I'm pretty happy with the result, but my plan for 4 cushions (front and back crocheted) may need to be slightly modified. Perhaps a different back . . . perhaps not all of them complete this year . . .
Saturday, 14 August 2010
Done! 1 Crocheted Cushion Front
Finally . . . I've finished 1 cushion front! I know that doesn't technically count as "done", but it's "done" enough for me. This has taken me a fair bit longer than I thought it would. I wanted a fairly solid effect (not too open like granny squares).
I'm pretty happy with the result, but my plan for 4 cushions (front and back crocheted) may need to be slightly modified. Perhaps a different back . . . perhaps not all of them complete this year . . .
I'm pretty happy with the result, but my plan for 4 cushions (front and back crocheted) may need to be slightly modified. Perhaps a different back . . . perhaps not all of them complete this year . . .
Wednesday, 11 August 2010
Friday, 6 August 2010
Catalicious BOM Progress
I've been stitching away on Block 5
and Block 6
of Bronwyn Hayes' Catalicious BOM and I think I'm almost done!
My plan was to make a throw for the end of the bed, where our cat spends most of her time . . .
I've pieced the blocks and now the top is done. I just need to quilt and bind it . . . and that will be about the first thing actually finished this year!
Many thanks to Bronwyn for putting up a block each month - there are still another 6 to go, but for me I've done what I set out to achieve. I've enjoyed the quiet stitching on these blocks and I'm sure that the cat will take up residence pretty quickly!
and Block 6
of Bronwyn Hayes' Catalicious BOM and I think I'm almost done!
My plan was to make a throw for the end of the bed, where our cat spends most of her time . . .
I've pieced the blocks and now the top is done. I just need to quilt and bind it . . . and that will be about the first thing actually finished this year!
Many thanks to Bronwyn for putting up a block each month - there are still another 6 to go, but for me I've done what I set out to achieve. I've enjoyed the quiet stitching on these blocks and I'm sure that the cat will take up residence pretty quickly!
Thursday, 5 August 2010
Loving what I see from my window
Sometimes it looks like this . . .
But at the moment it looks like this . . .
I love both - one view calls to me and says "come out and enjoy the day" . . .
the other says "light the fire, grab a needle and thread and snuggle in".
What does the view from your window say to you?
But at the moment it looks like this . . .
I love both - one view calls to me and says "come out and enjoy the day" . . .
the other says "light the fire, grab a needle and thread and snuggle in".
What does the view from your window say to you?
Saturday, 3 July 2010
Teaching myself to crochet!
I got myself a book . . .
and I've been teaching myself to crochet.
I thought that I'd make some cushion covers, so I started . . .
but I wasn't really happy with the results, so . . .
And then I started again.
I'm much happier this time around. My plan is to make 4 triangles and join them to make a square.
1 triangle done.
1 partially complete.
Stay tuned!
and I've been teaching myself to crochet.
I thought that I'd make some cushion covers, so I started . . .
but I wasn't really happy with the results, so . . .
And then I started again.
I'm much happier this time around. My plan is to make 4 triangles and join them to make a square.
1 triangle done.
1 partially complete.
Stay tuned!
Sunday, 27 June 2010
"Our Home" - finished and framed
Well, I haven't had too many finishes this year - LOTS of new things started, though . . . hmmm, does this mean I have finishing issues? Or just busy multi-tasking? The answer depends on who you ask!!!
Anyway, I have finished this . . .
It's the "Our Home" applique (by Lynette Anderson), which I wrote about here and here. It's been finished for a little while, but now it's framed and hanging on the wall. I put the year "2009" on it, even though I made it this year, in honour of 2009 being the year we moved into our current home.
I'm really pleased with the way it turned out - a little piece of cheeriness celebrating our home.
Anyway, I have finished this . . .
It's the "Our Home" applique (by Lynette Anderson), which I wrote about here and here. It's been finished for a little while, but now it's framed and hanging on the wall. I put the year "2009" on it, even though I made it this year, in honour of 2009 being the year we moved into our current home.
I'm really pleased with the way it turned out - a little piece of cheeriness celebrating our home.
Monday, 14 June 2010
Introducing "Francene" - the Featherweight Sewing Machine!
This is "Francene" - my birthday present! How lucky am I?
She's a February 1951 Featherweight model 221K, made in Scotland. And she's just about perfect!
When I first unpacked her, the needle wouldn't go up or down, but removing the 2" piece of thread caught (or really just snagged slightly) in the bobbin case and the lint from around the bobbin saw her sewing like a dream - such lovely tension and perfect stitches (I used 2 different coloured threads to test her out - much easier to see where the tension needs adjusting). Her bobbin area may never have been cleaned, but all in all, she's been very well looked after.
