Sew why not...

Wedding quilting.....

2011-06-18T19:28:00.010+10:00

I love a good wedding and love a good wedding quilt.
What I don't love is bad photo's of good wedding quilts but here we go anyway.
Hope the happy couple love it as much as I loved making. It does have a story though.....

I have a 4 year old that is "fun". So first I sewed up the triangles and then laid it all out. 196 squares in total. Thank heaven's I took a picture as the "fun" child walked through them, throwing them in the air and telling me it was raining. Hmm, it wasn't received well but I could do nothing but laugh and then spend another few hours laying it out again.

Then, all sewed up and ready for sandwiching. Where do I find it? Apparently the dog was cold and the "fun" child decided to give her a new blanket. So I then had to wash it prior to the next quilting process. Do I think he was done yet....no. I then started to sandwich, where is my spray glue, well, let's say the backyard fort is pretty sticky.

All up though, I was happy in the end and it is perfect size for a big snuggle under.

2011-04-15T22:16:00.002+10:00

Inspired by this zig zag quilt and a new little baby girl being born, it was a very late sewing night last night. What a fabulous little quilt to make and a great way to use up scraps.

Shocking photo's, I really do need to get better at the pictures.

For Harvey

2011-03-12T18:50:00.004+11:00

For a beautiful little boy: http://harveythecourageouslion.blogspot.com/

I'm back

2011-02-13T00:40:00.008+11:00

It's been a while. My PhD is on the home stretch and kept me busier than I thought possible therefore I must regain myself with sewing. I didn't sew for 12 months, it was horrible.

So a sample of my Christmas gift quilt, latchhooks (yeah I know, but it was brainlessly fun at the time) and a sneak peak at a quilt that is frantically being put together for a sick little boy.

Cooking in the Summer.

2010-01-03T21:45:00.003+11:00

I just love summer cooking so thought in the absence of a few sewing pic's, would throw these in.
First, Passata with fresh basil. Makes the best pasta sauce and now I have a stack ready to go now in the bottom of the pantry.

Then, a trip to the strawberry and cherry farm today meant first eating our weight in the most divine strawberries in the world and then 5kg bought home to make jam and potted fruit. I ran out of jars though so half went in the freezer for jam and these ended up ready to go: Potted Strawberries and Cherries in vodka and raspberry wine. There are a few just in the sugar syrup as well for the kids. Perfect over icecream - YUM!

The mess.

2009-12-07T21:00:00.005+11:00

I always love looking at others creative areas on blogs so thought I would quickly take some pics of the sewing room in it's natural state.

Some of the stash (or rather, just a little of the stash)

Some of the lovely dolls quilts from swaps and have one more to pop up.

Some of the Christmas bags for presents that have gone out or are ready to go out filled with goodies.

Lastly a sneak at the latest project that I hope to have done by Christmas.

EB DQS

2009-11-06T23:08:00.004+11:00

It's that time of year again, EB's dolls quilt swap. While eagerly waiting the opening of the parcel, I know my swappee has it in her hot little hands.

I was so happy with how it turned out so hope she likes it. She listed red and aqua as favourite colours and liked heavily quilted quilt so hopefully she will like this one.

Lugger Bags

2009-10-25T19:47:00.003+11:00

Inspired by the clever blogger Milly, I've made some lugger bags over the last few months.

The first was for an EB swap. Still not sure if my swapee liked it but I thought it was fantastic and would have loved to keep it.

This next one was my older son's request as a present for his teacher's birthday. They are his hand prints all over it. I really hope she likes it.

They are super easy to make and I took the opportunity to print some more fabric with hands for grandparents and creche leaders with both boys. More bag pictures to come.

EB Dolls Quilt Swap

2009-10-17T09:30:00.004+11:00

It's getting longer between posts, but that doesn't mean nothing is going on.

I will post some of the lovely swap items I have received lately. My camera isn't working so I am finding it difficult to do some posts.

Here is a sneaky peak at the design of a dolls quilt for the EB dolls quilt swap. I am just loving it and am going to have a lot of trouble popping it in the post.

DQS7 - Swap Time again

2009-09-07T20:26:00.008+10:00

It's that time again when off to the wild blue yonder goes a quilt.

I was lucky enough to get someone on the other side of the world this time that gave me my the option of "Quilter's Choice" and encouraged quilters to try something new.

This gave me the perfect chance to try thread painting. A technique I have wanted to try for some time and gave it a crack about 6 months ago and gave up. I was determine though to do this!

It involved first the drawing and painting with fabric paint:
Then filling in with thread and quilting:

It looked a tad plain so added a couple of stars and beads:Add a border, little more quilting (and shocking photography.....I promise it is square!) and we're done!

While a far cry from my usual type of quilting I am stoked with the results. Hope my swap partner in the far yonder of the USA is happy with their package.

Link to a Give Away

2009-08-29T08:47:00.005+10:00

It's been a while between posts only because it's been a while between projects. I couldn't however miss sharing this give away. Love my rocket ship.....then meet the designer: Kellie. Her quilts are amazing and I've just bought her Christmas Tree pattern on her blog so hopefully will get that made before Christmas. She has a great giveaway at the moment.

The last baby on the block.

2009-06-28T22:55:00.006+10:00

Another baby is on the block and of course needed a nice little something to snuggle in.

Inspired by Don't look Now and her cute as Rocket ships, this quilt was full of robots and space ships. The red swirls just look wrong in this photo but I just loved the fabric so much I had to include it.

2 quilts in 2 weeks

2009-05-31T21:15:00.006+10:00

What a week!

New babies and new house, mean new quilts!

Flannel Quilt
First one is in all snuggly flannels for a little baby that is meant to still be cooking but instead is the SNU. She'll be out soon though as she is a little fighter.

