Hello My Deer
A few months ago, a friend, Hayley, mentioned that she was booking herself onto a willow weaving course - weaving animals - I thought it sounded fun so asked if I could join her
[note to self, find out more before you sign up for stuff with Hayley in future]
We set off yesterday at 8am (!!!!) I brought a coffee with me but the travel mug leaked, so no coffee to wake me up. By 10am we were at a little garden centre outside Tunbridge Wells - walking 1/4 mile or so down a hill to collect 3 metre hazel saplings which had already been cut down. We then had to drag 4 each back up the hill. and shove the ends into the very soggy ground, At least at this point we were rewarded with coffee!
Martin, the tutor then 'just' curved the tops of two of them and magically created the hind legs of a deer
More and more hazel branches were added, with willow and dogwood
Until (now photographed from the other side) Hazel was starting to look finished!
There were four of us on the course, and each deer developed a definite personality. Hazel was nosey, looking off to the right, while Sylvia's was checking for danger, looking over her right shoulder, and Alex's had heard something, and was looking off to the left.
Hayley's was looking more forward, ears back, listening for something
By the time we finished, and starting thinking about loading them into the car it was getting dark. We hadn't really considered the problems of getting two 6 foot plus antlered deer into a family saloon car - we had to leave the legs sticking a bit out
Hayley - I wasn't expecting to go hill climbing, or to work outside all day, or to make a deer, or to make something even half as bit as this - but nor was I expecting to have such a great time - so yes I have forgiven you, thank you so much, and what can we do next???
[note to self, find out more before you sign up for stuff with Hayley in future]
We set off yesterday at 8am (!!!!) I brought a coffee with me but the travel mug leaked, so no coffee to wake me up. By 10am we were at a little garden centre outside Tunbridge Wells - walking 1/4 mile or so down a hill to collect 3 metre hazel saplings which had already been cut down. We then had to drag 4 each back up the hill. and shove the ends into the very soggy ground, At least at this point we were rewarded with coffee!
Martin, the tutor then 'just' curved the tops of two of them and magically created the hind legs of a deer
More and more hazel branches were added, with willow and dogwood
Until (now photographed from the other side) Hazel was starting to look finished!
There were four of us on the course, and each deer developed a definite personality. Hazel was nosey, looking off to the right, while Sylvia's was checking for danger, looking over her right shoulder, and Alex's had heard something, and was looking off to the left.
Hayley's was looking more forward, ears back, listening for something
By the time we finished, and starting thinking about loading them into the car it was getting dark. We hadn't really considered the problems of getting two 6 foot plus antlered deer into a family saloon car - we had to leave the legs sticking a bit out
Santa's Sacks Sorted
A photo of three more items finished from the lit
And Chloe's sack was also finished, but I guess I didn't take a photo of that. Carol's place mats have been started: the monogrammed centres have been embroidered. But there are more new costumer orders that have snuck their way onto the list too - such is life!
Long List in the Sewing Sweat Shop
In the sweat shop that used to be my sewing sanctuary ... I have been working hard.
I have embroidered names onto three dressing gowns, and names onto four fleece blankets. I have designed and stitched a sample badge for the local scout pack who, next year, celebrate 90 years of scouting in the village.
I have taken deliver of old covers for 14 caravan cushions, and a roll of upholstery fabric, and have been sent a dozen photos to magic into a cushion for a friend to give to her sister.
Also, I've been asked to alter an Angel wall hanging that was made for the crib at church, Janet made this fab hanging, but one of the clergy feels there should be just one significant star.
Which looks best - the echo lines to the right of the star? Or the radiant lines to the left?
And I have been practising says "I'd love to, but I'm afraid I cant" - do you reckon I'll be able to say it to the next person who asks?
I have embroidered names onto three dressing gowns, and names onto four fleece blankets. I have designed and stitched a sample badge for the local scout pack who, next year, celebrate 90 years of scouting in the village.
I have taken deliver of old covers for 14 caravan cushions, and a roll of upholstery fabric, and have been sent a dozen photos to magic into a cushion for a friend to give to her sister.
Also, I've been asked to alter an Angel wall hanging that was made for the crib at church, Janet made this fab hanging, but one of the clergy feels there should be just one significant star.
