Monday, 30 November 2009
Love a Giveaway!
Check out this giveaway from Amanda at Polyclarific! She makes some stunning stuff. My fave - The chocolate heart bookmark! Looks good enough to eat!
Opinions please!
So I've got one of the eye spys quilted - the one set on point. Did a stipple in each of the solid colours the same colour as the solid. I'll post pics when I get back. I've also put the binding on so can take it away with me in the vain hope I get some time to sew. Would love to do it in the car but the results could be very messy if you get what I mean!
Now, I've had an idea for the other three. I plan to quilt something from one of the eye spy prints on each nine patch. Originally I was going to do it in the beigy/ mushroom colour that I used to stitch in the ditch. Then I thought, what if I do it in the colour of the binding? So, I've done one square of each. and I'm still not sure! So, with apologies for the horrendous lighting, what do you think???
This is a red key.
and this is a brown flag. You should get bigger images if you click on them. So, any opinions???
Now, I've had an idea for the other three. I plan to quilt something from one of the eye spy prints on each nine patch. Originally I was going to do it in the beigy/ mushroom colour that I used to stitch in the ditch. Then I thought, what if I do it in the colour of the binding? So, I've done one square of each. and I'm still not sure! So, with apologies for the horrendous lighting, what do you think???
Sunday, 29 November 2009
Craft this Weekend
Truth be told, there wasn't as much crafty stuff this weekend as I would have liked! Various things have interrupted my weekend, including the sad news that my grandmother died on Saturday morning. She was 98 and not in the best of health, but it's never nice to hear of the passing of a loved one.
On a more positive note, a friend of mine is due to have a baby soon (overdue actually!) and on Saturday afternoon a group of us got together for a blessingway for her. It gave my weekend a nice symmetry.
At Kira's birthday last week she was given several crafty presents which she has been at me to help her with. Problem is she usually asks at about 6.30pm! Not productive crafty time. So yesterday, we finally got to sit down and make some jewellery!
First the serious business of choosing a bead
Concentrating on threading it.
Pulling it down the string
And finally wearing the finished product!
As you can see, I also finally managed to find a use for all those little tupperware containers that seemed like such a good idea when I bought them - but never use!
I did manage to get some quilting done today. I have done the stitch in the ditch on all four of the eye spy quilts and have started the FMQ on one of them. Not a hundred percent sure what I am going to do with the other three, but have some ideas floating around. I hope to get the FMQ on one finished tomorrow and the binding on, so I can take it with me to finish as we travel interstate to say goodbye to Mumma.
On a more positive note, a friend of mine is due to have a baby soon (overdue actually!) and on Saturday afternoon a group of us got together for a blessingway for her. It gave my weekend a nice symmetry.
At Kira's birthday last week she was given several crafty presents which she has been at me to help her with. Problem is she usually asks at about 6.30pm! Not productive crafty time. So yesterday, we finally got to sit down and make some jewellery!
First the serious business of choosing a bead
Concentrating on threading it.
Pulling it down the string
And finally wearing the finished product!
As you can see, I also finally managed to find a use for all those little tupperware containers that seemed like such a good idea when I bought them - but never use!
I did manage to get some quilting done today. I have done the stitch in the ditch on all four of the eye spy quilts and have started the FMQ on one of them. Not a hundred percent sure what I am going to do with the other three, but have some ideas floating around. I hope to get the FMQ on one finished tomorrow and the binding on, so I can take it with me to finish as we travel interstate to say goodbye to Mumma.
Friday, 27 November 2009
Tuesday, 24 November 2009
Gotta love a Giveaway!
Head on over to Corrie's blog, retromummy for the chance to score some gorgeous grandmother's flower garden fabric. On second thoughts, don't bother, I don't need to competition!
Tuesday, 17 November 2009
It's late, I'm tired...
...but I just had to blog my 4 sandwiched quilts
It's likely to be Friday before I even get a chance to touch them again, but I am well on the way. Now, I need to pack the dishwasher and hit the hay! Night all.
It's likely to be Friday before I even get a chance to touch them again, but I am well on the way. Now, I need to pack the dishwasher and hit the hay! Night all.
