And I had such good intentions

to post a bit more regularly but then nothing, not even one post in 2019! The longer I waited the more it felt daunting to catch up. I really don't know where I'm going with this blog; should I just retire it and start using Instagram more? But I'm not really good at that either, as I often just forget to post.  I have no idea if there are still people out there reading this blog.  In any case,  here's a little recap of what I've been up to in 2019 (even if it's only for myself). 

I found a free tutorial for this cute hen and made it for our Easter decoration. 

I found another free pattern for this little pouch. I made it for a friend as a small "first aid" bag and put in little things like band-aids, disinfecting cream, Tiger balm etc.  

I couldn't find a photo with the binding sewn on this little beauty! My daughter wanted a cover for her night stand and I made her a little basket to go with for all her essentials (ear plugs, lip balm etc). 

I was a bit late to the party but I finally made the small version of the "Weebrawbag". I think I'll make the bigger one next, as this one is a bit too "wee"!

And then there's the wedding quilt, which kept me occupied for quite a number of month. The colours were the choice of the young couple. I quilted it on my B 770 which was a challenge as it's a big quilt. But I managed it and I think the couple was happy.

I also made this photo memory box for them. Of course I could only give it to them after the wedding, once we were back from Australia (that's where the wedding was) and I had the photos printed. 

A baby quit for a new little girl. I free motion quilted this one as it was not too big for me to handle and it was actually quite fun. I just need to practise a bit more often. 

And this one is for a little boy as you might be able to tell by the colours  A quick and easy quilt which took me only about 2 days to finish. 

In August I was lucky enough to go to a quilt retreat in Scotland. I've been once before, if you are interested, see here.  This is the old Manse where the retreats are held

and some impressions from the garden

the kitchen garden for the delicious meals they provided.

I went with a different group of ladies this time, but also friends from my Singapore time. We had such a nice time but also worked quite hard, sometimes late into the night. I made a start on this quilt using a jelly roll and grey yardage. The pattern is by Missouri Star Quilt Co

We also did a few projects together; like these bags

and we all made a start with the twelve days ornaments (by mmmcrafts). I only managed to make the pear but one of our friends kindly gave us all one of the ornaments. They are gorgeous but a lot of work. Well, I have now a whole year to make a few more, no excuses! 

I too brought everyone a little handmade gift. Here's the link to the free pattern for these baskets (you have to subscribe to the newsletter though) 

I added a few little useful things, like tiny pin cushions as well as these needle books which are also a free download. 

Lots of boxes were made during this past year. I still go to my weekly bookbinding and cartonnage classes.

Here are some samples:

a couple of boxes with glass lids,

a few Christmas boxes,

and an array of small boxes a friend requested for their caravan

A box covered with old silk  that I bought ages ago in Cambodia; I was planning to make a quilt, but that hasn't happened (yet)

a note book covered in Japanese paper,

 a book with coptic binding

and another book, belonging to my husband, was repaired too. 

Book boxes (handy for hiding valuables)

I also did a collage and paper cut class earlier in the year. I didn't enjoy the collages as much (so no pictures)  but I did enjoy the paper cutting part. 

So there you have it, 2019 in pictures. I really hope to be back sooner rather than later, fingers crossed!

I wish you a wonderful, healthy and happy 2020 with hopefully lots of time to stich or craft. 

With best wishes

Vreni x

Surpises

I love blog land, I really do. It seems people "there" are kinder than in any other "land". And I tell you why I think so. A little while ago Eva from the Czech Republic left a comment on my blog, to which I responded to which she responded again. Soon we had a nice email conversation going. And before I knew it, I got this lovely hankie in the post

Eva hand embroidered it and it seems she is a bit of a wizard with the needle and thread. Unfortunately Eva doesn't have a blog where you could see more of the lovely things she produces. Maybe I have to try to convince her to start one.  

Yesterday I found a another little parcel in my letter box. Conny (she is the lady who won my 100th post give away) sent me some lovely Dutch goodies. Look at these blue and red fabric together with the gorgeous ribbons! Aren't they just perfect for my Blogger BOM? And the little lavender soaps smell heavenly and are going into my closet so all my clothes will smell heavenly too. There was also a small Dutch chocolate bar, but as you can see, I already ate that. It was really delicious too, and that's saying something as I'm a bit of a chocolate snob and I usually only like Swiss chocolate! Thanks so much Conny, it really wasn't necessary, but I do appreciate it. 

Moving on to what I've been up to these last couple of weeks. I'm still sewing and crafting away for the Christmas bazaar in November.

More table runners; this time I put batting in between and quilted them.

Another bag (tutorial for the felt flower here)

A few pouches (tutorial here, except I boxed the corners)

My friend Heather and I have been experimented with tissue box covers. Hers turned are perfectly

mine still needs improving.

As we're having a house guest staying over the weekend (and it's his birthday tomorrow) I've been baking. I've seen the recipe here and wanted to try it out. It turned out absolutely delisious and what's more, it's so easy and fast to make. 

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That's it for today. Have a great weekend ahead.

Vreni x

Trying to keep up to date

Sorry for the longish silence here. I've been inundated with visitors again (all good) which didn't leave me much time for sewing. This week I've tried to catch up though and I have a few things to show you. 

The latest installment from Blogger's BOM.

It's growing nicely.

March is Karen's month for the "Around the World Quilting Bee". 

I was glad the fabrics arrived in time, so I was able to put the block together before we leave. We're going to be in Switzerland for about a month and I'm looking forward to some cool air and seeing friends and family. Talking about friends and family; I made a couple of gifts to take back. Since I'm still on a bag making roll I've made this reversible bag as well as a tissue cover for a wonderful neighbour of my mum's, who is so helpful, I don't know what we would do without her. 

I also made this cosmetic bag with the matching tissue cover

                         and yet another bag with a some more tissue covers. It's always good to have a few extra gifts handy as we are bound to be invited for meals here and there.



OK, I better go and pack as we are leaving tonight. I will "see" you in April, if not before.
Cheers
Vreni x