A Christmas Gift Challenge End of Wk 11

End of Week 11 (16th Nov - 22nd Nov) of the Christmas Gift Challenge I have managed to do 1 gift which is a pair of 6 ply socks I used Regia yarn this is the first pair I did on this yarn & if I do any for DH I will make adjustments, one adjustment I do to any socks I do on 4 plys & now will do it on this is to cast on & do the first round not only as a knit row but on larger needles than I use for the sock so these were done on 3.5mm DPs needles I would cast on using 4mm & the first row to set where the stiches go on which needle then change to the 3.5mm ones as I start to do the k1, p1, rib I did these as the same size as a 4 ply pair so where I cast on 60 stitches for DH & most of the men I would knit for the same size in 6 ply calls for 48 stitches.
I also when knitting count rows so I count how many I do for rib, then set to zero & count for the leg do as pattern for heel flap, heel & instep, back to zero & do the foot then do the decrease for the toe this way I get both socks to match I find that trying to measure while on the needles I can have a slight difference between them this way works for me.
I have started another pair of socks that all I seem to be doing is socks on the knitting & table runners for the sewing lol
I went to my Quilting Group on Saturday which was a great day pin the applique top & have started to quilt it, the down side of Saturday is that was the last one of not only the year but until February I can understand that Janet of   Jansmuses   who runs it needs time to have a break also her DD Annette won't be able to help & DD Suzanne may not be able to every meeting they will really be missed they are great girls & a great asset to their mum you can see more on the quilting day at Jan's blog.
I hope to have more done next week but don't hold your breath as I do seem to be slowing down also I want to do the applique if I can, I do have some blocks to do which I have been rather lazy in doing these are for a Lottery block on my online quilting group well the winner was annouced & I now have to get them done so I can send them to Claudia who one I had signed up for 4 blocks so will hope to get them done this week.
On Wednesday DH & I hope to get the swine flu jab this will be the 3rd time we had a appointment first one got cancelled due to the funeral being the next day of my DSIL just in case any side effects then last week was due to go but it the afternoon I got sick & was laid up so have it booked for this week fingers crossed we can make it

Genealogy, Not all are Rogues

Well I haven't posted much of late, & this posting is not about any craft but my 2nd Great Grandfather Alfred Stokes, he was the hero of a famous crime a murder which until Jack the Ripper was the most famous of the East End of London & the murderer even was & may be still is in Madame Tusaunds so here a little about it.
1. HENRY WAINWRIGHT (37) and THOMAS GEORGE WAINWRIGHT (30), were indicted for the wilful murder of Harriet Louisa Lane in a second count Henry Wainwright was alleged to have committed the murder, and Thomas George Wainwright was charged as an accessory after the fact. A third count stated the deceased to be a woman unknown.

ALFRED PHILIP STOKES . I live at 34, Baker's Row, Whitechapel, and am a brush maker—in September this year I was in Mr. Martin's service as manager, at 78, New Road, Whitechapel—the prisoner Henry Wainwright was also in his service as a manager—I was in the service five or six weeks, and Henry Wainwright about eleven weeks before the particular Saturday—I have known Henry Wainwright between seventeen and eighteen years—he carried on a brushmakers business formerly at 84, Whitechapel Road—that was the shop at which the articles were sold—I worked for him away from the premises, and used to take my work home to the shop—I have worked for him on and off for between seventeen and eighteen years—I know the premises 215, Whitechapel Road as a packing place—a man named West used to live there first—I am speaking about the time when Wainwright had the premises—West was his chief clerk and lived there—West left somewhere in July, 1874, after which the premises were unoccupied so far as to persons living there, but they were used for packing premises down stairs—they remained unoccupied as a residence till Rogers went there in November, 1874—they were shut up at night, and I believe the keys were always put in the counting house at No. 84, until the fire—Henry Wainwright went out of business about a month before he went into Mr. Martin's service, he then told me that he lived at School House Lane, Chingford, but I never went to his place—on the Thursday or Friday before Saturday, 11th September, 1875, I told him that I had bought a chain for the scales (we were then in Mr. Martin's shop)—he said "Oh yes, it is very useful," and then he said "I have a chopper and a shovel to sell likewise, which will be very useful," I said "So they will, sir, as we require them for the place"—nothing more was said at that time—we were at work on the Saturday afternoon about 6.30 in Mr. Martin's presence, and he said "Will you carry a parcel for me, Stokes?"—I said "Yes sir, with the greatest of pleasure" we then left together and went to 215, Whitechapel Road—we went in at the back through Vine Court—he took a key out of his pocket and opened the door—we both went in and he asked me to go upstairs and fetch down a parcel—I went upstairs underneath this part, and through by the sky light into the dwelling rooms—that was 80 or 90 feet from the spot where we came in—I looked for the parcel but could not find it—I went down found him at the furthest end of the place, and told him I could not find any parcel—he said "Never mind, Stokes, I will find them where I placed them a fortnight ago, under the straw"—there was some straw there, not in the corner but just on the stone work—as you enter from Vine Court there are some flag stones—I saw the straw up in a corner and saw two parcels tied round with rope and some black American cloth—he said "These are the parcels I want you to carry, Stokes"—I lifted them up and

