Hello strangers

Hello there. My poor little blog has been suffering this year, but a lovely email from a special bloggy friend has prompted me to post. My blog might be quiet but life has been going on at its usual rapid pace. I have been knitting socks and shawls, English paper piecing diamonds and a little applique. 

Some exciting things have happened too. This little favorite of mine won second place in the Miniature category at the Sydney Quilt Show in June. I have wondered for ten years if a quilt of mine would ever be exhibited there, let alone win a prize. What a great experience it was. I loved doing my white glove duty too, and spending a crafty weekend in Sydney with the Cassilis Quilters.

It was also exciting to see my own design, Doing The Rounds hanging at the show. It didn't win a prize, but it's my favorite quilt ever. From the scrappy original sketch to every single hand stitch, it is my own work, and a personal goal achieved. The icing on the cake was being approached to make a pattern for my quilt, and it will soon be available to purchase from De Quiltster in the Netherlands. Hats off to all the wonderful designers who do this for a living, pattern writing is hard! If you're interested in a copy, please email me.

I hope everyone in blogland is well and happily stitching away. I'm more often found on Instagram as Thimblestitch1 these days, so pop over and say hi.

Take care,

Susan

Scarlett Ribands

I finally got my Scarlett Ribands cross stitch back from the framer on Friday. After some concerns about a few wrinkles, I am thrilled with how it turned out. I plan to hang it above my bed, but it may just stay in the lounge room for a while so I can show it off!

 

Surprisingly difficult to photograph it without reflections, but I think you can get the idea. 

I am still knitting socks and quilting my Doing the Rounds quilt. I have one corner left to go so it should be finished soon. A few ideas for the next quilt floating around, possibly red and white, or blue and white. I'm concerned I will find them boring to work on after a while, but I do love the end results. Red and White Quilts - Infinite Variety is probably my favorite book.

Work and family have been busy. My second son has turned 18 and is well into his final year at school, and we're wondering where life might lead us next. Hopefully I can get back  to posting on my blog a bit more regularly. I do still cruise around your blogs, just not so much commenting these days. I'm Thimblestitch1 on Instagram if you have it, not so many words but more pictures.

Hope you're well and finding lots of spare moments to be creative.

Susan x

Hello there!

Long time no blog! 

Scarlett Ribands is finished and at the framers. I am SO excited to see how it will look.

 

I've been quilting Doing The Rounds a little in the mornings when it's cool enough. It's been way too hot for it most days. This is how it's looking from the back.

 

I knitted a pair of Honey Badger socks for my MIL birthday. It was a personal best, I finished them in less than a week!

 

After my shawl disaster last year I'm trying again. This pattern by Curious Handmade comes with a workshop and support group! This photo was taken about 25% in, and now I have six very long rows left. It feels very naughty, but I'm planning to sit under the air conditioning and finish it on my day off today.

 

It's proving quite difficult to balance quilting and knitting lately, if only there were more crafting hours in the day. I hope you stay cool or warm this weekend, depending on where you are in the world. I will be bunkered down in the air con, with fingers crossed for no blackouts. Autumn.......you can come anytime!

Susan x

SSCS

A little sad that my trip was over, but excited to get home and unwrap my SSCS. My poor partner had to wait and extra ten days to hear from me.....my apologies.

My gift from Christin in Switzerland is lovely. A wool work table runner, with beautiful detail in the flowers. I am a big fan of stockings and this one in felt is so cute. Christin also included a mini calendar and the cutest little flower pins. Thank you so much!

 

 

Thank you Christin and thanks Chooky for organising the swap again.

Susan x

California

After ten days in New York we flew to California, where Mr Thimblestitch tried his hand at driving on the other side of the road. Very interesting, he did well! We enjoyed discovering some of the Bay area, I really liked Napa and Sonoma. But my absolute favourite was the giant redwoods at Muir Wood National Monument, they were breathtaking.

