tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51277782248063204652024-03-13T11:54:45.240+00:00Everything NeetNitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05017780745886934340noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127778224806320465.post-45573774250011178632011-10-24T13:44:00.001+01:002011-10-24T13:52:54.606+01:00Sew Many WIPsI have quite a few little projects on the go at present and I would like to share them with you.<br />
<br />
I am SO enjoying stitchery stuff at present - it is my new drug!!<br />
<br />
So I finshed a couple of pairs of 'granny slippers' so that I could put my woolly yarn and needles away to concentrate on other crafts<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DFQaDBKxLH4/TqVRUt0HJ-I/AAAAAAAAAwE/3rHwICiN0MA/s1600/sew+037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DFQaDBKxLH4/TqVRUt0HJ-I/AAAAAAAAAwE/3rHwICiN0MA/s400/sew+037.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-14wAzcO_vRQ/TqVRm-yvITI/AAAAAAAAAwM/hRUAwIlOBWg/s1600/sew+038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-14wAzcO_vRQ/TqVRm-yvITI/AAAAAAAAAwM/hRUAwIlOBWg/s400/sew+038.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HhMtBVEoO1U/TqVR3fhCKuI/AAAAAAAAAwU/Zeh5hZlptu4/s1600/sew+039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HhMtBVEoO1U/TqVR3fhCKuI/AAAAAAAAAwU/Zeh5hZlptu4/s400/sew+039.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JuHqQoSd7SI/TqVSFqUo35I/AAAAAAAAAwc/egQSkzyUlic/s1600/sew+040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JuHqQoSd7SI/TqVSFqUo35I/AAAAAAAAAwc/egQSkzyUlic/s400/sew+040.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>They are really warm and cozy and you can use up lots of your scraps to make something quite useful or as a nice gift - you need 6 squares per slipper, just google 'granny slippers' and you will find loads of links to make these.<br />
<div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">I am so in love with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hardanger_embroidery">hardanger embroidery</a> I could scream about it. I have got my hands on a <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hardanger-Embroidery-Jill-Carter/dp/0713487259">beautiful book</a> and want to do all the projects inside!!</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c9ew01MT_y8/TqVSZYnQVOI/AAAAAAAAAwk/C9bsYmRUVnA/s1600/sew+041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c9ew01MT_y8/TqVSZYnQVOI/AAAAAAAAAwk/C9bsYmRUVnA/s400/sew+041.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t6PQMWtKx0E/TqVStKA-DLI/AAAAAAAAAws/V-OK8cJ6Glc/s1600/sew+042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t6PQMWtKx0E/TqVStKA-DLI/AAAAAAAAAws/V-OK8cJ6Glc/s400/sew+042.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zM0Khmf_ebE/TqVTDMbPIwI/AAAAAAAAAw0/vj1nr4n6kd0/s1600/sew+045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zM0Khmf_ebE/TqVTDMbPIwI/AAAAAAAAAw0/vj1nr4n6kd0/s400/sew+045.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ew4-6fYYnlw/TqVXcIpkONI/AAAAAAAAAxE/gzImJBIBLow/s1600/sew+047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ew4-6fYYnlw/TqVXcIpkONI/AAAAAAAAAxE/gzImJBIBLow/s400/sew+047.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F6EK4F_OURA/TqVYmytr59I/AAAAAAAAAxM/yRSoGHDLnAE/s1600/sew+057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F6EK4F_OURA/TqVYmytr59I/AAAAAAAAAxM/yRSoGHDLnAE/s400/sew+057.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This is my little <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Crafting-Springtime-Gifts-Featuring-Favourites/dp/0715322907/ref=pd_sim_b_5#reader_0715322907">tilda bunny</a> I am working on. I have wanted to do one of these for so long and now I have the linens to make a proper job of one I couldn't wait to get started.</div><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ikyT9eCyxoU/TqVY3wAEBRI/AAAAAAAAAxU/4_VTW_8-ZTM/s1600/sew+050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ikyT9eCyxoU/TqVY3wAEBRI/AAAAAAAAAxU/4_VTW_8-ZTM/s400/sew+050.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I worked up these little houses from a kit supplied free with <a href="http://crossstitcher.themakingspot.com/">Crossstitcher</a> magazine, They have got to be stitched up and stuffed</div><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6aGlQwGlY_c/TqVZM0VfCYI/AAAAAAAAAxc/IwZKSkd7diY/s1600/sew+048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6aGlQwGlY_c/TqVZM0VfCYI/AAAAAAAAAxc/IwZKSkd7diY/s400/sew+048.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">I am also working on my <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/725005@N21/">Flickr swap</a> project for <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22260001@N05/">Emma</a>, but that has to remain secret until she has received it in the next few weeks.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Nitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05017780745886934340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127778224806320465.post-23091508136261627822011-10-11T13:26:00.001+01:002011-10-11T13:28:55.119+01:00Hello AgainHello to all my readers. I have re-emerged from my Summer break, full of enthusiasm, ideas and excitement for my Winter crafting. Summer, for some reason leaves me feeling 'bleurgh' about any form of crafting and try as I might I just cannot lift a needle or stitch a stitch, my brain just says NO! Oh well.<br />
<br />
Anyways, I am feeling very 'stitchy' at present and embroidery is calling out to me. My crochet hooks and yarn have been stashed (I have some granny slippers to photo and show you soon that I have completed) all WIPs have been abandoned for now and threads and fabrics fill my craft space.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Vi63VdNA7Y/TpQy9_FvcBI/AAAAAAAAAvc/183O2nxfhEQ/s1600/sew+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" oda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Vi63VdNA7Y/TpQy9_FvcBI/AAAAAAAAAvc/183O2nxfhEQ/s400/sew+005.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SOLPnAuq5RI/TpQzRb9UeYI/AAAAAAAAAvk/dBor8dFk0-A/s1600/sew+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" oda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SOLPnAuq5RI/TpQzRb9UeYI/AAAAAAAAAvk/dBor8dFk0-A/s400/sew+004.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>This is what I am working on now - I am enjoying the precise nature of the stitches and the teeny tiny crosses - I am stitching on 18ct Aida!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dNfKvZMqSUM/TpQz78GCNFI/AAAAAAAAAvs/0siPA1MBW3Q/s1600/sew+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" oda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dNfKvZMqSUM/TpQz78GCNFI/AAAAAAAAAvs/0siPA1MBW3Q/s400/sew+001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zTEnOGwRMSM/TpQ0ORvOyAI/AAAAAAAAAv0/jzrGe7g9lPI/s1600/sew+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" oda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zTEnOGwRMSM/TpQ0ORvOyAI/AAAAAAAAAv0/jzrGe7g9lPI/s400/sew+007.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d3i7cN-BkCQ/TpQ0eQ2pCWI/AAAAAAAAAv8/vaUharq9i_I/s1600/sew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" oda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d3i7cN-BkCQ/TpQ0eQ2pCWI/AAAAAAAAAv8/vaUharq9i_I/s400/sew.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I have also succumbed to the very addictive hardanger embroidery - I love the challenging nature of this work and the way stitches and fabric can transform into a glorious, lacy work of art.<br />
<br />
I am also taking part in another Flickr Mini QT Swap - I am creating a mini quilt for my partner using another embroidery technique that I have dabbled with recently but I can't show or tell as it would spoil the surprise for my swap partner.<br />
<br />
Right I am away now my little needle calls - gawd help my poor eyes!!!<br />
<br />