Spiderweb Quilt
Then, friends bought/built their first home and we had the fortune to visit it today. The house is just lovely! They have great style so I was a tad concerned this wouldn't match but it looked like it would fit in. I did think I had another week or 2 finish it so when I got the email inviting us over for lunch today......let's just say there was not a lot of sleep and the threads in the photo were trimmed off in the car. I just love the fabric and the design though.

DQS6 - Is received.

2009-05-11T05:23:00.005+10:00

My apologies to Xena for taking so long to blog this, but it is hanging up in the sewing room. Conferences, ethics and study have kept getting in the way.

I received for my swap this lovely little landscape. The bird is cute as a button with little detail. The cliff face is my favourite. I was sure it was a path but now that it is hanging I see how it was designed.

Thank you Xena.

Here are some photo's of my favourite parts. Of course as I've gone to blog this, I've realised that I have no photo of the full quilt and now my camera is packed in readiness for QLD. You have to pop over to Xena's for better photo's.

DQS6 - Is home

2009-04-29T02:06:00.004+10:00

It arrived safe, sound and loved. Phew!!

The Fishies:

DQS6 - Is on its way.

2009-04-26T23:10:00.005+10:00

After a rocky start of sketching, cutting, stitching, chucking it and starting all over again, it is finished, packaged up and was popped in the post today.

I'm pretty happy with it, of course I have seen something I would change if I could, at the last minute but I can't so, I really hope my swappee likes it.

Now, I know my swappee reads this sometimes, so can only post sneak peeks...

Happy Birthday to me!!

2009-04-07T20:06:00.002+10:00

Nothing better than being in a birthday FQ swap.

Especially when you have swappers as lovely as mine. Not only was there little FQ's, but there was buttons, a mag, extra fabric and that naughty Bec even managed to get in some chocolate (YUM!)

Here is the fabulous haul so far! I just love the retro theme and how diverse the fabrics are!

A long time between posts....

2009-03-27T20:18:00.008+11:00

It's been a while. Life has caught up however, the post man found me in the month of March.

First came little envelopes of goodness in the form of a Charm Square Swap with the EB quilters:

By golly there are some pretty reds out there. The fav's being.....

Then there is more mail but I will wait until all have arrived in the form of Birthday Fat quarter swap!!!

Lastly, the DQS6, hmmm, it's still in the making but at the moment here is a little sneak peak. Not entirely sure I am happy with it however it is almost finished so after looking at it for a while, I will still have plenty of time to make another if I am not.

DSQ6 - YAY!!

2009-03-07T15:29:00.004+11:00

Finally have joined a swap and am looking forward to the challenge.

For my partner, here is a few of my favourites.

1. An Early Snowfall, 2. Doll quilt, 3. Rainbow Swirl Dolls Quilt, 4. and One for, 5. Twinkle cover quilt, 6. tumbling blocks, 7. DQS5 - I (heart) pink!, 8. Jump Rope Katie Dolls Quilt Front, 9. For the Birds

I would love one for the wall in modern colours. Not a huge fan of autumns, country or pastel colours. Something arty also excites me, but not a fan of rick rac or yoyo's. I plan to hang it and have a spot all ready for it. I like simple but striking colours and patterns and thinks just a little left of friend. Hope that helps? Off to look through the blog of my partner now.......

Pin Cushion Swap

2009-03-01T22:37:00.005+11:00

It's is almost the end of all things pincushion-ness with a swap.

The clever Buggirl AKA Moederkip sent this cute little box:

And in it, the cutest pincushion. I especially love those pin. I have no idea why, just the shape and look is so nice.

Thank you!!!

A Very Apron Birthday.... and other birthday's too.

2009-02-28T23:11:00.007+11:00

Phew, just scraped in for my Project a month.

The camera (and all the photo's of things) decided it loved the Zoo so much it would stay for a while. It was posted back by the Zoo people once it was over it's holiday, however they decided, just popping it in an envelope would be fine. We are very very lucky it arrived in one piece.

So, an apron. Geez I love this and don't actually want to give it away however I know the recipient really wants one so hope she likes it.

Then my little boy turned 2. The love of his life apart from his older brother, is of course Iggle Piggle. So of course that would have to be his cake. It was a hit though he was a tad overwhelmed by it all.

Bushfire Quilt Project & Swaps.

2009-02-15T22:47:00.004+11:00

What an amazing woman. Will post off a few blocks as I get a chance to put them together.
They are super easy but just have to tweak the size, first was too small. Second worked out just right.

Then, opened my swap parcel from the EB haby swap. I was lucky enough to get Moederkip . I was so spoilt and have already used some of the fab stuff. I especially love the little needle case and also the little glass buttons.

Yet more pincushions......

2009-02-15T22:35:00.003+11:00

Am also nearing the end of pin cushion festivus.

Just needed to share the love of red some more.

The long weekend of sewing.

2009-01-26T19:58:00.006+11:00

The type of quilt I never, ever thought I would be making is done and hung. Apart from it's content, I am stoked with how it turned out. I love the quilting effect, makes it look like it is flying.

And hanging in the room.

Then, a pin cushion for a new-to-quilting friend.

Picture of the pin cushion that is being posted out later this week.

THE Jolly Roger!

2009-01-25T00:37:00.003+11:00

Not something I ever thought I would be making however, all in the name of the joy of a child. Master B is in QLD on holidays with Grandparents. We thought we would do the great room make-over. As he doesn't do too well with change we asked about what "theme" he would like as dinosaurs is getting a little old. Apparently Pirates is the new in thing. Quilt cover purchased, new bed, desk etc. Wall hanging, well, the request was a jolly roger and I need to practice my machine quilting.