To Read the full story from the Old Bailey Trial Transcript click   Here   you can also read a short bit on him at East London History   I had always thought that I would find that I had the rogue gallery in my lot but seems that at least someone stood up & did the right thing
A bit more on Alfred Philip Stokes you see down to Robert Alfred Smith who is my dad

First Generation

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1. Alfred Philip Stokes. Born on 11 Apr 1824. Alfred Philip was baptized in Saint Leonards, Shoreditch, London on 4 Apr 1825. Occupation: Brush Maker Journeyman (1857).
On 15 Jan 1844 when Alfred Philip was 19, he first married Hepzibah Anderson, daughter of George Anderson & Elizabeth, in St Philip's Church Bethnal Green Lnd. Born on 3 May 1801 in Whitechapel London Middlesex. Hepzibah was baptized in Holywell Mount Independent Chapel Shoreditch, London on 1 Jun 1801.
Witnesses to marriage Henry charles Stokes & Eleanor Ellis
On 1 Oct 1848 when Alfred Philip was 24, he second married Caroline Barcklay, daughter of Joseph Barcklay & Susannah, in St Peter Church District of St Andrews Saffron Hill Holborn. Born in 1830 in Stepney London. Caroline was baptized in Spitalfields Christ Church, Stepney, London on 4 Aug 1830.
Name also spelt Barclay
They had the following children:
i. Alfred. Born abt 1850 in Clerkenwell Middlesex.
ii. Joseph. Born abt 1852 in Clerkenwell Middlesex.
iii. Rachel Elizabeth. Born abt 1855 in Clerkenwell Middlesex.
In Jun Qrt 1873 when Rachel Elizabeth was 18, she married George Rayner, in Bethnal Green London.
2 iv. Caroline (1857-)
3 v. Henry (~1860-)
vi. Hannah. Born abt 1862 in Spitafields Middlesex.
vii. Arthur. Born abt 1864 in Spitafields Middlesex.
Alfred at time of Marriage gives as residence 5 Silver St Clerkenwell, & Caroline 8 Peter St
Witnesses William Henry Hitchern (Heitchern) & Thomas Turner
It gives Alfred as a Bachelor but it believed he was still married to Hepzibah, no death or further info found on her


Second Generation


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2. Caroline Stokes. Born on 4 Oct 1857 in Back of 12 Stoke St Birmingham Warwickshire. Caroline was baptized in Saint Thomas, Birmingham, Warwick, England on 25 Oct 1857.
Census: 1911 Census living at 18 Brewer St London Fields
On 18 Mar 1876 when Caroline was 18, she married James Henry Smith, son of James Smith (11 Apr 1833-) & Emma Ray (5 Feb 1836-), in St Thomas's Church, Bethnal Green, London.1 Born on 8 Feb 1857 in 7 Ada Place Bethnal Green London.1 James Henry died in 55 The Broadway London Fields Hackney on 13 Jun 1907, he was 50.
They had the following children:
4 i. James Henry (1876-1939)
5 ii. Thomas Walter (~1883-)
iii. Caroline Emma. Born abt 1884 in Bethnal Green London.
6 iv. Annie Rosena (~1886-)
v. Rachel Elizabeth. Born abt 1889 in Hackney London.
vi. Florence Violet. Born abt 1892 in Hackney London. Occupation: Milliner.
7 vii. Edward Arthur (1893-)
viii. Daisy Violet. Born abt 1897 in Hackney London. Occupation: Milliner.
ix. Elizabeth Lily. Born abt 1900 in Hackney London.
Residence as given on marriage cert James 164 Birdcage Walk, & Caroline 9 Baxendale St.
Witnesses John Smith & Hannah Smith
3. Henry Stokes. Born abt 1860 in Birmingham Warwickshire.
Henry married Emma. Born abt 1863 in Bethnal Green London.
They had the following children:
i. Emma. Born abt 1885 in Hackney London.
ii. Martha. Born abt 1887 in Hackney London.
iii. Ada. Born abt 1888 in Hackney London.
iv. Henry. Born abt 1890 in Bethnal Green London.
v. UNNAMED. Born in Mar 1901 in Hackney London.


