Friday 6 January 2012

Keys that jingle in your pocket, words that jangle in your head

Noel Harrison
Thank you, the 'giveaway' has ended now!
Hello!




Well another festive season over.
Christmas has gone back in the loft and the last of the dust accumulated over two weeks has been dealt with and vacuumed.
So we turn and face the new year.
I sincerely hope that all is well in your world and you have exciting plans for the forthcoming year.
~0~



You may remember that I had purchased a beautiful dress pattern from merchantandmills 
just before Christmas.
As I suspected, my dress making skills have clearly a long way to go and I produced, in a dark brown/ green wool suiting, what I can only describe as a Monk's Habit and very badly too.
My husband's face was a picture when I popped it on to show him...
he clearly struggled with the desire to say "oh no, oh goodness no",  
but knowing how I had laboured over it, he managed to reign himself in :-)
I ended up chopping a good foot in length, off the bottom of the dress and made it into a long top,
which doesn't look quite so terrible.  
With a little tweeking and lots of practice, I will get there!
~0~
Onto the little 'giveaway' mentioned in my previous post.
Just as a small thank you for all the kindness and support over the last year,
I have a silk fronted purse and a brooch to go to one winner.
The image on the front of the purse is a lovely old picture of a cottage by the sea,
which I have embellished with embroidered flowers.
 The back is vtg French cotton.
 A little bunny brooch too.
 Just leave a comment and I will draw a name next Friday 13th January.
~0~



I have been enjoying making gadget cases over the last week or so.  
~0~
Seeing that Valentine's Day is appearing on the horizon, I thought I would make a couple of greetings cards, to celebrate the love. 
Mum, Dad, partner, child, friend...anyone really.
Hand coloured with a glittery red heart.

 Available in my blogshop .... etsy or madebyhandonline
I have these heart shaped brooches too, made from old embroidered linen, hand sewn to vtg patchwork quilt.


Well, I think that is all for now.
Speak soon and thanks for stopping by. x

Thank you, the 'giveaway' has ended now!

141 comments:

Niki Fretwell said...

Hi Viv, I'm sure you must be being modest about your dressmaking skills...knowing how talented you are with a needle... :)

How you manage to create so many beautifully detailed pieces is mind-blowing...and to have some included in your generous giveaway too...I am flabbergasted! (but would like to be included in the draw! ;-)) Friday 13th IS going to be lucky for someone...

Have a lovely weekend,
Niki x

LissyLou said...

Oh wow! Your makes are gorgeous. I love the cards and hearts! I'd love a chance to be entered into your giveaway Please, the bag and brooch are so pretty. Happy new year x

Cinderell@'s wereld said...

Oh Yes.....YES YES i leave a comment because i love your blog so much!!!!!
Its a big inspiration to me!
Love Cinderell@

Twiglet said...

Dress making is so difficult when it comes to getting the fitting right - says she who knows from lots of similar experiences!!! Good idea to start with a nice fitting top. I love all your recent makes and your give away is fab. x Jo

tamarajayne said...

Happy New Year to you, too! I love your giveaway goodies, and wish everyone the very best of luck (got my fingers crossed)!

Greenorchid said...

You are a creative inspiration to me too, I always look forward to seeing what you've been up to. I hope to meet you Viv in person at a Craft Fair one day...

Unknown said...

Oh, lucky day - friday the 13th - for someone!
Your creative works surely make me smile.

Fenland Textile Studio said...

Just foudn your blog via "blog hopping". I love your stitching and would love to be included in your blog. Hugs Angela x

lettice leaf said...

'Dark brown/green wool suiting' What were you thinking about lassie. I'm with 'currant' on this. Stick to the designing arty-farty that you are so good at.

Oh and by the way, don't include me in the give-away! Why? Not because I don't adore your 'makes'; it's just because I want other folk who have admired them from afar, and haven't as yet bought any, see just what a talented lassie you really are.

Big love and hugs,

LLX

dandelion said...

I have the same problem with dress making skills! I really must learn but I think you were brave to go for it! Your drawing skills and embroidery skills are as stunning as ever and valentines!! How organised are you??

Kate x

carrad said...

How lovely everything you've made is (that didn't sound very good grammar but you know what I mean!) I adore those hearts and the gadget holders especially. Please add me to the giveaway. Much love xxx

mrs cheese said...

Oh I hope friday the 13th is lucky for me!
What a lovely give-away, thank you and a Happy New Year
x

ShabbyChicShaz said...

