M a d 4 p a t c h w o r k

Mourning Crosses QOM and some views of northern Scotland

2012-02-02T15:25:00.001Z

Firsty, here is my finish of Kathleen Tracy’s QOM for January.

Made for my daughter’s male ball jointed doll Rayven. Here’s a small picture of him. I also made the crochet scarf he’s wearing.

I know he does look a bit like a girl but trust me he’s male ;))

Now for something completely different…. some pictures I’ve taken of northern Scotland where I live.

Taken yesterday on my way home from Inverness heading north. Here is a view just south of the Cromarty A9 bridge. Of course my photography abilities doesn’t do it justice.

Left a view of the harbour from around the corner to where I live. Below a view of the harbour a bit further out with a cruise ship sitting there. Taken last summer.

Here is a picture of the lighthouse up on Dunnet Head. The most northly point of the British mainland.

Here is the Old Mill at Ham. Taken on a garden hop of the area last summer. And lastly, here are a family of swans that were swimming in that lake you can see over on the right.

More another time ;)

Happy Stitching..

Ellyx

RED SCRAPS Update

2012-01-15T14:39:00.001Z

I’d been thinking about what I should do with Angela’s (of Soscrappy ) Rainbow Challenge this year. January’s colour is Red. So I thought about it, and thought about it, and then I finally decided I would make a rainbow disappearing 4 patch with my various coloured scraps throughout the year.

I had made a couple of D4Ps last year in the green month… shown in this post here.

Well I had forgotten to make a note of the size of the squares I started with … not a problem I’ll measure the current blocks. Meanwhile I found a tutorial on line (which was different to the first one I saw I’m sure;)) and it suggested cutting 5 inch squares. But I wanted to make the same size as my green ones so after I did the maths I realized I had to cut 6 inch squares. So I found my red scraps large enough to cut this size of square and proceeded. Sewed them into 4 patch and then thought.. oh oh something’s not right. I had cut my squares 5”!! What to do? I set the red 4 patches aside while I thought about it a few days.. to a week. Then yesterday morning as I was sitting up in bed having my morning cuppa from my new Teasmade/alarm clock.. The solution hit me. Make the green ones the same size as the red… yes that was possible.. so that’s what I did.

Here are both green and red blocks together (but not sewn together). I think I may make a couple more blocks of both colours. Then wait to see what next month’s colour is… and so on.

They look a bit crooked up on the wall but that’s just the way I’ve placed them.

Also, this past week I finally sorted through a bag of little crumb size squares from 1.5 to 2” approx. I sorted them into their colours. Here’s the pile of reds:-

The point of this exercise, apart from sorting them, was to find some little 1.5 inch squares for Kathleen Tracy’s Crosses Mourning Quilt from her book “Prairie Children and Their Quilts”

On her blog and on her yahoo group she is hosting a year long challenge to make a small quilt each month.

Do you see those 4 red squares on the right in the picture of the red scraps. Well I used those plus another 4 matching red squares I found in my crosses mourning blocks. I also found the teal blue ones in the top right block, see picture below.

I’ve decided my sashing and border fabrics for this little quilt so I need to get to that this week.

Lastly, I completed all the Temecula 12 Days of Christmas mini challenge blocks, but have yet to decide sashing and border fabrics.

I’ll leave you with a picture of my blocks and go get started on my Dear Jane block of the week.

Have a great weekend,

Happy Stitching,

Ellyx

On My Small Design Wall this evening.

2012-01-04T00:16:00.001Z

My apologies the lightening isn’t too good at the moment. Here are some of the projects that I’ve been working on.

New since Monday is the Jane Austen Chawton Cottage WIP. I started these a couple of years ago. The beautiful charm squares for the pieced blocks were kindly sent to me by Tilde. Thank you once again Tilde :) I finished hand piecing the little diamonds while on holiday last year. Today I finally got around to printing out the larger diamonds using Jane Austen Inklingo collection. I also printed out the setting triangles around the edges. Tomorrow I will hopefully start the stitching together. I will do this bit by machine. I would like this baby finished by the end of the month :-D

Here is a close up:

I have also done a couple more of the Temecula 12 days of Christmas mini mystery. I’m actually keeping up with this one the blocks are so simple and there’s only 3 more days left.

The little red asteriks block is from the Craftsy new BOM. I’ve decided to make mine 6 inch finished and to use red and neutrals.

Those seams in the centre became very bulky so it looks a bit puffy.

The Maple leaf is 6 inch finished also. This is for a BOM on an online group of which I am a member. Again, I’m choosing to make it smaller than the 12 inch block published.

The little cat face is crocheted. I made it a while back and have it pinned up there, just because. Same with the extra Leanne House embroidery block. I think I will use this block in a little gift for someone special. The little basket is in Jo Morton fabrics. It was a swap on the JM Yahoo Group. I didn’t participate but I made up one block… again, just because ;))

On my sewing table on the right I have a tray with a Dear Jane block in progress.

The magazine below my design wall is the one with the crocheted shawl pattern, which I am in the process of un-crocheting.

I also made another little house. It is the red one. Here is a close up of the two together:I rotary cut and machined the bottom part of and chimney area. Freezer paper pieced the roof section. Then hand pieced the side sky pieces, where as I paper pieced all parts of the first one (top) except the side sky bits which I machine pieced on. Not sure what I will try next, LOL..

Now I’m ready for bed!! Gute Nacht and God Bless!

Ellyx

Mysteries, Houses and Backward Crocheting, and new family addition

2012-01-01T15:07:00.001Z

Firstly, I wish you all a very HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

This is a picture loaded post so I will try keep the wording to a minimum… also I’m having difficulty spelling today for some reason.. no not to much grog…unless you count water as grog.. just a brain full of all the projects I am embarking on doing this year, LOL…

First up: Bonnie Hunter has revealed the result of her Orca Bay Mystery today!! So exciting!! Here is a picture of a ‘mock up’ of how my blocks and colours would look if I were to proceed with this as per Bonnie’s reveal.Hmmmm, I’m making this for my DS and I’m not so sure this is him…plus I don’t have a great variety of ‘male friendly’ neutrals and blacks. So I may have to rethink. I did see a great idea on Jillian’s blog using the stars. I will have to get going on my EQ7 to see what I can come up with. Some pseudo circles with some snowball type alternate blocks maybe. I know DS likes circular things.

Next up my first little ‘Building Houses’ block. I am considering combining this challenge with with Angela’s, of Soscrappy, New Rainbow Challenge.

As if I didn’t have enough excitement going on, with all the various new projects popping up all over the place, I decided to join in with the 12 Days of Christmas mini mystery being held at Temecula Quilt Company’s blog. I’ve done to day 6 but there will be yesterday’s and today’s to do sometime today.

Aren’t they cute!! These blocks are just 3” finished size. I am using some repro charm squares which I’ve had in my box for a long while waiting for the perfect project.

Next up is my backwards crocheting. It is a shawl I’ve been attempting to make for my mum. The pattern was a bit brief in instruction even though it was stated as being for a beginner. I think there was an omission in the pattern. With my first attempt it was turning out square. It is supposed to be triangular. I pulled it out. My second and third attempts (with a lot of guess work) they started to improve but still not triangular enough. So I started a fourth attempt. Finished up both balls of yarn which was stated for the pattern and realized it wasn’t big enough for a child let alone an adult and it still doesn’t look triangular enough to sit around the shoulders properly. So now I’m in the process of pulling it out again for the fourth time. I managed to purchase another 2 balls of the same yarn, which is gorgeous to work with but murder to pull out, and I am going to attempt it yet again adding even more stitches to the beginning and end of each row. Fingers crossed!! Meanwhile here is the non progress so far.

And last but not least. A wee story.

One evening, a couple of weeks before Christmas, DD was at the small shop where she was working when her co-worker went out to put something in the shop’s refuse bin and saw a box sitting on top of their recycle bin. He went to put it in the bin but then realized there was something inside. When he opened it he saw this little bunny.Some person had just dumped her there. We suspect that someone who knows that DD has pet rabbits knew she was working and wouldn’t leave the bun. DD phoned me to go pick them both up and, to cut a long story short, now little bun lives with us. She’s been to the vet and is in good health though at first she wasn’t eating. Vet confirmed she was a girl. DD has named her Mila and she is a Netherland Dwarf. That tray she is in is a regular sized seed tray. She is tiny, but she is very feisty and vocal… not common in bunnies. Quite funny to us but I can see why she may have been misunderstood and therefore dumped. They didn’t know how to handle her and not a suitable breed for children if there were any. She is, however, very sweet and has settled in just fine.

Oh well, I think I’d better get to some sewing or uncrocheting ;)

Have a great First Day of the New Year!!

hugs

Ellyx

Cabin Fever

2011-12-27T23:50:00.000Z

I hope everyone has had a wonderful Christmas and that you are now getting ready for the New Year.

After spending some time trying to find where I had 'tidied' away my Dear Jane bits and bobs I finally made a block! Cabin Fever/ A9. This block completes my very first row on this project. I am hoping that by the end of 2012 I will have a few more rows completed. Anyway, here it is:


Cabin Fever - A9 Paper Pieced.

Onto my next one ;)

Happy Sewing

Hugs

Ellyx

ORCA MYSTERY by Bonnie Hunter

2011-12-13T18:34:00.001Z

Okay, I know I said (a long while back) that I wasn’t going to do any more mysteries. Nope, NEVER! Well guess what, I should never say never because I have yet again succumbed! LOL… (Thanks to my very good friend Frummie ;))

Bonnie Hunter is currently hosting a new mystery. (See link in side bar of to the OrcaMystery). You can still join in if I can tempt you ;))

Here is my progress so far. I have done all of part one’s 224 QSTs using Inklingo QST collection here. If I didn’t have Inklingo I doubt very much I would have even got started by now, let alone finished. Here’s on the right is my box full of the little ~~devils~~ angels…. ;) and on the left a picture of them prepared and ready to stitch. See those printed sewing and cutting lines ;-D

I’ve also done some string piecing for parts 2 and 4. Here they are up on my design wall with a few spare QSTs that I had left over.

Now I’m killing two birds with one stone here. I’ve ‘owed’ my DS a quilt for ages now. I did have a much more simple pattern in mind, which come to think of it, had I put in as much sewing as I have so far with this mystery it would have been finished, LOL… however, it wouldn’t have been as much fun… would it.

I still have to make a start on part 3… some more little rascals. 1.5 inch finished Half Square Triangles, 350 of them! And yes, I will be using Inklingo to make these too :-D I’ll be using collection 2 which is on a discontinued CD; however, there is a new downloadable collection for HSTs on the Inklingo website should you be interested.

