thread garden

More acronyms for you: TUSAL and IHSW updates...

2012-01-23T16:47:00.002+11:00

For the first time I signed up for the IHSW (International Hermit & Stitch Weekend). Thanks to the wonderful Joyse at Random Ramblings for hosting! I had fun knowing that I was stitching with fellow bloggers.
What did my needles achieve over the weekend?

More stitching on the MB English garden sampler....this scene seems to be taking forever though! I also worked on my HAED ("Love") so I'll take a photo of that for my next post.

A simple flower from the devine cross stitch book called Sweet Treats. I will make this into a cute lolly bag...

I finished appliqueing a block for my Lynette Anderson's quilt...now to backstitch it.

Last but not least is my TUSAL Totally Useless Stitch-A-long jar hosted by the lovely It's Daffycat.

Two starts...

2012-01-20T17:45:00.002+11:00

My needles have been running hot over the last few days starting new projects. I'm having my own little Crazy January Challenge.

I have started the Christmas House. A big wave to Jo who can't think of a clever name from Serendipitous Stitching who sent the pattern to me. I have been inspired to start it (even though it's nowhere near Christmas) as I have two fellow Aussie bloggers,Kaye and Kathy, on the list for this travelling pattern next. I am not using the required threads (as not sure what brand they are) so just going my own DMC interpretation of the colours from the photo.

I have begun the School House Sample from Birds of a Feather. I thought I would struggle with the dark linen but I'm coping with it well.

Thanks for dropping into my garden...
Jan x

Theme-a-licious update...

2012-01-17T15:00:00.004+11:00

I have joined up a few blog SALS in 2012 - "Theme-a-licious" being one of them. Check out this link to read all about this SAL.What could be easier for me this month with the theme being "Jardin January".

Fellow bloggers doing the Crazy January Challenge (you know who you are) have inspired me to start a new (and hopefully quick) project which I have had in my stash for a year. It is called "School House Sampler" by Birds of a Feather. I have it kitted up and raring to go. The vase of flowers makes it fit perfectly in with the January theme don't you think? No doubt it will an interesting experience stitching on the almost black linen which came with the pattern. I will have to use my day light me thinks.

My MJ project fits in perfectly with Jardin January also which I have been plugging away at. I have nearly completed another componenet - finches on rocks near a basket of holly . If you can tell that is a going to be a basket of holly you are doing well.

Here are the themes from Theme-a-licious and my ideas for the rest of the year:
Jardin January
The holidays were a little stressful...let's relax in a nice garden. Work on any piece with flowers or gardens. That's easy - Marjolein Bastin English Garden sampler and BOF School House Sampler

Fangirl February
Send a Valentine to your favorite designer...or at least work on his or her designs for the month!
Oooh... I am bit partial to Prairie School designs especially the alphabet series. I think my credit card might be having a workout here. But which letter to start - the deer or rabbit?

March Madness
Stitch or knit on something different every day...it's madness...of the funnest possible kind.
By this month I will have quite a few WIPs especially after January and February so this will definately be possible.

Amazon April
Dip your needle into the vast swath of fabric dedicated to your BIGGEST projects!
My HAED project will get a workout this month.

May Memories
Remember when you took that class? Or decided to commemorate that event? And then abandoned your poor WIP? Take a stroll down memory lane by working on it again.
Not sure I have anything that fits into this theme.

Jumanji June
Is it a jungle out there in your stash? Give some love to the projects with animals or birds.
I have a half finished Noah's Ark cross stitch someone gave me so I think I'll have to work on this as hopefully by then the MB sampler will be finito!

Jolly July
It's a jolly holiday with your WIPs...you can concentrate on Christmas designs, ornaments, or even pick a different holiday to render in stitchy goodness.
I want to stitch my DH a Shepherds Bush stocking so well will all have them by Christmas 2012. This will be the month.

Altius August
Embrace the Olympic motto--Citius, Altius, Fortius (Faster, Higher, Stronger)--by elevating your mind. It's the perfect time to learn something new! Or maybe achieve some goals...
Probably achieving goals will be my plan for my Birthday month.

September Smalls
We all love gadgets, and none better than the teensy tools and holders we make ourselves. Let's stitch some smalls--needlebooks, fobs, biscornus, scissors keeps, pincushions--or knit some teensy things--amigurumi, jewelry, sachets....
I don't really do smalls (except for school fetes) but I'm sure I could manage something.

Obligation October
Wow, the holidays are only a couple months away! Avoid that last-minute crunch and work on some gifts now.
Great idea. Maybe some teacher presents for the end of year.

Nail It November
What's lying around that's so close to being finished you can't stand it anymore? Get to it and finish it!
Let's hope this month won't be finishing MB sampler but there's a strong possiblity this will be the month to finish it. It always takes longer to finish something than one imagines.

Delightful December
The holidays are a time for relaxing...at least, that's the theory! No stress here...work on whatever you want and enjoy!
It will be remarkable if anything is achieved in December if it's as crazy as last December was!

Thanks for stopping by my garden....
Jan x

Quilting progress...

2012-01-14T14:49:00.000+11:00

Last year quilting took a sidestep as I rediscovered my love for cross stitch. I have vowed to work on my quilts this year at my fortnightly craft sessions with three friends so at least my quilting WIPS progress. And yes, I have a few quilting WIPS.

Well here is progress on Lynette Anderson's Scandinavian Christmas quilt. I put little eyes on the birds in Block 1 and nearly finished the needlepoint on block 2. And yes that is cross stitch you see bordering Block 1. There is plenty of it bordering each of the four blocks!!!

Thanks for stopping by my garden...
Jan x

threadgarden WIPocalypse: the first update

2012-01-09T23:03:00.001+11:00

I have just returned from a family beach holiday staying in shack (an Aussie term for a holiday house) at a seaside village called Orford in Tasmania. The shack was straight out of an Enid Blyton novel - well-loved furniture, wooden kitchen cupboards, handmade quilts and linoleum floors. It's smell transported me back to Grandma's home long gone now. It demanded RELAXATION so I didn't resist. Don't you just love Summer holidays?

Stitching was part of my holiday plan so I am delighted to report that I have "WIPocalypsed" my Marjolein Bastin English Garden sampler during the break away. I only have about 1/4 left. Phew!Check out this WIPocalypse link here if you don't know what I am talking about. This SAL has become HUGE! I am excited to be taking part in it.

Well I have another project to add to my WIPocalypse list. I received a surprise in the post all the way from the UK to little old Tasmania. It is the Christmas House pattern by Bucilla. Jo from Serendipitous Stitching so generously sent me the pattern when I admired a photo of her completed project on her Advent Calendar post. I have to start on it soon as it seems it will become a travelling pattern and move from me to Kaye (*waving madly*).

Thanks for stopping by my garden...

Jan x

2011 was the year of...

2012-01-01T15:44:00.001+11:00

2011 was the year...I rejuvenated my blog. It has been a fun, thought provoking and amazing link with fellow bloggers (especially in the stitching community). I have also found soooo much more to stitch. Just when I thought I had enough stitching I keep finding new patterns and new designers to stitch thanks to you guys! I am forever holding myself back from my credit card.