Be back soon I promise ;)Nitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05017780745886934340noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127778224806320465.post-44686659138358042632011-04-02T13:41:00.000+01:002011-04-02T13:41:17.880+01:00My Singer 201 love affair beginsThis is the little beauty that has come to live with me this week. I acquired her from the ubiquitous Ebay and I am thrilled and excited to have her in my possession.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oF_Ewn6RSgg/TZbYATBUgcI/AAAAAAAAAtE/rA4Jhlw8NGQ/s1600/projects+051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oF_Ewn6RSgg/TZbYATBUgcI/AAAAAAAAAtE/rA4Jhlw8NGQ/s400/projects+051.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The serial number confirms she is a 201 model and was built in 1953 in Kilbowie, Scotland</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Needless to say she also came complete with a not so nice coating of grime and detritus.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NsTUQXkAkGM/TZbYxhbMHzI/AAAAAAAAAtI/7WwyKFvazNM/s1600/projects+055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NsTUQXkAkGM/TZbYxhbMHzI/AAAAAAAAAtI/7WwyKFvazNM/s400/projects+055.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yf06F_BAPwI/TZbY-qW1g-I/AAAAAAAAAtM/cQIg6-Q_kDo/s1600/projects+056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yf06F_BAPwI/TZbY-qW1g-I/AAAAAAAAAtM/cQIg6-Q_kDo/s400/projects+056.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7arJalJLqBU/TZcEFwYjKLI/AAAAAAAAAtU/3-zyH9HOCto/s1600/projects+057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7arJalJLqBU/TZcEFwYjKLI/AAAAAAAAAtU/3-zyH9HOCto/s400/projects+057.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">After a little bit of dismantling, scrubbing, buffing and TLC she is now looking beautiful and clean and shiny again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-niw3mMBAGbg/TZcFnMK2FwI/AAAAAAAAAtY/RlqDmmnKD0A/s1600/projects+058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-niw3mMBAGbg/TZcFnMK2FwI/AAAAAAAAAtY/RlqDmmnKD0A/s400/projects+058.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxFDciGM3ug/TZcG9NX9jxI/AAAAAAAAAtg/vBMBr9iuBX8/s1600/projects+069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxFDciGM3ug/TZcG9NX9jxI/AAAAAAAAAtg/vBMBr9iuBX8/s400/projects+069.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dlOeKICukkU/TZcHRmaEsQI/AAAAAAAAAtk/EwJYgKbB7UY/s1600/projects+071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dlOeKICukkU/TZcHRmaEsQI/AAAAAAAAAtk/EwJYgKbB7UY/s400/projects+071.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6LJy9r9FIlU/TZcHzUlPrDI/AAAAAAAAAto/ZmQxp4_fmP4/s1600/projects+061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6LJy9r9FIlU/TZcHzUlPrDI/AAAAAAAAAto/ZmQxp4_fmP4/s400/projects+061.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The cabinet is in need of some serious attention and I shall tackle that too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eD7EbY1wAb0/TZcPGgk5wCI/AAAAAAAAAtw/WrIcsDrF-OM/s1600/projects+063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eD7EbY1wAb0/TZcPGgk5wCI/AAAAAAAAAtw/WrIcsDrF-OM/s400/projects+063.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-32zL6p_nSX0/TZcRHa-GL6I/AAAAAAAAAt0/KW8yHFKeYpA/s1600/projects+062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-32zL6p_nSX0/TZcRHa-GL6I/AAAAAAAAAt0/KW8yHFKeYpA/s400/projects+062.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">A really big surprise (that I didn't notice when picking her up, nor was it mentioned in the sale details) is that she is operated by KNEE CONTROL!. I did notice that the wire seemed too short to reach the floor on the foot pedal and put it down to it being doctored for some reason, THEN I noticed this metal lever underneath and realised that it was indeed a knee control lever and the foot pedal was supposed to sit in a cradle at the side of the cabinet (cradle is there). So with the pedal in position I tried the knee control and what a revelation it is!! I can't believe how easy and effortless it is to use, so much more comfortable than a foot control! The lever is always at the side of your knee/thigh and the slightest touch operates the machine. I'm hooked and there is no way I am going to convert her to foot control!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S6r6AHCOxdA/TZcRf8f9CmI/AAAAAAAAAt4/QoiR-tlVMTA/s1600/projects+064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S6r6AHCOxdA/TZcRf8f9CmI/AAAAAAAAAt4/QoiR-tlVMTA/s400/projects+064.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b7eDLuCUIHk/TZcWMIdxUEI/AAAAAAAAAuA/XyaO0Z0cy-k/s1600/projects+065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b7eDLuCUIHk/TZcWMIdxUEI/AAAAAAAAAuA/XyaO0Z0cy-k/s400/projects+065.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I did the coke can test to confirm the claim about the throat size and it does indeed swallow two cans compared to my other machine which can't quite fit two! Happy quilting.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UMJn_B3iT2w/TZcWoomu-jI/AAAAAAAAAuE/LPUbgH5ROYA/s1600/projects+067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UMJn_B3iT2w/TZcWoomu-jI/AAAAAAAAAuE/LPUbgH5ROYA/s400/projects+067.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uoQqhWWxwNU/TZcXEtEX0CI/AAAAAAAAAuI/G96i9x88RTo/s1600/projects+068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uoQqhWWxwNU/TZcXEtEX0CI/AAAAAAAAAuI/G96i9x88RTo/s400/projects+068.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><br />
What can I say about the sewing operation that hasn't been said before? Apart from that she sews like nothing before, so smooth, quiet and glides like a hot knife through butter. Also being set into the table top is lovely as the sewing height is perfect and so comfortable. For a 58 year old work horse she works perfectly and will see me through the rest of my sewing days.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MJJQ24uZGVM/TZcXrUg42yI/AAAAAAAAAuM/9jdfbonukHw/s1600/projects+049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MJJQ24uZGVM/TZcXrUg42yI/AAAAAAAAAuM/9jdfbonukHw/s400/projects+049.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k8oo_5eYXhk/TZcYh4B_UCI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/VZrboCPnzmc/s1600/projects+066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k8oo_5eYXhk/TZcYh4B_UCI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/VZrboCPnzmc/s400/projects+066.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Ps. It took all day to load these photos to Blogger so my love affair with this site dwindles with every post I make)</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Nitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05017780745886934340noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127778224806320465.post-77011114826036538042011-03-23T09:05:00.002+00:002011-03-23T09:09:09.065+00:00Eureka momentsThe other day I had some time and was catching up on some bloggy reads. I popped in to have a see what Kellie of<a href="http://dontlooknow.typepad.com/dont_look_now/"> Don't Look Now</a> had been up to (always very interesting and usually quite beautiful and inspiring work!) and Lo! she was talking about darning/free motion feet and what makes a good one. She talked about a foot from another make of machine being perfect for my make - a Janome/New Home. I have this foot<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5bGB5INpS8E/TYmzwK7sRtI/AAAAAAAAAs8/9-N4L1myWjQ/s1600/janome-free-motion-quilting-foot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5bGB5INpS8E/TYmzwK7sRtI/AAAAAAAAAs8/9-N4L1myWjQ/s400/janome-free-motion-quilting-foot.jpg" width="229" /></a></div><br />
which to be fair I have not got on well with as the closed front does interfere with the view of the work and when you are working at speed, as you do for FMQ, it can be off putting. So I looked at it and thought 'I can chop the front out to open it up'. So when I next sighted Mr Neet I asked him to do the job for me and this is what he came up with<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vwHnAalhjdE/TYmywsA0BZI/AAAAAAAAAs4/bVXdEZ6D09g/s1600/projects+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vwHnAalhjdE/TYmywsA0BZI/AAAAAAAAAs4/bVXdEZ6D09g/s400/projects+017.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Eureka!! It works absolutely, bloomin' fantastic! and it cost me nowt! I did think before hand that if it didn't work as I had hoped then it would be nothing lost as I would have had to have gone and purchased one of the other feet mentioned by Kellie anyways, but as it is I now have the perfect foot for free motion work - all I have to do is brush up my skills to match!<br />
<br />
