Pressies

.... from Canada! A little while ago I tracked down a magazine for Pat (no blog) in Canada. It was the ‘Magic Patch’ magazine, which she then subscribed to through a British company. Pat was actually after the ‘Born to Quilt’ issue, but that was so popular last summer, it had completely sold out. I did photocopy a pattern she liked though from my own copy of the magazine and sent it over to her, which I know she was pleased with, and then today when I got home, there was a little package waiting for me! Pat sent me a craft magazine at the time by way of thanks, so this is an extra - aren't I the lucky one? Now we all know, don’t we, how nice it is to find a package waiting for us, but it’s 10 times better still when you’re not expecting one! And this is what was inside:-

3 lovely wool snowmen ornaments (I love the colours) – these will definitely adorn my Christmas tree next year!

and a very nice ‘Valentine’ bookmark. Thank you Pat for your generosity.

Now, I’d like a bit of sympathy please. I’ve spent the last week away from work – “that sounds good” I hear you say – wrong! I won’t go into detail, but I’ve had a really nasty virus, sickness etc. (the ‘etc.’ is where I won’t go into detail if you know what I mean!!). Boy, did I feel rough at the beginning of the week. Now I know I’m ill when:

1. I stay in bed all day, which was all of Monday and a big part of Tuesday; and
2. I can’t eat!! Which I couldn’t

Still, I’m over it now thank goodness and there’s always an upside to things isn’t there – I lost 7 1bs in 3 days and I can’t remember the last time I managed such a quick weight loss. Anyway, I’m gonna try and keep it off and lose a bit more besides, well a lot more actually (“ha, that old chestnut” I hear you say!!). Well I can try.

But do you know the really annoying thing about having been off all week is that I didn’t pick a needle up until Friday – I couldn’t even raise any interest in my sewing – what a waste! So all I’ve achieved in the last week was to nearly finish the first block of my ‘Sheep in the Willow’ BOM – I still have a bit a grass to embroider at the bottom so that the sheep isn’t floating in the air! I’ve been today and bought some backing for my 2nd quilt, so that’s my next task, basting, quilting etc. (oooh, I’m suddenly feeling all funny again!!!!)

.......... til next time then.

Annie Giveaway!

I really love rag dolls and have a go at making my own from time to time, bit none are as cute as this charmer.
'Annie' is the prize in De's giveaway, so pop over to her blog to be in with a chance of winning this sweet little girl.

Easter Swap

I've just signed up for my first swap - Julie at 'Bush Baby Jag' is hosting an Easter swap .......... so, hop (excuse the pun!) over to Julie's blog and join in the fun!

Quilt No. 2 - next stage!

Well, I can’t believe that I’ve got so far so fast – am I pleased with myself or what?!! That’s the inner panel complete and now I just have to decide what borders to add. I love the colours, and I loved the simplicity of making it – must remember that for future attempts! I know many of you ladies get on this quickly all the time, but for me, I think it’s the comparison between how long my first quilt took next to how quickly I’ve got on with this one. And you know, I really do put it down, in large part, to the inspiration constantly on offer through blogging. I know that I spend far too much time at my computer blogging (I often sit here thinking to myself "I could actually be downstairs sewing instead"), but on balance I still think I've accomplished far more just from the sheer desire to 'show off' to anyone who wants to look at what I do!

Anyway, it's not quite a full double bed size quilt, so I’m thinking I might keep it in the lounge for those cold winter nights to help keep me warm – we’ll see!

Bye now!

Quilt No. 2

Well, I’ve finally made a start on my 2nd quilt .... and boy, what a difference! My first one (see earlier post), for various reasons, took me about 18 months to complete: –

• Firstly, I was a complete novice

• Secondly, I discovered after I’d started that I had chosen quite a complicated pattern; and

• Thirdly - being terrified of it!!

This time I have opted for a much easier pattern, and, as a result, have finished the first 3 blocks in no time at all. The idea came from a lovely quilt I saw on Lisa’s blog over at ‘Candle Lite Quilter’ (hope she doesn’t mind!!). I loved the warm colours she used as much as anything and I’ve tried to use similar colours, although I've used a good splash of a mustardy kind of colour too. Lisa has used a pattern called ‘Sassy 16’, although I still can’t work out where the ‘16’ is from as each block is made up of 8 pieces, maybe it’s because one block faces one way and the next one, the other way – no matter, I love it anyway!! At this rate, I’ll soon have the quilt top finished, although I’m not sure yet whether I’ve got enough for the borders as well, and in any case, I haven’t decided yet how big it’s going to be!

