AmosSews

Cash4Quilts

2011-07-05T10:29:00.003+01:00

Made these for http://www.quilt.org.uk/page-83-Cash4Quilts.html

Had to use the heritage quilts as inspiration. This one was inspired

by a piece made from woollen flannels used for miners shirts and

the one below was inspired by the hexagon quilts.

JQ's

2011-05-27T21:59:00.007+01:00

I took the plunge and signed up to take part in the

Journal Quilt Project with Contemporary Quilt of the

Quilters Guild.

My JQ's are based on the elements or the 'Elementals'

- earth, air fire and water and the Sketchbook Project.

I decided to try and figure out what the textile elementals

would be.

January - Textile Elemental: Idea or 'It's raining cats and

dogs and I'm thinking.......'

According to the classical Greek Elements

there is a fifth element 'aetha' which is idea or

divine thing. I thought It was quite fitting for this series.

February - Textile Elemental: Materials or 'A shop full of

goodies'.....

Without the basics of fabric and thread I wouldn't be

able to do what I enjoy. Of course there's always the

embellishments and the fantastic stuff for adding colour

and pattern to fabric. And so much more!!!

March - Textile Elemental: Design.....

A design wall is used by some to display their work in

progress. This piece is a play on that idea using the

elements and principles of design. I have noticed that

I tend to aways keep returning to certain ones.

April - Textile Elemental: Learning or 'Sowing the seeds'...

This started life as skills and techniques but I soon realised

it was much more than that. We are very much influenced

by 'who, where and how' as well as 'what' and also by the end

result.

May - Textile Elemental: Equipment.....

Absolutely no question, my sewing machine is

almost surgically attached to me along with a few

other basics. I'm not a huge gadget person but

sometimes they do make life easier.

BTW, fairies are also elementals.....

New neighbours

2011-05-18T10:59:00.005+01:00

Went for a walk this morning and saw we had new

neighbours. Alpacas - they're quiet and unassuming.

Also this miniature shetland pony was proud and

protective of it's very new baby.

Solubles

2011-05-17T21:09:00.003+01:00

Isn't technology wonderful!

I've been stitching on a heavy weight cold water

soluble today making moss. The first cold water

soluble I used (30 years ago) was thin and tore

very easily when trying to put it in a hoop for stitching.

Just the usual polyester thread and 2 layers of soluble.

I think I could have managed with one layer.

After lots of stitching this was the result.

Flash Quilt

2011-03-23T13:39:00.003Z

There's always something to celebrate. Last Saturday was the
third Saturday in March therefore it must be International
Quilting Day. I first learned of it here and it set me thinking.
Last weekend was also free entry at some National Trust
properties = lots of people. I got permission to sit and stitch
at Calke Abbey with a friend to raise the profile of quilting.
We sat outside Sqiurts Stable, in the sunshine, for 3 hours.
We stitched, listened and chatted.I kept wanting to call us a
'flash mob' but as there were only two of us it was a bit daft
so I called it a 'flash quilt'.
People were interested. We were asked questions by
people who were stitchers already. We hopefully encouraged
those who had ufo's hidden away to finish them; some started
by mums or themselves. Some were interested in work that
was hand stitched only and some were interested in machining
techniques.
This has set me thinking for Quip Day in June.

More Journal Quilts

2011-03-06T19:58:00.003Z

After finishing last years JQ's that I'd started I decided
to fish out the 2009 JQ's. Yet again not much needed
doing some quilting and edge finishing. I've been taking
photos of foot prints, tyre tracks and animal and bird tracks
for some years with the intention of putting them into
textiles. The JQ's were the perfect opportunity to get started.

Contemporary Quilt

2011-03-06T19:33:00.003Z

I belong to a group called 'Contemporary Quilt' and
each year a challenge is issued to the members to
produce a journal quilt every month for a year. I
I always begin the year with good intentions and make
a start but something always happens to stop the
creative flow. After making, and finishing, the raggy
quilt I decided to finish some old journal quilts. Not
much needed doing really - little bit of hand stitching
and some edge finishing.
I like taking something ordinary and using it in a different
way. These four were a series based on buttonholes.

The fabric was an old, hardly used linen tea towel

from an army surplus store, a finer cotton fabric

for the binding and the backing was my OH old work

shirts. The wadding was the thinnest I had. I used two

types of thread - an ordinary polyester sewing thread for

hand and machine stitching; a thicker silk thread for hand

stitching. The silk thread is a pale duck egg blue and this

dictated the colour of the lino print. Polyester organza

was used to suggest buttons.

I've made one!

2011-03-06T18:56:00.002Z

I've made a quilt..................
I decided a few years ago that I wanted to make a
quilt though it was no good me piecing a top then
hand or machine quilting it. It would never be completed.
I began keeping my eyes open for a technique that would
suit my needs. I found it at the Malvern spring quilt show
2 or 3 years ago. I probably had seen it before but never
cottoned onto it. The 'Raggy' quilt was the technique for me.
I sorted my stash and filled a bag with fat quarter and
dressmaking leftovers. There were also some Liberty prints
I bought from someone who used to work in a factory making
boxer shorts (the money she made went into her embroiderers
guild kitty) - included were offcuts of my favourite Liberty
print, Ianthe.
The technique:
Wadding - I used supermarket fleece blanket! cut into 6''
squares.
Fabrics - cut into 7'' squares.
Threads - I used lots of ends of reels of ordinary polyester
thread.
The blocks - a sandwich of a wadding piece in between
2 fabric pieces then free motion stitched with 1/2'' seams.
I used a daisy design though I did start playing with
different ideas.
After all the free motion quilting was completed and all the
blocks were stitched together this is what I ended up with.
The binding was made up of some of the leftovers as I
didn't want anything left at all. In this photo (below) the seams
still need snipping. I sat down one afternoon and snipped all
the seams whilst watching Love Actually! All that snipping makes
your fingers ache but it's worth it.
So, I've done it, I've made a bed quilt. Am I a real quilter now?

New bag, new toy

2011-01-22T21:31:00.007Z

I had a new toy this week it's for taking pics,
hopefully better ones!
I also made these to give away for a fund raising event.
I hope they'll be okay. I've just re-read the email about it
and the theme is supposed to be the area where the
event is being hosted. There's plenty of time so maybe
I'll so some research before I send them off.
I found this bag here before Christmas and I've just
got round to making it up. I never completely follow
patterns exactly. I wanted to try the 'raggy' technique
and I also wanted to try using polyester fleece for
quilting the blocks. Both worked well.

However, I did make the house rather smelly inorder

to be able to finish the bag. I tea dyed some webbing

to make a more serviceable colour.

And of course I always make one unplanned detour

from the plan or a mistake (the brain stopped

functioning). I meant to stitch the handles on before

I stitched in the lining. No worries, at least the lining is

secure. I don't like shoulder bags that are open so I put

a zip in.

This small project ticked a few boxes:

- new technique, polyester fleece wadding, secure bag,

- used supplies from the stash, satisfaction on completion.

Sketchbook Project

2011-01-16T19:38:00.003Z

Last autumn after much thought I decided to take the
plunge and send off for a sketchbook from here: http://www.arthousecoop.com/projects/sketchbookproject
I read and thought alot about it. I kept thinking three things:
1. I do fabric and thread, particularly free machine work;
2. I think it's good to touch textiles when it's appropriate;
3. I'm rubbish at doing sketchbooks. I tend to work straight
into fabric and do loads of samples.
So, why do it?
It's a great opportunity to allow people to touch textiles and to
show how I work.
I did loads of samples to find out the best fabric combo to
stitch into. It had to be a cotton fabric with a stabiliser.
The fabric was pfd cotton that I had snow dyed at the
beginning of December. As for the stabiliserLutradur won
- firm without the thickness of vylene. I was able to machine
embroider with this combination without the fuss of a hoop!
This is a page from the book, the colours aren't great -
apologies for that.
I seem to draw better with a needle but you might
disagree with that!
Doing this project has made me think how I want to take
my work this year. It's also made me realise that
working straight into fabric is okay. What I need to do
is to formalise all my bits of samples - somehow -
instead of shoving them in a folder never to see the light
of day again.
I like the thought of never having my sketchbook in my
hands again.
Well, it's gone now and it's onto other things.
Journal quilts, postcards, put 'em in's and my own stuff.

Snow Dyeing

2011-01-14T21:03:00.004Z

As promised, the results of my snow dyeing

I want to do some more!

I know the snow and the low temperatures have been a pain

....but.....it would be good to have another go!!

