into bags, aprons, and a peg bag. The luscious black cherry fabric is destined to be more desk tidies - they seem to be quite popular at the moment.  The smaller black and white polka dot is going to be the lining and straps in contrast to the cherries.
Julia and Mr Dunnit popped over for coffee and she kindly consented to be Kate Moss to my David Bailey....lol. Work that camera, babe...


This is the box into which I chuck my larger scraps of fabrics and spare fat quarters - it's quite pretty when you look at it, isn't it?  Come and have a rummage.... :)
And here's one I made earlier, a desk tidy which is going to be a Christmas present for someone..
I've been a big brave girl and used some more of my buttons...ooh, that was hard.  Note to self: get over it...!!


After last week's lovely comments about my village, I thought I'd share another gorgeous property with you.  It's my friend Jane's place, up North.  She's worked really hard on it over the past few years and it's turned out to become a very desirable residence.



Do you remember the TV programme 'Through the Keyhole'??  The famous catchphrase was 'Now, who lives in a place like this?'  Some very lucky dolls, that's who!!  Not only has Jane bought some exquisite little pieces over the years, she has real knack for 'dressing' the house with them. Looking at these close ups that DH took, you really see the detail.
It's a 1930's style residence which Jane and her husband Ken built themselves - I really like the marine blue woodwork and would like a balcony like that on my house!
 This conservatory is attached to the property next door.  Jane's mother worked the rug and cushions in tiny needlepoint - amazingly gorgeous..  I want a conservatory now...!!
 And last, but not least, my favourite part of the kitchen.  I didn't see most of these details until we looked at this shot.  Look at the little block of green carbolic soap, amazing.  
Whoever makes this stuff must have the patience of Job and extremely tiny fingers.  Great big louts like me with fat fingers wouldn't stand a chance. I'd be dropping things all the time!
I've got more pics of the rather fancy cake shop next door to these lovely places - but that's for another day.


Have a great crafting week!

































57 comments:

ScrappnBee said...

Love the Mini House! It is amazing. There is a lady at our church who makes them from scratch at our monthly craft days and I am always in awe. Definately need the patience of a saint...or at least the concentration of one! LOL! Love the desk tidy! It is totally cool! Love the buttons on it too! Embrace your inner button! Thanks for sharing! Happy WOYWW- Amanda

Kate said...

Oh I love that bag such pretty fabric :)
Your friend is extremely talented that house is just fab.
Kate x

jude said...

Wow you have some beautiful lush nmatertial in that box be over for coffee for a rummage..lol
have fab wednesday those houses are to die for soooooooo cute!
hugs judex5

Helen said...

Gorgeous fabrics, you have great taste... Love the house - would really like one like that - and yes, I remember throooooooough the keyhole!

Franka Benjaminsen said...

This desk tidy 'bag' looks great. I love the fabric with the flowers and the lining. It's a perfect combination. The bag you've made I love too. I looks so English to me. Thanks for sharing. xFranka

CRAFTY WOMBLE said...

I like the cherry fabric very much :) I was very lucky to be given a bag of scrap material - I went over to sew at a new friends house (got to borrow her Janome sewing machine (over 20 years old and cost £1000....... it was very very very nice, I'm going to have to start saving now - nobody in our family does big (costly read over £50) Christmas presents). It will be worth the investment though!

Sylvia/LittleTreasures said...

Hoping your energy level is contagious. Love your bags!! Your fabric is always a delight. Again thanks for the photos. What an adorable Doll House...as we call them. I still have mine, it was metal in those days and plastic accents.
Enjoy your WOYWW and thanks for sharing #60

l00pyscraftcreations said...

Oh that dolls house is wonderful!! Well done to the lady and gent who built and decorated it!!
Love the desk tidy lol,
I have a box of bits of fabric, and once christmas is done and dusted, I'll be using them with my Happy Cut for flowers and embellishments, cant wait !!
Happy WOYWW

Lou #46

April said...

WOW the dolls house is just amazing!!!! love the union jack fabric, very funky! and the cherry fabric is delish :o) those buttons look super cute on the desk tidy whoever receives this as a gift will be very happy x

sandra de said...

I do love all the detail in that dolls house. Just brilliant. I am also thinking your union jack back is gorgeous with all those bright colours. Red seems to be a dominant theme in the box of leftovers.

Neil said...

Hi there. Thanks for sharing your creative space with us this week. I hope the rest of the week goes well and creative too! Great detail in the house!
Neil #57

Jacqueline said...

