Trip to Paris
Rather than buy Christmas or birthday presents for each other, Sue and I save the money we would have spent and put it towards a trip away. This year we are off to Paris for a few days! We have been before and loved it. We plan to hit a few museums and of course the fabric district at Montmartre!
There will be lots of sight seeing, shopping, eating and drinking!
Just the two of us will be going so it gives our other halves some peace and quiet - no sewing machine noises, no muttering under breath when we measure or cut something wrong or, worse of all, pins on the floor.
It’s the weekend!
Hello everyone how has your week been. Claire & I went to an interesting event run by Creative Swansea. They are a hub that brings together artists, makers and small local businesses in one place. You can look for jobs, events and what is happening in Swansea. That includes us! Anyone can register and it’s free to join.
Don’t forget we have got our first workshop at the 1807 Cafe in Mumbles on 17th June. You can book on our website or via 1807. We are looking forward to sharing our love of cross stitch with you whether you are a beginner or someone looking for a fun project.
June is our birthday month. Claire was the fourth of June and mine is today. We are typical Geminis. We love learning and trying new things. This is the same for Sister Makes. We love to design quirky and colourful bags and jackets.
We went to the lovely Urban HQ in Swansea City Centre to listen to some live music. The weather may not have been on board but the venue and music were great and joyful. Definitely brought some sunshine into my day. Oil Sanchez was brill. You can follow him on Instagram and Facebook. See you next week x Suzanne & Claire
Cross Stitch Heaven
We have been very busy behind the scenes prepping for our 1st cross stitch workshop!
Due to be held at 1807 Coffee Shop, Mumbles, Swansea on the 17th June, this is our chance to teach everyone (well up to 24 people!) how to make one of our lovely cross stitch Welsh Blanket Coasters. We will provide the kit and help to make the coaster and 1807 will provide a drink and the chance to purchase some lovely foodie treats.
We are also working on a new coaster pattern - Flower Pops! So called as the coasters will be based on a flower in some bright pop art inspired colours. Watch this space, Facebook and Instagram for updates.
It’s the weekend!
Amazing colour at Clyne Gardens
Hello everyone. How has your week been? We’ve had highs and lows with the weather here in Swansea. The bank holiday was a mixed bag of sunshine and showers. Rod & I went to Clyne Gardens which is local to us. Mind you I was wearing my coat. It wasn’t very warm. It is the most beautiful park and has an amazing collection of azaleas, magnolias and rhododendrons. This time of year the colours are amazing. As you know there is nothing more than Claire and I love than colour. A lot of our Japanese fabrics have these gorgeous flowers on them. We also love traditional floral prints as well. I think all flowers just bring us joy! Have a look at our website shop for some floral inspiration.
We are at the Vintage and Makers Market tomorrow and Sunday at The Waterfront Museum, Swansea. It’s free to come in and there will be lots of amazing artisans and crafters. We will be in the Ocean Room so pop in and say hello. Our newsletter is also out this weekend. If you haven’t already subscribed you can do that here. It will be packed full of joy and sunshine. Have a lovely week x Suzanne & Claire
Reversible Childs dress in blue and pink floral design
Gower Crafts & Artisans
Hello All - writing this just after Sue and I have finished our 1st shift helping out at the Gower Crafts & Artisans shop in Mumbles. We had a lovely time, met some great people and sold some beautiful handmade items. All in all it was great fun and we are looking forward to doing it again! There may even have been a slice of cake bought and eaten from Theo’s Coffee Shop which is in the same building.
The next few days are going to be spent prepping for the upcoming Vintage & Makers Market in the National Maritime Museum in Swansea Marina. Another fun event that we are really looking forward to. I think May is going to be a super busy month for us!
It’s the weekend!
Hello everyone. Happy Sakura! Sakura means cherry blossom and holds huge cultural significance in Japan where Sakura is the national flower. In Japan they celebrate Sakura by holding Hanami parties. Hanami literally means ‘flower viewing’ but is used for cherry blossom viewing. I thought I would pop photos of my apple trees on as they are looking glorious. I love this time of year when all the blossom is in bloom. I love the soft pastel colours of pink and white. How has your week been? I got excited for a minute thinking Spring was warming up but the feeling didn't last long. We had a few days of lovely sunshine and even a bit of warmth. It felt so nice. I don’t know about you but I always feel like doing more when the sun is out! Before I could blink it was really cold again.
