hortensia designs

Back to the beginning

2012-02-06T11:24:00.000Z

So much gorgeous blue sky out there this morning - it

has a very settling effect.

Thanks to a link from someone else (Aline) I

read a blog post here and it sort of

clarified something

that's been rattling around in my head for

a while now.

Not that living in the country has ever been a great desire

for me - where I live is rural enough but

with great links to town and city and especially the sea - it was more about

dreams. Especially those dreams you have as a

child. Where you live is important; it informs

all the choices you make on how you live - everything

from food to schools to transport.

My dream when I was a child was to live close

enough to the sea to be able to walk

along it each day - but not necessarily in

this country. I did live very far from the sea

for a while and I found it difficult and

tried to make it easier by spending lots of time

walking along the river. Not quite the same. The

rest of the time I've lived within

easy access, but not that easy.

Do you let that dream go? Or do you make it happen?

I know I still look for that special place

where I could see the ocean from my window.

P xx

Flu gone....

2012-02-03T10:29:00.000Z

...but still not quite right.

It seems that way with flu, first the physical, then the worrisome

mental fatigue afterwards.

It leaves a questioning unease behind it, and

I'm never good with that.

Today the sun is shining, and although

very cold, I should really be out there

doing stuff. And I know it would do me so much good.

Just not sure I can manage to get dressed in time to

do it.

That's the thing about work - you really do

just get up, dressed and go. Whereas there

are too many opportunities to

do other stuff when you're at home.

Which usually means ending up doing very little.

I have a feeling (a horrible, sinking one) that the best way

out of this inertia is to do some housework.

You know the sort, proper cleaning.

Maybe if I give myself the choice between the laundry

and the garden in the sun, the garden

will win?

P x

flu.....

2012-01-24T19:29:00.001Z

......yeugh!

But luckily there were a few frosty shots

from the garden to look at.

P x

In bloom today...

2012-01-12T10:31:00.000Z

or yesterday, actually:

and I'm enjoying looking at them all.

It is very unseasonal, I realise, but they really are so sweet

on a sunny day like this.

And sometimes you just need to take pleasure

in what's right in front of you, right here

and now. Maybe that should be my

theme for this year; not to keep looking

for other stuff, see what's out there now.

P x

Sorting through seeds

2012-01-10T12:29:00.001Z

As it feels so very Spring-like just now, it

means I'm all but ready to start sowing seeds.

First step was looking through

such gorgeous glossy magazine-type catalogues;

next was to search through the stash (no - it isn't just

fabric that ends up in a stash) and then

to make a list of what else to buy.

One particular flower that I have never

ever had success with is Cleome:

but I will try again this year. I know it is very early,

but any success in actually germinating it

has always been offset by the fact that it fails

to flower.

So perhaps giving it the longest possible window

of opportunity may help.

And all of the geraniums in my window boxes

are still flowering - and look gorgeous!

P x

(ps - click onto the image of the Cleome for
an article by Sarah Raven with growing
instructions.)

A beautiful New Year

2012-01-05T12:26:00.001Z

This time of year is very special - I truly

love it. The anticipation of what is to come - some

I know, others to be a surprise.

The workroom is in very good shape

with a place for everything, and everything

in its place. Well, just about. Clearing out before

Christmas worked very well, leaving just the tidying

to keep on top of after.

I have managed to do some sewing and already

sent out a couple of orders.

The feeling of being organised is being

treasured just now; who knows when it will

float away again?

But there's something missing - a new

calendar. Well, actually,

I do have a calendar which came free

with a magazine, and many years

that has served me well enough.

But this year I would like a special one,

with hand drawn illustrations; one to

inspire and delight each day as I sit

in the workroom.

I've looked through Folksy, but none

seem right.

Etsy has hundreds and I'm trawling my

way through them.

I'm determined to have one before the end of January.

I hope everyone else is looking forward to this wonderful New Year too.

P xx

Some pretty grey for a change

2011-12-22T12:02:00.000Z

The first lot of new fabrics have arrived - a much

nicer shade of grey than the one

outside just now.

If only this head cold hadn't decided to settle in for

the holidays; would have been good to

make a start on some new purses.

P xx

Going on a fabric hunt

2011-12-19T20:51:00.000Z

It has been so lovely to send off

so many packages before Christmas

(and fingers are crossed for

them all to get to their destinations

in plenty of time!) but now

comes more of the fun part of

sewing.

Choosing fabrics.

The blue coreopsis above is new in

at M is for Make along with

so many others.

I'm going to have such a good time

looking through them all - and

buying some too!

Have a great run up to Christmas - I

may not get the chance to post again

before the day - and don't

forget to enjoy every second with

your families and friends.

P xx

Make with me

2011-12-15T20:04:00.001Z

It's that great time of year - so many people want

to make something for Christmas, be it baking, sewing,

papercrafts, whatever!

Whatever you're interested in, maybe you should take a

look here

So many great ideas - definitely going to try a few

for myself.

There is also the chance to send some free e-cards,

so please take a little look!

P x

Colour for a grey Sunday morning

2011-12-11T10:05:00.000Z

When I saw the grey start to the day, I knew I

would need some colour. Out came the camera

and this is what I found; a patchwork knitting bag

almost ready for Treacle wool shop;

zips and ribbons from Amanda;

a glassful of coloured lights;

a bowl of zingy clementines;

a purple glass;

and a pink geranium still putting out the pinkness

of summer amongst all the dying sweet peas.

