patchworkdelights

All L's

2012-01-29T15:00:00.000Z

Thank you again to all of you who participated in my giveaway the other week. Sorry I am slow at posting but I have been busy with the kids and work and just feeling a bit "blah", it's raining here today so we are taking it easy although if it stops I want to take the kids out for a bit of air.

Ok so I was just looking at some baby balls that I need to finish off and I noticed they were all little babies whose names begin with the letter "L", how coincidental"""

All L's

I am currently working on my entry for the MouthStitches swap on Flickr.

Here are a couple of options and I know I am going in the right direction now! Yipppeeee!

Well have a good Sunday!

X Fi

And the winner is ...

2012-01-21T12:15:00.000Z

Firstly thank you all for entering. Now to get to the point as my PC is very delicate at the moment. The winner is

Well done Emma I will contact you for your postal address!!!

x Fi

January Giveaway!

2012-01-15T11:22:00.001Z

Any one interested in a giveaway?

As some of you know I recently started up a supply shop of threads called Threads2000. I bought some threads when I was over in Athens last August to try them out for myself. The threads are great to work with, 100% eqyptian cotton and very strong, and last a good while 1000yrds. They are made in Greece.

Eventually the penny dropped I thought why not let the guys try them out ?

Therefore I am giving away 3 of my threads, a gorgeous canary yellow, luscious teal and silvery grey. (Please note threads only not my Meet the Gang fabric sorry!)

The threads!

While sorting through my patchwork room I came across a Cath Kidson book Sew! I bought last year. I think I have only looked through it once so it's effectively brand new, intact and patters unopened. So I thought I would include this in the giveaway.

The book

The rules are simple -

1. Check out my Threads2000 shop (if you are an etsian favourite it) and come back and tell me which is your favourite thread.

2. Become a follower of my blog, whether it's through reader, feedburner, the old fashioned way or subscribing to my email, if you are already a follower then just say so.

3. Become a fan of my facebook page.

4. For an extra extra entry share my giveway on your blog or facebook page and come back and tell me that you did (i.e post the link in the comments box).

That's it folks!

This giveaway is open to everyone i.e international entries welcome.

If you are a noreply blogger then ensure that you include your email address in your comment otherwise I will have no way of contacting you and I will have to pick another winner.

Giveaway closes Friday 20 January at 12 midnight, winner will be announced Saturday 21 January 2012.

Good luck!

A postal delivery

2012-01-13T22:02:00.001Z

A nice end to the week, a couple of bundles of fabric arrived for me.

I could not wait to receive them and now they are here.

Firstly "Woodland" collection by Natalie Lymer for Lecien. I realise now that I should have taken a couple of other shots, becuase there are cute little mushrooms and pixies and so forth, really nice fabric which you cannot really see from this photo.

Secondly is this bundle, "Meet the Gang" designed by the lovely Marisa Anne from CreativeThursday. I loved this line as soon as I found it and I don't think I will ever use it, it's too nice to cut!

Don't forget to check out the Zipper Purse Swap aka Mouthy Stitches, check it all out here and Sarah's great series Sew Get Started

Have a great weekend everyone!

Fi

Button Tutorial

2012-01-13T17:19:00.000Z

Fabric Covered Button – A Tutorial by PatchworkDelights

Fabric covered buttons are very straightforward to make and very little is required to make them. You can make small to very large buttons with plain backs or with wire backs (for sewing onto garments). You can make push pins, fridge magnets, bookmarks, the imagination is the limit!

Let’s get down to business shall we?

What you need:
Button covering kit. – you can get them in your local habedashery shop or online.

Fabric, scraps are perfect for this project.

Now you can start making buttons!

Get your scrap of fabric (when you buy a kit they include a paper measuring template, you can cut this out and stick it on cardboard and use this to measure out your circle of fabric). I made my own for my larger buttons.

Get your fabric and cut out a circle.

Get the white plastic from your kit and place the circular piece of fabric (right side facing down) on top of the white plastic holder.

Then place the button top face down on top of the fabric. You will notice I trimmed mine slightly I was judging with my eye.

Push the button down into the fabric with your finger and of course this will push down into the white part of the tool kit.

This is the fiddly part but nonetheless straightforward part. Tuck the fabric into the well of the button until it is all neatly tucked in.

Place the button back on top of this.

Get the blue little cap and place it on the button back and press firmly.

Now ideally you don’t want to pack in loads of fabric into this well but if you find the fabric is slightly on the thicker side then I sometimes use a hammer and with one tap get the button back in firmly and flatly, but this is only the odd time.

Now simply pop out your gorgeous button!

Finished!

My 8 yr old has made loads of my buttons, we love making buttons together it's great fun!

You can choose animal prints, different toning colours, different sizes of buttons, you can embroider them or you can bead them!

I hope you try them, they are great fun and very simple to make!

2012-01-10T20:48:00.000Z

This swap has come at just the right time. I only email Cindy (fluffysheep quilting) last night wondering if she could recommend any swaps and look at this Cindy, Susan and Hadley have put their lovely heads together and come up with Mouthy Stitches a swap about zipper pouches, yippeee!!

So why not start off the New Year with a nice easy little swap! Check out the girls blogs for details, nothing tricky, and then join the flickr group.

See you there!

Fi

On a roll

2012-01-04T16:08:00.000Z

Look at this no posts since 6 December now I almost have blogging diarrhoea!

Well we drove the car down to the garage, and walked back in the wind and rain. The mechanic kindly offered to drive the car back to our house this afternoon. Phew, cause just as we got home at 1 o'clock, the rain came down, the wind has gone nuts and it's just horrible out. Also lucky I had son #1 with me because he reminded me to take the house key off the car keys! Another big big phew!

While there was still some light I took photos of some of the material I came across in my clean up.

The last photo is reserved for someone but the rest are available on my Threads2000 shop, if you are interested.

Also I just want to share something. By the way experimenting with photo effects so bear with me!

I read in a headline that it is vital to up your fish intake, so with this in mind I went to the shops on the way home and picked up some rainbow trout fillets. I wasn't sure how to cook them and got a Rachel Allen recipe.

Because I didn't have the whole trout (next time!) I simply followed her recipe this way:

1. Wash the fish.

2. Place on some silver foil, salt and pepper your fish, add nobs of butter and parsley and marjoram.

3. Make your foil in to a fish parcel.

4. Place in oven 180 deg, for 20 - 25 mins - now that timing is for a trout and I only had two fillets but I kept it in for that time and oh man was it good, the kids woofed it down!

I also made a little cucumber relish from my Good Housekeeping book.

Cucumber Relish
a. 1/2 cucumber diced/cubed
b. Place in bowl and add 1tbl white wine vinegar, 1 tbsp golden sugar, 2 tbsps olive oil.
c. Leave in fridge (covered) until needed.

Again that was delicious!

X Fi

Cleaning up over Xmas

2012-01-03T20:26:00.002Z

Ah the hols are over, first day back at work today, kids back in creche. We had a good break though and I think everyone was happy to go back to the old routine.

Did any one make any New Year's Resolutions? I know one of mine is to stop stressing about quilting. You know what I stress about, that I don't have enough time to try new quilt blocks. I just did a tumblr quilt which I was really pleased to do, I did the wonky log cabin, also a change from the squares. So without stressing this year I want to try some new blocks but without stressing about it!

I noticed a lot of blogs are doing roundups of the last year, so I thought I would practice the mosaic thing and came up with a few highlights of the last year.

Highlights

When I wondered into the sitting room over the weekend, I saw son #2 talking to the Christmas Tree. Not sure what they were discussing but whatever it was it was interesting to him!

Private conversation

Oh man when I see my garden in these photos I see how much work I have still to do!!!

Anyhow I also came round to tidying/sorting out my patchwork room (aka spare room).

I also went through the fabric from my early days discarded bits and pieces and held on to some decent pieces.

Don't know what to do with it yet...

I don't think it would garner much interest for a giveaway as it isn't the current line of anything but might cut it into acceptable bundles and resell, not sure really.

Off tomorrow, yippee, need to get the car sorted with bits and pieces. Couldn't understand why I kept banging my head off the boot (door) thought I was just clumsy until I realised that it was slowly closing each time I opened it b/c the oil somewhere in the boot door is kaput and therefore the door was just falling as soon as I opened it, so that'll be sorted tomorrow!!!

Oh also guys check out Sarah's Sew Get Started Series, I know I'll be following this for sure. I really want to broaden my sewing skills.

X Fi

Hello and Happy New Year

2012-01-01T13:13:00.001Z

Hi Everyone

Happy New Year and I wish you and your family health and happiness for 2012!

I cannot believe that the last time I posted was beginning December, nearly a month ago!!! I won't be sorry to see December go, I am on ANOTHER course of antibiotics to clear off the end of the bout of sinusitis I got mid / end December. So no more please I have too many things to do!!! Yesterday I felt back to normal enough to take the boys out for a walk down to our local beach. We spent ages looking through the rock pools. Didn't find anything though...

Down at the beach looking for anything alive!

It was quiet on the beach

Pretty shells..

