Angeltots and co

2011-03-23T13:29:00.000Z

Some recent Cloth pads, soon to be available at www.earthwisegirls.co.uk

My Sewing Space

2011-02-08T14:09:00.010Z

Call me nosy but I love to see where other people sew, what they use and how tidy (or messy) there workspace is! So I thought I should show you mine :)

This is my 'sewing corner' It's actually a corner of my dining room as I don't have a dedicated sewing room, but I have all my bits and pieces to hand and I can sit by the window as I sew, benefitting from daylight and a view of the garden.

Please excuse the mess, I suppose I could have cleaned it up a bit first, but in reality this is what it usually looks like, work on the go and bits of thread everywhere!

My lovely industrial overlocker - not the most attractive item to have in one's dining room but so much more handy than I ever thought it would be! I wouldn't be without it now.

My 2 sewing machines, Silvia the Silver Viscount and Jilly Janome! I use Silvia most of the time, now she is working properly - we had a difficult time for a while when she was suffering electrical faults, but now she has a new circuit board - had to send it back several times, including a dvd of the faults but we got there in the end - long story! Jilly is a back up machine, and sometimes it's handy to have one machine fitted with the walking foot so I can work between the 2.

So that's where your Angelpadz are made - and whatever else I get time to sew. I've been making wetbags lately too, also leggings, PJ's and curtains. There are allways projects on the go - so I'd best get back to work! See you soon x

It's about time...

2011-01-25T13:44:00.003Z

I wrote another post!

I've had a bit of a 'blogging holiday' as life has again got in the way of blogging, and TBH I have felt I did'nt have enough interesting things to write about.

It's a new year tho, and I reckon a new start for me, in several ways! Firstly, for those who don't know my nappy website 'Angel Tots' is no more and in it's place is a shiny new website 'AngelPadz'. When I say shiny, it still needs a bit of work doing and I really need to take some more stock photos but I'll get there - I seem to spend so much time sewing now I don't have time for doing stuff on the PC. So if you havn't seen it yet go have a look - http://www.angelpadz.co.uk/ the Angeltots addy will still take you there for a while yet.

Another new thing, I have a new allotment! I have moved just over the field just a few plots way so not far, but this one came up and it apealed to me as it is ever so slightly bigger, with a nice hedge down one side, and much better soil. It's a blank canvas right now, we were up there at the weekend doing a bit of clearing, but there's not much else we can do till the weather warms up a bit. I can't wait to get planting!

I guess I should also change the name of this blog! Any suggestions gratefully received. And I promise to write more this year, and to read more, so if you have any good blogs out there, particularly sewing / allotment related let me know :)

New Bag

2010-08-29T14:09:00.002+01:00

Made a bag for Dd for her new school year - burgundy fair trade denim, with Gnomeville green spots and lined with pink PUL for semi-waterproofness!
This was a 'make it up as I go along' bag, I had some idea of how I wanted it to look but not really sure how it would turn out - I'm pretty pleased with it, could have been a bit tidier around the top but kelly likes it, she had complained her Very hungry caterpillar bag from last year was too big, so this is more lightweight and just big enough for books!
I fancy one for myself, so I think that will be my next project :)

A couple of recent upcycles

2010-04-18T20:54:00.006+01:00

Just a couple of recent revamps on some pre loved clothes:
These used to be my favourite baggy jeans, but with a hole in the crotch that had been repaired several times they were looking a bit sad. So I chopped them up and made them into a skirt! The fraying took a while but it's also a bit thereaputic... took me back to the days when I used to chop the legs off jeans and wear them with black stripy tights and Docs!
And a school dress - school blouse conversion for Kelly, with a bit of fabric leftover for a hairband (and a tear stained face to go with it - she wasn't up to modeling today)

The weekend before Easter

2010-04-04T23:13:00.007+01:00

Being last weekend, as I have only just got around to sitting down and blogging about it! My folks had all 3 children for the whole weekend - never happened before! The reason was me and DP had a busy weekend planned at the NEC. Saturday we were at the Memorabillia event, which had stalls selling all things Star wars, old movie, anime, etc, people dressed up and celebreties, most of which i didn't recognise (tut tut) allthough I did glimpse Burt Quock and Anna Poplewell from Narnia.

We were there with the UK Garrison, a costuming group Dave belongs to, and I was roped along to help out, so Saturday there was a lot of this:
Yes, I know. They were scaring the poor ladies coming out of Hobbycrafts, taking place on the same weekend.

Which brings me to Sunday. This time I managed to get to the Sewing for pleasure / hobbycrafts event for a walk round by myself :) I was there early, so managed to plan my day so I got a place on a workshop, learning how to sew an invisible zip, and attended the catwalk show and a couple of talks. There was some amazing work on display... I was particularly taken with the felting, so much so I bought some merino wool tops and a felting needle so I could have a go myselfI also bought a procion dye kit, looking forward to having a play when the children go back to school!And I picked up some lovely sewing magazines and a book, including a subscription to Sew:
And picked up some bits and bobs, some lovely buttons, thread, ribbon, card toppers and freebies:
Some of this has become great Easter makes for the kids while they have been on holiday. I apologise for all the pics, but you know what it's like when you've had a great shopping spree and you just want to show it off, and your family just doesnt see what all the excitment is about?!

This weekend, Easter weekend is time for sewing and planting! But that's a whole other blog post, so will fill you in soon enough.

The Very Hungry Bag!

2010-02-21T15:00:00.003Z

This was my half term project, done in bits and bobs while the kids were off school - it's a school bag for Kelly, allthough it wasn't until it was finished she decided she wanted it!
The bag is made from the Hot Mama Diaper bag pattern from Wired Up Designs, it's actually a changing bag pattern, so I omited the changing mat, changing mat holder and one of the large inside pockets, and trimmed the height down an inch and a half to make it suitable for a 6 year old.

The fabric is organic, fair trade denim from Ecoearth fabrics, and of course Eric Carle's fantastic very hungry caterpillar!

Taggie blanket

2010-02-15T22:16:00.003Z

A Taggie blanket, made for a little girl at playgroup :)
Also a perfect excuse to shop for more ribbon! I tried to include as many textures as possible. The blanket / comforter itself is fleece one side, satin the other.

Some recent creations

2010-01-24T22:48:00.004Z

As promised, here's a few pics of stuff I have made in the last couple of months:
Some Bandana bibs, I started selling these locally recently and they have proven really popular. I do them with a bamboo fleece backing and cotton knit or flannel on the front. This particular batch have gone to a bricks and mortar shop in Shepshed called Beginings.

A rainbow fleece wrap for Daniel :) This was made using the sweet baby soaker pattern from Wired up designs. I need to make him more as he's outgrowing all his night time wraps!
These are a couple of the dolls nappies I made for Cloth nappy addicts buy British month back in November. I really enjoyed being a part of it and am looking forward to the next one!

That's all the photo's I can find at this point, will blog again when I have located them!

New year blog!

2010-01-13T22:28:00.002Z

It's goodbye 2009, and hello 2010 :)
Hopefully this year I'll be a bit moreproactive with my blogging!
2009 was an interesting year, full of ups and downs. A big down earlier in the year was Dave going from a 5 to a 3 day week... it has improved since then, thank God, and we are still catching up, but financially it was looking very bleak. Allthough I have been very busy with the business this year, it's not enough to pay the bills.
Angel Tots has done ok, again ups and downs... summer holidays went very quiet, although I suppose its just as well as I can never got much done with the children at home. I learned what not to spend my money on... this year I didnt pay for any advertising at all, as I have wasted money on it in the past, and had no major decline in sales. On the plus side, the wholesale side has gone from strength to strength, and I have been busier sewing this year than I have ever been. So much so that I wore out my little Singer and had to upgrade my machine! I really enjoy the sewing and hope to continue long into the future :)

I put in one visit to the allotment on a sunny day, just before Christmas and before the snow came! Its all tidy(ish) up there, the last of the leeks have been pulled, green manure sown, horse poo delivered and seeds ordered and arrived:) So now I'm leaving it to rest under the snow while I plan for this year.

So what are my goals for 2010? To blog more for one! To keep on top of finances would be good, and do my accounts on a regular basis, jobs I find very unmotivating. Daniel starts school in September (sobs), my last baby, leaving me on my own all day :( I'm going to make the most of having him at home, but when he does start school it will give me more time for the business, and sewing, so my goal is to up production and make my WAHMing viable and bring in a bit more money.

I have been taking photo's of my recent makes, as best I can in the limited winter sun, so with my next blog post I'll pop them up.
Till then, thanks for reading and enjoy the snow!

Sooo busy!

