Pillow Conversations

Some New Stuff

2011-03-25T13:02:00.000-07:00

I've had quite a 'creative' week really - lots of pottering about after Popsy has gone to bed - so we have a few new bits and pieces for you!

The sleepy suits are very snuggly - after her getting me to make one the next problem was that she didn't want to sleep in normal PJs again so I made another - a more elegant design I feel, but just as fluffy.

I made a pattern by tracing around a set of pyjamas that Anna has, cutting the sleeves separately. The two tone one had the front pieces joined in the middle. And that's it really. Have a look at the website (http://www.pillowtalkembroidery.co.uk/)

Popsy demands a sleepsuit in 2hrs flat!

2011-03-06T14:17:00.000-08:00

Popsy's wildlife photography at Trelissik

2011-03-06T14:16:00.001-08:00

Popsy's wildlife photography at Trelissik

2011-03-06T14:16:00.000-08:00

Starfish on the beach.

2011-03-06T14:15:00.000-08:00

Our Day(s) out!

2011-03-06T14:13:00.000-08:00

Granny and Grandad are staying, so we've had time on the beach.

Super Half term

2011-02-25T14:42:00.000-08:00

Have you had a good half term? (Did you even know it WAS half term?) Popsy, Gianni and I have had Mum and Dad staying with us, so have had super fun. Eden project (including meet the dinosaur) Bedruthen, St Michael's Mount and Castle, lots of tea shops and cake, yummy indeed!

We have updated the website a little and are getting ready for Spring!

TTFN

xAx

Spring is Here!

2011-02-15T13:05:00.000-08:00

Well. probably not literally but it feels like it - definitely warmer down here than up north! I can even go out without a coat on sometimes, a feat usually left until at least May - ne'er cast a clout etc!

I had a lovely birthday on Monday - a fab meal out with Gianni and Pops at Fifteen on Sunday, preises and cards yesterday, lovely!

Mum and Dad are coming next week which will be just lovely, can't wait, and Exeter Recorder Orchestra at the weekend. More practice needed I think!

TTFN

xAx

Happy New Year

2011-01-30T01:55:00.000-08:00

A little belated, but we have been without broadband - much fun when you are trying to run an internet based business!

Still, it has given us time for a wonderful Christmas, stress free, lots of family and friends. Popsy had a fab time and was spoiled rotten! We had an excess of good food and drink and some lovely time together.

Our ' other' lives are going well too. Gianni is peripatetic music teaching in some wonderful Cornish schools and I still have my double life as a secondary English teacher - all still wonderful. We are music playing, dancing and generally doing lots of great creative stuff.

So not a lot of time for embrodiery - although we did Christmas presents and fairs, including aprons for Popsy's fantastic teacher and TA. She's at various birthday parties this weekend and we have made our presie filled personalised bags as gifts.

Got to go - she's getting ready to go and needs help prettifying herself.

xAx

Trevisker School Fair

2010-12-01T10:55:00.000-08:00

We are getting ready for Trevisker School Fair on Friday. Please come and see us if you are near - and support a fantastic school. You might get to meet Father Christmas himself!

Vulcan to the Sky

2010-11-16T12:44:00.000-08:00

The Vulcan cases are proving quite popular - seems I'm not the only one with a slightly nerdy husband!

We now need ideas of what to do next. I have some pretty ones, much more my scene, as well as thinking about Mazda Bongo ones. We are also trialling diary and notebook cases in the same style.

Let us know what you think!

xAx

Long Time no Blogging

2010-11-09T11:40:00.000-08:00

After moving etc we have FINALLY got the broadband working and we can get blogging again!

Apart from a broken wrist (which does make sewing difficult) things are going well. I have managed to create mobile phone cases - the Vulcan ones are rather popular and we are donating 50p from each one sold to Vulcan to the Sky trust.

We are also looking at a Cornish range and at getting to some Christmas fairs over the next few weeks.

TTFN

xAx

A Big Move

2010-08-01T03:11:00.000-07:00

We've got an exciting and busy few weeks coming up!

I've not had time to even do the blog recently, although I have done a few orders, especially for Bongo and Camper Van stuff. Summer coming up, you see!

We're going to be moving to Cornwall in about a week and I am being a bridesmaid for a very dear friend at the weekend. I'm very excited about both.

