Sew Nutty

Non fattening Easter Eggs

2011-04-07T15:59:00.001+10:00

I have been lucky enough to find some really cute patterns lately and just in time for Easter. I often find seasonal patterns at the last minute and don’t have time to make them.

I found this pattern for material eggs from Retro –mama. It is a free pattern and so simple to make. Got to love that!

I used a couple of charm packs that I had stashed away and two charm squares makes one egg. I think I have to face facts and acknowledge that I am not the best stuffer around. I always seem to end up a bit lumpy and lopsided. Well I think I found a solution at least for eggs. When i had finished sewing them up I wet them in a bowl of water and shook them around in two plastic strainers that I attached together with a rubber band and well shook the ~~crap~~ life out of them and wallah some nice shaped eggs.

I also made these felted eggs with some supplies I found at Spotlight i can’t remember where I saw the demo for them (sorry to that person) I read it late one night a couple of weeks ago so had to do them from memory and this is where I got the sieve idea from.

The bag I have the eggs in is from make life sweet blog. They have a club called the label crew which i joined and each month I am sent a pattern and some custom labels.

And with all the shaking to reshape the eggs I figure they are doubly good as you are exercising as you go.

Happy Easter if I don’t get back to blogland before then.

Annie

Not sure where February Went????

2011-03-21T14:43:00.001+11:00

Hi Well I’m really not sure where February went and as for March I’m just catching up.

Not alot of sewing to report I have started some hexagons as an ongoing see where it leads type of project and I did find some cute doll patterns at Bit of Whimsy Dolls and at the moment they are having a 20% of sale when you enter the code: Spring2011 at checkout.

I have made Butterbean and Jean.

The other thing I have been experimenting with has been Soy Candles. Soy candles are both good for the environment and us so make sense to me. At the moment I am doing lots of test burns for fragrance and colour. I am doing this in conjunction with a friend and we are calling them Polka Dot Candles you can find us on facebook but I’m not sure how to link. We will have container candles, tea-lights and melts for sale but that is a bit down the track. With lots more testing to be done.

I will try to keep up with blogging and sewing and fit candlemaking and work in somewhere.

Best wishes Annie

Nearly forgot

2011-01-31T20:47:00.001+11:00

Hi I nearly forgot my most important finish for this month. I have mentioned it in previous posts but forgot to post a photo. I think the thing I love most about this quilt is that with the hand quilting it is really soft and cuddly. I made another one last year and machine quilted that one and although they were identical the machine quilted one was much stiffer, not quite the right word but I’m sure you know what I mean.

I can just imagine Immi cuddled up on the lounge with it as she grows. A lovely image!

The other photo I have is not craft related but just very beautiful and was captured in our garden last Thursday. This butterfly had just emerged from it’s cocoon on our potted orange tree.

I’m not much of a photographer, I only have the camera on my phone but I was so happy to see this. Do you get excited by stuff like that? I hope so.

Love Annie

Just so Sweet

2011-01-30T12:06:00.001+11:00

Hi I want to start this post by congratulating all the craft bloggers and the craft community in general for so generously supporting the Qld Flood Disaster, almost $100.000.00 to aid flood affected people.

I love reading blogs and am always inspired by what other people are doing and quite often overwhelmed by their work load and creativity and sometimes I feel just plain overwhelmed.

I am sure that most of the time this is my place to just talk to myself as I don’t get many comments back and that is fine as I understand I never have anything that earth shattering to say but if you do drop by and read could you please just sometimes leave a comment because when you do I walk around with a silly grin for awhile.

Ok now down to business I found a great little dress pattern through a link on 2 Giggle Boxes blog. The dress is called strangely enough “Sweet Little Dress Pattern” by Leila and Ben. I purchased the pattern in sizes ranging from 3mths to 5yrs, I hope Immi likes it.

These are the 3 I have made so far and then someone came up with the idea of matching headbands which of cause no self respecting 6mth old can do with out! Well the dress takes less than an hour to make but the headbands because I had to make them up as I go (please don’t laugh I am strictly a follow the pattern type of girl and not so good at that) took me hours and many prototypes to come up with the “simple little number you see above!

I also found another dress pattern really a girl can’t have too many dresses called “The Perfect Day” by Cuddles*n*Chaos again a beautifully written and constructed pattern that is a print at home PDF.

It ~~takes~~ took me longer than the other dress but this could say more about my sewing skills than the pattern. I also used it as an opportunity to learn to make some continuous binding. I just typed continuous binding into google and looked at several youtube videos. I didn’t save the links but if you want to have a go I’m sure you can find a tutorial on the net to help you. This is not hard and a relatively small piece of fabric gives you a lot of binding.

Happy sewing, crocheting, knitting whatever you’re doing

Annie

PS Don’t forget OPAM is open for 2011 see sidebar

Let them eat cake

2011-01-08T16:00:00.001+11:00

This is my first attempted at a cake stand that I found on Cindy's blog. This blog is full of clever handmade gifts that really would suit everyone.

Cindy’s blog gives clear concise instructions with lots of pictures to guide those of us that find written instructions a challenge.lol

I picked up these plates on sale and the hardware is pretty cheap so all up it probably came in at under $10. I can’t wait to try out more I think I would like to pick up some antique (old) bits and bobs to dress it up a bit, the possibilities are endless.

Imagine one using cute fairy plates to dress up a little girls party table, (sorry Sarah, i wish I had thought of that one earlier) or super hero plates for a little boy, oh my imagination is going wild.

I needed my DH help as no-one in their right mind would let me near a power tool or saw for that matter, but I’m sure most people could manage but it was fun to do something like this together.

I am pleased to also announce that I have finished the hand quilting on Imogen’s mini Dresden quilt (no photo’s yet) and should get to the binding tomorrow fingers crossed.

Well I still have another set of plates to experiment with so…………….

Bye for now Annie

Sushi

2011-01-05T16:10:00.001+11:00

Ok so there is nothing remotely resembling sewing going on here today but my girls decided we would have sushi for lunch! It was just the 3 of us +Imogen home and i had to have some blood tests so they took over the kitchen.

I have only attempted sushi making on one other occasion and with only moderate success, but i had received a sushi making kit for Christmas and the girls were keen and I was hungry so really a match made in heaven.

I think I will let the pictures tell the rest of the story.

I think we can say success all round. This little gadget is amazing and it all took less than about 20min from start to finish.

Thanks girls love you.

PS Sewing tomorrow

Finally

2011-01-03T08:59:00.003+11:00

Yesterday I decided it was high time that I did something nothing earth shattering just something.... But I felt that it would be wrong to start something new when I had so many unfinished projects, so that is how I spent yesterday. No not finishing them all ( I wish ) but at least making a start.

I had been working on this crocheted blanket since October I think. I have used my favorite bamboo yarn and a 5mm hook. The granny squares are about 4" and there are 4 rounds in each square. I used roughly 6 or 7 collude in total and finished each square in the white. I have used 80 squares in total.

This blanket started from reading Kelly's blog who was learning to crochet and although I am no expert I have been doing it since I was a child off and on and this post really inspired me to give it a go. Granny squares were the first thing that I learnt to do and I had so much fun doing them again so many years later. There are some great instructions at attic24.typepad.com

My next finish is going to have to be Immi's Dresden Plate quilt I know, how ashamed am I that I am still not finished and I don't have a great excuse I think I just got waylaid and distracted.

~~I don't have any photo's as yet as I can't find my camera/phone cord but I will upload them as soon as I find it, it has to be here somewhere under this pile of mess right.~~

Found it! It wasn't that buried after all.

We also caught up with some friends and this was my contribution to a lovely afternoon drinks. Caramel pavlova.......... Yum

Have a great day from Annie

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Hello

2010-12-27T10:47:00.002+11:00

Merry Christmas to all. We had a fantastic day starting off with us having our first Christmas in a while with a baby, so much fun. I didn't,t expect Imogen to be so into the whole thing but she was so excited and it was infectious. I think this photo says it all!

