Goodbye 2015

2015 has been and gone like a whirlwind. It's been a good year on the whole.......lots of creative and personal achievements, many stitches sewn, and happy crafty memories made.

I didn't finish quilting Irish Circles, but it's getting close. I continued my love affair with mini's and tiny pieces of fabric, and rekindled an old flame with cross stitch. Dear Jane and I have reached a compromise, and I have even started on the border triangles. After a huge afternoon yesterday, all the triangles are cut or prepped for applique.

My goal for 2016 is to finish Irish Circles, My Dear Jane and this gorgeous cross stitch, Scarlet Ribands. And I'm hoping there will be one or two new projects too!

I don't usually make resolutions...........in 2016 I just want to stay healthy, keep creating and look after my family and friends. Thankyou for your friendship and creative thoughts through the year, they mean so much more to me than you realise.

Wishing you contentment and happy stitching in 2016.

Susan x

SSCS

I was beginning to think I had been naughty, but my SSCS from Carole arrived on Christmas Eve. The decoration is a beautiful wood turned ornament made by Carole's husband.

And the gift......a perfect little woolwork candle mat that I can use all year.

Thank you so much Carole, and Chooky for running the swap again.

I sent to Clare in NZ. I couldn't resist making the Red Home pincushion, it's one of my all time favourite designs.

We are in Newcastle catching up with family so no sewing, and the patchwork shops are closed until after New Years. I really need some new fabric and a new project to start the new year!

Susan x

Merry Christmas

I am so excited. Look what clever Mr 14 made for me just in time for Christmas week. He had been listening very closely to my thoughts about a new Christmas tree and came up with the design with a little help from Dad. The branches swivel for a more dimensional look, but I love it just the way it is.

AND my SSCS swap has finally arrived today from the US. Carole sent me an exquisite wood turned decoration handmade by her hubby. It won't be packed away with the Christmas decorations! I only have to wait one sleep to see what is in my gift. Thank you Carole, and dear Chooky for organising the swap again.

 Mr 18's gift tags are pretty amazing too. They may not be sewing anymore, but my boys have creative souls.

Wishing you all a safe, relaxed and happy Christmas.

Susan x

My Dear Jane progress

Some inspiration from Carla and an afternoon in the air conditioning has seen some great and unexpected progress on My Dear Jane over the weekEnd. I have quit at 81 blocks, I just knew I wouldn't finish all the piecing and I am at peace with my decision. 

So a lap size DJ it will be. Here is Myf assisting with block layout.

These are the blocks all joined together.......I even used the sewing machine which is very unusual for me. I must admit that my joins aren't quite as tidy as they would be if I had hand sewn them, but I just wanted this done.

I'm feeling quite invigorated to look at the border triangles now. As with the blocks, I'm just going to select the ones I want to make.

The cool change is blowing in this afternoon, and there is a hint of rain in the air........very happy.

Susan x

Decoration

I like to make at least one new decoration each Christmas.......and then make multiples of it to give away. This year I have only just managed to squeeze in one, and no extras made. But it is a cutie. Designed by Marg Low. Uh-oh, as I was finding the link I realised there is a series of these cute decorations, makes choosing the next one easy!

My Christmas tree is getting old and thin so I think I'd better make a lot more decorations for next year.......or buy a new tree! Although Mr 14 is working feverishly on a Christmas tree project in the shed, so who knows what will happen.

I really thought the SSCS sleigh would land yesterday, but I'm still waiting as patiently as I can. So many beautiful decorations and packages on everyone's blogs. I have been a bit slack commenting, but I have been admiring.

It's going to be a hot weekend, so stay cool and safe if you're in my part of the world.

Susan x

Back to it

I have given myself a stern talking to and have decided to do a little bit of hand quilting first whenever I sit down to sew. I don't want to wait for next winter to finish Irish Circles, and working on borders isn't too hot in summer. So here it is, the beginning of the second last border. I'm unsure if it needs a bit more quilting........will reassess when I finish the border.

We are in the peak of our pre Christmas festivities this weekend, oh how I wish I could spread them evenly though the year. Not a lot of spare time for blogging at the moment, but I have been visiting, just not leaving many comments.

My partner in the SSCS has received her parcel, and I am waiting "patiently" for mine. I thought it had come yesterday but it was my December fabric club from Cherry Pie Designs. Not disappointed with this gorgeous selection!

You may recall the little daschunds I made last month, well they were a test run for a Christmas gift for my son's girlfriend. Introducing Jam Roll.......I am looking forward to gifting this fellow.

Enjoy the weekend,

Susan x

Procrastinating

I am procrastinating on some of my bigger projects by finishing off some of the smaller ones. I don't know what stops me from finishing some things off, but it's good to spend some time catching up now and then. After finishing the applique, it was good to get this pincushion made up on Friday. It's from a free tutorial by Leonie Bateman. It was very enjoyable sewing, and I'd like to do more with woven wool in the future. Thank you Leonie. 

I did this cross stitch earlier in the year but couldn't find the blog where the design came from. I stumbled across it again last week so found some finishing ideas. If you like pears and cross stitch you should definitely check out Marly's blog.

And these 1/2" hexies have been hanging around for quite some time. They are now a nice little spring clip purse.......because I need another purse as much as I need another pin cushion!

I hope you find time for some stitches today.

Susan x