tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23406893685804535822011-08-16T18:06:01.088+01:00Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.comBlogger911100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-12027890364469360452010-07-27T08:55:00.002+01:002010-07-27T18:45:23.914+01:00

I'm moving this blog to wordpress as I'm not too happy with Blogger these days.New address is http://stitchandshoot.wordpress.com/I'll keep this one open but no new posts will appear here!Thanks for reading x

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-17815365514786086142010-07-24T23:45:00.002+01:002010-07-24T23:47:31.248+01:00

Task complete! 3 cushion covers to match the blind fabric. My lounge is looking pretty good now, everything is tying together nicely and I've quite enjoyed making this stuff so far (except for the fiddly bits of the blinds).

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-26431629868321883882010-07-24T20:23:00.002+01:002010-07-24T20:27:42.427+01:00

I decided to make Roman blinds for my new lounge. My sofas are grey and the rug too, so I got this fabric from Ikea and made some blinds for the bay window. I think they came out pretty well. I had some help from my dad with getting them up thankfully, I don't know how I would have done it without him. Next thing will be making matching cushion covers.

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-75613552864221990022010-07-12T22:22:00.002+01:002010-07-12T22:27:07.713+01:00

I decided to make some office cakes at the weekend. I needed to cheer myself up after an unpleasant experience on Sunday so I baked a Victoria Sponge and Lemon Cupcakes. They didn't last too long at work!My next task will be Rhubarb and Brown Sugar Muffins, then I'll be trying some stuff from the book I just got from Amazon - Red Velvet & Chocolate Heartache. I'm looking forward to trying these

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-41725398388811864582010-06-15T12:51:00.001+01:002010-06-15T12:51:31.199+01:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Chicago, originally uploaded by Claire Howson. I'm trying to get back into photography after a long time of not doing much. Chicago provided the perfect backdrop for inspiration, it's a shame I didn't get more time to take

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-74502488479829224632010-05-19T16:12:00.001+01:002010-05-19T16:12:31.864+01:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } From Harlech, originally uploaded by Claire Howson. My outlook is much improved, forget the black and white beach, it's all blue skies at the moment!

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-67788440476031743372010-05-15T00:02:00.002+01:002010-05-15T00:03:03.165+01:00

Things are looking up. I was at a bit of a low ebb but everything is coming together nicely. Hopefully the bad karma is spent....

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-36820805105962429892010-04-23T12:12:00.001+01:002010-04-23T12:12:56.802+01:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } beach, originally uploaded by Claire Howson. This photo just about sums up my mood right now. Everything is bleak, dark and hopeless.

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-45721814831945066342010-02-14T16:45:00.002Z2010-02-14T16:47:42.724Z

My old jumper has many uses, I made socks from the sleeves, one for the iPod, one for the iPhone.

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-67015324391467809412010-02-14T16:38:00.002Z2010-02-14T16:45:27.323Z

I wanted to make my friend a baby quilt but as she's due in March I didn't think I'd have enough time to master quilting so I made her an elephant instead. Not sure whether to add a blanket to it yet, might see what sex the baby is first before I decide. No whistles, but it does have bells inside!

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-50377550145797233782010-02-12T23:04:00.002Z2010-02-13T12:39:24.864Z

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-79661138378571156702010-02-12T22:43:00.004Z2010-02-13T12:38:40.801Z

Didn't exactly get into blogging this year again, haven't been out with the camera for quite a while so here's another photo from the London Eye. I hope this can kick start my blog again.

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-42501907758724348262010-01-08T23:13:00.005Z2010-02-13T12:39:07.310Z

I spent New Year in London. I had to go on the Eye since I had never done it before. The pod was so dirty that the best photos I got were of the actual Eye itself!

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-24726891885152516372010-01-06T23:46:00.004Z2010-02-13T12:38:05.124Z

I didn't do very well with my resolution to blog more last year, this year I'll try to be more creative and do the blogging too. Here are some snowy photos to get me started

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-46173941238305192092009-10-28T17:57:00.002Z2009-10-28T18:06:06.533Z

Decided it was time to start making some stuff to sell in my Etsy shop. I thought it would be nice to use some of my fabrics to cover canvases having done a big one with Marimekko fabric I had. I've only done a couple to date and not listed them yet, but soon I'll be selling some small canvases that look like this:

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-26013615519635419082009-09-13T19:02:00.002+01:002009-09-13T19:08:05.884+01:00

I'm currently trying to sell my house, it's a nice little property, quiet neighbourhood, nice garden. Any takers?