Jolly Roger it is, even if it is slightly off centre (though only saw this in the photo...grr!):

The idea then is once pinned to practice quilting. I am totally in love at the moment with Don't Look Now's Blog. Her skills are fab. I am determined not to mess this up. So, the process:
1. Produce quilt top
2. Practice the doodle of pattern
3. Sandwich the quilt with pins then quilt.

So how many pins is too much?

Well, a quarter has been done. It is a little dodgy but an almost 7 year old wouldn't care. Quilting photo's tomorrow.

Winner!

2009-01-24T19:08:00.002+11:00

Out of a lovely little small pool of wonderful people the computer says:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

2

Timestamp: 2009-01-24 07:21:11 UTC

After looking at the posting order, Jenn, sweetness, it's you :)

Cupcake coming your way!

Give Away On the 12th day of Pin cushion, it's all for the readers.

2009-01-22T09:14:00.003+11:00

I have come to the end of my pin cushion-fest. It has been lovely and I have enjoyed it so much I'd love to make one to give away. However I'd like to make one in colours you love. Leave a comment by Saturday 5pm (EST) with your favourite pin cushion, your favourite colours and if you like traditional/brights/modern and I will have on in the post first thing after the public holidays (tuesday) for you.

Choices are:
1. Wild Flower
2. Patch square
3. Amish Puzzle Ball
4. Hanging Pin cushion
5. Wooly ball (I promise yours would look far nicer than mine!)
6. Circles Pincushion
7. Star
8. Itty Bitti

I will also pop in a little finger one of matching fabric.

Here they all are for size comparison!

Baby girls are very cute!!

2009-01-21T00:56:00.003+11:00

There is a new little bundle in the cyber-mummy world. What better way to celebrate, than with pretty things. Her mum is a bit of a trend setter so no pastels for her!

Ended up with a couple of little singlets and what has become the standard pressie now, the shoes! CUTE!!

On the 11th Day of Pincushion, I got all Pin-y

2009-01-21T00:25:00.006+11:00

All pin cushioned out however, every good pincushion needs a pretty pin or two. I found this gem of an idea on Wee Wonderful's Blog to make pins all very pretty.

Considering I could only find a few texta's in the house that actually worked, I am pretty happy with the outcomes and can't wait to make more.

We have love hearts and flowers of course:

Then, every good podiatrist needs feet pins.

Sigh....lovely.

On the 10th day of pincushion.......it's woollyness!

2009-01-20T07:29:00.004+11:00

A pin cushion fest would not be the same without the trial of a woolen felted ball.

In a similar vein to this fab Etsy Shop - Handworkstudio, I cut it open. I used the method by Crunchyparent.com. It's not as nice, but a good trial. Think I know how to make them look really pretty now rather than a gray elephant poo.

On the 9th day of pin cushion, the end is nigh.

2009-01-18T22:40:00.002+11:00

Yet another quicky but a goodie.

Made from the good old pyramid door stop idea from the fab Tin Whistle Blog however with the tab at the bottom.

I have a magnet board behind my sewing machine. Good for pattern holding and ideas. This now hangs off one of the magnetic hooks. The tab at the bottom of the pyarmid allows the flat edge to rest against the board.

Lovely!

On the 8th day of pin cushion....we have a winner. I'm sure of it!

2009-01-18T00:43:00.004+11:00

I just love this. LOVE IT!!!

Finished it this afternoon however life got in the way of a photo in the sun. On the 12th day of pin cushion I will take a photo of the full collection and add a give away, so for all those blog readers....check back.

This is the puzzle ball or Amish puzzle ball. Could also be a fantastic baby grab ball. Right now though it makes a great pin cushion or brain (according to my husband). Either way it is lovely and way easy to make.

On the 7th day of pin cushion......it's a cop out, but one for the best. .

2009-01-17T00:05:00.004+11:00

After being called into work at 9pm, I was still at that time debating what the 7th day of pin cushion would be.

So, we have the cop out pin cushion. However, I think it has already become my favourite. I wasn't going to do this one but, time wasn't on my side. So I whipped it up. Stuck in a pin and promptly stuck it through into my finger. Whipped it off, unpicked, slid in some template plastic and it fits like a glove, or is that a finger pin cushion. I can't wait to add these to some pressies throughout the year for friends that are hand sewers.

Yay for pin cushions.

On the 6th day of pincushion...........only 6 more days to go!

2009-01-16T00:24:00.003+11:00

Well, I think tomorrow in the nice sunshine I need to take out the 6 and get some good photo's as the dodgy flash in the night ones aren't showing off them in their glory.

I am back to my love affair.

First comes my wild Flower, which when you have a quick look you think, hmmmmm, nice, pretty, average size. It is the MONSTER pin cushion. It's fantastic!!! It is the pin cushion of all pin cushions. The one you use for your quilting safety pins. THE WHOLE BOX OF THEM!!!

Then just a pretty little one to finish the night. I just love the fabric and the little vintage buckle.

On the fifth day of pin cushion......must keep going!

2009-01-14T22:49:00.002+11:00

OK, there is no photo. There has been sewing, but I just can't leave you hanging with nothing. A 12 hour work day and pin cushion passion does not mix.

Check back, on the 6th day of pin cushion, I will make it up to you.

On the fourth day of pincushion.....I really should give up now!

2009-01-13T22:19:00.001+11:00

It is going downhill.

My search continues. I hate this one and cut out the look of horror on my face as I held it up!

On the third day of pin cushion, my true love said to me......

2009-01-12T23:39:00.005+11:00

OK, while it isn't the same as 12 days of Christmas however Day 3 and the third pin cushion has been turned out and the Day 2 pincushion tweaked.

