sandragon's nest

Holiday Pics

2012-01-01T17:44:00.002+10:30

Hi, this is my first post for 2012. It has nothing to do with sewing or quilting, but it was great being at the site of the photo. Just one or two photos from my holiday

From caves around Mount Gambier

Sunken Garden in Mount Gambier

One of the scenic views along the Great Ocean Road, Victoria

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T16:06:00.000+10:30

Well it is 4.00 pm on Christmas Day, and I am sitting in my chair, typing this to wish anyone who visits a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and A HAPPY NEW YEAR

I haven't completed any projects for a while, but KEEP WATCHING THIS SPACE. As there will be lots of things coming this way in the new year.

If you are driving during these holidays, take care

See you in the new year xoxoxo

2011-12-12T01:03:00.001+10:30

Hi all, I thought I would update my blog, and add a couple of photos. I haven't been on for a while, but now am ready to show some more stuff.
Have been on an emotional rollacoaster over the last stressful months. Began with helping my dad change his accommodation to my sisters house, his admission to hospital for 4 weeks, the birth of my 5th grand daughter and finally my fathers death, due to lymphoma & luekaemia. I have had very mixed emotions during the last few months, and am now starting to create things again.

New Grand daughter

Dad and Great Grand daughter age 3 wks

Shirt for Grand daughter age 10

Tangled Yarn

The culprit of previous photo - 15 months old

My comfy socks are no longer, they were too loose, so I have to remake them

Thank you for *listening*. Keep visiting, as there will be more items, knitted, crocheted & quilted. Not all at once, but definately gradually.
Bye for now

Shows, knitting, new ventures, socks, gloves scarves hats

2011-09-11T00:02:00.000+09:30

Well, I have begun knitting with my Alpaca purchases, and it feels so good. The yarn is so soft, and doesn't make me itchy like the pure woollen yarns do. I also feel that I am extremely fortunate with a purchase I made on Friday at the Royal Adelaide Show. It was miserable weather, but the animals were wonderful, especially the goats, alpacas and the reptiles. But, I digress, after communing with the goats and alpacas, I had a conversation with an alpaca owner, and discovered that there were articles of clothing (hats, gloves and scarves, etc) along with yarns and fleeces. I then ventured to the area of sale of these articles, and purchased a hat, scarf and pair of gloves, and then priced a quantity of yarn, for a knitted jacket for myself, and was pleasantly surprised by the cost. So, needless to say iq so purchased the yarn. I had (2 days previous) purchased a small amount of alpaca yarn, to make socks and gloves for my father, and have begun knitting these, and now I want to get these finished, so that I can begin my jacket. If the knitting be ones prolific, I might even begin buying fleece, and spin my own yarn, depends if there is still a spinning wheel within my family.I did take some photos at the show, so if they actually worked, I shall add them to this post later on tomorrow. I arrived home today, after 9 days in Adelaide, so now I will need to do some sorting out, so that I can get back into my sewing room.Well that is all for now, I suppose I should try to get some sleep before the sun comes up again.Blessings to all, and happy creating.

Bits & Bobs for new quilting & knitting projects

2011-09-07T19:22:00.003+09:30

Hi all, have just had a lovely day with sister and neice. Firstly stopped in at a lovely shop, NeedleNook, and purchased some supplies to begin making socks and gloves for my ill (but improving) father. Then on to visit daughter, to return misplaced keys, then to visit father in hospital. This photo is showing a much improved (healthwise) man. He has actually filled out, and is able to walk around his room independently. This photo was taken after a very busy morning and afternoon, so he is looking a little tired.

The following photos include fabric purchased about a month ago, for a project that I am gradually formulating. The fabrics include a Geisha panel, Koi panel, and Spring Garden fabric. The knitting supplies include various knitting needles, various pattern books, and the yarn to make the projects. The grey yarn is pure Alpaca, and is for socks and gloves for my father, and the varigated yarn is made of NZ Merino, Alpaca, nylon and possum. Both yarns feel absolutely beautiful.