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-88585276599137608552009-02-18T13:14:00.000Z2009-02-18T13:17:39.951Z

More cupcakes were made this weekend. This time chocolate and vanilla cakes, with plain buttercream, chocolate curls or a dusting of cocoa powder. Yum.

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-8806235040747653812009-02-09T20:30:00.004Z2009-02-09T20:41:25.020Z

While in New York we went to Billy's Bakery which is an offshoot of the more famous Magnolia Bakery. It was a nice break from the cold wintry weather, but even nicer to try their cupcakes - delicious.I haven't baked for quite a while but we decided to try some cupcakes of our own with the star shaped silicone baking cups I got. The buttercream was the hardest part to make, my arm was aching

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-57424964303254868432009-01-30T22:59:00.002Z2009-01-30T23:01:58.809Z

Central Park Ice, originally uploaded by Claire Howson.I've just come back from New York. It was pretty cold over there, there was already snow on the ground and more fell during the week. During a stroll through Central Park I spotted some cool patterns in the ice like in this photo. There are more on my flickr page.

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-35822131622822063212009-01-17T17:43:00.006Z2009-01-17T17:58:08.589Z

I was visiting a rather cool webiste called Stumble Upon which took me to another rather cool website called Zefrank where you can build your own flowers. I made the two below and I think I could get addicted to making them. You can also create gardens. It's a good way to spend ten minutes at least....

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-33451600166596786592009-01-15T18:56:00.002Z2009-01-15T19:00:15.126Z

originally uploaded by Claire Howson.I finally got the sewing machine back out to make myself another bag (like I need another one). I bought this green canvas from reprodepot last year along with some Marimekko fabric that I can't bear to cut into.I have been meaning to make this bag for a long time but got sidetracked with work, but I finally got round to getting the machine back out and made

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-30304784501097326832009-01-04T11:11:00.003Z2009-01-04T11:13:01.541Z

originally uploaded by Claire Howson.While I was looking through the photos I took at Christmas I noticed that there were a few more spots and dust on my camera sensor. My dad cleaned it for me a while ago but unfortunately more stuff has got in there since. I suppose I'm not careful enough when I'm changing lenses.On my New Years Day walk I decided that I'd have a look at the sensor. I could see

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-71325397264023136322009-01-01T16:07:00.003Z2009-01-01T16:09:44.903Z

Cow Parsley, originally uploaded by Claire Howson.I'm starting the new year as I mean to go on - taking photos and updating my blog.The nature reserve near my house was nice and frosty with lots of photos ops. I didn't take as many as I probably should but I got a few that I'm happy with.Happy New Year!

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-5052040854270556482008-12-28T13:31:00.002Z2008-12-28T13:32:56.883Z

originally uploaded by Claire Howson.After Christmas dinner we always go for a walk and collect my grandma from my aunty's house. I took this on the way, on Applebury Hill between Cark and Allithwaite. The wind farm is near Barrow-in-Furness.

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-42627695732173859792008-12-15T16:49:00.002Z2008-12-15T16:51:04.533Z

Tree Dwellers, originally uploaded by Claire Howson.My Christmas tree is not the most traditional. I have collected a few odd decorations over the years, here are a few of them. Also to be found on my tree are parrots, an elephant, a tiger, a giraffe, a zebra, a skunk and a polar bear. Along with copious amounts of chocolate....Merry Christmas, I hope to be a bit more active in blog land next

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-54875482955322891052008-11-16T19:41:00.004Z2008-11-16T19:42:47.442Z

Homemade mince pies, originally uploaded by Claire Howson.Today I made my first batch of mince pies in 2008. This time last year I was probably on my third or fourth batch, I went a little crazy on making them. I mixed a little cinnamon with the icing sugar this time which adds a nice extra flavour, delish ;-)

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-47450986080199664162008-11-15T11:38:00.001Z2008-11-15T11:40:33.757Z

Two years ago my other piglet Pickle sadly passed away. She is the dark pig in the foreground and was an absolute joy to have, along with her sister Chutney. RIP little piglets.

