Teal Polka Dot Curtains

These are some simple curtains made from a dressmaking weight fabric that my client had already purchased.

They have been made to apron length (just below the sill) which is a good option in a bedroom where curtains need to hang over furniture. A simple gathered heading has been used to create an informal but pretty look for a girl's room.

I wouldn't normally recommend dress weight fabric for curtains as it's a bit lightweight to drape well, but I'm pretty pleased with the way these have turned out with the help of a good quality lining. A blackout lining was considered, but my client opted for the tactile appeal of a softer lining.

This is the second pair made for the same room, being "dressed" in my workroom.

Long Time No Blogging

It would seem that my efforts to keep in touch with friends and family via a blog are about as effective as my ability to pick up the phone to make those social calls! So here, after a rather long absence, is a round up of what's been keeping me busy.

I have completed my NDA Course in Professional Soft Furnishings and Curtain Making and achieved an NOCN level 3 , so I'm now all set to start advertising my new business. Overall, I would say I had a very positive experience of the course - it was very comprehensive and the tutors were excellent. It did, however, require a greater time commitment than the NDA suggested. This may have been just my approach though, as I was determined to get as much out of the course as possible. Anyway, I'm proud of my achievement.

Our son went on a school skiing trip to Bormio, Italy in April. This is the view from the hotel restaurant window - wow! He had a great time and despite the spring-like appearance there was still snow for skiing.

This little jaunt drained the family holiday budget - so it's a "staycation" in Wales for us later this summer.

Staying on the budget theme - we also went camping in the New Forest in half term at the end of May. It was lovely but our tent was sadly inadequate for three and a dog. In case you've never tried it, sharing your air bed with a labrador is like trying to sleep on a bouncy castle. Unfortunately we didn't take any photos, maybe it was to cold to get the camera out.......

June brought another family birthday and yet another cake. You may notice it looks surprisingly similar to my husband's birthday cake back in January! That's the trouble with living with boys - they just don't share my obsession with chocolate! Such a waste of a baking session.....

For a birthday treat we went to see Bon Jovi in concert in Bristol. The concert was great but it was a really late night - we really are just too old for that kind of thing!

The garden has been looking pretty in a chaotic kind of way during late spring and early summer.

Here's some of the best bits.



Herbs in an old tin bath.

Foaming with flowers on a sunny day.