Back to cards

I am beginning to get addicted to card making and at this rate I will either have to start writing to lots of people using snail mail or look at the possibility of selling them. I started again with the last of my mistakes (using wrong type of card) Well, I am quite pleased with the result and it is strong enough to stand up now

and here is the reverse strengthened by some printed card

I had so much fun that I didn't do much else apart from producing cards (too many to show them all here) but this is one I am particularly proud of. And it is earmarked for a very good friend of mine.

Just a couple more and then it's back to do some sewing - there is a half finished rabbit on my sewing table

Sewing - the sequel

Ok, the bags are done and are doing very well in the charity auctions. I then found some carrier bags that had cut out items in them, ready to sew. (I do cutting out en masse, as it is so messy) I started with a teddy bear, and to begin with the sewing machine behaved itself, but alas, it didn't last long. I got so frustrated again, that I followed the sensible advice from another ebid seller and dug out my old machine and used that instead. Oh how I wish I had done that earlier. It runs like a dream. When ted was finished, I made a cockerel - both are now listed in the YDC charity auctions on ebid.net. I am proud to present them both

Blood, Sweat, and almost tears

Right, this is about sewing 2 bags to be sold on ebid.net. One was made from two cushion panaels

and the other is a patchwork one (I believe it's called a log cabin pattern) 
There is a bit of a story attached to the patchwork. I saw and purchased an unfinished patchwork quilt. (why I buy other peoples unfinished work, I don't know, as I have several of my own) The panels were made and some were joined together with what I think was the wrong fabric - far too light. Also the blocks weren't always caught with the sewing. I got rid of the joining fabric and stitched the seams that were missed by hand. And then they sat there. Last month someone requested a laundry bag to be listed in the monthly YDC charity auctions on ebid (more on that another day) so I thought about these squares and an afternoon's sewing produced this

but I was left with 2 squares. So the idea of a bag came into my head. Use the 2 suqares, a strip of plain for the sides and handles, plain lining - done. Well, this is where the blood and sweat come in. I pricked myself on numerous occasion and got a scratch from the sewing machine needle (blood) The sweat was from the frustration as the thread kept on breaking and there were moments when I felt like throwing it all into the bin. A job that could have been done in an afternoon took the best part of two days. If I had shed any tears, they would have been due to frustration. As my friends on the ebid forums were very helpful and supportive, I will list this bag in the YDC starting on the 24.4.11 in aid of Save the children. The other will hopefully raise some money for St. Raphael's hospice.

The scanner

Last night I thought that I better make an effort and do something with at least one of the cards that are made of not thick enough cardstock. I opted for the long rather than tall one as that was less likely to topple over. And I am quite pleased with the result. But then I thought that I would try scanning it rather than using the camera. And somehow the settings got changed (must be me, as nobody else uses it) so the scanner didn't respond to the usual commands. It did get it done in a roundabout way, but I prefer the old way - it's easier and quicker. But that is for another day. So here is the result of last nights efforts

Card making is being put on hold. I must finish some sewing that has been sitting on the sewing table for weeks.
So watch this space

The photo

I haven't been able to edit the previous post (maybe it's not possible) but I now found the card and I can show it to you

My card making efforts

Recently I started making cards. Nothing complicated, but it's fun. And of course there is all this equipment which is sooooo enssential! Well, yesterday I received a CD with templates for less boring cards and I printed a couple. Bearing in mind the PC and I still have our differences, I thought I did quite well. I was really pleased with the result, but then the snag: I should have used thicker card! With all the decoration on it the thing was prone to collapsing. Now what? I stuck some heavier card on the back, and although it's not good enough to sell (not that I want to) it has now enough weight to support the embellishments and I can use it. My friends are far to kind to make rude remarks about my mistakes. If I can work out how to add a photo I will and any constructive critisism will be appreciated.