I haven't been sewing a lot lately which is a bit sad as Christmas sewing is my favorite kind, but sometimes you just have to accept that you can't do everything and a friend and I started a business venture (a grand title for a little thing) it is not sewing related and we both still have day jobs so life became a bit hectic leading up to Christmas. I am on holidays now and so i'm hoping to dust off the machine and see what I can do.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Dahlia

2010-11-01T17:47:00.001+11:00

Hi this is my second finish for this weekend this cute as can be doll is called “Dahlia” by Melly and Me. Dahlia is going to be a slightly late birthday gift for Abby who is also as cute as can be.

Abby is only two so I opted for Suffolk puffs instead of buttons for her shoes . I’ll hopefully send her off in the next couple of days.

Annie

Strike!

2010-10-30T12:54:00.001+11:00

It’s amazing what happens to a ball when you cut it using the pattern directions! Sorry Melly I think I’m “patterned challenged” your directions are awesome it’s me not you! LOL

This may also explain pointy headed bowling buddies. Who knew!

Annie

Bowling Buddies

2010-10-30T09:21:00.001+11:00

I recently purchased a pattern from the new Melanie Hurlston pattern range called Sew Little. It is titled “Bowling Buddies” and is so sweet.

She has used her new fabric range called "Little Menagerie" I haven’t been able to source this range yet in any local shops so will have to look further afield or online. I of course couldn’t wait to get started and so decided to use some scraps that I had lying around.

So this is my mismatched first attempt at “Bowling Buddies”. I am still working on the ball my first attempt looked more like a rugby league ball than a bowling ball so i am going to have another go at it, I think it’s all in the stuffing and my technique needs some tweeking, obviously!

The pins are not as straight as Mellies but I can live with that, they kind of look like they are peeking around corners or maybe hiding from the ball “don’t get me” I can hear them saying, their heads are also pointier than the pattern again I think it is the stuffing but they are cute and I love them. But the ball is a whole other story and really needs work.

The pattern range is great and I would advise anyone who sews for young children to check it out.

Annie

Irene’s quilt

2010-09-29T19:51:00.001+10:00

This is a project I have been working on for a little while and I was finally able to give Irene her quilt. Irene is my aunty and only 10years older than me and has been diagnosed with breast cancer and is currently undergoing chemotherapy. The quilt has been a family collaboration, this picture shows part of the back of the quilt where family members from near and far were able to send Irene messages of support.

We all know that cancer is no match for the strength of Irene.

We all want her to know that we are there for her every step of the way and the messages on the quilt come from everyone's heart.

Love you Irene

Annie

loose Change

2010-09-19T10:40:00.001+10:00

I think this pattern is usually referred to as a coin quilt? Or something along those lines. It came about when I was cleaning up my sewing room really it was just making new piles and moving them to a new place and then replacing that pile with another one, quite futile really. Anyway I came across a partly used “jelly roll” of this cute pink range and some Moda basic jelly roll in white and this quilt was made in an instant it felt, well the top was and as I’m sure anyone who reads this blog will know the finished product may take awhile I have called it “Loose Change” as it really just came together out of not much and I will use the left over rectangles to make a couple of quilts for the hospital delivery suite.

I have also been making some little fabric shoes for Imogen, I googled baby shoe patterns and quite a few came up but are often a repeat or very similar of the same pattern the one I ended up using was a “Kimono Baby Shoe created by Aimee Larsen from www.homespun-threads.com The other one which I didn’t use is called Cloth Baby Shoe but didn’t give credit to any designer, so I’m not sure I felt like I looked at so many it all became a blur. For the front pair I drafted a pattern from an existing pair that we had and made them a bit smaller. They were fun but fiddly to make but looked oh so cute on.

Oopps forgot to singe the ribbon!

Annie

Quilt for Sue

2010-09-16T22:06:00.002+10:00

I read about this story on a blog friends blog and it really touched me. Lizzie's friend Sue is dying and she is putting a quilt together for her and is asking for "orphan" blocks of any size. Please visit and read her story it is not mine to tell and if you can help please contact her.
http://nanalizzie.blogspot.com/

Fabulous Friday Follow

2010-09-11T09:07:00.003+10:00

" />Hi I have just joined this group and it seems like a fun way to get to see lots of different blogs and increase followers to your blog, there are more details at the bottom of the linky thing , so join and we can all join in the fun!

A bathroom update

2010-08-13T08:43:00.001+10:00

You might remember this

Well now it looks like this

I can’t imagine what people go through renovating a whole house, I take my hat off to them, one bathroom was enough for me although we were so happy with the results that we are now contemplating a kitchen make-over. This is long overdue and apparently not as disruptive as a bathroom, will keep you updated.

I have decided to hand quilt the second baby Dresden quilt. I basted it together last Friday at the new patchwork shop in Raymond Terrace. Jenny the owner is very accommodating and the shop is well worth a look. My hand quilting is not that even or small but I can see some improvement as I am going along and I don’t think that Imogen will be a harsh critic and that is who I am making it for so i think i will be ok, She doesn’t look like she will mind, does she. In fact as long as she is fed i don’t think much worries this little doll.

So this is what i will work on this weekend and also finish the “mini Tote” which is the last project in the “bag sew along” hosted by Kelly. I didn’t get to work on Flirting with Flowers last week and I doubt I will get it done this weekend but It will get done, I promise.

Love Annie

Time wasters

2010-08-04T18:30:00.001+10:00

Well I think that when people say babies are great time wasters they are really onto something. I am just so in love with Imogen and can’t spend enough time with her. She is now 3 and half weeks old and such a personality already. I think in this photo she is saying enough photo’s, it was about the 20th i had taken that afternoon. As a consequence of all this baby gazing I really haven’t done alot of sewing or anything else for that matter. i did manage to get back on track with the Make a bag sew along and finished the mini make-up roll and the glass case holder but haven’t got a photo to share. I am also crocheting a cot size vandyke patterned blanket for Immi. This is a good project because it is easy to pick up and put down. if you know what i mean. My intention this weekend is to get back on track with the Flirting with Flowers BOM. Vicki put the last block up a week or so ago. I’ll let you know how I get on.

Happy stitching, knitting, embroidering or what ever it is that you enjoy.

Annie

Imogen

2010-07-11T12:36:00.003+10:00

Just a quick post to let anyone who is interested that Imogen has arrived. She came into the world at 5.33am and weighs 6lb8oz and is 49cm long. Mum and baby are doing well, grandparents can't stop smiling.

Bits and Pieces

2010-07-07T20:33:00.001+10:00

I arrived home on Monday from work to this

Now I’m not saying I wasn’t expecting it but it was still a bit of a shock, this disaster use to be my bathroom and in two weeks we will have a brand new one, yay. In the between time I doubt I will get much sewing done as no matter how many times you sweep etc the dust is everywhere.

Luckily I got a few things finished on the weekend.

Firstly I finished this cute little pram blanket, It is a pretty simple pattern but I did have to undo it 5 times before i got the bobbles right.

Then I finally tackled the quilting on one of the mini Dresden quilts I have been working on. This became a matter of urgency as Ruby was being Baptised on the Sunday and I wanted to give it to her as a gift. Ruby is my cousin Luke and Amanda’s baby.

I was happy with the way it turned out and it means I only have one more to go. They turned out to be a really good fit for a cot.

On friday I also gave my daughter Lucy who is almost 39wks pregnant and now off bed-rest a sewing lesson. She made this sweet quilt top in one day. I just have to do my bit and quilt it, yikes!

I’s a bit of a miracle that she has been able to carry a baby this long and we are all so proud of her determination and strength. Well done Lucy. Will keep you updated on any exciting news, fingers crossed.