I think the other three do balance the quilt, and they will be difficult to remove or disguise without looking as if we had done that, so I'm going to increase the significance of the one big star, and hope that the compromise is acceptable to all parties!
And I have been practising says "I'd love to, but I'm afraid I cant" - do you reckon I'll be able to say it to the next person who asks?
What A Wednesday
The day started cold and grey (8am! no not the sun, just a street lamp!)
and didn't really improve much, so after I'd worked the morning, I came home and stitched, and trimmed, and stitched, and pressed . . .
I added the borders to the placemats
I pieced backs for the placemats
I stitched, and turned, and quilted 7 placemats
And then I got fed up, and went and watched TV and hand stitched the base of this Christmas tree closed.
The tree was made for me by Jackie, two years ago
(cut 4 tree shapes, stitch together (rst) in pairs, leaving open at base, turn, lay one on top of the other, stitch from top to bottom, 'decorate', stuff, slip stitch base closed - ta da!)
And it was decorated in Australia last year with Indi and Marley choosing the decorations and telling me where to sew them
I was asked today if I could replace a zip in some trousers - and - (are you proud of me?) - I managed to say "I'd love to, but I'm afraid I cant". It didn't take much will power, as I actually *can't* do zips, but at least I said it!
and didn't really improve much, so after I'd worked the morning, I came home and stitched, and trimmed, and stitched, and pressed . . .
I added the borders to the placemats
I pieced backs for the placemats
I stitched, and turned, and quilted 7 placemats
And then I got fed up, and went and watched TV and hand stitched the base of this Christmas tree closed.
The tree was made for me by Jackie, two years ago
(cut 4 tree shapes, stitch together (rst) in pairs, leaving open at base, turn, lay one on top of the other, stitch from top to bottom, 'decorate', stuff, slip stitch base closed - ta da!)
And it was decorated in Australia last year with Indi and Marley choosing the decorations and telling me where to sew them
I was asked today if I could replace a zip in some trousers - and - (are you proud of me?) - I managed to say "I'd love to, but I'm afraid I cant". It didn't take much will power, as I actually *can't* do zips, but at least I said it!
Looooong Term Project
I would hate to guess how many years (decades?) I've had this Christmas embroidery. It comes out each Christmas with the decorations, and it goes away each January, with a few more stitches.
It will be lovely when it's done, I just hope no one is holding their breath!
(No it's not on the list!)
(No it's not on the list!)
Saturday Sewing
I wont achieve as much sewing as I could have managed today, as instead I took full advantage of the first day in *months* that I haven't had to set the alarm, so I enjoyed a very lazy morning.
Then I got to panicking about "the list" so started on some sewing.
* FINISHED Scarves for Liam and Harry
I stitched these in a dark green as these scarves as going to the girls' boyfriends - they are intentionally low contrast
* FINISHED Increase star on Angel Wallhanging
* FINISHED 5 x flannels for Beth
* FINISH Santa Sack for Casper
YAY! The list is looking better :-)
THE LIST
For when Dave & Liz's baby arrives
* FINISH I-Spy Quilt
For Christmas
* FINISH Napkins for Anna
* START 2 Pairs of Patchwork boots
* START cushion for Sam
* START Wrap for Terri
* FINISH 12 place mats for Carol
After Christmas
* START Jacket for Jamie
* START Embroider Anisa's name onto a quilt
* START Nicky's Book Block (Out of Africa)
* START Janine's Butterfly block (Out of Africa)
* START Sana's Home is where the heart is block (Out of Africa)
* START Simone's caravan cushions
* FOR ME Christmas Tree by Candlelight wall hanging
Then I got to panicking about "the list" so started on some sewing.