2011 was the year...of the Marjolein Bastin cross stitch need I say more.

2011 was the year...of my veggie patch. I have well and truly halved the weekly vegetable bill with my little patch. It has been more than I ever hoped for. I get a little tug at my heart strings when I see my children forage among it to each a fresh snow pea or pull up a carrot.

2011 was the year ...Tom turned into a toddler. Tom has been a constant source of entertainment in our house for the kids, hubby and I. He has given me eyes in the back of my head I never knew were there. Every moment he is awake I am wondering "what is he up to now?" But I relish his large grins, cheeky dimples and infectious giggle.

2011 was the year...my older children matured into beautiful beings. I am so proud of their hard work at school, their lovely friendships they have created and their kind nature as a loving sibling to Tom.

2011 was the year....of Bob. A cute bundle of fluff to love.

Happy 2012 to all! Thank you so much for dropping on by during 2011.

Thrift shop buy...

2011-12-22T15:38:00.002+11:00

Don't you love what my mum found me at a thrift shop for $2? Aint' it cute? I'll put my HAED threads in it.

Speaking of HAED threads I am wondering how to store them within it. I want to keep my project threads together. I am thinking of keeping them in zip-lock bags in bundles of 3x or 4x. This way I thought it would be easy to keep left over threads in with them also. Has anyone tried this? Any other ideas on thread storage?

I am thrilled to welcome new followers to my blog!!! 50 followers is a milestone for me.

If I don't get back to my blog over the next few days, I wish you all a Christmas that is...

merry and bright *

PS. I have added a page to my blog with my WIPocalypse list. If you haven't heard about WIPocalypse check it out!

Silly Season...

2011-12-16T14:15:00.001+11:00

It really is the sillyseason. The last week at our house has been crazy!!! Four concerts featuring my two eldest children all happened to be in the one week. It sent not only toddler Tom crazy but moi a little frazzled too. But that's what happens in the southern hemisphere at Christmas time - everything including the school year comes to an end.

Well now that I have those events out of the way I'm getting into the spirit of Christmas. I couldn't resist making these sewn cross stitch ornaments from the Christmas 2011 edition of Cross Stitcher magazine. I only bought it yesterday as a hospital read while my daughter had minor surgery. I came home later in the day and stitched all three in the one evening which is good going for me! Today I have completely neglected the housework and sewn them up. I l.o.v.e. the look.

I have also done a few lines on page 1 of my HAED ("Love" by Marta Dahlig). As you can see Bob too is enjoying my HAED. Apparently cross stitches in frames are really comfortable!

I have also been working on my MB English garden sampler but not enough to post a photo of significant progress.

Happy Silly Season to you all!

Advent Calendar

2011-12-04T10:46:00.001+11:00

Welcome to Day 4 of the Christmas Stitching Advent Calendar kindly hosted by Serendipitous Stitching .

I finished another two Shepherd's Bush Christmas stockings this year (one for toddler Tom and one for myself) so now I have a collection. Just one more left to stitch for my husband. I have found the perfect place to hang them this year too in my new home!

I had fun, summery Christmases as a child in Australia. My Grandma was Mrs. Christmas. Along with thousands of Christmas decorations, streamers, lights and mechanical toys decorating her living rooms at her house she adored dressing up. My favourite memory is Grandma dressing up to play Mrs.Claus as a surprise for her grandchildren. She surprised us in a Christmas card dress that she had paintakingly sewn together complete with bright red stockings. We laughed and laughed with her. The best thing about it was she had bought us all an extra present for us.Just when we thought we had opened our last present there was one more.

Another favourite memory is a Christmas decoration (see the above photo) that my DD made when she was 6. She spent hours cutting cardboard, painting and gluing it together at school keeping it a surprise for us until Christmas. It was her own design. It is always pride of place in our house. We love how each reindeer have a unique personality.

Merry Christmas to all!

Am I photographing my stitching or my cat?

2011-11-28T14:02:00.001+11:00

Bob (my blue British Shorthair) would definately say that the photoshoot is of him. My stitching would say otherwise...

For those of us in the Southern hemisphere the school year and "after school" activities are reaching their crescendo. End of year concerts, assemblies and plays are scheduled to occur in the next two weeks in the middle of Christmas preparations. You get the picture. I've been up to my eyeballs in dancing costumes. At least there was a moment last week when I thought I had finished sequinning so worked on my MB sampler and on my first HAED. Then I was pulled back into reality and found out there was another costume that needed sequins. Oh well, it will be so worth it when I see my DD's ballet group dancing on stage.

My first HAED "Love" by Marta Dahlig has been a learning process. Unlike the MB sampler I have to sit at a table to do it as I working it on a frame using my two hands. I also have to stitch with a light due to the small hole size - this is a first for me! I was getting bored with the black so started on some antique blue. I am using 2x strands of DMC on 25ct Lugana. The holes are so much smaller than the 32 ct linen I am usually stitching on but I am adjusting to it. I am looking forward to spending more time on it over the summer break.

Butterflies on my wall...

2011-11-19T22:34:00.002+11:00

After finding this craft idea on Pinterest I knew I just had to do it. I hunted town for a large butterfly punch and then hauled through my stash of scrapbooking paper. I glued each butterfly after folding them in half to the backing board with a glue dot. And even better - it only took 30 minutes from start to finish!

Thanks for stopping by my garden...
Jan

I've sewn a ...

2011-11-15T12:13:00.001+11:00

Welcome to my new followers. Waves and cheers from Australia!!!

I sewed this bean bag as a gift for my DD's 13th birthday. She looooved it! Elephants are her favourite and this fleecy fabric was covered in them. The pattern is from the book "Sew" by Cath Kitson.

It was so cute watching my toddler back up to sit in it . I'll make him one for Christmas using an owl print.

Thanks for visiting my garden...

Jan x

Sequins...

2011-11-07T14:56:00.002+11:00

This week has seen me help organise some ballet tutus for one of the groups my DD dances in. The end of year concert is fast approaching so I've been cutting and sequinning.

My HAED is slowly but surely growing. The black is a large part of top left of the project. Luckily it's the only colour so far as I haven't looked at the DMC list. Steady she goes...

I'm working on the left side border of the MJ English sampler. Progress appears slow when working the borders.

Meet Mr. Hedgehog...

2011-11-03T19:07:00.003+11:00

I have stitched another little on my MB English sampler. Mr. Hedgehog has come alive with his eyes and whiskers stitched in place.

Well I'm managing to do a little of my HAED. I think I'm doing the hardest bit first - BLACK. 25ct is so teeny tiny. Any tips for making it easier stitching black would be greatly appreciated.

The first stitch is in...

2011-10-31T13:01:00.002+11:00

That's right everyone I have started stitching , my first HAED. The rainy weather drove me to do it he, he, he. Like I needed an excuse! I have done about 120 stitches into my 25ct luguna antique white linen. All black DMC thread so far. I am doing it on an oak lap frame. I haven't used a frame for years. I've decided to train myself to do the two-handed stitching method with the frame resting on a desk. Hoping it is will quicker using that method. I need to use my daylight lamp as those stitches are oh so tiny! I figured if I stitch on it everyday then I should progress with it nicely.