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-38649016232620088842008-11-08T18:58:00.003Z2008-11-08T19:00:02.634Z

I Love Beaches, originally uploaded by Claire Howson.I didn't get as many photos as I would have liked on holiday. The weather made it difficult to get the camera out, and the medium format never made it out of the boot of the car. I did take a few which I have posted on flickr.This was one that I quite liked, simple and to the point. The beaches in Cornwall are really lovely, but the beach where

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-45210018463157488372008-11-02T21:30:00.003Z2008-11-02T21:36:19.410Z

A week away is all very nice but it's a always nice to get home. I just wish that home had some beaches like this. This was taken at Watergate Bay in Cornwall and was one of the only clear days we had. The weather in the main was atrocious - hail and rain storms aplenty and the wind was icy cold too. There were other parts of the country that had it worse than us so I shouldn't complain.

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-70389642852591921522008-10-24T20:31:00.002+01:002008-10-24T20:33:19.892+01:00

Mullion Cove Joiner, originally uploaded by Claire Howson.I finally have a week off. After two months of solid working I'm having a week's break in Cornwall. I'm hoping the weather will be nice to get some good photos. When I was there last year the skies were not quite clear enough, hopefully this time they will be bright and blue.It won't be so easy to switch off from work, there will be some

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-29746143080050012008-10-20T22:11:00.002+01:002008-10-20T22:38:05.038+01:00

This is my new camera. I got it from Oxfam for £20 and it's a beauty but the mirror is now stuck. I need to get some new batteries for it and hopefully that will solve the problem. If not, the lens is in good nick so I can try to find a new body from ebay or something. I hope I can get it working, it has a good weighty feel and a nice smooth action on the lens. The film wind has a nice clunky

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-76531496922365069332008-10-19T20:37:00.001+01:002008-10-19T20:40:19.001+01:00

Today I baked an apple pie. Here it is. It's delicious.

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-56724559705947016972008-09-10T20:34:00.003+01:002008-09-10T20:45:03.357+01:00

I have spent a lot of time decorating recently. Mainly painting, the bathroom, the lounge (the kitchen and bedrooms are still to come). My dad came this weekend to put up the wallpaper that we bought in the lounge. We're really pleased with it, it's a Farrow and Ball print, quite expensive but we loved it. One of the walls we painted the same colour as the wallpaper background which works really

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-10833947282478728692008-08-25T20:56:00.002+01:002008-08-25T21:02:34.682+01:00

This is Dolly, my neighbours cat. She likes rolling around on my feet, and sitting on the laptop when I am trying to work. She knows exactly which button to press to abort the programme I'm currently working on. I can't work out which button it is but she does it every time! She also likes to type while I am trying to have IM conversations. She is adorable though, I can't help but pet her when

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-28057716204074086012008-08-20T18:12:00.002+01:002008-08-20T18:16:11.338+01:00

I finally got my college results today - I got a disticntion! Hurrah!! I'm pretty pleased with that, I'm glad I ended on a high.

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-36868854802052081202008-08-14T14:14:00.004+01:002008-08-14T19:32:22.464+01:00

It was my dad's birthday this week so I made him this card from scrap material I had. I prefer making these to the "old style" cards I used to make. I think I might try to make some of these for my Etsy store as they're really quick to do and I have a shedload of stuff to make them with!

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-43049754010662519472008-08-08T12:36:00.001+01:002008-08-08T12:39:08.673+01:00

I put this on my Ipod recently. I used to love this song. It reminds me of when I was at school, the summers were long and there was actually some sun! It's got such a wonderful vibe to it, it makes me smile :-)

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-78681428840454279252008-08-04T13:58:00.002+01:002008-08-04T13:58:56.354+01:00

Fern, originally uploaded by Claire Howson.I love ferns, I love the way they unfurl with new fronds. I thought this was quite apt following the arrival of a new family member.

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-48977448559716007192008-08-03T20:19:00.001+01:002008-08-03T20:27:32.936+01:00

I finished the elephant today for baby Evan. I appliqued his name to the elephant's blanket. It was a fun project actuallly, I might try one with fleece or something else touchy-feely.

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-4914627682705911982008-08-02T22:06:00.005+01:002008-08-03T09:20:45.374+01:00

I started a project today for my boyfriend's newborn newphew, Evan. I got this book, Last Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts at Christmas and loved the elephant, so I decided to start one of my own in blue gingham.

