Sewing Tales

Piecing, piecing & winning

2012-02-05T01:56:00.000-08:00

Its me again! Back again so soon. The school year hasn't really cranked up yet and we had so much rain last week that after school cricket was cancelled. I actually took advantage of this and got the machine humming.

I have caught up on my Fat Quarter Stars Quilt Along. Block 10 was a pleasure to make. Even the fabric selection was quick. Does that mean I over thunk the other ones? Possibly. But for me its when a see a particular fabric that I KNOW its the one.

I also got my Made in Cherry quilt top finished. I am so glad the quilt police were not patrolling when this one was going together. My corner squares really should have been bigger that what was advised but there was not enough left for re-cutting such big squares. Some massaging was involved. I have not been brave enough to measure the thing for a finished size.

I would really love to add a border or two as I have quite a few 5 inch squares left over. I was thinking about adding a border of the solid then a border of prints and then possibly another border of solid. I really like to tuck my quilts in at the end of the bed to keep it in place. However, and this is a BIG however, I fear the maths will totally do me in, especially once I get up the guts to measure it. Its supposed to be 90 inches square. I fear/know mine is probably not.

I was extremely fortunate to be a Block 5 winner in the Fat Quarter Stars Quilt Along run by Konda. I won a charm pack of the Pezzy Print. I found a picture of it at the Fat Quarter Shop. I just knew I couldn't capture the cuteness with one of my photos. Thanks Fat Quarter Shop for the image.

I was also so very lucky to win as part of the Sew Mama Sew giveaway day. The gorgeous Catherine from The Sewing Attic was giving away these awesome goodies. I just love everything. Thank you Catherine so much for your generosity. Thanks for the photo too.

Happy stitching friends!

Quilt along update

2012-01-30T02:16:00.000-08:00

Is it really the end of January already? It has been a very busy January for us. We have just finished 6 weeks of school holidays. My baby (are they ever not your baby?) is now a big first classer. He looked super cute today in his slightly too big school uniform. Leaving hubby in charge of first day photos was not successful. I will definitely be having another photo shoot on Thursday or Friday.

I am very lucky and have a 3 day a week job. We are a lean mean machine. Hubby does the morning shift and I do the afternoon pick-up from after school care on the days that I work. My son loves that time with his Dad. All that 'boy stuff' to talk about. All I get when I pick him up is "what have you got for me to eat Mum?" I never dare turn up empty handed. It amazes me just how much he eats. He will polish off what I bring him on our walk home and then want more and more. Its no use getting much out of him until he has stopped being hungry. And yes he does eat all his food we sent for lunch and recess. He also gets fed at after school care. Sometimes I wonder how we are going to feed him when he is a teenager! Hints and tips welcome.

So my sewing time has been somewhat limited. I have finally caught up on my blocks in the Fat Quarter Stars Quilt Along and its time for block 10. This is my version on Block 8 . Its a great spinning star block pattern.

Next up is Block 9. Umm yeah. I have no idea where my brain was when I was sewing this one. I had to completely re-make 2 of the units. Looking at it you are probably thinking how on earth could she stuff that up! I think it will remain one of 'those' mysteries. I love this double star block pattern.

I just couldn't resist joining in the Made in Cherry Quilt Along. Chelsea is doing a wonderful job of leading us along. Its based on the free pattern from Sarah Fielke for her St Ives fabric range. Chelsea has been very clever and even given us alternate quilt sizes. I am going to make the 90 inch size. The pattern is perfect for charm packs. I have opted to use my stash. It certainly would have made cutting out quicker if I had used charm packs.

I am a little behind but I thought I would show you my star centre. I have made the star points and cut out the background. I just haven't managed to get it all together yet. I am very happy with my fabric choices.

I am hoping next time I will have the quilt top together. I am really eager to get this one done to see how it all looks once all the bits are together. Now that school is back in I am hoping we will all settle into a new routine that will permit some stitching time.

I hope you all have a fine stitchy week!

Sewing along

2011-12-18T01:19:00.000-08:00

Well here we are again (so soon?) with end-of-year celebrating. My son has finished his first year of school with an Academic Achievement Award. We are very proud parents. He was only one of three in his class to receive the award. The first year of school has definitely had many good and bad challenges. I just might have had a celebratory drink after school Friday with some very good friends who also had children in kindy. Verrry nice! It was perfect just chilling and chatting while the kids played.

For the wonderful kindy teacher I made a pleated pouch using Tanya Whelan fabrics (I adore that floral & may just have stashed a metre or two!!!). I have made so many of these. It is a wonderful pattern. The pattern can be found at Skip To My Lou. I put some hand made soap inside. Its tricky trying to think of something different that they aren't going to get lots of and something that they will like and use.

I was definitely on a mission to finish wrapping my presents. I decided to make my MIL & her sister a grocery bag. Pattern was awesome!!! It is from Keykalou and you can but it here. I used some older generation Amy Butler fabrics with some spots I found in the cupboard to co-ordinate. I just have to say what a pleasure it was to make these bags. The pattern is thought out beautifully. The bags have been suitably stuffed with goodies.

Then yesterday I really found my groove. Gosh it felt fabulous! Isn't it great when everything you touch just goes together without any 'issues'? Oh yes it is!
First up was the latest block from the Fat Quarter Stars Quilt Along. It involved a cathedral window star centre. The instructions were great and I got it to work first go.

I have had this messenger bag tutorial by the talented Amy Smart bookmarked for ages. Well no more! It finally had its day thanks to some inspiring fabrics from Art Gallery. Yet another superb pattern. It has yet to be road tested. I have plans for Thursday though. A certain super son might just get a train ride to the city and get to visit the hobby shop of all hobby shops. You can read that to say we won't be leaving empty handed. His passion is cars. Anything cars! We have a toy car collection that you wouldn't believe! Yes he remembers if he has one or not. Of course that's nothing like us quilt makers and our fabrics is it? (LOL)

A very good friend asked if I could finish a candlewicked quilt that her Mum had started but was now unable to finish. All that was needed was to bind it...in satin ribbon! Thank goodness for walking feet and Rita's (Red Pepper Quilts) binding tutorial. Easy peasy! The photo of the whole quilt is useless in showing the candlewicking designs. I'm good at taking photos like that (lol). I however was able to get a closeup of one of the blocks. It is cute.

If you've made it to here THANK YOU. This maybe my longest post ever.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all!

Some finishes this last week

2011-11-27T03:21:00.001-08:00

Its time for the Softies for Mirabel appeal run by Pip from Meet Me At Mikes. Its the fifth year and my third year participating.
This year I chose a pattern from Retro Mama and what a great pattern it is! It came together so beautifully. Its a great 'go to' pattern. I highly recommend it.

Next up was Block 5 in the Fat Quarter Stars Quilt Along. I had been hunting through my stash for a specific green fabric and couldn't find it. But there was a reason as these 2 fabrics practically jumped out straight onto the cutting mat. It was a quick block and came together easily. I am loving this quilt along! Its especially enjoyable when one manages to stay on top of the block making.

Last up is some eye candy. One of my local quilt shops was having a sale and as luck would have it this fabric was spotted and I thought "that would make a great backing fabric for my fat quarter stars quilt along quilt". So metres were cut and paid for. Its a beautiful aqua from the So St.Croix range by Jennifer Paganelli. Of course none of this would have happened if the price hadn't been right and I just 'knew' I didn't have anything at home that would be suitable for the quilt back. Yeah right, nothing suitable. As if! Let's just notch it up to a 'must have'.

Has anyone taken advantage of any of the sales going on over the weekend? I may have done a bit of damage at The Fat Quarter Shop. I am so happy my sister is also a quilter (lot's of fun can be had shopping for just the right present for her) and was able to get her an awesome present. Can't tell you though as she might be reading this. Let's just say it will be 'swooning' its way over to me.

I think I am out of practice

2011-11-13T00:52:00.000-08:00

You won't believe how long it took me to make the last 3 blocks of the Fat Quarter Stars Quilt Along. I haven't been able to sew for some time and I think I definitely lost the flow. That being said I did get them done. Yeah! I am all caught up now.
Below is blocks two, three and four. Block three looked good before I cut the pieces and sewed them together. There just isn't enough contrast in the centre pinwheel for my liking. No unpicking will be occurring though. I am just going to see how it fits in the whole quilt when all the blocks are done.

I have taken a picture of all the blocks together. I am slightly in love with the Kona Maize solid I am using. I love it with all the colours I have picked so far.

Next up is something sort of special, sort of insane. I asked one of my sister-in-laws if she would like a quilt. She said yes and we bought some of French General's Rural Jardin. The pattern is called Delectable Mountains. I love how the first block turned out. There is an insane amount of triangles for each block and they are on the smallish side. I have to make 30 blocks. Yes 30!!!!! I have no idea how I will stay motivated but motivated I must be. I don't have an official deadline but I am thinking I should set myself one just so I get it finished.