Marjolein Bastin is progressing well. I have finished two seeds to the left of the toadstool and have half done the hedgehog. I should have the hedgehog knocked off by tonight. In Australia we don't have hedgehogs. We have echidnas instead.

Thanks for visiting my garden.
Jan x

My First HAED!!!

2011-10-27T13:09:00.001+11:00

I can't believe it. I have purchased my first HAED (insert Happy Dance here). "Love" by Marta Dahlig. It is a completely different pattern to the ones I put in the HAED survey last week on my blog for your feedback. I found it by accident here while trawling blogs. As soon as I saw it I knew it was the one!

As you can see, Gypsy Firefly was voted to be the most popular pattern voted by you, my readers. Don't be alarmed as I still love it and it will be my second HAED pattern.

Now to begin gridding my 25ct antique white luguna linen...

Doing a Highland fling...

2011-10-24T19:56:00.004+11:00

I have just returned from taking DD to compete at a Highland (Scottish) dancing competition on the weekend. This is not a new thing to me as I grew up Highland dancing myself. I can proudly saw I even particpated in a highland swordathon (doing the well-known sword dance) last week to raise money for the Australasian Championships which will be held in Hobart next year at Easter. And yes I was a bit stiff the next day.

My DD's kilt is blue Stewart of Appin. It was my sister's kilt so it's lovely that DD fits into it!

Whoo hoo! My Molly Makes mobile phone kit that I won on Sarah's blog arrived. I love it and can't wait to stitch it. It's my first blog win so even better"!

I am doing a Highland fling today (figuretively speaking) as I have nearly finished stitching the toadstool. What part of the sampler will I do next? The hedgehog? The squirrel? I guess you will have to wait and see...

Take my HAED survey...

2011-10-20T15:25:00.003+11:00

I try to blog twice weekly - Mondays and Thursdays. It seems to fit best into my life. I hope it doesn't mean I am a control freak. I'm always hoping I have enough stitching to show you though after 3x days. Mostly there is something to show you. When I first started my blog back in '09 I was doing it on a random basis which meant there were long stretches which were blogless :(
Do you have regular blogging days or do you just blog at random times?

Over the last three days there is progress on the toadstool...

If you love HAED patterns please help me choose my first HAED pattern to purchase. Click on your favourite pattern from four that I really like. Gypsy Firefly is winning so far!

By the way I haven't forgotten about the Hawk Run Hollow patterns I have bought. I have decided to use 36ct linen for the Shores of HRH as I will cope with the stitching size better. I am going to start Shores of Hawk Run Hollow after I finish Marjolein Bastin sampler. I am trying very hard to not have more than one BAP going at a time. The temptation to start another is very hard to resist!

DH and I took our family to the Royal Hobart Show today. A toddler meeting a kid (the goat variety) is a moment to remember forever. My eldest son (nearly 11) is missing from the shots. He took off with some school mates once we arrived at The Show which was the last we saw of him LOL.

Thanks for stopping by my garden,

Jan xox

A toadstool is growing...

2011-10-17T14:18:00.001+11:00

I am up to my favourite part of the English garden sampler - stitching the toadstool. I love the colours in it and the spots on it's surface. Can't wait to stitch more of it!

Over the last few weeks I have been thinking about decorating ideas for my sewing room. It's the one room in the house I have a full say on how it is decorated. My DH likes to gives his input everywhere else. Here is a little collection I have put up on my sewing room wall.

These old sewing threads which belonged to my DH's grandmother really appeal. I will never use them but enjoy opening their wooden box to admire their beautiful shine, devine colours and vintage labels. Have you got any sewing memorabilia?

By the way if you are a HAED fan please do my survey? I am going to by my very first HAED but there are so many beautiful patterns and I cannot decide which one to get first.

Thanks for vising my garden,

Jan x0x

An Autumn Story...

2011-10-13T16:36:00.000+11:00

The main reason I enjoy stitching the Marjolein Bastin English garden sampler is it reminds me of the Brambly Hedge stories by Jill Barklem. I adore Brambly Hedge and its world within a wood. The little mouse with the nearby juicy blackberries I have just stitched are as adorable as the pictures in Jill's books.

"It was a fine Autumn. The blackberries were ripe, and the nuts were ready, and the mice

of Brambly Hedge were very busy." Autumn Story by Jill Barklem

10 Things you might like to know about me...

2011-10-10T12:09:00.002+11:00

1. Whatwas the last film that really moved/disturbed/thrilled you and why? Jane Eyre. The eerie noises from the attic room get me every time.

2.Ifyou could be given ANY gift what would it be?
The gift of pushing thoughts into other people's minds particularly my husband so I don't have to repeat myself. I love my husband so much despite this.
Can I have a second gift? The ability to crochet. It's the one craft I have FAILED at. I can never keep the tension right.

3.What'syour favourite way to wake up and what's the first thing you do?
I love a little sleep in. 8am is the latest I sleep into these days. First thing I like to do in bed is have a coffee while reading a book or my iPhone.

4. What crafts have you done?
You name it I have probably done it in a big or small way. Scrapbooking, sewing, quilting, cross stitching, tapestry, knitting, crochet, hobbytext (remember that one?) are the biggies.

5. Whatwere you doing before you started this?
Chasing my toddler around. It's quiet downstairs I think I should go check to see what mischief he is up to.
ADDIT - checked Tom. He was taking all the photos frames from the top of the dresser and giving them to Bob, the cat.

6. When was the last time you cried laughing?
Last week reading my 10 yo DS's story. His characters were losing limbs and dying all over the placein his sci-fi fantasy story.

7.What did you want to be when you were little?
A school teacher. I changed my mind in Year 9 and became a doctor instead.

8. What is your current favourite TV program?
Doc Martin. I've only just become a convert and love it. Maybe it's the doctor patient cringe moments in it I relate to the most.
9. What would you name yourself?
I have been known as Jan nearly all my life so I would drop Janette from my birth certificate if I could.

10. What characteristics do you hate about yourself?
I'm terrible at keeping cupboards tidy

First blog win!!!

2011-10-06T13:33:00.007+11:00

Happy Jan here (as a Jan I am not a fan of the catchphrase "not happy Jan" by the way). I've had my first blog giveaway win!!! Thank you Sarah for hosting the giveaway. I have won a Mollie Makes iPhone case kit. Can't wait to receive it.

There has been progress on my right Summer border on the cross stitch. Another shaft of wheat. I am totally in love with my new "angel" scissors. I received these as part of a free gift when I purchased a cross stitch from The Fox Collection recently.

Thanks for visiting my garden,
Jan

Mouse Monday...

2011-10-03T15:38:00.003+11:00

"It's time for bed, little mouse, little mouse,

Darkness is falling all over the house."

Mem Fox

Picture update...

2011-09-30T22:10:00.003+10:00

My computer wouldn't come to the party yesterday and upload photos. Today is a different story thankfully and my computer is nice to me again. Here is a photo of my Marjolein Bastin progress. It is a lovely stitch. Just when I am tired of stitching one picture I have finished it and can move onto the next!

Enjoy your weekend. Thank you for visiting...
Jan x

Somewhere over the Rainbow...