 

After three days driving we arrived back in San Francsico. Such a different city to New York, but still lots to see and do. We rode bikes over the Golden Gate Bridge, rode the street cars and cable cars, toured Alcatraz and really enjoyed the steep hills and beautiful houses.

 

New Years Eve was a little quieter as coughs and sniffles started to slow us down. Those of us who could, walked to the Bay Bridge for fireworks. Whilst I'm not usually a fan of big crowds, it was a great celebration. Socks finished just in time for the end of 2016!

 

Wherever I go I usually check out the patchwork and now wool shops before I go. It's always interesting to see (and buy) something different. I find the unexpected little journeys into suburban areas really enhance my trip, whether it's in Australia or overseas. They take me to places I might not otherwise go. In San Francisco, DH and I ventured out to Imagiknit. What a fantastic store, I wish I'd had more time, more money and more knitting skills to take full advantage of it!

 

We had such a good time. Lots of adventures and experiences, so lucky with mostly great weather. I didn't think I would ever do a trip like this with my children, but it was so special to have this first big overseas experience together. Our trip broadened our horizons and made us appreciate our own country more. 

Home to my beloved hound.

 

Back in a minute to show you what I got in the SSCS swap!

Susan x

Wow

Sorry for such a long absence. After a year of planning we are on our USA holiday. First stop was New York, and wow, what a city. Words can't describe the hectic pace of life here, so different to my quiet country town. Our first adventure was crazy, a race from the airport to the hotel, to see Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden (we left the boys at the hotel). Other highlights would have to be top of the Rockefeller Centre, Central Park, ice skating and all the wonderful Christmas trees and decorations. They really know how to decorate here. There was snow on the ground when we arrived, but it didn't actually snow while we were there. It was cold enough though, barely getting above zero the first few days. Thank goodness for my woolly socks!

 

 

 

I loved this giant button and needle in the garment district.

 

I was very pleased to knit my way across the Pacific Ocean. I took bamboo dpn's that I could bear to lose. After knitting from NY to San Francisco, they may even be finished before I get home........not that I'll need them for a few months.

 

I am looking forward to opening my SSCS gift when I get home. Apologies to my poor partner who is probably waiting to hear of its safe arrival. 

Back soon,

Susan x

Up up and away

After a year in the planning we are heading off on our American adventure today. Unfortunately my Secret Santa hasn't arrived, so I won't be able to email you until I return in the New Year. 

It has been quite odd not buying gifts or sending Christmas cards. Apart from SSCS, this little pouch is the only gift I made for a secret Santa at work. Such a cute little fox.

 

Last pair of socks finished up. I'm taking my woolly knitted socks to the northern hemisphere winter.......I think I'll need them! There is a lot more blue and teal than the camera would capture. 

 

Wishing you all a happy and safe Christmas.

Happy stitching,

Susan x

Limping along

I have decided to stop feeling bad about not blogging, and just be happy to do a post when I can. Life is busy!

Since my last post I've had a wonderful sewing weekend at Nundle........despite the four hour power and Internet blackout. Time spent with stitching friends is always good. Much to their horror, I knitted all weekend. I decided to try a shawl, and whilst it's finished, I'm not happy with the colour or how it hangs. I've thrown it to the back of the cupboard for now. I did finish some socks and another little stocking.

 

 

After a slow start, I'm happy to report that my SSCS is on the sleigh headed to its cold destination. The cute little reindeer is staying with me though.

 

And I've started quilting this little pentagon mini. It was loosely based on something I saw at the Sydney craft show last year (or the year before?) and has sat as a flimsy waiting for something more to happen. It hasn't turned out quite as I envisioned but it has reached the point where it has to be finished or thrown. I think it will make a good portable sewing project for my flight in ju st 3.5 weeks. It's so hot that I've changed my winter wardrobe over to summer, and packed for my cold Christmas already.......just have to add the smalls!