Okay, I think I’ll go grab a cup of tea and chill awhile before making supper ;-D

Have a great day!

hugs Ellyx

Ripple Along and Wizards

2011-11-15T20:24:00.001Z

I finally got my ripple cylindrical cushion completed!!! Yeah!! After 4 false starts!! I just wasn’t happy with the yarns I was using. The colours had gone awry and then I discovered half way that it wasn’t going to fit properly…. so I had to pull out my original one. After a couple more starts and not liking the varying thickness of the yarns I was using I decided to see if I had enough of the yarn left from my Giant Granny Square. After a bit of sums I realized I could if I just did one row of each colour.

And here is the finished article:Here is a couple pictures of one of the ends:

I straightened the two wavy ends first by adapting a pattern in the book shown in the first picture. There is a square ripple cushion in this book but using a different pattern to Lucy’s Neat Ripple pattern. It had straightened wavy ends so I just worked out how to apply something similar to mine. I used a combination of double crochet(UK) half treble and treble (UK) Then I made up a little ruffly edging and used a cording which I made from yarn to draw up the ends. I’m quite pleased with the result.

In case anyone is interested the ruffle edging is just DC(UK, SC US) into every stitch with 3 chains to link them.

The other WIP I finished was a wizard hat for my DS. He was holding a themed party and asked for this hat. It’s by designer April Folts and her pattern was purchased from her Etsy shop “AprilDraven”.

Here’s the hat on DS’ head:I used an Aran yarn as it was the nearest to the US worsted weight.

Well that’s it from me for now :) One day I will get back to some quilting but for now I’m enjoying playing with yarn :))

Happy Stitching and Crocheting!

hugs Ellyx

Ripple Along and Granny Gone Wild CAL reports :-D

2011-10-22T16:15:00.001+01:00

Good Saturday afternoon from not so sunny north Scotland :)

Okay so someone has created a crochet addict… it wasn’t me.. but now I have 2 no 3 crochet WIPs… Ripple Along, Granny GW, and Mum’s Blue thing (to be undone and started over)… oh and I may be in the middle of a doll scarf for DD’s ball jointed doll Claudia. (I have to wait for her to get home from work to see if she wants more added to it :))

THEN!! as if I don’t have enough diversions from my quilting ;) I have an order from DS to make this Wizard Hat by Avril Draven:-

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67699882/grey-wizard-hat-pattern

I need to get the yarn though and think I just about have it sussed to the equivalent of UK aran weight. Must start it soon as he wants it for his belated birthday party which he’s holding in November… no pressure there then.

THEN DD not to miss out (like she doesn’t get enough things done for her already) has put an order in for some dressing table doilys for her “new to her” vintage dressing table…. when I get the doilys done I’ll get a photo of them in situ… but don’t hold your breath please ;)))

I have ordered the yarn for those PLUS yarn to make some crocheted earrings that I saw on Crochet Geek’s YT video here:-

http://youtu.be/Ua4BVHtxGCU

I have been subscribing to Teresa’s (Crochet Geek) channel for a long whiley trying to figure out how to crochet. I just love watching her videos.

Anyway, you don’t want to hear me go on you want to see the update pictures right? Okay without anymore waffling here they are:-

First up the Ripple Along held by Lucy and Heather . Here are two photos taken over the cushion that the Ripple is being made for…. I have no idea how I’m going to do the ends of the pillow but I’ll hopefully figure out a solution when I get to that stage.

Next up is my slow progress on LuAnn’s Granny Gone Wild CAL. I decided to do a multicoloured African Flower motif though I have no idea what it will be or how big. LOL… motifs without a cause. I did see my friend Katrin’s motifs (she is making the same ones) and they are gorgeous in different shades of blue ( you can see one of her motifs here: http://flic.kr/p/axsGsq I may have to do something similar for me Mam. She wants a cover for her pouffeé (sorry can’t spell that word) and in blue. Anyway, I side track ;)) here are my African Flower motifs…. pattern found here on Heidi Bears Blog

Okay time to go and do some of the work that I’ve been procrastinating over ALL DAY!! before it gets too late and I end up with it all to do tomorrow…. why am I doing chores at the weekend? We are going to be getting our central heating pipes replaced starting Monday so I want the place to look semi respectable ;))

Happy Stitching!

Hugs Ellyx

A Crochet cushion finished and another started :)

2011-10-16T13:06:00.001+01:00

Yes I think I have a new addiction. CROCHETING and in particular anything with “Along” at the end of it ;) Oh and creating a yarn stash ;)

The first picture is of the completed cushion, the top of which I made while on my holiday. I then bought a second hand kitchen seat pad, pulled it apart and then reused the parts to make the back of the crocheted front…. so a little bit of up-cycling? The pad cost me £2 in a charity shop and it was so densely stuffed that I now stuffing left for another project.

I found the pattern for this cushion on Le monde de Sucrette’s blog here.

I am pleased with the result, however, I wish I knew why the center is squint. If anyone can tell me where I’m going wrong please let me know. Sucrette’s square isn’t squint so it has to be something I’m doing or not doing.

My next crochet wip is another CAL it’s a Ripple Along challenge run by Lucy and Heather and I’ve just joined in. Making another cushion cover for a cylindrical neck cushion. Here is my starter:-

It’s a neat little pattern by Lucy and she has written brilliant instructions and a tutorial here .

Now I’ve just discovered LuAnn is also hosting a CAL (see button on right hand side bar at the very top) so I’m considering perhaps starting another errrr cushion top… with a different pattern, LOL….. oh dear when will I get any sewing done! LOL..

Oh well I’m having too much fun with this crochet stuff at the moment so may as well enjoy it. I did do some work on a little table topper. I hand pieced all the pieced blocks for it and now just need to put the whole blocks in between… another day perhaps.

Happy stitching or hooking,

hugs Ellyx

Double sided Mug Rug and Honeycomb Stars update

2011-09-05T20:08:00.001+01:00

Autumn side. 4 inch Maple leaf and fussy cut pumpkin pincushion from a novelty fabric.

Spring side. 4 inch finished on-point tulip and fussy cut basket of flowers from same novelty fabric.

And here is the progress on my hand pieced Honeycomb Stars made using Inklingo 2” Hexagons and 1” diamonds.

Short and sweet today :) Enjoy!

Happy Sewing

Ellyx

Thank you to all my lovely friends for your generous birthday gifts.

2011-09-04T15:59:00.001+01:00

Last month I had a birthday and was surprised by my lovely friends from home and afar with some very generous gifts. Finally I got to take some photos to share with you all.

Here are some books I bought with an Amazon gift certificate :)

Here’s a group photo of some more gifties.

Some close ups

A gorgeous miniature pineapple quilt. More books :)

DD bought me some stationary which I will take pics of later on but you can see that some are already in use sticking out at the top of the Crochet Borders book. She has selected some edgings for me to choose from to add to Claudia’s quilt (her ball jointed doll) here she is..

You can see her little quilt here. It is already quilted and bound.

That’s me for now. Will post more on projects another day ;0)

Meanwhile a HUGE THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! To all my wonderful friends for the FABULOUS birthday gifts. You made my day!!

HUGS AND KISSES TO YOU ALL!

Happy quilting

Ellyxx

a-10 Which Points West? another Dear Jane Block bites the dust!

2011-08-15T23:18:00.002+01:00

a-10 Which Points West?, originally uploaded by biscuitnrabbi.

This one is hand pieced with some reverse appliqué in the middle square.
It is also my 90th block completed! Only 10 to go to 100. Will I make it before the end of the year? I hope so.

hugs Elly

Mushrooms anyone?

2011-07-26T12:12:00.001+01:00

Felted Mushroom 5, originally uploaded by biscuitnrabbi.

I went out to a needle felting class last night and this is what I made. We had great fun and I'm quite pleased with the out come of my sample. I have to keep it out of DDs and DSs paws though since they both tried to claim it.

Sucrette’s Giant Granny Challenge

2011-07-25T11:56:00.001+01:00

No it is not a contest to see how many Thorntons chocolates a granny can eat but a challenge to make the biggest crochet granny square we can. Interested? then click here to see Sucrette’s first post on this Crochet-along challenge. What harm can it do to take a peak?

How did I get tempted with this you ask? Well it was my blog friend Katrin who tempted me ;-D

There is also a group for this on Flickr so you can be tempted too, to have a go.

Here is my first picture. A basket of the yarn I’ll be using and how far I got yesterday evening with my square.

The yarn is from a weekly magazine publication which I subscribed to early last year. It was a magazine to show you how to crochet. Each week the magazine came with a ball of yarn and you were supposed to make a square in a particular pattern, the end result would be a patchwork style blanket with a sampler of the different stitches. Well I never quite got around to making it and stopped my subscription at the 30 something magazine. So I have all these balls which are the same weight and same type. So this is what I shall use up in this challenge. Once the yarn is done so will be my square. :))

Happy sewing or crocheting or knitting,

Ellyx

KKQ Scrap challenge 2008

2011-07-24T13:52:00.002+01:00

KKQ Scrap challenge 2008, originally uploaded by biscuitnrabbi.

I was visiting Luann's blog and saw her lovely scrappy blocks. Here is what I did with a scrappy set of appliqué blocks made from Dear Hannah sampler with some scraps I was given in a group challenge. It is made with these scraps and scraps from my own stash. I used the B-11 "To Paducah" pieced block for the alternative blocks.

Summer Scraps, Bowties, Tisket a Tasket, Dear Jane and 30s Fabric

2011-07-23T16:22:00.001+01:00

Okay, I’ve not yet done my blue/red/white rainbow block for July but I have used more of my yellow scraps to make this scrappy doll quilt for my DD’s Ball Jointed Doll Claudia… She chose the scraps from my yellow stash. It just requires layering and quilting and binding. The pattern is from Kathleen Tracy’s new book “The Civil War Sewing Circle”.

It’s not in CW fabrics but most are 30s.

The next picture is my Summer Bow Ties quilt along project. I’ve got a few more to make to keep up to date. This is a fun, quick, easy peasy project.

I also, finally, finished July 2009 Tisket A Tasket block by Anne from Bunny hill designs. Since I live in Scotland, I decided to change the flag from “4th July” to a Scottish Flag.

The final picture I have to show you is my latest completion of a Dear Jane block.

Ooops, I lie, I have one more picture. Just delivered by my posty today is my new fabric acquisition. Some orange 30s fabrics by Karen Snyd Yes the same lady who has organized the Summer Bow Ties quilt along.

Now I’m not generally a fan of orange. But I LOVE 30s orange fabric (hmmmmm? I love all 30s fabrics) but it is so hard to come by. So when I clocked these fabrics I just had to leap off the wagon to go buy some for moi. OH OUI!! :)) I bought them from Quilting Possibilities.

After I took this picture I went straight and put them in the wash so I could use them later to make some Bow Ties :))

That’s all from me just now :-D

Have a lovely weekend,

Ellyx

BiscuitnPenny take two july 8 2011

2011-07-16T00:05:00.000+01:00

For all you bunny lovers out there, here is one of my oldest and youngest bunnies.