The last image is not of colour, but it's still

managing to brighten up my day:

There a few busy days ahead - orders etc to make up

and send off, and then some Christmas baking.

The freezer has been emptied, defrosted and is

now ready for extra mince pies etc.

Feels strange to be this organised.

P xx

A Fortnum and Mason Christmas

2011-12-09T21:14:00.000Z

These images are from the years of mine and

my sister's birthdays.

Love them both and wish they

would release them as Christmas cards.

Christmas baking

2011-12-06T14:07:00.001Z

I had never actually tasted stollen until a couple

of weeks ago - I know, what was I thinking! - but

now that I have, it's time to try making some

of my own.

There are plenty of recipes out there (and all

different of course) but when I called into

here this morning, this little pack caught

my eye. And also the fact that it was half price.

Seemed silly to leave it sitting there

while I searched for all the ingredients myself.

As it's sooo very cold here today, baking

is the ideal occupation.

P xx

The real thing.....

2011-12-02T17:45:00.000Z

for a dark Friday afternoon.

After looking through yesterday's post I

realised how sad it was to be looking

for an appropriate image of candles for

Advent, when really I should have

been sorting the real thing for right here,

right now. So......

As it was a very dark afternoon the candles were

lit straightaway and the fire too:

You may just be able to see a coffee pot and milk

pan sitting on top of the stove.

All in all a very cosy afternoon.

There was even a nap and a DVD:

Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day.

A good way to round off a birthday week.

P x

The first day of December

2011-12-01T15:59:00.002Z

I wish I could say this was on my table today - but, no.

The past few weeks have been so very

busy and I'm pretty sure that's the

case for lots of people.

But now I suddenly feel lots calmer, more

able to actually do things and enjoy

this time of year.

And it may be a little late, but if you're still looking to make

a handmade Advent calendar, then take a look

at these two:

and this one:

Clicking on the images will take you to the original sites.

P x

Fabric prints

2011-11-21T21:31:00.000Z

I've been playing around with sketches,

colours etc for a couple of weeks now.

Whenever it started to feel like a chore then

I would attack cupboards, drawers, shelves;

the whole workroom in fact.

I've seen so many gorgeous fabrics

out there - and bought quite a few of

them too - but also thought that maybe

it would be fun to try some designs

of my own.

Now, as yet they are nowhere near

the end stage, but perhaps there's

a better sense of which colours

appeal to me more.

These are the colours that are being used the

most lately (terrible photo using a flash tonight)

and using fine pens, not paint or ink.

But what I like best is that this is actual

fabric!

During one of the clear outs I found a

pack of iron-on transfer sheets.

Really, they're for printing out designs

from a computer, but I decided to give the

pens a go and see what happens.

I love the idea of making up something using

my own fabric - and now it's possible.

P x

Shopping for fabrics......

2011-11-18T11:44:00.000Z

......has to be one of the best things to do.

So, when a new shop opens which is

going to be full of fabrics, felt and ribbons,

well, it just has to be worth a visit.

It didn't disappoint, that's for sure.

The first ten minutes were spent just taking it

all in - the range of ribbons alone is worth

visiting for - and then the next ten was

spent choosing.

As well as supplies Amanda sells some

of her own handmade range of plushies and key rings etc.

Not forgetting the Lumpy Bears too.

And where is all this loveliness?

Amanda has an online shop with lots

of her fabrics etc to buy online;

but it's so much better to actually

go along in person.

And there's a cup of tea to help you along

as you shop.

Perfect really.

handmadebybutton

P x

Colour in a cushion

2011-11-08T12:29:00.001Z

After seeing the picture of those beakers in the

last post, I realised just how much I enjoy having

colour around.

So, I went straight to the scraps basket and

pulled out a few that would look good together.

And there you have it.

One cushion to have in the workroom,

to cheer up this grey light today.

Am very pleased with it!

P xx

(ps - if you look very closely at the join

between the light grey fabric and the

pink/purple one on the far left, you'll see

one of my new ribbons. And this colourway

may just be my favourite.)

Journals, notebooks, sketchbooks......

2011-11-07T12:20:00.000Z

.....how many do you have?

I have a feeling that there are too many in

my life.

This post is related to yesterday's - it's

a good way to get things moving by

just sorting, tidying and generally

looking through stuff.

And while doing that I realised that I have

an awful lot of notebooks etc.

Most (if not all) are used for

different reasons. Some are

obvious distinctions - garden as opposed to

sewing - but what about

all those sketchbooks?

At first I just thought they were all

used in the same way, but now I see there

are differences. One is used for doodling, another

for turning those doodles into working

sketches and the third for a template to

work from.

So I get to keep them all.

P x

(ps - the beakers? Purely because I love

them and their colours so much.)

Laziness

2011-11-06T10:36:00.000Z

Sometimes I just know how I manage to do so little.

It isn't that I don't want to do them, just...

But hey, the sun is shining and it's a perfect

autumn day and so let's not dwell

on what I should have done.....

I thought all these wonderful owls and bunting

had been lost when changing computers,

but the lovely lady who creates them

very kindly sent me a new file.

The internet is full of very nice people;

sometimes you just have to ask for help.

Enjoy this sun and blue sky today.

P x

Alice pot - and out in the sun

2011-11-01T15:16:00.000Z

This fabric was in Amanda's new shop and as

there wasn't a lot of it, I thought I'd better bring some

home with me. And I couldn't wait to get sewing with

it. There's enough left over for a couple of little

coin purses too.