Anybody got any tips on keeping the motivation going?

I know I lost my mojo a bit because while cutting out my quilt along blocks I cut myself not once but twice with the rotary cutter. Smart eh? Geez Louise do they sting. Lucky not too much damage to me or the rotary cutter.
Now I am off to do some cutting out of small triangles.
I will leave you with a very cute saying from my 6 year old son. We were out driving and were merging onto the highway where the speed limit is 110 km/h when this voice pipes up from the back of the car "Accelerate like you love it Dad!". Yeah he loves watching car racing.

I have actually been sewing...

2011-10-09T04:00:00.000-07:00

You better believe it! The motivator was Konda posting the first block in the Fat Quarter Stars Quilt Along. Its an awesome block. My solid for this quilt along is Kona Maize. I am going to use stash fabrics for the prints. If you were thinking about trying a quilt along I would thoroughly recommend those organised by Konda. There is a button in my side bar that will link you up with the details. This is the third of Konda's quilt alongs I am participating in.

My son turned 6 a couple of weeks ago. For the party favours I made some zippered pouches and put some goodies inside. They seemed to go down well. I used the pattern from Skip To My Lou blog.

It has been school holidays here for the last 2 weeks. My husband, son and I headed home to my folk's place and spent some time with them. It was nice that my son's actual birthday co-incided with our visit. My son adores visiting his grandparents and aunty. While we were gone there was plenty of rain and our garden has exploded with lushness. Amid all that greenery is strawberries, chives, parsley, rosemary, thyme, oregano, orchids, chrysanthemums, curry plant, lemon and lime trees plus a couple of other things I don't know the name of but are pretty.

There was a very juicy strawberry just waiting to be eaten. It was delicious. There are so many strawberries developing. Can't wait. Any bugs reading this STAY AWAY!

This a photo of what I know as a bush orchid. It is such a pretty little thing and surprisingly hardy. Our courtyard gets so hot in summer but still it keeps growing and flowering.

Happy stitching (and strawberry eating )!

Tote Bag Finish

2011-08-06T04:10:00.000-07:00

Yes you did read the title correctly. I have another finish! Randi from 'I have to say' blog organised a Tote Bag Sew Along. Its a great bag. I took it out today and it performed beautifully. I used some fabrics from Bari J Ackerman's Paris Apartment range. I adore the blue. The lining is also from the same range.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend! Catch you all soon.

Ta dah!

2011-07-31T04:03:00.000-07:00

Here is my quilt top in all its glory. I am thinking of calling it 'Last Hurrah'. It is more than likely the last time these fabrics will ever appear in any of my quilts. They are older style fabrics that just don't 'float my boat' anymore. The original pattern went to the last white border. To make it bigger I just had to make a bazillion 6 inch blocks. The cutting of all the different fabrics was probably the most painful but I am so glad I did it.

Have a good week friends! You never know but I may even have another post next week. Yeah wouldn't that be a miracle! Wish me good sewing vibes for tomorrow (its Bank Holiday and I have the day off. Nice!) so I can get a project completely finished. Wonder what it is?

You won't believe it!

2011-07-25T04:10:00.000-07:00

But I finished a quilt top today!!!! I was trying to get it done Saturday but kept making mistakes (urghhh). However today while at home with a sick boy it all came together perfectly. I obviously bought my 'switched on' brain to the job. (Note to self: must do that more often). Photos unfortunately are sadly lacking as the weather has been particularly damp. I will try and get some photos later this week (hello weather are you listening). You may be wondering exactly which one it is. Well it was a quilt along run by the sassy and utterly delightful Audrie from Blue is Bleu. Audrie was generous enough to give us directions for making it bigger. I am a sucker for big quilts so just had to make all the extra blocks. You can see Audrie's quilt here.

I also have been wanting to add a blog signature and as you can see I did it! You have no idea how satisfying it is to accomplish something that seems so technical to me. I used the tutorial from here.

And because I like a post with a picture I have one for you (and me).

Take care and hopefully you will see me around here sooner rather than later.

PS How good is Pinterest!!! So much eye candy. I have a link to my boards on my blog (if you are interested)

Loot from Quilt Show

2011-07-01T04:24:00.000-07:00

What does a slack blogger do to redeem herself? Post about the loot she got at the quilt show at Darling Harbour?

The day started off OK. I got 3 loads of washing done and hung out and dropped my son off at school (yes on time). I then had a short and pleasurable stroll to the train station. The weather was lovely for a winters day. Considering how much rain we have been having it truly was a glorious day weather wise. Waiting for the train in the sun was very nice. I rotated myself around while I waited so I was warmed up to my bones. Train arrives on time HOWEVER its going the wrong direction (its a single track line so there is only ever 1 train at a time and it needed to go up the line for a couple more stops before turning back around). You can imagine I was somewhat displeased as it meant I would miss my connection when we got to the interchange station. Thinking I still had a chance to make it to one of the talks I really wanted to go to, imagine when we reach the main station only to realise I would have to wait 30 MINUTES for a train. Displeasure didn't even cover it! Even the lovely sunny weather was now lost on me. There was no way on earth was I going to make it to the talk OR the demonstration I had also slated for watching. Its great having public transport so handy but when it stuffs up they do a great job of stuffing you around too. I ended up chilling out listening to a new album I had bought.Thank goodness for music!

SO after a slow and frustrating start to the day I finally reached my destination. Yeah! I like to wander around first before purchasing but sometimes if you think it won't be there later you have to GET it fast.

First up is a photo of all that I bought. I really needed a new tote bag for work and had been looking for a while when a nice sales lady showed me the one in the photo. She assured me it was the last one. Its a great size for books, lunch, umbrella etc. Basically anything that doesn't fit in the handbag. It is similar to a laminated fabric. One side is a red print (side you can see in the photo) while the other side is a cream print and the handles are a different pattern. It really appealed to the patchworker in me.

The next photo is of a bag kit I bought. It is made using strips of cloth used for edging traditional Japanese tatami mattresses. They are supposed to be easy to make. We'll see about that. I got a medium green colour with the longer straps.

Next up is some patterns I bought. Yes I know some are easy looking but I am really not interested in drafting up patterns. I would rather be using my limited time to sew and not draft. That's not to say one day I won't do it though! I couldn't resist Anna Maria Horner's book. I think it will be a great resource for using to make gifts. I am slowly reading through it every night. She has such cute things in it.

Lastly is a close up of the fat quarters I thought should come home with me. Notice a trend? Umm yeah it seems I have a thing for spots. I think they are a great staple. For the Aussies reading this I scored most of them for $3.50. That's pretty cheap for us.

Hopefully next time it won't be so long inbetween ~~drinks~~ posts.

Have a super weekend!

PS Here is a link to the quilt show winners.

Blogger's Quilt Festival May 2011

2011-05-13T19:04:00.000-07:00

Welcome to everyone visiting from the Blogger's Quilt Festival. I wanted to show my On the Road To Spring Quilt Along quilt. Randi from I have to say blog organised a quilt along. I must say I was in raptures looking through my stash for fabrics. It was so much fun. Not long before starting this quilt along Rita from Red Pepper Quilts had done a post about linen and the light bulb went off. I quickly rang a shop and scored myself some linen (cotton/linen blend). It was easy to work with and adds a wonderful texture.

This is a photo before quilting. BIG quilts are a nightmare to photograph! But it fits wonderfully on my bed and is very warm on these cold nights.

Next up is some pictures of the top all quilted up and bound. I just got my long arm quilter to do an allover meander. Its perfect. I just love looking at all the fabrics in this quilt.

For so much more awesomeness head over to Amy's (the genius behind these festivals). THANK YOU AMY!

Yeah I have a finish or two!

2011-05-07T03:57:00.000-07:00

Good evening bloggers! I have a couple of finishes to show. I decided to make my son a flannel quilt. I used a Material Obsession pattern from their first book. Its a cracking pattern for flannel. My local long armer quilted it. The quilting looks fabulous on the flannel. Its so cuddly. The feature fabrics are from Riley Blake's All Star range. I did a pieced back. Its a great size for a single bed and for a boy growing up fast.

After a very late Saturday night I made great inroads into getting my Layer Cake Quilt Along top done. The incentive was to get it done and a picture posted so I could be included in the prize draw. I made it with a day or two to spare. I love this quilt top. I used a Hunky Dory layer cake. I had to use some solids as there wasn't enough small prints to make the blocks work like I wanted. You will probably be able to pick out the blocks I made before deciding to add the solids. They kinda look like a mess. Nevertheless they are in there. I love the stars we made for the sashings. The sashing and border fabrics are also Hunky Dory fabrics. I followed Konda's instructions to the 'T'. There are some great quilts popping up in the Flickr pool.

Last year my Mother-in-law gave me a chrysanthemum for Mother's Day. I thought it had died but next thing you know its sending up green shoots and eventually flowers just in time for Mother's Day tomorrow. They look so pretty in our small courtyard.

