A Weekend of Stitching

I spent the most lovely, indulgent weekend in the beautiful Dandenongs - a stitching retreat organised by Lisa from FignBerry Creations and Gail Pan. We were thoroughly spoilt with so many gorgeous new patterns to stitch, with kits for several to work on over the weekend.

This lovely drawstring bag was one I worked on over the weekend. This is Gail's sample, but I did finish the needleturn on mine ready to sew together.

Loved this project too - perfect for my growing Cottage Garden Thread collection. Bit hard to see in bottom right hand corner but the front has three rows of paper pieced clamshells on it. Hadn't done these before - very quick and easy and lots of fun.

The wallhanging on the left was another kit of Gail's that we received. Didn't get to start this one, but did manage to complete the dresden plate and stitchery for Lisa's very cute pincushion.

There were several others, including a very cute Christmas applique.  Karen from Mrs Martin's had her shop there, and of course it would be very rude not to make a purchase or two, but will keep that show and tell for next time. Have a great week. Cheryl

Lets Celebrate Swap Gifts

I received a lovely parcel in the post yesterday from Julie, my swap partner in Mrs Martins "Let's Celebrate" swap. The theme this time was "Biggest Morning Tea"

Included was a lovely biscuit cookbook - delicious recipes - my granddaughter has already picked out several that we can make together, a coffee bag and a very special tea bag at the top of the picture which is way too nice to use and very old worldly looking.

And look at my most gorgeous mug rug - such beautiful fabrics and definitely my colors. Can you see the yummy Darryl Lea choccie frog poking his head out (which is now devoured I must admit). Also included wias Julie's favorite fruit cake recipe which I shall look forward to trying. Thankyou Julie  for my beautiful gifts - just loved them all - I was very spoilt.

I sent Julie a mug bag to take along to her stitching group, some teas and choccies.

A Natalie Ross design - has a cute ruffle on the top which hasn't shown up very well in the photo. And I popped inside a little birdie mug and a favorite rum ball recipe.

I'm off for a wonderful weekend of stitching in the Dandenongs with Gail Pan and Lisa from Fig n Berry Creations - sounds like heaven doesn't it. Have a great weekend. Cheryl

June's 1 Christmas Item a Month

It seems just like yesterday I was showing you my 1 Xmas Item a Month for May. I am joining with Narelle from Pins and Whiskers and all the others stitching along with us.

I have been stitching these cute little hangers/ornaments, which have a felt background.  I just used the variegated red DMC for stitching.

There is several other designs in the pattern, so think I will have to make some more of these. Cheryl

Needles and Pins

I seem to have a bit of a "thing" for pincushions and needlecases at the moment. I have a lovely collection happening.  Which is precisely what I have been working on of late, apart from a secret project or three.

This will be a lovely needlecase when finished. It is one of Deb's lovely patterns (Frog Cottage) and I have used some yummy fabrics I received from Sharon in a little one on one swap we had not so long ago. Everything cut and stitched, so won't take long to put together now.

This is the pincushion for this month's SAL with Chookyblue - yes in bits still, and the end of the month fast approaching, so I had best get a move on.

And when I have a few spare minutes, I've been sewing these large 6" hexagons - I've been collecting fabrics with sewing notions on them for years for no specific project - they were threatening to take over my sewing room, so this was what I finally decided to do with them. I have a big pile cut, and they are so portable, so great when you're sitting in the car (and don't have to drive of course).

Cheryl

A Little Bit of Blue and a New Project

I recently stitched this wallhanging in blue - a lovely Cottage Garden thread called Waterwheel. Now I love redwork, but have never stitched in blue before, but I made this as a swap project for the Mill Rosie swap, and then at the last minute couldn't attend -

Bit hard to pick up the border, but a lovely deep blue with lighter blue spot.

A Birdbrain design - love the little quilts hanging on the line.  I'm sure I'll be able to force myself to find a spot on my wall for it.

Ooh I love a new project - I decided I would love to do Mrs Beasley's Sampler starting in the latest Vignette magazine. Karen from Mrs Martins Quilt Shop did this lovely kit up for me using a jelly roll called "Paint Box" (lots of 2-1/2 inch strips) and extra pieces from this range and other co-ordinating fabrics.  Hopefully I will make a start on the cutting out at the weekend, although swap goodies to finish.

Have a great weekend. Cheryl

FNWF

I stitched along with Cheryll and lots of others last night in

I needed a quick gift for my sister's birthday tomorrow, just something little to go with what I had bought her, and as she flies from Melbourne to Sydney often for work I decided Anni Downs' shoe bag would be perfect for her.

So this is what I stitched last night, and sewed it together today. Hope she likes it.

Mmmm - look what I got yesterday. A belated mother's day present from DD2 who has been working interstate and I didn't get to see her for MD. To give you an idea, the jar is about 10" high, and is full of Cadbury Roses, choc eclairs, Favourites, Ferrero Rocher - I'm sure you get the picture lol. Enjoy your long weekend. Cheryl

A Little Sewing

I bought this new French General "Esprit de Noel" charm pack last week (and despite the name it's not Christmassy, apart from the colors, so perfect for all year round). So when I was reading Fiona from Bubzrugz blog, and her tutorial on coin quilts that she had made as baby gifts,  I thought it would be perfect.

I just love small/miniature quilts and have made several, so while it's a great size for a baby quilt, it's also a lovely quick little quilt/wallhanging to make up using your favorite charm packs.

Still another row and a half to sew together, as well as the top and bottom border, but should have it together soon to show you the finished result. Think I will be making more of these.
Have a great week. Cheryl