But the main star of the day has been the gorgeous

blue sky and all the wonderful colours everywhere.

A change from yesterday when I felt

just a little bit low with such a dark day; had

to cheer myself up with these:

And they certainly worked.

P x

A purple pot - and out in the rain.

2011-10-25T08:12:00.001+01:00

A new fabric pot; the fabric was chosen by a customer

and I'm very happy with her choice.

But really, although there seems to have been lots

of workroom activity, most of the thinking has been

about health and fitness. Especially the walking thing.

It isn't that I can't walk, more that because of past

issues (knees) I've developed strategies to not

have to walk far. Which was great for that

particular time, but not any more. So I

bought a pedometer. And that was scary - to

see just how little you can do in a day.

Ach well, the new walking routine is in

place and everything is starting to feel

much better. Shame it's raining today. But will

still get out - that's what waterproofs are

for.

P x

Playing with fabrics

2011-10-20T11:21:00.000+01:00

New fabrics arriving is always

good for inspiration. The laminated

cotton from M is for Make is very soft

and very easy to work with - much

more pliable than oilcloth:

In the Folksy shop now

And because the pattern placement on this fabric

is so random and varied, each piece looks as though

it's from a different fabric!

In the Folksy shop now

So the front and back of this little coin purse are

very different.

More fabrics arrived yesterday - some part of a

special order and one specially for Christmas.

I did have to think about the Christmas one - very

few themed designs appeal - but this one did so

got included in the order.

Pictures soon,

P x

My week for giveaways!

2011-10-17T13:05:00.000+01:00

After the delights from Finland, I would have been happy

not to have anything else for a very long time.

So it was very exciting to see this arrive in

this morning's post:

It was a giveaway by a great team in Newcastle: Craft North East

After looking through their list of courses I'm not

surprised at how well they are doing.

P x

A great start to the week

2011-10-13T12:46:00.000+01:00

What about this for a stunning start to my week?

Take a look at Mia's post and see what it was all about.

And Mia's generosity is not restricted to her wonderful

creations - there is also chocolate to brighten a grey

October day.

But these are the real stars - two beautiful coasters

made even more gorgeous with little buttons and

ribbons.

The stripey backs were what initially drew them to

me - but now they're just another part of their

total deliciousness!

Thank you so so very much Mia - a very good start to

my week which has just got better on a Thursday!

P xx

Folksy shop

2011-10-09T16:49:00.000+01:00

For some reason there has been a lot of activity on

the hortensia Folksy shop

Not too sure why this should be - but thank you to all

who have taken the time to visit.

P x

Nordic Knits

2011-10-06T13:55:00.000+01:00

Seeing as I've managed to sell a few of my books, this

is my treat. It's a pleasure to read through and also

makes me want to start knitting straight away.

Now that the weather has turned (and by that I mean cold,

wet and windy - alongside bright sunshine) there will

be more time for doing just that.

P x

Bag, purses and pots

2011-10-04T19:56:00.001+01:00

This time I remembered to take

photographs of the items going into

Hayley's shop.

I have been known to forget this.

Of course they should really be with Hayley right now;

I certainly set out in the car to take them to her.

But halfway there I realised I'd left them all at home.

So I went off and bought some yarn - Araucania instead.

Hey ho. We'll try again tomorrow - but I will have a

good strong cup of coffee before I go.

P x

Edited: just need to add that I did take the above items to Hayley yesterday.

That's Wednesday.

The shop is closed on Wednesdays. Sheesh.

P x

Stanley and the Scottie

2011-10-03T12:49:00.000+01:00

There are so many wonderful fabrics out there -

it's very hard to remember to look at

them all when sourcing new ones.

But Saturday saw me in John Lewis and instead of

going straight to the Joel Dewberry stand,

I swerved towards the Cath Kidston one.

The fabrics she does are lovely, but sometimes I get tired

of looking at them even though

I don't actually use them that much.

Then I saw this one:

It has a slight brushed quality, which makes it feel very soft - almost

washed lots and lots of times soft.

And I couldn't wait to get started making with it:

The last image is what the title is on about - I worried

that two types of dog might be too much, but hey ho. There they are.

P x

Buttons

2011-09-30T10:45:00.001+01:00

After adding some buttons to the bag I've

just been making, I sat looking at the

little pots of buttons.

They have been depleted in number by natural wastage

(girls like to play with and collect them) and by

using them in projects.

But the ones that are left, well, I don't actually like them all.

Time for a cull I think, with only those that are truly

useful or beautiful remaining.

P x

A little extra

2011-09-28T09:19:00.000+01:00

Not just extra sun - but some extra fabric

found while tidying up one of the

fabric baskets.

So I've been busy making up another bag; it's probably the last one

I can make in this fabric - unless it comes back into the shop

I buy it from. At least there's enough

for a couple of purses too.

The rest of the time has been spent in the garden -

the only place to be really - with lots

of shredding, chopping and sawing.

There's a weirdly shaped corner at the bottom of the garden and

it's about to have a serious makeover.

There will be a shed, a woodstore and a proper compost heap.

Enough to make anyone's heart sing!

P x

framed

2011-09-21T10:46:00.002+01:00

The postcards came from Syko - there's a great Etsy shop -

and the frame has been sitting waiting for a while.

But yesterday saw it completed:

The original inspiration was from this blog.

