A quick thought

Quite a lot has been going on in my life lately. After the upset of my friend  being diagnosed with breast cancer ,and her ongoing treatment ,which is all good T.G. I had a biopsy myself about a week ago. It involved a mark on my face which was growing slowly .I am now awaiting results so hopefully all is well!
Apart from that I am still kept busy with my alteration business (Nips &Tucks) and also my crafts which I love making ,particularly my Christmas decorations that I'm working on at the moment.
As this a new laptop I'm working on, I have not had time to upload my latest pictures of my crafts, so bear with me on this issue. Bye for now!

Simple Change to Sleeves

Making a simple change to this dress. Cut the sleeves to elbow length and then gather the fabric at the centre sides of each sleeve,  sew a couple of nice buttons on and now you have changed the whole look of your dress (for the better)

I cannot believe it's been over 4 weeks since I last posted.Where does the time go? Lots of alterations of bridesmaids and communion dresses has put my crafts on the "back burner" for a while but I'm starting to catch up now. The craft fairs are beginning now so my baby blankets and booties are selling well.
Apart from this football has taken over and I must say I'm looking forward to watching  the Ireland and Poland match Sunday.Whether they win or not lets just enjoy the game!

Fair in lucan

The last weekend in April was a busy one for me.I was exhibiting some of my crafts at "Art Attacks" in Balgaddy ,Lucan. An Art and Crafts fair helping to support the local senior school.Altogether about 45 artists and crafters were there and what a great bunch they were !So enjoyable and helpful and of course I spent most of my earnings on lovely goodies for my home.Don't you think it's great to treat yourself once in a while from your own earnings ?
A little taster of my crafts.

Two of my Quilts along with my Baby Flannel Blankets and of course my lovely booties.

Although not too much footfall those who were there bought quite a few paintings and crafts. Most enjoyable.

http://www.facebook.com/valeries.crafts

From Fabric to Apron

This was a piece of fabric I bought  last November, "Skulls and Roses" I call it. And I love it!  Every time I looked at it I kept wondering just what to make so as you can see it's now a lovely apron. Trimmed in red cotton with pocket and frill around the bottom. I guess you certainly would be noticed cooking in the kitchen with this apron!!!!!!!!

Take a look at it on my facebook page

http://www.facebook.com/valeries.crafts

Pretty Flower Girl

This lovely "flower girl" dress I restyled to fit pretty Kieri .The bows and headband matched the bridesmaid dresses.Kieri was flower girl to her mam and her brother was pageboy.     What a handsome pair they make!

Baby Fabric

HI all , just thought I would like to show you some of my new baby fabrics which have arrived.

Won't they make lovely blankets,all flannel with plain flannel backing and large enough to fit a cot/crib.

Wishing you all a Happy New Year!

Well here we are the first day of the new year! just where does time go,one minute you're working hard getting ready for craft fairs ,selling your goods along with sewing for your customers and the next minute it's all over and beginning a new year just to start all over again. Is it just me or does anyone else feel the same?
Not that I'm complaining about having plenty of work! 
This year I found quite a lot more people are buying homemade crafts and asking about the work and style.
Here's hoping we will see more and more talented crafter's emerging and quality work sold .
Regards

My Market Stand

Yes,this is me at the first of my Christmas Craft Fairs this season. In Killester, north Dublin,a really great fair. Lots of lovely people and crafters. Sold out most of my baby blankets and velvet scarves. I'm now busy sewing more crafts for the coming craft fairs this weekend.

Castletown House Celbridge

Hi all,just to let you know of another great food and craft market is taking place in the grounds of Castletown Houst ,Celbridge, Co.Kildare next Sunday 18th September from 10am-5pm. Such a beautiful and historic house to visit also. Plenty of craft stalls including mine, I will be showing my interpretation of Yeats poem "Tread Softly" on my embossed velvet scarf amongst other items. If you can make it please stop by and say hello!

Back working again.

Just back from my holidays in Spain,what a great time I had,obviously I needed the long awaited break.But I'm finding it difficult to get back working again.Had lots of "Debs" dresses to alter,and also childrens uniforms.Where has the (so called) Summer gone.
Lots of orders for my flannel Baby Blankets. 

This is one of many fabrics they come in and are all backet in lovely soft flannel.
Check them out on my facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/Valeries.Crafts

I still cannot see my" followers" on my page and it's really annoying if anyone can help me with this ,love to hear from you.

Back at last

At last I can log into my blog again and reply to comments also,thanks to "Patricias fabric art"and her advice!Take a look at her blog,it's really good.
Once again the markets are in full swing,ie, Castletown House in Celbridge Co.Kildare,also Buttons and Bows in Crumlin,Dublin, which are both on this weekend Sunday 21st.August.
I love this time of year,in regards to crafts,it's the beginning of thinking of the "holiday" or "Christmas" season as we know it in Ireland. What fabrics are we going to use or trying out new ideas to make an impacted.Yes,everyone wants to be different in their own way! That's what makes it great !
Regards

Celbridge Market

I'm all ready for the food and craft market in Castletown House in Celbridge tomorrow Sunday 17th July,but it looks like the weather is against us,rain,rain and more rain is forecast.This is my first time to attend this market and was really looking forward to it so here's hoping! As the song goes "my bags are packed and I'm readt to go".
I have changed direction in my crafts and am now making some lovely Flannel Baby Blankets (if I may say so myself),hope I get a good reaction for them at the market,that's if anyone shows up!!!!!

Tutorial

I saw this Tutorials and thought you might like to give it a try. Great for a night out or even to the beach. Love your comments.



Note: This type of design works best with chiffon, jersey, or material that drapes well.

And also you need to know a little about sewing.


1. The length and width depend on you. Fold it in half and find the center.


2. The neckline measurements I gave are a good basic guideline but there are so many different variations you can try. Usually the front has a style variation but the back should be just an inch deep, if you want it to sit behind your neck.

3. This one is more similar to the picture.
4. If you want your arms to have more stability this design is more appropriate.
5. This is another variation that a friend of mine saw in BCBG.





Busy Sewing

All this week I have so busy sewing not only for my alteration business but making some new crafts.
Yes! my first craft fair in quite a long time is happening this coming Sunday 3rd July in Dublin,so wish me luck.
I have made some new Satchel Bags and lovely Baby flannel blankets, a first for me,  and I'm really pleased how they look and are so soft, I'll post some photos of them next time. I must say I'm really looking forward to the fair,I love meeting new people and having a "chat".
Bye for now

Happy Easter Everyone

Happy Easter to all!

Lets hope the weather is good with plenty of sunshine.

Is'nt this a lovely basket full of "Love Hearts"

I will be using this basket to display my hearts at Craft Fairs,lots of lovely colours.

I'm off to Killarney for the weekend I'll take a few photos while there and post them on my return,

Bye for now!

Early Snow in Ireland

This is what my front garden looked like all this week,beautiful but hazardous. I couldn't even get my car out of the drive.

Snow came very early this year in Ireland,usually bad weather of snow and ice comes in either January or February.

So I decided to put my Christmas decorations up to keep me busy.

This is my lovely fireplace in my sitting room,all decorated in red and gold, with gold angel lights,red bells and candles etc.

In reality it is much nicer than the photo.

I also decorated my tree, so cosy now to relax in this room with a nice glass of red wine while watching tele!

Tomorrow I'm back to work on lots of alterations and also getting ready for another craft show this week,weather permitting.