2011-09-29T11:30:00.012+10:00

My week has been interrupted with the passing of a dear aunt. I had the honoured but daunting task of sharing some memories during the funeral. I was worried I would become emotional during it but luckily held it together. Surprisingly the funeral had more laughs than tears as we celebrated her gift for living life to the fullest.

My aunt chose the most beautiful song to be played as photos of her life were shown. It is a version of "Somewhere over the Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole.What amazing sentiments it shares!

The bench seat in my Marjolein Bastin cross stitch has been stitched! I have now started stitching a little mouse nibbling on a juicy apple.

Sorry for no photos. My internet connection is not playing nice...

Thanks for visiting, Jan x

Ready to hang for Christmas...

2011-09-22T11:03:00.004+10:00

Toddler Tom's Christmas stocking is ready and waiting to be filled with presents. I am so happy with the colours - boyish but fresh. I have to admit but I didn't sew it up into the stocking. I sewed my other children's ones but was extremely nervous the whole way through so worried I would muck it up. I love the way my local needlwork shop sews it together.

Basking in the sun...

2011-09-15T20:39:00.007+10:00

Great to be back. I hope life as been good to you in my absence. Thanks for your visits and lovely comments. Each hello inspires me in my crafting.

I have been away on a holiday to sunny Queensland. Amazing blue skies, gorgeous beaches and fun theme parks. Consequently I haven't quite finished the bench seat in the very centre of the MJ cross stitch sampler but it's close. I think it will be finished in another 2x nights of solid stitching.

I was excited on my return to collect a family heirloom chair that I repainted then reupholstered in a linen. I am so thrilled with it. The chair was bequeathed to my husband by his late aunt. The gold leaf and velvet just didn't suit our modern-style home.
BEFORE:

AFTER:

By the way, Bob the cat didn't suffer. He stayed at Catnip Cattery and was treated to daily play sessions, long pats and massages. I had almost daily texts and photos from Bob (LOL) so we felt very comfortable with leaving our kitty baby for the first time.

Spring has sprung in my cross stitch...

2011-09-09T16:28:00.003+10:00

The rabbits are now happily hopping in the grass so I have started on the park bench in the very centre of the sampler. Yes, I have stitched half the sampler. Hooray!!!

Here is a little present I recently bought for myself. Isn't she sweet? I adore fairies so couldn't resist. The colours in it are so soft and muted. I'm trying so hard not to start her as I don't want too many large cross stitch projects on the go at once. We'll see how long before I give in to temptation.The design is called "Touch of Gold" and is based on a painting by a German artist Bente Schlick. The kit is made by Bucilla. Are you any good at resisting starting new projects?
'

Thanks for walking through my garden....
Jan x

2011-09-09T16:28:00.000+10:00

Rabbits are nearly done...

2011-09-05T15:01:00.004+10:00

All my rabbits now need is the grass to sit on....

A pinch and a punch for the first of the month...

2011-09-01T12:39:00.007+10:00

A pinch and a punch for the first of the month! My kids get me with this every month but maybe I will get in first today.

It has always struck me as strange that in Australia the seasons change on the 1st of a month but in many countries it is related to the equinox. So while we are in Spring here (as of today) it is still Summer rather than Autumn in the northern hemisphere.

Here is an update on my "Spring rabbits" on the Marjolein Bastin cross stitch sampler:

I'm enjoying watchin the rabbits grow. I think they will come alive once I backstitch their little eyes.

Thanks for walking through my garden...

Jan x

Rabbits in a field...

2011-08-29T14:20:00.009+10:00

Thank you so much for your photography tips. There's nothing like asking the experts - you!!!

Spring is nearly sprung in Tasmania. Literally, my tulips are blooming almost a month earlier than usual. I've been in the Spring mood so have gone back to the Spring side of my English cross stitch and finished the pretty daffodil and started stitching two cute bunnies.

Your craft photography tips...

2011-08-25T12:56:00.002+10:00

Help me out! I am no photography expert. Capturing homemade treasures in photos is not easy. If I zoom too much my cross stitching blurs. If I photograph on a flat surface flooring appears in the photos. How do I best photograph a quilt? Should I use props to enhance my photos? Should I buy a better quality camera? So many questions but so far I can find little advice on the internet to aid me.

Some of you have the most beautiful blog photos. How do you do it? Do you have any special tips you can pass on to a blogger like me?

Thank you for visiting,
Jan x

Progress on all fronts...

2011-08-22T12:23:00.006+10:00

Thanks blogging friends for my birthday wishes. With b'day money I bought myself pattern treats: The Shores of Hawk Run Hollow and Christmas at Hawk Run Hollow by Carriage House Samplings and my first Christmas ornament pattern "Bringing Home the Tree" by Little House Needleworks. I have had alot of finishes lately so I deserve to start something new don't I? One can never have too many WIPs. I will purchase the linens I need and then can start one of the HRH patterns. Now to the hard question. Which one should I start first?

Progress continues on the Marjolein Bastin English widelife sampler. I finished stitching a yellow finch over the weekend. I've nearly finished the scrubbing brush it is sitting on. On the pattern the word "BEATLE" is stitched onto the side of the brush. I'm not sure why it is that word though. Is that a common brand for a brush in England? Maybe someone can enlighten me. If not, I think I will leave it off.

I haven't been blogging since Wednesday as Toddler Tom has had an awful virus. Finally he's starting to improve today. It was a joy to watch him playing on our deck this morning. I am so relieved after such a worrying weekend.

My daughter thinks outside the square...

2011-08-17T14:54:00.001+10:00

Today is the 20th anniversary of my 21st birthday. I was woken to excited children and hubby! My DD 12 showed her creativity once again. She dotted the cakeboard with split forget-me-not flowers. How sweet is that! Her creativity blows me away sometimes! She also had handmade and flavoured the chocolates on top of it too. Secretly she had bought the August Angel pictured from a newsagent near her dance school. My 10 yo DS showered me in hugs so I feel loved. My life has turned out to be everything I dreamed it would 20 years ago.

My darling sister sent me this cute lantern. It's my second one so now I have to say I'm collecting them. What do you collect?

English and Aussie gardens...

2011-08-15T17:52:00.010+10:00

Three ladybirds and the tail of a pretty bird have appeared on my Marjolein Bastin English garden sampler. I have finished the watering can, sparrow and basket of strawberries.

Let me ask you a question dear fellow cross stitch devotees. How do you keep track of the pattern on a large chart? I'm finding it particularly tricky on this sampler to keep my eye on exactly where I am particularly in the larger areas of cross stitch. The pattern is printed in black and white only so I think this makes it trickier. I have been using a sticky note under where I am up to but that is thwart with problems.

From an English garden to Aussie one:

As you have probably read I moved house late last year. My new house is in a bushy area with garden stipulations using native Australian plants. I'm finding it an exciting challenge planting in this new style as I have always been an "English style" gardener through and through.

I have kept an area of my garden for my English and edible plants but I have designated a large area to native plants. I'm trying to love the natives but their less vibrant green and smaller flowers make them less lovable. I guess foliage planting is the key! On the plus side the presence of plenty of bird varieties (Wattlebirds, honeyeaters and fairy wrens etc) make this garden style worth persisting with.