Love Annie

make life simply silly

2010-06-20T20:42:00.001+10:00

Just a quick post. Do you ever see a quilt pattern and know that you just have to have it, no matter if you already have several quilts under-way and no time to finish any of them? Well that's how I felt when I saw this on Moda Bake shop. I couldn’t find the fabric locally or the Moda quilt labels that were used so i contacted the designer at Pine Mountain Designs, Sandra Workman. Pine needle designs is in Utah and I am in Australia, no problem they have an online store I'll just order it. So here is where I struck the first problem there was no overseas options in the address form.:( No problem I'll email them, I thought. Sure enough I received a lovely email from Holly who gave me alternate instruction :) problem 2 they didn’t work :(. So to finish this story if you are still with me I googled the time difference, worked out a good time in both time zones to ring and finished my transaction over the phone. Easy peasy and one happy quilter received her kit in next to no time. Thanks to the lovely women in Utah at Pine Needle Designs.

Ok it turned into a not so quick post sorry. i hope you love the quilt as much as I do.

Annie

June Friday Night Sew-In

2010-06-19T09:12:00.001+10:00

I joined Kelly’s make a bag-a-long group and this is what I worked on for Friday-night-sew-in which was hosted solo by Bobbi as Heidi is moving.

Now before I get to far into this i just want to say that Kelly’s instructions are amazing and concise with further pictorial help on her blog, so really what could go wrong? Well it would seem if there was a hard way to make this bag I found it, maybe I could do an alternate tutorial for know it alls like me. No really I obviously only read part of the instructions and then made the rest up or I don’t know my head just wasn’t with the program, so as a result my handles are wider the stiff interfacing went a bit askew and missed the edge of the bag by about a quarter inch (the instructions said to cut it bigger and then trim mmm missed that bit) didn’t have the right clasp as i thought (actually didn’t think) anyway you get the picture and I finally finished the bag during the week and it was time to tackle the toiletries pouch.

This was my Friday night project and I was determined to follow instructions exactly no variations and guess what it was a breeze and turned out pretty good. I think I will make a few of these in different sizes.

Please don’t let my inadequacies put you off joining this project it’s fun informative and all you need is a charm pack, coordinating fabric and a few bits and bobs as finishes. The charm pack I am using is Moda “blush” from basic grey. The other projects to come are a mini-cosmetic roll, sunglass/phone case, extra’s pouch and a keyring/zip pull. Can’t wait.

Before i go just a quick mention that in Australia it is Red Nose Month, this is a sid’s and kids initiative that raises much needed funds to support families through infant loss. They receive no government funding and donations over $2 are tax deductible . If you can spare a small amount of money to support this worthwhile cause please visit the link on the top right of the page.

I’m off to pick my sick dog up from the vet i hope she is ok she is very old in dog years and is always by my side when i sew, fingers crossed.

love Annie

Balls and Pillows not bells and whistles

2010-06-06T14:41:00.001+10:00

I recently purchased a pattern called “Brainy Baby Ball” from Sew mama Sew I thought it looked interesting and worth ago, so for a very reasonable price and in a surprisingly short time the pattern arrived. I must say I looked at it for a week or so (as I often do) before deciding to make one, which lead to two and then before I knew it three.

I tried inserting bells into the pink and blue one but it gives a very dull noise that isn’t very appealing and also very soft. I wonder if anyone does read this if they have any ideas on how to insert bells into softies? Are they a special bell? I used just regular bells that i had left over from a Christmas project. But apart from that hiccup I think they are cute and will make a lovely gift for a new baby.

On Friday i received in the mail my cushion cover from my Pillow swap partner the lovely Tracey.

The colours I choose for the swap guidelines were to go in the nursery that my daughter is putting together. Tracey did a beautiful stitchery in a delicate silver/lavender colour and is a beautiful addition to the nursery. A very big thank you to Tracey, check out her blog as she does some really lovely work. I really like these blog generated swaps I haven’t done many but I think it is a great way to connect with other people and also to step out of your comfort zone, in terms of colours and styles, thanks to Jamie for organising this one.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend

Annie

BOOK TRAILER: Little Birds

2010-06-04T16:01:00.001+10:00

Hi I just wanted to share my unbelievable good luck. i just won this terrific book from Melly from Melly & Me and I am still doing a happy dance. I can' tell you how happy I am, but I have a huge grin on my face and look like i got all the cream.
Thank you to Melly who is featured in the book, she has designed a cute little penguin and he is adorable. I can't wait to make some of the stuff in it and below you can get a sneek peek.
Love Annie

May opam

2010-05-31T18:05:00.001+10:00

I have had a few finishes which mostly reflect the fact that i am about to become a Grandmother! I have finished two baby jackets (I only have a photo of one as I gave the other as a gift.) Two sets of bassinette sheets, a baby blanket and a Melly and Me “Bambino” softie. Sadly I can’t say that I have finished the mini Dresden quilts but they are not far off completion maybe for June, fingers crossed.

Hope everyone else got lots of sewing done, rainy weekends are proving useful.

Annie

Red Nose Month

2010-05-22T13:42:00.001+10:00

With Red Nose Day fast approaching, it is a sad reminder of all the babies and children who have passed away....

It is also a way to raise money and awareness for the wonderful organisation SIDS and Kids, who provide much needed bereavement support for the families. SIDS and Kids are a charity and are not funded by the government, they rely on donations to keep their services going.

SIDS and Kids not only provide support for families whose children die from sudden infant death syndrome, but also stillbirth, miscarriage, sudden onset illness & accidents up to the age of 6 years old.

To help out my daughter has created an online fundraising page in memory of our beautiful baby grandson Charlie. Click on the link to visit the page, leave a message and make a donation in his memory to SIDS and Kids. Your generosity will be very much appreciated.
Please dig deep and spread this to as many people as possible. It only takes a few seconds but will make a huge difference - any amount small or large! remember donations over $2 are tax deductable.

I struggled wether to share this or not on my blog as it is very personal and I try not to get to personal, but I figure if it helps one other family then it will be worth it.

We lost Charlie at 23wks gestation on the 1st February 2007 and our life was changed forever. I don’t remember the person I was, I am just getting to know the person I have become.

When Charlie was born Lucy was given a tiny quilt for him by the hospital. It had been made by a stranger but it has been such a comfort to Lucy over the years. This is the reason i quilt, I had never done it before Charlie and now it is my passion. I think of it as Charlie’s gift to me. I now make quilts for the babies born in our family and out of the left over fabric I make mini quilts for the hospital.

Lucy is now 32wks pregnant and we are anxiously awaiting this beautiful babies arrival hopefully not too soon. If you can help SIDS and KIDS raise some money, that would be great, the link is on the right of this page, if you could say a prayer for families struggling with infant loss that would be even better.

Love Annie

Mini Dresden Update

2010-05-18T09:04:00.001+10:00

It has been a while and I have been distracted but I finally got a bit of a burst of inspiration (read guilt) for this quilt. Firstly it has turned into two baby quilts which is a bonus.

I have sewn the first border on but I’m still deciding about the outer border. Border design is not my strong point and I admire those quilters who put so much design into their borders and make it work. I tend to go the plain Jane route!

My other project (i say that as if there is just one) that I’m working is the “Pillow Swap” organised by Jaime. I’m happy to report that mine is finished and ready to be posted.

This is not a good representation of the colours they are much richer than they appear.

I procrastinated over the design for so long and ended up combining two pillows I found in some old magazines Australian Country Threads vol8 no8 (Kate Hampson cushion) and Country Favourites No1.(Stephanie Watts).

I have an unexpected day off work today so hopefully I will put it to good use right after I clean the bathroom and whatever else needs cleaning lol but first i have to get out of my pj’s which could take some time.

Take care Annie

Happy Mothers day

2010-05-09T17:31:00.001+10:00

Happy Mothers Day to all Mums, especially to all the Mums who have lost babies,infants and older children.

This is a photo of my Mum and daughter (who is expecting a baby in July, fingers crossed) and me. This is a rare photo of Lucy upright as she is normally lying down, as she has been on bed rest since 14 weeks and she is now 30 weeks. It’s hard to get a photo of all of us when one of us is lying down! So we took this rare photo and she then resumed her normal position inside.

I had asked for a mini craft iron like the ones I had seen some ladies using at a recent workshop and i thought how handy this might be so…………………….