I am looking forward to starting work on all of these projects, the gloves and socks will be first.

Blessings to all, and happy creating

The best laid plans of mice & men

2011-08-29T09:03:00.000+09:30

Hi all,

Well I had a lovely afternoon, of knitting and project preparing, planned for my Sunday afternoon. The morning was spent visiting relatives, and taking 3 of my gd's for their weekly treat (if the parents think they have behaved well enough), then to home to relax. My plans were changed, due to a daughter being admitted to hospital for rest & some tests. So had a great afternoon with youngest GD. Daughter is due to have baby in about weeks, and was a little ill, she is due to be discharged today. She is well, all this was precautionary, only
We are now watching cartoons, while waiting for daughter to call. Then it will be knitting or sewing this afternoon.
Well that is all for now, thanks for reading my little notes

Crocheted Rug - UFO

2011-08-28T11:24:00.000+09:30

I began this blanket 4 years ago, but didn't really like it, so put it away. Youngest daughtermoved to Adelaide for Uni, so have now finished it for her. It's pretty basic, but it is now finished.

Upgrading & rejuvenating

2011-08-26T10:55:00.000+09:30

Hi all,
Have had a frustrating few days over the last few weeks. First had arranged for plumber to replace existing shower with a more user friendly one, and secondly, to replace all pipes from house to septic tank (not really a topic for quilting blog, maybe will change name to life blog). Plumber visited to assess & make quote, and didn't return for a fortnight. Shower base replaced on the Friday, hubby & I attempted to put remainder of shower together - Base was 100mm larger than ordered - so contacted retail company, requested remainder of shower be replaced for components to fit base, at no extra cost to us. This was accepted - now waiting for remainder of shower cubicle to arrive. Plumbers supposed to return on following Monday - no show! Contacted company & advised that workers were off sick. Work began, & completed, on Tuesday, now we have a dust bowl in the back yard & the dirt ends up in the house - yay. Anyway, enough rambling, onto something more interesting - making quilts

Blessings to All

Japanese Quilt

2011-08-23T18:51:00.003+09:30

Well, I am slowly getting back into my quilting and other things, after very intermitent work. About 12 months ago, I purchased a beautiful Japanese Quilt Kit. put it aside until I thought I had enough experience and expertise to produce perfect work, but then I decided that it would be ok to start making the blocks, as long as I took it slowly and checked everything for each block many times. I began the first block within a few weeks of purchasing the kit, and have now almost completed this first block, but it is so pretty that I am putting a photo on my blog now. The only part not finished, is the moss at the base of the tree.
So, here is the block that I am very proud of - I thought that I would make a mess of it. Now I can begin the second block. Sorry about the sideways photo, but I don't know how to make it turn

The blocks will be posted as they are finished, then the quilt when it has been completed.

I have set myself a challenge to complete a project every 2 months. I was going to make it every month, but that sounded too close - I will see how it goes.

Blessings to all

Give away at LeKaQuilt

2011-07-26T21:01:00.000+09:30

Hi everyone, drop over to lekaquilt for a very nice give away, it finishes in August

Almost Wedding Ring Quilt Workshop

2011-07-15T21:28:00.002+09:30


This is the pride of my quilting accomplishments. I began this as a rank beginner, in July last year, and finally finished it in June, this year. I was very nervous about attempting this quilt, as it takes me a little while to get the concept of some things (which makes me a little slower at getting things done). On the first day of the workshop, I was so stressed by the whole thing, that I almost did not complete the workshop, but one of the other ladies gave me a bit of moral support & I completed the workshop. I am so proud of the fact that I completed the remainder of the work on the quilt, with very little assistance from anyone else. My grand-daughter loves the quilt - it was supposed to be for her 9th birthday, in October 2010, but she has got it now and it has pride of place on her bed. In this quilt, I have also learnt how to do freehand quilting, and have also been able to add little pictures into the stitching. Unfortunately, I have not taken the photo in a way that will make this feature visible, so I cannot show off that little bit. I will be continuing to practice this skill, as I like the way it looks on the quilt. Well, that is all for this small feature, so until next time, happy sewing and many blessings

