Computer Hospital.
Posted on February 8, 2014 | 11 Comments
It seems to be the season for it – computers that do not want to work. Ours is having problems with its power supply and is off for repairs.
I am using an older laptop at the moment and am trying to be patient with its lack of speed.
I apologise if I have not replied to comments. I will have a big catch up when all is repaired.
Cheers, Karen
A Little Mystery.
Posted on February 1, 2014 | 13 Comments
Each year I manage to attend a workshop for a mystery quilt. This one was held on a day that was 41c but thankfully the workshop was held in air conditioned comfort.
This is the end result.
It is a small lap quilt – about 40 X 40 inches. I tend to make them small as I like to see how the pattern goes together, then I like to choose the fabrics I think will work best and make another quilt.
Have a look at the fabric and colours in the original, here.
My colours don’t show up well in the photo so here is a close up of the fabrics.
The fabrics are from Leesa Chandler’s Passage To India range.
I think a lot of straight line and zig zag quilting will work for this little one.
We have had a few milder days but are now back to heat wave conditions. I definitely prefer to be inside once the temps go over 40c on a regular basis. As a result, more sewing is happening.
I have made all the blocks for the Kitchen Window quilt and will hopefully complete the framing in the next few days.
I have also made all the blocks for a quilt using the disappearing pinwheel/churn dash blocks. I think I may keep it simple with white sashing between the blocks.
I will have a play with the layout for both of these quilts. Again, a perfect activity for indoors with the air conditioner.
Enjoy your weekend.
Rainbow Cat.
Posted on January 30, 2014 | 11 Comments
I am still trying to develop my crocheting skills and find it great to have a project that is achievable. This cat is made from a very simple pattern and was very easy to follow.
Very colourful – of course.
Love the back view, too.
Great little curly tail to go with it.
This easy pattern can be found at The Green Dragonfly. Lots of pictures in the tutorial to help along the way.
After playing with a few different colours there are always a few flowers left over for another project.
Maybe there needs to be another cat … or two!
Australia Day.
Posted on January 26, 2014 | 14 Comments
January, 26th, 2014.
Lots of celebrations happening all around the country. I think a BBQ is in order.
A perfect way to relax and enjoy the day.
There is even a little bunting around the pergola.
Happy Australia Day!
I have made a few new cards during a workshop last week.
A couple of them need sentiments added when I know what I need to use them for.
I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend, and if you wish to join in, enjoy Australia Day.
Hot And Easily Distracted.
Posted on January 16, 2014 | 14 Comments
I have cut out the kitchen window quilt I mentioned in the last post. But with the forecast for our weather, ( 44c or 111F), I decided to cut out several other quilts so I had plenty to do inside with the aircon flowing.
That’s where the distraction came in. I was fascinated by the disappearing pinwheel that was from Missouri Star Quilt Co. So of course I had to play with it to see how it worked. These are the first blocks I tried using Kate Spain’s Terrain. Not even trimmed or pressed yet.
With the help of a friend I also caught up on a few card UFOs.
Some were from several years ago. This book opens like a star. Ready now for photos.
This one was a little Christmas folder with inserts.
Another Christmas card.
This last one is a puzzle card. The sides or top fold over to reveal different sections.
I hope everyone in the southern part of Australia manages to stay out of the heat. Unfortunately there are a lot of fires breaking out, too. Stay safe.
A Star Finish.
Posted on January 8, 2014 | 17 Comments
The mystery quilt from last year is finally done. Good to have another UFO off the list.
I have found it a little difficult to get the true colours of this quilt in my photos. Neither outside nor inside photos gave the richness of the colours.
Never mind – the quilt still looks fine.
Here is is outside.
I then tried some pictures inside to pick up the quilting. They worked a bit better.
I used several rows of straight stitching to focus on the ribbon part of the quilt, then used a variety of flowers, swirls, bubbles, loops and teardrops to fill the others spaces.
The binding was the same as the outside border and I found a lovely sewing themed print for the backing.
It is not a large quilt – small lap sized or wall hanging, I suppose.
Time to move on to the next UFO which is half way through quilting. Looking for another finish.
A New Start For The New Year.
Posted on January 5, 2014 | 15 Comments
I do still have a few UFOs to finish, but it is always great to start something new at the beginning of the year.
In keeping with my love of bright colours I have chosen these fabrics.
And I planning to use them in this pattern.
This is Kitchen Window from Elizabeth Hartman’s book, The Practical Guide To Patchwork. I will use the black for framing but will change the background to white or cream.
I have nearly finished this UFO.
This is a mystery quilt I started 12 months ago. I finished the quilting last night. The binding went on this morning and now I only have the hand stitching left to do.
I have enjoyed a lot of time relaxing between Christmas and New Year. Most time was spent reading the last four books in the Elm Creek Quilt series, and now I am enjoying Mrs Lincoln’s Dressmaker.
It is sometimes funny the little bits and pieces we collect over the Christmas break. I have really enjoyed seeing all the different supermarket bags that came out in seasonal decorations.
And of course all the biscuit tins. (But I always wait until after Christmas for those when they are on special.)
I am pleased to have all the Christmas decorations down and packed away, as well as all the holiday washing done.
I think that deserves a cuppa and a book to read!
A Very Sunny Christmas.
Posted on December 28, 2013 | 15 Comments
I have had a lovely break spending time away for Christmas with extended family. We hire out Edrom Lodge, near Eden in NSW, for the week over Christmas.
The weather was perfect.
This is one of the beautiful beach walks with a view looking back to the Lodge. The building is hiding in the trees in the middle of the photo.
This is a closer view of it.
And a night view from the lawn out the front.
Before heading there I did finish the last of a couple of knitted gifts – a tiger and a pug.
Over the next few days I plan to pack up all the Christmas decorations and find my sewing room again.
Looking forward to a wonderful New Year.
Snow Time.
Posted on December 20, 2013 | 13 Comments
Hooray! Christmas is nearly here!
I wonder if that is what these snowmen are celebrating?
I had a good laugh when I read this lovely wisdom from a snowman. I had to turn it into a mini hanging.
My cards are all posted and parcels have gone, too. I made a few different cards this year, but in keeping with the snowman theme of this post, here are some of the ones I made.
The next week is quite busy so I will probably not have the time to post.
I will take this opportunity to say Merry Christmas.
Enjoy the festive season and have a lovely Christmas.
Red Ribbon Santa.
Posted on December 17, 2013 | 15 Comments
Yes, I have continued to play with ribbons.
Lots of red ones this time.
I am sure you can guess that these turned into a Santa.
It just adds to the Christmas spirit.
And this is one of the cards I made in a class recently. Loved the colours in this one.
I hope everyone is well on the way to the Christmas countdown.
Not too many sleeps now.
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