Pippablue - Design, Craft, Interiors, Living

An Irish Road Trip...

Today we are joining Karen from Listen To The Birds Sing on her Irish Road trip....

Come and check out our guest post, and, of course, Karen's lovely blog!

Pippablue

 

Mouthy Stitches received, FLOS ready to go!

I am so so lucky to have received this gorgeous pouch from Wendi at Bethadee Zoo

It so beautifully made, and big enough to fit a couple of projects in, plus scissors, small rulers, etc. Wendi did a great job stalking me, as I love gnomes, paperpiecing, texty fabrics and scrappy projects! I can't thank her enough for the effort she made, I LOVE it!

I've also managed to finish my items for the For The Love of Solids Swap and will be posting them tomorrow. I made my partner a wall hanging based on Charley Harper's October Edibles print.

I also made a smaller item, but I'm keeping that under wraps untill she receives her parcel. fingers crossed that she'll like it!

Now I just have to catch up with my Piece Bee With You blocks and I'll be all up to date!

Eva @ Pippablue

 

 

Class Schedule - January and February 2012

Well, it's been a busy week getting everything moved and setting up the new space. We are almost done and will be posting photos soon. But, first things first, we want to get our class schedule up for the next couple of months.  We will be adding the workshops to the website over the next week and you will be able to book online.

In the meantime, you can send us an email if you are interested in booking a class. Our phone line should be up and running by the end of the week (We kept the same number, 091 566972).

Unless otherwise stated you should bring your sewing machine with you, if you do not have a machine and need to borrow one, please let us know in advance. All children's classes are hand-sewing.

Sunday 22nd January - 2pm  Getting to Know Your Sewing Machine €25

This is a class for people who have sewing machines but don't know how to use them! We will go over everything from, threading your machine, tension, different stitches etc, while completing a small project. This class runs from 2 to 4 pm but can sometimes run over,  so it would be best to allow yourself an extra half hour just in case...

BYO Sewing machine with all attachments as well as the manual if you have it. All other materials will be provided. Class limited to 5 people.

Saturday 28th January - 11am  A-line Skirt Workshop €60

This is a full day class in which we will draft a pattern to your measurements and make a skirt to fit perfectly.

You will go home after a very productive day with a skirt and a pattern to make more. (11am - 5pm)

This class requires intermediate sewing skills.

You can purchase your fabrics on the day or you can bring your own, in which case you will need approx 1.5 mtrs of cotton fabric, a matching thread and a 7inch zipper.

Sunday 29th January - 2pm Getting to know Your Sewing Machine €25

See above for class description.

Sunday 5th February  - Beginners Sewing Day (Do one workshop for €25, or both for €45)

    11am Make a lined Tote Bag €25 (materials not included): In this class you will learn how to make a lined tote bag, with interior pocket. With instructions to make more when at home. You can purchase your fabric on the day or you can bring your own, in which case you will need approx 0.5 mtrs of heavy cotton or linen fabric and matching thread.

    2pm Applique Bunting Workshop €25: This workshop will show you the techniques needed to make  lettered bunting that you can then button together to spell names and messages. You will be doing applique and buttonholes. You will be provided with pattern pieces to take home with you to continue your bunting at home, as well as your work completed in class.

 Saturday 11th February 2pm: Valentine Sewing and Crafting for Kids €10 (8+, workshop lasts 1.5 hour)

Sunday 12th February - 2pm Applique Cushion Cover €35 (Advanced Beginner/Intermediate)

We will be making a detailed cushion cover using machine applique techniques. You will go home with a completed cushion cover, plus pillow form. All materials are included in the class.

Saturday 18th February 11am - Anna Tunic Workshop €60

This is a full day workshop, in which you will be making the popular Anna Tunic, by Amy Butler. 

This class requires intermediate sewing skills.

You can purchase your fabrics on the day or you can bring your own, in which case you will need approx 2 mtrs of cotton fabric, and matching thread.

Sunday 19th February 2pm - Getting to know Your Sewing Machine €25

See above for class description.

Tuesday 21st February 11am - Make a Zippy Pouch €20 ( All materials included)

Wednesday 22nd February 6:30pm - Crochet for Absolute Begginers €60 for 4weeks.

