sew many stitches later

Finishing the Unfinished...

2012-01-22T16:10:00.001+13:00

These 5 lovely quilts are all off at the Long Arm Quilter! From bottom to top... Gus' Swoon Quilt, I Spy Chain Reaction quilt, ButterCup Sweet 16 quilt, Sherbet Pips DNP baby quilt and Wonderland Jelly Filled quilt. Most were started and made last year (except the Wonderland quilt which was started in January 2010!).

I will be pleased to have these all finished! Now to finish the Bliss quilt and a few others that have been lurking around for much too long to!

Swoon - Complete!

2012-01-09T19:12:00.000+13:00

Block 9

Block 8

Block 7

Block 6

Quick trial run on our bed

I really *should* iron my quilts before I take photos!

Oh yeah! Quilt top finished!

Finish-A-Long Quarter 1

2012-01-05T22:28:00.000+13:00

I quite like the idea of a finish-a-long. Any motivation and encouragement to finish up some works in progress is always greatly needed and appreciated. So I am linking up with the Finish-A-Long hosted by a new to me blogger Rhonda of 'quilter in the gap'.

This quarter I *need* to finish up Gus' Children at Play Swoon quilt... His third birthday is on the 1st April so it would be good to have this finished by then!

And I'd like to finish the Bliss in Patches quilt too... This quilt will have a nice flannel backing and I'd like it to be ready in time for the cooler weather.

So that's my two projects I'd really like to finish this quarter. I am only posting two (although there are many more that need finishing) so that I can keep this achievable!

Stay tuned for progress!

Hello 2012!

2012-01-03T20:24:00.000+13:00

In the course of a year, many things can change. Some good, some bad, much indifferent. I am hoping that this will be a year for mainly good changes. This year we *will* buy our first home (positive thinking!), Gus will turn 3 and graduate to the 'big kids side' at Daycare and Oliver will start school in September. All big changes. Good changes. Bittersweet changes.

Almost a year to the day (366 days in fact) we took the boys to Staglands and today we took the boys again... Here's a quick snapshot of how much the boys have grown over the year. Unintentionally most of the photos taken just happened to be the same as the year prior...

Gus - 2011

Gus - 2012

Donkey Cart Ride 2011

Donkey Cart Ride 2012 - Gus and Ollie (exact same seats as last year!!)

River crossing - 2011

River crossing - 2012

DH & Gus 2011

Gus and DH 2012 - no need to carry him anymore!

Oliver 2011

Oliver - 2012

Here's to a great year ahead!

2011 Challenge: Make, Bake, Craft & Create

2011-12-31T09:47:00.000+13:00

At the start of the year I set myself a couple of goals - 1) to make, bake, craft or create as many gifts as possible and 2) to make more quilts to keep rather than gift. Here's some highlights for the year...

Yummy preserved lemons and lemon curd...

Central Park Quilt - a completed quilt for us!

The Philatelic Society - a completed quilt for Gus.

Arcadia Quilt for John's 70th Birthday.

A doll's quilt for Phil's youngest cousin.

Strawberry fields HST quilt for my MIL for Christmas.

My Mermaid Quilt.

I still have lots of works in progress that I need to finish up (sooner or later!) and lots of lovely fabrics that need using. At the moment I am working on a quilt made out of my much coveted Flea Market Fancy (FMF) and can't wait for the fabric to be released again in February. I'll share more on that soon.

Until then, Happy New Year everyone! I hope 2011 has been a fabulous year for you all! I am definitely looking forward to 2012 and a few changes (some big, some small!). See you next year!

Lara

Santa's Workshop

2011-12-22T18:17:00.001+13:00

There's not many more sleeps until Christmas! Eeek! I have been a busy little elf this past week sewing a dozen heat packs as teacher gifts, finishing up 3 superhero babushkas and a little sweetie petite doll... as well as a superhero cape for Oliver!

Heatpacks

Cute 'thanks' ribbon and labels

Candy Cane Mice - cheap, sweet little gifts

Alexi, Nickolai and Yuri - a fantastic trio. Nickolai has already been gifted.

Herb bunches - another sweet, cheap gift. 7 different herbs to say thanks!

Ginger - a sweetie petite doll for someone in the South Island.

Now I just need to finish wrapping gifts and run through the checklist. Also need to decorate our ginger bread house with the kids on Saturday, decorate and bake the ham and build a bike! Hope you're feeling organised and ready to celebrate. This will probably be my last post until after Christmas, so wishing you a very Merry Christmas! May you have a lovely day with family and friends!

Santa's Direct Reports

2011-12-11T10:41:00.000+13:00

Last week the boys Daycare had their annual Christmas party. It's always a great opportunity to see the boys playing with their friends and to chat to other parents. Each year some poor father dons a Santa suit and sits in the sun handing out gifts to the children. This year Wellington had an unusually hot day so poor Santa must have really been feeling the heat!

On the way home, Oliver piped up in the back seat "That wasn't the real Santa was it?"
Me: "what do you mean Oliver?"
Oliver: "that wasn't the real Santa. Under his white beard was a black beard."
Me: "that was very observant of you Oliver. No, that wasn't the real Santa. At this time of year Santa is so busy finalizing all the gifts, reading all the letters from the children and reviewing the naughty and nice list. He gets lots of invitations to Christmas parties, but he can't go to them all. So he picks one of his special helpers to attend the party for him."
Oliver: "oh. Ok."
Me: "just don't tell the other children ok?"
Oliver: "ok."

I can see this Santa gig might not last as long as I had hoped. Last year he wanted to know why such-and-such from daycare had got gifts because surely they would have been on Santa's naughty list...

I've been working hard on finishing up some more little Christmas presents. I will hopefully post about these later today :) only two weeks until Christmas day! Hope you are finding your christmas spirit and enjoying the festive season!

Christmas Crafting!

2011-11-27T20:04:00.000+13:00

It's officially less than a month to Christmas. Let the countdown begin :) The Christmas Tree is up... a little early yes... but I needed an activity to keep the kids busy and entertained before they drove me up the wall. My poor DH has been working most weekends all weekend.

Introducing Yuri - an Ooshka Babushka Boy.

It's been some time since I made something that wasn't a quilt... I intend to give one of these as a Christmas gift. Yuri's not quite perfect but gave me an opportunity to perfect my efforts... Fortunately the boys loved him all the same. He's currently capeless but I am hoping to add that to him this week.

I plan to use some AJ fabric to make an Alexy for someone little and special. Just waiting on more face panels to arrive :)

You can order an Ooshka Boy here. There are girl Ooshkas too! So sweet!

I also have been making buttons, magnets and badges with my new i-top. Actually I bought the i-top MONTHS ago but it only made it out of the packaging last week. I also made a wee FMF coaster and a wee green log cabin pin cushion.

Here's a sneaky peek of something delightful winging it's way to someone...

And here's a pic of my Mystery Giveaway that Michelle won at the start of the month...

I was given some needles like those above in the pic and they are the best! So much so I've bought a few to add to Christmas pressies for crafty friends! Thanks Georgia for putting me on to them to begin with.

I've got a few more things I am hoping to make in time for Christmas too! How are you going with your Christmas projects and shopping?

A Little Help Needed From My Friends in the USA

2011-11-19T15:49:00.002+13:00

Dear Friends in the USA,

I was hoping to order the boys some clothes from Osh Kosh online... but they do not ship internationally. I was wondering if you might be willing for me to ship the goods to you, and then ship them to me for which I'd paypal you the shipping money and a little extra to thank you for your time?

Please leave me a comment if you'd be able to help and thanking you in advance,

Lara

Fiji

2011-11-19T15:01:00.000+13:00

This time last week I was sipping cocktails by the pool at the Warwick Resort in Fiji. The DH and I finally zipped away on our very overdue honeymoon. Thankfully it was well worth the wait. We had a wonderful time.

Here's a quick few pic's...

View of the pool from our room

The Warwick Resort

The DH, me and a Fiji sunset

Now that we're home, the house hunting continues. We missed out on a house this week :( but fortunately there seems to be plenty on the market. Hopefully we'll find a place soon. No sewing to update you with I am afraid... but hoping to finish up a quilt top over the weekend.

I'll only be giving 2 handmade gifts this Christmas but both will be larger quilts so that's my excuse! Only a couple more Christmas presents to buy and we are all done! Woohoo! How are you going? Are you organised?

Destash Update

2011-11-19T14:49:00.002+13:00

New...

~~Bliss Layer Cake US$30 or NZ$38 SOLD~~

The following goodies are still available...

22 FQ of DS Quilts Collection incl. prints released only at Joann's and Spotlight

US$66 or NZ$84 + shipping

Punctuation Jelly Roll NZ$38 or US$30 + shipping

Figgy Pudding Jelly Roll US$30 or NZ$38 + shipping

Figgy Pudding Honey Bun US$17 or NZ$21 + shipping

Terrain Jelly Roll - US$35 or NZ$44 + shipping

Happy to combine postage. Postage is from New Zealand. Please leave me a comment if you are interested.

You've got to be quick around here :)

2011-11-06T21:57:00.000+13:00

Just a quick update: Thanks so much for all the lovely anniversary wishes. It really means a lot. Mostly because my DH has been working all weekend down in the South Island and we didn't get to celebrate together. Thankfully we have our honeymoon coming up this week! Whooopee!!

Secondly, I have drawn a winner, and Mr Random Generator selected (drumroll please)...

That's a 12 if you can't read it! Which is Michelle! Well done Michelle! I am so pleased you won! I'll be in contact shortly.

But for those of you who missed out, there will be another giveaway coming soon I promise :)

Destash Sale & Mystery Giveaway! (Giveaway Now Closed)

2011-11-06T09:58:00.004+13:00

This year I've bought quite a lot of fabric... A little too much in fact. So much so I thought I better have a little stock take and a little destash. Not to make room for new fabric but to feel a little less overwhelmed by the amount of fabric I've got to work with. (And hopefully soon we'll be buying our first home - so a little less fabric to move would be good too :) ).

If you're interested in any of the fabric, please leave me a comment - also, please note that shipping is from New Zealand :) I'll include some extra special treats too!

22 FQ of DS Quilts Collection incl. prints released only at Joann's and Spotlight

US$66 or NZ$84 + shipping

~~12 FQ of Habitat - US$30 of NZ $38 + shipping~~ SOLD

~~Bliss and Hushabye Charm Packs - US$8 or NZ$10 each + shipping~~ SOLD

Punctuation Jelly Roll - US$30 or NZ$38 + shipping

Figgy Pudding Jelly Roll US$30 or NZ$38

Figgy Pudding Honey Bun US$17 or NZ$21

Terrain Jelly Roll - US$35 or NZ$44

~~Sherbet Pips Layer Cake - US$35 or NZ$44~~ SOLD

And finally, a year ago today I married my best friend, so to celebrate I am hosting a mystery giveaway. Please leave a comment to enter and trust me, it will be a delicious quilty treat!
Winner will be drawn tonight - Sunday 6th November!

***Edit: Please note that the giveaway closed on Sunday 6th November at 9.50pm***

A Quilt for John

2011-10-29T14:53:00.000+13:00

My entry for the Bloggers Quilt Festival - big thanks to Amy for hosting this fantastic festival again!

I am very pleased to be sharing this special quilt for the quilt festival. Thank you for stopping at my small little part of the web.

I pulled it from the dryer this morning, in all it's crinkly goodness. This quilt is definitely an all time favourite. In fact I think it rates in my top 2 favourite quilts of all time.

