Slow Sunday Stitching

I showed this photo a couple of days ago saying I had finished it, but I haven't of course (apart from the quilting that is).  Ive now added some texture to the background with three different stitched circles.  Once the quilting is done I will add the antennae.  Im sure they aren't called that but I have no idea what there proper name is!

I've also completed another red work heart.

If you want to see what others are sewing today hop over to Kathy's blog!

Something new from something old!

Something new from something old - Is it called up cycling now a days! I made this panel years ago to try out a new technique (laying the colours on top of each other, slicing all layers of fabric and then moving each portion once, twice......) with the plan of making it into a cushion cover.  Well that never happened but when I was asked to make a new little tote for my step mum, I decided that four squares together were exactly the right size for the bag!

The sides of the panel were just the right size to make the handles and all I had to find was some lining fabric, which is a navy background with large purple spots - perfect (I love it when the inside is as nice as the outside)

I hope it 's what she wanted, if it isn't I don't mind keeping it!

Creative update!

It's been a frustrating number of weeks, with PC troubles!  I do all my blogging on our laptop which has just been update to windows 10 and it wouldn't let me upload any photos, my DH has now worked out how to post pictures - so happy, yippee! It's been a very creative past few weeks. I have managed to complete a couple of projects both of them started at my textile class.

The first finish is this little bag with a swirling pattern of beads and sequins! It started off looking a bit like a constellation but that soon changed! The sequins are now sewn in flower shapes with a large sparkly Diamanté stone in the centre.   The project was supposed to be turned into a little evening bag with a pattern of beads on each side, but again that has changed into a smaller project and is now a little drawstring bag with beads on one side!  I guess beading isn't my favourite craft hobby.

 My second completed project is a small silk fibre bowl in a beautiful turquoise and green colour scheme. The silk fibres were laid out on soluble fabric and held in place with a meandering stitch. The  dissolvable fabric was washed away and because my piece of silk paper had quite a few holes in it I had to bondawb it over a piece of silk that blended in with my top colours. The bowl was finished off with some sequins and beads (not to cover up my poor sewing, but because it needed a bit of sparkle - honest!!)

 I have also been working on my butterfly sampler and the  top is nearly complete. I want to add some textured stitches to the background.  I'm really pleased with it and I would certainly recommend the craftsy website,  I've learnt lots of new stitches which I'm sure I will be able to incorporate into lots of my  projects.   I will then quilt it, which I think I am going to do on the sewing machine and then it will be done.

That left the door open for me to start a new project (not that I ever need an excuse to start something new) And it ties in very nicely with me going away for a few weeks to Europe in the motorhome.   It is an Orna Willis pattern embroidered with mostly silk threads and is absolutely gorgeous. You can see more of her work on Pinterest! I can't wait to start this one but I am being very restrained until I get across the channel and then I will start!

 That's about it for now!

ALQS9

I thought I hadn't taken any photographs of my contribution to the 'Another Little Quilt Swap 9' that is hosted by Kate.  But I came across these when I was doing some housekeeping.

I called my quilt 'England's green and pleasant land' and it ended up across the pond in America!

 And some close ups showing the stitches and the sheep (including a black sheep!)

Very sad to see Faye and her husband go back to Germany today, but we are busy planning a road trip out (fingers crossed) next month!  The only plus side is I will probably get into my work room again (given the choice I would rather they stayed of course) but I feel the need to plan a new project.  It doesn't matter how old your children are I guess you still suffer a bit of empty nest!

Slow Sunday Stitching

I've just spent a lovely weekend in Salisbury, Wiltshire.  In between visiting the city and seeing the sights I started the next red work heart for my quilt.  It's a relaxing project and grows quickly! And there's nothing nicer than sitting outside the camper van, in the sunshine, enjoying the view and sewing (Oh yes we also had a bottle of Champagne to celebrate our first weekend in our new van!)

You can see what other people have been sewing today at Kathy's Blog