Christmas Table Runner

2011-03-22T18:04:00.000+10:30

Hi all, since my last post, I experienced some interesting turns. Firstly, I decided that it was time to retire, and let the yongsters step up to a higher level of responsibility - so now I can sew or quilt whenever I want. The second turn was a car crash - I escaped with no injuries, but the car was written off, so now I have a beautiful new car. On to the photo, this is a challenge for thguid that I attend, and it s a Christmas table runner. My daughter says it looks good, so I am trusting her judgement.

That's all for this post, but I hope to have more projects finished.

This I via mobile phone, so I will probably need to edit when I have internet back on track

New projects and old

2010-07-24T23:17:00.003+09:30

Hi all,

This is a catch up blog of things I have achieved while I have been quiet. Miss Four, my second grand daughter began Kindy this year, and she was a very happy little girl when she received her new kindy bag for Christmas. It was supposed to be for her 4th birthday, which was in February this year, but she needed it before her birthday - hence it became a Christmas gift. The photos of the bag show Miss Four and Miss 20 months. This bag is adapted from a pattern in "Kaleidescope" by Mellie and Me.

The following photos are of a denim bag I made for myself one day when I was feeling very frustrated about the style of bags available in the shops. I used a pair of old childrens jeans, and just cut the legs off and lined the end result. Pockets were added to the inside of the bag, then the strap was added - to the length which I like.

This bag is the first of many bags that I hope to make, as I have many pairs of unwanted jeans, that will make interesting bags of varying sizes.

I have also begun to work on my uncompleted projects, so that I can get ready for new work. I have six projects on the go (not bad for someone who was only going to work on one project at a time)

The first project I am trying to finish is a quilt for Miss T - she has been waiting for this for 2 years. This will be the second quilt I have made, and it is harder than I thought it should have been. The pattern is the Irish Triple Chain - a very simple beginner level quilt - not! I ask you, why begin with an easy quilt when you can drive yourself crazy with a difficult one. The fun is obviously in the challenge - but once begun, it has to be finished, and there is a lot of learning before the final stitch is finished.

When I began this quilt, I bought the material then had to go and buy more, because I didn't get enough. Then it took me a while to get the courage to cut the pattern, as there were so many different patterns for the Triple Chain, and they are all done differently - so that made life real easy for the novice.

Well Miss T still hasn't got her quilt - her birthday is today (24th July), but it is closer to being finished now.
I have progressed from having separate squares of Irish Triple Chain to having the main front panel completed. The next step completed was securing the panel to the wadding and the quilt backing, and now I have finally got the border of the quilt in place. The quilt was supposed to have two boardering colours, but there has been a change in plan and it now only has the one colour. I decided that there was plenty of white in the quilt already. There are only two remaining steps for the quilt to be completed, and they are for the edge of the quilt to be hand sewn, so that the black edging is completely connected to the turquoise (not teal) boarder, and then the addition of some free hand (machine) quilting for the finishing touch. I am hoping to have the final touches completed before the end of next week, show it to the ladies at Guild (with all the faults intact), then give it to my daughter on the weekend - and hope that she really does like it. The photos below show the quilt before the boarder was put in place. Completed quilt photos will be posted later, hopefully with other project work.

Blessings to all, and may the threads be kind

Cheers

Ellice

Winnings

2010-06-24T00:11:00.000+09:30

Here I am again, but this time it is not to show something I have made, but to show the beautiful quilt that I won from a raffle at a "Biggest Morning Tea". It was donated to the cause by a member of the Quilting Guild of which I am a member. This is the first item I have won for quite a number of years.