Your hearts are adorable, love them. I'd love to be included in the proverbial hat for your giveaway, both the bag and the brooch are so sweet :-)

Gill said...

I love seeing all your makes so please can't we have a peek at the monk's habit?????
I would love to enter your giveaway!

linentree said...

OOo! Merchant and Mills could make anyone want to try dressmaking and I've always fancied a monks habit!! Thank you Viv for the chance to win something from Hen's Teeth, your makes are gorgeous!

manon 21 said...

Belle année 2012

amicalement,

Manon

6briony said...

Happy New Year to one of my favourite, most gifted , crafters!
Kim x

Mary Ann Tate said...

I'm a big fan of your work and would love to be included in your draw:)

Magic Bean said...

Oh my, surely it is Christmas again- a little HensTeeth giveaway. Please pop me in the pot. I wish you you had put a photo of your dress/top on the post, I am very intrigued! Ax

Simone said...

Please may I enter your giveaway. Friday the 13th - lucky for some!!! I would love to give a forever home to your beautiful work.

Unknown said...

My goodness you are a crafty ickle Bee!!!
So many gorgeous makes and a wonderful 'Giveaway' to boot...
You did make me chuckle over the dressmaking - Monks Habit...TeeHee!!!
Its good to laugh...
'Good Luck & Good Health' for 2012 and thank you for the opportunity to join in your modest 'giveaway'
....Good Luck EVERYONE
☜❤☞...ѕмιℓєѕ ♥
Julia and CatchaDragonfly x

silly old suitcase said...

Oh my, that many comments already?
Well, as a fan of your handmade beauties i have to leave a comment, wouldn't i?
Love your gadgetcases and hearts a lot, so beautiful made...:-)

Have a nice weekend, x

Julie Whitmore Pottery said...

Oh now Viv, you can't tantalize us with one foggy corner of your new top. Must see the whole thing.......
(maybe we should get a petition going)
xx
julie

lheurebleue said...

happy new year, and thanks for alle the beautiful things you show us!

ACreativeDreamer said...

I love all of the work that you do, the items you use to create things always seem to remind me of the textiles my grandmother had... such sweet nostalgia!

Unknown said...

SWEET giveaway!! Love your beautiful blog and visit it often! You're so talented with fabric and needle. Thanks, have a blessed New Year!
Dot

Debra said...

Just adore your work.

sally said...

I soooo love your style! It makes me smile so much!!! :)

lemonade kitty said...

I don't know how you manage to part with all the lovely things you make I'd want to keep them all for myself!! Please enter me in the hat as I'd love to win the purse and brooch and I'd treasure them forever, thanks, lucey x

Country Style Living said...

Big fan of your work, and what a lovely giveaway! Best wishes for 2012.....

Gilly Tee said...

Can I be entered into your giveaway please.
Gillx

Anonymous said...

Please enter me into your giveaway. I particularly like the bunny brooch.

Scented Sweetpeas said...

I hope you have a lovely 2012 full of ceativity.

Please pop me in your giveaway x

Lisa said...

I adore the bag, it reminds me so much of my grandma's china pattern! And your heart brooches are adorable too.

Hesta Nesta said...

Hi Viv
I bet your dress making skills are better than mine. I once attempted a simple cabbages and roses fabric skirt and it ended up like an uneven parachute :))
Can I please be included in your lovely giveaway.
Love
Jo xx

Hollace said...

I'd like to see a picture of your new long top. The purse with the cottage by the sea is adorable (I can see it hanging in my 'beach' guestroom.

Mary W Quilts said...

That is the prettiest little purse I have ever seen. Sew sweet. Love your blog! Thanks, Mary

carole brungar said...

I love how you've put Christmas back in the loft!
Your work is gorgeous as ever and I'd love the chance to win this gorgeous purse. It would be perfect with an outfit I'm wearing to a wedding next month :)
(the brooch would be great to wear to work!)
Carole x

Unknown said...

I can't wait to see your new creations in the up-coming year. I'd love a chance to be entered into your giveaway - the bag and brooch are great. Happy New Year!

Debbie :)

artymess said...

Wow Viv great start to the New year to be entered in your giveaway ..thanks and Happy New Year to you ...x

Penny said...

I would love to be included in your lovely give away. I think my dressmaking skills left me when I started making childrens clothes, about 40 years ago! I dont even contemplate it now.

Carol said...

