Swapping

I recently participated in a swap over on Ravelry for a little something handmade with yarn. Oh, and some little extras too.

I got lucky with this gorgeous cowl and hat set knit especially for me and some yarn to keep me busy for the next little while, well after I get through some of the current projects.

These are the other goodies that turned up in my box - pretty buttons, a bookmark, lip balm, hand cream and a gorgeous and practical bag.

All of it is lovely!

Of course I had fun putting together a little package too, included were the blanket you've seen here before and the finished Nessy Pecker.

I put my sewing machine to work to make a project bag from some Australiana fabric that was taking up space in the cupboard and made a matching little pouch for keeping the little things all together in there.

Two of the coasters that have been flying off my hook lately also made the trip.

All these goodies are now happily residing in their new home. 

Hope you found a little spot of sunshine today.

In June - some things got finished

(But a whole lot more got started).

First up there was the cape that didn't quite make it to the finish line in May.

Collared cape in Cascade 220 paints - Caribbean sea

Welcomed into her new home in time for some truly wintery weather.

Three pairs of fingerless mitts made from my first published pattern.

Kallan Mitts in Vintage Patons Totem - Blue

I had two matching balls of mauve wool in the stash so I decided to play with the pattern a little and extended both the cuff and the hand for cold days.

Kallan Mitts in Vintage Cleckheaton Country - Mauve

For a friend who tried her best to appropriate my original mitts, that'll teach me for pulling them out to show off!

Kallan Mitts in Bendigo woollen mills Serenade - Platinum

 A little sewing made it over the finish line too - My new bag even got her buttons on before the end of the month - I only used it for a week before adding the buttons.

Afternoon Tea Bag design by Ann Francene Dimmer from Handmade Vol 24 No9 

I made this pattern a couple of years ago in different fabrics and use it for my work bag. Interesting how the fabric choices give it a very different feel.

The scrappy squares I was playing with became a new knitting home.

Extra large triangle pouch perfect for hiding knitting projects.

Last week I received a special request for a beanie similar to the one I made here but as the yarn has been discontinued I needed to be creative and added stripes in two colours of brown that complimented the original yarn, of which I had a little left over. 

I think I like the second beanie better. I duplicate stitched the kangaroos, which makes them stand out more.

Hopefully the recipient will be pleased with their new beanie.

Thanks to Peg and Kris for hosting OPAM again this year, there are always lots of lovelies to see around blogland at the end of the month.

Happy July. 

Sewing Blooms...

Which is a good thing - as not much knitting happened Saturday at knitting group, but we did get to have cake as May was celebrating her birthday this week.

The binding is on the 'Blooming'...

You'd like to see more?

There see.

(My photography needs a lot of work - this thing is square!)

Today there was more cutting and sewing involving this pretty blue and gold fabric.

I cut a pouch from the left overs and then found I had a matching zip in the correct size - Perfect for a little Sunday sewing. 

 

Another pyramid pouch.

I managed some preparation and cutting for the bag before I was distracted and I didn't get back to sewing today.

Soon maybe?

Hope your Sunday was just perfect.

It wasn't all about the socks...

last week.

There was much sewing together of lots and lots of little squares to make big squares - all of 8" unfinished.

These were then sewn with the framed blocks to make a quilt top, which is now just resting waiting for my next sewing marathon - stuck on making backing at the moment.

Friday there was socialising and shopping of the non craft materials kind and after playing with my new 'toy' for a big portion of the weekend I decided to make it a cosy cover to protect it while we're travelling later this week.

These were the fabrics I picked from the stash to choose from. 

I really needed to get this done today as I am busy out of the house all day tomorrow, including dinner out with friends.

My intention was to use more than one fabric to add a little interest.

After a text consultation with J's mum the purple and green from the above selection won. They were joined by orange dots to make this stripey piece.

All done a new home for my new Sony Tablet, which may become my best friend or my best excuse for not achieving anything else.

Hope your week is warm.

Fun Mail

A package arrived with my name on it - Yippee!

Pretty paper on the outside

and lots of fun on the inside.

Perfect timing for the super cosy socks - sure needed some of these.