.... ‘til next time

Jo's 'Giveaway!

Jo (Home Sweet Home) is hosting her ‘100th Post Giveaway’. To be in the draw you need to tell Jo what 3 crafty things you simply can't live without. You will also need to post a photo of your favourite things on your blog to let everyone know about her ‘Giveaway’. So here goes:-

1. Well, I suppose my sewing machine is an obvious one;

2. My rotary cutter – what a great invention; and finally

3. I don’t think this is cheating – the reason for a picture of my computer is because so many of the craft blogs I've come across since I joined have really been a great source of inspiration, and inspiration is definitely a must to get you sewing!

Sorry the photos are a bit dark - they were taken at night under electric light!

Good luck to anyone who enters, although I do hope it's me who wins!! LOL

Lucy Goose ...........

........ and her Plum Pudding!! OK, I know you’ve probably all done with Christmas for another year, but I just had to show you my Christmas Goose. I did start her before Christmas, but the festive season, together with a good dose of lethargy got in the way and I’ve only just finished her. I enjoyed making her and the body was relatively easy to put together, although I had a hell of a game trying to work out how to make her dress though. In the end, I made the body of the dress separately, then I sewed the wings, with the sleeves on them round her back and that seems to have worked well enough. The plum pudding was easy and fun to make – the berries are some lovely matt glass beads that I’ve had for years (knew they would come in useful eventually!!) A shame, but I suppose I shall have to put her away until next Christmas now!!

Happy 2009!!

Well, I think I need to shake myself up a bit now in the New Year, as I’ve been rather idle over the holiday season! Even though the mind has been willing, the body has been very lethargic with regard to sewing. I have done a bit of hand quilting on a Christmas panel, but haven’t finished it yet – it should hopefully be ready for Christmas 2009!!! And I did make a start on a new rag doll; well, it’s a rag goose actually, but the neck was too long, so I shall have to have another go at it soon. Will show if and when I succeed with it. I can’t go anywhere today as I’m on call for work. I work in the law courts and emergency applications and breaches of orders have to be dealt with over holiday periods as and when they arise – what fun eh!! Still, the money is very welcome when I get it and that’s the only reason I volunteer for it – not because I love my work so much!! I don’t mind my job though actually, it could be worse.

Anyway, as I’ve no sewing pictures to show, I thought I would show you the view outside the front of my little house this morning – very cold, but very pretty. It’s remained below freezing even during the daytime, so we’ve seen in a very wintry New Year, whilst our friends ‘down under’ have seen in a very hot New Year - watched it on the BBC news last night. Does your TV down under show our frosty New Year on your news on the other side of the globe? Just wondered!

Looking forward to many new friendships through blogging in 2009.

Love and best wishes

Happy Christmas one and all!!

I would just like to wish all of my new (bloggie) friends across the globe

A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS.

It's been a fabulous and insprirational 6 months since I joined 'blogland' and I thank all those who have made me welcome!

May all your Christmas dreams be fulfilled!

Santa & Rudolph

I thought some of my bloggie friends would like to see my twiggy santa and twiggy rudolph Christmas decorations. I first made them about 3 years ago - cute aren't they? And they turned out to be quite poular with friends and colleagues at work too - I think you know when something works don't you? Even my plumber has asked me to make a pair for him and his wife!! How about that eh and I thought it was only us girlies who were into crafty things!!

"Deck the halls ........."

Well, it feels as though it’s been ages since I last posted, or had anything to post about! Christmas just seems to have got in the way – the same for most others I suppose. If I haven’t been making curtains (yuk!), I’ve either been Christmas shopping, wrapping presents or putting in extra time at work. However, I have nearly all my Christmas presents sorted now (some home-made of course:0), although I still have to write cards. As well as the home-made pressies, I’ve also been making these few Christmas decos. They turned out rather well, if I say so myself and my intelligent sister-in-law was quite taken with them this afternoon – she’s going to see if she can interest anyone in them where she works (what a lovely sister-in-law she is). I've also made the bells in a gold colour fabric, but I didn't get around to taking a photograph of that one. Despite being pleased with the decos and the presents I’ve made, I really can’t wait to get started on my next quilt – I’ve got 2 patterns, but can’t decide which one to go for. Can I work on two at the same time, or is that complete madness – now be kind!!!

