Workshops 2017 - book your space now!

With day light hours getting longer, it's a good idea to start thinking about mastering new skills to spruce up your home - save a fortune and learn how to make your own home furnishings! I have a few workshops lined up - these are projects that can be learnt in just a day! So drop me a line if you would like further details! x 

p.s: Workshops are for all sewing abilities - from beginner to advance.

The satisfaction you will gain from making your own bespoke window dressings is quite simply rewarding - once you've mastered the basics, you'll be confident enough to embark on larger projects. Atelier Le Flamboyant

All materials and sewing equipment are included in the workshop fee. By the end of the session you will have completed a lined,sample-size curtain with a pencil pleat heading Basic Curtain Making Workshop

This is a fun and delightful project - sew like a pro and produce this beautiful cushion cover with a piped edge and zip closure! All materials and sewing equipment are included in the workshop fee. Cath Kidston Cushion Cover Workshop

Roman Blinds are the smartest form of window dressing, with their clean folds and and linear lines, they can adapt to any setting whether contemporary or traditional. Learn how to produce these in just a day! Roman Blinds Masterclass The perfect gift experience for a mum-to-be! Create a baby patchwork quilt and nursery bunting in this fun workshop - suited for all sewing abilities, including complete beginners! All materials and sewing included in the workshop fee.Mum-to-be Sewing Workshop

Roman Blinds Masterclass 2017

So it's officially February and hopefully Spring is just around the corner ( well, I did see the Easter Eggs stacked up on the supermarket shelves so Spring can't be too far off! ) Anyway, I'm preparing for a few workshops and the first one I have lined up is a Roman Blinds Master Class - if you're looking for minimalist and understated window dressings, then Roman Blinds are for you. They are also the cheapest form of bespoke window dressing.

Love the linear folds of Roman Blind folds...

                                                                       

Hand-crafted with love...

                                                                       
                                                                     

mitred corners...

                                                                 
                                                                       

hand-finished and ready to install...

Bookings for the Masterclass are limited to 2 persons only, to insure individual attention and guidance. If you would like to join me at another time, then feel free to get in touch and make arrangements at a time and date that is convenient for both parties. In this workshop, you will produce a sample size Roman blind with a cord and weight mechanism. This form of window dressing can adapt itself to any scheme, whether modern or contemporary. All materials and sewing equipment included in the workshop fee. Suitable for all sewing abilities. Maximum 2 persons per session to ensure individual attention. £190 For details and bookings either message or drop an email at: mail@alflamboyant.co.uk I look forward to hearing from you!

Bay Window Dressings

Bay Window Treatments Because of the design and shape of a bay window, there are some considerations that are unique to designing a window treatment that is both functional and complements their beauty, including the bay seat often incorporated into the constructions of bay windows.
If your bays overlook a secluded area and light control isn’t a problem, window treatments may not be absolutely essential.
But bay window treatments can make your windows into a design focal point.
You can use any type of window treatment in a bay if you have the right hardware.
Curtain rods, for example, are available in versions especially designed for bay windows.
Other window coverings made to fit the special requirements of bay windows can include
You can certainly cobble together three separate rods if you have sufficient space to hang them (it may be a problem to fit them end-to-end in a smaller bay), but make sure to consider the issue and measure carefully to insure that you don’t accidentally purchase something that won’t fit.
The following are some ideas for bay window treatments:

• Bay Window Curtains – Long panels or café-style window curtains particularly suit bays. Accentuate your windows by hanging panels between them. The closer you hang the panels to the ceiling, the more dramatic the result. Café curtains topped with one long valance are another attractive option that also provides privacy if your bay overlooks a public area.

• Window Shades – If your bay has decorative molding that you don’t want to hide, consider using a shade. Shades come in many shapes to suit your rooms. You could select a roller shade, which rolls straight up and down from the top; a Roman shade, which pulls up into loose pleats; or a ribbon shade, which manually rolls up from the bottom and ties underneath.

• Valances – Consider accentuating your bay with a valance and leaving the windows otherwise uncovered if privacy and light control aren’t problems for you. The valance-only approach can be one of the most attractive and allows you to take a creative approach. You can purchase a valance or create your own using fabric or scarves.

• Window Blinds – Mini blinds are certainly a possibility, but in general it’s best to avoid them in bays. The long series of unbroken horizontal lines is busy and doesn’t make the most of the bay. Unless you have no other choice, it’s best to avoid them.

x

Phonto - Text on Photos

Have discovered Phonto - an app that allows you to personalise your pictures - and I'm having fun using it. It's simple to use ( trust me, I'm no techi! ) Just upload your images and add your own text! http://www.phon.to/

Quite please with the results!

                                     Both the above and following pictures are of my bedroom

Add caption

Quebec House - Childhood home of General James Wolfe, Victor of The Battle of Quebec.

 Last week, we enjoyed exploring a secluded, tiny village in Kent, where also stands Quebec House; Owned by The National Trust, Quebec House is surrounding by a quaint garden that's brimming with seasonal colour. There's wisteria climbing the house as well as an assortment of wild flowers in the garden. We were also met with a delightful sight of vegetables growing in the kitchen garden.

We also met a lovely lady in the Georgian kitchen, who eagerly shared & recreated some 18th Century recipes with the visitors. Not only were we able to sample the potato pudding & Shrewsbury Biscuits, but we were also given copies of the recipes!

We were transported in time and saw how the house as it may have well appeared in the 1730's. The wonderful aroma from the baking, wafted gently throughout the house as we toured... 

Met these two cute chaps as well!

Kent is full of lovely surprises - we walked passed this beautiful cottage and saw a vintage car in the car park!

 

 

Rest In Peace Dear Angel...

Via BBC

Yesterday my news-feed was flooded with images of the little boy who lay lifeless on the beach in Turkey. I froze, trying to process the human catastrophe that has now reached our shores; I have three children of my own and felt the pain and anguish for these families. The plight of the refugees has left me feeling distraught, they are after all our brothers and sisters in humanity. The image of little Aylen, has been on my mind all day and haunted me all night. This poor, innocent child and his family had fled a country gripped by terror and war. I can't begin to imagine what they experienced in their final breaths; all I wish and pray for is that he and everyone else who lost their lives crossing these troubled waters, are now in a much better and peaceful place. Aylen, you have touched so many lives - we never knew you but you have struck a cord in millions of hearts. Sadly, your loss has now been the catalyst for humankind to unite and help bring about the change and effort that is so desperately needed. In your memory, I along with thousands of other people, will do our best to help and relieve the suffering of those whose lives have been plagued by bombs, bullets and fear. 

Rest in peace my dear angel...x

Welcome!

New Post! Hand Finished Hessian Cushion Cover With Corsage!

Curtain Making For Beginners - checkout my new post; Curtain Making Workshops!

Hello! I've toyed with the idea of creating a blog for some time now ( had a few failed attempts - but that's a long story! ) so here goes - this is a place where I'll share my creations, workshops and fun ideas.. I run creative sewing and soft furnishing workshops for all abilities. Currently, my most popular workshops are Machine Sewing For Beginners ( no one leaves this session without mastering and using a sewing machine confidently! ) and Make your Own Cath Kidston Cushion Cover.

The Cath Kidston Cushion Cover, made by a learner new to sewing!