Happy New Year

2011-01-14T20:53:00.004Z

Happy New Year.......................
It was cold but pretty and the snow had frost!

Snow Dyeing

2010-12-02T09:09:00.003Z

Yet again, a long blogging gap.

It's snowed!!

Decided not to miss out on the opportunity this time.

On Sunday I put some fabric to soda soak. Then came

the problem of what containers to use for the process.

I like to use what I've got.

I've got - a load of small-ish heavy duty plastic bags

and lots of cat litter trays in two sizes.

Plastic bags - snip holes in the bottom for drainage.

Use small litter tray, upturned and in the larger one -

to catch the dye and melted snow.

What I've learned - get organised before you add snow,

wear warm gloves then rubber gloves ot move the snow,

make sure you have enough room to leave the trays (not

on top of the freezer!).

Results later, waiting to do more dyeing.

Patience, they tell me, is a virtue!!!!

Lists, Piles and a Ball.....

2010-08-13T21:25:00.005+01:00

It's been a while.....Hi.......
Suffering from lists and 'piles' at the moment!
For a demo, what to wear, daily essentials, food, etc.
Getting ready to go to the FOQ
Did something today that I've never done before......
I bought a football!! It's just a kids thing, only cost a £1.
It's so I can do my list of exercises that the Physio gave
me this morning.
It does make me smile - the only ball game I've ever been
any good at is table football. The sign of a misspent youth.

World Cup Football

2010-06-13T00:09:00.005+01:00

We set off for home just after the England match had
started. This was the newly widened M1 motorway just
after England had scored!
We arrived home (nearly) about 30 minutes later and saw
3 people on foot and only a couple of cars.

Amazing!!!

All new and the first....

2010-05-31T15:13:00.005+01:00

Went for a walk this morning with a friend to a local
park. It was a morning for new life and the first of the
year. We saw a male swan attempting to see off
any thing that went near his new babies. This is mom
and two of her babies. There were another two but it
was impossible to get them all together.
Next a female mallard swam by with her three babies.
She probably had more but this is all she has left.A few yards further on we spotted this coot on her nest.
We sat on some convenient rocks and watched and
waited. She seemed restless and eventually out
popped a couple of chicks - the red blobs are their
beaks. One made it into the water and back. She was
probably sitting on lots more eggs so these two were
very young.

These next three were taken in my garden. The chives are

just starting to flower.........

The double purple poppies will probably flower in a

couple of weeks...............

And this is the first 'Love in a Mist' flower this year........

And finally, this is one on my old tin tubs plantedup

with salad leaves. I've already had a weeks worth of

salad already..........

What's new?

2010-05-21T10:43:00.004+01:00

I saw this the other day - a field of dandelions, half the
clocks had blown away. So many dandelions this year!
I want butterfly spotting yesterday without leaving my chair
in the garden. I saw this orange and white butterfly shortly after
I'd seen a small blue one. I went to get my camera but it had
gone by the time I got back, that's when I spotted this one.
I then saw this one, looking rather battered. It actually looks
as if something has taken a chunk out of its wing.
Don't know why the photo is small....
This is a new doll, much more delicate looking than I've
done before. The face is Angelina fibres pressed onto a
face mould and heat fixed. I find 'shiny' doesn't photograph
very well.
The body is made from fleece - I find it easy to work with
and forgiving! It's used as a base then wrapped with other
textiles - strips of fabric, lace, ribbon, threads, then
stitched to hold everything in place. Other embellishments
are added before limbs and wings. I always have to
remind people these are not toys.

I've been working on a series of small pieces based on

a lino print of a tulip. This was a green print onto green

hand dyed cotton sateen. Strips of different green polyester

organza were layered over the top with a pink piece for the

flower head. I wanted to try some rayon thread which can break

easily, and did, but then can stitch for ages without breaking,

and did. I have yet to finish off the ends but here's a look.

I used my favourite (only because I do it without thinking) free

motion quilting pattern. I usually use an ordinary polyester sewing

thread but I'd just read this.

In June a sewing group my mum goes to is having a tea party

for Marie Curie and they are madly making tea cosies to

raffle, I think. Anyway it set me thinking, I've never made a

tea cosy so I thought I'd have a go. This is it so far, my first attempt.

With this I really just wanted to test out some practical ideas

before gatting decorative. The wadding is polyester fleece (again)

and the usual quilting pattern. The fabric is a tea towel I've had for

ages, I bought it because I liked the fabric. It wil be more

decorative and it will be washed to see what happens to it -

fabric, wadding, decoration.

I've also agreed to do this http://www.prayerflagquilts.blogspot.com/

which was initiated by Helen Conway. Done some thinking and

research but nothing on paper or fabric yet.

Spring and new printing

2010-04-25T06:28:00.004+01:00

Just one of the pieces I created yesterday. Hand dyed
pdf cotton, screen printed with the lettering and over
printed with a leaf block in several colours.
For all the printing I used acrylic paint mixed with a fabric
medium. I'd already got the screen, a thermofax screen
I'd had done a few years ago. The leaf block came as
a freebie from a magazine years ago. Remember
'Inspirations' - it used to be a good magazine before
home makeovers became fashionable, then it folded.
They always had give aways of blocks, they'd be called
stamps now, or stencils or something you could push in
a drawer and use years later!
One of the reasons for doing this was to use what I'd
got - acrylic paints and fabric medium and to see what
results I'd get. The next step is to get some quilting done.
This plant has started flowering. Can't remember it's name

but it these beautiful flowers. They're hidden beneath the

heart shaped glossy leaves and are only abour 5cm high.

I've love rhubarb and have always wanted a plant in the

garden. I treated myself last year but it failed miserably.

Last autumn we dug it up and planted it in the compost bin

that we'd also moved. We have rhubarb growing in the

garden at last. I believe that you're not supposed to eat from

it in the first year - good job I'm patient!

From utility room to print space

2010-04-24T19:04:00.004+01:00

Up early, cleared the ironing and made ready to have
a print session today. The large white board is the
print table - just board covered with wadding - and the
drop cloth draped over it. On the work surface is
everything I think I'm going to need.
The ironing board goes up...................

The print table goes on top of the ironing board. It's abit wider

and quite stable if I'm careful! The airer, on the right, will go

outside later.

There isn't alot of room by the sink and it pays to be
organised but I always end up in a bit of a pickle....

Finishing

2010-04-20T05:57:00.002+01:00

I finished my 'Word for 2010' at last. I was procrastinating
about finding the black car spray paint that I wanted to use
for the grafitti. I decided to use a very dark green as it was
handy, it looks black aswell. The test piece worked well,
just needed to remember to mask off the edges on the
main piece.
Just made one error(as ususal) on the wall. I'm cross because
I'd even remembered to keep the little bits that dropped out
when I cut the stencil. I even stitched on the hanging sleeve
which was already made. It's now hanging on the book shelves
being looked at!

I also finished some hand stitching for a couple of journal

quilts. It's a series of pieces based on buttons and buttonholes.

All I had to do was finish stitching the buttons - it's done now.

Just got the edges to deal with now.

I found this chap in the garden on Saturday afternoon.

I disturbed him and we eyeballed each other for quite

some time before he hopped off into Love in a Mist

seedlings that had survuved the winter.

Lino printing, Goodies

2010-04-13T13:30:00.003+01:00

I re-discovered lino printing the other week. There are
some new lino products that are much easier to cut than
the traditional lino. This image was taken from a photo of
the tulips in my garden. Isn't modern technology wonderful!
I used acrylic paint and 'Ormaline' because I'd got it.
The resulting ink was a little looser than traditional lino inks
and didn't work as successfully on some of the prints.
After ironing I started quilting some of the pieces to see
what they'd look like. This one needs some ends finishing
off.
I layered this one with organza. A couple of greens torn
into strips and overlapped over the print then quilted.
Quite like this one!
Some of the goodies from Quilts in the Garden...........

This photo tickles me - my old cd player and a textile piece

of my old house.

Quilts in the Garden

2010-04-11T06:02:00.002+01:00

Had a lovely day out yesterday. Arrived here, Uttoxeter
Racecourse, in glorious sunshine for the 'Quilts in the
Garden' show. I was immediately envious of the first
sight I saw - a full caravan site, in the middle of the track.
Parking was easy and free.
The entrance to the show......

You can only guess what this might be used

for at a quilt show......

Had to visit this show being so close to home. Glad I went.