I made my first batch of mince pies this afternoon too –“it’s starting to smell a lot like Christmas!!” I’ve put most of them in the freezer, otherwise they would last about 5 minutes, although of course, it was entirely necessary to test one first (OK, or two)!!! There’s nothing I love more than to get comfy on Christmas Eve when everything is done with a mince pie or three, a large glass of sweet sherry (love it) and to sit and watch my favourite Christmas film, 'Scrooge'. We could just do with a covering of snow and it would be complete! Who knows, maybe this will be the year we’ll have a White Christmas.

I hope everyone out there is nearly ready for Christmas too and starting to get in the festive spirit (the alcoholic kind of course!!) – bye for now!

Just a quikkie!!

Having shown off my new curtains, Kathleen said that she would like to see a picture of my finished lounge, so here are a few piccies. I think it’s always difficult to take photographs of rooms and although my lounge is quite small, these photographs make it look even smaller. The size of it also makes lighting a real problem, but it gives an idea anyway. If you take a close look, you can see evidence on the foot stool that I had been doing a bit of hand stitching last night – honestly, it’s not just there for effect!!

And I took a picture of under the stairs (the stairs go off the lounge you see) where I keep my books (I love books and would probably have twice as many if I had more space)!! Also my antique ‘Singer’ is there which I just love to look at from time to time, although I can’t begin to imagine how long it would have taken to make my curtains on that!! And for those keep fit enthusiasts amongst you, you will see this is where I store my little exercise machine, which is as pristine as the day I bought it (do you get what I’m saying here)!!?? I walk past it each and every day and promise that I will ‘one day’, make use of it – my mistaken belief was that if it was left out handily on display, it would encourage me to use it every day – WRONG – I do occasionally go near it though to dust it!!! The photographs amongst the books are of my lovely older brother who graduated to become a maths teacher following a career change in his 30’s and of my eldest nephew who graduated this year in criminology – I’m such a proud auntie and love both of my nephews to bits. And then there’s a lovely old one of my mom and dad when they met in 1953 whilst doing holiday work. Anyway, this was only going to be a quickie post, so that’s the lot for now ..........

PS. Like the music??!!! It's taken me ages and ages to work out how to get it on here - but turn the volume down if you don't like it:0(

Curtains!

Well, this has been my longest absence since I joined blogland – as regards postings anyway – I've still been looking!! However, I can now show my latest creation – yes, it’s a pair of curtains!! I’ve had a week off work and set myself the task of finishing painting my lounge and making the curtains. I have to say though that I HATE making curtains, but I am very pleased with the result. My lounge isn’t very big and in keeping with my preferred ‘Country’ theme, I chose a large check pattern to match the 3-piece suite I have been given by my lovely aunt and uncle.
Has anyone ever made inter-lined curtains (which these are)? They feel beautiful and it’s like having quilts at your window, which, believe me, we need here in the UK during winter months. The inter-lining (which is a bit like quilt batting) is locked to the back of the main fabric, with little stitches just catching a thread of the main fabric and then picking up a bit of the inter-lining. Stitches are only needed about every 30cms or so. Then the ordinary lining is attached in the usual way. The difficulty with curtain making is dealing with the sheer size of them in order to keep them smooth and straight for hemming and you end up either working on the floor, or as in my case, across the bed, which still isn’t big enough, and it’s back-breaking work. What you really need for curtain making is a large workroom with a very large table at waist height so that a curtain can be laid out flat to work on.
Now if anyone has taken a closer look and thinks “oh dear, she’s made them too long”, this is a design idea (not mine) – they are meant to be long so that they ‘puddle’ (No, not piddle!!) on the floor. I like the look of them and it also helps as a draught excluder. And at the top, there is a deliberate overhang above the header tape so that when they’re gathered, they form a frill effect, which again I like.
As I said before, I loathed doing them, but it was worth the effort. And now that they’re finished, I can use what little is left of my week off to do the kind of sewing I do enjoy – so that’s where I’m off to now - to soothe my withdrawal symptoms!!

Bag lady!!