And she's got the most beautiful scroll work on the face plate . . .
Her paintwork is in pretty good condition - see her reflection in the bed extension?
What is it about older things that holds such appeal? I mean, I can't speak highly enough of my Janome machine (which is about 23 years old). It sews like a charm - always has. But Francene . . . she's got a feel all of her own. Such a gentle rhythm, not to mention way toooo cute. She's aged pretty gracefully for a 59 year-old! I guess my husband feels the same way with his cabinet making - he has the "new" tools, but there's something about working with vintage equipment - mentally it seems to take you back to simpler times, a less rushed pace somehow. Whatever it is, I like it!
So there she is - Francene the sewing machine!
She's a February 1951 Featherweight model 221K, made in Scotland. And she's just about perfect!
When I first unpacked her, the needle wouldn't go up or down, but removing the 2" piece of thread caught (or really just snagged slightly) in the bobbin case and the lint from around the bobbin saw her sewing like a dream - such lovely tension and perfect stitches (I used 2 different coloured threads to test her out - much easier to see where the tension needs adjusting). Her bobbin area may never have been cleaned, but all in all, she's been very well looked after.
And she's got the most beautiful scroll work on the face plate . . .
Her paintwork is in pretty good condition - see her reflection in the bed extension?
What is it about older things that holds such appeal? I mean, I can't speak highly enough of my Janome machine (which is about 23 years old). It sews like a charm - always has. But Francene . . . she's got a feel all of her own. Such a gentle rhythm, not to mention way toooo cute. She's aged pretty gracefully for a 59 year-old! I guess my husband feels the same way with his cabinet making - he has the "new" tools, but there's something about working with vintage equipment - mentally it seems to take you back to simpler times, a less rushed pace somehow. Whatever it is, I like it!
So there she is - Francene the sewing machine!
Snapshot - June 13
I was engrossed in doing some sewing, deep in contemplation when I looked up to see this . . .
the sun was streaming in through a small leadlight window and casting lovely coloured light across the room. And this little beauty was in the spotlight! It was as if she was just keeping an eye on what was happening in my little part of the world today.
I've posted about this lovely collage by Kate Mason before - she does really, really nice work.
the sun was streaming in through a small leadlight window and casting lovely coloured light across the room. And this little beauty was in the spotlight! It was as if she was just keeping an eye on what was happening in my little part of the world today.
I've posted about this lovely collage by Kate Mason before - she does really, really nice work.
Sunday, 13 June 2010
iPhone Stuff Page
I've added a page to my blog with links to useful and/or interesting iPhone applications. You can click on the button on the left of the page or the iPhone Stuff tab at the top of the page to get there . . .
This is an evolving list - as I come across things I like, or as my kids point me in all kinds of different directions to different apps . . .
Yesterday, Heidi talked about an app which I knew I just had to have. It's the Quick & Easy Quilt Block Tool! Heidi talked about the "real life" version of this tool a while back, but I hadn't seen it in the shops in my travels. So this app was ideal for me. Check it out if you're a quilter . . .
This is an evolving list - as I come across things I like, or as my kids point me in all kinds of different directions to different apps . . .
Yesterday, Heidi talked about an app which I knew I just had to have. It's the Quick & Easy Quilt Block Tool! Heidi talked about the "real life" version of this tool a while back, but I hadn't seen it in the shops in my travels. So this app was ideal for me. Check it out if you're a quilter . . .
If you go to the iTunes Store and use "quilt" to search the apps, there are a few interesting one to see.
Check back to the iPhone Stuff page from time to time if you like (I can't quite figure out how to set it up so that you can subscribe directly to that page, so if anyone has any ideas, I'd love to hear them!).
Snapshots of June
Janelle Wind is taking "Snapshots of June" . . . "to focus on little things in my day to day life that bring me joy, make me happy or just make me smile".
I thought I'd join in, too . . . a little late, but better late than never, right? So here goes . . .
Today, I'm inspired by greens and reds, like on the magazine cover . . .
and in this little dish made many moons ago by our son . . .
And this snapshot from a few days ago brings a smile to my face . . . one very happy, BRAND NEW learner driver!
What's making you smile today?
I thought I'd join in, too . . . a little late, but better late than never, right? So here goes . . .
Today, I'm inspired by greens and reds, like on the magazine cover . . .
and in this little dish made many moons ago by our son . . .
And this snapshot from a few days ago brings a smile to my face . . . one very happy, BRAND NEW learner driver!
What's making you smile today?
Saturday, 12 June 2010
Z Y X W V U T . . .