LOVE that Union Jack bag! How funky is that!! And it seems to be all the rage just now! Love the colours!

Happy WOYWW

Jackie x

Debs Willis said...

Love the colours in that box of fabrics - definitely rummage-able!!

and the dolls house is amazing, took me a couple of pics til I realised that it was a dolls house - saw the bathroom and thought you were promoting a friends rental cottage!! Don't think I;d have the patience, or the dexterity for such tiny detail

Debs x

Annie said...

I’m doing a quick dash round as many desks as I can in my coffee break to see what you’ve all been up to. So much fab creativity going on everywhere I go. It’s really brilliant. Love your material box and would love a rummage. That dolls house is really amazing.
Keep doing what you do best and have a great week
Hugs,
Annie x #51

Sarah said...

I'm not a dolls house fan but that is one des-res!!! Amazing! She can come and do my real house.... Wonderful fabrics and designs - I could collect patterns all day just to gaze at! Two buttons down and 1 million to go. I walked through the rain yesterday to buy just two buttons because I didn't like anything in my tins!!!! Love Brian's tunes too and was a rockabilly during sixth-form! Thanks for the peek! Sarah at 14.

lisa said...

What a brillaint post LLJ. I'm definitely coming for a rummage in that box of scraps. I have been making some little stuffed hearts for the school Christmas Fayre after being inspired by you some weeks ago but trying to find red and white fabric in my neck of the woods has been a task!!!
I must show that gorgeous dolls house to DD and DH tonight. They are in the middle of building a dolls house at the minute and will be in awe of this des res!!
Happy WOYWW
Hugs Lisax #74

Hettie said...

I spy some nice fat quarters in there! I am seriously trying not to buy any more as I could kit Doughtys out!!
That is a super doll's house. My father made one for my Mum and I did a Tiger rug for the living room - boy I went boss-eyed doing it but it was fun!
Sorry about the tidy desk - it must have confused you. As for the M&Ms I was surprised I dropped any as they are seriously on ration - they are peanut butter ones my friend brought back from USA!!
Hettie 25

P.S. When we arrange to meet up, remind me not to suggest at Monday. We have a gorgeous knitting shop in Aber but it is closed on Mondays! It has even inspired me to get the ole needles out! A pullover and now a hat on the go!!

MaggieC (Silvercrafter) said...

That little house is incredible, such intricate work, so beautifully done. they should be so proud of themselves for achieving that level of perfection. Thank you for sharing those picture with us. Going back to the sewing, you have made me yearn to get my machine out again into the light of day. I also need to look at my mother's machine to see what that will do. Trouble is, Christmas is still on the go.

Morti said...

Ooooh - a dollshouse! I'm going to have to get mine out now and we can start a weekly confessional on Dollshouses! I think I must be the only person in the world with a dungeon in her dollshouse - though it's actually a castle...LOL

Thanks for stopping by, and the mega compliments about DD. Shame she's not actually mine or I could bask in the reflected glory of genetics... LOL

Ann B said...

Your Union Jack fabric bag is gorgeous but please don't temp me to start buying fabric - haven't got room for all my current craft stuff without starting on yet another passion.
Love your friend's dolls house. I bought one some 20 years ago and it is still not finished.

Inkypinkycraft said...

Wow the dolls house is awesome, I have started using a few dolls house bits as additions to crafty projects, they are great, happy woyww,trace x no 20

Fiona@Staring at the Sea said...

I didn't realise it was a dolls' house until I got to the 3rd photo. Doh!
A friend of mine lived in a (real) house of that style in Devon, it was amazing from the outside, not so great on the inside!
I love that funky union jack fabric, you have a knack for finding fab prints:) Fiona x #105

Simple homemade living said...

Ohh LLJ I love the desk tidy. Julia makes such a fab model I bet you had loads of fun lol!!

Thank you so much for today - your customer service is amazing lol x x x

Jacqueline said...

Not quite 'Thrash Metal'! That's my son's stuff! lol Off to see Within Temptation in Glasgow on Thursday, they are a kind of Gothic Symphonic rock?! Then The Drummer from Iron Maiden is having a 'drum clinic in Bo'ness on Friday, meeting a whole load of friends for that one and also a surprise party on saturday! So lots of shenanigans will be going on! lol. I went to see Alice Cooper on Halloween and that was awesome! What an entertainer that man is! \m/

I am trying for a place on an Art and Design course at college but I am not really very good at the 'fine art' and don't want to spend a fortune on a portfolio if I don't get a place, this way I can show off what I do and if it doesn't work out then I can alway use the 'book' for something else! :)

I do the same with knitting! Well used to, haven't done any for a loooong time. Must look all my knitting stash out again now that the darker nights are in.