We've put our house on the market, have a place to move to in St Austell, and Alfa mad Gianni has even sold his V6 (apparently it won't cope with salty sea air).

Popsy has a new school, fantastic teacher for reception, and we think we've even got a ballet school lined up for her.

TTFN

xAx

Our Updated Website!

2010-06-06T14:50:00.000-07:00

Good Evening

Just a quick post - we have updated our website - http://www.pillowtalkembroidery.co.uk/. Please have a look.

Summer Sale items being added very soon.

TTFN

xAx

A bit of a gap but ...

2010-06-06T07:24:00.000-07:00

It's been a bit of time since I last blogged - sorry about that. But I have been BUSY BUSY BUSY.

Popsy Moo is getting ready for her 1st ballet show ever, costume ready, dance rehearsed and make up bought. She's very excited.

The garden is lovely, ready for summer. We've used it for lots of meals out and BBQs already. Some beautiful plants and animals - yet more inspiration for me.

becomes ...

Yesterday, Gianni and Poppa Angel showed their Alfas at Tatton Classic Car show. Met Lorraine Logan of beadybeady (http://www.beadybeady.co.uk/). Well worth a look, fabulous lady.

Looking at visiting some of you at Craft Fairs this summer, so researching enviro friendly packaging at the moment as well as trying to get some spare stock and examples made.

TTFN

xAx

Mousehole

2010-04-05T06:39:00.000-07:00

Bongo tour day 4. Lazy morning, followed by a trip to Mousehole. Picnic, bird hospital and cream tea. Popsy and Gianni playing in therockpools. Lovely!

Bongos on tour #2

2010-04-04T10:57:00.000-07:00

Bongos on tour, Easter presies followed by Easter eggs, Easter roast, beach and Easter Egg Hunt. Yummmmmmy. Xxx

Gianni's latest project!

Bongos on Tour 2010

2010-04-02T02:31:00.003-07:00

We are bongos on tour 2010, Cornwall here we come!

Popsy pets, Bongo cushions and picnics.

2010-03-28T12:52:00.000-07:00

Good Evening all,

We've been busy making a few Bongo orders,

and had some really lovely feedback. Also done some presies for friends kids, lovely time had by all! Popsy has been designing her Easter bonnet for nursery competition and her own ideas on scented mobiles. I love it when she gets all arty on us!

Gianni has nearly completely rebuit the little Alfa, it sounds so much better than it did, so while he was busy Pops and I went to Trentham Gardens for picnic and play.

TTFN

xAx

At Grandma and Grandpa's House

2010-03-20T13:14:00.000-07:00

Hello Bloggers

We're at Grandma and Grandad's after spending a lovely afternoon here.

Ballet this morning, then Popsy, Gianni and I got to see my sister and her kiddies. Grandma and Grandpa took Pops to the dance shop, new tap shoes required, also ended up with character shoes as they were in the sale.

My sister's littleuns are doing very well, Pops' cousin dressed up as a pirate so we had an action packed and swashbuckling afternoon. Lots of paper swords, telescopes and treasure maps leading us around the dining room.

Lots of Bongo cushions being sold at the moment, lovely that they're personalised to match the customers' vehicle. Tonight I need to start a pair for a customers' children, Easter Camping presents, sounds fun.

Talking of which, we will see some of you Bongo peeps in Cornwall over Easter. We might even put one of our 10% off vouchers under your windscreen wiper. Just hope that you don't think it's a parking ticket!

TTFN

xAx

Long time no see ...

2010-03-16T13:54:00.000-07:00

I've just realise how long it is since I've written - absolutely ages! My excuse is I've been rather busy.

Have re-entered the real world after being off work for so long and have found it quite tiring. I have also been doing lots for pillow talk - it's hard not to really as I love it so much.

I have started the Green Seams range using recycled and reclaimed fabric, starting with a bag embroidered sampler style. I am also thinking about make up bags.

This evening I had a lot of fun with Popsy making an alien,

she did the eyes and hair all by herself!

As she's now trying to get out of bed and 'help', I think I should finish.

Have a think about supporting a fab local charity of ours, the Donna Louise trust, http://www.donnalouisetrust.org/. They are the charity of choice for Popsy's nursery - an amazing place caring for incredibly poorly children - they are AMAZING!

xAx

2010-02-28T15:22:00.001-08:00

Dance, dinners and divas!