Yes please x

Unknown said...

Please include me in your giveaway draw, I've been reading your blog for ages and swoon over your makes, love them x

Sally said...

I just adore the wee bunny brooch, and the sweet "perfect day" love hearts, you are so clever and talented!

Jane said...

Oh Viv, you gorgeous girl. you have the hugest heart. Please toss my hat in the ring - you know how addicted I am to your loveliness! J x

Joanna said...

Oh yes, I would LOVE to see the monk's habit being modelled!!

Friday 13th will be not be so unlucky for someone. I would do a Snoopy happy dance if it was me - and I'd take a photo to prove it :D

Please put my name in the hat.

GORGEOUS cards, you are so clever.

x

andsewtosleep said...

Oh I am a lurker who has revealed herself! Tempted by your generous 'give away'. I too have made dresses that somehow manage to look nothing like I expected - but you are correct in thinking that practice does improve the end product :)

veronica said...

the purse is beautiful. I would love to win it.Veronica.

Mad Lizzie said...

oooh this is the first time Ive left a comment, and that bag looks sooo delicious, so maybe.....

Helmi said...

Beautiful!

The Little Forest, handmade said...

Thank you for all the inspiration you gave me over the last year. Your style is just great, I'm still trying to find mine. I'd love a chance of winning your give away!

Susan McShannon-Monteith said...

Happy New Year Viv from across the pond...
A giveaway you say, throw my name in the hat too Hun.The brooch is just so sweet.
Susan x

Kim said...

Oh, enter me please! What lovely things you make. I love to see what you are up to, even if I don't comment. So many lovely things.

Jimmie said...

Ooooh, I would sooo love to win your giveaway!! Thanks for entering me.

Diane in North Carolina

Lynda Howells said...

l would love to win your give away..l so admire your work.so muchx happy New yearxx Lynda

Emma Thomsen said...

"Why did Summer go so quickly, was it something that I said?" (a complete favourite of mine!!!!!) Back to Blogging again and your Blog is one of my first to visit, of course! A very generous Giveaway, you are an angel! Emma x

butterflittle said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
butterflittle said...

beautiful work. :)

Sara Shalom said...

Thanks for hosting this giveaway!

Carrie Filetti said...

I'm so happy I stumbled upon your blog! What beautiful work you do! I think I shall visit very often!

noTACover said...

Very very beautiful! lovly!Happy new year!

B Greene said...

What a gorgeous purse - I love the embellishment you added!

Anonymous said...

Hang in there, every sewer has her/his moment of learning curves. You were smart enough to take the best route and make it into a shirt! Fantastic!

Love your items and the giveaway too!

Shell said...

I love your work..
Could you please pop me in the draw :)

Pene said...

Everytime I see another one of your pieces I am amazed they are all so gorgeous and now your having a giveaway! I should be so lucky, thanks for the opportunity to at least dream of owning one

Shelley Davis said...

Hi,
I love this give away. I am not sure if it is okay for me to enter, I live in another country. If you would ship to the U.S. Please enter me in the drawing!!! I would love to win.

Blessings,
Shelley

Twiggy said...

I'm sure your dress is lovely, I have the fabric and the pattern but I'm still terrified of my sewing machine :)
Please can I be included in your lovely draw?
Twiggy x
PS love the hearts and cards

Helen said...

love that bunny's expression

Bear and Maverick said...

This is sooo incredibly cute and pastoral . reminds me of my favorite children's book- Peter Cottontail!

sharon said...

I bet that dress turned top is just great! I never listen to my husband...ha!
Your creations are always fabulous, and I am grateful for a chance to win your giveaway!

Jane said...

I have long admired your fantastically original work and would love to give a piece a good home. Please include me in your giveaway.

Tina Gilmore said...

All your makes are so gorgeous as usual Viv, i wish i could buy them all. Hope you're well. xx

Vintage Jane said...

Yet another amazing piece of work which I would love to own!

roc said...

what a wonderful give away! i appreciate your kindness!

Lee said...

Lovely work - Thanks for putting my name in the hat! happy new year.

Tamara said...

There is so much beauty out there and your handiwork is certainly part of it! The little purse is just gorgeous! Thank you for the giveaway!

Tamara said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
MARGARET said...

Lovely embroidery. you're so talented! And you're going to make one person's Friday the 13th very lucky. ;-)

xo,
Margaret
--
margeincharge(at)gmail(dot)com

Jacomijn said...