Third Generation
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4. James Henry Smith. Born on 1 Jun 1876 in 136 Columbia Rd, Bethnal Green, London.1 James Henry died in Hackney Hospital, Hackney, London on 7 May 1939, he was 62.1 Was on the census for 1 Albion Terrace, Derby Rd, Hackney London in 1901. Buried in Manor Park, London.
Last address is 260 Rushmore Rd, Hackney, he lived here over his shoe shop. His age is given as 62 on his death certificate.
Census: 1901: 1 Albion Terrace, Derby Rd, Hackney
On 25 Dec 1895 when James Henry was 19, he married Emma Storey, daughter of John William Storey (24 May 1860-5 Nov 1924) & Susannah Lyons (abt 1860/61-29 Mar 1917), in St Paul's Church, Haggerston, Shoreditch.1 Born on 17 Nov 1878 in 1 Columbia Rd, Bethnal Green, London. Emma died in Hackney Hospital Hackney Lnd on 18 Apr 1960, she was 81.
Census: on 1911 census it says 11 children born alive, with 6 still alive. 5 died address is 11 Cranbrook St Bethnal Green
They had the following children:
i. Daisy Lily (1900-)
ii. Charles E (~1903-)
iii. John (~1905-)
iv. Violet Rose (1907-1974)
v. Edward Arthur (1909-)
vi. James (~1910-)
vii. Robert Alfred (1912-1988)
viii. Doris Victoria (1913-1996)
ix. Florence Caroline (1919-2004)
5. Thomas Walter Smith. Born abt 1883 in Bethnal Green London.
On 28 May 1899 when Thomas Walter was 16, he married Eliza A Walker, daughter of James S Walker (abt 1845-), in St Pauls Church Haggerston Lnd. Born abt 1879.
They had one child:
i. Eliza (~1900-)
In 1899 When Eliza & Thomas Married her address was 81 Broadway London Fields it looks like 81 Thomas was at 55 Broadway Witnesses was Herbert Silliven or Gilliven (Could be Sullivan) & Caroline Smith Father of Eliza is James Walker Stallman deceased
6. Annie Rosena Smith. Born abt 1886 in Bethnal Green London.
On 3 Apr 1905 when Annie Rosena was 19, she married John Henry Gilkes, in St Paul's Church Haggeston London. Born on 24 Jun 1883.
They had one child
i. John Henry (1905-)
7. Edward Arthur Smith. Born on 2 Oct 1893 in Hackney London. Occupation: Carman.
In 4 Qrt 1911 when Edward Arthur was 17, he married Rosina Stannard, in Hackney District. Born on 12 Nov 1894 in 34 Turville Street Bethnal Green Lnd.
They had one child:
i. Florence (1915-)

A Christmas Gift Challenge End of Wk 10

Well the end of Wk 10 9th Nov - 15th Nov & I managed to do 3 Pot Holders/Hot Pads & a Pair of Regia Cotton Socks the colour of these are more a airforce blue but it don't show them up well in the photo

I have to get some swaps put together for posting this coming week & am not sure how much sewing I will get done but will be starting another pair of socks but these will be done in 6 ply as most of the socks I been doing have used 4 ply.

I may have done a pair of socks I have not shown it was a navy pair of  Regia Silky so but I lost track of when I finished them so have not counted them in my tally

How are you all doing on your Christmas Gifts or even Thanksgiving if you celebrate that, have you seen the days left to Christmas it only 39 days left as I write this so may even less when you read it.

Well I hope you like the Pot Holders it my attempt at doing Applique which I rather like doing hardest part is finding a nice easy picture that I want to do as much as some look really nice if they have lots of different colours in at present I like a picture that is one or two colours or if there is more it not all on the same part.

A Christmas Gift Challenge End of Wk 9

Well it the end of Wk9 in the Christmas Gift Challenge (2nd Nov -8th Nov) I sort of cheated just slightly here as I did finish the 3 runners but needed to do the sewing down of the binding so rather than I worked on one runner which I would have got one or two done I worked on all 3 so they were fully finished actually yesterday (9th Nov) but so I could show them I have counted them as last weeks finished items.

The table runners have been done from my online group swap that was called Maker's Choice  we did this sometime ago & I thought they would be fine for table runners these are going to be gifts of course my DH asked me if I would do them for him to give so had to do them of course he don't ask for much quilting things.

I really do struggle with the binding & DH said do it all by machine, well the other day he said something when I was telling him about how much I really like some quilts that has such fancy quilting so he said it about time I learnt wasn't being nasty or anything so I explained that they done on a long arm & people either have their own or send it out or have much fancier machines which cost a lot well that soon had him thinking lol anyway when it came to the binding I do prefer if it was hand sewn down on the back so decided that what I would do as he said about time I learnt well it not just a case of learning it also my hands doing it anyway I started & done the first & was working on the second when I had to stop for something & DH said he do it so he carried on with that & I started the third one so between us we managed to get all 3 done yesterday.

But boy do I have very sore fingers I am having to find something to advoid this if I am going to do it this way especially if I want to do quilts, I have a metal thimble but it too big, I don't know how they do the size or you even work out what size you are also what is best as with a metal one you can't grab the needle very well, so what do all of you do & use

Weather is rather grey & I have been having some bad nights sleeping with me getting up in the middle of the night I did manage to stay in bed last night but was awake every 2 hours, I have been in pain with my back & hips so that not helped

I am waiting on the place where I got my machine to send the needle threader for it as while sewing I lightly knocked it & it came off it the little plastic lugs that hold the metal part to the plastic part that broke so a new one is needed.

I am working on some more socks so they should be done for next week report, so do get on with your Christmas gifts as it will soon be upon us have a good week of getting your gifts done

This, That & Some More

This past week I been having computer problems if it not the contection it to do with pages not coming up, on top of that the computer seems to have gone really slow takes ages to shut down it takes even a while when you click on close for it to come up not sure what is wrong have tried restoring back to last month plus doing several virus checks which showed nothing so not sure what the problem is I am reluctant to reformat the hard drive as one program I have on is the EQ6 & you only get so many activations & I have use a couple so if i can advoid the format I will then I won't have to use what I think could be the last chance then you have to pay for more which i think is wrong great program but lousy idea
Earlier in the week I had tried cutting some wadding & of course as it was a piece that I needed to have space which I don't have I made a mistake so was moaning about not able to cut yardage well to make a long story short decided that the table which I work on should go in to the main bedroom it was in the small spare room.
The difference is that when I worked in the small room I looked across the width which is about 3ft the length of around 5ft was mostly to the left but the right didn't have much space at the end well moved some things from the main bedroom to the small room & not have the table in the main bedroom so when I work I can sit at the end & look at the length of the table & when I want to cut just move my chair & I have room for the yardage rather than trying to fit it in.
I still have to finish tidying away but did manage to get the table runners I am working on to the binding stage so hope to finish them later today.
While doing this change around I looked in a box I have fabric in & saw fabric I had forgotten about well had to get on hands & knees to try to get under the table before now while I still have it under the table it is easier to access.
It rather early morning here while writing this as I can't sleep been having some really bad restless nights, my hip is hurting well more of a ache that won't stop which don't help I will be off to bed after finishing this hoping that I will be able to go to back to sleep
I hope to report tomorrow on my gift challenge which won't be much as I have seemed to let time get away this week again, & Christmas is fast approaching the days are sure coming up fast so things do need to be finished so you see how I done in my next blog