Can you say your alphabet backwards? That's one of the things that my grandfather could do - right up until he passed away last week, aged 97.
Fred - a good man who lived a good life. A kind and gentle man, a man who let you know he loved you. A man who was half of the team I know as my grandparents - the team who showed everyday what it is to live life from a place of love and respect. A man who's heart stretched way across the miles and who gave hugs that let you know you were cherished.
Well, Fred's body gave up the race, but his spirit lives on. And I smile as I think of (among other things) him teaching our kids the "backwards alphabet". It was a bit of a conversation piece for him and is now a bit of a party trick in our household. Not that long ago, while he was unwell and being assessed by medical staff, he whipped out the "backwards alphabet" - much to their amazement. At 97, no less!
Try it for yourself - it's not that hard once you get your head around it. But trust me, if you try to learn this sitting around the table with your kids laughing hysterically at you, it may take you a little longer!
So, here's to Fred - Z Y X W V U T S R Q P O N M L K J I H G F E D C B A
Tuesday, 1 June 2010
Snowbound BOM
OK, so it's not like I'm in need of another project, but I've been seeing the Snowbound Block of the Month from Bunny Hill - and I really like it! The snowmen are so cute. But I decided I was going to start . . . and then I had a moment of indecision!
What was it that caught my imagination about this project?
Was it the fabrics (Rural Jardin - who can resist)?
Was it the applique which should go together pretty quickly?
Was it the snowmen?
Actually, it was a bit of all of those things. But . . .
I have decided, for now, to simplify (my life and this project) - so I'm doing it as a stitchery - in miniature!
Each stitchery block with be about 4 /12" square. And I'm using some vintage silk thread that I picked up on my travels a while ago (I knew I loved it but didn't quite know what to do with it).
So . . .
I started with the pattern and a fine (01) Zig pen (I find Pure Brown pretty good for tracing stitcheries) . . .
and traced it onto my fabric (which is the Rural Jardin plain in the aqua) . . .
then I started stitching . . .
There are 5 blocks available so far, with 12 in all to be done. I'm not sure what I'm going to add - maybe some little nine-patch blocks . . . we'll see.
I quite liked stitching with the silk. It's actually not quite as fine as would I would have preferred for this project, but still, I'm using it! I did a bit of Google-ing and it seems that the threads were probably made around 1925. They've held up pretty well - one spool was a little grubby on the outer threads, but most of the others are in pristine condition, with the label bands still in tact! There's something quite appealing to me about working with older things (it's a bit like antique furniture, I suppose). Whoever owned the threads before me must have a had a project in mind at some point, as there are 6 spools of one colour and a couple of another. Just goes to show - one girl's stash is another girl's treasure!
What was it that caught my imagination about this project?
Was it the fabrics (Rural Jardin - who can resist)?
Was it the applique which should go together pretty quickly?
Was it the snowmen?
Actually, it was a bit of all of those things. But . . .
I have decided, for now, to simplify (my life and this project) - so I'm doing it as a stitchery - in miniature!
Each stitchery block with be about 4 /12" square. And I'm using some vintage silk thread that I picked up on my travels a while ago (I knew I loved it but didn't quite know what to do with it).
So . . .
I started with the pattern and a fine (01) Zig pen (I find Pure Brown pretty good for tracing stitcheries) . . .
and traced it onto my fabric (which is the Rural Jardin plain in the aqua) . . .
then I started stitching . . .
There are 5 blocks available so far, with 12 in all to be done. I'm not sure what I'm going to add - maybe some little nine-patch blocks . . . we'll see.
I quite liked stitching with the silk. It's actually not quite as fine as would I would have preferred for this project, but still, I'm using it! I did a bit of Google-ing and it seems that the threads were probably made around 1925. They've held up pretty well - one spool was a little grubby on the outer threads, but most of the others are in pristine condition, with the label bands still in tact! There's something quite appealing to me about working with older things (it's a bit like antique furniture, I suppose). Whoever owned the threads before me must have a had a project in mind at some point, as there are 6 spools of one colour and a couple of another. Just goes to show - one girl's stash is another girl's treasure!
Saturday, 29 May 2010
Printer's / Typesetter's Tray
We have a couple of little nooks in our lounge room - one houses the TV and the other is home to the "doiley cupboard". It's a little cabinet that I inherited from my Nan . . . and it was filled with doileys!