Got some books that I'd been wanting a look at and had

to buy a bit of fabric of course. An interesting and very

varied collection of quilts on display. Arrived home tired

but contented (had a textile fix) and in desperate need

of a decent bucket of tea!

Snow dyeing

2010-02-22T11:12:00.002Z

I remembered this last night - I missed a chance to do some
snow dyeing yesterday. It would have been perfect.
Never mind. It was more important to get the fibres.

Snow, fibres and othe extras

2010-02-21T09:15:00.012Z

Well, what a day! Woke up to this today of all days,
totally unexpected. Had to go out to collect some fibres
for a felt making workshop on Tuesday. Couldn't rely on
the post to get them to me in time, only knew about it
10 days ago. The OH was tasked with taking me
today......
Just signs of birds and cats or foxes in the garden.

Not sure what these marks are but I think they are made

by bird wings.

The robins were the first of the feathered visitors to come

after I'd put out breakfast.

This was how it looked at the front of our house when we

left on our intrepid journey.

We went through the road widening road works on the M1.

Just 2 lanes ........

Due to snow problems on the motorway we had to leave

the M1 at the Meadowhall junction and go across Tinsley

Viaduct - that's what it used to be called!

Meadowhall, still loads of people going in despite the weather.

The sat.nav. took us on a pretty route but with lots of snow.

Thank goodness for four wheel drive.....

We ended up here, Wentworth village ......

We were heading for Wingham Wool Work.

I'd already ordered this......

but had to get some more coloured tops, a hat block and

some cotton gauze.

Needed to call at the local garden centre for a cuppa and loo stop.

Hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows is the thing for a

snow day.

The staff at the garden centre had been working very hard

to clear the car park and footpaths.

Back to the M1 and 3 lanes now but very wet.

The sun made an appearance......

And this is what we came home to. It didn't feel like the same day.

Our adventure is over! Time to download photos and get

tea started.

The latest pieces to be finished.

2010-02-06T15:11:00.008Z

It's been a while......
This squirrel is a frequent visitor and sometimes brings a
friend a long. Only saw the one this time.
Obviously, not in my garden. I encountered these recently.
A family of swans, mum, dad and five one year olds. Also
the usual ducks. The swans were very used to humans.
The youngsters gave me a peck or two when they knew I'd
got food, they weren't nasty, it was more like a child tugging
on your sleeve for attention.
This character started appearing in the garden when we had
snow on the ground. It's a jay and is very skittish, so no good pics.
Sometimes he brings a mate with him who is even more nervous
of humans.

I finally finished these for Pennants for Patchworkers.

They only needed labels.

I also finished two more bonnets for the Roses from the Heart project

The hearts are fused to a fine calico then free machined stitched

all over.

Lastly, I have just finished this A6 journal cover.

It's all hand stitched with everything coming from my stash

of stuff.

I haven't finished the brick wall yet. I must get in the garage

to find my car spray paints to finish it off with some graffiti.

2010 so far

2010-01-10T17:59:00.006Z

Isn't it interesting outside at the moment.
These two pied wagtails are tucking in.........
I heard an odd noise that turned out to be a duck being
chased by a cat. The duck decided to fly and the cat just
sat down in the snow. The ponies just carried on eating!
I didn't get my camera out in time to capture the duck -
on film.

It's good to be a kid occasionally......

Bread and butter pudding with a twist - made with mincemeat

leftover from Christmas. No need to butter the bread, there's

suet in the mincemeat. Made it to take out for lunch. It sink abit,

these sort of puddings always do.

Now for some Textiles.............

This piece is a response to 'Word for 2010' from the

Quiltart list. What is your word for 2010? - something

to inspire, motivate, keep you focused. It doesn't matter

as long as it works for you. I couldn't make my mind up -

what a surprise! The words other people chose seemed

so good and I could identify them with too. I remembered

an image used in a teaching excercise about relationships

with year 8 pupils in PSE(Personal and Social Education).

The image - a brick wall. Upto now, a negative image for me

but in this context , a positive one. It's to do with the

importance of foundations. I made a list of all the words

for my wall. Whilst doing this one word and a phrase

kept coming back to me repeatedly.

The fabric is hand-dyed, probably pleated in a tray.

I measured out the size and lines with a pencil and

stitched just to anchor the fabric.

I free machine quilted the words, not in any particular order.

Then the bricks were stitched.

The back of the piece.

It's curing at the moment as I've used Markal paintsticks on it.

BTW - there are one or two spelling mistakes. Does it matter??

Also I haven't forgotten to say what my 'word' is.

Happy New Year

2010-01-01T00:18:00.002Z

Happy NewYear

Good health and Creativity in 2010

Resolutions???
Haven't decided yet.
Perhaps the first should be not to procrastinate!!!

Happy Anniversary

2009-12-31T11:57:00.002Z

Happy Anniversary Mum and Dad......

I always make cards for my Mum and Dad.

This is the latest, for their wedding anniversary today.

Phone pouch

2009-12-30T22:34:00.003Z

I made this today for my OH's mum. She had a new mobile
phone for Christmas for when she takes the dog a walk but
she always forgets it. She also can't hear it very well is it's
in her pocket. I said I'd make her a pouch to put round
her neck. Hope it's okay!

She likes poppies and wears a red coat. I knew that poppy

fabric would come in handy one day! Having a stash is good!

Christmas Presents

2009-12-28T22:24:00.003Z

What do you get someone who has everything they need or
want?.....................Cushions!!!!
It gets more difficult every year deciding what to get people
doesn't it. I made these cushions for my OH's parents for
Christmas. I had the fabric printed with the images I'd taken
at different times. I just emailed the pictures and instructions
to the company. I only had a metre printed and I kept back a
couple of the large images for later. Space was filled in with
smaller images, each about 10cm square. They'll be used for
birthday cards and other gifts I'll make.
The fabric was steam fixed and they assure me it's fast. They've
produced it for upholstery projects and fashion fabrics.
I was impressed with the results.

The images were slightly different sizes, my fault. I had

to stitch a border round each image to make them all the

same size. Each large image was approximately 16 inches

square without the borders. I used 18 inch cushion pads.

I was pleased with the results and so were the recipients.

It was an interesting exercise and one I would consider again

for quilting purposes. I don't even do small scale printing at

home, we don't have an inkjet printer just a laser printer.

P4P's more detail

2009-12-28T11:58:00.004Z

A few extras -
This is the pennant of 2 halves, not a lesser pennant.
The join can just about be seen - it's a utility stitch. I thought
it would be better than a normal zigzag stitch. I did think
of putting another backing on to stabilize the pennant
but it's not the done thing to cover the backof your quilting.

Now then, I'm in a quandry! I read somewhere the other day

that someone was having difficulty with the edges of their

pennant and there was plenty of good advice - duly noted

and taken on board. However, a comment was made to the

effect of judges don't like corded and zigzagged edges.

Oh dear, the zigzagged edges on my pennants won't go

down well. But then I thought, they're not being judged so

does it actually matter.

I'm a fan of zigzagged edges. I'm rubbish at satin stitch,

it doesn't matter how hard try, I'm still rubbish. I do layers of

zigzagging using all the colours I've used in the piece and an

open zigzag. I don't get lumps and bumps and the overall finish

is more subtle. I have used this sort of edge for years on items

that have to be hard wearing. In this instance I use a polyester

thread. I know this edge is not suitable for every quilted item.

Surely choices such as appropriateness of fabric, thread and

technique, are made with the end use in mind.

My pennants nearly got consigned to the recycling bin

but then I remembered the spirit in which we are being

asked to so this. So my pennants will posted just as soon

as the finishing touches are done. I hope they fullfil the

brief set. By the way, I enjoyed making them - should

have been doing Christmas stuff!!

P4P's

2009-12-28T10:00:00.007Z

After the success of the 'Little Gems' (Aug 2009) and the
Bag tombola (Aug 2008) at the FOQ, what would come next?
It's 'Pennants for Patchworkers'.
I'd already decided to take part what ever it was going
to be. So here goes, this is my take on it.........
I wanted to be able to produce a series of pieces, here's
how I started. The pennants are A4. I started with an
A3 piece of paper and divided it into 3 pennants and
2 halves - below..........
I hate being wasteful so put the 2 halves together - logical!!

This was the result. I think I'm pleased............................

They just need labels, more photographs then sending to

the appropriate person.

Boxing Day

2009-12-27T20:51:00.005Z

Boxing Day and time for some fresh air and a walk.
As it's Saturday aswell my OH suggested a walk with his
mate as usual. Off we went to Calke Abbey, very cold but sunny.
We had a walk together then it was time for the big boys walk
and I went home in the car. They weren't stranded, they were
going to walk home.

