A Few Little Birds.
Posted on July 7, 2012 | 14 Comments
I have enjoyed completing this little wall hanging from a pattern by Vivian Robinson (Viv’s Creations).
It is only 12 by 38 inches, so is an easy project to complete.
It is called Birds On The Ladder. It uses raw edge machine applique and a little bit of hand embroidery.
It is a great way to use lots of little bits of fabric.
Always a bonus when you can do that.
Unfortunately Viv does not have a website, but her huge range of patterns is available at Mrs Martins and Candleberry Country.
I thought a little bit of meandering for the quilting would be enough for this little wall hanging.
It was lovely to have some sunshine so the photos could be taken outside.
Have a lovely weekend!
A Little Bit Of Shopping.
Posted on July 5, 2012 | 8 Comments
I had a quick trip to Spotlight yesterday for a small number of purchases, and left with a smile after discovering a little discount, which I thought I must pass on. Spotlight has its own magazine, Get Creative, which costs 99c. On the back there is a $10 discount coupon on sales over $20.
So I bought this gorgeous little book of knitted animals. Normal price $23.99, but my price with the discount was $13.99. Don’t you love it when that happens!
The mag comes out every 2 weeks and there is another discount in the next one. You need to be a VIP member and only one voucher per member each fortnight.
And thanks to Anita for telling about this sweet little book.
My other retail therapy of late was during a trip to Intercourse in the Amish area of Lancaster, just out of Philadelphia. These are only a few of the stores I managed to visit with a friend.
And this is the treasure that came home with me.
Some lovely goodies at prices between $2 and $8 per yard. Music to ears of an Aussie who usually pays over $20 per metre.
Very Cheeky!
Posted on June 29, 2012 | 8 Comments
While I was outside raking up leaves today, these two cheeky cockatoos just sat in the tree next to me. They were not at all bothered by having me near.
I was able to make these tooth fairy pillows for our grand children while we were away. I hope they are not in a rush to have teeth fall out!
We also had a chance to visit Longwood Gardens to see the light installations. They looked stunning. I also enjoyed seeing the fireflies putting on their own competing display.
This is the first display at the entrance. Definitely worth the visit.
Back, Relaxed, But Very Cold!
Posted on June 27, 2012 | 10 Comments
We are back from a lovely month in Pennsylvania where we enjoyed family and warm sunny weather. Most of our trip was to spend family time together, but we did get to play tourist on a few occasions. That included seeing the sights of Philadelphia and Baltimore, trying a range of restaurants and of course fabric shopping in Amish country.
The hard part in coming home has been adjusting to the cold weather. It was 2 degrees Celsius last night!
I did a little sewing when we were away. This was aimed at the grand children as they love helping with the sewing machine.
We made pillowcases together. I had cut and prepared them before we left so that all we needed to do was sew the side seams. Perfect for little fingers that want to “drive” the sewing machine. They went on the beds the first night they were made.
I tried to keep track of most blogs when away and even managed a few comments, but really need to spend a few days catching up on news around the sites.
I look forward to visiting you and leaving a few comments.
Looking For Sunshine.
Posted on May 26, 2012 | 13 Comments
After the weather we have been having, the idea of finding sunshine would seem an impossible task. We are getting around that by flying over the pond to spend a month with family and sharing their Summer. I have no idea about whether it will be easy to post, or reply to comments or to even make comments on your posts in that time. I will if I can, but if not, you know that I will be having too much fun!
I have used the inside, cooped up time on the last few rainy and windy days to complete a few projects.
My Southern Jewels quilt came back from the LAQ and is now bound and ready to give as a gift in August.
It has been quilted in an all over pattern of butterflies, to reflect the main fabric.
And I used my all time favourite for the backing – gum leaves. These are all fabrics from Leesa Chandler’s range, Under The Australian Sun 1 and 2.
I have also completed the stitching on a small embroidery. This sweet little snowflake pattern is from Polka & Bloom and the thread is the Cottage Garden Peacock that I showed in an earlier post.
A little bit of knitting has been done, too.
I started with one but they were a little addictive. I thought they would be bright and colourful for our little grandson’s room.
The pattern is from Twins’ Knitting Patterns Mini Shop and is a freebie. This is the same site where I bought the pattern for the knitted monkeys I have posted previously.
That’s it for now. Just the last of the packing to do. Cheers.
A Pleasant Break.
Posted on May 11, 2012 | 13 Comments
This week we were able to spend a few days away at Metung on the lakes in Gippsland. We were incredibly lucky with the weather. Sunshine and warm temps every day.
One of the days was spent in Buchan around the caves area. We enjoyed some of the lovely walks and the trees looked beautiful in their Autumn foliage.
The quiet evenings gave me a chance to finish a pair of monkeys.
The weather has turned cold on our arrival and apparently the forecast is for a bitterly cold Mothers’ Day. Brrrrr!
Two Finishes.
Posted on May 6, 2012 | 13 Comments
Just a quick visit to show two finishes before they head off to their new homes.
This is the little quilt that has been made for some friends who are about to become great grandparents. The baby is due next week, so I have finished just in time.
And the other finish is the blanket that has been under way for quite a while. Good to see the satin binding on now.
Both will be in their new homes next week.
Some Bunnies.
Posted on May 1, 2012 | 7 Comments
The final embroidery stitches have gone into the woollen blanket and the little 3D bunnies have been added. All that is left now is the backing and the satin binding.
This embroidery is from one of the very early Inspirations magazines (Issue 40). I have used pure wool blanketing from Country Bumpkin and I have used a mixture of threads, but mostly silks. This should keep some fingers and toes very warm this Winter.
I have also enjoyed working on one of Gail Pan’s sweet little Christmas stitcheries ( love her designs!). And for the first time I have used Aurifil thread. I thoroughly enjoyed stitching with it.
I have also purchased a few different threads for embroidery and love the colour ways.
These are from Cottage Garden Threads. The name, Peacock, is perfect for these colours.
DMC have a lovely line of variegated threads available in gorgeous colours, too. I couldn’t resist some of those.
Obviously, I have plenty of stitching ahead of me.
Happy May!
Trying Something New.
Posted on April 20, 2012 | 17 Comments
I have not yet made a kaleidoscope quilt, so decided it was time to have a try at this technique. I have decided to start with a very simple introduction and then move on to the more involved version.
This particular technique simply uses 4 identical squares.
The squares are arranged so that each has the same corner facing the centre, then sewn into a 4 patch.
It is very interesting playing with the squares to find the most suitable placement.
I was inspired by this pattern. I couldn’t believe that all the blocks were cut from the one fabric. Amazing.
Here is just a small sample of the ones I have done so far.
Now that I have a better understanding of how the fabric works to make the blocks, I am on the lookout for more fabrics to use in this way.
Making Progress.
Posted on April 17, 2012 | 10 Comments
We have the most beautiful day here, today. Clear skies, sunshine, mid 20s and a gentle breeze. Perfect.
As a result it is hard to stay inside to sew, but I have been catching up on a few projects.
The embroidered blanket is nearly there – hooray! Just a few more leaves needed and then the two little rabbits can be added.
I have also been working on another baby quilt. We have some older friends who are about to become great grand parents. They are so excited and asked me to make a traditional baby quilt for them to give as a gift. This is the progress so far.
There are some borders to add and then some more stars will be appliqued. I also have some hand embroidery to do on the centre block.
They do not know if it is a boy or girl so I think this colour way is safe.
This pattern is called Twilight Dreaming and is from Petals and Patches.
Both projects will have to wait until this evening as the garden is calling and I am going to make the most of the sunshine.
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