Shoe bag

I have been meaning to put together a bag for my work shoes for some time and managed to sew one up today. I found the pattern on the internet and found it difficult to interpret the instructions. After a few incorrect seams and a lot of unpicking I realised where I went wrong. Here are some pics:

The zigzag stitch was the most challenging. I've rarely ever used it before, as I'm relatively new to using a sewing machine, and it ended up bunching the fabric. I tried re-threading the machine but that didn't seem to make a difference. I think the fabric was too light and thin. In the end it turned out ok though and I can now carry my shoes in a much nicer bag than a spare plastic shopping bag :)

Kitties

I thought I should introduce you to the loves of my life!

This is Baci (pronounced Barchy, like the chocolates):

And this is Meeka:

They are three and a half years young and full of personality.  Baci is a Seal Point Siamese and Meeka is a Lilac Point Siamese.  Never a dull moment, or should I say quiet moment, with these two around.  They just love to talk to you :)  Baci is a bit of a sook and demands your attention often!  Meeka is more independent but my gosh when she wants a pat you'd better drop what you are doing and give her one or her meowing will get louder LOL.  It's true what they say, it is not you who owns the cat but rather the cat who owns you!

Santa cross-stitch

Have picked up the Santa cross-stitch again. Am currently working across the top of the design. This pattern is quite complex in the sense that many of the colours require multiple threads, up to 5 threads for half cross stitch. Some stitches also have two different threads for the one stitch.  It is a bit bulky because of the extra threads used but I suppose it gives it some depth. Will be so happy to finish off the greenery. Next cross-stitch will definitely be a simple one.

Ducks

Can't believe I missed posting this pic earlier. It is hanging on the wall in our laundry so I see it everyday. Amazing how you can look at something each day and not really "see it" if you know what I mean.

This design was painted many years ago back when I was attending folk art lessons. I just love the pumpkin!

Jitterbug

The first two blocks of the Jitterbug quilt are now pieced together :) Was good to use the sewing machine again. The first block seemed to come out better than the second with the points all meeting up perfectly. 

Yesterday I was sewing together the second block only to finish then realize the colour pattern didn't line up (the same colour triangles are used in the opposite diagonal and I had them lined up next to one another).  I then had to unpick a few rows to re-position then sew together again.  I think the fabric stretched as a result because it was virtually impossible to line up the points accurately.  I managed to sew it together okay in the end and it should still look fine when the whole quilt is sewn together.

Jitterbug

Now that the Bears Paw quilt is off at the quilters I have already started on my next one. Spent 6 hours yesterday cutting out the pieces for the next quilt. The assorted colours above are from one jelly roll so these came pre-cut at 2 1/2inches wide, I just had to measure the length to cut which was easy and fun.

Cutting out the white fabric was a bit more challenging though. It came as one big piece so it had to be cut down into 2 1/2 inch srips then cut to the relevant length. Turns out I didn't quite order enough of the white fabric, it is short by one 2 1/2 inch strip! I am actually planning on turning this into a queen size quilt though so I will need to buy more white fabric anyway. 

Below is a picture from the book I am working from which shows the overall pattern it will have when put together.

Mystery Folk Art

I have been itching to post about my latest folk art piece. Unfortunately I cannot post any pics as it is a Christmas present for my Mum, and I don't want to spoil the surprise :)

I have painted a few snow man designs for Mum for the last few Christmas's (she just loves snowmen!) so naturally I am painting another one. I am nearly half way through the design and I must say it is looking amazing. It's so surprising how the painting comes to life after just a few hours.

I have been taking photos after each day I spend painting so I can post pictures of the progress after Christmas, so you will all be able to see how it has come together then. I know Christmas is a little while away yet but I always like to make sure I allow enough time to finish a piece and avoid having to rush.