The wanderers return. I had already had a phone call to

ask me to run a bath for the dog. Being a little chap with

a low undercarriage he gets filthy. He doesn't like it but

he doesn't like being dirty either!

A good time was had by all!!....................

Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T11:35:00.003Z

Merry Christmas ..............
Well, it's nearly time. Just been to do the last bit of shopping,
nothing absolutely essential but it's all done. Just got to do a few
final jobs.
I am a fan of Gisella Grahams christmas decorations and I try
to buy just one each year. This year, though, I haven't seen any
I really like but perhaps it's because buyers haven't chosen
the ones I like and the price - they aren't cheap (the ones I like).

My tree..... I don't do huge amounts of decorations. It may not

be big but I like it to be OTT.

I was up early this morning (not the only one I'm certain) and

got started with some jobs on todays list. One job was to make

a trifle. After using what cake I needed I put the rest out for the

birds. I caught this chap having a taste when it got light. Not a

good photo I know, sorry. I also saw a blackbird and a magpie.

If it's not on the list and I haven't thought of it by now, tough!!

We'll survive!!

Have a good holiday. Be safe if you have to travel.

Happy Birthday Gloria

2009-10-25T14:01:00.003Z

Happy 50th Birthday Gloria

Hope you have a brilliant day.

I was given this beautiful card on my 50th birthday last year
and thought I'd share it with you. .

My OH was 50 in June this year. He climbed Ben Nevis in
Scotland on his birthday! - on his own!

Have a good one!

Inchies

2009-10-10T09:42:00.005+01:00

Thought you might be interested in this........
A few years ago it was the 25th birthday of a local textile
group. They issued a challenge to produce a piece to

celebrate the occasion. If I remember correctly there was
a size limit, can't remember what it was. I racked my

brains and eventually came up with the idea of a charm
bracelet using inchies. It became a charm cuff.For the decorative side I bonded silver fabrics to some
vylene and machine embroidered to secure. For the
date side I marked out a grid on black fabric and
machine embroidered the dates, one in each square.
I machined the 2 sides together with 2 lines of stitching
then cut them up between the tram lines. Zigzagging
finished the edges of each square. Jewellery jump rings,
wire and beads were used to attach each inchie to a
machine stitched cord which was then handstitched
to the cuff. The cuff was a dark grey fabric and vylene.

The winner of the challenge was a beautiful machine

embroidered box. But really it was one of those occasions

when everyone was a winner. It was interesting seeing

everyones take on the challenge. Sorry no picture.

I set myself a challenge when I decided to this which was

not to spend any money! Not because I'm tight but

because I've got so much stuff I thought I'd use some of it.

I think I succeeded with the group challenge and my own.

In the past I've used inchies for making cards for all sorts

of occasions. I've used trimming from bigger pieces. I don't

like wasting anything.

New Pinny

2009-10-09T20:21:00.005+01:00

I've been between major textile things because of the
garden but I have been busy-ish. I've been delving into piles
of fabrics and doing small projects or finishing off others.
It feels very virtuous to do these little things and the piles
are getting abit smaller, only abit though!

When I'm doing any thing messy I'm very bad at wiping my
hands down my sides. An ordinary pinny isn't substantial
enough. I was decided to re-purpose an old pair of jeans.
I seem to remember being inspired from a blog but for the
life of me I can't remember which one, so apologies for
having a bad memory and thank you for the inspiration.
I decided to make abit of a challenge out of it - to use as
much of the garment as possible and the only additional
item would be thread.
It took about an hour to de-construct the jeans sitting in the
garden in the September sunshine watching the resident
blackbird pottering about.
This was the result.............not a bad result, I think............

The front bib pocket........................

The neck strap formerly the waist band.............

The fastening at the back - more waistband..................and the

only 'extra' apart from the thread - a button for the fastening.......

The leftovers!

Gift, Patchwork

2009-09-13T05:51:00.003+01:00

Back in April we went to see my OH's parents, they

weren't in but we were spotted by one of the neighbours.

This lady has always been a big knitter and sewer.

She gave me a large bag, said she was having a clear out

and could I make use of this?

Never one to say no, this is what I accepted.........

She had started this project back in the 70's using Laura

Ashley offcuts and adding other fabrics into the mix.

It was never completed and had been lurking in a cupboard

ever since. I was honest from the beginning and said that

I probably would never complete it either. She didn't mind

as long as it was used some how. She knows that I'm not

always traditional in my textiles!

I consider this a great gift - when you think of the hours of

work, the preparation all done by hand. Now, I don't want to

finish it but I do want to use it - is that bad?

As soon as I looked in the bag ideas started to form........

Garden

2009-09-08T05:51:00.005+01:00

The garden has been in need of 'sorting' for a while.
We've recently spent time just cutting back to see what's
beneath. This was a clump of Crocosmia that I'd put in
about 15 years ago and should have been divided about
every 3 or 4 years - or not! This was before the clump had
been sorted. I've been giving away bags of bulbs and the
rest will go to the WI. Some have gone back in to the
same border.
The gardenis looking better but it doesn't really look like
ours any more, there's too much soil showing.

Can't remember what these are called but they're a

relative of a wild flower and seem to like it in our garden.

We have a clump of horseradish that has never been

used but has given a great display of large green leaves

each year. Something has always enjoyed these leaves -

the caterpillars of the cabbage white butterfly.

They create these lacy leaves, I like them but I'm sure

a real gardener wouldn't!

I was given a marrow the other day. I made an apricot and

walnut stuffing - stuff I'd got in the cupboard - and stuffed it.

Was rather yummy! Thank you H. The rest of the stuffing got

nibbled at suring the evening and never made it to the freezer!

I stuffed the rest of the marrow with minced beef and onions

later in the week. Still yummy!

Festival of Quilts - last one!

2009-09-08T05:09:00.005+01:00

The NEC at night, not scary but wierd! took this whilst waiting
for my lift to arrive on the Sunday evening.
The bonnet on the right is one of mine. It's for
Roses from the Heart : Christina Henri, Conceptual Artist
A worth while project.
The goodies - fabric, some for my mum and some for me!

More fat quarters - do I really need any more?

Other bits and bobs that I can't resist.

Finally, the winners, with pictures, can be found here

Congratulations to all the winners.

Also a huge congratulations to the Little Gems CQGB team

and to all those who donated or bought tickets for the massive

amount they raised with the Little Gems - I believe that £9,700

was raised.

Came home with lots to think about.

Festival of Quilts 3

2009-08-29T12:51:00.002+01:00

Just some of the rest that caught my eye.
'Roadwork 1' by Sue Dawson - this I like because it's
the normal everyday things that we can look to for
inspiration but often get overlooked ........................
Some would argue as to whether this is a quilt or not
but I love it, Margaret Woodside's 'Pearl Essence'..........................

I love simplicity, it's always harder to achieve than it appears.

'Country Terrace' by Sarah Nicol......................

One of my favourite fabrics is denim so I love this piece,

Bea Sewell's 'The Mawkin's Coat'.................................

Festival of Quilts 2

2009-08-27T19:27:00.006+01:00

Whilst waiting to go into the show, you queue!
I chatted to some really nice people in the queue each day
I was there.

I'm always drawn to pieces with figures, parts of figures or
impressions of figures. It's probably because I am useless
at figure drawing of any description.
This is a detail from Laura Kemshalls winning quilt
'Pearl Essence' ................ I love this piece 'Friendship' by Susan Chapman .................

Bente Kultorp Andresen 'Tango' - a great piece.............

Gill Theokritoff of Region 10 'Karma' a very clever

piece .............................

'Portrait of my life' by Sonja Thalen-Maat is a miniature!

A detail of 'Sikh and Find' by Helen Godden shows amazing

detail..........................

'Growing' by Patricia McCurdy is a thoughtful piece ................

These few pics show the diversity of work using the human

figure as its inspiration.

Hmm............lots to think about.

Festival of Quilts 1

2009-08-27T19:05:00.005+01:00

Home again after 10 days away in Birmingham on a
caravan site about 15-20 minutes away from the NEC.
I've made a huge dent in the pile of washing that we
came home with. We were in Birmingham for the
Festival of Quilts and I needed to be close to be there
on Monday morning ready to start work with the 'Angels'.
Just a few images of the show earlier in the week before the
show opened.

