Fat Hen and Flo

2012-02-06T16:19:00.001Z

Fat Hen and Flo's photostream

2012-01-30T00:34:00.001Z

Fat Hen and Flo's photostream on Flickr.

Some updated pics of what I've made over the past few months.

i am a bad bad blogger

2012-01-27T13:09:00.000Z

it has been way too long since my last blog post, i wonder how many 'our crafters' and 'hail Martha's' will be needed to atone this sin. well i start with showing just a couple of things i've been up to over the past few months.
firstly, i finally got round to a bit of screen printing, the sketches for these have floating about for sooo long i pleased they eventually made it.

my kitchen table set up works fine for now

the first print...beyond exciting

martha, mindy & maud

franc & stan

my word and picture placement may seem a bit random today but for some reason it is doing weird things and through my streaming eyes, dripping nose and fuzzy head it all seems too much to figure out. (that's why i've finally got around to blogging again...i am full of cold and have banished myself to the sofa, not good to sneeze all over the fabrics!)

some colourful keyrings

okay, what else. i added a new machine to collection. i have had a yearning for a hand cranked singer for a while.

but not this kind

look at this beauty, a christmas present to me....i mean the kids. this is what they are learning to sew on.

boys love machines

even the bearded one couldn't resist having a go!

i am quitting whilst ahead! images have been flitting all over the place, words suddenly disappearing, it's all too much today. this is why i need to blog more, often so that i don't forget how it works in between visits!!

i hope to return very soon but i won't promise anything. hopefully next time it will be easier. off to say 50 our crafters and 25 hail martha's.

xxx

it's been a while

2011-05-10T11:48:00.000+01:00

what happened to april? what with school holidays and the royal wedding i somehow lost a month. very little got done in the way of 'work' although i seemed to make lots of birthday presents and wedding party stuff. once that all died down and everyone finally returned to school/work i went into lastminute.com mode and began preparing stock for a craft fair. now that is all over and i finally feel i can breathe again but i am left with this.....

think i need a studio tidying day.....i can see my sewing machine in there somewhere...maybe i'll venture in later today. part of the reason for this chaos is i had to take a table to the craft fair (what's the point of paying table hire when i have a perfectly good one myself)...the one that was piled full of stuff. and so said stuff was spread around the room at 9.30 on saturday to get the table out and loaded into the car with my stock for a 9.35 departure. i arrived at the fair and the organiser had laid out too many tables and said i could use one of those rather than him moving it and me getting mine out of the car!!!!!!!!! so anyway i arrive back home at 5.30 and dump table and stock wherever i can find space....and there it still lies. the other reason for the chaos if you haven't figured by now is that i'm really messy....

here are some pics of the fair, the first are taken by the lovely Ruben from Kraken Photography who i met on the day

my stall

some of the great stalls

clutch purse

a gaggle of flo dolls

lovely summery flower corsages. wear as a brooch or in your hair

some of this scrumptious stock will be added to the shop later...once i tidy the studio and am able to find it!!

time to get on now i suppose as i have sewing to do.....sample cushions for a local gift shop for thursday, 3 birthday gifts for parties the kids are going to this weekend, sofa covers for next week and my son wants his quilt made so that he can take it to cub camp (we've only been talking about it for 3 years) he obviously knows that mum needs a deadline....he goes on the 28th may.... better get cracking.......oh and tidy the studio first and update the shop.

the kettle is calling

until next time

Friday Folksy and WIPs

2011-04-01T16:43:00.000+01:00

happy friday people. the weekend is almost here ..yay. before i go window shopping i thought i'd show you what's in my wip box this week as well as the quilts i'm working on at the moment.

here is a box of lovely things waiting to be stuffed. some liberty fabric bunnies and birds plus vintage/vintage inspired fabric ponies. a large bag of stuffing and my favourite stuffing tools await these little chaps. but they look so lovely lined up in their box it seems a shame to disturb them. these are destined for a craft fair at the beginning of may although i might put some on the shop too.

ponies, birds and bunnies

below is one of the vintage quilts from the states that i have been repairing and which ~~was~~ is destined for the craft fair however when i washed it a few days ago i fell in love with it. it is currently resting on the end of my bed. although it is an old quilt i don't think it had been washed before. it was badly stained and marked along the edges. a cool wash removed most of these easily, no need for secret recipe soaking. the beauty of washing quilts for me is the gorgeous puckering that happens between the stitches. i always wash my quilts as soon as i finish the final stitch of binding but not everyone does...i love seeing them drying on the line.