Thanks for looking and thanks for the lovely comments.

Take care

Jackie x

Kendra-Sue and Jamie said...

I adore your bag and that box of scraps... it is so yummy. As for the doll house, there is a commercial in the US which ends with "Not your Dad Chevrolet". Well, that doll house wasn't the one I grew up with. I'm in complete awe.

Anonymous said...

Loving the multi coloured Union bag and the amazing dolls house too, which I suspect isn't a play thing! Lovely bag of scraps to look at too. And Brian Setzer, you're just full of surprises today! Did you like him in The Stray Cats back in the late 70's?

Hugs
Brenda 88

Electra said...

Isn't that "property" wonderful! I would love to come and have a rummage in your gorgeous fabric! You asked what I am going to use my UTEE for-who knows? Just some embellishments, I think! Thanks for stopping by!

shazsilverwolf said...

I agree with you- the people who work on dolls houses are amazingly talented. The pictures are fabulous. Have a great week, Shaz

Angie said...

That is the most amazing Dolls house I have ever seen ....except for Queen V's at Osbourne lol. The fire place brought back memories of the house I was brought up in ...it was a mix of everything from the 1900's onwards ...including a 30's fire place just like that one....a work of love I feel.

Julia Dunnit said...

I could live at Jane's place - isn't it wonderful..the detail is just amazing. Am LOVING the union jack fabric (as you know!) and even I'm tempted to sew for pleasure when I see a box of big scraps like that. Yum. The desk tidies are going to be HUUUUUUUGE.

The Crafty Elf said...

Super bags Jan and that fabric is gorgeous! All those bright colours are so fresh looking - just wonderful! I love that darn house to bits. What a wonderful hobby and your friend has done a terrific job on it...it looks so real!!! Have a great week!

HeARTworks said...

Oh I love miniatures! My mom collects them and it just grew and grew! I should take pictures too! thought the title was from the Paul Newman and Elizabeth Taylor film, which I saw innumerable times! Love the box of fabric! Thanks for sharing, Jan! Patsy from
HeARTworks

fairy thoughts said...

OOOOh so much to look at this week you have been busy and I dont know where the hours go either. can i copy you desk tidy it looks brilliant... what do you weight it with and does the top double as a pin cushion. janes' house is fab, why do the tiny things take longer to make than normal sizes things.I am 3/4 way through an edwardian corner shop, but my handyman seems to be on strike!!!!
thanks for sharing
janet

My name is Cindy said...

My lament every week is about how fast the days fly by - and it always seems to be Wednesday!! Love the 'house' pictures (you had me fooled for a moment) and I would really really like that conservatory lol. Lovely projects, will keep an eye out for your shop. TFS Cindy ~71

JoZart Designs said...

I was drooling over you fabric and all you'd made with it until it was all eclipsed by that lovely Art Deco house... .I want it!
Love JoZarty
thanks for your lovely comment too.

Hazel said...

Love all your fabric and thanks for sharing all those pictures - very interesting (Hazel WOYWW #89) x

Deb said...

gorgeous makes, love the desk tidy, the dolls house is exquisite! I have inherited my daughter's dolls house which she grew out of but it also has lots of fabulous details, I love it, one day will sort out the lighting in it!
have a great day Debx #125

Dragon said...

Thanks everso for your lovely comments... woo, I am loving your fat quarters, but that ickle masterpiece takes the cake... how beautiful
Frankie
xx

Elizabeth said...

Oh WOW! That doll's house is just amazing - and it's art deco style too, my favourite. Just by coincidence my DH bought me a doll's house this week because I've always yearned for one ... I was deprived child, you see :) I can't wait to find the time to do it up - and your house has set the standard. Love your fat quarters too and the black cherry fabric looks gorgeous. Hope you have a good week. Elizabeth x #76

Bubbles said...

My dream is to papercraft a dolls house replica of my own home... so I just LOVE that little house - gorgeous!
Your desk tidy is lovely - what a great idea! As for the union jack bag - how uber on-trend is that?! My daughter is drooling! *lol*

Chrissie said...