Strawberries in a basket...

2011-08-11T14:28:00.004+10:00

I have almost finished the top right section of the Marjolein Bastin cross stitch. I am thrilled with how true to life the strawberries appear. I almost want to eat them. MJ is an amazing artist.

I have finally had The Primitive Needle "Hallow Sampler" framed. I love the etching detail on the dark wooden frame. I was so sad to read recently of the tragic passing of this pattern's designer.

Ta da!

2011-08-08T11:00:00.010+10:00

I was head down and tail up all weekend finishing this quilt at my weekend retreat with three beautiful girlfriends. Well, except for the drinking wine, eating gourmet meals, reading mags - you get the picture! And yes, I did have fun. It was perfect weather for sewing - pouring with rain.

This delightfully girly, scrappy quilt is a "Leanne's House Block of the Month quilt" designed by the brilliant Aussie quilter Leanne Beasley (http://leanneshouse.typepad.com/). It is hand quilted with pearl cotton thread which I found was so much easier and quicker than the usual method.

Weekend retreat...

2011-08-05T12:08:00.005+10:00

I am doing a happy dance here as I have had so many finishes in the last 2 weeks. The shabby linen quilt, Tom's Shepherd's Bush Christmas stocking, Sophie's Rose cross stitch, and the feather cross stitch. I am also about to sew the binding onto a Leanne Beasley quilt so it should be done by the end of the weekend too. Woo hoo! Doesn't it make me feel good! And I am going away tonight on a craft weekend with 3x friends. I cannot wait to stitch with a glass of wine and nibbles on hand. I will also have a bed to myself and no toddler to wake me at night (or kitten) so I sure will sleep well!

Scandinavian Xmas...

2011-08-02T14:41:00.002+10:00

I have nearly finished stitching block 1 of the Scandinavian Christmas quilt by Lynette Anderson. Aren't the animals cute? The cross stitch effect around the outside is really pretty too. I have only the eyes left to put on the reindeer and birds. A friend has used black beads for the birds' eyes so I'm going to do that. Next up is to sew together some churndash blocks which will border it . I should get it finished at a craft retreat this weekend lucky me!

Shabby Linen Quilt finished!!!

2011-07-31T17:24:00.006+10:00

My shabby linen quilt looked good before I threw it in the washing machine and dryer but it looked amazing when I took it out! The frayed edge gives the quilt so much texture. I am so in love with it. My son has spent the afternoon under it on the sofa so it is obviously snuggly also.

I am not convinced I should plant many roses at my new home which is disappointing as I love them. I had over 30x roses at my previous home which thrived. The foliage keeps getting eaten, I think by possums. This particular rose "Double Delight" was given to me as a housewarming gift. Luckily it is still flowering beautifully despite the half-eaten leaves.

My DD Mary, 12, has a green thumb. She planted this bed out with daffodils without my help in Autumn and now look how pretty this bed is.

Feather and bird...

2011-07-28T13:11:00.004+10:00

My bedroom wall feather cross stitch is coming along nicely. This pattern is from a charming book a Rainbow of Stitches. It is stitched on a gorgeous 32 ct linen with white silk. When finished (hopefully tonight) I will frame it in an embroidery hoop and put it in a cluster with several prints.

A sparrow is born. I have been busily working on the "Marjolein Bastin design" Lanarte cross stitch in the evenings while watching shows like Country House Rescue and Masterchef.

My Very Own Christmas stocking...

2011-07-25T15:43:00.003+10:00

I have really enjoyed cross stitching a Shepherd's Bush Christmas stocking for my three children so I decided to stitch one for moi. I'm is not too old for a Christmas stocking am I? Here tis. It's the "Elisabeth" design. I think I should stitch one for hubby now too.

Sophie's Roses

2011-07-20T22:31:00.006+10:00

I am proud to say I have finally had a cross stitch finish. I have only been doing this cross stitch for 10 years. Fast aren't I? I bought the stitchery as a kit. It came with the 32 ct linen and silk threads.

You may wonder why it doesn't look quite like the picture. Well I lost the pattern while on holidays years ago and couldnt' retrieve it just as I had begun stitching the outer border. I decided that I did not need the outer border but also I didn't like the inner border of black checkerboard. So I have left both borders out. I like it the way it is and too late now as it is booked in to get framed. I can't wait to hang it in Miss M's bedroom.

Giveaway winner...

2011-07-19T09:16:00.008+10:00

I used my random number generator "cat" (Bob!) to find the winner of the fabric bundle. He took a little to warm up but eventually chose a numbered Uno card. High tech in this house.

Drum roll please.....

The winner is Lizy from Texas!!! Congratulations. Check out Lizy's blog. She has photos of the cutest cross stitched rainforest frogs.

Thanks to those that entered, Jan

Cross Stitches update and Giveaway Reminder...

2011-07-14T22:23:00.009+10:00

I have added a bit more to the upper border of the Marjolein Bastin design Lanarte cross stitch. I've moved from Spring in the top left corner to Summer in the right hand corner of the design. I love the theme of seasons in patterns. Don't you?

As one can never have too many projects on the go, I am also stitching a peacock feather (pictured above) for the wall of my new bedroom like the design pictured. It is from the Rainbow Stitches book I blogged about recently. I will frame and hang it with an embroidery hoop. The white silk thread on the 32ct linen is beautiful to work with.

Don't forget to enter my giveaway by making a comment on my previous post!!! Competition closes on Monday July 18th. There are great odds for winning.

Shades of Blue Fabric Bundle Giveaway!!!

2011-07-11T13:24:00.000+10:00

Hang the bunting. Tie up the party balloons. Blow the party whistles! I've reached my 50th blog post!!!

Blue is my favourite colour so it is apt to celebrate with a bundle of blues. They are a fat 1/8th bundle from an atmospheric church shop called The Quilted Crow which specialises in scrummy reproduction fabrics.

TO ENTER: WRITE A COMMENT ON THIS POST. I WOULD LOVE TO KNOW WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE COLOUR.

IF YOU DON'T HAVE A BLOG PLEASE ADD YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO YOUR COMMENT SO I CAN GET IN TOUCH WITH YOU IF YOU WIN. I WILL HAPPILY MAIL ANYWHERE AROUND THE GLOBE FROM LITTLE OL' TASMANIA.

GIVEAWAY CLOSES SUNDAY JULY 17TH BY THE END OF THE DAY EASTERN STANDARD TIME. THE WINNER WILL BE DRAWN RANDOMLY ON MONDAY JULY 18TH.

Good luck!!! Jan

Progress on my English Cross Stitch...

2011-07-09T15:28:00.007+10:00

This is our 5th day straight of howling,freezing weather. We even got trapped at our house the other morning due to icy roads. In Hobart it is rare to be disrupted by snow and ice. Two posts ago I said how much I loved Wintry weather - well maybe not for five days in a row! At least I have done a bit of sewing this afternoon on my shaggy linen quilt. Will post the progress of that soon.