this is a wholecloth quilt and the hundreds of hand stitches create the pattern. it is a beautiful quilt with hours and hours of work put in to my someone. i'm not sure i can part with it just yet.

and here is a strip lap quilt that is in the process of being handquilted. love the colours of this.

and here is the vintage feedsack pieces now pieced into blocks, just need to put them all together.

so i've got a few bits and pieces to keep me busy for a while.

now for shopping! i'll keep it short this week as i've rambled on enough and time is fast running out.

this week i have chosen a selection of gorgeous things that i would be delighted to open this sunday.

click on the image to take you to the folksy shop.

anything from pants and paper would be nice

just what i need to keep my lips soft

you can never have enough buttons especially when they are as beautiful as these

i need to create a path up to the chicken run via the washing line to stop me slipping in the mud in winter, i really love these sparkly stepping stones

love these

any of those lovely things would be wonderful but i'm sure i'll get some gorgeous handmade pressies and most importantly lots of huge huggles. can't wait.

have a good weekend

enjoy.

Friday Folksy

2011-03-25T12:13:00.000Z

is it that time again! every week i promise myself that i will update my blog with something interesting in between my friday folksy window shopping excursions but yet again the week has whizzed by and i haven't managed it. i would like to say it is because of this lovely cliche.... so much to do; so little time.....but in reality it is this....so much to do; too disorganised/~~easily distracted~~ doing research on the interweb/~~chatting~~ networking/ etc etc you get the idea. some of the posts i have in mind are these; quilts in progress plus new vintage quilts just arrived from the states. the story of flo. whats in my wip box(es). recent adventures with little ed. i will try my hardest to do one this week.

but for now there is some window shopping to do. I couldn't decide on a theme this week so i'm using a quote instead by the wonderful william morris.

"have nothing in your house that you do not know to useful, or believe to be beautiful"

i so wish i could live by this completely but some things are not so easy....such as the growing collection of decorative salt and pepper sets/china thimbles/i heart (insert holiday destination) eggcups that we keep receiving. i know these to be neither beautiful or useful! i can only break sooo many and did manage to 'lose' a whole box of these lovely items in the last house move....but still they keep coming.

enough rambling, here is my selection for this week.

click on the images to link to the wonderful folksy shops

useful and beautiful

useful plus beautiful because it incorporates my love of old tins and all things green

so beautiful and with 50% from each sale going to help people in japan it is definitely useful.

beautiful and useful

too beautiful to put things in but useful as inspiration

once again useful and beautiful. mr morris knew what he was talking about....

just beautiful...been coveting this for a while

and i think i'll end with another quote by william morris

enjoy

"the true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all details of daily life"

folksy friday

2011-03-18T10:51:00.000Z

it has to be a red theme today surely. i thought about not being so obvious but actually i quite like red. so here are my selection of red goodies. click on the image to go have a little lookie on folksy.

first up is this very cute bird and made on the opposite side of the kent coast from me. i just love those little feet.

how funky is this suitcase. it makes me want to plan a weekend away.

and whilst away i'll need something to put all my spending money in.....

(why don't my zips look so neat :-(......)

if you have no one to take with you on that weekend away how about shy andie. i'm sure she'd love to see the sights...and she won't answer back or moan at how much you're spending. she's adorable.

i believe that you should always have a notebook of some kind within arms reach to scribble down the creative thoughts that suddenly fly through your mind. if you have to go searching for something to write in you risk losing what could have been the best idea of your life.....that's my excuse for having so many notebooks and i'm sticking with it. you can never have too many notebooks....or shoes.....or chocolate....

a perfect splash of colour in the corner of the room. love this.

whilst i'm looking a lounge furnishings lets throw in some cushions..(another item you can't have too many of!)

and now for some reason folksy has become inaccessible! is someone trying to tell me that i've spent too long window shopping under the pretense that it is work and really should be getting on with some sewing by now.

oh well folks it looks like that's it for today. must begin my long commute to the studio...via the kettle.

til next time.

