They're finally here!

Friday, October 16, 2015

My very own printed fabrics have arrived! I'm super excited that they're finally here and in the flesh! They are ready to purchase by the metre on the website now.



There are three designs:
Wheels and Stars©
Meadow©
On the Farm©

I really hope you like them and I'd love to hear your feedback. If you want to be in with the chance of winning a 'project piece' of fabric (40x150cm) for you to make an item of your choice- keep your eyes peeled on this blog and on social media! We'll be giving away one of each design!



Happy Handmade!

Sophia x
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My Handmade Fair 2015...

Thursday, October 1, 2015
Hi everyone,

This is a bit of a long one, so go grab a cuppa and get comfy!

As per usual- I'm late on my blogging! OOPS! But better late than never, so here goes. I'm going to write about my Handmade Fair 2015 experience. It was the second year for both me and the fair, and once again I came away on a complete high.

There's something about being somewhere where you're appreciated that makes all the difference. As you know I don't do a huge amount of fairs, I generally rely on my online and catalogue orders throughout the year. But I am really enjoying going to a few larger fairs. Some fairs are all the same, the small purchases to a few people, and going home feeling pooey! And then there are others where people assume I buy everything in from abroad-WHAT!?
The Handmade Fair is different. Everyone there, whether they craft or not, appreciates the hard work you've put in. Kind comments mean the world, but this year some of you made me shed a tear. It's very overwhelming when more than one person says "I can see how hard you've worked, you should be very proud of yourself". I'm not trying to say 'Oh look at me- everyone loves me' by the way. I just want to express how much it means to me when you say nice things.

Being self employed and running my own business is probably the hardest thing I've ever had to do. I'm only 24 and for the last 4 and a half years I've been working my socks off. Every year is different, and every year comes with new challenges. When you come and say hi, or tell me you've seen me at another show, or you read this blog, or you've read about me in a magazine, I cannot tell you how much it makes all the hard work worth while...

Anyway sorry for that emotional essay. Back to the fair!


Here's me on the first day! All ready and raring to go! I was really pleased with the finished stand. And a huge thank you to my beautiful friend Carmen for designing the whole thing!

I was so excited about launching my new fabric range! And thank you so much for your feedback. They are on their way right now, and should hopefully be available in a couple weeks. I haven't ordered the slightly modern geometric design though, as I feel it needs more work. But the other 3 are coming soon. YEY!



I got to meet the lovely Kirstie Allsopp again this year, she is always such a hoot! And she loved my Handmade Fair Tribute cushion. As did many of you, so thank you for all of you who took photos of it and raved about it online.



Here are some close ups if you didn't get to see it properly. There were a few of you who were interested in buying it-which took me completely by surprise. But I have still got it and have permission from the lovely events team now, so if you want it- Contact me.

Right now onto lovely people...



There are so many lovely, lovely crafty people whom I met at the fair. So sorry if I don't mention you all! But here are a few new friends.
Firstly Tilly Walnes and the Tilly and the Buttons Team! They were SO happy and friendly- love them all! Georgie from The Paper Hare, is now my new favourite illustrator. I've made a list of things I NEED to buy for Christmas Pressies (not all for me promise!). Izzi and Lara from Izzi Rainey, who brightened up my life with laughs, smiles and their beautiful wares! (Plus I think mum got me something from them for Christmas as I saw a cheeky bag hidden in the boot when we left! SHHHHH!) My neighbour Lou Hopper, who's South African printed wares have made me want to re-decorate my whole house! My other neighbour Hannah from Handcrafted by Me, who was so interesting to talk to and an amazing business woman! Gemma from The Silver Shed, who's gorgeous tiny silver jewellery is to die for! Lois from Punto Belle, who's colourful bags and accessories were a true show gem. Plus visit her blog for her 'fair tribute' video featuring yours truly.
Bloggers Laydey Katabella and Emma from the PR Mummy who both loved my cushion. Visit Laydey Katabella to see my cushion featured in her blog. Ashley from Lazy Daisy Jones who loved the little Alice in Wonderland brooches I made for the press bags. Lastly Charlie, aka The Savvy Crafter and editor of Simply Sewing Magazine. Who loved my Handmade Fair cushion so much she featured it on the magazine's instagram page! *HUGE SMILES* You all made the fair amazing and I'm looking forward to seeing you again soon!