Patchworkwise - I have long wanted to make a tumblr quilt and I had a new customer who was up for me to experiment!

Cot size

My instructions were that it had to fit a cot. I googled and found the finished dimensions of the quilt should be approx 28" x 52". Now I new what I was working with. I arranged to meet my customer face to face as she lives in my town. She loved the "Girls at Play" fabric by Sarah Jane for Michael Miller. I know I have extolled the virtues of this fabric, I love love love it! I am waiting for a delivery of the boys version now for a little boy called Connor.

Close up of tumblr

No pressure then, first time trying a block (template no less) and for a customer so no room for error!

You know the tumblr is a dream block or template whichever to work with. You need to be accurate as always with your initial cutting so that your points still line up and wow this quilt moved so smoothly. I am itching to make another one.

I had drama two nights before my deadline which was Christmas Eve because the stick that holds my thread snapped (my fault). I sat for 15 mins holding my epoxy glue, but in the end balanced my thread on one of my mini pin cushions, phew. All is working again but I reckon I will have to look for a new machine when funds allow.

Quilting - I did the usual FMQ on this quilt too, I would like to try new quilting styles but I am afraid to at this point! One day.

Round up

Design: Tumblr
Size: approx 28 x 52"
Fabric: Girls at Play by Sarah Jane for MMiller
Quilting: FMQ
Skill level - beginner no hassle!

Week round up

2011-12-06T19:28:00.000Z

Hi Guys

Well the ongoing saga with my chest infection is that I gave myself a "cough injury" so on strong antibiotics, steroids and an inhaler!! At least I am at the end of this now!

So while tea is ~~burning~~ cooking I will show you a couple of pieces that I have finished. Oh but first things firsts, thanks girls for the heads up I cannot get this mag near me, but I am converted. I have made the soups a few times out of this mag! My baby ball is featured in the Irish Quilting and Craft Magazine! I am chuffed to bits!

I have a craft fair at work this week so just keeping my head down and trying to get some stock ready.

Here is my entry for the Modern Christmas Table Runner that took place on flickr.

Then I started experimenting with some hair clips. Some plain and some beaded. These are the beaded ones.

And I will be bringing a couple of cosies, might get some more done but hmm don't know if I have time.

Don't forget to check out Sarah's giveaway over on FairyfaceDesigns sponsored by River Fabrics, closing date Friday 9 December.

I'm back

2011-11-30T19:37:00.001Z

Hi Guys

Finally I am back in blogland, I have been off sick with a chest infection, finished off my antibiotics yesterday, but still have a mad cough, but thankfully feel sooooooo much better.

I am busy trying to get some stock together for a craft fair taking place at my office next week. I put together some bookmarks, haven't done them in yonks

I want to finish off two quilts in time for the market as display models so that potential customers know what I make.

I also made some coin purses but I just wanted to show you this one, I love it!

It's cloud9 fabric, organic cotton, love the delicateness of it. I lightly quilted the outside (both sides).

Oh and I am making some of these for next week.

So fingers crossed I get all of it done!

Oh for those of you interested in my threads, I listed some new threads during the week.

Have a good week everyone!

Fi

One Cushion finished!!!

2011-11-16T11:21:00.000Z

I did it finally did it!!!

Thank you all of you who encouraged me and motivated me to conclude this project.

I know (now) how easy the envelope back is but in my mind it was monumental! I shall also make an admission, it was hubby who actually talked me through it, I did the cutting he did the talking!

So this pillow/cushion was made sewing loads of hexies together, then I added a piece of cottong wadding and then I quilted 1/4" inside each hexie with grey embroidery thread. Once done I had a panic attack and kept blogging about it when hubby stepped in and guided me through it!

Size: approx 20" x 20"

I am in love with this cushion, I don't know if the photo does it justice it is just so colourful but once again the weather is dull.

Have a good Wednesday everyone!

Fi

Catch Up

2011-11-13T11:46:00.001Z

Thank you guys for your comments re: the hoop embroidery.

I ended up going the simple route.

On Friday I went to the Knitting and Stitching Show. It was pouring rain no in fact it was torrential rain, I planned on taking loads of piccies to do a blog piece but feeling wet, cold and miserable I just couldn't make the effort, sorry! It didn't help that a car went zooming through a puddle and drenched me! I suppose I can thank him, before that I was wet all down the front thanks to him (or her) I was wet at the back too!

Anyhow, I met the lovely Eva and Ger the ladies from Pippa Blue . They have a gorgeous range of my favourite fabrics (the Japanese fabrics). They are based in Galway but also have an online shop, I bought four FQs.

I also met up with the lovely Cindy from Fluffysheepquilting who was also up from Galway. We had a break, coffee and muffin, and then hit the show again! We came across another stall, cannot recall their name and hidden below a table were loads of basket of fabrics, including some Michael Miller fabrics.

Black, greys and elephants are not usually in my colour palette but I loved these fabrics! Had to have them!

I also bought a book!

Oh and I finally purchased a new cutting mat, my old one was scared it wasn't healing any more so finally I took the plunge!

While I am still feeling sorry for myself with my head cold, it's a bad cough really, I took out some hand work. I haven't felt up to going and doing machine sewing in my sewing room to be honest.

I know you guys have seen my baby balls umpteen times but look at what my customer asked for...

She wanted the word "Baby" on the ball, cute very cute! Someone else wants it now on their Ball - Baby Erin!

I also want to finish the longest ever cushion cover. I am nearly finished with quilting each hexie.

It's quite a big size this and certainly a full vibrant dash of colour in our sitting room! Nearly there, I know what's putting me off, it's making the cushion cover! I have to conquer my fear!

Cough cough, ok guys, have a good Sunday!

Opinion please

2011-11-05T19:11:00.000Z

Hi guys!

I have been wanting to make some embroidery hoop art for ages! Finally I made something during the week. Firstly it's a poor photo so apologies for that but I took it with my phone this evening and it's not a proper shot but anyhow! It's a little christmas tree on linen. You may or may not be able to see the gold beads in each red star again apologies about the photo quality.

My question is this. Do you think I should add a little bow where the screw is or simply leave it the way it is? You see where the base of the ribbon is?

I am undecided to be honest.

Well have a good Saturday guys!

Threads2000

2011-10-29T22:31:00.001+01:00

I just opened a little supply shop on Etsy of 100% egyptian cotton called Threads2000. Fear not PathworkDelights is continuing too!

Fantastic quality thread, I have a selection of colours.

I have started using this thread recently and I am very happy with it.

It is made in Greece by a long established firm.

Happy Hallowe'en every one!

Round up for the last week

2011-10-23T15:56:00.000+01:00

Hi Guys

Sorry I have been out of circulation a tinsy bit.

I have been busy with deadlines and still am so I will post when I can.

What news, well my cafetiere cosies are now appearing in a local coffee shop in the town that I live in. I am so happy about this and fingers crossed they take off locally!

Mandi from Designbirdie designed my packaging and I am so happy with the end result. The tan colour is for the medium sized cosy and the purple topped packet is for the small cosy. Thank you Mandi!

You might see one of the mini cosies (the black chicken on red) in the left han side of the photo? See the ribbon hanging down? Well that was a suggestion that my hubby made which was to show the customer what is inside the cosy i.e. the insulated wadding. Great idea D, thanks!!

So what else, well I finished two cot bed quilts for two little Caoimhe's!

The photos might be a bit fuzzy but it hasn't stopped raining here today so apologies for the quality.

I used KONA white (as usual) and "Children at Play" by Sarah Jane Studios for Michael Miller.

I love this fabric, it really reminds you of what childhood should be, you know, carefree, fun, playing and pink!

Then the other quilt was made using K white and Alexander Henry Starling in Pink and Alexander Henry Willow Wren in green.

That's it for the moment, at least that I am blogging about!

Hope you have a good week and look forward to catching up on your blogs!

And the winner of the K&S Tickets is

2011-10-17T21:28:00.000+01:00

...Emma

Well done Emma I will email you for your postal address this evening!

Thank you all for entering!

A "Sew Irish" Giveaway - Pair of Tickets to the Knitting and Stitching Show 2011

2011-10-13T11:59:00.003+01:00

Good news a giveaway!
Sarah (from Fairyface Designs) and myself are hosting a joint giveaway for this year's Knitting & Stitching Show taking place in the RDS, Dublin from Thursday November 10, 2011 - Sunday November 13, 2011.

The organisers of the Show have very kindly given us some tickets to giveaway! The tickets are valid for whichever day suits you.

We have two pairs of tickets to give away and there are a couple of ways you can win 'em! You can enter to win one pair through my blog and one pair by popping over to Sarah's blog!

To enter for a chance to win...

1. Become a follower of my blog ( 1 entry).

2.Become a fan of my Facebook page (2nd entry).

Please if you are a No Reply blogger then make sure to include your email address in your comment. If we cannot contact you we have to redraw.

Closing date: Monday 9pm GMT.

Due to the nature of the giveaway, being that it is for an event taking place in Ireland I am afraid it's Irish entries only.