enjoy

todays wips

2011-03-17T14:39:00.000Z

today seemed like a good day to start work on some vintage quilt blocks i've had a while. these were bought from an estate sale in the states, a bag of blocks put together but never finished. so this afternoon i began sorting sorting and trimming.

work is tough sometimes!!! the blocks are put together with some lovely old feedsacks as well as some dress fabrics. i always think it such a shame that someone put so much effort in to starting a quilt but for whatever reason it was never finished. i will piece the quilt top together, add some wadding, backing and binding. the quilting will be done by hand to suit the age of the cloth. hopefully someone will love it and want it on their bed or sofa. i'll post more pictures as i do more work on it.

i also stitched a pile of birds, bunnies and ponies from some gorgeous liberty fabric and quilting cotton. a few evenings by the fire with a chop stick and big bag of stuffing are what i have ahead of me. life in the fast lane!!!

i wouldn't change it for the world.

be thankful for all that you have in your life and stop worrying about all that you don't have. if you are reading this on your laptop or phone and have a roof over your head and people in your life that you cherish then you are blessed. do not take it for granted.

constructive distraction

2011-03-04T11:48:00.000Z

despite having an order to finish by tomorrow for a local gift shop and loving my work....listening to 6 music with a never ending cup of hot tea and sewing Little Eds together,what's not to love(!)......i am finding myself seeking distraction today. and so instead of squandering the day and then working like a maniac for 20 minutes before the school run i thought i'd make my distraction useful. so i've made myself a cup of tea,yes another one, and i'm going to do some show and tell :-)

firstly i want to show the proof print of my first woodcut that i'm working on for a printmaking course i'm doing and LOVING. inspired by this little book on how to be a better wife.......

this is just the proof and there is more cutting to do yet but i am happy so far especially as i got the text the correct way (it has to be cut out in reverse).

here are a couple of extra words of advice i'll share with you

don't let your husband have to search the house for you. listen for his latch-key and meet him on the threshold.

don't greet him at the door with a catalogue of dreadful crimes committed by servants during the day.

and lastly

don't think your husband horrid if he seems a bit irritable; probably he has had a very tiring day, and his nerves are overwrought.

so take note girls and get his slippers ready!!

don't panic; i have 'don'ts for husbands' too and will be doing something from that at some point but here is the first sentence; this makes me laugh every time.

my dear sir, you are neither as bad nor as good a fellow as you imagine yourself to be.

and so i must return to these little guys happy that my distraction has indeed been constructive.

Friday Folksy

2011-03-03T09:02:00.003Z

i know it's not friday yet but as i didn't get around to doing a friday folksy last week and will be even busier tomorrow than i am today i thought i'd steal away with a cup of tea browse the scrumptious goodies in folksy whilst i wait for the studio to warm to somewhere above freezing so that my fingers will function...........

anyone who knows me will know that i have a bit of a thing about the colour green. i wouldn't call it an obsession as such but my green fabric stash is definitely my biggest!

so here are some lovely green things made by some very talented crafts people.
click on the images to link direct to the folksy shops.

when it comes to books i am and always will be an unashamed folder of the corner of the page...this seems to bring out the 'marmite' reaction in people...they either love or loathe this behavior. some see it as wrecking the book somehow. i LOVE books and believe they are to be used and cherished and don't mind pencil notes in the margin or folded pages however if i lend you a book take note that i do not respond well to torn pages or books being used as coasters!!!!!! you have been warned.

now if i am borrowing a book i wouldn't do any of the above of course so i'd need a lovely bookmark like this

this little bear is beautiful and not just because it's green

these birds are divine in their simplicity and one will soon be winging it's way to my studio :-)

guess which one ....

love this cushion....i ran a book club for eight years!! will have to add this to my wish list.

not sure why this came up in my green search but i'm putting it in anyway.

a beautiful example of what can be done with simple thread

this just makes me wish i could knit and crochet better

all the dresses on this shop are beautiful, i regularly window shop here

birds are another obsession.....

that really must be it for today as the studio is now filled with warmth (i live in hope) and work is calling...just make a quick cup of tea before i start.

enjoy.

folksy friday

2011-02-18T09:20:00.004Z

inspired by the amazing david nash programme on bbc4 last night i thought i would choose wood as todays theme. here is a link if you didn't get to see it http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00ymlhp/Force_of_Nature_The_Sculpture_of_David_Nash/

this is what my husband made for me for our tenth wedding anniversary back in september. probably my favourite gift ever.