The trade stands and exhibition areas just about ready to

be occupied.

It's really interesting being there at the beginning of the week.

Hard work and tiring though, all the time being spent on your feet!

Textiles on the Plinth

2009-08-07T12:44:00.002+01:00

On Wednesday 12th August, 3-4pm(week 6), there will be quilting
on the Plinth -http://www.oneandother.co.uk/
Hazel Ellerby, an Actress and Artist from the East Midlands will be
stitching together blocks made by stitchers from the region.
Good luck, Hazel.

Catch up - June again

2009-07-31T19:47:00.003+01:00

Now in Northumberland, we stayed in Powburn near Alnwick.
We saw these wind turbines on the way to Northumberland
from Scotland. We also saw some on the way up to Scotland.
A big talking point.....................
We met these cool customers on a walk around Dunstanburgh
Castle near Craster........................

Craster, famous for its fish and a very pretty place....................

Alnwick Castle, the gardens - very busy, very hot and

worth a visit.........

A must - this amazing tree house. The Hairy Bikers visited it

in one of their series about British baking....................

One day we had a visitor when we got back ..................

More orchids.............................

Cragside a beautiful place.....................

An interesting entrance to the labyrinth on the Cragside estate............

We had a smashing time, very mixed weather and midge bites!

Home to piles of washing!!!

Catch up - more June

2009-07-31T19:21:00.005+01:00

In Scotland we stayed in Glencoe.
This was the view from the awning door........
Setting off for the Lost Valley.............

The reason we were there - for the OH to walk up Ben Nevis

on his BIG birthday (on his own, I might add!)............

Fantastic scenery, changeable weather.....................

What the west coast of Scotland is famous for - MIDGES!!!!

Some art by a local chap outside a small shop ..............

The viaduct at Glen Finnen as seen in Harry Potter..............

The lake at Glen Finnen as seen in Harry Potter and the

Goblet of Fire without the monument. This was where Bonnie

Prince Charlie began the journey that ended in Derby - we

didn't know that.................

Onto Northumberland.

2009-07-31T19:21:00.001+01:00

Catch up - June

2009-07-31T11:34:00.005+01:00

We went on holiday in June. We spent some time in the
Lake District.....................
What a handsome chap!
Very large sculpture on the way up to Catbells.........

Catbells.................

Great grafiti in Keswick.......................

Had to do some stitching for a BIG birthday card and a

fathers day card.....................

Newts at Acorn Bank near Penrith....................

The results of my labours! I made 2 cards with the same image......

Next to Scotland.

Catch up again

2009-07-31T08:41:00.002+01:00

My garden............................

I suppose I shouldn't show the weeds!

More catch up - May

2009-07-31T08:32:00.002+01:00

More pics.........................
A friendly swan and its five eggs.

A coot family, lots of babies, can only see one here.

A racing pidgeon found in my garden that had 'flown out'.

Apparently it means that it just ran out of energy.

Catch up - May

2009-07-31T08:11:00.002+01:00

Just a few pics ..........................
Through the waterfall at Newstead Abbey.

Through the keyhole at Staunton Harold.

Whatton Gardens near Kegworth.

Bonnets for 'Roses from the Heart'

Preparing for a BIG birthday. More later!!

Back at last

2009-07-27T22:27:00.001+01:00

It's good to be back. I had problems with the old technology
- a dodgy keyboard. It made using passwords impossible.
It made just writing my name annoying - it would look like
this 'SDuew' or 'DSuew' or 'SDuwe' or 'DSuwe'. Having to
delete every other letter was a real pain.
The new technology came today so I've lots of catching
up to do but not now. See you later............

A little light gardening!

2009-04-01T21:58:00.003+01:00

Did a little light gardening at a small church not too far
from where I live. We (three of us) cleared weeds,ivy and
dead leaves form the grave yard surrounding the church.
Having a cuppa and three pairs of tired knees!
Pretty grave stones - can grave stones be pretty?

Another lady was working in the church preparing the

flowers for a Friday wedding. White and green is the

theme. It had pale green and white tulips, white

snapdragons and white baby's breath ( I think it's called that).

A satisfying afternoon. Must do more in my garden tomorrow!

Using up more bits

2009-03-29T14:35:00.008+01:00

Been knitting again!
This is the first beret I knitted from bits which I've
been wearing this winter.

This is the blue Colinette yarn (see previous post) made
into a beret. It's nice to knit with. I also made a pair of
fingerless gloves, proper gloves. Though I did have to buy
some more yarn. Luckily I managed to get a hank with the same
lot number from a lovely shop called Tangent Treasures.
Sue, the owner was very helpful and an enthusiatic
knitter and jewellery maker.

I'd got enough of one yarn to make a pair of fingerless

mitts. I saw an idea in a mail order catalogue some time

ago. Basically a straight tube with a slit for your thumb.

Very simple and easy to make and comfortable to wear.

I bought this multi-coloured yarn years ago and made of

gloves which wore out. I had the leftover yarn for ages.

The khaki yarn is by Jonelle (John Lewis), again, I've had

it for ages. The two yarns went together well and became

another beret.

It looks abit wierd from the top side but is okay when

it's on.

Now, this one uses 4 ply but two strands together.

A light khaki yarn runs through almost to the end when it

ran out. The other yarns are bits of a tweedy yarn by Rowan.

All the UFO's and knitting from bits that I'm not using

at the moment. Don't know what I shall so with them all

yet, but it was nice to knit again.

Still got some bits left. I'm going to have to get creative to

use them up. It can get annoying because I end up buying

more yarn to be able to use up bits then I have more bits

left.

Back to knitting!!

Bye...........................................

Spring, lambs, no more knitting UFO's

2009-03-19T20:38:00.011Z

Spring is here, more sunshine, a bit warmer.
Gorgeous daffodils .............................
The lambing has started at Calke Abbey. This one was
born some time since Monday ....................

So were these ............................

This one was born in the last 24 hours ...........................

And this pair were just born ...........................cute or what!

I had a large Ikea blue bag in a corner in the lounge,

containing a carrier bag full of knitting yarn, some knitting

needles, patterns and other related bits'n'bobs. In amongst

it all were a couple of UFO's.

Firstly, a finished pair of fingerless mittens and an

unfinished beanie hat - it only needed the seam stitching.

Took about 15 minutes to complete!

Don't know what to do with them now.

Secondly, a pair of fingerless mittens. One mitten

complete apart from the stitching up. The second mitten

needed a few rows taking out and the thumb shaping

sorting then just knitting up the fingers. Both then

needed stitching up. Job done.

It feels good to finish things off but there's always something

to replace the finished off things. I found this yarn in the big

blue bag. It's Colinette double knitting. I bought the brown

yarn to make a pair of fingerless mitts to go with a jumper

I knitted years ago in a chunky Colinette yarn.

The blue yarn, I think, was to make a gift of fingerless

mitts. I'll probably still make them.

I'll probably save this next lot of knitting for our holidays.

It's always fun knitting woolly gloves in June! Besides I've got

some other textiles to finish off before I start anything new -

famous last words! Oh and a few bits to so in the garden.

Bye .........................

'Cheats' quilting

2009-03-14T19:56:00.013Z

I've been trying to do this as a link and couldn't, had to do it
all again. Hey ho!!
I used this method to make ATC for a swop here. Click on
ATCs in the Online Exhibition, on the right, then scroll down.
Mine is no.159 and I had some lovely comments. I felt like
a cheat when I read a comment asking if I had painted
the fabric. So I decide to come clean!

This is my version of a method I came across in Quilting Arts
magazine some time ago. I use it to make fabric for book
covers, phone and MP3 pouches.

First of all, prepare the fabric flowers. I don't buy expensive
ones, about 35p from Dunelm. Some flowers work better
than others.Take the flower apart and remove all glue and
hard bits from the petals - if you hit these with your machine
needle you run the risk of damaging your machine.

Prepare the wadding - I use felt as there is a chance it might
be seen. Use a colour that works well with your fabric.
I did this fabric for a book cover so I had to piece the felt but it
doesn't matter the pieces aren't an exact match, it will hardly
be seen. I just butt the edges together and zigzag them.

For the fabric I don't choose a big favourite as it will be
partially obscured by fabric and stitching. Lay it over the felt.
There's no need for a backing, as I will line it later when I make
it up.

Place the flowers on the fabric and place a piece of polyester

organza over the top. Audition the organza, take your fabric

and flowers with you when you buy the organza. Some colours

work better than others. Unexpected colours work well. One of

my favourites is a bright pink, another is this khaki green.

