Dopamine Embroidery

Making my cute little bird embroidery gave me a bit of an embroidery bug so i wanted to make something else. Id seen a few molecule embroideries (like this one by itsastitch) in the blogosphere and they definitely resonated with the scientist in me! But i wanted to create something a bit more personal to me. So, as two of my close family have battled Parkinson's Disease, i knew that Dopamine was the molecule for me! Although PD suffers lack their own Dopamine, synthetic Dopamine can give them their lives back so it really is a wonder molecule in my eyes. And the key to synthesising any molecule is knowing its chemical structure. Dopamine replacement therapy doesnt work forever, PD is degenerative and there is no cure, but this is my little thankyou for the extra time that knowing this structure has given me with the people i love

Bird Crewel Embroidery

I bought this crewel embroidery pattern months and month (probably years TBH) ago from June Craft. I fell in love with this cute little guy the minute i saw him and ive been trying to find time to make him ever since. And im so pleased i finally did - isnt he just the cutest! It was really easy too. I havent embroidered anything since i was a teenager but the pattern is really simple and comes with instructions for all the stitches you'll need.

Once i was done making him i trimmed the backing fabric and mounted him in the frame i made him in. He's now up on the picture wall in the kitchen

FYI As im not an embroider im not sure what makes Crewel embroidery different but it seemed very similar to the embroidery ive done before so don't let it put you off

One Year Anniversary!

Its one year since my first ever blog post :)
I think i fulfilled my resolution to keep a record of the things i make and want to make, and i still think if anyone else likes what i post then thats just a bonus!
Having the blog has definitely inspired me to create more, make different things and has made me look at crafting and making as a potential business, but im a long way from that yet!
I plan to continue the same way in 2013, i still feel the blog is more for me to record what ive done rather than to share it with the world but maybe that outlook will change this year. But my main resolution is to take better photos, might even invest in a proper camera and stop using my iphone!!

My top 5 makes of 2012

5. Cami Bands - consistently most viewed pages!


4.  Doilie Wrapped Flowers - a beautiful simple idea


3. Leather and Tube Bead Bangles - i wear these all the time!


2. Needlepoint clutch - such a labour of love!


1. Basketweave blanket - i really love this blanket as does the cat!

Needlepoint Clutch Bag

I love this needle point clutch bag over at Purl Bee. I've never done any needlepoint before but my gran was an excellent tapestry maker and embroiderer so maybe I will have inherited some of her skills! The tutorials over at Purl Bee really are excellent, you'll see that i post quite a few on here. I love the beautiful things they make and the clear way the explain them, all for free as well! Photos to follow once I get round to making it...