Rainbow Scrappy Saturday report and a finish :-D

2011-07-09T12:56:00.001+01:00

Okay I know I’m not supposed to be starting something new but I couldn’t help it your honour!

I have a email subscription to Pleasant Home’s blog posts and in this one she spoke about

Karen’s Summer Bow Tie Quilt Along that was being held on this Face Book page. I love the Bow Tie block and I was trying hard to resist but one of my Buddettes Rosa took on the challenge after I had “tongue in cheek” tried to tempt her into starting a new project…. well that back fired and the tables were turned, LOL… but all in good fun ;))

Anyway, I ramble on, I decided to make mine in 30s fabrics with bleached muslin background and since the Rainbow Scrappy colours for this month are Red, White and Blue, I thought I’d start with the red 30s and kill two birds with one stone. :) And here are my first blocks.

And at long last I have completed Monkey… I’m not an expert knitter and I don’t know if it was me or the pattern but the T-shirt didn’t turn out quite as it should have. So rather than start again I added a few rows of crochet to the neck…. However, now I think that Monkey looks more like a girl than a boy, LOL… what do you think… can he have a ~~sex~~ (oops should I say the S word on here?) gender change?

So no ‘He’ is a ‘She’. I am quite pleased with the out come and I’m sure she’ll be a lovely surprise for DD when she returns home from her holiday.

Now onto another one thread a day ufo but what shall it be?? :-D

Have a great quilty weekend,

hugs Ellyx

Rainbow Scrappy Saturday Report

2011-07-02T08:40:00.001+01:00

Good Saturday morning to you all :)

A new month and a new colour for our Rainbow Scrappy. This month’s colour is either red, blue or white, or any combination of those three. Or to work on something already started.

Well it so happens I’ve already got something in the works :)) in those colours. It is a scrappy blue red and white-ish 10 minute block project.

But first let me show you my yellow block from June which I completed this last week.I’m not sure if this block has an official name. It is constructed with 4 Fox and Geese blocks. 2 have been rotated. I’m going to call it “Elly’s Star” until I find out if there’s another name out there.

Of course I made it using my Inklingo. I used the original collection 2 which was on a CD which is no longer available. However, there are now 2 different downloads for triangles. The sizes I used are in HST OOB collection.

Now here is a picture of my blue, red and white WIP.

I’m not quite sure where I’m going with this one. Do I add more blocks for a lap sized quilt, make a table topper or wall hanging. Or use the piece to make a bag. It is approx. 24 by 32 at the moment. Decisions, decisions.

Not sure what the weather is doing today. If it’s nice I should get out and do some more work in the garden… lots to do there. But it could rain.

I’ve still to catch that monkey so I can stuff him..

Have a great weekend!

Happy Stitching!

Elly x

How to Sew a GFG.mpg

2011-07-01T18:57:00.001+01:00

THE BEST way to sew a Grandmother's Flower Garden. No Templates, No Measuring. Just print, cut and sew.
I hope you enjoy this video by Linda Franz of Inklingo.com

A WIN and a Block!

2011-07-01T16:25:00.002+01:00

Last week KarenDianne of LeeHaven blog hosted a give away of Cathi’s (from QuiltObsession) very first pattern “Chintz Circles” and guess what? I was one of the LUCKY winners!

Here is my very first block, made with the aid of the Inklingo Orange Peel Deluxe program by Linda Franz.Now onto the next block :) But first I must stuff a monkey.

Happy Quilting.

Ellyx

Tilde’s Summer scrap challenge

2011-06-29T17:47:00.001+01:00

Way back in the summer of 2008 I took up a challenge by Tilde to make a project using scraps from my scrap bag. I made the little double four patch blocks and that’s as far as I got with them and they were put to one side, well the bottom of my WIP drawer to be exact.

Then when Soscrappy set the Rainbow Scrappy Challenge in January this year and it came to February who’s colour was ‘red’, I pulled out this little WIP (which also happened to be red) and thought I’d try get it finished. See post here:

http://ellydspatchwork.blogspot.com/2011/02/scrappy-saturday-report_19.html

Well this last weekend I finally completed it :)) And here it is.

I’m really pleased with how it turned out especially the curved borders which, for me, was a first. I have a combination of simple machine and hand quilting on it.

I also have completed my yellow Rainbow Scrappy block but I’ll keep that for another day ;)

Happy Stitching :)

Ellyx

RAINBOW SATURDAY SCRAPPY REPORT

2011-06-25T16:52:00.001+01:00

I’ve been abscent for a few months from this challenge but I’m hoping now to get back on board and catch up. I just have this month’s yellow block to do then I should be up to date. Maybe I’ll pick a simple block.

Anyway, without further to do here are the pictures of how far I’ve come.

The purple Dresden Plate is March’s block. I made this using Inklingo Appliqué Dresden Plate collection. There are many choices of Dresden Plate variations to choose from in this collection, however I choose a fairly simple one to try for my first one using Inklingo.

Here is May’s Pink block. Again I made it using Inklingo. This time I tried out the brand new collection Inklingo Joseph’s Coat

This is really a gentle curve and hand pieced up beautifully. Even the pressing was easier than it first looked. I need to square it up for my Rainbow Scrappy so will either appliqué to a background or hand piece some corners on. Curves are so much easier with Inklingo. No templates or measuring. Just print, cut (even with scissors) and sew. Accurate and simple. Makes easy work of complicated blocks. Love it! This Joseph’s Coat makes a big 12” block so would make up a quilt in no time.

Here is a picture of all the blocks I’ve done so far. Now to figure out which block to sew for my June Yellow block ;)

Happy Sewing,

Hugs Ellyx

Rainbow Scrappy Saturday

2011-03-26T15:00:00.001Z

Can you believe it’s almost the end of March already.

Here is my March Rainbow Scrappy 12” block in green. I think I may trim it down and add a log cabin frame. But I’ll wait until I’ve completed all my blocks before deciding.

It was a good way to try out the Inklingo Pies and Tarts shape collection. I used the back baste appliqué method for this block after both hand piecing the pie and machine piecing the tarts. The placement circles were printed on the back of the background fabrics using this shape collection, as were the cutting and stitching lines for the wedges. The greens and background came out of my scrap bag.

I also made a couple of Disappearing 4 Patch blocks to try out the technique. I followed the tutorial on Beth’s blog Love Laugh Quilt here.

Here is the picture of them so far :-I’m not quite sure what I’ll make with this, it is 10” x 20” at the moment. I have a couple of ideas floating around in my head, for example, a small table runner or maybe a little block holder case. I could do with one of those for some of my hand piecing projects so that is at the moment the favourite idea. Unless anyone else has an idea for this pair of blocks ;) ?

I really didn’t make a very big indent into my surprisingly large collection of green scraps but I have learned to see green in a new light. I don’t dislike it quite so much :)

That’s all for now, have a great weekend.. oh and if you’d like to see other Rainbow Scrappy Saturday reports go see Angela’s blog SoScrappy .

Happy quilting,

Ellyx

SUSAN'S GIVE AWAY

2011-03-18T18:07:00.000Z

SUSAN of Susan's Texas Quilting Adventures blog is having a 3rd Blog anniversary GIVE AWAY.
You have until 21st March to go over and leave a comment to enter :) There are also a few other ways to get extra chances. She has some yummy prizes :)
So don't delay!
Get over there today!

Good luck :)
and a big THANK YOU to Susan :)

Ellyx

Maxi Bunny Crazy Happy Rolling (Full HD)

2011-03-14T14:57:00.000Z

Here is a video of a friend's bunny... I just had to share he is sooo cute! Enjoy music too ;)

Bunnyhugs Ellyx

Scrap Happy Saturday and March Calendar quilt

2011-03-05T14:07:00.001Z

Good afternoon from Sunny Scotland.

When I went looking for my green scraps I didn’t expect to find more of them than Blue or Red, however, I found more!! Green isn’t even a favourite colour of mine but I must use it a bit. Here is my basket I have collected them together in. Some of these are very old!!

Here is the block I’m in the process of making for my Rainbow Scrappy quilt.I printed out pie and tart shapes using the Inklingo Pies and Tarts shapes collection. This is as far as I’ve got with them. I need to decide on my background fabric and sew the Pie.

Lastly, here is my March Stitchery quilt which I have hanging above my sewing machine.Happy Stitching!!

hugs Elly

Scrap Happy Saturday

2011-02-26T15:46:00.001Z

Can you believe it is the last Saturday in February? Where has this month gone?

Without further to do here is my red Rainbow Scrap Project (RSP) block:-

I took this photo outside in my back garden today pegged onto my Abies Koreanna (Korean Fir) It’s a very sunny day today with clear blue skies, spring on it’s way hopefully? Well we can have hope can’t we, LOL, though I feel winter isn’t done with us yet.

Anyway, my little heart double four patch project isn’t as finished as I had hoped for today as this has been a busy week. I did get the little flange? on it and the outer final border but it has yet to be layered and quilted and the scalloped binding done. Hopefully, that will happen this coming week.

To see everyone else’s Scrap Happy Saturday reports go to Soscrappy’s blog here.

However, I spent yesterday helping a friend with her little red project. She had been to Belgium last year for a small break and had come back with a kit of 4 little embroidery blocks to stitch and some matching fabrics. She had embroidered the blocks and needed help with the setting and patchwork and quilting bit. The original quilt had a few more embroidery squares and the setting was of fabric squares between with a mitred border and had be quilted with the turning inside out method (not sure that is correct description but basically this needs no extra binding step)

Well I’ll shut up now and show you the picture I took yesterday.It had been stitched and pulled through at this stage but not quilted. I did quilt it very basically in the ditch before sending it home with friend to tie in the thread ends.

The layout was my idea since she just had the four blocks and two of the fabrics, however, you can see the whole redwork quilt here:-

http://www.chatdanslaiguille.fr/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=144&lang=en

This shop has some seriously cute embroidery patterns.

Lastly, but not least :))) Today I received some delicious Dupioni Silks from Valerie Online Pastimes sponsors of the Stash Manicure blog hosted by Madame Samm which I won way back in December’s Holiday Give Away. Here is a picture… notice the cute little angel which was also in the package. THANK YOU MADAME SAMM and VALERIE :-D

Okay, better go get all spruced up ready to go out. DD wants me to chauffer her to the shops when she gets home from work ;))

Hugs

Ellyx

My first finger pincushion

2011-02-24T17:17:00.001Z

Cathi of Quilt Obsession has made a tutorial of her lovely finger pincushions which she recommends, here. I couldn’t wait to try one so sat and made one this afternoon. Here it is Mayfair modelling it :) And here is a close up :-

THANK YOU CATHI :-D I had so much fun with this!