You always seem to get an incredible amount done Jan...fab pics and wonderful projects.
That dolls house is pretty amazing!
Have a good week.
Chrissie

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

What an amazing "home." That conservatory is beyond gorgeous and I'm never sure when I see that word, what a conservatory really is. But here is one in miniature for me to see up close and personal. Great photos.

And that bag is wonderful. Truly lovely. Happy day after WOYWW from # 4.

sandra de said...

The gorgeous green canvas was created by RosA as a gift for me. I am very lucky.

Carin Winkelman said...

oooh, those doll house details are making me drool. I've always wanted one! And I also want your box of fabrics. So basically this is a very envious comment. ;-)

Tracey FK said...

That dolls house is just mind boggling and I love that bag that is finished... I am allergic to sewing so am super impressed at your talents... love the colour combo and lucky person to get that as a present xx

Susanne said...

I love your little desk tidy, unfortunately I'd need one in a super jumbo size. You've lots of lovely fabrics - with plenty of red - my fave. And the house tour was fun too. Thanks for dropping by my blog - I'm glad to have returned the visit.

Caro said...

Wonderful projects and gorgeous material on display this week. That little house is quite simply amazing... a true work of art. Thanks for sharing.

bohemiannie! art said...

Wow...that doll house is unbelievable!!!
I'm in love with the polka dots and your very groovy bag! And...I totally know how it feels to let a button or two go. The other 4,876 might miss them. :)
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and leaving your lovely compliment! In reply...
Thanks SO very much Jan! I seem to remember from a week or two ago, that you play with fabric too! While I was waiting up last night for my son to come home from Iraq (to his house in Kansas...not here), I started from the bottom of the list and got thru about 100 blog posts!!! But I still plan to visit yours asap!

Shoshi said...

Love the funky Union Jack fabric - what a fun bag!! And that dolls' house... truly amazing. My hubby and I adore Art Deco and always admire the settings in Poirot. Gorgeous... Thanks for the info on Brian Setzer - am listening to one of his youtube videos in the background as I write this - he's an absolutely amazing guitarist! I've never come across him before, and look forward to exploring more of his videos.

Thanks for your lovely comment on my blog. If you keep an eye on it over the next weeks you'll see how I progress with those cards - I've done a bit more, and have had great fun taking the doily stnecil idea further - I've made some realistic looking "lace" and have also cut the inked doily up and used the bits with some added bling!! Lots of potential here, I think!

Happy WOYWW, Shoshi #67

Crafting Queen said...

Love your bag and that tidy. Your sewing projects are wonderful. To answer your question, I used the darning/free machining foot on my machine. It also has a more advance free machine foot which I used sometimes but you don't need to. Hope that helps. :)

Neet said...

Thanks for sharing all your lush material and the things you are making with it - the Union Jack is fab.
Oh wow though goes to that dolls house. Amazing or should I be American and say Awesome!
Hugs, Neet #11

Katie said...

I love that desk tidy! It is fabulous, and the fabric is wonderful! I can't believe that doll house. I am in awe!

Also, I'm totally ashamed for not picking up on the Brian Setzer reference without being told - he went to my high school, before I did, but still, I always tell people when he comes up (which is more often that you would think) did you know he went to my high school?

SueH said...

I just love visiting your blog Jan because I’m always greeted with a host of bright and beautiful colours and some stunning pieces of sewing. Such a joy to see every week.
And why is it that I keep expecting Poirot to walk out of the door of that beautiful house?
Your friend had put an awful lot of thought and detail into every room and it’s a work of art……beautiful!

Thanks for stopping by my blog and ……..
Happy Crafting!
Sue
x

famfa said...

Wow. Wouldn't this be an amazing REAL home. I want to live there.

Gorgeous fabrics and lovely things made.

okienurse said...

great looking box of fabric! Got me with the house when you said it was your friend up north! I thought it was a real house till I saw the dolls! Sorry I am so late getting around but DH left for China yesterday and I had to spend the past week getting him ready to go. Have a great week. Thanks for sharing. Vickie #56

Angela Toucan said...

oh that dolls house - I want it !!!!! fabulous.

Lovely fabrics and bags. And that desk tidy looks really inspired

Sue said...

Oh My! that Union Jack fabric is fab-u-lous ooh and that box of lovely fabric oooooh lots of colour and touchy feely things, wowser on the dolls house, that should be in a museum! Happy Crafting Jan, Sue xx

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...