Friday 24 July 2009

A Week Of Craftiness

Pam was back at work on Tuesday after her week in Scotland, check out her blog for a beautiful sunset photo. It was very quiet without Pam but she was missed and it's nice to have her back.
You know the saying while the cats away the mice will play, well this mouse couldn't wait to play. This is Barbara sitting in Pams chair and she loved every minute of it.



It has been a real week of craftiness here this week.

This is a chicken I have made using commercial ribbons. It's just one bit of homework I need to do for my course.


Next is some experimental work using wire, I have knitted three dresses they aren't finished yet but if teacher is looking then she will know I am doing some homework :-)

Here they are in close up.







This is a baby quilt made by Fiona a regular customer. She thought we would like to see it because she bought the fabric from us and she was right. It's lovely and bright just what every baby needs.


Then there was Steph and she has been very busy.
First some Raspberry and White Chocolate Chip Cookies that she made. They were very tasty.



Then of course there were more chickens. She has made these into doorstops.



She has also made a Holdall but has taken it away with her this weekend before I had a chance to take a photo.
I managed to finish my Courthouse Steps quilt including a wavy border. I have got to take a photo of it but I will show you.
Tomorrow Pam is teaching a quilt class. It will be her first time at teaching and I am confident that she will be an excellent teacher - she has put a lot of time into the preparation for the class and made lots of samples and comprehensive notes. If the shop isn't too busy I am hoping to take part in the class as well.
I can't believe it will soon be my 50th post and time for a giveaway. Doesn't time fly by.

Thursday 16 July 2009

Why I Love The Postman

The Postman called yesterday with an ordinary-looking parcel for me. On closer inspection it became obvious that it was no ordinary parcel - the label said from The V and A. I immediately knew what was in it and I couldn't get it open quick enough but when I did I wasn't disappointed. Neil had ordered this book for me some time ago.


It's actually four small books each with a c d rom.

I have chosen two pages from each book to show you. The first is Indian Florals



This one is my favourite, I love William Morris.


This picture is from the Digital Pioneers book.


This one is from The Fifties. I love the white flowers they look so delicate against the blue background.


This picture shows a quilt made by Sam (Barbara's) daughter and it's her first attempt at patchwork. She has done a brilliant job. She made the quilt top from two charm packs and some extra fabric for the sashing.



This is mums latest quilt, the colours are wonderful.


And now my quilt, which is coming along slowly. I have started quilting it now (my first attempt) in wavy lines. I couldn't do straight ones could I, why did I choose to do it the hard way?


I have made a few mistakes and it's not perfect :-( but I do like the wavy lines. I keep telling myself it wouldn't have looked as good if I had done straight lines, and it makes good practice. You can see the lines better on the back.



I've added this picture just because I like the Sunflowers.

Thursday 2 July 2009

Catch Up

On the way home from Wales on Monday we took a detour and went to Easton Walled Gardens. These are some of the photos I took but they really don't do the garden justice and I can't tell you how beautiful it is, you need to go and see it for yourself - you won't be disappointed. The gardens are just off the A1 going north towards Grantham.






On Tuesday Gina came to the shop to teach free machine embroidery. The following photos are pictures of some of the work produced. Unfortunately I can't put names to pieces of work and not everyone's work is there but some lovely pieces were produced. All the ladies seemed to enjoy themselves and I know Gina did.




Last night I did the Race For Life around Ferry Meadows. Also with me were Stephanie, Pam and her daughter Caroline. We had great fun and are very proud of ourselves because we did it in 1hr 1m 35secs and that was without any training. We are already looking forward to next year :-)