Market prep and 1960's fabric aprons

I've been putting the finishing touches to all my stock for the Darlington People's Sunday Market coming up this Sunday (and every first Sunday in the month).
All the "make it kits are complete and instructions written. There are a 10 different types covering all ages (children to adult).
My 6 year old god daughter has been making the fabric hearts this week and the apron kits are going down so well with all that have seen them.
I've made more aprons, this time in a different style and if I do say so my self, they look just marvelous!
They are so retro and I remember my gran having one just like it. I used a 1960's pattern that I acquired from a carboot, so they are truly authentic 1960's.

Pretty money bag for the market

The other week a friend asked if I had one of those money bags that all market stall holders wear around their waist, thinking ahead for my stall on the Darlington People's Sunday Market on Sunday 2nd September.
I haven't done market stalls for over 16 years and didn't have one then....so what better way to spend an hour than making my self one.
Now I really will look like a proper markets stall holder!

Upcycled 1940's table

Over the last week I have spent the odd hour here or there sanding, 1st coat, 2nd coat and wax coat to a 1940's side table that I found in a charity shop for the bargain price of £3.50!
I'm very pleased with the finish.
I added a 1950's linen table cloth, also found in a charity shop for £1.00 and placed it in an unused corner of my hall way-just lovely!

Mummy and me matching pinnys

Today has been mainly finishing off the aprons and padded hangers.
I love the pink fabric of these aprons, it's so delicate and the fabric is of an amazing quality, which you often find with 1960's fabrics.
These are for the Darlingtons people's Sunday market on the 2nd September.

Covered hangers in vintage cotton

Making a dozen covered hangers, I just love this vintage fabric and they look so Retro.

Vintage "Pinnys"

I have been working on some "pinnys", just like our grannies used to wear.

Personally I prefer a half apron or pinny.

I've added some heavenly ribbons and lace for the final touch and I have some stunning fabric to make one or two more tomorrow.

1970's fabric-what a find!

I went for a coffee with my family today and popped in to a lovely vintage shop-just for a "look".
I found some wonderful vintage cotton fabrics. Mainly sheets but the pink fabrics are pillow cases, won't the look super duper on my bed!
Now it the tough decision, "what to make" the rest?

Juggling ball pin cushions

I just made these juggling ball pin cushions, made from beautiful heritage cotton fabric.
Lovely to look at and oh so practical too!

Phone stand-mark three

I wanted to develop some way to prop up a phone, the mass produced phone rests are made from horrid plastic and just aren't chic enough for me and I had the most gorgeous vintage fabric in mind.
I pride my self on knowing how to create with fabric quite well but it took a surprising amount of tweaking to get this just right!
Once I found the perfect solution to support the bottom of the phone, everything fell in to place!
I'm now a happy girl with a very 'comfy' phone!

And have now made a number of them to sell on the Darlington People's market on the 2nd September.

(iPad mark two is a work in progress!))

Workshops in Darlington by Drawn Threads

The dates for the workshops have been finalised, session ideas are in the bag and now I'm looking forward to starting them.
They will be every Friday but dedicated workshops will be the first Friday of every month, offering a wide variety of crafts to learn and new skills to develop.
Cafe Create (opposite the theatre) have been wonderful, and it is such a lovely venue to deliver craft workshops. The ambiance they provide is welcoming and I look forward to developing and delivering exciting projects there.

All the workshop kits are finished-over 100 of them. I am confident that with the hours I have put in during recent weeks, dedicating lots of time to all the nitty gritty touches that are important to me, that these kits will allow you to make something different and special.
The kits are also available to purchase without attending the workshops, if you wish.
I'm happy for anyone to contact me about either purchasing the kits or booking for the workshops and feel my future is really moving in the right direction-a direction that I am passionate about.

Workshop stuff and such a positive day!

I'm feeling so positive today, I have been doing more work on the workshop pack and have nine different workshop ideas in place with lost of packs made up ready and waiting.

Each one is wrapped up in brown paper or in a fabric bag tied like a lovely present. When each one is opened up, I hope anyone doing the workshops of making at home feel thrilled as to what they can make.

I had a meeting with the lovely Joanne Land from Darlington's Cafe Create, (Www.cafecreatedarlington.org) and feel very charged about the future. I'm thrilled to be part of the creative scene in Darlington, it's one more step along my journey and I can't wait to begin the workshops there.

I'll keep you posted as to when they begin and when but in the mean time there will be packs available to buy at the cafe along side other items for sale.
The workshops will be one, two or three hours long, all equipment is provided and there will be enough in the packs for you to carry on with your activity once you get home to make another item or two.
I'm very excited about the felt making workshop, two hours plus kit and also rose or corsage workshop, I think everyone will be thrilled with what they make!

Im sure you can pick up on my enthusiasm (big smiles!)