Now to cut and sew some borders for the project I should be working on :))

Happy Stitching

Ellyx

Here's a February quilt I made earlier :)

2011-02-20T11:58:00.001Z

I was checking out my Picasa pictures and came across this little wall quilt I made several years ago and thought I'd share it with you.
It is part of a set of 12 however I only got to number 5 - MAY. June has the stitchery done but hasn't yet been bordered, etc., Maybe I'll get to that one this year ;))
The pattern was from a free BOM way back in 2000!! and the series was called LYLMster's Dozen, I'm sorry I don't have any further information but this was way back in the early days of my online surfing. I think it was also published in a quilting magazine a few years later. Maybe someone reading this will remember.
I was pretty much a novice stitcher then. Not that my free machine quilting ability has improved much since then, LOL... Anyway, I'll stop rambling now ;) Happy Sunday, Ellyx

Scrappy Saturday report

2011-02-19T23:35:00.001Z

Not much further on with this from last week but I have added the side and corner triangles and joined up the diagonal rows. So it is now in one piece. Now I have to decide how I am going to finish it. To border or not to border is the question. However, I’m thinking of a little flange, colour unknown but most likely red, and then the pale green for a border which I’ll scallop (a learning curve) and finish with a red binding. Anyway, here’s an updated picture. This little project is a 2 year old UFO so it would be really nice to get it finished with this month’s red challenge.

Another dull and overcast rainy day today so the natural light isn’t good. I have used both my Ottlite standard lamp and my portable Daylight lamp to try add some natural looking light.

This coming week I hope to make a block for my Rainbow Scrappy quilt in red and to at least finish this top.

Happy stitching, Hugs

Ellyx

Tisket A Tasket Block Six

2011-02-18T23:07:00.001Z

Block Six, originally uploaded by biscuitnrabbi.

Finally got number six completed today. I think this one has the most appliqué to it. Now on to number 7 (with is half done ;)) but first I must do some work for my Saturday scrap challenge.

Until later :) Happy Stitching
Ellyx

Dear Jane progress

2011-02-13T12:07:00.001Z

Here are a couple of Dear Jane blocks I’ve completed in the last couple of weeks.

First up is F-3 Snowball. This was a good block to show off a lovely William Morris fabric in the centre. I machine pieced this one.

The second one is C-4 Tic Tac Toe. I tried out a new to me technique with this one. I freezer paper pieced the centre part. I found a great tutorial on ‘The Twiddletail’s Store’ web page here. I much prefer this method to foundation paper. I then machined on the first set of triangles, I hand pieced the outer triangles and added them by machine. 3 different methods to complete this block. I used some Thimbleberries fabric.

I’ve posted these scanned blocks in a bigger size and added a white photograph border after reading some great blog tips on Pleasant Home’s web post yesterday. I hope you enjoy them better :-D

Have a great Sunday everyone :)

Hugs and Besitos

Ellyxx

SCRAPPY SATURDAY REPORT

2011-02-12T13:00:00.001Z

This week has been a busy one so I haven’t got as far as I had hoped, however, I did make a decision on the setting of my little red scrappy double 4 patch blocks. Here it is half sewn together:-Not a very good photo as the natural light is poor today and DH had to hold my portable daylight lamp while I took the picture…. hence why it looks a bit lopsided, LOL… Anyway, I need to decide on the outer triangles and cut and sew them on the ends then I can join the diagonal rows. The hearts are not yet sewn on but I’ll quilt/appliqué them by machine. The idea to just have them in alternating squares was my DDs. I think a little hand quilting will go in the blank ones.

I also managed to complete the little redwork block that got thrown to one side a couple of years ago. Some of you may remember this 2008 BOM from Bea of Capricorn Quilts blog.

I had first thought to stitch it on Osnaburg fabric (I hope I’ve spelt that correctly as I keep calling it Osnabrook :)) But I found it very stretchy to work with and being a novice stitchery person my work was messy… so I changed my mind and started it again on muslin and used different coloured threads. However, I didn’t throw this little block away and have since learned about cotton interfacing being used as a stabilizer. So since this month’s challenge colour is red I pulled it out from it’s hiding place and unpicked all the messy stitching, ironed on the back of it the cotton fusible and re-stitched it again. It was so much easier to work with and I’m happier with the result. Here it is:-I’ll have to find my multi coloured one to show you… if I can find it and I think I may have done the second one too before it got left. I have to think about what I shall do with this one block wonder, maybe a cushion panel? Little medallion centre? Hmmmm…. decisions, decisions.

For now though I must get to my Dear Jane block of the week ;0) Until laters…

Happy Stitching,

Ellyx

SCRAPPY SATURDAY

2011-02-05T15:25:00.001Z

The colour for the month for February of the Rainbow Scrap Challenge is Red and I have gathered together as many Red scraps lurking that I could find. I thought I would have found more since this is a favourite colour for me. I’m sure there must be more laying around some where.

Anyhow, here is a picture of my collected red scraps now in their new home :) I also found some ufo blocks from another scrappy challenge of a couple of years ago. I chose to use red scraps then. I didn’t get far with them as you will see. I was stumped when it came to setting… I couldn’t make up my mind. Maybe, just maybe, I’ll manage to sew it up into a top this month :)) to make a small quiltlet.

And here is a picture of themon my design wall :- Hmmmmm?? Decisions, Decisions.

I also hope to make another 12 inch finished block to go towards my Scrappy Rainbow Quilt. I just need to decide on a block. I’m hoping too (if I get this far) to make a red mug rug. I had so much fun making the blue one last month.

You can see the progress of other participants here.

Have a great weekend where ever you are.

Hugs

Ellyx

SCRAPPY RAINBOW CHALLENGE REPORT; Dear Jane block and a bunny story

2011-01-30T18:15:00.001Z

I’m a bit late but it’s not the end of January yet so here is this week’s report. I started yesterday and completed today… with lots of procrastinating.. may I present my blue mug rug designed by Angela of Soscrappy .

I have also found a new home for my blue scraps. I’m sure there are still some lurking about but I will find them and when I do come across them I’ll know where they go ;))

I also managed to complete another Dear Jane block here:- M-13 Lynette’s Diamonds.

Bunny Biscuit has still been poorly. Ended back at the vet on Friday and he is booked in to get his teeth done tomorrow. Worrying but if he won’t eat there is little choice. I’ve spent a lot of time syringe feeding him which I don’t mind as we always have a lovely cuddle afterwards ;)

Here’s a picture of one of my other bunnies Chichi fast asleep… she looked so cute with one of her paws up. Like butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth. But I have a tail to tell about this bunny:-

The other night I was in bed asleep when I was woken by DH scuttling around the bedroom with a torch... I guessed to myself Chichi had gone walk about. But I knew she couldn’t be far so I went back to sleep. I awoke a little later for a trip to the bathroom where upon I met DH coming up to bed. Yes it was Chichi who’d gone AWOL. He said he’d looked high and low and was fearing she’d escaped into the garden while he'd gone into the garage earlier for some ice cream from the freezer. He’d checked every possible place twice but hadn’t found her. He was on the verge of a panic at the thought of the 'hell' he'd get from me for letting her out (as if) and was on his way back into the house from his second trip to the garage, resigned to the fact that chichi had was gone.... when he thought to look in the most unlikely spot....(as you do)…. and lifted up the lid of the indoor garbage bucket. Hey presto! Much to DH’s surprise there she was!!! Sitting in the bucket with the lid down on her....How exactly she got in there is a mystery but the bucket is in the back store room is next to the veggie rack.... I suspect she'd tried to get up onto the top shelf of the veggie rack by jumping up onto the bucket but the lid was up so she fell in and the lid closed on top of her... only explanation I can think of. There was evidence of 2 half eaten pears on the top rack which she and accomplice Malachi had got to by stretching up. Anyhow, she was not amused by all accounts when DH fished her out, LOL. That’s Malachi you can see a bit off behind her using her as a prop. There’s never a dull moment with these rabbits.

I hope you’ve had a great weekend

Happy Stitching,

Ellyx

RAINBOW SCRAP CHALLENGE, DEAR JANE AND BUNNY BISCUIT

2011-01-23T23:37:00.001Z

Firstly, after a visit to Katrin’s blog I went to SOSCRAPPY’s blog and thought I’d give the scrap challenge a go it seemed like fun…though I’m late into the game. So since January’s challenge was to use blue I went delving into my blue scraps and found some already made patches from 3 previous projects and I joined them together to make this block:-I added the pre-cut blue star to the centre which will need appliquéd down….. when I decide what I am going to do with the block. Do I keep it to one side to add further blocks to over the year with this scrappy challenge OR do I make something from it. There is the question :) If you’d like to join in please see the button in the right column.

While I was in amongst my blue scraps I pulled out some blue squares from various samples I’ve received over the years and I’m going to attempt to make a 10 minute block quilt from them. I’ll post a picture another day.

So my play in my blue scraps yesterday was fun but it took all day! Therefore, today I have been trying to finish my Dear Jane block. I had already started to re-do on Friday. Here it is finished. You may have read in an earlier post last week that I’d attempted this block but didn’t like the way it was looking. Well here it is done in a different way. Much better and it’s staying, LOL… A-11 Pebble’s Protest revisited.

Not so good is my elderly house bunny Biscuit isn’t eating well. He has been to the vet and is on some medication to encourage his appetite but the vet said he may well need to have some dental work done. Here he is:-

He is 9 and half years old. This picture was taken sometime last year I think.

Hasta Luego,

Happy Stitching Ellyx

Have you ever had a day when you think your sewing is going good but then….

2011-01-16T19:59:00.001Z

I’ve been trying to stitch a Dear Jane block today, A11 Pebble’s Protest (aptly named almost should be Elly’s Protest) I thought all was going well. Here are some photos I was taking of it along the way….

So far so good>

< stitched a partial seam… note should have been a little more seam stitched….but it went okay.

Until I tried to stitch the centre together :(( Not so good. I had paper pieced the middles and those sharp triangles and as a result the seams were going in the same direction as each other when I was trying to join them. Despite a few frog stitching and re-stitching efforts it was not going to play nice…. here’s a close up of the offending centre:-

I am going to have to do it all over again :(( or I won’t be a happy bunny. I think I will hand piece the entire thing.

Anyway, here are a couple of blocks I don’t think I’ve shown before. First, a Dear Jane triangle “TR 3 Checkerboard”

and secondly a DJ block “M11 Rickshaw”

And now for something not Dear Jane.

I also completed a couple of stitchery blocks from Lynette Anderson’s “My Garden” BOM and here they are:-

Number 3 and

Number 4. I am way behind on these :-/

Finally, one last picture. :))

Taken on Christmas Eve of the starter DD made for out supper. Some Chinese Tea Eggs…. decorated to look like….. MUSHROOMS :))

The idea to turn the eggs into mushrooms with some halved tomatoes was mine but DD did it. These made me think of my friend Katrin as she loves mushrooms ;-D They were delicious too.

Well that’s it for now. I wonder what ufo I’ll pull out to work on this week…

Happy Stitching!

Ellyx

HAPPY NEW YEAR :)

2011-01-08T21:44:00.002Z

I’m sorry that it has ages since I last wrote to my blog. Hopefully, I can get back into the swing of things soon.