Am very pleased with it, but unsure where to hang it;

will work that out later I think.

P x

If I could do anything I wanted tomorrow.....

2011-09-19T20:30:00.000+01:00

....just what would it be? I've thought about this

today, and have decided.

There will be a walk along the prom,

and it will be the furthest I've managed since the

op. There will be a reward at the end of

that walk - tasty coffee and a small almond biscuit.

Not really mega exciting, I realise, but good all the same.

The afternoon will be weather dependent - rain, and I'll knit

or crochet; sun, and it will be in the garden

planting up some tulip bulbs.

I can go to bed happy now. Sheesh, the glamour

of my life!

Hope the sky looks like this again tomorrow.

P x

Look at this....

2011-09-19T12:11:00.000+01:00

Just a quick post - wanted to share this great

magazine:

http://asubtlerevelry.com/styled

Some great pictures, but lots more too.

P x

Colourful cards

2011-09-18T09:56:00.000+01:00

These did arrive a week or so ago,

but I've only got around to photographing them this morning.

What is it about Moo mini cards that is just so

appealing?

This time I went back to using colourful designs rather

than the hortensia logo.

Not too sure why, but probably just about

having a change!

Some coin purses have been listed in the Folksy shop

using some of the Melly and Me fabric.

P x

Tomorrow I'm going ......

2011-09-15T08:30:00.000+01:00

here to look for some of these:

and maybe some of these too:

It will be good to wander, call in somewhere nice for lunch,

wander some more then head home.

And in the afternoon I think I shall start on some

knitting.

But today is about getting some new stock listed on Folksy

P x

Is it that time already?

2011-09-12T08:30:00.000+01:00

Walking around a very blustery garden this afternoon, it seems the

summer show is very nearly over. Not totally, but there are clear signs that

a tidy up is about due. Lots of fallen over plants and messy

borders and beds.

Doesn't seem possible; it's too soon.

But those colours! They are stunning and reward the walk.

I may put it off for a little while, but this garden does not like the winter -

it likes to lie dormant, and doesn't want people trampling up

and down it in the cold and wet.

No hardship there really.

P x

A pause for a change over.....

2011-09-10T16:18:00.000+01:00

...from one computer to another. It's never

as easy as you think it's going to be! But now we're all singing and dancing again.

To show I have not been idle, here are some of the

children's versions of fabric pots and purses.

As I've mentioned before, I do like the blue spotty cotton as lining; it seems

to add a bit of substance without adding bulk.

Well done Ms Kidston!

The fabric pot has a lining of red and white scotty dogs

- along with their bones - on a soft blue

background.

I was going to list them on Folksy, but instead they have

found their way into shops - Treacle and Rosewill cottage - but

I'm hoping to get some more child-suitable fabrics this coming week for more of them.

I also need to get into Crawcrook to deliver stock to Chardaleighs.

The drive to there has felt a little daunting this past week,

but maybe this week coming?

Hope so.

P x

Hall's of Heddon

2011-08-31T07:57:00.001+01:00

As Hall's of Heddon are very nearby, it's easy to forget
they're there. If you know what I mean! But at this time
of year there's a good reason to remember - the dahlia fields.
To be able to walk through row after row of gorgeous dahlias
is a real delight - such great colours.
P x

More purses and more colour

2011-08-30T07:59:00.001+01:00

Not a lot of colour on the cardoons yet, but I love

to see them change from pale green to bright purple

over a few days.

Now this is real colour - I thought I was going to be disappointed

as it starts off purple. Purple is lovely, but not the right shade

for a Monarch dahlia.

This rudbeckia was hiding away under the dark red

leaves of the hazel tree. It served as a

great reminder that the garden isn't finished yet,

and also that there is still work to be done

to show the plants off to their best. Time to get into the

borders which have these great late flowers I think.

A clematis flowering for all it's worth.

Another of the purses from the lovely organic cotton from Seamstar.

This post seems very fragmented; lots of pictures, but

no real story. Hey ho. Life is sometimes like

that I suppose.

P x

More sewing

2011-08-27T10:50:00.000+01:00

Most of the fabrics bought from Seamstar are either

cut out or made up. The organic cotton is very nice to

work with and I love the colours.

Often you get a fabric and make it into exaactly what you

were thinking of when you saw it first,

but some fabrics lead you away into other paths.

While sewing the coin purses (in the Folksy shop from today)

I began to think about journals.

So that is what I'm going to work on over

the next few days. Perhaps some sort of patchwork?

Need a bit more thinking time.

P x

Late summer colour in the garden

2011-08-25T10:54:00.000+01:00

Walking around the garden the other day (before the rains came!)

it was noticeable that there was a change in the colours.

Some blending/crossover, but a definite shift.

I love them all and am relishing them while

they're still here.

A bit depressing? No - just living in the moment.

And the fabrics from Seamstar? They are just so very

gorgeous and I've already started cutting out.

There's a shop in Whitley Bay that runs a scheme very

similar to the one that Hayley has in her lovely shop.

I went to see them yesterday and have decided

to give it a go.

These are the coin purses that went in.

Fingers crossed it's as successful as Hayley's!

P x

colourful letters

2011-08-20T10:25:00.000+01:00

A jumble of crochet letters destined for my favourite

wool shop

and a set of colourful letters sent to a

birthday boy - well, man really! They looked great

in his favourite Christmas cupcakes.