A Christmas Gift Challenge End of Wk 8 & Other Things

The Christmas Gift Challenge for wk8 26th Oct - 1st Nov well just wasn't no gifts completed what with my sister-in-law's passing & having to go down to see my brother then we had one of DH's sister & husband here for a visit I didn't get time to work on what I wanted to hope to make up for it this week if I can.
I have received some Fat Quarters today which I won in a give-away it was from Amy of  Mrs. Schmenkman Quilts  lovely FQs I also received yesterday some lovely crochet flowers & some cones which will go on the Christmas Tree from Robin of  RSISLANDCRAFTS  again lovely items Thank You Both.
We still don't know as to when the funeral will be of my DSIL, not too much else is happening here I am working on some more table runners which I hope to finish for this weeks tally of the challenge how are you all doing we are now in November & Christmas will be upon us before we know it.
Do you do hand-made gifts as presents you could always do some cooking may be get some glacier cherries soak in a brandy or some other spirit for at least a couple of weeks then melt some chocolate & dip them in & put in to little paper cases to make a box of chocolates or even do marsipan ones
May be make up a little food gift box if it for someone who has everything, or do a face cloth & put in to a little basket with some bath/shower items to make a little toiletry gift there is lots of gift ideas that don't have to cost the earth do let me know how you all are doing with your gift challenge

Malvern Autumn Quilt Show 2009

Below is a slide show of some of the quilts that was at the Malvern Autumn Quilt Show 2009
The show it self was not bad some bargains but much the same price as if i wasn't there I did get a roatating cutting mat & a I Believe Christmas Panel & some patterns my friend Pat bought me a lovely Kit for a beautiful table runner, I really enjoyed the day so look at the quilts & enjoy

Come and meet November Your Novermber Angel

Here is your guardian angel for the month of November May she guard over you.

I hope that this will be a good month for you & that while the nights draw in & winter comes you can be warm in Love

~Come and meet November~

An angel so sublime

Her joy a special treasure

In evergreens she finds

Watching oh so carefully

Each special tree will be

A compliment to nature

Dressed as Christmas tree

She touches every branch

To give the tree new life

An angel from the heavens

She casts a special light

Makes the limbs so supple

Fragrance so divine

This angel of the evergreens

A gift for special time

On Christmas she will enter

Your heart will feel her love

A most devoted treasure

A heart of peace above

Beauty she enshrines

With each majestic tree

Filled up with your memories

A special heart you see

November's sweetest gift of peace

A tree of perfect art

As snow falls down upon the earth

It nourishes your heart.~

A Christmas Gift Challenge End of Wk 7

The end of Wk 7 (19th Oct-25th Oct) Am still doing the said challenge in that I have managed 1 gift this week the socks below, but that not that good my excuse is that I been working on the applique top so hope to do better this week, well it can hardly be much worst lol
My Sewing machine has arrived back this morning so I will use that so I can try it out to make sure it going okay I do need to cut some fabric for sashing & border on some table runners so hoping that I may get the ones I need to do done this week but after yesterday's shock not sure what this week will hold, I know that Thursday is out for sewing as having the boiler serviced & it is in the room where I have my computer & do my sewing so have to move stuff out the way so the engineer will have room plus not ruin any fabric.
How are you all doing on you holiday gifts are you on track or way behind what you need to do, come on do tell.

Sad Sunday

This is a sad Sunday, I heard a little while ago that my DSIL passed away in her sleep last night she was the wife of my eldest brother & was 72.
She was working up to last year & leaves 3 sons & I think it 7 grandchildren
They saying a heart attack but it won't be know for sure for a few days at least.
In Memory of Jean

Received in Post Swap & PIF

I received some lovely items in the mail today from Khris in Australia who is also doing a Give-away, the first photo is a beautiful drawn string bag & some coasters/mug mats in a nice little holder this was for me signing up to her PIF I have shown the mats so you can see both sides.
The second photo is of a lovely pin cushion with a needle purse which I have it open in the third photo these are all lovely & was for a swap we did, Thanks Khris
Today had to be up early as we had a electrician coming to fit a cooker/stove point in so by the time he came did it all it was going on to midday so we had lunch before we went off out for our weekly grocery shop.
We done our shopping plus we got some joints of meat for the freezer so we won't starve lol
I also had a call from the sewing machine shop where my Brother BM2600 went off to they did say the handle which lowers & raises the needle was tight but it seems that I had not quite located the bobbin case in correctly & that was the problem they have been testing it & have it all set up correctly & it will go out on tonight's pick up so may get it tomorrow or Monday when it arrives back I will take a photo of the bobbin so I can see how it done I done this with the settings as then I know I can reset back to normal if I don't do the photo I know I will forget it not like my Silver Viscount machine if you switch off it set back to normal as it computerised where the Brother is mechanical.
So it not sewing today after shopping will just knit as I am rather tired especially as I am not sleeping too well I am waking up every couple of hours which don't give you a good nights sleep.