Now we have a little surprise, in conjunction with launching our new Sew Irish Facebook page we actually have a third pair, yes a THIRD pair. We will be hosting a third giveaway sometime next week via our new Facebook page. So simply become a fan of the new page and keep checking in for the upcoming giveaway.

For those of you crafters based in Ireland, any skill level, check out our flickr group and join us!

Good Luck!

A personalised coin purse

2011-10-05T16:50:00.000+01:00

Sorry guys, for those of you checking in, I have just been busy with different things!

Well I got this order for some personalised coin purses and this one was a priority.

My new customer asked for the names Aine & Damien. You may notice a line over the A in the picture and that is because it is an Irish name A with a fada but cannot add that symbol here.

Any how this order gave me another opportunity to practice my embroidery stitches. I did the back stitch (the names), the french knot (they look like beads (ah there's an idea) and finally the blanket stitch which is effectively ensuring that the linen heart stays put. I did use some fusible interfacing to attach the heart to the fabric and then like I said the blanket stitch.

I sneaked in a little bead, you cannot really see it on the photo but it's sitting on the french knot over the letter "i", can you see it!??

Finally the inside has pink polkda dot cotton fabric, just to keep it nice and girly, although I have been advised that this purse is for an adult. So hopefully she likes it!

It is slightly larger than my other purses because of the names and how it all came together but I think that works well in this case, it is for an adult after all!

Have a good evening from wet and windy Dublin!

Summer Sewing Wrap Up with Fairyface Designs

2011-09-28T18:36:00.001+01:00

Ok so Sarah from Fairyface Designs has asked us to up date everyone on our summer sewing.

OK so I reckon this'll be a very short post but here goes!

Well I started making coin purses (beaded of course) managed to master the zip finally (but only for straightforward stuff!)

Quilts

Finished a couple of customised baby quilts

I experimented with the back of this quilt

Apart from completing small projects that's it for me so far.

For example a few mug rugs

Apologies but I did say it would be a short list! Eeek

Linking up to Sarah now!

Christmas Table Runner Swap

2011-09-26T19:45:00.000+01:00

Ok so I have made a decision that as much as I would love to enter EVERY SWAP going I just cannot!

What with time constraints, orders and life I have decided to become strict with myself.

But what I am going to participate in is Susan's Christmas Table Runner Swap.

So here is a little selection of some beautiful Christmassy table runners. Partner if you are looking, I do love simplicity...

There is also a flickr group of other participators so if you have a moment and you are feeling festive pop over and see what's going on!

For who's who and what's what on my mosaic go to my flickr page

Finished my Wonky Log Cabin Quilt

2011-09-22T19:49:00.000+01:00

So here she is my finished wonky log cabin quilt.

I really love the vibrant colours in this quilt. It was fun quilt to make a bit time consuming, cutting all the strips but still very enjoyable. I used cotton wadding and look at the reverse side!

Drop me a line if you want me to inform you of the fabrics in this quilt, sorry sick kiddies tonight so it's a rush job.

Finally I thought I would add a loop in case it needs to be hung up on a hook, you never know!

Size approx 30 x 30".

Sorry it's a rushed post, but like I said my two kiddies are sick tonight so getting them ready for bed!

When you are cleaning the house don't forget your....

2011-09-21T18:43:00.000+01:00

... your sewing machine or aka your best friend!

Look at the state of my sewing machine!! I have her about 10 yrs and this is the first time I cleaned her!

It all started on Sunday night when the bulb in my machine went, one thing led to another that I got hubby to help me open her up. I think it was Mrs FB's post here that got me thinking about my little machine.

Look at that, that was one lump ONE LUMP!!!

Ah much better. I asked hubby to add some W40 - don't ask me where I just thought we should "oil" her up but he said that the wrong type of oil. So the maintenance continues.

But now that she is purring smoothly again here is a sneak preview of what I am going to finish sewing the binding of tonight.

What a day

2011-09-18T20:27:00.000+01:00

I realised I forgot to take photos of my last two customised baby balls that I had shown a preview of a couple of posts ago!

But I finished off another one for a little boy called Charlie (cute name!) this morning.

So here it is, my fav so far, this time I used blue thread to stitch all the pieces together as opposed to white thread, it's small thing and probably not noticeable but I know it's there!

But has this ever happened to any one else?

I was trimming off the excess off a little quilt I am making and I inadvertently trimmed off 1/4 extra than all other three sides, can you believe it!!! So I trimmed the opposite too but left the top and bottom alone, do you reckon that should be ok? It's a messy looking quilt so as hubby said it won't be obvious at all at all and he said that I am missing the point, in error you have created something else.

I have held off the binding the quilt (the binding is ready and waiting) until I have a clear head!

A blog post over at Cindy's

2011-09-15T20:47:00.000+01:00

Hi guys

My lovely friend Cindy over at Fluffy Sheep Quilting asked me to participate in a series of "Start your own business" articles that she is currently running. I was very happy to be asked and she has posted my blog article today, so if you want a break, take your cuppa and head over to her lovely blog!

Nicola's Quilt

2011-09-14T18:07:00.000+01:00

Want to see what I was working on ?

It's a quilt for baby Nicola a custom order I received recently.

I think this is my favourite so far, colourwise. I used Michael Miller's Strawberry Tea Party range. It's so pretty and delicate and cottagy and girly and oh I just love it!

I used KONA white as per usual and this time on the reverse I decided to incorporate more of the Blossom Berry fabric (simply all strawberries on pink - gorgeous!) and I put three strips on the back, yes 3 deliberately 3!

I then FMQ the whole quilt giving that lovely stippled effect.

Do you see all those strawberries??!!

To finish off the quilt I used some dark pink polka dots on pink cotton from IKEA for the binding (width of 2 1/4" I like the narrow binding).

And voila, now I have a couple more little girls quilts to get finished before the end of October.

A hexie mug rug

2011-09-11T10:54:00.001+01:00

I just love making mug rugs! They are quick, easy and fun projects to make.

I saw Judith's (of Rags to Bags) gift for a friend of hers and I thought for sure I want to make one like this. I had also come across the pattern "Hexing Around the Block" at Freshly Pieced but I didn't think to keep it as a hexagon! Very clever.

I did a bit of hand stitching around the owl from the centre outwards, I used purple, green and pink embroidery thread.

So sofar I have made two mug rugs and hope to make more, I love trying to choose which colour combo's to go with.

I know which one is my favourite.... the orange and blue theme. For the above mug rug I simply machine stitched in the ditch.

How about you, any preference?

Have a good Sunday!

Laundry

2011-09-04T20:40:00.000+01:00

In between the rain and sunshine today, you might have found some laundry on my washing line.

Experimenting further with my embroidery stitches. This is for a customised baby ball for a set of twins, a boy and a girl. I am pleased with how this turned out.

Will post updated photos as soon as both balls are ready.

x Fi

And the Aurifil threads giveaway winner is....

2011-08-30T18:49:00.000+01:00

Thank you all of you for entering my little giveaway.

I know I was supposed to announce the winner yesterday but I was in shock after two weeks hols in the sun and then having to return to work!

So drum roll please!!!

Well done "Patchwork and Play" you were selected using the Random Number Generator.

I will be in touch for your postal address.

Well done!

I hope to be hosting another little giveaway next month so keep checking!

An Aurifil Giveaway!

2011-08-22T09:00:00.012+01:00

Hi all! I am sitting in a very hot and sunny Athens at the moment and thought I would host a little giveaway from far away!!!

As some of you may have seen already there are several giveaways in blogland currently for Aurifil threads!

Well here is another one!

Auriful very kindly sent me some of their wonderful threads to try. I have longed to try their threads for ages and finally when I did it was pure heaven! One of the first things I noticed apart from how smooth and silky their threads feel is the vibrant colours of the threads, I have never seen such a beautiful range of coloured threads.

When I tried some of the threads on one of my mug rugs for a bit of handsewing it was so smooth and silky it was a delight to work with and it didn't knot once which often happens with my current threads. The sample packs above contain a selection of their threads, different weights and for different uses, at this point I won't pretend to be a thread expert that is their department!

I seem to be having a slight problem accessing their page for further details but if you go to the above link you can check their website for types of threads, collections, stores (where you can purchase their threads from).

I would highly recommend Aurifil and in case you don't believe me why not try for your self?

I am giving away 4 packs of 5 threads, international entries are as always welcome.

Simply become a follower of my blog and leave a comment to say you have done so. If you feel like it then share it on FB or via your blog, not essential though!

Make sure you leave your email address so that I can contact you or alternatively check here if you are a "noreply@" blogger so that you can change your profile settings!

Giveaway closes 12.00 midnight (GMT) on Sunday 28th August, winner will be selected on Monday 29th August.

Good luck everyone!

Frieda's Purse

2011-08-10T19:02:00.000+01:00

A friend of mine asked me if I could make a coin purse for her husband's elderly grandmother.

She asked if I could perhaps get the lady's name embroidered somewhere on the little purse.

Hope she likes it!

WIP Wednesday

2011-08-10T08:54:00.000+01:00

For me it's going to be a short update.