While I am not overly impressed with the fabric choice, it was a pattern trial. Like the effect, tad big for my liking but I have a friend that is a green lover so this will definitely be a gifter. Can't wait to do another in some fabric I have been saving just for the task.

Next one...hmmm, do I go easy or tricky?

Leftovers from Christmas

2009-01-11T23:04:00.005+11:00

Oops - just found a few other photo's from Christmas past.

I found these fantastic molds at the market for making fondant decorations for cakes. They turned out like this. Please excuse the finger dints. My nice smooth cake was Archerised:

And just some other very yummy gifts to make your mouth water.....

Sunday Stash Week 7ish (am sure there are been a few weeks missed)

2009-01-11T23:01:00.003+11:00

Oh I love this. It's crying out to be made into an apron of course. Have just the person for it in March so it's on the to do list.

Year of the Pin Cushion.

2009-01-11T22:59:00.004+11:00

Have no idea where it came from but I am currently totally obsessed with Pin cushions.

There are just so many fantastic ones out there. Thank goodness there is a Pin cushion swap out there so I have a reason to try a few patterns. In honour of this, I dedicate the next week and a bit to the "12 days of Pin Cushion"

Here is a couple I worked on the last 2 days making the First and Second day of Pin Cushion. The pink one needs a bit more stitching though now that I look at it. More to come including a give away on Day 12, so check back.....

Abyquilt: A challenge...what have I done???

2009-01-08T23:03:00.002+11:00

Abyquilt: A challenge

Blogged with the Flock Browser

How exciting - a challenge to complete a project a month. I can do this....right?

PRESENTS!!!!

2008-12-15T23:21:00.004+11:00

WOOT!!! Love this time of year. Presents are going out thick and fast. So far we have had:

Cafe apron in super retro green and chocolate, where I got to practice a little flappy border thingie (I know there is a technical name for it and can't remember what it is).

Then a use for that funny bottom fabric. Another of those great little shopper bags.

The always useful pencil/crayon rolls. Whipped up another of these last night and handed it out and forgot to take a pic so you will have to imagine a third.

Last but not least, the end result of the sandwich and fruit pack. A little lunch bag with 2 pieces of bread, cheese, ham, tomato, cucumber, boiled egg slices and baby spinach leaves. Also a few strawberries to finish it off.

Sunday Stash Week 6 (on Monday)

2008-12-15T23:13:00.003+11:00

I think you may have seen this in something I've made however I have a stack of it and just love the colours! Looks great with hot pink.

Stash Sunday - Week 5 (oops, missed week 4!)

2008-12-07T22:14:00.003+11:00

For the love of Batiks. Some of the luscious fabric I picked up in Malaysia.

It's a Mummy!

2008-11-30T20:13:00.004+11:00

While technically fabric, we have a mummy for a dress up party!

I might add for those considering a dress up, this is potentially the easiest costume you could ever consider. Just make sure your first aid cert is up to date as there are a few tricky corners. Also make sure there are shorts a a t-shirt underneath.

Ode to Red

2008-11-30T19:45:00.004+11:00

While terribly disappointed in the photo, this quilt just turned out lovely. A smattering of all my favourite reds with variegated red thread stippling. It was a gift to someone that shares the red love. She has just finished her uni degree and over the years I have got to know her will be great in her chosen profession. I wish her all the best and hope she likes this gift as much as I enjoyed making it for her.

More Christmas Presents!

2008-11-17T20:42:00.002+11:00

I'm on a roll and loving getting ready for Christmas.

Found this fantastic pattern for fabric shopping bags so have been sewing up a storm. The they fold up into themselves also so easy to chuck in the handbag or nappy bag.

There is a bottle of wine and 2 soft drinks bottles in that one standing up and heaps more room. There is also shown one all folder up and ready to go. Super easy!!

Sunday Stash Week 3

2008-11-16T17:54:00.002+11:00

Arm reaching in......foraging about and......

RETRO!!!
I've tried to use this heaps but it just hasn't happened. The right time will come.

Felt Food.

2008-11-15T21:06:00.004+11:00

How cool is felt food!

Have a stack of little girls to give Christmas pressies to this year, so felt food it is.

So far we have about a loaf of sliced bread, block of sliced cheese, cucumber, spinach leaves and tomato. To come is: Ham (still working that one out, think I might needle felt some white streaks into it), strawberries and cupcakes. Then a little lunch bag for them to go into. I have been on a role so am making enough that when my little one is older he will have them to play with too.

Sunday Stash Week 2

2008-11-10T06:06:00.002+11:00

Hasn't that week gone fast.

I reached my arm in and look what came out. This fabric just makes me giggle. I have no idea what I will do with it - BOTTOMS!!!

Stash Sunday - Week 1

2008-11-02T18:52:00.003+11:00

Stash Sunday was started by those talented EB quilters to ensure blog posts and to show off the lovely fabric hidden in draws.

In the theme of Christmas I thought I would do my first Stash Sunday post with 2 of my favourites that I have been chopping up today. I know the rules are just one but these are so similar they count as one......don't they?

Another another sneaky peak.

2008-11-01T23:11:00.004+11:00

First homemade Christmas present finished and here is the proof.

Yes, you don't know what it is, that is because this is the fabric of it, hiding the present within. How divine is this print!!! You should see the finished thing.

I love making gifts for people.

Sneak peaks.....

2008-11-01T22:00:00.004+11:00

The latest quilt in the making.....

I just love it.

Fabrics from afar.

2008-11-01T21:54:00.001+11:00

After just coming back from the best holiday in Malaysia, I have to share a small purchase.

I am not a huge fan of batiks or Asian prints or even hibiscus flowers. However I fell in love with these. No idea what I will do with them but great stash builders.