Overall my experience of the show was hugely positive. I've made loads of new friends, met new customers and have had a few trade customers too! I'll be there again next year in the same place, so make sure you get your tickets. (too soon?)




Thank you to the Brand Events Team for listening to all our feedback from last year's fair and making this year's an amazing one. Mum and I loved every minute. Huge thanks also to my amazing Mum who was with me every day- got me food, water and let me have the occasional break.

There's so much to look forward to in the coming months. The biggest being receiving my new fabrics in a couple weeks. I'm planning loads of new products soon, so keep your eyes peeled. I've been busy updating the website when I can, so there's new products for Christmas being added and my new card range will be on there soon.

Thanks again to all of you who have supported me. Whether you've bought Jessalli wares, read this blog, follow me on social media- it all keeps me going, keeps my creativeness flowing and makes me appreciate how lucky I am to have my dream job!

Happy Handmade everyone! (Sorry if your tea is cold now!)

Over and out.... x
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Boilerhouse Gallery Arty Bazzar!

Sunday, August 16, 2015

On the 8th August I took Jessalli to The Boilerhouse Gallery in Corfe for their Arty Bazzar! I arrived on a beautiful summer's morning ready to set up my stall.

The Gallery is a co-operative. Run by the artists who exhibit in them and most of whom work on site. It's a fantastic place if you are interested in art and many mediums of craft.


The gallery is behind Corfe Railway station. So the lovely steam train stops right outside it. Which was a lovely addition to my day. 

There were so many lovely stall there, from Bric a Brac to Handmade Goats Milk Soaps. Plus the gallery opened it's studios up for you to buy one off pieces of art.  


I was very lucky to be put next to the Goat's Milk soaps, so my day was full of beautiful scents of lavender, Geranium and Neroli. 

One of my favourite stalls, was a horse box full of beautiful vintage collectables and gifts. It was a fab sight to see, plus their finds and products on offer were amazing!



I had a really lovely day in the sun and sold lots of Jessalli wares to customers new and old! Follow the Boilerhouse Gallery on Facebook HERE to keep up to date with their events and opening times. 


Find out more about the gallery on their website HERE. If you've never been before, I'd definitely make a trip there. It's well worth it- plus you can get a ride on the train afterwards!

Happy Handmade!

Sophia x
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The Handmade Fair Ticket Winner is.....

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

And the Winner is....

Sally-Ann Hunt  


Thank you to everyone who entered! For those of you who would still love to go, you can still buy tickets HERE. I would love for you to come and see us there.  

Happy Handmade!

Sophia x

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Handmade Fair Ticket Competition!

Monday, August 3, 2015
Hi Everyone,

Hope you're all good! Well it's only 6 and a bit weeks until Kirstie Allsopp's Handmade Fair again! Yippeee!

So to celebrate I thought I'd do a little giveaway of Handmade Fair Tickets! I have 1 pair up for grabs!

It's open to all Jessalli customers and followers. You have until 5pm Mon 10th August 2015 to enter! Tickets are entry only, but can be upgraded at a discount price if you want to attend workshops and other demonstrations.



Fill out the entry form below to be entered into the prize draw! :) Good Luck!

 Winner will be announced Tuesday 11th August 2015!

COMPETITION NOW CLOSED!

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Dip Dye Cushions

Wednesday, July 8, 2015
Hi Everyone!

Thought I'd do something a bit different today, I recently did some experimenting with dip dye cushions for my bedroom. And they turned out pretty well, so I wrote a DIY if you want to try it yourself!

You will need:

  • White Cotton (preferably cotton canvas or loomstate so it's thicker.)
  • Zip
  • Cushion Pad
  • Machine and thread
  • Dylon Fabric Dye (I used one little packet).
  • Bucket
  • Washing line
  • String
  • Scissors
  • Pegs
  • Table Salt 
1. Measure your cushion pad and cut two squares of cotton to the same size. This will ensure your cushions will be nice and plump.