Secure the layers with one pin in each flower.

The quilting - begin with the flower centres, stitch them all.

Stitch using a pattern you are comfortable with.

For the stitching choose the colour threads that you think

are appropriate for your piece.

I find I need extra grip on my fingers when maching with

organza. I use quilters gloves or some grippy things on my

finger ends.

Finish your ends in your normal way.

Next, outline the petals. You don't have to be exact and be warned,

the petals will move slightly under the organza.

Lastly, quilt the background with whatever doodle you like.

A close up, you can see the background more clearly.

The back of the quilting

It's now ready for you to use in whatever way you want.

Little Gems

2009-03-13T14:30:00.002Z

This year at the Festival of Quilts there is to be another tombola
to raise money for the Quilters Guild. Last year it was bags, this
year it's 'Little Gems'. Please use the links to find out more, the
explanations are better than I could do.
This is my contribution:

'Daisy 1'

' Daisy 2'
'Tea'

'Muffin'

'Coffee'

I would like to think I'll do some more...................Bye!

Spring, Australia, autumn leaves

2009-03-13T13:48:00.005Z

Spring is definitely in the air.
Walks at Calke - violas, grape hyacinths (I think), snowdrops
that are going over, chestnut trees coming into leaf, fungi and
stags that can hardly hold their heads up with the weight of
their antlers.....................

More goodies for Australia. I read another blog and followed a link

to here. This lady, Jan, has done so much, it spurred me on to do more.

Some months ago I was given a bag of polyester organza bits.

I embellished the bits onto a piece of polyester organza, then

machine embroidered over the surface. I machine embroidered

the leaf shapes using a sticky backed plastic shape to machine

round, then cut them out and machined some fine florists wire

down the centre. The fabric is similar to that of the Autumn Angel.

These leaves were made for a project in the States.

Bye.........................................

Catch up!

2009-03-04T11:33:00.008Z

http://jennybowker.blogspot.com/February:
Walks at Calke, beautiful sunshine, clear blue skies
reflected in the water; stags looking magnificent;
catkins..........

Snowdrops and aconites at Hopton Hall ...................................

The effect of the Australian bushfires really got to me. So it was

good to read this blog and to be able to do something positive.

I made some drawstring bags and made up sewing kits as well

as sorting through my stash for fabrics. Stuff that I 'd bought

suddenly didn't seem as precious any more. Perhaps that's why

I can't help myself buying fat quarters - there was a reason in the end.

See you later ........................

Fastenings, tulips, more snow

2009-02-05T16:10:00.004Z

I made these for a fastening or closure for a notebook cover,
more about that at a later date.
My lovely purple tulips are now consigned to the compost bin.
I still like them like this!

And guess what - it snowed again. The weather men got it

right today. No buses or mobile library, wouldn't go out in the

car, so I called for my 4 legged mate and went for a walk

this morning. We went to a nearby rec. and he had a really

good run round. We saw these brilliant snowmen whilst we

were out. It was really good to see families having fun in

the snow.

Happy snow day!

Autumn Angel, snow

2009-02-02T20:10:00.007Z

This is what we had today, looks beautiful but caused havoc!

I do like the teazles, they look quite comical with their snowy

hats on.

Some potential ideas for quilting.

Had to have new tyres less than 2 weeks ago - aren't

they good!

Autmn Angel in her temporary new home. Had to have

permission from the gallery owner to take the picture.

Didn't want to upset anyone thinking I was taking pics of their

work.

Bye ......................................

Gone home

2009-01-24T21:47:00.003Z

Our visitor has gone home, the house is quiet and
we don't have a shadow every time we move!

I got these as a thank you. I love tulips. I shall miss the walks

and the company.

It'll be strange tomorrow without him.

ATC swop, Autumn Angel

2009-01-18T16:22:00.011Z

Last summer I read Susan Lenz' Cyber Fyber Exhibition blog and

decided it would be good to take part. Do read all about it, I'm not

even going to begin to try and tell you all about it, I couldn't begin to

do it justice.I received this ATC in returnfor one of my creations,

number 159 (scroll down to find it). Have a good look at the blog,

there's loads of great textile art to see.

A brilliant job. Well done, Susan.

I took an opportunity to take part in a 'Trees' challenge last year.

One of the rules was that the piece should mostly be hand

stitched, so mine was mainly done by machine.

This is the fabric, organza embellished with more organza

and wool tops then machine embroidered with appropriate

text.

It was going to be a fairy but I used the wrong wings!

The construction wasn't difficult, decisions just needed to

be made. Firstly, the face. It took me ages to find a stamp

that I could use again and again. A stamp was needed

as I can't draw people or any part of a person. I chose the

sleeping face, it seemed appropriate for autumn, things

going to sleep/hibernation for the winter. I also wanted to

keep it simple, no hair!

The wings are rather heavy looking but I wanted her to all be

made from the same fabric. I used butterfly style markings

on the angel wings.

The arms and legs are made from kiddies pipe cleaners.

They were thicker than normal pipe cleaners and are just

wrapped with various yarns to cover the white.

As I've already said I'm no good at bodies or their parts

so the hands and feet are represented by simple stylised

shapes.

I made a body shape to hold the body covering and to attach

the legs. I didn't take photos as it all evolved rather quickly

and the dog didn't get his afternoon walk, I got carried away.

The other decision to be made was how to pose her, I'd

not really thought about it. I chose to seat her with her knees

up and shutting her eyes having forty winks.

I'd got enough fabric left over to make a leaf. I wish I'd created

a larger piece of fabric. The back of the leave shouldn't be seen.
I did add wire so it didn't have to be completely flat.

I've actually done something new. It feels good. In fact, I've entered

'Autumn Angel' and 'Waiting for Lunch' in a local Open Art exhibition.

'Waiting for Lunch' is the fishy piece I did last year, thought it could do

with a final airing.

The colours in the photos have come out abit faded when I

posted them, sorry.

Bye....................

Happy New Year

2009-01-17T22:45:00.002Z

Just realised, something I forgot to say:

Happy New Year to you all.

Health and happiness and lots of textiles!

Somethings I always manage to get things back to front!

What a good start to the blogging year.

Bye........................

Street art, Autumn fairy, visitor

2009-01-17T21:28:00.007Z

I saw this street art in an unexpected place, at our local shopping

centre. I think it's to do with prehistoric bones that were discovered

in the area some years ago. I like it. I'm not sure if it's fully

appreciated, at least it's not been damaged or defaced.

I made this piece of fabric a few weeks ago for a challenge with

the title 'Trees'. It is polyester organza embellished with more

organza and wool tops, then machine embroidered with text

related to trees - trees, autumn, colour, leaves. The challenge

was to make a piece that was predominantly hand stitched,

but I prefer machine stitching!

I then kept changing my mind as to what I was going to do

with it. I wanted to do something 3d and it had to be leaves.

After lots of thought I decided to combine this fabric with my

interest in art dolls and fairies. It's not a good photo, I'll do more

later. An excuse to practice with the new camera.

My four legged mate is visiting at the moment because

his mom and dad have a very bad virus and can't cope with

him. He came with his bed and a bag of stuff including an

unopened christmas present which turned out to be a

plastic chicken leg complete with sqeak. The sqeak didn't last

long, my other half took it into the garage and took a hammer

to it, the chicken leg, that is. Still popular with dog though.

Happy New Year

2008-12-31T22:03:00.005Z

A good start - I've lost the text I like. Never mind, it won't
hurt. Had a camera for Christmas. Thought I'd show a
few pics taken since Christmas day, in no particular order!
This is a pond we walked past on Boxing day................

My mate on the way home, crashed out at my feet...................

A hat I made for a Christmas walk! ..............and I wore it!

Last year I made some Helen Cowan 'towers' but didn't

finish them properly because I wanted to be able to
flat pack them and put them away. I decided to finish
them off with a detachable crown. I think the crowns need

to be more flamboyant but I like them.........................

A wedding anniversary card for my parents for New Years
eve.........................

Ice in over some oyster shells in a bucket in the garden.........

Frosty grass..................

The other evening with family playing with a WII thing!

I t caused great hilarity....................By the way, he's skiing!Hope you've thought about your new years resolutions.

More about that later.

Happy New Year.................................

Merry Christmas

2008-12-21T20:30:00.003Z

These trees have been decoratesd by children using
mostly natural things - popcorn, apples with cloves.
Aren't they lovely!