Finally I just want to say Happy Mother's Day to all the Mum's tomorrow. I am so excited to be celebrating with my son tomorrow. He is so excited to give me the present he bought from the Mother's Day stall at school. He told me when he saw 'it' he just knew I would love it. He is having a hard time waiting for me to open it. I am so proud to be his Mum. He brings so much light and love into our lives. Thank you baby boy.

Happy stitching & Mother's Day!

All blocks done in the Layer Cake Quilt Along

2011-04-16T03:24:00.000-07:00

It has been a busy house lately which means its been very quiet on the creating front. Even while not creating much I have been enjoying reading blogs in my reader. So much creativity out there and everyone just enjoying themselves being creative. I love it!

I finished Block 11 in the Layer Cake Quilt Along. Let's just say I like the design but it was a disaster to get together. I haven't even measured it for size. Too scared. I should also say when I saw how fiddly it was going to be I put it off for as long as possible. Not very brave eh? But you do need to be in the right head space to tackle these things.

This is Block 12 in the Layer Cake Quilt Along. This is the last block. Already??? I can't believe we have got to the end so quickly. This one was a breeze. There was very few fabric choices left by the time I got to this block. Can you tell? I have got the cutting done for putting the blocks together but there will be no chance for sewing until well after Easter.

We are going to a 6 year old birthday party tomorrow. I thought I would try making a cushion. I found fantastic inspiration from Anni Downs' book 'A Boys Story'. Of course I had to make two. I can't say no when my son cutes me up. Its a lovely size cushion. I made an envelope back for the first time. Easy as. All fabrics are from 'the stash'. So goood!

We are on loose tooth alert. We have our first loose tooth and it requires a lot of examining apparently. I certainly wasn't expecting that so soon but he is 5 so it was going to happen sooner or later.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Bring it on

2011-03-20T04:45:00.000-07:00

Well its finally election day here (New South Wales) on Saturday 26th. This means voting will be happening at my son's school. Lots of people will be there. Does a school waste this opportunity? No sirree. We have a fete happening. A BIG fete. Parents have been prodded/persuaded into action. I have potted up some African Violets I had struck and got some baby parsley plants popping up left right and centre for the plant stall. A call was put out for some crafty things to be made. The dilemma was what to make in a short period of time.

Before I could begin I wanted to get my Block 10 of the Layer Cake Quilt Along done. This was a great pattern that was a breeze to put together. We are getting close to the end and I am getting really curious about the setting for the blocks. I wonder what it will be?

This is my first fete so I had no idea what to make. I started out making some aprons. All I needed was a tea towel and some fabric for a tie. Funnily enough I had all the stuff on hand.

This is my son modelling the apron. It fits kids and adults. How fortuitous was that? I didn't even plan it that way. Truthfully there was very little planning with this. Sometimes its nice to sew and create without having to think too much.

I whipped up some small zippered purses. I had made one when my son started school so he wouldn't loose his canteen money. It scrunches up nicely to fit and stay in his pocket (less likely to loose it then). They are lined and you can write your child's name inside. My proto-type has been a success so I thought they might sell.

I also managed to knit up 4 scarves. There is a 5th on the needles. I am hoping I will finish it in time. All these were very simple patterns and knitted up relatively quickly. All yarn was purchased from Lincraft.

And finally I made some doll quilts and cushions/pillows.

OK I am over crafting for the fete. I have no idea if any of this will sell. I imagine it will be priced to sell so I haven't used any precious fabrics or spent too much money making these things. I just hope its a fine day and some money is raised for the school. Its a public school so the fete is a great opportunity to supplement the money received form the government.
I hope you all have a fabulous week. Talk to you soon.

Sew and Tell #21

2011-02-25T12:39:00.000-08:00

Time for Sew and Tell again. Yipee!!!! You can find lots of wonderful inspiration here. Believe me. Its one of the reasons I started blogging, so I could join in.

I have a few things to share. First cab off the rank is block 9 from the Layer Cake Quilt Along. This is the latest block. I am so glad I added some solids otherwise Hunky Dory would have been a nightmare to work with. It just doesn't have enough of the small accent prints for this type of project. It does however have an abundance of gorgeous large prints.

Next is block 8. I was pretty behind but have now caught up. This block was challenging for us using layer cakes as you needed 2 squares of the same fabric. I didn't so I just used a solid. This block is a bit boring for me. I do love the print fabric though. Once put in with a quilt top it might make a nice resting place for the eyes and give nice contrast to some of the other busier blocks.

Lastly this is block 7. I am very taken with this block. I really like the mix of colours and prints.

Coincidentally I also finished my Jelly Roll Sampler Quilt in January. This was the predecessor to the Layer Cake Quilt Along. I love this quilt. It has already passed the snuggle test. I used Bonnie & Camille's 'Simple Abundance' range. It had a fantastic range of colours and prints. It is quilted with an allover meander.

Early February I finished my 'On the Road to Spring' quilt along. This quilt is HUGE and is now on our bed. It has also been quilted with an allover meander. I raided my stash for most of these fabrics. I love looking at all the different fabrics. The squares are a linen/cotton blend. The quilt along started last year and was organised by Randi from Fresh Squeezed Fabrics/I Have To Say blog. It was a great quilt along and the pattern was easy to adapt to any size you wanted. Great for me as I love bed sized quilts.

Best wishes to everyone.

Routine & why its missing

2011-02-21T02:01:00.000-08:00

We won't even mention how long its been since my last post. Abysmal is the word. I am finding it very hard to get into a routine lately which has been mainly due to my little man starting school. He has settled in wonderfully but my days and nights have changed and it still doesn't feel quite normal yet. There has been virtually no creating at all happening in this neck of the woods. Want to know his biggest fear about starting school? He was worried that he would have to walk to school by himself. He was quite relieved that Mum or Dad would be walking with him. Its only a 5 minute walk from our house. This has been a huge bonus and I love walking him to and from school on my non-work days. I even was brave enough to tackle canteen duty last Friday.

Next up is the house blocks I won as part of Beth's neighbourhood quilt project. Thank you to the ladies that made these great blocks. I will definitely be adding some trees but that is as far as I've got as to thinking about the finished design. Any other ideas anyone?

I hopefully will see you all sooner rather than later. I really need to get to bed and get some shut eye. I so nearly missed my train station this afternoon because I was snoozing.

Have you seen...

2011-01-27T21:52:00.000-08:00

Has anybody seen the upcoming fabric line from Fig Tree & Co. It has me drooling and dreaming. Joanna sure knows how to design fabric. She has given us a sneak peak on her blog. The fabric range is called Strawberry Fields and I am officially obsessed. Here are a couple of photos from her blog.

How can you not love that goodness! The big question though is what pattern will I use to make my quilt? Umm. Off to do some pattern browsing.

Winners are grinners (Yes they are!)

2011-01-13T21:47:00.000-08:00

Just before Christmas I got T.H.E B.E.S.T news. I had won a giveaway over at the wonderful Twin Fibers. My absolutely gorgeous winning arrived before Christmas and before we went on holidays. Wanna see what I won? O but they are so much more beautiful in the flesh. Presenting my wonderful new pot holders! How will I ever be able to use them? I'm not half excited am I? Thank you Jessica. Photo is from the Twin Fibers blog.

Want to see where I spent some of my holiday time? If you said 'Yes' stay tuned. If you said 'No' skip down for some sewing efforts. This is the best beach to take kids. We spent at least an hour and a half in the water before getting out. It was low tide and much warmer than I thought it was going to be. It takes me F.O.R.E.V.E.R to get fully wet. But once in you didn't want to get out. Its called Trial Bay beach but we call it 'the Goal' as there is a very old, no longer used goal there. It was used in World War 1. You can find out more here plus there is a great photo showing its location in relation to the beach. When I was growing up we used to go to this beach nearly every Sunday in summer. Its 20 minutes drive from my Mum and Dad's house.

After being away on holidays for 2 weeks I was keen to catch up on my blocks in the Layer Cake Quilt Along. I had Block 5 and 6 to make. Boy did I make Block 5 into a disaster. I so picked the wrong fabrics. They fabrics looked OK before I cut them up and put them back together into the block design. I am hoping once the block is in the quilt it will be perfect. I can dream can't I?
Anyways here is block 5-

It makes me cringe just looking at it. Let's move onto Block 6. Now that's better.

On a more sombre note, I so don't know what to say about the devastation that has occurred in Queensland. It is so hard to comprehend even after seeing the footage. Growing up in a flood prone area I have never experienced a flood of such ginormous proportions. Let's hope the missing are found safe. Our thoughts go out to all those that are affected.

I have to finish on a much lighter note. Would you believe I won something else!! Yes me. I can't believe it. But you are going to have to wait to see what it is. I think its pretty special. Stay tuned folks.

