The FNSI that wasn't

I had the best intentions.  Over the course of the day I had cut out all the fabric for Block 2 of the FQS Mystery Block of the Month, so I was all ready to sit down at the sewing machine after Little Miss went to bed.  Well, I should have known better.  Little Miss has been sick with a cold and her ears decided to give her grief Friday night so I stayed with her in bed.  I didn't get a chance to get near the sewing machine until Sunday morning, when Little Miss and her daddy went out to give mummy a much needed break.  And this is what I got done....

Just the bottom section left to do.  Some bits look a bit gathered, not sure why.  And I've just this second noticed that I cut my fabric wrong - look at the red strips either side of the blue square.  Bugger!  Why did I not see that??

One other thing that has been keeping me busy this weekend is this little guy..

Meet (name yet to be decided). He is the treasured new addition to our family.  Can you believe that anyone could throw this sweet little angel across a room and slam him into a wall?  And at some time in the past smash some of his teeth out (see his tongue hanging out)?  And who knows what else?  We have adopted him through Paws 4 Life, run by Rachel and an awesome team of helpers in Hamilton.  PAWS 4 LIFE is an incredible organisation that offers abused and neglected animals a sanctuary until their perfect home comes along.  Rachel and the foster carers and assistants ensure that everything is done to get these animals fit, well and happy at whatever expense is required.  Paws 4 Life exists solely on donations by the public, so I am putting the word out to everyone to please consider helping this very deserving charity in any way possible. This wee chap, and many others would be eternally grateful.

Have a great week everyone, and keep well.

Helen

A bit of this and a bit of that

Last night's FNWF was fairly productive and, although there are no finishes in sight, I'm pretty happy with where I've left everything.

First up I started on a pillow that I bought as a kit.  I had already cut the strips so it was just a matter of sewing them together.  There are some wool applique flowers to go along the central piece, but I just didn't feel like doing them last night, so this is as far as got with this project.

Next up, I got to work on Block 2 of Chick Jubilee.  Again I had already prepared the freezer paper shapes,  and just needed to spray starch and press the fabric pieces into shape.  For the circles I used aluminium foil wrapped around the shape to help create a neat edge.  The wheels looked perfect when I removed the freezer paper after using this method, but as you can see, in the process of glueing each piece into place, the pointy bits have appeared.  Not impressed!  I didn't do any of the stitching last night as our lighting is not very good and my eyesight is even worse, but I did a wee bit this morning.  I've made it very hard on myself by sticking too many pieces on too soon, but I'm not removing them as it was a mission with all those curves!

These little lovelies were what I tackled last.  I have wanted to try these for so long!!  I found what I think is absolutely stunning fabric, and just had to try my hand at hexagons, at last!  I think they're perfect!

This final photo is of Block 1 of the FQS Mystery Block of the Month.  I could pretend that I rustled this one up last night along with everything else, but no, this was last weekend's project.  It needs a good press, but I'm really pleased with how this turned out.  It only required a little unpicking here and there to get things lining up right, and I'm feeling rather proud of how I've improved since my first attempts at piecing.

On that note, I will leave you and go and see what the other lovely ladies got up to last night.  Thank you so much for having a look here, and I hope you will visit again.  And thank you Cheryll for hosting FNWF.

Take care
Helen

Friday Night with Friends

Tonight I'm linking up with Cheryll for FNWF.  I certainly have plenty to be getting on with!

See you tomorrow with the results.

Mothers' Day Mini Swap

I participated in Cheryll's Mothers's Day 12" Mini Swap, and my partner was Danette.  I have been following Danette's blog for ages and love the things she makes, so I knew I was in for a treat.  Well I was not disappointed.  Look at this stunner!

Danette used paper piecing to make the heart.  It looks seriously complicated to me.  Here is a closer look.

It matches my Mothers' Day roses perfectly.

Thank you so much Danette.  This mini is a real treasure.  I love everything about it!


Here is what I sent to Danette.

 It was square, honest!  I just can't take decent photos.