I have done a little stitching, just some quilting, and made a small

forest of christmas trees.......
.....and a couple of bigger trees for extra special cards.

I think a New Years resolution for me should be to learn

to take better photographs of my work.

This is my tree this year, put up rather quickly, no real

enthusiasm last weekend but it looks okay.

And finally ............Merry Christmas

and a Happy New Year to you all.

Problem, last post

2008-10-27T16:23:00.002Z

The link to Dale's blog in the last post doesn't work.
I've made the correction as an edit but it doesn't seem
to want to change the actual post. To save time and
energy I decided to let you know this way. You can follow
the link at the side - I hope!

Sad news, Julia Caprara

2008-10-27T16:05:00.009Z

Just learned some really sad news.

Julia Caprara died last week. She will be sadly missed.

Her influence and contribution to the world of Textiles was huge.

Read it on Dales blog 'Downunderdale', can't find a mention

of it anywhere else.

Bye.......................

Fish return, first stitching, kimono top

2008-10-27T15:21:00.003Z

The fish have been away on holiday at Sutton Hoo. The packaging
was damaged but the quilt wasn't, thank goodness.
I've actually done some stitching. Two years ago at the Festival
of Quilts I bought some Japanese fabric with the intention of
making a kimono style top. Well, I drafted a pattern and started
making it in June/July and I've finally finished it. I only needed
to do the hemming. It only took about 20 minutes.

It's even got proper sleeves. I shall be using this pattern again

and adapting it.I can never do the same thing twice!

To top everything at the moment the washing machine died

last week, it wouldn't spin. It needed new brushes...........

sounds like I know what I'm talking about, I don't.

The engineer, a nice chap called Terry, came this morning and

fixed it.

Told you it'd be a long one ............... Bye!

Horseradish

2008-10-27T15:13:00.003Z

It's bliss to get out in the garden unaided. Saw this ..........

..........something likes eating horseradish leaves. One day I'll

get round to using it myself!

Second outing

2008-10-27T14:55:00.002Z

The following week my other half had a day off to have his car
serviced. To save messing about crossing town we went for a
walk in Darley Park. It's very close to the centre of town, in fact
if you keep going in this direction (below) you'll get there.

The River Derwent runs throught the park. There used to a school

in the park, many moons ago!

Saw this tasteful graffiti...................................................

Time well spent. Still not inspired to do any textiles!

First outing, Calke Abbey

2008-10-27T14:23:00.005Z

It's been a while since I last posted, I've not really done much,

especially textiles. Be warned this is likely to be a long post.

About 3 or 4 weeks ago I decided I ought to start wearing shoes

other than crocs. We went to Calke Abbey one Sunday morning

and saw some wonderful things...........

a toadstool, never seen a real one like this before, only a picture...........

a dahlia border which had suffered with the overnight rain...........
pumpkins and gourds in all shapes and sizes...........................

this bloke in a funny hat is always around!..........................

mushrooms, quite rare ones I think, not sure though..............

It was bliss to be out in the fresh air at last.

Icicle doll/fairies, sunflowers

2008-09-06T11:45:00.005+01:00

I was allowed out the other day. We went to the supermarket
for supplies and a visit to the opticians for him. Whilst he
had his eyes tested I did the shopping. I was worn out by the
time I'd finished and I only forgot one thing. I did find a good
bargain - it's good to know some things don't disappear.
These sunflowers were on offer, 2 for 1, so they ended up in
the trolley.
I also finished the other pieces I was making. The icicle doll/fairy
on the left is for another birthday card. The one on the right
was a trial one that ended up being too big.

The other half is off with the dog having a very wet walk, the

first in 2 months. It'll be fun when he gets back - soggy!!!

Bye ...................

Wild woman

2008-09-04T15:45:00.003+01:00

As I have not been able to use my sewing machine I decided
I should do some hand stitching. A female relative has an
important birthday coming up - the big four oh!! She is having
a party and doesn't want any presents. So I decided to make her
a great birthday card. A wild woman was needed. This is the
result. I'm quite pleased with her and I'm still no good at faces.

Bye .....................

Change of scenery, thanks

2008-08-24T16:50:00.002+01:00

Had a change of scenery today. Went out for Sunday lunch
at my mates house. He was very cautious with me but was
still pleased to see me. I still make a good look out post.

The other thing I forgot to say yesterday was 'thankyou' to all
the makers at the FOQ and all those invloved for making the show
possible. I know there are a lot of volunteers who we never see that
do a great job, including a team of firemen who are a godsend
with their cordless drills/screwdrivers, stepladders, size,
strength and humour.
I spoke to lady from Austria who has been coming to the FOQ from
the start. She comes for all four days with a group of friends.
Apparently they love the choice of fabrics and threads we have here.
Of course they have mail order but it's good to see and touch.
She did say that buying books is off limits due to the extra weight
for the flight home!
We are lucky in the UK it seems.

Bye .............................

Ouch

2008-08-23T19:47:00.003+01:00

Had a slight accident with a large heavy object at the
beginning of the week. I ended up in casualty and having
a temporary cast put on my foot.

Had to go back the next day. Had the cast removed and
a dressing put on. Still had to have crutches though.
It's really hard putting your underwear on with one hand
and standing on one leg.
Am fed up, can't even stand long enough to make a cuppa!
The other half is having to do everything and doing a good
job too.
I have to go up and down stairs on my bum, not elegant but
practical. It's hard getting upright at the top of the stairs and
frequently I end up collapsing in fits of giggles.

And - it's my sewing machine foot! Aagh!!!!!
Don't know how long I'll be out of action.
Ah well, accidents happen!

Bye .........................................

FOQ 2

2008-08-23T17:42:00.004+01:00

More of those that catch the eye.

'Tea ceremony' by Jane Rowland. This did not immediately

stand out as being made from teabags.

'Flower Garden' byJenny O'Neill. This caught my because

of the subject matter but also the techniques. I'm wanting

to have a play with printing techniques but can't at the moment -

tell you why later.

'Sognare Venezia' (Venice Dreaming) by Pauline Barnes. The use of

thread and stitching the negative not the positve was so effective.

A piece from 'Colour FX' - yummy piece.
Janet Twinn - some varied and interesting work.

I could go on posting pics of pieces that caught my eye.

Of course there were pieces that could not be photographed

that I wish I could show you. For those I bought catalogues or

postcards.

Got to go, visitors just turned up!

FOQ 1

2008-08-23T17:05:00.004+01:00

The Festival of Quilts - what a show! Lots to see and lots to buy!
It's hard to pick out an absolute favourite, so here are just a few
that stood out for me for various reasons.
'Five of the best!' by Erica Johnston - made me smile.
'Spring of Desire' by Ted Storm. A beautiful, striking quilt.
When I was stewarding on this category I was asked if this
was my quilt - I wish!

'Herd Mentality' by Ferret. Can't help but smile at the subject matter.
The Guild challenge 'Elemental' by Stephanie Redfern.
Dorothy Caldwell, a maker of great pieces. I shall have to do another post to finish off the FOQ.

Bye...................

Birthday teabag doll, holiday

2008-08-09T17:40:00.002+01:00

I dug this out of the garden sometime ago and finally got
round to taking it to the tip. I rather liked it and was tempted
to keep it but I didn't!!!! I made this for a friends birthday. She's a teabag doll
with aspirations on becoming a 'wild woman'.
Happy Birthday - you know who you are!

We're off on holiday tomorrow. Will have loads of photos

and will share when I return.

Bye .....................................

Sun, shopping bags and sale

2008-07-28T22:45:00.002+01:00

I put our big brolly up on Sunday morning with the intention of sitting
outside but it was too hot. I caught this sleek black thing catching
some shade under the bench which was under our brolly!
I wanted to contribute to the Bag Tombola at the FOQ at the NEC
in August but not being a patchworker was at a loss at what to do.
I eventually decided to make a shopping bag and make a pouch
for it. I hope it will be good enough. The shopping bag was made
from some poly/cotton and I made sure the seams were double
stitched and the handles strong. The pouch was made by layering
some furnishing fabric (left over from the doorstop), some orange
poly/cotton and some polyester voile for slippiness then free
motion stitching the layers together just following the design on
the fabric.

I saw this in the supermarket today when it was sweltering outside

at 9.30am and it tickled me. I wonder if they'll return to full price when

we get the showers that are forecast this week.

I've been doing abit of dressmaking at last, no photos yet. Soon......

Bye .......................

