Thursday, April 26, 2012

Hot water bottle covers

Winter in the southern part of New Zealand is much cooler than winter in the mid-west of Australia! 

Yesterday, after a telephone conversation with my youngest son I ascertained that youngest grandson needed a couple of covers for the hot water bottles that warm his bed before he goes down for the night.  A rubber hot water bottle placed in a child's bed, indeed anyone's bed, is a dangerous practice ... they are far too hot and have been known to cause severe burns.

After the conversation I put my mind to the task ... would I knit them?  Mmm, knitting takes time and as I didn't have a pattern in my files I wondered about sewing one.  Measurements were easily found on the Internet; there were two suitable fabrics in my stash ... the experiment began.

I will admit the first hot water bottle cover took some time as I experimented with exactly how it would look.  It's final look being determined by the amount of fabric I did have, and a few hours later the result was OK.  Quickly I began a second ... both are ready for posting before the real winter arrives in Otago.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Miniature Machines

Last Sunday we headed north to Geraldton to view the many exhibits at their Heritage Day, held in the grounds of the Queen's Park theatre.

Cars, tractors, a miniature oil-fired 'steam engine' pulling 'carriages' for children's rides, two ponies pulling a cart for rides for all ages, a parade of dresses mainly beginning from the 1950's ... how fashions have changed!  The one thing that amused me was that none of the models wore stockings; remember stockings with seams that had to be checked and double checked for a straight line up the back of the leg before going out the door?! 

A room held exhibitions of various kinds; beautiful old dolls, some in cane prams, a well loved teddy bear, a display featuring the Shoemaker and the elves, and some absolutely gorgeous satin roses.
Further into the room several ladies demonstrated their art using wool ... one had a wonderful crocheted rug adorned with crochet flowers, another demonstrated felting, while a third pedalled on her spinning wheel. 

The walls were draped in an assortment of handiwork; doilies such as we had when I was young and which are making a resurgence as part of another item, a hand quilted quilt, delightfully embroidered supper cloths that seldom make it to the table today, a tea cosy knitted in 4-ply and a display of tins. 

In one corner several old sewing machines captured the attention of the sewers attending, and in another corner part of a collection of 70 miniature sewing machines certainly captured my attention. 
It was easy to imagine a young girl learning to sew on one of these, and perhaps making a dress for her doll.  The exhibitor was surprised at the amount of attention her display attracted and commented that she wished she had brought all ... I wish she had as well!

Monday, April 16, 2012

Promises and Borders ~ bock 4

Jenny of Elefantz has  published Block 4 of her BOM, Promises and Borders, and as I am working on this quilt throughout the year, I of course downloaded instructions, and have now completed the block. 
I rather enjoy the embroidery content as one can sit comfortably in an easy chair and stitch quietly, perhaps with the radio playing lightly in the background.  What can be more relaxing?

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Stardust

Block 8 of the Sentimental Journey quilt is called Stardust, and this is the only one I can't place a tune to, though I dare say that is only my memory playing tricks.
With the completion of Stardust, that leaves only four more to go ... and with the addition of borders I should [could?] have it completed entirely by Christmas.  I did say could!

All in all I am extremely pleased with how this quilt is beginning to look, as after the completion of each block I lay them out on the bed and allow myself a few moments of quiet praise; and I know that self-praise is no recommendation  as my late Mother had a whole repertoire of sayings, that particular one was relatively high on the list.  I was the one to whom it was most recited, and to this day I have absolutely no idea why!

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

A Winner

Last year I entered a competition in Homespun magazine ... I had to write, in under 25 words, something about the beach/seaside.  I like the beach, especially NZ beaches when there is a wind blowing and little sun ... it is exhilarating!

Therefore it was not difficult to find the words needed to express my delight.  I more or less forgot all about it .. until ... this morning!!  A parcel with a letter of congratulations on winning a prize of 17 beachy FQ's with my name on the outside, was waiting to be picked up from the Post Office.
Funnily enough I found the piece of paper with my 'effort' when tidying up recently, and thinking it belonged to the past, consigned it to the bin. 

This has made by day!  Indeed, made my week!