* FINISHED Scarves for Liam and Harry
I stitched these in a dark green as these scarves as going to the girls' boyfriends - they are intentionally low contrast
* FINISHED Increase star on Angel Wallhanging
Now in the Nativity crib at church
* FINISHED 5 x flannels for Beth
* FINISH Santa Sack for Casper
YAY! The list is looking better :-)
THE LIST
For when Dave & Liz's baby arrives
* FINISH I-Spy Quilt
For Christmas
* FINISH Napkins for Anna
* START 2 Pairs of Patchwork boots
* START cushion for Sam
* START Wrap for Terri
* FINISH 12 place mats for Carol
After Christmas
* START Jacket for Jamie
* START Embroider Anisa's name onto a quilt
* START Nicky's Book Block (Out of Africa)
* START Janine's Butterfly block (Out of Africa)
* START Sana's Home is where the heart is block (Out of Africa)
* START Simone's caravan cushions
* FOR ME Christmas Tree by Candlelight wall hanging
Polaroid 9 Patch, and Placemats
Another day, another two projects off The List
A friend asked for a cushion for her sister, with pictures of the sister's young son. She sent me loads of pictures and I couldn't decide on just a few to use. I've seen lots of Polaroid blocks recently and thought they would be a great idea to use lots of the photos.
I used Little Miss Shabby's pictures for my inspiration, and made this today.
* FINISHED cushion for Sam
The placemats have now been completed, all 12 of them. Lisa will deliver them to her friend's mum on Tuesday, so they have been ticked off
* FINISHED 12 place mats for Carol
THE LIST
For when Dave & Liz's baby arrives
* FINISH I-Spy Quilt
For Christmas
* FINISH Napkins for Anna
* START 2 Pairs of Patchwork boots * START Wrap for Terri
After Christmas
* START Jacket for Jamie
* START Embroider Anisa's name onto a quilt
* START Nicky's Book Block (Out of Africa)
* START Janine's Butterfly block (Out of Africa)
* START Sana's Home is where the heart is block (Out of Africa)
* START Simone's caravan cushions
* FOR ME Christmas Tree by Candlelight wall hanging
A friend asked for a cushion for her sister, with pictures of the sister's young son. She sent me loads of pictures and I couldn't decide on just a few to use. I've seen lots of Polaroid blocks recently and thought they would be a great idea to use lots of the photos.
I used Little Miss Shabby's pictures for my inspiration, and made this today.
* FINISHED cushion for Sam
The placemats have now been completed, all 12 of them. Lisa will deliver them to her friend's mum on Tuesday, so they have been ticked off
* FINISHED 12 place mats for Carol
THE LIST
For when Dave & Liz's baby arrives
* FINISH I-Spy Quilt
For Christmas
* FINISH Napkins for Anna
* START 2 Pairs of Patchwork boots * START Wrap for Terri
After Christmas
* START Jacket for Jamie
* START Embroider Anisa's name onto a quilt
* START Nicky's Book Block (Out of Africa)
* START Janine's Butterfly block (Out of Africa)
* START Sana's Home is where the heart is block (Out of Africa)
* START Simone's caravan cushions
* FOR ME Christmas Tree by Candlelight wall hanging
Nearly Finished
Well, thank you to all my cheerleaders, I think I'm nearly done now:
I wasn't looking forward to doing these: They all needed to be hooped in pretty much the same place to make all the embroideries appear in the same place.
Usually I hoop the item to be embroidered, but instead I hooped some sticky stuff, so that could stay in the hoop and I could stick the napkins to it.
I then drew a line to mark the placement of the napkin corner
And carefully lined up each napkin along the line
And stitched
Each embroidery took a chunk out of the sticky stabiliser which is why that looks at bit patchwork, but it all worked out fine, phew!
* FINISH Napkins for Anna
Just a few projects to go
THE LIST
For when Dave & Liz's baby arrives
* FINISH I-Spy Quilt
For Christmas
* START 2 Pairs of Patchwork boots
* START Wrap for Terri
After Christmas
* START Jacket for Jamie
* START Embroider Anisa's name onto a quilt
* START Nicky's Book Block (Out of Africa)
* START Janine's Butterfly block (Out of Africa)
* START Sana's Home is where the heart is block (Out of Africa)
* START Simone's caravan cushions
* FOR ME Christmas Tree by Candlelight wall hanging
I wasn't looking forward to doing these: They all needed to be hooped in pretty much the same place to make all the embroideries appear in the same place.
Usually I hoop the item to be embroidered, but instead I hooped some sticky stuff, so that could stay in the hoop and I could stick the napkins to it.