On a different note......<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Pg7lqRgdZn8/TYm2xIeNUJI/AAAAAAAAAtA/qHUyhJ9rn3o/s1600/projects+020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Pg7lqRgdZn8/TYm2xIeNUJI/AAAAAAAAAtA/qHUyhJ9rn3o/s400/projects+020.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>This is the beautiful fabric (click photo to see the detailed prints) I received from Kimberley of <a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/">Fat Quarter Shop</a> - fab, fab service all the way from the US (Sorry UK sellers you just didn't have this fabric for me). My beautiful black and white stash that is going to become my scrappy strings bedspread/throw for my Superking (read 'huge') bed. I am calling it a throw because I am not going to sandwich it with batting, but piece it with cotton muslin (Ikea) as I go and then back it with a lovely piece of black and white fabric taken from a Hobbs quilt cover. So I figure that the 3 layers will make a nice drapable throw - now I just have to find the time to get it done but I AM clearing the decks of other projects at present so hopefully I will be chopping into this stash very soon.Nitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05017780745886934340noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127778224806320465.post-76530537384683555132011-03-17T14:38:00.002+00:002011-03-19T16:56:14.880+00:00Busy Swapper Catch-upI have been so busy swapping over on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/neetdesigns/">Flickr</a> that there doesn't seem to have been time for little else. Now that all current swaps are drawing to a conclusion, until the next round, I can take time out and tidy up, catch up and update my little corner of blogland.<br />
<br />
1.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/1391476@N25/"> <span style="font-size: large;">Scrappy Pincushion Swap</span></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7J0j7CMk_mg/TYIUowAvzqI/AAAAAAAAAsM/xGspdQfRM7w/s1600/tutorial+100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7J0j7CMk_mg/TYIUowAvzqI/AAAAAAAAAsM/xGspdQfRM7w/s400/tutorial+100.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
This is the package I made for Susan aka Chickenfoot. She liked 'srooms.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nQGJyaMzF5k/TYIU_OiguOI/AAAAAAAAAsU/PGDd52Hyg-M/s1600/tutorial+157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nQGJyaMzF5k/TYIU_OiguOI/AAAAAAAAAsU/PGDd52Hyg-M/s400/tutorial+157.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
This is the gorgeous little pinnie I received from Steph (PaisleysPlaceQuilts) This was a secret partner swap and I guess she took on the whole 'englishness' of my profile for this little make for me. <br />
<br />
2.<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/1533394@N22/">Scrappy Mug Rug Swap</a></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DSTmc1qxe24/TYIWp-Kw_bI/AAAAAAAAAso/RmFD6Y6Fh-o/s1600/blog1+002_picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DSTmc1qxe24/TYIWp-Kw_bI/AAAAAAAAAso/RmFD6Y6Fh-o/s400/blog1+002_picnik.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
This is the Mug Rug I made for Jessie (TinyHouse) it is the first ever Mug Rug I made and was very happy with how it worked out.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uaMIGTz57u8/TYIUsK9fwDI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/8jE1rsADuOo/s1600/tutorial+043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uaMIGTz57u8/TYIUsK9fwDI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/8jE1rsADuOo/s400/tutorial+043.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
This is the package I received from Linda ( ) again this is a secret partner swap but it so happened that Linda WAS ALSO in my group for the 3x6 Sampler Quilt Bee!<br />
<br />
<br />
3.<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dollquiltswap/">Doll Quilt Swap 10 - DQS10</a></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-j0pG0aUYWh4/TYIVXXf9MoI/AAAAAAAAAsg/2nk6Mbz_jLo/s1600/tutorial+188_picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-j0pG0aUYWh4/TYIVXXf9MoI/AAAAAAAAAsg/2nk6Mbz_jLo/s400/tutorial+188_picnik.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
This is the quilt I have made for my partner (again a secret so until she receives it I will hold back her name). I used a DoeCDoe tutorial stitchery for the centre panel and the quilt evolved from there. <br />
<br />
I am still awaiting my quilt from my secret partner.<br />
<br />
4.<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/725005@N21/"><span style="font-size: large;">Mini QT Swap</span></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lrK7T1hrmnU/TYIVHB7MEMI/AAAAAAAAAsY/MVOTT5L7_fc/s1600/mini+qt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lrK7T1hrmnU/TYIVHB7MEMI/AAAAAAAAAsY/MVOTT5L7_fc/s400/mini+qt.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
This swap is lovely to participate in. You know who your partner is and can communicate with them. My partner was Di (Di2Quilt) and lives in Taiwan!! She was quite thrilled that she had her first UK-based swap partner - I decided to go with a British feel by using some Cath Kidston on my quilt. The theme was '3D' and we both agreed to do a floral design. It was my first attempt at machine applique - and I like it very much. Mini QT quilts can measure a maximum 12" square - this met that requirement.<br />
I also enclosed some Cath fabric and a local church magazine as an insight into pastoral life in Britain.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1vbQw01KHw8/TYIVQu4TdaI/AAAAAAAAAsc/9R_Wii32pKY/s1600/tutorial+196_picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="323" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1vbQw01KHw8/TYIVQu4TdaI/AAAAAAAAAsc/9R_Wii32pKY/s400/tutorial+196_picnik.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
This is the pretty little quilt that Di made for me. Japanese linen - how gorgeous. It measures 8.5"x 6" and Di also enclosed a piece of double sided linen for me. Thank you Di.<br />
<br />
I am also participating in the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/6x3bee/">3x6 Sampler Quilt Mini Bee</a> but awaiting the 6 blocks in the post so I will post a photo of those when they are all with me<br />
<br />
I am working on these projects for myself in between the swap stuff<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-IM1IMKmBLBE/TYIY-qfBvjI/AAAAAAAAAss/Y5KTs7ZGigw/s1600/tutorial+108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-IM1IMKmBLBE/TYIY-qfBvjI/AAAAAAAAAss/Y5KTs7ZGigw/s400/tutorial+108.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
scrappy string quilt blocks = 120 x 6.5" blocks! (I have also ordered some Michael Miller rouge et noir fabric from the Fat Quarter shop for a black and white superking version for my bed! = huge ammount of blocks!)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.thatgirlthatquilt.com/p/that-quilt-along.html"><span style="font-size: large;">That Girl-That Quilt QAL</span></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2QjyCNzZEdA/TYTcsuJHMqI/AAAAAAAAAs0/OIsHobwkqDE/s1600/projects+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2QjyCNzZEdA/TYTcsuJHMqI/AAAAAAAAAs0/OIsHobwkqDE/s400/projects+004.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.modabakeshop.com/2009/03/pinwheel-baby-quilt.html"><span style="font-size: large;">Moda Bakeshop Baby Pinwheel quilt</span></a> also in red and white version for my living room<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Vjezgotf8LE/TYIWTUsD2FI/AAAAAAAAAsk/S4IX-6jNa3g/s1600/tutorial+137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Vjezgotf8LE/TYIWTUsD2FI/AAAAAAAAAsk/S4IX-6jNa3g/s400/tutorial+137.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Cushions for my sofa<br />
<br />
a blue version of the button quilt (as I love the design so much!!)<br />
<br />
and I have just started designing for the next round of the the Mini QT swap as we know the theme already - circles and curves - just need the name of partner. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/725005@N21/discuss/72157626265100918/">Sign ups are open until April 1st</a> - come over and join in why don't you?<br />
<br />
Anyway I think I have covered all projects, hope you haven't been subjected to photo overload in this post!! and I am away now as there are things for me to do.<br />
<br />
Bye.Nitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05017780745886934340noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127778224806320465.post-27050568931296727622011-03-04T13:54:00.004+00:002011-03-04T14:06:48.795+00:00Blogger's Pillow Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_EHuQ9m2y5w/TXDvjwU0vJI/AAAAAAAAAsA/nTzXhrql43Q/s1600/tutorial+137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_EHuQ9m2y5w/TXDvjwU0vJI/AAAAAAAAAsA/nTzXhrql43Q/s400/tutorial+137.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What do you do with a leftover block from a swap? Make a cushion cover! I had a spare block leftover from the 3x6 Sampler Quilt Mini Bee over on Flickr as the person I had made it for dropped out quite early on. So with time on hands I added to it with some extra width, made an envelope back, added some extra quilting and ended up with a lovely cushion cover that I am rather proud of.</div><br />
