Thursday 20 June 2013

A Few More Miniatures... And Some Sewing!!!!!



OK, so we're not talking the 'Great British Sewing Bee' here, but the very fact I picked up a needle and thread is a minor miracle! I am not a good seamstress, it doesn't come naturally to me at all, The few stitches I had to do for this pelmet were quite a trial, the thread got caught up often, got itself into a tangle I couldn't undo, and was generally a rather ham-fisted affair! The sewing is a practice, I intend to do more, and hope to get better at it too! I have quite a few sewing projects coming up soon. 

Anyway, the pelmet and shelf I built are for the pub kitchen, to go above the window above the sink. 



I bought a few other miniatures whilst at Kensington recently, destined for the pub kitchen. These include a copy of Mrs Beeton's Cookery Book, a copper jug and bottle of Zebo grate polish. 

Mrs Beeton's book was a hugely popular collection of recipes, household tips and social advice. It was first published in 1861. Isabella Beeton was 21 when she began work on the book, and sadly died only a few years later aged 28. The book is still published today. we still have David's mother's copy given as a wedding present in the 1950s!


So, when I saw this miniature copy, complete with illustrations and just about legible recipes, I snapped it up! 


This miniature book is made by Et Cetera and comes complete with a hand written miniature recipe for marmalade tucked inside!!!


Here is the shelf and pelmet in position above the sink. I found a few other items to join the jug and Zebo polish on the shelf, some jars I purchased at a local dolls house show a few months ago. 


And here it is with everything back in place. I think it brings some much needed colour to this room, as the grey is a bit cold looking. It also provides some useful space to display a few of my miniatures too   (the kitchen table was getting far too full up with things!!)

So, what will I be sewing next!!? I wonder! ;o)

18 comments:

  1. Bravo!!!! Yes, it is in fact a minor miracle, you have picked up needle and thread! And what a wonderful job, it really does brighten up the kitchen. The other near miracle is that I am actually in blog sphere, I must have sensed that Andy had a miracle because I opened my blog reader for the first time in ages. I love your little cook book, it looks just like the Gas Cookery book I posted about ages ago.The jug and grate polish just add that little extra touch, it's all looking so homely, like a real working kitchen, I just love the mud on you boots!

    Well Andy, I think we are both feeling more confidant now that some bedding is possible...; ) Now I must close down my lap top and get on with my day, one more week and I'm finished commissions and if I'm REALLY lucky I might get to do some miniatures on Sunday.

    ML Fi XXX

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  2. The curtain and the shelf looks really great. It's pretty funny to sew and your curtain looks as it is very well done. Can not belive it is the first sewing work you have done.

    Love the little books and the story you told.

    Lil on Lilsdolls

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  3. Me encanta, no sabría decir que me gusta mas, todo el conjunto es precioso, una maravilla.
    Un abrazo.
    Yolanda

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  4. Bravo Andy!!! The curtain looks just Perfect for the window in the kitchen! I LOVE the red gingham.... it looks so cheerful and just right and your sewing turned out very well! No-one would know you were a beginner!
    And that Mrs. Beeton's cookbook is a real beauty! I LOVE that it looks old and used... and the recipe tucked inside is such a Wonderful detail! These are all such great additions to your kitchen! Hmmm... what next? Cushions? I can't wait to see!

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  5. You did a great job on sewing the curtain Andy....in fact, the entire room is pretty amazing!

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  6. I love red and white curtains and your look very good in spite of your travails with the needle and thread! Sewing does get easier as you do more...well, in theory anyway!

    That is a fantastic cookbook. All in all, the kitchen looks like a wonderful place to spend some time making glorious food.

    Cheers,
    Iris

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  7. Hello Andy,
    I think that looks wonderful, especially for a first try. It might have been a lot of trouble but it was worth the effort. I look forward to seeing more from the house of Andy. I love the miniatures are all great, but the book is fantastic. A really great find and it is wonderful.
    Big hug,
    Giac

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  8. Andy, YOU MADE CURTAINS! YAY! It looks great and the red, gingham check is perfect. That cookbook is too cool. It has so much detail for something so minute. Your kitchen is servin' up a heap o' country charm!

    John XOXO

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  9. Hi Andy! I love the red checked valance! The accessories that you have on the shelf above it are great additions and the muddy boots and the garden fork and watering can look good beneath the drain board. Your cookbook is the Fantastic! I love the old faded cloth cover that it has, and the fact that it has printed recipes is out of this world wonderful! So, ... what exactly is on tonight's menu?

    elizabeth

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  10. Now this is the kind of detail that brings a miniature room to life - color, pattern, kitchen odds and ends on a shelf. The last picture looks like a real kitchen!

    I am a very skilled seamstress in real life and I very rarely take on tiny sewing projects because the smaller the item, the harder it is (forget about putting tiny pieces of fabric through a sewing machine - mine chews them to pieces). Bravo to you for trying and succeeding!

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  11. Hi Andy. I'm someone who thinks sewing is an alien concept so I'm no expert on what's good or bad but your effort looks great to me! It fits beautifully into the kitchen. The book is a tiny work of art, I love it! Kind regards, Brian.

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  12. I love your little kitchen and the beautifully sewn little gingham valance provides a cheerful touch. Look forward to seeing what is next on your sewing to do list.

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  13. what a cute kitchen and I have a little tip for you that my grandma taught me..when you have to use a needle and thread only pull off enough thread to reach your elbow then slip it on your needle..it wont tangle and you'll get a nice tight stitch.

    Happy Sewing


    Hugs
    Marisa :)

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  14. Your curtain looks perfect Andy. And it adds just the right homey touch to your pub's kitchen. Looks like you are going to cook up a storm with all those lovely recipes!

    Looking forward to your next sewing project!

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  15. You've done a fantastic job on that pelmet - it doesn't look like a first attempt at all. I really had to smile at Marisa's comment, my Grandma taught me Long thread = lazy girl (rhymes when you say it in German), looks like this is a common Grandma's lesson... ;O) - You've made fantastic purchases and together with your curtain they look great in your scene. But especially the book was a wonderful find - what a nice thing to have a miniature of a book that runs in 1:1 in the family.

    Greetings
    Birgit

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  16. Dear Andy,

    What a nice curtain. The pattern of the fabric has the correct proportion.
    I love the book !!

    Hugs Dorien

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  17. Love the cookbook, I know it is not easy finding a cookbook from that period of time.
    And that handwritten recipe is just so apropriate.

    I took a closeup look at your sewing and I think it looks good. So it's a good thing you gave it a try.
    The pelmet brightens up the whole kitchen and underlines that homey kitchen feeling.

    I too saw the mud on the boots, it made me smile out loud.
    See, you can dirty things up convincingly :)). Great effect!

    I like seeing it come together more with each post.
    Thanks for sharing!
    Hug,
    Gee

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  18. Me encanta toda la cocina y el libro es fantástico.
    Un abrazo.
    Yolanda

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