Looking good for 2011

2010-12-18T20:50:00.000-08:00

There are two great quilt/stitch alongs happening next year. Dare I try to do both?

First up is a Birdie Stitches block of the month. Little Miss Shabby is going to be designing it for us. How cute is that birdie???? (yeah I realise I have no idea how to get a decent sized picture of the button).

Also starting in January is what looks like a star studded quilt along. Its two blocks a week. That is probably going to be a problem for me in all honesty. Also I probably won't be using the same fabrics but not sure if that matters or not. I am pretty hooked already. Ummm

Anyone else got quilting plans ready for 2011? I think I have my whole year mapped (lol) if I don't get distracted (more than likely will happen).

Gift Making 2010 - Part 2

2010-12-11T23:46:00.000-08:00

Well how is everyone going with their preparations for Christmas (if applicable)? Got all my pressies wrapped today. I had lots of useful help (5yo was surprisingly very helpful). He wrapped (just as good as his Dad) and practiced his writing on the tags. What surprised me was how long he stuck at doing the jobs. Hopefully this is a good sign for his first year of school in 2011. I had a deadline of this coming Thursday as we are having Christmas with hubby's family then and Christmas Day will be spent with my family (they live about 400 km away).

I made another Poochie Bag. This is a fab pattern. Thanks Monica. This bag is for a work colleague's daughter. She will be going to hospital for a short stay soon and I thought she might like to take some precious things with her in a cute girly bag. These bags are wonderfully robust. I love picking out the fabrics.

I made some Pleated Pouches. I found the tutorial on Skip To My Lou. Its a great pattern. I faced my zipper fear but am not sure I won the battle. The zippers are in but pretty sure its a crappy job. Nevertheless they are functional and hopefully recipients will be too busy opening and looking for the gift inside than examing my zipper inserting technique (fingers crossed anywway).

Lastly I made some bookmarks. Great way to use up some leftover jelly roll strips of Simple Abundance. I got the pattern from 7 Layer Studio.

Also made some bookmarks for some boys. All the ribbon for all the bookmarks is from a very small stash. I congratulated myself for keeping ribbon from various gifts. It certainly came in handy for these gifts. See I wasn't just hoarding it for nothing (LOL).

Take care my blog readers and I will catch up with you soon.

Gift Making 2010

2010-12-03T18:18:00.000-08:00

Well the silly season is fast approaching and I have most of my present shopping done. Cards have been posted. I don't think I have ever been this organised. I have made some presents but kept it to mainly small things. However I did want to make one big thing for a beautiful girl. I used the Avalon pattern from Material Obsession Book 1 and used all flannels. It has wool batting and was quilted with an all over meander pattern. The photos really don't do it justice but it is so soft and snuggly. It will be great in the cool weather.

Earlier in the year I had bought my Mum and Mother-In-Law a cup/mug each and then the mug rug craze started. Of course I then had to make one for each. I used scraps left over from a Simple Abundance jelly roll.

Lastly I got the 3rd block in the layer cake quilt along finished. Love this block. Its my favouite so far.

I just have a few little more gifts to make and to put the tree up. Maybe this arvo if the motivation is there.

What I've been doing

2010-11-21T03:19:00.000-08:00

First cab off the rank is a house block for a little 'Friendly Neighbourhood' Beth is organising over at Love Laugh Quilt. Great idea. My inspiration is from Material Obsession Book 1. The BIG lesson I learnt from this exercise is that improv piecing is not for me. I totally cannot do it. My brain cannot grasp the technique. In the end I am happy with my block. It will hopefully be winging its way to Beth this week.

The next quilt along being organised by Konda at Moose On the Porch Quilts has started. This time its using a layer cake. I am using a Hunky Dory layer cake. What I have discovered is that this range probably doesn't have enough contrasting prints for my liking. So I have borrowed an idea I saw on the Flickr group and will add the odd solid. Here is block 2:

This is the first block. Konda gets some great block designs for her quilt alongs that's for sure.

And if one quilt along isn't enough I have started a round robin quilt along being organised by Amitie. It is my favourite Aussie quilt shop. Luckily/unlucky its not my local quilt shop. This is part if the first block. Its a ripper first block. I have got it 75 per cent finished. I just dug around in my scraps. I have no idea what the final quilt will look like. Leap of faith is required but I have no doubt it will be very good.

Next up is a quick baby gift I made. The pattern is from Joelle Hoverson's book 'Last-Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts'. This is an excellent last minute gift. It turned out so good. The neat trick for quilting the layers together is wonderful. This pattern will definitely be used again.

Last up is some softies I made for an appeal being organised by Pip at Meet Me At Mike's. Its the fourth year for the Softies for Mirabel appeal. You can see what I made last year here. It was also my first post ever. I'd forgotten that. Anyways this year I used the 'Square Bear' pattern from Jenny Ryan's book 'Sew Darn Cute'. Its a fabulous pattern and they make super cuddly bears.

Many thanks to all those that use some of their precious time to read my blog and comment. I really appreciate it.

Life is tough

2010-11-07T01:04:00.000-07:00

We are on holidays so I am feeling somewhat relaxed. I have been spending a bit of time sitting here-

Eating lots of these-

Looking at this a LOT-

And managed some of this-

Life is truely tough.

Blogger's Quilt Festival October 2010

2010-10-28T23:28:00.000-07:00

Welcome fellow Blogger's Quilt Festival visitors. How great is this online quilt festival organised by Amy. THANK YOU AMY!

Now to the nitty gritty. This quilt is called Tropical Bliss and was finished in April 2005. It is 99 per cent Amy Butler. The fabrics are from her Ginger Bliss, Temple Flowers, and Gypsy Caravan ranges. It has cotton batting and was machine quilted in an allover design. Its queen size. The pattern is from Altogether Patchwork and called 'Spring Floral Quilt'. I simply added an extra round of squares to make it bigger. I just love these fabrics and this was the first time I made a quilt nearly completely from one designers fabrics. Did I say I love these fabrics. This was a quilt made based on the logic of 'because I just have to have some of those fabrics and they look so pretty'.

I hope you have time to enjoy all the other wonderful quilts in the festival.

Sew and Tell #20

2010-10-22T18:01:00.000-07:00

Yipee!!! I have finished all my official blocks for the quilt along being designed by Audrie from Blue is Bleu. These are the last of the small blocks. 82 more small blocks and I will have my queen size quilt. Hows that for stash busting-make a big quilt.

I have even managed to get my borders on my Charm Pack Quilt Along. I used some Moda 3 Sister fabrics. Boy can those fabrics shed threads despite having a new blade and handling with care. I love this quilt top. It was a great quilt along. Hopefully going to make a start on getting the quilt back done this weekend. Going to do some stash busting for this.

Apologies for the photos in the shade but its already hot today with storms and rain on its way so needed to get the photos done while I could. I am hoping after its quilted and bound I will be abale to get some more/better photos.

I am linking up with Amy's Sew and Tell. Its a great way to see some fab stuff.
Happy weekend to you all!

Catch up

2010-10-16T21:15:00.000-07:00

I have been keeping busy with my quilt along. We had to make some nine patches. Its been fun picking out the fabric combinations.

We made some nine patch stars for the quilt along too. Below is a sample of some of my nine patch star blocks. The official part of the quilt along has finished now. I have some catching up to do. However you won't be seeing this quilt top for a while as Audrie very kindly gave alternative instructions for a queen size quilt. I am thinking I will be doing this BUT (yes its a big 'but') I will need to make 82 (yes eighty two) extra blocks. Mind you I have enough fabric to make them. Its just the thought of eighty two.

I also used a pattern from the quilt along to make some blocks for Deb. She is doing an awesome job of making quilts for those affected by the earthquake in Christchurch (New Zealand).

My son also had a birthday. He is now a big 5 year old. He had his first party and had a fantastic time. For party favours I made some flannel pillowcases and put a book (especially selected by my son for each person) in the pillowcase. The boys got robots and the girls butterflies. I ended up making 12 of the things. My sewing machine did not like doing all the zigzagging of the edges. Lots of sweet talking/not so sweet talk was necessary to get it all done. It seems the parents appreciated the non-lolly gift. Interestingly the girls really loved their pillowcases.

Next up I made some pillowcases for my bed. I tell you they look so 'vintagy' with my sheets. Probably because its no longer too matchy-matchy. Even hubby likes the look. He is not known for noticing these things normally. I had made a few flannel pillowcases for winter and hubby actually asked if I would make some 'of those nice pillowcases' for our summer sheets. All fabric was from 'the stash'. I just love them and how they look on my bed. Also the sewing machine didn't object to zig zagging these fabrics. Gosh it makes sewing more pleasurable when you don't have to stop and start 3 times just trying to zig zag one edge.

4 pairs of pillowcases later I am DONE with these for a while.

How good is the aussie dollar at the moment! Great for shopping overseas where its only around USD9.00 or less for a yard compared to $24.00 or more here (where I live). I still try and support my local shops but when the prices are so high and with few specials offered its hard.