My son who has a great sense of humour and luckily i do too gave me this for Mother’s day!

My girls are much more into spoiling me and I have some lovely new PJ’s which are my favourite things in the world.

Happy Mother’s Day to all Mum’s

A weekend away

2010-05-02T20:37:00.001+10:00

We have just returned from a lovely relaxing weekend in the Blue Mountains. The weekend was a Christmas present from Sam (son) and Mez (almost DIL). It was a very thoughtful gift and one that was very much appreciated.

We stayed at a B&B in Mt Victoria called “Sweetpea Cottage” it was the perfect spot to explore from.

And explore we did this was just one of the pictures we took from inside “Lucas” cave at the Jenolan caves. This picture does not do it justice.

This part of the Blue Mountains is like taking a step back in time, it’s like time has stood still yet facilities are very good. The buildings look very Victorian, if you get the opportunity to go please take it!

It was also the perfect place I thought for a Toy Society drop or two.

My little Kokeshi doll was found very quickly

As was this little rabbit

I also got a little bit of knitting and stitching done and I’m proud and relieved to say i have made a start on my pillow for the Pillow Swap being run by Jamie

Hope your weekend was amazing

Love Annie

april opam

2010-04-30T08:31:00.001+10:00

Ok first off I want to say how crazy is it that April is over? Where did it go?

I don’t have many OPAM finishes for April. I did finish the cathedral window mini wall hanging that i started a few months ago, so I’m pleased about that. I’m grateful to Peg and Kris for starting this group as it does give me a bit of a shove along and has helped me to stay focused and complete things. (I am easily distracted)

I also finished the little cardigan that I started on the last Friday-Night-Sew-In. I am not a great knitter but I am persistent and I have a mum that is a great knitter that I think sometimes regrets the fact that she taught me to knit lol as I call on her quite a bit to get me out of knitting chaos. But I think the end result was worth it.

I am still working on two small Mini Dresden quilts, i really need to get a move on because one of the babies one is for is due mid May. eeek What is an acceptable time frame after a baby is born to give a gift??? I hope it doesn’t turn into a first birthday gift!

During April i did a Kay D Haerland “postcards” workshop and managed to finish a few. I mentioned this in an earlier post and I am still quite in awe of her talent. She is an award winning landscape artist and my Postcards do not reflect her talent. Just her patience!

I also am very disappointed in myself that i didn’t finish block 4 “Dancing with Daisies” bom. I seriously don’t know where April went.

Bring on May I’m ready for you!

Annie

Postcards

2010-04-17T21:36:00.001+10:00

Hi Well Friday Night Sew In turned into Friday Night Knit in.

The usual gang couldn’t get together so I just had a quiet night knitting up a lovely baby cardigan, in bamboo. This is a lovely silky yarn to work with and this pattern is pretty simple , I'll post a picture when I'm finished. This will be for a very special baby in our life. My daughter is 27wks pregnant and we are thrilled.

Also on Friday night I had to pack my bags for a Postcard workshop with Kay D Haerland on Saturday (today). This was organised by some ladies in our sewing group and it turned out to be a really great workshop. Kay is a very generous tutor with both her expertise and supplies. She was at all times calm and professional and most of all inspiring.

I have taken photos not just of my work but also the work of some of the other ladies. Unfortunately I didn’t take any photo’s of Kay’s work but believe me it was great. We all finished our leaf postcard and started on our own design before completing what Kay calls “Hug” cards. This workshop was full of useful techniques and gave me confidence to be a bit more adventurous with thread and my machine.

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Have a great weekend and enjoy what you are doing love Annie

Easter Feasts

2010-04-08T06:21:00.001+10:00

Hi everyone I hope your Easter was spent with family and friends, as was mine. On a sad note we lost my grandmother on Sunday night, she was 94 and always a force to be reckoned with and was more than ready for death when it came. It was just the rest of us that were taken by surprise.

This picture was taken on her 90th birthday with the quilt I made her. This stayed on her bed in the nursing home and was one of the things she remembered even when we were a faded memory.

On a happier note I also got to spend time with my family and we all had a lovely Sunday lunch where I made an apple pie that Heidi from Hand made by Heidi posted on her blog. it is a great recipe and we all enjoyed it.

I also made a potato salad by Rachel from P S I Quilt (no photo sorry) and I also made a Lemon Meringue Pie from my grandmother’s recipes.

You will need shortcrust pastry to fit a 9”pie tin I used the left over from the apple pie. Frozen pastry also works. Blind bake

The Filling

1 can condensed milk

1/2 cup lemon juice

and 3 eggs lightly beaten.’

Combine and pour into pastry.

Topping

3-5 egg whites

1/2 cup caster sugar

1 tsp cream of tartar (optional)

Beat until egg whites are stiff , gradually add sugar and cream of tartar. Continue beating until mixture is stiff and glossy. Spoon or pipe onto filling.

Bake in moderate oven until top is golden brown.

So thanks again to the blogging community for great food ideas and I hope someone enjoys my grandmothers lemon meringue pie.

I have also joined a Pillow Swap organised by Jami from Modified Mix. There is still time to join and it sounds like fun.

Love Annie

March OPAM

2010-03-31T18:03:00.001+11:00

Well March hasn’t been as productive as i thought it would be, I has high hopes of having one or two other projects finished but as they say “the best laid plans…………….” not sure how that finishes but you get the drift.

This is a tool belt i finished for a 3yr olds birthday. I got the pattern off SEWN blog. This blog has great quick tutorials that make sewing a breeze.

And these are 5 of the sweetest dolls you could ever make. They are Kokeshi Dolls by Melly & Me. I started off with one but they are too irresistible to stop at one. I will use one as a drop for the Toy Society and the rest are well I’m not sure what for.

This is also the 3rd BOM from Vicki from Tozzs Corner not an OPAM finish but a finish none the less. The 4th BOM will be available from tomorrow.

On a different note I am now the mother of a new “learner” driver (insert scared face). Although I have been through it twice before (not well) I could have cried when she drove up with her “L” plates on, she looked so grown up I felt so old. :(

Take care on the roads love Annie

March Friday Night Sew-In

2010-03-20T09:57:00.001+11:00

Rabbits rabbits everywhere!

I think they really do multiply. We started off so well making the Easter Bunnies from the latest homespun magazine. Kristen and I had gone shopping for gingham material, toy fill and any other bits and pieces that we needed the night before, we were women on a mission.

We placed our order for Fish n chips, coke and chocolate were on hand and in good supply, machines ready (seriously Kristen get that machine serviced).

And so it began, we caught up with any news we had missed although this week we all saw each other much more than we normally do on some happy and one sadly at a funeral for a loved member of our community.

we were about an hour into it when unfortunately Kristen felt ill and had to go home but the rest of us soldiered on, there were bunnies to be sewn, stuffed and assembled.

Well we got to the sewn and mostly stuffed stage

but

We didn’t actually get any finished and will probably need to have another night but this is our work so far.

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Hope you feel better soon Kristen, we know you weren’t just trying to get out of sewing, right?

Love Annie

Socks

2010-03-14T16:15:00.001+11:00

It was Sue’s birthday through the week and Helen, Kristen, Sue and I went out for afternoon-tea today. We went over to Morpeth in the Hunter Valley and had a great time talking and laughing as we always do.

Kristen made Sue a lovely doll called “Faith” and Helen gave her some lovely lotion and soap and I made her a pair of socks! Last year I made both Helen and Kristen socks but poor Sue missed out, I’m not sure why maybe i just ran out of winter! So i finished the pair I had started last year and she got them for her birthday.

I packaged them up in silicone cupcake cases and made a Molten Chocolate Mug cake to go with them.

On Friday night we are getting together for the Friday-Nigh-Sew-In and we have decided to make the Bunny’s from the latest edition of “Homespun” by Cath Walker, Colleen Ekstrom and Julie Roche of Angels in Disguise. I can’t wait.