I then drew a line to mark the placement of the napkin corner
And carefully lined up each napkin along the line
And stitched
Each embroidery took a chunk out of the sticky stabiliser which is why that looks at bit patchwork, but it all worked out fine, phew!
* FINISH Napkins for Anna
Just a few projects to go
THE LIST
For when Dave & Liz's baby arrives
* FINISH I-Spy Quilt
For Christmas
* START 2 Pairs of Patchwork boots
* START Wrap for Terri
After Christmas
* START Jacket for Jamie
* START Embroider Anisa's name onto a quilt
* START Nicky's Book Block (Out of Africa)
* START Janine's Butterfly block (Out of Africa)
* START Sana's Home is where the heart is block (Out of Africa)
* START Simone's caravan cushions
* FOR ME Christmas Tree by Candlelight wall hanging
Oh Cobblers
I never signed up for cobbling, and I don't think I'd pass the entrance exam, but after the pair of books I made for myself
I thought I'd keep going.
I have made a pair for God Daughter's Christmas present,
And then a teacher at school asked for a pair too
Making them involved a bit of Heath Robinson thinking: The only clear space to set up the Bernina was a bit high for using the foot pedal. And the machine then had to go on a stool to give enough room to move the boot around, So I stood at the desk to make them.
I think they worked OK
I thought I'd keep going.
I have made a pair for God Daughter's Christmas present,
And then a teacher at school asked for a pair too
Making them involved a bit of Heath Robinson thinking: The only clear space to set up the Bernina was a bit high for using the foot pedal. And the machine then had to go on a stool to give enough room to move the boot around, So I stood at the desk to make them.
I think they worked OK
Christmas Goodies
I hope you all had a lovely Christmas, and were spoilt by Santa, and those who love you - I was :-)
I received a lovely beaded Christmas tree decoration from the very talented Amo who blogs at View From Our Hill, and, just behind in the photo, a green fabric star from the very lovely Plum
The very talented, (and only 12 years old) niece, who uses the on-line name of Roxy Flame (and blogs here and here,) cut me a bundle of blue fabrics ready to be patchworked, and made her Uncle Brian a Socktapus for cleaning the car windows
My lovely mummy got together with the daughters and did a stocking for me - including these fab stripy fabrics
My BFF, Jackie did far better than me - her pressie from me has been made, but is still waiting to go to the post office, so I cant even show it here as I know she'll see it. She made me this lovely zipped pouch (please Jackie can you teach me how to do zips x x x) and I don't know how clear the necklace is in this photo - but between the beads are bobbins filled with bright coloured thread - how awesome is that?
I was a very spoilt girl, so I promise not to show you all the pressies I got, but these final few need to be shared -
Younger daughter, Niki, got me these super earrings - real Forget-me-nots set in resin, I LOVE forget-me-nots
and Older daughter, Lisa, got me the top purse here (I do love things with writing on) while the lovely Annabelle (who blogs here) sent me the pouch in the bottom of this photo
I received a lovely beaded Christmas tree decoration from the very talented Amo who blogs at View From Our Hill, and, just behind in the photo, a green fabric star from the very lovely Plum
The very talented, (and only 12 years old) niece, who uses the on-line name of Roxy Flame (and blogs here and here,) cut me a bundle of blue fabrics ready to be patchworked, and made her Uncle Brian a Socktapus for cleaning the car windows
My lovely mummy got together with the daughters and did a stocking for me - including these fab stripy fabrics
My BFF, Jackie did far better than me - her pressie from me has been made, but is still waiting to go to the post office, so I cant even show it here as I know she'll see it. She made me this lovely zipped pouch (please Jackie can you teach me how to do zips x x x) and I don't know how clear the necklace is in this photo - but between the beads are bobbins filled with bright coloured thread - how awesome is that?
I was a very spoilt girl, so I promise not to show you all the pressies I got, but these final few need to be shared -
Younger daughter, Niki, got me these super earrings - real Forget-me-nots set in resin, I LOVE forget-me-nots
and Older daughter, Lisa, got me the top purse here (I do love things with writing on) while the lovely Annabelle (who blogs here) sent me the pouch in the bottom of this photo
Thank you all very much :-)
Post Christmas Post
Gosh Christmas seemed to be spread over many days, but it also already seems along time ago. Now the family are all back in their normal places, the bin men have emptied the over flowing bins, and the stuff that was shoved into the sewing room to make room elsewhere has been returned to its normal place, and I can get back in!
