Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust Christmas Craft Fayre

This Saturday we're getting our Christmas crafts out and sharing them with Newquay. So if you'd like to get a head start on your Christmas shopping, why not pop in and see us at The Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust Christmas Craft Fayre, and support a really good cause whilst you're at it.

It's only £1 for adults and children are free.

It'll be a whole day full of festive fun with not only a range of craft stalls, but also some delicious food, music, Father Christmas and a very special helper :)

Here are the essential details:
Date - Saturday 9th November 11am - 4pm
Location - Cornwall Air Ambulance HQ, Trevithick Downs, Newquay TR8 4DY


Hope you can make it, and don't forget to pop along to our stall and say hi!

xx

The birthday blog - the first clue

There once was a girl who had the surname Mutton
And she liked a driver named Button

Her husband's a blast
But he wasn't as fast

So he needs to look for a toy
Belonging to his boy

It's round and blue

So here is your clue...

I suggest you go
And look where your wife likes to sew

To find the key
For where the next tip off will be...

xx

The birthday blog uncovered

It's the hubby's birthday today and, even if I do say so myself, I have brought him the most awesome present so I wanted to come up with a fun and inventive way in which to present it to him. So I thought about the tools I have, a super cute baby, a blog, and a helpful friend.

The task seemed simple. Get some paper, put it in front of the baby and take some pictures. So much harder than it sounds when said baby decides he has an appetite for paper. We needed a plan B.

We got some Scrabble tiles and spelled out 'Happy Birthday Daddy' with the aid of a blank tile (who knew there are only 2 'y's in Scrabble). And with the magic of Photoshop we added it to a picture with Harry, leading him to the next blog post.

If you want to find out what super awesome present I have brought my husband, keep reading...

Business cards arrive, and even the hubby is getting in on the crafty act...

Who doesn't love post? I mean, when it's not bills or yet another parcel arriving for my neighbours with the postman ringing the doorbell so loudly it wakes the baby! (mini rant).

It's so nice to receive a parcel that's actually for me. So yesterday when there was a little package from moo.com on my doormat, I was excited to open it to find our business cards had arrived. Check them out...

Getting the business cards was super simple through Moo, and what was even better is that all I had to pay for was postage as I took advantage of Folksy's partnership offer with Moo. And I get to promote my Folksy shop too. Bonus!

Once they'd arrived, my husband decided that they needed a nice presentation box. So he immediately got out his tools and the scrap bits of wood he'd hoarded (I was actually grateful he'd kept them for once), and whipped up this cute little presentation box in a few hours. What do you think?

Let me know if your partner gets involved with your crafts? 

Charlotte

x

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A fun afternoon painting pottery

Just got back from a hugely enjoyable few hours spent with the hubby and Harry. We followed a lovely lunch on the Barbican with a visit to ClayArt.

ClayArt is a fun place where you can go and paint your own pottery. There's loads of different blank ceramics you can choose from, from pretty and decorative ornaments, to practical teapots and plates. Once you've painted your design, they'll glaze and fire it for you to come pick up in a few days.

We decided that as it's our son's first Christmas we would take advantage of their range of Christmas Decorations and make something that will be a lovely keepsake for the future.

Luckily for us, being midweek it wasn't too busy, so we could take the time to relax (and I could be a complete perfectionist) whilst we decorated our ceramics.

Here's what they look like pre-glazing:

Front

Back

I wanted to make the stocking look quite traditional but with a handmade touch, and I think the dots and stripe design help give it that look. And I had a go at doing some writing, which, as you can see from the smudging, is harder than it looks :)

I have to admit that whilst my husband was painting his, I was a little dubious of his design, but by the time it was finished, in my opinion he'd definitely given it a bit of Fair Isle treatment. Very on-trend (and I'm sure completely accidental).

Can't wait to pick out the glazed versions. Unfortunately for impatient me, we have to wait a few days.

Let me know what you think of our decorations, and share any of your own designs. I sense this could be a regular crafting venue for me...

x

It's beginning to feel a little like Christmas...

Ok, so maybe I don't actually feel that Christmassy, but when I put my crafting hat on I certainly do.

I was wandering around the shops the other day getting very excited about the idea of what I can dress Harry up as for his first Christmas. (I'm thinking an elf). When I also started wondering about all the fun Christmas crafts I can make, so I headed to the source of all inspiration, Pinterest, and started putting together my little festive mood board.


What do you think? Do you have any Christmas Inspiration you'd like to share? Look forward to hearing from you. x

A unique present for baby

Ever since my little Harry arrived I've caught the sewing for baby bug.

And what accessory does a baby need more than anything (other than nappies) - baby bibs!

Our collection of baby bibs are adorable and completely unique, plus they have that added bonus of keeping your baby's clothes milk and dribble free. What's more, they make the perfect handmade baby gift, ideal for all new Mums and Dads, or would make the ideal new baby or christening gift for a friend.

 

 All our baby bibs...

• Are made from 100% cotton
• Have handy side Velcro fastening for easy access, and also limits rubbing on the back of baby's neck
• Finished with hand embroidered wording
• Feature pretty and cute designs

Bib Measurements (approx):

• Length - 30cm (12")
• Width- 22cm (8.5")

Our baby bibs are handmade to order, and you can add a personal touch by adding your own wording and choosing the colour of your bib. They are available through our Etsy shop for only £7.00 each.

