Christmas is Coming

It's the crazy last week leading into Christmas and everything has shifted into overdrive. I've been trying to squeeze in time with as many friends as possible, while also finishing off two quilts and just generally taking in the Christmas spirit.

I had dinner with my oldest friend during the week, and was lucky enough to sample a selection of her amazing Christmas cookies. I do love having a pastry chef for my bestie.

I managed to get binding on both quilts I'm trying to finish. There was a little panic when I realised I hadn't actually bought fabric to bind Star Blossoms (below), but a quick rummage through my stash fixed that with a little Vintage Modern.

I remembered last night that I had other Christmas decorations stashed away, and hung the star light and paper chains. Bella is just checking things out, and waiting for me to leave so she can crash-tackle the tree.
 

A quick little baking session this morning before I head out for today's festivities. I love my shortbread recipe.
 

Just a reminder that the shop will close at noon on the 24th of December, and re-open on January 3.

I Love Fridays

Yesterday when I was at work, the weather was terrible. Today home is work, and the weather is beautiful! I've made the most of it by getting a bit of gardening done; the weeds really take over when you aren't home to keep an eye on them. The previous owners planted Ivy and it has been a constant battle over many years to get rid of as much as possible. I'm winning slowly but boy does it make me itch.

My lavender bloomed beautifully while I was away, and brings in the bees; great for all the fruit trees. Where would we be without bees?

 

My favourite tree is the cherry blossom; I wait all year for it to bloom, then usually the spring winds blow them all away. They're almost all gone and my front yard looks like its been snowing pink petals.

The puppies are loving the sunshine, but keeping the littlest Miss still for a photo is almost impossible.

Miss Bella is curious about the camera as always.

I did a sneaky trip to Spotlight this morning to check out Sarah Fielke's new range, Millefiori. I had to hunt around a bit but I found the prints I was looking for. Into the stash they go!

 And finally a little more progress on Star Blossoms; only four blocks to go!

 

Quilt Basting: Scrappy Tripalong

Basting a quilt is probably my least favourite part of the process; I hate crawling around on the floor because it makes my knees hurt, and I usually have to clear the lounge room to make enough room to spread the quilt out.

But I snagged a little down time this afternoon and it was over and done with pretty quickly, aside from a little canine help. Millie and Jack have always known that quilts are off-limits, but Lola thinks they are great for rolling around on. Normally Bella is busy trying to scoot underneath but not today.

When I baste, I always start at the bottom, and roll the quilt as I go. That way I can reach my arm underneath to guide the pin, to make sure it catches the batting but not the carpet. Then when I'm done, its already folded!

Lola spends a lot of time trying to lick Millie's face...not sure she's too impressed.

Oh, and my bestie welcomed baby number 3 today, a healthy little boy.

A Little Progress

It's still hot here in Melbourne. Mid-30s hot. So there's a lot more lazing around trying to keep cool than quilting happening, but I had a little burst of energy today, and my Cuzco quilt is almost done.

There's only a couple of squares and triangles to go. I thought I might leave the sashing and just quilt the cornerstones, then the border. Then I need to find some binding; I forgot to buy any!

As always Bella isn't too far away; apparently it's never too hot for a cuddle...

Spoiling Myself

It's probably no secret that I like to shop. I find it quite fun, unless I'm desperately looking for something, then it's just stressful. I also love to sniff out a good bargain; I try to never pay full price if I can help it. So I'd been eyeing off a cute leather travel wallet for a while, which would be perfect for my trip to Europe. It was on sale, but the website said it was sold out. But I had a little dig around in store on the weekend and managed to find the very last one! I can't wait to use it.

Despite it being quite hot at the moment (more than 8 days in a row over 30C, a record for March), I've managed to get my Cuzco quilt into the machine. It should come along quite quickly; I'm stippling in each of the squares, then I'll go back and do some wavy lines in the sashing. Easy! I really need to find a name for this quilt...any suggestions?

Bella is being her usual cheeky self; despite it being hot apparently the best place to sleep is at my feet, right up against the warm computer tower...

Much Better!