Obviously I'm getting back into the swing

of things as I've also been ordering some great fabrics:

These are from a fabric shop which

just seems to get better and better all the time.

Am so looking forward to it arriving because there are

lots and lots of ideas for using it.

Have a good weekend everyone,

P x

A fresh look

2011-08-19T13:14:00.000+01:00

A fresh look, but not just the fabrics - I decided the other blog was

becoming slightly jaded. Not too sure why, but there you go, so will be posting here

much more often - and not just about new products.

Sometimes I think the location is what it's all about; a new place works wonders

physically, so why not here?

The current look and design of this blog is fine, but I want to play about with it a little too

with different colours etc.

In fact, lots of fun to be had!

P x

ps The purses and bag are in the hortensia Folksy shop

A new place to shop!

2011-04-19T22:29:00.001+01:00

The shop is closed for a short while - 13/5/11 - 22/5/11
There's a new hortensia shop, please

look here

You're still very welcome to use this shop too,

but the set up of the other one is

much more organised and easy to use.

P xx

Pink and turquoise coin purse

2011-04-14T14:13:00.001+01:00

That lovely Anna Maria Horner fabric, so soft and colourful!

This coin purse has a turquoise lining and

a green velvet ribbon zip pull.

As both the outer and lining fabrics are both cotton, I've interlined

the purse for a more substantial feel.

The measurements are:

4" x 5.5"

10cm x 13cm

and is the perfect size for coins, cards, keys, phone,

ipod - or even a camera.

The price is £5 and includes first class

p&p in the UK.

SOLD

Rosy sprig coin purse - Cath Kidston fabrics

2011-04-14T10:46:00.002+01:00

The Cath Kidston red sprig fabric may become one of my favourites -

even though I've only ever used her spotty fabric in the past.

This coin purse is interlined to give a little more substance

to it, as both the outer fabric and the lining are cotton.

The cotton lining is a Cath Kidston spotty - and this really is

one of my favourite fabrics.

The zip has a velvet ribbon pull.

The measurements are:

4" x 5.5"

10cm x 13cm

which makes it the perfect size for coins, cards, keys, phone or ipod.

The price is £5 which includes First class p&p

in the UK

Edit - this purse has sold, but more are available, although they may not have the same colour zips.

oilcloth storage pot with Cath Kidston lining

2011-04-12T15:29:00.001+01:00

Oilcloth Storage Pot

This fabric storage pot is so useful - customers have

told me they use them for project pots, baby bottles,

bathroom storage, just about everything!

This pretty pastel floral one has a cotton lining,

which is a cheery Cath Kidston sprig design.

The pot measures:

15cm x 12cm x 12cm

6" x 5" x 5"

The price is £7 which includes first class p&p

in the UK.

SOLD

Folk flowers oilcloth shopper

2011-03-27T12:12:00.001+01:00

A handy sized bag, in folk flower oilcloth.

The cotton lining is an eyecatching plaid design

from Joel Dewberry.

and the straps are a beautiful cotton webbing.

The bag measures:

Base 13" x 4" (33cm x 10cm)

height 10" (25cm)

width at top of bag 16.5" (42cm)

handle height 12" (30cm)

The cost is £15 which includes first class

p&p in the UK

SOLD

Oilcloth coin purses - floral or Scottie dog

2011-02-25T17:01:00.001Z

This coin purse is made with a very pretty

pink and blue floral oilcloth, with a turquoise Joel Dewberry

cotton lining.

The purse measures:

10cm x 13cm (h x w)

4" x 5"

The price of £5 includes first class p&p in the UK

Where are all the new products?!

2011-02-24T09:49:00.000Z

Life has been very busy for a while - lots of commissions, re-orders and stocking of shops. Which means that both this shop and Folksy have taken a bit of a back seat lately.

All will change later today - lots of new coin purses, fabric pots and bags.

Well, maybe not all of them today, but soon, very soon.

P x

Purple and Blue Spotty Coin Purse

2011-01-25T22:16:00.001Z

A perfectly spotty dotty purple and blue

wool coin purse.

The cotton lining is a mix of blues pinks and

greens - from Anna Maria Horner.

The measurements are:

10cm x 13cm

The price is £5 and includes first class p&p

in the UK.

SOLD

Duck egg blue floral oilcloth coin purse

2011-01-25T10:38:00.001Z

The colours on this oilcloth are gorgeous - not bright,

but vibrant. Love them.

The lining is made using a Joel Dewberry fabric

which makes for a nice surprise each time the

purse is opened.

Measurements:

10cm x 13cm

The purse costs £5 which includes first class

p&p in the UK

SOLD

Dark red tartan coin purse #2

2011-01-24T10:29:00.005Z

This coin purse was so popular in this fabric I really wanted to make more.

The photo doesn't really show the depth of colour.

The lining is a cotton floral - a real contrast and

a joy to see when the purse is opened up.

edit: the floral lining in the photograph is now all gone

and is replaced by another - just as beautiful!

Like all the coin purses, it can be used for so many different things:

keys, i-pod, emergency make up supplies etc

It measures 10cm x 13cm

and costs £5 which includes first class

p&p in the UK

This red tartan fabric is almost all gone - thanks to

a number of repeat orders -

probably only two or three left!

SOLD

Grey tartan coin purse

2011-01-23T10:22:00.002Z

I've been making up three new bags in this fabric yet

it was the purse that was finished first!

They're such a great size and really are useful.

