tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826802884591399052024-03-14T08:49:47.811+11:00Piecing, PatchingUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger335125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82680288459139905.post-56277108509095797892014-12-15T16:45:00.000+11:002014-12-15T16:45:20.516+11:00A rush post - just some Christmassy projects<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M1oJHOkBZEo/VI51KQ-zbfI/AAAAAAAAB_c/QqAGbOEs608/s1600/pretty%2Bvintage%2Bstyle%2Bstocking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M1oJHOkBZEo/VI51KQ-zbfI/AAAAAAAAB_c/QqAGbOEs608/s1600/pretty%2Bvintage%2Bstyle%2Bstocking.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Just sharing some Christmas crafts ....<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8n3VMED0w8o/VI51JCXwzjI/AAAAAAAAB_Q/byfUR08ob7c/s1600/robin%2Bornament.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8n3VMED0w8o/VI51JCXwzjI/AAAAAAAAB_Q/byfUR08ob7c/s1600/robin%2Bornament.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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These were for an ornament swap.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Xw1NJeK6nE/VI51KMabB-I/AAAAAAAAB_Y/hs3K3txbZn0/s1600/snowflake%2Bornament.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Xw1NJeK6nE/VI51KMabB-I/AAAAAAAAB_Y/hs3K3txbZn0/s1600/snowflake%2Bornament.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82680288459139905.post-5663104623989287952014-10-20T08:16:00.000+11:002014-10-20T08:16:44.227+11:00Latest crochetI just haven't been in the mood for any quilting lately but have finished a few crochet projects. I made this blanket a few weeks ago. I just love it. It's bright and cheerful and is the biggest project I have attempted in a long time, although it is just simple granny squares.<br />
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This one was made from 100% wool from Bendigo Woollen Mills. I can't wait to stock up on wool and make another one.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uLoJQkz5L48/VEQoXVycn2I/AAAAAAAAB9E/XO63CGjU7yw/s1600/crochet%2Brug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uLoJQkz5L48/VEQoXVycn2I/AAAAAAAAB9E/XO63CGjU7yw/s1600/crochet%2Brug.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've spent a couple of weeks at home looking after the pups as Sug had to have an operation on her knee due to a broken cruciate ligament. I was supposed to keep her confined and stop her from walking, so we spent a lot of time just sitting together while I did a few hand crafts.<br />
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For a bit of a change from crocheting, I've been doing quite a bit of cross stitching. This isn't a craft I am normally passionate about but I have had a thing for it lately and have finished quite a few little projects. Here is one - a little pin cushion:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QNhCGhaA3IU/VEQoXK6_uII/AAAAAAAAB9A/nagp7kjW7Jo/s1600/cross%2Bstitch%2Bcushion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QNhCGhaA3IU/VEQoXK6_uII/AAAAAAAAB9A/nagp7kjW7Jo/s1600/cross%2Bstitch%2Bcushion.jpg" height="215" width="320" /></a></div>
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And a band to embellish a hand towel. I also crocheted a pretty filet edge on this one:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7PSs0mE890w/VEQoY6C1OSI/AAAAAAAAB9Y/5lHhDI06bJg/s1600/hand%2Btowel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7PSs0mE890w/VEQoY6C1OSI/AAAAAAAAB9Y/5lHhDI06bJg/s1600/hand%2Btowel.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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Crochet edgings are something I have been having fun with lately. I have more doileys than surfaces now, so edgings make a nice change and means I can beautify the most mundane objects, such as these kitchen towels:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mK6UWqVlhys/VEQoZlevpfI/AAAAAAAAB9c/480J-k1_peE/s1600/teatowels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mK6UWqVlhys/VEQoZlevpfI/AAAAAAAAB9c/480J-k1_peE/s1600/teatowels.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82680288459139905.post-68084207828149530282014-06-22T10:33:00.000+10:002014-06-22T10:33:13.103+10:00A bit quiet on the craft frontI've been a bit quiet on the craft front although with the cold weather setting in, I've been doing some crochet occasionally on the weekends while snuggling up in front of the heater.<br />
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I love doileys and there are so many great free patterns on the web. It's amazing what you can do with a ball of cotton and a couple of hours.<br />
