Crafty in the Med

I am here to enjoy meeting other bloggers and to share my love of craft ,mostly crochet, my thoughts and my daily happenings here in Alicante,Spain, my adopted country. I belong to a local choir because singing and music makes me happy. Flea markets and book shops are two of my favourite places to be. I read lots......sci´fi/fantasy,buried treasure, and off world adventures. I have a passion for history! I walk and walk and walk for about 10 months per year during the hot months I swim.

Saturday, 16 March 2013

They know how to dress up



I sent my swap parcel to my swap partner Debi at Busy Little Chicken last week and I was pleasantly surprised to hear she had received it yesterday ... a super quick delivery. We are partners in the Springtime Easter swap hosted by Joy at Daisy Row
Although Debi has received my swap parcel I'll not display the bits I made and sent to her for the present until she posts about it.
I do want to show you my Mutant Muggaducky that I made for her. He was inspired by Annaboo's wubberducky at Annaboo's House but you know cloning is a very delicate science and mutants do occur. My muggaducky didn't quite turn out so pretty.
All will be revealed!


Why have I added this photograph??? The only reason being is that I liked it. 
Isalia is a student of mine, she and her fiance participate in many of the local festivities in her home town,San Vicente. Here she and her fiance are dressed up in an Andalusian folkloric dress called the Contrabandistas (the Smugglers). Its a more elaborate version of how Andalusian smugglers used to dress back in the 18th century.




In my last post I mentioned I had received a swap parcel from my swap partner Kimberley who lives in New Zealand. She has also finally received my swap parcel, the contents of which you can see on her blog here .
However I did want to show you what I had made for her combining crochet with sewing (remember I'm a newbie with the sewing machine). Kimberley loves stationary of all kinds so I made this stationary case for her.

The theme I focussed on was Oranges, as this area of Spain ,Valencia,is well known for its scrumptious oranges.
I crocheted the cover in bright orange and added a basket of oranges applique in crochet too . I made a little crochet pocket for a pencil and pen and slipped in an orange notepad.

 The wooden button was from my very valuable stash of buttons (I'm getting as tight as Scrooge about using the buttons from my stash,I just don't like to see them dwindle!!!). I lined the case with matching yellow fabric ..... a piece of fabric I found in a drawer and I really don't know where it came from but I have put it to good use.

Very personalized and screams of handmade!  I can see several errors where the sewing is concerned but I keep telling myself practise makes perfect!

Have a great Sunday......relax and enjoy some good music!

Amanda :-)
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17 comments:

  1. homemade@myplace17 March 2013 at 05:31

    really nice case Amanda!!! I think the recipient is so happy to use it!!
    xxxx Ale

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  2. Shirley17 March 2013 at 08:06

    I'm a stationary girl, love the case, don't worry about any 'errors' they help make it unique. :)

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    1. Crafty in the Med19 March 2013 at 11:14

      Hi Shirley,
      Thanks for visiting and for your kind comments.
      The book in pdf format I mentioned is on its way to you by email as I write. Its titled Crochet patterns but at the beginning of the book it does concentrates on How to crochet.

      A x

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  3. Kimberley 17 March 2013 at 10:02

    Love it! Perfect to me. And what a gorgeous outfit .

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    1. Crafty in the Med17 March 2013 at 11:24


      Hello Kimberley
      thanks for visiting my blog
      So very glad you liked everything. I did hesitate about sending you the stiff Waste Canvas for doing cross-stitch on Wool or other garment but it did fit the bill where vintage was concerned. I bought a huge sheet about 20 years ago and have been gradually cutting off squares as I need it. However I don't do a lot of cross-stitch now so I thought you would be able to make use of it.

      A x

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  4. Raindrops and Daisies17 March 2013 at 11:39

    Good Morning Amanda
    and Greetings from Ireland

    I just wanted to pop by and wish you
    a very Happy St. Patrick's Day.

    May you always have
    Walls for the winds,
    A roof for the rain,
    Tea beside the fire,
    Laughter to cheer you,
    Those you love near you,
    And all your heart might desire!

    Fiona

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    1. Crafty in the Med17 March 2013 at 20:48

      hello Fiona

      So sorry to hear about the fire but glad no one was hurt.

      A very Happy St Patrick's Day to you too. Many thanks for visiting my blog and for your cheery reply and yes all those things you mentioned make a perfect day...not really much to ask for :-)

      keep well

      Amanda :-)

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  5. ♥ Mary Janes TEAROOM17 March 2013 at 12:15

    Ooh, a lovely stationary case Amanda and so personal adding the basket of oranges and using those lovely colours...lucky Kimberley!..I love how you've combined the sewing with the crochet too!
    Wonderful pics...it's always a treat to visit you!
    Happy Sunday,
    Susan x

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  6. Barbina17 March 2013 at 12:33

    I love your case Amanda! The little oranges are wonderful! I like that you have added something typical for your region. I wish I could sew too, but sewing with the machine still scares me a bit. But you are so right, practise makes it perfect. I should keep that in my mind!
    Have a wonderful Sunday! xxBarbina

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  7. Meredith17 March 2013 at 13:04

    I love all your swaps, I think it is so fun to see wha tyou make for everyone and what very fun gifts you get in return.
    Hugs to you,
    Meredith

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  8. linda17 March 2013 at 13:06

    What a lovely writing case Amanda I love the appliqué it finishes it off beautifully :)

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  9. thriftwood17 March 2013 at 13:18

    Lovely stationery case Amanda, reminds me of chocolate orange, yum!

    Love the vibrant outfits too

    Enjoy your Sunday

    Claire xxx

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  10. Anne17 March 2013 at 14:11

    Its beautiful Amanda.I would have been thrilled to have received it.

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  11. Susan17 March 2013 at 16:12

    Amanda, I love it! Orange was my Kelly's favorite colour...in fact, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer and friends sent her tons of "pink" gifts, she said to me, "why can't orange be the new colour!" Happy St. Patrick's Day, dear friend, XOXO

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  12. Mum17 March 2013 at 20:25

    Looks like a super gift to me.
    Love from Mum
    xx

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  13. Busy Little Chicken18 March 2013 at 12:55

    Hi Amanda! Love the stationary case!! You're very good at crochet, I wish I could have the patience to do this!! I have just put your swap parcel on my blog here...http://busylittlechicken.blogspot.co.uk/ Hope all is good and sunny over there!! x

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  14. Gracie Saylor19 March 2013 at 03:06

    Amanda, I love the gift you made...and I can see no flaws :-) I made a pot of tea today and my little granddaughter lovingly buttoned the tea cozy you made for me around the pot. Wishing you well, Gracie

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Thank you for your comments. I do read them and try to reply to all as well.Please keep them coming. Amanda :-)

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