It's housewarming time.

2008-09-14T21:23:00.006+10:00

And what better way with more quilty goodness.

Oh, I just love, love, love this. The photo doesn't do it justice. A close colleague and friend has just bought her first unit with her boyfriend. This is a little housewarming gift. She deserves so much happiness. It is a pattern from DUQ and is called "The Fishing Net"

Was a little disappointed that the white of the border isn't the same as the white of the squares (I ran out and had to race back to spotlight 2 days after) but it is hardly noticeable.

In the real light you can see the quilting far better. It gives the appearance of a fishing net.

Now, to sew more or mark assignments. What to do...?

Quilts for Babies

2008-09-13T07:48:00.003+10:00

Love a good quilt marathon.

When a square like this:

Gets turned into this: A Winter's Garden
These EB quilting girls are very very clever!

A present for the the Teacher

2008-09-03T07:23:00.005+10:00

It's been a long time between posts. Not because I haven't been doing anything but because most of what I have been doing is for people that read here.
It is Billy's teachers birthday today - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

I asked him all her favourite colours and what she liked. We decided I would make a little sewing carry all but he would need to help make it pretty and pick the fabric from the fabric cupboard.

Here is the result:

Apron made for the Sassy Apron Swap.

2008-06-17T21:36:00.001+10:00

YAY! She liked it!!

It's blogged here Raelene's Blog.

Now, to find the fabric for one for me.

Sassy Apron Swap

2008-06-13T18:59:00.003+10:00

It's taken a bit for me to put up the photo but I have already worn and washed my apron many times. It is lovely!

I don't know if my person has a blog but here is a piccy of it!

I am a bad swapper. Mine has only just gone out. I won't post a pic as she sometimes reads here but I hope she likes it and will post a piccie on Monday after she has it.

Lovely wool-like things

2008-06-08T23:10:00.004+10:00

Well, it's been a long time between posts. Going back to work and uni has interrupted the creative streak.

I did however get the chance to make this scarf the other day. It is made from half a wool top and some scraps of wool all sewn together. I just love it and get lots of comments on it which is nice!

Softie Swap

2008-04-27T13:11:00.004+10:00

I've been part of a softie swap. After much deliberation and arguing with my sewing machine and it's naughty tension I have finally finished it.

I hope my Swap partner likes him. I as so tempted to keep him as I think he is gorgeous and will just have to make another.

He's made in lovely flannels with some vintage buttons and trim to finish it off. He's called George in the book but we think he is really a "Henry".

Handmade Birthday Presents

2008-04-13T08:50:00.004+10:00

I must admit is it getting hard as they get older but the lovely Ness pointed me to the direction of crochet finger puppets. She modified the matching castle and so they were made.

Orginal pattern from here and here but if you check out Ness's she added in a Prince and a Witch.....clever clogs! I am not that clever nor have the inclination as if you will remember, I vowed to not crochet toys again!

It's the day of the party!

2008-04-13T08:23:00.000+10:00

It has arrived. There is excitement in the house. I must say I am glad....I am over the Dinosaur/dragon theme this year. I long for pretty cakes......

Anyways, here is Mr B's birthday cake for his party today. His tail is a tad short as I miscalculated the size and his scales aren't scaly enough but B loves it and that is all that matters!!

And just for the fun of it...here is the Master A's first birthday cake from feb. If I am breaking the craft only posts I may as well do it properly!

My big boy is going to be six!

2008-04-08T21:49:00.000+10:00

I'm breaking my "only craft posts" rule. Tomorrow my big baby is turning 6. According to him there are so many things that a 6 year old can do that a 5 year old can't. They can read, say grace and bedtime prayers (though as 3 year old he could do this but not a 4 or 5!!!), amazing!

While the party is on Sunday complete with dinosaur cake, he has once again requested bug cupcakes. As I love making them so much I didn't argue so here they are in all their glory.

Happy Birthday to my B boy!!

Birthday Fat Quarter Swap

2008-03-28T23:24:00.000+11:00

Well the EB girls are truly amazing and this is the sort of thing that happens on your birthday. Your postie gets really cranky and has to drive up and plonk a huge amount of mail on your door s it doesn't fit in your mail box. It then happens to be full of lovely lovely fat quarters and other lovely little surprizes. You guys rock, you really do.

Here is the most eclectic mixture of lovely lovely fabric:

Top Row: Adds (HUGE piece of Robert Kaufman, Amanda - AJ(Lovely spots - think it's prints charming), Bec (Retro cats in Paris!), Joy (lovely pink and yellow print), Leah (chocolate print on dusky pink. Definatly my fav!!)

Middle Row: Cass (Gorgy Retrol Dick and Jane I think and an Owl and Pussycat Magnet), Kylie (Prints charming & Button box), Natalie (funky purple paisly and wonder pieved quilts mag), Amanda (Michael Miller heads, retro blue scrap and 2007 Annual P&Q mag - YAY - don't have this one!)

Bottom Row: Emma (Palazzo - Yippeee!), Xena (ovely mushrooms), Lily ( Freespirit and a charm square), Helen (Gorgeous Geisha Girls)

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

A day at the Job Warehouse

2008-03-28T22:15:00.000+11:00

I got my day and boy was it a day. Mucking around in the dust and dirt and boxes and crates. The stuff that I unearthed was amazing. Lace, trim, ceramic buttons, thimbles, button on collars, woollen under garments and feathers in every colour of the rainbow all hand wired, braids, lace, netting, satins, silks felt hats.

Here is some of the treasures that were unearthed!
Guipure Lace, black 100% cotton on wooden spools, ceramic buttons, tortoiseshell buttons

Lace, lace and more lace, trim, ricrack, sequined trim, eyelet lace. I can't take good photos but this stuff is so beautiful.