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I'm getting over a nasty cold so I spent yesterday in bed making this little one:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HBixjVEKr58/U6Yjr49ZELI/AAAAAAAAB4E/fh6Wnrw8TUI/s1600/littlepink+doiley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HBixjVEKr58/U6Yjr49ZELI/AAAAAAAAB4E/fh6Wnrw8TUI/s1600/littlepink+doiley.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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While these larger ones I made over the last month or two:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UWEryuNRiYc/U6Yjr28LbII/AAAAAAAAB38/j9g0ZPjP0BA/s1600/pink+pineapple+doiley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UWEryuNRiYc/U6Yjr28LbII/AAAAAAAAB38/j9g0ZPjP0BA/s1600/pink+pineapple+doiley.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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This washcloth was a free pattern on the web as well. I wanted to use the end of some thin pink cotton, so I made a little soap bag as well:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HcDjE-9iDGI/U6YjsJtkARI/AAAAAAAAB4A/9rrdVqJnHWA/s1600/washcloth+and+soap+holder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HcDjE-9iDGI/U6YjsJtkARI/AAAAAAAAB4A/9rrdVqJnHWA/s1600/washcloth+and+soap+holder.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82680288459139905.post-57612567079312095022014-03-31T16:53:00.001+11:002014-03-31T16:53:52.690+11:00Home Sweet Home Filet Crochet<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ETv0CHzJeck/UzkBGYv6yDI/AAAAAAAAB1I/o6EM44iocxA/s1600/home_sweet_home_crochet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ETv0CHzJeck/UzkBGYv6yDI/AAAAAAAAB1I/o6EM44iocxA/s1600/home_sweet_home_crochet.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I finished off this sweet filet crochet on the weekend. Although not a large project, it has taken me a few weeks as I've only been able to spend an hour or so each weekend. This was a free pattern from <a href="http://saunteringstitches.blogspot.com.au/2009/03/home-sweet-home-filet-crochet-pattern.html" target="_blank">Sauntering Stitches.</a> I used a thicker crochet cotton, as that was what I had, so mine turned out a bit bigger than the original (about 14" x 17" as opposed to 12" x 14"). I also used a different edging as I really wanted to get it finished and I find picots slow going! </div>
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I'm not sure whether I am going to frame it or turn it into a pillow yet.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82680288459139905.post-25398389793696186032014-03-18T18:16:00.000+11:002014-03-18T18:16:20.010+11:00Puppy pillow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UcyHZ0iMRxo/UyfxezAoVTI/AAAAAAAAB0k/-ti5D07Wo_w/s1600/puppy+pillow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UcyHZ0iMRxo/UyfxezAoVTI/AAAAAAAAB0k/-ti5D07Wo_w/s1600/puppy+pillow.jpg" height="259" width="320" /></a></div>
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This was a super quick finish on the weekend but only because I'd done all the work previously. I had an obsession with vintage iron on embroidery transfers for a while (and why not when they cost $1.99 from Grandma's Attic - so saves all that frustrating tracing time) and these puppy stitcheries were two of a series I had planned to complete in order to have enough blocks for a small quilt.<br />
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Needless to say, I didn't make enough blocks and a couple of years later I came across the stitcheries and put them together with some fabrics that matched the background and thread of the stitcheries. Then another few months later, came across the incomplete project again, handquilted it quickly and sewed on a backing to turn it into a mega-sized cushion cover for a big 80cm cushion insert I had.<br />
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Gee, this is a massive pillow and big and firm too. It would be great for lounging around on the floor. But if I put it on the floor, it really would become a puppy pillow as any soft furnishing so placed ends up belonging to Sugar and Spice.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82680288459139905.post-16719923712515018882014-03-12T06:00:00.000+11:002014-03-12T06:00:04.628+11:00Midweek Quickie - bookmarksAlright, I confess, I didn't do any crafting this week. My weekend was spent mowing and doing other similarly not-fun but necessary chores. Considering the grass was dead and yellow a month ago, I shouldn't really complain now that we are getting rain, but seriously, how can a lawn grow half a foot in a week? I wish I could foster some of the poor animals living in the drought affected areas.<br />
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So anyway, in the interests of having a post, here are some bookmarks I made years ago. Both really quick.<br />
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The first was embroidered in star stitches on Aida cloth in variegated thread, so I got a shimmery effect without having to change colours. Plus the stitches were so quick as each asterisk-shaped stitch covered 2 x 2 squares. I glued it over cardboard with a plain fabric backing and made a twist cord out of leftover thread.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gHdqaG3G4RA/Ux1S9XhBdNI/AAAAAAAAB0A/8vqN8OG9Uy8/s1600/bookmark1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gHdqaG3G4RA/Ux1S9XhBdNI/AAAAAAAAB0A/8vqN8OG9Uy8/s1600/bookmark1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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This one was my first and only attempt at ribbon embroidery. I don't know why I didn't do more of this because it was so quick and easy. The leaves and branch took no time at all as each was just a single stitch. The flowers were colonial knots in DMC thread so they didn't take much time either. Again, finished with cardboard for sturdiness and a twisted thread cord. (Don't look too closely at this pic cos this bookmark is a little dusty!)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G3ATmdglwCc/Ux1S9nPfO1I/AAAAAAAAB0E/bwkBI1CV7Wg/s1600/bookmark2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G3ATmdglwCc/Ux1S9nPfO1I/AAAAAAAAB0E/bwkBI1CV7Wg/s1600/bookmark2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82680288459139905.post-87535945178655269322014-03-05T06:30:00.000+11:002014-03-05T06:30:01.349+11:00Midweek Quickie CheatIt's a cheat because I really didn't do any crafting this week! I have lots of boring and predictable excuses, but why bother?<br />