2009-12-12T21:28:00.003Z

That I havn't updated my blog in too long! Christmas is creeping up far too quickly and I'm not ready!
I have been very busy with my sewing lately, mostly making Cloth San Pro for my own and my Stockist's shops, and making lots of Stuffie nappies :) I have been experimenting with putting different fabrics on the outside of Stuffies and made some lovely red and green ooga booga ones for Christmas:
My Basic sewing machine was struggling with all the work I was making it do, so I recently upgraded to this: http://www.silverviscountdirect.co.uk/silver-model-9000e-p-43.html
It has been fantastic, so smooth and quiet, and electronic and modern, and I've had lots of fun trying out all the different stitches and letters (yes letters!)

I have lots more to blog, but that will have to wait :)
Sarah x

Halloween and pumpkins

2009-11-01T22:27:00.003Z

Another Sunday afternoon spent on the allotment, there's still lots to do, including harvesting our 3 pumpkins, just in time for halloween!
The ground has been ideal for digging, so I've dug over most of the plot, including the little 'paths' in between each bed, so now we have a large bed, rather than lots of little ones. Should be able to fit even more crops in next year.
So what's left? Leeks, ready as soon as we want to eat them, sprouts, a few small cabbages, romanesco's look like they are doing what the cauli's were and running to seed before they get to size. I've just plucked the last few corncobs (which were delicous!) and the last marrow, and the last tomatoes. The plastic greenhouse finally died in the high winds, which was no suprise, and I put in my seed order for next year.
One pumpkin was made into soup, another was carved by DH:

Which looks very simalar to DH?

A few recent creations...

2009-10-01T22:32:00.003+01:00

It's been a while since I uploaded any pics of my sewing so here's a few recent makes. This is an extra large Stuffie nappy I made for a special needs girl who loves pink! I made a pink wrap to go over it too, with fold over elastic binding. I'm currently making another batch for her.

I have made quite alot of these recently too as I've been sorting out all my leftover odds and ends of fleece. There's lots of different patterns on my website

This is a brooch made for a friends birthday, and as part of a challenge on CNA It can also be worn with a hairslide :)

Thats it for now... some new patterns arrived this week so have more sewing planned at the weekend, if the family lets me that is!

Allotment life - pic heavy!

2009-09-16T21:02:00.005+01:00

This weekend saw the annual weigh-in at the allotment site with prizes for the biggest onion, marrow and cabbage! Andrew has been looking forward to this for weeks, and has been carefully tending the onoins on his own patch, selecting quite a decent specimen for the event.

Allthough there was some tough competition, so he did'nt get a prize this year. This one weighed 4lbs! The owner kindly let us keep it. Onion pie anyone?

We took these home too.... massive marrow and colossal cabbage!

We have 3 little pumpkins growing ready for halloween

And the corn is just about ready. I love this time of year... all our hard work is paying off. I'm now tidying up, digging over and preparing for winter, there is still lots more to be done.

Back to crochet

2009-09-09T22:48:00.003+01:00

I did'nt get much sewing done this summer, but I did pick up my hooks again! I'd been wanting to make socks for ages, but struggled with dpn's - I'm all thumbs! In the end I picked up my crochet socks book up, and the pattern I found too complicated before suddenly became clear :)

So I've made a sock! Just the one for now! It's not perfect by a long shot, it's a bit loose round the cuff and the toe isn't quite the right shape, but I have a better understanding of how a sock is made up. I have also started on a hat, crochet again, as I couldnt manage circular needles either. It feels great to just get back to doing something I can do, as struggling for so long was just making me loose confidence.

Post Summer hols catch up

2009-09-09T22:11:00.007+01:00

Had a little break from blogging over the summer, and just about catching up, not just blogging, but the general routine of things. I have not been able to get much sewing done over the holidays as whenever I sit down at my machine someone comes along and sits on my knee! That and being constantly called away / breaking up fights / trying to keep track of my eldest, who has been given more freedom this summer, all means I have not had any creations to blog about!
That being said, it has been good to have a chance for some family time. Me and the kids managed to get away to Mablethorpe for a week, during which we visited the Seal sanctuary, well worth a visit if you are in the area

The Seals are fab, such characters!

The beach was lovely, all they want to do is just play on the sand and in the sea, no slot machines or amusements required!

Dan has come along alot over the summer, he is now dry in the day, only needing nappies at night. My babies are growing up so fast!

We have also been busy on our allotment over the summer, and have reaped some rewards of our (ahem my) hard work! Some things have done really well, like onions, courgettes, strawberries, lettuce and radish, others not so well - most of the potatoes got eaten by slugs, as did the runner bean plants, I refuse to use pellets, or feed them beer that I'd rather drink myself so will have to try something else next year. It has been a real learning curve, but I thoroughly enjoy my time up there - it is so peacefull and relaxing! This weekend see's the annual weigh-in competition on the site, Andrew has been nurturing his onions for weeks in preperation!

Weekend sewing

2009-06-29T21:32:00.006+01:00

I took a little break from San Pro and nappies over the weekend to sew a couple of things for the children, using the stretch jersey fabrics I bought recently.
A t-shirt dress for Kelly It's finished off with rose pink fold over elastic on the neck, orange ric rac on the hem, and a knitted pocket. My knitting is still not great - don't think it's really my forte! But I do think this gumdrops peaches 'n' creame go really well with the colours on the dress.

Andrew had a new tank top too, in lime green t-shirt fabric, I used red foldover elastic on the neck and arm holes and a scrap of skull print reverse appliqued on the front, so it matches the board shorts I made him last year.

More allotment updates

2009-06-28T14:00:00.006+01:00

With all the recent rain, then sun, things have been growing fast at the allotment! This includes the weeds, and I have been making regular trips, keeping on top of the weeds and watering, especially in the greenhouse.

The winter veg is doing really well, these are our Cauli's! We also have cabbages, romanesco, and I just bought some little sprout plants - hopefully to grow our own sprouts in time for christmas

This is our wigwam made from tree prunings from the garden, made mostly by Ds1. (just look at that lovely blue sky!)

The start of our compost heap, made from pallets obtained from Dave's work.

In the garden this time, this is a hanging basket I planted up yesterday, lined with a pair of old wool longies - well I figured they did a great job of retaining moisture in a nappy, so I wanted to see if they did the same in a hanging basket lol!

Recent farm trip

2009-06-18T22:45:00.006+01:00

Some pics of me and Ds2 on a recent trip to Stonehurst farm in Mountsorrel

With some sheeps!

Nosy pigs

There were lots of rabbits and ginuea pigs, the babies were soooo cute

Running over the bridge

Playing in the straw barn!
A super day - can highly recommend this farm for trips with small children - not too big but still plenty to do!

At last I make something for me..

2009-06-01T00:05:00.002+01:00

Pair of bamboo fleece Pj bottoms/lounge pants whatever you want to call them lol. The bamboo fleece I originally bought for san pro inners, but it is a bit thin, but it does make lovely cosy PJ's! Of course now we are in a heatwave so I'm going to wait till it cools down a bit to try them. Think I'll be making more of these, and maybe a matching top?

Recent fabric purchases

2009-05-17T22:06:00.006+01:00

I'm showing these off here because I'm sure you'll appreciate it more than DP, who for some reason isn't very interested...

Some knits - or T-shirt fabric :) The lime green comes from my recent visit to fabulous fabrics, a rather nice (and a bit posh!) fabric shop / sewing school who I have only just discovered and they are only in the next town from me :)

These are 3 Saris, and at £3 each from my local sense charity shop are my bargain of the week! They really are beautiful, and suprisingly long - Me and dd had fun trying to work out how to wear them! Not sure what I'm doing with them yet, right now they make a pretty addition to my growing stash!
Any ideas welcome :)

Allotment update

2009-05-08T21:47:00.007+01:00

It's been a while since I posted about the allotment, and even longer since I posted pics (tend to forget my camera!) so here's a few photo's to show you how it's coming along...

This is my NEW SHED ! A lovely present from my parents :) Just put up last weekend, today DP painted it and because it is so windy and exposed on our site, put in 2 fence posts to secure it to. The little plastic greenhouse I bought a couple of months ago, it was a bargain at £35, and houses my tomato plants and seedlings. It has taken a bit of a battering in the wind, but has stayed firm, and is just the job.

It's getting there! 8 rectangular beds have been dug, I could do more but unlikely this year. In there I have on the the go early and maincrop potatoes, both are doing well, onions (red and white), jerusalem artichokes, garlic, carrots, parsnip, lettuce, radish, blueberry bushes and from today, Romanesco and pak choi. Still to plant out are cauliflower, corgette, pumpkin only 1 remaining, others have broken at the stems :(, alpine strawberries (hanging basket?) and various beans.

And here's me hard at work!

Busy week...

2009-05-08T21:32:00.003+01:00

Last week was Real nappy week, so you could say I have been rather busy lol! I attended 2 Baby fairs run by the Leicestershire Real Nappy Network (who I'm an advisor for), which was great, but now I'm making most of my own products there is much more prep work involved.
I decided at the last minute to sew the Angeltots letters onto my tablecloth, using scraps of PUL - last years posters were looking a bit tired and bunting is not always easy to tie up neatly so came up with this:

Was sewing this at 1am the day before the show! Would not recommend sewing that late at night, hurts your eyes. Quite pleased with how it looked, this pic was taken a few days later, while drying on the washing line, I just didnt get time to take photo's of it in use. Please excuse the lack of ironing!

