Tag Archives: craft

Apron making

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On Monday, given the bank holiday weekend, I went along to our local market to buy some off-cuts of fabric.  I wasn’t quite sure what I was looking for or what I was going to make but soon found a variety of lightweight, pretty prints. I chose three colours of gingham, a beige polka dot print, pink floral and a nautical boat print.

By chance, the next day I was looking through the kitchen drawers for a tea towel and found a number of old aprons (long and short) from around the 60s which got me thinking… would the floral print work as a short apron?  It would need to be lined as the material was so flimsy, but it would be a relatively straight forward and personalised project for would-be crafters.

So here is the result: a few hours of measuring, cutting, pinning, ironing, sewing and finishing:

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The materials and skills required to make this apron will be covered in the very practical Sewing (garments and gifts) course. SCH

New beginnings

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The Little Grange is born!

The concept is firmly planted in my head… now to articulate it and make it a reality. I remember my cousin saying to me two years ago: “please be the one that actually does it!” . How exciting: to begin the process of setting up and running a B&B of sorts; something I have been dreaming of doing since I was about eight year’s old.

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Time to get outdoors

The concept, then, is a boutique retreat set in a rural location with rambling farm buildings where people can spend time indulging their passions or learning new skills: from baking to sewing to DIY to kitchen gardening. All those essential skills our parents and grandparents knew so well… ones which are at risk of disappearing as technology takes over and reduces our leisure time. I want the space to be beautiful and inspiring; somewhere you can totally switch off. Food needs to be grown either on-site or grown locally. Guest bedrooms need to be fresh and comfortable with an element of surprise.

Until very recently I was working in Dubai running a PR training academy. I plan to use the course management skills I gained there to set up a schedule of exciting courses based around modern crafts and artistry as well as practical, everyday skills courses.

At the moment I’m busy sorting finance, spending hours trawling websites for the perfect property as well as sourcing items that are going to add to the overall atmosphere of the The Little Grange. Until Launch Day I will be documenting my thoughts and inspiration via this blog, as well as seeking ideas and advice. As the project materialises, I will be sharing practical experiences too (the good, the bad and the better)!

If, as you read this blog, you have creative inspiration or practical advice to share – please do!  If you think an idea is crazy, I would like to know. Similarly, if you love, love, love what I have planned, do comment… that will give me the courage to keep going! SCH