This quilt was made with love for my Father in Law John. Tomorrow is his 70th birthday. While I made this quilt I thought about all the wonderful things John has done for our little family and for me. He is the loveliest person you could ever hope to meet. Patient. Kind. Selfless. Generous. Humble. Gentle. Always there to listen. Always there to care and help.

John's become such an important person in our life and for such a special birthday I wanted to make him something special.

This quilt is made with an Arcadia Layer Cake and Kona PFD white. The binding is a gorgeous solid aqua I bought from my LQS. I think it's a linen blend by Moda?

A quick trial run on our bed... Needless to say I am tickled with how this quilt has come together.

A close up of the quilting ...

Arcadia. Yum. The perfect manly line.

Blowing away in the wind.

I chose a very simple pattern, 9 patch blocks sashed in white. The patterns in Arcadia are so striking that I thought they didn't need a fussy quilt pattern. I'll be giving this to John tomorrow. I hope he will love this quilt.

An oldie but a goodie. John sneaking in some early morning cuddles with Oliver before work.

Wishing you the happiest birthday and many happy returns John. Here's to many more opportunities to celebrate!

I am also linking in with Finish it Up Friday even though it's Saturday. This quilt was finished up last night.

Thanks again for stopping to have a look at my wee entry this year. And many thanks to Amy!

Finish it up Friday, Week 1 (On Saturday)

2011-10-15T15:04:00.001+13:00

The production line continues this week. I have finished the binding on my Strawberry Fields quilt! This quilt is for my MIL for Christmas. That's one ticked off the list!

Of course just as I was heading outside to take some pictures, it started to rain again!

Love the colours in Strawberry Fields.

So romantic and soft. I had originally hoped to back the quilt in this print in the slate, but I couldn't find it anywhere! I love this backing in pond too - I think it looks lovely. And who could go past a lovely gingham binding?

Gorgeous all over stipple quilting by the talented Viv of Highway Cottage.

So this is my big finish for Friday! Washed and dried and simply delicious. Even if I do say so myself. We've got some strawberries on our plants growing. They're green for now but I can't wait for them to ripen :)

Have a wonderful weekend! If you need inspiration for the weekend, Amanda Jean is hosting a party! So I am joining in!

It's Wednesday!

2011-10-12T18:59:00.000+13:00

And I actually remembered! Granted, it only did dawn upon me a few moments ago, but that's an improvement on the last few weeks!

So... I am joining in with another WIP Wednesday! This week I even have some sewing to share ;)

This week I am working on finishing up this quilt here...

(Apologies for the crappy photos. These were taken on my blackberry as our camera battery is flat again thanks to small fingers. Note to self... iron quilt top before photographing too!)

This quilt is for my FIL who celebrates his 70th birthday at the end of the month. We're making sure he is well celebrated with a family weekend away up to Taupo and a big birthday bash here the following weekend. I just need to add some nice wide white borders, piece the backing (white with the remaining squares) and ship this off to be quilted. I'd like to give it to him on our weekend away, but I think I might be biting off more than I can chew!

I am also sewing down the binding on my Strawberry Fields HST quilt... it's starting to look really good and I am so pleased that it will be finished well before Christmas for my MIL.

And... once these two are finished, then I'll be back to finishing up my Swoon quilt for Gus!

I also managed to finish up this little doll's quilt a few weekends ago now for my DH's youngest cousin Lee Lee who is 8 days younger than our Ollie. My DH is from a large family. He is the oldest of 20 grandchildren.

So... a quick wrap up:

On the go:

* Arcadia quilt for John (borders, backing and quilting!)
* Strawberry Fields (binding)
* Children at Play Swoon (5 blocks to go!)
* Bliss in Patches (sashing)

I also need to make another couple of dolls quilts for more birthday parties coming up over the next few weeks!

On hold for a little while longer:

* Hexagon quilt
* Wee Play DNP Super Size Me
* Dance with Me
(and possibly a few other's I've forgotten!)

Here's hoping I manage to find some more sewing time this week! Hope you're having a productive week too. Don't forget to check out what other clever people are up to at the moment here.

A little help needed from my friends...

2011-09-26T19:41:00.003+13:00

Sometimes when I start making something, I get pained with uncertainty that I haven't picked the 'right' pattern or the 'right' fabric... I am currently experiencing that with my Children at Play Swoon quilt. I love the fabric. I love the Swoon pattern... but I am wondering if the two are the right match?

Please excuse the crinkles. This is my latest block... I am a little annoyed with the stripes. I couldn't get them to all match - and the perfectionist in me is a little frustrated. I don't know if I should keep going? I've made 5 out of 9 blocks. Perhaps I just shouldn't use the stripes and continue with the quilt? Or perhaps I should abort now, and make something else?

Here's my other 4 blocks just in case you've forgotten what they look like...

What do you think? What would you do?

WIP Wednesday #3

2011-09-21T20:03:00.000+12:00

Where oh where do the weeks go? I can't believe we are already nearing the end of September. Yesterday we celebrated this little man's 4th birthday.

I can hardly believe that this was Oliver 4 years ago...

Now he's walking, talking, learning, laughing and a heap of fun. Not to mention challenging from time to time. I can't remember life without him anymore. He's a very special little man.

Anyhow, I've managed to miss a bunch of these WIP Wednesdays. Mostly because I get to Thursday and suddenly realise that Wednesday has been and gone and then before I know it, another week has gone!

So, here's what I am working on:

Gus' Swoon quilt in Children at Play (4.5 blocks to go!)
Strawberry Fields Triangle Quilt (binding! Thanks Viv for quilting it for me!)
Seeing Pink! a dolls quilt (birthday pressie)

I need to start:

Little Apples Single Boy Quilt
Arcardia DNP for John

Here's what is still on hold:

Look and Play Hexagon quilt
Dance with Me quilt
Supersize Me DNP Wee Play

Bliss in Patches

Don't forget to check out what everyone else is up to this week...

4 seasons in 1 day...

2011-09-13T19:33:00.000+12:00

Wellington is well known for it's changeable weather. This morning when we left, the weather was quite warm. Over lunch dark clouds rolled in, followed by the biggest hail storm I've ever seen in my LIFE. See that white stuff all over the port? (view from our office) That's hail the size of marbles! It was very impressive with thunder and lightning to boot. It made for one exciting break in work this afternoon.

Busted Buster!

2011-09-13T19:26:00.000+12:00

It's official. My stash has exceeded storage capacity in my home. I have two real options:

Use up my stash and take a hiatus from fabric shopping.
Buy more storage.

As tempting as option 2 is, it doesn't really solve the issue. You see last year I was *mostly* good at not buying fabric. This year I have been super, uber naughty and I have a ridiculous amount of lovely fabrics to show for it. This would be fabulous if I'd managed to make them into quilts already - except its all sitting unused in tubs or drawers.

My biggest fear is that I won't love them by the time I get around to using them! So, to help motivate me to use what I have, I have officially banned myself from more fabric purchases (for the time being at least until a significant dent is made in my stash). I will only be allowed to buy fabric for backing, binding and sashing to finish quilts! As luck would have it, the last of my fabric splurges arrived in the post today...

More Children at Play (from the Fat Quarter Shop)

Flannel backing fabric (my favourite!)

More Children at Play. Yes I am obsessed.

Annies Farm Stand. These happened to hop into my cart.

I love Children at Play. I started out buying the boys prints, then I decided to stock up on the girls prints. Surely *someone* will have a little girl soon! We've had a run of boys being born left right and centre. Anyway, these pretty pinks and soft blues are very sweet and I am looking forward to having a reason to sew with them!

I have no plans for Annies Farm Stand. Yet. I thought I might use them in my Farmers Wife Quilt - when I finally get to it!

Check back this week... I will be hosting another giveaway!

{enter good title here}

2011-09-04T17:09:00.000+12:00

Forgive the title of this post. My brain is on holiday.The past few weeks have been a blur. I've been travelling a lot for work - all over the countryside and even a quick trip to Melbourne - and my poor little Gus came down with a nasty gastro bug that saw us housebound for 5 days. By day 3 I'd completed 22 loads of washing. A mixture of towels, sheets and clothing. Inevitably whenever Gus vomited, he'd get me too and the same applied when the vomiting swiftly moved to diarrhoea. A change of clothes for him. A change of clothes for me. And a shower together in between.

Stupidly the morning after the first episode of vomiting I assumed it was a 24 hour bug and took the DH to the airport (he was out of town working for the first 3 days of the bug - super fun!). Gus was 'perkier' and I decided a trip to the airport and the garden centre was a good idea since the weather was perfect and Ollie wanted to plant some strawberries. Of course, Gus vomited all over me at the garden centre and as my trolly was already loaded with potted colour, potting mix, strawberry plants and a bunch of other bits, I was forced to pay in my vomit covered state (sooo embarrassing! You could definitely tell the mums at the centre - I got empathetic looks and offers of help! The non parents looked horrified. Just you wait!).

The bug continued without let up until Wednesday. Thank goodness. In between playing nurse and cleaner, I didn't get too much time to sew, but I did finish this second swoon block.

And now that things have returned to normal, I've managed to finish up two more blocks.

4 blocks complete. 5 to go! I am getting quicker with each block... but they do require a little more focus than I am used to. I am a somewhat lazy quilter. I like nice and easy, no real thought blocks most of the time. But I am pleased with how this quilt is coming together.

I do have a question for you though, usually I am a 2fer girl. In that, I like to make things in twos when they are for the boys (and buy things in two etc). Two Dick and Jane baby quilts. Two Bot Camp quilts. I figure the boys will quite possibly share a room in the very near future. As such, I've invested in enough Children at Play to make another quilt.

So here's my question: Should I make a matching Swoon quilt? Or something similar but different with the fabrics? Would love to hear your thoughts. And if I was to do something different, what would you suggest?

Hope you've all had a lovely weekend. Mine has been quite lovely. Pity tomorrow is Monday. Here's hoping my Monday is made better by the arrival of a parcel I've been waiting for!

Snow - An Update

2011-08-15T18:12:00.000+12:00

It's amazing what 6 hours of on and off snow will do... More snow to come!

We interrupt this service to bring you... SNOW!

2011-08-15T14:44:00.000+12:00

Rarely seen in Wellington...

in the last 24 hours our yard has been transformed into

a winter wonderland.

Causing post delays (damn I'll have to wait a little longer for some recent purchases),

closures of daycare(s), schools and roads.

Thankfully we have plenty of food and the warmth of the heat pump.

All that's left to do is enjoy the snow while it lasts!

I've been contemplating sticking up the Christmas tree. Just because.

It's meant to be here for the week!

WIP Wednesday #2

2011-08-10T18:26:00.001+12:00

So I've missed the last few WIP Wednesday's. Hopeless I know. Anyway, on a positive note, the Strawberry Triangles is complete (well the quilt top at least!). Please excuse the washing :)

And I've decided to 'park' a bunch of WIPs so that I can focus on projects that are timebound (for Christmas). I am trying to rid the guilt of the unfinished!

So, I've parked the following WIPs:

Look and Play Hexagon quilt
Wee Play DNP Super Size Me
Dance with Me
ABC Quilt

And instead I need to work on:

More heatpacks (and a tutorial)
Arcadia DNP
Single *Boy* quilts in Little Apples
Single Girl quilt in Pretty Bird
Children at Play Swoon (my first block is below)

The blocks are a little more time consuming than I expected! 1 down, 8 more to go!

Hope you've had a productive week! Check out more WIPs Wednesday here.

A Change of Scenery

2011-08-07T09:15:00.000+12:00

Sometimes all you really need is a change of scenery. This past week the DH and I packed the car and travelled to the family bach in Taupo for the week. It was exactly what we all needed. A change of scenery, pace and a break in routine.

