Hello!

Hope you all had a good Easter, I enjoyed a technology free time.

It snowed here yesterday!  Made me glad to be in and for the first time in a long time I have managed a finish.

Last night I needed to sew.  I'm trying out different size squares to see what would look better for a future project. So last night I made mug rug with 2 1/2 inch squares (thank you Sizzix Big Shot).  I think it turned out ok.

It was nice to have it totally done before I went to bed.

Last week I was also inspired by this to try some improv piecing, I wasn't sure if I would like it as I really tried to copy the "pick without looking" method.  Another not too shabby piece of work.  

I looked back at the first issue of Fat Quarterly and found a finish for this block (really wide border) which I'm going to do when I hit my target size.  

Best bit about all of this is all the fabric is from my scrap boxes!

Linking up to Crazy Mom Quilts

Anyone for tea?

Hello,
I've been away again, sorry.  The job change has not been as stressful as I thought it would be which makes everything so much easier.  All of the other changes are still up in the air and so I am still taking things easy, or at least trying to.

Little M, our neighbours girl, is two today and all girls need their own tea set.  I saw a beautiful one, but being china I decided to go for the smaller plastic one.  Well every tea set need it's own coasters and, in the spirit of taking it easy(!), I decided yesterday to crochet some coasters for M.

I'm done!!!  And pleased.

Last weekend I had lots of free time and so started my starshine quilt from Justquiltin.  I know that the pattern is no longer available but if the next one is like this it will be worth getting.  I didn't cut one triangle!  It took some time; the construction was so straightforward, so I'd say the time was probably more to do with the size; each block is approx. 18 inches square.  The 12 blocks still need to become 1 and then the border has to go on.

I thought I could give it away but I don't think I can.

Now I have 30 book covers and an Egyptian costume to complete by Thursday, all in the spirit of taking it easy!!

Linking to Crazymomquilts

Basting

Still technologically challenged ( no computer ) so another quick post with 1 photo!

I've just spent about an hour basting this quilt. Possibly my least favourite part of any quilt, as I have to do this on the floor and my knees argue with me.

An hour is plenty of time to think and I wondered, should I have planned my pinning based on my quilting?

I have tried to and even got the tape measure out to check I wouldn't be pinning where I would stitch but I'm not sure if I have the idea right.

So if you have any basting tips they will be gratefully received!

It's so quiet, shh...

It's been quiet here because the computer is still in for repair.

There is also change at home which requires lots of early nights and organisation. Not sure how long that will be for so I'm trying to keep a steady pace. Plus a job change in a few weeks for me.

This is not say that I am doing nothing. Lucy at Attic24 has a mass of quick and easy patterns that I have been trying out.

I have totally used her idea and made a hearts and flowers wreath. I think with all the bits that I have made, and its size, it has come out well. I'm hoping to finish it this week and give it to a friend I will be not seeing so much of when I change jobs.

I don't think I have ever been so nervous about leaving a job before.

Hoping to show you some sewing soon.

New fabric!

This fabric, from Pink Castle Fabrics, is for a quilt for D&H.

I found a free quilt design website (think it is called quiltmania but not 100%) which also works out how much fabric you need.

D is a mad cyclist and H is very good for and to him! So the echino, cycling in brown, is the fussy cut centre of the churn dash blocks I'm planning to do. For once I've also remembered to buy the backing fabric.

I did a trial block the size I had set on the design website and found it was too small. The one I had done before is a better size
(Promise I will put pictures in when the pc is fixed).

So I will be filing this stash away for a short while, while I get some more w.i.p.'s done

Happy New Year!

So there were to be posts about the other quilt making that I slotted in, some crochet that I've started and new year plans.

Then my laptop broke and I am doing everything from my phone *sob*

So instead here is a shot of the embroidery that I started yesterday after finding out that I need a piece for an exhibition in April. If you look back at past posts, I'm sure you will see that I am not the fastest or most productive crafter. Not panicking yet...

Merry Christmas

Apologies for the poorly staged photo!

Just wanted to say thanks for stopping by and enjoy the festivities!

See you next year