Still here...

2009-04-14T21:57:00.002+01:00

I havn't blogged for nearly a month, so I thought if anyone does read my blog you might want a little update, just so you know I'm still here!
I've just taken a little break from blogging, and been using the PC less in general as I've had a really, really horrible cold for the last 3/4 weeks, which comes with a free headache! I am finally starting to feel better, the kids are in their second week of Easter holidays so no long school runs to do, and I'm just enjoying spending time with the children, doing Easter crafts, doing a lot of digging and planting at the allotment, and helping Kelly learn to ride her new (second hand) bike.
I havn't been sewing much either, apart from a bit of sanpro / nappy making for Angeltots, and don't expect to get much done until the kids go back to school and playschool. I really don't know how some of you manage to sew / knit all that you do and have a lovely clean house!
All the best, S x

Up-cycled skirt

2009-03-22T23:50:00.003Z

Not maneged to do much sewing for us lately as I've been very busy with Sanpro/nappy orders but I did manage to make this skirt for Kelly out of a pair of curtains obtained on freecycle :)

Stuff is growing at the allotment :)

2009-03-22T23:19:00.002Z

Well the garlic is anyway! The fruit canes I planted are now just sticks- I think I may have killed them.
Spent the morning up there with DS1, and planted our early potatoes (Rocket) and red onions. Used the remaining manure to cover all the plots and finished off digging plot number 6, and my neighbour kindly offered to go over a plot with his mini rotivator so I can get a seed bed going. The soil is quite a heavy clay, so it's hard work breaking up those lumps! The beds I had dug a few weeks ago had developed a 'crust' with the recent dry weather we've had so had to go over them again before I could get the tata's in.

There is still plenty to do! At home I have been getting seeds started in punnets - we have cauliflower, corgette, Roma Tomato's, dwarf french beans, alpine strawberries and pumpkin. The only ones to germinate so far, after a week has been the cauli's and a couple of the french beans. I have more to plant yet, but nowhere to put them lol!

I am in desperate need of a shed, I'm getting really fed up of having to transport garden tools every time I want to go over - it means just getting there is a big task, and I only have a small car so can't fit much in. Think I might have to ask for one for my birthday!

Day out at the NEC

2009-03-16T22:34:00.003Z

Went to see the Sewing for pleasure / hobbycrafts exhibition yesterday with Lottie, and had a great time! What's more, I had no children with me, which these days is a real treat (much as I love them lol)! DP coped very well while I was out, even tidied up!

I didn't take my camera as I forgot to charge the battery (doh!) but I did take pics of some lovely purchases when I got home:

The 4 woven fabrics are all 1 metre each - a bargain for £5 each, and are destined to become knitting bags, and maybe a few mooncup purses. I picked up a few freebies, including some thread, mini pattern, grow your own mag, Lottie even managed to grab a free butternut squash!
My fav stands would have to be the button lady for all the fabulous lovely buttons, I could have bought a lot more than I did, patchwork quarters, where I purchased the fabric, web of wool and the alpaca stand which had the most amazing knitted cardigans.
All in all a good day :)

More slippers

2009-03-07T22:32:00.003Z

Cosy fleece and construction flannel for Dan..

And scary slippers for Andrew! These were made from the last few scraps left from making his school bag

All these slippers were made using this tutorial.

Spring is in the air...

2009-02-23T22:37:00.003Z

I've been a bit quiet on the blogging front lately so this is a quick catch up!
Last week the children were off for half term - yes already! The start of the week I met up with my friends at Sarah's which was lovely until Dan got tired and started showing me up - you can always rely on the kids lol. After that I ran out of motivation and didn't venture out anywhere - it was still too wet to do any digging at the allotment, I sort of followed the kids around tidying up, only for them to make a mess again, oh I did sort out my demo kit which has needed to be done for a while, part of it is now on ebay, with some of the proceeds going to the fairtrade foundation.
I tried and failed miserably to knit socks, I just can't seem to get past the first row. Oh and I made slippers for Kelly (see below) but didnt actually get any of the sewing done on my to do list!
By Sunday I was sick of seeing the inside of a messy house so I took Kelly and Daniel up to Priory Nursuries to buy some seed potatoes and onion sets, and see Cath in her lovely yarn shop
Dan has also been moved into a bed with Kelly - neither like to be on their own so it seemed the ideal solution (up till now he has co-slept with us)and he has settled in really well! I left it till the school holidays as I was convinced he would be up crying half the night but after a few little tears on the first night he was fine. I miss him, but it had to be done... it was getting to the stage where he would only sleep on top of me in case I left him!

Slippers

2009-02-23T21:51:00.005Z

Made for dd, out of a couple of comfort blankies made for her as a baby that she never took to, and some corduory left over from making my Podegi for the sole. Now the boys have put orders in too...

Snowto's

2009-02-07T23:28:00.002Z

We were well and truly snowed in this week - at least 5 inches of snow, kids off school Monday tuesday and thursday. It was great hehe! Unfortunatly we were still getting over tummy bugs earlier in the week but still plenty of snow to play in when me and the kids felt better.
Took some photo's of our garden - a bit dark, sorry it was a bit late in the day and I can't be bothered to tinker with the pics...

Dp has us down to a T...

2009-01-29T22:05:00.000Z

Another of his doodles!

Angel Tots own blog

2009-01-22T22:38:00.002Z

All updates for Angel Tots will now be on the Angeltots website blog I decided I need to seperate the work/home thing (always a juggling act lol) and I may as well make use of the blogging feature of my new website ;)
Of course I'll still be posting here! I'm afraid I have been a bit quiet lately, but have been very busy, that coupled with internet connection issues (got the engineer coming tommorow) has meant very little posting. I've not even had time to do much wardrobe refashioning, which I feel a bit guilty about as I think I was supposed to post on that every week - ho hum! And then there's the dreaded tax return - once again I have left it till the last minute, but internet connection issues have meant I have been even later getting it submitted - next year will be different (yeah right)
Anyway I'm rambling again, speak soon, and thanks for reading :)

Back to School

2009-01-06T23:56:00.005Z

It usually takes me ages to get back into a routine after Christmas but I think I did ok today - got to give up these late nights though! Spent the morning cleaning, while Dan entertained himself - he's very good bless him, the older 2 are much harder work! It's nice to be able to tidy up without someone undoing your hard work 5 mins later;-)
Andrew went back in style too, with his new bag:

Got it finished over the weekend. He's star wars mad (as you may have guessed by now) so he's very chuffed with it. It's completly lined with red PUL, so waterproof and machine washable :) Next time I use interfacing tho, I will use the sew in type, not iron in like I did here - it has bubbled in a couple of places, although nowhere to obvious.

New Website!

2009-01-06T23:35:00.002Z

Check out the brand new AngelTots website

And let me know if you see anything horribly wrong lol!
It's not finished yet - I have so many different stock lines it takes ages to put them all up, so some things arnt listed yet, but I'm gradually getting bits done. It's new shopping cart software too, and has lots of features my old shopping cart didnt have, like a stock counter, automatic emails etc, and it's much easier to use - so far I'm very impressed with DoYourOwnSite Best thing was the changeover went smoothly, no down time :)

I pledge.....

2009-01-02T23:50:00.002Z

"That for 2 months I will refashion, renovate, recycle pre loved items for myself for the term of my contract, I pledge that I shall create and craft items of clothing for myself with my own hands in fabric, yarn or other medium for the term of my contract"
I've gone and done it now!
It is a great blog, check out /wardroberefashion/ for lots of inspiration! I simply can't afford new clothes for myself anyway, and do have alot of stuff piling up at the back of my wardrobe that really needs something doing with. This also means I'm on a fabric diet - apart from 'work' fabric needed to make san pro and nappies, but it does mean I can use whats in my stash, both fabric and yarn!
Currently in the works is a new school bag for Andrew, I did buy fabric for this but it doesnt count cos that was back in december! I am however, recycling the strap, velcro and inner pocket from his old bag, and using stash fabric for the inner. Will post pics hopefully over the weekend. I'm also knitting myself a scarf from wool that has been in my yarn stash for a while. Again, will post pics when I can.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T13:55:00.003Z

To all friends, blog readers, and anyone out there!
Hope 2009 will be a good one :)

For us, in 2008.... Kelly started school, we went on holiday to Cromer, I learnt to knit, and I bought an industrial overlocker! On the not so good side our bills got higher while our income reduced, with DP going on short time at work... hoping the motor trade picks up sometime soon! Angeltots turned 4 in July and continues to do well, especially the San pro side, which I still love making, and I'm looking forward to making even more in 2009, along with Stuffie nappies.