2010-02-28T14:53:00.000-08:00

A rather good weekend, Popsy's ballet lessons and chats with lovely mums, Grandma and Grandpa over for Dinner and Popsy doing her own show in the living room, dancing Giselle! A varied weekend.

We are working on a line of ballet related products, have our portfolio sorted out, need to look at publicity and things. Have been signed off my CBT - officially depression is in remission - so I'm rather pleased indeed!

On a less positive note, the Bongo's cylinder head gasket (at least) has gone so we are still without car. It's no problem for most things but there are a few places where we cannot travel to by public transport so we need to get it sorted. I'd like to go to reading group on Thursday as I have had to miss the last two.

Will post ballet pics soon.

TTFN

xAx

Mothers' Day Gifts

2010-02-22T14:01:00.001-08:00

Need ideas for Mothers' Day? Try http://www.pillowtalkembroidery.co.uk/Mothers%20Day.html for ideas!

A visit to the East

2010-02-22T05:52:00.000-08:00

We have just come back from a weekend in th'Hull, home of Gianni's family, and a visit to York to see his Aunty, Uncle and cousins - their children are some of our testers!

A lovely weekend, did some work on a commissioned piece. Popsy is getting in to making and sewing, made everyone pot-pourri bags and started making felt Russian Dolls, Bongos and a dog. She really loves doing it, is starting to do sewing and beading too.

We popped over to see an old friend of Gianni's, his wife and little girl, ate lots of chocolate cake and had a good natter. All good fun.

Back to work now - some posting etc to so and some lovely beading to finish, followed by some paperwork and picking Pops up from nursery.

TTFN

xAx

A Golden Opportunity

2010-02-16T13:17:00.000-08:00

Evening All

The Staffordshire Hoard is at the Potteries Museum, http://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag/hoard for more details. A long (2 hr) wait, but the last hour is through the museum galleries so it's not too bad. And they have coffee for sale in the 1st hour - even better.

YOU'VE GOT TO GO - and help them to raise the money to keep the hoard as a complete collection, preferably in the midlands. Popsy loved it - even the queue was OK as we met an Anglo Saxon Warrior (she insisted on calling him an eco-warrior!), got a balloon sword and the attentions of a fantastic face painter.

The collection is of small pieces but so exquisite and beautifully made. See it while you have chance!

Got to go now - want to plan a commission I'm discussing via ebay with a lovely lady wanting a fab presie for her friend. She sounds lovely, we're trying to get the perfect piece together for her.

xAx

Back to workeee!

2010-02-15T14:43:00.000-08:00

We've had a few days off: running around doing this and that, followed by some lovely time with the family, St Valentine's day and my birthday. Lots of presies including a huge amount of pampering vouchers for Bethan's in Eccleshall (bethanward.co.uk - well worth a visit. Superb staff, Bethan is lovely and ever so helpful, just a wonderful place!) so gonna be a very relaxed lady pretty soon. Yipee.

My sister, brother in law and her two kiddies including my beautiful new baby niece stayed over, Popsy loveed playing with her cousin and it was great for the grown ups to catch up and have a relax together. 3 kids between four adults seems more relaxing than one between two, although I wouldn't change anything about Pops!

Have listed a new Mazda Bongo range: Bongo Babe, have a quick look at let me know what you think:

Cornwall here we come - or at least we will later in the year.

We have had a lovely evening in; a very good friend popped around for coffee and we had a good ole catch up and gossip. So rather perfect really.

I'm gonna sign off now, I need to learn how to sell things on my own website rather than directing everyone to ebay.

TTFN

xAx

Keeping it in the family

2010-02-10T08:42:00.000-08:00

I've spent a lovely few hours over the last couple of days restoring my Grandma's old sewing machine to make up the covers and bags for the Popsy Moo range.

A fantastic old machine that will probably run until my grandchildren are grown up, I got the manual as a PDF file and sorted out a few tension problems and gave it a good clean.

I have my mum's (probably better) more modern machine but I love using this one, it feels very reliable and substantial. I also love the link with my Grandma, a woman I admired, respected and loved deeply, and it always gets a little wipe over and caress when I finish using it.

xAx

It's Late!

2010-02-04T15:54:00.000-08:00

Just realised what time it is - got carried away doing a piece and just looked at the clock! Still, worth it I think, on sale for Valentine's day. Who wouldn't love a lovely personalised heiroglyphics cushion?