As well as relaxing and playing a lot of Fish and Snap, we did lots of cool things. We took the boys swimming twice. Both our boys are water babies and spent the entire time leaping of the side of the pool. They absolutely loved it but I must confess that after an hour and a half, my arms were aching from scooping them back up. We did a day trip to Rotorua (some pics below) and we went up the mountain and played in the snow with rubbish bags.

All in all it was actually a very cheap family holiday. All up about $550. Food, outings, petrol and accommodation included for 7 days. We were blessed with LOVELY weather all week. Coming home was definitely hard. I am already planning our next escape!

Warning: Lots of photos to come...

The evening view out the kitchen window. You can see the lake.

Ollie and Gus at Paradise Valley in Rotorua.

Spotting trout in the river.

Hand feeding dear.

Walking side by side.

Little lazy legs.

Max the lion. Hungry.

Lioness cub. So cute.

Trout swimming.

The sweetest little ducklings. Gus had a blast feeding these little guys. They seemed to like him too. So much so that they popped through the fence. Gus told them "hey, get back in your cage little duckys" and when they wouldn't... "oh alright then, c'mon little duckys". They followed him down the path.

Wallabies. Apparently found native in NZ too! That was news to me.

Hand feeding the goat.

Gus talking to Donkey. Professing his love.

It was money well spent in my mind. The boys were so good and loved every minute too. I'll post some snow pics in a separate post. And I also took my sewing machine and did some sewing... So I'll post some pics of that later too. It's definitely motivated me to plan another break... perhaps now I can finally plan our honeymoon....

Hope you've all had a lovely weekend!

WIP Wednesday #1

2011-07-20T19:44:00.000+12:00

I need to be held accountable for my large stack of works in progress... so I've decided to link up with Lee's WIP Wednesday to try keep account of that shameful pile.

This week I've managed to:

Sew a bunch more HST's into blocks for the Strawberry Fields quilt.
Make two heat packs (I was feeling the cold on Sunday!). I am perfecting my methods and then I will post a tutorial - stay tuned.
I also gave away 3 quilt tops to Cat's Mission for Christchurch.

I still need to:

Finish Aphra's quilt. Sooner rather than later.
Finish the hexagon quilt.
Decide what to do with the Verna Blocks.
Finish Bliss in Patches (especially now my fabric has arrived).
Finish the ABC quilt.
Progress Little Apples Single Girl quilts.

I can't wait to get started on (but I need to):

FMF Fancy Flag Quilt
Arcadia DNP for John
Wee Play DNP super size me
Innocent Crush Mixed Tape Quilt

Check out what everyone else is up to! There sure are some super productive people I feel at home knowing I am not the only one with a large pile of WIPs :)

A HST Update

2011-07-19T13:41:00.000+12:00

I've decided 6 x 6 isn't quite big enough... so a few more blocks are in progress to trial this as a 7 x 7 and if that's not right, I'll make a few more blocks to make it 8 x 8. Hopefully the MIL will love it as much as I do.

For the Love of Christchurch

2011-07-19T13:37:00.000+12:00

Wonderland Jelly Filled

Munki Munki Chain Reaction

Sherbet Pips DNP

A while ago I read about Cat's mission to provide quilted goodness to families affected by the Christchurch earthquakes on Sarah's blog.

At the time I thought I to myself I must make a quilt for Christchurch... and then it hit me the other day when the thought popped in my head (again) that I had 3 beautiful quilt tops, all needing loving homes sitting in the spare room closet.

So... in short, these 3 quilt tops are destined for Cat to finish (thanks Cat) for Christchurch families along with some fabric to back and bind. Cat is doing an amazing job providing love to families who desperately need it. I love each of these quilts, but they're definitely not getting the love they deserve! I hope they will make some families very happy. The thought of brightening someone's day makes my heart sing.

HST Quilt - What do you think?

2011-07-17T09:06:00.000+12:00

From your comments on my last post, this was the most popular layout... what do you think?

I would love to hear your thoughts before I go any further :)

To Plan, Or Not To Plan...

2011-07-13T15:48:00.000+12:00

That is the question. Unfortunately for me, I am rather obsessed with being somewhat organised where I can be (you only need to check out my Tupperware collection to know that this issue runs rather deep). After my last post, it would appear that I am a little bit crazy planning Christmas gifts so far in advance... although I am not alone. Thankfully. (Hi Michelle!)

Anyway, I am OK with being a little crazy and what you are about to read will only affirm my craziness (or perhaps compulsion for being organised). Over the past few months I have been collecting these encyclopedias each week. They are released each weekend with The Herald (I don't buy The Herald though!).

When I picked up the first copy and realised that a total of 24 were being published, I knew exactly what to do with them... These books will be an advent calendar this Christmas. I plan to wrap each book in brown paper and number them 1 - 24. Every day the boys will be able to open one book together, and that night we will read about the mysteries and information it contains.

It's been quite fun collecting these books each week! And I am loving how they are stacking together. I think they'll look quite sweet on their book case.

In other news, I've begun my Single Girl mission. 3 quilts. 2 twin sized. 1 queen sized. All need to be completed for Christmas.

The 2 twin sized quilts will be for Oliver's bunk beds (which remain unbuilt in our garage!) out of Little Apples. I love this line. I plan to make pillow cases and a memo board too once the yardage is released.

The queen quilt is for my sister in law. She chose these prints last year for her quilt - very bright and cheerful. Much like her.

And... I've also managed to turn that pile of Strawberry Fields from this

...to this. This quilt is destined for my MIL for Christmas. Although I think I might find this one hard to part with.

Still trying to decide if this should be a windmill? Or if I should just lay out the squares randomly. I've always loved this quilt. Any thoughts? Please share!

The week in parcels...

2011-07-03T09:24:00.000+12:00

Thankfully our airways seem to be returning to normal after many delays and cancellations thanks to volanic ash (all the way from Chile!)... as well as having a few work trips interrupted, my mail box had been very empty... until this week that is!

This delicious parcel arrived perfectly timed after my third 5am start (thanks Gus!) and getting up and down like a yo-yo throughout the night. It was such a delightful car trip into work as I opened and examined the beautiful goodies inside.

Georgia (the sweetest friend ever) sent me a just because present containing an awesome selection of delightful quilty goodness plus some lollies which were quickly consumed and couldn't be photographed. Among the goodness, including gorgeous patterns, needles and a sweet Kristen Doran print were these beauties...

A bundle of AMH's Little Folks in voile (so buttery and soft!)

The sweetest mug rug. Ever. In the world.

A Kona Cottons Solid Card - I had no idea how many colours there were! YUM!

Thank you so so much Georgia. You are an absolute gem. I love my parcel! Now to start collecting goodies to surprise you with. xx.

Next this parcel of Little Apples (jealous much?!) finally arrived (4 weeks after it was posted!)... This was part of a swap for the DS Australian/NZ prints only.

Yum! This will be a Single Girl quilt for Ollie (x2 - I've managed to also buy some extra layer cakes and a jelly roll at an online Moda Sample Spree too!) I think he will love the giant O's the pattern creates!

And lastly... my A Little Fabric A Little Chocolate swap from Lisa.

This was also filled with pure delicous quilty bits and some amazing handmade gifts from Lisa. Including 2 scarves for the boys which Oliver immediately began wearing! A pretty wee pincushion, gorgeous bookmark, aqua FQ's for a red and aqua quilt I plan to make (one day!) and the nicest fudge ever. Thank you so much Lisa! You're very talented! xx

And just when you thought that was the end of it... I also got a wee thank you gift from one of the sweet ladies I sent the DS Australian/NZ prints too - a charm pack of Little Apples but I didn't want to make you all too jealous. I am so grateful - thank you Amanda! These will definitely be put to good use in Ollie's quilts... and if I've enough... I may even make an extra for Gus :) But we all know I have way too many unfinished quilts for Gus at the moment as it is!

Thank you so much to all the ladies who posted these parcels to me! What a wonderful week of surprises... made even more special by one of my busiest weeks yet!

Right... I must be off to make a last minute gift for my nephew's 3rd birthday which we are celebrating today. In less than 2 hours. Eep. Why is that I always buy the materials well in advance but leave the actual making to the last minute?!

In an effort to get organised...

2011-07-02T17:18:00.000+12:00

Strawberry Fields - destined to be a windmill quilt

Last Saturday marked the 6 month countdown to Christmas. Eeeek! Where has the year gone? Seriously! So... in an effort to get myself organised as part of my Make. Bake. Craft. Create year, I wrote myself a Christmas to make list... Yes. I am honestly that geeky.

Arcadia - destined to be a DNP sashed in white

It's a rather optimistic list and I have a feeling that I am definitely biting off more than I can chew. I need to average 2 - 3 projects a month in between working full time, being a Mum, a housewife, a wife and a person. Thankfully a month or so ago I made the decision to book a cleaner fortnightly on a Friday. It's lovely to come home to a clean home. Makes my heart happy!

Anyway, I hope I haven't caused you too much panic with my Christmas countdown. Do you write lists to? And is anyone else already planning Christmas presents? Please assure me that I am normal (ish).

So with July already upon us, I've already sliced two Layer Cakes (above) ... just need to find the motivation to sew. Perhaps tonight! Happy sewing everyone!

Bliss in Patches

2011-06-12T09:19:00.001+12:00

When I was little my mother called me Mary. As in Mary Mary quite contrary. Decision making has always been something I've struggled with. I am an indecisive person. Most of the time.

I'd originally planned to make up my Bliss jelly roll in this pattern by Camille...

But I had a change of heart after I'd cut my fabric and became very disinterested in sewing this quilt together. It might have had something to do with sewing 1.25" squares onto 2.5" squares which I found quite fiddly.

Anyway a week or two ago I picked up the squares and decided I best do something with them. I've always loved this quilt of Georgia's, so I decided a 9 patch was the way to go with all my precut 2.5" squares.

The start of a nice little collection of 9 patch blocks. This pink is very sweet.

All my blocks together. I need to buy another jelly roll for the sashing. So please just imagine this sashed in white if you can. My dilema comes next though... I have a bunch of bliss squares left over... I was considering making an outer border in the squares? What do you think? Otherwise I could border it in the middle print below? Or both? What do you think?

My backing is flannel. It's so soft and glorious. I will definitely enjoy snuggling under this quilt top (if I keep it - I might put this one in the Christmas gift pile. See what I mean about indecisive!). The binding will be the top green print. The green isn't my favourite colours in this quilt but when I went to order yardage a while ago, all the pinks, reds and aquas had been snapped up. For good reason too! They're quite delicious.

And just to end this rather lengthy post - here's a couple of photos of Gus the other day with his new puppy hanging out with me

Teenager already. Doesn't like too many photos being taken.

A Little Plug For My Kiwi Quilting Buddies

2011-06-11T08:56:00.000+12:00

I love handmade goodness. I especially love giving handmade goodness. Catherine recently made these gorgeous knitting rolls and I quickly snapped them up for the knitters in my life... (apologies for the poor photo quality - I've been using my phone)

If you haven't already, I'd suggest checking out Catherine's blog... she's one clever Kiwi! Thanks Catherine!

I also purchased these sweet masks from my friend Viv. Aren't they sweet? I've popped them in the cupboard for a rainy day when the boys need something new to keep them quiet and happy!

Viv also kindly sent some little fishies for the boys. They're magnetic and I just need to make up a couple of wee fishing rods so we can go fishing. Thanks Viv! You can check out Viv's blog and shop here.