The lining is a small floral print from Liberty

and the zip is a contrasting blue.

Measures:

10cm x 13 cm

The purse costs £5 which includes first class p&p in the UK.

Coin purses

2010-11-22T16:44:00.007Z

Although I've called these coin purses they could

just as easily be called key purses or ipod carriers.

Anything really:
blue/green chrysanthemum oilcloth

Each purse measures 10cm x 13cm

The price of £5 includes first clas p&p in the UK

this purse is now sold - thank you!

oilcloth fabric pot

2010-11-16T21:41:00.002Z

A fabric pot made using the same Celia Birtwell

design oilcloth as before:

The lining is a fresh, blue gingham.
These fabric pots are useful for so many things,
including a small project holder.

The measurements are:

6" x 5" x 4.5"

Each pot costs £7 and there are 2 pots in this design.

That includes first class p&p in the UK

Both pots are now sold - many thanks.
P x

Celia Birtwell oilcloth shopper

2010-11-14T17:30:00.000Z

An oilcloth shopper made using fabric designed by Celia Birtwell.

The lining is a ditsy cotton and there is a generous

pocket inside too.

The strong strap handles are mid grey webbing.

I've called this bag a shopper, but really it's just

a very handy sized bag.

Knitting, projects, library - maybe for the allotment?

The bag measurements are:

base - 13" x 4"

height - 10"

top width - 16.5"

handles height - 12"

The shopper costs £15 which includes first class

postage and packing in the UK.

spotty shopper

2010-10-30T08:41:00.002+01:00

A spotty shopper.

A very spotty shopper, lined with a Liberty print

and the straps are grey webbing.

There is a generous pocket in the shopper to hold keys, phone etc.

The bag itself folds up pretty small,

so you could keep it in the car ready for the shopping trip.

The shopper measures:

h 23cm x w 38cm (h 9" x w 15")

and the straps are 18cm/7" high.

The shopper is now sold - many thanks!

falling leaves oilcloth shopper

2010-10-28T17:34:00.004+01:00

An oilcloth shopper, lined with Liberty fabric and with grey webbing straps.

The bag has an inner pocket and is perfect either as a conventional shopper, or as a project bag.

Dimensions:

w 17"/43cm x h 11"/28cm

and the straps are about 8"/20cm high

The inner pocket measures 6.5"/17cm x 8"/20cm

The falling leaves shopper is sold.
Many thanks.
Need to get sewing I think!
P x

Child's small floral oilcloth shopper

2010-10-12T15:19:00.003+01:00

This is a child's version of the floral shopper in

the previous listing.

It is top edged with the same green gingham used for the straps

and is the perfect size for small hands.

Bag size:

w 31cm x h 21cm

the straps are about 10cm high from the top of

the bag edge.

There is only one of these bags left.

The bag is for sale for £5.00, which includes p&p in the UK

The small oilcloth shopper has been sold.
Thankyou so much.

Floral oilcloth shopper

2010-10-05T15:46:00.002+01:00

I loved making the scottie oilcloth shopper

so much that I just had to make some more.

This time I've chosen a sweet floral design, with a

fresh, green gingham lining.

There's a pocket in the lining for keys, phone etc.

And the straps are long enough for shoulder carrying too.

The bag dimensions are:

w16"(41cm) x h10.5"(27cm)

and the straps are about 10"(26cm) high

Cost: £15, which includes p & p

SOLD

Oilcloth shopper

2010-09-29T14:46:00.002+01:00

An oilcloth shopper of a very handy size.

It has decent length straps which mean it can be shoulder

carried if needed.

Inside there is a pocket - for keys, phone etc.

The bag dimensions are:

w16"(41cm) x h10.5"(27cm)

and the straps are about 10"(26cm) high

Cost: £15, which includes p & p

These are all sold now - though if anyone else wants
one please let me know and I'll do my best to help.
P x

fabric pots

2010-07-01T11:43:00.005+01:00

These pots may become my new obsession - they are so useful, and

I get to look at the gorgeous fabrics.

This one is made with a Kaffe Fasset on the outside - Asha grey -with a Liberty

print on the inside.

The edging is a wonderful scissors print - which was very

difficult to cut into, let me tell you. It's difficult to make

the final decision on what to use these fabrics for.

The pot I'm using is storing all the little itty bitty bits

of yarn that I use for crochet brooches.

Because the pot is so sturdy - by using extra firm interling -

I can basically take it anywhere, standing it on a table, chair, the floor,

whatever's to hand.

The dimensions of this small pot are:

w 11cm x h 16cm x d 12cm

The cost - including first class UK postage -

is £7

This pot is now sold.

Many thanks.

velvet cushion with hearts

2010-06-27T09:19:00.004+01:00

A rectangular cushion, with a good quality inner pad.

The reverse of the cushion is green spotty with a creise edging

to the envelope closing.

The cushion measures:

30cm x 40cm.

and it costs £9.00

which includes first class postage in the UK

This cushion is now sold - many thanks!

meadow handmade handbag

2010-06-26T09:50:00.002+01:00

The fabric for this small handbag is from Cloud 9,

part of their organic range.

The lining is a blue tile pattern, with a generous pocket.

The meadow/seed head pattern on the fabric has a

lovely retro feel to it,

yet still looks very fresh and new.

The bag measures:

h 20cm x w 20cm x d 10cm

and the strap is approx. 40cm.

The bag costs £13.00

which includes first class postage in the UK

This bag has now sold.

