Okay so the rain is so depressing, I was sitting on the grass yesterday in the sun watching my son's football game and today has been pouring with rain since 6 o'clock this morning. It's hard to stay focused when all you want to do is turn on the fire. I've been challenged however with a very unusual project. Did anyone ever hear of a weighted blanket? Well basically it's a blanket that has pockets with beads or something inside which makes the blankets quite heavy. It's used for children or indeed adults who have sensory problems.

So as you may or may not know, my daughter Sophie has special needs and loves the weighted blanket that we had on loan from her occupational therapist last week. So at her session on Wednesday her OT suggested that I could make one, as they are around €180 - €220!!!! and even though she would be entitled to one it could be a long long long wait as Special Needs kids aren't exactly top of the HSE's list.

So a quick visit to my local Asian store and a 5kg bag of rice later I'm all good to go with starting this project this weekend. I think I've figured out a good way to make this and hope that it goes as well in my sewing room as well as it is in my head!

I'll check in soon with photos :)

Enjoy the weekend and for everyone in Ireland, just think of how much we are saving on buying sunscreen and the worst parental job in the world, applying it to kids who don't want it. :)

Dunlavin Craft Fair

Last week was a really busy week and I had a good day yesterday at the Dunlavin Craft Fair. It was busy and there was a great mix of people who turned up. The weather stayed nice apart from a quick shower so people were able to move about freely to visit all the attractions without having to duck into doorways. The best moment of the day for me however was when an elderly woman came to my stall and was looking at one of my iPad covers, she was frowning and after a while I said to her 'it's an iPad cover' to which she replied 'I know, I'm just wondering if it would fit my android tablet' ! it was so funny, so the lesson is: Don't make presumptions! 

I have a lot on this week, there are only 2 weeks left before the kids are off school. Jack being 12 is well able to look after himself but Sophie is full on attention so I'm afraid I won't be able to produce anything at all during the day so I've really got to make the most of these weeks. 

I'm working on patterns for some soft toys and maybe some rag dolls. I think it might be nice to make some fun stuff and mess about with some different fabrics. I also need to work on some more cushions too. Mostly though I need to work on my quilt for the Atlanta quilt swap. I hope everyone has a happy and productive week :)

The Dunlavin Arts Festival 2012 takes place this weekend 15th-17th June. Have a look at their website and program schedule for the full list of activities and gallery times etc;

I'm taking part in their Craft Fair this year for the first time, this runs in the Imaal Hall on Sunday the 17th.

On another note, I also have 2 paintings on show in the 'Old School House'. This will be my 4th year participating in this event and it really is a great place to walk from gallery to gallery taking in all types of art.

http://www.dunlavinartsfestival.com/

I've finally gotten around to making my first pouch and I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. I want to make a whole range of bags and purses and perhaps personalised pencil cases as well. I think they would go down well with younger children. 

The weather is back to being abysmal today after a wonderful day of sun yesterday. There's no use getting annoyed but saying that, it will be really hard on a lot of parents trying to entertain kids during the holidays if you can't step outside your front door. 

Craft Fair and tidy up

I was at the Christ Church Craft Fair last Monday and it was a glorious day, although the craft fair was located in the crypt! so there wasn't much daylight to be had. I didn't stop to realise what a strange location is was until I got there.

My Sophie Belle Designs Stall

But there was a nice buzz about the place. I was glad I came prepared with two extra lamps, I'm not fully convinced that anyone's products can be appreciated with no natural light on offer. That being said, it was great to chat to all the tourists who came in and there was one particular elderly American lady who I had a great conversation with about quilting. She knew her stuff, and I know she enjoyed talking through the different quilting and binding methods. Even though her friends were rushing her along she wasn't going anywhere until we had finished talking!

My sister helped me out for the day

My sewing room is in the process of a clean out. I have a full wardrobe which is full of toys and books from when it was Sophie's room, and as it's the box room in our house space is limited so it makes no sense to let it go to waste. I started clearing it out today and I can't even convey the absolute mess of the room, there isn't space to swing the proverbial cat at the best of times! It will be great when it's done though so I've set myself the limit of having it completed by tomorrow evening. I really want to get started on the MQGI quilt swap with the Atlanta Guild, I don't want to put myself under pressure and leave it too late. Has anyone else started on theirs? 

Well I've been really busy since the weather turned sour. Still holding out for a sunny weekend as forecast earlier on in the week but am afraid to look again! There is so much stuff happening in Dublin this weekend that it would be such a shame if the weather was a wash out. I'll post some photos later, I've been making some really cute aprons. I'll be sewing all day today so I'll show the results later x