I have been sewing though and I’d like to show you what I’ve been up to.

So without further a do let’s get to the pictures ;) First up is a Dear Jane block I’ve just completed. A-7 Dad’s Plaids. It’s a remake as the original which was the very first DJ block I made was made in different fabrics and after 3 blocks I changed my mind to go repro. Here’s the first one I did just to show you.

Here are a few gifts I’ve made over the past couple months. First some stitchery fridge magnets. From Anni Downs’ book “A little book of little stitches Simple Pleasures”

Here’s a close up of one.

Then I finished off a Japanese style bag I made using some Japanese woven and printed fabrics (except for the red and handle) The handle I bought. First side.But I made the little zip pull… so chuffed with that bit can you see it :-D The little round thing dangling from the side near the handle. Here is side two }

A couple of sewing wallets. From Lise Bergene’s book “A Passion for Patchwork” Love this book!!

Inside and outside of first wallet:-

Here is the second one.

I also got a picture of the snow in our back garden in November but it is looking the same now since we’ve had more snow since.Last but not least I managed to catch a photo of my DS lounging on my sofa drinking a beer and reading a book on Christmas Day :-)

Well that’s it from me for now. I a couple more pictures but I’ll save them for another day :)

Happy Stitching

Ellyx

Happy Birthday Mum

2010-11-27T13:04:00.001Z

It was my mum’s 79th Birthday this week so I thought I’d post some pictures of her. First up is a picture of her holding moi not long after she got out of hospital in early 1956. She’d had TB and had to spend a long time in hospital starting before I was born.and didn’t get to see me properly until I was 8 months old. Don’t I look surprised, LOL. Possibly wondering who this stranger was that I’d been handed over to.

Here’s another picture of her with my dad at an army function of some sort.

And Another taken before she was married.. I think.

Here are some more recent pictures :- The first taken in 2006 while we were waiting for a bus to take us home from the Carrerfor near Algeciras. The one below was taken in 2009 in Estapona.

I love this photo of her as she appears to be really enjoying herself.

I have a few more pictures I’d like to share of her but first I’d have to find them and get copies on the computer ;) So I’ll leave that for another day.

Nothing quilty to show at the moment but hopefully soon ;)

Have a wonderful day!

hugs Ellyx

Elaine

2010-11-20T01:06:00.001Z

Is having a 2nd Annual Thanksgiving (Quilting) Give-A-Way on her blog

“ Faithful Quilter : Elaine’s Journey”

Pop on over and have a look at her lovely blog.

Enjoy,

Ellyx

OCTOBER CLAMSHELL REPORT and more

2010-11-03T18:11:00.001Z

(traducción al español por Google Translate al fin/abajo)

Well a month and a bit has gone by since I visited my mum and now it seems like a dream. However, I am slowly getting back to my projects.

Firstly, here is my report, albeit not much and a tad late, of my Clamshell progress. Not much difference than last month other than I have added the bottom two sashing pieces.

I now have to decided what to do next. But with Christmas coming up so fast I will have to first concentrate on some gift projects.

I did finish the stitchery on my first ‘Leanne’s House BOM” and get the second block prepared for stitchery (though I still need to draw on the stitchery patterns)

The third block has arrived and waiting to be assembled…. I am behind with it. Same goes for the ‘My Garden’ BOM of Lynnette Anderson. I have done the stitchery for block 3 but still need to add the borders and button. Meanwhile 4 and 5 are waiting in the box.

Meanwhile, I have decided on my Christmas gifts and have made a start :) Just hoping I’ll get them done for this Christmas… maybe a trip to the shops instead??

Bueno un mes y un poco ha pasado desde que visité a mi madre y ahora parece como un sueño. Sin embargo, poco a poco estoy volviendo a mis proyectos.
En primer lugar, aquí está mi informe, aunque no mucho, de mi progreso Concha. No hay mucha diferencia que el mes pasado que no he añadido la parte inferior dos piezas sashing.
Ahora tengo que decidir qué hacer a continuación. Pero con la Navidad que viene tan rápido voy a tener que concentrarse primero en algunos proyectos de regalo.
Yo terminé la pespuntes en mi primer 'lista de materiales Leanne's House "y obtener el segundo bloque preparado para pespuntes (aunque todavía tengo que recurrir a los patrones pespuntes)
El tercer bloque ha llegado a la espera de montar .... Estoy detrás de la misma. Lo mismo va para la lista de materiales "Mi Jardín" de Lynnette Anderson. He hecho lo pespuntes para el bloque 3, pero todavía necesita agregar las fronteras y el botón. Mientras tanto, 4 y 5 están a la espera en la caja.
Mientras tanto, he decidido en mi regalos de Navidad y han dado un primer paso:) Solo con la esperanza voy a hacerlas para esta Navidad ... tal vez un viaje a las tiendas en su lugar??

That’s all for now, Happy Sewing,

Besitos y hugs Ellyx

Another Dear Jane block

2010-10-24T23:55:00.001+01:00

I’m sorry I haven’t posted for a long while, I do have a couple of items but they need photographing. Meanwhile, I have completed a Dear Jane block or two ;) that I can show you for now.

Lo siento que no a escribido a mi blog para alugunas tiempo. Falta tocar fotos. Pues para el momento aqui es escan? que yo hacido el semana pasado. Estan de dos bloces de “Dear Jane”

Tampien lo siento de mis Espanola que sali mi cabeza al volver de La Linea :(

H-12 Hannah Lou Hearts (above) and M-9 Fan Dance (right)

Okay, I have been working on my Clamshell project and I’ll get a photo for the last day of the month. Also, I have been working on a Japanese bag. However, I have done much work on ‘thinking’ . Don’t laugh ;) I bet you have too…. about Christmas and what gifts to make and if I have time to do all I want….I really need to get a move on.

Okay time for bed ;)

Happy sewing everyone, if you are making Christmas gifts please drop in a line to say what you are making.

Hugs/Besitos

Elly

X Factor 2010 - MARY BYRNE SHINES OUT IN TOP 16 LIVE FINALS!

2010-10-13T14:17:00.000+01:00

More Birthday Gifties :)

2010-10-07T10:54:00.001+01:00

On my return home from visiting my Mum a parcel was waiting for me. Inside were these fabulous pink boot laces from my dear friend Rosa.Modelled here by my TY Bunny “Mayfair”

Upon seeing these my lovely DD immediately tried to bag them, LOL, saying to me “well you don’t have any shoes for them to fit”…. Keep you hands off DD I’ll find something. May just have to get a pair of boots especially!!!

A week later in the post came another giftie, again from Rosa :) This time it was a belated birthday gift of some fabulous MarshMellow earphones and some soap flavoured (yes I said soap) gum. LOL… It is not too bad once you get past the soap thing and both DH and DS think is not bad at all. LOL… must be a man thing ;) Anyway, here is Mayfair showing both of these wonderful gifts:-

Can you see my new iTouch which DH bought for me :))

I worked on the 3rd block of “My Garden” by Lynette Anderson last night and almost finished so hopefully I’ll have some sewing to show soon :)

Happy Sewing

Elly x

Update on my trip to La Linea

2010-10-02T22:57:00.001+01:00

Slowly getting back into the swing of things and finally taken organized my photos onto the computer :)

While in La Linea I met up with a wonderful group of ladies a picture of whom you can see in my iPod post here:-http://ellydspatchwork.blogspot.com/2010/09/some-photos.html

I came to know of these ladies from their blog Nuestras Meriniendas Y Manulidades and when I learned they lived in my mum’s home town and I was going to visit my mum I contacted Mayte to arrange a meet up for coffee.

Little did I know at the time that she was going to whisk me off to meet all the wonderful ladies of her group. What a fabulous time I had. I felt like a celebrity and was dumb struck when I was presented with some wonderful gifts.

Here is the most beautiful hand dyed and painted silk scarf from Caty.

Here is the fabulous crossed stitched pinkeeper made by Mari Angeles.

Here are the very cute sea creatures made by Mely (who’s beautiful house we are in)

Above is me fanning myself with the hand painted Spanish fan… I really needed to use it too :) It was so hot!

Then the cutest of broaches, a felt Spanish lady and last but not least a lottery ticket from Mayte.

What a whirl wind afternoon. I returned home to my mum’s 4 hours later to discover her worried and about to call the police. But my nonchalant husband said he’d have started to worry only if I hadn’t returned home at all that evening. LOL…

Muchas gracias amigas para un tiempo muy feliz!! Besitos,

Ellyx

CLAMSHELL CLUB SEPTEMBER REPORT

2010-09-30T14:54:00.001+01:00

I took this away with me to Spain and sewed a little seam or two most days. It was very hot and clammy there (pun intended) so sewing was a little tricky as my fingers were swollen. Not to mention I was busy with other holiday type things. ;)) My excuses and I’m sticking to ‘em.

However, I am not unhappy with my progress this past month, though I had hoped to have got all 4 sashing pieces on but alas it was not to be.

More pictures and stories to follow later this weekend of my trip to Spain.

Until later :)

Hugs

Elly

Here's one photo

2010-09-16T00:04:00.002+01:00

Nuestras Meriendas Y Manualidades and me.
Will post more on my return home.

Me Mum and Sister

2010-09-11T23:01:00.002+01:00

A photo taken a couple of years ago at Gibraltar airport.

HELLO FROM LA LINEA DE LA CONCEPCION SPAIN

2010-09-11T22:40:00.000+01:00

Hello from Spain and my iTouch :))
Just a trial to see if this works.
Have worked on my Clamshells and "my garden" block. Weather hot:)

Mothers Cupboard NEW BOM

2010-09-03T01:54:00.001+01:00

Fiona from Mothers Cupboard is offering a new FREE BOM on her blog called "Flowers of Love". It looks really cute with Appliqué and stitchery combined. Go take a look :)

Mary Byrne's X Factor Audition (Full Version) - itv.com/xfactor

2010-09-02T14:06:00.000+01:00

CLAMSHELL REPORT

2010-08-31T15:18:00.001+01:00

I have to say that I haven’t got as far as I had hoped this month. I did re-arrange the shapes yet again and have started the stitching. Here is a picture of it so far:-

As you can see it’s changed direction to on point again >G< I’m going off to visit my mum in La Linea Spain on Sunday – note to self must let her know :) – and I’ll be away for 3 weeks so I may take this away with me to stitch and at least get this block done for the end of September report.

I’ll also be taking my Tisket A Tasket blocks and hopefully get a couple finished while there.

Until later :) Happy Stitching

Ellyx

Some more pictures for you

2010-08-24T17:35:00.001+01:00

My birthday started at the beginning of August and seems to be lasting all month :) How wonderful is that!! I haven’t got any younger though ;)

Saturday’s lunchtime post brought me this wonderful surprise from my new online friend Katrin in Germany. She sent me this fabulous Tilda Bee and the bunny fabric… Aren’t they just the cutest! I too have the book with this pattern in and the bee is one of my favourites. THANK YOU SO MUCH Katrin! I will treasure this little bee and bunny fabric.