I am adding it to the entries for March on the<a href="http://www.stitchedincolor.com/p/bloggers-pillow-party.html"> Bloggers Pillow Party site</a> to join in with all the other beautiful creations made by bloggers worldwide, and if I was very lucky, be selected to win a prize or at least figure in a final list to be chosen from!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7qGeh9Bs5hI/TXDxjfAKlsI/AAAAAAAAAsI/NDhiBQizctc/s1600/big+button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" l6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7qGeh9Bs5hI/TXDxjfAKlsI/AAAAAAAAAsI/NDhiBQizctc/s400/big+button.jpg" width="316" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Nitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05017780745886934340noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127778224806320465.post-50468843322375079822011-02-28T14:11:00.001+00:002011-02-28T14:20:57.312+00:00Scrappy String LovelinessI came home from the fabric shop with a little bit of Kaffe and a couple of rolls of scraps like this. They only cost a couple of quid each and are truly scrappy strips. I haven't amassed enough scraps of my own yet to do this sort of project so I thought I'd help it along on it's way. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U2wIF-vTiz4/TWum1c5KaZI/AAAAAAAAArc/fo9kL7WLUVA/s1600/tutorial+089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U2wIF-vTiz4/TWum1c5KaZI/AAAAAAAAArc/fo9kL7WLUVA/s400/tutorial+089.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The strips measure from 1" to 1.5" max and are all fabrics that I would never go out and buy but they they are all beautifully ditsy, small prints.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8UlL2MvcLeM/TWunN8tYV4I/AAAAAAAAArg/WU57HfWid7k/s1600/tutorial+109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8UlL2MvcLeM/TWunN8tYV4I/AAAAAAAAArg/WU57HfWid7k/s400/tutorial+109.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I have unrolled them and jumbled them up, added the odd two or three of my own fabrics into the mix (ones I am not too keen on)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QRd5xwD-KLY/TWuuvxwswFI/AAAAAAAAAr0/nUX5Kh5CgsM/s1600/strings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QRd5xwD-KLY/TWuuvxwswFI/AAAAAAAAAr0/nUX5Kh5CgsM/s400/strings.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I am making 6.5" squares (to make 12" blocks) with the paper piecing method. There are loads of tutorials and how-to's out there on the web so I won't link to any particular site. I am using skinny strips of 1.5" wide max for a really scappy look and all have got a white central string of 2" wide to create a sashing when sewn together. I have to warn you that this little creative outlet has a VERY addictive habit. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dwQJ4B6iYns/TWuvGpNUqAI/AAAAAAAAAr4/-caIbaHPbdo/s1600/string2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dwQJ4B6iYns/TWuvGpNUqAI/AAAAAAAAAr4/-caIbaHPbdo/s400/string2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I don't think it will take me long to get to quilt top size - the trouble will be knowing when to stop!<br />
<br />
I will update with news on all my Swaps later in the week.Nitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05017780745886934340noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127778224806320465.post-60195335514403571692011-02-15T11:27:00.000+00:002011-02-15T11:27:05.134+00:00Secret Garden Block Tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C-HMk0R-Rlk/TVpQ9YyvYeI/AAAAAAAAArQ/zg7cNRgzLf8/s1600/blog1+040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C-HMk0R-Rlk/TVpQ9YyvYeI/AAAAAAAAArQ/zg7cNRgzLf8/s400/blog1+040.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I posted this photo of my Secret Garden Pinnie on<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/neetdesigns/"> Flickr </a>yesterday and had a few requests for a tutorial/how to for the squares, so seeing as the sun was shining (for a change) I took advantage of the light and, hopefully, put together a tutorial to help you create these little beauties with ease. This is a simplified version of Cathedral Windows blocks of which there are quite a few really good tutorials out there for those, namely <a href="http://hyena-in-petticoats.blogspot.com/2007/08/cathedral-window-quilt-tutorial.html">this one</a> and <a href="http://ajpadilla.com/tutorials/cathedral-windows">this one</a> amongst many.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gGj933EmYgc/TVpLkkgjH7I/AAAAAAAAAqM/2NvM5IQPn-g/s1600/tutorial+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gGj933EmYgc/TVpLkkgjH7I/AAAAAAAAAqM/2NvM5IQPn-g/s400/tutorial+001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For my 2" finished block you have to start with a 4" square of main fabric and a shy 2" square of contrast. The math is very easy for any size of these blocks - finished square size x 2 (example 2" = 4" template, 4" = 8" template and always the finished size for the contrast fabric). You will need to cut an exact square template for your square to begin (I use a good old cereal box, but your template has to withstand ironing so bear that in mind!)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zWFQmwJMucg/TVpLz9p9fnI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/n2R_-Eu1MMs/s1600/tutorial+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zWFQmwJMucg/TVpLz9p9fnI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/n2R_-Eu1MMs/s400/tutorial+002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0ettzauyMYE/TVpME7IBGxI/AAAAAAAAAqU/s1ZsgilPWIw/s1600/tutorial+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0ettzauyMYE/TVpME7IBGxI/AAAAAAAAAqU/s1ZsgilPWIw/s400/tutorial+004.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cut your main fabric 1" larger than your template - so a 4" template requires a 5" square and try to be tidy with your cutting lines as this will help things to be easier. I cut my contrast fabric 1/8th short all round - so 2" becomes 17/8" </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qJDd23IrORQ/TVpMWOPnIVI/AAAAAAAAAqY/QUWJupC6Yp8/s1600/tutorial+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qJDd23IrORQ/TVpMWOPnIVI/AAAAAAAAAqY/QUWJupC6Yp8/s400/tutorial+005.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now you will iron your main fabric over the edges of the template to get a nice crisp edge on the fabric and try to make sure the corners are as square as possible - slapdash will make things difficult.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PwuRm8fAkzE/TVpMrdGowvI/AAAAAAAAAqc/Jf91-Gzvszg/s1600/tutorial+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PwuRm8fAkzE/TVpMrdGowvI/AAAAAAAAAqc/Jf91-Gzvszg/s400/tutorial+007.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Proceed to do an 'origami style' style fold with this square, fold over once, then again to make a small square, and press with the iron.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1lEgpNF9MOY/TVpNFNA2r0I/AAAAAAAAAqg/t9YwtYuHS1I/s1600/tutorial+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1lEgpNF9MOY/TVpNFNA2r0I/AAAAAAAAAqg/t9YwtYuHS1I/s400/tutorial+009.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Open out your fabric and fold the corners into the centre along the crease lines, again keep this as tidy as you can and pin down as you go along</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kKZSz99rsJc/TVpNh-aN3rI/AAAAAAAAAqk/qfoMFruaUTI/s1600/tutorial+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kKZSz99rsJc/TVpNh-aN3rI/AAAAAAAAAqk/qfoMFruaUTI/s400/tutorial+010.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once this is done you might want to press again with the iron just to give you nice sharp lines to work with (it does help)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V8jjujqw4Is/TVpN3twJo0I/AAAAAAAAAqo/LKcz5DGPiT0/s1600/tutorial+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V8jjujqw4Is/TVpN3twJo0I/AAAAAAAAAqo/LKcz5DGPiT0/s400/tutorial+014.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Place your contrast fabric like so with right side up</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2GtfTQovGtg/TVpOI4UQZnI/AAAAAAAAAqs/ycP5qavoCQE/s1600/tutorial+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2GtfTQovGtg/TVpOI4UQZnI/AAAAAAAAAqs/ycP5qavoCQE/s400/tutorial+016.