It isn't a very good photo, but I will put a better one on later

Cheers

Help needed urgently!

2010-05-23T14:58:00.000+09:30

I am finally back from an extended beak from serious computing, and I need a little bit of assistance from anyone out there who does tapesty, and knows how to clean it. I have 4 small famed tapestries, which were made by one of my sisters, for another of my sisters, and they need cleaning. I don't want to take them out of the frames, cos then they would need to be reframed. The receiving sister is now deceased, and her daughter inherited them, and wants to return them to her aunt as a 60th birthday present - she did want me to reframe them as well, but each tapestry is stitched onto the backing, then famed, so I am not happy to do that - but they do need to be cleaned - is there an easy and quick way to do this?

Any information regarding this will be gratefully accepted.

Blessings to all

Sewing mat challenge.

2009-09-27T18:56:00.001+09:30

Whew, I made it. Not quite the mat that I wanted to present, but it does the job and the butterflies will make me feel extra wonderful when I am sewing.

This is an interim sewing mat, as I was fast running out of time to finish the challenge, so threw together this very basic mat. I am continuing to work on the mat that I want (it has a few little embellishments included), but this one was made so that I could complete the challenge.

There are just too many birthdays etc in the next few months, combined with Christmas and work (really gets in the way of sewing), I need another 6 hours each day, at least. Unfortunately, this will be the last challenge for me, until after February. All b'days complete until the last 4 months of the year, so now I will be concentrating on the gifts for my daughters and grand daughters.

Blessings to all

Ellice

Celebrating launch of "Gum Tree Designers"

2009-09-16T09:38:00.000+09:30

Head on over to Jenny's and check out the give away for the launch of the "Gum Tree Designers". It looks pretty good.

Blessings

Ellice

Gifts for kids

2009-09-15T18:17:00.000+09:30

So here I am again with some more of my projects finished. I didn't think they were going to work out very well, but I quite like them. The dress and bloomer sets are from Amy Butler's "Little stitches for little one's" and the bag is from "Mellie & Me" The mum's of the little one's think the dress sets are very cute, and I am hoping Miss 8 likes her gift.

That's all for this session, now onto another project or three.

Blessings

Ellice

Made by Rae Jackpack Backpack GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-09-12T03:08:00.003+09:30

Made by Rae Jackpack Backpack GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Well here I am again, with another give away entered. There is another one at
http://bittybitsandpieces.blogspot.com/ to check out. So go for it people.

3.30 am:- no projects to pin, no room to cut out other projects and the eyes aren't seeing clearly enough to complete stitching projects, so I shall return to bed, hopefully to get some sleep before returning to work at 7.00 am. So that will be good night from me, I hope everybody is having a great sleep. :o

Blessings

Ellice

"Sweet Nostalgia" Giveaway

2009-09-09T22:37:00.000+09:30

Just a quick note to say :- step on over to Dorothy Baker's blog and check out her "Sweet Nostalgia" Giveaway The BOM is so sweet. Just click on the links in this text, or click on the BOM button on the side.

Blessings

Ellice

090909

2009-09-09T12:04:00.001+09:30

Nothing to show for now, on this auspicious day.

Blessings

Ellice

(just had to do it, 9 words for this day)

Do you like give-aways?

2009-09-06T03:19:00.000+09:30

Check out Missy Mack's site for her wonderful 100th blog give-away, and while you are there check out her site.

Ellice

Give-away wonders from around the world

2009-08-30T22:29:00.000+09:30

Have just been checking out a few blogs that I happened on, and found some very pretty give-away's. If you want a little purse, head on over to LeKaQuilt she has some gorgeous little bags, in all sorts of colours.

There is another give-away at Drommequilten check it out - a lovely little bag and Moda Posh.

And the third give-away for tonight is at Mama Spark's world and is for a stack of Robyn Pandolph Folk Art Christmas 3 containing 21 Fat quarters, so check it out.

