Patchwork and Girl 13 update

Hi everyone,

It's finally been a quiet day here, so I have been stitching, cutting, and tracing all day.

Last year, I learned a new way to make 4 patch blocks, so I made heaps of brown and blue ones.
I got them out yesterday because I have decided on a quilt design to use them in.  They were pressed, but I soon found out they weren't squared up yet, so I started trimming.

I used them as leaders and enders while I was working on another quilt top. Here is a pile of 8 patch units sewn together.

I also made heaps of half square triangles earlier this year for this zig zag quilt. It goes in shades of lighest to darkest blues with white.  I never was happy with the size of the quilt top though, so I added a bit to the sides.  Still not happy, I made two more rows today.  There is not enough daylight left to baste it today, but it is all ready now. 

I have an idea to use these dinosaurs with the blue and brown blocks, aren't they cute?!

Girl 13 was picked up by the lady from the special dog place on Friday.  She only came on Monday, but by Thursday,  I knew I could not look after her.  She had too many issues with her manners which I won't get into here, but she was just more than I could handle. She really needs a young, strong, person to tire her out so she doesn't get into so much trouble.  I asked the lady to bring me another dog to take her place, but she doesn't have any older or unwell dogs at the moment, so I will just have to wait.  I'm sad to say it, but I don't miss her at all. I am relieved. :)   xx debbie

Oh Dear!!

Hi everyone,

Girl 13 arrived a few hours ago...Oh dear!!

I must say she is the prettiest so far: young, super shiny, lean, the picture of health! She is also the
NAUGHTIEST....and it's only been 3 hours LOL.

She has gotten into the bin ...oh several times, at least!

So I sprayed both bins with Eucalyptus...then she followed me to the bathroom, where she found an empty toilet roll.....when I said "out", the official word for "drop it", she raced up and down the hallway as though it was a fun game.

She does seem to like both Bunny and Teddy, but it's hard to get a picture of her...(this is Bunny)

She's young and very active...always on the move.

She couldn't seem to decide between Teddy and the bone either....

She looks quite innocent here...don't be fooled! I am hoping she will be a bit more settled tomorrow. xx debbie

LGS, FNSI, It's a Girl!!

Hi everyone,

My dear friend De had a birthday this month, happy birthday!  We have had a tradition between us for years that for birthdays, we make bags, and for Christmas we make each other a dolly.  This year,
De asked for something different...she picked a quilt block she liked, and I made it in fabrics I'm pretty sure she would like.  It was fun to change things up a bit, but there was some unpicking with this block LOL.  The directions were from 2002, so things have changed a bit....

Once I worked out how to do the measurements my way, it came together well and I was happy with it.  I think it is called Barn Raising. I don't know why that bottom middle bit looks so off...I don't think it was that bad in person?!, or I would have unpicked it too. I think the bit of cream in the fabric design is what is making it look off in the picture.

Tonight I am joining in FNSI. I've already made some spinach and feta puffs, hope you like them.

This is some secret sewing I need to finish by Sunday for my local stitching group meeting, Sunday Stitchers.  Our leader Maree has found us the nicest venue. It will be hot on Sunday, but the A/C will be on, there is a kitchenette close by, and the ladies will all be stitching. I love these meetings, so fun.

One of my favourite parts of "Let's Get Stitched" was meeting Rosalie Quinlan.  She is such a nice lady. I think she ironed on the design and then signed most everyone's stitchery on the day.  She sat beside me for nearly an hour and she was lovely to chat with.  She won a book with a raffle ticket, then she gave it to me!  Very sweet lady, thank you so much Rosalie.

I've had a call today to let me know I am expecting again.  It's been so quiet around here since dear Boy 12 passed away on the 18th of February.  It sounds like the new one will be a challenge :)
She is only 14 months old, a 30kg black lab who is not passing her training so will be adopted instead.  I've been told she is VERY cuddly and thinks she is a lap dog...I can't wait to meet her on Monday.

A little more secret sewing...isn't the "L" plate just so darn CUTE?!?

See those black clippy thingys? Does anyone know what they are called?  I don't live that close to any spotty stores, and so I was looking on Etsy to see if I could find them there...but no luck. xx debbie

OPAM for Feb

Hi everyone,

I'm happy I had two more finishes by last night to add to my list.  Spending all day with all these dots nearly made my eyes pop though :)

This dress was a WISP.  I liked it until I made the neckline following the pattern instructions.  The  paper pattern neckband was barely 1 1/2 inches wide, single layer.  The instructions were to iron under the seam allowance on one long side, attach the band to the dress, then machine stitch it down.  I just didn't like the look. It was too thin to go over the gathers in the front and it wasn't long enough either without stretching it to death.  So it was filed away until I could face it again.  I worked on it yesterday experimenting with different lengths of neckbands made from muslin. I finally made the neckband longer and doubled it  like quilt binding (haha) so it would have a bit more body. I hand stitched it down and then moved on to the ruffle.   Hard to see, but the first pic is the neckline, second pic is the ruffle.

I made the dress as shown on the model, but with short sleeves.  Making and attaching the ruffle  was smooth and easy compared to the neckline dramas.  See how short the dress is on the model? I made it that same length because I am vertically challenged and I wanted mine to be knee length.  Turned out just right :)

I also needed a new luggage tag for the trip next week, so I made this  too.  The backing is some pretty purple Sandcastle fabric and it is layered with batting.    My OPAM for Feb is  7.   I've already shown pics of the previous items.   It feels like my total should be 70 though with all the cross stitch, paper piecing, applique, quilting, stitching, and clothes alterations I have done in February!!  xx debbie