Knit One Piece One

2010-08-07T22:56:00.001+10:00

I am up to the second block of the Civil War Bride quilt from Threadbear.

WOW, this picture of the first block is not the best photo – very washed out.

I am also working on the The Basket Quilt – and I absolutely love this one. The background is a Moda Bella solid. I think I might stick with the basic layout of the original – maybe. Both of these blocks are now finished, though in the photo the second one is only pinned in place. I plan to prepare the third one tomorrow.

In the picture above you can see the second CWB quilt’s second block on the left.

2010-08-01T18:11:00.001+10:00

I have been busy doing some hand applique, almost to the exclusion of all else.

I did dust off the machine to sew on the striped borders of this quilt. It is for my youngest daughter, who doesn’t have her own full sized bed quilt yet. She helped pick fabrics for the leaves and the birds’ wings. It actually started out like this though mind you I got a lot further than this photo shows before I started unpicking it. The brown leaves looked way too dreary for me so the whole project was just put away. The quilt that this centre is based on can be found in Small Endearments by Sandi Fox (one of my favourite quilt books). Anyway, this quilt needs a lot more borders. I dug it out last week and decided to put it at the top of the to do list. I have been busy with it since.

The other project is the very lovely Basket Quilt, pictured in Quiltmania number 75. I have the pattern from Threadbear, but I think I will rely heavily on a series of close up photos of the quilt - I rather like the original centre I think. The Threadbear pattern is very nice though and it had me making up my mind to make the quilt.

2009-08-10T18:49:00.002+10:00

The other month I said I was going to clean up the blue dollhouse (I said to myself) and look the job was done the other day.

So here is the before shot

Here is the stuff strewn across the lawn (bench)

Getting a dusting

And here it is finished. All the other finished pics were a blur!

I thought this post would be quilty – next time.

2009-07-07T18:23:00.001+10:00

Here are some finished things.

another Verity beret.

a noro scarf

plain garter scarf

one row scarf

arm warmers

garter yoke cardigan from Knit 1

and not quite finished – a feather and fan scarf

2009-03-03T07:27:00.001+11:00

I have been busy with a couple of things – involving my children mainly.

In between though I have gotten around to getting myself a piece of batting to quilt my cot quilt. It was to have been finished last week, but the batting I thought I had was virtually non existent. Karen at the shop didn’t have any wool batting so I have gone with bamboo. I have never used it before so I hope I have made a good decision. The quilt is a special one. It’s for Amelia. She is not a baby, but she needs a special one.

I have also almost put together the 6” block I am sending to Dawn for the mini round robin. It’s all hexagons and I would like to have it done by Thursday to post (mental note – it is now Monday).

As far as the Lutterloh system goes – I love it. Here’s the first pattern. I drafted and sewed the skirt on the right.

I ordered a bit of wool from the Yarn Cafe and it arrived today – some sock yarn in BFL, and a skein each of Shetland in 8 ply and 10 ply, which will make the little ones a very nice hat each. I have never knit with Shetland before so that’s a bit exciting.

2009-02-10T14:16:00.001+11:00

I did a little fabric shopping in January. The nicest is the Grand Teint, (look at that red),

but I do also love the Pink Chocolate.

There was a third bundle, but I really can’t remember exactly what arrived in that parcel. I’ve shown three of them here. So what does it mean if you cannot remember what fabric you bought… that maybe I have too much? Probably.

I have also been doing a little knitting. I was working on my blue greenjeans,

a lovely top down cardigan pattern from Knitty, however the weather has turned a little hot and it has been put aside. Instead, here are the thick socks I am working on.

There is another sock that I have been knitting in the heat. The first of the pair was made a year or two ago and I am attempting to get it a partner so that the can be worn. No photo yet.

2009-02-06T20:39:00.001+11:00

I don’t know what anyone else thinks but I am so fed up with ugly fashion made from ugly fabrics that I am getting back into some dressmaking for …… I don’t believe this….. myself. I have purchased the Lutterloh pattern system and am making some lovely skirts, dresses and blouses to go with my knitted stuff. And it is going to be great. I have been waiting years for the perfect skirt to appear in the shops, but I will wait no more….

So, I have lots of knitting to do so I can have more to go with my new clothes. At present I am trying to find the perfect scarf. I have decided that I like them plain, and none of the popular patterns on Ravelry thrill me. Makes me wonder if I am being way too picky.

On the quilting front I have the final border on the cot quilt to stitch, then I want to get busy quilting it. I am hoping for a finish by Monday. That won’t be easy, considering the heat, but I shall try. It is destined to be a project in a magazine and it would be nice to get it done. The fabrics in it are truly divine.