Blessings

Ellice

Costumes and fun

2009-08-29T22:42:00.000+09:30

Ok, so this is the second post for the day, but I have been busy creating - the previous one isn't that pretty, but it does what it is meant to. Anyway, onto this posting. My eldest gd's have been to dress-up parties, and had cardboard capes to go with their costumes, so grandma to the rescue - and 2 new capes for vampire costumes. I can see them being worn to many more parties

Now on to the next lot of projects.

Blessings to all

Sewing machine cover - only creator can love this one!

2009-08-29T22:19:00.000+09:30

I have finally finished my sewing machine cover for the "August Sewing Machine Cover Challenge" from Jenny of Elefantz. It's not the most beautiful in the world. It is a bit rough and ready, , and it goes with the native environment, and it will keep the machine dust free and clean. I have also used material that I have had for about 15 years, and only found it the other day when I was looking for my Overlocker (in the shed) - I hadn't seen that for about 10 years. The appliqué came from a set of placemats that have never been used, and would have been thrown out if I hadn't started quilting. Anyway, the cover is now finished, and the Overlocker feels loved again - she is going for a service in November when the technician comes to town. I will be able to make her feel useful again after that.

Blessings to all

Fabric acquisitions - part II

2009-08-26T10:14:00.002+09:30

Well here I am again with the next lot of photos of my (I think) beautiful stash, including the books purchased to help with ideas for the projects.

The projects I plan to complete include:- Kimono style pj's, Jumper dress with bloomers, Concertina book, the baby blocks, Brag book, Family Album, Travel bibs with carry bag, and probably most of the items in the book, they are so cute, and I have 100 years to fill in with sewing - haven't I. The patterns seem to be fairly simple to do also. Haven't looked at the "Stitches" book properly yet.

Now I just need to work out how to manage the updated version of composing a posting - so I can put the information next to the appropriate photo.

Well that is the end of the new additions to the stash, and the last additions for a while (unless absolutely necessary)

Blessings to all

Fabric Aquisitions - Part I

2009-08-26T08:39:00.004+09:30

This is the first part of photographic evidence of my ever expanding fabric stash. I never thought I was a shopaholic, but am rapidly reviewing my thoughts on this. After re-arranging my work/guest room (see previous blog), and beginning on the shed :)), I have found fabric I had forgotten about. Sooooo now I have put a block on myself. I am not allowing myself to buy any more fabric until I have used at least half of what I have accumulated. I hope this doesn't take too long, cos the fabric makers are producing more and more beautiful fabrics, and I want them.

Fat quarters purchased for various projects that are in the process of beginning. These projects are from Amy Butler's "Little stitches for little ones". I also have purchased her "Stitches" book, and some of those projects will also be completed.

These fabrics are designated for a couple of vampire capes for my two eldest grand-daughters. The oldest of the pair attended a dress-up party, and was a vampire, but only had a cardboard cape (mum forgot that grandma was a stitcher). Now both girls will have a beautiful cape to play in. Not sure if the colour difference in the material is evident, but seen in real life, they are so different, and soooo silky - delicious!

These fabrics are also designated for various projects - little girl dresses, baby clothes and some toys. Some of it may even make it to other useful items - binder covers, kids travel bags - just to name a few - just need to get the mind working for outcomes.

Part II to follow

Blessings to all

Update on Sewing room and Guest room transformation

2009-08-25T21:11:00.003+09:30

Well, the attempt to make a user friendly sewing room come guest room seems to be a pipe dream at this moment in time, for two (2) reasons:- (1) The room is not big enough, and (2) there is just too much stuff - furniture, material, sewing machines (over-locker & regular machine) toys for grandchildren. I think I need a new house (or I could make myself accept the offer of a new room - DH is a bit reticent in agreeing with this tho". I have tried to tell him that it is cheaper than a new house - no luck at this time; so will keep trying (insert evil chuckle here, please)

Sorry, no follow-up pictures of my poor, sad room.