WIP

Slowly hand quilting my hexies pillow, I think I am putting off finishing it b/c making a pillow is alien to me but my bloggy mates have assured me it's very easy! I am pleased to say I am nearly finished.

I have finished my first non square quilt top. I used a pattern from Quilt While you are Ahead which I came across in Sew Hip magazine.

The pattern called for 10 FQs, I know I mentioned this in a previous post but I happened to have the same tone of colours as the pattern in the mag so I knew I just had to make it. I love it! It's so vibrant. I just need to get on a quilt it but I have some quilts orders to complete so of course they take priority.

I am busy making baby balls in preparation for a proposed Xmas Fair at my work so I really am doing smaller things at the moment in between orders.

My friend Sarah from Fairyface Designs and I did a tutorial swap. Sarah did a bunting tutorial (I so want to make bunting) .

and I did a tutorial on covering a button with fabric

For any Irish readers who are following/reading my blog you may be interested in the Sew Irish flickr group run by Sarah and myself. I am very pleased to say that our numbers are increasing. The only criteria are that you need to live in Ireland and sew. You can be a beginner / novice or expert. The more the merrier!

That's it for me winding down for a couple o' weeks holidays now so I won't be posting till September! Have a good couple of weeks everyone!

As usual I am linking up to Lee's WIP Wednesday linky party, where you will find plenty of WIP's all very inspiring!

A Tutorial Swap - A Bunting Tutorial by Sarah at FairyFace Designs

2011-08-08T09:00:00.013+01:00

Welcome all.

I would like to introduce you to Sarah of FairyFace Designs, quite a few of you probably already now Sarah. Sarah makes wonderful quilts and also gives great tutorials.

Sarah suggested we do a tutorial swap so she has prepared a great tutorial for bunting (I bought my tape yesterday!) and I in turn have put together a tutorial on making fabric covered buttons on Sarah's blog. So read on and enjoy!

Thanks so much to Fi for having me share this straightforward tutorial for making your own baby/children’s bunting. It’s a really versatile project that’s great to give a bedroom or playroom a lift, or makes a lovely baby gift. Sometimes I cut baby’s name in felt letters and use fabric glue to attach a letter to each flag to personalise it. Enjoy.

Simple Bunting Tutorial

Materials Required:

Paper / Cardboard for template
2.5 metres/2.75 yards of 25mm/1” cotton tape or ribbon
16 Large fabric scraps (at least 20x20cm / 8x8”) for flags – but you need 2 identical pieces for each flag front and back.
Matching thread

Notions:

Scissors & Water Soluble Pen OR Rotary cutter/Mat/Ruler
Pinking Shears (an alternative sewing method is described if you don’t own one)
Pins

PLEASE READ THROUGH THE INSTRUCTIONS IN FULL BEFORE STARTING AS THERE ARE INSTRUCTIONS FOR ALTERNATIVE METHODS ON SOME STEPS.

Instructions:

1. Make your flag template by drawing and cutting out a paper/cardboard triangle. I use graph paper to draw mine to make it easier to measure. This can be as long/short/wide as you personally like. I make mine 18cm(7”) long at the longest point, and 16cm (6.25”) wide at the bottom.

2. Cut your Fabric Flags:

(a). SCISSORS METHOD

(i) Trace around your template onto the fabric using a water soluble pen or pencil (your lines will not be visible at the end).

(ii) Then, carefully cut your fabric, keeping it flat to the table surface with your non cutting hand. For speed, you can double your fabric over and cut 2 layers at once.

(b) ROTARY CUTTER METHOD

(i) Line up your paper template with the edge of your ruler and cut your fabric flags. You can cut a number of layers at once, as many as you are comfortable with.

(ii) You need to cut a front and back piece (identical) for each flag you want – for this bunting, I had 2 pieces of each of 8 fabrics.

3. For each flag, place the 2 pieces together WRONG SIDES together and sew a 1cm (approx 0.5”) around all 3 sides, making sure to backstitch at the start and end to secure the stitching.

4. Using your pinking shears, trim around each edge to give a nice decorative finish. Try to keep it close to the edges rather than cutting too far into the seam allowance.

ALTERNATIVE METHOD: If you do not own a pinking shears, you can sew your flags right sides together along the 2 long sides of the triangle. Then clip the excess fabric at the point of the triangle (being careful not to clip the stitches) and turn right side out, using a knitting needle or similar to push the flag point out gently. Press and trim the top edges if necessary.

5. Take your cotton tape and fold in half lengthwise, wrong sides together (if there is one), ironing the fold as you go.

6. Spread out your tape (on the ironing board is good) and find the midpoint. Mark it with a pin. Decide how close or far apart you want your flags and, using a tape measure, pin them in place, inserting the flags into the fold and pinning in place.

7. I use a distance of 6cm (approx 2.25”) between flags. Start with the 2 middle flags and work out from the centre. (Remember to place the 2 middle flags only half the desired spacing measurement from your middle pin).

8. Check that the distance between the last flags and the end of the tape is even on both sides.

9. Prepare the tape ends by making a cut on the diagonal as shown in the picture and folding it inwards. Then fold the tape back over lengthwise again.

10. Backstitching to secure the thread at the start, sew the tape together close to the edge. You can see in the picture I use the red dot in my presser foot as a guide to keep my seam straight. Take it slowly at the start and end to keep your folded ends tidy. Sew all the way down your tape, securing the flag ends inside the tape.

11. Step back and admire your finished bunting!!

12. If you have any questions, please email me at fairyfacedesigns@gmail.com. And please pop over and say hi at www.fairyfacedesigns.blogspot.com

A finished quilt top

2011-08-06T21:40:00.000+01:00

I picked up Sew Hip magazine a couple of weeks ago and came across a pattern for a wonky log cabin. The pattern comes from this lady of "Quilt While You Are Ahead". Now my colour choices were purely coincidental. I had a load of FQ's waiting for something to do, they were blue/orange/greens and yellow. When I saw the mag articles I knew I just had to make it.

So I finished off the quilt top this morning yippee!!! Will quilt it later as I have a few quilts to finish off for orders first. But really pleased how it turned out as it's my first real deviation from simple squares!

Accuquilt GO Baby Giveaway at Fairyface Designs

2011-08-03T17:54:00.000+01:00

The lovely Sarah at Fairyface Designs is hosting a giveaway via her blog.

You can win a Accuquilt GO! Baby by simply following three steps. So what are you waiting for ???

I have entered, you gonna join me?

A productive bank holiday

2011-08-01T18:14:00.000+01:00

We had visitors today and ok I may have been a bit rude, but after dinner I went upstairs to finish quilting a mug rug. It is a custom order and I have deadlines so I excused myself and went to finish it off.

I use 1/4" tape to act as an initial guide for this sort of straightline quilting. Once I have a line quilted I simple choose one of the widths of my quilting foot.

I also used some Aurifil thread for the binding that I was sent as part of a giveaway (I will be hosting this beginning Sept). I LOVE this thread, it's so smooth and wonderful to work with what a difference!

Job done, 2 mug rugs going to loving homes!!!

Hexagons and hand quilting

2011-07-31T18:35:00.001+01:00

It's been a changeable day today weatherwise. Ideal opportunity to get my quilting hoop out and make some headway on my hexagon cushion.

Because there are so many colours in this pillow I was unsure what colour thread to use but it suddenly hit me, the grey would be ideal. It is not overbearing, but at the same time when the whole cushion is quilted it will be noticeable albeit subty. Would you agree?

A French Knot

2011-07-30T10:06:00.001+01:00

My first attempts at a french knot on a mug rug.

They are surprisinly simple! All you need to do is pull your embroidery thread through the fabric towards the right side, (I knotted the end of the thread so it wouldn't come through) then wrap the embroidery thread one, two or three times (depending on how big you want the knot to be) around your needle, and then push the needle back through the fabric beside the original point of entry.

EDIT: HERE IS THE FINAL MUG RUG!

Embroidered and quilted mug rug!

My shelf!

2011-07-29T19:40:00.000+01:00

You may recall that I reorganised my work room and I had this shelf that I ~~wanted~~ asked hubby to put up on the wall for me? Well he did it last weekend!

Now my problem is what do I put on it?

Some of my fabric?

Or supplies like, pen jar, scissors, rubber stamps, button jars and soforth?

Hmm cannot decide but I like that I can see my fabric and it's not in the warddrobe which I really want to rip out and replace with open proper shelving. I am working on hubby to see the logic of this latter option!

It's a bank holiday weekend, mixed weather so we'll make the best of it.

Have a good one all!

Customised Baby Ball

2011-07-21T21:59:00.000+01:00

A quick one

Further to my WIP Wednesday post I finished the baby ball, one tick off the list.

Here she is and my friend was really really happy with it!

Hope the photo does it justice.

I am now making one for a little boy called Finn!

straight on shot

Side view

Have a good evening every one!

Going to tuck into some Chinese takeaway (treat night tonight!)

WIP Wednesday

2011-07-20T08:41:00.001+01:00

It's been a little while since I linked up to WIP Wednesday hosted by the lovely Lee at freshly pieced.