However if you cannot find the design you're looking for, head to our commissions page.

And just for some final cuteness, here's my little Prince Charming modelling our royal baby themed bibs...

 

Charlotte x

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Shabby Chic Union Jack Cushion Tutorial

A while ago I was asked to make a shabby chic style Union Jack cushion cover for a friend's sister who lives in America. What a good excuse to get my sewing machine out! I decided that I wanted to keep the traditional red, white and blue, but in muted tones, and of course with a touch of prettiness in the form of ditsy flower patterns.

What you need: 

1/2 metre of blue floral fabric (FABRIC A) 

1/2 metre of white/pink patterned fabirc (FABRIC B) 

1/4 metre of red and white polka dot fabric (FABRIC C) 

4 metres of cream ric rac 2 metres of red gingham grosgrain ribbon 

Co-ordinating cottons

Step one: 

Cut out... 

1 x Fabric A - 43 x 43cm (17" x 17") 

2 x Fabric B - 43 x 26cm (17" x 10") 

2 x Fabric C - 43 x 6cm (17" x 2.5") 

4 x 26cm (10") of Gingham ribbon 

8 x 26cm (10") of Cream Ric Rac

Step two: 

Fold and iron each length of the the Fabric C strips.

Step three: 

Layer the two strips of Fabric C in a cross on top of Fabric A. Trim these strips with ric rac. Pin and tack.

Step four: 

Arrange the four strips of ribbon at diagonals around your cross to complete the Union Jack design. Edge the ribbon with ric rac. Pin and tack.

Step five: 

Once all the fabric has been pinned and tacked in place, use the sewing machine to top stitch along the edges to secure.

Step six: 

Take your two pieces of Fabric B, and hem along the long edge on both pieces.

Step seven: 

Lay your embroidered piece of Fabric A face up, then layer both pieces of Fabric B face down so the hemmed edges overlap - this will make the opening flap for your cushion cover. Pin and sew around the four outside edges.

Step eight: 

Clip the corners, turn right way out and iron flat. All you need to do now is find a comfy cushion and you'll have a stylish addition to any sofa.

I hope you enjoy making this cushion cover. Let me know how you get on, we always love to see your pictures on our Facebook page! And do let me know if you have any queries.

If you would like us to create a bespoke item for you, read all about our Commissions for more details.

Until next time... x

New fabric alert

I love buying new fabric, and I get really excited at the prospect of what to make.

So when I went on my yearly trip to the Stitch, Sew and HobbyCraft show at Westpoint, Exeter yesterday I knew that I would be on the look out for some pretty and funky new materials, and I wasn't disappointed.

Well, I have to admit I was a little disappointed that I couldn't buy more, but the hubby was there, pulling me away, asking if I really needed the fabric (which of course the answer is alway yes!), and pointing out that I have lots of fabric at home (which is true, but a girl always needs more!). 

So, I made a beeline for the Little Laura's Haberdashery and Favourite Fabrics stands. Spent a good while rifling through all the fat quarters and settled on this rather charming selection.



I'm especially loving the beautifully bright Michael Woodland by Michael Miller. Thinking it would make a rather funky purse.

I'll keep you posted on what I make, and if you have any ideas drop me a line in the comments below. x  

We're so excited to finally have our website and blog up and running. We can't wait to tell you about all our exciting new creations and ideas.

So let me tell you a little bit about us...

We're a mother daughter team who love creating lovely hand sewn items. From adorable baby bibs to nappy clutches and sweet tea cosies to quirky granny dolls. We have a huge range of items that make the perfect gift for a loved one, or even an ideal little treat for you.

I'm Charlotte, as the slighty more web savvy one it'll be me who is doing all the yabbering online, but that doesn't mean Dee isn't sewing her little socks off behind the scenes. I have on good authority that she was up into the wee hours of the morning beevering away at her trusty Brother Sewing Machine (by the way, we love Brother, so expect a lot of love on this blog), making a new little treat for you all. Here's a hint... you can carry it!

So who am I?

I have always loved crafting, especially needlework and sewing. If it's quirky, vintage or retro, I love it!

I first decided to start Pretty Little Treats when friends and colleagues saw some of my work and started asking if I could make something for them, and quickly roped in Mum (Dee) to help. Since then we've been doing craft fayres, selling online and designing and sewing lots of new treats.

Six months ago my hubby and I welcomed our adorable little boy Harry to our family, and he's not only made us such super proud parents, but also proven to be a huge source of inspiration and a pretty cute model. (Another word of warning, Harry cuteness may flood this blog a little!)

My super talented Mum, Dee, has been crafting for years, and she has most definitely passed on her passion for crafts to little old me, her youngest daughter. From knitting to cross stitch, Dee has tried it all, but it's sewing that she truly loves.

When I asked Dee to help with Pretty LIttle Treats, she immediately took up the challenge, got out the sewing machines, and it hasn't stopped working yet!

So welcome to our little crafting world, we're looking forward to sharing it with you. xx

Jungle themed baby blanket

All planned out and ready to sew... I'll keep you posted.