Applique Top So Far

I finished the applique on the top that I am working you all remember it my Quilting Group that I go to once a month project.
Here is the Appliqué top I am doing so far it still needs work doing to it but the Appliqué is all done if you wish to see how it should look to This & That Fabric
Scroll down to Back to Grannys & that what this is suppose to be like as you will see it needs more squares to go round the to make it bigger still not sure if I will just do it to the size it given yet you all know when I come to finishing it lol

I must say while I have never done any applique I have enjoyed it wish my sewing on the bits was better but they say practice makes perfect well I am going to need awful lot of practice lol.This has not been without it problems biggest one the machine I take to group decided to not work right on Saturday, had been getting some sewn then I had to stop, the machine will be delivered to the shop today as I been tracking it they picked it up yesterday so with luck it could be back by next week.Am working on more socks on the knitting side, when I go shopping this week I want to look at some kids colouring books to see if there is anything in it that I could do as applique who knows what out there.Weather is damp today it was raining from last night to early this morning while it stopped for now it is damp they say that the wind is making it feel colder being indoors it not as cold as it was yesterday so I guess it will be the wind that makes feel worst & not so much lower temperatures long gone is summer well didn't really have a great one here in the UK yes it was dry & warm but never really had very hot long spells not like we use to get years ago now I am sounding old talking about the Good Old Days & When I was young lol so I better shut up now

Blogs doing Give-Away

Today I am posting a This & That Day or Blogs that are doing Give-Aways

First must tell you of a Give-Away it from Pumpkin Patch Primitives Quilt Shoppe she doing a fantistic Give-Away so go & look

Next is a blog with a tutorial for flying geese it at Quilters Going Bananas that says it all about us Quilters lol

As I look at the blogs I am putting links for other Give-Aways so here some more Spark Barks is also doing one

The next is not a enter a Give-Away but they are doing Freebies they are Among the Gum Tree they are doing a freebie each week so you have to check back well that should keep you looking at some blogs other than mine for a little while

A Christmas Gift Challenge End of Wk 6

The end of Wk 6 (12th Oct - 18th Oct) & I only managed a pair of socks they are navy I know they look black in the photo.
So still managing to do the challenge of at least one gift a week with needing to work on my Quilting Group Project last week I knew I would only manage 1 gift.
The sewing machine I take to my Quilting group has to go away as it not working right so that will be picked up tomorrow (Tuesday) it will take about a week to turn round & be back with me not that I am too worried will use my main machine.
I have to work on my project before I start on more gifts as I need to have it ready to pin & quilt by the next meeting.
I will be doing more socks plus I want to do some wrist warmers for DH you will see how I get on when I do them.
I will be going to the Malvern Quilting show in a couple of weeks time so will also report on that.
Today I been out & ordered new glasses more expense, also book in for the dentist which is in a couple of weeks seems it get everything done at once
Later this week have an electrician coming to fit a cooker socket & socket so when we go to have a new cooker which will be possible just after Christmas we don't just have to choose gas we will be able to get what we want, then the following week it a service on the boiler well want that done before the winter really sets in.
Not too much else to report, don't forget to let me know what you done especially if you are taking this challenge

Just Another Sunday?

After my Good day in all yesterday was my Quilting Group day so off I went with machine (brother 2600) & all that I needed plus my friend from across the road Pat came so was working on my project.
Then had to start sewing the next lot applique that I had put on Janet who runs the group helped me well she started to do it so set to zig zag & it was going well did think it was slightly noise but some machines are then I did some & Jan came back over & the machine seemed to skip a stitch every so often so said to clean it which I did not that it needed it as this is the machine I got in June & is only used for Quilting Group, anyway put it all back & it just wouldn't seem to let the top thread pick up the bobbin thread well it caught it but the top thread seems to get stuck somewhere so after several times of taking it apart & re-putting it back still no luck also the wheel/handle at the side that lowers & highers the needle this seems to be very hard compared to what it was well today had DH strip it down & re-assemble it & still no luck so will phone the shop to arrange a collections for them to sort it out so that will be gone I guess around a week I will have to use my main machine (Silver Viscount 9500E) which I don't mind except I had started on the brother & so it will be slightly different stitch but I know the settings on this so it better I can be more consisted
Am off to knit now want to finish a pair of socks I am doing so I have a gift completed this week, as I been working on the Quilting Group Project it taken it time so not much else has got done
I won't post photos of my project until I get a bit further on but you can see mine plus lots of other ones & how different they can look at Jansmusing well worth popping over to look