Earlier this year I gave away a bunch of works in progress that I knew I just would never get to. I sent Sarah a wee unfinished quilt top that had lost it's way and some more Odyssea and I was so excited to see the finished quilt top. You can read all about it here. Thanks Sarah for making such a beautiful quilt to gift to someone special affected by the Christchurch Earthquakes!

There are lots of other clever quilting Kiwi's... I'm building up my little list to the right there! If you're a Kiwi and you're not there yet, just give me a nudge and I'll add you! I know I'm missing a few and I'd love to have you there too!

It's another wet weekend here. I plan to finish up my Bliss quilt top - hopefully I'll have enough white left! Eep! I'm itching to start something new... namely this quilt in this

Tomorrow we're hoping to take the boys out to the steam engine. I hope it's not raining!!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Recess Lunch Money Complete!

2011-06-07T14:49:00.001+12:00

A month or so ago I went to my friend Jenny's baby shower. She's expecting a wee man (9 days overdue today!) and what better way to welcome a new baby than with a quilt. I used a charm pack of Recess and some jelly roll strips in white...

Apologies for the particularly glarey photo. My camera thinks it's so smart and the flash is always permanently on... I still haven't figured out how to switch it off.

The backing is a cream version of the monkey flannel fabric I used for this quilt's backing. The binding is the navy marble(like) fabric. My LAQ replicated the monkeys on the back with a gorgeous all over funky monkey pattern. It came together nicely. This quilt was made completely out of stash fabrics which was fabulous!

I literally left it to the last minute to finish this quilt :) I finished sewing the binding down with only a couple of hours to spare... in fact, I had to hang this quilt on my friends clothes line while we ate lunch to finish drying so that I could gift wrap it for the party that afternoon. Thankfully the weather was absolutely perfect. Not today though. It's rather wet. And cold.

I'm spending the day with my littlest man who is home with a nasty cough and strep throat. He's quite enjoying the attention and icecream at the moment! And in between playing Nurse, I've managed to get a little bit of sewing done. Pure Bliss. More on that tomorrow. Right now I need to go turn a pumpkin into pumpkin soup.

Here's hoping that little baby arrives soon! I've also picked up the sweetest little bear - so sweet and so soft. Jellycat make lovely toys to snuggle. Gus can still be found smooching Bashful Bunny (not quite this big mind you).

Happy sewing!

L

Sharing is Caring

2011-05-28T19:05:00.000+12:00

DS Quilt Collection has landed at Spotlight in NZ. I bought a metre of each of the 8 prints above. Definitely my favourites. There were others but these are the best (in my opinion). One FQ bundle will be on it's way to the second winner of my giveaway the other week... Which leaves me two more bundles to share.

They are retailing at NZ$19.95 a metre but I was lucky to get these for $15.99 a metre.

A bundle of the above prints will be NZ$32 + postage. US$26.20 or so.

Leave me a comment if you'd be interested in a bundle. Happy to go back for more.

L

A New Favourite...

2011-05-28T11:38:00.000+12:00

This post has been a long time coming! I finished this quilt on Mother's Day but haven't been able to photograph it thanks to the wet wet weather we've been having!

Last year my husband said I could have whatever I liked for my birthday. I didn't really have to think long about what I might like... I'd recently introduced myself to Heather Ross' Mendocino line on Flickr (a very dangerous place indeed to covet and become smitten with fabric and quilts). So I bought as much as I could find as a much as the budget would 'allow'.

For a long time these beautiful prints sat untouched while I debated what to make. The pattern needed to be perfect. Eventually, I looked at all my Flickr favourites and a common theme became pinwheels. This quilt really convinced me that pinwheels were the way to go... so shamelessly becoming a copy cat my fabric turned into this...

And then this... (why does the wind always pick up when I try to take photos?)

For my birthday this year I asked for $ for the backing, binding and quilting. With the colder weather approaching I was desperate to have this quilt finished before winter set in.

So... finally my quilt was completed (apologies for the poor images I had to take these on my blackberry!)

Oh so beautiful.

Sigh.

Quilting = Classy Curls in Gold

Backing = Kona in Butterscotch

Binding = Kona in Berry (YUM!)

This quilt is my favourite. And it's for me. Just one last picture.

*Swoon*

I have managed a little more sewing this week. With just over 6 months until Christmas I've started my Christmas quilting early this year. In progress: Bliss 9 patch. Will post an update shortly.

Have a great weekend.

Bloggers Quilt Festival - May 2011

2011-05-19T19:27:00.001+12:00

This isn't the quilt I wanted to share but unfortunately the festival ends tomorrow and I haven't had a chance to take a photo of my newly finished mendocino mermaid quilt... It's been rather wet and we leave and arrive in the dark daily it seems at the moment. Winter is nearly here!

So instead I am sharing this quilt - The Philatelic Society

I made this quilt for my wee Gus using 2 jelly rolls of Look and Learn by American Jane and the Postage Stamp Quilt Along instructions. I had always wanted to make a postage stamp quilt. As a child I collected stamps just like my Poppa. I've very fond memories of sitting in his sunroom looking over albums and albums of colourful stamps from a variety of countries.

This quilt tested my patience though. So many squares = so many seams! Needless to say this quilt isn't perfect... but it's getting a lot of love and is keeping my wee man warm at night.

Here it is with all his teds on his bed. The quilting is an all over baby animal print which is very sweet. I love the crinkly goodness of this quilt.

Thanks for coming over to have a look at my quilt! And thanks Amy for hosting the Bloggers Quilt Festival. Be sure to check out all the lovely quilts in the Festival!

Giveaway Winners!

2011-05-15T08:48:00.000+12:00

Wow! Thank you so much for all your great comments.Welcome to all my new followers and thank you to those who blogged about my giveaway or posted it on Facebook. It was so much fun to read everyone's comments and it seems that sometimes the simple gifts - handmade cards, sleep ins, cups of tea and time, hugs and kisses are the best gifts (given and received). I couldn't agree more!

So on to the winners... 274 entries in total :)

Winner #1 Entry 257 - AMKreations "I blogged about your giveaway!

http://amkreations.blogspot.com/2011/05/baby-go-giveaway-check-it-out.html

Thanks again!"

Winner #2 Entry 121 - Kate quilts "Please count me in. I've added you to my google reader (does that count as following?). :) "

Congratulations!! I will be emailing you both very shortly. Hope you are all enjoying a wonderful weekend. It's a wet start to Sunday morning here with an electrical storm to match. Perfect for staying put!

A Giveaway! CLOSED!

2011-05-04T07:08:00.002+12:00

At long last. Sorry for the delay. I had hoped to post this Sunday but unfortunately had to whip up to New Plymouth with the family for a funeral.

So... a long time ago I promised a giveaway in celebration of 100 posts. Today's post marks 141. I've just not been able to find anything super exciting to giveaway - until Denyse released her new line through Joann's.

Up for grabs is a FQ bundle of 14 prints of the Picnic and Fairgrounds Fabric Collection (another print is on it's way). I will also be giving away another FQ bundle of some of the prints just being released here in NZ and Australia (when they arrive). So there will be 2 winners. Winner number 1 will be able to choose which bundle they'd love.

How to enter - there's a few opportunities to get more entries (6 entries total if you do all 3):

1) Leave me a comment telling me the best Mother's Day gift you've given or received.

2) Become a follower - if you aren't already - followers will get an extra 2 entries.

3) Mention the giveaway on your blog and comment telling me you have and you'll get a further 3 entries :)

May has always been my favourite month. It's my birthday month. Mother's Day. Autumn. And it means we're nearly halfway through the year - although that bit scares me a little!!! The giveaway will close on Sunday 15th May.

***Edit - Giveaway is now closed. Thank you.***

A hunting we will go...

2011-04-29T17:43:00.000+12:00

Easter came and went - much too quickly if you ask me.

Gus on a mission...

The boys went on an Easter egg hunt at Nana's and found far too many eggs!

My nephew James - gone "bush".

28 Easter eggs of varying sizes for 4 boys.

Oliver with his eggs.

See that wee yellow bucket. I thought it would suffice for his hunt.

Turns out Nana had other ideas ;)

The weather was pretty miserable. Perfect for a hot lunch though.

And in between the rain showers, the boys managed to get outside

a couple of times in the hope of seeing the Easter Bunny. He's a

pretty swift character though that Easter Bunny.

On another note... I'll be having a giveaway here starting Sunday of a FQ bundle of these

Good things take time

2011-04-12T19:43:00.000+12:00

Good things take time.

Sometimes they take longer than a year.

But that's ok.

It feels great to have this quilt top complete.

Good things take time.

Progress and a Little Help Needed...

2011-04-11T19:56:00.000+12:00

My WIP pile is decreasing. This weekend I managed to finish up my Mendocino quilt. Last year, the DH said I could buy some fabric for my birthday. I spent a small fortune and quite a bit of time tracking down the illusive Mendocino by Heather Ross. My obsession started here. I can't wait to get this quilt off to the LAQ.

Sorry for the poor images...

This is definitely the largest quilt I've made - 83" square!

What do you think I should bind it with though? I am going to get a plain sheet for the backing (lazy I know!). I am just not sure what to use for binding? I have some of the blush kelp stripe? Or should I use a solid? Perhaps aqua? or how about in the fuschia? Thoughts? Please share.

So now that's another project ticked of the list! Check back tomorrow, I have a couple more to share :) This one thing at a time is really working!

Simplify. Focus. Succeed.

2011-04-09T09:47:00.000+12:00

I recently read a blog post which I connected to - it was almost as though it was written about me. The truth is I do struggle to do one thing at a time. It's what I call the Mary complex... you know "Mary Mary quite contrary how does your garden grow? With silverbells and cockle shells and pretty maids all in a row."

I often find myself doing little bits of lots of things in parrallel which isn't really working very well for me anymore. With what I refer to as 'post baby' memory, I find myself quite scattered and forgetful. Add to that the complexity of working full time and raising two boys, managing a house and a large WIP pile - it's no wonder my brain gets a bit overwhelmed and muddled. But I've realised that complex doesn't have to be complicated. I'd recommend watching this if you have time one day - "How complexity leads to simplicity" by Eric Berlow. (Ted.com is a great website for listening to some very smart people and ideas.)

So I am trying to change. Instead of looking at everything that needs to be done, I am trying to focus on just one (or two at the most!) things at a time at home and at work too. It's helping. It allows my brain to slow down a little and I don't feel so overwhelmed about my giant to do list. I've prioritised my list so I know that everything will get done as it's needed.

This month there are 3 quilty things I want to do - finish the Easter quilt, finish the Recess Lunch Money quilt and finish my Mendocino quilt top. So far I've finished the Easter quilt! Tick! The Recess Lunch Money quilt is just waiting for me to hand stitch the binding down (just need to pick up some thread) and my Mendocino blocks went from

7 blocks with 57 to go...

... to 26 blocks with 38 to go...

to complete. 64 blocks in 4 days. Oh yeah :)

This weekend I hope to finalise the layout of my blocks. I will do something quite similar to Dana's original layout here with colour blocks - blush, gold, fuschia, orange and aqua. That will have to wait until my well intentioned helpers are in bed. In the meantime we'll bake together, do some puzzles and paintings, go watch Uncle Joe play rugby and have a lot of cuddles.

Have a wonderful weekend!

The Philatelic Society - Complete!

2011-04-02T16:10:00.000+13:00

Last week I finished sewing the binding on this quilt... Just in time for Gus' birthday. I forgot to take a photo of it drying on the clothes line, so these will have to do!

Here it is with all his teds. It's funny... when I started this quilt I loved and loathed it at the same time. By the time the top was finished I was over it. So it sat unfinished for a while... until I realised that I wouldn't have Gus' hexagon quilt completed in time... so this became the birthday quilt. Even when it was finished, I wasn't sure how I felt about it. But now that it is on his bed, I do love it a lot.