2. Cut your zip to be slightly smaller than one end of your squares. If you have an over-locker, use this to finish off the two bottom edges of your squares. Then use your machine to insert your zip. If you haven't got an over-locker, you can use the zig zag stitch on your machine instead.

How to insert a zip: 
  1. Lay the zip right sides together on top of your first square, make sure it's exactly in the centre, you should have a gap either side of the zip.
  2. Use your zipper foot to sew all the way along the zip edge.
  3. repeat with other side.
  4. Then use your normal foot on the machine to go over the gaps and slightly over the zip each side.
  5.  Press out.

3. Finish off making your cushion covers by over-locking the last 3 open sides right sides together. Make sure you leave your zip open a little before you do this- otherwise you won't be able to turn it the right way around.

4.  Follow the instructions on the dye to prepare it. You will need a large bucket. My dye needed 250g salt in warm water then add the dye.

5. Use your washing line to hang to pieces of string from it, with pegs on the ends. Make sure they are long enough to be just above your bucket.

6. Hang your cushion cover from the pegs and dip into the dye. I left about 1-2" at the bottom white. Though the shape of my bucket meant the first dip dye wasn't in a straight line. Adjust it if needed.

7. I left each dip dye section for at least 30mins. But you can adjust your time to make it lighter/darker. I tied knots in the string to make the cushion hang higher each time.

8. Once you've finished each stage. Leave hanging from the line and use cold water to wash it through.

9. Put in the washing machine as per dye instructions. Once dry you can iron your cushion covers, insert the pads and admire!

If you do have a go- I'd love to see pictures. Please send them to my Facebook page or Instagram (@Jessalli_Handmade)! I'm really happy with my cushions, though I wish I could have got the first dip dye straight! 

Let me know how you get on! :D

Happy Handmade! 

Soph x
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My Midsummer....

Monday, June 15, 2015
Well it's been over a week since I've been back from The Wealden Times Midsummer Fair in Kent, and only now have I had time to sit down and share pictures from the weekend.



We arrived in Kent after 3.5 hours driving and headed straight to the Fair at Hole Park to set up. We were there about midday, so had plenty of time to get the stand ready.

After set up we headed to our B&B which was only 5 minutes down the road- amazing! We stayed at The Holt in Benenden (http://www.theholt.org/) and met Kate the owner there. She was so so lovely and greeted us with a cuppa in the garden and some homemade Victoria Sponge (with Apricot Jam I might add!!) -pure bliss!



Kate has a stunning garden, with loads of planted and wild flowers in so many colours. There's even chickens and a Bee Hive! The Chicken's had so much personality and were so friendly. I think they're used to having their picture taken, as some of them were posing!

The Bee Hive was probably my favourite part of the garden. If you love flowers- you love bees! There was so so many bees around the garden, and some of them were so tiny and cute. A lot of them love having their photo taken, but my favourite was this little guy!



The house itself was beautiful and Mum and I stayed in a pretty twin room called Bluebell. Which as you can probably guess was all blue. It was a lovely place to stay and I would recommend it to anyone and everyone! Plus Kate's breakfasts are amazing!


Right back to the fair! We had such a lovely few days at The Midsummer Fair, it was a lovely set up and Hole Park is a stunning place to be. 


My stand was of course colourful and pink! And my underwear bunting went down well in Kent. 
We met so so many lovely people and have definitely met a few friends! Sarah from Jimmy Hooves (http://www.jimmyhooves.com/) was to the left of us and she was such a hoot! She made us laugh everyday. 
On our right was Fearne and Lawrence from Maya Crafts (http://www.mayacrafts.co.uk/) they were such good fun and poor Lawrence ended up helping us so much over the fair as he was so tall, he could put up our banners, reach pegs up high and even carried really heavy boxes to the van for us! So Thanks again Lawrence you were great!
 There were so so many other lovely people- you know who you are! Thank you to all of you for making our time even more memorable.


Every night we left the fair went back to the B&B for a freshen up, then went to our 'local' The Bull in Benenden (http://www.thebullatbenenden.co.uk/). Again I couldn't recommend this place enough, the staff were so friendly, the food was super tasty and the atmosphere was lovely. Mum and I loved it and were happy to go there every night!