Well the weekend is almost over but it also means my 2 weeks off work is drawing closer. A family holiday is definitely in order. Any suggestions for a holiday destination in Australia (must have some activities for a 5 yo boy & some for the parents)? We are hoping to spend a week somewhere with just the three of us and then a week at my Mum and Dad's. First we have to get through kindy orientation. Boy I find it hard to comprehend that my baby is now old enough to be heading to school next year. Lots of mixed emotions happening thinking about this. He is ready for school though.

I hope everyone gets some time to be creative.

Sew and Tell #19

2010-09-10T01:22:00.000-07:00

Here I am again, two weeks in a row!!! I guess that means I have got something done that is worthwhile showing. Yeah for me. Its my blocks for Part 2 on the quilt along being hosted by Blue is Bleu. Part 3 blocks are in the works. I always seem to have one naughty child. One block that just doesn't want to co-operate. Does that happen to anyone else?

I am linking up with Amy's Sew and Tell. Hint: there is lots of other good stuff to check out.

Sew and Tell #18

2010-08-25T03:47:00.000-07:00

So for a change I started another quilt along. Yeah I know you are thinking she is quilt along crazy. But I just couldn't resist the one being run by Audrie at Blue is Bleu blog. My 'vintage' fabrics i.e. fabrics from my early days, were just begging me to use them. I am loving the challenge. Our first block is a star and we had to make 5 of them. I was very impressed with the way we were instructed to make our half square triangles. I got the best result i.e. most accurate block EVER! Here they are-

Now here they are all playing together nicely.

I also got my 25 blocks finished for the Charm Pack Quilt Along. Next up we will be putting the blocks together. Which means I need to make a decision. There were some great layouts we can use. Which one though????? How am I going to decide.

I am linking up with Amy's Sew and Tell where there are lots of other good stuff to feast on.

Oh my an award

2010-08-17T03:03:00.000-07:00

How lucky am I to be nominated by 2 fellow bloggers for a 'The Versatile Blogger' award. I am totally honoured. Many, many thanks to Rita @ Quiltpiecer and Andrea @ lush stuff. I am still in shock that my very low profile blog was selected by these bloggers.

The award comes with a few easy rules:

•Thank the person who gave you the award.
•Tell 7 things about yourself.
•Award 15 other bloggers that you enjoy reading.

Now 7 things about me.

1. I currently have two favourite DVD's (movies) - Passengers with Anne Hathaway & The Lucky Ones with Tim Robbins and Rachel McAdams.
2. I wish chips/crisps weren't so tasty.

3. I wish exercising consisted of sitting at the sewing machine. I would be pretty fit then (lol).

4. I LOVE fabric!

5. I love watching V8 supercars (premier car racing in Australia) with my 4yo son.

6.Creating things from fabric (& sometimes wool) is so unbelievably satisfying.

7. I think I am addicted to Google Reader. I love reading craft blogs. There are so many talented and generous bloggers.

Here's my list of 15 Blogs I am awarding with The Versatile Blogger award ( in no particular order).

1. Sue at Mother Patchwork

2.Catherine at The Sewing Attic

3. Kylie at Antmee

4. Rebecca at Chasing Cottons

5. Audrie at Blue is Bleu

6. Konda at Moose on the Porch Quilts

7. KarrieLyne at Freckled Whimsy

8. Emily at Carolina Patchworks

9. Aneela at Comfort Stitching

10. Jenny at Cut Sew Iron Repeat

11. Ashley at Film in the Fridge

12. Randi at I have to say

13. Jenn at Life in Bonetown

14. Andi at Patch Andi

15. Jodi at Sew Picture Perfect

Please don't feel obliged to forward this on. Just check out the great blogs if you want. You never know you might find something you like. Nothing like some great projects to get or keep you inspired.

Best wishes

Karen

Sew and Tell #17

2010-08-13T18:02:00.001-07:00

Well I have been making some slow but never-the-less progress on my crochet blanket. I am loving this hooking project. Its a great project for my skill level. Thanks Lucy from Attic24.

Next up I have joined in the fun over at Freckled Whimsy in the Charm Pack Quilt Along ( I have a link in my side bar). In the first step KarrieLyne had has making half square triangle blocks and them trimming them. Well to tell you the truth I never thought I was going to get it done. The only thing that kept me going was the fact that I hope it makes my blocks come together nice and easy i.e. not too many adjustments required. I am using charm packs I had on hand. All the fabrics are from Moda and 3 Sisters. I love these fabrics.

Next step we had to make 4 patch blocks. Well a couple ( I am using this term very loosely) of those also need trimming. Can't quite face this job yet.

The Jelly Roll Sampler Quilt Along has now come to an end (sniff sniff). I have loved, loved, loved this one. Below is Block 11. A beauty of a block designed by Konda our extremely talented organiser of this quilt along. It was getting hard near the end working out fabric selections. A great exercise for me.

Below is Block 12. This was designed by Blue Nickel Studios. Seriously the blocks in this quilt along have been superb. There was not one block I had never made before, or remember making that is.

You could put your block together any way you wanted. I have chosen to go with Konda's plan. I am mega pleased with this one. It went together like a dream. None of my usual adjustments were needed to get everything to go together. And I got it together in time for the final prize draw. Yeah and hopefully once I get it quilted I will be able to take a better photo i.e. there will be better light/sunshine.

Thanks for stopping by. Happy stitching to you all!!!

Edited to add that I am linking up to Amy's Sew and Tell (I thought I had missed the cut-off).

Sew and Tell #16

2010-07-08T22:36:00.001-07:00

Hi there fellow sewers. I am finding this year its not possible to make it to Sew and Tell every week. It seems to be every few weeks. For lots of other goodness pop over to Amy's.

First item today is a bookmark I made for a gift. I got the pattern from here. I've got to say its a wonderfully quick gift for readers (of real books). Next up was some coasters. I used some leftover denim and some left over squares for my son's eye spy quilt. It also used up a very small amount of left over batting. I used the tutoial from The Sometimes Crafter. Yet another great idea from blogland that makes a great gift.

This is Block 9 in the Jelly Roll Sampler Quilt Along. I made a small boo-boo with fabric placement. Lucky it doesn't matter (too much).

Below is Block 10. This block and I are not friends. Why is it when you take extreme care with the seam allowances it still doesn't end up exactly as it should be. Oh well once its all put together you won't be able to tell (hope so anyway).

I have been working on these pincushion treats for a few weeks now. Its my first time working with wool. I bought the kits from Hatched and Patched. They were so wonderful to put together. I don't really enjoy applique but working with the wool and no frayed edges was just plain fun & easy. They are filled with crushed walnut shells which help needle longevity. My son ( & Mum) love the show Shaun The Sheep so I have called the sheep one 'Shaun'. Its a great show which is just as entertaining for adults. I love how Annie from Hatched and Patched has created such wonderful faces that look so engaging.

Lastly I have wanted to start a crocheted rug that I saw on the attic24 blog. There are just such yummy crocheted goodies on this blog. I am a very basic crocheter so this one had great appeal, just rows and no joing of squares. Very appealing. I am using the colours in the below picture. I got them from Bendigo Woollen Mills. I decided to buy wool as I prefer handling that to acrylic. The colours aren't as clear as I would like them to be but what do you do when the day is cloudy and rainy. I am truely enjoying making this beauty. Its been a while since I last done any crocheting plus its perfectly aimed at my skill level.

No matter where you live in blog land I hope you all have a super weekend.

Sew and Tell #15

2010-06-18T00:30:00.001-07:00

Well hello fellow crafters. Its time for the wonderful sew and tell again. I have had a great week. The annual NSW Quilters Guild Quilt Show was this week. Click here, here, here, here and here to see the prize winning quilts. This is an annual pilgramage for me. I had a wonderful day wandering around amongst the quilts and shops. There was lots of yummy quilts to see and many yummy things to buy. Oh yeah and I was by myself. Love it! I could just do what I wanted and buy what I wanted. Oh the freedom.
Okay down to business. I finished Block 8 of the Jelly Roll Sampler Quilt Along. I really like the pattern for this block but was worried how much fabric it was going to need. So I decided to make it scrappy as it lended itself beautifully to doing this. I just used leftover pieces from earlier blocks. In real life it doesn't look quite as pale as it does in the photo.
I might not have been doing much quilt making but I have been pillowcase making. Lots of them. I picked up some boy print flannels and thinking I would only get 3 out of the yardage I ended up getting 4. Yes!!!. I just added some accent prints at the end. They are all going to homes after my son picked his favoutite.

Keeping with the pillowcase theme I used some Anna Maria Horner flannel to make some pillowcases for me. With some very careful cutting I also manged to get 4 pillowcases out of these fabrics too. Needless to say I am thoroughly pillowcased out for the forseeable future.