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now fold those corners over to the centre and pin as you go </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H4oVx4PSKL4/TVpOa1t0EfI/AAAAAAAAAqw/vz5CM6VxsSY/s1600/tutorial+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H4oVx4PSKL4/TVpOa1t0EfI/AAAAAAAAAqw/vz5CM6VxsSY/s400/tutorial+017.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You want to end up with a neat little square like this</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6NCYaJVErw/TVpOrAO4KaI/AAAAAAAAAq0/9h_OdCWBNNk/s1600/tutorial+021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6NCYaJVErw/TVpOrAO4KaI/AAAAAAAAAq0/9h_OdCWBNNk/s400/tutorial+021.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I prefer to stitch these centre points together with little stitches so that it all sits square. (I have used contrast thread here but you ideally should use matching thread- it does depend on your project)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YPub_qf0iak/TVpO-auOJZI/AAAAAAAAAq4/kkpKF5DVnjc/s1600/tutorial+022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YPub_qf0iak/TVpO-auOJZI/AAAAAAAAAq4/kkpKF5DVnjc/s400/tutorial+022.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now you have to 'peel/roll' back the edges of the points to expose the contrast fabric, pin as you go.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mJp5KW0yb5k/TVpPNxHU4PI/AAAAAAAAAq8/V3kYMR7DkL8/s1600/tutorial+025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mJp5KW0yb5k/TVpPNxHU4PI/AAAAAAAAAq8/V3kYMR7DkL8/s400/tutorial+025.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It can help to use the edge of a pin to roll the fabric back on and keep things nice and neat</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PDIBzjGjCHE/TVpPhJXY7qI/AAAAAAAAArA/59ZrzvFnYaY/s1600/tutorial+029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PDIBzjGjCHE/TVpPhJXY7qI/AAAAAAAAArA/59ZrzvFnYaY/s400/tutorial+029.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As you roll back sections, you can stitch these down with tiny ladder stitches as you go or pin everything first, but you may find that so many pins will get in the way. Try your own method here.</div><br />
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-urvNXQMb4f4/TVpP0l_JBvI/AAAAAAAAArE/9gmf5_dT96Y/s1600/tutorial+030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-urvNXQMb4f4/TVpP0l_JBvI/AAAAAAAAArE/9gmf5_dT96Y/s400/tutorial+030.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When you get to the outside corners, you need to close this up by about 2/8ths, this encloses the corner of the contrast fabric and achieves the 'window' effect. Continue around the square stitching all the sections.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-51oEnWi_9ec/TVpQK43AUqI/AAAAAAAAArI/Hm3aXXFJLRM/s1600/tutorial+026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-51oEnWi_9ec/TVpQK43AUqI/AAAAAAAAArI/Hm3aXXFJLRM/s400/tutorial+026.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once completed you can use the blocks however you choose. I stitch mine together with little ladder stitches, pulled tight to give a firm, closed edge. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J7LcrlKWaMo/TVpQou-9Q1I/AAAAAAAAArM/UZLfDTsAcek/s1600/tutorial+040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J7LcrlKWaMo/TVpQou-9Q1I/AAAAAAAAArM/UZLfDTsAcek/s400/tutorial+040.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You can even make big squares too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope you enjoy my first tutorial - if you have any questions please mail me or leave a comment. </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Nitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05017780745886934340noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127778224806320465.post-6774579250872300342011-02-03T13:03:00.001+00:002011-02-03T13:04:53.633+00:00I'm not blogging..........I'm SWAPPING!I have really caught the Swap Bug of late. It is rather nice though, making little bits of art for other people, strangers even! I am now participating in <strong>5</strong> in total - all <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/neetdesigns/">Flickr </a>swaps.<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Number One is the<a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dollquiltswap/"> Doll Quilt Swap</a> - fondly known as DQS10 and here is my work so far.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TUp6DdjRBEI/AAAAAAAAApQ/G_l7v9Bfa9k/s1600/flickr+003_picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TUp6DdjRBEI/AAAAAAAAApQ/G_l7v9Bfa9k/s400/flickr+003_picnik.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TUqkE3juZRI/AAAAAAAAAps/n2mDSDx5NGw/s1600/blog1+001_picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TUqkE3juZRI/AAAAAAAAAps/n2mDSDx5NGw/s400/blog1+001_picnik.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TUqaHfIlHrI/AAAAAAAAApo/cLwMdD8cmAE/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TUqaHfIlHrI/AAAAAAAAApo/cLwMdD8cmAE/s400/016.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I am a bit further along now with the construction but I don't want to give too much away by posting pics</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">We can't post the quilts out until the middle of March at the earliest so I have plenty of time to make it lovely, not that it isn't already.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Number Two swap is the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/6x3bee/">3x6 Sampler Quilt Mini Bee.</a> This involves a group of 7 making a quilt block for the other 6 members. I choose the design for the block and all 6 have to be the same but the member (or 'Beemate') chooses her colour scheme. The idea being that at the end of a 12 month period you will have 24 blocks each and everyone different, made by someone else but in your chosen colourscheme.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TUqmMAG28cI/AAAAAAAAAp4/tTR5YIJsxao/s1600/squares.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TUqmMAG28cI/AAAAAAAAAp4/tTR5YIJsxao/s400/squares.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are my blocks I have made for my 'beehive'. (There are 25 'beehives' taking part in this, so that is a lorra, lorra swappers!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Number Three is the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/1533394@N22/">Scrappy Mug Rug Swap</a>. This is coming to completion now and we will be posting out mid-February. It is a huge swap group, with secret partners, which is lovely because it keeps up an air of excitement, anticipation, lots of speculation and barrowloads of 'rug envy'.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TUqk_ZXPfsI/AAAAAAAAAp0/gc66xIveVB4/s1600/blog1+002_picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TUqk_ZXPfsI/AAAAAAAAAp0/gc66xIveVB4/s400/blog1+002_picnik.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is my completed rug.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Number Four swap is the<a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/725005@N21/"> Mini QT Swap</a>. This has just started, like yesterday, so no work has been done yet, except for some serious brain straining over a design. These little quilts are just 12" square and the theme for this swap is 3D. We have got to incorporate little embellishments, sticky out bits and other nicies on this art quilt. This swap is much smaller in numbers and I am partnered with Diane from Taiwan!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Number Five is the<a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/1391476@N25/"> Scrappy Pincushion Swap,</a> again this has just started and will be a secret swap, where we don't know who is making for us, but we know know our partner? Again lots of brain straining with ideas for this is taking place as their are some gorgeous mini works of art in this Group.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So at present any spare hours of the days finds me feverishly sewing, snipping or ironing for these swaps. I love participating in them as I really enjoy crafting but I don't necessarily need items for myself or have particular projects to craft for (that is why the crochet got a bit <em>bleurgh</em> for me, I have a pile of cushion covers sitting in a cupboard! for no particular reason!) so swaps are ideal platforms to create in, plus you get to chat with like-minded souls in the 'discussion' areas of the Swap Groups. If you have not ventured over there yet, pop in and have a look, there may be something for you to join in too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally, as a really big footnote - can I say a huge Thank You' to all of you who come to view and read and leave lovely comments on my blog. I DO read them and appreciate them even more so, I'm just a bit of a lazy mare when it comes to replying! ((<em>blushes</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am away now to see if there are anymore swaps I can join!!!