I love this design. It is a pattern I found in a Patchwork & Stitching magazine, designed by the amazing Jennifer Reynolds of Elefantz Designs.  I just changed the word to suit the theme.  It was fun to stitch - I learned satin stitch and chain stitch in the process. Oh, how I love chain stitch!  It is so forgiving!

 I sent my favourite chocolate goodies too.  I do hope Danette enjoys them as much as I do.

Thank you Cheryll for organising such a great swap.  I think you do an amazing job!

Stitch-Me-Up

Oh boy, is it my day already????   Have you been following the Stitch me up blog hop?  What an amazingly talented bunch of stitchers there are out there.  The designs provided for the participants are stunning, and it has been great seeing everyones' interpretations of them all.

Well, I am about to humiliate myself.  I started on two projects and finished neither.  I've not been myself lately and am struggling to motivate myself to do much of anything.  Now that I have that out of the way, I shall proceed to show you what I HAVE done.  I've laid out the border fabric and binding with the projects so you can get an idea of how they should look when finished.

First up, a complete disaster.  I have given up on this one as I have decided that black just shows up my poor quality stitching WAAAAAY too much.

You can see where I have been attempting to unpick the worst offenders.  Even that hasn't gone well!



This next project is not far off being completed.  Just a few more french knots, some blanket stitching around the rectangles and, hey presto, my table runner will be done - well almost.  I would like to have used a fancier stitch than just back stitch but, well, I don't know how to do any others!

If you feel like popping back here in the not too distant future you may see the finished product.



Many thanks to Madam Samm, and the wonderful Jane, who has been our cheerleader for this blog hop (Jane thank you so much for your encouragement). Also, a huge thank you to the pattern designers Debbie, Cyndi and Madam Samm!


Here are the other crafty ladies who will be posting today.  Go and have a look, and be impressed!  Thank you for stopping by!

TUESDAY MARCH 26th

Isabel @That Other Blog

Jeanette @That Other Blog  (no show)

Just Let Me Quilt

MacDonald’s Patch 

Pots Pans Pins and Prayers

GrandMama's Stories

Stitch, Stitch, Stitch

Needled d

Tomorrow's Treasures Today 

Lemur on a Stick

 Life In Every Breath

Zellerwear 

 Bumbleberry Stitches

threads on my socks

Hanging On By A Thread

Fresh Cut Quilts

February OPAM

A bit late posting (I'm in shock that March is here already!!), but here are my finishes for February.

I have completed another project but I won't be showing that until later this month, so it can't be counted yet.

We've had a bit of sickness around here lately.  Little Miss, then me, with colds, me with a headache that I can't shake off, and yesterday Little Miss had her vaccinations (she always ends up suffering, poor thing).  So I'm looking forward to a new month, with good health and good fortune.  Here's hoping for the same for you.

Until next time....

Initial Heart Swap

Yay, I'm back!  I am now in possession of a shiny new laptop (not that my previous one was old - it was only a year old).  Unfortunately I am now running Windows 8.  It is soooo different!  If I hadn't been shown how, I wouldn't even be able to turn the laptop off.  There is no START button!  Intuitive it is NOT!!  I will play around with it for a while, and if I can't make sense of it, I'll be installing Windows 7.  I guess I'm showing my age - eeek!

Now, as I posted before I have received my Initial Heart from Michell.  Finally here are the photos.

And here is what I sent to Clare

As you can see my binding skills need major improvement.  I'm so sorry Clare.  Of course I also sent a box of choccies.

Thanks so much to Cheryl for organising this great swap.  I have loved being part of it.

Lemonade and laptops

So, what do you get when you mix lemonade, a laptop and a child's feet?  A dead laptop, ha ha ha!!  Yep, my laptop is currently being assessed for insurance purposes, and who knows how long it will be before I'm up and running again.  For today, I'm using the library computer so that I can write a quick post and send an email to Michell to thank her for my Initial Heart gift.  Michell sent me a  sweet crazy patched (I think thats what it's called) heart made with gorgeous fabrics, and a bar of chocolate that has already been demolished.  I will have to post a photo at a later date when I have a computer again.  I will also post photos of the gifts I sent to Clare.  Clare phoned me on Saturday morning to tell me her parcel had arrived.  It was such a lovely surprise!  We must have chatted for close to an hour I'm sure.  Isn't this blogging/swapping community awesome!!