 

I am so addicted to sock knitting that I can't see a day where I won't have a pair underway. So portable, and I absolutely love the brain buzz of working out a new pattern. I accidentally purchased a skein of wool that wasn't big enough for full socks, but just enough for ankle socks..........and this is the result. I was going to gift them but not sure if I can.......

 

I'm having a delicious day off today. Planning to get the chores done as soon as possible so I can spend the afternoon flitting between projects!

Happy stitching,

Susan x

Goings on

I've been somewhat lax in the blogging department lately.........but anyway, here's some of what I've been up to. 

It was only a matter of time before my knitting adventures turned miniature. Whipped this little sweetie up last night, about 3" high. It's a free pattern from Little Cotton Rabbits.......but be warned, even if you're not into knitting, there are some VERY adorable creations to be found there!

 

Made a mess in my sewing room last weekend, but the creativity just wouldn't come. Moved stuff around a bit and made no forward progress on these hexies. Still hand quilting my Doing The Rounds quilt, but the progress doesn't make for very exciting photos. 

 

 

Another boxy pouch from deep stash fabric made a couple of weeks ago. These pouches are such a great size and shape.

 

I'm busy working on my SSCS gift, it's almost done. I can't settle on an idea for the decoration but I hope it comes soon.

Happy stitching,

Susan x

 

Hello

The rainy days seem to have passed and we are enjoying glorious Spring weather. The blossoms on my crabapple always delight, and even match my current socks!

 

I've been cross stitching and quilting as well when I can. A little work on each and I might finish one of these mammoth projects eventually. I've passed the bottom left corner of Scarlett Ribands with these little squirrels, so the end is in sight.

 

I must thank  Kyle for the lovely gift I won for her blog anniversary. Always exciting to get an international surprise in the mail.

 

My mum has recently moved into aged care so we are preparing the family home for sale. A long and tricky process with four children who all live away, but we're getting there. Lots of knitting and sewing therapy happening!

I've joined Chookyblue's Secret Santa Christmas Swap. I think I decided what to make yesterday. It's small, but lots of tiny pieces so I think it will qualify. My partner makes lots of things for others so it was hard to see what her own preferences might be.

These are the finished socks form my last post. It will be too warm to wear them soon.....but there's always next year!

 

Happy stitching,

Susan x

Happy Friday

I love knitting socks. I don't know why I love it so much. I have dabbled in knitting on and off for years without much success but socks have me in their grip. They are such a neat, fun, portable project, and it makes me feel super relaxed. I really like wearing them too, and will be kind of sad when the weather gets too warm for them!

How good to start the weekend with a finish. A pair of socks for my husband! 

 

I'm still quilting and cross stitching, because I love doing that too, but progress is a little slower. I haven't started anything new. I'm really desperate for a new applique project, but I'm also realistic about how much less time I have to sew these days. I hate it when I have lots of things to work on and not as much time as I'd like, so I'm being SENSIBLE and restrained.

 

The end is in sight for Scarlett Ribands. I have finished page 8 of 12, so just the bottom row to go. I am really keen to get this finished, framed and on my wall. (I may or may not have another Long Dog Sampler waiting in the wings). 

 

I think being able to knit in the car is one of the reasons I'm enjoying sock knitting. This is the next pair on my needles for weekend travelling.

 

Happy stitching (and knitting),

Susan X

Hexagons and socks

I have been playing with some hexagon graph paper to come up with a star layout for my little 3/8 hexagons. I started the centre diamonds a while ago and Hilda has inspired me to get them out again. I love little hexagons but they're not exactly stash busting! Rather than working only in red, I'm hoping to add another colour in the next round. I find colour selection the most challenging part of quilting!