Not a photo in sight – might get back on later to load a few – it’s just that I want to watch my show on the ABC at 8.30, which reminds me, why do a remake a perfectly wonderful show originally put out by the British only a short time ago – Life on Mars??? I mean it was so good and just can’t be beaten by a remake.

A finish

2009-01-22T21:15:00.000+11:00

A pair of fingerless mittens , made following the very popular Fetching pattern.

I love the colour – red is my favourite, but the style of the mittens is not exactly what I like, but a bit of variety is okay. They are not my only mittens, and there are plenty of different mitt patterns out there to knit.

I’m writing this using Windows Live and I have to say it is making blogging so much easier. With my new camera (Christmas present) maybe I will blog more often. About what though?

2009-01-13T17:56:00.002+11:00

Finished knitting two pairs (pieces?) of Toast. They're wrist or arm warmers and they will be so welcome for walks during the cold, cold winter we experience around here. It's a free pattern and can be knitted up very quickly. I made mine several inches longer and for the pink pair I added 4 extra stitches soon after casting on so that they would slouch a bit.
I haven't mentioned any quilting but I will get around to it. I am at present busy restitching a binding to a quilt because I decided it just wasn't good enough. I will probably finish hand stitching it in place in front of the telly tonight.

2008-11-28T20:55:00.002+11:00

Amelia's Pram quilt is the new Australian Country Threads magazine - and look it's there on the cover. It's a nice simple, quick quilt made with 30's fabrics and she loves using it. Another quilt lover for sure. I want to make her a bed sized quilt and I really should set about getting started on it. (The second picture is the quilt back label.)
There is so much wonderful sewing to do. I am just about finished with a largish applique quilt for Country Threads called Ruby's House (or is it Place). I like the blocks in this one and it is made in pretty fabrics with red for Ruby and lots of repro bits and pieces. It's about as pretty as I will ever get - though who knows....
I'm also working on a very nice cot quilt - very nice because of the truely divine fabrics I am using! They are sort of pretty and interesting repros - like big blooms and graphic patterns. It has applique and piecing - and right now is a good time to work on it.

2008-11-27T18:56:00.010+11:00

I rather like Folk Art type quilts, especially the primitive folk art applique type. Quilts by Cheri Saffiote-Payne must be about my favourite. The quilt Kathie is working on is so nice that I decided to drag out one of my favourite half finished ones. It's called My Country Seasons (by Cheri S-P). Here are the four blocks which are almost done. Borders need to be added. I was sewing it last night and have decided to hurry up and finish it - so I can hang it up!

I also make up my own with scraps. One of them is in the current issue of Australian Country Threads for a quick, rustic project.

2008-11-10T21:33:00.003+11:00

I am sewing scraps here at my machine this evening (up in the roof where my sewing room is). I'm about to put Mamma Mia on yet again and watch while I churn through some scraps. I absolutely love that movie, and after it I just might put on Fargo for good measure. Talk about extremes. The kiddies are asleep and it's time to sew.

Anyway these scraps came from this cupboard, which was once a child's wardrobe but which is now the place to store the sorted sickofthelookofems. What I mean is these are not my favourite fabrics to sew with at all, but I cannot stand waste. Have to admit that I have gotten a great deal of pleasure slicing them up into usuable strips and squares and putting them into labelled boxes to use one day. That day has arrived and I need to get this done.

I am enjoying myself, but I must admit that secretly I wish I was sewing together fabrics from this cupboard or the one behind it - the Repros.

Hopefully, what am I making will be up on the design wall shortly.

2008-11-02T16:34:00.003+11:00

Well it must be about a month since I wrote something. How do people keep up with these things - amazes me.

Here is a very bright quilt, made largely from some lovely Kaffee Fassett fabrics. It was made for my first grandchild.

What I need to do, or rather want to do is make some sort of impression on the big box of brights and make a few quilts for my younger children - especially my almost 2 and almost 5 year olds. It's nice to do something with different fabrics (non repro) now and then. I do love these brights in particular.

This one is on the cover of Patchwork and Stitching magazine - the colours though are better shown true to form here than in the magazine. I have a copy put away for her to have one day and hopefully she will appreciate it. Of course she will!!

A Christmas Stocking...

2008-10-01T16:29:00.003+10:00

It's been a while... blogging may become more frequent when I get that little dish installed on the roof (this week!!!). I am apparently too remote for broadband otherwise.

Here's a picture of my entry into the Christmas stocking challenge. I designed and made it at the last minute (literally the night before) and it turned out okay. Let's see if blogger will cope with loading a little picture....

