Pincushion swap

I love making pin cushions so I joined a small pin cushion swap with some blogging buddies. This pretty little package has been tempting me for a couple of weeks and I finally got to open it today!

Wow, wow, wow! Look at the adorable little pincushion I got from Dawnie. The detail is exquisite, so tiny and precise. Even the label on the bottom is perfect.

The golden topped pin is actually a Japanese needle capper. Fortunately Dawnie included instructions for that or I wouldn't have known what it was. Thank you so much my generous, talented friend, I love my new pin cushion.

A few chores and groceries this morning, then an afternoon of quilting in the sunshine I think. Thanks to those who answered my plea for sourcing Valdani perle thread. I ended up finding just the colour I needed at The Threaded Needle.

Happy stitching.
Susan x

Finished cowl

Chunky is certainly my style of knitting.......very quick. My cowl turned out ok and will be very useful if we ever have a blizzard in Mudgee. Perhaps too chunky for my taste, so I will try again in 12 ply and with a pattern.

Catching up on some cross stitch this week so I can give the frame back to its owner......who may have forgotten that I borrowed it.

And a little gift for a friend. Now that I've looked at the photo I think the handle isn't quite right. Wonky or quirky? What do you think?

Happy stitching,
Susan x

Quilting and Knitting!

I have been busy quilting my nine patch quilt. To be honest I wasn't enjoying it, I didn't think it would look very good, and I just wanted to get it over with. Then I laid it out to check my progress, and all is good again. I didn't think the cotton I'm using would show up enough, and it doesn't colour wise, but I'm happy with the texture. Now to order another ball of Valdani (because it would have been too easy to choose something readily available!).

I love wearing scarves, but I have been a bit slow on the uptake with cowls. Well, yesterday I bought a lovely one, and immediately came down with the knitting bug. I'm not much of a knitter, I used to knit baby things and the occasional jumper.

I didn't have the right wool or needles, and couldn't get it in Mudgee yesterday afternoon, but I really wanted to knit. So I used these huge 12mm needles from a one off project for a niece, and doubled some 8 ply wool that I had (I don't even know what project I bought it for), and just started knitting. Just winging it, and I think it will be ok if I don't run out of wool! It's a nice natural "sheep" colour.

Happy stitching,
Susan x

Happy Mothers Day

Happy Mothers Day everyone. I hope you have been spoilt and pampered, and enjoyed some sewing time too.

My day started with a lovely family breakfast before two of the boys had to work. Then home to attend to a long overdue project. From this in November.........

.......to finally this in May. Now just to choose the photos. Thank you Cardy for the inspiration.

One of the things I love most about Mother's Day and birthdays is that my boys still make cards for me, with lots of cute drawings and special words that I will treasure. Here they are, with my new book.

Not sure if I will take up this challenge, but it will be interesting to read about it.

Have a great week,
Susan x

Hexie fever

I thought I was cured of hexie fever but it seems not. Two new hexie mini's underway. This one with 3/8" hexies, using my precious Antique Fair charm pack.

And this one using 1/4" hexies and teeny red scraps. I showed my husband Elenor Jean and he has issued me with a challenge. I haven't decided if I'm up to it yet!

There has been some secret sewing for a little pincushion swap I'm in. Mine has arrived early so it's testing my will power.

No Dear Jane progress, a little nine patch quilting progress, and backing purchased for Irish Circles. I can highly recommend Widebacks for their large range and incredibly fast service. I often piece my backings, but sometimes a special quilt deserves a special back too.

It's so beautiful in the sunshine today that I think I'll sit outside to do some sewing. Happy Mothers Day for the weekend....... I hope we all get spoilt!

Susan x