Darning thread in every colour of the rainbow. Even some wool darning thread!

I haven't taken pictures of the other things that really don't show up well. Some buttons that are made of pressed metal, some old buckles, thimbles. Oh the goodies.

I have been invited back and can't wait to go next time to see what I can find.

The Big Flower gets Quilted!

2008-03-25T22:49:00.000+11:00

Easter is a perfect time for eating chocolate and quilting. They go hand and hand really as they are 2 of my favourite things.

This Easter I had the time to quilt my Big Flower quilt that I had been putting off. The stippling is a little dodgy as the old sewing machine's tension has decided it's too old to behave, but we managed in the end. Ended up stippling flower chains in the 16 square patches and echo lines int he flowers and leave. I'm really happy with the end effect. A few dodgy lines but......gives it character.

My lovely lounge loves it's present.

Sewing with Babysitters

2008-03-16T17:11:00.000+11:00

My mum is the best. She is here visiting at the moment and I got to sew all day yesterday!!

My beautiful friend's daughter was christened today so I made some little shoes, a ball and an ABC's book. I so happy with how they all turned out.

Then as I was on a roll.....I whipped up a second pair for the little baby Georgia that was born last week with a rough start to life. Hope they will make her mum smile a little. I got the fabric from a scrap swop. There is heaps of lovely little pieces that I now have to play with thanks to Bec. She makes and sells the most amazing bags on Etsy so my scrap pile is now full of funky fabrics. YAY!

Thanks Mrs Price!

2008-03-09T17:10:00.000+11:00

Well, I will need to place the full blame on B's Prep teacher for this one. She came on a home visit and had the most lovely fabric that she had made into a handbag. I had plans for this dress quilt made of all these pastels BUT I had to have her fabric. It was going to be the border of this quilt and basically the rest of it was designed around it.

Add to that, the visit to the Job Warehouse and the amazing vintage trims and this is what you get:

All the dresses have lace or buttons or ribbon. The handbags and shoes the same. I will post close ups of things when it has been quilted. So Raelene - this one is for you!

First attempt at dyeing.

2008-03-03T22:40:00.001+11:00

Well, that was a whole lot of fun. With my little sneak peak dresses comes a whole lot of opportunities to dress them up with trims. Add to that a visit to The Job Warehouse where I hunted and found some of the most amazing vintage trims and glass buttons to add to the black and white dresses and maybe a red shoe here and there.

Here is what we started with. Obviously the black and red ones weren't dyed but the others were prime candidates:

The process (and yes, I really should have worn gloves!)

The end product:

I am just stoked!!

The Ugly Quilt

2008-03-03T22:35:00.000+11:00

In all it's glory.

Made from a whole lot of scraps. Someone from work wanted it. It's now being handed over to have photo's put in the large squares and then quilted.

For some reason the photo was really dark so have just changed it to another...hopefully that will help to show it's beauty!

A Sneak Peak

2008-02-17T21:58:00.000+11:00

Have just started working on some dresses for a hanging wall quilt.

Am so in love with this!

Raggy quilts everywhere I go!

2008-02-14T21:39:00.000+11:00

They seem to be following me but thank goodness they are so lovely.

I have had the pleasure of gently introducing 2 people in the last few weeks to the love of quilting and am now enjoying the fruits of their labour.

First on a trip to QLD, the crafty Shannon came to visit. Armed with her machine and a stack of fabric we whipped up most of it in a day. I have a picture of it a few weeks ago but loved seeing the end result. Totally changed my mind about the some of the fabric choices.

Now, the eagerly awaited photo from the Knitting Guru herself, Ness has been sent through and it has been pronounced good. She is so keen that has the fabric for another all ready to go!

Inspired by all the silliness I had an email that another friend wants to make one. Love it!!! Love getting to play with other peoples fabric.

Lesson's learnt.

2008-02-09T13:19:00.001+11:00

Don't pander to 5 year olds that want dinosaur footprints on their quilt and then add a loud thread to a loud boarder. I hate it and am glad it will rarely leave the house. Said 5 year old of course loves it. It loves far louder and garish in real life and yes, it does need an iron.

“Hearken unto the sound o’ me blatherin’s!”

2008-02-05T21:44:00.000+11:00

The Pirate is done. The boy is very pleased. I am yet to add some beads and sticks that are in the pattern but here he is in all his glory!

I am never crocheting a toy again. Ever.

The fabricbug is live!

2008-01-28T23:24:00.000+11:00

For those that like licensed children's character fabric, my fabric website is now up and ready to go!!

The fabricbug

YAY!

There are pictures today!!!

2008-01-28T23:00:00.000+11:00

What a day!

With a little help looking after the kids, all things are possible.

2 quilt tops done!

Prints Charming - Follow your imagination: Big Flower. Slightly different different from the pattern as I didn't want the black that the pattern uses. Can't wait to quilt it and give it to my couch!

Next: B's Dinosaur Quilt

Last - the work in progress: All sewn by a friend under my guidance. Not that I am an amazingly great guide given the amount of unpicking we did but it's almost done. Needs 3 more seams done and then clipped. Can't wait to see the final pic.

No pictures today.....

2008-01-27T17:33:00.000+11:00

But spent the day with a friend make her mum a raggy quilt. The colours weren't my thing (though I loved the backing fabric), but it turned out lovely. I kept having a brain fart and messing the colours up but was delighted in the end. I will post a picture as soon as I can upload it.

Also having a spot of holidays in QLD with the parents. So far have almost finished a crocheted pirate and also that I have had time to start on a quilt I am making my self out of the Prints Charming fabric from the above photos in red and beige.