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So today I'm blogging about some older small projects, made over the last year or so. </div>
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First up, a crochet covered jar which I originally planned to use as a vase but have found it kind of useful for storing knitting needles. This was just a made-up-as-I-went thing so no pattern.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wbceju4aSLo/UxVvnyPPaWI/AAAAAAAABzo/JTH3UqDqgGA/s1600/100_1566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wbceju4aSLo/UxVvnyPPaWI/AAAAAAAABzo/JTH3UqDqgGA/s1600/100_1566.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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And this is a hot water bottle cover I made last winter when I was in a bit of a knitting frenzy. From memory, it was from a Garn Studio pattern that was free online. It was a nice quick project made on circular needles so only a tiny seam to sew. In thick wool, it didn't take long to knit up at all.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82680288459139905.post-26195415704354470692014-02-26T07:00:00.000+11:002014-02-26T07:00:00.188+11:00Midweek quickie: button art<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For this midweek quickie post I'm showing off some button art! These were the outcome of another easy project that took less than half an hour to do.<br />
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I found some little artist canvases in my cupboard and covered them with fabric, then just glued on some buttons. For the heart, I traced a design on from a template, covered the line with the first row of buttons then filled in the gaps. For the circle, I used an egg-ring.<br />
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I used PVA glue for this so they took a while to dry but this gave me more time to move the buttons around as opposed to a hot glue gun. I also tend to get into a bit of a mess with my hot glue gun with wispy strands all over the place!<br />
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The frames are some bargains picked up from a discount shop.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82680288459139905.post-59321734527379941692014-02-19T07:00:00.000+11:002014-02-19T07:00:00.792+11:00Midweek quickie: tealight holder<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w_x2sS3bCU8/UwGm3qEBnTI/AAAAAAAAByk/ePTyjUpLYm4/s1600/tealight_holder.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w_x2sS3bCU8/UwGm3qEBnTI/AAAAAAAAByk/ePTyjUpLYm4/s1600/tealight_holder.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I've made a promise to myself to make more time for craft! And while I don't think I'll be completing any Farmer's Wife or Baltimore Album quilts in the near future (or even my lifetime), I think even I can find half an hour a week for a small project.<br />
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So here's a little tealight holder, made in about 15 minutes from a glass I had on hand and some self-adhesive pearl and crystal shapes I picked up from a bargain shop a few weeks ago and have been wondering what to use them for. These were great as they came in strips so the pearls were all joined together, making them very quick to apply. With the crystals, I just had to snip them apart. The only downside is I don't think the adhesive will be very permanent on the smooth glass surface so I may need to get out the superglue at some stage to prolong the life of this holder.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82680288459139905.post-92217571724595729902013-11-03T08:28:00.001+11:002013-11-03T08:28:37.992+11:00Bag saver and peg angel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's another crocheted African flower project from a couple of months ago. This one is a plastic bag saver. I usually take my own bags to the supermarket so don't collect a lot of plastic bags, but I do like to collect a few to use as poo bags when the dogs and I go for a walk!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ADqgxWdOSuU/UnVs80jQ2LI/AAAAAAAABvU/mb3rMJL16Wc/s1600/bag+saver.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ADqgxWdOSuU/UnVs80jQ2LI/AAAAAAAABvU/mb3rMJL16Wc/s320/bag+saver.JPG" width="108" /></a></div>
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It is suddenly so close to Christmas, it really is alarming! I'm starting to think about what to do for the Christmas swaps I'm in. I had some fun experimenting last weekend and made some peg angels from odds and ends I had lying around, including some vintage doilies for the wings.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82680288459139905.post-42934787067090333512013-10-06T21:04:00.000+11:002013-10-12T09:05:19.526+11:00Sunday Afternoon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9TytBbOJB0w/Ulh1sVfVy4I/AAAAAAAABuo/RFxuyEL_Uds/s1600/sug.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9TytBbOJB0w/Ulh1sVfVy4I/AAAAAAAABuo/RFxuyEL_Uds/s320/sug.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sleepy pups on a Sunday afternoon after a weekend spent helping Mum in the garden.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82680288459139905.post-23972940520050526992013-09-03T17:08:00.001+10:002013-09-03T17:08:11.923+10:00Flower Pot Holder<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Colourful crochet pot holder, inspired by all the gorgeous African flower projects I have been seeing everywhere. This one is double sided and super thick and soft. Made in 8 ply cottons.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82680288459139905.post-6785826152639206712013-08-31T07:31:00.000+10:002013-08-31T07:31:00.834+10:00Colours of Spring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A couple of colourful doilies:</div>