it sits on my desk by my sewing machine so that i can pick it every now and then and hold it.

so beautiful and tactile.

and here is some of the incredible stuff i found on folksy.

this is so beautiful ..... i could store my buttons in it.

another wooden heart

how cute is this little boat

because we always have plenty of hugs in our house

this bowl is beautiful

i wish i had space for this

this is pretty funky and a great way of recycling

these are such a simple shape and so beautiful

i wood (sorry) go on but as much as i love the world on virtual window shopping the sewing machine is calling.

i hope you enjoy my selection.

Friday Folksy

2011-02-11T10:48:00.002Z

in an attempt to update my poor neglected blog more often i thought i would start a friday folksy so here goes with my first one, i hope you like it.

the theme is printmaking as this is my obsession du jour.

love love love this...will treat myself soon.

want

would look lovely on my sofa

so lovely

not quite printmaking but i love this shop and have been coveting it for a while....too many gorgeous things i can't make up my mind

so much beautiful affordable art.

enjoy

Finished quilt commision

2011-02-09T13:13:00.002Z

finally are months of work my latest quilt commission was finished in time for christmas which was just as well as it was the clients christmas present to herself. We had arranged to post it using royal mails special next day delivery on a day when she would be in to sign for it. unfortunately we had all that snow and the post office weren't guaranteeing any deliveries. i did have slight palpitations for a while that it wouldn't arrive in time or worse still that it would get lost!! it was insured but there is no way of replacing all the childrens clothes that it is made from.

i am happy to say that it did arrive the next day, i don't care what others say but i think we have an amazing postal system in this country. all my parcels arrived with the customers in time for christmas although some took a while to get there.

anyway this is the front of the finished quilt made entirely from my clients three childrens clothes, even the binding was her daughters dresses-she had a few from the same range. below is the reverse of the quilt which is made from embroideries of the childrens drawings as well as handprints and name and birth details.

this quilt truly is a memory quilt and was a joy to make. i hope they will be snuggling beneath it for years to come.

Here is a quote from the client

'I absolutely love it. So thrilled. Thank you. I shall treasure this forever. xxx'

What's been sewing at Fat Hen And Flo

2010-09-28T12:13:00.005+01:00

It has been a while I'm afraid since I last blogged......that sounds like I've just been in confession....Anyway my poor blog has been badly neglected over the summer (if we can call it that!) and I thought it was about time I showed you what I've been up to. I'll start today with a quilt commission that I am working on. It is a large memory quilt made from my clients childrens clothes. The reverse will be made from embroidered pictures of their drawings.

Here a small selection of some of the clothes I have been sent. The parcels included, dresses, shirts, sleepsuits and even a hat and pair of swimming trunks.

All neatly cut and sorted.

Now is where the fun begins and it starts to be pieced together. Here is the centre block.

The fabrics are working fantastically well together .....imagine how co-ordinated the children must look ;-)

That's all for today but I promise not to leave it so long before I return with an update of how it's progressing.

To see some of the other quilts, flower brooches and rings and things I've been making have a look at my shop or my Flickr page.

Passing the Time of Day

2010-04-08T17:26:00.003+01:00

Here is the latest item to grace the 'shelves' of the online folksy shop. Pop over and take a look.

2010-04-03T14:53:00.004+01:00

Easter and hens are made for each other.

Hey folks, hope everyone is enjoying this wonderful sunny Easter weather. Fat Hen and Flo has been featured in this lovely blog. Pop over and have a read.

I need a name.........

2010-03-31T13:03:00.002+01:00

This cute little guy is looking for a name. I've had lots of great suggestions already from the fans on the facebook page. Either head over there and leave you suggestion or leave a comment below. The person whose name I choose will receive this little guy in the post. I'll be choosing a name on Friday.

2010-03-15T09:42:00.003Z

What a beautiful sunny Monday morning. A great start to what needs to be a very productive week. Lots to do this week...orders to get out, web site to finish building and shops to restock. Here's a little picture of a new doll waiting to be listed.

Suzy Rag Doll

That's all for now I'm afraid, the machine is calling!

monkeys, hens and butterflies.

