Moore Patchwork & Quilting

Busy Bee Needlecase

I've been busy again making something new.  I like to make needlecases and have one for each project I'm working on.  That way everything I need is with the project. I called this one Busy Bee Needlecase because of the stitchery on the front.

A needlecase is always a good gift for a stitching friend too and I've made them to use in gift exchanges at sewing groups.  The fabric I used is from Blackbird designs and I bought it in Melbourne when Caroline and I went to the Candleberry Country stitching weekend.  I just love the fabric.  I can't get any more. 

I hope you like the pattern.

Christmas cards

Kit in a card by Wildcraft Farm have always been favourite gifts of mine to give my stitching friends.  Each one includes a card and a kit to complete the image on the card.  My Mum really loves them.  She usually makes up the kit herself and puts in on a cushion, or bag, and then gives both the card and the item as a gift.  I have some Christmas ones:

There's Summertime Santa (isn't he cute?) and

Peace and Goodwill (she is my favourite) and

Rudolph (complete with red nose) and lastly

Plum Pudding (looks almost as good as the real thing).

I've got no excuse now.  Have to start stitching for Christmas.

Lynette Anderson...

I've been keeping an eye on Lynette Anderson's blog and her new block of the month.  It's really great.  I have ordered some patterns but not sure when they will arrive.  Can't wait.  I know I will definitely have to make it.

I'm busy making something for Christmas - a table runner.  I'm using the fabrics I bought a few weeks ago.  I'm quite pleased with it so far but still have a long way to go.  I want to finish it next week.  I always give myself deadlines because I like to finish something before starting something new.   I have to admit that it sounds good in theory but in practice I don't always keep to that. Sometimes I just feel like starting something new.

Until next time

Lyn

Catching up

Today I had a 'catch up' day.  Did lots of things that have been neglected - like wash the floors, ironing, hair cut. Feel better for them.  One of the best things I've discovered this year is Woolworths Home Shop.  I've never been a fan of supermarket shopping so I really appreciate the grocery delivery man.  I place my order on line and for a small fee (much less than what my time is worth!) I get my groceries delivered.  It's heaven.

New friends..

I had a lovely email from Bloom (one of the winners of the giveaway) and she told me about her new blog.  You should visit.  It's called Bloom and Blossom.  Besides being a keen stitcher she's also a keen gardener.  Why not visit and see what she's been up to?

Until next time

Lyn

The winner is....

Robin just drew the winners name and they are...

Jenny Murphy

Bloom

Congratulations.  If you email me your address, I will post your patterns immediately.

Thanks everyone for joining in.

Until next time

Lyn

Decorations

I subscribe to a cross stitch magazine called 'Cross Country Stitching'.  I used to do a lot of cross stitch but slowly gravitated to patchwork and other stitching.  I still get the magazine though and love to look at all the designs.  Sometimes I make them but I find time seems to be against me now.  I received my latest magazine on Friday and it's full of beautiful Christmas designs including these beautiful little decorations stitched on 28ct linen:

I think I might be able to find time to stitch them.  I could even put them into a wall hanging or table runner.

Santa Wears Red Pyjamas...

I was feeling a bit Christmassy so I looked for other stitcheries to do and re-discovered this one from Leanne Beasley called Santa Wears Red Pyjamas.

Isn't it cute?  I love the Christmas tree one as well.  Both of them would be nice and quick to make.

Don't you just love Christmas?  I love the decorations, food, tree, presents, food, music.  When we lived in Jakarta, Christmas isn't such a big thing and we really missed all the celebrations.  You know that annoying piped music played in shopping centres? Those annoying Christmas songs?  Well it's quite amazing but I think I would have done anything to hear one corny Christmas song played in a shopping centre.  It's amazing what you miss.

Don't forget to put your name in for the giveaway.  Robin will draw out the winner tonight.

Until next time

Lyn

P.S.  I'm feeling way better today.  The antibiotics have kicked in and my throat is not nearly as sore as it was.  Thank you so much for all your good wishes.

Off colour

I haven't been feeling well all week.  Started last weekend when I felt unusually tired and then my throat started to hurt.  I thought it was just my cold returning but as the week went on it didn't get any better so this morning I went to the Doctor and found out that I have a throat infection.  She was like 'Are you sure you haven't been feeling sick?'  I'm like 'maybe'.  So I thought back and realised that I haven't been the best but kept on going.  Isn't that so womanlike?  Never stop; just keep doing things.  I'm dosed up on antibiotics so expect to feel better shortly.

Show and tell..

Received a lovely email from Chrissie today and she sent me this photo of a bag she made:

Isn't it great? I especially love the way she's combined lots of different techniques including cross stitch.  I love scrappy projects because they allow you to do just that as well as include your favourite fabrics. Purple is one of my favourite colours so I love the purple-y colours she's used.

Inspiration..

