Sew cute

After seeing Dawnie's very cute George post I was inspired to finally have a go at making a little toy daschund. I had seen a few on different blogs and plenty in the shops lately. It didn't take long to find a free pattern here. One fat quarter, two buttons, some stuffing and a Friday evening later........Cecil was born (alternate name suggestion was Measles).

He was only slightly fiddly to make, and I loved that I had everything I needed on hand. His collar is from a Lindt chocolate Easter bunny. This one is 28cm nose to tail and 11cm high, but it would be easy to make the pattern larger or smaller (or shorter). I think I'll be making a couple more for Christmas gifts.

I hope creative inspiration finds you this weekend.

Susan X

A little indulgence

When I saw this book on Marina's blog I just knew I would need my own copy. I had planned to keep it aside for Christmas.........but it is still only October.......so I'm enjoying it now. Full of stunning red and white quilts and info about the exhibition. Maybe I'm not done with red and white yet!

And some fabric indulgence too. I joined Cherry Pie Designs reproduction club, this collection is Eliza's Indigo. I find fabric clubs a good way to add some diversity to my stash........and it's always nice to get a little package in the post.

Susan X

Mini flimsy

Yesterday I finished off my 1930's orange peel mini. I love the colours, and feel tempted to try a full size version one day. Thank you Lea and Marina for giving me some of your scraps to make it. Now to think about quilting.

I don't think I've shown you this mini. I started it straight after the Syndey show, full of red and white inspiration from the exhibition, and after seeing a similar style by Sue Daley. Now I think the "different" red fabrics are all too much the same. Need to add some 1/4" hexie flowers and leave it be as red and white........unless anyone has a good suggestion!

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The weather has been lovely for gardening this weekend, but our beautiful sunny day just turned into a rainy storm........perfect after all my weeding and planting. Time for some work on my SSCS gift.

Susan x

Odds and Ends

Like everyone, I have been busy starting some secret Christmas sewing..........so not a lot to blog about. I have added red to some of my 1/4" hexie flowers.

Today I stuffed and finished off this Blackbird Designs pin cushion whilst watching the Moto GP. Not sure if I like the buttons, but they were called for in the pattern, and they're on now!

Some more DJ blocks from a while back, only six more blocks needed to finish my Jane at a reasonable size.

I seem to have more projects than usual underway and they are all slow stitching.........but they are keeping me out of mischief. Hope you find some stitching time in the week ahead.

Susan x

Hexagon Medallion finish

I love this little mini. It's one of my all time favourite creations. It measures just 12" across and is made with 397 1/4" hexagons. I haven't ruled out trying my hand at a larger quilt made this way, just not quite crazy enough yet!

I am also happy to report that I had a light bulb moment that has saved my cross stitch when I was stitching with the Cassilis girls. As the linen is 32 count I can get away with using a single strand of thread, and won't need to buy more. I have just about regained what I had to unpick, and I actually prefer it finer. It was such an obvious solution. 

Hope you find some happy stitching time over the weekend.

Susan x

Warning: colourful project

Well, more colourful than usual for me anyway. Who would have thought I'd have a little fling with 1930's. Certainly not me because I don't own any. But I have a friend that has LOTS. Another mini has found its way into my sewing basket. I admired this one by Judy Day many years ago and came across it again when I was sorting through old magazines last week. Lea very kindly donated some 1930's scraps and I'm on my way. I could appliqué little leaves all day long, it's my favourite shape. Judy had another mini leaf design in APQ Vol 8 No. 9 (I think). I know I used to have the pattern but I don't anymore. Thank you Sue for finding the pattern for me........love my blog buddies.

We also had belated birthday celebrations at the weekend and look what my wonderful friends gave me, a signed copy of Irene Blancks new book. Talk about the perfect gift, thank you girls. Lea made me a reel holder with special fabric from her US trip, and Bev made us all a gorgeous coathanger with stitchery detail.

I was very excited to receive my partner for Chookyblue's SSCS last week. It's so much work for Chooky to organize this international swap but I'm so glad she does every year, it has become a favourite Christmas tradition. Now to get my thinking cap on and start sewing!

Now all I need is a few extra sewing days in the week and I'll be right. Too much sewing......what a wonderful dilemma.

Susan x