So what have I been doing or plan on doing?

FINISHED!

Well I am proud of myself this week I finished quite a few things, some of which I photographed.

I finished this cotbed sized quilt, for a little girl called Matilda.

It measures approx 40" x 56.5" and FMQ all over.

I also finished this little girls coin purse, which I beaded. I love her dress which I picked out using seed beads.

I made a mini cafetiere cosy again beaded!

WIP

So I have my fabrics for this Kaleidoscope QAL hosted by Don't Call Me Betsy, I know I am a little behind but other things have had to be prioritised so I am playing catch up with QAL's.

Here is my fabric, first step!

Speaking of catching up. Here are some blocks I made for a QAL hosted by Fat Quaterly last year, yes.. last year and I am only making blocks now.

Next I am have to finish this baby ball tonight for my friend who is visiting tomorrow. She's over from the States for the summer, heading back next week.

This baby ball is different in that I embroidered the baby's name on one of the panels.

I started making a wonky log cabin quilt which I saw in Sew Hip magazine, I made three blocks on Sunday, and one more last night.

As usual I am linking up to Lee's WIP Wednesday, where I will check out what everyone else has been up to!

Tzaztiki

2011-07-18T19:51:00.001+01:00

So we had our bbq yesterday, hubby sheltering under our sun umbrella to keep the rain away!

While he was cooking the meat I made some of my favourite Greek dip which is so simple to make it's unbelievable.

Ok so all you need is

1) plain greek yoghurt (not the set one)

2) cucumber

3) garlic

In terms of quantity it's up to you. The piccy is from yesterday and I scoffed down myself and I couldn't understand why the boys were telling me I stank of garlic!

TO MAKE

Peel and grate the cucumber. Sprinkle a bit of salt over the grated cucumber and let it drain in a sieve. Ideally if you have a bowl of a saucer / plate that will lie on the cucumber then do so. You want to drain away as much of the juice/water from the cucumber.

Pour some of your plain greek yoghurt in a bowl. Now add the cucumber but give it a squeeze just to get out any excess water that hasn't drained away, add a clove (or as many as you like depending on how much yoghurt you have used, personal preference).

Mix it together and enjoy!

Late night and new items

2011-07-17T11:35:00.001+01:00

It's an overcast and windy day here in Dublin today, but hopefully it'll clear up later, I can't complain because we have had lovely weather for the last week and the garden needs water.

I was up late last night finishing two orders. Is there something with the 27th July? All my orders are due by this date?! Not complaining mind you as always I am chuffed and honoured that people want to buy my items and that they come back for more, I am very grateful!

Edit: Before I go into what I made last night, I am for real (!) joining Lynne's HAL

You coming to play!!!??

Do you want to see what I made?

I made a mini cafetiere cosy for the 2 cup bodum (although when I look it up on the Bodum website it seems to be a 3 cup but it's teensy?) Any how its the smallest Bodum cafetiere pot. Because my customers coffee jug is purple I thought it apt to use my new Robert Kaufman fabric which has vibrant oranges and purples in it.

I couldn't resist

adding beads...

Next on to a little girls coin purse, my instructions were that it had to be girly.

Can you see the seed beads glittering on her cute dress?. I also quilted around her outline. Is it girly enough.. I hope it's ok.

This is the other side of the purse

I am itching to get started on a log cabin quilt that I saw in a magazine, it would be for a baby, so I hope to get started on that shortly.

Despite the weather it isn't actually cold so DH is on a mission to take the boys out and get some bbq meat, oh did I mention that our oven heating element broke? So it'll HAVE to be bbq today, waiting for the part to be delivered from the UK this week hopefully.

As usual thanks for dropping in and having a read!

Green Hearts Quilt

2011-07-13T19:45:00.000+01:00

First of all the hearts aren't green but this quilt is predominantly green and it has hearts so....

I received an order to make a baby quilt as a christening gift.

Requirements:

1. Fit a cotbed.

2. For a little girl therefore customised for her and her alone!

3. Same colours as in a quilt I made last Christmas.

This quilt measures 40" w X 56.5" h. Comfortably fits cotbed.

Once I got all my fabrics in including KONA SNOW (my mistake) and KNOW WHITE I was ready to go.

I cut out my squares 4.5" and started stitching them together, from there I started sewing the rows together. I am a nitpicker about the points meetings (says she the expert) but I did have to take out my "unpicker" a few times and realine the rows.

Once I had the top built, it was time to baste it. I used cotton wadding and my KONA SNOW as the backing. Now I didn't initially like the KONA SNOW when I received it in the post, but now I am converted. I like the antique look it inspires.

Quilt basted and quilted

Using safety pins I basted the three layers together, I basically put a safety pin in each alternating square and the I was happy that the three layers were nice and secure. Then the fun part, quilting! I quilted using free motion quilting, this is the first time I have quited a quilt using this method. In the past I have only used this method on small items like mug rugs.

I trimmed off the excess wadding and fabric in order to start binding my quilt.

I love the back too!

I made my binding by cutting 2 1/4" wide strips of fabric. I have actually taken photos to do a binding tutorial soon.

2 1/4" strips

So these strips became this binding, which once they were all sewn together I folded it wrong sides together and ironed it like so

I pinned it all the way around my quilt, don't be shy about using all of your pins, the more the better because the fabric won't move.

Mitered corners

If you have young children watch out, they will take your quilting gloves (aka gardening gloves) and put them under your chair... hey why not!! I didn't need them at this stage!

Once the binding was sewn on using my walking foot, and taking my time so that the fabric doesn't move I sewed it all around the back using a blind stitch and that was it finished!

Watch those feet!

Summer Sewing Update

2011-07-10T13:07:00.001+01:00

Sarah from fairyfacedesigns set up the Summer Sewing Project earlier this year and eveyone is now giving an update as to how they are getting on. Well here goes!

I am very proud to say I finished my table runner which I had been putting on the long finger for ages.

Linen and Cotton table runner

I started making coin purses which are fun to make, choosing which fabric to use!

Working on finishing my first hexagon pillow/cushion

Made my first (and only) bias binding I do want to make more of these

Got addicted to making wonky star mug rugs, plan on making a quilt using the wonky star block.

Finally I am finishing off my first FMQ quilt for a customer, it is a personalised baby quilt to fit a cot bed. Nearly finished. I am using invisible thread on top and white cotton thread on the back. I will do proper post when completed.

Free Motion Quilting

And finally I am finally getting around to a quilt along that Fat Quaterly ran oh about a year ago I'd say!

I am linking up to Sarah's blog, pop over and see what everyone has been up to!

Coffee anyone?

2011-07-09T09:10:00.000+01:00

Despite the wind and rain myself and my friend Eimear had a great day at the Sage and Stone Farmers Market (we'll be there again end of July). In preparation for a sunny day I brought sun cream, but it proceeded to rain and the wind was a rail pain to be honest, but I still managed to get sun burnt on the top of my forehead (ouch!).

I got my first custom order (through a market) and it was for a large cafetiere cosy. A friend of ours kindly lent me their large Bodum and I proceeded to make the cosy.

I used Robert Kaufman's Cafe Metro Vintage. I find it a very elegant print and ok not coffee pots but it's very popular with my customers.

I lightly quilted around the teapot and a couple of cups. Then I used some gorgeous shimmering blue seed beads which were exactly the same colour as the blue petals on the teapot and I sewed them on.

I had one final look to see if there was anything else I could bead and found I could sneak in two more seed beads!

TA DA!

I also received in the post this week some insulated batting for making oven gloves, pot holders and so on so I am going to use that for my next cosy and of course using the same fabric!

Have a good day everyone!

Sew Irish

2011-07-06T15:43:00.001+01:00

Hey I have been meaning to do a quick post on this.

Sarah from fairyface designs started up this flickr group called Sew Irish. Basically it is for any Irish based sewers, every level of experience welcome!

Check it out the more members the better, there are lovely pieces of work already being posted there so why not pop over and even better join up!

A little pin cushion or two

2011-07-05T19:06:00.000+01:00

Day 3 and another post (heehee Cindy!)

I had so many plans last night to finish this and start that and stuff this and in the end only stuffed the baby ball. Don't know if any one else ever feels the same, by the time the kiddies were in bed I was ready to join them. In the end I made this little fella here!

Now you have to take my word on this but this pin cushion is actually very small, I was trying to get a photo that would demonstrate this but was unsuccesful, but basically it fits in the palm of your hand!

Now ignore the white thread it's only a first attempt, you don't want to see the hole underneath which I would cover with a fabric covered button! I am eager to make another one of these (or several), I think they would be nice to hand out with some of my orders as a little gift!

Here is one I made a few months ago, slight different method but I added the beads and made my own button.

I even added some seed beads on the sides

Now don't hold your breath for Day 4, I have the boys all day tomorrow so I'll be good for nothing at the end of the day!

Ciao!

Hexie Pillow

2011-07-04T18:44:00.000+01:00

I'm on a roll now with blogging, two posts in two days!

Thought while it was still bright I would take a quick piccy of my current project my hexagon pillow.