Monday, 16 November 2009
Phew!!
So the plan was to finish all the tops by Sunday night. Great plan and on track...until on Saturday night my machine started to eat the material! It was fine as long as I didn't try to sew anything. Bobbin was threaded fine and the thread was catching with the top - couldn't work it out. Loaded it into the truck to take off island on Sunday, knowing there wasn't anywhere open on a Sunday, but it saved me lugging it off on a trolley. (the joys of island living!) Transfered it into the mainland car on Sunday so I could take it in today. The lovely Margaret at Bayside Stitch Craft took one look and realised the thread had slipped out and the machine was no longer threaded properly so I got to bring it home - although she made me promise that once I had reached my deadline, I would return it for a much needed service!
While I was there I had to have a look to see if I could find anything suitable for a backing for my tops. I found these treasures.
So now it's full steam ahead! Leigh is away for the week so once the kids are in bed, guess what I'm doing???
While I was there I had to have a look to see if I could find anything suitable for a backing for my tops. I found these treasures.
So now it's full steam ahead! Leigh is away for the week so once the kids are in bed, guess what I'm doing???
Saturday, 14 November 2009
How Aussie are You?
I don't know how Joyce found me, but I'm glad she did! I took this off her blog. So, how Aussie are you??
57 . Wear thongs (on your feet…) - All the time
58. Support Aussie music - Is there any better??
59. Enjoy a beer - nothing better on a hot day.
60.Swallowed a fly - not a pleasant experience
1. Been dive bombed by a magpie Frequently! Although if you feed your local ones it does help
2. Have seen a crocodile Yep. Even held a baby one
3. Have seen a snake in the wild Yep. Had Leigh bring one into the house to show me one night!
4. Been bitten by a snake or other aussie wildlife Never bitten by a snake, but have had bites from lizards, crabs and a variety of birds
5. Patted a koala Only at Currumbin
6. Seen a kangaroo in the wild - Had to deal with them while on playground duty! Swerved to avoid them on the road.
7. Climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge -Not yet
8. Climbed the Story Bridge in Brisbane Not yet
9. Visited the Sydney Opera House - Yes, but never been inside.
10. Swum at the beach All the time.
11. Had fish and chips on the beach Oh yeah - Even better if the fish has been caught minutes before.
12. Been stung by a jellyfish Yep. Ouch. Vinegar works well
13. Had sunburn that peeled Yep. Really not recommended.
14. Camped under the stars Love it
15. Visited Uluru - Would love to.
16. Driven the Great Ocean Road in Victoria Again, not yet, want to do it on a motorbike!
17. Seen the penguins on Phillip Island Victoria Again not yet
18. Had an outdoor BBQ with Friends At least once a fortnight, if not more often
19. Played backyard/beach Cricket And hit a 6!
20. Watched a real cricket match live PM's XI match at least 3 years in a row. The things you do for love!
21. Betted on the Melbourne Cup Absolutely, even won one every now and then
22. Attended the Melbourne Cup Live from Flemington No, and it doesn't really interest me.
23. Attended a live Aussie Rules or rugby football game Oh yeah! I wanna be a Wallaby!
24. Ridden a Melbourne Tram Once. Had a ball!
25. Snow Skied in the “high country” of NSW/Vic Again, once. Hated it. Definitely a warm climate girl!
26. Visited the Great Barrier Reef Was proposed to there, honeymooned there and have been back one other time. Love it
2. Have seen a crocodile Yep. Even held a baby one
3. Have seen a snake in the wild Yep. Had Leigh bring one into the house to show me one night!
4. Been bitten by a snake or other aussie wildlife Never bitten by a snake, but have had bites from lizards, crabs and a variety of birds