In Progress

2008-08-04T09:19:00.009+10:00

I have almost finished this baby quilt, just a little more hand quilting to go. I have other things done as well, but can't show them as they are off to the magazine and I suppose it's good manners to not show pictures before hand.

I finished a jumper for one of my boys too. Here it is looking almost finished so I need a recent photo. It's knitted top down which I love as it goes quickly and no seams need be sewn at the end - plus I can add more length very easily if he has a sudden growth spurt.

I spent yesterday and the day before quilting a largish applique quilt - in a feeemotion style and I like how it turned out. Last night I added a few diamonds and hexagons to the corners. Can't show a picture because one of my daughters borrowed the camera (I just remembered) and it was to go to the magazine too. But I do have one of the quilts I am now spending time on every evening. I have about six stars hand quilted so far. I would like to see this one finished as I put the top together 2 or 3 years ago.

And at present I'm working on Waving Lace Socks from Favourite Socks (really like this book). The yarn is 4 ply from the Knittery and really looks lovely. I love that shop. Also love Bendigo woollen Mills for just about all my non sock knitting.
The Loopy Ewe is also big favourite. As far as sock yarn goes they have it all and lovely service too. Should have seen what I bought recently; if I had my camera I would show you. In my local shop I did find some gorgeous sock wool too, plus they have things like Noro.... Anyway, here's the socks -

A few pictures

2008-07-15T14:22:00.005+10:00

Remember that 3 part challenge with the repro girls - all those 4 patches? Here it is altogether and ready for basting. The hexagon flower is just sitting there; it doesn't belong. Notice the incredibly divine fabrics used. If repros were chocolates I'd be fat!

A finished pair of socks for me! They are in Cherry Tree Hill yarn and are very nice to wear. (8.5 spi on 2.5mm needles and the pattern is a generic 4 X 2 rib sock).

I'm working on a cardigan for Amelia (top down, 8 ply yarn from The Knittery in Wildflowers, plus a little contrast in Rare Yarn leftovers),

and another two pairs of socks. But no matter how many times I attempt to, I cannot load the photos. I will try again tomorrow....

Pictures and Dollhouse

2008-04-16T01:23:00.006+10:00

The camera has not been functioning properly this past week so here's a few catch up pictures. (I scan the Dear Jane blocks).For the repro challenge there's my baskets and flying geese, plus my pile of four patches for the crib quilt challlenge.

And while I was tidying up I found that the blue dollhouse I made and decorated years ago was in a bit of a mess. So here are the before pictures - when I get the big clean up done I will post some more.

Dollhouses was something I did every now and then, usually during holiday time when I was doing my second degree. It was the creative break I badly needed every few months with all the studying I was doing. I decorated several others (for two of my daughters) and would like to make another for myself.

I set up a web page years ago way back when you actually had to write the html code yourself
My Dollhouse Page I didn't have the means then to take photos and show my stuff, instead I made and put up free printable projects.
Strange thing is it is still there! And people still look at it. Wonder if anyone wonders if I will ever update it. Maybe I should and put some pictures up....

Back again - to make the house pictures bigger because I can't see anything at the smaller size.

Dear Jane Yet Again

2008-04-15T09:16:00.004+10:00

The first time I made this block I sewed it just as Anina describes, but this second one was handpieced. The first one is in a quilt top, and yes, I like this block too.

Dear Jane

2008-04-14T21:52:00.002+10:00

Here is K7. I did mine the easy way, all in one piece and appliqued in place. I am ready for the next two. I think two a week is just right.... did I say that already?

Dear Jane

2008-04-07T18:51:00.001+10:00

Catching up on the scanning of finished blocks. Here's b 1 reverse appliqued

m 10 pieced on the machine and
c 3, also machine pieced.

It has taken an age to upload these! And I just realised that I left out a block. Be back later...

Dear Jane Again

2008-04-02T18:25:00.004+11:00

Here is b 4. Looks very dark here. I believe I am up to date so far. I have been very busy and will be back to blog with more soon. I became a first time grandma for one thing!

Just realised, I haven't done b1 - bachelor buttons.... so I am a block behind afterall.

Dear Jane Blocks

2008-03-25T11:40:00.007+11:00

Another Dear Jane post! Here is the second block from last week (which really needs pressing), plus D3, the first for this week.
D3 was handpieced and the other one was appliqued. I really like D3 as a block and am slowly making some on the machine for a one day quilt. I am using Matilda's Own 4" Drunkard's Path template set and the blocks are turning out accurately. I should go take a picture of a couple...

Dear Jane

2008-03-20T23:27:00.004+11:00

Here is the next one, A6. I love this print, so nice and graphic and an oldie but a goodie. It would be good to use in a strippy, yes?