</div>Nitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05017780745886934340noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127778224806320465.post-36082735310889230412011-01-14T11:36:00.001+00:002011-01-14T11:37:07.258+00:00I have got the Mug Rug Bug<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TTAyr8vgB7I/AAAAAAAAAo8/gZj6KJW1XrM/s1600/new+blog+036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TTAyr8vgB7I/AAAAAAAAAo8/gZj6KJW1XrM/s400/new+blog+036.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>In case you do not know of Mug Rugs or what they are let me describe them to you. Simply they are oversized coasters, usually rectangular in shape with an area for resting your 'mug' of whatever and a place to rest cookies, treats, lunch etc. The ones I have made so far are the results of practice. The green one came about from my very first attempt at making a star block and I used the finished result to construct the Mug Rug around it (I also got to practice some neat quilting. The hexie one again was a practice piece and I have earmarked a recipient for this one (except they do not know!) The chickens is a WIP. I had the little stitchery made eons ago and have put it to use just because.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TTAzJ-W2iPI/AAAAAAAAApA/vIbBGNFvd_w/s1600/new+blog+044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TTAzJ-W2iPI/AAAAAAAAApA/vIbBGNFvd_w/s400/new+blog+044.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left">This one is a special one. I have joined yet another Flickr swap. This time it's the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/1533394@N22/">Scrappy Mug Rug Swap</a>. I have a secret partner and I can make a mug rug for her with only the details of her profile, favourites, mosaic and likes to come up with a suitable design that she might love. The term 'stalking' is used on the Flickr swaps whereby your partner is gleaning info about you without any contact with yourself. Any questions are done through a third party which is the person known as the 'Swap Mama'. I think it is brilliant. If you are not familiar with Flickr and have not dug deep into the site yourself - there is a swap or interest group for virtually every subject under the Sun. Check it out.</div>Nitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05017780745886934340noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127778224806320465.post-79916847579317786462011-01-12T20:40:00.001+00:002011-01-14T09:28:27.824+00:00Can't believe I made it<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TS4Q7NkdXoI/AAAAAAAAAo4/5zOIM5E2ybE/s1600/dqs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TS4Q7NkdXoI/AAAAAAAAAo4/5zOIM5E2ybE/s400/dqs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I have been one of the lucky peeps to be chosen to take part in this <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dollquiltswap/">awesome swap</a> over on Flickr I consider myself to be amongst some excellent and very talented quilters in this swap and feel very challenged to produce a doll quilt that will, hopefully, look amazing and be appreciated as such by my partner. Pop over and have a look at the work produced in the previous rounds and you will see what I mean.Nitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05017780745886934340noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127778224806320465.post-34811162176048858372011-01-10T13:11:00.000+00:002011-01-10T13:11:57.369+00:00Not So Quilt Along<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TSsDjq07f6I/AAAAAAAAAok/DszXw1pPz8Q/s1600/new+blog+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TSsDjq07f6I/AAAAAAAAAok/DszXw1pPz8Q/s400/new+blog+007.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So I have got to the stage where I need to join the blocks together to make the top but............I am not happy with the framing of the blocks that will ultimately be the sashing also. I can't even bring myself to 'wonk' cut the blocks - my straight brain won't allow me to (not without feeling uneasy) I am every tradesman's nightmare when it comes to 'straight' and even!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TSsDKlCSw6I/AAAAAAAAAog/URMUWI4emjc/s1600/new+blog+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TSsDKlCSw6I/AAAAAAAAAog/URMUWI4emjc/s400/new+blog+008.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So I ordered the solid blue (Moda Azure) from Pink Chalk Fabrics and waited for it to arrive, cut it up as per quilt along instructions and stitched it to the block. Let's remember I am a 'quilting virgin' and don't know yet how to 'think out of the box' (but I am getting there with practice). Now, when it comes to stitching the blocks together there is going to be a seam running throughout what is technically the sashing area and I just do not like it.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>So this weekend I embarked on Project Rip and ReWork.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TSsD8-tIGKI/AAAAAAAAAoo/Zvq-G5LMn5s/s1600/new+blog+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TSsD8-tIGKI/AAAAAAAAAoo/Zvq-G5LMn5s/s400/new+blog+006.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TSsERo3M7WI/AAAAAAAAAos/gKrHkHY950s/s1600/new+blog+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TSsERo3M7WI/AAAAAAAAAos/gKrHkHY950s/s400/new+blog+005.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TSsEkJ9bsXI/AAAAAAAAAow/BlsmUCmyXnk/s1600/new+blog+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TSsEkJ9bsXI/AAAAAAAAAow/BlsmUCmyXnk/s400/new+blog+009.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I have decided to half the blue border width which means taking strips off some of the blocks and inserting a small white square at each intersection - it is painfully slow to make sure all the new seams are matching, but, I am pretty sure the quilt will end up as I want it to look and not some expensive 'maybe it's okay'.<br />
<br />
(OT - I am still awaiting my lovely Ottlite but it appears to have got lost in the post and I have to wait until Wednesday to secure a refund and re-order elsewhere!! Bugger!)Nitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05017780745886934340noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127778224806320465.post-36532397710801813912011-01-05T10:24:00.000+00:002011-01-05T10:24:49.476+00:00Cushion swapWhilst I am STILL waiting for my Ottlite to arrive ....(<em>taps fingers</em>) I though I would show a couple of photos I took of the cushion cover that I made for Kath of Juicy Fig blog. The swap was organised by the ladies of <a href="http://dutchsister-s.blogspot.com/">Dutch Sisters</a> blog. I am disappointed with my photography at present, seeing as I just use a point and flash camera, not something with all the bells and whistles, the light levels this last few weeks has been awful.<br />
<br />
Ideally I would like to go back and photo them again but seeing as it is now sat on the sofa at Kath's home. that would be a problem!<br />
<br />