5. Patted a koala Only at Currumbin
6. Seen a kangaroo in the wild - Had to deal with them while on playground duty! Swerved to avoid them on the road.
7. Climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge -Not yet
8. Climbed the Story Bridge in Brisbane Not yet
9. Visited the Sydney Opera House - Yes, but never been inside.
10. Swum at the beach All the time.
11. Had fish and chips on the beach Oh yeah - Even better if the fish has been caught minutes before.
12. Been stung by a jellyfish Yep. Ouch. Vinegar works well
13. Had sunburn that peeled Yep. Really not recommended.
14. Camped under the stars Love it
15. Visited Uluru - Would love to.
16. Driven the Great Ocean Road in Victoria Again, not yet, want to do it on a motorbike!
17. Seen the penguins on Phillip Island Victoria Again not yet
18. Had an outdoor BBQ with Friends At least once a fortnight, if not more often
19. Played backyard/beach Cricket And hit a 6!
20. Watched a real cricket match live PM's XI match at least 3 years in a row. The things you do for love!
21. Betted on the Melbourne Cup Absolutely, even won one every now and then
22. Attended the Melbourne Cup Live from Flemington No, and it doesn't really interest me.
23. Attended a live Aussie Rules or rugby football game Oh yeah! I wanna be a Wallaby!
24. Ridden a Melbourne Tram Once. Had a ball!
25. Snow Skied in the “high country” of NSW/Vic Again, once. Hated it. Definitely a warm climate girl!
26. Visited the Great Barrier Reef Was proposed to there, honeymooned there and have been back one other time. Love it
27. Been to Kakadu - Stunning spot! Would love to go back at a time when we can access more of it. (HINT: don't go just after the wet!)
28. Crossed the Nullabour by road -Nope. One day
29. Gone down the Murray River on a paddle steamer Nope, but it sound great.
30. Survived a cyclone Nope, and quite happy to keep it that way thank you!
31. Survived a bushfire Canberra 2003. Hopefully never again
32. Experienced a big flood Nothing big.
33. Know who the Wiggles are. Would you like me to sing for you? They are great in concert
34. Know who Humphrey the Bear is. Yeah, but why does he wear a hat and waistcoat, but no pants??
35. Watched Play School as a kid or mum of a kid Both.
36. Watched Skippy the Bush Kangaroo What's that Skip, there is someone out there who hasn't seen your show? Not me Skip, love it!
37. Own an Australia Flag - No
38. Know the words to Advance Australia Fair Both verses
39. Eat Vegemite -especially on toast!
40. Drink Milo yep. And sprinkle it on ice cream
41. Know what lamingtons are made them even. Not a big fan though
42. Know what Pavlova is Mmmmmmm, pavlova
43. Know what Tim Tams are oh yeah. Hide them from the kids!
44.Eaten a meat pie Yep
45. Gave or received a “dead arm” Yes
46. Have owned an Akubra hat No, but I would like to
47. Own/owned an Australia Cattle dog - No, but my sister has. Gorgeous dogs.
48. Been to a B& S ball - or know what one is - A night I would really rather forget.
28. Crossed the Nullabour by road -Nope. One day
29. Gone down the Murray River on a paddle steamer Nope, but it sound great.
30. Survived a cyclone Nope, and quite happy to keep it that way thank you!
31. Survived a bushfire Canberra 2003. Hopefully never again
32. Experienced a big flood Nothing big.
33. Know who the Wiggles are. Would you like me to sing for you? They are great in concert
34. Know who Humphrey the Bear is. Yeah, but why does he wear a hat and waistcoat, but no pants??
35. Watched Play School as a kid or mum of a kid Both.
36. Watched Skippy the Bush Kangaroo What's that Skip, there is someone out there who hasn't seen your show? Not me Skip, love it!