I just finished this bag the other day. It's a design by Louise from my favourite fabric shop, 'White Cottage Country Crafts'. It's not on their website at the moment, but the pattern is available at the shop. I think their website is a recent addition and I would say, not finished yet, as not everything is priced up properly and their fabric range is much much more than you see on the website. I've tinkered with the pattern slightly because I wanted to use the lovely brown beaded trim I bought last week at the Malvern Quilt Festival, which, as you can see, I have put down the front. The original bag design has a flap, but that would have deflected from the trim, so I left it off .... I may put a magnetic clasp on the inside perhaps to stop it from gaping open. I love the way the handle is formed, which you can see in the next photograph, by twisting the ends over each other and then stitching them together - a clever idea don't you think and a bit different?

I added 2 pockets inside - one for my mobile, plus another one - a lady can never have enough pockets in her bag can she?!! I'm keeping this bag for me ................

but the next one is a present for my dear cousin Pauline, who will be 60 years old shortly .......... shhhhhhh, don't let her know I told her age for all to see - she'd have my guts for garters!! I purchased this pattern from a shop called 'Abigail's Crafts' and is made very simply using 9 strips from a jelly roll and, again, I strayed a little bit from the original look of the bag by adding the lovely shell buttons instead of a fabric flower on the flap. I hope dear cousin likes it - I know she has recently bought herself new shoes in the wine/purpley colour, so they should match well enough. This isn't a brilliant picture really, because the wine/purpley colour is actually alternated with sage green, not brown as they look in the photo and there's so much shine on the buttons, it's difficult to see what a lovely colour they are - never mind though - you get the idea I hope.

That's all for now folks!!

Tranquility!!

This is too bad!! It's infectious. There I was innocently browsing Jo's blog; from there I went to Maree's blog and before you know it I've ordered a jelly roll from 'Fat Quarter World' - I just couldn't stop my fingers from pressing the 'order' button and the 'proceed to checkout' button. So now, I too have a bundle of fabric on the way to me. These are the fabrics in the jelly roll, it's called 'Tranquility' by Sandy Gervais - simply scrummy. I've convinced myself that I've bought it with a view to making it up into a quilt for someone else, but who am I kidding!!! It may never leave my side once I own it!! I may not feel so 'Tranquil' once my credit card statement arrives!!

12 Days of Christmas

I've just finished my '12 Days of Christmas' wall hanging - doesn't look too bad does it?
Thank you to Kathleen in Canada, who was kind enough to send me the magazine containing the pattern in the first place; otherwise I couldn't have done it.

I don't know though why I'm always so naive about how long things take to do. I saw this as a nice easy 'weekend project' - WRONG!! 2 weekends is closer to the mark. Still, I think it's worth it now that's it finished. I bought the lovely wire hanger from the Malvern quilt festival that I went to last Friday - they do seem quite expensive when you consider they are just a bit of wire bent into pretty shapes, but I suppose the makers have a fairly captive market don't they - hey ho!!

Malvern Autumn Quilt Festival 2008

As I briefly mentioned yesterday, I went to a quilt festival – first one I’ve been to actually. It was at the Malvern Showground. The Malvern Hills has a long cultural heritage and is well-known for its dramatic hills and for its famous pure spring water. It is a very beautiful part of the country: really popular with walkers and ramblers. I went with my friend Pam and we both came away thoroughly exhausted after a great day viewing the wonderful quilts on show and touring all the stalls, deciding what to buy and trying to ignore what we couldn’t afford to buy! Having said that, I did return home with money still in my purse (pretty amazing I’d say)! We met some very nice ladies and had a lovely lunch into the bargain.

Here are some of the quilts that were on show:-











































..... and here is what I bought.





















the next one is a 'Nancy Halvorsen' Christmas panel



































the next photograph does not do this piece of trimming any justice - I have no idea where I shall use it yet, but I simply had to buy a piece (and only a small piece, as it was quite pricey!) - maybe to trim a bag??

.... it's only the fabric here that I bought yesterday. The pattern and jelly roll I already had, but when I do get around to starting this quilt, which I fell in love with as soon as I saw it, I want to increase its size by adding extra borders, and the red fabric matches some of the strips in the jelly roll.

.... and lastly and sorry about the fuzzy photograph here, but this is Jackie who owns my favourite fabric shop, ‘White Cottage Country Crafts’. Even after looking at all the other stands at the show, I still ended up going back to theirs and spending the majority of my money there. It’s a lovely shop with friendly, welcoming staff and it’s in a very picturesque location - well worth a visit if you're ever in the area (and the lady at the front of the stall looking at fabric is my good friend Pam).

A good day all round I'd say!!