Inspiration

#craftblogclub – Summer Crafts

With the Summer holiday’s upon us tonight’s #craftblogclub topic was ‘Summer Crafts’. We shared our ideas for portable projects to take on holiday, plus projects to entertain the rest of the family. Here is a little summary of some of tonight’s tweets. Hope it give you some ideas!

@hugsarefun – yay! I’m excited to be able to catch my first #craftblogclub

@fizzijayne – When I go on holiday I’ll be taking crochet with me as it is so portable #craftblogclub

@youngonesfive – I’m learning to crochet and inturn teaching my youngones. loving it and so therputic #craftblogclub pic.twitter.com/OWdMWGewPZ

@CarolineGsbM – I’m taking my hexie patchwork I think. #CraftBlogClub

@eyrea – I’m with Elizabeth Zimmermann – summer is perfect for small items like socks, and for piecework.

@craftypremed – For my little cousins, it seems to be washi tape crafts! #craftblogclub

@craftsonsea – washi tape is ace! I’ve got a pinterest board over here http://uk.pinterest.com/craftsonsea/washi-tape-craft-inspiration/

@CarolineGsbM – I’m planning on telling my boys to play on the Xbox or in the garden so I can craft in peace.

@craftblogclub – I love this tutorial from @ChlorisBoris I think this is a perfect Summer make bit.ly/1jeEHlH

Happy Summer Crafts everyone! See you next Tuesday for another #craftblogclub (don’t forget the chocolate!)

Inspiration, Sewing

Craft Shop Favourite – Wheeler Fabrics

Last month I found myself in the beautiful town of Machynlleth, Wales. A place I have visited several times. On this particular visit I stumbled across Wheeler Fabrics. It was during my visit to the shop that I decided to post about my favourite craft shops (old and new). And so, I am pleased to introduce my first interview with Sam – owner of Wheeler Fabrics.

How long has Wheeler Fabrics been open? My parents and sister opened the shop 20 years ago. I have worked here since I was 16 and took over the business in 2006. My partner, Catherine joined me in 2011. We have two wonderful shop staff – Lynda and Becky.

Wheeler Fabrics

What’s the best thing about working in and owning Wheeler Fabrics? It’s great to have a job that is also a creative outlet. Lynda was previously a florist, so has a great eye for colour and design. Becky teaches sewing, so is able to draw on her wealth of knowledge. We love seeing what customers make with their fabric and encourage them to share pictures with us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. We also love that we get to bring our dog Bo to work with us!

What’s your favourite item in the shop? It has to be our woven grey and white insect fabric. I’ve used it to upholster a couple of pieces of furniture and Catherine has made some cushions with it. Everything about it just works – it’s a good weight and colour, plus the proportions of the design and the pattern repeat aren’t too huge making it very usable. We are happy to offer a metre of this wonderful fabric as a giveway to one lucky reader. Please read on to find out how you can enter!

£16.95 per metre – win me!

What’s your most popular request and/or item sold? What we sell varies a lot. We have a great range of PVC oilcloth table covers that sell like crazy every March/April. I think it’s when we have the first sunny day and people want to brighten up their patio tables! Our most popular design is ‘Birdcage and Butterfly’.

Birdcage and Butterfly -£4.95 per metre

As for made-to-measure items, we’ve noticed a huge increase in the popularity of Roman blinds over the last couple of years. In fact, they seem to be just as popular as curtains with our local customers. This is probably because in Mid-Wales we all live in old houses with 3′ thick walls and deep window recesses.

So if you ever find yourself in Machynlleth, please come and say Hello! If you can’t get to the shop then please website.

You can also stay in touch by:

www.facebook.com/WheelerFabrics

instagram.com/wheelerfabrics

twitter.com/wheelerfabrics

I would like to say a big thank you to Sam, Catherine, Lynda and Becky. You are all super lovely Especially as you have offered a giveaway to one lucky Katie Gets Crafty reader! You could win a metre of Sam’s favourite fabric by taking part in the following:

Leave a comment below sharing what you would make with the insect fabric.
Send me a tweet @katiegetscrafty and use the hashtag #KGCgiveaway
Like Katie Gets Crafty Facebook page and leave a comment on the giveaway post letting me know you would like to enter.

Win me - what would you make with a metre of this beautiful insect fabric?

Win me! What would you make with this beautiful fabric?

Here’s the important stuff: The giveaway will close on Tuesday 1^st July at 6pm and the winner will be picked at random. I will announce the winner on Wednesday 2^nd July. Sorry but this giveaway is only open to UK residents.

Inspiration, Sewing

My beloved sewing machine

I have been the very proud owner of a Janome DXL 603 for 3 years now. I saved up for almost two years to get it. I wanted a machine that I could get to grips with as a beginner but one that would grow with me. For years I researched my perfect machine online, but when the time came for me to finally purchase my machine I sought the advice of the Exeter Sewing Machine Company. I had spoken with a number of my crafty friends for their advice and Janome kept coming up time and time again. The staff at the Exeter Sewing Machine Company were, as always, very welcoming and spent a lot of time with me talking through my requirements and the machines on offer. At the time of my purchase Janome had a special offer on, so I also got a free quilting kit.