I did manage the finishes on "The List":
Anisa's quilt got named
Terri's scarf got written on and finished
(although the poem is a family joke, I also stitched it as an infinity scarf, so she can wear it in public:)
I also wanted to share some other making: These hearts are traditional Norwegian (maybe Scandinavian in general) Christmas decorations. They are woven, usual paper or card, but woven in 3D to make a small basket (see this site for instructions) The more intricate one below was sent to me by my great aunt, the more basic one was made with felt rather than card.
But I saw a few variations on Pinterest, and these appealed to be as a patchworker: I had great fun making some more. [Note to self - red and white card needed!!!]
THE LIST
FINISHED: * Harry's I-Spy Quilt
FINISHED * 2 Pairs of Patchwork boots
FINISHED * Wrap for Terri
FINISHED * Anisa's name onto a quilt
After Christmas
* START Jacket for Jamie
* START Nicky's Book Block (Out of Africa)
* START Janine's Butterfly block (Out of Africa)
* START Sana's Home is where the heart is block (Out of Africa)
* START Simone's caravan cushions
* FOR ME Christmas Tree by Candlelight wall hanging
I did manage the finishes on "The List":
Anisa's quilt got named
Terri's scarf got written on and finished
(although the poem is a family joke, I also stitched it as an infinity scarf, so she can wear it in public:)
I also wanted to share some other making: These hearts are traditional Norwegian (maybe Scandinavian in general) Christmas decorations. They are woven, usual paper or card, but woven in 3D to make a small basket (see this site for instructions) The more intricate one below was sent to me by my great aunt, the more basic one was made with felt rather than card.
But I saw a few variations on Pinterest, and these appealed to be as a patchworker: I had great fun making some more. [Note to self - red and white card needed!!!]
THE LIST
FINISHED: * Harry's I-Spy Quilt
FINISHED * 2 Pairs of Patchwork boots
FINISHED * Wrap for Terri
FINISHED * Anisa's name onto a quilt
After Christmas
* START Jacket for Jamie
* START Nicky's Book Block (Out of Africa)
* START Janine's Butterfly block (Out of Africa)
* START Sana's Home is where the heart is block (Out of Africa)
* START Simone's caravan cushions
* FOR ME Christmas Tree by Candlelight wall hanging
PS
What can be better than spending an afternoon sorting fabric while listening to, and half watching Mama Mia!
Picture fabrics including fabric / sewing themed
Spotty fabrics and fabrics with writing on
Striped fabrics, and plain / mottled fabrics
I confess I found some that I had forgotten about, and there was some stroking as well as folding!
Hope you are enjoying not being at work
Picture fabrics including fabric / sewing themed
Spotty fabrics and fabrics with writing on
Striped fabrics, and plain / mottled fabrics
I confess I found some that I had forgotten about, and there was some stroking as well as folding!
Hope you are enjoying not being at work
Happy Hexies
I've got a couple of hand sewing projects on the go for while I'm watching TV, so I thought I'd show you the progress on the larger one:
I actually thought ahead for this project, and drew out the design, and made some partial flowers so I could square off the edges without wasting fabric. But I didn't think it all the way through - I have nothing left for borders or binding, so it will be the size it finishes at! (It will be about 36" wide)
One of the students at Chertsey Museum, Kay, makes dolls house items: 1/12th scale, 1/24th scale, and even 1/144th scale!!!
She has lent me a book. My next project involves tracing and cutting hexies that only measure 1cm top to bottom - watch this space!
I actually thought ahead for this project, and drew out the design, and made some partial flowers so I could square off the edges without wasting fabric. But I didn't think it all the way through - I have nothing left for borders or binding, so it will be the size it finishes at! (It will be about 36" wide)
One of the students at Chertsey Museum, Kay, makes dolls house items: 1/12th scale, 1/24th scale, and even 1/144th scale!!!
She has lent me a book. My next project involves tracing and cutting hexies that only measure 1cm top to bottom - watch this space!