Happy Birthday Sue

Annie

style your blog

2010-03-10T17:13:00.001+11:00

Hi just a quick post to let you know that Mikelle from “My Style Backgrounds” is hosting a useful giveaway. She is giving everyone the chance to win a Blog makeover, I love the sound of that!

We had our Tuesday night group last night but no updates on the cathedral windows project so i will have to wait for the next instructions until the 23/3/10 which is our next meeting.

What I did discover however was that the windows were much easier to put in if you glued them first instead of pinning. I hate when your thread gets stuck on pins and they dig into you and well you get the picture. I used Sewline pen glue and it it held it really well during stitching and didn’t cause stiffness. I have used this method with my Dresden plates but was about 3/4 through the windows before i thought about doing it I know a bit slow! Anyway that's my tip of the week. Lol

Enjoy whatever you are doing Annie

So so Sunday

2010-03-07T18:02:00.001+11:00

I have had a bit of a so so weekend (as opposed to sew sew weekend), Brian is in New Orleans for a conference and while I am fairly use to him being absent he is usually home on weekends and I have really missed him. I have also missed all the running around he does on the weekend which gives me precious sewing time. As a result i don’t have a lot to show except good intentions. I have been wanting to make these little dolls from the Melly & Me book “Kaleidoscope”

The dolls are called Kokeshi Dolls and are just so sweet only about 7” high. I didn’t have any black homespun for the hair so mine is a bit punk looking with her pink hair and a very smug look on her face. I think she has a secret. I need to work on the curved seam for her head and body placement a bit better as I have only just caught the seam when sewing the front and back together.

On other news Vicki from Tozz’s Corner is having a 2nd Blog Birthday giveaway, well worth a look!

Also I got the date wrong for the next Friday Night Sew-In it is of course the 19th March not the 21st as in my last post. Sorry about that but I’m sure you were all clever enough to figure out my mistake.

Kristen, Sue, Helen and i are getting together again, i can’t wait. Maybe I’ll have a few of these cute dolls to show you after that.

Have a great week Annie

Cathedral Windows

2010-02-28T20:11:00.001+11:00

I am still deciding if i like this technique or not. This is my first attempt at “Cathedral Windows” so i have no other technique to compare it to. Vicki from Tozz’s Corner is using a different method and she has a link to a tutorial on it, I will give the other method a try when I have finished this little wall hanging. The method I am using has a lot of hand stitching which suits my needs at the moment and it is coming along.

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I still have more windows to sew in and do something to the edges (I haven’t been shown that step yet). The group of ladies i am doing it with all seem to be enjoying it even if we do complain, or maybe that is just me complaining!

I also had a bit of a clean up of the sewing room after purchasing a new set of drawers from Ikea (I love Ikea). This led to cleaning up the garage which my son is currently residing in lol and at the end of the day I feel more organised and in control.

I have pretty much filled the bottom two drawers but still have room in the top drawer but that probably wont last long!

My next task will be culling my ever growing stack of magazines. I think I have a problem, I can’t seem to stop buying them and I’m convinced if I throw one out that will be the ONE that I need.

This may not look that bad but I have a pile next to my bed and some on a few other surfaces around the place. I just hate discarding them, I did start putting stick-it flags on the projects i liked but I haven’t kept up with that bright idea. Maybe it is a winter job!

Has anyone got a good method of sorting them? I would love to hear about it.

Take care Annie

PS: Speaking of the change of season don’t forget to put the 21st March in to your diary for the next Friday Night Sew In

This is why i do it

2010-02-24T17:05:00.001+11:00

This is the beautiful Macy with her “Molly Monkey” doll I made her for her 2nd birthday. I love it when the things I make are used and loved like this. It really does give me a warm fuzzy feeling. What gives you that feeling?

Have a lovely afternoon Annie

What your blog says about you

2010-02-21T09:09:00.001+11:00

ESFP - The Performers

The entertaining and friendly type. They are especially attuned to pleasure and beauty and like to fill their surroundings with soft fabrics, bright colors and sweet smells. They live in the present moment and don´t like to plan ahead - they are always in risk of exhausting themselves.
The enjoy work that makes them able to help other people in a concrete and visible way. They tend to avoid conflicts and rarely initiate confrontation - qualities that can make it hard for them in management positions.

Try this out on Typealyzer

I’m not sure how accurate I think this is, but it is just a bit of fun and perhaps also gives us an idea of how we sound to others. Also not so sure about the photo perhaps my alter ego, she looks like she would have heaps more fun than me!

Sue and I are off to the Craftexpo this morning then a group of us are heading out to see “Valentines Day” the movie later today.

Annie

P.S: I finally finished quilting and binding my Tulip Dolly Quilt from Material Obsession. This was my Dolly Quilt for September ‘09 but I can now count it towards my OPAM finishes for February. yay. Even though I complained about the hand quilting the whole time and it is by no means great I like it and I am going to keep trying to do it. I used a pearl thread and it gives the piece a softer look and is in some ways a feature, am I kidding myself?

February Friday Night Sew-In

2010-02-19T22:37:00.001+11:00

Tonight was our first Friday Night Sew-In and boy did we have a good time. Three friends came round and we started off having Fish & Chips for tea and just catching up, sorry about the spilled coca cola, almost a disaster!!!!

Then Sue, yes the clever Sue started the sewing ball rolling thank goodness because i think the rest of us would have just sat and talked :0 Sue used the scraps from my birthday sewing BOM hold-all (we are trying to talk Sue into writing a pattern for it) to make a mini quilt for the local hospital for stillborn babies. Yes she is not only clever but incredibly kind. Kristen, still eating at this point soon got started on her “Girls Day Out” quilt that she has been working on for 100yrs, well maybe not that long but close.

Helen didn’t bring anything as she had come straight from work and she said she was quite happy to just sit and look at patterns etc but we couldn’t have that, so i set her to work on “Josephine the Jellyfish” She did a great job and I am now closer to having her finished, I have great friends.

Helen also adjusted the settings on my camera, so hopefully my photo’s will be of a higher quality, I think she put it on “camera for dummies” but I think it worked. ha ha

We are all looking very serious in these photo’s and our mouths seem quite still but believe me they were anything but.

I worked on my hand quilting, I’m still having trouble BUT i think I’m starting to get a bit of a quilting action going. One can only hope and practice!

This was such a fun night and we are all keen to do it again next month, Hope you can join in too, where-ever you are.

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Have a great weekend Annie

Belated Birthday

2010-02-14T18:50:00.001+11:00

But boy was it worth it! My very clever friend Sue brought around a belated birthday gift that she made.

Sue is very talented and she made me this beautiful craft folder to carry my BOM’s around in keeping them safe and all together.

Sue was worried about the fabric choice as we have slightly differing tastes in fabric, but she was spot on with the lovely Blush from Basic Grey, in fact i had received some in the post earlier this week and forgot to blog about it. Needless to say I was thrilled.

Sue put cute little pockets on the front for all sewing necessities and the back well i just had to show the back.

on the inside two velcro belts to keep everything in place!

I really love it and I know I will get lots of joy from using it.

A very big thank you Sue

I also did my Toy Society drop today at the Rock Roadhouse at Karuah. I had to be really quick taking this picture as there were a few people around and I didn’t want to be noticed. I hope he steals someone's heart.

Ok really terrible picture, but he was gone this afternoon when I went to pick my youngest daughter up

Thank God for good friends Annie

Toy Society Drop 2

2010-02-13T16:23:00.001+11:00

This cute Little guy is my second drop for the Toy Society visit the link to find out all about this great street art project. I thought he is a very fitting project for Valentines Day tomorrow. I have used a minky fabric for the back so he is super soft and cuddly. I’m not sure where I will drop him, maybe another park or at the same place as Molly Monkey. Will let you know.

We had our dogs clipped today and Holly looks like they have swapped dogs on us.

From this

To This

She loved it and seems very pleased with herself and looks much cooler and we think for an old lady she looks very youthful. She is 14 later this year, which is pretty old in dog years.