A Good Day Over All

It been a fairly good day, first off went & got our grocery shopping done & came home shortly after we got it all packed away the postman came & had a couple of packages for me I do love getting packages don't you
First one which is the bottom photo was some sock yarn a sort of grey marble effect I got this off ebay & got 7 balls (50grms each) of this 4 ply yarn so will be able to do quite a few socks.
Second package which is show in the middle photo well that was a lovely gift from Lyn in Australia she sent me some fabric which is very nice a lovely book marker plus a little tray that shaped like a teapot & has Roses all over it never seen anything like this it really nice.
The top photo is my Quilting group Project it not finished this is the first finished stage i will be cutting out the strips to go round plus vines ect to go on the strips which is in the same fabric as the background of the centre panel, this is my first attempt of Applique & I did all the stitching around it during the week had been putting it off for ages.
As I laid it on the bed to take the photo my DH came in & was asking about it so show him what I am & still have to do & he even saying about making bigger than the 40 inch square that it should be to be put in to a quilt I will decide once I reached that finish size we did say about using it as a table topper but he said if it on there all the time it would get messed up & it too good for that lol
So I can say it been a good day on the whole I am about to go & rest & will cast on the stitches for the 2nd sock I am working on.

The Book has Arrived

The book I had ordered from Amazon came the other day it Eleanor Burn's Quilts through the Seasons, I am watching it on the Rural Channel (279 on Sky) for those in the UK or possible europe who get Sky TV if not you can alway go to the Quilt in a Day site & watch it on there here a link to the Theater there is more than this one series on there
I like nearly all the quilts in there only one I am not fully sure of & that is the fish one it not that I don't like it I just can never see me even wanting to do I love the Horn of Plenty table runner that is one I expect that people who celebrate Thanksgiving will love here in the UK it not a holiday we have here so it be wasted.
I am going to continue with my Quilting Group Project I have to get it up to the next stage for Saturday so will be working on that in a bit so I guess that I had better get going as I have to put dinner on first so I can then sew this afternoon

A Christmas Gift Challenge End of Wk 5

The end of Wk 5 of the Christmas Gift Challenge (5th Oct -11th Oct) I have managed to do another pair of socks a scarf plus a table runner so I am a head of the challenge this past week as it is to do at least 1 gift a week.
This week I know I won't get so much done as I have to work on my Quilting Group project or I will be behind as we meet this coming Saturday (17th) so I suspect I will only get a pair of socks done as that is what I am working on in the evenings with the knitting.
I am waiting on a quilting book I ordered which is Quilt through the Seasons by Eleanor Burns, here in the UK on our Sky Satellite there is a channel called the Rural Channel (279) & it shows Quilt in a Day which I watch & at present they showing Quilt through the Seasons & I rather like the quilts so I thought I would get the book it is taking it time due to postal strikes that are happening in different areas of the country.
My DH has asked me to do some table runners as gifts so that more to the list of to do ones, do you have a favourite size for your table runners or some nice free patterns to share, I rather like these couple of sites Free Patterns which is not just for Quilting but also knitting & other crafts & the other one is Free Quilting you have to sign up to get the patterns but it is worth it.
I also do use e-pattern central but you pay for their patterns & it then you can download instantly I have had some very nice patterns from these as well, in fact if you look at my post for 8th Sept 2008 you will see a Prayer Shawl I knitted for my mum sadly she didn't get to wear it so I had her buried in it anyway this pattern came from a Prayer Shawl book I got from e-pattern central the original pattern does call for pockets but I didn't have enough yarn to do them, after Christmas I am hoping to do myself one it will remind me of my mum all the more.
The weather in the UK is getting colder but it a sunny day while I write this but they do say it will be colder at night, I know parts of Canada & the USA have already had some snow hearing that really lets you know that winter is on it way, well do share what you done if your taking this challenge

A Christmas Gift Challenge End of Wk 4

Well end of Wk 4 of the Christmas Challenge (28th Sept-4th Oct) & I have manged to finish 2 table runners, I can't take full credit as much as I would like to in 2007 I got off ebay table runner tops thinking they make nice presents well didn't make them & had them sitting here so I have finally turned them in to finished table runners they use Thimbleberries fabric which ones who read this regular will know I do love TB fabrics, any the two are now done & are in the gift stash.
The bottom one is a on point so doing the binding on this never done anything with a shape in so was interesting then the top one is just a normal one.
I have still been working on other gifts but they either aren't or weren't finished within wk 4 so you get to see them next week.
How are you all doing are you getting your gifts done the days are ticking away fast so you do need to get your skates on to get the gifts done.
On a earlier posting the Give-Away prize is now in the hands of the Royal Mail (our postal service) & is on it way to Anya.
I hope to have possible 3 or more items done for next week but we see what say what but some is knitting as usual well you all have a good week getting those gifts done take care
Last but not least here is a chance of a give-away go to http://fabricartist21.blogspot.com/ for a chance to win.

Winner of Give-Away

Today is the day I have done the draw to the Give-Away this was the give-away in memory of my mum who passed away a year ago today I would like to thank you all for your lovely comments about my mum & kind words for me in this difficult time.

I thought I would share another photo of my mum this one was taken at Christmas 1976 my Mum & Dad with my eldest son Karl & my Daughter Donna my youngest son Stuart wasn't in this as he was only a 6 or 7 weeks old, now my kids can kill me for showing them on here lol

I did the draw & the name who came out was Anya Her blog is Hills Creek Quilter so congratulations to Anya if you like to contact me with your full address I will get your prize out to you if by any chance I have not heard by Friday I will draw another name out.