Sewing machines can be a huge investment, I try to do the following as often as I can.

Dust my machine
Open up and dust inside the bobbin case
Change the needle – I have heard mixed things about this. One friend said they change their needle after every project. I probably change mine every 3 projects. I think it depends on fabric thickness etc.
Have your machine serviced. This isn’t always cheap but I believe if you have invested in your machine then it is worth looking after it to ensure it lasts a lifetime.

So if you are looking at buying your first sewing machine I would suggest the following:

Research online
Talk to sewing friends – find out what machine they use and the pros and cons
Visit your local store and ask for demos on various machines

I hope these little tips help and I hope you love your machine as much as I love mine!

Inspiration

#craftblogclub – A Craft Community

I was so inspired by this article in the Guardian yesterday that I decided to use it as our topic for tonight’s tweetchat. The article looks at why ‘Make do and mend’ has become so popular and goes on to talk about the craft community. I really feel a part of the craft community thanks to #craftblogclub. Here are a few tweets from tonight’s chat.

@eyrea – #craftblogclub clothing quality has got so bad it’s making people think twice. I’ve had stuff rip first wear (to the office)!

@fizzijayne – we are in a make do and mend society now, people are watching their wallets lots of people are learning new skills

@hookstitch – plus it’s all the trendy thing to be doing and all

@daintyandIvory – This chat has introduced me to crafty bloggers and its great having people who I can ask for tips/advice!

@daintyandIvory – And it’s also thanks to this chat that I started a monthly craft swap on my blog!

@fizzijayne – I have lots of lovely new blogs to read since joining #craftblogclub and appreciate all hints and tips

@fizzijayne – my confidence with my blog has grown as well #craftblogclub

@Kay_O – It’s great to have other bloggers and crafters to chat to, not to mention the excuse to have a chill on a Tuesday eve!

@IcySedgwick – I ask questions. Still no comments. It’s really disheartening. #craftblogclub

@jet011 – I have no craft clubs in my area so this is brill, it is great to share ideas and has helped my confidence

@IcySedgwick – Blog hop could work. We all post about a theme & see what each other says about it

It’s great to read so many tweets about how #craftblogclub has boosted people’s confidence and that friendships are being built. It was highlighted that we could look at supporting one another more by commenting on posts. We are all limited by time, but it was agreed that if we read a blog post that has a positive impact or inspires us in anyway, it really is important to comment if you can. If you have any other thoughts on how we can develop as a group and continue to support one another please let us know. Either leave a comment here or tweet @craftblogclub.

We love #craftblogclub and we hope that you do too

Inspiration

Craft Shop Favourites – Old and New

We all have a favourite craft shop that we love and rely on for all our crafty needs. I have many as I have lived all over the UK and I am often traveling. I was particularly excited when I stumbled across the cutest craft shop earlier this month in the depths of Wales (more on this later). This prompted a decision to write a series of blogs about my favourite craft shops, old and new. So please look out for my posts, as it might be about your fave craft shop or one that you will just have to go and visit!

Inspiration

And the winner is…

Elisa Maria is the lucky winner of the Sizzix Big Shot die cutting machine.

Image from www.hobbycraft.co.uk

Congratulations Elisa. Please email on katie@katiegetscrafty.com within 48 hours with the address you would like this posting too. Please share your fantastic makes with us

Inspiration, Sewing

Katie Gets Crafty Giveaway!

Imagine my surprise when the lovely folk over at Hobbycraft asked me if I would like to host a giveaway?! This will be the first giveaway from Katie Gets Crafty and I hope it won’t be the last. So here it is, the Sizzix Big Shot die cutting machine worth £74.99.

Image from www.hobbycraft.co.uk

The Big Shot is a hand-driven roller machine that has enough power to cut through and emboss many different materials, including fabric! You can find out more and see it in action by watching this video tutorial.

I was totally amazed by all the different features and I am really excited to be giving one of these fantastic machines away.

Here’s how you enter!

1. Leave a comment below sharing why you want to win the Sizzix Big Shot die cutting machine and tell us what you intend to make with it.

2. Send me a tweet @katiegetscrafty and use the hashtag #KGCgiveaway

3. Like Katie Gets Crafty Facebook page and leave a comment on the giveaway post letting me know you would like to enter the giveaway.

Here’s the important stuff:

The giveaway will close on Sunday 18^th May at 6pm and the winner will be picked at random. I will announce the winner on Monday 19^th May.

Sorry but this giveaway is only open to UK residents.

Once the winner is announced they have 48 hours to email me at katie@katiegetscrafty.com with their address so that the cutter can be posted. If I haven’t received notification in that time another winner will be selected.

GOOD LUCK!

