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

A Christmas Gift Challenge End of WK 1

Here is what I done in week one of the Christmas Challenge, I managed to do 2 cloths & a back scrubber, no sewing gifts done this week still been working on the swap blocks I need to do then I have them all done.

I will be starting some socks to give my hands a rest as I do find knitting on the thicker yarns & needles hurt my hands a bit but I do prefer thicker yarns as it knits up so much quicker.

So please let me know what you have done in your first week of this challenge if you let me have your blog or photo albums url if you put photos of your gifts on there i will then during the course of this week put them on here so others can see what you done I am sure we all be interested.

More Dutch Nine Patch Blocks Greens

Here is more Dutch Nine Patch blocks these are Greens 3 are two shades of green & 1 is Green & Cream myself I prefer the green with the cream.
This is showing how different fabrics can look in the same block which even if you dislike the colours or fabric it interesting to see how different colours can make a difference

Where Did We Begin

On Daisy Quilts she has come up with a question which a we are answering where did we begin or how did we start quilting so this is my story.
I had always knitted but due to hand problems it was getting more difficult I had started to take a sewing course but we decided to move so I couldn't continue but before we decided this I had gone to a Quilting shop as I thought I like to do a quilt well I got some charm packs the cutting mat, rotary cutter & a ruler & then it all got packed away as I said we thought we would move.
After we moved knitting became impossible for me to continue & I had started to look on ebay for supplies & found a lovely lady called Lynnette who sold me some squares we have since become very good friends & with her encouragement & nagging after a year I took the plunge
I did a lap quilt using scrappy squares which I gave to my mum it took a while after that before I did another quilt this was better than the first which looking at it now wasn't very good & since then have made a few the last ones I feel I can really see the improvement still not anywhere near as good as I would like but so much better than my first one so I feel I come a long way since my first quilt but still have much further to go

Another quilt for one of the Granddaughters

Above Grandson's quilt I did these 3 all in a short space of time for the 3 eldest grandchildren

Above 2nd quilt this & the one below are for my Granddaughters

Above First full size quilt

Below my first quilt before it finished