A New Toy

When I purchased my first computer, in New Zealand, a scanner and printer were included in the 'deal'.  Alas, when selling-up a decision had to be made; the computer, and its associated accessories were passed on to youngest son ... there was neither rhyme nor reason to cart their combined bulk across the Tasman.

I may have mentioned previously that a normal Saturday morning often includes a visit to a garage sale.  Sometimes there are bargains, sometimes not; the fun is in looking.  This morning came up trumps!  No 1 house offered girl's clothing ~ not in the market for that; it also had an excellent selection of books, and in spite of the fact that we need yet another bookcase, I chose three.

House No 2 didn't look promising from the road.  A few trestle tables that didn't appear heavily laden clung to the walls of the garage, almost like a wall flower at a dance sitting unobtrusively in the certainty she would be bypassed by the roaming males.  But ... on closer inspection I spied a scanner; same brand as what I previously owned, and this time the CD was included [unlike a scanner for sale several months ago minus the all important CD ... the lady in charge that day looked blank at my enquiry for the relevant CD ... I often wonder if she managed to find a buyer]. 

The scanner is home and installed.  What use is a scanner if one doesn't use it!?  Finding a black and white photo all of 40 years old I tried my luck.  In spite of not having a clue what to do the image appeared, albeit as faded as the original.  Not a problem.  I have another programme to sort that.

I had heard that some folks use their scanner, in place of a camera, for craft work.  OK ... Just having completed a hexagon mug rug suitable for Christmas I placed it in the scanner, pushed a button, and hey presto ...

I see now that in my haste the mug-rug wasn't placed squarely, but it did work.  Little gifts, like this, will end up at someone's house in time for December 25th.

Christmas is Coming

Christmas with all its excitement is looming!  As I was presented with a little grandchild earlier in the year what else could a doting Nana do but make a little gift, one that will last for several years.

Deciding between a stocking or a Santa Sack a search through my library of magazines made the choice easy ... a Santa Sack.  Santa is taking it easy at the moment ... afterall he has a few weeks before his round-the-world trip!

For his first Christmas I will fill the sack; while his parents will have that pleasure in the coming years.

Christmas Swag

Since the end of September Sew Happy Sewalong has given instructions for a Christmas swag.  In a fit of determination each week I printed the instructions and stitched the block.  While not complicated the simplicity of each block makes for an effective Christmas swag. 

This afternoon the project was completed, albeit with a few variations; beads for eyes, buttons and holly berries, and buttons to hold the pieces together rather than a long strip.  Should you desire to make a similar swag, with or without your variations, the pattern is available from Sew Happy Sewalong website.

Ain't Misbehavin'

Block 3 of the Sentimental Journey quilt is now complete with improved results.  A great tip from Vicki has definitely improved my points.  Her suggestion was to spray starch the pieces before stitching, and although I had read that somewhere before the hint had not sunk in.  This time I spray starched some of the pieces, as a comparision, and what a difference!  Next time I will use it for all the block! 

At the moment the three completed blocks are lying on the top of the couch looking good.  Only another nine to go, plus the borders etc. 

Butterfly Dreaming

I have a dear little grandson who will be one year old early in the New Year.  When visiting him not long after his birth I purchased The Enormous Turnip, a book greatly favoured by his Dad when he began school.  Speaking on the phone recently my son related how Grandson loves The Enormous Turnip ... his lovely Mum reads it to him regularly and he sits and listens.  I am thrilled as I am a great believer of obtaining a child's interest in books at an early age.

It was suggested that Grandson would 'love The Very Hungry Caterpillar' book.  I requested they not buy it ... that privilege was mine.  The pop-up version of the book is ordered and will arrive later in the month.  A book needs a bag; a bag that can double as a library bag.  

A quick hunt through my magazine 'library' turned up a pattern ... the bag is complete, but instead of a caterpillar on just one side, I made it double sided.

A chance to win!!

Vicki of http://tozzscorner.blogspot.com/ is offering a marvellous chance, well 5 chances in all, of winning an EQ7.  What an opportunity.  Hop over there and enter in the fun ... good luck!

A Moment for Bragging

Every so often a girl needs to brag just a little; you know the moment when you realise what you have completed is actually rather nice.

Recently I was in another swap, this time the swap was a mystery ... to the recipient, though for some time what I would make remained a mystery to me as well.  Finally I decided on a table topper, an article that might  be of some use.  Knowing, from another swap, my swapee's choice of colours made the selection of cottons easy.  A pattern from one of my many [I could admit to having a few plastic boxes of magazines containing patterns, but will refrain from saying what size of box] hoarded magazines provided inspiration with every stitch. 

Duly completed and posted off, received and opened, allows me to show a photo of the table topper.

I will admit that the temptation to make another one for myself, and maybe as a gift next Christmas to a family member, is great.