Blessings

Ellice

Addition to post:- I am having another think about this room, and I will give it another go - my lovely sister might visit and help with ideas :)

2009-08-22T22:58:00.007+09:30

Well the embroideries for my first stitchery quilt are coming along nicely, and the third on is now completed. The fourth one has been put on hold for a week or so, I have quite a few projects that need to be completed in the next few months - birthdays and Christmas - the birthdays begin in October, the next in November then 3 in December and, of course, Christmas. I then get a break til February, when I have two more birthdays. And the cycle continues - but it is all fun, especially trying to decide what to make for each girl. While they are tiny, it is easy.

That is it for this session, next few sessions I will show the yummy fabrics recently added to my ever growing stash.

Blessings

Ellice

Jenny of Elefantz give-away

2009-08-10T01:08:00.004+09:30

Check it out, it is totally beautiful - swing by her blog and check out the contents of the giveaway to decide if you want to enter, just vist Jenny of Elefantz

Cheers

Ellice

Sewing rooms & guest rooms

2009-08-10T00:36:00.007+09:30

Last weekend was wonderful, having spent it with my sister and three of her daughters, and also had help sorting out my sewing machine - it was giving me grief and not being helpful at all - I was getting ready to trade it in on a different brand of machine. The problems have all been sorted, and I have made friends with my machine - have even given her the name of Xantha, so a new friendship has finally begun. I have two old sewing machines which I am now going to clean and (hopefully) get working properly again. If that happens, one machine will be gifted to either D4 or D5, and sewing lessons will be included with the gift. If not, I will have two spare machines to play with, instead of one.

The other activity (for want of a better word) I have begun, is the transformation of a spare room into a serviceable workroom come guest room. For this to be totally workable, I will need to take out a built in shelving wardrobe, and build some floor to ceiling shelves, so that I can store everything in a logical and orderly manner. That task was begun today, then I thought that I might just put in a pictorial log of the progress, so the room at the beginning of the transformation are as follows.

Well, what a mess, now all I need to do is to be really tough on myself and get rid of the stuff that I haven't seen for a few years. Then build some floor to ceiling shelves, and stack everything properly so that it is easily found - a place for everything and everything in its place (omg, what have I let myself in for???)
Keep posted for the continuing saga of the room transformation, and also for any more completed projects. Should be simple [:0

Thanks for visiting, and keep the creative juices flowing.

Ellice

Baby quilts and bags

2009-08-08T08:57:00.005+09:30

First two stitcheries for baby quilt #1 finished. Only about 14 to go.

Appliquéd front and back panels for D4's nappy bag, photos below show the progress of the construction of the bag.

This section of photos show the completed bag from all aspects. All that is needed now is to add decorative closures for each of the pockets.
N0w I just hope that my daughter likes it, and it is as useful as I hope it will be (is there enough space for all the requirements for the baby on an outing?)

One more project completed, lots more to go...............

This is a wonderful weekend, I have my sister and 3 nieces visiting. We are now waiting for all to be ready, so that we can visit the younger mothers of the family, and their babies. They are so cute (but I'm really not biased)

Well that is it for this session, on to some more creations hahaha

To borrow from "Mellie & Me" - May the floss (or your choice of medium) be with you

Ellice

Fibonacci patterns in quilting

2009-08-07T06:37:00.003+09:30

Just a general query, hoping some one can help me with. Has anyone made a quilt using the Fibonacci number sequencing to dictate the pattern? Does anyone have information on where I can get instruction for this patterning? I have searched the internet, and there are instructional workshops, and am about to visit the local library, but so far have had no can help me with this request.