Well two posts in one day is a bit over the top but I wasn’t sure when i would finish the softie and yay a finish for OPAM. That is worth writing about.

Have a great weekend. Annie

Leaning pile of squares.

2010-02-13T09:17:00.001+11:00

The camera is working again and I have finished my “Cathedral Window” squares . This is only the first step the next step will be revealed to me on the 23rd, it does involve a sewing machine.

In Cathedral windows 101 we had to cut out 192 2 1/2” squares and that was almost enough to have me running for the hills. But I persevered as did about 16 other women, hardy souls that we are lol. I like doing this sort of thing in a group as it really helps with motivation and when you are chatting it does seem to make repetitive tasks go quicker. This is usually why I like to take quilt binding along to a group as it is so much nicer to talk and sew then just sew.

The other thing I thought I would show is the “Molten Chocolate Cake” mugs that I have been making for friends and family birthdays. This is a really fun gift and by the way my husband licked the mug it must taste good and it wasn’t even his birthday!

Check out Terry Ann’s blog as she has lots of good ideas. This was also a link from the Gum Tree Designers over Christmas. maybe you could make it with a Valentine theme for someone special.

I am hoping to make another softie over this weekend for another Toy Society drop, hopefully I will have something to show!

Also if you can check out the Pink Glove Dance on You Tube it is really lovely.

Happy Valentines weekend Annie

Dancing with daisies

2010-02-11T18:25:00.001+11:00

I thought I had better post about finishing the second block from Vicki’s at Tozzs Corner called “Dancing with Daisies” a pretty name for a pretty block.

I did feel a bit silly when I read the instructions for this one when Vicki pointed out that the flowers were one piece not multiple petals, i assume maybe others made that mistake with the first one. I hope I wasn’t the only one!

This block was really only one day of stitching so it is pretty and quick.

I wish i could include these blocks in my OPAM finishes but the rules are pretty clear about that! Darn. I’m not sure I will have any finishes for February at this rate.

If you haven’t already check this BOM out by clicking the links above. Or on my side bar.

The other project (no not the Mini Dresdens) the Cathedral Windows is a work in progress i have to sew 64 background pieces and frames together and then i don’t know I have to wait for the next lot of instructions. I did take a photo but the battery went flat, I’ll show it next time.

Have a great weekend Annie

Not a lot to show

2010-01-31T18:35:00.001+11:00

I have had a very relaxing Sunday in my pyjama's all day sewing, although i don’t have a lot to show for it.

I have spent most of the day working on my “Baby Dresden” quilt, I was a little overwhelmed when I realised that for 20 plates i needed to cut out 400 petals, well i am one of those people that when I see in instructions…. Cut 560 squares I start to glaze over and look for another quilt pattern. So I’m glad I started this quilt with really no planning and was half way through when i worked it all out.

I have completed 12 plates and have all the petals cut out. I think now I may put the plates on alternate squares and make two baby quilts, will have to wait and see if this works. Maybe put X’s on the alternate block so a sort of hugs and kisses thing, I will have to figure that one out and give it a bit more thought. Any ideas gratefully accepted.

So as you can see a lot of fiddly work but not much to show!!!!

Have a great week Annie

Blissfully stitching

2010-01-27T16:15:00.001+11:00

Just thought I would let everyone in on a great giveaway at Blissfully Stitching. Bobbie is giving away 24 skeins of hand-dyed silk and velvet ribbons. I know I could make use of that, how bout you? This is her first giveaway and I think it is very generous.

I have not made much progress on “Josephine the Jellyfish” but I just keep think it’s not a race but something to be enjoyed, Maybe I’m just kidding myself ha ha!

I had a really nice sewing night last night at “Terrace Tear-away Quilters”. There were only about 9 of us there, I think the heat and the Australia day festivities kept a few away but those of us who came had a great night. One of the ladies is going to show us an easier cathedral window technique and I am really looking forward to that.

But before I should be thinking of that I have a school skirt to take up for the start of school tomorrow. I really don’t like that sort of sewing hence the reason it has been left to the last minute!!!!!

Enjoy your afternoon Annie

Friday Night Sew In

2010-01-23T13:31:00.001+11:00

Hi two girls Heidi and Bobbi are hosting a Friday Night Sew-In in February and we all get to join in. You can sign up over at Heidi’s blog and join in the fun. February’s night is the 19th and you can work on any handmade project you like, blog about it and you will be entered into a giveaway.

I think that sounds like a fun way to spend a Friday night and finish off some of my WIP (works in progress). I think i might invite some friend’s around and make it a good excuse for a catch up as well.

I have finally made a start on “Josephine the Jellyfish” BOM and will hopefully have something to show next week.

I have also started a baby quilt for my cousin and as they know the sex I have decided on a Dresden plate design one of my favourite blocks.

This is just the start, I have a cute pink spot for the background blocks and the reverse for the flower centres, will keep you posted on the progress.

Have a great weekend Annie

The great Escape

2010-01-17T12:39:00.001+11:00

On Friday my lovely husband and I celebrated 27 years of marriage. Now we have never made a big thing of this and the fact that it is my birthday the next day, but this year we decided to try something a bit different and go “camping”. Now if you are a real camper stop reading and go to another blog but if like me you like the idea of camping but not the practicalities, read on.

I read about some camping spots in and around Sydney a few months back and thought that one sounded interesting. Cockatoo Island is at the mouth of the Parramatta River in Sydney harbour.

This offered what I thought was a very civilised camping experience for wannabe campers that don’t even own a tent, or air beds or lanterns or an esky, well we do own an esky but not really a camping one!

We arrived on the island to rows of brown tents one with our name on it. Plus 2 sleeping mattresses and a lantern. The first one had a family already in it and we thought it might be a bit squashy so they reassigned us tent #4. Tent #4 would be ours for 2 nights. But what we hadn’t counted on was that the cafe would close early afternoon and we didn’t have any food! eek.

So onto the ferry once again and a lovely stroll around Darling Harbour for a yummy Indian dinner before making our way back by ferry to our island home. Did I mention that Brian gets really seasick at the thought of a boat.

The next morning the cafe was open for yummy bacon and egg rolls and COFFEE. Brian and I are both caffeine fuelled individuals and need our fix.

We lazed around the campsite went on an audio tour of the island and generally did nothing much at all.

Late afternoon saw us boarding another ferry to hunt and gather around the Rocks area of Sydney for or dinner and a stroll around to the Opera House. Sydney Harbour area has a lovely cosmopolitan feel. I kept think it would be a great place for a toy society drop. I wish i had thought about it earlier.

On Saturday morning we had another delicious breakfast on Cockatoo Island and then boarded our last ferry for home. Brain was very relieved I think, he didn’t complain once. I’m not sure who this photo is of, because we are sure we don’t have that many double chins or wrinkles ha ha!

I was greeted back at home by my lovely family and lots of thoughtful birthday gifts and text messages . Thanks everyone.

Annie

Down for the count

2010-01-12T14:02:00.001+11:00

I couldn’t resist snapping these photo’s. I think the heat wore everyone out.

Even superman

And yes that is Simply a Bloom on the bed as proof of my OPAM finish.

You might all be pleased to know I am over my tantrum about hand quilting and will keep trying. I’m sure it is a skill I should acquire.

Have a peaceful afternoon (I know I will)

Annie

It’s official!!!!

2010-01-11T22:55:00.001+11:00

Not that you can really see from this picture but believe me when I say that I am Officially the worst hand quilter ever!! I have a great Thimble a great frame and I just can’t do it. I have watched U-Tube videos, and I’m just not getting it. My fingers are sore, my arm is aching and I’ve done one flower grrrrr. This is my first attempt but still……………………………….

I try to keep my posts happy but it’s 10;50pm and did I mention that my arm and fingers are sore.

Sorry

and I’m sure you are all thinking it will come with practice but I’m not so sure. I’m babysitting two active little boys tomorrow who will want my undivided attention but I’ll see if I can bring myself to take it to our Tuesday night group that starts up again tomorrow night.