Christmas has been good - a nice break! Not much going on to blog about, been rather lazy lately, had lots of lie ins etc. It's gonna be a shock to get back to normal next week!

Allotment site

2008-12-21T23:09:00.003Z

Finally got a chance to get something done on my new allotment today! I've been itching to get started but with a bad back, bad weather, winter flu and Christmas preperations there's been no chance! Now school is out (yay!) and I'm just about organised for the 25th I made a trip there today.

This is it! It doesnt go all the way back, as it's just a half plot, but it's still bigger than my garden! It has been looked after in the past, so it's not toooo bad - there are a couple of beds in there already so I dug those over and as it's the shortest day of the year, planted some garlic (it's the tradition apparently!) We also lifted some onions that got left behind, I removed some of the bigger weeds on the plot and started a compost heap. Andrew and Dan came with me, they havn't been up before. Andrew loves it, and he's been busy reading up about what he can grow next year.
Next job is to bring down the blackcurrant canes I have squeezed in a pot at home and set them free on the allotment, and at some point I need to find a shed!

Lots of Angel Tots updates!

2008-12-14T23:16:00.002Z

Angel Tots will be closed for the Christmas holidays from 5pm Monday 22nd December until Monday 5th January Just incase you didn't see it on the website! I've made the front page a bit festive too - hope you like it!
When we return after the holidays there will be some major changes at Angel Tots - the most exciting news being that Stuffie Nappies will now made by me! A best seller for Angel tots, I'm so thrilled to be able to offer this fabulous nappy - look out for Stuffies in new colours, and new fleeces and in a choice of fastenings. I hope to have Angel-Tots-made-Stuffies ready by the time we re-open in the new year, with free wipes thrown in with each Stuffie purchased :)
I am also busy trialing new software for the website, if all looks ok a new look website will come into force in the new year too. This new website should be much quicker for me to update, allowing more sewing time!

As we now do every year, we'll be having a January sale, starting 5th Jan - make a note in your diaries! I plan on reducing some lines, just so I can concentrate more on the items I manufacture here - I want to keep Angel Tots as unique as possible! There will be LOTS of bargains to be had:)

Finally, some new products to look out for in Jan: Breastpads, wipes pouches, and new flannel prints for San Pro.

Think thats it for now! Have a great Holiday :)

New toy!

2008-12-05T22:16:00.003Z

An industrial overlocker! And in my dining room! Just bought from the lovely Lottie, and I'm so pleased with it! I'm going to have a good play with this over the weekend :)

Winter bugs blahhh

2008-12-01T21:55:00.002Z

Ok, so I have full blown winter flu :( Kelly has it too, she has been asleep on the sofa for much of the last 3 days, Dan has the sniffles and a cough but seems ok in himself. Last week it was a bad back - just can't win!

I have closed custom orders for San pro until after Christmas, as while I'm feeling like this I can't do much, and I was getting a bit inundated - which is very nice, but I can't keep up right now. I just have one more custom order to complete (hopefully tommorow) and send off to Poland - then I'm having a break from San pro lol! By the way, Angelpadz are now available at www.femininewear.co.uk :)

Charity Auction for SANDS

2008-11-21T20:59:00.002Z

Fellow blogger and friend Mrs Flowerpot is running 2 auctions on ebay in memory of her daughter, Abigail Scarlett, stillborn a year ago today.
Really lovely sets, support this worthwhile cause if you can!
Snails set
Daisy set

Space Centre day out

2008-11-16T23:20:00.007Z

We were back at the National space centre in Leics today, for the movie weekend. We met some of the characters from Star wars curtesy of the UK Garrison, as well as the Matrix, Indiana jones, blues brothers, predator and Alien. The costumes were fantastic!
Me and the kids with Chewbacca! And I always manage to shut my eyes on photos arhh
Andrew and Kelly with Ewoks

Nobody wanted a photo with him! Wonder why ???!!!

Happy Birthday Kelly

2008-11-13T23:42:00.002Z

She's 5 today! Where have those years gone???

Half term sewing

2008-10-28T21:59:00.003Z

A couple of projects completed over the half term holiday:

Jeans-to-skirt conversion for me

New cosy flannel nightie for Kelly (new haircut too!)

Updating website tonight...

2008-10-26T22:25:00.002Z

A few new things going on, got some more lovely hemp / terry Stuffies :) I've also been busy sewing up some san pro in the new prints, have photographed it all, but the camera software is still not working properly so I can't show you pics :( I really hate computers sometimes!

Quick roundup

2008-10-19T22:13:00.002+01:00

I'm typing with one hand so will have to be short - I hve Dan on my knee, he's not been himself the last few days, which has flared up his excema, making him itch, not sleep very well... Am trying aloe vera products on him by forever living, see if it helps :(
Had a fabric delivery yesterday, some lovely flanels for san pro, mostly florals with a ladybird and butterfly thrown in, and a fab leopard print. Unfortunatly I can't show you a pic cos the darn camera isnt talking to the pc, so you'll have to wait and see - will try and sort it when I don't have a 2 year old on my lap!

The East midlands baby show went very well - it was very busy for most of the day, showed lots of people how to use real nappies, which is always satisfying :) Behind the scenes there is a LOT of work, not just on the day but in the run up to the event, and with various things happening the week before, like spending a day in a hospital waiting room (Andrew, sprained wrist), Dave working nights, childrens party the day before, I have to say I was getting a little stressed out! I don't think I'll be doing it again.

One good thing has come up tho, my long awaited for allotment! I have been up to the site today, and actually got to pick one out - It's not the biggest allotment, just a half plot, but it's not toooo overgrown just a bit neglected. It's higher up, away from the road, and gets plenty of sunlight. Filled out paperwork and should be getting the all clear to start in a week or so - I'm so excited! This may well become a veg growing blog, as well as a family / Angel Tots / Sewing / knit and crochet blog!

East midlands baby show Sunday 12th October

2008-10-08T00:15:00.002+01:00

This is where I am on Sunday!
It's the second year we have a stand at this show - there's a pic of me and Dan at last years show on the right - So if you're in the area, please drop in!

update's in Sarah's world..

2008-09-28T22:31:00.002+01:00

It's just occured to me I havn't made a new blogging post for a couple of weeks now... must put that right!
Kelly is settled in nicely at school now, she continues to enjoy it :) She has been getting very tired, but that's to be expected. She has moved up a swimming class level too, which means she is in the big pool.. I have reservations about this as I didnt think she was ready, and sure enough on her first lesson in the big pool it got too much for her and she cried.. I felt awful, just wanted to go over and pluck her out of the pool. I was ready to get her swapped back a level, but she insists now she is fine, so I guess I'll just have to hope she is better next week.
The boys are fine, Dan is missing the older 2! It is quieter in the day now, and I must admit it's nice to not have to do another school run in the middle of the day!

I am able to get some sewing done in the day now, when Dan lets me - he is getting better, now he's that bit older and can entertain himself a bit, and when DP is home I let him do the entertaining while I sew... I can concentrate much better in the daylight hours and working under natural light is great! Especially with threading needles lol.

Because I get more of this done in the day I am actually relaxing more in the evenings, usually doing work on the PC for a bit, then sitting down with my knitting! I feel better for it... last year I think I did too much, and was constantly tired, then had that chest infection that lasted for months... And it is nice to be able to do more knitting / crochet! Today I finished a bag for my friends birthday, I can't blog it tho as it is actually her birthday today and I didnt have time to take a pic!

Yesterday I went with Lottie to see Cath at Create and Knit At Breedon in Leicestershire... A lovely place to visit if your ever in the area! And of course she has some lovely yarns... I can away with a ball of peaches n cream but could have spent more :)

Right I'm gonna cast on a scarf, and catch up with Strictly come dancing on i-player... have other stuff to blog, but for another night!
TTFN

New fabric and bag for Kelly

2008-09-10T23:05:00.002+01:00

Some new Wovens and flannel!! The gingham boyds bear print is the flannel, I thnk it will make lovely wipes. The others are cotton wovens, bought on impulse! I need to really go on a fabric diet and use up some of the stash I already have...

This is a PE bag I made for Kelly out of my new fabric! - it's actually a bit of a cheat, I just used my cotton bag that came with my Brightsparks Coorie sling and covered it in the sky castles fabric. Works a treat.

New squidge!

2008-09-10T22:52:00.003+01:00

Some lovely handspun yarn given to me for my Birthday by Sarah of Babylonglegs :)
The one on the left is 'sweetness' and the one on the right is 'big cat', all very cleverly hand dyed and hand spun - I just hope my mediocre knitting can do it justice! THere is also some very cute little sheep stitch markers, and some Green and Blacks Chocolate, but that didnt last long enough to be photographed! apparently I have to knit / crochet something for myself, so I think with winter coming in and my ears suffering a woolly hat is needed - need to purchase some circular needles :o)

Paintball fun!