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-77163968772557102162008-07-27T17:31:00.003+01:002008-07-27T17:32:29.175+01:00

FAB, originally uploaded by Claire Howson.Finally some decent weather for a whole weekend! I decided to celebrate with the best ice lolly around, the fab. Mmmmm very nice. It was just a shame that whilst sat outside enjoying it in my garden in the sun I had to listen to my neighbours loud music and screaming children. It's times like this that the detatched house in the country would be extra

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-63030144950928652082008-07-25T18:21:00.003+01:002008-07-25T18:27:14.353+01:00

I love this, I had to share it.

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-50476146018624608462008-07-20T16:26:00.003+01:002008-07-20T16:36:03.788+01:00

I bought the pattern for the Sophia bag ages ago, and the fabric, but this weekend I finally got round to making it. The blue wool came from Abakahn and was dirt cheap. The lining fabric is Amy Butler from the Belle collection I think. I'm quite pleased with the result, I'm thinking I should have done the piping to give it a bit better shape but I'm not sure the machine would have coped with the

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-37056950062841220162008-07-18T08:34:00.003+01:002008-07-18T08:53:26.506+01:00

It's difficult to find something to say when the weather is this bad. It's getting quite depressing not being able to see any blue sky, not being able to go outside without getting wet.....here is a photo I took a while ago, I thought the brightness might go some way to making up for our lack of sun. It's not working yet, I'll just have to keep looking at it.

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-61216821121536995372008-07-17T11:40:00.001+01:002008-07-17T11:42:06.550+01:00

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-88769310067101781142008-07-16T23:00:00.005+01:002008-07-17T12:52:21.046+01:00

Sometimes it is difficult to find something to smile about. The last few weeks and especially the last few days, it has been difficult to smile. So here is a pretty picture I can look at which might help.

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-17773088484215987372008-07-15T08:20:00.004+01:002008-07-15T08:30:16.322+01:00

Yesterday was a sad day for me, it marked two years since my beloved Guinea Pig Chutney passed away. She had been ill for a short time and suddenly got worse, it was a really sad time, especially because her sister Pickle was left alone. RIP little piglets!

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-74949440099907544342008-07-14T20:27:00.004+01:002008-07-18T09:40:07.674+01:00

My mum and dad have some really nice plants in their garden, here are a few photographs of them. My mum has always wanted to come home to find that Alan Titchmarsh has been round and revamped the garden but I like the wildness of it. I'd love to have some wild flowers. When we got back from Cumbria we decided to mow the lawn and do a bit of gardening of our own. I really got my hands dirty - it

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-70532759380527461762008-07-13T16:47:00.020+01:002008-07-13T19:04:12.281+01:00

Most of the weddings I have been to have been friends'. It was quite odd to have my whole family at a wedding, especially those that I had not seen in many moons. My cousin got married on Saturday in Flookburgh, Cumbria and I went a little mad with the camera (you can tell I hadn't been out with it in a while). Here are a few shots from the day.Banner in church.Me taking a picture of myself in

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-86487670712907043372008-07-10T21:43:00.003+01:002008-07-10T21:44:57.868+01:00

Tywyn broken pier, originally uploaded by Claire Howson.The last of the photos from my trip to Wales. These slides had to be sent to Kodak to produce because they use K-14 chemicals, not the normal E-6 chemical. I had to send it to Switzerland for it to be forwarded to the U.S. It took a while for them to come back so I have only just scanned some of them.I need to go and take some more photos, I

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-13579847838241155332008-07-07T14:01:00.003+01:002008-07-07T14:10:22.308+01:00

I was asked to make some wallets ages ago....I finally got around to finishing them this weekend. Here they are:

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-46816893418104326532008-07-07T11:47:00.003+01:002008-07-25T18:28:37.755+01:00

....there's a song that I want to listen to over and over again - right now it's the Mystery Jets' "Two Doors Down" which I love to bits. I like the 80's twist they've taken in their latest album and the video is just like going back in time.

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-76543527243127685192008-07-05T13:45:00.002+01:002008-07-05T14:17:59.824+01:00

I've not been very active recently, mainly due to a college deadline and increasing workload. Now that college is finished I *should* have a bit more time to get back to old ways.It was a big push to get my final submission in but I managed it with this set of photographs. My tutor seemed happy and I should hear in the next few weeks how I did overall with the course. I'll keep you posted ;-)

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-88663873341895822202008-06-11T09:16:00.003+01:002008-06-11T09:29:28.592+01:00

Some cross processed images from Crosby.

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-953436746098970672008-06-10T08:44:00.003+01:002008-06-10T09:00:39.242+01:00

From the Abersystwyth area.