Hanging above the doiley cupboard is a typesetter's or printer's tray. In its previous life it was filled with Helvetica Bold 24 typsetting sorts, but now it's filled with the faces of the ones I love! It's a bit of fun to see these little snippets of reminders of our family hanging on our wall. I was inspired to create this a couple of years ago after seeing a project by Ali Edwards. The whole process was enjoyable for me - starting with scouring antique shops to find a suitable tray, to sorting through and reminiscing about 10os of photos to the actual "cutting and pasting". There are still a few blank spots, but we've still got a whole lot of life left yet to fill it! I love that this is such a novel way to display not only photos, but other little pieces of memorabilia too.
And then there's the wall! There's been some discussion in our house this week of ideas for re-decorating and "the wall" was on the list. I should point out that this was an already existing feature of our house when we bought it - and it's quite a polarising aspect of the room. Some people like (don't really know about love) it and some people definitely don't (the word hate may have been bandied about!). It's a silver wallpaper, chosen many years ago by the daughter of the previous owner. I actually don't mind it (it's not particularly well hung, with joins overlapping etc) or at least the essence of it - it reflects light nicely and I don't find it that offensive, but the ideas man is in no way enamoured by it! I suspect, in the end, that it will go, but for now it's the backdrop to some of may favourite furniture/decorating pieces.
What corner of your home is making your heart sing today?
Hanging above the doiley cupboard is a typesetter's or printer's tray. In its previous life it was filled with Helvetica Bold 24 typsetting sorts, but now it's filled with the faces of the ones I love! It's a bit of fun to see these little snippets of reminders of our family hanging on our wall. I was inspired to create this a couple of years ago after seeing a project by Ali Edwards. The whole process was enjoyable for me - starting with scouring antique shops to find a suitable tray, to sorting through and reminiscing about 10os of photos to the actual "cutting and pasting". There are still a few blank spots, but we've still got a whole lot of life left yet to fill it! I love that this is such a novel way to display not only photos, but other little pieces of memorabilia too.
And then there's the wall! There's been some discussion in our house this week of ideas for re-decorating and "the wall" was on the list. I should point out that this was an already existing feature of our house when we bought it - and it's quite a polarising aspect of the room. Some people like (don't really know about love) it and some people definitely don't (the word hate may have been bandied about!). It's a silver wallpaper, chosen many years ago by the daughter of the previous owner. I actually don't mind it (it's not particularly well hung, with joins overlapping etc) or at least the essence of it - it reflects light nicely and I don't find it that offensive, but the ideas man is in no way enamoured by it! I suspect, in the end, that it will go, but for now it's the backdrop to some of may favourite furniture/decorating pieces.
What corner of your home is making your heart sing today?
Wednesday, 26 May 2010
Things I'm noticing . . .
As I've been all over the internet checking out so many fantastic quilts as part of the Blogger's Quilt Festival, I'm noticing things . . .
Grab yourself one of these . . .
and settle in for some fantastic viewing . . . (I'm not keen to grab photos off other peoples blogs, so just click on the links to see for yourself).
** Warning - viewing these blogs may inspire you to add new projects to your list of things to do! You may find yourself reaching for needle and thread as you read. Don't say you weren't warned! **
White backgounds are great - they seem to make for really fresh looking quilts.
Neutrals are everywhere too, and for good reason - they give a very elegant look to a quilt.
A few people seem to have a bit of circle thing going on, like I do.
Quilts with sentimental meaning are beautiful.
There are so, so many people just jumping in and taking on projects out of the comfort zones - and coming out the other end richer for it!
There are some fantastic quilt backs out there as quilters are endeavoring to use up there scraps and trim down their stashes.
Art quilts are beautiful.
Quilters all over the world put pieces of themselves into quilts for others - and it lifts the spirits of everyone . . . giver and receiver.
Oranges are definitely on my list of "I love these". . .
Funky IS FUN!
There are quilts which you can't help but admire - even when you know that you don't have it in yourself to even think about attempting it.
There are all sorts of ways to include your family in your quilts!
You can be VERY creative with selveges.
Pinwheels always look great.
Hope you have as much fun checking out these blogs as I did!
Grab yourself one of these . . .
and settle in for some fantastic viewing . . . (I'm not keen to grab photos off other peoples blogs, so just click on the links to see for yourself).
** Warning - viewing these blogs may inspire you to add new projects to your list of things to do! You may find yourself reaching for needle and thread as you read. Don't say you weren't warned! **
White backgounds are great - they seem to make for really fresh looking quilts.
Neutrals are everywhere too, and for good reason - they give a very elegant look to a quilt.
A few people seem to have a bit of circle thing going on, like I do.
Quilts with sentimental meaning are beautiful.
- And here
There are so, so many people just jumping in and taking on projects out of the comfort zones - and coming out the other end richer for it!
