A BIRHDAY PRESENT AND MY NEW BABY

My twin GD`s turned 2 yo yesterday and I had bought them a "Megasketcher' each as they liked playing with them at a friends home. I also sewed them a baby bunting blanket/sleeping bag for their dolls as last time i was there i spent a lot of time wrapping their dollies in baby blankets. So now I`m hoping they can do it for themselves.
At the weekend I bought myself a new laptop, I have been checking them out for sometime and asking the IT guy at DH`s work what he thinks of the brand I like. With his guidance and help from the guys at the computer store I settled on a Toshiba and now I have to learn all the new things on it and where they are located.

MY CUSHION

I finally decided to bite the bullet and finish the cushion that I started with Kellie. It was a bit daunting and some of my free motion quilting is a bit wonky but I kept going until it was done. Then another 20 minutes later and the cushion was together and then only the binding to go. I couldnt remember how to finish the binding so I had to wait until Tuesday and get help from Dawn. I joined the ends and finished the binding over a chat and a coffee, put the insert in and I was pleased with my efforts. I will need more practise before I attempt my next project using raw edge applique and free motion quilting.

EARLY BIRD XMAS CRAFTING WITH JUDITH TETLEY

I have joined Judith Tetley`s early bird xmas sewing and have finished the first months assignments. It has been a fun thing to do and easily achieved in the month. Thankyou Judith for starting the xmas sewing.

First we had to make a journal to record to whom we will be giving each gift to. As yet I can`t decide who will get the first months gifts, but plenty of time to decide.

This is what I have made. Tea and coffee coasters, bookmarks and a couple of key rings.

We were then asked to make something extra and I chose to make a pin cushion and scissor holder but with a twist. One side holds the scissors and you turn it over and I have added a needle case to the scissor case so that I dont keep misplacing one or the other. See below the reverse side of the case.

So far very easy and enjoyable and I am hoping that Judith will be giving us some simple little patterns to make up for 2, 3, and 4 year olds to play with, only time will tell.

Bye for now and happy sewing.

MY WORKSHOP

I have spent the last two days at a workshop with Kellie Wulfsohn at HETTIE`S PATCH and I have learnt how to Raw Edge Applique and also do Free Motion Quilting. It was a fun learning experience and I would recomend it to any one who wishes to add a new dimension to their quilting. We also had two tasty lunches supplied on the day and as much tea and coffe as you needed to get through the day. Lorraine from Hettie`s Patch gave everyone a bag of goodies containing a lovely lavender heart and the pattern to make it, a biro, a carry bag and a Kellie pattern. Mine is "How does your garden grow?" pillow pattern and I will make it in the near future. She also gave us 10% of all our purchases and every one took advantage of that. I bought fabric to use in my project, magazines, fusable webbing and one of Kellies new patterns " Worry Dolls" which is simply georgous.

My photos are out of order so please forgive me. This is Kellie drawing the raffle at the end of our day and three lucky sewers went home with an extra Kellie pattern. Idid not win one of these but I was lucky enough to to win a new pair of scissors as a lucky chair prize( I always new my bum would be useful oneday).

Here you can see from the left Ruth B, who is a fellow forum member and it was very good to meet her in the flesh, then yours truly standing next to Kellie and then we have Dawn my good friend who came for a visit to the class.

This is the piece we were taught. It is 'In Spring', a new pattern from Kellie. I found it quite daunting to start with and a lot of my raw edge sewing is not straight but I did enjoy doing it.I have not yet started the free motion quilting but I will do so later today if I get the courage.

Here I am doing a spot of raw edge sewing and those gloves keep you from slipping on the fabrics as well as keep your hands warm.

Here is the group at the end of the day displaying our work. A couple of the ladies did another pattern (Wish you were here!) and in reflection I should have done a smaller project so I too could have finished it on the day. I will keep at it and hopefully have my cushion finished by the end of the week. Now I must go back to my sewing Bye for now.