I just wanted to share with you some lovely, crafty things I’ve had for my birthday. Even at my age (I’m not telling what that is) I’m spoiled rotten with thoughtful gifts.

Mum and Dad bought me this linen yarn, which is a gorgeous pale blue with gold running through it. Growing flax, which is where linen comes from, is kinder to the environment because its much more resilient than cotton and needs less fertiliser. I think I’m going to use it to make a shawl for my brother-in-law’s wedding in September.

They also got me this pretty pink album which is made from 100% recycled cotton pulp. Its perfect because I’ve been looking for somewhere to put the flowers after I’ve pressed them in the fab flower press I got at Colwick car boot a few weeks ago.

From my middle sis and her clan I got some gardening and cook books as well as a fab book called ‘Waste Not Want Not’ which is full of  ideas on how to re-use things in the home. There’s a whole section on what to do with old clothes so I’ll definitely be reading that part closely. They also gave me a box of yummy Green & Blacks organic choccies which apparently Murphy decided to ‘help’ me with whilst I was out at work this morning. Here’s the evidence…

From my big sis and everyone at ‘number 75 & 21′ I had three tubs of lovely crafty items she had been collecting for ages – ribbons, buttons, colourful yarns and gorgeous fat quarters with bunny prints.

A really special gift from them came in this pretty old tin…

… full of buttons which my brother-in-law’s dad, Norman, had been keeping safe in the loft. They belonged to his wife Mary. Mary isn’t with us any more and when we lost her it was devastating to the whole family as we’re all so close.

So, as you can imagine this is extra special to me and I already have ideas about using these buttons when I’ve gotten much better at dressmaking and made some lovely clothes.

I’m a very lucky girl not just to get prezzies but to have loved ones who are so thoughtful. Thank you x

My dressmaking was interrupted with a very welcome interlude of a stroll to the park with my husband and then a mosey down the pub for lunch and a beer or two. I’m not sure if it was a good idea to operate the sewing machine after that but things seemed to turn out OK.

I was particularly pleased that I managed to make French seams which are good for delicate and lightweight fabric like this. They make the finished garment feel stronger and prevent fraying because there are no raw edges exposed. I’ve added a video tutorial to the resources page (under ‘dressmaking’) on how to do French seams in case you’re not already in the know.

I also love these little flower buttons which really go with the colour and style of this fabric. I bought these at a fantastic craft fayre in Brinsley a year or two ago. I wish those craft fayres could happen all the time.

Although I’m happy with my new cute top I’ve learned that I’m not yet ready to cut my own patterns as the shape is far from perfect. That’s OK though because I’ve lined up a whole load of patterns to watch in eBay ready for the snipe!

By the way, did you notice that my little ole blog has had a makeover? You like?