Sewing machine issues.

As the title suggests my machine is broken again...
Last week I had huge loops on the bottom stitches, this was fixed by a new bobbin holder.
Now this week I have huge loops on the top stitches...
Picture below, I've tried adjusting everything possible, any ideas how to fix it?

With that the time was right to make a Christmas cake. I used a recipe from this book.

Its a well used "Vintage" school book dated from 1950. Was my old school book, but I'm not that old. The  recipes are the best, and the cake turned out fab. Here it is in the tin before cooking.

And here it is cooked, nicely browned and no cracks.

And the best part, it has to be "fed", with brandy or whiskey! This keeps it fresh and alcoholy, cant wait to taste it.

Has anyone else made their cake yet? Do tell.

Snow Time

Its still snowing. I have to say I love it, everything looks so clean and new. Our morning walk today was cool...  Anna made a snow angel.

My dog just cant get enough of the stuff.

This bench looks so forlorn. Needs a body to warm it...

Now back to sewing winter hats more to follow...

Airfiled Craft Market

Tomorrow I'm going to market again. This time its Airfield Vintage and Craft Market. Its located on the south side of Dublin, I'm really looking forward to the day.

Because we are in the midst of a cold spell I thought hats would be in order for tomorrow. I made various hats, some for boys and some for girls. My daughter reluctantly modeled some of the girls ones for me.

They are made of fleece, and I've hand sewn flowers and some festive decorations on them.

I'm liking the colours of these flowers.

And a Christmas Tree if you fancy.

See you there then tomorrow. Cant wait...

Irish Castle

On Sunday on the way back from the flea market we decided to stop at Tullynally Castle. Its a magnificent place. After a long walk up the castle drive we were greeted by this.

The sun was just setting so the light was amazing.

There's a walled garden.

And a pagoda.

Even a family of Llama's and a crocodile.

I loved the colour of this gate.

Last, but not least the forbidden apple.

We plan on returning in the Summer for the castle tour.

I'm Back and all's well

We got back, the holiday was great. It was fun to have to do nothing all day. We even got some snow. Excuse the very blurry picture.

It was great  to catch up with family who live so far away.  And relax...

This was our view on the ferry coming into Stockholm. Was a lovely crisp morning.

I am planning on taking part in this sew along over on Gertie's blog.  And I am just waiting for the pattern to arrive. Its a beginner pattern. Its a gorgeous wrap over dress.

 With the aid of the sew along I hope it will be  fabulous. I am thinking of using this fabric.

The sew along starts on Dec 6th. So if you are interested head on over to Gertie's and join in.

Wee Break

I am off on a little holiday. wont be back for 2 weeks. Hope to take lots of photo's, and see lots of fabric shops. Will be in Helsinki & Stockholm.

Bye for now.

Flea Market Finds

This weeks find is all about fabric. I was extremely delighted to find some vintage Liberty fabric.

I love the little flowers, the quality of the fabric is amazing.

This one is Liberty too, with little ducks. Here is a close up of a duck.

There was about 3 meters of each. I bought them for little or nothing. There was also some gorgeous green wool. I plan to make a coat with the wool.

And finally some gorgeous cotton prints. I love the aeroplane print especially, I think its very boyish.

Now my stash is pretty huge, and I cant wait to use some of my vintage patterns to make loads of stuff.

Television Quilt

Now that the evenings are getting colder, and we have been having some frosty nights, I thought it was about time I made a quilt for relaxing on the sofa.

Most of the fabric is from Ikea pillow cases. I quilted it using a cross hatch pattern. Think thats what its called. The inspiration comes from here. I lined it with a nice warm fleece, and the backing is in red cotton.

 My daughter eventually agreed to model it in the garden.

All ready for cozy T.V. nights.

Flea Market Finds

Was very happy to find this gorgeous little tea set yesterday at the car boot sale.

Its Staffordshire Pottery, and its a vintage 70's pattern. There's six cups & saucers, and six side plates. I love it. and all for only €5.

I also found another box of vintage patterns, some of them yucky. But there were some beauties among them, which I plan on making in the near future.

All of the patterns were only €2. Was very excited when I spied them. Check out more lovelies here.

Tie Front Blouse

I've been seeing a lot of tie front blouses around lately. There was a pattern for one here, which fitted the bill. The pattern is from the October issue of Burda Magazine.

I like how this fits, and I especially like the tie front.

It might be a little cold for the coming season, but I can always wear it in the Spring.

The fabric is a vintage find, there is a little bit of silver thread going through it. Though not sure if this can be seen from the pictures.

 It was a very quick and easy blouse to put together, can't wait to wear it. (Birthday Pizza tonight)

Patchwork cushion

Lately I've been quilting a lot. As a total beginner I have discovered a great blog all about quilting. She has loads of tutorials that are pretty easy to follow. This is one I made from one of her great tuts.

Its called mad mosaic floor cushion. And I like it, cos its meant to be wonky.

These are my 4 squares.

I used a dark coloured sashing to join my squares.

I did not quilt the back of the cushion, as I guess I just got lazy.

So if you're looking for some quilting inspiration check out Oh Fransson, you'll like it, I promise.