The quilting is an all over baby animal print, the photo doesn't really do it justice but there is bunnies, fish, frogs, elephants and more. Gus likes it. The backing is a very soft lemon colour. Cheap and cheerful from Spotlight.

So that's another one crossed of the list! Still a few more to go. I've two new self imposed rules - no more fabric, and no starting any new projects until my WIP's are complete. I plan to finish up my Mendocino quilt first. The nights are getting much cooler and we've been sleeping under the Central Park quilt. Even the DH hasn't complained about having a quilt on the bed - it adds quite a nice weight and warmth at night... it's just a bit small. I want to make the Mendocino quilt big enough for our bed although I have a feeling that might be a bit ambitious, so I will see how I get on. Wish me luck!

Dinosaurs and more...

2011-04-02T15:59:00.000+13:00

So I know the plan was to have Nemo cupcakes... but when I found this picture on Flickr I was amazed! Then I found some dinosaur cookie cutters in Australia and the party took on a theme of its own!

Warning: this is a pretty heavy picture post :)

My SIL is amazing. See those dinosaurs... she made them.

Every single one.

And eggs too. She is very clever. We have a deal. I sew. She bakes. Works for me :)

I also bought the boys some cute dinosaur costumes to match. I'd orginally planned to make something myself... then I found these on Felt! Aren't they awesome? You can order them here from Wild Ones. Angelique was so sweet and made these overnight for me. I plan to order the Shark's too.

My nephew Jamesosaurus and Oliveraptor. Might need to order one for James too!

Dinosaurs were hatching everywhere and hiding in the food... The boys loved finding all the dinosaurs. We also had a dinosaur egg hunt in the backyard, as well as a fossil hunt.

And here is the birthday boy himeself. A little overwhelmed with all the fuss. I can't believe my baby is 2 already! Time sure does fly when you are having fun (and doing a lot of washing and changing bottoms!).

So there you have it. I survived yet another birthday party! Thank goodness the next one isn't until September!

TWO!

2011-03-23T20:47:00.001+13:00

clown fish cupcakes a photo by simply-cupcakes on Flickr.

My little Gus is turning two next week. Two! I can hardly believe it... I am definitely not a baker but I am inspired to make these wee cupcakes. Aren't they cute? Gus loves Finding Nemo so I think he will enjoy these :)

Wish me luck!

Central Park Complete!

2011-03-19T20:21:00.000+13:00

It feels great to have at least one WIP completed! This quilt almost bought me to tears though... I picked it up from my LAQ on Wednesday and not thinking twice popped it in the boot. After picking the DH up from the airport and arriving home, I got the quilt out to show my boys and admire the quilting - only to find this

An oil stain. A couple of weeks ago my BF's husband serviced our car and put the remaining oil in the container in the boot in a bag... I didn't realise it had leaked a little. I immediately googled what to do. A few places recommended putting talcolm powder on it. Which I did. After binding the quilt I used a spray cleaner and washed it. The stain is somewhat better - but it's still there. You can see it in the picture below

A friend empathised with me and told me not to worry too much. She said it would only add character and a story in the years to come. Ironically my drive to get this quilt completed and on the bed is because my BF and her hubby are staying here for their last 3 nights in NZ before moving to Australia. They arrive tomorrow.

I love the backing of this quilt... although a part of me wishes I'd used the orange print. The orange in this line is perfection.

All folded and ready for our guests to arrive tomorrow. Oliver is particularly excited that they are coming for a sleepover - although his excitement did fade a little when he realised that their 2 dogs weren't coming to stay. I am looking forward to using this quilt to snuggle under too while watching movies on the couch...

This quilt has got me motivated to finish binding Gus' Philatelic Society quilt and two others. I think this will be a binding week although I am itching to start something new! But I won't. Promise.

Happy sewing!

Parcels make my day...

2011-03-12T20:17:00.000+13:00

Especially when they contain the yummiest of all fabrics and they are addressed to me...

Katie Jump Rope remnants...

Flea Market Fancy remnants...

a delicious bundle of Fresh Cottons...

and a City Weekend quilt kit.... Just in case - you know? After the cutest two boys in the world there is a small just in case part of me that is hoarding. A little. But shhhhhhh.

I have an addiction. To fabric. It could be worse.

My darling husband has seen my fabric as an investment since I showed him this thread. He even suggested I buy more (MORE!) fabric... I am not one to argue.

Here's to more works in progress and some pretty's to look at. Cheers.

Reasons to Celebrate

2011-03-12T19:30:00.001+13:00

With all that's been happening in the world, it's pretty easy to get caught up in the devastating impacts of earthquakes, tsunami's and more... The tectonic plates around the ring of fire sure are causing a lot of trouble. My guess is that this domino effect of devastating earthquakes has resulted as the plates settle again...

We can only but hope that this will be the end of it. So I am grateful that tomorrow we get to celebrate my nephew Shaun's first birthday. Amongst all that has been going on it's nice to have a reason to rejoice and be happy. Shaun is such the sweetest little guy too. Today I whipped up this wee Dr Seuss memo board for his birthday

I love this fabric a lot... In fact I may just have this exact print in green to make up a memo board for his brother James' third birthday in July... and a few more yards of various Dr Seuss prints with no plans - yet.

My heart goes out to everyone impacted by these earthquakes. Right now, I am going to hug my children tightly and be grateful.

Making Stakements

2011-03-12T08:00:00.000+13:00

Oliver: "dad, Dad, DAD... I am asking you a question"
Dad: "What Oliver?"
Oliver: "I want to go see Dora the Explore, Diego and Boots the Monkey, but that's not a question aye? That's a stakement."
Me: "You mean a statement?"
Oliver: "Yeah a statement... that wasn't a question... I'm a bit silly."

At not even 3.5 if Oliver knows the difference between questions and statements, I have serious concerns about what he will learn for the first year or two at school...

Works in Progress - A Shameful Parade of the Unfinished...

2011-03-05T11:11:00.001+13:00

At the moment I have a number of unfinished projects taking up good space in my sewing drawers and on my table. I am a little embarrassed to admit exactly how many projects are still in various stages of the quilting process, but I hope that if share them with you, I will find the motivation to complete them. Every single one!

From top to bottom: Chain Reaction quilt blocks; Mendocino Mermaids; Aphra's Starflower quilt; Rebecca's Verna quilt; Wonderland Jelly Filled; Recess Lunch Money quilt; Easter Windmills and The Philatelic Society.

Not picutred: Gus' Hexagon quilt; The never ending Monkey Saga; Walking in the Park and My Family Bliss.

Yup. I have a lot of projects to complete. These WIP's are all in various stages of production. Some are awaiting binding, some are just blocks, some need quilting and some are just cut waiting to be made into blocks. You should see my "to start" pile... It's equally as big! Flickr. You have a lot to answer for :) and Blogger. So much inspiration. So little time!

Anyway, I am thinking about making this a regular feature by selecting one project each month to finish... Who know's - some months I might finish more! On the first of each month I'll share a project with you and by the end of the month, I will hope to share it again with you in it's completed state or at least a quilt top!

Would you like to join in? Do you have a number of unfinished projects you'd like to see completed by the end of the year? If you want to join in, I'll figure out how to make a button and a linky thingy me jig.

Here's to a year of actually finishing projects! Wish me luck!

Walking in the Park

2011-02-20T21:39:00.000+13:00

This weekend I have been sewing, sewing, sewing... Since making the boys rail fence quilts I've been wanting to make one for me! When I saw Central Park by Kate Spain I knew it would be perfect. These aren't the best pictures because the sun was setting but I was so excited and proud of myself for completing this quilt top in 24 hours! Yup - you read right! 24 hours! An absolute record for me!

Last night I sewed all the strips together... then this morning I cut them into blocks while the boys happily watched Finding Nemo... and this afternoon while they slept after being tuckered out by swimming and a picnic lunch I trimmed and sewed together my blocks into rows and my rows into a quilt top!

With my motivation high - I pieced together the backing and made my binding strips too! So this quilt is ready and waiting to be delivered to the LAQ this week... I promise to get some better photos soon!

Quilt details:

Fabric - Central Park by Kate Spain for Moda (I used 2 jelly rolls)

Quilt size - 72" x 72"

Hope you had a great and productive weekend too!

House. Hunting.

2011-02-17T20:20:00.000+13:00

I have to say I am a little over it. It's not quite as exciting as I'd hoped it would be... buying our first house. Scratch that. Home... We spent the weekend in Auckland. Which I loved. It was so sunny. So hot. So amazing. I really can't wait to be an Aucklander. Before heading out to look at more suburbs and houses we went to the Auckland Zoo.

Outfit snap. The DH thought this was soo funny. Note to self - do not wear yellow dress next zoo trip.

Ollie and Gus

Cutest kids on the block. Just saying.

So the house hunt continues... We've at least somewhat settled on a location. The North Shore. Ironically where my Mum grew up and my SIL. It's got that relaxed beachy vibe that we both love and the houses are solid. Fingers crossed we find one soon. Please send good house hunting vibes my way!

I have a crush...

2011-02-17T20:11:00.000+13:00

Innocent Crush by AMH... maybe not so innocent... because I want more.

These FQ's are utterly gorgeous. I love the colours. A lot. These are likely to be a mixed tape quilt... or perhaps a single girl quilt. The verdict is unknown. What ever it becomes it will be mine all mine and I will love it.

Have you had any innocent crushes on fabric lately? Or projects? Do tell.

Project Planning...

2011-02-16T19:09:00.001+13:00

Last week my first quilty book purchase arrived.... Camille has some gorgeous patterns in this book and it's got me planning and dreaming of quilty projects.

I am thinking of using my Buttercup jelly roll to make this quilt...

and I think a Punctuation version would look fabulous too!

And I am going to use my Bliss jelly roll to make this quilt here... I am very excited to start some new projects and play with some new fabrics :) The best thing about all these planned quilts is that they are for us! I aspire to have a healthy stack of quilts like this one day.

I've got 3 quilts to bind this week though which will be the perfect way to spend the evenings. I hope you've had a great week so far! We are still house hunting. It's proving harder than I'd hoped but we are at least narrowing down suburbs :)

Happy sewing!

Munki Munki - What to do?

2011-02-09T20:12:00.000+13:00

Oliver noted a little while ago that I hadn't made him a new quilt in "ages"... Now that Gus' postage stamp quilt is off at the LAQ, I was thinking I'd try make Oliver a quick quilt using these Munki Munki charms... The charms are all mostly fussy cut so I want to make the most of them... I am just not sure what to make?

All suggestions will be gratefully received. Thank you!

The Philatelic Society - Complete!

2011-02-09T10:41:00.001+13:00

I finally finished the Postage Stamp quilt for Gus. I've never named a quilt before but I am naming this one - The Philatelic Society. I used to collect stamps when I was younger. I have quite a collection which sits in a box in our spare room. From time to time I still like to flick through the albums and look at all the colours and countries.

The most challenging part about this quilt was matching all those darn seams. 1200 squares = a lot of seams to sew. And a lot of pinning.

I am mostly loving just having this quilt top complete at the moment. I love the riot of colour and Gus has already had fun looking at all the little squares with me spotting trains, planes, blocks and children.

This will be off to the long arm quilter this afternoon. I have a very soft lemon for the backing and will be binding this quilt in the light blue stripe.

After all that pinning I am looking forward to sewing something that doesn't require too much thought :) I am planning to use my Central Park to make a quilt like this one. But a lot bigger. And because I am weak I ordered some more fabric - mostly backing and binding fabric so that I can make some quilts.