Lovely give away !! Count me in !! :o)!!!!!

Country Cottage Chic said...

Ooh! You do have a lot of comments here Viv! I'm not surprised as it is a lovely giveaway.

You did make me laugh about the dressmaking & M trying to be diplomatic. I'm sure it isn't as bad as you say. Maybe I should be giving dressmaking workshops? ;-)

Jayne

Michelle said...

Wow such beautiful work x

mycuriousteaparty said...

Please pop my name into your giveaway hat.. How I would treasure one of your pieces... ~ Julie

mycuriousteaparty said...

How about a class on making hearts? Valentine's is on it's way?? And always popular.. Just another thought...

Ofelia said...

That little purse is magic!! so beautiful...thank you very much for this opportunity :)

Marilize said...

I just found your blog via Craftgossip - I am blown away! Most certainly following you now. Such talented hands.

I can't wait to see what you make in 2012 {runs off to explore your blog further]

Marilize
marilize(dot)paulsen(at)gmail(dot)com

Lynne said...

All your work is so beautiful. I would love to be entered for your give away and a chance at winning.

Clare said...

An inspiration, a fun place to get inspired, quirky and magical.

Deb (Two Cheeky Monkeys) said...

That purse is gorgeous! And so are your heart brooches, they really are amazing. :)

The Sparkly Fairy said...

WOW! Just seen your blog on Craft Gossip and had to pop over and will now be a follower! I would love to be in with a chance to win the giveaway. The purse is gorgeous.

Emma - The Sparkly Fairy

Robin said...

I just found your site from Craft Gossip. You have some pretty things. I would love to be entered in your give away. THanks

Whimsy K said...

Your work is so inspirational and i love to see all that you make.

Unknown said...

I love your work.. but I'm in love with the purse!

Maya Sara Matthew said...

Wishing you another year of creativity, I love your blog.
Please put my name in the draw for this wonderful giveaway.
Maya

Alicia said...

Hi all you do is gorgeus! I will love to enter ti your giveaway
Have a nice day!!!

Elfy said...

Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful!
Your work really speaks to me, the imagery is exquisite and I would love to own a small piece and bring it home, here in Hereford. Inspiring!
Michelle x

Elfy said...

ps - my post above came out as unknown - but I have now updated my identity - sorry about that
Michelle/Elfy x

Michele T said...

Your creations are fantastic!! I love, love, love that bunny broach. Thanks for the chance!!

Pam @ Frippery said...

I am new to your blog and am so completely mad about your work. Just so fantastic. I can't stop exploring.
Please include me. Thanks, Pam

Pam said...

Just found your blof from Craft Gossip. Love your work, and hoping to win this great bag. My birthday is Sunday, what a nice present! Blessings, Pam

Anonymous said...

Love your stuff! Beautiful!

Elaine Akers said...

I have enjoyed your blog and all of your creative pieces. The purses are beautiful as well as the hearts.Happy New Year!

Crochet2StaySane said...

I enjoyed your site, very cute stuff! Would love to have one of you silk purses.

marymac said...

Viv, your beautiful silk purse would go with everything in my closet. Every single piece you make is amazing.

Sandi said...

Would so love to own this wonderful bag and brooch. Put my name in the hat.

Sue and sew said...

Your work is lovely. I especially like the vintage linen heart brooches.

Angela Rand said...

I love, love, love reading your blog. You inspire me to create more!

Unknown said...

Viv, you are brilliant! I love every piece you have created...

Jane S. said...

Ahhhh, husbands. They can be so surprisingly tactful sometimes, can't they? Your post made me smile, and since I'd never heard of Merchant & Mills I had to take a look at their website. Thanks for the tip!

Your work is lovely, and thank you so much for offering it in a giveaway!

Bunty said...

Happy New Year to you and as usual, your art is beautiful. I would love to win your purse and am grateful for the chance. Please throw my name in the hat and fingers are very crossed.

Barbara

Gramma Rita said...

Love seeing all the wonderful things you make. Thanks so much for the chance to win one of your gorgeous creations! :D

Anca said...

Hello,
I`ve stumbled upon your blog via Craft Gossip. I loooove both the brooch and the clutch, keep up the good work;)
Cheers,
Anca
http://balloonhighway.blogspot.com/

Clairecomp said...

Your work is really great, I would be proud to own one of your purses. I do hope I can win. Thanks for the chance.

fee @ chipper nelly said...

I don't want to be number 112!!!!!!!