This past few days I’ve knuckled down and re sewed the first block from Lynette Anderson’s My Garden BOM. I finished it yesterday morning. Today, I received notice that the third one is to be here soon :) I can’t wait!!

Last but not least I finally plucked up the courage to piece together the random strips I received for the Leanne’s House BOM. When I first opened the package and saw the strips I thought “What were the girls at the QS thinking” LOL… Oh me of little faith!! So I set it aside for a week while I thought about it. Then Friday I thought I must tackle this block before the next package comes in and decided to have a little faith. However, I did add a couple of fabrics. The pale pink, sand and dusky pink polka dot and the tan coloured print. I was going to change out the dark green dot as I thought it looked too dark but when I put in a lighter one it just didn’t do anything. So I decided to stick with the darker one and I love the look now. The picture doesn’t do the fabric justice it is very oldie worldy romantic!! Now to do the stitchery. I hope I don’t mess it up!

Today I worked on some Clamshells… stitching them together ;) The end of the month is not far off!!

Lastly here is a picture of the Geranium Psilostemon that I have growing in my garden :)

Until later! Happy Stitching! Ellyx

Malachi and Chichi in Garden August 2010

2010-08-18T02:44:00.000+01:00

Here is a video of two of my house bunnies today enjoying the garden... please ignore the messy garden...

Enjoy!
Ellyx

A NEW WAY TO SEW HEXAGONS

2010-08-16T12:01:00.002+01:00

Linda has made this FABULOUS video about how to sew Hexagons using Inklingo. Take a look you'll be AMAZED at just how easy and accurate Inklingo is. Also, Linda has written a Design book for Hexagons Quilts and this is available to download for FREE!! It is a FANTASTIC book. If you'd like to have your copy please go to Linda's web page here. Scroll down a little and you'll see it first in the list. You have NOTHING to loose and much to gain :) I've no affliation I'm just a huge fan :)

Video shown with permission of Linda Franz

My first “FROSTY FLAKES” BLOCK completed

2010-08-15T00:35:00.001+01:00

I so enjoyed making this little hexagon, embroidery and beads block by Dawn Hay of “As sweet as Cinnamon” It is just such a cute little thing! Now to make number 2 :) Thank You Dawn!

Happy Sewing

Ellyx

Christmas in August

2010-08-13T16:51:00.001+01:00

I have been such a lucky lady! Some dear friends have been so very good to me and sent me surprise Happy Mail!! Here are some pictures, you can click on them to make them larger:-

The first three are from my dear friend Cyn from CA.

Cyn sent me a load of “no-nothing” gifties… that is like “unbirthday” birthday gifts. Certainly not nothing to me! ;))

Some adorable fabrics and patterns, just look at this one of Maxine:-

She knows I love bunnies so sent me the lovely candle mat pattern. I love EVERYTHING!!

Next 2ne sent me a lovely Thank You gift of a beautiful tissue holder with the cute heart tissues inside, some really cute sheep fabric with the cutest sheep button, and a lovely hand made card.

Then my another dear friend Joyce from NC sent me this most beautiful French country pieced quiltlet top and 3 Dear Jane blocks, we agreed to swap 5 blocks with no hurry to make them a couple years ago!

Joyce has completed her ended of the deal now I must complete mine!!! I have one more to make ;)) You may notice that Joyce has made me 2 of C-3 “Rayelle’s Fence” That’s because she made the first one with the plain cream background from me then as she was putting away the rest of the focus fabric it sort of mingled with the blue shirting and she thought hmmmmm that looks good so made another for me to choose from >G<

And last be not least I received a fabulous early birthday gift from my dear friend Frummie of FL…. The Inklingo Clamshell Sashing Collection! You can see pictures of this on the All About Inklingo blog – see button on right.

So my layout for my Clamshells has changed …. again! LOL as I am eager to use the sashings…. Thank You Frummie!!

More tomorrow but before I go here’s another picture from my garden ;))

HAPPY STITCHING!

ELLYx

First a Frog

2010-08-05T16:38:00.001+01:00

I thought I’d share with you a frog my daughter saw in my front garden the other day and took this photo. It wasn’t as big as it appears ;) You can see her deviant art signature in the photo.

I’ve completed Lynette Anderson’s “My Garden” block 2 and here it is:-

Now to re-do the first block which I ruined with over enthusiastic pressing!!

Here are some Dear Jane blocks I’ve completed since I last wrote :-

TR1 – triangle, paper pieced and E-4 Buffalo Tree Hopper, hand pieced.

Finally I’ll like to show you the status of my Clamshells… Or should that be the state of them? ;)

It is not stitched – well unless you count un-stitching. I unstitched both previous blocks and re-arranged them to make the whole think… minus borders. Yes it will be not much bigger than in the photo here. Then I plan to make a better fabric choice – one to my liking and make a little quilt using the Inklingo Clamshell Sashing Collection -THANK YOU DEAREST FRUMMIE!! - There is a really cute design using them on Linda’s blog here: http://www.lindafranz.com/blog/ The Clamshells in the above photo were also printed using Inklingo.

Finally, for now, here is a picture of the rose Pink Bells that was blooming in my garden a couple of weeks ago.

The bush was full of blooms like this but sadly it went over pretty quick and will only get the odd bloom from now ‘til winter.

Until laters, Happy Stitching

Ellyx

More Tisket A Tasket blocks

2010-07-21T10:55:00.002+01:00

Completed :-) And here they are :-D

Now on to June and July and August. But first I must finish the first block for the Lynette Anderson BOM “My Garden” (See button in left column)
Until later
Happy Stitching
Ellyx

I thought I’d introduce

2010-07-19T23:06:00.001+01:00

my pets… 4 house rabbits and one guinea pig.

First up is Biscuit. He is 9 years old and we’ve had him since he was just a few months old. He is a bun with attitude. I took this last night.

Here is bonded pair Chichi and Malachi. Mally (now about 5) came to us first as a rescue bun and then Chichi (about 4) also a rescue. This was taken awhile ago.

Here’s another more recent picture of Chichi. Being black Malachi is hard to photo.

And here is a picture of Princess Penelope not long after she came to us last year. (We don’t know her age). Another rescue bun. She is a lionhead and is looking much better these days. Will get an update before her next haircut ;)

And finally here is DD’s guinea pig Stewie. Isn’t he cute :)

Of course I need to include something quilty so here are a couple of Dear Jane blocks which I completed this past week.

C-9 Jane’s Tears and G-1 Hattie’s Hen House.

I’ve made some progress on another couple of Tisket A Tasket blocks so will get those finished and post later on in the week…

Happy Quilting

Elly

Slowly, slowly, catchee Monkey

2010-07-07T12:21:00.001+01:00

I was pondering this saying this morning. It was used often in my childhood by my late aunt and Godmother Winifred Hehir who was married to my father’s oldest brother Bartholomew and who lived in the beautiful city of Durham in County Durham.

I think of it often as I’m making my Dear Jane. It is a very wise old proverb and if you’d like to read more see here:-

http://www.usingenglish.com/forum/english-idioms-sayings/75182-slowly-slowly-catchy-monkey.html

Anyway, apart from applying this saying to my Dear Jane ;) it also seems I apply it to everything in my daily life, LOL…. because I seem to be slow with everything.

Okay, here is an example of my slowness. View right my completed (almost still waiting buttons) Tisket A Tasket block due February 2009…

I’m currently working on April, May and June’s blocks… getting there slowly ;)

Bye for now, hugs Elly

Books, Wips and Learning

2010-07-03T17:33:00.001+01:00

If you are just wanting quilty stuff please scroll down a bit ;))

I was visiting Heather’s blog and saw that she had read an incredible amount of books over the past year and I was in awe. The total sum of books I’ve completely read in the last year is one :- Alan Titchmarsh’s “Mr MacGregor”. I love Alan’s wit and this was a romance book with the usual route of romance books but a bit of horticulture thrown in and lots of humour. I’m just a slow reader. It had me ‘LOL –ing’ on quite a few occasions. Having listened and watched Alan on many occasions on TV in Gardeners World, etc., I could ‘hear’ his voice, a lovely soft Yorkshire accented voice, in my head, sort of reading it to me.

Here is the book I am currently wading through. It is written by Lori Smith “A Walk With Jane Austen” “A modern woman’s search for happiness, fulfilment and her very own Mr Darcy”

It’s classified as a ‘Memoir/Biography’ and is a very interesting read even if I only pick it up once in a while.

Now I am also listening to an audio book. Diana Gabaldon’s Drums of Autumn. It is the 4th in the series. I have actually read the first 3!

Now when I bought the first book “Cross Stitch” my DH scoffed and remarked that I would never read it all. Well I proved him wrong. Not only did I read it but also the next two in the series. I have the Drums of Autumn book but decided it would be a good one to listen to so bought the audio version. The book itself has 1185 pages. Audio is not such an easy option as it takes some practice to ‘listen’. I have frequently lost the plot (no funny remarks please, ;)) and had to go back to the beginning of a chapter to listen over again because the MP3 I have doesn’t let you go back a page or two. (DD keeps reminding me I should have bought an Ipod) Anyway, I find I can now ‘get lost’ in this audio book while doing the ironing or sitting hand sewing.

So there you go ;) my reading experiences. Sorry didn’t mean to write a book about it ;))

Now for some quilty stuff.. Here is what I have up on my little cork board design wall.

The Honeycomb Stars… a pattern in the June 2010 American Patchwork & Quilting. It is being made with Inklingo printed diamonds and hexagons and I’m hand piecing it.

The ‘thing’ in the top left hand corner which looks like a spider with one less leg..is my attempt at crocheting a flower ;))

The Canada sticker came on a pouffie from a buddette…;))

Below is another of my attempts. A try out of making and working with yarn from old t-shirts:-

It would make a good hotpad…. or if I felt inclined I could keep adding to it and eventually end up with a durable floor rug..

If you would like to try making t-shirt yarn go over to Lettie’s blog where she has made a tutorial for it. I love her blog you will be drooling..

Tutorials for doing the crocheting part you can find on YouTube. This is the one I watched by Bethintx1:-

She does some great tutorials for beginners if you are interested.

Well friends if you have made it thus far bravo! That’s it for now, speak to you again soon ;)

Happy Stitching… Elly

CLAMSHELL CLUB

2010-06-30T21:18:00.001+01:00

I’m afraid I haven’t got very far with this but then I started into late… yes I know excuses excuses, LOL…

Anyway, I have been doing a lot of thinking about this project and also a lot of un-sewing!! I got a block almost made when I changed my mind… well first I went wrong with the layout and had to frog stitch only to then be almost finished and decide I didn’t like it. >G< I had no idea where this was going to take me and I’ve pretty much still have no idea.. well a flickering of an idea is brewing. Fingers crossed.