2010-03-08T11:59:00.004Z

Here are some of the latest creations heading off to some very lucky people.

This gorgeous butterfly cushion was made using Elouise's beautiful drawing. A wonderful Mothers Day gift.

These two guys are awaiting packing and will be heading off to two very lucky cheeky monkeys.

Cluck...This funky fat hen is happy in her new family's kitchen.

All of these items are made to order. Please contact me if you would like something

made for you.

Cushions.

2010-03-01T20:13:00.005Z

Cushions, cushions and yet more cushions. This seems to be what people want lately and as quick as they leave the studio another order comes in. Here are a couple of the latest commissions.

To find out more about commissioned art cushions click on this link.

Bugs and Fishes

2010-02-25T12:51:00.003Z

Visit the Bugs and Fishes blog to see Fat Hen and Flo featured along side some amazing creative talents. Whilst you are there check Lupin Handmade for some felt gorgeousness!!!! Yum Yum

Plus some monkey fun....here are two cute little sock monkeys waiting patiently to be parceled up and sent off to two very lucky little boys. Oooh oooh ahh

Win Little Ed

2010-02-19T09:52:00.004Z

Here's what you need to do to be entered for a chance to win your very own Little Ed.
Just get 5 of your friends to become a fan of Fat Hen And Flo on Facebook...Easy. Once they have become a fan leave a comment on the

Fat Hen And Flo Facebook page with their names for me to verify that they are NEW fans and you will be entered.

You must leave your comment by 11.59pm on Sunday 28th February to be entered. The winner will be chosen on Monday 1st March.
If you don't know who Little Ed is..(where have you been!!!)....see this link.

Haiti Dolly Donation

2010-02-08T21:47:00.002Z

Here's a great way using up your fabric scraps for a worthwhile cause. Have a look.

Dolly Donations

Cute things and blogs

2010-02-04T12:09:00.002Z

A cute little creature I made for Stitch n Bitch with the theme of Hearts.

I'm thinking she looks like a Laverne.

Just discovered a great blog this morning and it currently has a fab giveaway. Definately worth checking out.

http://thecreativeplace.blogspot.com/2010/02/giveaway-fabric-stash-and-paper-scrap.html

Pin board

2010-02-04T11:40:00.003Z

A trip to Hobbycraft last resulted in, among other things, the purchase of a large pin board to go above my desk. A rather dull looking cork board.

I had also come home with some gorgeous fabrics so decided to make the board more interesting. The theory being that if the board is covered in lovely fabric I'll want to see it and therefore de-clutter my pin board from time to time!!

So I cut the fabric to fit and stuck it on with book binders glue. ( just because that's what I had, I'm sure PVA will do just as well.) I then added a rim of red ribbon at the top for some zing.

And East of Indias lovely inspirational tape at the bottom.

Sit long talk much laugh often

What a wonderful mantra for life.

My work space feels light and fresh......although the board already has loads more pinned all over it. Oh well.

Cluck...........

2010-01-26T10:30:00.002Z

Nice to see Fat Hen settling into her new home with Lucey. Have a look for yourself over at Lemonade Kitty. If you would like to rescue an ex battery hen there are a few left in the folksy shop.

New doll needs a name.

2010-01-24T20:26:00.002Z

Here is the first of a new range of dolls I am making. I don't have a name for her yet. Any suggestions?

Memory Quilt

2010-01-19T11:14:00.003Z

I've just added a new listing in the folksy shop. Have look and pass the link on to someone you think might like it.

And the lucky winner is.................

2010-01-18T09:33:00.005Z

*************************************

Lemonade Kitty**************,well done Lucey. A Fat Hen will be on it's way to you very soon. The winner was picked at random using http://www.random.org/ .The number selected was 2 and lemonade kitty was the 2nd person to leave a comment.

Lucey,please leave an e-mail address in the comments box ( it won't be published) and I will contact you regarding posting your prize to you. Thank you to everyone who entered. There will be more freebies next month so keep checking in.

January Giveaway

2010-01-12T09:17:00.004Z

I have some ex battery hens that need to be re-homed. If you could offer one a loving home and would like a chance of winning one have a look in the Fat Hen and Flo Folksy shop and then leave a comment below telling me your favourite item from the shop why you like it.