2008-09-08T13:33:00.002+01:00

Had a fab weekend, paintballing for Lotties Birthday!
It was great fun, and met a great bunch of people - although it does hurt when you get whaked by paintballs, especially close up!

From the left, theres me, Lotties pal, Anna, Lottie and Sarah

First day at school!

2008-09-03T22:51:00.003+01:00

Kelly all raring to go!
She was great about starting school - and happily told me all about it when I picked her up at 12 :) She's on mornings for a couple of weeks before going full time.
I was so getting used to having them around over the holidays... I'll miss them. at least I still have Dan to keep me company!

Holiday Pics

2008-08-31T23:22:00.003+01:00

Just a few holiday pics while I have 5 mins! We had a wonderful time in Cromer, Norfolk, sooo relaxing, it really is a great place for a break - nice sandy beaches, not too comercialised, and quiet!

Crochet' hat

2008-08-12T23:46:00.002+01:00

Finaly after a year being stashed away I got it out again and finished off Dan's hat! Funny, after all that time, once I picked it up again I couldnt put it down and it was done in a couple of days. I still need to darn in the ends and add a button or toggle to the chin strap. The yarn is Carnival by Krafty Koala, I've added a couple of stripes of navy blue, and to finish it off, just to break it up a bit, and to make the yarn go further as I didn't have much left! It goes nicely with Andrew's hat, finished a year and a half ago.

Pocket nappy

2008-08-06T23:04:00.002+01:00

A pocket nappy for Dan, made from Kelly Green PUL, recycled fleece blanket and snaps for fastening :) It does the job - he's already,ahem tested it!

New Dining room and sewing space!

2008-08-03T22:34:00.006+01:00

I have really knuckled down with the decorating this week, and managed to (almost) finish the dining room!
I call it a dining room, but how it was it was more of a playroom/sitting room/sewing room/ general dumping ground and occasional eating area. Now it is a Dining room, with a little sewing corner!
As we finished the kids rooms, most of their toys were moved upstairs - I just keep pens, pencils, paper, makes and a few toys for Dan downstairs now. We also got rid of the too big 3 seater from the front room (gave to my brother, who looks after it much better than we did)and moved the 2 seater out into the front room. This left lots of space to decorate! We are on a tight budget right now, so instead of buying a new tin of paint I raided what we had in the shed - white emulsion mixed with a good dollop of 'eygyptian sand' and the last dreggs of 'whisky cream' and I came up with a lovely light sandy colour :)
On the day I was painting, one of our neighbours across the road knocked on our door, and said 'I'm clearing out an old dining table and chairs, we know you are into recycling, do you know what we could do with it?' Talk about good timing! Of course I snapped it up lol! It is a bit dated, and the chairs need re covering, but I'm sure I can manage that. It's easily big enough for 6, so suits us perfectly.
The old dining table fits nicely into the alcove between fireplace and wall and has become my sewing desk - I have rearranged the storage to store all my crafty knick nacks, and it is fab to just be able to sit and sew, and have everything near me and not have to drag machines across the room :)

Jobs still to do include making curtains and chair covers, buying a table cover before the kids wreck it and I have a plan for a large cutting out table - watch this space!

I made a cake!

2008-08-02T23:27:00.000+01:00

A crochet one! Must have been hungry....

The Harris Malones immortalised!

2008-07-20T22:40:00.002+01:00

I'm making this clear from the start, this is DP's work *not mine*, I would never devote so much time in making something so bloody useless, and my efergy looks nothing like me, it's got too much make up on for a start! It's made from this clay stuff from the local discount shop, it sets as it dries. Obviously Dp has too much time on his hands...

Dress for Kelly

2008-07-20T22:30:00.003+01:00

She loves posing for photos! (unlike me!)
I made this dress from a pattern out of an old readers digest sewing book from 1978 - it reminds me of the dresses I wore as a child! The fabric is a Robert Kaufman print, with little ladybirds on a blue background. It's my first go at elasticised shirring, and I'm quite pleased with the result :)

2008-07-10T21:17:00.001+01:00

I really like this picture of Daniel having fun popping bubbles at a teddy bears picnic we went to with toddler group - an inside picnic as it was raining!

Hemp Terry Stuffies on Sale Tommorow

2008-07-06T22:54:00.003+01:00

For anyone who actually reads my blog who wants one -
I have said Stuffie nappies in fast dry, nipparing versions with cream or purple fleece inners going on sale at 8pm Monday 6th July :)
Grab one while you can, Lotties on a roll!

Fabric delivery day :)

2008-06-30T22:37:00.007+01:00

I likes fabric delivery days!
This is a freedom spirit fabric, and will become curtains for Kelly's bedroom

Yummy Amy Butler prints!
The one on the left I bought with the intention of making curtains for the dining room - unfortunatly Dave hates it - some people have no taste! The others I bought because they coordinate nicely, and I may as well fill a flat rate envelope lol! Think me and DP are going to be at loggerheads for a while...

Soggy, windy, picnic

2008-06-30T22:10:00.002+01:00

As I mentioned in previous posts, yesterday (Sunday) was Coalville's annual picnic in the park event, at which I had a stall for Angel tots. It was in it's 10th year, and every year I have been, once 2 years ago with a stall, the rest as a visitor. And it has always been a glorious sunny day - except for yesterday! It actually started off quite nice, Got their early on with Andrew to set up the Gazebo - this is not an easy task, it's fairly big, and not the pop up type, but Andrew did a great job of helping me, and he hammered in all the tent pegs himself bless him.

By the afternoon the rain was getting heavier all the time, and windy with it, and at 4pm it was bucketing down! The pitch next door had left after fighting a losing battle with their gazebo, and others were packing up early too, so we did too. It was pretty cosy in our gazebo tho - it has mesh sides, so kept most of the rain off, and stood firm in the strongest wind. My parents came to help, and DP bought the younger 2 children down for a picnic. And daniel found a new word - nicnic!

Their were plenty of people interested in the nappies, I gave away several Morsbags, and back issues of the Green Parent, and the dolls nappies went down a treat. The remaining dolls nappies will be donated to playschool and toddler group. I may make more one day to sell - I had alot of fun making them!

Pics:

round up of the week!

2008-06-22T23:14:00.003+01:00

And welcome to the latest news bulletin da du da...!
Please excuse me, I've been at the guiness again.. While I try and remember what I was supposed to blog....
oh yeah, this week I have been mostly walking to and from school, playschool, youth club etc. It's about a mile to the school, and on Friday I did that 8 times - no wonder I'm knackered by the end of the week! If that wasnt enough we did the 'big toddle' this week too - well Kelly toddled, Daniel hitched a ride in the sling! I bought him some reins, but he was having none of it, the moment he realised he was restrained he threw himself on the floor and had a paddy in front of playschool.. ho mum!
Yesterday (Sat) I went with my parents to choose a new carpet for Kelly's room - a pink one (of course). I'ts being fitted tommorow, so exciting! It will be nice to finaly get Kelly's room finished, she really needs her own space and it's getting cluttered in the boys room. I don't think she will be so keen on sleeping by herself. I think she'll still end up sleeping in the boys room for a bit longer yet.
I have plans for the rest of the house too, just not the time or the money to do it! We are giving our 3 seater sofa to my brother, and moving the 2 seater into the front room - I plan on getting a table big enough for all of us to go in the back room, so we can have proper family meals again. All we have right now are a small table and 3 chairs. And while the sofa's out the way I want to paint! If I ever get the chance lol.

This tuesday is Dan's appointment at the hospital for his excema, and also Kelly and my visit to her new school - she is so excited! There's alot going on this time of year. .. roll on summer hols!

New Stuff this week

2008-06-15T23:28:00.004+01:00

Had a nice big parcel from Imse Vimse in Sweden this week :)
(did you know that Imse Vimse is Swedish for Incy wincy???)

This means that all wool care products are back in stock - We now have wool cure, shampoo and lavender/olive soap. And lots of swim nappies just in time for summer hols - the Imse Vimse swim nappy has got to be the softest, cutest swim nappy I've used by far (and my 3 have got through a fair few!) they fit so well, and while they are unlikely to contain wee (just act innocent!) they will stop any floaters escaping! (sorry TMI) My personal favourite are the black lizard - takes me back to my alternative/heavy metal days!

I've also had some new fabrics arrive this week - PUL in turquoise and kelly green, bamboo terry, hemp fleece, organic cotton, cotton velour and black soy jersey mmmmm.... I keep taking it all out, rearranging it, cutting some bits out, prewashing and stroking... yes I do have a growing addiction to fabric! I now have a good stock of PUL in various colours, so tonight I've been working on offering more choice on the Cloth san pro, and will be shortly offering custom made wet nappy bags, as soon as some cord and more zips for them arrive. I have had to put the price up on organic cotton pads, just by 50p per pad, as organic cotton is more expensive than patterned.

Make a Morsbag!

