Blue on blue

Recently a lovely FQ of blue roses caught my eye. I couldn't resist it, though I had no idea how I would use it.

It didn't take long for inspiration to kick in. First I made a table mat; then a table runner. They are similar in appearance as the table mat didn't turn out how I imagined. I made a mess up of the centre ... it should have been set into the middle like the table centre. Never mind! I simply turned it around, and had I not told you, I doubt if you would have known.

I also made a hexi flower out of the left-overs ... much nicer than bubble and squeak out of left-over cabbage and potatoes?! The hexi flower is already winging its way across Australia as part of a swap, and when I went to down-size the photo, I found a piece of cotton thread draped unbecomingly across the middle. Therefore ... no photo suitable for here.

Now I have the unenveniable task of wrapping my little pieces of stitching in Christmas paper in readiness for the post tomorrow ... envelopes, wrapping paper, and customs declarations at the ready!

In actual fact what better undertaking on a hot day [temperature is 40 degrees inside ... whew!], than to get into the spirit of Christmas.

Yet more Aprons!

I guess that if one likes making a particular item, then it stands to reason we keep on making them, albeit in different fabric and embellishments.

Christmas is fast approaching. Some people keep tabs on the number of days. Me? Suffice to know November is half-way through already! Once the calendar page is turned to December serious gift sewing is definitely late.

This year I have decided to send 'hand made' presents. The colours are chosen to suit the recipients. As hexagons hold great attraction one apron has three hexagons along the border ... below is a close up look at these delightful flowers.

Three aprons are ready for wrapping and posting!

Primitive

Today is the day we open our Primitive Swaps. Sadly my swap partner has not yet completed my gift, but ... it will arrive. Of course the lack of a swap to open on 'the day' takes away some of the excitement of the day.

As I sent my parcel a wee while ago, I decided to show the cushion I completed for the swap. I hope my swap partner likes it!

A winner

Recently I entered a give away here, and I was the winner of several lengths of lace. I am eagerly waiting on the post!!

Many thanks Rebecca for the giveaway.

Smell the Roses

I love making small things! The challenge of larger projects tends to wear off quickly ... I have had a 'gum leaf' quilt for the couch on the go for several months. It is a WIP ... by this time next year it will be completed.

Table runners, place mats, and cushions are my idea of a small project. Even if one busy with household chores; washing, ironing, etc; it isn't difficult to begin a small project and complete it within a week.

On Monday, wash day [I even ironed the same day!] I completed a cushion for a friend who has undergone a double mastectomy and is recover from breast reconstruction, a major operation in anyone's book. I think she is incredibly brave and courageous and to honour that courage I felt the urge to make a 'small thing' to mark that bravery. Recently one of the Forum members recommended a site, that of course I had to have a peek at. A BOM captured my attention, and immediately I knew one of those blocks was simply the best for this cushion. The Contented Quilter's 'Take Time to ...' series includes one 'Smell the Roses'. As this friend lives in a male dominated household I decided to make a 'girlie' cushion.

We are heading south next month ... then I will make a personal delivery.

Table Runner

Strike while the iron is hot, or when the mood comes upon one.

The Christmas fabrics simply screamed to be made into something. The last publication of Handmade had some inspiring Christmas projects; it didn't take long for an idea to gel, though as I progressed I did some minor tweaking.

What better than to make a gift for the sender of the fabric. I chose the holly fabric ... lovely crisp white, green and red ... the colours of Christmas. I had a small selection of other festive fabrics that I purchased some months ago, just in case an idea sprung into mind. Sorting them out took moments. I cut and sewed. It was when I was at the almost final stage that I realised the pattern in the book just didn't look complete enough for what I had in mind. Another look through magazines ... prairie points! Aha, a border of prairie points on the short ends. More cutting and folding before pinning them in place.

I have to confess I am rather pleased with the result ... a table runner for Christmas.

Now ... I am wondering if perhaps I might have time to make more!

A Surprise Parcel

Slowly but surely I am working my way through my self-imposed list of baby knitting ... a singlet is wending its way to the prospective new parents. Singlets are not my most favourite item of baby knitting. My Mother, who it must be said, did not exactly like knitting, did volunteer to knit singlets; an offer gratefully accepted. My last child was born after her death, so I had to tackle singlets then ... I remember making a lemon one! Back then we didn't have the knowledge, via scans, of the sex of the expected arrival ... white, lemon, or green were the only safe options.

Today I received the most wonderful surprise! A friend in the UK sent a parcel, which in itself was exciting. Upon opening this parcel I discovered a treasure trove of fabric. Four beautiful Christmas fabrics, exceptionally good in quality, and one, which I must admit is my favourite, had robins on. Now my mind is racing with a suitable project for at least some of them!

As well there was a Fairy fabric, a fabric decorated with Flower Fairies. Ooohhh, I am indeed fortunate! I am not even beginning to dwell upon what that may end up as ... next year is early enough for such a brain teaser.