I must say that I had not been to all the blogs & this was one I hadn't got to after I did the draw it worth taking a look well Congratulations once again to Anya & look forward to getting her package off to her in the post.

Angel of October

Happy October here is your angel of the month I hope that this month with be a good one for you all

~Windswept in gloryDivine purple huesThis angel of heaven A rapturous view
Wishing you happiness Wants you to beWrapped in her gloryA heart that is free
Cool winds to guide herDown to the landShows you the gloryHer heart in your hand
Warms you with sunshine Bright with her loveThis angel of wind She echoes above
Capture her heart As she comes in your viewForever this angel Will always love you
Breezes through earthWith special sweet songOctober's sweet angelYour heart will belong.~

A Christmas Gift Challenge End of Wk 3

Well end of the week 3 of this challenge (21st-27th) & again I have only managed one gift which is a pair of socks these are done in Regia Bamboo yarn which I got the the other week it was down as a discontinued yarn so it was reduce it come in 50 grms balls & of course needed 2 balls I do have some over but not enough for another pair of socks.
I an trying to do more this week, & have some quilting gifts done apart from needed to do them I am trying to keep more busy this week, as I approach the date of my mum's passing I must say I am getting a little weepy as I think back to this week a year ago as I spent each day with her in the care home & knowing her life was drawing to a close but at least she not suffering anymore which towards the end she was but I am also remembering some happy moments along the way of that week one was how happy she was seeing the sock I done.
Sorry if I am getting a bit soppy but we all love our mums & miss them when they are not longer with us, don't forget to check out the Give-Away in her Memory that I am doing it the earlier post & the lucky name will be drawn out on Monday 5th so entries close on Sunday.

I'm Having a Give-Away

Above Me & Mum in Scotland she knitted the Arans we wearing taken when she was around 86 (1997)

Above Gooseberry Patch Christmas Book 6

Below 10 Novelty FQs It is coming up to the 1st anniversary of my mum passing she passed away on the 5th October 2008 age 97, she was a avid knitter & loved knitting Aran garments she was never a quilter so I don't get too down i am doing this Give-Away which I know she would love.
She was also fascinated with the way I could chat to people all over the world & how generous they were, I am in a knitting group where I do some swaps & when I did some would send things for her as well as me, & when she was ill off & on over the last few years before her passing both knitters & quilters sent her get well cards & she couldn't get over how strangers would send her cards.
So in honour of her I am doing a Give-away which will be drawn on the 5th Oct the anniversary of her death to be in with a chance you leave your comments, to get one entry & if you mention it on your blog you get 2 more chances do give your blog so I can check it out, so there is up to 3 chances of winning, now you may be saying what will you win well you get a book called Gooseberry Patch Christmas book 6 plus 10 novelty FQs, 1 name will be drawn on 5th October Good Luck to you All

Above my mum & dad taken at a char ladies ball around 1951
Below my mum in 2004 age 93

My Thimbles

I been asked to show my thimble collection off so here it is the first photo is the one cabinet which is the one I have the longest it has quite a few Christmas ones plus others.

The second photo shows one of the 3 cabinets I have on another wall I have only just got these cabinets & this photo shows the cabinet which is full of famous people

The third photo is a matching cabinet to the 2nd one but this has places in the UK.

The last photo show the 3 cabinets on the wall, the top cabinet which don't have many in I am using to keep ones that my DH gets me I know he getting some which he not given me as he do that at Christmas as he said he has to get me things as he sees them & if he gives me them now I have nothing for Christmas lol I have asked him for more cabinets as I still have a few to put out plus I have a small corner all shelf which I have a few tall ones which are too tall to go in the cabinets I hope you like looking at my collection.

Above is a cabinet on another wall Christmas & other thimbles

Above famous people thimbles

Below is the 3 on one wall

Above is the places thimbles

Bluebird Quilt is Having a Give-Away

Bluebird Quilts is having a Give-Away so do pop over to her blog, Lyn who is Bluebird is a lovely lady from Australia & once you been to her blog I am sure you like me will want to follow her blog

Goodies for me

Today been a good day, I had my order of templates & A3 cutting mat arrive plus I was in a swap which the part that you have to do is a dish/face cloth I had sent mine off & it had been received the lady don't have a blog, & today I received mine.

We had chatted in e-mails & so she knew I did quilting I had sent her a bag & hotpad, so she asked about what I would like so of course I said a quilting magazine as we don't get the American ones here so got Quilt Sampler, plus some love sock yarn feel wonderful, & some cotton called "I Love This Cotton" some Sugar 'N' Cream cotton plus 3 cloths, there was a little chocolate marshmallow which didn't travel so well so ate that straight away lol plus another little chocolate mmmmmmmm
I will enjoy reading the magazine from the quick look I have I am wanting to jump in to the pages that show the quilting stores & start shopping they are so nice nothing like I seen over here

So all in all a good day for me getting packages oh yes I received some cotton I ordered & some thimbles as I collect them not open those yet as need a clear space & was sewing at the time.

Applique Hotpad/Pot Holder

This is my attempt of applique I done a hotpad/pot holder it not that great so I will be keeping it apart from anything else I also tried the bought binding & am not too happy with it first I put it on wrong for me so then struggled with having to hand sew the binding which is not good for me but I am fairly happy with the applique part of it & it was a throw together one anyway.