I do have photos of the cushion cover that Kath sent on to me and will show that soon. Thank you Kath.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TSRCVFyOp8I/AAAAAAAAAoU/1aFSwcKQ77k/s1600/blog+892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TSRCVFyOp8I/AAAAAAAAAoU/1aFSwcKQ77k/s400/blog+892.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TSRDLBkYpVI/AAAAAAAAAoY/1qYqN6wJ42o/s1600/blog+891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TSRDLBkYpVI/AAAAAAAAAoY/1qYqN6wJ42o/s400/blog+891.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Right, let me wish everyone a bright and happy New Year and here's to lot of cheerful and productive crafting.</div>Nitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05017780745886934340noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127778224806320465.post-15397409828636943632010-12-30T11:11:00.000+00:002010-12-30T11:11:24.396+00:00Tools to go<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TRxnI9E4BoI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/BXjdpC4ptds/s1600/ottlite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TRxnI9E4BoI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/BXjdpC4ptds/s400/ottlite.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I have got so fed up with taking shot after shot of really crappy pictures of my stuff because of the winter gloom that my relish for blogging is suffering - you take the shot, upload, sift, edit and it STILL is so not right that I have recently ordered an <a href="http://www.ottlite.co.uk/p-241-13-watt-task-lamp.aspx">Ottlite lamp</a>. From looking around other blogs and Flickr these seem to be used quite a lot for the 'natural' lighting and colours they produce within a photograph. So I await the postman eagerly to get on top of my WIPS and swappy stuff before I move on with them. I have progressed a little more on my That Girl quilt and want to photo it badly. Plus I have loads of Flickr stuff that needs to go on for referencing for swaps. Oh..........and I have got myself my OWN camera - Mr Neet got so fed with me changing the resolutions and whatnots on our shared camera - and him being TOTALLY 'gadget illiterate' that a solution of a personal camera each came about Yaaaaay - more stress free blogging for me.<br />
<br />
Anyhow there is a very good chance I will not post again before Next Year!! hahahah - so let me wish my readers - if I have any?? <em><strong>a very Happy and Productive and Creative New Year</strong></em>. xxxNitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05017780745886934340noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127778224806320465.post-34210059433029649762010-12-18T12:03:00.000+00:002010-12-18T12:03:18.379+00:00Prairie Points and a Bee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TQyf1vWdGXI/AAAAAAAAAn4/8zCgKcc-mbk/s1600/blog+938_picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TQyf1vWdGXI/AAAAAAAAAn4/8zCgKcc-mbk/s400/blog+938_picnik.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TQygOEwMdmI/AAAAAAAAAn8/fLXvxlPoqEY/s1600/blog+940_picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TQygOEwMdmI/AAAAAAAAAn8/fLXvxlPoqEY/s400/blog+940_picnik.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left">This is the finished quilt top complete with Prairie Points. It is sitting waitng now for me to complete my quilt along top which should happen quite soon now, as the fabric ordered from the US is awaiting me to pick it up from the Post Office. Apologies for the dodgy photos - Arctic weather conditions aren't condusive to brilliant indoor photo shoots.</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">I have also joined/been accepted to take part in the awesome <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/6x3bee/">3x6 Sampler Quilt Mini Bee</a> over on Flickr. I say awesome because of the number of participants - there are 25 'beehives' with 6 members in each, I am in #25 - I think this is because I took the plunge to join right on the point of sign up closure. I look forward to the challenge with great pleasure.</div>Nitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05017780745886934340noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127778224806320465.post-32945163613930136512010-12-16T12:05:00.002+00:002010-12-16T12:07:24.701+00:00Quilt so far<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TQn-TkaihcI/AAAAAAAAAnw/9P5r4KlOq0c/s1600/blog+908_picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TQn-TkaihcI/AAAAAAAAAnw/9P5r4KlOq0c/s400/blog+908_picnik.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TQYvJFuJbLI/AAAAAAAAAng/Tm-UNEuwdcA/s1600/blog+900_picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TQYvJFuJbLI/AAAAAAAAAng/Tm-UNEuwdcA/s400/blog+900_picnik.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TQn-upKv_vI/AAAAAAAAAn0/PJEy-s4klyE/s1600/blog+911_picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TQn-upKv_vI/AAAAAAAAAn0/PJEy-s4klyE/s400/blog+911_picnik.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are some pictures of the <a href="http://www.modabakeshop.com/2009/03/pinwheel-baby-quilt.html">Pinwheel Baby Quilt</a> so far ( I have actually got the prairie points and outer sashing done now). This will be quilted when i get the top finished for the <a href="http://www.thatgirlthatquilt.com/2010/10/that-quilt-along-week-1.html">That Girl That Quilt</a> quilt-along - I am awaiting fabric from US to arrive to complete it.</div>Nitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05017780745886934340noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127778224806320465.post-83889211925318539132010-12-06T13:12:00.000+00:002010-12-06T13:12:17.601+00:00Granny mountain becomes a blanket<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TPzgDk2vdbI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/OxCff6Ht18g/s1600/blog+914_picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TPzgDk2vdbI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/OxCff6Ht18g/s400/blog+914_picnik.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TPzgc1dqCqI/AAAAAAAAAnU/aY9bZgs6fyo/s1600/blog+916_picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TPzgc1dqCqI/AAAAAAAAAnU/aY9bZgs6fyo/s400/blog+916_picnik.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TPzg0YpUa3I/AAAAAAAAAnY/ORs9PeLT4PM/s1600/blog+917_picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TPzg0YpUa3I/AAAAAAAAAnY/ORs9PeLT4PM/s400/blog+917_picnik.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>This is my 'ta-dah!' post for my granny mountain blanket. It was finished a couple of weeks ago but I didn't get to take any shots of it. I absolutely love it and it is by far my 'reach for' blanket of choice at present, especially in this Arctic spell we are experiencing here in the the UK at present. I finished it off with a border of 2 rows dc and a picot flourish!Nitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05017780745886934340noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127778224806320465.post-25703351137069352832010-11-27T12:18:00.002+00:002010-12-06T13:16:56.735+00:00Squares so far<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TPD0LFseBBI/AAAAAAAAAnA/pCcHWgiUcFQ/s1600/blog+887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TPD0LFseBBI/AAAAAAAAAnA/pCcHWgiUcFQ/s400/blog+887.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>As promised here are the squares so far that I have worked on for the quilt along that I am following over on <a href="http://www.thatgirlthatquilt.com/">That Girl - That Quilt</a> blog. I am now stalled on these as I am waiting for an order from the US for the next fabric. I have tried my hardest to source this here in the UK but I had no luck at all - sorry UK fabric suppliers - and I was not going to compromise my choice for this project as a) I want it to be as perfect as I can get it and b) it does cost a little money to complete, and so any compromise would lead to a unhappy Neet at the end of the project. I made <a href="http://pinkchalkfabrics.com/">this </a>US shop as my choice to import the fabric from as they seem very popular in the Quilting World - plus they had my preferred colour of fabric.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TPD2MGnRstI/AAAAAAAAAnE/zc2ed9zFmx8/s1600/Baby+Quilt+on+Rocker+good.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TPD2MGnRstI/AAAAAAAAAnE/zc2ed9zFmx8/s640/Baby+Quilt+on+Rocker+good.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>In the meantime, whilst waiting, I am making a start on <a href="http://www.modabakeshop.com/2009/03/pinwheel-baby-quilt.html">this</a> little project. I am using it to practise my 'skills' for quilting before attempting any big big projects. I love, love, LOVE! the concentration and the use of brain juice that is needed to do these projects = totally absorbing.Nitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05017780745886934340noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127778224806320465.post-2633770508538691642010-11-20T19:30:00.001+00:002010-11-20T19:34:08.364+00:00Nervous and excited<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TOggiQcsgTI/AAAAAAAAAmk/rsZ_k_5L3ZY/s1600/blog+866_picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TOggiQcsgTI/AAAAAAAAAmk/rsZ_k_5L3ZY/s400/blog+866_picnik.