holiday time

 For those with children or school based jobs you will know it is school holidays.

I must say I have been finding lots of sewing time and also inspiration since I suspended one of my social media outlets. Amazing really.

As I promised I will share some of my Kim Diehl applique blocks. Last week I managed to complete two of the pieced blocks and am hoping to get stuck in to them this week and tick a few more off.

After working on the Joy of Life quilt the pieces in this project seem so tiny but it was still very enjoyable to make. I wanted the same background fabric as was in the original pattern and the only place I could find it was in the USA. The store only had a limited amount and when it arrived about half a metre was discoloured and not fit for purpose. I did receive a refund which didn't really help the fact that I was now short on fabric. I have decided to do the outer borders in a different fabric. Tilda's new range has a lovely fabric that compliments the unusal colour of the applique backgrounds nicely.

(I have just placed some of the red fabrics to have an idea of how the colours will go together)

These are the first four blocks I will share with you. The original pattern had used felted wool for most of the applique with some cottons thrown in, in places. I thought I'd just go cottons for the applique.

(this one looks a little wonky but I am hoping it's just the photo, it is what it is now!)

Recently I felt the urge to do some stitchery. I spotted a pre printed linen from the Birdhouse that looked very cute and had lots of elves to stitch. I had a sewing catch up with friends Friday and thought I'd make a start.

Then it got me thinking how would I put them together?

I thought they'd make very cute snow globes, of which I am very fond of. Years ago I had downloaded a pattern by Sindy Rodenmayer of Fat Cat quilts who generously offered many free patterns.  I searched the computer and found the download. After some tweaking of the patterns and some retail therapy for the backgrounds I was off and running. (oops did I mention that the sashing and border fabrics followed me home too?).

Thanks to Jemima's.

first block done. Base is a little wonky and I don't think I can live with it so it will need redoing!

Looking back through my blog I tried to find a past to do list and happily I don't have any outstanding projects from that list- They have been completed, gotten to flimsy stage or rehomed so I can enjoy making a new list of current works to keep me motivated.

Works in progress.

Mini hearts- no 3 is in the process of being pieced by hand, a lovely slow project with no deadline

Simple Sampler- pieced blocks to be done. 3 down 9 to go

Snow globes/stitcheries- 1 block done, two more stitcheries completed and blocks ready to prep.

Tilda cushion applique designs- free patterns to be made into small quilts. Two done, two more to do

So that is that for my to do list. Not bad I think. Nowhere as large as it used to be but there you go.

Sun is shining here but who knows for how long. I'm off to prep those globe blocks for appliqueing.

Have a great day!

Marina

plodding along

My favourite things blocks are gradually increasing.....

These are the latest blocks I have completed as of a few weeks ago.  The most recent blocks have all been prepped ready to go as have some blocks for two other Red Boots Quilts patterns that I have on the wish list.

Instead of just starting something new I am enjoying prepping something new for when I will want to start them. Only problem is that is how I started the my favourite things blocks.... lol  I had heaps prepped and couldn't resist starting.

I have a list of my works in progress and soon will have one to tick off......

No 3

This comes with a bit of history. A work colleague who took up patchwork after seeing some of my quilts made this gorgeous sew along quilt by Laundry Basket quilts. She is a gun at piecing but hasn't taken to applique. I offered to do the applique borders for her. Who wouldn't love to work with those beautiful blues I ask?

The kit came with glued laser cut pieces that you stick and iron on to the border. Didn't come with a guide for the applique just need to look at the pattern picture. I did my best but the iron on pieces were horrendous to work with. Gumming up the needle and very hard on the fingers. I had done one side and put off continuing as I couldn't bare the  thought of finishing. After a while I got the idea to ask for any scraps from the piecing and to ask if she didn't mind me needle turning instead of the glued pieces.

She gave me the all clear so I got to pulling all the pieces off and unpicking the blanket stitch applique. It was quite a job but I could see the light ahead.

Two borders are complete and now I'm working on this solidly to get it finished for her.

I have sewn the vine on both remaining sides and also the large berries on both.

Now to the leaves!

It didn't come with a deadline but I don't like to dally on others projects. Mind you she has finished another five tops since giving me this one.

Hoping a finish to share soon then it will be back to my list of projects....

Which one to work on?

 Happy days

Marina

a christmas item and a travelling pattern and a list.......

well ring the bells, I have managed to add to my Christmas basket for the first time this year!
Hooray..
two little postcards- Bronwyn Hayes designs.

Now for the travelling pattern.....
Earlier this month I won a travelling pattern from Anthea's blog.
I managed to finish stitching it over the weekend and it just needs to be sewn up into something or framed.
Not sure which just yet.
I have stitched it on Linen, (not sure which count) and used cottage garden threads no 414. This is the same thread I used in the christmas stitchery above.

This pattern started it's journey in South Africa farewelled by Cucki. Since leaving Cucki in 2011 it has travelled to the UK then Poland and more recently to Western Australia and now to Melbourne.
Thanks to Cucki for sharing list bit of fun.
 Anywhoo I can't say it hasn't been fun but it's time to quickly send it on it's way.

Here are the rules if you would like the travelling pattern to visit at your house:

1. You must have a blog. 
2. Comment on this post only, saying you would like the chance to stitch it.
3. You must have an active blog to participate; if you have a blog but never post on it you won't be chosen to be the next stitcher.
4.The stitcher who receives the Travelling Pattern must stitch it within an acceptable time frame, finish it & share the finished piece on their blog. Stitch with your choice of fabric & threads; finish it how you wish.
4.Then the stitcher must offer up the Travelling Pattern for another stitcher to use and it will be off on its travel again. You only send the pattern, no 'extras' are required.

Now that all that stitching has been done it's time to get back to that quilting that just won't go away.

Last post I pondered writing a list of projects that I have on the go....I hope to tick some of these off in April.

. So here goes...

• Sweet stitches winter mini to be quilted  quilted and binding on 28th March
• Sweet stitches  Give thanks to be stitched stitched.
• Sweet stitches Mr Boo to have borders pieced and then quilted borders done, basted ready for quilting.
• Christmas Item for April done!
• Some progress on Park Avenue quilting in the hoop and two flowers quilted. total of 21 all up-27 to go.
• At least a row progress on my novelty hexies toptwo rows of flowers added, just need to add some stepping stones.
• Make up the cross stitcheries into something  travelling pattern framed, two bees made into pincushions.
• Finish Blanket of love- done and sent to Cheryll
• Finish my great nieces quilt-top all pieced needs quilting
• finish quilting my wool applique runner  quilted and bound 26th March

I wonder how many I will get done in April....I will have two weeks of holidays in April so that is going to be a bonus.
I am off now to get stuck in to that wool applique runner, am on the home stretch with that one so I am hoping to get one tick off the list by the weekend!

Happy crafting

Marina

ps don't forget to mention if you would like to win the travelling pattern in your comment and I will draw a winner on the 30th of March.