Skies, garden, making stuff

2008-07-25T22:16:00.004+01:00

Made this last week - a door stop, it won't damage the back
door which is plastic! It's filled with sand and crushed oyster
shell - it's used for the bottom of bird cages!

Spent time an the M1 last weekend , the skies were fab.
Couldn't resist taking pics.

The garden - some stuff is looking great, though some are past

their best. I have 4 teazle plants this year, onw is at least 6 feet tall.

They are flowering at the moment and looking quite good.

I found some bird seed fat balls in the garage and decided the
birds should have them now. The starlings had quite a fight over
them. A lone sparrow was determined to get his share as did
a blue tit. I don't particularly like starlings but they were
entertaining.

This is the finished postcard, just needs posting now.
Bye ..........................

PS ...............remember the fish quilt. It's now at the depot ready to go to

the Festival of Quilts.

Catch up

2008-07-09T08:47:00.002+01:00

Made this for a friend. Haven't sent it yet. Must do it soon.

Had a play with the new toy. Did this piece for a challenge.
Read about here www.littleboroughonline.co.uk - hope the
link works. It's for a good cause. It's bigger than a postcard
but it will get chopped up.

Came down the M1 on sunday evening and saw this sight as

we approached the A50 exit. Missed the lightening, wasn't

quick enough with the camera. Bye ..................

Birthday

2008-06-25T13:33:00.005+01:00

It was my birthday on Monday, one week exactly after the

other half's birthday. For one week we are the same age.

On Monday I was 50! I don't do birthdays for me but I did

have a good one. I got lots of lovely cards, some of them

hand-made. Just a couple of them:

a celebration cake,

a hand stitched postcard.

I love cards. These are all the cards so I can see them and think

about who sent them.

Beautiful flowers
And some lovely presies. I'll show you some.

A brilliant textile tool from the States, had to get an a convertor

to sort out the power.A snail, no name yet.

The snail doesn't have hair, it's just a contribution

to the celebration. It's made from recycled steel and tools.

Isn't it brilliant.

Had a lovely meal with both lots of parents.

Profiteroles and icecream. Yum!

Just a little glimpse into my day. Even had chance to go on the

usual Monday walk. I still haven't had chance to play with my new

textile tool, but I will when I've done this. Yeah! Got to load the

washing machine, do some washing up then I can play.

Bye...................

Last week!

2008-06-24T07:22:00.003+01:00

I woke up last Friday morning and decided to go to 'Embroidery in
the Garden' at Trentham Gardens in Stoke on Trent. Good Exhibition,
a variety of work, something to suit every one. Some good shopping
both at the exhibition and at the outlet. Just a few pics of some pieces
of work I liked.

You know, this dog is really clever. He shops, buys presents and
wraps them; chooses and writes cards for birthdays. He also loves
chewing tennis balls!

ATC swop

2008-06-16T21:20:00.003+01:00

I decided to do something the other day that I'd never done before.

Two things really. Firstly I contacted someone via their blog and
secondly participate in an on-line swop.
I found this blog http://www.cyberfyberexhibition.blogspot.com/
It is an exhibition to highlight 'the influences of internet access on
todays fibre artists'.
I'm not a huge fan of modern technology but where would we be
without it. Five years ago if you had said to me that I would have
my own blog and use the internet to keep in touch with some people,
I'm afraid I would have laughed and said never! How things change.
The internet influences most of us, from buying and selling, research
and information and I think one of the most important - finding
directions to exhibitions, shops and shows (textiles, of course!)
I sent this ATC to Susan, the lady who is organising this exhibition
and swop.

I received this today in the post from Susan. It's a great idea and
fun to know you're doing this with others from all over the world.

The blog explains how you get to swop. You can swop postcards

as well as ATC's. Have a go, it's worth it. I met someone new and I

have a new piece of artwork.

Fun sculpture, Fathers day

2008-06-15T19:30:00.003+01:00

Isn't this dog fun? He's just begging for an ear rub.

I'm not a huge fan of spiders, but I do like this one.
Had visitors the other evening and this pup kept himself content
chewing tennis balls.

Weekend chores, finishing the bits I couldn't reach very well.
Happy Father's Day.

Had both lots of parents here today for Sunday lunch.
It all went smoothly, almost no napping and lots of chatter.

Have to get every thing out and ready as there's no chance

when they all arrive.
It's good to have a sit down and some quiet!

ATC's, inchies, walk

2008-06-09T20:18:00.002+01:00

Did some stitching over the weekend. Needed to make some

birthday cards and a fathers day card. I used my current favourite

technique which is just a variation on free motion quilting.

I don't know what made me do ATC's but I did. They are a good

size for putting on cards.

ATC's

a close up
and a few inchies for smaller cards.

from the trimmings.

And finally, a rather hot but lovely walk this afternoon with

good company.

Poetry walk, birds

2008-06-05T13:57:00.004+01:00

Yesterday I met with a friend I haven't seen for over 10 years.
We met in Belper, had lunch at the River Gardens and then
went on Beth's Poetry Trail. Not really my thing or so I thought.
Have a look here so I don't have to explain it all,
www.bethspoetrytrail.co.uk. It was thoughtfully done with
appropriate choices of poems, materials and placement.
We had a lovely afternoon, both with the weather and
the company. Emily Dickinson on a pub (below) ......
This one is outside the Salvation Army in the market place ......
And this one is W B Yeats ine the Parks Nature Reserve.
Today I met another friend for a walk which we finished with a
cuppa at the kiosk. We had lots of company, a rather tatty looking
bluetit. It probably had a nest of babies somewhere.

A couple of chaffinches came along to find crumbs on

our table.

Bye.......

Pincushion and needlecase

2008-05-26T14:02:00.003+01:00

Made this set as a thankyou gift for a friend. I always like a gift to be
useful and appropriate for the moment if it's a textile gift. I love the
fabric, very colourful. I like the idea of a pincushion in a pot, don't know
why.

A crashed out dog, the day after his long walk. He could hardly keep
his eyes open.
Bye......

Malvern, Quilts, Pincushions, Home

2008-05-22T06:47:00.004+01:00

My other half wanted a few days away. To get me to go he found a quilt
show at Malvern. I don't need an excuse to go away. I'd never been to this
one but people say it's a really good one - they were right.
Aren't the hills beautiful? He did lots of walking and met another chap walking
whose other half was at the quilt show and staying at the same place as us.
I suspect there were alot of men doing the same.
There were some show gardens left from the previous weekend.
A bonus!
And now for some textiles. I like this one as it's Spinaker Tower in
Portsmouth. It's a wonderful construction, one of my all time favourites.
If you ever get chance to go up, the views are magnificent. It's also
situated in Gunwharf Quays, a retail outlet - lots of 'factory shops'!I absolutely love this quilt. One of the reasons is that I would never
complete a quilt like this.

There is always a quilt to make you smile. This was it - The Hope

Quilters or the Pole Dancing Club. This miniature quilt was a piece

of work in its own right. It was difficult to get near to get to see it

properly never mind take pictures.

The variety of style was great and the standard was high.

I couldn't pick out one favourite so I chose to show you pics of

quilts that made me smile and gush inwardly.
I had an idea in my head for a while, so while I was away I

had a play. I like to take some hand stitching with me. I wanted to

play with suffolk puffs or yoyos as pincushions and jewellery.

Nothing new, I know, but new for me.

We had a lovely few days, even managed to see a textile
exhibition at WorcesterCathedral. A huge exhibition of
childrens art work was being put up in the cathedral
which I would have loved to see when it was finished.
Back down to earth with a bump, loads of washing,
then the ironing. A good jobthe weather stayed fine.
I managed to get loads done and dry, even alot of ironing.

Had to have the engineer out to fix my oven. the bearings in

the fan had gone. It sounded like it was going to take off.

At least there were only dust bunnies under the oven and

not any other form of wild life or muck. Came home to find everything in the garden had gone wild.

One little beauty was this rose.

Got to try to get in the garden and tidy up!

Back to the ironing!

Bank holiday weekend

2008-05-05T15:20:00.003+01:00

This is what the M1 looks like between junction 26 and 27 at the
moment. I'm seeing it every day at the moment. It does change,
there is progress.
Decided to go to Calke Abbey today to see the bluebells.
I'm glad I went instead of doing some ironing. The perfume
was heady and the views quite breathtaking.

This blurry pic is my mate resting his weary head on my leg after his
walk to Calke Abbey from his home.

The un-named black cat again making himself at home on my

back lawn.

Decided to have fresh air today instead of staying at home, glad

I did, but no chores or textiles done. Oh well.