Monday 25 January 2016

all good things...

.....must come to an end. Yes the wonderful holidays are on the verge of ending and I must say they have been wonderful. Catch ups with wonderful friends, lots of sewing time and lots of relaxing and leisure time.
What more can you ask for?
I have had  progress on some forgotten projects and that always is a good way to end the holidays.
There has also been a start on a new project, of course!
First the finishes...
these stitcheries have been waiting for a while to be done... now to make them into something.
The designs are from Urban Threads..

some serious work on my mini clamshells...saw them all used up into one big piece.
 love the way they all sit nestled into one another..
The fabric was a gorgeous charm pack sent to me by Susan (of thimblestitch) quite a while ago.
this treasure has been sitting waiting for some leaves to be sewn down on the border and the corner flowers.
Most of them are done then it can go off to be quilted and join it's partner on the wall.

Now for that something new...this lovely quilt is a design from Irene Blanck's book. I don't enjoy machine piecing as much so I am determined to get all the checkerboard blocks done before I can start the applique blocks. There are only 7 more to go but the strips are all prepped ready to just be pinned and sewn. It's quite time consuming especially if you want to match your corners.

 the background blocks for the appliques are prepped too... the large spots might be a little dark so I will just reverse the fabrics so they will be more subtle. The spots are a gorgeous buttery yellow and soft sage green. Some mini dots in the green are on their way from The new fabric shop in Eltham. That's where I bought the large spot.
 all neatly away to wait for the next sewing session...

Now just one more surprise...
I really wanted to have the clamshells made into 'something' before I returned to work so I got my thinking cap on and there were a few options but i went with a large purse. The frames were on hand but I couldn't find the pattern to make the purse so had to add lib a little. It isn't perfect but that's ok...
I ended up putting the frame back to front as I wanted the clasp to be on the other side but giving it a second glance in the photo it doesn't work too badly.

so that is it for now....
Very satisfying to have cleared some ufo items.
Happy Australia day tomorrow....
Cheers
Marina

26 comments:

  1. Love your flag Marina. This has been in my list to do for far too long. The clamshell purse is fabulous, you have achieved so much over the holidays. Best wishes for a productive 2016.

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  2. your purse looks great.....well done on finishing some ufo's..........

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  3. My you have been busy, isn't it just great when you get some long term or forgotten projects finished....I especially love your clamshell purse and love the colours for your nee quilt :) Barb.

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  4. Hi Marina ,I always love seeing what you are up to. Your work is always amazing,I love your new purse,well done my friend xx

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  5. Wow! Great finishes ... you really made the most of the holidays.
    Happy Australia Day

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  6. Looking forward to the next holidays Marina,we enjoyed a lovely catch up.
    I love your Clamshell purse.
    Cheers R.

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  7. Wow so productive, love your clam shell purse the fabrics and colours look fabulous !

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  8. So many lovely projects you have been doing. Looove your purse. I love browns and teals together. Even a patchwork flag!

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  9. Absolutely gorgeous clamshell purse Marina - when do you want our orders :):)

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  10. Well done on the UFO finishing!! Love the clam shells...I think I have your pattern here...I borrowed it the time before last we were at your place for sewing...should have returned it this month!!! Sorry Marina!! I have much grovelling to do!!! The purse looks amazing despite the lack of pattern!!! Your new project looks interesting!! Your seams are beautifully matched!! Good luck for the return to work tomorrow. :-)

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  11. You have made great use of your holiday hours. Those clamshells were just a piece of "fabric" last time I saw them. The purse looks fabulous. And you know I love the checkerboard blocks, just overgrown 9 patches really!

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  12. You really have made the most of you time. Lovely to see the progress on your quilts, new and old, as well as the stitchery. The clam shells are wonderful and I love the way you have used them in your purse. That is lovely!
    Hope the work year starts off well for you. I know it is always hectic but I hope it is smooth sailing. Good luck.

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  13. If I send you my matching charm pack will you turn it into a purse for me? Lovely idea, the clamshells work perfectly for your design. You have had very productive holidays, hope you can ease back into work.

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  14. Huge amount of things achieved in your holidays and everything is beautiful.

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  15. Super awesome projects
    Big hugs x

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  16. I loved your clamshells - gorgeous colours, but I loved them even more when I saw the finished purse! It's really stunning. Sorry the holidays are over for you but it looks like you have put them to good use. xx

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  17. what lovely projects you have... how funny are your stitcheries... great.. and wonderful use of the clamshells. glad you had such a great and successful holiday time....
    Hugz

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  18. Love all your work. Not too long till the next holidays!

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  19. I love your clamshell purse - it's beautiful (both sides), and so many other fun finishes. Looking forward to seeing more of your new start. Such a shame when holidays end.

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  20. Very productive holidays Marina and your clamshell purse is beautiful. Your new project is going to be stunning

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  21. Beautiful projects as usual Marina. Can't wait to see the progress on your newie. How beautiful are your clamshells.....and the purse is just plain gorgeous! I have to lots of clamshell papers just need to get the courage as I love them. Hope work is kind and not to much of a slog...always tiring after hols xx

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  22. Lots of great work accomplished... and I love your purse! It looks perfect!

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  23. What a busy lady you have been. I love all your projects. Need a workshop to learn how to make the clam shells and the purse!

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  24. Waauw youre stitchery pattern are beautifull , and youre clamshell purse also geourgius .
    Youre New project with the lovely blocks will it be a big project ?

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  25. Well that was a productive holidays...I need a lie down just reading all you got done! ha ha...seriously in swoon with the clamshell purse, so much to love, clamshells and blue/brown combo...

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