Enough procrastinating, you don’t want to hear me rabbiting on. Here is a picture of the just completed this evening block… the only block so far… So some sort of progress ;)

I’ve added a couple of stronger fabrics into the mix as the all pastel just wasn’t doing it for me.

As you can see in the corner I have a few more to sew…. Hopefully, I’ll have a bit more to show next month ;)

Happy Stitching, Ellyx

Dear Jane’s M-9 Fan Dance alternative tutorial

2010-06-28T16:38:00.004+01:00

Okay, so we all know that there’s always more than one way to skin an orange (don’t want to offend any one ;)).
Here’s the way I did my M-9 without using paper piecing.
First lightly spray starch your print and background fabrics.
Then cut 3 strips from each fabric (Background and print)as follows:
3 backgrounds: 1 x 6"x 1+1/8" and 2 x 6”x 1+3/8ths" and the same for the print.
Lay them out as here:-

(with the narrower strip in the middles)
Then machine them together one set of 3 with background in the middle and the other set with print in the middle. Press your seams toward your print. then lay one strip on top of the other butting in the seams nicely together.

Straighten one narrow edge.

The width should be 2+3/4 inches but if it’s slightly bigger don’t worry you can square up later. If it’s smaller recheck your seam allowances.
Meanwhile whatever the width then cut at that figure… say it’s 2 +7/8ths then cut your squares that. And here are the squares set out.
You can breath a little now ;)

Then you need to cut these on the diagonals… as shown. It is important you follow the direction of the cuts… you want them to be going the right way. Lay them out like this… this is the fun bit.;)
Carefully stitch the halfsquare triangles together. Pin, Pin, Pin…making sure those seams are butted together and you stitch an even as possible scant 1/4 seam allowance.
This is how the should look on your pressing mat. Set the seam with your iron then trim the dog ears (see one on right)
before opening up and pressing again. They should all be pressed identically so the seam will go in the same direction. You can now trim those squares to 2 and 3/4 inches if larger. Just make sure to centre the ruler on the diagonal and in the centre of the middle strip.
Set them back in order of the pattern and sew them together as for a 4 patch. Making sure all the while that those seams are butted, including the diagonal ones. After the first pairing press seams so the go in the same direction as the diagonals,
When you come to join the last seam you want to put a pin in straight through the center cross to match the centre seams. See pictures below.
Again. Make sure all the seams are butted together including those diagonals. Then start sewing… as you are almost at the centre lengthen your stitch a little till you past the centre then reduce back down. Check from the front how it is laying, if you’re happy go back and stitch directy over those larger stitches with a smaller one.
If not re-stitch that center with smaller stitch then remove those larger stitches if you mess up first time ;)) and yes I did…and had tiny wee stitches to unpick which is why I suggest changing your stitch length up for the middle…
When you are happy press your seams going in same rotating direction… to do this you’ll need to unpick the seam allowance stitches in the middle. See my picture.
And this is it from the front.
I had to trim mine to square it up and make it the right size. The centre should be 4 1/4 inches.
Add your outer strips (I cut mine a little larger than needed 1 +1/8th inches) and courthouse stepped them to opposite sides. And here is my finished one:-
PHEW!!! That took some doing!! The Tutorial not the stitching.. LOL..
Happy Sewing
Ellyx
N.B. Update, just looking at this post and something has happened to some of my pictures. I hope this doesn't detract from the tutorial. I will try sort it later. Elly 10/16/2010

Instead of sewing today I’ve been…

2010-06-26T16:45:00.004+01:00

messing with my blog. I hope you like the new look ;)

The template design is from Cute N Cool Blog Stuff and the header I worked out in Paintshop Pro with a lot assistance from DH. That part was a lot of trial and error.

I have been sewing this past week. Here is another Dear Jane block I completed. J-3 Rick’s Volleyball Net I Hand appliquéd the center and then paper pieced the outer corners. Fabric is Colonies Brown II by Windham.

I’ve also been working on Gloria’s Quilt. I have sewn the blocks together for the top (left)and then decided to make a pieced backing (below right).

I have worked on my Clamshell project this past week though I’m not much further forward. It was a case of 3 seams forward and one back… in otherwords I did a lot of un-sewing with it. I’m not so sure I like the fabrics that I’ve chosen to work with..

That’s all for now, I hope you are having a wonderful weekend.

Happy Sewing, Hugs Elly

What I SHOULD be working….IS

2010-06-19T18:36:00.001+01:00

A quilt for my mother in law Gloria.

It needs 4 more blocks made. 2 of the simple 9 patch and two of the one with the stars and small 9 patches.

The blocks can then be joined, maybe a small border, layered and quilted, ready for Christmas.

BUT instead, a dear friend of mine, who is a sweetie and who knows who she is ;) Has enticed me into starting yet ANOTHER project not long after, I may add, after tempting me with ANOTHER project, which we will talk about another day :))

The second temptation is a clamshell project using the new Inklingo program. This led me to join the Clamshell Club see the button in the right hand column.

I have been working on it today, though I haven’t got very far… nothing new there ;)) No it isn’t sewn yet, this is as far as I’ve got. I then got stuck wondering where on earth I was going with it. LOL… It is set on a piece of Chocolate Moda Essential Dots which I bought for yet another WIP!! I thought I could use it with these soft pastels to make it a more ‘grown up’ whatever project. The pastels came in a bundle of FQs from The Quiltroom as the Fabric Club selection for this month. It is Flutterby Garden by Buggy Barn. I found on Quiltshops.com that there is a chocolate that may go with these. It’s in Buggy Barns ‘Sherbet’ range and has little pastel dots on it. I may have to buy it. :))

Anyway, that’s all for now.

Happy Quilting,

Hugs Ellyx

Dear Jane blocks done on holiday in Tenerife

2010-06-02T14:32:00.002+01:00

So sorry I’ve been a long time posting!! Finally I have a chance to post a few pictures of the Dear Jane blocks I made while I was away in sunny Tenerife.

Top right is H-4 Abbey’s Eye’s

Bottom left isL-10 Nan’s Naiad and bottom right is G-13 Molly’s Muffin

They were all hand pieced using Linda Franz method of freezer paper templates/hand piecing.

Before I got Linda’s DVD on hand piecing (which came with her Quilted Diamonds Combo and Jane Austen’s Writing Table Quilts combo the latter which is on sale at an unbelievable price!!! ) Anyway, where was I, oh yes… before seeing Linda’s demo on hand piecing I hadn’t a clue how to do it. However, after watching her fabulous DVD I am slowly with practice getting much better. I’ve a way to go with the curved piecing but I’m happy with the Nan’s Naiads which I think came out not to bad!

Well that’s me for now, I hope you all have a wonderful day.

Hugs Elly

DEAR JANE, E-5 RISING SUN

2010-03-31T22:18:00.001+01:00

Today I completed another Dear Jane block.

I wonder if I can prep another this week ;)

A big THANK YOU to Anina from the “That Quilt” blog (see button on right hand column) and, my buddette, Cyn for help on how to tackle this one.

This one I paper pieced on my Bernina and hand appliquéd with the assistance of one of the “Perfect Circles” a plastic circle templates.

That’s all for now, cheerie, Ellyx

Some Dear Jane blocks and a picture of my treadle :-D

2010-03-29T01:05:00.001+01:00

Not a lot of sewing going on these past couple of weeks since I’ve been research vintage machines and been away to collect on :) First a picture of what followed me home from Glasgow.

Here is the Singer 27 Treadle.

As you can see I have my work cut out for me. I’ve cleaned up the head a little but I need to find a new front plate. Then I need to wait for some warmer weather so I can refurbish the top and irons. but it is really lovely.

Last week I made one Dear Jane block. And here it is:-

F-5 Parcheesi - A combination of machine piecing and hand appliqué; and this week another :-D

B-4 Chris’s Soccer Field. Which I paper pieced using my Vintage Jones Family CS hand crank sewing machine. It makes a nice stitch :)

That’s it from me for now ; –D

Happy Stitching, Elly

A Couple More Dear Janes!! and some Antique machines .

2010-03-08T13:05:00.001Z

H-9 SNOWFKE

H-9 SNOWFLAKE MELT AND J-13 PAM’S BELLS

I also ‘acquired’ a ‘new to me’ 221K1 Singer Featherweight. Conceived 28th April 1952 Serial # EH 241222 :-D Alas, the motor didn’t appear to work so I have sent it off to a Gent in London Mr Graham Forsdyke who hopefully will be able to fix it. He has a great website here:- www.singer-featherweight.com(at least I hope this is the correct addy as I couldn’t check it out because my Mozilla is being a pain)

Anyway, he has absolutely LOOOOAAADSS of info on his website.

Oh and nearly forgot ;-D here is the new baby:-

and just for the crack here is one that I was totally obsessed about working on yesterday:-

It is a Jones CS handcrank Circa. sewing machine approx 1890s, that I ‘acquired’ there’s that word again ;) A couple years ago.

I had no idea how to thread the shuttle bobbin until yesterday. Many hours spent researching on the net and a cat lick of a clean and here it is. I even managed to wind thread on a bobbin pin and sew with it :)) so I’m a happy bunny. Oh what the ‘eck here’s another picture of the beautiful rose decals:-

Isn’t it gorgeous!!! It needs more work in the cleaning department and the wood work needs some TLC but hopefully this is a good start.

That’s me for now. It’s a gorgeous day to be outside so when DH gets himself dressed I think I’ll twist his arm to do some de-cluttering of the garage and clean the car. Both are in serious need of doing!!

Hugs Elly

A FINISH!!!! YIPPEEEE!!

2010-02-23T15:53:00.001Z

Yes folks, I really have finished something. Not very big and has been on the go since 2005!!! (though a lot of that time lurking in a pile of ufos :)) I have now finished it!! And without further to do here is the picture of it:-

This was a Project of the Month from 2003 on the Debbie Mumm website. Unfortunately, it is now longer there. Anyway, this in my version of it, a pink and beigie brown version. I was trying to get a ‘vintage’ feel to this. Snoopy dancing here at my finish!!! Now for my next ufo. DD has reminded me I haven’t yet finished her knitted monkey so may meddle with that a bit again. :))

Hasta luego, hugs Elly

Bits and Bobs :)

2010-02-16T14:40:00.002Z

Hi everyone, I’ve a few more odd blocks from this and that to show you. One of these days I may have a finished project to post, LOL, meanwhile I’ll show off what I have done :)

Here are a couple of Dear Jane blocks (well one block and one triangle) I am now up to 60 blocks and 7 triangles and one corner… so a long way to go yet :) but at least I’m back on the road with this one :-D

Also I’m back on track with the Inklingo Sampler blocks. This one is Barbara Brackmann #1961 and the one below is Flying Geese.

So that’s it for now. Oh I am working on a WIP and will post a picture of that once it’s completed.

