The Stressy Shed

Well what gorgeous weather we've had in the UK this weekend, and all last week too. Its been lovely and  makes me feel so much better to see the sun shining.

We had a lovely family BBQ yesterday evening, ate and drank too much, but it was fun. It always is when my sister-in-law is my company. We share the same sense of humour and on evening get togethers like that we laugh till our sides ache, in the end laughing at everything and nothing!

While the initial construction of the workshop took place I found it all very stressful. We had sent details of what we were planning to construct to the local planning offices and were told we didn't need planning permission. 

When they started building it looked huge but i realise now that was because it was new and nothing of that size had ever lived in the garden before! Now that its done and dusted it looks like its been there forever and, as I may have mentioned before, I love it!

So, while the stress was going on with me not eating or sleeping through worrying ( yes, I do that a lot!) the shed was renamed 'The stressy shed!'

My nephew Freddie who's 4 struggles to say my name, Auntie Gina, and calls me 'Auntie Dinner!'

Yesterday morning a parcel arrived from Freddie..........

Isn't it lovely?

It's taken pride of place outside the stressy shed along with some bunting I made this afternoon.

I hope you've  been able to enjoy the sunshine too!

Times they are a changing

Since I gave up my job at school and concentrated on my rosiebull designs business all of the sewing has taken place in our conservatory. It's a big room, an open plan extension of the lounge. When we first had it built we used it as a dining room but as the business got bigger and more boxes of fabric and machines made their home here, we had to eat in the lounge on our laps.

We knew at the end of last year that we had to rethink things and changes had to be made.

We visited various garden centres, locally and some further away trying to hunt down the perfect solution.

Just by chance I happened to be chatting to a neighbour who's friend was having a workshop built in her garden. A phone call was made, a quote was given, a few sleepless nights were had............

and a few weeks later building began!

Last Thursday I finally moved in!

The house is back to normal, food can be eaten at the table and I have the most amazing workroom!

My husband fitted the cupboards, a Wickes kitchen, and I've added the finishing touches. 

Underneath the notonthehighstreet.com award I won last year sits a photo of my mum and dad.

 My dad was a builder and I know he'd approve of the quality of the building. My mum, I'm sure would approve of the quality of the sewing, after all, she did teach me all I know!

Friends

I was contacted by 'Sewing World ' magazine a while ago to ask if they could feature my 'Nice cup of tea' iPad case in their May issue. It wasn't going to cost me anything and I was very, very grateful to be asked. 

Of course I said yes please and ordered myself a copy which arrived in the post yesterday.

It bought such a smile to my face to see my work in print. I've been lucky enough to be featured in two other magazines and also the Daily Mail, along side my mate (I wish!)'Cath Kidston.

Those of you who have been reading my blog for 

a while will know that the past 18 months has been a bit of a whirlwind for me. I gave up my job as a teaching assistant and designing and making is now my full-time job.

My business name, as I know I've mentioned before, was my mum's name and it was her who taught me to sew. I know if she were here she would be very proud of all I've achieved in the past 18 months.

Family and friends are obviously very happy for me but some people really have the knack of letting you know that they genuinely are.

I had a visit this lunchtime from a lovely friend I used to work with at school. She loves the things I make and has bought numerous things from me in the past. Every time I see her she asks about my business  and always shows an interest and I know she is genuinely happy for me. 

There are times in your life when you really know who your friends are.

If you're reading this Mrs P,  thank you for coming to see me and I'll text you when I've made your case!

x

Winners!

I really must find out how to use a number generator but in the meantime I'll use pen and paper!

All the names go into a gorgeous Pip studio bowl and the first name out is......

Saskia!

The cupcake case is all yours!

Well done you. 

Please can you email me with your address. 

Thank you.

Second name.........

Amanda from Amanda Makes!

Well done to you.

The FAB lolly case is yours!

Please can I have your address too!

I hope you all had a lovely Easter break.

I will be back soon with another giveaway so pop back soon!

We're all going on a summer holiday!

The second in the new range.

What a great day it's been having my daughter here designing and making with me!

Don't forget to enter my giveaway below.