Lyle's Cushions

I finally finished Lyle's second set of cushions. They are very simple, but the fabrics are just lovely:

Here is a close up of some of the fabrics:

And here are the cushion backs. I was running out of fabric, and getting impatient, so the back of each is different:

More Christmassy things

I finished these little gift bags this morning. I have used the same applique pattern as some of the potholders. I just love the little stocking pattern.

And this is the back of the bags:

And also turned the little stitcheries into tree ornaments:

Now I'd better get back to Lyle's cushions!

Christmassy things

I spent yesterday making these Christmassy pot holders for my friend Alex whose shop needs a Christmas display in Sept/Oct. Hope these are ok, Alex!

I also made a couple of little quick stitcheries while watching TV. Not sure if I am going to turn these into little hanging decorations, or gift bags.

Well, I just don't know how I am going to go back to work next week. Over the last week my body clock has finally adjusted to this life of leisure - so I've been having trouble sleeping at night, and then sleeping in really late in the morning. In fact, it is nearly 9.30am here and I am still in my pjs and having my first cup of coffee. Even the pups have adjusted - they normally turf me out of bed early to get their breakfast, but I've been having to kick them out of bed these days! I just can't imagine adjusting back to my 6am wake-up. I really need another month off .....

First set of cushions

Here are Lyle's first set of cushions. Not a great photo, but the fabrics are just beautiful.

I am making another set and have half finished, but I've just been having one of those awful sewing days where everything goes wrong so I'm quitting while I'm not too far behind! I've run out of the right thread, substituted a cheap thread which kept breaking every few seconds, then my bobbin has been playing up, the tension has gone all wrong .... you name it, it has gone wrong. When this happens, it usually means my machine is asking for a good clean and service, so that is what I'll be doing this afternoon.

Rainy Friday

It has been really chilly and rainy here the last few days, so I have been spending a lot of the time sitting in front of the heater or the fire and crocheting. I have made several pairs of slippers - they are so great for wearing around the house and to bed! Here is a pair I made for my Mum:




I ordered some fabrics for Lyle's cushions yesterday and wow, they turned up on my doorstep at 8.30 this morning! What great service from Quiltsmith. I am so keen to get stuck into making his cushions but as they are all dark colours and prone to running, I have to wash them first. With the weather like this, they probably won't dry today either.


I couldn't decide, so I ordered this Oriental Traditions fat quarter pack:



It doesn't show well in the photo but most of the FQs have a tan/gold trend, which should go well with Lyle's dark chocolate sofa. And also some China Doll yardage, these ones have a satin-y sheen to them:

I had a couple of designs in my head, but as the fabrics are so lush and busy, I think I'll just do something really simple and let the fabrics do the work.

Xmas in July Gift

Thanks Julie, for the amazing Xmas in July gift - so many wonderful goodies packed into a cute little Christmas suitcase!

Julie spoiled me with some great patterns, a book, a sewing kit, a ceramic coaster and lots of other goodies.

I don't seem to have accomplished much the last few days. I have been flitting from one thing to another and not really accomplishing anything, it feels like.

My friend Lyle has bought a new sofa so has asked me to make him two new cushion covers to cover some lovely, plump inserts he has bought. I am still mulling over designs. He likes traditional Japanese fabrics of navy, black and red, like those below. The sofa is quite a dark colour though so I want to incorporate a lot of cream or white.

More table runners

I made two more table runner tops, the same as the ones before, but in pink. Just finished piecing them and will have to quilt and bind them another day.