That’s all for now hugs Elly

POTC block number 2 and Nearly Insane block for Inklingo Sampler and Tisket A Tasket

2010-01-30T00:36:00.002Z

Slowly getting into the new year :) Here are a couple of completed blocks from a couple of WIPs…

First one is a block from the Inklingo Sampler (see button in right side bar) Tilde posted with permission from the Nearly Insane quilt. I have this book but I’m not sure I want to make this block again :))

The next block to be completed is my second POTC block. A lot of procrastination and frog stitching in this one. So it’s taken longer than it should. This one is completely hand stitched unlike my first where I did Hybrid piecing, ie part machine and inset seams hand done.

Oh and one more block I nearly forgot about that I’ve done since new year is last year’s BOM Tisket A Tasket from Bunnyhill January’s block.

I have some more pictures to show but must get to the camera and take them :)) Meanwhile that’s all from me for now :)

Happy Quilting, Elly

PASSACAGLIA GIVE AWAY

2009-12-24T16:41:00.003Z

OH WOW!!!

Linda and Tilde are collaborating in a Give Away in celebration of Tilde’s fantastic free Passacaglia Table Runner Pattern and in celebration of Christmas and the New Year.

You could WIN a fabulous PRIZE of fabric! 0.75 yards of the two fabrics Tilde used to make her blocks. It is more than enough for 4 blocks for the gorgeous Passacaglia Table Runner, even with fussy cutting, à la Lucy Boston. How cool is that?

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE AND BUN

2009-12-22T21:18:00.001Z

Just want to wish everyone and bunny a very HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A GREAT NEW YEAR!!!

Here is a photo taken last week of my little Lion Head Bunny,Princess Penelope, wearing a knitted Santa hat which I made a couple of years ago.

WISHING YOU ALL THE VERY BEST,

HUGS ELLY.

My Friend Elaine is having a GIVE AWAY

2009-11-22T01:07:00.001Z

Quick go take a look at Elaine’s blog and enter her Thanksgiving (Quilting) Give-A Way!

While you’re there take a look at the wonderful photos and journal of her cruise to Canada…. you will drool!

The draw will be on Thanksgiving Day 26th November.

MORE LITTLE BLOCKS

2009-11-08T11:39:00.003Z

The first one is a Dear Jane block D-3 Jason’s Jacks.

The next 2 are from the Inklingo Sampler and have been made using the Inklingo collections 1 and 2.

A couple of wips bite the dust :)

2009-11-08T11:27:00.001Z

Here are a couple little projects just finished. The one block Mariner’s Compass is the result of a workshop I attended a few months back. I decided to kill two birds with one stone and make it into the small wall hanging my DS asked for to hang up in his abode. The initials stand for Fort Lewis…

The second little hanging is a small challenge for the end of year exhibition of works of the workshop I got to once a month. The challenge is either Silver and Gold OR Herring and Whisky. In honour of Scotland’s year of the Homecoming this year. Anyway, I decided to do the whole lot. I have used the Tumbler Collection from Inklingo to do the tumbler block background and fish body and appliquéd the head, fin and tail which are slightly stuffed. I used a bead for the eye and did both stitch in the ditch straight machine quilting and a little free machine quilting for the bubbles and body scales on the fish. It looks a bit lop sided in the photo but it is in reality square. Honest :)))

Hugs Elly

More sampler blocks done

2009-10-18T13:50:00.001+01:00

This past week I’ve been busy trying to catch up on a few things. I know it’s a pipe dream but one day I’ll be totally caught up with all my WIPs, LOL… okay I can dream right?

Anyway, I thought you may like to see a few pictures of what I’ve been up to so here are a couple of blocks to share. 2 Inklingo blocks. One 6 inch square and the other a hexagon.

Also!!! For the first time in a long time I made a Dear Jane block! Bringing my number of blocks to 55, still with 6 triangles and 1 corner done. Here is my newly made block for you to see.

Right! Now I’m going back to the Bonnie Hunter mystery quilt that I’m trying to get caught up on before the final instalment is out in the next Quilt Maker magazine. So off to do a heap of chain piecing :)) Have a lovely Sunday.

Hugs

Elly

INKLINGO SAMPLER

2009-10-09T21:53:00.003+01:00

Here are three more blocks that I’ve completed over the past week. They will go into 3 different quilts.

I have completed another hexagon today and have another of the ‘odd’ size blocks ready for piecing. This weekend, however, I’m hoping to work on my Basket Case Quilters blocks :) and catch up with those.

Last weekend I completed another of the Sunbonnet Sue blocks. Here she is, she is September’s Sue.

SUNBONNET SUE

2009-09-15T15:38:00.002+01:00

I finally got to finish January’s Sunbonnet Sue last night…. however, I may still add a little embroidery to the ‘stick arms’ we’ll see.Anyway,here is a picture of it :))

INKLINGO SAMPLER

2009-09-14T23:06:00.006+01:00

Here are my hexagon Inklingo sampler blocks so far.

I’m loving doing these, they are a lot easier than they look, seriously!

I also made another regular shape block last week. Here it is :-

This is a Dutchman’s Puzzle variation. Those flying geese are so easy and quick with Inklingo.

OOOpsy, I’ve missed posting a block… another of the Inklingo sampler blocks and here it is:-

Finally something that’s not part of the Sampler but Inklingo related is my very first POTC (Patchwork of the Crosses from the quilt made by Lucy Boston) Made so easy using the Inklingo collection for this quilt. No templates to make, just print the sewing lines on the back of the fabric, cut out and sew. Easy Peasey lemon squeezy!! Here it is:-

The centre was fussy cut to give the kaleidoscope look. To select the part of a fabric that will give a good kaleidoscope look I use a couple of small mirrors and place them at right angles on the fabric in various spots. When I find a look I like then I check to see if there are 4 repeats of that spot to use.

INKLINGO SAMPLER

2009-08-29T00:01:00.004+01:00

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Just experimenting with my new laptop which has Vista installed. It has this facility to write to my blog from my desktop.

Here are the latest 4 of the Inklingo Sampler blocks that I’ve done over the past few weeks. I still have a few of the bonus blocks to do but will get to them soon. :)

KKQ 2009 EXHIBITION

2009-08-16T14:39:00.004+01:00

Here is a picture of the gallery where my house group are currently holding an exhibition of our works.

More pictures can be found on my photobucket album.

Sunbonnet Sue

2009-08-16T11:42:00.003+01:00

I have been doing some sewing... honestly :)) Here are a couple of Sunbonnet blocks I've been working, if somewhat slowly. These are two blocks from a BOM that started way back in January and these are August and July. January to June are yet to be completed...I mean started :)) Anyway, I'm happy with these two cheery blocks so they are a good incentive to get to the others. I'm going to work backwards to catch up(once I've completed January's which I've already started (way back in January) but not finished :))

ELAINE'S STIMULUS PACKAGE GIVE AWAY

2009-08-05T15:38:00.004+01:00

Do you remember a couple posts back I mentioned Elaine's Stimulus Package Give Away? Well I was the very lucky person to win it!! And today the posty man delivered the surprise!! I am totally SPEECHLESS!! Elaine you have been OH SO very generous with your wonderful gift. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH MY DEAR FRIEND! :-D

And to all who are wondering what was in the wonderful package here are a couple of pictures..... yes I had to take 2 pictures as I couldn't get them all in the one shot :))

How fabulous is this package? I LOVE everything in it!!

INKLINGO SAMPLER, WEEK 4 - SHOOFLY

2009-07-25T01:00:00.006+01:00

Here are my blocks for the Inklingo Sampler blogspot. I'm really enjoying working with these 30s fabrics. They are so sweet.

I HAVE A FINISH!!! MY KKQ APPLIQUE ROUND ROBIN

2009-07-23T18:45:00.003+01:00

Yeah!!! At long last I have completed something!! My applique round robin from my house group's challenge of last year. I am so happy!!! I now have a couple more items to get done and dusted for our exhibition which is in 2 weeks!! Fingers crossed I can get them done... I apologise for the rubbish photo but when I tried to get another I got a message up to say the card was locked??? So will have to wait for hubby to get up to find out what that's all about..

ELAINE'S STIMULUS PACKAGE GIVE AWAY

2009-07-22T11:35:00.005+01:00

Good morning all, if any of you are in need of stimulation then dash on over to Elaine's blog and enter her 'Stimulus Package' GIVE AWAY which she is holding to celebrate her 45th blog entry♠.

Hurry as the draw is on Monday, 27th July.

Week 3 INKLINGO SAMPLER

2009-07-17T14:22:00.007+01:00

Here is my version of the 3rd week of the Inklingo Sampler.

Now I need some advice. Do I go with the bleached muslin, as in this picture, for the background OR choose to use a co-ordinating solid?? to go with these 30s fabrics? As I did with the 9 patch below??

Hugs

Elly

I still have week one to complete and the bonus blocks to do.

NEW INKLINGO SAMPLER

2009-07-13T17:20:00.006+01:00

Take a look over on the Inklingo Sampler Blog where Tilde is making a new sampler using Inklingo. Here is my first block.

I am making mine using 30s fabrics. Here I've chosen to use a plain 30s yellow as my background for this block but I'm thinking maybe doing the others with a bleached muslin. Jury is still out. Meanwhile I will be making the next block with the muslin since it is already printed out. What do you think?? If I were to use a 30s solid for each block it would be a different solid for each block to go with the focus fabric being used.... decisions, decisions.

Holiday to Spain to visit Mum

2009-06-28T11:02:00.010+01:00

Sorry folks it's been awhile since I last posted anything. Here is a picture of me and my mum sat on a wall adjacent to the beach at Fuengirola on the Costa Del Sol in Spain... (do I really look that big?? surely the camera lies!!)

My mum is 77 (78 in October) and is looking really well in this picture.

I saw these pretty houses in my mum's town that I just had to have a picture of with thoughts of making a quilt one day, LOL. Pity the wall, road sign and lamp post got in the way.. very inconsiderate of them. There's another pale blue house on the left out of this shot.

Here's a 'breakfastcumlunch' Neil was eating when we went out one midday for eats. Snails!! ickity ick!! I'm sorry but I know you shouldn't judge something without first trying them but I draw the line at this things!! Neil enjoyed them (least wise he enjoyed making me squirm) I had a rather large plate of potatoes and chorizo which was lovely but way to much. I got help from Neil and my mum to finish it. DOH! should of taken a picture of it... oh well I'll make it one day especially to take a picture :)

Here's a picture of a traditional Spanish breakfast. Churros and coffee... the pastries in the background were yummy too. Do you see the sugar

shaker? Well I bought it at a hypermarket thinking it was for pouring salad dressing.... DUH!! if only I'd read the label :)) anyhow it did well with sugar.

Well that's it for now... I will decide on some pictures to post later. Nothing much in the sewing line though I did work on something while I was away but never finished anything to post a picture of. I hope to soon :))