All materials included. This class will run for 4 weeks from 6:30 to 8pm on Wednesday evenings. Class dates are the 22nd and 29th of February, and the 7th and 14th of March.

Saturday 25th February 2pm - Kid's Sewing (Beginners age 6-9) €7

1 hour class for younger children who are interested in sewing.

Sunday 26th February 11am - Roman Blinds €60

An all-day class to show you how to confidently make a roman blind.

11-6pm (break for food, don't forget to bring a lunch!)

You can choose to make a sample blind

or make one for your window measurements.

Class costs €60 plus fabric and roman blind kit (cost depends on your size)

 

 

Goodie Swap

I am participating in the goodie swap hosted by Cindy at Fluffy Sheep Quilting. It's my first time doing a swap, so I'm a little nervous.We are swapping a mugrug and small project with two people and as partners are secret you have to do a good bit of snooping to find their likes and dislikes!

Here's the mosaic I put together for my likes. There really is some amazing talent out there and I hope I'm able to make something as lovely as these for my partners, but to their taste, of course!

Click on the picture to see who made what!

 

Pippablue

Japanese Fabric Swap: The end result!

I was delighted today when I came in to the shop and found that Cindy had left in the charm pack from the Japanese Fabric Swap.

All the fabrics were lovely and I can't wait to get stuck in! This was my first swap and it was a lovely experience. A big thankyou to Cindy from Fluffy Sheep Quilting for organizing the swap, and to all the lovely ladies who participated.

Here's a peek at all the squares!

Pippablue

Wonky Circle of Stars Quilt

I made this little quilt using my leftover fabric from the Japanese Fabric Swap. It was quick to make and, I think, a great project for beginners.

I followed the  VeryKerryBerry quilt-a-long , and I must say the directions were really clear, with loads of tips and links. Her blog is really inspirational too!

The block centre is a bit of Japanese Fabric by Cosmo. The Star points are Kaffe Fassett Spots and the Backing is Tanya Whelan.

I think you can tell I love dots and Toadstools!

By the way, if you are wondering about the doll in the top photo, she is made locally by the talented Marta. You can stop by the shop to see the full range of her amazing hand sewn and crochet dolls.

Pippablue

Japanese Fabric Swap!

Just a quick note to let you know about a cool new Fabric Swap hosted by Cindy at Fluffy Sheep Quilting. The Swap is a charm swap of Japanese Imports and it is all explained on Cindy's blog, so just click the link below and check it out!

Pippablue

Summer Sewing...

I don't know why it is, but I always feel more inspired to sew in the summer. Colours seem brighter, the light is at it's best and the long evenings seem to give us that bit of extra time.  It also helps when we have lovely new fabric in, just begging to be made into something.

Here's a quick and easy skirt I whipped up for my daughter using some Amy Butler Peacock Feathers, and Kaffe Fasset Spots. (For a tutorial on making a similar skirt visit Andrea at Lushstuff). I added  a side pocket and trimmed with some teal bias.

I love the bright tones and the contrast. These types of colours just scream summer to me and I can't wait for the promised heat wave to hit us!

And if you are looking for another way to stay motivated, why not join the new flickr group Sew Irish:Modern Quilting  and Sewing. This group has just been set up by the talented Sarah from FairyFaceDesigns and is open to sewers of all skills and levels. To view Sarah's original post about the group click here. It's a great way to meet  like-minded people and also to show your work and admire that of others!

                                                    

 

Happy Sewing!

Pippablue

Getting Crafty for 2011

    

First and foremost a Big Thankyou and Happy New Year to all our wonderful customers, readers, and friends. We hope 2011 brings you all health, happiness, friendship, love and ,of course, lots and lots of creativity and inspiration!

And to start you off on the right foot we are posting up our schedule of upcoming Sunday Workshops. Our first round of classes leading into February are for sewing ( we will be expanding into knitting and other crafty activities after February). There is something for all levels here but we are always open to suggestions and we would love to hear if there is anything you would like us to organize, teach etc. Also,  we can cater for groups wanting to block book a class.

Remember, class sizes are limited so book early to avoid disappointment!! You can book online, by phone @ 091 566 972 or at the shop.