37. Own an Australia Flag - No
38. Know the words to Advance Australia Fair Both verses
39. Eat Vegemite -especially on toast!
40. Drink Milo yep. And sprinkle it on ice cream
41. Know what lamingtons are made them even. Not a big fan though
42. Know what Pavlova is Mmmmmmm, pavlova
43. Know what Tim Tams are oh yeah. Hide them from the kids!
44.Eaten a meat pie Yep
45. Gave or received a “dead arm” Yes
46. Have owned an Akubra hat No, but I would like to
47. Own/owned an Australia Cattle dog - No, but my sister has. Gorgeous dogs.
48. Been to a B& S ball - or know what one is - A night I would really rather forget.
49. Drive a ute No, but would love to own one.
50. Say G’day Yep
51. Can cook damper -Not for a long time, but yes
52. Can make billy tea -best there is.
53. Supported a sausage sizzle - Support, run, work at...
54. Own John Williamson CD/Music -No
55. Owned chooks or know what they are- Don't own but would love to if I ever have the room.
56. Call the toilet “the dunny” - Yes, but hate the term50. Say G’day Yep
51. Can cook damper -Not for a long time, but yes
52. Can make billy tea -best there is.
53. Supported a sausage sizzle - Support, run, work at...
54. Own John Williamson CD/Music -No
55. Owned chooks or know what they are- Don't own but would love to if I ever have the room.
57 . Wear thongs (on your feet…) - All the time
58. Support Aussie music - Is there any better??
59. Enjoy a beer - nothing better on a hot day.
60.Swallowed a fly - not a pleasant experience
Currently reading...
Devil's Brood by Sharon Kay Penman This is the lastest Penman book so the last I will be reading in until a new one comes out. I really enjoy her writing. This is the last in her trilogy about Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine. Highly recommend these books to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
Friday, 13 November 2009
Friday Fun!
I love Fridays. For a start, I don't leave the island - a day at home to relax, unwind from the week and prepare for the weekend. We usually start our day with playgroup down at the front beach. In nice weather, we swim, otherwise we just play at the park. Someone nearly always buys hot chips for the kids - no fruit for us! Without fail, Kira and one of her little friends will ask if Kira can go to G's house. G's mum is a lovely lady who is more than happy to have Kira over, giving her a bath after the beach and lunch. This, as you can imagine, frees me up to do some uninterrupted sewing. I have been working through the week to finish the rest of the nine patches, which I have done. Today I finished off the second top.
I've done a few things differently. I added the squares into the sashing (sure there is a technical name for this, but I can't remember it!) and bordered it in a solid colour. I liked the effect of the solid border so much, I decided it was definitely what the first top needed. I took Lily's advice and went for an aqua tone, although in the photo it looks more blue.
It helps a lot I feel. So two tops down, two to go. Hope to knock them off tomorrow, giving me a whole month to quilt and bind. That's doable, isn't it??
After I finished the red bordered top, I went to collect Kira where the girls informed myself and R, (G's mother) that G was going to come to our house now. So I came home with two girls. I took a break from sewing while we made biscuits. Now, I'm not the worlds best baker and the last time we made these biscuits they weren't the best, this however, was a much better attempt.
They could be a little darker in colour on top, but at least this time they're not burnt around the edges!
When I went outside to photograph the quilts, I discovered this!
A strawberry! With more on the way. Yum! All in all, a pretty good Friday! How was yours??
I've done a few things differently. I added the squares into the sashing (sure there is a technical name for this, but I can't remember it!) and bordered it in a solid colour. I liked the effect of the solid border so much, I decided it was definitely what the first top needed. I took Lily's advice and went for an aqua tone, although in the photo it looks more blue.
It helps a lot I feel. So two tops down, two to go. Hope to knock them off tomorrow, giving me a whole month to quilt and bind. That's doable, isn't it??After I finished the red bordered top, I went to collect Kira where the girls informed myself and R, (G's mother) that G was going to come to our house now. So I came home with two girls. I took a break from sewing while we made biscuits. Now, I'm not the worlds best baker and the last time we made these biscuits they weren't the best, this however, was a much better attempt.
They could be a little darker in colour on top, but at least this time they're not burnt around the edges!When I went outside to photograph the quilts, I discovered this!
A strawberry! With more on the way. Yum! All in all, a pretty good Friday! How was yours??
Sunday, 8 November 2009
First top done!
Here is the first of the four tops I need to do.
At least that's my attempt at an arty shot of it! I was quite pleased with how quickly it came together - took just over 2 hours sewing time, a little longer when you factor in the getting up to put washing on the line and make kids lunch.
I'm thinking it may need another, slightly thicker border is a single solid colour to frame it. What do you think? Any colour suggestions??
I'm thinking of trying to set one on point too - but it won't be until I near the end and I know I have time to stuff around!
I also sewed the nine patches for the second one
and started the nine patches for the third.
(They're the messy pile of chain pieced fabric near the machine!)
All in all, a most productive day!