Will try for photo's tomorrow.

More fabric love.

2008-01-20T18:32:00.001+11:00

Just back from a lovely little jaunt to a little town called Paynesville. Have friends there that offered their house up for housesitting while they were away so a good friend and I planned a week of holidays at Rancho Relaxo with our families.

The kids ran amok while we sat and ate and dreamed up new projects. We were fueled with ideas after visiting possibly the most delightful quilting shop I have come across. Gone quilting is full of modern and retro prints and the most amazing range of patterns. Her website hardly has anything listed at the moment but she has promised to put more there.

Now for my purchases - check this out! First lot is from the Prints Charming range and planning on making a modified version of one of their free pattern. We purchased this lovely red leather corner lounge and this is the exact same red. I can't wait to sew it.

I have given in the the realization that the Karen Stone quilt I have been doing for the wall in sewing area is really really hard and I don't have the time for it with the kids at the moment so needed something else in the meantime. I saw this and knew I could easily look at dresses and handbags. Will definitely put some shoes in there somewhere to. Grabbed a stack of fat quarters and some trim for this also.

So, let the sewing begin.....

I did manage though while away to pack in some crocheting as well. B has his heart set on a pirate. So far the pirate has 2 legs, a waist a 1 sleeve. So better get cracking and maybe can get the rest of his body done tonight.

The new year is coming quickly!

2007-12-29T22:18:00.000+11:00

What a year it has been...

I did forget to take some piccies of the other Christmas things I did such as the Reindeer taggies for presents which were very cute but no doubt will do more next year.

Have spent the last few weeks lusting after a book of softies and finally got around to making a few and the mind was whirring while loving every moment of it. Current thought is.....

The website The Bedbug is getting a sister site The Fabricbug (currently in testing phase). This will be stocking all the licensed fabrics that I get in. I often have scraps and bits and piece from the end of bolts that I have been wondering what to do with. So the whiring brain decided it would be a good idea to whip up some softies and sell them on the site. As the cost is minimal and I just love sewing I've decided that I will donate the bulk of the money to my favourite charity Adra and to the women's refuges they run in Australia.

Here are some of the prototypes:
1. Polar fleece Alien: I have this polar fleece in Dora, Thomas and princesses as well as plain blue and cream so should make some cute ones. Was also thinking of felt for eyes for bubs. He is about 30cm long and nice and cuddly. Price $20 and donate $15

2. Rabbit: Archer already thinks this is hilarious and has taken great delight in whacking everything he can with it. (He looks a tad wriggly in this as I had just rescued him from a whacking attack). He is about 25cm long and just squishy! Have heaps of fabrics that I can use including Dora, Thomas, Cars, Princesses, Winnie the Pooh as well as a heap of craft prints that would be great out of my fabric stash.
Price $15 and donate $10

3. Owl: Did the front and back panel of this on in Treehouse "Rumble in the Jungle" fabric and hope to get some more in so it can match the stock that we have in the store. It's is stuffed really firmly and eyes and nose are in felt. He is almost pillowlike. Sits about 20-25cm high. Price $30 and donate $20.

That is if I don't give them all to the kids first. They are so cute!!!

Also got this great Sock Monkey book but am saving that for the next holiday where I need to hand sew to keep me busy. Would love to hear feedback on this idea though.

It's Christmas present time!

2007-12-09T18:53:00.000+11:00

I love Christmas crafts. Everything about them and love making presents for friends and family. Here is some of the stuff I've put together over the last 2 weeks. (Needless to say the fingers are a tad sore.

1. More magic blocks - now with photos. Here is some pic's of some of them. Present for Dad.
2. Rudolph tea towel. Needs a bow around his neck but need to get get some red ribbon. Presents for the lovely Kym, Billy's kinder teacher.
3. Revesible shopping bag. Whipped this up this afternoon for mum. Easy pattern, popped a jeans pocket in it as a pocket and the base of the fabric is reversed. All made on the overlocker except for the overstitching. Took about 1 hour from picking up the fabric to the finish. Is a present for Mum but I really love it. Is going to be hard to give this one away.

The wall hangings for the babe.

2007-11-25T20:48:00.000+11:00

I forgot to put them in here. Whilst not technically sewing then are fabric on fabric and just look fantastic so they must go here. I will get back to the fabric and maybe whip a quilt with the offcuts but they are just so cute. 9 inch square blocks with contrasting fabrics and low and behold an easy wall feature in the nursery.

It's been a while between posts

2007-11-25T20:36:00.000+11:00

The mojo is flagging due to madly sewing blocks as Christmas presents. So what does one do..... fabric shop. There is a new seller on ebay that is soon to become my best friend and they don't even know it yet. Here is a few of the purchases tonight.

Japanese Fabric, a wallhanging is born

2007-10-11T15:34:00.000+10:00

Thanks to a very very clever friend getting some work put out by the Lonely planet about Japan, I have been dreaming about the stash of Japanese fabrics I had sitting there waiting for a project.

Saw a something a while ago in this style of fabric so have whipped it up into a similar design. Shocking photo but will post a proper one when I have put a border on. No idea how yet but that is the next task.

That and might make a little crane out of fabric for the hole.
Will see....hope to have it finished next week so check back.

THE Block

2007-10-06T20:22:00.000+10:00

This is just the best toy ever and thanks to a scrap booking friend with great ideas have big plans for Christmas presents and photo's on fabric. It is a fabric cube that just folds out and out and out and so on.

Easy to make.....(I promise Shannon)

There is a new baby.....