The lucky winner will be picked at random on Monday 18th January. All comments must be posted by midnight on Sunday 17th January to be included. Click here to take you to the shop. Don't forget to check back Monday to see if you have won. Good Luck.

New place to shop

2010-01-11T23:01:00.002Z

You can now find Fat Hen And Flo at DaWanda. Have a look , let me know what you think.

New stock

2010-01-11T13:23:00.016Z

I've just added some funky new stock to the Folksy shop. Take a look at these cute little guys.

SOX

And the first Valentines stock.

Show someone you love them.

Direct link to shops

2010-01-08T11:54:00.002Z

The Folksy and Etsy badges now take you directly to the Fat Hen and Flo shops. Yippee. Makes me happy when I master another small bit of geekery on the interweb. Slowly but surely.

:-)

2010-01-08T11:11:00.005Z

My poor neglected blog. I have been rather busy of late and unfortunately this is the place that has gone without any attention. That I hope to change over the coming months. But for now a little update....after a busy christmas I've started to replenish stock levels. I also have a couple of new designs that should be available some time in February...this week I am mostly making Valentine treats, yes it will very soon be upon us! They will hopefully be put in shop by the middle of next week. There is currently a sale on in the Folksy shop on selected items. Take a peek.

January treats..........next week I think I might have a look through my stock and find something nice to give away. Make sure you check back next week to see what I've decided. Little Ed has been enjoying the snow and has been invited on a bike trip through the Pyrenees in the spring, lucky Ed.

If you would like to take Ed any where interesting please let me know. If he would like to join you he'll be posted to you. You then post some pictures of your adventures together on the Fat Hen And Flo Facebook page (or on here and I'll move them across). Once Ed is safely returned home you will receive a gift from Fat Hen And Flo.

That's all for now. I really need to stop typing and start making.

It's been a while

2009-12-01T21:38:00.003Z

Just a quick post until I get a bit more time. Things have been pretty busy lately and aren't showing any sign of letting up. Lots of exciting new stock will be on show this weekend. I'll be at a christmas craft fair on Saturday and then next week really do need to stock up the shops a bit. The quilt pieces I posted a while back have now become a quilt. This is in the etsy shop. Take a look.

The big wide web

2009-11-23T19:57:00.001Z

I have now set up my Etsy, folksy and facebook pages. Take a look.

Flo Dolls

2009-11-05T22:32:00.000Z

Three new girls.

Friends and Bargains

2009-10-22T21:18:00.000+01:00

But not bargain friends! I do believe you should pay well for good friends if you wish them to be of good quality and last more than one season ;-)

Friends...I had a wonderful morning yesterday with a very dear friend. The conversation spills out like an overflowing champagne glass. I come away feeling inspired. A delicious morning of tea, cake and art. Perfect.

The afternoon was more tea with a friend, no cake this time, ( I don't do this every day) and I'm inspired to have a major de-clutter! I feel inspired and that is what friends should be...inspirational.

They should lift your spirits, encourage and support. Friends like these are rare and should be treasured.

So...onto bargains.....

After visiting the library to borrow rather than buy a book on de-cluttering I had a little peak in the

nearby charity shop.

I got this fab dress for £2.50 and the shoes for £2.00.Wow. A pair of black tights and I've got an outfit for £4.50!

My 8 year old son saw the shoes in the hall and said " wow cool shoes mum". Say no more.

And what little girl can resist a red and white polka dot dress that does this! £1.50.

Happy shopping :-)

2009-10-20T21:45:00.000+01:00

I've just bought my domain name. Yippee. Now just have to do the difficult bit and build the site. Next weeks project I think. Actually I must confess I did buy a domain name 2 days ago.....but then suddenly tonight whilst lying in the bath I realised the stupid mistake I'd made .org . As nice as I try to be I'm not a non-profit organisation ......... It may turn out be non-profit but not intentionally!

2009-10-20T17:28:00.000+01:00

Hey, welcome my first follower! It all seems a bit real now. I'd better make sure I've got something interesting to say. I'm desperately trying to steal myself away to my sewing machine to finish the last bit of binding on a gorgeous apron I'm making. Nearly finished the essential chores :-)

2009-10-19T23:26:00.000+01:00

After setting this all up I'm too tired to write so here are a few pics of the kind of stuff I make :-)