I am still busy with a crib quilt for my first grandchild, due to arrive in less than 2 weeks!!!! The fabrics are not repro, but I love them all the same. They are mostly Kaffee Fassett - and I have a few more I am waiting for in the mail from Z and S . Love that shop! Actually there's a bit more coming from them, which isn't too bad considering it is where I get my fabric these days.

I am also working every day on a scrappy Snails Trail quilt. It is one of my favourite patterns with its illusions of curves. I will post a picture soon, as in when I actually put it up on my design wall because at the moment I am sewing bits and blocks.

Of course I haven't forgotten the neglected Carolina Crossroads. I really like how that mystery came together so I am very keen to finish mine.

Everyone is asleep so it is time to get upstairs into my sewing room and maybe put together part 3 of the Reprolovers challenge - 4 six inch basket blocks.

Dear Jane

2008-03-12T23:15:00.006+11:00

Here is A7. It is appliqued and is done. Only another zillion to go! I wonder if I will do the triangles. I would like a whole quilt - I already have a part of a one and do not need another!This block is an old favourite of mine. I have used it quite a few times in a couple of quilts, and I will probably use it again.

Dear Jane

2008-03-12T23:15:00.004+11:00

Here is C 9 from last week and D 13. I am now up to date. This group is motivating me! With a bit of consistent effort I just might just get there.I just spotted a stray thread on the block - just like last time! Okay, I'm ready for the next one.

A Nice Pattern for a floor

2008-03-09T14:14:00.003+11:00

Must be a quilter living in this house. Peter has laid out the main part of the final arrangement of the tiles for the toilet room floor. He is about to put it all in place. I started fiddling with the pieces and made the central area, then he thought and said right out loud - what about if I cut a square into quarters diagonally..... I think he's happy with the look.

Dear Jane

2008-03-08T23:29:00.008+11:00

Almost forgot. Here's B13. The second block is on its way...

A Finish

2008-03-08T23:01:00.003+11:00

I finished a scrappy lap quilt (72" x 64") for one of my sons this week. It's made from "fabric before repros", the stuff I use to buy before I became addicted to the other stuff. I still love a lot of the fabrics in the quilt and now and then I add to this stash. Mainly though I go for repros, a little bit of 30's or Kaffe Fassett. Right now I am working on a cot quilt in the latter's fabrics and it is looking so colourful and will be well received I think / hope (the parents love the bright colours).

I love the Kansas Troubles block but I think my favourite must be Delectable Mts. I have made a few of them and can feel another one in the works. Something huge and very scrappy.

Would you believe that I am almost finished another quilt, with only a little of the binding left to finish sewing down on the back. What a productive week! It will be for my youngest to use riding in the pram this coming winter when I get out for my walk.

On the Wall

2008-03-03T12:39:00.002+11:00

Kathie asked what was on peoples' design walls. On the left are my challenge blocks. In the middle a pile of blocks I made from instructions here, and then lastly a few spider web type blocks I was playing with the other day. The quilt in the centre needs arranging and 2 more rows of blocks made, which I was thinking of doing.

A weekend away

2008-03-02T20:17:00.005+11:00

Had a lovely little break with dh and 3 of the children, staying in Coffs Harbour. Very windy and not the best swimming conditions, but we enjoyed ourselves. I did a little shopping at the local Spotlight, and as you can see I bought only a couple of different pieces. The darkest one will be a backing and the lights will make useful background fabric for scrap quilts. The one on the right is an old favourite and to me utterly divine. Before now I only had about an 8" square of this fabric left in my stash - a very nice repro fabric just perfect for English type quilts and now I have 8 metres of it. Okay, a bit of an overkill but it was on a very big sale - all the fabrics here were. I noticed that fabric is far more expensive at Spotlight than it was a year or two ago.

I didn't get to Hunters and Collectors, nor a little shop I noticed at Dorrigo (beautiful place), but I will visit both places next time.

Some Jane Blocks

2008-02-28T00:58:00.006+11:00

Here is a picture of the first lot of Dear Jane blocks. One day I just decided to be done with them and pieced them together with a single friendship wheel block I had on hand. I want to add more rounds of something to this quilt, so at present it is just sits quietly, stewing away in the UFO box. These are the "new start" blocks. Got into a mood some time ago and decided to prepare about 30 blocks and put each, ready to go, in little zip lock bags. About 25 or so are finished.

I am now keen to get busy with them again, so here's hoping. I really would like a reproduction of the Jane Stickle quilt, but if I do fall by the wayside I could always join them with the first lot!

Back into the Swing

2008-02-27T14:03:00.005+11:00

One of the things I have been up to is a bit of sewing with the Reprolover girls on Yahoo. We are doing a challenge, following one clue every month. So far we have done two. Number one - make a 12" star block - and number two, make nine 4" finished pinwheels -
So far so good. Clue three will be up soon.