Hope you are having a great week. We've got a sick little man at the moment. Gus has a nasty cough so there hasn't been much sleep at our house. My right eye has been twitching since Monday morning. He's on antibiotics so I am hoping he starts to improve!

Happy Sewing!

An Ode to Colour

2011-02-04T21:11:00.000+13:00

The postage stamp quilt is continuing to grow. Not quite as quickly as I would have liked. I would quite like this quilt to be finished. I have completed a little over half of the blocks.

But I still have a few more to make... then of course I'll be sewing the blocks into rows and the rows into a quilt top... I am hoping to have this quilt top completed by the end of the weekend. I am resisting the urge to start something new. I am happy with how its coming together though - although I wish my seams would match perfectly everytime!! Wish me luck!

Stashing.

2011-02-04T21:04:00.001+13:00

My stash has been growing lately. You've probably noticed. Here are my latest arrivals

Delicious Buttercup, Bliss and Punctuation from the Fabric Shack. They have half price shipping at the moment!

An increasing stash is causing storage issues though as my consumption rate is not as quick as the rate the parcels have been arriving...

Here is my precut drawer... Looking rather full! Oh Wee Play. I love thee.

This drawer has FQ's and some yardage... Tidy right?

Wrong!

This is the awful mess in the corner of our spare room. I need to sort this out. Before we move. I have more scraps than I know what to do with... I think I need to get brutal. My plan is to use Gus' drawers as my fabric drawers when we move so I think I might sort his clothes out and see if I can take over now...

How do you store your fabric? Any tips?

PS - If you live in NZ and would like some scraps sent to you - leave me a comment and I'll contact you for your address :)

Playing Catch Up & Little Pirates

2011-01-29T12:55:00.000+13:00

I have been madly sewing and cutting my strips to catch up with the Postage Stamp Quilt along... now to construct my blocks. 48 of them...

The fabric is Look and Learn by American Jane Quilts. I love the primary colours and the vintage prints. This will be a quilt for Gus.

I think he will enjoy the I Spy cuteness of this quilt. And I am definitely loving the mish mash of colours together.

Here's my Gus as a wee Pirate yesterday at daycare.

Oliver had a fairytale dress up day and he went as Captain Hook. Gus went along as one of his 'mates'.

And here is Oliver - as Captain Hook.

The DH is a groomsman today as his best friends wedding. My Little Pirates are staying with their cousins and aunty and uncle! 4 boys in one house 3 and under. Should be a fun night ;)

I best be off to get myself organised and presentable :) Hoping to turn some of those strips into blocks tomorrow afternoon! Have a wonderful weekend.

Recess Quilt

2011-01-26T18:53:00.000+13:00

A wee while ago Georgia sent me a gorgeous parcel (thank you again Georgia!) which included some American Jane charm packs in Recess, Wee Play and Snippets... Let's just say that was the beginning of a very expensive love affair ;) Anyway, friends are expecting their first little baby in May - so over the past week when I've had enough hexagons, I've been piecing this wee quilt.

I absolutely love the colours - perfect for a nursery. Now to find some backing fabric and get this quilt complete!

The hexagon quilt continues to grow... I am halfway! I would have completed this today, but I decided to use my Look and Learn Jelly Rolls for the postage stamp quilt along so I started sewing my strips together today. I will share a picture shortly... meanwhile here's the hexagons... definitely on track to be completed before Gus turns two!

Expensive Post Day

2011-01-26T17:47:00.000+13:00

I am sure the lady at the Post Office was a little sorry that she ended up with me! A mixture of Bee Blocks (finally!) and the UFO's! On their way from me to you!

I had fun packaging these all up knowing that someone will be finishing them :)

A parcel arrived yesterday for me - again! And there is still another to arrive. This one contained 1 Jelly Roll of Central Park - it's delicious, 1 Jelly Roll of Punctuation - I adore the colour palette, and yardage of Punctuation (for the back of the ABC quilt) and Dr Seuss (birthday present for my nephew Shaun). I've still got a little more fabric to arrive as well as Camille Roskelley's book Simplify. And then I am done. Promise. (Except for maybe a little bit more yardage of Central Park to use as binding...)

What makes you buy fabric? Do you buy fabric you like? Or do you have to have a plan of something to make before you buy? Just curious. Generally I like to plan something first, and then buy the fabric... then I usually post it note the fabric with what I am planning to make so I don't forget. The fabric I impulse buy tends to be the fabric that remains unused because it never had a purpose. I try not to do that anymore! What I do plan to do this year though is make more quilts for us - so I've been buying fabric I truly love and know will suit our home.

Happy sewing everyone!

Hexagon Quilt - A Work In Progress

2011-01-24T08:02:00.001+13:00

In just a couple of months my baby boy is turning 2! Last week we transitioned him to a big boys bed. I sold the cot online, so we needed to put him into his new bed. He's been amazing - and apart from early starts he mostly stays in bed all night. So, I am in the process of making him a new quilt for his big boys bed using a jelly roll of American Jane's Wee Play and Look and Learn. I am really loving how it's coming together - but I definitely have a lot more hexagons to make...

What are you working on at the moment? Do you stick to just one project at a time or do you work on many? I am curious. I like to work on a few projects at a time. That way I've always got something on the go which will suit my mood. Sometimes I like to sew straight lines. Other times I like to cut. Sometimes I like to piece more detailed blocks. And then sometimes I like to just look at my fabric and write lists. Of things to make. So what do you do?

Indecisive

2011-01-23T19:05:00.000+13:00

I've been thinking about joining Rachel's Postage Stamp quilt along since she first posted it a few weeks ago... But I am not sure what to do.

I could use two Look and Learn jelly rolls (1 in place of the solid).

I quite like the idea of using the light and dark prints together to create a complete patched little colourful quilt...

Or I could use just one jelly roll and partner it with an off white solid like Rachel's pattern?

Or I could use my Punctuation jelly roll when it arrives with the off white solid?

Hmmm.... For the meantime I think I will just keep sewing the hexagon quilt until I can decide what to do. Your thoughts and opinions are welcome! I think my wee Gus is going to end up with a bunch of AJ quilts for his room. Ironically his initials are AJ too... So it's only fitting! For those of you with enquiring minds Gus is short for Augustus. Looking forward to reading your thoughts.

Oliver. You crack me up...

2011-01-22T07:25:00.000+13:00

Oliver with his Incredibles mask

Phil recently came home with The Incredibles (a Disney DVD about a superhero family). Ever since then, he's been Dash and I've been Elastigirl. I was putting him to bed one night and this is the conversation we had:

Oliver: "We're missing one"
Me: "Missing one what?"
Oliver: "We need another one"
Me: "Another what Ollie?"
Oliver: "A baby. A girl. We need a Violet. Daddy is Mr Incredible. You is Elastigirl. Gus is Jack Jack and I am Dash. We need a Violet."
Me: "Oh well I don't know about that Oliver - you and Jack Jack are quite enough for me. Besides, what if we had another little brother? Then who would he be?"
Oliver (quite thoughtfully): "Oh. Oh man. Luci (friend from daycare) can be Violet then. But her hair is too short."

It's conversations like that one that I want to remember for forever. I'd also like to slow down the growing process.

Obsessions...

2011-01-20T22:33:00.000+13:00

Another arrival this week! The cutest quilt kit ever... This will be for Gus' room. The problem with buying fabric though, is that it makes me want more fabric. Like a crazy woman. Seeing Punctuation in life meant I wanted more. So just between you - I did order some more and I might have also added some Central Park and some Dr Seuss to my cart too. Just don't tell my husband.

These are the fabrics... cute!

And these also arrived... some more Look and Learn Jelly Rolls, some FQ's and some yardage. Told you I was obsessed. I won't be ordering any more fabric for a long time though. We've had our lending approved so we're in the market to buy a house... and I don't quite think there will be a lot of $ left to sneak fabric in... Fortunately I have quite a healthy supply to keep me busy for the next year. Or two.

What have you been buying? Or obsessing over?

Totally addicted...

2011-01-20T06:32:00.000+13:00

In December last year I ordered some soaps and a sugar scrub from Dana over at the Old Red Barn Co. I am oficially totally addicted to her lovely soaps and especially her sugar scrubs. Seriously my skin has never felt better and they smell absolutely delicious. And Gus' skin is better too. He's usually got quite bad eczema - but over the past month the redness has improved significantly!

You can order some here. I love the blackberry sage... and the bulgarian lavendar... and the cinnamon apple peach... they make lovely gifts too! Here's this month supply! Go order some now too... you will not be disappointed and prepare to be addicted to ok? Just warning you.

Dana also sent me these yummy Munki Munki charms. We did a swap over on Flickr. This pile is huge so I definitely will be sharing... don't you worry ;) It's been a good delivery week! I'll post some more photos of what's arrived this week shortly. In the meantime, happy sewing everyone!

UFO's Giveaway

2011-01-16T07:51:00.001+13:00

Thanks so much for playing along. Everyone seemed to love the Odyssea quilt :) I've popped the results below and will email you all for your addresses. As there was only a few comments - there is something for everyone. If it's not what you'd like though and you feel I'd just be adding to your UFO list, I won't be offended!

Sarah - from Red Gingham

Our Busy Little Bunch

Janet

Lis (this has the fabric for the backing and binding too!)

Dee (I'll include some more prints so you can make it bigger!)

Congratulations everyone. Thanks for having such generous hearts to complete these and donate. You are all wonderful. Thank you.

Pay it Forward

2011-01-16T07:40:00.000+13:00

I am a terrible terrible person. A while ago I signed up to Pay it Forward... The rules said that you had to send your gifts within 365 days... well that time is up! I've pretty much finished the handmade part of the gift... just want to get a few little additions to send. I've given myself a deadline of next Saturday to have the packages ready to go.

I'm still waiting for my little gift but I know it will arrive when I least expect it! Hopefully before we move though! I am for the first time looking forward to Monday! We are hoping to hear the happy news that our lending application has been approved by the bank and that we can buy our first home! Exciting! Wish me luck!

I'll be posting shortly about the UFO giveaway... check back shorlty :)

Preserved Lemons & Lemon Curd

2011-01-15T19:39:00.000+13:00

This afternoon I got busy with my Make. Bake. Craft. Create gifting theme. It's the MIL's birthay on Monday followed by a SIL's birthday on Tuesday.

I made preserved lemons and lemon curd to give to my MIL. I've hand written some little recipes out too... The SIL just wants cash for to buy a new TV so we'll put in towards that.

Tonight's dinner was a bit of a culinary disaster though... Do you ever make things for the first time and then wonder why you bothered? I made a spin on Beef Stroganoff tonight and it was terrible. Oliver even said so! Oliver "I'm so disappointed Mum." Me "Why?" Oliver "Because this dinner is horrible" Me too Ollie. Me too. The recipe made a huge quantity - enough for another night but I don't think I can bring myself to use it!

I should collect my machine this Tuesday. I can not wait! I am so desperate to get sewing again. I am very motivated to finish Gus' new hexagon quilt - especially as I bought him a new big boys bed this week! And I bought Oliver bunk beds! An expensive but exciting delivery week. I am in the process of selling Gus' cot. My little boy really is growing up!

Don't you love it when they get their own little sense of humour? Gus came running out of Oliver's room the other morning with his pants on his head. He thought it was extremely funny. So did we.

Hope everyone is having a good weekend. Check back tomorrow for details of the giveaway :)

UFO's Giveaway!

2011-01-13T21:10:00.000+13:00

I have to admit that I always feel encouraged when I read about other quilters who have the same compulsive urge to start projects but only complete a small percentage of them! It's kind of reassuring that I am not alone.