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The first ever rose I have grown!<br />
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And another pretty bloom:<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82680288459139905.post-57067428750451552772013-02-28T17:47:00.001+11:002013-02-28T17:50:48.165+11:00Knitted BeaniesI promised to post a pic of the beanies I have been knitting lately so here they are. I made these from various patterns, mostly found on Ravelry. When I get a moment I will post the links and credit the pattern creators as I should. Some are seamed and some knitted in the round. On circular needles as I get confused by double-ended needles and always end up, perplexed, with my stitches on one ..... so sadly, unless I overcome this problem I will never knit a sock.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-acH_ZpBA4zg/US76z3uq_lI/AAAAAAAABqs/lzXlIyL-36I/s1600/hats2+resized.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-acH_ZpBA4zg/US76z3uq_lI/AAAAAAAABqs/lzXlIyL-36I/s320/hats2+resized.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I made them all from <a href="http://www.bendigowoollenmills.com.au/products.php?cat=8" target="_blank">Rustic</a> wool from <a href="http://www.bendigowoollenmills.com.au/" target="_blank">Bendigo Woollen Mills</a> which is nice and thick and warm and quick to knit. It probably isn't the best thing giving pure thick woollen garments to homeless men, as I imagine if they got wet or they needed to wash them, they would take a while to dry. But at least they will be warm.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g79Zsl5MwOs/US760ozLWCI/AAAAAAAABq0/gt_pK90Lh1A/s1600/Hats1+Resized.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g79Zsl5MwOs/US760ozLWCI/AAAAAAAABq0/gt_pK90Lh1A/s320/Hats1+Resized.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I made these for a Knit for Charity group and despite being a member for years, this is my first contribution. It is very well organised with 3 or 4 different charities each month, each coordinated by a different member. You can put your name down to participate in any of them, or not, as your time and inclination permits. As I said, I haven't really participated much but they seem like a very fun and dedicated group of women, so if you're interested, you can <a href="http://au.groups.yahoo.com/group/knit4charities/" target="_blank">join up here</a>. From what I understand, they accept crocheted and quilted or sewn goods too. The charities for March are an animal welfare shelter, women's refuge and an aged care facility.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82680288459139905.post-42583861653736444412013-02-18T07:57:00.001+11:002013-02-18T07:58:03.707+11:00Still unseasonalI was clearing photos off my camera and came across this one - another little Christmas project from last year. This is an ornament I sent as part of a Christmas swap and was made from a tiny Hugs n Kisses pattern.<br />
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I'm still knitting hats - its quite fun although I have only managed to finish five and am working on my sixth. They're due to be posted off to the coordinator of the charity drive in a week or so, so I am not sure I'll manage to make many more in time as I have a lot on this week. I'll try to take a pic of the hats later if the sun comes out!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82680288459139905.post-42927736960189451032013-02-10T10:13:00.000+11:002013-02-18T07:59:03.768+11:00Overdue catchup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is just about the last completed sewing project I achieved, way back in December. I made two of these for Christmas - one for my niece and another for a Secret Santa swap. I think my niece liked hers, she was toting it around all day. Although that was probably more about what was inside the sack! The pattern for the Santa sack is by Toni at the Red Boot Quilt Company.<br />
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As for 2013 I haven't completed any sewing projects yet but hope to have something to show soon. In the meantime, I've been doing a bit of knitting which is a bit un-seasonal considering we've had temps nearing 40 C. I bought some Jo Sharp wool when her website was having a sale and knitted up a nice cardigan in a chunky, double-strand pattern. I still haven't sewn up the seams though so it isn't technically finished. I guess I have a few months before I'll need to wear it though, so I'm not stressing about it.<br />
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I've also been knitting some warm, cosy beanies for a charity. I've been a member of a charity knitting group for ages now, but a very silent member. I decided it was about time I stopped having unfulfilled good intentions and actually started participating, so my first contribution will be some hats for the homeless.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82680288459139905.post-86500986281478248242012-10-28T11:59:00.000+11:002012-10-28T11:59:13.288+11:00Christmas kisses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, it is nearly November. <br />