2007-10-06T20:06:00.000+10:00

Well, way to get me to really knit in a hurry. The beautiful Sienna decided to arrive 5 weeks early so the cot blanket quickly became a pram blanket. I used a heap of different wools and just knitted 9 squares and then crocheted the edge. Managed to finish it the morning I popped in to see her. It has now taken pride of place on the edge of the cot eagerly waiting her to come home and snuggle under it.

Quilts of the past

2007-09-20T22:20:00.001+10:00

Have had a few requests for pictures for some other stuff I've done.

Here are the favourites.
First is "Breaking the Drought" by Lisa Walton from "Dyed and Gone to Heaven" fame. Here is her link for the pattern: www.dyedheaven.com/store/pattern_kits/breaking_the_drought.html" Mine however is just "Full on Drought". It's hanging in our dining room on the wall and I just love sitting and looking at it. I was lucky enough to meet Lisa at a Quilting conference and chatted about the colours I wanted so she helped me choose. They worked so well together. There is also beading, hand painting, embellishing with silk cocoons, ribbons and thread.

The next favourite was one I made while pregnant with my second child. I needed to do heart as I love them so, but it needed to be boyish. So this is what happened. I really need a lesson in good quilt photographer though as you can't see the quilted hearts in the middle that well.

Last but not least is the gift I made my mum. She wanted something retro and I was in my traditional quilting phase. It is lovely and I am so glad she has it over her lounge, ready to be pulled over as a rug for a snooze at a moments notice.

Eye spy quilt

2007-09-11T19:36:00.000+10:00

Almost forgot.

Just a little something I whipped up this afternoon in preperation for our long drive to Brissy. An eye spy quilt. Lots of things to look for and a bit of fur for fun (or rather I ran out of fabric so had to improvise.)

Task 2 down.

2007-09-11T19:25:00.000+10:00

OK, tasks were:
1. Amy Butler Bag - check
2. What are little boys made of - NOW CHECK!!!
Just leave the other two on the list for now.

Finished this quilt this afternoon after 3 years in the making. The majority of it is hand sewn. Silly idea really but thought it right at the time. Back it with polar fleece and no wadding. I really wanted this to be a snuggle and use lots type of quilt. (Just saw threads that need snipping in the photo too!)

Just folded over the PF at the edges for the binding. Looks a tad on the dodgy side but I am so over this. At least the back is sooooo very neat thanks to a friend and her mum and their "green pinning carpet". Not a hiccup in sight.

Darling son though, when presented with the gift his mother had toiled over had one thing to say. "Looks good mum, you give it to A, my has to have dinosaurs". Cheeky brat! Does he not realise this took me 3 years!!!

Well I'm sure the baby will love it and I guess I am on the lookout for a quilt with Dinosaurs.

Fabric Heaven!

2007-09-02T18:17:00.000+10:00

I have found the shop of my dreams!

http://stores.ebay.com.au/Funky-Fabrix

Oh my! I am in love. Currently desperately trying to finish some projects but the new knitting bug gets in the road.

Almost finished B's quilt and he has told me, "It's good mum. You give it to A though, I want dinosaurs" Grrr!!!! So will see. Should have it done this week so will post some pics then.

Got a pattern also to make origami fabric cranes. A doesn't have a mobile for his room yet so thing I might whip one up at some stage.

All most finished hand sewing the fabric blocks also so check back for more photos of those......phew. If only I didn't need to sleep!

Thanks to Mum and Youtube....

2007-08-18T20:51:00.000+10:00

I can now knit. Being left handed means it is a challenge and I defiantly had mum scratching her head but Youtube saved the day. So far a cardy for Archer's has been whipped up. I will get a piccie of him wearing it even though it is almost too small. I am very proud of it for my first attempt.

I then knitted up this soft rabbit toy on a trip to the farm last weekend. It has no face as I need to get some thin black wool. I only had thick and every time I sew it up it look plain evil so I have to unpick it. Will post it again when it doesn't look demented.

Off to start a top for me now and Billy has now put in an order for a jumper. After all, why should Archer and I have all the fun!

Comments

2007-07-09T14:49:00.000+10:00

Thanks guys - isn't that fabric fantastic! There is an ebay seller in the UK with some interesting finds. Here is another with Goldfish in bags. You have to look close to see all the different names and characteristics. Archer is getting a magic block from this. I just have to learn how to make it. Thursday night is quilting night this week so new photos coming!

Karen Stone Quilt.....a continued work in progress

2007-07-09T14:45:00.001+10:00

Sigh...this one so hard. Every quarter I have been taking pic's of to get the colour match right. Here is some of them so far. Each quarter is taking me ages but I just love the look of it. It is going to one day be a wall hanging in my sewing area. I have the wall space just sitting there crying out to be covered

New fabric.

2007-06-29T18:58:00.000+10:00

Oh oh oh....the best fabric arrived today.

Is destined to be the inside of a messenger bag (I know, no new projects yet.....)need to look for the right outside fabric anyway.

Here's a snapshot of it.

2007-06-19T18:02:00.000+10:00

2007-06-19T17:50:00.000+10:00

Well, that wasn't hard.

2007-06-19T17:36:00.000+10:00

No idea why I held out on making this cute tote. Was easy as (just ignore the threads in the pic that have now been trimmed). Is reversible and has great potential for funkiness in future sewing adventures.

I think this will become a favourite pattern!

Why hello

2007-06-17T18:21:00.000+10:00

Ok, time to give myself a boot up the backside and finish some projects that are sitting there. This will also give me the chance to put out there what I'm working on and chance to reflect when I am stuck.

Currently on the go are:

Amy Butler Handbag
Daisez Quilt
What little boys made of Quilt
Karen Stone Cinz De Mayo Quilt

Figure if I aim for 1 a month to be finished I might get some of the other stuff that I want to do.