A cautionary tale

I'd been to a very instructive workshop given by Philippa Naylor on applique and decided to try and redo some of the samples we'd made.  I drew out the design onto fusible interface and ironed the interface onto the back of my fabric ready to cut out.  When I looked down my design had completely disappeared!!!   I had picked up the first pen (Philippa said pen worked better than pencil on copying designs onto iron on interface) I came to.   It was a Frixxon pen which I had completely forgot disappears with heat... durrh.

Here's |Philippa showing how to turn a narrow rouleau strip the easy way.   I was very impressed with the technique which I am sure is not new to many of you.   Before you start to sew the strip you pull out both top and bottom threads to a length longer than the strip you want.   Then right side facing up start to sew 2 or 3 stitches only at the mid point at the top of your strip.  It's very important that you stitch these threads into the middle of your piece.  Then fold the strip lengthwise with the right side inside, sew down the seam.   Trim the seam allowance and holding the tube at the top end where you sewed the threads, gently pull the thread tails and your tube will turn inside out smoothly.  I managed to sew a quarter in tube and was really proud of myself.

I mentioned last time that I was going to the Knitting and Stitching show in Harrogate.  Well I really enjoyed myself there but didn't take any photos as I was too busying looking.   The exhibition devoted to Beryl Dean was outstanding, just wish I could sew a faction as well.  I was dazzled by all that goldwork.

Keith bought me my Christmas presents there, I was hoping for an IPad2 but I think I'll have to save my pocket money for that.   I know I'm getting a lovely new lightbox and one of the new long rotary blade sharpeners and several books.   I bought lots of lovely Oakshott fat quarters for Philippa's workshop then never used them so I'll have to think of something else to do with them, ah decisions, decisions.

I've spent the last few days putting the final touches to Christmas presents and as my dil informed me she was looking forward to her's as she'd read my blog I am not putting up a photo until later.   Bought some beaded bauble kits at the show, all I have to do now is work out how to make them up.

I have finished my Christmas sampler, just half an hour ago, and here it is.

It was my nephew's 21st last Sunday and the family gathered to celebrate.  His mother put on a tea for him which we all thoroughly enjoyed.  

My sister Lesley and my nephew Chris.

Catch Up

Although I have been working hard I haven't been able to post photos because most of what I've been doing are Christmas presents and I know the recipients check my blog occasionally.  However my pre-granddaughter does not so here is something I've made over the weekend for her.

It's a small back cushion which I thought, being pregnant, she might appreciate later on.  The buttons on the back Keith made so its a combined effort.  I used my Accuquilt cutters to cut the basic shapes but the sizes were really too large onced I'd made up the blocks so I cut a piece out of each one so now the roof is a slightly different shape.  I doubt Siobhan will notice though.  Just hope she likes the colours as to my mind they are a bit dull however she likes browns, mustards and neutrals so hopefully it will be okay.

Matty came down to show us the 'scan' photo of our new great grandchild.  To me it looked like a peanut but they are both really happy and I ended up laminating it for them.

Keith too is busy making wooden presents which he hopes to put inside wooden crackers but I think he's being a bit ambitious as he likes to take his time and do a good job. 

I'm off to Harrogate on Thursday to the Knitting and Stitching show.  Don't have a long list of 'needs or wants' but I'm sure I'll be tempted.   My friend sent me a book on Beryl Dean's work which she bought when the K&S show was at Ally Pally and I'm looking forward to seeing her work.

Norfolk Noel

We've just got back from Great Yarmouth where we spent a pleasant couple of days.  The hotel was facing the seafront and the weather was sunny if a bit windy.

We stayed at the Imperal Hotel a short walk from the town.

View from our bedroom window

It's over 30 years since I was last in Great Yarmouth and the thing I remember the best are the sand dunes and the sea being a long way off.



Best of all from our window was the rising of the sun, it was very similar at sunset but I had to open the windows wide and hang out to get a picture without showing the window frame.

 Another longstanding memory of Norfolk in general is the quartz stone walls.

Very pretty but I'm not sure what they would do to the skin if you fell against them.  See how they've been used in patterns along the bottom of the church.

Our main intention in going to Norfolk was to see the Christmas Spectacular in Thursford (hence the title).  We had heard about this show from various sources all praising it.  We arrived in darkness and the lights were at their best.   From outside the Fantasy Land building, where we were entertained by a 4D short film to the 140 ft stage in the main building the lighting was spectacular.



This waterfall of lights was constantly moving and was much better than my photo depicts.



The main 140' main stage (this was taken at the interval so there are lots of people wandering around) the ceiling and stage decorations change according to the scene and music.

I don't want to say much more as some of my friends are going to see the show.

November already

Thought I'd share my recycling projects with you.  I used a pair of old jeans and a remnant of curtain fabric to make these.

A couple of totes for the charity shop, a lunch bag for a family Xmas present, no names in case they read this blog.   And a couple of shopping list wallets.

The bag has yet to have its beads added along the tendrils.  Its the Poppy Bag from Quilters World magazine, February 2011 if anyone wants to make one for themselves.  The pattern called for wool but I used a pair of old jeans and added the applique felt poppy.   I'm quite pleased with it and might make another one for myself later.

A tutorial for these wallets can be found here I thought they would make good shopping wallets where you have a notebook and places to put your loyalty cards and money off vouchers.  I always misplace my vouchers and then find them when they are out of date.   You could use them for anything.  Again I made mine from a piece of the old jeans and added a crazy patchwork puzzle piece I'd had lying around for some time.  I didn't make the puzzle piece, it was part of a swap I took part in ages ago.  The front of the second wallet (open one) has a swirl cut out of the curtain remnant with the Big Shot and bonded onto the front.  As you can see the lining is also from the curtain.

Next job is to try and make a Domina Chix, I've been looking round for some shiney black fabric but couldn't find anything I liked so I'm now going to bond a bin liner to cotton and see what happens.