I realise I haven't taken photos as I went along with this in terms of how to sew hexies together but I promise I will!

As some of you already know I am nervous about the next stage, which is converting this into a cushion.

I have taken out the backing papers, I am going to hand stitch around the inside of each hexagon using the wadding as padding. Then cut it to the size of my new cushion filler and eek do the envelope, I understand the envelope closing isn't hard but it's getting the measurements right.

My pillow filler measures approx 18.5" so I am guessing I will cut the top to 19.5" and hopefully it's not too loose?

Any advice welcome!

It's been a while

2011-07-03T20:38:00.000+01:00

Well I know it's been a couple of weeks since my last post. I have been busy as you will see as you read on.

To be honest I have sort of been taking a break from the web, I am sorry to say I haven't been reading any blogs or checking facebook or anything I just haven't had any appetite for it for the last couple of weeks.

I got started on my bags remember I mentioned them in my last post? So what do you think?

The little white owly tag is stamped with the words "Thank You" on the reverse. Personally I am very happy with them. I have stamped both sides of the bag.

I made some more coin purses for my craft fair last weekend.

I have also been busy spending time on my garden

I still have a long way to go i.e. the right hands side of the garden (eek don't look at the weeds) but I have been concentrating on the left hand side, I have been digging a curved bed (where the little bench is situated) and widening the existing bed (see the hoe that side), so big plans but since I am doing it it'll take a bit of time, will keep you posted if you like!

Finally Eimear from Ella Green Jewellery and I did our first craft fair together, we had great fun I have to say!

It was a learning experience for us both I have to say. I realise I need to work more on my presentation. I knew before going in though that I didn't have enough stock so I was prepared for that, this is why I am keeping a bit of a low profile what with finishing off a quilt, starting a new one and preparing for July's craft fair I don't feel I have time to browse the web because once I start I cannot stop! There are too many lovely blogs to read and then what have I produced in that time! Catch 22!

So basically that's what I have been up to, I am a bit obsessed with getting on with my garden in my spare time between work/family and patchwork now I can add the garden!

Take care and thanks for dropping by!

Logo

2011-06-15T10:38:00.001+01:00

You may recall that I participated in my first craft fair last month, I brought a long some brown paper bags with handles so that when I sold something my customers could carry it in a nice little paper bag.

At the same time I got in touch with Jessica from JLMould who sent me over a proof for a red rubber stamp.

The plan is that I stamp my logo onto both sides of the brown bag, advertising and nice presentation all in one go!

So here is my new stamp...

Isn't it gorgeous?

I cannot wait to start printing bags! I will pop out later today, after housework, and get myself a black ink pad and get started! I'll post a bag when I have down one.

Have a good Wednesday!

Kaleidoscope QAL

2011-06-10T22:13:00.000+01:00

I am seriously debating whether I might join in on this QAL being hosted by Elizabeth at Don't Call Me Betsy

Now to look for some fabrics...the fun part!

Any one else going to join in? Cut off point is the 23 June so if you have a bit of free time?

A busy week...

2011-06-07T19:27:00.000+01:00

Hello hello well it's been a few days but to be honest I have been pretty busy at work and home and therefore tired. Also I didn't have as much free time as I expected this Bank Holiday as hubby was working 2 out of the 3 days so like I said I had little or no sewing time. Having said that....

I made more coin purses of which most of them are now sold (big smile!)

I also got an order to make a boyish purse so I made one using my sailboat fabric, if memory serves its Robert Kaufman fabric, apologies if I am wrong

Most of my purses at the moment are lined with Kaffe Fasset dotty fabrics which I picked up last year at the Knitting and Stitching Show.

I do want to show you my favourite though..

Some Japanese Little Red Riding Hood fabric. I embroidered around her ladyship, picked out her eyes with black seed beads and the point of her hat with mixed red seed beads. The reverse of this purse has a leaf same as in the above photo and again using seed beads I picked out the little dots. Ah here is a photo it's easier to show you..

During the week, I decided too to make something for myself! You see when I am commuting to and from work on the train I can often be seen doing some sewing (small projects) and I usually use my drawstring bag to hold my bits and pieces, but this time I thought I would treat myself and so I made my own larger pouch!

I used some of my Heather Ross fabric, the Owl and the Pussycat. See how it takes my hexagons, thread, thimble and scissors comfortably? I love it, can't stop waiving it around! Ahem!!

Finally the reason for all these hexagons is that I am in the process of making my first cushion. Tomorrow I plan on purchasing a cushion filler. Because the hexagons are quite large I want this to be a large enough cushion that you can ~~just throw~~ place gently on your sofa.

I have just placed my hexagons on an existing cushion as a guide, I am nearly there!

Thanks for reading and have a good Tuesday!

x Fi

My first market

2011-05-30T20:52:00.000+01:00

I thought I'd show you a couple of photos from my first market.

It's been 3 years since I last did a craft fair, and on Saturday I drove down to Duleek, County Meath to open my stall to customers at the Sage and Stone Farmer's Market.

I really didn't know what to expect. Firstly I was concerned about the weather, it was very windy, the sun was trying to stay out and keep the rain at bay. Secondly would it be busy, Kings of Leon were on at Slane, would there be enough foot fall?

I got my stall set up with the help of my eldest boy and we waited for the customers.

The customers started arriving, there was a good atmosphere, loads of stalls to wander around. We had plenty of people stop and look at our wares and ask questions. I met some other patchworkers who I hope will make contact.

You might notice some jewelry in the background. They belong to my friend Eimear from Ella Green Jewellery . I just love her jewelry, the quality, design it's simply gorgeous and unique too! She has a few items listed on her shop and will be adding more soon.

All in all it was a good day, a good experience, I think I will need a larger table next month because I think even though I was happy with the display and quantity it may have been a bit difficult for the customer to "see" what was there.

For example you can see my table runner in the photo below but no-one apart from myself knows that that is what it is, it could be a cushion cover (there's an idea) for all anyone knows.

I am taking a couple of days break because it was very intense work building up to the Farmer's Market but I won't be able to sit back for long as I have to replenish my stock for the end of June.

Look what I made last Thursday, little coin purses aren't they adorable (ok yes I know I made them myself but still...) woof woof!

Have a good Monday everyone!

May Giveaway and the winner is..

2011-05-26T19:22:00.000+01:00

First of all I would like to thank each and every one of you (435 comments) for taking the time to enter my giveaway!

Thank you also for those of you who became new followers, it's much appreciated, and please feel free to pop in and say hello from time to time!

Enough chit chat.

The winner of my mug rug, fabric covered buttons and bookmark is

LETHARGIC GLASS - well done I will email you separately for your postal address!

Now you may recall that I promised that if we reached 200 followers I would add another prize, well we did exceed 200 in fact I am very pleased to say we have 258 followers so the winner of one of my drawstring bags is....

Well done Shana, likewise I will email you for your postal address.

Ok that was fun, I hope every one enjoyed looking at new blogs, I know I did, and I want to say a HUGE thank you to Sew Mama Sew for arranging this massive giveaway!

Have a good day all!

WIP Wednesday

2011-05-25T07:57:00.002+01:00

Welcome to this week's WIP Wednesday.

For those of you who have not yet entered my giveway please go here and leave a comment but don't forget to come back and read the rest of this post!

SWS Giveaway

and because we reached 200 followers here is the extra prize

WIP WEDNESDAY

I cannot contain my excitement!!!

I FINISHED MY LINEN TABLE RUNNER!

I quilted it in straight lines using my favourite, invisible thread.

Fabrics used, linen/cotton, city weekend fabrics (roundabout dots in bistro red, and treetop in bistro red). I love the dots fabric I cannot get enough of it, it fits in with everything.

WIP Wednesday really works!

My to do list is going to be pretty short this week as I am gearing up for the Farmers Market this Saturday, so I pretty much spent the last few days sewing up baby balls, mobile phone covers. I did achieve another task. I made 3 4 cafetiere cosies.

To Do

1. Start working out what to make my secret swap partner for this Scrappy Mug Rug Swap

2. Start cutting fabric for baby quilt order (thank you Sarah for the referral!)

3. Treat the boys for being so patient while mummy has been focused on preparing for the market!

4. Finish a tutorial on joining hexies, english paper piecing with a view to making a cushion from them.

5. Write up binding tutorial.

Have a good Wednesday all!

As usual I am linking up to Lee's WIP Wednesday!

Phew!!

2011-05-24T18:55:00.001+01:00

How crazy have the last 24 hours been! There is still time to enter my SMS giveaway here (if you are entering you must leave your comment in the original post pretty please) for the main list of giveaways pop over to SWS blog

Every one having fun?

I know I am!

Ok so because we reached 200 followers as promised the extra surprise prize is...drum roll

one of my drawstring bags!

The winner will be randomly drawn on Thursday 26th May 2011!!!

A May Giveaway!!

2011-05-22T16:11:00.004+01:00

UPDATE!!! - WE DID IT WE REACHED 200 FOLLOWERS THANK YOU EVERY ONE!!!

I also want to thank you each and every one of you for taking the time to comment, ordinarily I would reply but there's sooo many!!

