A little something new

Hello everyone,

Well whilst the sun was shining here at the sewquarters, I decided that I would make the most of it by planting up my allotment. It has been something I have meant to get done for ages and I am so glad I did. Here are a few pictures of my efforts (not all the seeds have germinated yet!)

So in the pictures above, I have little gem lettuce, purple sprouting brocolli and peas. Also growing in my garden is the (now established and a bit too big!) is my apricot tree. Thankfully it has little 'apricot-etes'!

And to finish off- here is beautiful Elvis :)

See you soon, thanks for popping by. Jill x

You are my love

Evening all
Hope you are well in this lovely sunny weather! I have had a great day getting out in the garden this morning and sorting it all out after that dreadful winter. This afternoon, I have been faffing with a new illustration. It is inspired by the words my husband said to me one day when we were having a heart to heart. It isn't quite finished yet; I've done a black and white version and so far I think I prefer that one! I'd love to know what you all think and if it is a winner, I'll put it for sale in my Etsy shop.

Only a quick one today then- Doctor Who is on in a bit then the lovely Will.I.am on 'The Voice'! Enjoy your saturday,

Jill

New 'Faffing' on a Sunday night.

Evening Everyone

Well, I was looking around my craft room today, pottering around as you do and I came across my Letraset promarker pens. (You can buy them here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/ProMarker-Pens-12-Set-Toy/dp/B001W1UB8C). So I thought, you know what- I haven't done any illustration in a while and so inspired by these pens and the lovely pastel-y shades I've got, I set to work.

I first had to figure out what I wanted to draw! There were so many ideas buzzing around in my head but I eventually settled on a 'Birth' date illustration. I love birds and nature so this theme came kinda organically. I might make it up into a textile piece, or have some printed to sell on my Etsy shop (http://www.etsy.com/shop/EandZmake?ref=ss_profile) or even have them as personalised illustrations for new parents to celebrate the impending birth of their new little one. I'm chuffed with how it has come out- I've never designed things for babies before and I really enjoyed doing it. I may even incorporate the design into 'Baby's Birth' Journals. I'd love to hear your thoughts on these ideas.

Here we are then- some pictures of my first 'baby birth date' illustration. I hope you like them.

Half term loveliness

Hello everyone :)

It has been quite a while since I blogged and so I am going to make more of an effort to try and write more. I do enjoy it but time is a demon! Anyway, I am lucky enough to be on half term at the moment, so I thought I would share with y'all what I have been up to.

This is one of my new notebook designs. I normally make them all in fabric, but being inspired by Jenny at Jenny's Crafts in Rugeley, I decided to have a go at felting some old jumpers- better than throwing them out don't yout think? I have hand embroidered over the exsisting cable design in the jumper then added this 'No.1 Knitter' on a rosette. I rather love how it came out. It's funny really- I design them in one of my (numerous sketchbooks) and am always a bit nervy about how they will turn out in real life!

Another design- I just LOVE freehand embroidery and couldn't resist having a go with a longer phrase. I used to be a typographer many many moons ago and even though I teach English now, the love of words, letters and typography overall is still in me. It's great now that I have found a way to merge my two loves: textile and typography! Have you ever done this? 

Aswell as that, I have spent some lovely evenings with friends and family, enjoyed another night at knitting class- (I've started a new bag! - pictures to follow!). But, it is back to the day job on Monday but I will try and keep blogging and connected to you. Do leave a message- it is lovely to know that you are there.

Keep well, keep happy :)

Jill

E and Z make

Hello everyone :)

Well, this is very very first blog post on blogger. I have been inspired to do it by reading my glorious friend's blog- katherine staples over at @granny taught me to crochet. She is a virtual and real life friend and her blog is amazing.

So, here goes. A little about me. I am an English teacher by day and a 'sewist' the rest of the time making lovely little things for you and your home. (I'm on Folksy if you want to look up 'E and Z make'www.folksy.com/shops/EandZmake

I am an avid reader and tea drinker and like to find the loveliness in the small things. I love birds, buttons, good food and good company. This is the theme of this first 'virgin' blog! Blue birds and books...

So- on my reading table at the moment are 3 amazing books. The first one 'A spooks apprentice' was provided by another good friend- a super woman called Sue. It really is a page turner- even though it is meant for kids I think adults would love it too!

Second of all- is 'Toast' by Nigel Slater. This one is so sad- he really has had a difficult life growing up with a mother who couldn't cook, a dad who seems not to care and a strange aunt called 'Aunty Fanny'! A must read!

Lastly- even though I haven't started it yet is 'The Hobbit'. Ooh I can't wait for this one!

When I'm not reading, I'm either crocheting, knitting, sewing or drawing. Here are this week's attempts at crocheted coasters- only the blue one came out right! Also, some new little designs for brooches, pictures etc. Not sure yet!

Well, that is all from me this week. My New Year resolution is to blog more often so I'll try and keep this going! 

Thanks for reading; I'll be sure to read and comment on your blog too.

Jill x