It's that time of year when I can hardly breathe. I know I haven't helped myself with all the swaps I signed up to in October but, quite frankly, when Mr Postie delivers such a beauty as this, it makes it all worth it.

This week I received this fab pillow from the wonderful Siobhan, all the way from Sydney.

And how perfect is it?

Siobhan pieced together a fab wonky star with her own fabrics in such a perfect way...

...the teal is the exact same shade as my new curtains, not to mention the front door...

...the grey links in with the walls (see a sneak below the windowsill)...

...and what about the shot of pink to pull in my planters outside.

And if the pillow itself and the gorgeous plump feather filled inner wasn't enough, check out these fabric pieces Siobhan sent with the pillow.

Just as soon as I start breathing again I'll be playing with these.

How was your weekend?

Mine was rather fab.

I spent it with these 3 lovely ladies below walking up and down the beautiful Northumberland beaches in the amazing November sunshine.

35 years ago, almost to the day, we all met and spending weekends together is oh so special.

And it's set me up good and proper for the week ahead.

I have not one, but 2 events this weekend and consequently will be busy, busy, busy making pieces to take with me.

The first event is a 2 day event...The Headingley Arts Trail, run by The Bowery. I'm going to be at number 4, 5 Victoria Terrace with 8 other artists. I'm really looking to meeting the other artists. I'd love to see the rest of the trail, but I'm not sure I'll get around.

On Sunday I am at The Otley Courthouse at their Designer Craft Fair. There is due to be a wide range of bespoke handmade products gathered at this fair.

If you find yourself in the area this weekend, do pop along to one (or both!) of these venues. It's a perfect opportunity to do some unique christmas shopping and do stop and say hi - I'd love to see you!

My Creative Space...

My creative space, as is of no surprise to you I am sure, is full of my screen printed fabrics, various lining fabrics, pouches in progress, made up pouches and last but not least...scraps.

I have several big fairs coming up and consequently there is a lot of pouch action going on. I love coordinating my screen printed outers with various lining fabrics. I had a big delivery this week from my lovely aunt in US, who always acts as my go-between for bringing me fabric over. More of that another time, but one fabric is just perfect for linings...Cloud 9's The Banks in Ocean is just beautiful. Like all Michelle's fabrics, they look and feel even better in real life and this one is no exception. Simply love it.

Anna Maria Horner's PAstry Line Voiles are another fave at the moment that I've told you about recently. not only are they so exquisitely buttery soft, but the colours are so perfectly beautiful.

I particularly love the yellow (well, duh!) but the pink is equally gorgeous.

I had a commission this week for a larger pouch "big enough for my knitting whilst on the move" requested the customer. Hope this does the job! Because it is so large (about 40cm across the top) I put a wrist handle on it...I quite like the feature.

And when all the cutting and making is done, this pile of scraps is what I'm left with. I'm really not sure what to do with them, but I definitely know I can't bear to put them in the bin.

Want to see more Creative Spaces? Head over here...

p.s. i meant to say, for all you lovely people who have expressed an interest in purchasing some of my fabric, I'm listing some bit-smaller-than-fat-quarter panels in my Etsy shop and there will be more added as i go... so head over here to see if anything takes your fancy...thanks for your encouragement, lovely peeps x

Triangle Mania!

I think I'm rather enjoying this one.

Is it wrong to say that?

This design and I spent quality time together in the design process and we developed a mutual respect and understanding.

It goes without saying that I tried out this design in my 3 favourite colours. It would have been rude not too and quite frankly you would have been disappointed with me if I hadn't. Or on the other hand, maybe you would have been quite relieved.

Not only did I print onto fabric, but I also wanted to see how the design looked on paper. I'm thinking the design would work well as wrapping paper. I'm not totally sure I'm ready to print such big scale, but hey, a girl's got to keep dreaming.

So, I took my designs to the screen printing studio today. I know this isn't the design you were thinking I'd be showing you, but all in good time with triangle fever (ooh, I think I've just named it...was wondering what to call it!). I want to sew some of it up before I show you the fruits of my labour.

Suffice it to say, I am rather pleased with the outcome.

I'd also like to introduce to you Scruffy Daisy...

...in grey...

...bright blue...

...and red.

Scruffy Daisy is the result of another doodling session whilst Ruby was off last week and this really is one of those occasions that doodles do come alive in the screen printing process. I won't ever profess to being an artist and consequently my designs will never be perfect pictures, but what I hope they will be is quirky, eye-catching designs.

I printed the designs on individual pieces of fabric ready to make into various items and also straight onto tea towels, which I think work pretty well. If you think so too they are available right here. I'm hoping to get some sewn up into napkins too. And also table runners. The possibilities are endless...

I've had a few enquiries about my fabrics and whether they are available to buy. What do you reckon? Would it be something you'd be interested in?

I am just about done.

I have to say this design has taken longer than any other design to date. Maybe that's a good sign...maybe it will all be in vain.

But tomorrow I am taking this little baby to the screen printing studio and turning it to life.

In my minimal experience things always come out completely different when turned into a screen and actually printed. You'd think you can imagine exactly how it will look, but it always gives me a jolt of surprise.

I'm very excited about it. All I have to do now is decide which colour??

doodling and pattern designing...

One of the disadvantages with Ruby being off is not being able to get down to proper work. I am a little bit stressed to say the least with the work piling up.

One of the pluses, however, is having time to sit and doodle. We have both been doodling lots this week and I have the start of several designs that, come studio time next week, will be tried and tested to see if they translate.

I have a couple of new product ideas up my sleeve that I'm hoping at least one of these designs might tick the boxes with.

Roll on next week...