I have decided to resurrect the Jane Stickle quilt. I have about 28 blocks done (first time round I got to about 50 before assembling them into a top) and I thought maybe I could get 2 done a week and get somewhere. If this attempt fails then that's it - Jane bites the dust and I move on. So, I have joined up at Dear Baby Jane and we start up March 3rd.

It's Raining Again

2008-01-19T19:34:00.000+11:00

It's Summertime and it is cold and rainy - and I love it. The water tanks are full, and the garden is coming along. We are eating carrots, lettuce, spainach, leeks, lots of herbs, onions, cucumber, zucchini - and almost, but not quite, tomatoes. Hopefully the birds will leave us some fruit too.

Kathie asked about the quilt underneath the soakers way back here. Here's a picture of it, called The Basket Quilt. It was made up of several UFOs and bits and pieces that I wanted to use up. It's large (queen sized) and I sometimes use it on our bed. I rather like baskets. It's a bit washed out in the bright light in the photo.

Cool and Quiet

2008-01-12T16:03:00.000+11:00

While everyone has been sweltering in high heat, it has been very pleasant, sometimes even cold here. The other day it was a bit hot when it hit 26 Celcius. Yes, where is summer? Don't look for it on my account because it is my least favourite season. Of course there is still time for the hot weather to hit us, but up here it never does strike like it does in other places (says I, breathing a sigh of relif as I think about the 45 degree temps or the overwhelming humidity in other places I have lived).

I have been busy while not blogging. Oh my, I just looked - it has been a while! Okay, Christmas was good and New Year was quiet. I started a new pair of socks, stalled on the Mystery quilt, which an evening of sewing should rectify (I do not like sewing 100 of this 100 of that). Plus lots of other knitting and of course more quilting - and some shopping. I'll go get organised and take some photos to post later....

A little on the Mystery Quilt

2007-12-17T22:04:00.000+11:00

The previous post was written and posted on the 15th, not the 12th December. I think I have noticed this before...I suppose it can easily be fixed for future posts, but at the moment I don't know how. But I will see what date this will be published under (it's Monday the 17th).

Anyway, I am sewing and sewing for part 2 and 3 of the Mystery Quilt. Now I like 9 patches, but having to sew 180 of them??? Bit mindless for me. What I am doing is sewing lots of short strips end to end to use them up and then sewing these new strips to another long one. I thought - I would like to use up all the bitty bits, rather than be left with a pile of them, and that is just what I am doing. I have a fair way to go, but everyone is in bed so I might get a bit of quiet time to myself and actually get a lot of sewing done. At least that's the plan.

A Present in the mail!

2007-12-12T07:18:00.001+11:00

I ordered this lovely bundle of fabrics, the Sturbrige Scarlett Collection in half yard cuts from Z&S and it arrived in the mail in a priority paid box - the postage for which I didn't pay for! So that was present number 1. Inside is my bundle of gorgeous fabric,

plus these other things!

A pack of five flannel fat quarters, a little box of 5" charms - 82 charms in total, and a little gift pack of Christmas Handkerchiefs. That's 3 more presents. I was so thrilled I was just about speechless - but not quite because I started raving at great speed to dh, and kids about Carol and Meghan at Z&S and their kindness and generosity. Thankyou for the lovely gifts, they are much appreciated. Meghan is one of the very few people to have given me a handmade gift - a little framed piece of patchwork. That was a few months ago and it is hanging on one of my stash door handles right now. And then I receive this! How wonderful!

Mystery Quilt

2007-12-12T07:18:00.000+11:00

The first 100 rail fence blocks are done (Quiltville Mystery) and I am onto part two, the 9 patches. Red is my accent, with blue and purple being the other colours. I finished sewing these while listening to the rain pouring down on the roof last night. We have had so much rain!

Good Reading and Good Fabric

2007-12-10T20:14:00.000+11:00

The postlady got through today. All week the creek was up and we were unable to have any mail delivered. But today a couple of parcels arrived. One from Z&S with some really lovely fabrics in it from the Carriage House collection - reproductions (of course).

Another came from the Beamish Museum, a book called Quilts and Coverlets. This is a really beautiful book, the photography is absolutely stunning. You can see the quilting stitches in many quilts up close - not just the design they create, but the stitches themselves. Love the frame quilts in particular and I look forward to reading through it carefully.

