Secret Project - Update

I've been working on a secret project, unfortunately a number of factors meant that it took a bit longer than I expected.

My secret project were lavender scented heart hangers for little William. I was a bit apprehensive as I wanted them to be decent, as I know that what Sarah produces is amazing - but have to remember this is only the third time I've made something!

Firstly I ordered some lovely material from Brenda Higgs, but then realised that some of the other components which I needed, such as stuffing, were packed away somewhere amongst all the boxes waiting for the move. So I had to go back on line and also down to the shops to get the rest of my materials.

Then my lovely husband got a nasty stomach bug, so things were put on hold while I tried to look after him and also keep from catching it!

Finally I got to grips with the cutting out and sewing of my project. It looked really good until I turned it right side out, then it looked awful.

This was becaus it involves curves!! Something I'd never done before!!!

So I made a prototype one out of one of them that I'd already cut out and sewn, ripped it apart and practiced and practiced!! There was nothing in my books to tell me what I was doing wrong and I was seriously contemplating only ever sewing straight lines!!!!

Then I did what I should have done in the first place..... researched the internet!!! I found a great website called PatternReview.com which provides online sewing classes for free and also a great demo on YouTube (although I've lost the link!!).

Basically I realised that (once again) its all in the preparation and learned about clipping the fabric when you are sewing curves. This also gave me a chance to test out my new pinking shears that I bought from Ikea!!

This time it worked alot better (although its still not as perfect as I would like!) and they were all ready to be finished off.....

Then I got a rather nasty virus which has wiped me out a bit, but I'm pleased to say I'm alot better now and managed to finish off the project.

I'd say I'm about 80% happy with them, Sarah has been really kind about them, and I hope they brought a smile to her face! At least she can hid them in William's wardrobe LOL!

I'm not cracking on with the petal pillow which is going really well and I'll update soon!!