2008-06-08T22:29:00.004+01:00

I made a morsbag!
Well, the one in front - the 2 at the back are made by my mum. I think Morsbags are a great idea - the idea is to make a simple shopping bag out of old curtains, sheets etc and use it instead of the discusting plastic carriers given out at the supermarket. Some really dedicated 'Pods' (= group of peeps who make them) get together and make bags to give out to shoppers in towns and supermarkets.

So who would like to join me in making a morsbag?!! I have registered my own pod, called supercool bagladies (Yes LOL, I couldnt come up with anything more original) and have ordered some labels to sew on the bags. I have loads more cut out, from a whole bag full of curtains I was very kindly gifted on Freecycle and will be giving them away at the Picnic in the Park show I'm doing in a couple of weeks.

revamped skirt

2008-05-29T01:04:00.005+01:00

Dd's skirt, slightly small for her, with a trim that has seen better days. Just cut the trim off

A lovely new, and longer frill to create a new look and a longer skirt! Got plenty more of the same fabric, so when I find a suitable pattern I'll make her a top to match.

my finished pod

2008-05-29T00:55:00.002+01:00

I'm quite pleased with it :) I just love that print - it's 'another iota' from Robert Koafman (sp?)unfortunatly the cord I used for the straps wasnt quite long enough tobe a continuese piece, so I had to do 2 straps, then sew a panel of cord in the middle to hide the join. The straps are really comfy tho, just the right width and not too bulky. I folded the cord over 4 times and attached to the panel with 2 x-boxes each for added security. the cotton on the inside is plain green recycled cotton, and there is a layer of canvas sandwiched between. It's much cooler to wear than my mei tie, so should be great for summer!

I've been tagged

2008-05-28T22:57:00.002+01:00

I've been tagged by Lottie and Miffy
Rules
The rules of the game get posted at the beginning. Each player answers the questions about themselves. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5-6 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog.Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve posted your answer.

1. Ten years ago
I had no children, and a completly different life, working with horses on a Stud farm. Me and DP (who is still my DP!) were house hunting, with a budget of £28,000!

2. Five things on today's "to do" list (in no particular order).
This will have to be a 'have done' list as the day is nearly over! took libary books back, paid cheques in, took ds2 doctors, cooked soup with ds1, made more san pro.

3. Snacks I enjoy.
chocolate :)

4. Things I would do if I was a millionaire
Move to somewhere in the countryside and become self sufficent

5. Places I have lived,
Coalville, Newtown linford, somerby, burrough on the hill, Birstall

I'm gonna tag:
nobody as I don't know many other bloggers (at least well enough to tag them) and any bloggers I would tag have already been tagged lol!

I've not blogged for a while I know......

2008-05-25T18:41:00.004+01:00

Had a slight techie problem with Blogger and not had much time lately to fix it, but sorted it now :)
So have a few updates to fill you in on!

I have an Etsy shop (yay!)I have 1 yard of camping themed flannel fabric listed on there if anyones interested! Thats it for now, but will be listing more in future, including San pro sets, wet bags and wipes.
I am officially a member of Ravelry! I'm Bugsie on there if you are a member too, and just finding my way around.... Ravelry is fab :) When I get around to it I need to list my stash, plus all my hooks and pins...
Spent alot of time on the sewing machine over the weekend, making dolls nappies (for the Picnic in the park event I'm doing) and another sling - this time a Podegi. It's nearly done, so I'll post pics soon.

Next week we have a week off School and playschool:) I was going to spend some time sorting out the garden, but its raining now, hopefully it'll pick up soon! We did manage yesterday to plant our first seeds of the year (better late than never!) - cucumber, pumpkin, basil, chives, parsley, nasturtuim and sunflowers. Daniel had a great time filling pots with compost, and unfilling them!

I am without a car ATM - the brakes stopped working on my way back from Birstall last week arhh! Dh had a look - he used to be a mechanic, and the brake pipe has broke, leaking brake fluid. We can't afford to get it fixed yet, so I've dragged out my bike, along with baby seat on back, and that'll have to do for now - must admit, it's nice to be using it again - it's true what they say, you never forget how to ride a bike:)

TTfn,
Sarah x

Real nappy week 2008 - news, offers and competition

2008-04-21T00:14:00.001+01:00

I've got some offers on the websiteincluding a free micro insert when you buy a Nature babies Stuffable or stuffable Lite, and a free single nippa when you buy 2 or more micro diddy diapers.
Remember Stuffie Nappies are in stock tommorow (Monday 21st) at 8pm (or as soon as I can get the kids in bed - if it's later than this it means they are playing up, always the way when I need to get something done!)
I'll be popping along to 2 Nappuchino's this week - on Thursday I'll be in Burbage at the Millenium Hall from 1-4pm and on Saturday I'll be joining Lottieat Hinckley Leisure Centre from 9am-12pm.

***Competition***

Would you like to win one of these? Or one like it???!!!!
Just reply to this post and I'll mix them up and get one of the children to pick a winner! It's an Angeltots made wet nappy bag with a zippered section to keep stuff seperate! Choose any of the bags in stock, or I might even be able to make up a custom bag;)

Happy Real Nappy week XX

Snowto's!

2008-04-16T12:01:00.002+01:00

snowy photo's in our back garden from a couple of weeks ago:

An update from me

2008-04-13T22:44:00.000+01:00

Don't you just hate computers sometimes? My internet conection dissapears and reappears without warning, my old PC is on it's last legs and running low on memory and very slow, I can't use my laptop cos I've forgotton the flippin' password and can't get in without it, I cant for the life of me figure out why the new wireless router won't work - the one thats supposed to be easy to set up, I can't transfer files or settings without a flashcard or a certain cable that I don't have....arhh!

Anyway, back to more postive updates.... I have started knitting again, just a really simple washcloth, all knit and no purl! It's just practice really. Was a bit pleased with myself as I can now cast on with one needle, so much easier than 2, so theres one new skill there. Have joined Ravelry, for some much needed inspiration!

The two real nappy days / baby fairs organised by the council were, umm what you'd come to expect organised by the council! The loughboro one was a very poor turnout, but there were no advertising boards, nothing obvious to draw people in, and no vouchers or free nappies or any incentives given away like they have done in the past. The Brocks hill one was marginally better, and at least it's easy to get to and I don't have to pay for parking!
On the upside, I gave out plenty of business cards, price lists and my snazzy new postcards and had at least 2 website orders through people I met at the fairs. And it's a good chance to catch up with my clothie mates, particularly Lottie and Sarah, and do a bit of networking with other local businesses.

Stuffies went on sale last week too, at 2pm on Friday and sold out by 8pm! Don't panic if you missed out, as I have more :) Mostly standard terry and quick dry terry, in a mryiad of colours! They will be going on sale Monday 21st April at 8pm.

I have been stocktaking over the weekend, seems to be a bigger job each year! (wonder why;)!)Still not finished, will be carying on tommorow.

TTFN,
Sarah x

Bottyjumpers!

2008-03-31T00:13:00.001+01:00

I found time to make something for my own little boy too :)
These were made from a couple of man's jumpers, I still have to elasticate the shorts.

Wet nappy bags

2008-03-31T00:09:00.000+01:00

Made some lovely new waterproof nappy bags - these have an internal zip, still with a 'dry' side and a 'wet' compartment. They have plain PUL on one side, patterned PUL the other. These hold 4 size 2 Stuffies, so should hold 5-6 small nappies. I have made a really big bag too, and a couple of tote bags.

The san pro mountain!

2008-03-31T00:07:00.000+01:00

Have been buried under it for much of the week lol

A busy couple of weeks!

2008-03-30T23:53:00.001+01:00

I've missed a blog! apologies for not blogging last Sunday, but as you can see from the title, I have been very busy. As mentioned in my last post, Leicestershire county council have had 2 real nappy / baby fairs this week and I have had a stand at both events, so have been busy preparing, sewing, buying stock, etc.

The events themselves were a bit disapointing in terms of turnout, it could have been better advertised, but I did get to chat with other fluffy mammas and talk about my favourite subject quite a lot, and lots of my business cards and shiny new postcards were given out, so it's all good advertising! Had a good look at some of the new nappies out there, there are so many now I coudn't possibly stock them all!

The kids have been off for a week for Easter, they have another week off this week. We have been out most days, had a lovely afternoon at the libary doing Easter crafts, had a photo session at playgroup, (Daniel didn't co-operate!) and been visiting friends and family. Easter Sunday itself it snowed! we were so excited, just like a white Christmas, but with eggs instead! The "Easter bunny" was up to his tricks again, hiding all the Eggs and making the children search all over the house!

Tommorow We're off to see the gang at Mamalonglegs house, looking forward to that! (musn't be late this time lol)

Dates for the diary....

