middleton hall

New Leather Cushions

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This was the one that started it – the cushion I made for my daughter’s birthday.  I really loved these chevrons and how lovely the leather felt and looked.  So I set to and started coming up with some new ones. 

Because the leather I work with is usually offcuts, finding a whole cushion-sized piece is not easy.  I thought about making a simple patchwork and came up with this minimalist 3 patch look.

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I topstitched the seams on the front which helps the seams lie flat and adds firmness.  The back sections were overlapped and laced as before.

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I’m chuffed with this design.  I’d love to make patchwork with leather but the nature of the material means it looks best when shapes are kept simple.  Here are a few of the ones I’ll be taking with me to the pop-up shop tomorrow (Sunday 10th April 2016).

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“Sandwich making” and the Importance of Enthusiasm

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In between meeting our customers at Middleton Hall today, the Leather Ladies (Hazel and I) were discussing the possibility of offering workshops using the wonderful Sizzix machine.  This is a die cutter which is very easy and safe to use.  Hazel suggested that I should be her guinea pig and she got her camera out, which was worrying….

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Jane demonstrating the ease of operation of the Sizzix machine (and Looking Enthusiastic)

“Look enthusiastic”, she said.  “It’s like making a sandwich, a sandwich with a leather filling”.  I chose to cut out some heart shapes from red leather, which I wanted to decorate some little leather needlecases I’m making.

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Enthusiastic Sizzix machine operator with little red heart shape

It worked!  I am now very enthusiastic indeed and have begun decorating the little needlecases.  Watch this space for news of Hazel’s forthcoming workshops at Middleton Hall Courtyard Centre.

Here’s a little needlecase for you.

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Heart leather needlecase

 

 

Middleton Hall – 31st January 2016

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Middleton’s first food and craft market of the year – Sunday 31st January 2016

Hazel and I are busy packing our crafting bags today ready to “pop-up” at Brown’s Upholstery tomorrow, Sunday 31st, in the beautiful Middleton Hall Courtyard Centre.  This is one of our very favourite venues and there is an added bonus as the first of the monthly Food and Craft Markets of 2016 will be taking place in and around the Hall as well.  Superb shops, stalls, foods, crafts plus a gorgeous historical house to explore, not to mention the amazing gardens and grounds which are an RSPB reserve.

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Middleton Hall (picture from Middleton Hall’s facebook page)

It will be so good to be out meeting people again now the Spring is starting.  Can’t wait to visit the craft and food stalls as well – there’ll be mouthwatering breads, chocolates, cakes and cheeses to name but a few.  Ideal to pick up those Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day gifts.  Check out Middleton Hall’s page on facebook for more details, you won’t be disappointed.

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The Leather Ladies pop-up shop in Middleton Hall Courtyard Centre

So come and visit us at Middleton.  The Hall is well signposted on the A4091 road from Fazeley, Tamworth, Staffordshire, between Drayton Manor Theme Park and The Belfry Golf Centre – postcode is B78 2AE.  A great day out!

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Middleton Hall Courtyard Centre (photo from facebook)

More Leather Carpet Bags

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I went back to the shop where I bought the leather remnants, and showed them the bag I’d made.  I came away with another stock of gorgeous leather and an order for three more bags to be put on sale in the shop next weekend!

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Red/brown bag reverse

So I’ve set to and just finished the first one.  I’ve altered the internal pocket, making it larger with a section to hold a mobile phone. 

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Red/brown bag interior

This bag and others I’ve yet to make will be on sale at Brown’s Upholstery, Middleton Hall Courtyard Centre, Middleton, Tamworth, Staffordshire. B78 2AE from next Saturday 30th May, price £75.00