Inspiration

#craftblogclub – Blogging dos and don’ts

This evening I have had the pleasure of hosting another #craftblogclub. Our topic this evening was Blogging dos and don’ts. Here I have selected a few of my favourite comments from our chat to share with you.

@kay_o – on blog comments ‘I always try to respond quickly to blog comments, and also hop over to see them if they blog too, and leave a comment there!’

@DaintyandIvory – on how often should we blog ‘I also think it helps if you blog about crafting wrongs, makes everyone realise not everything goes right!’

@rosetintedcraft – on grammer ‘I find it really helps to write a post, then come back to it the next day. Often find loads of mistakes!’

@fizzijayne – on word count ‘I read a book that suggested anything more than 250 is too many’

@i_heart_home – on blogging dos ‘Lots of photos, commenting on others blogs, regular updates without overloading, link parties, have fun!’

@i_heart_home – on blogging don’ts ‘Don’t rant, use bad language, slate other blogs, give too many personal details or beg for followers!’

@kay_o – my fave comment of the night! ‘at the end of the day it’s YOUR blog, your rules’

So there! Be proud of your blog and have fun

Inspiration

Very Inspiring Blogger Award Nomination

Last Thursday I had the lovely surprise of being nominated for the ‘Very Inspiring Blogger Award’ by Amanda at Gift Frippery. Thank you so very much Amanda. It really has made me smile and it is so very kind. It is my hope to inspire others with my blog and so hopefully this means I am doing something right!

Here are the rules of being nominated for the ‘Very Inspiring Blogger Award’:

Thank the person who nominated you and provide a link to their blog.
Nominate other bloggers and let them know. Provide a link in your post.
Write 7 facts about yourself.
Display the Very Inspiring Blog badge on your blog post and blog.

Here are my nominations. I love following these blogs and I’m sure you will too.

First up is Laura over @madepeachy at www.madepeachy.com I just love reading Laura’s blog as it is so fresh and always full of lovely posts about life, style and crafts.

My second nomination is @nicwood77 over at www.craftedchic.co.uk. Nicola seems to always be making beautiful things and so I am always inspired when visiting her blog.

Please do check out these fab blogs. I know you will enjoy them as much as I do.

Finally here are the 7 facts about myself:

1. I am a big football fan and I am very proud to say my team are Leicester City. Oh yes the champions! Can’t wait to watch the boys on MOTD next season.

2. I love dogs! I can’t pass a dog without saying hello to it. I hope to have one of my own someday.

3. Growing up I had singing lessons and even got my grade 8!

4. Walking – I’m a big fan of the outdoors and love a good walk. To date my favorite place for walking has to be the Lake District. I’ve had many lovely holidays there and hope to have more.

5. I met Peter André!

6. My nickname growing up was Piglet. This was thanks to my sister who thought I looked like piglet as a baby. Big sisters are so kind like that

7. I love tuk tuks! In 2011 we went on a family holiday to Sri Lanka for my sisters wedding. It was amazing. The country and the people are just beautiful. We would get around by traveling in a tuk tuk. I just love the name and they are so much fun to travel around in.

So there it is. Thanks again to Amanda for nominating me for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award.

Inspiration, Sewing

Spring Clean Gift Swap #craftblogclub

If you are a regular visitor of my blog you will be aware that I co-host #craftblogclub – a tweet chat for craft bloggers and lovers that takes place every Tuesday 7-8:30pm. I love #craftblogclub. It’s so much fun chatting with other crafty types and sharing tips and generally helping one another in our quest for crafty perfection. One of my favourite things has to be our challenges. This month’s challenge was ‘Spring Clean Gift Swap’ – make a gift using only products and materials you already have or by finishing off an old project you’ve left. The lovely Emma from @livepeachy paired everyone up that wanted to take part and then we were off. I was teamed up with @sal_strawbs. I checked out Sally’s website before making my Spring Clean Gift to make sure I was making something she would really like. I could see that crochet is her passion and so I dug deep into my fabric stash and made a crochet hook case. I was really pleased with it and even more pleased when I received this tweet ‘@katiegetscrafty I received your parcel this morning and I LOVE it! Thanks so much. #craftblogclub’

We were set the task of making sure the recipient received their parcel in time for Easter. Well, I was away over Easter and so I was REALLY excited to return home to find my parcel had arrived! I was as excited as I was at Christmas for our #craftblogclub Secret Santa. Receiving a handmade gift and knowing that it was made especially for you is so exciting! Maybe its something that only a fellow crafter can appreciate but I really do value the time and energy that people put into making their own gifts.

So here it is. Check out my fab bag from the lovely Sally!

Had to take a pic of the wrapping paper!

The spots are inside too!

I love the spots – it’s so bright and cheery, especially on a wet and miserable day like today. I used it at the supermarket this afternoon and it even put a smile on the cashier! And so I would like to Thank You Sally for my bag. I will make use of it and enjoy doing so.