Cartouches for your name: very regal! On sale at http://www.pillowtalkembroidery.co.uk/.

Popsy has had a lovely day helping the staff at nursery and helping Gianni and I make flatbreads and shortbreads. After watching 'How Clean is your House' (she's a real addict) she now knows how to fold napkins and insisted we have a very formal supper.

Gianni having a rough day, no sun so SAD bad. He needs a holiday somewhere hot and glorious!

No car still, so can't go to book group this evening, :-(, wanted to dicuss Chaucer!!!

TTFN

xAx

Walk like an Egyptian

2010-02-03T11:05:00.000-08:00

Hola Amigos;

Have spent the day updating the website so that it's more than just a first page! Haven't yet worked out checkouts etc so still using ebay, will learn that as I go I suspect. Have a look: http://www.pillowtalkembroidery.co.uk/.

Have completed an example Egyptian personalised piece, some lovely cartouches and metallic thread (hard to work with so will use it for embellishments rather than structural things). Think that they might be nice for Valentines day.

Popsy is having a musical soiree before bath, Yankee Doodling around the upstairs of the house. Gianni is cleaning bits of car engine in the sink in the back room.. LOTS of mess there!

Going to have a go at another Egyptian piece for sale -

TTFN

xAx

Um Bongo !

2010-01-31T14:38:00.000-08:00

Hello Bloggers

A noce weekend. Popsy had ballet lesson and a party to go to, so perfect for her, then lots of time with Mummy and Daddy. Cousins have their Pillow Talk gifts and sound v pleased from phone calls. If there are no problems post manufacture they can go into production soon.

The cars situation hasn't changed. I am rather shocked at how expensive buses are, two shortish return journeys on Saturday (and Popsy is free) cost us nearly £14! Not an incentive to use them I'm afraid. That needs to change to have a green revolution.

We are waiting for various thermostats and pipes for the Bongo and timing kit for the Alfa 145. Also had a near escape from debit card fraud - well done Alliance and Leicester for spotting it and blocking the card for us.

Have made the Bongo bag - but not sure I'm anywhere near happy with it. Not good enough for the public yet! Comments please! Starting an Egyptian piece with personalised hyroglyph writing, should be exciting.

TTFN

xAx

Popsy Moo Too

2010-01-29T12:43:00.000-08:00

Hello Peeps

We've had a few brainwaves over the last few days. We've also had a few car based crisis! Ah well, it never rains ...

Yesterday we dropped off my huge merc, gas guzzler extrodinaire, Gianni following in the Mazda Bongo camper van to take me home from Brum. Quite nice day, even managed lunch out (Chez Joules, v nice indeed), but overheating / thermostat problem on the way back. Had to be towed back by lovely Green Flag man and even lovelier neighbour picked Popsy up from nursery. So no working vehicle at the moment.

The Alfa is waiting for bits, so not much progress there. although we now know that Kim n Aggie's grease removing / bio powder tip for cookers also works on engine parts. You learn something every day!

We have made a few more Popsy Moo pieces, including a bag, thinking about a whole range of kids' presies now.

The bags are really good fun,

and we thought they'd be great if customers could choose them to be filled: personal shopping kiddy style!

Let us know what you think, we're quite excited by them.

TTFN: Popsy is trying to help and it's getting. erm, challenging!

xAx

Designing 4 year old style

2010-01-26T15:58:00.000-08:00

Hello Readers - Hi de Hi!

Yesterday's death by flu turned out to be a little less severe, although stil got v nasty tonsils and achey limbs. Still, got out of bed today, cleaned out car (exactly how much mess can a 4 year old make? Why does one need three tiaras in one car Popsy?), some designs and quality control research.

Still, Pops made herself very useful later on suggesting improvements to Popsy Moo range. Children are great - they don't say what you want to hear or spare your feelings! Changes so far include felt lettering instead of embroidered chain stitch; larger hand space in hand puppets; soft sleeping side; new teddy design and new clown puppet! Sending them off to related kiddies to road test! This evening we went to the library and she ordered her first books!

Gianni has made a good start on the Alfa: timing belt very floppy! Not good, but he's in control of the situation.

So a much better, more productive day all round!