My internet connection has been so bad (I think cos of the weather) that when I posted last I couldn't post any photos of the progress I have made on the Marjolein Bastin cross stitch by Lanarte from The Fox Collection . I have done about an 1/8th of the piece. It is a L.A.R.G.E stitchery let me tell you, but lovely to watch the pictures grow. Here tis...

A Very English Cross Stitch...

2011-07-07T15:04:00.005+10:00

I a.d.o.r.e. everything English. Maybe I inherited my adoration from my English ancestors who were came to Australia involuntarily at his/her majesty's request. I bought this seasonal cross stitch pattern from The Fox Collection to commemorate my travel through England. It is part of the Marjolein Bastin Collection made by Lanarte. My favourite section is the row of tiny bird's eggs.

Giveaway at Threadgatherer

2011-07-07T13:12:00.003+10:00

Threadgatherer has an exciting giveaway! It is to win an AccuQuilt which is a die cutting machine. Wouldn't this make cutting fabric easy! Head over to the blog and check it out yourself.

Speaking of giveaway...keep checking back on this blog as I will do a giveaway very soon to celebrate my 50th blog post.

Brrrr...Winter Stitching

2011-07-05T12:37:00.006+10:00

Lots of people complain about Hobart's Winter. I don't. Secretly, bad weather is my favourite weather. Today is a perfect example - snow flurries, rain and howling wind. I'm loving it! I haven't got time to stitch during today (toddler and housework need I say more) but come 8pm I will batten down the hatches and settle in front of the TV with some needlework. I will be perfectly cosy and happy.

Success!!! I have completed all of the stitching on Toddler Tom's Shepherd's Bush "reed" Christmas stocking. Now there are charms to attach and to get it sewn into a stocking. I adore the row of houses along the bottom of the stocking. I'm sure he will love it for years to come especially the presents that will hide inside it.

Designer's Forum Tapestry rug

2011-07-04T14:23:00.005+10:00

What a strange and unsettling morning I have had. News that a relative has passed away in France suddenly while travelling with her husband and news that my friend's daughter is in hospital unconscious. I send my thoughts to the immediate families of those loved ones. Life can be so fragile...

Have you dredged up a UFO as old as this tapestry floor rug? 12 years ago I started it! I only had ever done a few inches of work on it before leaving it to sit in the cupboard FOREVER. Over the last few months I have started stitching it again. It is not a small rug - about 100cm x 60cm. It's a Designers Forum Holland Park needlepoint kit using a design by a William Morris colleague William Frend de Morgan (1839 - 1917). The yarn is high quality Appletons crewel wool. Well its been fun to revive my interest in tapestry.

Must have stitching book...

2011-06-28T12:58:00.009+10:00

A Rainbow of Stitches has magically appeared on my bookshelf. It is written by Agnes Delage-Calvet, Anne Sohier-Fournel, Muriel Brunet and Francoise Ritz.

It is a devine collection of small cross stitch and embroidery patterns. Already I am planning to cross stitch a white feather onto linen and hang in on my bedroom wall in an embroidery hoop!

Thanks for visiting thread garden...

Jan

Meet Bob...

2011-06-27T17:35:00.003+10:00

Bob is our 7 month old British Blue Shorthair. We have never met a more friendly, baby-loving and adorable kitten. We are totally in love...And yes, my craft supplies are always an item of fun for Bob!

On my craft bookshelf...

2011-06-26T16:14:00.005+10:00

My sewing room bookshelf has expanded somewhat lately. Here is one new baby:

Lena Corwin has put together a gorgeous book Printing by Hand. I soaked up the section about making handmade stamps and how to put them to use around the home, on clothing and for cute gifts.

The silkscreen printing section was fascinating also. I vaguely remember doing silkscreen printing in high school in art. Why oh why didn't I pay attention to it back then as it could have relevance now in fabric design!

Winter vegetable pickings...

2011-06-25T15:03:00.008+10:00

So proud as I have grown the lettuce and turnips from seed sown directly into the vegie patch.

Thanks for viewing,

Jan

New vegetable garden...

2011-06-24T13:22:00.008+10:00

The lawn before it was dug into a vegie patch:

The new four bed "rotation system" vegie patch as according to Peter Cundall:

Hubby and I are thrilled with how many vegetables we have grown since it was planted up in February of this year. It cost about $300 Aus. I have bypassed the vegetable aisle in the supermarket regularly in the last 3 months so I know it is worth the effort. Besides, the vegies it produces taste so much better than bought ones.

Thank you for visiting, Jan

I heart my new home...

2011-06-23T12:07:00.006+10:00

Last year I contemplated a house move from my weatherboard cottage . Hubby and I took the plunge moved and bought a new home in November last year. 2010 was crazy with major events happening: a premmie baby, husband sitting professional exams and a house move! We survived it all and are really enjoying the change of home. The house is only 8 years old compared with our previous 95 year old cottage. Looking through eucalypt canopies we have a beautiful view of our local harbour.

What's more? I have a large block to transform into a beautiful garden. I am loving the challenge! More photos to come of this transformation...

Hope you enjoyed visiting my blog, Jan

Fun Hexagonal Quilt

2011-06-22T22:39:00.007+10:00

I delighted in paper piecing this quilt last year. I handstitched it for my then baby son as a floor mat. Happily it has progressed from the floor to the sofa as Tom has become a toddler. He now sits on it to have a bottle or quiet time. It is made with a combination of retro prints, fun kiddy prints and scrap fabric. I couldn't believe how quickly it hand quilted. I had fun designing the star design used to quilt the border.

Thanks for visiting, Jan

Cute cross stitch sheep...

2011-06-21T21:59:00.004+10:00

Aren't these sheep cute? They're so quick and easy to stitch. They graze on the "Reed'" (which will be "Tom" when it's finished) Shepherd's bush Christmas stocking. I am delighted the stocking will be finished soon with plenty of time spare before it is hung for Christmas.

Spooky...My First Halloween cross stitch sampler...

2011-06-19T22:27:00.007+10:00

Isn't October a fun month with decorations of Jack-o-lanterns, witches' hats and owls? In keeping with this fun I have finished my inaugural Halloween cross stitch sampler. It is called Hallow Sampler by The Primitive Needle. I stitched it using 32 ct linen with Weeks flosses.

It is the first sampler of many. My plan is to stitch one every year. I can visualise the collection of Halloween samplers that will decorate my wall every October. My next sampler is by The Prairie Schooler in my hot little hands called Pumpkin Patch.

My Halloween obsession began in England 2006 while touring during the witching season. Every shop and house we visited were decked out. My eldest two children are also in love with the season (probably cos they were also there in England). We always try to have a little H'ween fun in our house and it coincides nicely with DS's birthday!

Progress on a Shepherd's Bush Stocking

2011-06-15T21:17:00.004+10:00

Now I have an iPhone it's so much easier to upload pics. I don't have to look all over the house for the digital camera cord. Here is the progress of baby Tom's Xmas stocking. I'm not quite prepared to say he is a toddler quite yet as he's not toddling independently. I'll keep him a baby for as long as possible! I love the periwinkle blue with the fresh greens. Half way there with the stocking. The large cross stitches of these stockings make it so easy to pick up in front of the TV. Yes I do watch a lot of TV in the evenings as my last two posts have exposed.