That being said, I have quite a few unfinished projects that I keep thinking I really *should* finish before I start anything else... but I can not find the motivation to complete them!

So... I thought I might just see if anyone might be interested in finishing them instead? That way I can feel less guilty and I will know that they have gone to a good home! I'll include the extra fabric I'd bought to go with them and if you feel so compelled, perhaps you could make a donation to the Red Cross to help out those affected by the Queensland flooding. Just a suggestion.

The flooding is beyond devasting. We Kiwi's really do love our big brother across the ditch. We love them most when we win at sports - it goes without saying... It's sibling rivalry :) Click on the button to the right to learn about how you can support those in need. If I had a finished quilt I would definitely be auctioning it right now! But I don't... So I will giveaway some unfinished projects instead with the hope that people may make a donation.

First up - a wee Odyssea Charm Pack Quilt

Complete with fabric for backing and binding

A bunch of reproduction windmills

Figgy Pudding - these were meant to be hexagons but I didn't realise I'd bought the wrong ruler! I'll include the ruler too!

This was destined to be this... a cute wee table runner - or whatever you want it to be!

Windmills

If you see anything you like, leave me a comment telling me! I'll close this on Sunday and pick names. Please make sure I can contact you to arrange shipping!

Happy sewing everyone!

All Buttoned Up!

2011-01-10T20:56:00.000+13:00

I spent an evening last week sewing buttons to a bunch of jerseys for the boys. This bunch should definitely keep them cosy this winter! Patterns from this book. And this book. And this book. Highly recommended if you need some cute knits! Before you ask, they're not knitted by me - done by some very clever special people.

I also finally recovered our dining room chairs. I am too embarrassed to show you what they looked like before... in fact I was in such a hurry to bin the old fabric I didn't take a photo! Armed with a staple gun, new cushion padding and some fabric from Spotlight, the DP and I "crafted" together... technically he took the old covers off, and I put the new covers on but it was a lot of fun and very rewarding! Like most things in our home, the table and chairs are second hand (in fact I think we may be the third or fourth owners)... But I love them. A lot more now that they are recovered!

One more week until I collect my machine. I can not wait! All this non sewing has resulted in some fabric purchases (eek!)! Happy sewing everyone!

Make. Bake. Craft. Create.

2011-01-07T20:10:00.000+13:00

Make. Bake. Craft. Create. That's my gift giving theme for 2011. With the new year upon us, I decided to review our bank statements and add up how much annually we spend to help us provision for 2011. Once I got past $3000 on gift giving, I stopped. I have to say I was also shocked at the amount we spend on groceries! So now I know where I can refine my shopping habits :) Especially since we have two pretty big goals this year - 1) buy our first home and 2) go on our honeymoon.

So... this weekend you will find me making raspberry cordial, preserving lemons and making lemon curd. I am also planning to bottle tomato pasta sauce, tomato soup and tomato sauce over the coming month too. I am in the process of hunting down some second hand preserving jars.

I've also been through my fabric stash and planned some things to make. More on that later. Without my machine there is very little sewing to be had. It meant I have managed to mend some items though, and last night I spent the night sewing 22 buttons onto a variety of newly knitted garments.

I hope you are all enjoying the start of the new year. If you have any plans or themes for this year, please share! Happy sewing everyone.

New Year. New Beginnings.

2011-01-02T10:09:00.001+13:00

Goodbye 2010! Hello 2011! For the first time since I was a teen, I welcomed the new year in AWAKE with friends and family. We had a BBQ at our place followed by a couple of rounds of boys vs girls cranium... very entertaining. Girls 1. Boys 1. Draw.

All over blogger photo mosaics are popping up. It's been so fun looking through everyones blog posts and seeing what they created in 2010 - some people sure are busy and creative! It got me thinking about my own year of sewing. I had more finishes than I realised! 8 finished cot quilts, a doll quilt, bee blocks, a table runner... and a number of started but yet to be finished projects! Looking back through our photo gallery, I realised that I started out the year on a high, hibernated for the winter and finished the year with a few Christmas gifts. Here's a few of my sewing highlights for the year...

Wonderland jelly roll

Asher's quilt

Hushabye doll quilt

Hexagon swap

Gus' winter I Spy quilt

Easter quilt

Wee Play quilt

So what will 2011 bring? A new city - we're moving to Auckland next month! Hopefully our first home, definitely more sewing and a lot of loving these two...

Christmas day

Oliver aka Buzz LightYear

Gus - our little Sheriff with Woody

Apologies for image overload!! Happy new year everyone.

Just a little bit frustrated...

2010-12-29T19:02:00.000+13:00

Last night my machine started skipping stitches. In vain I tried a new bobbin and a new needle, but it didn't help... Today I rushed it into the Bernina stockist in Wellington to have it serviced only to find out that my poor machine won't be serviced and returned to me until the 20th of January! What to do? What to do? I will need to borrow a machine. I have a few outstanding bee blocks to finish and I want to keep up the momentum with the pinwheels! I am slightly tempted to buy a cheap backup machine - shhhh... don't tell the DP!

Mendocino Pinwheels

2010-12-28T09:20:00.000+13:00

For my birthday last year, the DH said I could buy some fabric for my present... which was pretty convinient since I'd just discovered Mendocino for sale on Etsy and felt my fabric stash would not be complete without it. Dramatic I know.

It's been sitting in my fabric drawers since then. Occassionally I would take it out and look at the pretty mermaids and the colours, and then put it away again. I could not decide what to make with it. So in search of inspiration, I looked through my Flickr favourites, of which a large number are pinwheel quilts.

Dana over at the Old Red Barn Co made this quilt a wee while ago which I absolutely love... Actually I pretty much love all Dana's quilts. Anyway, last week while watching Son's of Anarchy for the first time, I began cutting squares. 256 to be exact. So here are my blocks in the making...

7 down. 57 to go. I am motivated though. This is my the first quilt I am actually making for me! Not to give as a gift or donate! A quilt for my bed. For me!

I hope you all had a very merry Christmas. We sure did. Lots of eating. Laughing. And gifts. I'll post a few pics of Christmas shortly. Until then - happy sewing everyone :)

Finally finished...

2010-12-22T19:45:00.000+13:00

This one has been a long time in the making... but it is done! At last! A lovely lady from work and I did a crafty exchange. She knitted gorgeous jumpers for the boys for the wedding, and I made her wee grandson (also an Oliver!) this quilt. Lesley chose the fabrics and design. I just did the sewing.

This post marks my 100th post! Check back for a giveaway soon. Also - my pay it forward people... surprises in the post will arrive soon... I am sorry for taking so long.

In case I don't get back here before Christmas (which is highly likely as I have two hams to glaze, a few gifts to wrap, a house to clean from top to toe, a chair set to build, children to feed etc... basically a lot to do in the next 48 hours) - MERRY CHRISTMAS!

The DNP & Me...

2010-12-15T19:05:00.000+13:00

A wee trial run with Gus' cot...

Wee Play love :)

The backing - a favourite Dick & Jane print.

This quilt has to be one of my all time favourites. I can tell you that wrapping this little quilt today to give to my cousin for her wee guy Theo for Christmas was pretty hard... a small part of me wanted to keep it. But our Gus will be out of his cot by February and with 2 cot quilts already it seemed a little silly to keep it. Especially when I made it for Theo too. So hopefully he will love it and it will get a lot of use. And I've still got a FQ bundle and 2 jelly rolls left to make a single quilt for Gus. I can't wait!

I love the disappearing nine patch. It's so easy but looks fabulous. I also made a table runner with the same pattern below for Aphra's mum and dad. They are so good to me. I hope they'll love the Christmas table runner. I had it quilted with an all over snowflake pattern (the same as last year) and I love it.

Now all I have to complete is another shorter runner. Although I forget who I set out to make that one for... Hmmm... I think it might be Gus' teacher. I'll have to consult the Christmas shopping list! Oh and I've got a quilt to bind tonight! I will post pictures tomorrow.

Just over a week until Christmas! Exciting! How are you spending your Christmas? With family? Friends?

A wee early Christmas present for me!

2010-11-30T22:04:00.000+13:00

I am actually blaming Georgia for my recent obsession with all things American Jane... A little while ago Georgia sent me the sweetest parcel, which contained a charm pack of Recess, Wee Play and Snippets. I wasn't quilting when all 3 were released and although a good number of my Flickr favourites contained the prints, I hadn't found any online. I could not believe my luck when I opened my parcel - thank you so much Georgia for sharing these with me!

So to cut a long, obsessive story short... I ended up sneaking in 2 jelly rolls (as well as an extra Wee Play charm pack because the lovely lady happened to mention that they still had 1 charm pack in stock - seemed a little rude not to buy it!) a couple of months ago - 1 Wee Play and 1 Look and Learn with the intention of making these into a hexagon quilt for Gus. I was a little worried that 2 jelly rolls might not be enough for a twin sized quilt, so with the wedding finally complete, I began a little online search for Wee Play fabric. I could not believe my luck when I stumbled across a FQ bundle still at the RRP online. I decided that if it was still there in the morning I would order it. So I did.

I've just finished making a disappearing nine patch quilt with the two charm packs for my cousins wee little guy Theo. I have to confess that parting with that quilt will be rather difficult. It is gorgeous. Even if I do say so myself. It's with the LAQ at the moment, so as soon as it's back I'll share a pic! I've got one quilt to finish before the end of the week for a friend before I can begin playing with these prints again. I can not wait.

Happy sewing!

A few more photos...

2010-11-27T09:17:00.000+13:00

Little Gus

Gus

Oliver - too busy to stay still for photos!

My boys and I

My favourite photo

Attempts at family photo...

Oliver - "I'm off!"

And my little Gus again!

Thank you very much for all the sweet comments on my last little photo update! As requested I've included more photos of the boys this time! We didn't get many of Ollie - he just wouldn't stay still! Gus, however, well - he definitely worked the camera!!

I actually managed some sewing this week! AMAZING! But we still don't have a camera - so no photos to share just yet. I almost have enough Flybuys to get a new camera! Hopefully before Christmas! Whipping up a few little Christmas presents! Hopefully I can get them to the LAQ today and hopefully she'll be able to quilt them for me in time for Christmas.

It's been a stunning week here in Wellington. The weather has been amazing. And warm. Who knows - we might actually get a summer this year!

And sadness this week -]\. NZ has been rocked by the Pike River Mine disaster. 29 men lost. We're a small nation. Just over 4 million people. So everyone knows someone who knows someone... we used to think we were separated by two degrees of separation - I actually think it's more like one degree of separation these days with social networking - so this tradegy is definitely affecting everyone. I can't even begin to imagine the pain each family is feeling. One thing that always amazes me at times this like though, is how people band together to do good. There are so many good people!

It's been nearly 4 months since my last post!

2010-11-14T08:11:00.000+13:00

Wow! How time flies! I can't believe it's less than 6 weeks until Christmas and I only began thinking about it yesterday. I've been somewhat preoccupied planning our wedding. There's only so much planning you can do though - and planning the weather is one thing I just couldn't manage... but that was ok. Everything else went well. Not 100% to plan but fortunately that's the story of our lives so we just went with it!

We had a wonderful day. Made especially wonderful by the people we got to share it. The kids were also brilliant! And my little Gus finally started walking a fortnight before the wedding! Thankfully!

