I have almost forgotten how to blog...!

I have just realised that it has been over 6 months since I last blogged. 6 months! Wow. So much has happened in that time.

Firstly, let me ask any of you who may still follow this blog if you are OK? I surely hope so!

Secondly, I must tell you why I have been so quiet on here. Well, apart from the fact that I have been more involved with Facebook, Twitter and Instagram than Blogger, we as a family have suffered two close family deaths - both within 2 and a half months of each-other. First my step-dad, David, to the awful thing that is cancer, then my brother, also called David to a lung condition. My step-dad was unfortunately and hideously expected to pass around the time that he did, but it was still awful. But my brother was not, it was a total and utter shock, so it's been one hell of a time of it just lately and I wouldn't wish it on anyone.

To top it off, I did my back in and was out of action for around 3 weeks and then my poor husband, 3 weeks ago, tore a muscle in the back of his calf.

Not to mention terrorist incidents you will no doubt have seen and the elections and the Grenfell Tower fire...

Yeah, Annus Horribilis so far.

My advice, should you wish to use it is hug your children and loved ones for longer tonight, tell them you love them, show them daily, be nice to all, show respect, let hate dissipate, do what you love and live life to the full, as though it's your last day as one day, it will be.

Anyway...!

After all that and on a lighter note, I do have some good news, I have been making items using FABULOUS Harris Tweed wool! Oh wow, I have managed to find a source with acceptable prices and so have spent A LOT of money on it and have been busily designing and making. I'm going to show you some photos:

Shoulder Bags with Internal Zip Pockets and Magnetic Snap Closure

 

And another in pink, raspberry, green and blue themes

Covered A5 size Notebooks with Flap Closure and Pen

Various colours of Cosmetics, Make-up or Toiletries Bags

Various colours of Cross-Body Tweed and Faux Leather Bags

The Small Messenger Bag with Two Pockets and Adjustable Strap

Ladies Glasses Case (made as order number three from a regular customer)

Padded Mobile Phone or Glasses Cases in Harris Tweed and Faux Leather

Coin and Card Purses in Presentation Boxes.

I have a million and one other ideas that are in my head (and written down) and I intend to act upon them, after I have completed an order of 10 Vintage Handkerchief and Linen Bridesmaid Pouches which I am very happy about!

That's all for now folks, have a lovely weekend and thanks for reading, perhaps someone would leave me a feedback too :)

Julie.

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(C) Forget-Me-Not Crafts 2017.

Gardening and Tea Cups!

Hi all,

Just a short blog today just to tell you I haven't fallen off the face of the earth - it's just been rather busy here. I have been re-stocking and adding things to the shop my items are in, Two Little Magpies in Beeston, Nottingham and I have been making lots of things for my craft fairs too.

And I have been gardening. Oh yes. I know all about weeds now...

Not that I didn't before, well, I knew a bit but my husband is the gardener here. We are fortunate to have a large back garden and the front is quite large too so it's all go to keep them up to standard. And I have been helping :) We actually get quite a lot of lovely comments form the neighbours as they walk past so it makes all the hard work worthwhile (mostly David's). :D

Here's a picture of part of the front garden taken a week or so ago:

And here's a picture of the bottom of back garden from my shed, about 4-5 weeks ago:

 

Here's a picture of another part of the back garden from my workshop (spare room) window (yes, I am blessed working here and yes, we're soon to replace our little fence!):

 

And this picture shows the garden from the top patio area, earlier in the season before hanging baskets appeared everywhere and climbers started climbing etc. The canopy is still off the swing chair too, so spring/summer was just beginning:

I'll bring more soon.

But anyway, I haven't got many pictures to show you of new items as I have been re-stocking, as mentioned, but I have done these I'd like you to see:

These are my Tea Cup Pin Cushions. How cute are these?! I just love florals, I love China tea cups and saucers and I love sewing, so these hit the spot (much like the tea would)!

 

A few of these are for the shop and the others (with more to come) will soon be available at my craft fairs.

So that's all for now, see you soon,
Julie.

(C) FMN Crafts 2016

Shiny New Items

Evening all,

I decided I would make this blog a photographic one with small descriptions, letting the pictures do most of the talking, so without further ado I'd like to show you my latest makes... (Click on the pictures to enlarge).

My new range of Mini Buntings. Each measure approximately 4' - 4' 6" in length, have 12 flags and are double sided so they can be viewed from either side. They are absolutely gorgeous (if I do say so myself) and look great in many spaces, especially along shelving, fireplaces, window ledges and more. I think the small print of the cotton fabric is what makes them so attractive...what do you think?

These are the latest in my line of gift sets, namely Three Piece Toiletry/Cosmetics Cases. I am making them in a range of fabrics but the concept is the same, there is a flat based wash bag that is lined with either PVC or oilcloth (colour matching dependant), a smaller flat cosmetics bag that is cotton lined and a roll up brushes holder with ties. Of course they can be purchased for yourself, but they make excellent gifts for any girl of any age. :) Again, it's the fabric that is so appealing, to me at least, I simply love delicate florals. There will be more of these too.

