Birthday Treats

This past week just seems to have flown by and my posting has lapsed a little.  The business has been due to a combination of some work, doing up the back garden and a job interview today. 

I popped into the job centre in Barry whilst I was running some errands and there was a trainer job advertised.  It is part of a government pilot scheme to get people off the dole and into work.  I called Friday and had an interview today.  It seemed to go well, but even if I get offered it, I think I am going to have to turn it down.  I was banking on being able to get childcare, but the after school scheme doesn't have a place for one day out of the three.  Plus the cost is so expensive - that during the 11 - 12 weeks of school holiday I would be working for £0. 

I was a little disappointed as the job did sound as though I would enjoy it - and I like working with people.  But financially it didn't add up.  It is a shame, but the realities of being a working mum aren't always great.

On a lighter note, it's a friend's birthday on Wednesday and I am making her birthday gift.

Blurry picture - sorry.  My friend Emma, has a sewing machine but is a new sewer.  I am hoping this means that she won't have what I'm making her!  A pincushion with some new pins in it.

I bought this  little basket from the boot sale at the weekend to put all her sewing gifts in.  I am going to wrap it up in some cellophane with a big bow.    The buttons came from a parcel from Carolyn from Laughing Duck.  Hope you don't mind Carolyn!

I am also going to make a yo yo tape measure as per the tutorial from Whip Up. 

The other part that I have started to make is a needle case.

The fabric came from e-Bay and has 1950s style ladies with their Christmas parcels.  A  little early for Christmas - but I don't care!

I love this fabric so much that I also made myself a pincushion - with a vintage button in the centre.

Tomorrow I am going to finish it all off ready for Wednesday.  Hope she likes it.

Have a look at this little boy with his dog.

His name is Fred Barnett and he is 9 years of age.  This came all the way from Australia.  Nicola from Nikkishell sent it.  Fred and his dog are going to join me in the studio.

Comments

[capello]

Lovely pincushion!

And finances are tough, especially when you have to factor in "reality" wages over what you think you're getting paid. I hope something more suitable (and lucrative!) roll your way.

[laurie]

love, love the 50s styled lady pincushion!

[sooz]

Thanks for the comment on my blog :-) And bummer about the job - it's so frustrating isn't it to try and get the work and family thing together? Love the pincushions too :-)

[Melissa]

That fabric with the ladies and their Christmas parcels is so cute!!

Finding work is such a hassle. I've been spending the morning writing applications but it just goes on and on. I hope you find the work you're looking for.

[wendy]

Oh my god,barry, is butlins still there? no it cant be, im harping back to the 70s. Love your little needle case and the pincushion with the 50s lady on is so sweet. Great blog-love it