Cheers

Ellice

No sew weekend

2009-07-24T23:33:00.004+09:30

Had plans of sewing lots of things this weekend, prior to returning to work after a few weeks holiday, but this has been curtailed. Have had the pleasure of looking after two grandchildren today, and D4, husband and baby (5.5m) arrived to stay for the next two nights, and am having 3 oldest grandchildren (7y, 3y, 8.5m) staying on Saturday night. Which leaves absolutely no time for sewing, but plenty of time for fun and laughter. Will have Monday to recover (and sew), then back to work (and time budgeting) on Tuesday.

Next post in a few days.

Ellice

2009-07-21T19:40:00.009+09:30

Hi everyone,

As you can see I am back from my short holiday, and have begun my next project - a pair of pillowcases for D3. The quilt will be a Christmas present, as I only have 3 days to finish the pillow cases (I will have to pack some sewing in over the next couple of days) I have cut the patches out, now I only need to sew them together.

Didn't have the opportunity to take many photos during my small

break, so there are no photos of that, but I did do a little shopping while in WA. Found a lovely little shop in Midlands, and brought some panels to make 3 rag books, 1 Hoppy the Kangaroo and 2 Paddington Bear panels, for 3 of the daughters (3y, 8m & 6m)

and also a panel (Three little Kittens) from Beatrix Potter's range for D5(17y) [her choice]

I also got a couple of doggy bags of some very bright, kid material scraps - I think they are gorgeous, and suit the personality of miss3 perfectly, now I just need to find where I can get some larger pieces of the more interesting pieces.

First project finished at last :)

2009-07-06T18:36:00.003+09:30

Have finally finished Claire's quilt, just in time to go away for a holiday. This is the first major project completed, now I can get on with finishing a few minor projects, and starting the next major project. Minor projects will include assorted toys for younger g'children, and a kindy bag for miss 3, and a pretty bag for miss 7. Also will start work on the quilt and pillow case set for miss T. I am hoping to have these completed for birthdays and Christmas. Of course all the birthdays are close to Christmas, so I should have plenty of time to do these - that is the plan anyway, but every one knows that the best laid plans of mice and men often go astray :)))

Here is the photo of Claire's finished quilt, very assymetrical, but I like the effect. Miss 7 is helping with the display

Small achievements

2009-06-23T19:04:00.005+09:30

Well here I am again, with my next achievements. I am feeling very pleased with myself, as I have completed my first piece of quilting - I am not really happy with it, and I might even unpick the quilting stitches, but that remains to be seen.

Stitchery Caddy

My other achievement is the completion of the first embroidered piece for my next quilt - there are now between 10 and 12 to go. hopefully these quilts will be finished before the babies are adults :))Always in my heart

Now onto the next component of the quilt.

Adding to tools and stash

2009-06-12T17:46:00.008+09:30

Well, had a great day today. Shopping with MIL, and brought lots of goodies. Additions to my tiny stash (have a number of projects I want to start - just need more hours in the day), some much needed tools, and some beautiful threads for my stitcheries.

Can I have a new coat, please?

Got the material for D3's "Power Quilt"

Andre had to give his approval to the choice -

not too impressed about "Power" colours coming into a "Crows" house though.

Have just finished recalculation of material requirements for D3's quilt, and, woe is me, did not buy enough material. Now need to take another trip on Monday to remedy the situation. I think I will do the calculations a few times before I get the materials next time.

That's it for today, I think I will leave this alone for a while, and sort out the materials and get them ready for the projects.

Ellice

Quilts and little dogs

2009-06-11T18:46:00.008+09:30

Have just started to get all the material ready for Makeesha's quilt, she is almost 4 months old, so I hope to have it finished before she turns 1. The pattern for this quilt is from the "Little Chicken Feather" book, but I am not sure if I am using the elements from the "boy" quilt or the "girl" quilt. It will possibly end up as a combination of the two - I will just have to wait and see which way my creative (???) juices flow. Keep checking for further updates.
I am also about to make some dog jackets for the winter. I have a chihuahua - Andre, and one of my daughters has a small bitsa - Rex, and they both get very cold now that winter is here, so jackets are the way to go, I think.
All Claires' quilt needs now, is to be sewn to the backing and then quilted. I think this may sound easier than it is actually going to be. Oh well, nothing ventured, nothing gained; and I am not one to give in easily, so I shall see what happens, and if I am still sane at the finish of it.