The open page here shows one of the quilts I particularly like - and am thinking about reproducing. Can't see it too clearly unless you have the book. Anyway, great book if you like qntique quilts and fabrics like I do.>

A Little Sun Hat

2007-12-09T19:45:00.000+11:00

Not much on the sewing front, but I made this little sun hat for Amelia, using one 50gm ball of Peaches and Cream in a variegated colour. I think it was called "Spring". I know I bought it from the US earlier this year. It took two knitting sessions to make and was made from a free pattern, available at Adorabubble Knits.

Creek's Up

2007-12-05T20:29:00.000+11:00

I haven't even started those rail fence blocks, but I am hoping that I will get some sewing time tonight. We have had a fair bit of rain here recently - another 30ml last night. The big tank is almost full, the dam has overflowed and the valley is awash. Went for a drive to the letter box, which is about 4 1/2 kms away - knowing for certain there would be no mail, on account of the creek. Here it is over the road at 1 metre.

I am expecting some nice parcels in the mail so I will be happy to see the water level return to normal - plus getting into town will be a lot easier. What could I be expecting??? A parcel from ZandS of course - and a book from the Beamish Museum on antique quilts. Can't wait.

Here is the view out the right side window as we go down to the letterbox. This is not our place BTW, it's about 4km away from where we are. It's looking very green with all the rain we have had - and my veges have really grown.

Mystery Quilt

2007-12-03T11:26:00.000+11:00

Over at Quiltville Bonnie has a Mystery Quilt going and I thought I would try to join in. So I retrieved my box of 1 1/2" scrap strips and have started separating out the reds. Since it is my favourite colour I will make it the accent colour. I will have a look for a cream length, like a tone on tone for the lights and the rest will be scrappy. Let's see how I go. I have so many things to do, but I have never done a mystery quilt before. First step is the create 100 rail fence blocks....before Thursday... Gosh, I have some incredible uglies in this box of strips - check out those shoes and the black and white nightmare. They will make the quilt look extra nice though, like all uglies do.

In the Garden

2007-12-01T19:59:00.001+11:00

I took these photos after recent rains - but really, you should see the garden now. It has grown! My tomatoes though have turned out to be cherry bush tomatoes - not my favourite gross lizzie type. They must have been mislabeled. Funny thing is they were the only thing I didn't grow from seed - if I had, then I would have what I wanted. Oh well, can't sit around up here in the New Englad area - the growing season is shorter so I will have to go buy a punnet of the type I want. Cherry tomatoes are very nice but 8 bushes of them? The great thing is that no animals are eating the plants. So successful is this little fenced bed that we will probably make another two next year.

Here is a photo of one of my quilts which will be back home soon. It is a very simple quilt, but is one of my favourites because of the fabrics I used. There are actually a lot of favourite repros in it. One of my daughters loves it too. Actually here's another photo. It's unfinished and without its border but you can see the fabrics better- which is essential for the fabric addict. I should add that I was inspired by a rather divine old antique quilt, which I did make a note of in my instructions, but unfortunetely the magazine didn't include it! I should go and find the book I saw it in....

I uploaded this photo by mistake - I read "blue birds" for "blue cross", but thought I would leave it in anyway. I made this one from a pattern from Patchwork On Stonleigh - it's a remake of an antique quilt. The original that inspired it is in the book Crib Quilts and Other Small Wonders, one of my favourites.

Quilting Away

2007-11-19T12:05:00.003+11:00

I have dragged out the over-due quilt - the one that should have been finished and posted off some time ago. Anyway, I do really love it. Full of lots of applique - big bits and little bits. 'Course I now have to write up the pattern as well. Love the colours, snuck a few repros in with the pretties so it will eventually serve as a nice little lap quilt to snuggle under - though I reckon it will make it up on the wall for a stint or two.

Haven't told you about the proper bathroom, have I??? How it is being "done" and is half way heading towards completion. Well, it is. Been a while in the making though This owner building stuff is hard work, and a bit drawn out! Bit of a story in that.

Garden is looking good. Will take a photo today of my new vege patch - things are starting to grow because the roos really and truely cannot get in. Oh, there is roo poo all around it but not in it - and of course the bunny wire keeps the other ratbags out. Yes, I love Peter Rabbit too but he over eats, he really does.

So gorgeous and green all around - rain is a good thing....

Knitting and Walking

2007-11-13T14:26:00.000+11:00

I finished a pair of soakers for my son - a quick two evening piece of knitting. They are in navy and will be so useful. That's good - but the next pair of soakers or longies are going to get the fancy treatment - like a bit of decoration or colour work or something!!! They are made from the Sheepy Time Pants pattern.

Next knitting item though is a sun hat in this nice cotton for my daughter.The pattern I'm using is available here at Adorabubble.