So to all you hand quilters I have one thing to say

“you are amazing, and I’m in awe of your skill”

Ok so that was two things.

Good Night Annie :)

Road Trip

2010-01-07T10:58:00.001+11:00

Yesterday we (Mum, Lucy, Mez and her mum Julie and I) had a bit of a road trip down the F3 to Sydney for some post Christmas retail therapy.

Our first stop was Victoria’s Basement in Auburn. Wow there were so many bargains I can even say I have put some things away for next Christmas. Yes that’s right me who started shopping for “09 Christmas 10 days before the date has made a start on “10 Christmas. The trick now will be remembering this fact!

Our next stop was Ikea. This certainly lives up to the name superstore. We walked around one floor thinking this must end soon but somehow we kept finding things we hadn’t seen before. The general consensus was that it must somehow spin on it’s axis revealing new gateways.

I haven’t been to Ikea since Sam was a baby and he turns 25 in April eek am I that old? Anyway I found this lovely material in the children’s section and was wondering if anyone else has used it for quilting?

It is 100% cotton and feels like it has some quality about it, I’m no expert. These packs are 120cm wide and 300cm length and were only $15.00. I thought if nothing else they would make good quilt backing fabric.

I make small quilts for the local hospital for their delivery suite to be used for babies that are stillborn and so am always looking for good quality but affordable fabric, so this might be the answer.

These are two of the latest, that I will send off shortly. I use my scraps for the tops, the green and white one is made from the leftover triangles from a flying geese border on a quilt I made last year and the pink one is slightly bigger but just pieced using all my pink scraps.

Thanks to the lovely people who have left comments, it is such a thrill.

Till next time Annie

Flirting with flowers

2010-01-05T15:32:00.001+11:00

I don’t have a great track record when doing BOM’s. “Girls Day Out” took me almost 3yrs and it’s still not back from the quilters! But who could resist this cute BOM from Vicki from Tozz’s Corner.

She uses a product called Stitch n Wash which she uses for her needle turn method and once I found my fingers (instead of only thumbs) it worked out pretty easy.

This is Block 1 called Flippy Daisy

I love the lady beetle! I also downloaded “Under the Sea” BOM from Cheryl at Willowberry Designs. Both these ladies are very generous and are offering them for free. They both have great blogs as well. Thanks to you both. My fingers might not thank you but they will toughen up I’m sure (I hope).

Thanks have a great day Annie

and then there were two

2009-12-30T12:43:00.001+11:00

Ok I just had to share this picture, with whom I’m not sure but it feels like I’m sharing with someone, (Anita Thank you). These “Molly Monkeys” are addictive, they seem to take on a personality of their own, so much fun.The red one is for the Toy Society and the pink one I think is for Macy’s Birthday.

The other thing i thought I would share are our pre-Christmas day table setting, we had breakfast with 11 family and friends and I always like to set the table on Christmas Eve so that when everyone gets up the table is ready. Although this year it was set in the early hours of Christmas day!

As we began setting the table I remembered that one of the placemats still needed the binding sewn (thanks mum for doing the rest and Rose, Bev and Robyn for starting them off) So out came the sewing kit and hey presto a they were done.

I wanted to take photo’s of the before , during and after but got too caught up in the joy of the day (which is how it should be) and forgot!!

I was really spoilt over Christmas and received lots of beautiful presents including a quilting frame by the Thimble Lady and a thimble from the Thimble Lady (fancy that), not from the Thimble Lady they were from Mum. We were also given a lovely weekend away from Sam and Mez and some gorgeous PJ’s from both the girls. I know very spoilt. But the best of all was that all of us could be together. I hope everyone was as lucky!

Enjoy the Christmas Season (It’s not just one day)

Annie

Toy Society

2009-12-29T10:43:00.001+11:00

Hi everyone (if anyone reads my ramblings could you please leave a comment so i don’t feel that I am talking to myself).

I recently heard about the Toy Society, it is a great craft/street project dedicated to spreading love through the streets of the world. The Toy society is all about giving you a “something for nothing” experience.

I have included a picture of my first toy “Molly Monkey”. To find a link to this pattern just click on the her name, and you will be directed to a terrific blog.

I just love her! I will have to wait for sunny weather though as I think I will leave her in a local park and I think a sunny day would be best. I hope she goes to a good home.

I am going to try and make a toy once a month for this cause. If anyone has any good patterns and would like to share please let me know.

Wishing you the joys of the Christmas Season

Annie

Christmas Lights and Birthday candles

2009-12-18T09:03:00.001+11:00

On Wednesday we went to Hunter Valley Gardens in Pokolbin to stroll through their display of the most amazing Christmas Lights. It was Lucy’s birthday so we all gathered for dinner and then wondered through the gardens.

I think it is lovely when you can share these times with all your family and we were lucky enough to be able to take our two cousins with us . This is not the greatest photo (sorry Mum) but it shows the joy and awe on their faces. Brandon who is two kept saying in a very dead pan voice “That’s nice” but then chimed in at one stage with a “whooo weee”. It was priceless!

We then came back home to share Lucy’s Birthday cake that Marnie and Mez slaved over all day. Thanks girls you did an amazing job. Again my photography has let you down, will try to get better at this.

Merry Christmas Annie

Kaffe Fassett Romance

2009-12-11T09:05:00.001+11:00

I just purchased the Kaffe Fassett “Quilt Romance” book and have been drooling over it for a couple of nights. There is one quilt that keeps jumping out at me called “Pickle Dish”.

It is rated 3 star which means a more experienced quilter, mmm doesn’t sound like me I’m probably more a 2 star rising. But I love this quilt.

So what to do, I wish i could find someone local that was perhaps running a class on this, but I don’t even think any of the local

shops sell his fabric range, grr. It has a lot of curved piecing which I’ve never done (i have watched U-Tube videos on it, does that count?) It also has paper piecing which i have done so that's a plus. Maybe I could make a sample block, mmm not sure if that is or should be my priority this side of Christmas, maybe the holidays. Also I am a bit daunted by the huge fabric pallet that Kaffe uses in his quilts.

I think i will just have to drool over it and let it fill my dreams for a bit longer. I know I might be able to convince a few friends to do it with me, now that's a thought. I’ll let you know how that progresses. Not that they have ever done any of the skills required but what's that thing about a problem shared………………………

Merry Christmas Annie

Take won Honey Bun

2009-12-06T10:24:00.001+11:00

I was Lucky enough a month or so ago to win a Moda honey bun in Rouenneries by French General, that Sarah Fielke had generously put up as a giveaway. I had originally thought I would make a table runner using these beautiful fabrics but then I found a new bag pattern on Modabakeshop……………….so what can I say!

Inside of bag, I added pockets.,

Not only did it make the bag by Nicole Willmore, it also produced several Modabakeshop Sweet Treat Bags. and there is still some Honey Bun strips left over to make more things. who'd of thought that such a little bundle could yield so much.

For those of you who don’t know and think I’ve lost the plot (mmmm) a Honey Bun is 40 1.5” strips of WOF. and it comes packaged in the cutest little roll (like a bun).

Merry Christmas Annie

It must be Christmas

2009-12-02T20:03:00.001+11:00

I never feel like it’s Christmas until we get to put up the Tree and this year it took one day later then usual due to not being able to keep my family together in the one place for long enough! Tonight they were all told not to move, make a plan or blink until it was done. I’m sure they weren’t this much trouble when they were babies!

I love how there are decorations from when they were babies and ones made by friends and family. Our Angel was made by Kristen and hangs precariously from the top (a bit like how I feel at times)

The picture quality is also a bit precarious.

I also had to show off my collection of Santa's. Some handmade, some from overseas excursions from family members, some novelty ones but all loved and laughed over.

Don’t forget to check out the Advent Freebies put together by the Gumtree designers .