TTFN

xAx

A day of little merit

2010-01-25T11:41:00.000-08:00

Hello Bloggersphere

A really short one today: have yacky flu germs and have done sweet FA - except sleep. Gianni fabulous and has done everything. Very lucky bunny.

xAx

Popsy Moo

2010-01-24T15:50:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone,

My bug is wearing off - as long as I keep taking the painkillers - so had a lazy jamas day.

Popsy and I have spent a lot of time together designing her pillow, and then moving on to a range, named in her honour.

It was really good fun and, after all, is why we're trying this type of business - to focus on ourselves as a family.

The 3+ kiddies ones have detatchable toys or puppets and a soft side for sleeping on (all Popsy's ideas), as well as their. The baby ones have ribbon tags as well as cute teddies, I'm so excited!

Gianni has spent the day looking at all aspects of Alfa 145 engines, and so is something of an expert, at least theoretically, on grinding valves.

Getting to bed now - got lots of goodies to post in the morning,

TTFN

xAx

Sunday: feeling yacky!

2010-01-24T06:05:00.001-08:00

Hi

Sunday started with me feeling yacky: temperature, achey and very sore throat. Mega painkillers have kicked in, so now I'm up and sort of awake.

Gianni took popsy out for the morning so I could sleep for a bit and went shopping. He's done the washing and dishwasher - he is rather fab. Popsy is tired out after a really good walk out, and I'm trying to motivate myself to get on.

The Alfa has had a decline in health, sods law, but super Gianni is on the case! The Alfa owners' club forums have come to the rescue!

Have finished Popsy's cushion (photo later when I get round to taking it) and thinking about ones for her cousins.

TTFN

xAx

Saturdays and Family Days

2010-01-23T10:37:00.000-08:00

A happy Saturday to you.

We started today with Popsy's ballet lessons and Calpol (a small temperature and grouchyness after her swine flu jab yesterday but to be honest no worse than any other baby jab); Oatcakes (the North Staffs variety - see Hairy Bikers if you want more details) and tea and a lovely trip to Halfords for a few new bits for the old Alfa.

Lazy afternoon whilst Gianni swore at the car at bit, now getting Popsy involved in making cushions. Trialling a new kiddies range, testing on her and her older cousin (if they last after that I know they're OK!), so now she's making her own for her new baby cousin - so sweet.

See you tomorrow,

xAx

A new day

2010-01-22T00:50:00.000-08:00

A lovely good morning to you! A new day, a new mood.

A few boring and sensible things today; Electricity engineer coming to do something to the meter, Popsy has her swine flu jab this afternoon, have to run a few errands etc.

I also need to get into town to look for lovely fabric to do some Mazda Bongo pieces, Gianni suggests they need to go on the owners' club website. Will keep you posted.

Just finishing some hand embellishments on the next 'Creme de la Creme' piece, will post pic later.

TTFN

xAx

A 'Jelly on a Plate' day

2010-01-21T13:43:00.000-08:00

It's been a funny old day' as Arkwright used to say in 'Open All Hours'. Been a bit wobbly - hence the title, I've been a bit down and easily upset.

Had some lovely emails back from my people about pillowtalkembroidery.co.uk, and a timely reminder from a lovely lady (thank you - you know who you are) about emailing big lists. Also had some great ideas of where to go if this takes off.

Also had some information regarding my current job and my depression which sounds very serious. Only hope it works out OK. Although I was wobbly before it came.

We travelled to Nottingham today to pick up an Alfa Romeo - we're getting rid of my huge Gas Guzzler in favour of a more economical and environmentally friendly car. Second hand and a few things for Gianni to look at but very nice.

Did some new lines and got them on ebay and created a facebook page (search for Pillow Talk Embroidery). The photo is 'Azure Skies' - the result of last night's insomnia.

See you soon

xAx

Beginnings

2010-01-20T15:17:00.000-08:00

Today: try to get publicity and hits for pillowtalkembroidery.co.uk website, put together some new designs for hand embroidered cushions and introduce my ideas to the world of Twitter. I have created a new 'sky scapes' range - although not sure if I like the title yet - and finished two 'Emma' pieces, they only need inners now.

I want to get things organised in case I have a few dodgy days, can happen you know, and tomorrow I will try to find some more interested parties for my products.

Back to work now: this cushion won't embellish itself you know!

xAx