Scottie Ravioli Anyone?

I have been busy busy sewing stuff for my stall at the West End Craft Fair as it is just beginning to dawn on me that it is actually going to happen!
I wanted to try out some new stuff which I am making specifically with Edinburgh in mind  (all those lovely international tourists looking for something portable and uniquely scottish to take home as a memento of their visit) one of which was the scottie keyring which has proved to be popular, so the scottie  keyring sweatshop is in full flow. While I was sewing them up the other day it struck me that they look like ravioli before they are trimmed and finished.......


I have also made some out of some thrifted and felted scottish mohair scarves and an old Tate & Style scarf that I got from a charity shop. (Incidentally, I was at the Coach House Coffee Shop in Luss last week and saw the same T&S scarf for sale for £50.00!!!! Oooops!! Well, I didn't really like that particular pattern anyway)


I have also been making iPod Cosies. This is the prototype which I have kept for myself.....





After a couple of attempts I have managed to get it how I want it - it is the right size to fit a variety of  devices - and I have refined the making so it is as quick as it can be (always important!) The great thing about these cosies is that because they are quite small they can be made out of scraps. I never throw anything away unless it is totally unusable and when I was tidying up I found a carrier bag full of large scraps which have become these...


which I am calling my 'manly' iPod cosies as I think the tweeds used will appeal to men!
And these which are waiting to be made up - about 60 in all!



I have added some of the new tweeds but around 90% of these are made from scraps! I already had a load of craft felt which I have used for the lining, which is great as I didn't really have a use for it beyond backing the tweed leaves for my corsages. I have been trying to use what I have instead of buying yet more stuff. I have had to buy the buttons as I didn't have anything the right sort of size - I find buttons the hardest thing to find as there is such a limited selection available in Glasgow - I finally got the one I am using at John Lewis. Does anyone else have that problem? I also had to buy the split rings for the keyrings and after clearing out the local hardware shop I searched around and finally found them at Screwfix - you can order online and it works out at about 3p each rather than the 35p each that most places want to charge! I have still to make a camera case which I am hoping to make to order in the future and some crochet and knitting needle holders. I am also thinking of doing some cases for sunglasses - so many ideas, so many episodes of Homes Under the Hammer to watch. I thought that I had sickened myself of it but after a couple of weeks break I am as addicted as ever. I need help - seriously.

Comments

[frances]

Your tweedy ravioli are superb ... and once trimmed, I can easily see why the scotty keyrings are wonderfully popular. The clever way that you have found to use all the fabric scraps is fantastic.

(The photos brought back memories from my Virginia childhood. My father loved harris tweed and somehow got lots of tiny samples of variously hued tweeds from which to choose his jackets' material. My mother later found a way to put the sample squares together for a patchwork blanket for my doll. Thank you for reminding me.)

The misty harmony of all those tweeds should prove irresistable to those who'll see them at the upcoming shows.

Best wishes.

[Kelly]

i love the ipod cosies x

[Bella Bheag]

Pleased to see you are beginning to stockpile your 'Fieldy's' - you're going to need them! I like your plans for the needle holders and camera cases - yes please! The needle holder can go in my treasured Fieldy bag, which I need to show off on my blog at some point! iPod cases are lovely. Being in the crafting groove is just great isn't it?x

[Pebbledash]

Especially love your ipod cosies....a good reason for me to finally get an ipod maybe? Yes, it's true, I'm very behind the times. Happy sewing, and hope the fair goes well.
D x

[ambika]

I can never throw away scraps either! Of course, my scraps aren't such amazing tweeds!