 

It would be fair to say that sock knitting has been added to my list of addictions. My purple tweed Petty Harbour socks from the last post are finished and my best pair yet. So, so comfortable and soft. And the next pair cast on......although it has become my first sock fail. I fell into a trap for new knitters when I purchased the grey yarn. It was called sock wool, the skein looked a full skein, but as I was knitting, and just before the heel, I thought the ball of yarn was starting to look a bit small. A quick check of the very fine print on the label to find that it was 65g not 100g. Not getting two socks out of that, so I unraveled it all and put it aside for something else, maybe a beanie. A little disappointing, but we live and learn.

And the very next day, these lovelies arrived from Sharon at Woolarium. The red and blue are both Admiral Druck tweed, absolutely lovely to knit and wear. The blue will become a pair of socks for the man of the house!

 

 

It was been a rainy, rainy winter here, and last weekend our river flooded. Some roads were closed but no houses flooded like in other areas. Always a shock to see a familiar walking track covered in water. Our dam and tanks at home are all overflowing, so that's a great way to head into Spring and Summer.

 

I also got back into some hand quilting yesterday. I've been putting it off for a while.....too busy knitting......but made some good progress yesterday.

 

Hope you find some time to stitch over the weekend.

Susan x

Last day of winter

Today is the last day of winter in the Southern Hemisphere, and I must say it has ended beautifully for me! A very rainy and overcast day off work, with not a lot of housework needing to be done. I love miserable wintery weather! Today, I've spent the afternoon knitting, and sewing a few hexagons together, and thinking about getting back to my hand quilting. 

 

The sock you can see here is number two of the Petty Harbour sock, and I am very keen to have it finished so I can wear them. The pattern makes these socks even cosier. I am more than a little sock obsessed at the moment.

 

I did a check on some works in progress over the weekend. The bunny hexagons are coming along nicely, nearly time to start sewing I think. 

 

Even the foxes came out to play. I have all the remaining fox pieces cut and ready to sew, they've been like that for over a year...........I just dread sitting at the machine for so long. I just need to make a date and get on with it (don't I Hilda?). 

 

And to finish off, a photo of our sweet girl..........still going strong twelve months after a grim diagnosis from the vet (and yes, she does have four legs hidden in that bean bag). 

 

Happy Spring (or Autumn) for tomorrow.

Susan x

Melbourne and Giveaway winner

I had an amazing time in Victoria. The quilt exhibition Making the Australian Quilt was exceptional, such beautiful quilts made without the tools and conveniences we take for granted. Of course my favourite was Prudence Jeffrey's hexagon quilt nd Auntie Greens. It was exciting to finally visit Lucellos after the exhibition, a little treasure chest of goodies.

 

It was wonderful to catch up with Elyte and Marina on Saturday. We have been meeting every two years as my niece and nephews turned 21, not sure what next event will bring me to Melbourne but I'm sure I'll be back again. We went to Woolarium for sock wool, GJ's and The Cutting Cloth, and had a lovely lunch afterwards. The girls spoiled me with some rabbit themed gifts including fabrics for my bunny quilt, and a bunny spoon. My sister gave me the book from the exhibition.

 

On Sunday we left Melbourne, perfectly timed to visit Threadbear at Castlemaine. I think I have found my spiritual home. I could have bought some of every single fabric in the store! I was so overwhelmed that I almost couldn't make a selection, but it passed. I stocked up on some great fabrics and backgrounds. Almost bought the starter pack for Celebrating Mary Brown but decided to think about it for a while. 

 

After two days wandering around Daylesford we headed back to Melbourne via Millrose......another overwhelmingly beautiful store. Then on to the plane home and back to work. I'm hoping to spend the weekend finally playing with my goodies!

 

I have finished another pair of socks for my niece, and one sock of the self striping variety bought on holidays. It's quite amazing to see the pattern come out.

 

Thank you everyone for the lovely comments for my blog birthday, I've been a bit slack with my replies. I used my highly technical random number selector (hi honey, please choose a number between 1 and 42) and the winner is number 33, Helen. Email your address and this little package will be on its way.

 

Happy weekend everyone.

Susan x