Here's a few snippets taken by our wonderful photographer Meredith from Amor Photography

It's been such a long time since I managed any sewing... My poor machine has been resting in our wardrobe for some time... but with Christmas fast approaching, and no more wedding plans to finalise, organise, confirm and complete, I feel as though I will be able to squeeze out a few wee Christmas gifts. Maybe a few table runners, and a wee quilt for my cousins little guy Theo. He is just the cutest. And some bee blocks. I've started some... but need to catch up quick!

So there you have it... I am now Mrs Simpson.

Thank You.

2010-07-21T20:28:00.000+12:00

Thank you so much to everyone who left words of wisdom and encouragement on my last post. It really means a lot :) and it was just what I needed to get back to my machine. I can't show you what I've been working on because my camera is still holidaying with the MIL. Hope to get it back this weekend! Some yummy fabric arrived today in the post too. That's always nice after a LONG day at work. I will post pictures soon I promise.

Thanks again everyone. You know who you are and you are awesome.

Absent.

2010-07-17T11:09:00.000+12:00

It's been a month since my last post. I have been hibernating. The boys have been taking it in turns to be sick. The DP is sick. I've been sick. It's been very wet and my washing pile keeps multiplying. Add to that planning a wedding, working full time, trying to run a house and a surprise birthday party and you can probably guess why I've been missing. Ohhh and a new baby. My cousin had her wee boy last week. They named him Theodore Rupert... isn't that the sweetest name. I'm going to call him Teddy :) He was 9lb 2oz and has the cutest chubby cheeks. He is exquisite.

So amongst all the madness I haven't touched my sewing maching for about a month. Apart from Bee Blocks. I am having withdrawals but just can't quite seem to get myself motivated to sew right now. Did I mention that the DP is away every week for a night too?

Anyway... I have bought myself some hexagons to join the hexagon madness and hope that this will be a nice crafty outlet when I just can't find the energy to sew. I have also binged on some fabric. Just waiting for it to arrive in the post!

What did arrive in the post yesterday morning was our wedding invitations! Exciting! Now to address and post. That'll be a task for tomorrow. Today I am just going to hibernate some more. And maybe play with some fabric. Oh and do some washing.

Do you ever loose your sewing mojo too? How do you find it again?

Ollie's new winter quilt - a WIP

2010-06-14T19:49:00.001+12:00

or this post could also be called the continued monkey n round saga!

Oliver decided he'd quite like a new quilt too... so last night I began playing around with these prints and decided upon this simple layout. What do you think? Honestly? Obviously there is quite a few blocks missing! But you can kind of get the idea?

I still love the sawtooth star block I tried out last month, but these blocks are so much quicker to put together and bigger too! So hopefully I can finish this quickly, get it quilted and onto his bed! It's been very cold the last few nights, so I am keen to settle on a pattern for my Mendocino too to keep warm!

Tadaa!

2010-06-14T19:41:00.000+12:00

Gus' wee winter I Spy quilt is completed!

And here's a shot with all his teds.... quite a growing collection at that end of the bed!

I used some flannel Monkey n Round that I had in my stash. It's super soft and super cuddly! The inner is wool and I love it! It's so warm.. If you enlarge this picture you might be able to see the all over quilting a bit better - it's super cute barnyard friends! Sheep, goats, cows, ducks, geese and pigs! It's a bundle of fun!

And just because... here is the blanket under Gus' quilt. It doesn't belong to me. It belongs to the MIL but I desperately want my own to keep. Isn't it a lovely pattern

Ollie was a tad jealous that Gus got a new quilt so I've got a new WIP... but I'll post that seperately!

Hope you're all having a good week!

The prarie points and me!

2010-06-09T20:05:00.000+12:00

Finished! Well kinda. Still needs quilting and binding...

I almost didn't add the prarie points. Eech.... They ought to come with a warning when ironing. I burnt myself. More than once. They were surprisingly easy to sew, but definitely a clunky seam to press. I am not sure how to quilt this one - suggestions? oooh and what on earth to back this with? I'll have to pop into my LQS tomorrow before whipping this to my LAQ. She's already finished Gus' quilt... so I will be picking that up tomorrow. I can't wait to see it and bind it!

And this is where this little quilt will be soon :) Aren't those wee birds above the curtains cool?!

They are wall paper cut outs!

Happy sewing!

The weather outside is frightful...

2010-06-08T21:31:00.000+12:00

Tonight the temperature has dropped significantly, and hail and sleet are are coming down with the pouring rain outside. I always get nervous when it rains like this because the back of our property completely drops away and I half expect the garage to disappear...

Anyway, with the temperature being in the wee single figures, I thought I would baste Gus' winter quilt tonight after managing to find some wool batting for $17 per metre! HUGE price difference! It definitely pays to shop around. Anyway, I basted the quilt - doing my absolute best to ensure that the backing, batting and top were nice and flat. I pinned every patterned charm square.

See the Monkey N Round flannel in blue - that's what I chose as my backing :)

And then I attempted to sew. 1/4" straight lines either side of the squares. It didn't work so well... It kept bunching. I am not sure if it's because

a) I am useless (extremely possible - the actual quilting part scares me a lot so I like to 'outsource')
b) the wool batting is rather stretchy - more so than just cotton or cotton/bamboo so the stitches were not even
c) the flannel backing made the quilting more difficult

I am going to go with d) all of the above :)

So, I have already unpicked my stitches and shortly I will begin taking the pins out. Tomorrow (weather permitting) I will drop this quilt off to my LAQ and I'll let her do a lovely job :) I am sitting under the quilt at the moment, and Georgia you are sooo right! It is delightfully warm!!!! I am so toasty warm. I can't wait for this to be in Gus' cot. I think I might beg Sue to hurry!

So, I will try to quilt again, but I think it's best if I practice my skills on quilts that aren't as stretchy. How on earth do you guys do it?

Windmills WIP - Update

2010-06-07T21:28:00.000+12:00

Four more blocks to make, then the prarie points and this baby will almost be done!

Mending Week Finishes

2010-06-07T21:25:00.000+12:00

When I saw that the girls from Making More with Less were hosting a mending week, I knew it was just the kick I needed to finally mend my 'mend it' pile... Most of the items have been in the pile for months - and now they are finally done. Buttons, bust seams and a patch (although a very wonky patch - aaah well they're only for daycare!)...

I even mended my rosary beads my MIL bought in Fatima. Oliver kindly 'unmended' them for me last week. They're not quite as they were - I think a bead or two may have got lost in translation somewhere (read the couch).

All I need to do now is figure out the best way to make a label for Ollie's quilt where a small seam has popped :(

I've hand stitched it down but it looks pretty silly - luckily it's on the back and I never did quite label it in time for Christmas. So if you've got any label making tips - please share!!

Thanks for hosting mending week Alisa and Suzanne!

Sweet windmills...

2010-06-06T08:43:00.000+12:00

Just so you don't think I am a complete slacker... I have made two blocks so far for Aprha's baby shower. Aphra chose the Sweet charm pack in my stash which will go perfectly in the baby's room. Only 10 more blocks to make :) Then a bunch of Prarie Points! Thankfully its a long weekend! And the weather is miserable (again!) today - so looks like we'll be staying in :) Perfect for sewing.

And when I don't have energy to sew, I like to just pet these little beauties...

I've just got another 1/2 yard to arrive (yep I was naughty!) of the aqua swimming mermaids which is ridiculously hard to find and a bit more expensive than I care to mention! And then to settle on a pattern....

I Spy - a wee WIP

2010-06-06T07:29:00.000+12:00

I should be working on this wee quilt here for my cousins baby shower in a fortnight - but instead I've been working on piecing this wee I Spy quilt top. This quilt started out with no real intention other than it was inspired by this cute quilt here by Amy. I purchased the charm pack from Amy's Etsy store and added a few prints. As I was working on this quilt I fell in love with all the prints, so this will be a winter cot quilt for my Gus.

A closer shot of some of the prints. Love those robots and those wee gnomes. A lot.

See the Simple Abundance, Wonderland, Everything But The Kitchen Sink, Mendocino and Odyssea in there?

I originially wanted to border this in red, but my LQS didn't have anything in the 'right' red. I had both the boys with me, so I really didn't want to try another store in the City. I'd promised Fluffy's and a trip to the park if they were good. So in the end I went with two more of the Everything But the Kitchen Sink prints for the borders. A nice orange spot. And the circus print in blue. I really like that blue - and it will match his curtains perfectly.

I am going to back this quilt in my most favourite cot sheet that both the boys have slept on. I think. If I can bare to cut into it. I am still using it as a sheet at the moment but I really want to immortalise it. It's a Curious George print I picked up when I was in my first trimester with Ollie. We didn't know he was a boy yet but I was pretty sure :) So I bought the fabric and whipped up some lovely flannel cot sheets. This quilt will have a wool/cotton inner. The pure wool batting costs $56 a metre!

Happy Sewing!

A Winner...

2010-05-28T19:12:00.000+12:00

It's lucky number seven this round! Lis wrote "Cute fabric, please count me in!" - Congratulations Lis! I'll be sending you an email :)

Hope everyone had a good week! I've had a man cold this week. Finally on antibiotics! So bring on feeling better :)

Happy sewing everyone!

A little bonus giveaway...

2010-05-25T21:57:00.000+12:00

2 FQ's of Japanese prints by Cosmo Textiles

Leave a comment to be in to win... entries close Friday :)

Blushing - some more Mendocino

2010-05-24T19:31:00.001+12:00

Oh Mendocino how I love thee... Mendocino in blush - my latest arrival bought from Kerri's shop on Etsy.

And here is my little Mendocino line up - I love those swimming mermaids. A lot! Now to settle on a pattern design... If you have a moment take a look here, here, here and here and tell me what you think!

Ohhh and here, here, here, here and here!

Thanking you in advance! Happy Sewing!

Work In Progress Parade - Asher's Quilt Part Two

2010-05-24T19:15:00.000+12:00

Quilt top - done. Just need to quilt this little quilt and it'll be on it's merry way to it's new home. I am going to back this quilt in flannel to make it snuggly. Anything I should know about quilting flannel?

Blogger's Quilt Festival - Seeing Double

2010-05-21T21:59:00.000+12:00

Amy is hosting another Blogger's Quilt Festival and I am very excited to have an actual quilt to enter this time round... make that two! For Christmas, I made two of these Bot Camp quilts - 1 for each of my very own little sprockets - Ollie and Gus.

This was Ollie's quilt in the making - his is bound and machine quilted in Blue...

This is Gus' quilt on Ollie's bed - his is bound and machine quilted in orange.

I decided that I wanted to make the quilts fully reversible - you know for those unexpected accidents... and also so I could use up all the fabric (my ulitmate goal :)).

This is the back of Gus' quilt... I love those sprockets. A lot.

Please head on over to Amy's site to check out the other lovely entries - trust me it's perfect quilty eye candy :) Lots of fabric coveting and inspiration to be seen :)

We have a winner!

2010-05-21T20:54:00.000+12:00

Lucky number 11 - Alisa commented "Those Japanese prints are just so cute! Thanks for the giveaway!"

Alisa - I'll email you now! Congratulations! And thanks everyone for entering... I'll be having another very soon :)

Work In Progress Parade - Asher's Quilt

2010-05-17T19:34:00.000+12:00

I just need to finalise the layout and sew the blocks and rows together. Then quilt it. Myself. I think this quilt will lend itself well to straight lines - fortunately :)

If you haven't already... don't forget to leave me a comment here to win some super cool Japanese FQ's!

Monkey. N.Round - Testing the blocks

2010-05-17T19:29:00.000+12:00

The Sawtooth Star block - 8"

The Snowball block - 5"

So... the verdict is still out... I like them both - while the snowball block is quicker, it's a lot smaller, so I'd need to make more which could take longer? Maybe a quilt of each is in order?