I bought these little chaps when on holiday in Madeira a few years ago:

They are only about an inch high, and definately handmade although I'm not sure how! They almost look like they have been stitched then cut out but as you can see, the arms are tiny! I feel a challenge coming on....

Madeira produces some amazing embroidery. The work is done by ladies in their homes to a very high standard but alas the art is dying out. The book is to be recommended (I have it!). I will post some details from it in another post.To see more about Maderian embroidery visit:

Bordal's embroidery

Just in case you haven't seen them, there are a few new additions to the site this week. Firstly, there are new peg doll kits in my shop:

Suitable for beginners, they come in a variety of colours and would make great Christmas stocking fillers! They are priced at £5.50 and you can buy from my shop.

I have also added a guest book which is waiting for some signatures! So if you enjoy visiting my website, why not leave me a message? I work hard at keeping it fresh and up-to-date, writing my free newsletter, and posting stuff on my blog; it would be great to know that readers are enjoying it! You can find it on the contact page or just click on the following link:  Guestbook

I try to stay focused but I can't help but be enticed by new things to have a play with. Recent items have including french knitting spools, shrink plastic and miniature pegs! Today was one of those days and on a trip to my second home (Hobbycraft) for supplies, I found Mirror Mosaics:

I'm always partial to shiny sparkly things and these caught my eye as a cross between shisha mirrors and mosaic tiles. They are only diddy at 5mm square and all I have to do now is find something to stick them on...

I was good though, I put back the V&A Quilt Exhibition printing blocks and the Gliterrati faceted gems! Until next time anyway...

Had a fabulous birthday present from my sister this week, I asked for a clothkits skirt but when she realised there was a 3 week lead time on the order she decided to make one herself! Here is the kit in its box:

She made hen, chicks and egg shell printing blocks herself, hand printed the fabric herself, adapted a skirt pattern to one I liked, made up the kit and wrote making up instructions! What an amazing and personal present. It's almost too nice to make up but she will be cross if I don't!

I'll post a picture of the finished skirt when it's done...

Ever wondered what happens to all of the old sewing machines that no one wants anymore? I'm guessing this clothes shop in Brighton bought them all for their window display:

Cool or what?  And they are in all the upstairs windows too!