So here we go:

Sunday 16th January -  Getting to know your Sewing Machine 

This is a class for people who have sewing machines but don't know how to use them! We will go over everything from, threading your machine, tension, different stitches etc, while completing a small project. This class runs from 2 to 4 pm but can sometimes run over,  so it would be best to allow yourself an extra half hour just in case...

BYO Sewing machine with all attachments as well as the manual if you have it. All other materials will be provided. Class limited to 6 people.

Cost: 30 Euro / 25 Euro concession

Sunday 23rd January - Dress Making Techniques (Intermediate/ Advanced Beginner Level)

We are delighted to have Andrea from Lushstuff back to teach this  Dress Making Techniques class. You will be learning how to measure yourself, read patterns, and the different techniques needed to complete dress making projects, as well as practicing some of these techniques in the class. Andrea's classes are always a wealth of information and will leave you feeling confident to tackle new projects at home. This class runs from 2 to 5pm, but may run longer if needed. Please allow yourself an extra half an hour just in case!

BYO Sewing machine, as well as any extra foots or attachments! Class limited to 6 people.

Cost: 45 Euro / 40 Euro concession

Sunday 30th January - Patchwork with Ester Kiely: Hand Techniques Applique (Hand Sewing - All levels welcome)

Ester continues her popular hand sewing classes and will be teaching how to sew applique by hand in your patchwork projects. Esters classes' are very relaxed and fun, and as a member of the Irish Patchwork Society, and working textile artist, she has a wealth of knowledge to share. Class runs from 2 to 4:30 pm.

Cost 30 Euro / 25 Euro concession

Sunday 6th February - Beginners Sewing:  Little Girl's Skirt

Another fun class from Andrea at Lushstuff. This class is suitable for the beginner where you will become more confident on your machine while making a little girl's skirt using 2 fat quarters. In this class you will  be cutting your fabric, learning how to gather, put in an elastic waistband, decorate with trim,  etc.  Class runs from 2 to 5pm, but may sometimes run over a bit longer.

BYO sewing machine, as well as any attachments and a manual if you have one. All other materials provided in class. Class size limited to 6 people.

Cost: 45 Euro / 40 Euro concession

Sunday 13th February - Sewing for the Home: Appliqued Cushion Cover (Advanced Beginner/ Intermediate)

In this class we will be making a cover for a cushion using machine applique techniques. You will be learning how to use bondaweb and layer fabric to make a funky cushion cover for your home. More details on this class will follow over the coming weeks. All materials will be provided in class and you will leave with a beautiful accessory for your home. Class runs from 2 to 5 pm, but may run over if extra time is needed!

BYO sewing machine.

Cost: 50 Euro / 45 Euro concession

Sunday 20th February - A-line Skirt Workshop (Intermediate/ advanced beginner)

Another great class form Andrea Parry. You will be taken through the steps necessary to make a custom fit A-line skirt for yourself. You will learn how to take measurements, draft your own custom fit pattern, and piece together a basic A-lline skirt, which you could them customize to suit your needs. This is a class jam packed with useful tips and information, and you will leave with your skirt completed! Bring your own fabric or purchase it from the shop at a discount on the day. Class runs from 2 to 5:30, but may run over if more time is needed.

BYO sewing machine. Class sizes limited to 6 people.

Cost: 50 Euro / 45 Euro concession

Looking forward to seeing you!

Pippablue

Keep Warm this Christmas!

Its still snowing and so cooold in Ireland at the moment.  Here's a little tip to help you keep warm.   I regularly lose gloves and have just bought a new pair that I am determined to keep this time!

Do you remember when you were a kid and your gloves had strings so that you didn't lose them?  Well this technique can be used for adults too!

You will need a length of ribbon in a complimentary color, long enough to go around your neck and down each arm. 

 Then stitch one end of the ribbon to the back of each glove using a few neat stitches so that the ribbon is securely attached.  

This will only take a few minutes and when you are finished, simply feed each glove through the sleeve of your coat.  This is really useful when you are out shopping and go into a warm shop, you can take your gloves off and not worry about losing them.

 You can use any ribbon, however for something special, the lovely range of East Of India Ribbons, which come in 3 meter lengths are ideal.