Haven't been here for a while - been so busy! I have to keep reminding myself to breathe...
So here are a few little pictures of what's been happening in the world of FMN Crafts. I recently went to Bakewell and did a weekend fair which was a whole lot of fun. I had some great neighbours and there were quite a few people through the door. I sold a few things too ;)
These pictures are fairly small as they were taken on my mobile, but you get the idea. The pictures above were of my stall and when I look at it like this, it looks quite full! Although the stall is not huge, people take their time when they stop to look and I can see why now...there are many different things to look at! The fair was at the Bakewell Town Hall in Derbyshire and the fair was organised by Dawn and Steve of Craftwise. They are the most lovely people ever and will do absolutely anything to make you feel welcome and comfortable at their fairs. This is why, although I have to travel quite some distance to get to and from the fair there, I do them because the organisers are so friendly and helpful and make it worthwhile.
While there, I stayed at a delightful little cottage for two nights which was quite close by and it was really, really lovely. Although I didn't get to see much of it as I was obviously at the fair, I did get to spend time on the previous Friday there and get walking in the Peaks. It was really cold but so picturesque.
The cottage I stayed in is called Monks Memories (the section on the extreme right on the first picture) and is part of the Monks Dale Farm in Millers Dale, near Buxton, Derbyshire. My family have stayed there several times, in all three cottages as they sleep different amounts and we just love it. If you ever want a quiet, relaxing and beautiful holiday, this is the place to go. Around the actual farm there is only a road into the nearest town 5 miles away and lots of footpaths, but walk down the Limestone Way, right next to the cottages and you are into Millers Dale which although has more that Monks Dale Farm has in the way of occupation & amenities, it does only have a church, a pub, a telephone box, a B&B and some holiday cottages. The perfect little retreat!
Sinse then, I have been busy in the workshop and mostly I have been restocking items I have been selling out of, so not much point in showing you items previously made, but I have made one new line and it's these wash bags:
I wanted to make a slight difference to the make-up bags I make in the form of wash bags, as I get asked quite a lot if I make them, but I often find that using oilcloth for the interior (so it can be wiped out) is a little too stiff and hard to manage at times, particularly with a softer cotton exterior. I looked at laminated cotton but couldn't find any that went with the rustic material you see above, but then I found some 'wipe-able' (it said in the shop) material, which I can only assume to be cotton coated in some fine wax or cotton that has been sealed in some way. Any thoughts? It is pliable and matches the earthy feel to the upholstery material exterior quite nicely :) I decided also to make it a little different by adding a handle and by using large eyelets to put it through. I really like the result! And I especially loved the hammering involved by installing the eyelets! Tension? What tension?! These bags are ones that will last for a very long time, they are robust and big enough to hold your essential toiletries. They measure 9 1/2" across at the widest part and 5 1/2" tall. I made them with flat bases too so they will stand up and the zips are locking zips, so no chance of it coming undone in transit. They will be in my Etsy store very soon...
And finally I have been on a material hunt for quite a few days and after three trips came home with this lot:
Well actually, there is a lot more as I forgot to photograph the green wipe-able, the denim and the curtaining material I just got, so you'll just have to imagine them! These materials above were a great find. I usually shop around and these were in one of my favorite shops - I couldn't resist! Had a bit of a heart attack at the bill, but oh well, I hope to re-coup that through sales ;) Pass it on...
These materials are all 100% cotton so there is so much scope. I tend to like to mix things up so I am going to have great fun using these. Watch this space.
And then, as I would imagine all the rest of the country I have been getting ready for Christmas. I am a little scared as I seem to have done everything and there is still quite of bit of time to go...surely this is an indication that I have forgotten something! Oh well, we'll see...
And on that note, I'll be off, thank you for reading, share or Like me on Facebook please or simply leave a comment. Merry Christmas! :)
Julie.
(C) FMN Crafts 2013.