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So I'm having to get my act together and start to do some Christmas crafting. I have barely touched a needle and thread for the last month or so, so it has been great fun to get back into some creative activities and I was thrilled to finish this project today. (My house is just a sad trail of started projects .......)<br />
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The above "kissing ball" is a Buttonberry pattern from <em>Homespun</em> No. 62. <br />
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Apart from that I've been having fun in the garden. I still need to do a lot of planting in the vegie garden but am excited about some squash and cabbages that are coming to fruition. <br />
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The birds have been pretty excited about Spring too. The little fairy wren below has taken to spending his days tapping on my kitchen window - he must be able to see his reflection in it.<br />
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Meanwhile, his bride has been building a tiny nest in my overgrown jasmine. She's been spending some time trying it out for size but hasn't laid any eggs yet., and I'm so looking forward to that.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82680288459139905.post-276264023143779762012-09-08T11:11:00.000+10:002012-09-08T11:11:05.137+10:00Nothing much happening<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm back at work now so there hasn't been too much happening on the craft front, although I do have quite a lot of half finished works in progress all over the place.</div>
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Two of them are these Christmassy table runners. It may be a tad early but my Mum asked me to make one for her to send to a relative overseas so I thought I had better get cracking. These still need quilting and binding - I just haven't been in the mood for it yet.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82680288459139905.post-76325041635632891732012-08-16T13:36:00.000+10:002012-08-16T16:12:12.530+10:00Bits and Pieces<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SE986WF9W8w/UCxoGyfjD_I/AAAAAAAABno/BO_Pk80_1rU/s1600/hexagon+bags.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" mda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SE986WF9W8w/UCxoGyfjD_I/AAAAAAAABno/BO_Pk80_1rU/s320/hexagon+bags.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Here are a couple of cute crochet hexagon bags made from <a href="http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L20064.html?noImages=0" target="_blank">this pattern at Lion Brand Yarns</a>. I made the darker one a couple of months ago and have been using it as a library book bag. I found the handle a little too long so made a much shorter handle on the lighter coloured one. <br />
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I really liked the Papillon layer cake quilt I made for my Mum in an earlier post, so decided to make a quilt in the same pattern for myself. I chose the Vintage Modern range - this simple pattern is so good for showcasing beautiful fabrics, and who can resist gorgeous florals and red polka dots?<br />
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So I've finished piecing the quilt top but need to get some backing fabric before I can quilt it.<br />
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Other things I've been working on lately include this courthouse steps log cabin quilt top. I made this from one of the bargain quilt kits I bought at the Penrith show a couple of weeks ago. The fabrics are kind of unfashionable, but I guess they suit the design.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GuQm2cK0VFo/UCxoL3YyJfI/AAAAAAAABn4/xZLtVAguM-w/s1600/courthouse+spools+quilt+top.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" mda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GuQm2cK0VFo/UCxoL3YyJfI/AAAAAAAABn4/xZLtVAguM-w/s320/courthouse+spools+quilt+top.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Finally, on the quilt top front, a simple jelly roll quilt from Gypsy Girl fabric.<br />
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I also finished a table runner made from the sashiko fabric I bought recently. This fabric was fantastic! It had the embroidery design printed on it, and it washed out with a quick dunk in water, so I could choose which lines I wanted to stitch and which I wanted to leave blank. Believe it or not, the below three blocks were made from the same pre-printed fabric - I just sewed different bits of the design in each. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I9wibRW-yNk/UCxoQtFZekI/AAAAAAAABoI/JVJoBk9UjNw/s1600/sashiko+runner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" mda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I9wibRW-yNk/UCxoQtFZekI/AAAAAAAABoI/JVJoBk9UjNw/s320/sashiko+runner.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It was kind of fun and relaxing sewing these blocks. I think I will have to get some more of this amazing fabric!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82680288459139905.post-69783343379226560662012-08-12T10:19:00.000+10:002012-08-16T07:28:38.442+10:00Scarf marathon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rb3n5fWdKEA/UCb0oKPXi_I/AAAAAAAABnE/OyOg9NhsfD0/s1600/scarves.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rb3n5fWdKEA/UCb0oKPXi_I/AAAAAAAABnE/OyOg9NhsfD0/s320/scarves.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I had so many nice comments on my ruffle scarves that I made a few more to give as gifts. I'm over knitting these now - time to move on to something else! They are quick and easy to knit but the "yarn" is not really pleasant to work with as you have to keep stretching it out to find the next loop in the mesh to knit into. So it feels like really slow going although they knit up quickly in under two hours even for a slow knitter like me.<br />