You will have seen something similar to these before, but these are my new Freehand Machine Embroidery Padded iPad Cases in portrait style. They are all decorated using my favourite method, are fully padded with fleece and interfacing, have cotton linings with nothing to scratch your devise and have an envelope closure with button and elastic. These cases fit the iPad Air 2 and the 9.7" iPad Pro. Of course, you can try your own devise if on hand at a craft fair or place an order to have one custom made.

These are my latest design of 'Bag for Life' made using a fabulous firm duck type material in a gorgeous print called Botanical Garden. As soon as I saw this material I had to have it and knew it would work great as bags. These roll up and are held with an elastic, and I am also going to make some with their own pocket so instead of rolling, they'll fold flat and will be encased - a pocket that is integral to the bag. These bags are the perfect size to drop in you bag or to just grab and go.

And finally, I have managed to make a small range of Fat Quarters for my stall. Some of the fabrics in the bundles are what you have already seen in this post. I just love them, as if you haven't guessed already and so I wanted to share them with you. These are in sets of three and are 18" x 22" a piece, they are a mix of cottons and poly-cottons and there is even some Egyptian cotton throw in for good measure. They have all been measured, cut, pressed, folded and bundled using lengths of cute ribbon. They cost just £4.99 for three and will be available at my craft fairs - while stocks last.

So that's all for today folks, hope you enjoyed a look and to read a comment or two if you'd care to leave one. Thank you!

Julie.
(C) FMNCrafts 2016.

Busy Busy and New Items

Hello all,

Wow, long time no blog! Guess what? I've been busy! As usual... Some of these items were out at my last fair, but that just shows you how long it's been since I blogged.

So without further ado, I'll show you some stuff. First up:

This is the next in line of my Upholstery Material Cushions, this one in a beautiful botanic style print, complete with matching piping (I love making piping now...), an envelope back and detail on the back to match the material on the front. This material is a mix of hemp and linen and it feels delightful, it measures 16" x 16" and will be going with me on Sunday to the next fair I'm at - details later. I have another one to show you but that's next time, as I haven't got the cushion form in it yet... I really like making these one off style throw cushions and the neutral colours mean they can be placed in many homes.

Next up:

The latest style of Mobile Case with Earphone Pocket. I bought these blue and white materials and thought they would look great on the mobile cases so these were born. This style of case (ones with pockets) have been selling well at the fairs as they are so attractive and useful. I think that's what people are looking for these days...

And the next:

These are my beautiful (yes, I do say so myself) Freehand Machine Embroidery Denim and Cotton Padded Glasses Cases. Oh yes. Each have a little flap to hold the glasses in with an elastic closure and each is lined with a complimentary cotton lining. The padding protects the glasses and they are big enough to hold bulky sunglasses too. Perfect for summer holidays then...

And the next:

I really love making these - Tissue Packs. Each is made using two beautiful different prints of cotton and there's a lovely peep of 'material number two' down the middle, where the opening is to get to the tissues. Mum and I went on a material shopping trip a couple of weeks ago and we found a shop I will be returning to no doubt! I spent quite a bit and some of the materials you see in these tissue packs are indeed brand new. I love material shopping. Is it possible to ever have too much?

Each pack contains 10 4ply tissues and are easily replaced once used. These make lovely gifts and when they sell at the fairs, I would say 80% are bought as gifts. One lady bought 4 last summer for Christmas presents...

These are next:

This scotty dog material is also new and I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it. I have a feeling it may be good as purses and that's why I whipped these two little ones up. I also have it in blue. They are a great size, you can get loads of money plus store and credit cards in and there is a blue spotty interior with black ribbon pull on the zip. I think these will go well and of course I will be making more than just two!

And finally, just a few re-do's as these items always sell well:

Floral Classic Padded Glasses Case (click to enlarge)

Carrier Bag Keyrings - never be without a carrier bag again!

Roll Up Floral Shopping Bag, heavy duty, large size

Map Gift Bags, set of three, great fun!

Tea Cup Freehand Machine Embroidery Floral Throw Cushion. I love this!

Magnetic Washi-tape Pegs

Net Curtain Bunting. Yes, I know, but it's an experiment - I want to hear people's reactions. I think it's funky but we'll see.

So that's all! If you have managed to get through this whole blog - well done! And thank you. Please leave me a comment or even share this, I'd love to get a little more exposure about my creations and gain people's thoughts.

Oh, I almost forgot. On Sunday and Monday, 1st and 2nd May 2016 I will be exhibiting at Newstead Abbey, Nottinghamshire. They are holding a Dog Show outdoors and a Craft Fair indoors. Guess which one I'm exhibiting at?! Ha! In fact, no, scratch that... ;)

Bye for now.
Julie.

(C) FMN Crafts 2016.