OPAM (One Project a Month) December...

Here is the last for OPAM for 2011...

2 items this time...

A Volkswagen Combi Cushion especially for JoJo...

Pattern is 'big camper' by Hot Possum and fabric is 'Now We're Goin' Places' by Monica Lee 

for Timeless Treasures...

I even did the applique with my machine...and this was a first for me...

Back of the cushion...this is the first time I have attempted buttonholes with my machine...

so easy!!!  I'm ready for more ha ha...

Even had some VW buttons by Nikki Tervo waiting for something special like this...

Front of cushion...

and back...

and a little cross stitch for JoJo...

she just loves Santa so this was quite apt for the occasion...

only thing is...I have had it for 2 years...

Thank you so much to Peg and Kris for hosting OPAM for another month...

I know that I wouldn't have finished a lot of what I have!!!

SSCS (Secret Santa Christmas Swap) 2011 sent to Lynn...and OPAM (one project a month) October revealed...

Finally I can reveal the swap parcel I sent to Ann-Marie as part of the SSCS organized by Chookyblue...

Goodies all wrapped up in a fat 1/4 (by Debbie Mumm)...

Card by Australian Designer Christine Book......

Little bag made out of a tea towel...

towel, pattern and fabric by Nancy Halvorsen......

Appliqued tea towel......

Little 'Joy' Stitchery Wall Hanging.....the front

Back......

and all together...

These items are also part of OPAM which I couldn't reveal back in October......

and Christmas decoration and tag......

I also included some other goodies for Anne Marie.....

Anne Marie I have so enjoyed making this for you......

and I was very excited......and nervous..... when Chooky asked me to be part of this fabulous swap......

I am so happy you are pleased with it all...

These items are going to be brought out at Anne Maries mountain cabin in Norway to be enjoyed every Christmas....

Thank you so much Chookyblue for organizing this swap......I have loved every step of the way!!!

OPAM (One Project A Month)....August 2011

Another OPAM completed for this year...

Can't believe it's the first day of Spring tomorrow...gosh this year has flown!!!

This stitchery is a Cathy Penton design...

pulled out from a shelf full of stuff...waiting to be dealt with!!!

All trimmed down and ready to be stitched onto an apron I bought 2 years ago for this stitchery!!!

I stitched it back in 2007 as Ingrid (which is my second name) and I started using Dzintra (pronounced without the D) 4 years ago when all my ID stated that it was my first name...  

I thought I would also add some tape somewhere...not sure which one at this stage...

I stitched it down first and then went around the outside with a pattern stitch (heart) and to look at it you would think it was lace...looks very effective I must say!!!

I went for Simplify tape and stitched it onto the bib part of the apron...

Now I'm all set to go...

my arm is ever so slooooowly going round to the back but I'll hopefully get there!!!

Thanks to Peg and Kris for hosting OPAM...

without this the apron would probably be still sitting in the cupboard!!!

OPAM (One Project A Month)....July

Wow...this is a record for me...5 items for OPAM this month YAY!!!

All only small items but loads of fun to make...

Front of cute little felt needlebook which was a project on our recent Stitching on the Bay day hosted by Fiona and Sylvia...

I added a little hand painted timber button by Theodora Cleave to the roof...

the back...

and a felt page for needles!!!

Matching little scissor fob...front

and back...

Finally finished this pattern book cover from last year's Stitching Day!!!

the inside...

Had these gorgeous pumpkin fabrics since 2003 and made 2 patchwork travel cases...

one for my daughter and one for me...

Thanks to Peg and Kris for hosting OPAM...I'm sure I wouldn't finish nearly as much without it!!!

OPAM...The Royal Wedding...and High Tea for Mum's 80th Birthday!!!

Here's an unexpected OPAM (One Project Per Month) for me...never did I dream that I would complete this quilt in time for my Mother's 80th birthday...what with my broken arm and all!!!

I showed the fabrics for this quilt in a previous post...

the lower part of my arm works well so I sat down at my sewing machine aka Nina...and sewed away over the week taking breaks and blow me down...

I did it!!!  It is just a simple Charm Pack stitched together...white border and I ended up using the cupcake fabric for the back...as well as the binding...wasn't too sure if it would work but it was fabulous...and just suited the occassion!!!

I'm not an experienced quilter so I just quilted either side of the squares...used iron on wadding...

All complete with a label too!!!

Thank you to Peg and Kris for hosting OPAM!!!

All this was completed whilst watching the Royal Wedding...

The dress was stunning...Catherine was so poised and regal...I think this eventual King and Queen will be very very popular!!!

Seeing we were out of town we had breakfast the next morning in a local cafe...and here's JoJo getting into her cuppa...

We had organized a High Tea at the Crowne Plaza Terrigal...

Mum didn't know where she was going...she thought she was going to the Club for lunch...

Two of Mum's Great-Grandchildren...Ryan and Lidija (my Grandchildren) presenting her with a bunch of flowers...

Wine in hand...quilt on lap...walking stick to go...here she is...

Happy 80th Birthday Mum!!!

Looking out to the ocean...

Mum with 3 of her 4 children...Brigita...Dzintra aka Ingrid and Karl aka Charlie... (my family seems to do this with names)

and most of the clan!!!

Lamingtons on offer...

and the Birthday Cake!!!

Happy Birthday Mum...Daudz Laimes Dzimsanas Diena...

Wishing you much Happiness and Good Health...

I wonder what we'll do for 90!!!

OPAM 2011...and I can't keep away from the beach!!!

I wasn't going to...but I did!!!

I have joined OPAM (One Project A Month) 2011 again for this year...

hosted by Peg and Kris...

First project is this little coffee pot warmer from Homespun magazine...

I ended up changing the centre button...

and love this little warmer...it gets used every day!!!

I ended up putting some woolen wadding in it and it keeps the coffee warm for ages!!!

I saw this lovely little kit at my local patchwork shop Steph's and immediately bought it...

and quickly made up the kit...

Thinking it looked like it needed something I added these little red velvety baubles...I totally believe in 'more is more' LOL!!!

I then went on to make another 3...2 in the blue and 2 in softer colours!!!

With the weather here now just how I like it...

I can't keep away from the beach!!!

Back soon...Dzintra