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-59565121353377660962008-04-30T11:36:00.002+01:002008-04-30T11:37:37.053+01:00

Donkey, originally uploaded by Claire Howson.Couldn't resist a shot of this lovely donkey in the New Forest.

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-45539823505149521042008-03-28T08:45:00.023Z2008-03-28T21:16:12.697Z

The world of blogging has been kind to me with tutorials so I thought I'd give something back. Here is my guide to making a jewellery roll.You will need - outer and lining fabric (I used velvet and satin for my jewellery roll), iron-on interfacing, two co-ordinating zips, co-ordinating thread, a small piece of velcro.1. Cut out fabrics and interfacingFrom outer fabric: 20x30cm for the exterior,

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-67524982553458463712008-03-20T11:16:00.002Z2008-03-20T11:16:57.001Z

Fence, Ardmore, Co Waterford, originally uploaded by Claire Howson.Dispite taking over 300 photographs I only had about ten that were worth doing anything with. Most of the ones I took were duplicates of pretty much the same scene so I didn't have a massive amount to choose from.I'm annoyed with myself for not taking more shots in RAW format. I've been told many times about the joys of RAW but

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-80428749955107798932008-03-19T13:22:00.003Z2008-03-19T14:29:00.207Z

I have three weddings to go to this year so of course I needed a new outfit. I've always looked for dresses for weddings and either been put off by the price or their shape (or should that be my shape!). I went on a mission to John Lewis a few weeks ago and saw two that I really liked (and that looked half decent on me). They were both by Nougat and one was twice the price of the other - so

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-16512301715900719582008-03-16T16:38:00.002Z2008-03-16T16:53:23.034Z

My favourite place to get fabric in Manchester is Abakahn on Oldham Street. It's a bit hit and miss what you get there as they sell end of bolt stuff by weight. I always take a look at the wool section and have found a lot of really good quality tweed. Last time I went in I picked up some petrol blue wool and camel cashmere. I didn't realise it was cashmere until I got it home - I paid about

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-7945640114754752662008-03-12T13:38:00.004Z2008-03-12T13:42:01.025Z

The Round Tower, Ardmore, originally uploaded by Claire Howson.This tower was built in the 12th Century in Ardmore. The remains of a Cathedral are also on site. It's a really nice little village with this long history (the buildings date back to St Declan who preceeded St Patrick on brining Christianity to Ireland) and the beautiful beach.

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-88188501403521153972008-03-11T09:46:00.002Z2008-03-11T09:48:21.784Z

My first time on the front page of Explore!! I'm chuffed to bits.

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-14151183546574492462008-03-10T20:31:00.003Z2008-03-12T13:40:22.910Z

Beach nr Ardmore, Co Waterford, originally uploaded by Claire Howson.This is my favourite I think, I took this in RAW and I wish I'd done the same with a lot of the other photos. The JPEG of this wasn't very good, the sky was washed out with no detail and the beach looked lifeless. With a bit of tweaking it came out well. I'm not really into photoshopping but if I can get a shot like this out of

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-47173851928127495492008-03-10T11:17:00.005Z2008-03-12T13:41:38.943Z

Ardmore Beach, Co Waterford, originally uploaded by Claire Howson.This weekend we spent away in County Waterford with some relatives. I've seen a fair bit of Ireland through work but never been to the far south. It's a gorgeous place crammed with little coves and beaches like this one at Ardmore.The best bit is that it was so quiet. On the day I took this we saw only two other people on the beach

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-83422621852152007302008-02-29T20:46:00.003Z2008-02-29T22:13:42.123Z

My latest batch of moo cards arrived the other day. I used my photoshop experiments and got 20 of each design. I'm using them to send with Etsy sales along with my greetings cards I got printed with the same designs. I like these a lot, they're very different to my two other orders but I think they work better as mini business cards : )

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-43083037853333719282008-02-27T12:54:00.003Z2008-02-27T13:00:48.270Z

I've been slowly gathering groups to add my photos to on Flickr. here are some for sewing and handmade or general crafty stuff:Amy Butler BagsAmy Butler FansCrafters CentralI Love SewingSew Mama Sew SewingUK HandmadeU-Handbag

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-4069369746022743072008-02-24T20:53:00.004Z2008-02-24T21:00:42.461Z

