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.