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I finally plucked up the courage and organisation to cut the fabric ready for piecing together of my very first proper grown-up quilt. After unexpectedly finding time alone without Little Neet for a Saturday afternoon, I managed to get stuck in without the distraction of 'Xbox drone'. I was very nervous, as I really want this to be perfection - if possible, so I paid meticulous attention to everything that was required including getting the sewing machine A1 perfect for the job - which is a first considering I have had it for a gazillion years and this is the most technical thing I have sewn on it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TOgg9PwjDbI/AAAAAAAAAmo/JtYF4WCbyso/s1600/blog+870_picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TOgg9PwjDbI/AAAAAAAAAmo/JtYF4WCbyso/s400/blog+870_picnik.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left">I even managed to do my 'chain piecing' properly - Woohoo!!!!!</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">I did finish the first round of my 40 squares, but the light got the better of me on this very dull, dank afternoon, so I will take a piccy of them in all their freshly pressed glory and post tomorrow</div>Nitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05017780745886934340noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127778224806320465.post-34763995916906583422010-11-17T13:08:00.001+00:002010-11-17T13:09:44.618+00:00Moonstitches' owls<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TOPSXZrcoEI/AAAAAAAAAmg/p3Un-nrezaA/s1600/blog+838_picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TOPSXZrcoEI/AAAAAAAAAmg/p3Un-nrezaA/s400/blog+838_picnik.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I came across the <a href="http://moonstitches.typepad.com/photos/tutowlrial/index.html">'tutowlrial'</a> for these cute little owls whilst trundling around t'Internet and couldn't resist giving them a go.Nitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05017780745886934340noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127778224806320465.post-19686083257447503552010-11-16T14:10:00.002+00:002010-11-17T13:11:08.304+00:00Scrappy Granny Cushion<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TNqeHSKEBSI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/3-01rMiDx5A/s1600/blog+821_picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TNqeHSKEBSI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/3-01rMiDx5A/s400/blog+821_picnik.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TNqd4y9dn9I/AAAAAAAAAmM/imRaDyM8CPA/s1600/blog+812_picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TNqd4y9dn9I/AAAAAAAAAmM/imRaDyM8CPA/s400/blog+812_picnik.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">This is a cushion that has taken ages to complete. I wanted to do a granny square design but with a vintage 'scrappy' look. It is all 100% pure wool with new and thrifted yarns. When it come to making the finsihed shape I could not get the square shape of the cover - for some reason if I 5 x 5d it, it was too snug for the cushion pad , but with the 6 x 5 layout it was perfect. Strange???</div>Nitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05017780745886934340noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127778224806320465.post-61941309026163867672010-11-12T12:57:00.001+00:002010-11-12T13:00:10.687+00:00Granny mountain<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TNqbrG1ysbI/AAAAAAAAAmI/3dQrhIYXC-Y/s1600/blog+809_picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TNqbrG1ysbI/AAAAAAAAAmI/3dQrhIYXC-Y/s400/blog+809_picnik.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am finishing up my last crochet project for the foreseeable future - I am itching to go in another crafting direction. I had the urge to make another granny throw and decided to make it with only yarns from my stash - no purchases. So with colours-a-plenty for the squares and a deep blue to hold it all together I am making quite a decent sized throw and being 100% wool it is going to be really cosy. I am using all the little leftover balls, thrifted bits, and even embroidery wool that has appeared along the way, so long as it is pure wool, it is being used up. Once this is finished I want to tidy away all my yarns good and proper, out of sight, to concentrate on other stuff. I still have SIX crochet cushion front to complete into cushions, I have all the throws I need, so crochet no more for me.</div>Nitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05017780745886934340noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127778224806320465.post-37219529455836740912010-11-10T22:34:00.000+00:002010-11-10T22:34:15.340+00:00I'm taking partCheck out the button on the sidebar for the quilt along that I am taking part in. It is all very exciting and new for me.Nitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05017780745886934340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127778224806320465.post-92137023327773841712010-11-10T13:47:00.001+00:002010-11-12T12:58:46.714+00:00Granny Stripe surprise<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TNqe0xePtbI/AAAAAAAAAmU/k-NumL5czJQ/s1600/blog+819_picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TNqe0xePtbI/AAAAAAAAAmU/k-NumL5czJQ/s400/blog+819_picnik.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Little Neet snuggles up most mornings and evenings with a cosy black fleecy throw that lives on our sofa. It is indeed a warm and snuggly blanket to keep toasty with, but.............about 2-3 years ago I started on a granny square blanket for him 'a la Cath Kidston' colourways and this has languished at the bottom of Wip</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Mountain, occasionally seeing light of day, but nevertheless, always languishing at the bottom. Well, I am in the fervent throws of whipping up another blanket at present and feel that after it is finished that my affair with all things 'granny' must come to an end for the time being. - there are so many other projects that I really, really want to put my hand to without granny distraction. So I have decided that I WILL finish the blanket sitting at the bottom of Wip Mountain but it will appear in another guise - as a granny stripe. The surprise will be - is that Little Neet is unaware of this blanket gift I am making for him - I just hope he gets it before he starts university (he is 9)!!!!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Nitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05017780745886934340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127778224806320465.post-66528999145336452192010-11-02T13:51:00.004+00:002010-11-12T12:59:26.915+00:00Needlecraft Heaven<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TNAU_2ZrNXI/AAAAAAAAAl8/hXgMc8PehcA/s1600/blog+775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nx="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TNAU_2ZrNXI/AAAAAAAAAl8/hXgMc8PehcA/s400/blog+775.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TNAU_2ZrNXI/AAAAAAAAAl8/hXgMc8PehcA/s1600/blog+775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nx="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TNAU_2ZrNXI/AAAAAAAAAl8/hXgMc8PehcA/s400/blog+775.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The postman delivered me these two beauties this morning. I used some 'birthday money' to treat myself to them and I have to say that every penny spent on these has been so well worth it (you know the disappointment you get when a craft book only half delivers?).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TNAVnK-ffYI/AAAAAAAAAmA/7MqnKYA3rBE/s1600/blog+777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nx="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TNAVnK-ffYI/AAAAAAAAAmA/7MqnKYA3rBE/s400/blog+777.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I want to do EVERY project in this book - in fact just looking at the pictures makes me want to squeal with delight!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TNAWQ4z1b5I/AAAAAAAAAmE/oBKKcfjbUbM/s1600/blog+780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nx="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u_9F4D6CFws/TNAWQ4z1b5I/AAAAAAAAAmE/oBKKcfjbUbM/s400/blog+780.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>This one is a gem - cram packed with cross stitch and embroidery projects, inspiration, stencils, charts and all done in a red, white or blue theme - beautiful.<br />
<br />
I also spied <a href="http://www.cathkidston.co.uk/p-15524-cath-kidston-cath-kidston-stitch-book.aspx">this one</a> after I had placed my order and I think it is an absolute must to have have in my craft book collection.<br />
<br />
Anyway sincere apologies for the awful photos - UK daylight not being up to scratch today!Nitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05017780745886934340noreply@blogger.com0