pretty flowers everywhere..

these lovely flowers have been decorating my home.  Aren't they gorgeous. It looks a little like a florist...

....and the reason for this floral abundance? let's just say that a certain number has increased by one digit.

 this long weekend has been quite a busy one but I have been diligently stitching..
During the week this Once upon a time block had to get finished before I could start my Sweet Stitches mini.

 Little Miss Red Riding Hood..

 my what big eyes you have Grandma..

 once that was done it was time to get stuck into this project.

 I was a little worried about the flag being too small but I think it will do just nicely.
If anyone else making the 'Sweet Liberty' mini would like an Australian flag to add to their stitchery, I have a plenty of that fabric that I would be more than happy to share. Please let me know and I can send you a piece of fabric with a flag or two.

I forgot to show off this finish too. I did get it done in time to take it for show and tell to Mill Rose get together. I love the jigsaw puzzle quilting.

A little parcel had been waiting to be opened on Friday too.

this gorgeous pincushion and scissor keep made just for me by my lovely friend Els.  She also included some cross stitch projects that I will show off once I complete them. A perfect project for the next holidays I think?

such beautiful little crosses...

A lovely short working week this week, bonus!

I need to focus on Swan Lake this week I think. It will be a nice break from stitchery. There are also a couple of minis needing quilting. All in good time!

have a wonderful week!

marina...

up to date....

Well I am officially up to date with two projects and I have reached a milestone with one of them.
Drum roll please.... Four dolly borders completed for Swan Lake. I just can't believe it. When I was pressing the pieces for the photo I found some little arms that hadn't been appliqued completely. Must have been distracted. Fixed them up quick smart.
As soon as I can consult my technical advisor I will be getting the next borders ready to go. Just need to get the last ten hexie flowers done too. I was thinking of putting a yo yo instead of a circle in between the dollies as their carry basket. Must find that yo yo maker....

 three little pigs are finished and they look very cute and industrious.

 I have placed all the once upon a time blocks together to get an idea of where I am at, I reckon over half way-yippee. Yes that furry bit at the top of the pic belongs to Miss Maisie doing her mandatory cat scan of any new crafting that is placed on the bed.

Got some new hexie flowers from donated fabrics stitched up to add to the stash.... they had been sitting all prepped ready to go. Had to make another Snow White one.

 I have also been appliqueing the circles for the Dr Seuss quilt. Just took a little nudge and there you go they were done. Don't know why I procrastinated so much?

 Once the applique was all done it was only a very short step to get it to this...

All ready to go to the quilters! I think that will be on next weeks to do list.
 I think I can indulge in something new, guilt free, after all it is holiday time. Just means I will add another project into the monthly rotation.
Next week is free for all week.
woo hoo!
Happy stitching
Marina

a little link if you want a feel good giggle....
saw this on a tv show and had to check it out on youtube.
just love it.

a day with the wonderful Dr Seuss

Sunny days, lazy sleep ins, walks, sewing time, time to do what you want.... it doesn't get better than this.
On Sunday my twin great nephews were christened and I thought a little quilt each from my Dr Seuss stash would be perfect. Of course you know what they say about good intentions..... well she had to settle for an iou, quite happily I might add.
With holidays happening I knew I could deliver.
Last night with the Brownlow medal on television it was a perfect opportunity to get the machine out and get the cut squares made up.
A little more time at the machine today and they are done. Now I need a trip to gj's for some wadding and backing and I am cooking with gas!
I also got No 1 son's partially sewn top out and finished adding the last row. It needed something more so we thought some black borders would give that little bit more width. I had seen a Dr Seuss quilt on the net that had added uniform sized circles on black strips going across the quilt and thought this would work on the side borders. I used different size circles and they have come up a treat. Now to applique them all!
Roll the film ...

 they are simple and were quick to sew up, I think the fabric looked better in bigger blocks so you got most of the print. It's all so bright and busy I just love it.

 No 1 Son's quilt. He had suggested I make computer covers for his class room from my stash of dr Seuss, I didn't have the heart or inclination to waste the fabric on that so he settled for a quilt. Much more agreeable to that idea!

 Seeing as the sun was shining I wanted to wash my Quilters Journey quilt. I made this in 2006. The first quilt I made as a block of the month. I spent ages collecting fabrics and as I was a relative beginner some of the piecing was quite a challenge for me too. I absolutely love this quilt and made it just for me. I was a little scared to wash it but as it is out on the couch a lot of the time it does get used and people sit against it a lot. Fear subsided and it washed up a treat and is now drying in the shade.

Here are some more pics just because...
the back,

 my attempt at stipple quilting by hand.

And this just sums it all up!

Happy days!
cheers
marina