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Tuesday 30 March 2010

The Jeans Quilt and Tempting Templates

I got tempted by Blogger to try out their new templates. I had to go into some sort of blogger test world to try it out (it's really blogger in draft, but it took me so damn long to find I need to make it sound more important than it really was!).
As with every 'grass is always greener' moment, I'm not sure if I really like what I've ended up with. The biggest fault is the way my fence just doesn't fit, and I really like my fence!
I'll play around with it for a while, but don't be surprised if I just ditch the whole 3 column look.


Other than wasting my time with layouts, I've also been through the momentous occasion of the first child turning 21. (Yes, plenty of tears were shed)
The jeans quilt from this post, was for her. I was able to finish the quilt top and give that to her on her actual birthday. She really loves it and can't wait to take the completely finished quilt home.

(Sorry about the shockingly low res photo, but I've had a request to put a photo up and I can't ignore you can I Marg?)
I love the Scotty dog that's wearing the McFarlane tartan for our Scottish heritage.
The quilt full of different quilt blocks in her chosen theme of black and white. There are pockets dotted all over it and even one side-opening pocket that I left there. I'm so pleased with the overall design - I even drew the owl and made the applique pattern. *pats self on back while typing one-handed*


One warning though - jeans are really HARD to sew through, they weigh a tonne and you need double the number of sewing machine and overlocker needles that you think you will need...that's three warnings...but you get the idea...


Thanks for taking a peek over the fence...

2010 Sewing Challenge

I am taking part in the 2010 sewing challenge by My Favourite.
Here is my Babushka and she comes from Handmade Vol: 25 No: 10


Here are some of the things I learned while making this toy:
  • Stuffed toys split if you overlap fabrics and then blanket stitch the seams when you don't really know what your machine settings should be.  On my Brother sewing machine, I should have had a longer stitch going onto the fabric and shorter gap between those stitches (I don't know what to call each bit of the 'blanket stitch' but if you look at the body of the doll you will see what I mean). I ended up doing a dodgy hand blanket stitch over the top to secure the splitting fabric pieces - on second thoughts - don't look too closely. Mmm....I think I know how to fix...
  • ...Discretely placed ribbon should hide a multitude of sins.
  • I learnt to crochet a 'rose' - something I wouldn't have attempted without this challenge.
I will have to think about the 'lined' theme. My heart says a lined skirt, but my head says 'you're out of your mind, lady'.
I have some great fabrics that I've been saving for a bags, so that's what might turn up in April.


Thanks for taking a peek over the fence...

Saturday 20 March 2010

New Year Resolutions - 3 months down the track

Back on January one of my new year resolutions was to make something with this pile of old denim jeans and skirts.
Well, I've just taken my first steps into the world of recycling denim - and a well worn and well-loved lot this is. Talk about a family history in denim, from maternity skirts to toddler jeans and teenager clothes. Not to mention fashion trends of denim colours!


After much cutting (and cursing) that jumbled old pile ended up looking a bit like this - 


then with a bit of 'decorating' , cutting and resewing they ended up looking like....


Actually I can't show you the next bit. It's a ****** and it's for my oldest who turns 21 on Monday. She might find out and that would definitely spoil the surprise. And we can't have that now can we?


and whatever am I going to do with this lot? I think I have reached my limit of how far I go with recycling.










Thanks for taking a peek over the fence...

Tuesday 16 March 2010

Mr. Postman look and see (oh yeah)...

... You got a letter in your bag for me (please please Mr. Po-o-o-stman)
(Lyrics by Dobbin/Garrett/Garman/Brianbert)
That's me.
Pacing the path.



Looking at the letterbox.


Searching the sidewalk.


Dancing down the driveway.


Mooching 'round the mailbox.









You see I am waiting for an order of fabrics, patterns and olfa blades* from Catherine's Place 


But I also won a giveaway.
Lil 'ol me...from this gorgeous blog of Cathie's 


So I'm waiting...
But that's ok...cause I do like the anticipation.
*ok it was 10 but that's enough to last me and Marisew a few quilts at least!


Thanks for taking a peek over the fence!

Tuesday 9 March 2010

Look who's hanging around



This little cutie has been hanging around waiting patiently for her pellets and stuffing.
My dear quilting buddy and I have been doing this together and neither of us is allowed to fill our Babushkas until we next get together. The pellets are stored at my place. The temptation is overwhelming. But...I... mustn't...Have...to...leave...the...sewing...room...
Whew that was hard.


Lookie what else I have been learning to do.


The multi coloured rose is the test one and the smaller rose is a hair decoration for the Babushka.




When she's completed she will make her appearance in the 2010 March 'softie' challenge.




Thanks for taking a peek over the fence...

Thursday 4 March 2010

I should be doing something constructive

this time waster is here.
EDIT 09/03/10: I saw these on a blog months ago, but couldn't remember where. I came across the cards again by chance and posted straight away, so I wouldn't forget. So, what happens just now - I visited a blog and it was the one where I first saw them!!! Just knew that would happen! So thanks Pepperberry & Co for the original inspiration.

Tuesday 2 March 2010

Cranky Pants - Happy Pants

These little guys are the Cranky Pants and the Happy Pants.


If you're happy  - wear the Happy Pants.
If you're cranky - wear the Cranky Pants.
Simple hey?


Ingredients:
Pants
Laminating pouch
Safety pin
Glue gun





You never know when you're just going to have one of those days...



Thanks for taking a peek over the fence...



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