Back on blog

2011-06-14T20:18:00.003+10:00

I get so caught up in the excitement of a new project I start lots and don't seem to get many finishes. Therefore I'm being hard on myself; no new quilts or craft projects (except Lynette Anderson's Scandinavian Xmas quilt but that was an exception) until I have 5x finishes.

So here is a piccie of the progress I have made on one of my "to finish" quilts. I have finished the quilting on the 64 blocks. It's "Shaggy Linen Quilt" by Quilters Barn. I love the Frenchy linen look. It will be a throwover on wintry Tassie nights watching TV.

Seashell cupcakes for my birthday...

2010-08-12T13:15:00.003+10:00

I drooled over the seashell cupcakes I found at Sweetopia. I made my version of them to share with friends for my (cough, cough) 40th birthday morning tea. Instead of making the chocolates I cut the Guylian ones in half to use as decoration. The cupcake recipe is vanilla. The sand is simply brown sugar. I was delighted with the effect.

i heart my home...

2010-07-28T17:07:00.004+10:00

I heart my home. Over the last 13 years I've put my heart & soul into the interior & garden. Problem is baby no. 3 has really made this home more squishy so we will need to move in the next year or so :(

I'm sure I'll love my next home just as much but part of me will always be in this home

- our first home.

Nice people, nice things and nice plants!

2010-07-27T15:28:00.005+10:00

I bought the Hugs 'n Kisses Nice People, Nice Things quilt pattern last year and have been hunting for the right fabrics ever since. As soon as I saw the name of this bundle, Nicey Jane by Heather Bailey from Fresh Fabrics at the Hobart Quilt & Craft Fair I knew I'd found the perfect fabrics. Luckily for me I had a craft weekend away (baby in tow) so was able to make a start on tracing the pattern when baby allowed. Another quilt in progress....I'm losing count!

For something different in my cottage garden I use euphorbias. I've got quite a collection. I love the featheriness of their foliage and the "punch" the flowers bring to a Wintry garden. This black one my latest. My garden is going through its gothic phase with black plants. I've forgotten its name so will have to hunt for the label.

Christmas stitching in July

2010-07-14T11:19:00.005+10:00

My husband and I were on team Green when expecting baby number 3 this year. I have cross stitched Shepherd's Bush Christmas stockings for my other two children so aimed to do one for my third baby in time for his/her's first Christmas December 2010. I took a punt last year and started stitching a "girly" one called Elisabeth. What was a woman to do with a girly one when she has just had a baby boy? Stitch it for herself of course. Here is a photo of the unironed stitchery (the photo is skewed as holding a baby makes taking a photo hard) awaiting charms and to be sewn into a stocking. So now I'm going to be the proud owner of my own Christmas stocking. I have to get busy now and stitch Tom's one which is titled "Reed" in time for Christmas.

Thre weeks ago I had to farewell our beloved cat, Lily. She was 13years and her body gave up on her. She was our first baby and my constant companion. I miss you puss!

Owl and Bird Quilt

2010-06-23T09:13:00.004+10:00

Baby Tom arrived home on April 27th! He's a lovely baby who has been blessed with the sleep gene. His big sister and brother adore him and are amazing helpers!

My special craft group friends handmade Tom the most gorgeous quilt I have ever seen. The fabrics they chose were bought from The Quilted Crow and were a perfect choice for Tom's nursery. The owls and birds are so quaint and colourful. The quilt is so me!

Look what I've created

2010-03-15T22:14:00.003+11:00

I've been quiet lately but I've had a reason. Here is what I made. Little "Tom Thumb" was born at 29 weeks weighing 3 lb 2 oz. Tom was delivered in rather a hurry so it gave us all a bit of a shock. He is a strong little baby and has done remarkably well. We hope he can come home to be with his new family soon.

New babies...

2009-11-07T09:58:00.005+11:00

Look what I bought! One of my new babies is an overlocker!!!! I've been wanting one for years. I recently "spotted" Spotlight offering VIP members half price Toyota overlockers! Whoo hoo. I snapped one up. It has been surprisingly so easy to use.

Look what I made with it! The top photo is a wrap skirt I finished yesterday. It is "the versatile wrap" pattern by Toni Coward of Make it Perfect. I love it. It is so comfortable and she is right - I don't want to take it off.

Now to my next baby. Anyone who is very observant may notice in the photo of me a little baby bump. That's right - we're having our third baby. Despite the large age gap of 11 and 9 years we are all so excited and cannot wait to greet the new addition to the family due on Mother's Day!

Another Dear Jane block...

2009-08-26T19:00:00.003+10:00

Here is a simple Dear Jane block I did last night - A6 Uncle Homer. That is my twelfth block. I've just realised I started the quilt Aug 30th 2008 almost 12 months ago. That amounts to one block per month. I need to pick up my pace!!!

Dear Jane Block - B7

2009-08-25T15:39:00.002+10:00

Here is B7 of a Dear Jane Block which has been needleturned. That means I have done 11 blocks (including 1x triangle). I have altered the colour combination as I only had a small amount of the brown fabric to use. I apologise for the pencil marks - hopefully they will come out with time.

Dear Jane Block...

2009-08-15T19:25:00.001+10:00

I've joined a Dear Jane Quilt group which meets monthly. It has certainly motivated me to do some blocks. Here is A7 (Dad's Plaids) block I started and finished today.

My Thimble Collection...

2009-07-14T12:03:00.002+10:00

There's been a bit of talk about thimble collections on Cathy's and Hanne's blogs so I thought I would share my Brambly Hedge Royal Doulton thimble collection "Four Seasons" (and also books and 16cm plates in the background). I had to hunt for them on UK ebay in order to collect them. I am currently waiting on the Winter plate to arrive in the post to complete my "Four Seasons" plate collection. There is something irresistible about Brambly Hedge!

Some Dear Jane Blocks...

2009-07-01T13:28:00.003+10:00

I have finally finished two Dear Jane quilt blocks after the first meeting of DJ lovers a week and a half ago. The applique block (D8 Dee Dee's Delight) is one I had to make twice because I forgot to leave a 1/4 inch seam allowance on the first block. The second block is C12 Family Reunion. I have finally settled on a colour scheme for my DJ quilt too. I'm going to do an "around the world" colour scheme in dusty pink, burgundy/red, brown tones, lemon and cream.

New Christmas BOM

2009-06-25T18:33:00.002+10:00

You should check out Helen's blog for her new Christmas BOM. It's so gorgeous. If you click on the link you will see it and can even join in a giveaway!!!

Fun, fun, fun...

2009-06-15T11:32:00.004+10:00

Well I'm back! Life (work and trips away) has got in the way of recent blogging. The last two weeks I've had the pleasure of visiting at least 6x quilt shops. Joy, oh joy! The photo shows two of my buys. I know I don't need to start another quilt but I just cannot resist starting the house quilt in the Blackbird Designs book. It is devine and mostly used needleturn applique which I have recently begun to love! I think I will be able to start sewing the first block soon. The fabric bundle I bought is by Moda and will be perfect for a quilt pattern I found (yes another quilt) in a Homespun magazine.