Many thanks!

small gathering handmade handbag

2010-06-25T22:46:00.001+01:00

This bag has been made using an Anna Maria Horner fabric -

the 'small gathering' of the title.

The lining is a retro Liberty fabric with a generous inner pocket.

The bag fastens with a magnetic clasp.

The colours of this bag sing out - of summer and flowers.

I love it - maybe you shouldn't say that about things you've made yourself, but hey, it's honest!

The bag measures:

h 20cm x w 20cm x d 10cm

and the strap is approx. 40cm long.

Cost of bag:

£13.00

which includes UK first class postage.

This bag is now sold - many thanks!

New bags, cushions etc

2010-06-08T15:48:00.000+01:00

Soon, very soon, there will be some newness in the blogshop.

Promise.

P x

Leaf applique bag

2010-04-23T13:12:00.002+01:00

I bought this leaf fabric a while ago, but while we were still in the

depths of winter, it didn't seem the right time.

Now, the colours seem perfectly right.

It is lined with a Liberty print - not the usual floral - but

a retro looking squares pattern:

And I think it goes well with the leaf fabric.

The bag has a generous pocket in the lining and fastens

with a magnetic clasp.

The dimensions are:

h 25cm x w 25cm x d 6cm

and the straps are 45cm.

The leaf bag costs £17 including postage.

This bag is now sold.

Many thanks!

Small pouch bag

2010-04-23T13:00:00.000+01:00

A make up size bag, that is not exclusively for that.

I'm pretty sure there are many different uses for

this size of bag, and I use mine for all sorts -

keys, coins - all the things that get lost

at the bottom of my bag really.

It is fully lined so you can see the gorgeous Amy Butler

roses everytime you open it.

The dimensions of this bag are:

w 15cm x h 13cm

and it costs £6.50 including postage.

Project bag#2

2010-04-23T12:43:00.003+01:00

This project bag is made with a couple of

Amy Butler fabrics in the most vivid greens

and rosy red/pink.

As with the previous bag, there are six pockets on the outer

sides of the bag.

The dimensions are:

h 20cm x w 30cm x d 10cm

The straps are 32cm.

The green project bag is £15 including postage.

Now sold, thank you!

Project bags

2010-04-23T12:32:00.005+01:00

This time I've made some project bags - a perfect size

for keeping yarn etc together and moving it around

with you.

This one is lined with a Cath Kidston blue and white

mini dot, and the main fabric is a patchwork from John Lewis.

On the outside of the bag there are six

(yes, six) pockets which are ideal for keeping all

those little bits and pieces.

The dimensions are:

h 20cm x w 30cm x d 10cm

the straps are 32cm

The blue project bag is

£15 which includes postage.

This bag is now sold - thank you!

Two Pink(ish) Japanese Fabric Bags

2010-04-05T15:34:00.003+01:00

Just a quick update - the checkered bag is going to Tracy as part of her upcoming raffle.

Two more Japanese fabric bags, both with a pinky tinge to the fabric.

The first one has multi colour squares and little characters in line drawings.

This time the strap has been lined with contrasting Liberty fabric

as well as the bag interior:

The bags fasten with a magnetic clasp and have a generous pocket inside.

The dimensions of the bag are:

w 20cm x h 20cm x d 10cm

and the strap is approximately 45cm long.

The 'Squares' bag is £13.00

p&p £2.50

Back for Spring!

2010-03-31T13:33:00.000+01:00

I'm pleased to say that the shop is open for Spring, and that there will be new

things going into the shop in a couple of days.

P x

Shop Closed

2010-03-21T02:25:00.002Z

The shop is closed for a few days - more stock soon.

P x

Dark Red Tartan Bag

2010-03-10T15:20:00.004Z

Another tartan bag, this time in dark reds with a lighter lining,

and a generous pocket in the lining too.

The side tops are nipped in with buttoned tabs and the closing

flap has a magnetic fastener.

The handles are about 45cm long so very easy for over the shoulder or to

swing as you go.

The approximate dimensions are:

w 30cm x h 24cm x d 7cm

Bag reserved for Karen:

Both bags now sold - thank you!

Duck Egg Blue Spring Bag

2010-03-07T14:41:00.006Z

To go with this wonderful sunny weather of late, I decided that

a bag was needed to reflect it.

I'd found this wonderful 'Fairford' linen fabric by Jane Churchill

and thought it would be perfect.

It is a soft structured bag, which means it's great for those

tea-dress days when the last thing you want is

a heavy bag.

There are two bags (at the moment) and they each have a different lining.

One is a pink and green flower cotton on a white background,

and the other is more of a green blue with rosy flowers on.

Both have magnetic clasps and a generous inner pocket.

And as you can see by the number of photographs here, I've quite

fallen in love with both the fabric and the bag!

Approximate dimensions:

h 20cm x w 20cm x d 10cm

Each bag costs £9.00

p&p £2.50

Both bags are now sold.

Wow! That was quick.

Thank you so much!

Shopping tote

2010-03-02T15:36:00.005Z

A larger style shopping tote, which is made entirely

from Amy Butler fabrics - including the lining.

There are three totes, two are identical with this pink flower on a white

background as lining,

and the other has a darker lining, but still with

pink flowers.

There is a pocket on both the front and back, in the panelled sections.

Which gives a place for those pesky keys and

loyalty cards - you know, the ones

that are always at the bottom of a bag

full of shopping.