2008-03-16T23:04:00.000Z

Got a busy couple of weeks ahead!
Leicestershire CC have decided to have their real nappy week at the end of March (as opposed to end of April with the rest of the county!) ho hum!
So I will be having a stand at both these 2 venues:
Loughborough Town Hall, 27th March from 10am till 4pm
Brocks Hill Visitor Centre, 30th March from 10:30am till 3:30pm

Then of course National Real nappy week will be held from 21st - 27th April - watch out for some exclusive blog follower discounts!

I have also booked at pitch at the Picnic in the Park event at Coalville Park on Sunday 29th June :) I did this 2 years ago before I had Daniel and had a great time - it's an outdoor event and I'll be bringing along the gazebo, the deckchairs, my latest crochet project and the beer, if anyone would like to join me you are more than welcome ;)

New Stuff this week :)

2008-03-16T22:58:00.000Z

New arrivals this week are some lovely new Brightsparks Coorie Slings, including some in rainbow stripe - I now have all the sizes in most of the colours lol!
I have finaly had a chance to put the new Motherease products on the website too, plus listed a few more pre-loved and reduced prices again on some of the stuff on the special offers page

2008-03-11T00:09:00.000Z

Just a quick update as it's 12.18 am and I really should be in bed...

Today I learnt that Alan, my lovely neighbour across the road died suddenly at the weekend :( Neighbours like him are few and far between - I will miss our roadside chats, friendly waves and car parking rants, not to mention the lovely free range eggs from his son. RIP Alan.

On a more positive note, had a lovely email from a satisfied customer: "Hi
Just a short note to say how impresses I was at the quality of the washable towels. I had ordered a few off another website and they looked rubbish in comparison. It's very sad to get excited about washable sanitary towels but I can't wait to get using them. If I get on well I will be ordering more. Thanks too for the advise sheet on how to wash them. I thought the little ribbon they were tied with was a lovely finishing touch too"

Made my day lol!

Mothers Day update

2008-03-02T23:03:00.000Z

Yes It's mothers day today - the children all made little cards for me, which are decorating my mantlepiece :) DP doesnt really 'do' mothers day, I had to send his mum a card (and hand him card and pen to sign!) and I didn't get my lie in, or much pampering.

This weekend I took the 2 elder children to see Lottie in panto ! She starred as the wicked but not so wicked queen in 'trouble in pantoland' and she was fab! Andrew and Kelly really enjoyed themselves.

On the Angel Tots front, have been busy this week mainly sewing san pro! had an infux of custom orders, which is always nice, and I'm using the new flannels now, which are looking fab. I do like a change in pattern every now and again, makes life more interesting! I need to make some more in stock san pro too, as I have 2 'real nappy days' coming up at the end of the month in Leicestershire and need some stock! I'll blog more info on this very soon.

Arrivals this week are some new nappi nippas, in green/yellow/white and pink/purple/white as well as more of the usual blues and reds.

On the yarn front, I reckon I'm going through some kind of knitty block! I have been trying to practice my knitting, but it's not working for me at all. I really wanted to have a go at some socks but I can't even knit a simple washcloth just now. Tried a crochet sock pattern, but I got stuck on the foundation chain so didn't get very far! "But thats easy!!!" I can hear you say - not when it's a triple crochet foundation it isn't!! Arrr! I don't really know what to do next. Hav'nt got loads of time for knitting/crochet but I do find it winds me down doing a couple of rows at the end of the day, and can't really afford new yarns but I do have stash to bust. Any ideas?

I've been tagged!

2008-02-21T22:50:00.000Z

Twice, no less, by the lovely Mamalonglegs and equally lovely Miffyrabbit

So I have to tag 10 people back:
"Give the award to 10 people whose blogs bring you happiness and inspiration and make you feel happy about blogland. Let them know by posting a comment on their blog so they can pass it on. Beware you may get the award several times."

Now I don't read that many blogs, don't think I even have that many friends, so I apologise now if I come up short -

MamalonglegsBabylonglegs gets a tag back for brightening my day with her beautiful colourful yarns, and making the best soup and home made bread

Miffyrabbit
for being my 3 children and attachment parent buddy

Lottie who makes the worlds best nappies and always has a crochet pattern, and an ear, to lend

Finished my Mei tei!

2008-02-17T22:37:00.000Z

I'm pretty pleased with it! There's lots of padding in the waistband and wide shoulder straps to accomodate my growing boy! This is definatly a toddler mei tei, which is what I wanted. It is soooo comfy! Dan actually fell asleep in it so I guess thats his approval lol. I'm already on the hunt for more fabric to make another one :) Think I may be developing a fabric fetish.

On the Angel Tots front, I received my first batch of Motherease nappies this week.... Air flow wraps in white and eco prints, bamboo one size and staydry one size with the matching snap in liners. These will be going up on site as soon as I get time to write descriptions, and will be replacing the popolini nappies and wraps. I hope to get some Sandy's nappies and rikki wraps in soon too.

It's been half term week this week, and I have been taking the kids out most days, nothing fancy, but they really appreciate a trip to the library, and the local manor house, visiting grandma etc. It's nice to get a break from the routine every now and again.

Till next week, take care xx

2008-02-10T23:04:00.000Z

Had a sore throat / high temp thing this week and had to get a couple of early nights in, so if anyones San pro has taken longer than hoped, that is why and I apologise. Thankfully it was short lived and I'm fine now, although I think Dan is coming down with it:(

The last couple of days I have been working on a meitei baby carrier - I've not made one before so I'm learning some lessons on the way lol! The straps and panel are all yummy beige corduroy, and I'm using minkee as the lining. I didn't have a big enough piece of minkee, so have sewn afew squares together - it's only me using it so hey ho!

Pic shows the story so far! Have attached cord shoulder straps to the inner canvas (aka old curtains!) layer. Next job is to sew on the outer and inner layers together, and attach the waist straps.

On the Angel Tots front, Stuffies were finally in stock on monday night - yay! I had a limited number, just 17 size 2 and 6 size 1, and they went on the website at 9.25pm Monday night - by 11pm all were sold bar 3 size 1's !!! Stuffie nappies have become a rare collectors item lol! The 3 remaining size 1's have also gone now, so I'm all out again - will be negotiating with Lottie another 'in stock' date for Stuffies in the future.

Kids are off school this week - I'm not going to try and get too much done, as the children havn't been 'out' properly for a while, so I have various activities planned for the week - Andrew is very active and needs a lot to keep his mind and body occupied! Wish me luck lol,

All the best, Sarah x

Today I have been mostly....

2008-02-03T23:36:00.000Z

decluttering! paperwork mostly, as my Dad built some fab new shelves for my 'office' AKA corner of the living room! We have accumalated so much junk lately, not just in this room, so one of my priorities this year is to de-stash. It's going to take a while!

I have also decided that from now on Sunday night is blogging night. I am never going to be able to post more frequently than that, I just don't get time, so hopefully weekly updates will suffice! It also seems to work for me to have certain things to do on each night.

Yesterday I spent an afternoon at Lotties making coffee and cracking the whip while she makes some lovely Stuffie Nappies to go on my site tommorow :) I've a feeling they won't last long....

And last but definatly not least I got a lovely late birthday present

Isnt it fab? will soon be attempting my first crochet socks, as soon as I get the right size hook!!!

Until next week,

Sarah xx

Tax return all done and submitted :)

2008-01-20T14:14:00.000Z

Yay! I'm so glad thats out the way. It's not difficult, it's just one of those jobs that get put off in favour of more interesting jobs, and I also had to catch up on my accounts - next time I am not going to leave it till the last minute!

This means I can can start crocheting again :) Yesterday afternoon I met up with some friends for a child free knitting / crocheting session down the pub, which was wonderful and so relaxing! Hopefully it will be a more regular occurence, and Dave coped fine without me, apart from not thinking to change poor Dan's nappy. I started on a rainbow coloured hat for Daniel, simalar to the one I made for Andrew last year, so they can have matching hats!

This afternoon, when I get off this thing, I'm going to scrape wallpaper off the walls in Kelly's bedroom. Now the boys have their room, I'm under pressure from a certain little girl to get this one done!

must go, S x

mmmmm flannels....

2008-01-11T22:00:00.000Z

all prewashed and ready to sew!
the planets one I'm planning to use to make a beanbag for the boys bedroom :)

1st blog of the year!

2008-01-08T22:58:00.000Z

And it's already Jan 8th ...oops
My excuse is since after Christmas I have been soooo busy! Not had much of a chance to play with my new laptop and not managed to get it online yet as I'm not a techie person so I'm still blogging on the desktop.

Had a lazy Christmas and New year, had lots of lie-ins, even Daniel got used to getting up at 9.30am! On New years eve we took the kids to the Panto at loughborough town Hall - sleeping beauty. It was their 1st Panto and they loved it, Daniel was very well behaved and clapped along!

On Jan 2nd we had a new carpet fitted in the boys room - a steel grey colour, loks fab and has really transformed the room. There are no curtains up yet so they are sstill not sleeping in there, but we have moved most of the furniture and toys in and they are having a great time using it as a play room. This has meant I have been able to clear the room that will become Kelly's, and I've already started stripping wallpaper. Woodchip is a nightmare to get off!