I am "Wrapped!"

2009-05-04T13:40:00.002+10:00

I had a lovely day at Deloraine with some girlfriends last Wednesday. It wasn't hard to convince them that we had to check out the shop Fresh Fabric. Their fabric range was modern and "fresh". The photo shows you what I purchased - a make it perfect sewing pattern for a wrap skirt. Pictured is the fabric I have chosen. Now that the Wintry weather has hit Tassie I'll have a few months to make my new skirt and model it in Spring.

Have a Look at this New BOM & Giveaway

2009-04-28T12:45:00.003+10:00

Elefantz is offering a gorgeous new BOM called Shabby Roses. To celebrate there is a special giveaway.

My Kittens Have Faces...

2009-04-21T15:33:00.004+10:00

I have now sewn the kitten faces onto Block One of A Kittens Tale. The kittens look finished now. The suffolk puffs are the only items left to finish this block but I will have to wait until it is quilted before I sew them on.

Pop over to Rosycrafts and check out her cute Girly Doll Giveaway. Entries close April 24th.

A Kittens Tale...

2009-04-19T15:20:00.002+10:00

I've almost finished the first block of A Kittens Tale by Lynette Anderson Designs. All that is left to do are the faces (I'll stitch them tonight while watching TV) and add the suffolk puffs which need to be added last after the quilting has been done. It's very cute! I think the special someone I am making the quilt for will love it!

Happy Belated Easter to All!!!

Autumn Knitting...

2009-04-08T11:23:00.004+10:00

With the cooler weather on the way I'm in the mood for knitting. What better way to start than by knitting myself some fingerless gloves! I've really wanted a pair for a long time. I knitted them using Patons Zhivago Yarn . The pattern is from Patons Book 1277. The gloves are very comfortable and soft.

Now I have finished the gloves I want to knit some socks. I bought one skein of Noro sock yarn at The Yarnbarn and two skeins of Moda Vera Noir at Spotlight. I have never knitted with double pointed needles but I'm sure it can't be too hard. At least I won't have to sew the socks up at the end.

Cats; don't use just love them?

2009-03-23T09:29:00.005+11:00

As you can see from the pics finding time to work on my Faery Kisses quilt by Helen of Hugs & Kisses isn't the only battle I have. My Himalayan Persian, Lily, just loved rolling on the quilt itself then fell asleep on my batting (bottom photo) after she had had a play.

My quilt is taking up quite a bit of my time as I tack batting to my embroidered shapes so that when I quilt it I get the trapunto effect. It sure is taking a while to do this but I hope the effect will be worth it!

Ciao... Jan x

Baby Jane Blocks...

2009-03-22T14:22:00.003+11:00

I've finished 2 more Baby Jane blocks for my Dear Jane quilt. Pictured is H1 Peek-a-boo and K12 Doris' Dilemma. I am very happy with the colours. Now I have to work out how to photograph and paste them cutting out the background. They were fun to do and surprisingly not too hard with the foundation piecing tutorial from that quilt.

My Little Owl...

2009-03-20T19:22:00.003+11:00

I made this little softie owl for my daughter. The tutorial to make it is at Moonstitches. It is only a baby measuring 6 cm tall. It was so much fun to bring it to life! My daughter loves it. I will have to make more...

Another block embroidered...

2009-03-18T11:34:00.005+11:00

I finished embroidering block 4 from my Leanne's House quilt. I have embroidered 5 blocks so far. Only 4x left! I'm absolutely loving this quilt - it's so relaxing to embroider in front of the TV in the evenings.

Dear Baby Jane and Roses...

2009-03-16T11:14:00.005+11:00

I started a Dear Baby Jane quilt late last year and have just finished my 6th block. This block is called Bachelor's Buttons (B1). It was my first effort at reverse applique. It sewed together much better than I thought it would.

Living away from my garden for 12 months is hard so it was great to be among the roses again with a visit to Woolmer's Estate to see the National Rose Garden. I couldn't find a name for the David Austin rose pictured so any help with this would be appreciated. David Austin roses are my favourite roses!

A new project

2009-03-14T17:35:00.000+11:00

I've joined a BOM called A Kitten's Tale by Lynette Anderson Designs. I will make it for a special someone in my life who adores cats and dogs and give to to her as a birthday present. I have thought I might embroider the names of all of her current and previous cats and dogs on an outer border to make it personal to her. I can't say who just on the off chance someone shows her my blog! It's a really sweet design. The fabrics are pictured behind and will really suit her decor.

Quilt in progress...

2009-03-13T10:48:00.001+11:00

Here are the first 3 blocks of a quaint Leanne's House quilt. I began it as a block of the month with a friend. We cut and sewed the blocks together which made decisions about fabric choice so much easier. So far, I have embroidered 6 of the 9 blocks. It has been lots of fun. The embroidery is so transportable. I love how feminine Leanne has made this quilt. By the way, I did my first needleturn applique on this quilt which I have really enjoyed. Baltimore quilt here I come...

And no, we don't have a huge garden; our house overlooks a golf course. It provides a wonderful vista!

Look what I made with my son...

2009-03-11T11:23:00.000+11:00

My 8 year old son and I had fun making a Miss Buttons . He chose the fabric and trimmings and did all of the cutting out. I did the sewing. He was very sweet and said I could have her!

I want to say a big thank you to everyone who welcomed me into Blog Land. It was very touching. You really are a friendly bunch of people!

A quilted kite...

2009-03-11T09:18:00.000+11:00

I made this quilted kite as a gift for a close friend's new baby boy. It was a bit tricky to photograph as the hanging shots didn't work out. I was delighted to find a pattern for "something a bit different" in Australian Homespun magazine (No. 67 Vol. 9 No. 12). There is dowel attached to the back so it can be hung in a bedroom. I sewed a label on the backing fabric with the baby's full name, birth date and weight. I am not usually one to sew with bright colours so it was good to go out of my comfort zone. I hope baby Joshua enjoys looking at it!

2009-03-10T13:23:00.001+11:00

What my flowers turned into...

2009-03-10T12:25:00.003+11:00

I planted this patio apple tree growing in my front garden for 4 years. Last year I didn't prune it despite the DVD instructions that came with the purchase (naughty, naughty). I figured as I bought the tree for the spring blossom rather than the fruit it didn't matter how much fruit it produced. In January we moved cities for 12 months. I am returning monthly to my garden to maintain it. Imagine my surprise when I found it dripping in apples last week! The tenants hadn't even picked one of them either!

I've arrived...

2009-03-09T16:43:00.000+11:00

After dreaming about this for months I've finally done it. Now I can share my craft and gardening journey with friends.

Let me share my latest quilting project. This is the Fairy Kisses quilt by hugs and kisses I have been doing since 2003. I know I'm a bit slow but life got in the way for a while! Well I've been working solidly on the stitchery over the last 18 months and finally have put the quilt top together. Now it's ready for batting and basting...

I have received mixed opinions in regards to the quilting of it. I would love to hand quilt it all but that may take a very long time. I haven't had any experience with mixing quilting styles and don't know how it would look especially on the backing fabric. Any opinions in regards to this would be greatly appreciated!

Ciao! Jan x