Thank you for dropping by the Scrapdragon Blog. I am not sure which site or search engine linked you here but this site has been upgraded to the website which is now updated regularly. Alternatively you can follow me on Facebook   https://www.facebook.com/scrapdragon

One of the nicest things about Summer is the crisp cotton dresses for little girls. My grandaughters love the ‘twirly’ dresses which are made on a traditional design  I used this style for their mothers so often that I must admit I no longer use a pattern. As this style is so simple to create for a child its quicker to draw round them! I am writing this post as a tutorial for those who want to have a go. Fans of the The Great British Sewing Bee #GBSB will have seen sewers creating without patterns.  The simplest way for children is to lay them on the floor and draw around their shoulders and sides on newspaper or brown paper. then add the centle curves of the neck and arms. If you get stuck, cut out the paper pattern and then hold onto the child front to get the neck edge in the right place. dont forget to fold the pattern in half down the cente front to make sure both sides are cut evenly! For full photographs and a step by step tutorial go to www.scrapdragon.co.uk to get the

I was asked to make a clutch bag to match an outfit for a wedding.  It had to be small so only a purse and lipstick could be held and to match the highlight colour of cerise to go agaist a cream dress. So using a simple fold clutch style, I used the Urban Threads Blackthorn drape embroidery in cream and then added some little hot fix  pearls and gemstones as an accent. With the bits of fabric left over, My daughter was after small project bags for her crafts  So I quickly made this one and now have requests for more!

I have been so busy in between sewing and my day job that I haven't had time to update the blog with all the lovely photos of the creations. This was my very own dragon bag.  Based on a small messenger with a beautiful Chinese satin brocade lining, it also has an embroidered Dragon on the cover.  One of my favourites.  The next favourite of mine is using the unique Nevermore fabric.  I Love this one and made one for my friend Clare as well. These were baby change bags based on a large tote style but are so squishy and soft that they are safe for baby wearing. This was a commission to fit on the back of a mobility scooter with the granddaughters names as their flower icons. Others are just basic shopping totes but customised for individuals. They make nice gifts.

When you find out you are expecing a baby, all sorts of things are on your mind.  From decorating the nursery and choosing what sort of buggy transport will suit your family.  To deciding if you will breast feed and use washable cloth nappies.   I used cloth nappies for my three children, not because they were as nice as they are now, but as my children are now having their own children, washable cloth nappies were the only affordable choice in back then.  When disposable nappies first came out, I remember being quite upset when I had bought an expensive pack to use for a special day out and baby dirtied the nappy straight away.  I was much happier with my washable cloth nappies. Attachment parenting techniques are being promoted to create a stong bond between mum and baby,  Many mums choose to breast feed and use washable nappies.  Many mums also choose to wear their baby with a baby carrier or sling.  Baby wearing slings are used all over the world to keep a baby safely snuggle

Those that know us are well aware we love all things campervans and motor homes.  So I found this fantastic  design from @TulaPink and used it to create the appliqued design on the tote bag. as we are members of the MCC, I used that for the centre of the design.   I Love it!  I might have to create some more.  

It would seem Babies are just like Buses  We wait for ages as we nurture and watch our own children grow up.  To see them happily married with someone they love and we actually approve of and then we wait and wait.  To be a grandparent is one of the greatest gifts.  the chance to hug and love and spoil a child of your child all over again. Our first grandchild  by our eldest daughter was sent to us in February 2009 and we all love her dearly.  Now we are eagerly awaiting the birth of our youngest daughters first child.  We don't know what 'flavour' it will be but will love it all the same.  A then a few weeks after that, our eldest daughter is due her second child.  So finally, ;like buses you can wait for ages and then a couple come along together. I have created a little baby bunting for the nursery.  It cannot have a pink or blue but must remain neutral as we do not know if the babies are girls or boys.  This is to hang up on the nursery wall to match the cot quilt