Design, aeropilates and my number one supporter!

Next week I am doing nothing else but designing and Pilates !
I Have been having a wonderful time drawing so now these sketches need to be translated into patterns for my lovely sewists and stockists!
My studio is now half tidied but hey it's tidy enough to work in! I had planned to have it ultra tidy by now but like many of you I succumbed to the flu and a chest infection. If you did get it I can only hope that you are feeling a lot better by now.
I am also busy preparing my lovely shop on folksy. Times are super busy but super exciting!
Got to get a wedding organised too!!!!'
In the meantime I have popped a gorj pic of my number one supporter in this post. To quote a fave song ,"without you I'm nothing" xxx I couldn't do Amy if this without my darling man.
Here's wishing you have a wonderfully happy crafting weekend
Janie xxxx
Ps as well as drawing ideas I take pics of inspiring things I see. Loving the floor I spotted whilst away recently x

Win win win!!!!!! Can you answer this question???

A belated Happy 2013 to all my Rubynistas out there. Hope the festive season was fab and that you are back in to the swing of crafting!
We have had the flu in our house and so the mojo disappeared for a few days. It's now back and raring to go so I've got some busy weeks ahead pattern writing! It's a really exciting way to start the new year for me.
This will be my first full year doing my own thing. I already feel happier than I have been in years. If you are dithering about whether to go it alone be brave and do it!
I asked you in the blog title if you could solve the answer to a question I've got...........
Why could it be said that people who sew are bad tempered?
If you've got a brilliant answer please comment below or tweet or even Facebook me the answer. The most imaginative and witty one will be sent a stitch ripper and a bag of fabric scraps for you to get creative with in 2013.
Can't wait to hear from you!
Keep your eyes peeled for the new patterns coming out very soon.....
Wishing you a really creative 2013
J xxxxxxxx

Make 2013 the year you get creative!

Creativity nourishes the soul: get creative, do the things you love and feel the pleasure that it brings. (Katie Piper)
Check Katie out she is truly inspirational xxxxc

Happy 2013 everyone xxxxx

Big Shot Christmas and German Markets!

Hey! How's the festive crafting going? I have been making some yummy grown up Christmas stockings for my wonderful customers. They are scrumptious embellished silky numbers with lots of vintage lace etc.
I got myself a Big Shot recently for some zippity doodah fabric cutting. Have you got one? If you have I would love to hear about your fabric cutting successes, or disasters! What sandwiches do you use for different fabric and die types? Perhaps I could put up a guide on here based on your experiences?
Well today I visited my darling friend Karen in Winchester. We visited the Christmas market and there were no sewists plying their wares! I think I might need to consider a booth for next year! Winchester is stunning and with Karen only up the road I could be easily tempted!
My train is on its way in to London so I'd better save this to post later.
Keep crafting.....you still have time to make pressies and decs
Lots of crafty love Janie xxxxx

Quick Christmas Pressie make!

This wonderfully scrummy scarf is so quick and easy to make and will be warmly received by anyone. Save yourself some money and give beautiful hand crafted pressies this season.
It's super easy with only two seams! Even beginners can do this in minutes!
I haven't put pix in as they're just not needed!

How to make a the super easy. Super snugly scarf:

From 60" wide super soft fleece material cut across the width 12" down

Fold in half width ways with right sides facing and sew along the long seam to make a tube.

Turn your tube the right way around and lay out flat. Hold one end and twist three times.

Now very neatly poke one end matching the seams into the other end to make a neat join. Stitch across the join

Simples!

Out of a yard of 60" wide you will get three scarves or if you make them skinnier, say 9" wide, you will get four!

If you can't get 60" wide fabric why not cut from two contrasting fabrics to get the width? Just join right sides together before you create your tube.

Happy sewing and don't forget to send pix of your gorj creations!

Don't forget - a crafty christmas is a meaningful Christmas xxxx

Lots of love janie xxxx

Vegan Soul Power!: 50 Vegan Sandwiches

Vegan Soul Power!: 50 Vegan Sandwiches

Nothing to do with sewing but wow, this is fab! Xxxxxx

Happy sewing xxxx

Making Stephana!!!!! It's all Greek to me!

The sun is shining on SW19 this morning and its inspiring me to create!
Planning our little thin Greek wedding for the summer we have been looking at some of the traditions. We have decided to give the plate smashing a miss but if anyone wants to pin money on us they are welcome!!!!
One orthodox tradition that really appeals is the wearing of Stephana to show unity.
Soooo I've been looking at them and being a crafty sew and sew have decided I'd like to make ours so we can have our own special Stephana crowns for our own special day!
The old brain is whirring with design ideas. Do I take inspiration from traditional styles or dare to be different with individual styled crowns to suit our personalities? What way would you go?
Can't wait to get some mood boards made, so off I go!
Looking forward to hearing your ideas
Btw.... If you have ever worn a Stephana at your wedding I'd love to see the pix
Xxxxxxxjaniexxxxxx
Ps photo taken from Stephana US. A great informative site.