It folds flat and should live happily in either your bag or

glove compartment until needed.

Approximate dimensions:

h 33cm x w 30cm x d 18cm

Each tote costs £15.00

and p&p is £1.50

Just let me know on your order which lining you'd prefer.

The totes are now sold.

Thank you so much!

Sewing case

2010-02-23T23:58:00.001Z

A sewing needle case, using pink felt for the needles,

and crisp cottons for the case.

It measures approximately

10cm x 4cm when closed,

and ties with a ribbon.

Other colours and patterns available soon.

The sewing case is £2.50,

p&p is £1.

Tartan Bag

2010-02-09T23:17:00.007Z

Tartan Bag

A tartan wool bag, lined with a cotton print.

The cotton print is a vintage pattern which has been re-introduced,

and it's gorgeous.

The top of the bag's sides are nipped together with tabs

topped off with green buttons.

Inside there is a generous pocket and the bag

fastens with a magnetic clasp.

Dimensions:

w 30cm x h 24cm x d 7cm

The handles are approximately 45cm long,

which makes them the perfect length for swinging

or carrying on your shoulder.

Bag is £13.50

p&p is £2.50

All sold - thank you so much!

New fabrics for 2010

2010-01-19T17:28:00.001Z

I thought I'd show a little taster of the new fabrics I'm using for the

2010 bags. The larger tartan on the left is thick and quite solid,

so I thought it would be perfect for a larger style.

The fabric on the right is softer and lends itself to

a more formal bag.

Both are yummy and I'm looking forward to some sunshine

so I can photograph them properly.

P x

Time for Christmas

2009-12-18T20:53:00.001Z

The blogshop is now closed for Christmas.

hortensiadesigns will re-open 21/1/10.

There will be more bags, but in a new design,

with lots of fantastic new fabrics.

Can't wait to show some pictures.

Have a great Christmas!

P x

Wool bags

2009-12-02T17:58:00.005Z

Lavender Tweed Bag

This wool bag is in a soft shade of lavender,

and lined with a floral cotton print.

The bag fastens with a magnetic clasp on the flap, and has

a pocket inside.

Measurements:

h 20cm x w 20cm x d 10cm

£9.00 for the bag

£2.00 for p&p

This bag is SOLD - thankyou so much!

Red linen bag

2009-11-25T13:09:00.005Z

This red and cream linen makes for the perfect weighted bag - sturdy without being too box-like.

The flap fastens with a magnetic clasp.

The check lining co-ordinates in shades of red, cream and green,

and has a pocket in the same fabric.

Measures: h 20cm x w 20cm x d 10cm

Bag: £9.00

p & p : £2.00

SOLD - thankyou so much!

Japanese fabric bags

2009-11-19T19:21:00.009Z

Japanese Fabric Bag

A pretty Japanese fabric, with lots of gorgeous motifs,

and lined with pale blue and white spots.

There is a pocket inside the bag,

and closes with a magnetic clasp.

The strap is webbing with small blue dots.

approx. measurements:

h 20cm x w 20cm x d 10cm

£9.00 - for the bag

£2.00 p & p

Blue Flower Bag

This bag is made in the same way as the one above,

using more Japanese fabric; this time

a blue floral.

The handle uses the main fabric too.

Measurements:

h 20cm x w 20cm x d 10cm

This blue bag is now SOLD. Thank you!

Union Jack Pincushions

2009-11-05T16:02:00.004Z

A felt pincushion, made using wool felt and cotton stuffing.

Measures 14cm x 8cm (approx)

£4.00 plus £1.00 p & p

SOLD - three; 1 left

Fabric covered sketchbooks

2009-10-27T14:22:00.006Z

A6 size fabric covered sketchbooks.

These are made using excellent quality sketch books from Seawhites of Brighton.

The covers are removeable, so when one is full, simply remove and replace with a new one.

(Extra sketchbooks can be ordered too - just email me.)

Although normally I use portrait myself, I've added in a couple of landscape ones too.

Each sketchbook is £6.00

p&p £2.00

SOLD - top row, second from left

Small green linen bag

2009-10-27T14:09:00.008Z

This small (ish) linen bag is lined in a contrasting red and green check.

It measures 20cm x 20cm and is 10cm deep.

The flap fastens the bag with a magnetic clasp.

The fabric has a mix of flowers on a background of pale green.

And it's yummy!

One of these is already in use by me - and I love it.

£9.00

£2.00 p & p

ALL SOLD - thank you so much

Cushions

2009-10-18T10:49:00.005+01:00

These rectangular cushions all measure 30cm x 40cm (approx.)

and are filled with good quality pads.

No lumpy bits!

Post and Packaging for one cushion is £2.50,

with reductions for more than one item.

email me at any time for any further informaion,

or to discuss fabrics, colours etc.

P x

This green and pink cushion, with pink velvet ribbon,

and with the darker fabric on the reverse is £9.00.

A blue and pink version, with blue velvet ribbon,

which has a plain green reverse.

£9.00

A pink and pale green (Tilda fabric) with pink velvet ribbon,

and with a plain green reverse.

£9.00

** Update - the centre cushion is now sold.**

**The top cushion is also sold now**

New hortensia shop

2009-10-13T20:49:00.001+01:00

After trying etsy, folksy and coriandr, and not really liking any of them, the time has come to try out my own little blogshop.
First, though, is the task of sorting out a new blog. Let's hope it doesn't take too long.
P x