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I'm still working on clearing my sewing room of old quilt tops. Here is the latest that I have quilted - an old Bento Box quilt from whenever there was a mild craze for this pattern .... a couple of years ago I guess. I've quilted this one simply with straight(ish) lines 2" apart so it was quick and easy to quilt and only required marking on the borders. This quilt is about 180cm square.</div>
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I just need to find some binding fabric for it now. It's a cold and blustery day today so a good day to rummage through my stash to find the right fabric. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82680288459139905.post-29238457193772955542012-08-08T07:16:00.002+10:002012-08-16T07:29:07.872+10:00Catwalk dogs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I quilted another old quilt top made from pre-cuts yesterday. There seems to be an unlimited supply of these quick quilt tops in my sewing room!</div>
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I enlisted the pups' help to model my quilt and some ruffle scarves I knitted up the other day. They were not very enthusiastic or cooperative. (They thought we were going outside to eat bones so were a bit disappointed when I just wanted to take photos).</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xhJiBTIuHWI/UCGEJIqrNPI/AAAAAAAABmg/OCPuvJcTApY/s1600/spice+scarf.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xhJiBTIuHWI/UCGEJIqrNPI/AAAAAAAABmg/OCPuvJcTApY/s320/spice+scarf.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Still, they have mastered the moody, looking-into-the-distance-in-an-aloof-sort-of-way pose.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82680288459139905.post-2964283048422644722012-08-05T14:36:00.000+10:002012-08-05T14:36:29.535+10:00Mad Quilters' Gathering at Penrith<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I had such a fun morning at the Mad Quilters' Gathering at Penrith this morning. It was a lovely quilt fair - just a nice size and not too crowded, so it was easy to see everything and chat to the stall holders and see all the latest gadgets. All of the stalls had the most beautiful quilts on display ..... so inspiring! </div>
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And of course, I couldn't resist picking up some patchwork goodies! </div>
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Firstly, this Art to Heart book and a pre-printed Rosaline Quinlan stitchery kit I've been admiring online for a while.</div>
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From Craft Depot, some bargain Fat Quarter sets, including this lot of 10 citrus coloured flannels for $20. I was also lucky enough to find some matching yardage for borders for only $7.95 a metre.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PqrzjNxoo9k/UB32AuyNYTI/AAAAAAAABlo/ZfudHXOImfo/s1600/flannels.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eda="true" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PqrzjNxoo9k/UB32AuyNYTI/AAAAAAAABlo/ZfudHXOImfo/s320/flannels.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And this lime and green coloured set as well (modelled here by my grapefruit tree!):</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5nfVKi6s1hQ/UB32CKIec2I/AAAAAAAABlw/dI91PwW3LA4/s1600/lime+fqs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eda="true" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5nfVKi6s1hQ/UB32CKIec2I/AAAAAAAABlw/dI91PwW3LA4/s320/lime+fqs.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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One stall had some quilt kits massively reduced - they were too cheap not to buy, even though they weren't really to my taste. This bright quilt kit was reduced from more than $100 to about $40:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kc1NoSLMP2k/UB32DLs_YqI/AAAAAAAABl4/aBhPuuqOwgo/s1600/quilt+kits.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eda="true" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kc1NoSLMP2k/UB32DLs_YqI/AAAAAAAABl4/aBhPuuqOwgo/s320/quilt+kits.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And this log cabin quilt, including ruler and buttons was just over $20:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VzsBrWJPesQ/UB32EfrlmNI/AAAAAAAABmA/mgomNDk_D-8/s1600/quilt+kits1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eda="true" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VzsBrWJPesQ/UB32EfrlmNI/AAAAAAAABmA/mgomNDk_D-8/s320/quilt+kits1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I also bought some sashiko fabric with the embroidery design printed on - you just sew the design you want and rinse it and the rest of the lines wash out. Wonderful stuff! </div>