How amazing - although I'm not surprised your giveaway is popular really...who wouldn't want to win?

Fingers (and toes) crossed
fee x

Midwestie Lady - Linda said...

Oh, I love your blog and seeing all the beautiful items you create! I'm a new visitor from Florida, USA. I especially love your heart brooches and the bunnies too. I'd love to win the purse and brooch. I collect vintage linens and use them in my home - I'd display your purse in a special place. Thank you for such a generous giveaway. Linda Harbin - MidwestieLady

Jamie said...

Viv - You are so creative - and an inspiration. I really enjoy stopping by your blog and look forward to your posts and seeing the wonderful things you create! I would love this purse! Have a wonderful 2012! Jamie V in MT
http://rem-nants.blogspot.com

Maria said...

I am inlove with the little purse! yoy are doing a great work :) have a great year!

Ariane said...

I love that purse it's gorgeous!! I would love to win!

Cate Lawrence said...

Such beautiful creations! Have added you to my blog reader :) Hope you are having a lovely year so far!
ms.cate@gmail.com

linny said...

I've just found your blog & love your work. Would love to enter your giveaway.
lyn.robyn.smith@gmail.com

Nancy at the Farm said...

What lovely things you make! Craft Gossip sent me your link and now I must add it my blog (dozerandcoop.blogspot.com) and come visit you regularly. Not sure which I like best - what you make or your wonderful writing! Please add me to your gift giveaway as rabbits make my heart sing!

Nancy
(aka restingrabbit@yahoo.com)

liniecat said...

I love that bunny broach! Your work is such great fun and so beautifully made. How have I never found your blog before!! Im following along with you now......Im captivated lol
Fingers crossed because that little bag would be just perfect for my daughter to hold at her wedding this year!

MarmaladeRose said...

OO! Yes please. Please include me in your giveaway, such beautiful work. Good luck with your workshops.

doreen said...

Your work never ceases to inspire me...I love the whimsical touch you put on everything! I'd love to be entered in your give away!

Kathi said...

Your style is so pure. I love it all!

Diane Melendez said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Diane Melendez said...

I truly marvel at your creative skills. Your creations are a special and unique expression of how you see the world and the beauty of simple things made from the heart. I love to see what you make, truly. Thanks for sharing your creations and a special thanks for the chance to win one of your treasures.

Kindest regards,
Diane
kui900@msn.com

JLL24 said...

To be honest this is the first time I have looked at your blog. Craft Gossip had you listed. Really, really wished I had seen it before this. Lovin' what I have seen so far. Must put you on my list of must see blogs.

Min said...

Please enter me into the draw. I love following your blog and love to see what you come up with next. The purse with the cottage image is just delightful.

rachel awes said...

i just found your blog...DARLING!!!
i will follow for sure.
i LOVE your makings!!!
heart melty.

Diana said...

Ohhhhhhhhhhh.. your work is so pretty and utterly unique! I don't comment very often on blog posts but the chance of winning such a delectable little piece of art is too much! I love your gadget cases too.... oh it's all gorgeous! The lucky winner will be in heaven - but everyone else is still fortunate to be able to look at such eye-candy online at any time!

Dolores said...

Friday the 13th is my husband's birthday. I didn't even realize that until just now. I did know it was hubby's b-day but not that it was also THE Friday the 13th.
Lovely little purse and thanks for the chance to win.

Colleen said...

I just love your work!!!! Stitching here in California.
Please enter me too.

homegirl said...

I love your inspirational blog and often pop in to see what beautiful things you have created. I would love a chance to be in the draw for your gorgeous and generous giveaway.

Unknown said...

I love the look of old linens and this fits right in.

Linda said...

what a sweet brooch! And I love your gadget cases...

noelle said...

Hello, found your blog again, got you on my blog list now! I really love your cards, adorable.Good Luck to everyone in the giveaway! x

Conelmate said...

I really love the things you make, I'm so glad I found you on Flickr!

Karin Alton said...

your creations are as always just lovely
Karin x

Anonymous said...

I love your work and please please include me in your giveaway basket.

Keeping my fingers crossed
Mandy

Unknown said...

Really nice post thanks for posting that stuff. I like that kind of amazing and useful posts thanks for sharing.

Latest TV Shows

Unknown said...

Hello - I just love your work, your blog is the first I read each week. Such great ideals.
Please include me in your giveaway.

Have a great weekend!
Debbie :)