Claire and I are making some new bags ready for our next fair which is on Saturday 9th May and Sunday 10th May. We will be part of The Vintage and Makes Market which is held at The Waterfront Museum, Swansea. It is run by the lovely Kevin and John of Cow and Ghost Events. We always love their markets, catching up with traders and customers old and new. Pop it in your diary. It’s free to come in. There will be lots of stalls in the main reception area, corridor and where we are in the ocean room.
Happy Easter!
Happy Easter everyone! If you are anything like Sue and myself there will definitely be some chocolate and a few hot cross buns involved!
Its been a busy few days and there a few plans in place for the Summer! Sue will be giving more details and some teasers in her monthly newsletter due out soon. Sign up now to stay ahead of our news! You can find the sign up form at the bottom of our home page.
Our first bit of news is that we are delighted to have been accepted as part of Gower Crafts & Artisans. This lovely group of artists and makers have a shop in the Methodist Church in Mumbles. Why not pop in and treat yourself or someone you love to a beautiful gift from there. There is a coffee shop in the church too making it a great pitstop after a walk along the sea front.
It’s the weekend!
Our new 100% silk kimono style jacket
I love the marble effect of this silk fabric. We’ve also got one in a beautiful floral pattern. Which would you choose?
Hello everyone. How has your week been? Well Spring was in the air for a fleeting moment but now as I am writing this the weather is back to Winter. I am freezing! I am excited to say that Claire and I are going to be part of a new market in Upper Killay, Swansea. It is on Saturday 23rd May from 11-4 at Upper Killay Community Centre. Keep an eye on our social media posts for more information.
One of our mini crossbody bags in denim and Japanese patchwork fabric. Love the colours.
Lots to do this week. I am making some lovely mini crossbody bags which are great if you don’t want to take out a big bag. I will pop some photos of the new bags on our newsletter which is due at the beginning of April. If you would like to subscribe jump on our website and click on the subscription button. It’s free to join. Have a great week x Suzanne & Claire
Not Goodbye but Au Revoir…
We are very sad to say that the lovely Mumbles shop, Adelante, is closing. Naomi who has run the shop for the last few years is going back to her 1st love which is beauty and has opened a salon in Sketty, Swansea called Elements. This weekend is the final one for Adelante and we want to wish Naomi all the the best for the future. She has been a fantastic supporter of Sister Makes and we have loved the opportunity to sell via her shop.
We are saying Au Revoir and not Goodbye as not only will Naomi be running her beauty salon but has plans for pop up shops, craft & vintage fairs and craft workshops in the future. Watch this space - we will keep you updated!
Elements has a small stock of our makes so do pop in and have a look - you may want to book yourself a wonderful beauty treatment whilst you are there!
It’s the weekend!
Hello everyone, I hope you have had a fab week. We had a great time trading at The Vintage & Makers Market held at The Waterfront Museum, Swansea. It was lovely to catch up with old and new customers and traders. We had a lovely response to our new bamboo silk Japanese Kimono Style Jackets. You will be able to find them on our website from the 21st March. The weather has been awful which means poor light so I haven’t been able to take any good photos. Fingers crossed!
This Sunday is Mother’s Day. This is a day when we can pause and celebrate the amazing women (mothers, grandmothers, stepmothers, mother figures and mentors) whose love has shaped our lives in all sorts of ways. We have some lovely Mother’s Day gifts on our website. Claire has made some gorgeous new Japanese knot bags which are fully reversible so you get two bags for the price of one….perfect. Above are two beautiful examples. Claire has also made some fab totes and zippered pouches. Have a look below. If you are a newsletter subscriber, you can use your exclusive 10% discount to get an extra treat for you.
Have a great week x Suzanne & Claire
It’s the Weekend!
Hello everyone. I hope you have all had a lovely week. We had a lovely time at The Welsh Quilt and Sewing Show last weekend. I have cut out two kimonos in beautiful bamboo silk we bought there. The fabric is gloriously bright and so unique. We couldn’t resist so ended up buying both patterns. Which is your favourite? Claire loves the marble effect silk but I love the floral pattern but I wouldn’t say no to either. I will be sewing them up over the weekend ready for our first fair of the year. Next Saturday and Sunday we will be part of The Vintage and Makers Market at The Swansea Waterfront Museum.
Next Thursday 5th March (I can’t believe we will be in March next week!) is International World Book Day. Both Claire and I are very passionate about reading. I love this charity and what they do to promote a love of books and reading. Do you or your children dress up for the day? What are your favourite characters? Our totes make fabulous book or magazine bags. We have a lovely selection of designs on our website.