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I was also lucky enough to catch up with a patchwork friend and her hubby for a nice cup of coffee at the show. Altogether a great day! I just have to decide which of my goodies to play with first now.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82680288459139905.post-70385201945877735362012-08-04T09:03:00.000+10:002012-08-04T09:04:52.135+10:00Some works in progress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's a little peek at some other things I have been working on lately. </div>
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I absolutely love the Aunt Martha's iron-on embroidery transfers from <a href="http://www.grandmasatticquilting.com/" target="_blank">Grandma's Attic</a>. I've bought a few over the last couple of years and have had hours of fun with them. At about $2 a pack they are such great value too! </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5eb5rRANUfk/UBxV2VW4afI/AAAAAAAABkk/5-Ol2h-hbQw/s1600/apples.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eda="true" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5eb5rRANUfk/UBxV2VW4afI/AAAAAAAABkk/5-Ol2h-hbQw/s320/apples.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The latest pack I bought was a fruit themed one, and I have completed four embroideries (about 6" x 8" finished blocks each) to turn into a little quilt:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K1Og54eRLDQ/UBxV4-eyN3I/AAAAAAAABks/A_XtNQFkl08/s1600/cherries.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eda="true" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K1Og54eRLDQ/UBxV4-eyN3I/AAAAAAAABks/A_XtNQFkl08/s320/cherries.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The pack included 7 different designs plus some extras for borders, but these four were my favourites.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7bDR9NagNnA/UBxV7WwryoI/AAAAAAAABk0/wTrk36iCJj8/s1600/grapes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eda="true" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7bDR9NagNnA/UBxV7WwryoI/AAAAAAAABk0/wTrk36iCJj8/s320/grapes.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm currently in the process of turning these stitcheries into a small quilt (it looks like it will turn out about cot sized) using Farmer's Market charm squares. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8QqBlW60jvk/UBxV86N9rwI/AAAAAAAABk8/-3Lz8wOxX3g/s1600/pears.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eda="true" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8QqBlW60jvk/UBxV86N9rwI/AAAAAAAABk8/-3Lz8wOxX3g/s320/pears.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The postman brought me the first instalment in the Among The Stars Block of the Month yesterday. This BOM is designed by Kimberley Jolly of <a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/" target="_blank">Fat Quarter Shop</a> and uses the beautiful Moda Sentiments range of fabrics.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yNd5LZMJ1ro/UBxV-gFwiUI/AAAAAAAABlE/e-4w16VrN3c/s1600/BOM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eda="true" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yNd5LZMJ1ro/UBxV-gFwiUI/AAAAAAAABlE/e-4w16VrN3c/s320/BOM.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The BOM goes for six months with two blocks every month. I couldn't wait and made my first two blocks straight away! One is below, the other is the same design but with the red and green reversed.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F4ZjJUDfYCI/UBxWAHrDLCI/AAAAAAAABlM/_iKrn-pqEb0/s1600/Block1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eda="true" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F4ZjJUDfYCI/UBxWAHrDLCI/AAAAAAAABlM/_iKrn-pqEb0/s320/Block1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now I'll have to wait another month for the next instalment! What I love about Fat Quarter Shop kits is that they provide enough fabric to allow for mistakes (which is lucky because I did make one!). There was just about enough fabric in the first pack to make two more blocks, which I might eventually do .....</div>
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Another week of my annual leave is just flying by ..... I'm not sure where the days have gone. I certainly haven't managed to do all the things I planned to do this week! But I did get my tax done (and yippee, I may actually get a refund this year instead of having to pay more - although mainly because they have been billing me extra tax quarterly in advance this year, so I'll just be getting my own money back!) and spent a day cleaning out the vegetable garden and planting some seedlings.</div>
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I also finished another quilt. This was a simple quilt top I pieced a couple of years ago from Mill House Inn charm sqaures and a jelly roll. At the time, I hadn't purchased any yardage for borders or backing which is why it remained unfinished - as I had nothing in my stash that would do. </div>
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Luckily, a quick search of a few quilt shops online turned up the elusive fabric and I was able to finish this quilt.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ze7HFZFdlGI/UBmuLej-JhI/AAAAAAAABkM/5CeWMZwznZM/s1600/mill+house+inn+quilt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eda="true" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ze7HFZFdlGI/UBmuLej-JhI/AAAAAAAABkM/5CeWMZwznZM/s320/mill+house+inn+quilt.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I quilted this one quite sparingly ..... I am a bit over quilting ..... but I quite like the simplicity of it. This quilt is about 160 x 180 cm.<br />