The gorgeous little pouch was filled with some essentials - sustenance and a hot drink ( or two), along with some winter themed buttons - Way to fun.

A Bronwyn Hayes stitchery kit ( guess she's been checking here).

Thanks Leanne for all my gorgeous goodies and to Cheryll for hosting this fun swap.

Hope your week is all warm and snuggly. 

Two for one

One finish and two starts that is...

So I worked on these purple spots this past week.

The fabrics I showed here a week ago were cut and sewn together yesterday now some hand sewing to do before the next bit at the sewing machine.

Just because she is too cute I started this stitchery 'Annie' by Liz at Teddlywinks.

Today I finished the purple spot pouch.

Some things just go together nicely and some take a lot more effort!

Hope your weekend has seen some progress on whatever caught your attention.

Sewing, stitching and shopping

Taking advantage of the extra day off last week - I put Nomee to work and made two more triangle pouches.

I completed the Blue polka dot squares at NCB last Wednesday and they are still waiting for another turn at the action. That is another Biscornu pincushion there - just because I could.

The weekend saw me stitch the little Christmas Tree which was already traced - thanks June. It is Gail Pan's free Tree from 2010.

Saturday I took myself to the Eastern suburbs to participate in Fabric Frolic - I added just a few new pieces to the stash.

And today because I organised a long weekend I sewed the fabric I collected last week on my bonus day off.

Presenting Summer Tote a project designed by Jody Anderson which appeared in Handmade Vol28No4.

Some fabrics just work together!

Hope your Monday has been perfect.

Advent Gifts from me

To June

More of the goodies that I made and bagged up for the Advent Swap.

Reindeer triangle pouch - you never know what Santa might need to hide.

A Santa sack filled with gold coins - chocolate of course.

Some of the goodies together including coasters and some still in progress.

A pretty notebook cover.

A beaded chain for the scissor protectors

A small red and white crochet purse the perfect place to keep spare change.

A snowman ornament to help keep things cool for a Hot Aussie Christmas.

A special Santa Sack,

Concealing this sewing set for the final present.

The stitchery is a design from Leanne Knell of Petals and Patches, I only made the pincushion as per the instructions, the needle book and note book are my own interpretation.

It has been a very lazy week here with lots of sweet eating, reading and a little stitching.

Hope you have had time to relax and enjoy the things you love this week.

Sew Fest continues

It sure was good to get reacquainted with the sewing machine, we've been avoiding each other lately while I have been obsessed with yarn and hook.

By Sunday afternoon I had sewn all the pieces that I cut on Friday night - they are still works in progress.

The 9 patch blocks spun out and now I have an 11 " square. I am thinking this will feature on a bag but more cutting is required and today was all about sewing.

Next I sewed up these two cute little triangle pouches - way easy.

I'm calling these two finished.

This small bag with a front zip pocket is looking very sweet but I need to decide whether it will get a shoulder strap or a short handle - currently we are at a stand off.

Lastly I stitched a lining complete with pocket for my Polka Dot bag.

Now I just need to attach it and as this is a hand project I think that is what I will work on tonight. I need to be finished for NCB this week, right Cathie?

If you're thinking I spent the entire weekend in the craft room you would be correct.

I managed to fit in some hooking as well and only left the room to make coffee and forage for food.

Hope you had a fun weekend doing what you like best.

Catty done

There has been some activity in the sewing room.

The cat projects are complete and were delivered to the Mother today.

One phone pouch and the Mother put her phone in there immediately - perfect.

The bag is from the pattern in Simple Pleasures by the talented Anni Downs with Mistea modifications of course.

The big Cat stitchery makes a pocket on the front and there is a pocket on one side.

I didn't put any internal pockets but I did include a swivel hook to keep the keys from falling to the bottom of the bag - forgot to photograph the inside.

My new green vest is done and I wore that today with a little button closure - it is not fixed and may be changed as out in the daylight it was not the right green colour.

Perfect for a little celebratory outing with the Mother.

The yarn is 'Alice' an acrylic and wool blend from Spotlight and the pattern is a free one from Lion Brand.

Below is a close up to show the pattern.

It has been a productive week in the craft room - Perfect.

Hope you have had some time in your craft space this week too.