Have a great week and Happy St Davids Day to all our lovely Welsh customers. Lots of love Suzanne & Claire x
Welsh Quilt Show
This blog is a little late due to Sue and myself visiting the new Welsh Quilting & Sewing Show that took place in Builth Wells this Friday and Saturday!
We had a lovely time looking at all the lovely fabrics, haberdashery as well as the show quilts on display. We admit there was some fabric purchased - some for us personally and some for Sister Makes ! There will definitely be some new knot bags at our next fair in March with some of the lovely new fabrics purchased.
The photo above shows Sue next to one of the lovely show quilts by Sue Jennings. Her quilts were fantastic and very beautiful. Our Sue got lots of comments about her beautiful coat too!
It’s the Weekend!
Hello everyone. Happy Valentine’s Day. I hope you have been spoilt by the love of your life. How has your week been? Shrove Tuesday also known as Pancake Day is next week….17th February. Are you team sweet or team savoury. I love traditional flavours like lemon juice and sugar. I love pancakes but I’m not very good at making them or flipping them! We have lovely homeware at Sister Makes that would make your pancakes sing. There are some lovely unique table runners and placemats. Have a look on our website for lots of inspiration.
We’ve got our first market….7th & 8th March at the Swansea Waterfront Museum. It is the Vintage and Makers Market run by the lovely Kevin & John at Cow and Ghost Vintage. We will be there Saturday and Sunday so come and say hello if you are popping in for a nose. It’s free to entry and there will be lots of fabulous stalls full of goodies to tempt you.
Have a fab weekend and I will see you next week x Sue
February is Here!
Well where did January go? February is already here!
Hubby is happy - February means lots of sport! Not just the football but the Winter Olympics and his absolute fav The Six Nations Rugby!
I meanwhile, have still been working on my scrap ‘management’… I would say I am probably only about 1 tenth of the way through… Its amazing what you can make from scraps though - anything from lovely patchwork totes and zipper pouches to clothes. The waistcoat pictured was made from tiny scraps, some as small as a thumbnail, sewn on to a fabric back. This was my part in the making and then Sue made this ‘new’ fabric into the actual waistcoat! A true Sister Makes!
It’s The Weekend!
Hi can you believe it’s 1st February tomorrow! Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. We have some lovely gifts for your loved ones…..from heart rag wreaths to gorgeous Japanese knot bags. There is something for everyone. How will you celebrate the 14th February?
It’s the Weekend!
I love this jacket!
Gold background with blue dragons
Hello everyone. Apologies for the lack of blogs. How has your week been? The weather has been awful this week. So much rain! Claire and I have been busy making stock ready for our up-and-coming markets. Our next market is Saturday 29th November at Founders & Co. This is a pop-up market collaboration between Adelante, Mumbles and Founders & Co. This will be a great chance to buy some unique and quirky gifts for Christmas.
Claire has also been busy putting lots of new stock on to our website. Have a look at our kimono style jackets which can be worn with jeans or looks lovely paired with a little black dress. There are also some great homewares such as table runners and coasters. Don’t forget we do commissions. We love quirky and unique at Sister Makes.
Kimono Style Jacket - playing card design with denim facings
It is time to cosy up in front of the fire with a warming hot chocolate or a cheeky glass of wine. Whatever you choose to do, stay safe and see you soon x Suzanne
It’s the Weekend!
Hello everyone! How has your week been? Tomorrow, Claire and I are at The Woolly Wool Artisan Market at The National Wool Museum, Drefach Felindre. Come along if you can as it is a great day out with lots of lovely artists and crafters. The museum is amazing as well and definitely worth a visit. We will be showcasing our lovely kits…..cross-stitch as well as the mini rag wreath kits. We will have ready made up kits as well as a choose your own colour way combinations for the Welsh Blanket coaster kits. This option went down really well at the last Woolly Market we did. If you don’t get chance to come to the market, you can always purchase a kit from our website. Our newsletter is due tomorrow and our lovely readers get an exclusive 10% discount to enjoy off anything on our website. Instead of an Easter egg this year, treat someone you love to a kit or one of our beautiful Japanese knot bags. These are gifts that last a lifetime and you don’t have to think about the calories.
I hope you are enjoying the glorious weather we are having. I love seeing all the beautiful blossom whether it be cherry, apple or hawthorn. The colours are fantastic. I was doing a training day at The Botanical Gardens in Singleton Park today for Forget Me Not and just seeing all the tulips and primroses filled my heart with joy. I couldn’t think of a better place to be than there for a day of learning how to become a Health Walk Leader. More of why I was doing this training to follow over the next few weeks.