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I also finished quilting this quilt top, made from a jelly roll quite recently, and plan to sew the binding on today if my raw fingertips will permit! The finger I use to push the needle through is all bloody and pulpy and the thumbnail I use to receive the incoming needle actually has a groove worn in it! I just can't use thimbles, although in more sensible moments I wrap elastoplast around my fingers like a boxer preparing for a fight before long bouts of hand sewing.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Q3X8XCEsk8/UBmuNcjr0EI/AAAAAAAABkU/5C8JGec9u5Y/s1600/quilt1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eda="true" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Q3X8XCEsk8/UBmuNcjr0EI/AAAAAAAABkU/5C8JGec9u5Y/s320/quilt1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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The bottom border looks a bit fluted in this pic although it looks ok when lying flat so I think it is just the way it hung on the line - the house is too dark and the ground outside too damp to photograph any other way. This quilt is about 160cm square. I think it really misses not having a narrow inner border but I couldn't find the right fabric for it so decided to do without.<br />
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Finally, I'd like to give a big thumbs up to <a href="http://www.fabricpatch.com.au/" target="_blank">The Fabric Patch</a> and <a href="http://www.thestitcherscupboard.com.au/" target="_blank">Stitcher's Cupboard</a>. I ordered some fabrics to finish some quilts from each of these stores and the courier came 2 days later. Great service! I've bought lots from the Fabric Patch before but hadn't even been to the Stitcher's Cupboard's site before - it's great and has lots of Moda fabrics on sale at the moment. Postage was a little high, although I did buy lots of batting too so I guess my pacel was quite big and heavy. The service was so fast and the prices so good, I'll definitely be a return customer.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82680288459139905.post-23989589719671998182012-07-30T08:13:00.001+10:002012-07-30T08:17:42.432+10:00Quilt FinishesIt's been a while ..... even I was a bit taken aback when I realised my last post was more than six months ago - time just goes so quickly. My only excuses are work pressures, long hours and the fact that I haven't had any significant crafty finishes to post here in my quilty diary.<br />
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But all that has changed! I had a heap of annual leave accrued that our auditors were quite keen for me to take and I managed to get my main projects either finished or past the critical phases to a point where they could be overseen by someone else. So, I am on 7 weeks leave. Yes, 7! That will get my annual leave down to a respectable 12 weeks accrued.<br />
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I've already been off for 3 weeks. My, that has flown! I had to see to a few car repairs and have had a few days catching up with friends. I managed to spend a lovely day in Bowral catching up with some patchwork friends I haven't seen in ages. <br />
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Apart from that, I've been sewing! And more shockingly, finishing things!<br />
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First up is a quilt top that I pieced from a kit years and years ago and never got around to finishing. This one is big, about a queen bed topper size. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nto1-2WCqxI/UBWyx6I5zWI/AAAAAAAABjs/l-cjtzUr6mY/s1600/autumn+quilt+quilted.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nto1-2WCqxI/UBWyx6I5zWI/AAAAAAAABjs/l-cjtzUr6mY/s320/autumn+quilt+quilted.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Before going on leave I stocked up on some goodies from Fat Quarter Shop, including a Papillon layer cake. After piecing the top and quilting, I decided to give it to my Mum for her birthday so had to take a hasty photo on a windy day:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gl4tATYNZq0/UBW2SkrpkzI/AAAAAAAABj8/UnMFNxls-ks/s1600/papillon+quilt1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gl4tATYNZq0/UBW2SkrpkzI/AAAAAAAABj8/UnMFNxls-ks/s320/papillon+quilt1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Papillon quilt is a good queen topper size too. I quilted this one a bit more laboriously - 1/4" lines on both sides of each seam, so it took me a little while to quilt but it looks great and I am so pleased with it - although the photo does not do it justice. </div>
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And my last finish is this little stitchery quilt I pieced a while ago. </div>
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Inspired, I've been dragging out old unfinished quilt tops and working out what I need to finish them. I was lucky enough to find some quilt shops online still stocking some Moda fabric ranges from years ago so was able to find appropriate borders, binding and backing fabric for some of them so watch this space for more finished quilts. I wonder if I can average one a week for my leave?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4