I decided a while back to have a go at making a jewellery roll after seeing one in a local gift shop. I finally got round to it today using the velvet I bought from Lisa at U-Handbag. I'm pleased with the result. I think I'll make a few more for my Etsy shop : )

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-7466655148324234042008-02-23T09:38:00.007Z2008-02-23T13:36:55.060Z

Yesterday I worked from home in the back room. The bird feeder on next door's fence attracts a lot of lovely little birds so I set up the camera to see if I could get photos of any of them. I got a few pics of a Great Tit in one of the trees so I decided to have a play with one of them in Photoshop. This is what I came up with - I was pretty pleased with it!I've ordered some more moo cards (my

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-63494806653868114452008-02-22T14:58:00.003Z2008-02-22T15:07:15.516Z

This was the table I had at my first ill-fated craft fair when I used to make cards. I made the stall look pretty, bought lots of paper bags and printed lots of little business cards but unfortunately it was one of the hottest days of the year and I was in a hot and sticky marquee. It was also unfortunate that there weren't a great deal of people there as it was quite a new event at the time. I

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-17189321387676245432008-02-21T09:49:00.005Z2008-02-21T13:30:15.360Z

I was really chuffed when I looked at Etsy this morning and saw one of my moo wallets on the front page!! After a funny experience with another seller my faith in the Etsy community has been restored. So big thanks to soleilgirl for picking my wallet - it's had loads of hits and now my shop has been viewed by loads of other people : )

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-43143653925860509232008-02-19T13:48:00.007Z2008-02-20T15:06:06.351Z

I've been thinking about doing some screenprinting for a while but never got round to it.I saw this wonderful peice from skinnylaminx on craftzine and have since been inspired to get myself a screenprinting kit. I'm hoping to find one fairly soon and that it won't end up in the loft like so many other of my "good ideas" : )My sister in law is a fabulous textile designer who does her fair share of

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-27513963968504261662008-02-17T17:04:00.003Z2008-02-17T17:08:46.761Z

I listed my felt moo wallets last night and sold my first one today! I'm really pleased, I thought it would take a lot longer for my first sale. It's my fave - the grey/lime green one - and it's going to the US so I hope that the UK and US postal services are working so this little wallet makes a speedy arrival. I wrapped it in tissue and tied it up with some yarn I had lying around. I'm sending

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-22934963995847999762008-02-16T22:34:00.006Z2008-02-17T09:35:04.405Z

I decided to give the moo wallets a bit of an overhaul so I used felt with cut back applique, decorative stitching and elastic/button closures. I'm pleased with the results. My favourite is the grey and lime green one, I love those colours together and it gave me the chance to use some of the vintage green buttons I bought last year to decorate. They are available in my shop with the others.

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-82983984439196795922008-02-15T09:14:00.002Z2008-02-15T09:20:59.594Z

More wallets are now in the Etsy shop. I'm going to be making more soon, and some coin purses too. I have a big stash of fabrics that I need to use up so I'll try and fill the shop with goodies.

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-75694054875282569572008-02-14T11:15:00.003Z2008-02-14T11:19:38.180Z

I made this nappy bag from an Amy Butler pattern for a friend of mine who is expecting any day now. I was realy pleased with it (and so was she!). I entered into Lisa's sewing contest and won a prize! I'm now looking forward to getting my hands on a free pattern she is sending me, the Lotus tunic. Can't wait to give it a go, I haven't done much clothes making but I'm happy to try it out : )

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-10566231950151104002008-02-13T21:19:00.003Z2008-02-13T21:20:50.461Z

Salford Sunset, originally uploaded by Claire Howson.I waited around after work to try and get a sunset reflection in the quay. I'd driven past the last two nights and wished I'd got a photo. This sunset wasn't as good as the other two but it'll do.

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-76961043769910967762008-02-13T14:51:00.004Z2008-02-13T15:05:16.573Z

These last few days have been so sunny and warm, I can hardly believe it's February! The Quays look great in this weather. The water is particularly clear and with no wind gives these fantastic reflections. These are the last remaining shipping cranes in the area. Sad that the legacy of the industrial past of this region is reduced to two rusting cranes, and sadder that the council are unable to

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-39247630332841233602008-02-11T21:24:00.001Z2008-02-13T15:12:17.733Z

My Moo wallets are finally officially for sale! I have listed them on Etsy under shop stitch and shoot. The five below wallets are currently listed. I'll see how they do and maybe get some more on there.