At least that's my attempt at an arty shot of it! I was quite pleased with how quickly it came together - took just over 2 hours sewing time, a little longer when you factor in the getting up to put washing on the line and make kids lunch.I'm thinking it may need another, slightly thicker border is a single solid colour to frame it. What do you think? Any colour suggestions??
I'm thinking of trying to set one on point too - but it won't be until I near the end and I know I have time to stuff around!I also sewed the nine patches for the second one
and started the nine patches for the third.
(They're the messy pile of chain pieced fabric near the machine!)All in all, a most productive day!
Saturday, 7 November 2009
This is...
what 324 3.5in squares look like divided into 4 piles!
(Sorry about the crappy photo, not good light here today!) Don't you love that bug fabric on the top? I think it's my favourite. Now to sew them together!
(Sorry about the crappy photo, not good light here today!) Don't you love that bug fabric on the top? I think it's my favourite. Now to sew them together!
Thursday, 5 November 2009
Fussy Cutting Frenzy
First of all, a big thank you for all the positive comments. You have all made my day and given me a bit of confidence to believe I can actually pull this off!
So, I was suppose to get up at 4.45 this morning to go paddling the outrigger, but when I woke, the clock said 5.08! Oops! Set the alarm - didn't turn it on! Felt so guilty, I couldn't go back to sleep so decided to get up and do some cutting. My morning start looked like this
A cup of tea, and fabric to cut! I need 4 x 3.5in squares from 81 different fabrics for these quilts. That makes a grand total of 324 squares! The other day I cut 16 fabrics, this morning 14. 30 fabrics down, 51 to go. 120 squares down, 204 to go. The title "Fussy Cutting Frenzy" came to me while I was, surprisingly, fussy cutting several of the fabrics. While I didn't have to fussy cut all the fabrics, it was needed on several. Slows down the process significantly, but worth the effort.
I actually managed to get close to an hours peace. The rule in this house is children are not allowed out of their rooms until 6am. Luke can tell the time on his digital clock and Kira knows not to come out until Luke does. At 6 on the dot, they both came tumbling down the stairs, spied my cup of tea and immediately asked for one.
What a perfect way to start the morning!
BTW - had an idea for something while I was cutting this morning - stay tuned and I'll let you know more when I work out if it can actually work.
So, I was suppose to get up at 4.45 this morning to go paddling the outrigger, but when I woke, the clock said 5.08! Oops! Set the alarm - didn't turn it on! Felt so guilty, I couldn't go back to sleep so decided to get up and do some cutting. My morning start looked like this
A cup of tea, and fabric to cut! I need 4 x 3.5in squares from 81 different fabrics for these quilts. That makes a grand total of 324 squares! The other day I cut 16 fabrics, this morning 14. 30 fabrics down, 51 to go. 120 squares down, 204 to go. The title "Fussy Cutting Frenzy" came to me while I was, surprisingly, fussy cutting several of the fabrics. While I didn't have to fussy cut all the fabrics, it was needed on several. Slows down the process significantly, but worth the effort.I actually managed to get close to an hours peace. The rule in this house is children are not allowed out of their rooms until 6am. Luke can tell the time on his digital clock and Kira knows not to come out until Luke does. At 6 on the dot, they both came tumbling down the stairs, spied my cup of tea and immediately asked for one.
What a perfect way to start the morning!BTW - had an idea for something while I was cutting this morning - stay tuned and I'll let you know more when I work out if it can actually work.
Sunday, 1 November 2009
It will either be and great success or a huge failure!
I don't know if you have noticed, but lately my sewing motivation seems to have packed up and gone. Not sure where, but I wouldn't be surprised if the half dozen people who read my blog have gone with it! I have no real excuses for my lack of motivation, life is no busier than usual, no major upheavals to be dealt with, just a feeling of lethargy when it comes to sewing. So, I have made a decision - I either give up or try and sew my way out of it! As the title says, it will either be a great success or a huge failure! First step was to finally set up a table in a corner and put my sewing machine on it. The idea being an easily accessible machine will hopefully inspire me to actually use it!