So to finish up, the weather was great, the fair was so fun, the people were lovely and the overall few days away were amazing. I felt like I'd been on holiday, and there's not a better feeling than that. 

Sadly there was no rest afterwards, I was back working on Sunday doing a workshop, then trade orders and personalised orders were in full flow from Monday! But I love it, and I love my job!

Thank you all for sharing it with me and your continued support! And a big welcome to new customers and reader!

Have a lovely week everyone and Happy Handmade!
Sophia x
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Mother's Day Ideas...

Tuesday, March 3, 2015
There's just over a week to get your Personalised Orders in for Mother's Day delivery. (Weds 11th March is last order date). So I thought I'd share a few ideas if you're still stuck on what to get Mum.



Something to brighten up her living room for Spring? How about a animal cushion in a dusky colour? CLICK HERE.



A cute card for the 'BESTEST MUMMY' from children big and small! CLICK HERE



Personalised cards make a great keepsake and you can have anything you want on there! From a personal message to a funny moment, make Mum smile! CLICK HERE



Maybe a personalised Make Up bag is the best present for Mum? She can keep bits and bobs in the handbag or to keep brushes tidy.



Personalised Aprons have been a favourite present for Mums since I started, and I still love making them! And they're always well received!

Get your orders in as soon as possible! :)

Sophia x
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Nuestro viaje Español!

Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Our Spanish Trip was a fast but fantastic getaway. We flew into Madrid for a couple days then took a train to Valencia for another 2 days, and finally took another train to Barcelona!


 Some beautiful street art cross stitch on an abandoned building in Valencia. They used thick coloured rope on the wire mesh covering the front of the building- stunning!

I have to say, Madrid was my least favourite out of the three, only because it was very westernised, and as we were staying in the city centres, it was hard to escape the amount of 'Burger King's and 'McDonald's. 


  Some of the amazing tiles decorating many buildings in the old city of Valencia. We actually went to the ceramic museum and saw some of the original techniques they used to hand paint and print them. The colours were amazing.

Valencia was a beautiful city and had so many old buildings and amazing architecture, I wish I had more photos, but we haven't had time to properly go through them all yet! One of the more modern buildings in Valencia is the Art and Science museum at the end of the old river. It consists of three HUGE structures! And each is totally unique.


Some of the mosiac tiles decorating sculptures around the Art and Science Museum.


Just one part of the modern Art and Science Museum in Valencia. 




One of the many colourful fruit stalls in Barcelona's food markets.

Next we traveled to Barcelona, and it has to be one of my favourite cities, and I wish we had longer there. The streets are so open and wide, there are loads of lovely old narrow streets to explore and find really unique shops and artists, and they have the Picasso museum! Which is a must see if you do go. Plus the food markets are to die for! The colours are amazing.


 The inside of the Picasso Museum (Google images) it was a mix of modern conversions amongst really old ruins - spectacular. 

In Barcelona we stayed in a lovely hotel in the centre of Catalunya (Called H10). I was totally obsessed with the decor and interiors in this hotel. It was a mix of old classic building with modern touches. So much dark wood and marble were mixed with modern lighting and light classic details. I took pictures of so many things- but didn't want to bore you with tons of pictures of lights!


Really love this deep mirror with the gold painted inside, simple but stylish! I have asked my other half to make me one! 

I will however share a couple of my favourite details. I love interiors and decorating, and can get bored easily of things. So I always take pictures of any details, colours or furniture I like to gain inspiration for my own home.


 Loved these bed side wall lights so much!




Silk wallpaper decorated every wall in the hotel, with dark wood and marble floors.

Well I hope you enjoyed looking at a few pictures- I'm sorry if there was too many, but I could have shared a lot more!! I had a lovely week away getting inspiration and creative juices flowing, but its back to sewing, designing and orders! 

Thanks for reading and if there's anything you'd like to know about travelling around Spain, or if you have been somewhere you think I'd like- do get in touch! 

Happy Handmade!

Sophia x

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