Merry Christmas Annie

Christmas List Countdown

2009-11-29T17:29:00.001+11:00

I have been wanting to make placemats for Christmas + we had a challenge in our Tuesday Night group to make a placemat to use at our Christmas Dinner, I played a round with a few ideas, but wasn’t satisfied so eventually i went back to a bit of a tried and true method. I don’t know what it is called I was shown by a Yvonne so I refer to it as Yvonne’s method. It also works well on hand towels etc. I’m not sure where that photo is but it makes a quick and easy gift.

First you cut 9 width of 5 fabrics at 2.5”. One of the middle fabric and two of the other four

You then join them in strips and and cross-cut them into 2.5” pieces. I then joined them moving the middle piece one space to the left, joining 7 pieces in total for each placemat.

This is the tricky part and i didn’t take a photo but you then cut down the middle and join the two ends back together, to make a rectangle.

I then layered backing, batting and top together in the usual way and stippled with a gold thread and the bound as normal.

The next project i completed was some Christmas Bon-Bons from Hatched and Patched. It is such a clever, quick project. I volunteered to make them for the same Christmas Dinner. I didn’t do the stitchery on the front I cheated and used a Christmas charm. I think they are cute though. I used some ric-rac to turn the edge of the “stitchery medallion and found dental floss was best for gathering the ends. I just need to find some coordinating ribbon and another job done!

Have a great week Annie

Formal Attire

2009-11-26T19:25:00.001+11:00

Moo’s formal on Tuesday was a terrific way to end both hers and our families association with the school. The ceremony that we all attended before the dinner/dance, was very moving. All the kid’s looked great, although I did envy the relaxed looks on the faces of the mother’s of boys. They were easy to pick out as their clothes were ironed, make-up done and hair brushed. No matter how much time you think you have it is never enough. Oh well we made it on time which is a bonus.

From this, to this

Sam is doing “Movember” so you have to excuse him!

Hot Hot Sunday

2009-11-22T20:35:00.001+11:00

Hi Mum and I went to Lemon Tree Passage Bowling Club today to see their quilt and Art Show. It was very interesting with lots of very talented people displaying their work.

A lot of the quilts were from a Tuesday night group that I attend and I was very excited to see their quilts, many that I had seen being created. I think you all deserve a prize.

I have decided that if I want to make all the things I want to before Christmas i will have to give up full time employment and sew morning, noon and night! I think I will have to prioritise as I also have my youngest daughters Year 10 formal, on Tuesday night. We got al the finishing touches yesterday, bag, make-up and underwear, all the important stuff, but how can such little things cost so much. She is worth every cent.

I will post a photo if I’m allowed after the event.

This our ducks looking longingly at the pool, I did let them in for a quick dip. Shh don’t tell Brian.

2009-11-17T14:51:00.002+11:00

How lucky am I, I arrived home from a not so great day at work to a parcel waiting for me from Anita my swap partner, mail must be very quick from the Netherlands.

I received a beautiful tissue cover that she had embroidered as an extra and a beautiful silver butterfly in the parcel, butterflies have a special meaning in my life so thank you. I can't wait to make something using the fat1/4's and embellishments.

I also thought you might like to see my "Jane McGrath" rose coming in to bloom. Our ducks have taken a liking to rose petals and so I'm not sure how long they will last but so far so good. There are about 10 more buds to open. i am no gardener so am very proud of this bush.

AlsoLena is a great give away, just follow this link and check it out, http://lekaquilt.blogspot.com/

Hope your day is peaceful Annie

Bags Galore

2009-11-10T15:26:00.000+11:00

Hi These are the two latest bags I made over the weekend. I seem to have a bit of a thing for bag making at the moment, but luckily my girls seem to find good homes for them, so it's never a waste.

I posted my Christmas Swap off to Anita today so she should get it in 7 to 10 days. This was areally fun project to get involved with and super easy. Thanks to Vicki at tozzscorner.blogspot.com

I think I need to get a bit of organisation into my sewingI amso easily distraced by new patterns and I still haven't started any of the great Christmas Freebies from the gum tree designers. We have a family wedding this weekend so perhaps after that i will start to get serious about Christmas.

hope everyone is having a great day!

Simply-a-Bloom

2009-11-03T16:23:00.002+11:00

I picked up my Simply-a-bloom quilt from Quilts on Q today (thanks Kay). I am really pleased with the design called Daisies Galore. I found this pattern on Modabakeshop. The designer is Australian and you can check out her blog on bloomandblossom.blogspot.com she has some really fresh patterns. I used American primer layer cake from moda.

The pattern is really user friendly and doesn't cost an arm and a leg to make.

The other project I picked up was a quillow that I started ages ago and still needs some finishing touches here's a snippet.

Red Raffle

2009-10-28T18:07:00.000+11:00

Hi, This is a raffle quilt that our friday group has been working on, I just picked it up from the quilters "Quilts on Q" and i think it has turned out pretty good. Tickets are $1 each and if you would like any just contact me and we can work out the details. Proceeds will go to a project in the Phillipines. We are a group of patchwork enthusiasts who range from beginners to more experienced but everyone was really united on this project. I'm not sure how clear it is but I have added a row of ric-rac braid around the border, for a fun and fresh touch.

2009-10-25T20:05:00.000+11:00

What a lovely way to spend a cooler Sunday. I made another "Dolcetto" from Melly and Me for my future daughter in law (that sounds way to formal and makes me sound way to old) for her Birthday and added a journal cover in the same fabric thanks to Bloom and her tutorial. I have added a link to this I think!!!!

I had enough fabric to make Helen who is the lovely friend that keeps our horse at her house a travel sewing case from 3P Designs. This is a really handy sewing accessory with enough room for a small cutting mat, small rotary cutter, scissors, needles, ruler etc.

Thanks to Brian for bringing me coffee and reminding me to eat the whole time I was sewing!

Bloom: Journal cover tutorial

2009-10-25T19:30:00.000+11:00

Bloom: Journal cover tutorial

Change of Plans

2009-10-24T09:49:00.000+11:00

Back in September I happened upon Nancy Halversons http://www.arttoheart.com/ new fabric range " I believe" range of fabric and her new "I Believe" book. I was immediately captured by the fabric and designs. I had grand plans of completing the I believe quilt for Christmas. Oh to dream!

Well then i rethought my plans around October and decided instead of the quilt i would use the block designs to make placemats for a truly stunning Christmas table setting. Oh to dream!

Then yesterday i announced my plans at a Friday group i attend, was that rolling eyes no surely not, they are far too nice for that. So I set about tracing the first design, selecting fabric from the range, working out borders to achieve the correct size, I machine appliqued the design as I thought due to having to be washed etc. then I stop and thought about it.......................

I was never going to run the risk of letting my family spill food on them or cover them up with a plate! So what now I 'm still thinking maybe someone will get it as a small wall hanging for Christmas.

Winners Really are Grinners

2009-10-21T15:49:00.001+11:00

When I arived home from work today I was delighted to discover a parcel on my doorstep from Sarah Fielke from TheLast Piece. Yes my beautiful giveaway has arrived in super fast time. The Honey Bun is from the new range by French General called "Rouenneries"
I think I would like to make a table runner from it, I'll have to look for a pattern, also in the post was this handy sized quilting calendar already for 2010, full of lovely inspirational ideas. Thanks again Sarah for the giveaway, it really brightened my day. Be sure to visit Sarah at http://www.thelastpiece.net/

"Dolcetto"

2009-10-20T17:01:00.000+11:00

Hi I have just finished this bag from Melly & Me called "Dolcetto" I love the patterns from these two talented designers. The bag is for my daughter, I just need to add some buttons to the sides and it's all done.
My aim at the moment is to finish some projects so that i can start Christmas guilt free! Not sure if I have that much willpower, so much great fabric so little time.

The other really exciting thing to happen today is that I won Sarah Fielke's from http://www.thelastpiece.net/ giveaway of a Honey Bun and calendar . I can't thank her enough for providing this giveaway, can't wait for the postman to arrive.
I hope I am doing all this right. If anyone can give me any pointers i would be very grateful. The other bloggers that I follow have such prety pages, but I'm not sure how to do this. Help!