It seems like a long time ago now that I was obsessing with Freezer Paper as a printing method, but since doing the Screen Printing Course it took a back seat. Not only did it take a back seat, but I wasn't sure if there was going to be a place for it now that I was screen printing.

Having invested in a fair size roll of freezer paper, I was a bit cross with myself for being so flitty with yet another craft.

Today I learnt that there is definitely still a place for freezer paper printing.

It goes without saying that screen printing is perfect for producing quantities in a way that just doesn't work with freezer paper.

And in contrast freezer paper is perfect for one offs. The time and expense of producing a screen for just one print obviously makes little sense.

So I was delighted to remember my stash of freezer paper that I could use to personalise this commissioned cushion. I used to embroider the details but with my recent penchant for printed fabric I really wanted to find a way of doing this.

I was very pleased to discover that freezer paper still has a place in my crafting...particularly since I have one mighty large roll.

And you never know, Jo and Fran, I may even need another one day soon...

Forgive me for gloating for a moment, but I am actually quite impressed with myself. I always have big plans to make handmade gifts for all the children at Christmas, but time always runs away and I never get started early enough.

But not this year! It's still only October and I've already made the starting point of 4 of my nieces' and nephews' gifts.

The rabbits are all done, as are the fabric baskets. I just need to make a couple of gifts to put in the baskets. Just something little. Nothing too challenging or demanding on time.

So, I am quite pleased with myself. And I'm hoping to even get started on a little something for the grown-ups too. Ok, so now I'm gloating...

Time for a change

I think you'll agree that this doorstop I made quite a few years ago is looking a bit tired. It props open the bathroom door and peering at it is the only thing that ruins my relaxing experience. It was in need of a massive make over.


All I had to do was to rummage through my ever increasing pile of fabrics and decide what would appeal. Alot were dismissed out of hand for being too lightweight. This was initially a problem since I generally buy more lightweight fabrics for the kind of projects I do (mental note: buy more heavy weight fabrics).

And then this fab Designer's Guild fabric leapt out at me. It was one of the ones I'd picked up from the bargain bucket. At the time I wasn't entirely sure what I would do with it. I just loved the bright pattern. But not only was it heavier then I ordinarily use, the pattern was much larger. But I had to buy it and I'm so glad I did. (Quite frankly, at £5 for the metre, it was never going to be left behind)


I think you'll agree that it's certainly an improvement.

Inundated

I've had another little splurge of fabric purchasing of late. You could call it an addiction. You'd be right. But we all know it isn't too frivolous as it will all be used - eventually.

These first few were my purchases whilst in London in January. John Lewis is brilliant for fabric buying. Not only do they have an amazing selection (queue Cath Kidston and Amy Butler fabrics below) but with a minimum cut of just 10cm, it is just far too tempting to not get a little of this and a little of that.


Then on to Designer's Guild. Their fabrics aren't suitable for everything, with their overbold oversized prints. (They'd be rediculous for my cards for one). But in the bargain bucket for £5 a metre, I'm sure i'll think of something.




I've just taken advantage of ordering whatever I fancied from a couple of favourite US based fabric suppliers, without the worry of incurring steep import taxes. My aunt, who lives in Connecticut has just been over for a visit and kindly brought a couple of stashes with her. (She's over again in June - think I might be needing more by then...)


This first selection is from Reprodepot, which, as we all know, has the most awesome array.





An indication that I'd obviously ordered far more than I needed to, is that they threw in this bundle of cutoffs free. Lucky me :-).

My final pile came from Cia's Palette. Cia has the most amazing selection - in the sense that EVERTHING in her store is beautiful and covetable. With this in mind, I think I was extremely restraint.





I think it would be pretty fair to say. I don't need any more fabric. But does NEED come into it?

Better late than never

I'm a little behind on blogging at the mo. I have not one but 2 major projects on the go at the moment (more of that another day). What with that and the snow, meaning the children have been around during the week when really they should be off being educated, I am rather late on posting about Top Drawer.

Top Drawer was over 3 weeks ago now (that really can't be true). I had a fab few days down in London. I managed to sneak in an extra day and so got to catch up with lots of friends. I stayed with Jo in my old stomping ground near Hampton Court. We did alot of hanging out at the newly opened Jamie's Italian in Kingston. If you live anywhere in the vacinity of this or one of his other branches you simply MUST go. We tried it at night - fab. And again the next day for lunch - double fab. I could quite happily move in there.


Tara and I met up on Day 2 on the King's Road - my absolute favourite street. With Peter Jones at one end and Designer's Guild at the other and plenty of mooching imbetween, what's not to love? By the time Tara and I had bought out the whole of the Designer's Guild fabric sale table, it was time to refuel, so we spent the afternoon hanging out at The Stockpot. There are worse things in life.

Ah yes, the aim of the post - Top Drawer. This is my 3rd year going to Top Drawer now and I've learnt to focus on what is relevant for me and Blueberry Park. There are some fabulous stands but you can't stop at everything or you'll be there all week. I must appear very rude striding right on by alot of stands and only stopping at those that are suitable. I saw some fab new people and met up with some known favourites. Here's a quick precis of what, for me, were the highlights of TD Spring 2009.

Shelley is the talent behind Pootle Products. Aren't these dolls the best? And her stitched designs make striking greetings cards.

I loved Fabric of the Universe for not only it's simple screen printed designs, but also for it being ethical, organic, natural stylish clothing for little ones.

I really loved these hand stamped bedlinens from Lulu & Nat. They were so fresh and crisp.

And now for something completely different... Michelle Mason's bold and beautiful felt rugs and other lifestyle pieces were extremely eye-catching.

I'd had the pleasure of meeting Rachel, from Lollipop, at Pulse last year. I love the striking simplicity of her products. And I definitely want these stamping label sets and canvas shoppers for Blueberry Park.

Jane runs Snapdragon which is so much more than an online store. Go check it out. And what she can only do with a needle defies the imagination. Stunning little pieces of stitched artwork were made into mirrors, egg cosies, tea towels, tea cosies, cushions...

Trudy, from Buttongirl, is yet another talented embroiderer and her stand was exquisite.


So much to see, so much to buy. So much to put on hold whilst I put my energies into my two other projects. (But don't worry all of you - I will be buying - very soon)