There are some fantastic quilt backs out there as quilters are endeavoring to use up there scraps and trim down their stashes.
Art quilts are beautiful.
Quilters all over the world put pieces of themselves into quilts for others - and it lifts the spirits of everyone . . . giver and receiver.
- And here
Oranges are definitely on my list of "I love these". . .
- And here
Funky IS FUN!
There are quilts which you can't help but admire - even when you know that you don't have it in yourself to even think about attempting it.
There are all sorts of ways to include your family in your quilts!
You can be VERY creative with selveges.
Pinwheels always look great.
Hope you have as much fun checking out these blogs as I did!
Friday, 21 May 2010
Blogger's Quilt Festival - The Mystery Quilt
This is one of my favourite quilts.
It's not the most perfect.
It's not been the most technically challenging.
But it's special because it holds some pretty precious memories . . .
Our craft group booked a quilting retreat a few years back to celebrate the 10 years that we had been getting together to craft. While we had turned our hands to lots of different crafts over the years, and a couple of us had had a go at some patchwork, it wasn't something that all of us had done. But none the less, we booked the weekend! We had a choice of a couple of different projects, but in the end settled on a Mystery Quilt (the pattern's by Lessa Siegele). This project took us out of our comfort zone on so many levels . . . first there was the choosing of the fabric - 5 lights and 5 darks. For novice quilters, not knowing what the end product is going to look like can be quite daunting. Do we choose different colours? What about the colour value? So many questions. So many nerves.
But you know how it goes - when the going gets tough, the quilters go shopping!
We were given instructions for a little bit of preparation before the weekend, but we still didn't have any clue what we were going to end up with!
Even though we were all making the same basic quilt, at a certain point in the construction process we had to draw a number each out of a hat, which gave us all different setting out directions. Needless to say, although we all had the same pieces (and a couple of the girls even had the same fabrics) the end result was a group of totally different and yet equally beautiful quilts.
I found it a real challenge to let go of being "in control" of the process and just have fun with it.
I found it a real challenge to choose fabric for a specific project and not know what the project was (which is funny really because I don't generally have trouble buying fabric for no reason at all!!!).
I found that I really loved the fabrics I'd chosen.
I found that quilting with friends is such good fun.
I found that I should have made the quilt bigger if I wanted to use it on a bed.
I found a new passion.
Oh, and I found that I just love how this quilt looks hanging on my wall!
And that, my friends, is the story of my Mystery Quilt.
I'd like to say a huge THANKS to Amy from "Amy's Creative Side" for organising this little get together and enabling us to "show and tell"! And now, why don't you click back over to Amy's blog and check out some more quilts as part of this wonderful BLOGGER'S QUILT FESTIVAL.
It's not the most perfect.
It's not been the most technically challenging.
But it's special because it holds some pretty precious memories . . .
Our craft group booked a quilting retreat a few years back to celebrate the 10 years that we had been getting together to craft. While we had turned our hands to lots of different crafts over the years, and a couple of us had had a go at some patchwork, it wasn't something that all of us had done. But none the less, we booked the weekend! We had a choice of a couple of different projects, but in the end settled on a Mystery Quilt (the pattern's by Lessa Siegele). This project took us out of our comfort zone on so many levels . . . first there was the choosing of the fabric - 5 lights and 5 darks. For novice quilters, not knowing what the end product is going to look like can be quite daunting. Do we choose different colours? What about the colour value? So many questions. So many nerves.
But you know how it goes - when the going gets tough, the quilters go shopping!
We were given instructions for a little bit of preparation before the weekend, but we still didn't have any clue what we were going to end up with!
Even though we were all making the same basic quilt, at a certain point in the construction process we had to draw a number each out of a hat, which gave us all different setting out directions. Needless to say, although we all had the same pieces (and a couple of the girls even had the same fabrics) the end result was a group of totally different and yet equally beautiful quilts.
I found it a real challenge to let go of being "in control" of the process and just have fun with it.
I found it a real challenge to choose fabric for a specific project and not know what the project was (which is funny really because I don't generally have trouble buying fabric for no reason at all!!!).
I found that I really loved the fabrics I'd chosen.
I found that quilting with friends is such good fun.
I found that I should have made the quilt bigger if I wanted to use it on a bed.
I found a new passion.
Oh, and I found that I just love how this quilt looks hanging on my wall!
And that, my friends, is the story of my Mystery Quilt.
I'd like to say a huge THANKS to Amy from "Amy's Creative Side" for organising this little get together and enabling us to "show and tell"! And now, why don't you click back over to Amy's blog and check out some more quilts as part of this wonderful BLOGGER'S QUILT FESTIVAL.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