Have a lovely weekend and I will see you next week x Suzanne
It’s the Weekend!
Hello everyone. How have you been? I’ve been a bit quiet as I have been away. Claire and I went away to Malaga and then Rod and I went to Devon for a few days. Although the weather wasn’t brilliant, we still had a lovely time. We went to see a Versace Exhibition which followed his amazing fashion career. It was so inspiring to see Gianni Versace’s creativity and his designs close up. He like us loved colour. It was so sad how his life was taken too soon.
Dawlish saw a big improvement on the weather with some sunny days. Spring is truly with us. How fabulous it is to see all this sunshine. Daffodils and primroses are fully out and the blossom is starting to flower. This is a favourite time of year for us as Spring is so full of colour.
This weekend I am busy making a reversible dress for a lucky young lady who is in love with pink. One side is all about the flowers and the other is full of stars. Our reversible dresses are all colourful and unique. You can find them at Adelantes in Mumbles. They generally go up to the age of six or seven.
Claire has been busy making gorgeous patchwork tote bags and zippered pouches. These are all unique as Claire has no pattern in mind when she starts her patchwork panels. Inspiration strikes as she sews. The pouches and totes are great for so many uses from shopping to crafting, from storing jewellery to chargers. You can always find a great gift on our website or on our Etsy shop as well as in Adelantes, Mumbles.
What are you up to this weekend? I hope you get a chance to relax and enjoy the sunshine. I am definitely going to get out for a walk. Have a great week x Suzanne & Claire
It’s the Weekend!
Hello everyone. How has your week been? We are at The Vintage and Makers Market over the weekend. It’s a great weekend. It’s so lovely to catch up with old friends and meet new traders and customers. We have got lots of new goodies. Our table is bursting with colour. Tomorrow there is also the outdoor pop-up Marina Market. There is a mix of food and drink stalls with some craft stalls as well. If you get chance, come in and say hello. Entry is free. We are in the Ocean Room in The Waterfront Museum, Swansea.
Don’t forget that the stock we don’t sell this weekend will be back at Adelante, Newton Road, Mumbles. Today is International Women’s Day and I want to highlight the fabulous work and achievements of all women especially entrepreneurs like Naomi and of course my lovely sister Claire.
We’ve got our crochet workshop on Friday March 21st at The Dunvant Farm Shop. This is a great chance to learn new skills and have a laugh. Claire is busy making gorgeous patchwork panels which she is turning into quirky quilted zippered pouches and totes. I am busy making fun reversible children’s dresses.
I am off to put on my pyjamas and enjoy a cheeky glass of wine. See you next week x Suzanne
Dydd Gwyl Dewi Hapus! Happy St David’s Day!
Hello everyone. How have you been? I can’t believe where the time is going. Happy St David’s Day. The sun is shining and the daffodils are out in bloom. Rod and I went for a lovely walk today along the promenade. We had lovely coffee and cake at Coast Cafe looking out over the barrage lock on the River Tawe which flows out into Swansea Bay. It is so good for the soul to get out and enjoy a lovely walk.
Claire and I have been busy making stock ready for our first market of 2025. We will be at the Waterfront Museum, Swansea on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th March for the Vintage and Makers Market run by the lovely Kevin and John of Cow and Ghost Events. We have some lovely new patchwork tote bags and zippered pouches. There will be a new tunic in a gorgeous vintage floral print and also a longer dress version which will be debuting at the market. If you want to see photos then subscribe to our newsletter…details below. Don’t forget we are also in Adelantes, Newton Road, Mumbles. Check out our website here for lots of quirky, colourful goodies which are great for Spring and Summer.
We are very excited as we have our first workshop of 2025 which will be all about crochet. This is always popular so make sure to book a place. You can do this by popping on our booking page on our website. It’s excellent value at £25.00 per person as not only do you learn a new skill but everything is included. There is also a free hot or cold drink as well.
We were so proud to see our quilt and wall-hanging in the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery. If you haven’t been to the exhibition yet, it is well worth a visit as it was so inspiring to see the crafts and hobbies that bring people joy. The exhibition is called ‘come as you really are’ and is free to get in. Lots going on over the next few weeks. March 8th is International Women’s Day so to you fabulous ladies ‘You are amazing!’. Our newsletter will be out soon so if you haven’t already subscribed it is easy….just click here. Lots of love Suzanne x
