I'm sad to say goodbye:


Yet thrilled to say HELLO JUDY!!


My mum very kindly gave me her Janome because she rarely uses it and knew it was better than mine. Great timing since the Toyota had clearly had enough :(

Really, this is what sewing machines are meant to sound like! A lovely whirr, not a violent clattering and whining noise.

A new (to me) machine calls for a new sewing cover doesn't it?!

After seeing the great cover Svetlana at s.o.t.a.k. handmade made, I used her tutorial.



It came together really quickly - I went for bigger scraps so mine doesn't really look like books but I didn't want to cut into some of them and, let's be honest, it was even quicker!!


I also used home dec weight fabric, left over from the girl's floor cushion, on the reverse side to make it a bit sturdier:


So that's like three covers in one!! I love it :)

I've been a busy bee over the weekend because my husband very kindly went out for the day with the kids (oh he is wonderful!). So I also finished up my little sewing case...



and have sent one to a friend :) I love making these, Amy's tutorial is brilliant!


I've also managed to make a start on the zip bag for the overflowing notions and zips I have. I couldn't stop myself from using the gorgeous little squares Heather from Crafting... sent me:



These are teeny tiny now!! Each square is just 7/8"! I used Elizabeth's (Oh, Fransson!) fantastic method from Sew, Mama, Sew! Super easy and it just looks so cute. I thought I'd ran out of interfacing (later found some more!!) so I made a different back:


I like it, it's a nice plain contrast to the busier front and I just LOVE that mustard. The tension was totally off, I was getting used to the machine but I kind of like those loopy lines so I'm just going with it. Should be able to put this together tomorrow!

I have also thoroughly enjoyed rising to the challenge set by Amy's Creative Side and I have completed my first ever hand sewn paper piece block!! Whoo Hoo!


This is the first block I've made as part of the Rose and Star Block Party at My Selfsewn Life. Everyone's been making so many gorgeous blocks, totally inspirational!

Somewhere Over The Rainbow Charm Swap

Luckily I got to join in the Somewhere Over The Rainbow Charm Swap 2012 hosted by Emily at Strawberry Patch. So I got cutting and sent off my orange charms today :)



Lastly, I forgot to mention that last weekend my husband and I went to see 'The Artist'. I wasn't too sure I would like it. Silent movie?? No, Ta!!
WRONG!! It was wonderful, magnificent, elegant and I want to watch it again, and again, and again. If you haven't, go see it!