The British Homemaker - One day at a time

Working on some new projects for my business I was rather surprised how often I’m asked if I sell individually cut fabric letters. Eventually I got the message, so now I’m adding a new range to both Design my Room Uk and Design my Party Uk (website still being re-built).   So till 30th June I am offering free Uk postage, basic rate for Eu and everywhere else. These are available in sizes from 1” up to 12” in a wide range of colours and patterns and ideal for any kind of personalising, cushions, buntings, clothing, blankets and more. This offer is only available if this blog post is quoted! Hop over to the blog linked above for more information. Debs

I haven't done any kind of tutorial for such a long time so when I saw something on Pinterest that I fell in love with I knew it was time. Fabric from Nortex Mill Any ideas yet? Ok, here's a clue! I'll be showing a full tutorial when I've made it. Debs

I raise this post from a couple of years ago as this is what I a working on this week. I wanted some quick and easy but effective blinds for the two front bedroom windows for my daughters room in our former home, after a few ideas I came across this style on one of my favourite blogs which hit me perfectly upside the head! I knew they were perfect. As I a considering how I want to dress the two windows in my room this style keeps jumping around in my head, only in red and white {they are my room colours} I would just swap the black for the red but the style would be exactly the same. The best thing about this style is you simply sew the two fabrics together once cut to size, add three tabs to the bottom to fold over and hook onto three stitched on buttons {I used black buttons with red flowers hot glued on top of those} Because the fabric is polycotton it is lightweight so you don't need a drill or nails double sided velcro is perfect for hanging. I would suggest, for hea...

I have secured one in the past but I’ve never actually put one up from start to finish…till now and guess what? 24 hours later it’s still up! Job done!! These curtains were given to me by my RS President who had 3 pairs of Next sage green ones that were unopened and unused! Anyway, the pair for this room were too small in the length, so using the bottom from a second pair I added a 12” panel to each one and called it sorted. I’m still undecided if I will panel over this with a contrasting and vibrant patterned fabric when I see it, we’ll see. I think I should have ironed them first though….

My second stint at being homeless. Not my doing, it was just circumstances of the landlord and the indecisions of a would-of-been landlord. However it has not been plain sailing and as good as my mom is and as much as she is trying to help and be supportive, we are just totally different in characters, routines and attitudes. I am in her home, I have invaded her space and routine, I try to play by her rules {not that she really has rules, but expectations is more like it} yet for a few weeks we have been hit and miss with each other. We haven’t argued or anything of that nature, we just got into our own ways and forgot to stop and communicate. The constant opposition and hurdles knocked my confidence sideways. My kids and I need our own home, we need our space, routine, our own things around us and we need each other. We miss being our own little family doing things our way, we miss our silly moments, our bedtime routines and cuddles on the sofa while debating a tv programme. It’s ju...

For the next 5 days I will be guest posting 5 of my favourite {but not conclusive} photos that were shared over on the Facebook wall of The British Homemaker ….Today we are kicking off with a recycled pillowcase that was cleverly made into a toddler dress with a gorgeous crochet top! If you would like to purchase this dress or any other items made by Jill, just click on either of her photos and it will take you to her online shop! Debs

I decided to upgrade my sewing machine. I’d never have done it if it weren’t for my mom. Say. No. More! Features Smart, with unique purple trim and round styling One Touch needle threader Swift Smart threading system Great for beginners covers so many of the basics making and mending clothes light embroidery craft sewing and quilting etc Metal frame and 16.8 pound weight Tough enough to tackle even heavier fabrics and larger pieces without 'jumping around' 30 built-in stitches provided including two styles of one-step buttonholes Stitch width and length adjustable up to 7 mm depending on the stitch selected Stitches selected by way of 5 selection buttons (on the front of the machine) Top thread ...

A couple of days ago I got my copy of this baby: {Photo courtesy of Amazon} The lovely bag on the front is the kit which was included, all cut to size and everything that was needed, including thread! I can’t wait to make it up. If you don’t already have a copy then you are seriously missing out! Cath Kidston is my ultimate favourite designer and whenever I get to buy some of her fabric I pretty much snatch the hands off the seller!! I guess a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do! lol Anyway, this book has some really awesome projects in that I  cant wait to try out…but I’ve promised myself no more new projects till Kirsten’s room is finished. Probably in ten years at this rate! lol Debs

I was without children for a good 24 hours and got crackin’ on the 8 month long slow process of Kirsten’s bedroom makeover. Initially it was planned out to be in baby blue and mocha and cream. So between my mom and I we made all kinds of goodness from a new headboard to a heart shaped name banner, from painting the walls to buying new bedding, only for the princess to change her mind. Now ordinarily I’d say ‘tough’ and carry on, but I am mostly glad because that mocha really didn’t go well in the room with the way the light went and I just couldn’t pull it together. So out came the blues and creams up to my room, off went the mocha and back came the magnolia walls! So bit by bit my former room of black, red and white slowly got transferred to Kirsten’s space only now it looks so much better. It’s not done yet but by jove I swear its going to finish me off! So far this is where I am at: The blinds took a little improvising. I wanted buttons not flowers but given that I was only ...

A couple of weeks ago I was helping to make some bunting for our local hospice. With some extra triangles left over I decided swap them with some others I’d made that fit in with the theme of the one I was finishing up on. This one is for Charley’s room, he loves bright colours, fun things and these colours fit with his room perfectly. I didn’t use a tape to connect them to, I just continued all across with the zig-zag stitch all the way across and fixed it to the wall with some fun bright thumb pins. Charley loves his new bunting and is still harping on about the top half of the wall not complete….he wants his favourite characters painted on to make a large scene, ‘’like a movie of them all’’ as he says. Three boxes covered in cardstock and pipe cleaner handles is perfect for his lil wallet, ‘’secrets’’ and his little journal and pen. All are hooked up above his bed for easy access. Total cost: £0 Total time to make: 1 hour collectively. Debs