back to the grind

 It's been three weeks back at work and my blogging intentions have been impeded by the daily grind.

Not that there isn't anything to share........ just after working at a computer all day it's not something I want to be doing once I get home.

The sun is shining in Melbourne today and there is time to share my bits and bobs.

first off I'll share some new starts..

First block of this project came together pretty quickly. The joys of large pieces

Next is my Owl and Hare stitcheries. I have had the printed linen sitting there for quite a bit and thoguth now is the time to start it. It's been a long time since I have done a stitchery project. I consider my Petite poche more an embroidery project.

lovely stitcheries to work on, not quite sure how they will come together but there is plenty of time to decide that......

Nearly all the trees have had some quilting around them.... Then the borders will need some quilting too. More big stitches with pearl thread. Lovely

Some crochet distraction happening too.... using up some leftovers.

and finally a little blanket for Little Miss' toy pram. Peppa Pig approved!

Finally some pics from a visit by my little festive friends who popped in for Christmas in July at work....

Up to their usual shenanigans..

Happy days

Marina

The New year

 Well Happy New Year to you all in blogland. The festive season is done and dusted and the elves left for the North Pole bright and early on Christmas Day but not before they had seen the Chrsitmas Carols. I was sad to see them go as they have been great company over December... but the time had come.

The New Year seems to have left my Mojo behind again but I'm hoping to fire up soon so that the holidays are not wasted. It's been pretty quiet here and as there are so many Covid cases I am trying not to go out too much.

The only needle work I have managed was some hearts, bringing them to a grand total of just over 500 hearts.

They definitely need some sewing together!

Had some fun with my May Gibbs fabrics

Hope the new Year has started off well for you all 

Happy sewing

Marina

Christmas decorating

Lots of Christmas decorating and elf antics happening here but not much crafting sadly.

Tiring days at work and time seeming to escape me have all contributed but only two more weeks to go to holidays.

Hope you my Christmas happiness....

The Elves landed on Wednesday and they arrived in style-by air balloon and by parachute.

Unfortunately our parachutist had a little accident and needed some medical attention but luckily we had a nurse and doctor on hand. He is recovering well.

Hope you're finding some Christmas joy at your place!

Happy sewing 

Marina

 

happy mail and a finish

 On Saturday I went to pick up my monster quilt from Jemima's quilting.

I was very happy with the quilting and as this is for a work colleague I felt edge to edge would be perfect.

Quilted chevrons give the coverage but don't take away from applique.  The photos were taken on a quite gloomy morning so don't do the fabrics justice. It has been delivered to a very happy little 4 year old boy.

There was a wonderful surprise delivered this week by the postie.

Fiona (bubz rugz) sent a little surprise to contribute to my Elf addiction. Thankyou Fiona x

I think they are very happy with their gift....

Elf show and tell

finishing off a second quilt

Nothing beats sewing with friends.

Happy Days

Marina

Machine time

 Today I got to have some machine sewing time with my 9 patch blocks.

The top with the scrappy squares is together and I am thinking it is big enough so need to play catch up with the red and cream blocks. The cream larger blocks are from a French General metre I had but I panicked a little as I don't think there will be enough for the larger 9 patch blocks so a stash search turned up two solid pieces of French General in a cream and taupe so disaster averted.

So love the reds and cream.

I managed about 10 blocks today and they are all trimmed ready to sew into bigger blocks.

Here's a little elf preview  

Some footwear that arrived in the mail.......

Happy days.... better get my skates on and get ready for dinner

Marina

Sewing at leisure

 Days are rolling by and before I know it holidays will be over and it will be very interesting to see what the new school term will bring in regards to lockdown restrictions. The combination of on-site and off-site working has been a positive experience overall. No travel time, no interruptions on the up side, but no company on the down side. It's all a balancing act.

Sewing has been a feature of the lockdown and I have been concentrating on quilting my clamshells. I am over half way. On Saturday Chooky organised a zoom sewing get together and I joined in. It was lovely to see old friends and meet some new ones too. I have been missing my sewing get togethers with my sewing buddies and this was a great happiness boost. Thankyou Chooky for doing these.

While on  zoom Jo was handquilting as well and she had already bound her quilt. I thought this was a great idea so bound my Clamshells too. It's so much neater to handle but it just means I can't use the hoop near the edges.

I don't think I showed the whole of my novelty hexies quilt that I recently finished.

It feels good to complete these long term ufos.

I have also started sewing my second lot of monsters onto their backing fabric.

This shirting was a super bargain at Spotlight which ended up being about $5 per metre. 

I've found some great bargains on quality fabrics there and bought up enough to use for backings.

The backing for the clamshells was another great buy. I love it's vintage feel which compliments 'Scrappy' perfectly.

Onto the surrounding circles next!

Last year I got a little Elf on the Shelf Crazy and this year is looking like it's going to be even more crazy! I love displaying them in the office at School and the children love coming to see what they are up too. I've done a little lockdown shopping for accessories as I haven't had much fabric shopping so have channelled it to my Elf obsession.

If anyone is looking for sites to buy reasonably priced accessories for their Elf these two sites are amazing.....

My Magical Moments and My little elf store

Great service and gorgeous knick knacks. As it gets closer to Christmas I'll be sure to share my Elf's antics. Here's a little flashback to last year...

Look for the silver lining 

Marina

roll onto Christmas

 There has been little time for blogging or visiting blogs over the past few weeks.

Work is done for 2020 thank goodness and there have been some other issues keeping me away but hopefully now there will be more time for my favourite things.

Not a lot of crafting to show but I have lots of plans so stay tuned.  I have some lovely gifties to share from crafty friends.

Get ready for a marathon of photos

A lovely ornament from Michelle....

this lovely project keeper with a little project included from Annie from my sewing buddies.

Elyte made me this gorgeous sewing pouch with beautiful auriful cottons. Love the blues!

A work bud that I accidentally got hooked onto patchwork dropped in a surprise gift. Stunning fabrics for a beautiful runner! I couldn't believe it.

she included this supercute zipper pouch with some liberty fabrics to add to my stash!

I wanted to make a quick little quilt for our little princess as she had to undergo some serious surgery, thankfully all went perfectly and she is recovering well thanks to the amazing expertise and care at the Royal Children's Hospital. A large square of hearts had been started so I got to it and sewed up some more to make it 18 X 18 hearts, hand quilted it this week and dropped it off today.

A quilt of love from Nana

I have been quite enamoured with the Elf on the Shelf craze and got much entertainment and joy from setting up the elves in our school office. There are some amazing accessories too..... 

 The children's reactions are just priceless. At home I will continue to set them up and I have been facebooking the pics. I thought I would share some here too.  Next year I am hoping little princess will be suitably enthusiastic about them too.

If I don't get here again this week a Very Happy and safe Christmas to all, hope you get to spend it with loved ones.

cheers for now

Marina