EDIT - WE REACH 200 FOLLOWERS AND I WILL GIVE OUT A SURPRISE PRIZE RANDOMLY!!

Some of you may already be aware of this Giveaway Day organised by Sew, Mama, Sew! Apparently it has been an annual event for a few years now and a huge success and above all good fun for everyone and it is my first time entering! It is very exciting to be part of this huge giveaway effectively taking place all of the world!

For this Giveway I will be giving away the following:

A mug rug made using Robert Kaufman's Metro Cafe Cups and Saucers, cotton/linen and for the binding Michael Miller Lunchbox Yellow.

I machine quilted the centre of my mug rug and then quilted around the border of the main panel and again on the linen.

In addition to the mug rug I am giving away a selection of hand made (by me) fabric covered buttons (size 3/4") gorgeous as addition to any child's clothing or craft project that you might be working on, fabrics used, Cloud9, City Weekend, Marcus Brothers (the little chicken).

Finally a handmade fabric covered jumbo paperclip bookmark, again covered by myself. I used Kawaii Japanese fabric (Baby Bambi Apple). No need to lose your spot in your book again!

To enter

1. Leave a comment below

2. Surprise... become a follower!

I will:

1. Ship internationally.

2. Choose the winner randomly from those who have entered via my blog.

3. Closing date is Wednesday 25th May at midnight (GMT).

So go on enter, have fun and check out other participants at Sew, Mama, Sew!

I know I will be checking them out!

Good luck!

WIP Wednesday

2011-05-18T09:47:00.000+01:00

So straight to the point today!

Firstly a big big big thank you to all of you who through your lovely comments motivated me to pick up my table runner and finish off quilting it.

Quilting complete

Basically I stayed up on Sunday night till it was finished. So thank you, the WIP Wednesday does work!

I ordered more City Weekend (Roundabout Dots in Bistro Red) from Lizzet at the Fabric Loft on Monday. I was toying with introducing another colour into the mix but decided against it, I am staying with the current colour palette. So I hope to have it finished for next week's WIP!

Recapping on other goals that I had set from last week -

Destash - didn't get anywhere with that.

Make baby ball - yep I did, I just have to stuff it now, will do that one of these evenings watching the TV.

THINGS I DID ACHIEVE -

I made loads more drawstring bags!

I managed to make about 3 more mobile phone covers.

Made a custom order mug rug.

Made more buttons.

Hurrah!

TO DO LIST

Take a deep breath before reading... this list is growing!

Make son a little pouch to hold his guitar pick - VIP request from son

Make more hexies, I want to make a pillow. (chomping nails nervously - have never made a pillow before).

Make more round mug rugs/ teapot stands

Cut the grass... oops that's a different list!

Make 5 cafetiere cosies - I know I am aiming high here. I picked up some new fabric this morning for this task.

I realise I am not going to achieve most of the above in a week, but even starting some of the long term projects would be a great start!

I am linking up as usual to WIP Wednesday hosted by Freshly Pieced, why not head over and see what everyone else has been up to for the last week!

X Have a good Wednesday everyone!

Stars and Tomatoes

2011-05-14T10:52:00.000+01:00

As you all know I am married to an Athenian!!!

I haven't been to Greece for 3 years (grr pay cuts). I miss hanging out with mum in law, our friends, family, coffee shops, beaches and stuffing my face with Greek food!

Everytime we visit my mum in law she cooks us yemista (stuffed tomatoes and peppers). So one year I decided to watch her make them and took detailed notes.

I have made them a couple of times and all I can say is YUMMY!!!

They are nicest I think eating lukewarm, not straitht out of the oven as you cannot appreciate the flavours.

Whilst they were cooking slowly in the oven I finished off this scrappy mug rug...

Please ignore my son's Diego boat that he wanted in the photo!

I was very pleased to hear hubby's umms and ah's when he was eating the yemista, because believe me his mum's food is absolutely amazing! So needless to say I was chuffed when he said "it's just like eating them back home!"

Do you have a favourite delicious dish?!

I won't be getting much work done today as we are heading off to a friend's twins birthday today so hope you all have a good day!

Blogger's Quilt Festival

2011-05-13T19:57:00.002+01:00

Ok so I just came across this event through my mate Sarah (Fairyface Design).

So to enter I need to tell you about a quilt that I have made.

I have to say I am very proud of this quilt that I made last year.

When I used to visit my mum's house I always admired her laptop quilts and she had a particular quilt that looked similar to the one above. What I loved about it was how the squares were on point and I could really figure out how it was done. How do you get those squares to point upwards. Then when I was browsing through a quilt book later I realised oh how simple, you just turn the block upwards on it's point so to speak. Mystery solved! Simple isn't but not when you are new to patchwork!

I decided that one day I would make that quilt or something similar.

One day I got a request from a mum to make her a baby quilt for her sister.

Coincidentally I was preparing my fabric for this quilt.

Loads of little squares sewing them together.

One of the best parts of this quilt was chosing which fabrics to put together. Also what I enjoyed was that you didn't have to buy new fabric, it really is a scrappy quilt, from recollection the squares were about oh 2.5".

When I showed the lady what my plan was she said "right I'll have that one thanks" er ok then...., cool a quilt, and a big one (for me that is)

Work in progress

Once I had cut all my coloured squares and started sewing them together I couldn't resist but start laying them out on my floor to see what it was going to look like. At this point I need to add that I am not very patient, I just wanted to see it, whoohoo!

So what way to lay out the colours this way or that way, I read online that a good tip is to lay out certain options and photograph them to see what works best.

Growing...

Once my quilt top was built and sewn together it was time to add the wadding and backing. Basting is really back breaking isn't it? But hey it's one step closer to saying your quilt completed!

As this was one of my early quilts and to be honest I really only make quilts to order at the moment, although I have a plan to make ooh a nah I'll save it for another time, but now getting back on track, QUILTING the QUILT!!

I didn't tackle FMQ, it looks gorgeous, but seemed very daunting to me, so I opted for straight lines. I used masking tape as a guide and my beloved walking foot.

My deadline was looming to finish off this quilt.

I thoroughly loved seeing the quilting lines build and take over the quilt, but when I reached the bottom of the quilt I faced a conundrum. There was a only a bit of space left. The question was to quilt another line here? I felt that the gap between the last quilt line and the edge of the quilt was too wide, so I decided to quilt it, in hindsight I would have left it. It looks like I just squeezed it in, but too late!

extra line, where's my rubber!

To me it sticks out like a sore thumb but what could I do?!

To my relief the lady in question totally loved her quilt, well that's the main thing isn't it?

I have a lovely old patchwork book containing photos of old quilts dating back to the 1800s. One thing that always stuck in my head after reading this book was that in the old days some quilters deliberately made a mistake because only ONE person could make perfection so they would deliberately mak a "mistake" in their quilt which I thought was an amazing thing to do!

So no-one's perfect you see, we are human and make mistakes.

I am linking my post up to Amys Bloggers Quilt Festival, where you will find a stunning array of quilts made by all levels of quilters, so go and mosy over and take a look!

Have a good weekend!

X Fi

WIP Wednesday

2011-05-11T09:46:00.001+01:00

It's Wednesday already??! Where is the time going?

Despite the fact that last week was a birthday week, for me, 21 again and again oh and again plus VAT! I managed to get quite a few things done.

For example I am very pleased to say I rearranged and tidied up my work room, hubby very kindly hoovered my room with his new toy, I haven't touched the new vacuum cleaner since we bought it, not complaining mind you! Note to self, my pin board has to be hung up on the wall.

Achievements since last week

1. Tidied and sorted out patchwork room.

2. Made the two mobile phone covers, plus 2 more!

3. Made a couple more mug rugs for the upcoming Farmers Market.

4. Made two more drawstring pouches for the Farmers Market!

5. Made some more buttons...for the yes Farmers Market!

To Do

1. Finish off my table runner, it requires a bit more quilting and finally binding, it is feeling very neglected!

I need attention!

2. Destash fabric. I went through my fabric stash and put some pieces on the side this will be dealt with in a separate post.

3. Make a baby ball for my nephew's baby in Australia.

4. Give the boys LOADS of attention when the market is over.

I am linking up as usual to WIP Wednesday hosted by Freshly Pieced, why not head over and see what everyone else has been up to for the last week!

X Have a good Wednesday everyone!

What's your favourite thing when you are crafting?

2011-05-10T20:38:00.005+01:00

So this guy knocked on my patchwork room (aka spare room) door the other day while I was busy sewing away...

and he says "What are you favorite things when you are busy crafting?" Well I just had to answer him as he was listening with so much interest for my response!

He caught me at a time when I was sewing on my binding for my latest mug rug.

So I had a look at my table - for me top of the list is a hot cup of tea!

Followed by my rotary cutter of course for when I am cutting fabric. That reminds me get new blade!

Then my little old scissors which are starting to go a bit blunt but they are just for snipping threads so not worried (yet), my little pin cushion and thimble, very important thimble! They are all within easy reach at all times!

He seemed happy enough with that and went off to play with his playmobil..phew!