A Christmas Gift Challenge End of Wk 2

Well end of week two of the Christmas Challenge, I have only manage one item for the gift stash this week but that is the challenge to do at least one item, the reason it only been one item I was busy doing the Dutch Nine Patch Blocks so now they are out the way I hope to be able to do more gifts.
With the Dutch 9 patch blocks I did finish the last off but guess who was so happy to finish them & get them in to their envelopes no photo was taken of the last few.
The socks below are a plain/solid brown colour not so happy with the yarn when knitting as it does feel a little scratchy but once knitted & washed they are fine these will be for DH
I got as I said before some more sock yarn & I have started another pair of socks for DH this is out of Regia Bamboo yarn it a discontinued like & I got some blue flex type yarn so DH will wear them but I do have to be so careful when looking at yarns if any are for him he so fussy lol that said he not so bad if I do them as a trainer/sport sock as he says they not seen inside the shoe so he will wear a bit more of colour mix.
Well how are all of you doing with this challenge I not seen this on anybody's blog you know the weeks & days are ticking away fast & before we know it we be in holiday season so do start to get those gifts started & let me know I would love to see what you are up to
On a slightly different note some who leave comments are on no reply so as welcome as they are I can't comment back to you it not that I don't wish to so please do bear this in mind if you post a comment I love hearing from you all so please do continue leaving your comments

Quilting Group Project

Yesterday was my Quilting Group I have had the newsletter earlier giving suggested supplies well as I need to see something before I can say I would like it in this or that colour I went with the suggested colours we did have a picture of it on the newsletter but it was dark so hard to see anyway.
Well off I go with my machine & supplies scared like a chicken thinking no way will I be able to do this, but Jan is a great teacher she helps you along which she did with me.
The project is a quilt/topper or what ever you want it to be it will finish at 40"x40" so not sure what I will do with it yet may be a Christmas gift if it finished in time.
Well I cut out all the pieces on Heat & Bond (web bond) well I say me I had help as I struggle with having to cut out with sccissors but all pieces cut & then put on to the right colour fabric & then put on centre panel fabric it looking good well I think it is.
As the machine I take I only had a few months & only ever gets used when I am at QG I wasn't sure of the settings so I couldn't do the sewing around the basket & flowers I will practice on some scraps on my regular machine before starting to attempt it on the basket but it will make me remember to take the instruction book with me to the machine but the other thing is that this machine hasn't a clear foot like my regular machine.
Anyway as I didn't do anymore on the basket I started to do the 4 patch which will go around the the panel before adding a strip all around that which would have had some vines & leaves added to it but that is for next month I just have to get the stitching all round the basket, leaves, stems & flowers plus add the 4 patch all around before next month.
I must say this is my first attempt at doing applique & I am enjoying the look will say more when I attempted to do the sewing all around the pieces lol so this is my centre panel so far I will have to give it a light press again as bringing it home I noticed it has got slightly creased so need to press it before I start to sew.

Even More Dutch Nine Patch Blocks

Here is some more Dutch 9 Patch blocks the top & bottom are Red with white/cream & middle one is with pink.
It been a funny day today we left to go shopping around our usual time but DH had a Dr appointment first the Dr was running late so by the time we got out of there is was later than we usually do our weekly shop
To add to this we went to a different supermarket well we went to 2 first one we got most of the bits plus extras then the next one we got stuff that we can't get at the first one & in between the two supermarkets we went to the freezer shop.
So we got back late so got shopping away & had lunch, I had some packages first a lovely Thimble from Lyn in Australia then I got more sock yarn & then the templates & cutting mat I ordered when it arrived I realised that I actually wanted a A3 not the A4 I ordered well that what I get the whole order seem to go weird, I am okay especially after the blocks did go together so well seem to not have any problems with them.

Mid-Week Report

It is already mid-week, & so far I haven't done as much as I would like well have spent some money that I can't afford lol I ordered some Plain/Solid colour sock yarn it is Regia 4 ply I got a Dark Green & a Brown these will do for DH, I ordered on Monday arrived Tuesday.

I then went & ordered more sock yarn from the place which is in the UK & if you spend over £10 postage free I ordered 8 more balls but this time I have some Bamboo yarn well it still Regia but it discontinued & it 40% bamboo the balls are only 50 grm so need 2 balls for a pair of socks so got 2 different shades so that the 4 balls & the other 4 balls I ordered some self-patterning one.

I have also ordered some Non-Slip squares & a A4 cutting mat the mat is so I can take it to my quilting group the squares are 5.5" 8.5" & 15.5" I thought the large one would be good for doing some blocks for bags I like to square up what I do & I am trying to build up my collection of templates.

My DH went off out & he found me some lovely thimbles as I collect them well I do but hadn't bother in ages then I was talking to someone in Australia & we doing a swap & it got my interest up again so I got some more little cabinets & DH has put them on the wall I keeping one just for the ones he buys me then rest can go in the other 2 cabinets that he put up.

No photos to share today may be tomorrow if i can finish the blocks I am working I must say while I like the Dutch 9 Patch I much prefer it if there is more than one to do in the same colour than if I have to do each one separately in different colours so will be glad when they are finished.

I hope everyone is busy with their projects I have nearly finish the 1st of a pair of socks for DH with yarn I had I do want to put these away for Christmas for him that the only think he does see me knitting & I know he knows the plain colours are for him lol you all have a good day now