Blissfully stitching

Sleepless nights

2009-06-10T03:52:00.009+09:30

Thanks for the welcomes, I hope you don't find this boring as I find new things that I can fill my time with, until the next bout of study happens.

I have finally finished this little friend house, I don't think I will use it for its' original destination though, will give it some thought for future use. Have also started the panel which is associated with this, but the photo didn't work, hence it is not here, maybe when it is completed.

Rosalie Quinlan's "Welcome Friend"

Sleep free nights have pretty much become a common factor in my life over the last few years, but now they are more interesting. I have just finished pinning my quilt front to the backing, ready for me to get the courage to sew together. The pinning was done on the kitchen table, haven't got a dedicated sewing room yet, so have to get creative about how I do some things. Pinning in progress, hope it works

Pinning completed, just hope it works

Well that's it for another day (night). Off to the dentist in am, check on happenings in the face, possible infection (hope not though). Oh well, what will be will be, just get on and deal with it........

Good night all, till next post

Ellice

Sewing again at last

2009-06-08T19:33:00.003+09:30

Have at last finished my assignments, until the next course starts, and have finished the panel for my grand daughters quilt and spent the afternoon pinning it to the backing. I have also finished the stitching for a needlecase, but I don't know if that is what it will end up being yet. Photos will be added soon

I am now sorting through other small projects to see what I will begin next (to work on between quilts). I will be getting the stitching panels ready for 3 more baby quilts, this time with baby patterned materials.

That's all for now

Blessings to all

Ellice

Freeing up time

2009-06-05T13:58:00.000+09:30

At last, am just about to complete and send off my last assignment for the current course. Once that is done, I will have some time to spend on my quilts and stitchery projects. I am really looking forward to that. Stitching will start again tonight, hooray!!!!!

Until next time

Ellice

Works in progress

2009-06-03T16:41:00.001+09:30

Hi again,

Having thought much about this over the last few days, I have decided that I may as well use this tool, even if I am the only one who sees it. The projects I am working on at this time include a quilt for one of my grandchildren, and a small stitchery project from "Rosalie Quinlan" designs. I am going to attempt to add photos of these projects in the various stages of completion. I just need to find the tools to do this. I have just checked out the icons at the top of the page, and guess what? There is an "add photo"icon; how good is that!!!!

Cheers

Judi

Claire's quilt

This is my first effort, so not very good at it yet. I hope the future ones will be much better.

Rosalie Quinlin stitchery project "Welcome Home"

A new and exciting venture for me

2009-05-31T22:35:00.000+09:30

Well, I seem to be following my younger sister again, but what the heck and who cares. I have been contemplating this for a while, and still don't know what I am doing here. This first note is just to say hi, more will be added as I get some photos of works in progress.

I am not a story writer, and I am not good at putting ideas to paper, but there is always time to learn a new skill. My official studies are coming to an end in one area, and beginning in another area, so I am hoping to have more time to commit to my own leisure and creativity.

I am interested in many things, a few being the use of essential oils, natural soaps and household cleansers, and also natural health products. Quilting is a re-invention of sewing for me. In years gone by, I was an unofficial seamstress, and it was hard to come to terms with buying beautiful material and cutting this up into small pieces, only to sew it back together in a large panel. I have achieved this aim, and am now in the process of making this panel into a baby's quilt. This will be the first one I have made from scratch. The only other quilt I have made, was made from stitching samples from the lessons I received when I purchased my first sewing machine (many years ago). Well this is the end of my first blog, sorry about the lack of photos, I hope to have some for the next time I post on here. I don't know how often that will be yet, but that will get worked out.

Cheers

Ellice