Monday Mornng Star Count, OPAM and A Catch Up

I recently replaced out old dinosaur of a computer with a laptop. There seems to be so much to do and relearn before you can get back into the regular business you do everyday on these clever devices.

So now to catch you up on what I have been doing, apart from experience a bit of  'techno rage'. I really do not posses any  patience when dealing with technology.

The technical difficulties meant I couldn't catch up with Monday Morning Star Count last week, so here is my progress for the last two weeks. I have now completed 15 stars and think I will need about 150, so a tenth of the way there. Haven't started joining them yet, still thinking about layout. I am really enjoying using bright fabrics from my stash during this beautiful Spring weather.

I also rescued a special quilt. My sons music teacher has a, well....it's more like a 'blankie' than a quilt. It was in need of repair and he asked if I could mend it for him.

His Grandma had quilted a blanket inside some nursery fabric. You can see how the edges had just worn away with use.The pictures in the designs were quite cute. 

 I had to reinforce the corners where the fabric had worn down to the blanket inside. I then simply bound it with extra wide binding. 

 Rescuing this special memento of his Grandmother made me think.... I hope my boys (and maybe one day grandchildren), get so much use out of their quilts as they get older. Loved so much until they are threadbare as well.  

Finally...sorry this post is very long. I made two of these yesterday. Can you guess what it is?

Here it is folded up and upside down.

Now right way up.

Now unfolded.

A view from the top.

It's a thread catcher that folds up to take up no space at all in your sewing kit. I made it in fabrics to match a bag I carry my EPP Star Quilt in.

 That makes my OPAM tally for September three finished items. Cant show you the other thread catcher just yet...more secret birthday sewing.

Hope you are enjoying your day.

FNSI

What is it with me and Christmas cross stitches? I have so many to hang on my walls each year already.

I purchased three more projects at the Darling Harbour Quilt show in 2013. I have completed one, its even framed. See....

 

 

So when it was time to start something new, I didn't go with a pattern in stock, rather one on loan from a friend. I worked on this during Friday Night Sew In last night.

 

Progress has been a bit slow due to the fact that I have stitched two rows of words in green instead of blue.....twice. I love sewing, but reverse sewing is the pits. I felt like such an idiot the second time.

 

Hope you are enjoying the weather, wherever you are.

It's Spring here, and the days are just beautiful!

 

 

 

Monday Morning Star Count

 

 I found these stars a bit addictive and last week just kept sewing them no matter where I was. However, the plan for this quilt is to be my new portable project for when I'm out and about filling in time when waiting for children to finish. You know what I mean....finish soccer training...finish music lessons...etc.

 

 

My friend Julie (no blog) has a great selection of brights and she let me loose on her stash. Here is a selection ready to be cut into diamonds.

 

 

So I needed a distraction from my EPP stars when at home. I am approaching what I call 'Birthday Season'. There are about ten birthdays between now and Christmas and thought I might make a few gifts. Here is a sneak peek of something I pieced on the weekend and am currently quilting.

 

Linking up with Jessica at Life Under Quilts 'Monday Morning Star Count'.

 

Have a great week.

Something Old and Something New.

Remember this? 

Well I have just finished appliqueing the flowers onto the final border.

 

 Job for the upcoming holidays? Sew the next border stripe print and the flower/scallop border and 'A legacy From Violet' IS FINISHED!!! Hooray!!

 So...now I need a new portable project.

Using bright fabrics from my stash, I decided on a star quilt with an aqua micro dot background.

 My progress so far...

I have also decided to link up with a blog I have been following for a while. Jessica at  Life Under Quilts organises a Monday Morning Star count. If you are into EPP, pop over and take a peek at other blogs that have linked in. Jessica has a great link to her YouTube footage with some great tips for EPP stars.

Happy Stitching.

FNWF and FIUF

Today I am linking up with Friday Night With Friends and Finish It Up Friday.

 

I was recently given this lovely book as a birthday gift from Fairy Floss Stitches.

 It has so many beautiful projects incorporating patchwork and wool felt applique. I was not really sure where to start, so I decided to experiment a little by replacing my old peg apron. A job that obviously needed to doing for some time but until recently, I couldn't decide on how I wanted to decorate it.

 

As you can see, it is rather old and tatty. Even the applique hearts are starting to come off. The thing is, I live in a house full of males who do a great job bringing in the washing and folding it beautifully. Previous aprons have been decorated with flowers, hearts etc. Time for something a little unisex.

So I chose a few sea creatures from a cot quilt pattern in the book. I was hoping to include a cute little turtle as well, but he just wouldn't fit.

 There is also a change in the design. Previously the apron was tied with a bow behind your back. For some reason, the guys in my house choose to tie it and wear it around their necks. Have never been able to figure out why, maybe it's more masculine to wear it like a necklace rather than an apron (?).

Who knows?

Anyway, Mr Stitch requested this clip be included in the design and I was happy to accommodate.

So, I have a project completed for September OPAM.

 

Wishing you all lovely weekend.