Well that is it for now.  I am looking forward to being able to catch up with everyones blogs soon.  I miss reading about what you are all getting up to.  I hope you are all well.

Take care
Helen

OPAM January Finishes

I have signed up with OPAM for the first time, in the hopes that it will motivate me to become more productive.  This month I have two finishes so far, with another project due to be finished tonight (talk about last minute!).  I will post again later if I can get it completed in time.   Here are the two that are done...


Meet Rosie

This is my first softie and I'm really pleased with the result. Rosie has been a huge hit.  Little Miss will not part with her, day or night.  Yay!!



And here is a dress I made for Little Miss

It is meant to be size 4, but is huge!  So it has been put away for next summer.

I had asked Little Miss if she would put the dress on for me, so I could take a better picture.  No way!!!!!!!!  But when it came to taking the photo she just couldn't resist being part of it....

What's that saying... Never work with kids or animals!  So true!!

Until next time
Helen

My first Tuesday's Treasures

I love this idea - celebrating the special things in our lives.  It can be things, people, feelings or places.      A bit like a gratitude journal really, something I have always wanted to try.  So I have signed up with Melody from House on the Side of the Hill for her monthly Tuesdays Treasures.  And here is my treasure this month.

Yes, I'm afraid my Christmas decorations are still out.  The tree has gone but everything else will be packed away in the next day or two.  This is the first year I've ever had a nativity set.  Ever.  I spotted this set in a shop in December 2011 and fell in love, but couldn't afford it.  The shop offered layby from February onwards though, so I put it away then, and slowly paid it off.  It took me over six months!  It was stupid money really, and Hubby has made the occasional comment about spending so much on a Christmas decoration, but I just HAD to have it!  I'm not even religious!  I know - what a weirdo!  Anyway, I love it, and this is my Tuesday's Treasure.  Thanks for reading!  And thanks to Melody for hosting.

See ya
Helen

A little late but here's the result of my FNWF

So not much got done on Friday.  Little Miss didn't go to sleep until 9.45pm - she's all out of kilter after a mystery illness - so by the time I managed to start on my project I was ready for bed myself!

I recut the legs using one piece of fabric for each, eliminating the seam down the front.  I'm much happier with the result now.  And I've started on the face.  This is such a cute pattern, and so simple to make.  It would be great to have a few of these made up for the present cupboard.  At the moment though I'd be grateful to just get this one finished!!

Many thanks to Cheryll for hosting Friday Night With Friends.  I'm off now to have a quick look at what everyone else got up to.

See ya
Helen

I'm Back!

Hi there!  Remember me?  I've been missing from blogland for a while now.  No excuse really, I just didn't manage to keep up with it.  I haven't been following other bloggers either, which has been a mistake as seeing others'  projects is what motivates me to be productive too.

I am trying to change my wicked ways though, and to get me started again I have signed up for tomorrow's  FNWF hosted by Cheryll at Gone Stitchin'. 

 I plan to complete this little sewing project that I started for Little Miss many months ago and then put aside.  I am going to redo the legs as I don't like the seam down the front.  I should have thought of it before making them but, oh well, better late than never!

Cheryll is also organising an "Initial Heart Swap".  I am really excited to be part of this - it's been so long since I have participated in a swap.  Pop on over to Cheryll's blog to have a look.  You've got until the 9th to sign up.





Finally, a new stitch-along that I will be part of is the Summertime Stitch-a-long organised by Melody of The House on the Side of the Hill.  The quilt design is by Erica Kaprow and the PDF pattern is available to purchase from Pattern Spot.  It is really striking and I am looking forward to getting started  once my SKOW quilt is completed. 

Lots to keep me busy for the next little while.  Watch this space!

Happy New Year to you and yours!

Helen