Don't forget to check all the other entries for this week. Just click here.

I hope everyone has a good weekend.
Enjoy and thanks for stopping by.

Sew and Tell #14

2010-06-04T03:50:00.001-07:00

Where has the time gone? Its been a while since I last posted about my completed projects so I thought I would show you a few of the things I have gotten finished. I have added this post to the wonderful Amy's Sew and Tell. Its well worth a visit.
I made some tissue box covers for Mother's Day presents. I got the idea fter reading this post. I used what I had on hand. Great tip was to use hair ties for the elastic. There are lots of colours available which allows you to colour co-ordinate (if you want). The blue one in the middle in all mine. I decided it was time to pretty up my desk at work a bit. It is from some very precious Tanya Whelan fabric. I slightly messed up the measurements but refuse to dwell on it.

I have been inspired by lots of posts to try and get some old(er) projects completed. I bought a kit for a simple cot quilt when I was pregnant with my son. I didn't know I was having a boy when I bought it though. Well my son is 4 1/2 and I finally have it done. Many thanks to Jacquie at Tallgrass Prairie Studios who inspired me to try a more organic quilt design. Love the freedom it gave me. I used no measurements/lines whatsoever. How liberating! Definitely going to do this again. Quilt top fabrics are all Moda.

I have finally caught up with my Jelly Roll Sampler blocks. I love this quilt along!!!Love this block too. This is block 6 and we were encouraged to select a novelty print for the centre square. Fantastic touch!

The next one is Block 7. If you want to join in you can start any time. There are also prizes every couple of weeks. See the link in my side bar if you are interested.

We are having lots of wonderful rain at the moment. Great sewing weather. Its seems so long since we had any decent rain. I love the rain (when we do get it). I find it quite relaxing.

Thanks for visiting and I hope your weekend is good.

Blogger's Quilt Festival 2010

2010-05-21T21:49:00.000-07:00

Well its the Blogger's Quilt Festival again. Yeah!!! What a great idea this is. Thanks Amy for all your hard work.

My entry is a quilt from my pre-blogging days. I think I finished this around my son's 2nd birthday which would be late September 2007 (yep mind is gone to the dogs and I can't remember exactly when it was finished). This is probably one of my most favourite quilts I have ever made.

The pattern was from an Australian Patchwork and Quilting magazine and the designer was Lynelle Slade. The original version was definitely not eye-spy. I am very glad I saw the potential in the pattern. I love how it turned out. I spent a lot of time fussy cutting but it came together very quickly. It was machine quilted in an allover star pattern by my local long arm quilter.

My son has spent many hours playing eye-spy, counting and shape spotting with his quilt.

The backing is a blue checked gingham. I love gingham backs. The binding fabric was selected by my son. Not sure what I would have done if he had picked something I didn't like.

Now don't forget to check out all the other wonderful entries in the festival. Please make sure you are sufficiently hydrated before commencing the tour. Now just click here to be on your way.

Thanks for taking the time to stop by.

Blogger's Quilt Festival

2010-05-14T19:47:00.000-07:00

Are you ready?????? Even if you don't show a quilt what great eye candy there will be. Woohoo!!!! Can't wait.

Happy Mothers Day 2010

2010-05-08T16:24:00.001-07:00

Happy Mothers Day to my Mum.

And Happy Mothers Day to my Nan.

Sale at Fresh Squeezed Fabrics

2010-03-31T02:11:00.000-07:00

The fantabulous Randi from 'I have to Say' blog has a super dooper shop in Etsy. She is having a sale with 20% percent off everything until 5 April. I bet you find it hard not to like her selection of fabrics. I certainly have in the past.
Randi is also having a giveaway. So if you are feeling lucky head over to her blog to read how to enter).
Do I really need anymore Nicey jane.....

Sew and Tell #13

2010-03-28T02:32:00.000-07:00

Well finally I am back with something to show. Nothing much is getting finished at the moment though. Not sure why. It may have something to do with my headspace. Its been a busy few weeks. We went to visit my parents and sister up the coast for Easter and both hubby and I managed to score some extra time off work so all told we had a week away. We had an excellent time. Built in baby sitters/entertainers sure lessens the load and allows for a rather relaxing time.

My son was reassured that the Easter Bunny knew where he was and that he knew he liked Mini Coooper cars (as well as chocolate eggs).

One day we went for day trip up river basically to play in the water. We (yep child and adults) had a great time skimming and throwing stones once the bull had departed. He just wandered off across the bridge. It was quite amusing to watch this huge beast walk across the bridge with no sides. Obviously he knew where he was going and lucky no cars or cattle trucks came barelling along.

I got Block 4 of the Jelly Roll Sampler Quilt Along finished. I am loving this quilt along.

Below is Block 3 of the Jelly Roll Quilt Along.

I made a runner for one of my work friends for a very special birthday. I used Frolic (Sandy Gervais) squares from the Moda Bakehouse Sampler Box. I fortuitously had some Moda solid which matched perfectly with the range. I just did straight line quilting. It was a chance to check my sewing machine was working OK after having a service and repair. Glad to say it is zooming along nicely now.

The recipient was very happy with the present (or gave a very good impression). I was thinking of using some of the squares up in a similar fashion for gifts. Don't be surprised if it is exactly the same as I am really hopeless with the design/maths side of things. Its just way to stressful for me when all I really want to do is sew and create.

Now for those who would like some photography tips the lovely Konda from Moose on the Porch Quilts has posted a very informative post called 'Taking and Posting Photos 101'. This has been great for me but probably because I am such a novice.

The weather is definitely turning cooler which is nice but the coming home from work in the dark is not.

Please do yourself a favour and check out all the other great finishes over at Amy's.

I hope you all have a super dooper weekend.

Karen

Blogger Awards

2010-03-26T15:54:00.000-07:00

Kylie over at Antmee has nominated me for an award. Thanks Kylie for the award and your great blog. I really enjoy reading your entries.

The rules for this award are:

1. Place the logo within your blog or post.
2. Pass the award on to 12 bloggers.
3. Link the nominees within the post.
4. Let the nominees know they have received the award by commenting on their blogs.
5. Share the love and link to the person from whom you received the award.

Catherine from The Sewing Attic has nominated me for a Beautiful Blogger award. Thank you Catherine. I have only been blogging for such a short time so this is a lovely surprise. The rules of accepting this award are:
1.Thank the person who gave you this award.
2.Share 7 things about yourself.
3.Pass the award on to 5 bloggers who you have recently discovered and you think are fantastic!
4.Contact the bloggers you've picked and let them know about the award.

Ok now on to some things about me. Hopefully I can come up with 7 semi-interesting things about me. These are going to be in no particular order or importance.

1. I love, love, love to make things. My favourite being quilty things and making them for my family.
2. I have really enjoyed lately knitting up simple (and I mean super simple) items for a charity.
3. I really want to make more things for charity groups especially for the NSW Quilters Guild who make quilts for foster kids. Letters from recipients express how great it is to have something that is solely theirs.
4. I have way too many things I want to make but in reality may never get to do.
5. I don't think I will ever be able to stop buying fabric. There is just way too many divine fabrics available. Favourite at the moment is Nicey Jane by Heather Bailey.
6. I still find it hard to believe that I am married and have a son. I am sooo lucky to have such gorgeous and wonderful men in my life.
7. I am turning 40 this year but still feel like I am in my twenties. Most days anyway.

I am going to nominate my buddy Sue's blog. She is also new to blogging and makes wonderful things. Please check out her blog Mother Patchwork and give her some comment love.

( I know I am supposed to nominate more and ideally I would love to nominate all the blogs that I follow as I find so much inspiration from these but that just isn't practical)

Sew and Tell #12

2010-03-26T01:49:00.001-07:00

Well it was back to normal programming this week. My right arm (aka sewing machine) was out of action for a week for a service and a repair. I kind of forgot that the 1/4 inch foot is not compatible with zig zag stitch. Oopsy. So I don't really have much to show but I so love Amy's Sew and Tell Fridays (Saturdays here). Do yourself a favour and check all the wonderful finishes for this week.

I got my second block done for the Jelly Roll Sampler being run by Moose on the Porch Quilts. At this stage I am not really happy with my fabric choices but I am not making another one. Plus once its in the quilt surrounded by the other blocks and sashing it may well then be my favourite block.

I finished a couple of Poochie Bags for gifts. Pattern is from the talented Monica at Happy Zombie. They are gifts for some very cute people. It is an excellent pattern.

I also whipped up some flannel pillowcases for my son and his 2 cousins. I had a voucher for a local fabric shop and just coudn't let it go to waste. These were also the reason for the sewing machine repair.

My hubby finally bought me a new computer (laptop) as our very old one was very slow in downloading photos. Believe when I say a packed lunch was required when downloading. I still haven't got used to it yet though. However it is wonderfully quick compared to the old one and its not going to run out of virtual memory when I am trawling through Google Reader. This has been very frustrating when I am visiting all the entries in Sew and Tell.