It doesn't look much and the cover is not off the machine, but it's a start. The window gives lovely natural light (although not so obvious today with it being cloudy!) and it's at least somewhere in the house that I can call mine.
The second was to decide on a project. The obvious one was to finish the back that is a front quilt, but despite the brilliant ideas from some lovely readers I'm just not feeling the love for it at the moment. So I've decided to go big! It's time to try and knock out a couple of quilts for teachers and carers! I've decided on eye spy quilts. I need three. I'm going to attempt 4. The challenge, to have it done in time for last day of school - Friday December 11. Can I do it? I hope so!! The quilts will all be the same design so hopefully that will make it easier. A start has been made. Fabrics have been chosen, design settled on and cutting has commenced. This is what my dining room table currently looks like.
I'm starting to feel interested, excited even! I want to blog about this on a very regular basis so I stay accountable in some way. Would love some feedback to cheer me on! I'll even come up with a giveaway at the end to thank those who keep my spirits bolstered! An entry for every time you make a comment, and it will be drawn on December 14 regardless of whether I have finished or not. In return, I promise to start making more comments on your blogs. Are you ready?? I hope I am!
It doesn't look much and the cover is not off the machine, but it's a start. The window gives lovely natural light (although not so obvious today with it being cloudy!) and it's at least somewhere in the house that I can call mine.The second was to decide on a project. The obvious one was to finish the back that is a front quilt, but despite the brilliant ideas from some lovely readers I'm just not feeling the love for it at the moment. So I've decided to go big! It's time to try and knock out a couple of quilts for teachers and carers! I've decided on eye spy quilts. I need three. I'm going to attempt 4. The challenge, to have it done in time for last day of school - Friday December 11. Can I do it? I hope so!! The quilts will all be the same design so hopefully that will make it easier. A start has been made. Fabrics have been chosen, design settled on and cutting has commenced. This is what my dining room table currently looks like.
I'm starting to feel interested, excited even! I want to blog about this on a very regular basis so I stay accountable in some way. Would love some feedback to cheer me on! I'll even come up with a giveaway at the end to thank those who keep my spirits bolstered! An entry for every time you make a comment, and it will be drawn on December 14 regardless of whether I have finished or not. In return, I promise to start making more comments on your blogs. Are you ready?? I hope I am!
Currently reading...
Once again, due to my slack blogging skills, I am playing catch up! Two books for you today.
New Moon by Stephenie Meyer. Having read the first one, the OCD in me now insists I read the rest. I put this on order at the library thinking as number thirty something in line it would take ages to get to me. Took less than 2 weeks! Given it's popularity, it's a short loan book (2 weeks instead of 4) and not renewable (funnily enough) so I picked it up as soon as I finished my last book. Didn't take me long to read and I will put the next one on hold when I'm at the library next.
Jeff in Venice, Death in Varanasi by Geoff Dyer. This is the next book for our book group. It took me awhile to get into it, but am quite enjoying it now.
This brings my total of books finished to 49. Geoff will be number 50! My break down is:
Kids books - 13
Young adults - 2
Adult - 34.
Although looking at the list I can't find Twilight, so maybe it should be 50 read, 3 of them young adult. I'd like to get as close to 34 adult books as I can. The high kids books number was mainly due to the Harry Potter series and The Series of Unfortunate Events.
New Moon by Stephenie Meyer. Having read the first one, the OCD in me now insists I read the rest. I put this on order at the library thinking as number thirty something in line it would take ages to get to me. Took less than 2 weeks! Given it's popularity, it's a short loan book (2 weeks instead of 4) and not renewable (funnily enough) so I picked it up as soon as I finished my last book. Didn't take me long to read and I will put the next one on hold when I'm at the library next.
Jeff in Venice, Death in Varanasi by Geoff Dyer. This is the next book for our book group. It took me awhile to get into it, but am quite enjoying it now.This brings my total of books finished to 49. Geoff will be number 50! My break down is:
Kids books - 13
Young adults - 2
Adult - 34.
Although looking at the list I can't find Twilight, so maybe it should be 50 read, 3 of them young adult. I'd like to get as close to 34 adult books as I can. The high kids books number was mainly due to the Harry Potter series and The Series of Unfortunate Events.
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