Took the camera on my walk yeasterday and here's a look at where I live and the road I go walking on. It is so lovely after all the rain we have had. Should take more, better pictures.

Been So Long

2007-11-10T20:47:00.001+11:00

A quick update. After a bit of ummming and ahhhing, I bought myself the Knit Picks options set and I really do love them. So lovely to use. I made a pair of Sheepy Time soakers for my youngest using them - magic loop for the small circumference. The pants turned out so nice. It is such a good pattern. I made them in a large size, when she is really a medium, but that's okay because I need to accommodate bulky nappies.

I am now making a pair for my son and am half way done. He's an extra large toddler size.

Then it will be onto the Adorabubble Britches

On the quilting front I have been working on a largish quilt for the magazine. It's made in pinks, blues and browns and a nice rasberry red. Looks so much better than that sounds. It's an applique quilt and I'll post a picture soon.

Did a little shopping while away from Blogger - a few parcels of gorgeous reproductions that would just thrill you to bits. One was all 1930s, which I do not normally collect, but gee wizz, these were just so darn nice that I couldn't help but think up lots of uses for them. I don't have a picture handy of any of these fabrics - and they are all washed and pressed and in the cupboards.

The invitation

2007-09-30T19:03:00.000+10:00

I joined up with Ravelry this morning. Looks great! Never thought I would be so interested in taking photos of balls of wool, but I am today so that I can add something to my Notebook there. I only have a very modest yarn stash, but still, there'll be a lot of photos to take and process. A big stash would be a bit of a challenge.......if there was somthing similar for quilting (wouldn't that be fabulous) it would be a nightmare photographing each of the many thousands of fabrics that I have..... Of course I wouldn't say no to a big fat wool stash, but it will be easier starting out small and building from there ;-)

Anyway I can already see that I will spend many enjoyable hours there.
My username is knitonepieceone.

Spring is here...

2007-09-28T20:26:00.000+10:00

Hey, there are only 829 people ahead of me on Ravelry. I should receive an invite Sunday morning. I am looking forward to seeing what all the excitment is about - haven't heard a single negative thing about it so it should be good.

My book, The Ultmate Sock Book (Vogue) finally arrived. I think I pre ordered it way back in July, but at first glance it looks like it was well worth the wait. After I finish here I shall go and make myself a nice cup of tea, curl up on the lounge and have a good read of it.

I have been busy lately trying to finish up a quilt and the instructions for a job that is now somewhat overdue..... It is sometimes difficult getting to my quilting and knitting with my youngest keeping me on the go, plus homeschooling one of my other kids. Not to mention that Spring is here and that there are things to do outside - like fill my new garden now that the stone wall is just about finished. Then there is my new vege garden, soon to be made 100% safe from bunnies and kangaroos who want to eat everything in sight. Drives me nuts. If you want to grow anything then you have to fence it in - not just the yard, but every single tree. Love the roos, but gee wizz wish they would lay off the goodies sometimes. Why is it that they leave most native plants alone and hoe into the exotics - like my raspberries, the roses and my wonderful trees etc etc???
Time to make a bee line for my book!

Two Knitting Books

2007-09-16T18:27:00.002+10:00

It has been a while - too busy to post? I reckon. Anyway I bought a new knitting book recently, and it has some lovely patterns in it. Made a start on the dress and I would like to make quite a few of the patterns. Could be the lovely yarn that has roped me in - so gorgeous, and the simplicity of the patterns. Of course I am now a fan of seamless circular knitting - I grew up with the Australian and English style, knitting garments in pieces, but seamless stuff is very satisfying. Patterns can be modified and if left as is that's OK because seams do not frighten me....

My all time favourite book of knits for children is this one, Kids' Knits by Lesley Price. It is full of absolutely divine dresses, jumpers, hats and stuff. I bought my copy about 20 or so years ago and made my first hat from a pattern in this book. Maybe I should go and hunt out those knits and take a picture or two - they are still in use. (My eldest is 24 and my youngest 9 months). The book is way out of print now, but I believe it can still be found at second hand shops for a lowly sum. I highly recommend this one.

Finally my copy of the new Vogue sock knitting book is on its way! 'Bout time...

Knitting and waiting

2007-09-02T19:02:00.000+10:00

I managed to get back to my latest pair of socks last night and this morning, and look - I have turned the heel and am heading up to the toes. One goal in life would be to knit socks a plenty - one pair a week would be fabulous. I have some really beautiful yarn to use...

Have been thinking about a couple of quilts that need to be made for my two youngest children. The others all had something sewn just for them (here's one of them....) So I will have to think of something, probably with a lot of applique and some nice blocks.