We are having a final hurrah from summer here. Temps have been in the low 30 (degress celcius). Lucky the nights are bearable and the mornings coolish. Certainly the mad dash to the train station in the morning is not so sweaty for which my fellow commuters are thankful for I am sure.

I hope you all have a great weekend.

Karen

Sew and Tell #11

2010-03-12T01:47:00.000-08:00

Well its that exciting time of the week again - Sew and Tell. I love my Saturday/Sunday mornings when I have my breakfast and check out all the wonderful things created during the week. Do yourself a favour and go and check them out too. You can find them here.

I finally finished my quilt top for the 'On the Road to Spring' quilt along hosted by Randi. Its a whopper. Its 102 by 93 inches. Just the way I like them. It will fit my queen bed beautifully. I don't mind saying though the last half seemed to take FOREVER. I have got my backing worked out. Just need to piece it together. I am so very happy I didn't go with the white squares between the prints. I love the linen fabric I used instead. I was inspired by a post by the very talented Rita of Red Pepper Quilts. At this stage I have no idea how I will get it quilted. Maybe an allover design seeing as its pretty busy.

This is a photo of the quilt top strung over a tree outside our back gate. No its not a sappy tree.

I have also, rather impulsively, joined in the fun over at Moose on the Porch Quilts. They are having a Jelly Roll Sampler Quilt Along. This is block one. Each month's block will be designed by someone different. I am using Simple Abundance by Bonnie and Camille. The background fabric is a Kona solid. For the life of me I can't remember the colour though. It was in my stash and was a nice contrast to the fabrics in the jelly roll.

Lastly I finished a beanie for The Winter Warm project. They send winter woolies overseas for the needy. I am a very slow knitter. This pattern is perfect for me. Nothing complicated and just plain garter stitch. I also have some blankets I finished last year. I teamed up with a work colleague who is a super fast knitter. She would knit up the squares and I finished off the ends and sewed the squares together. The model is my son. He was demonstarting his model poses.

Hope you all have a fabulous weeked!

Sew and Tell #10

2010-03-04T19:26:00.000-08:00

Well its been a few weeks between drinks for me. Life and work got in the road of finishing anything plus a pesky shoulder problem (which was really my neck).
First up is a peak at my rows coming together for the quilt-along I am participating in. I am about half-way there.

But my most significant and exciting finish for a while is my Christmas quilt. In 2008 I enrolled in the Fat Quarter Shop's 'Designer Mystery Block of the Month'. I really wasn't sure what to expect but am so glad that I signed up. What a fantastic BOM they put together. I managed to make my block each month. The instructions (cutting and piecing) were excellent. The batting I used was bamboo. I had never used this before but had the right sized piece in my stash courtesy of a magazine subscription. Well it has quilted up beautifully. I had it quilted by my local long arm quilter. Because the quilt is so busy we decided an all-over pattern was needed. I can't say enough just how much I love this quilt. Yeah and all the fabrics are from Moda's 'Peace on Earth' range.
I have had all sorts of bother trying to get a photo that I am happy with. It seems that the days I am at home it rains and the days I am at work it is sunny. This is so frustrating for taking photos. Its a pretty photo heavy post but hopefully its some nice eye candy for you.

The following pictures are of my favourite blocks but the first one is probably my number 1 favourite.

This is the back of the quilt. I used some of the scraps to make a label and include it in the backing.

Please don't forget to check out all the other gorgeous finishes for this week at Amy's and let them know you visited.

Sew and Tell #9

2010-02-05T01:06:00.000-08:00

I have 2 finishes for the week. Hang on you might say that photo doesn't look like a finish. But I am participating in the 'On the Road to Spring' quilt-along organised by Randi over at 'I have to say'. This was the finish required for Week 2 - cutting your fabrics.

This is my 'real' finish for the week. I started this before Christmas but other more urgent projects pushed their way to the top. I finally got this quilted and bound. Fabrics are all Wonderland from Moda. The tumbler blocks were all made using a pattern from Crazy Mom Quilts/Moda Bake Shop and used in 3 other Christams presents. This one was the proto-type for the Christmas gifts.

Click on the button on my side bar and check out lots of other great finishes over at Amy's.

Catch you later,

Karen

Sew and Tell #8

2010-01-28T22:25:00.001-08:00

I hope all the aussies out in blog land had a great Australia Day. We spent the morning at the annual NRMA Motorfest. My 4 year old son particularly loved these vintage speed cars. Photo is courtesy of him and our old digital camera. He had a ball snapping photos of the bits he liked and getting down on his hands and knees to check underneath. As you may have guessed my son loves cars. Lucky it was only the morning as it was going to be another stinking hot day.

Now onto other important things. I finally finished my Chenille Star quilt started in 2007. As you can guess there is a chenille component. It was my first time sewing with chenille. It stretches. This project was what got me back into sewing big time after having my son. I booked into a one day class for my birthday at a local quilt shop. It was my first dose of real freedom. I gotta tell you I was very excited to be out for the better part of the day without any 'hanger-oners'.

I had organised a kit through the shop seeing as I loved the fabrics she had used. The brown patterned fabric is linen. It frays very easily. I wouldsay its a lapsize quilt. I used cotton batting.

I had it quilted by my local long arm quilter. I did a pieced back with an inbuilt label.

There are many more great finishes that you can see over at Amy's blog.

Thanks for visiting. I truly appreciate it.

Have a great weekend.

Sew & Tell #7

2010-01-21T02:08:00.000-08:00

Well another one that took some time to arrive. This quilt has quite a history. My husband and I got married in September 2007 and while on our honeymoon in Coffs Harbour I just had to visit the local patchwork store and of course we all know what happened. P.S. the view is amazing from this place.

It is a largish bed quilt and I am hoping it will fit nicely on my queen sized bed. I had it machine quilted by my local long arm quilter with an overall pattern. I also managed to use up some older generation fabrics for the back. Very happy about that indeed. Even the binding was from my stash.

As you can see when you make a big quilt and live in a townhouse there is very limited locations to take decent photos of your quilt.

Unfortunately we are experiencing some very hot weather at the moment (37 - 43 degrees Celsius for the last couple of days) so I won't be sleeping under it for a while. I really hope the weatherman gets it wrong. As I get older I dislike the heat even more. Especially when there is no reprieve from the heat at night.

Do yourself a favour and check out lots of other great goodies over at Amy's.

'Ava great weekend (ode to aussies for Australia Day on Tuesday).

Committing myself

2010-01-19T01:05:00.000-08:00

Well I am just going to commit myself and join in the fun with my first quilt-along. I am little bit nervous and just hope I can keep up. Deadlines generally work for me. Randi of fresh squeezed fabrics is running with it. All the details can be found on Randi's blog. She has also created a Flickr group for those joining in and those that would just like some eye candy.
There is a button on the side for easy access. I am currently thinking of using my small stash of turquoise and red fabrics. Of course that may change since that's my prerogative.
Now that I have added the picture I am thinking some red is necessary. Maybe some shopping in my stash is required and heaven forbid I have to buy some (ha ha)

Sew and Tell #6

2010-01-14T16:08:00.000-08:00

I would like to introduce you to the newest member of our family - Gingham Rose. She has taken a long time to be born. The quilt was started when I saw the 'Gingham Rose' collection from Moda in my local quilt shop. What a stunning range. For those of you that have been quilting for a while you might remember this collection. I started piecing the quilt top late 2003 and only finished putting the binding on this week. Needless to say I am pretty chuffed with myself for having got it finished.

I am pretty sure I had bought the bulk of the backing fabric in 2004 but I didn't have enough so I raided the stash. I had a local long arm quilter quilt it with various designs. When I send a quilt out to be quilted I add the label before sending which has been saving me some time and ensuring that the quilt ends up with a label. If I am doing a pieced back I add some homespun so that becomes my label and then I am not sewing on a label later.

Sorry about the photos but try as I might I just couldn't capture a 'great' shot.

If you want some eye candy head over to Amy's for some other great finishes.

Deeeaaar Santa

2009-12-15T02:43:00.000-08:00

Dear Santa,
I have been such a good girl this year but please don't check with my 4 y.o. son as he told me I always make him frustrated because I say 'no' all the time. Oh the joys of trying to be a parent. I really have been coveting some Nicey Jane fabrics. They are seriously 'to die for'. To tell you the truth I have never written a letter to Santa. Yes even when I was agirl I did not write a letter to you. I knew you could read my mind as I always loved the present you left me. So I will leave the choice up to you.
Bless you Santa.

The wonderful Fat Quarter Shop is having a little giveaway. Check out the Jolly Jabber for details.