What inspires you?  I was in the Patchwork shop this morning (after the Doctor) and they were putting out some beautiful Moda fabrics which had just arrived.  I immediately started thinking about what I could make with them.  Fabrics are a great source of inspiration. When I got home the postman had just delivered my new Country Threads magazine which is full of beautiful projects.  When I look at the projects I start to think about what I would have done differently or what I would add to it, etc..  Magazines are another source of inspiration. I could probably go on and on and name lots of different sources of inspiration but I think the important thing is to have fun and enjoy what you are doing. Nothing is more satisfying than making something yourself.

Until next time

Lyn

Giveaway

I hope you like the new patterns - Spring Fling and Aprons.  If you post a comment before Sunday night 28 October 2007, your name will go into a draw to win a copy of each pattern.  Because there are two patterns I will draw out two names and each person will receive a copy of each pattern.

Have a good one

Lyn

Aprons and a quilt

As I mentioned the other day, I have been busy making up some new designs.  The first one is a quilt that I have called Spring Fling. I made it from the same fabrics I used in the Springtime Tote. It's a very scrappy quilt made up with leftovers.  The finished size is approx 32" x 38".  It has some simple piecing and applique.  It was very quick to make.  A good way to use up your stash.

The second design is an Apron or rather aprons.  Someone asked me to make them an apron.  I'm not really big into aprons but I got inspired when I saw that lovely new Moda fabric called Shangri-la. That apron has a simple strip of hearts appliqued on the top and bottom and a nice roomy pocket on the centre. (My mother makes aprons and she says that the pocket is essential.) I found the apron was so quick to make that I then decided to make one for Christmas.  I chose some nice ticking fabric and appliqued a row of trees on the bottom and added some of my favourite ric rac. 

I hope you like them both.

Welcome rain...

While I'm writing this I can hear the lovely rain outside.  It's only light but very welcome.  Everything is so dry here at the moment but I think I notice it the most with my car.  It is so dirty and with water restrictions it's a pain to wash.  Have to get out with a bucket and no hose.  So I love it when it rains - washes the dust off at least.  My plants were also looking a bit 'limp' so hopefully the rain will spark them up again.

Favourite sauce...

A couple of weeks ago I was chatting about food with my friend Vivien.  We lived in Indonesia for 12 months and I was telling her about the food I learned to cook there. I mentioned that my favourite sauce was Kecap Manis (translates to sweet sauce) which is a sweet soy sauce.  I told her where she could buy it (it comes in a bottle with a red and yellow label - 'ABC" is the brand name) and left it at that.  The other day she was telling me that her husband Col just loves that sauce and now puts it on everything. If you like stir fry - try it.  It's also yummy in omelettes. 

Until next time

Lyn

KAL finished

I finished my latest KAL.  The theme is 'kitchen' and it's a cannister and rolling pin.  I'm not sure that you can see it properly:

I'm looking forward to next month's.

Leanne Beasley's new quilt

If you go to Leanne Beasley's blog you can get a sneak peak at her new block of the month quilt.  The patterns haven't been released yet - probably next month.  The quilt is beautiful.  There's a whole range of techniques including applique (machine and hand) and stitchery.  It's very scrappy (which I like) and I think it would be fun to personalise by adding your own blocks.  The possibilities are endless.  Would be a good long term project I think.

New Patterns

I've been busy doing a couple of new things of my own.  I should have them ready to show you in the next couple of days.  I have so many things I want to do but just seem to run out of time.  I'm sure you all know the feeling.  Do you ever wonder where all that 'time' goes? 

Daily routine

Robin leaves for work at 7.00am so we usually have breakfast together and then after he leaves I take my cup of tea into my study where I sit on my favourite chair with one of the cats - Boots - and read my bible. Boots loves me to rub him behind the ears and looks forward to the morning 'cuddle'.  Sometimes if I'm running a little behind schedule, he comes and gets me as if to say 'hurry up'.  More often than not, I find him sitting beside the chair waiting for me. It's a good way to start the day.

Until next time

Lyn

Another KAL

I've started another KAL (knit along) this week from Rachels Knitting Room.  This month the theme is 'kitchen'. I've only done 3 days so I don't have a clue what it is yet.

I'm using Jo Sharp's Desert Aran Cotton and my lovely spotty needles.  I really enjoy doing these little projects.  It's especially fun not knowing what they are. They are also quick - I actually knitted it all last night. I was intending to do some stitching but I was too tired but felt like doing something so knitting was the perfect answer.  It doesn't need as much concentration and is easier on the eyes at night time.

I received a lovely postcard from Matt. It was from Paris and he briefly told me about the great time he was having.  He's seen all the sights and especially loved the food. He's got a week left of his European adventure and he's enjoying every minute of it.  Makes me think about all the places I would like to visit.

I went for my bike ride this morning.  No magpies today. I ride around a lake and today when I was on the path I spotted someone I know going for her morning walk.  Stopped and had a brief chat.  It gave us both a nice rest.  I had to force myself to go this morning.  I was feeling a little weary but as usual, really glad I went.  Makes me feel so much better afterwards.

Hope you are having a good day.

Until next time

Lyn