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-59708948249142487572008-02-11T15:01:00.002Z2008-02-13T15:11:21.013Z

In the year 2012 (or something like that) the BBC are moving north. This is the site currently under construction, I've been taking a series of photographs every now and again and hope to continue until the site is finished.

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-9008260647891594562008-02-11T14:56:00.002Z2008-02-13T15:11:37.716Z

NV Buildings, originally uploaded by Claire Howson.I work in Salford Quays and today was gloriously sunny, so I nipped out at lunch time to take some photos. These buildings are my favourite thing to photograph in the Quays. I love their shape and the reflections on a day like this are always stunning!

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-22975073038196048052008-02-09T22:02:00.001Z2008-02-11T11:31:35.401Z

Photo from Wells during a recent trip to Somerset. The cathedral is stunning, especially in the late afternoon sun. The stonework is fantastic, it's a shame they don't make them like this anymore.

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-8555456666057918222008-02-08T18:27:00.000Z2008-02-08T18:45:04.598Z

I saw some of Charley Harper's illustrations last year in Elle Decoration magazine. I've since fallen in love with his drawings and I'm yearning for this book. It's pretty expensive but I reckon 420 pages is worth the money.

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-54553932641156575132008-02-08T10:18:00.000Z2008-02-08T11:33:17.492Z

It seems a shame to take all my card photos off the web, so here are a few of the better designs I had. I still have a lot of card making stuff so I can knock one up when I need to but I reserve my card making energy mainly for Christmas now, and the odd special occasion.

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-51822137145602529772008-02-07T15:13:00.000Z2008-02-07T15:21:20.346Z

Today I shut my website down *sniff*. I originally set it up to sell greetings cards but online sales didn't exactly take off. I tried some craft fairs but I guess I chose badly because I ended up out of pocket from the cost of the tables.A friend of mine who works with Manchester Tourist Information got me a gig selling at the Tourist Information Office in the Town Hall, but having to make 100

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-55055244843760314202008-02-07T12:07:00.001Z2008-02-07T16:06:43.091Z

When I'm not sewing I take a lot of photographs. I am studying for a BTEC at the moment having already done a C&G.This is my camera kit. I have a few new items to add to it including a new lens, new (second hand) flash and a gorillapod. I'm doing a lot of digital stuff for uploading to my flickr page but I shoot mainly in film for my course. Right now I'm experimenting with flash which is

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-30880144239484997022008-02-07T11:50:00.001Z2008-07-20T16:48:04.142+01:00

One of my favourite websites is rathergood.com which is a feast of bizarre songs and animation. Some of them are not for the easily offended! This particular song is my favourite (and not offensive so don't worry). I spent an age on this site when I was first told about it, it's my ultimate work time waster site!

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-44805942486077658622008-02-07T09:32:00.000Z2008-02-07T16:13:09.224Z

This is very cool - design your own fabric at the Victoria and Albert Museum website. I did these two which I think are pretty nice, I'd use them if only I could print to fabric!

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-65952804517592926662008-02-06T14:02:00.000Z2008-02-13T15:12:44.282Z

I find Amy Butlers stuff really inspiring. These bags are from her new collection and are available to buy from her website. I'd love to have a go at making something like these but I'll stick to making things from her patterns for now. I think the free pattern for the sweet greetings portfolio might come in handy though!

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-63605038461717188652008-02-05T10:38:00.002Z2008-02-19T13:37:06.418Z

I suppose the wallet obsession began after I ordered moo cards for my flickr photos. They come in a little box which is nice, but bulky to be carrying around. So I thought "why not make a little wallet for them". So I did. They've proved to be quite popular - most of my flickr friends have one and I've even sent a few to the U.S. I use two - one for my cards, one for my friends'.

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-37801130567704318932008-01-29T21:54:00.000Z2008-02-13T15:12:44.285Z

I went a bit wallet mad recently. I'd seen this tutorial ages ago and really wanted to have a go but never got round to it. Then I made up for lost time! I made three for presents (two have been very well received, one is still sat at home) and one for me. Mine is made from the Echino fabric as I could bear to be parted with it. It's just so nice : )

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2340689368580453582.post-85646889705583627322008-01-28T18:50:00.000Z2008-01-28T18:53:27.094Z

....get in on this blogging malarky. I've been reading various blogs for a while now and thought I'd give it a go myself. Here's my twopenneth....

Claire Howsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00140131811501948502noreply@blogger.com0