Sew & Tell #5

2009-12-06T00:23:00.000-08:00

Yes I made it!! I managed to get all the presents I wanted to make finished. I was better this year and didn't overload myself at the last minute. I had even made a couple earlier in the year. The roll call is as follows.
First up is a bag I made for my MIL's birthday which fortunately/unfortunately is Christmas Day. I have some goodies to put inside it. I really loved how it turned out. I wasn't inspired to make this until I found the fabrics. I actually had some other fabrics picked out but had kept putting starting the bag off for a later time. Then I saw the fabrics at a local quilt store and knew instantly that it was what I was looking for.

Second up is the same bag but this one is for my Mum whose birthday is at the beginning of March. She likes birds and I had found the kokaburra fabric some time ago but was just waiting for the contrast fabric to be decided. I am not really enthused about I project until I get the right fabrics. Both bags are lined with spot fabric and have a pocket inside.

Thirdly we have a dolly carrier I made for a birthday present. I actually made 3 in one go - 1 for birthday present, 2 for Christmas presents. I was very proud of myself for thinking that far ahead. As it got closer to Christmas I was like I already have presents for xxx and xxx. Cross those off the list. Very satisfying I must say.

And finally I got my last table runner completed. The one I posted about last week was the naughty one. For some reason the backing fabric gave my hassles. Naturally I wasn't happy and that stressed me out but luckily this one behaved and it all came together very easily. I machined the binding again. Loving that technique (thanks again Red Pepper Quilts). I found it very hard to photograph the table runners and get all the fabrics because of their length.

We are heading off for a two week holiday next Saturday (its my Mum and Dad's turn for Christmas) so this will be my last sew and tell for a while. I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a very Happy New Year.

Please take the time to head over to Amy's and have a look at all the other Sew and Tell entries.

Sunday Stash #4

2009-12-06T00:07:00.000-08:00

After reading and seeing so many beautiful turquoise and red quilts I have started my collection. I went to one of my LQS and found these gems to get me started. Truth be known I really had gone to get some supplies to finish some Christmas presents. Sometimes its hard to ignore the fabrics when they scream at you to take them home.
Hope everyone had a great weekend!
See other sunday stashers here.

Sew & Tell #4

2009-12-04T18:17:00.000-08:00

Well after burning some midnight oil I have finally finished another of my Christmas gifts. Another table runner from another charm pack. I love the Rouenneries range by French General & Moda. I hope the recipient will like it. I am seriously stressing about Christmas. I am hoping this will help me get things done. I need to have two more things done. I am hoping the mojo continues long enough...
Check out other finishes at Amy's

Renter's Delight

2009-12-02T13:40:00.000-08:00

(photo from Grosgrain)

If you are renter's (like me) then take a look at Grosgrain. Wonderful ideas for decorating. The blog says it all. From their web site-

'Decorate your home with quick & easy to apply rub on vinyl wall art and lettering!

Have the look of hand painted and stenciled words on your walls without the work!

Each graphic is made of high quality, removable, self-adhesive vinyl. It can be applied to any clean, smooth and flat surface.'

And best of all they are having a giveaway. Check it out here.

Marie-Madeline Studio Quilt Giveaway

2009-11-28T20:20:00.000-08:00

Marie-Madeline Studio is having a quilt giveaway. There are two quilts and you get to pick from the two. There is one made from Tanya Whelan's fabrics (Darla) and the other is made from Anna-Maria Horner fabrics. Both quilts are gorgeous. How to decide if you win. Photos are courtesy of Marie-Madeline Studio.

Check out all the details here.

Piece n' Quilt Christmas Tree Show

2009-11-28T20:06:00.000-08:00

Piece n' Quilt are having a show and tell of Christmas trees, if you already have yours up. I have been more organised this year, about some things anyway. One of them is my Christmas tree. We live in a townhouse so space is somewhat limited. A floor tree wouldn't be able to compete with my son's toys and survive. We had a great time putting it up. I have some ceramic boot decorations he remembers and wasn't happy until they were on the tree.

Sunday Stash #3

2009-11-28T14:06:00.000-08:00

What to do with these fabrics? I have had these fabrics for a while now (bargin price) but lately they keep cropping up. I was intending to use them as backings. I guess time and the fabric will tell me where it wants to go/who it wants to be friends with.

Have a great day!

Sew & Tell #3

2009-11-27T02:05:00.000-08:00

Well it was a very close call whether I would finish anything this week. A total lack of motivation is to blame. I know I want to finish these things for Christmas but even that deadline wasn't working for me this week.

I did finish one of my table runners. It is made from a 'Wonderland' charm pack using a pattern from Moda Bake Shop called 'A Sweet Baby Quilt' by the very talented Amanda Jean of Crazy Mom Quilts. It came together very easy and I followed her quilting pattern. I really like it. The photos are pretty ordinary as it is night time and the light is poor.

What I am proud of is that I sewed the binding on by machine using the superb tutorial by Red Pepper Quilts. It worked a treat. For my first attempt I only had to fix up two corners (in a minor way, not major castrophe like I was expecting). If you would like to have a go at attaching your binding completly by machine you can find the tutorial HERE.

Check out other Sew and Tell entries over here.

Have you seen...

2009-11-25T12:42:00.000-08:00

Have you seen the divine threads over at Quilt Fabric Delights. Sarah has a wonderful sample she has stitched using the threads. There are also Perle thread varieties you could use for quilting. Umm...thinking, thinking...what to make.
You might also like to enter the giveaway Sarah is running. Sarah has a great range of fabrics, patterns and is very helpful.

Giveaway at Retromummy

2009-11-25T03:16:00.000-08:00

In case you haven't heard there is a giveaway going over at retromummy. Up for grabs is 12 fat quarters from the Grandmothers Flower Garden range by Rosalie Quinlan. Entries close Sunday. Just wondering what I would make with them if I won...

Sew and Tell #2

2009-11-20T01:45:00.001-08:00

I am probably blurring the lines here as this quilt was finished a month ago however I couldn't publish photos until I gave it to the recipient. So its now finally 'finished'. I got to visit my cousin yesterday and give her the quilt I made for her new baby girl. She is one beautiful baby and I got to have some lovely cuddle time.

I am very proud to say all the fabrics are from my stash and only the batting was purchased. My cousin didn't find out what she was having so I tried for 'gender neutral'. Before I put the binding on it was looking pretty 'boyish' but luckily I procrastinated over sewing the binding. By the time I got around to the binding the baby had been born and I knew it was a girl hence the lilac binding. Lately I have been using a 3inch binding which is nearly like another border. I leave 1/2 inch batting and binding all the way around to fill out the binding and give better wear and tear. I had the quilt professionally quilted in an all over meander which is also a great wash and wear design.

Check out all the other great things on show here

Have a great weekend! and for those of us in Australia lets hope we get some cooler weather soon.

Giveaway by Aneela (Comfort Stitching)

2009-11-19T12:10:00.000-08:00

Aneela is having a giveaway of some gorgeous fabric. Check it out over here. The winner gets to pick which one. Any of the fabrics would be most welcome in my stash. I have a few different 'gangs' in my collection but they are all friends and sometimes swap between gangs.

This photo was taken one evening in October from our backyard. The sky was incredible.

Have a great day!

Sunday stash

2009-11-14T13:09:00.000-08:00

One of my favourite activities Sunday morning is drinking a cup of nice hot tea and checking out the Sunday Stash entries. A very nice way to start the day indeed. My contribution today is my eagerly awaited fat quarter pack of French General's 'Rouenneries'. The colour palette in this range is just so gorgeous. I think I have found the pattern for these fabrics but you never know it may change. I think I will have to look at these for a while as they look so pretty all bundled up. Really loving the light grey/red combo.

If you would like to check out the other entries just pop over to here.

Sew & Tell

2009-11-12T23:57:00.001-08:00

I am so happy to be participating in my first sew & tell held by Amy over here Friday Sew & Tell. I got this quilt finished this week. It is a cot quilt for a baby girl born on Monday. The quilt top had been made for a while and was just awaiting quilting and binding. The parents told us that it was a girl so I was very happy to make a girly quilt. The pattern is from an Alex Anderson book called 'Baby Quilts with Love'. I am very happy how it turned out. Please excuse the fold marks (for those who notice).

MY FIRST POST EVER

2009-11-09T02:13:00.000-08:00

After reading so many wonderful blogs I thought it was about time I created one so I could participate in all the wonderful quilt and craft action happening in blogland. So here goes... I thought I would start by showing some photos of some recently completed things.

First up is two 'Poochie Bags' I made from the tutorial on the http://thehappyzombie.com/ site. What a great pattern. Easy and very clear instructions.

Next are some items that were made for the 'Softies for Mirabel' project being run over at http://meetmeatmikes.blogspot.com/. There are 2 'Zet the Monsters' and 2 'Flat Neds'. The pattern for the 'Zet the Monster' is from the Australian Homeswn magazine and the Flat Ned pattern was purchased from http://www.rourkeandhenry.typepad.com/.

I am hoping to now get cracking on some Christmas presents.

Ta ta for now.