Design table 25th October

My design wall this week, is actually my table, as my design wall is still the same as last week, but I have started another project.

juliasneedledesigns.com offered a deal on SunBonnet Sue machine embroidery patterns that I just could not resist, so spend the day sewing them out. I have no idea what size this quilt will end up or who it will be for, one of the granddaughters no doubt! I just enjoyed the patterns. They are all 9 1/2" blocks with matching floral fabric blocks in between... well thats the plan this morning!

Design Wall October 17th

My design wall this week, has a completed front of a cushion and another [poppies] in the making, plus a Christmas hanging that just needs a little finishing.

A Starfish starts to take shape

Abigail will be performing in a ballet in November and I was asked to do the "Grandma bit?" and make her an outfit... this is the start, made of foam and sewn together I intend to glue of lots of sequins and sparkles. Needless to say she wanted to wear it, and had fun getting through doorways!

Birthdays

We are in the "birthday season" Mum celebrated her 96th birthday on the 15th with a lunch for 6 friends, while granddaughter Eleanor was 3yrs old today and had a Peppa Pig day!

A few Christmas Ideas

Do you have any Christmas gift ideas? The tree heart ornament is made by cutting 3 heart shape pieces of card, then cut out 3 shapes [1/4 inch bigger than card] in fabric, glue them on [or tack] and sew them together to make the shape in the picture, adding a hanging ribbon and bead or bell decoration to the base.

Design wall beginning October

January, February and March 12 1/2" blocks are made, ready for joining together at the next BOM BSK [Bedford] meeting.

I am really enjoying this project, each month we make a new Sun Bonnet Sue [ never my favorite before] block, using applique, fancy stitches on the sewing machines and machine embroidery.

It is nice to see different sewing techniques being combined, I cannot wait to finish all twelve.

IAM meeting 7th October

What a fun day was had yesterday at our IAM meeting in my workroom. We had a bag workshop.

Top row Penny, Dorn and Clare

Bottom row Jenny, Ann and mine.

It's amazing how different these bags look in the array of colours and fabrics.

Having finished the bags after lunch a quick session of making a heart shape Christmas decoration was underway... only problem no one had brought anything to do this, so my fabric stash, card, ribbon and beads were sorted through to make them... wonder how much fabric this will take off my "stash busting"??

Textile Centre Newbury Berks

Having been told about this museum, Chris and I went for a day out and made a visit.

The museum was set up to Document the Nation's Needlework Heritage.

The Country Wife, a mural 5m wide by 4.5m high [6yds x 5yds] is being restored. The mural in 3D was designed and made for the Festival of Britain in 1951 and shows the lives and hobbies of women at that time. A lot of work and money is needed to restore this wonderful project. Also on show when we were there was a collection of Church kneelers, and many of items of interest. www.nationalneedleworkarchive.org.uk

Swaps and Fairy favours

One of the yahoo groups I belong to run a monthly swap, and I put my name down for the first time in September, what a treat I received from Ginger in Oklahoma USA. A box full of goodies and lots of her machine embroidery.

Another group I belong to run a fairy favour list. If you want to take part by adding your name to the list out of the blue you receive a little suprise gift from someone. The beautiful angel was sent to me by Donia [GA USA], a real treat. I also received a FQ from Marcia, but having used it I do not have a photo.. the purple feather that came with it is on my notice board, thanks Marcia. I have sent a couple of fairy favours myself, it is nice to send a little cheer.

I'm back...

I'm back, the new hard drive is in the computer and although I have lost a lot of information I am gradually getting back to normal [ whatever that is!]

Chris celebrated his 60th birthday firstly with the family, granddaughters buying him a Handy Andy cake and helping to blow out the candles! Next came a trip to Norfolk for a weeks holiday in a lovely secluded barn conversion near Holt. Log fires in the evenings and only sheep and partridges for company. This was all followed by his suprize gift a day "walking with wolves", which was a big talking point and much enjoyed by Chris.