Just checked at Amazon and found that my book Vogue Knitting : The Ultimate Sock Book has been delayed. I have been looking forward to it so much and put it on order so long ago. Bit like trying to get onto Ravelry - wait and be patient.

Needle Roll

2007-09-02T13:47:00.000+10:00

A cold has struck the household - including me, which is very unusual. Somehow though I managed to sew myself a needle roll type thing for my double pointed needles. Let me scratch around for a photo or two .... It is just what I needed as I couldn't find some of my needles when I went to fill it - which means I needed one. I think I will applique a few things on the outside, though I do like the sheep fabric. I came across it when I was sifting through my stash, looking for something else.

Another thing I did was to make some of these blocks. The instructions are great and can be found here. Scroll down and you'll find them. They are so quick and easy to sew and I plan on making lots.

New Fabric in the Mail

2007-08-27T18:58:00.000+10:00

Today the post lady left a nice parcel in the letterbox. Glad she could get over the creek, we have had 100ml (4 inches) of rain in the last few days and have been unable to travel the usual way to town. Anyway, the parcel contained 6 yards of very lovely fabric bought on sale from Z&S They are all reproduction prints, and when you take a look at each one closely, you realise just how gorgeous they are.

Tried spending time on an applique sampler of mine today. I have a few of the blocks done and want to do at least one more. No picture till its finished and posted off though. I was a little distracted as Spring definitely arrived here today. Sat outside with the kids and soaked up the sun. After all the wonderful rain we have had I rather enjoyed hanging the washing out. I do love the rain, but today was lovely.

Longies KAL

2007-08-24T20:18:00.000+10:00

I am in a KAL for a pair of longies for my youngest daughter. I started on them last night, following the Sheepy Time pattern. I have made a few changes though and have decided to add a skirt to the pants, which is why it looks a bit odd at the moment - a bit of setting up for where I will pick up the stitches for the skirt later. The Belladonna pattern is helpful for this.

The Belladonna pattern for longies is a good one. The stretchy sides are different and make for a good fit. I have made a couple of pairs and they have been worn so often this past winter. You can see them on my daughter - the colour is a really gorgeous purple. The flower was my start on some felted appliques I added and then took away!

On the quilting side I worked on a scrap quilt, putting together some half square triangles. They are all reproduction fabrics - my big favourite.

This is the block that I am making. Not sure how I will set the blocks together yet, but simple narrow sashing is probably what I will go for. I made this test block some time ago, and I still want to make the quilt.

Everyone is asleep and now is the time to go work on something! Sometime I should write about the patterns I have made soakers from, and think about a favourite. As a winter nightime soaker I loved this one made from the Fern and Faerie pattern, knitted in Patons Jet (about a 10 ply in Australia). Well lanolised it workes so well and covers a bulky nappy.

Socks in Jitterbug

2007-08-22T12:40:00.000+10:00

Here is the lastest sock, a plain garter rib in Jitterbug. The colour, called "Marble" is so lovely - can't wait to see them on my feet.
I am weighing the yarn as I go as the length is much shorter than usual. I'm using 2.5mm and knitting 7 1/2 spi, so i'm sure It'll be enough....hope so.

What else, here's a picture of some sock wool bought in recent times, which I am so looking forward to using. From the Knittery

A new bag for stuff

2007-05-24T00:34:00.000+10:00

Not so good at keeping up with this blogger thing. I will attempt to post regularly....
As far as quilting goes....made this bag, very closely based on a Christine Book design. Just added handles, a bit of applique instead of the stitchery and made it a bit wider. The idea was to try and use a bit of non repro fabric for a change (though I did sneak a bit in for the hexagons). Can't resist a bag and this is really a lovely design. Might be good as a knitting bag.

A Start

2006-12-27T20:29:00.000+11:00

I am a fairly isolated quilter / knitter, living out of town - plus, I do not belong to any groups that meet regularly. I don't mind because I love living out here, and I do have the net..... Anyway, DH and I have seven children, aged from a few weeks to 23 years! They all keep warm under the quilts I have made them and they appreciate my efforts. Lately I have been knitting up a storm, rather than quilting, making wool pilchers (also called "soakers") for my youngest. I have made 18 pairs so far (all different sizes) and want to also make some longies. Get a bit obsessed I suppose. Here is a picture of many of them.

Quilts I am working on at the moment include a very scrappy snails trail (scrap quilts are my favourite) and it makes use of some of the million fabric swatches collected from fabric club over the years. When in the mood I sit and trim a pile into 1 1/2" squares. Love the idea of using them rather than doing absolutely nothing with them all. Another quilt I'm busy with is a country type applique sampler thingie (more in my beloved reproductions rather than country fabrics). Have to work out another block for this one..... hopefully tonight.