So how about you what are your favorite sewing accessories?

EDIT: Of course (Flying Blind and Gill) how could I OVERLOOK THE RADIO IT'S ALWAYS ON!!!

Wonky Stars

2011-05-05T22:55:00.001+01:00

If you are interested in making the wonky block tutorial (and there were quite a few I might add) here is the tutorial that I came across used. I would highly recommend it as some other tutorials were good but this one was so straightforward and when you are learning something new that's the secret ingredient!

I found it extremely clear, well explained and good clear photos.

Enjoy (I am addicted to making these!)

2nd WIP Wednesday!

2011-05-04T19:38:00.001+01:00

Hello again, wow the week has flown since the last WIP Wednesday!!

Well not a productive day patchworkwise today but I did complete these this week:

and this

They are the same block the wonky star block but one is hand embroidered and the other has FMQ with invisible thread.

I made for a friend another owl drawstring bag - one of these

To do in order to complete orders for friends:

1. Cafetiere cosy

2. mobile phone covers x 2

3. baby quilt

4. separately make stock for a Farmers Market I am attending on 28 May 2011.

My good intentions (oohh so many) are:

1. Make son#2 a quilt - he wonders who these other "babies" are that get a quilt and not him, Sarah he completely understands how your daughter feels!

2. Make a modern style quilt.

3. Make a cathedral windows cushion from the tutorial on Moda Bakeshop.

4. Sort out my patchwork room - which in fact with the assistance of my dh will be happening this evening, we bought a new vacuum cleaner so we are going to practice using it in my patchwork room, through up some shelving and my new pin board, YIPEEE!

Have a good Wednesday all!

Wonky Star Mug Rug

2011-05-02T20:38:00.000+01:00

I have had this Kona Solid Grey fabric for yonks now and have been waiting for the right thing to us it for and I hope I have found it.

I wanted to try the wonky star and did a first attempt on white, but my points weren't right, but that's how you learn right?

Attempt 1

Once I realised that I had to make sure to have the bottom part of the points crossing, see above picture, bottom middle square, I tried another one.

When the block was built I needed to enlarge it, but at this stage I had my wadding on as I was embroidering it, thankfully I had wadding larger than the block (recommended of course) it enabled me to add a Cloud9 fabric border, phew!

A bit of embroidery...

I joined all three layers using my favourite invisible thread. I wouldn't necessarily use invisible thread to join my layers but because I wanted to feature the embroidery I didn't want anything else distracting from the embroidery. So invisible thread was called for in the ditch.

The back..

I love the subtleness of this thread. The front

Finally the binding,

The binding is also Cloud9 fabric, organic cotton, lovely to work with and the colours are so soft and gentle, gorgeous! There are plenty of binding tutorials online but I found this one very handy. The photos in the tutorial are very clear as are the instructions and from there after the first couple of attempts it's fine!

I used to sew the binding on with a 1/4" but now I sew it on with a smaller seam allowance, this gives me a thinner binding appearance on the front I prefer this for the rugs. It's personal choice though isn't it?

So the end product ..

Have a good Monday all!

x Fi

A swap a cupcake for a mug rug

2011-04-29T18:49:00.000+01:00

Before I go on I would just like to say how beautiful Kate looked today at her wedding! They looked so happy!

Ok so a little while ago Bee from Beelicious Crafts posted some new photos of her cupcakes on Facebook. I thought they were so cute and in a nutshell we agreed to do a swap. One of Bee's cupcakes for one of my mug rugs.

Well my little crocheted cupcake arrived safe and sound this week and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!!!

It is hand crocheted and the attention to detail (there are sprinkles!) is simply amazing.

The cupcake is so scrumptious son#2 was tempted to take a bite!

Bee told me that she really like the pink heart mug rug (which I had already sold), so I made another one just for her.

I am pleased to say that Bee received her mug rug yesterday and she LOVED IT!!

I have to say I am really happy we did this swap I think it worked out really well!

So from now on don't be surprised to see my cupcake featured in my mug rug photos!!!

x Fi

A FairyFaceDesign Giveaway!!!

2011-04-28T17:39:00.000+01:00

The lovely Sarah from FairyFace Designs is hosting a fantastic giveaway HERE.

To show but a few of the fabrics that she is giving a way...look at these

and these

WHOOHOO

So quick go over to her blog, the rules are simple - comment on where you are from, become a follower and if you have a blog share the giveaway on your blog!

Ahh I hope I win... closing date is Monday 2 May...hmmmm my birthday on the 3rd will I be lucky to win this in time for my 21 (plus vat and outlays) birthday!!!

x Cough spluttering Fi

1st Wednesday WIP for me!

2011-04-27T15:02:00.000+01:00

Ok so quite a few of my bloggy mates are doing this and I thought let me try it!

So what have I achieved or started this week.

I finally got round to trying bias binding, thanks to a great tutorial on UTUBE!! I will be doing my own little tutorial shortly based on that video tutorial.

Well getting down to business like I said my mug rugs made me think about doing a tea pot stand

Which in turn led to deciding to make something round. I finished sewing on the binding last night while the kids were splashing in the bath, I love the portability of patchwork!

I took advantage of the lovely weather today and took this photo outside in my garden.

I quilted my tea pot mat/stand using FMQ (free motion quilting), this time however I used my gardening gloves (clean and only used for my patchwork) and the grip and control I had over the fabric was noticeably different. I read somewhere that garden gloves with grips work just as well (and cheaper) than the professional gloves.

I have made two more drawstring bags I just need to tie off the ribbons with beads but these are generally what they look like

What to do well I have signed up to a few quilt alongs one of which is the crazy scrappy quilt along so I better get started on making some of these blocks. I also want to do this and this.

I cannot wait to make the cathedral windows but by machine! It will be sooo muck quicker.

Okidokey best get along now and do some other work!

x Fi

Happy Easter!

2011-04-25T15:05:00.000+01:00

Happy Easter everyone! Hope you all had a relaxing weekend!

I am glad to say we experienced some of the Greek Easter tradition in our house what with our neighbour inviting us in for Bulgarian traditional Easter food and then hubby heading off to the Greek Church here in Dublin.

Hubby back from Church

Hubby blessed the family and home when he came home.

Smashing eggs for want of a better expression

The eggs are hand decorated with food dye.

After a lovely bbq with some friends I got on with some patchwork and made another tea pot mat/stand. I am currently finishing off a round one (apologies if the photos are all on the dark side, there wasn't much sun this weekend)

And the other one...

Ok so here goes I am defo joining a quilt along

2011-04-19T21:02:00.000+01:00

I am going to join this quilt along by comfortstitching, I need to get moving with doing other shapes than just squares, I have to break through that wall!!

Any one else going to try it?

Drawstring Bags and getting back on track

2011-04-18T23:00:00.001+01:00

OK so I chucked hubby off the PC, he's building cities and farms and what not on FB so I don't really get a look in, so I have been neglecting my blog and visiting everyone else's blogs!

I am going to see a lady about a craft fair on Wednesday so busy trying to make some samples of items that I have run out of so that I can bring them with me.

I really want to get involved in some swaps or quilt alongs so if any of you regulars now of any will you drop me a line if it's not too much trouble, even the link will be enough?

Thanks guys!

Fi

Spring is here...

2011-04-09T10:59:00.000+01:00

My favourite climber

Yep it's that time of year again, my annual photo of my favourite climber outside my front door. The flowers have now fully opened and they small divine in the evening. It belongs to the clematis family but lost the tag so don't know it's full name :(

I made some more bookmarks this week and a set of magnets, need to get more magnets (note to self!). I have to photograph them tomorrow. Heading to a wedding today! Sun is shining couldn't ask for more!

Block 1

I signed up to a quilt along at the end of last year through Fat Quaterly but I didn't actually get around to starting it eventhough I had purchased the fabrics, so I started one the other day! I know I am going to love making this!

I also made some drawstring bags (more to follow) that tie with ribbons and beads

Drawstring Bags

I have one that I use to hold my sewing gear when I am on the train. The other great thing is they are reversible!!!

Better head off, have to collect son #1 from Beavers (Scouts) and get ready for a wedding!

Have a good weekend!

A bit of beadwork

2011-04-01T19:08:00.000+01:00

It's been a little while but I have been busy with day to day things.

I managed to make another pin cushion as I am a bit in limbo again at the moment. I just don't know what to make!

What do you think? Do you like?

The fabric (which I have used all up) is City Weekend and I got it from Lizzet at the fabric loft.

Well speaking of weekend's I going off to enjoy mine, I hope you enjoy yours too!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

Sneak Peak

2011-03-20T21:33:00.000Z

WIP

Not a productive weekend patchworkwise. I wasn't in the mood to complete anything and I also want to do Lily's Quilts QAL.

Some of my, sorry all of my items have gone into a craft shop so I have to restock my shop so I have to motivate myself.

I have had this table runner in my head for a while now so I started it during the week. I just need to finish quilting it, almost there.

I don't know if the photo does it justice, but it's only two fabrics (City Fabrics) with linen. I like the simplicity of this look and I hope modern look.

Have a good week!