Kids are now back at School / playschool and we are just settling back into the routine again. I have been busy loading all the sale stuff onto Angel Tots..... lots of bargains as I really need to shift some stock! Need the space, as ever.

Other develpments at Angel Tots.... I have some lovely new flannels in from the states to make San Pro with. Some new snaps arrived today too! I'm using a slightly bigger size. I have also been testing new designs... watch this space!

I have been booked in to do a nappy demo at a post natal group in march, a nice big group I always enjoy doing, as I went there after I had andrew 7 years ago! Have been thinking about starting to offer sling demo's too, as I get alot of interest and it would be nice be able to show mums what it's all about. I did 3 'solo' sling demo's in dec and they are all carrying there babies now :). Just need to build up my collection a bit first.

New years resoution: blog more frequently! I've gone and written an essay now! Well done if you are still here lol.
Sarah x

Santa has landed!!!!

2007-12-29T15:50:00.000Z

My own lovely Santa in his red Ducati t'shirt has bought me a LAPTOP!!!

All the hints have worked hehehehe! Just have to figure it all out now. It is 3 times more powerful than my desk top, and has windows vista (I'm currently on XP) I've not connected it to the internet yet or transferred any files, will do when I get a chance. I also need to get a wireless connection at some point. As well as the Laptop I got a nice case to keep it in, a digital photo frame from my sis, 8 cans of guiness from my bro, a Tesco giftcard and a hamper from Mum + Dad and some bits of jewelery and chocolate :)

5 of us did a Stocking Swap, which was a fabby idea - my mate Sasha was buying for me, my stocking included a necklace and bracelet, lush bath bombs, nuts, an orange, choc coins and a choc Santa! We have already planned another swap for next year :)

Not been anywhere much, apart from my parents on Boxing day. I'm feeling much better too, finished my course of AB's but what really helped was having a break from the school run and not breathing in all that cold air. Have been painting the boys room - our main present to the children was just getting their rooms done, so have ordered a new carpet for the boys, which will be here on Tuesday, and have finished painting it today, apart from painting the mural, which is DP's job. Once that's done we can clear the other bedroom and decorate that for Kelly - she wants an entirely pink room, but I'm hoping to be able to chuck in a bit of lilac and white to break up the pinkness! Since we had the loft done, which is our room, all of us have been sleeping up there - which I don't mind, but would be nice for the kids to have their own space. Will post pics later!

no more school :)

2007-12-19T21:30:00.000Z

I'm so glad school finished today! may sound strange, but my chest infection had got so bad I was struggling with the school run - on ab's now, so hopefully they will start to work soon, that and a bit of rest and hopefully I'll be better for xmas! And it is nice to have the kids at home, they have been getting tired too.

Tommorow We're off to Lotties, I'm really looking forward to that as I've not seen the other girls for a while :)

Sorry I've not been around for a bit...

2007-12-12T16:54:00.000Z

My OH Dave and the kids keep hijacking the PC! Number 1 on my christmas list is a laptop.... but very unlikely to happen!

Have a lot on this time of year... Tommorow is andrews nativity, then next week is Kelly's (She's going to be Mary!) There is various Christmas parties, I go to a couple of toddler groups so there is parties for each. Then there's the Playschool party and outing to the soft play centre next week and a Carol service with the school. The other night I went out for an italian with the other mums from Toddler group - it was nice to get out as I havn't been on a proper night out since before I had Daniel nearly 2 years ago!

On top of this I now have a chest infection :( Always happens this time of year, without fail. I've not managed to make much lately... had lots of plans but so far nothing has come of them! Been buying some lovely bits and bobs lately from ebay and a recent trip into Leics... some beads and thonging, clasps and also some very lush shiny crochet cotton! When things have calmed down a bit I'm going to have a go at making some jewelery :) Will post updates later.

My day

2007-11-27T22:09:00.000Z

This is a typical day for me:
Leave house at 8.20 to get Andrew to school for 8.45, straight to playschool to drop off Kelly, which starts at 9.30, get home at 9.50, leave again at 11.50 to pick K up from playschool, get back at 12.20ish, then lunch and leave for post office and school at 2.45 - I get back around 3.45 - 4pm. I walk everywhere, it goes against my ethos to take the car on short journeys! Then I cook dinner, have dinner, tidy up, bath kids and put kids to bed. In between all this washing is going in and out the machine, I change nappies, play with Daniel, read stories and drink far too much coffee (my fuel)

My evenings are for working on Angel Tots stuff, I have found the only way I get get organised with it, that is actually getting something done and not browse on the forums all night it to set myself a task per night, as such:
Monday: accounts
Tuesday: Sewing
Wednesday: Sewing
Thursday: ebay / frecycle / update files
Friday: Website updates / PR
Saturday: night off!
Sunday: Catch up with weekend orders, sewing if needed

Of course this isnt set in stone - you never know what might happen! And I sometimes swap things over, like I often try and get out of doing the books on a Monday (yawn!) and sew instead, but so far I don't think I've done a bad job of sticking to the original plan. Some things need to get done every night, like printing off orders, but that doesnt take long.

So that pretty much sums it up! Roll on christmas hols....

Urh...

2007-11-22T22:07:00.000Z

Been feeling a bit off colour the last few days, hence why the blog's not been updated. just had the old head cold / headache / high temp flu like symptoms, not nice! Daniel has been poorly too, but he seems to bounce back after 24hrs whereas it takes me a bit longer to shake it off. Feeling better now tho, so normal service is starting to resume.... it's amazing how much washing piles up in just a short space of time!

A rainbow of sanpro!

2007-11-15T23:30:00.000Z

I do love the Jungle cats flannel - only had enough for 4 pads. The little ladybirds on blue flannel goes great with contrasting red PUL. I've had some new labels too, that say AngelPadz :) These are a bit shorter, so don't stick out so much.

Paying it Forward

2007-11-11T21:50:00.000Z

I've Joined up with Lottie in this - It's based of the concept of the movie "Pay it Forward" where acts or deeds of kindness are done without expecting something in return, just passing it on, with hope that the recipients of the acts of kindness are passed on.

Basically, I will make and send a gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment to this post on my blog requesting to join this PIF exchange. It could be something sewn or crocheted, you'll have to wait and see! It may not be done this month, but I promise to make and send a gift to each of my recipients within 6 months.

What you have to do in return, then, is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog. You need to add the button, and recruit 3 people to PIF, and then you'll recieve your gift from me :)

Votes pleeeeeeeeeeeeese!!

2007-11-07T23:40:00.000Z

BabyGROE are launching the Natural Choice awards 2008 and if you think Angel Tots is a worthy eco-business, you can vote for me in the Small Ethical Business Category:) There is an eco hamper up for grabs apparently.
Now there are some fab businesses out there, like mine whose owners put in lots of work, more hours, and come up with great ideas - how to choose just one is beyond me. Any business who chooses to activly promote a green, ethical way of life, usually taking much less profit than doing mainstream 'work' deserves a pat on the back IMO. That said, I'd be happy with a few votes :)

Register your vote here:

Finished!

2007-11-05T13:35:00.001Z

Hope mum likes it

2007-11-04T22:03:00.000Z

Felt a bit sorry for myself today - been cooped up in the house all week as Kelly has been ill, and not really had an adult conversation with anyone apart from Dave, (briefly) and today he took Andrew to see the Star Wars people at the space centre, so on my own again with the younger 2. Now I should really be enjoying spending time with them, but I'm fustrated - I find myself snapping at the kids which I feel guilty about as it's not their fault and Daniel is at the age now where I can't take my eyes off him.... when I try to go on the PC he keeps pressing the keys, if I tidy up he's making a mess somewhere else, he's always in the cat food, and he can climb stairs like lightening. It's much easier when they are less mobile and I could carry him around in the sling, but he wants to make his own way these days! Kelly on the other hand will sit and watch TV all day if I let her, and let me get on with things, but TV all day is no good, and she gets very grumpy when I switch it off! On the plus side, she is better now, well enough to go back to playschool tommorow anyway - so tommorow I'll be back to walking down that same long road 6 times a day...... such is life.

I did manage to sit down with Kelly this afternoon and made a start on making some Christmas cards, while Daniel was asleep. I managed 6:

And these are Kelly's creations!

Cheered me up a bit doing these - if only I had time to do more.

Tonight I'm going to get the scarf finished for my mum - Originally for christmas, I just remembered it's her birthday tommorow doh! Its coming on well, I'm doing a shell border round the whole thing - and it's a very long scarf. Will post a pic when it's done.

OTH again

2007-10-29T23:46:00.000Z

Not had anything on the hook for ages, been so busy sewing, but after borrowing 'Happy hookers' from Lottie I have been inspired! So this is what I'm working on now, it's a scarf for my mum for christmas. Feels good to be crocheting again :)