I couldn't help myself...blame the Virgo in me, I have a problem with being perfect sometimes. I pulled out the block that was bugging me, divided it in half and re-stitched it. The green is now a little less obvious then it was, though it still seems to stand out in photos. I can rest easy now!

Excuse the hose, was being a bit lazy...

Not too much else acheived today; I'm working on some cushions for the first market of the year but they aren't done yet. I also helped my mum out by building her some Ikea shelves...I think Bella has a new favourite spot!

Market Madness

With Christmas coming, market season is in full swing and it starts to get a little hectic around here. My basket of rattle cubes was cleaned out at last weekend's market by one person, so I've had to dig in a make a heap more. They aren't too difficult to make, just a little tedious, so I avoid them when I can...

I've used Oh Dear by MoMo for this lot, as there is a good mix of colours for both boys and girls.

They still need to be trimmed, turned and stuffed...and I've run out of bells to put in the middle so there is a trip to the shops required before I can finish them. As you can see, Hopscotch is still in the sewing machine...

I also whipped up a cushion for a KK present last week...the new owner was very happy so I might need to make a few more. I'm also contemplating a cot quilt from Kate Spain's Honey Honey before the upcoming Boutique/Mathilda's Market.

Fortunately it's not all work and no play around here...Bella got a little bit of outside time last weekend so she could enjoy that bit of sunshine we had been having (and yes, that's me!).

Now to make the most of this six-day weekend I've managed to score...

Almost....

I snuck in a little sewing time over the weekend and got those Hopscotch rows stitched together.

It was easier than I thought; most seams butted up nicely, though I needed to flip a few. It seems to depend on the orientation of the first block in each row, after which every block is oriented to fit.

 I'm pretty sure Bella does her best to get in my photos where possible...

Just need to trim it square, then get it basted and quilted!

Little Ruby

The little Ruby quilt is finished. She's very cute.

I've backed her in the lovely blue swirly fabric. Bella has given her the sniff of approval.

I think I'll be bringing her to market this week...she was going to be for me, but she's turned out more child-sized than adult-sized.

I love the red binding.

Seriously

I thought I'd be pushing my luck to get the BOM quilted before I go away in August...and just two weeks later, she's finished! The binding in ready to go, so it won't be long until she gets a proper photo shoot.

Bella is loving the opportunity to check it out and curl up for a nap.

The Mulgrave Maker's Market was on yesterday. Though a lovely sunny day, it was very windy, and I was glad we were indoors. The only downside was less traffic than usual, and therefore less sales. However, my new little Scotty Dogs proved to be very popular. I just need to work on making more toys in "boy friendly" fabrics.

I was also surprised at the number of people who thought it was OK to bring their dogs (some as large as golden retrievers) into an indoor market, particularly when there are so many babies and kids around.

It's another gorgeous day today; it might be winter but it's sunny again, and all the jonquils are flowering.

Door Snake

With the weather turning cold and windy this week, it seemed like a good a time as any to make a new door snake. The old one was starting to look its age, particularly as it's been patched due to Millie using it as a chew toy when she was a puppy. It's been relegated to the laundry door to keep the dogs warmer at night, and I've made a cute Whimsy one for the front door.

Bella's already keeping an eye on it.

I cut the material 6.5" by 34", stitched, flipped, then filled with wheat. Sand also works well, but wheat was what I had on hand. Ta da!

(Scuse the colour of the carpet)

Run Scotty Run

With only one week of uni to go (!!!) I've been finding a little more time to do some sewing over the last few days. I've been playing around with a new softie: this cute little scotty dog. I'm thinking a little ribbon around the next might be the perfect way to finish him off.

I've also done a couple of custom-order wheat bags.

And half-way through some more little squeaky owls.

Miss Bella has been taking advantage of a monster pile of quilts in the dining room, using them for a high-up snooze in the winter sun.

What's going on in your world?

To Market

The Mulgrave Maker's Market was today, and we were lucky that the rain held off until the last hour....before then it was a little chilly, but the crowds were still out in force. This month I had my very own marquee, and it went up so easily. As usual, I fiddled around with my set-up a little (mostly due to forgetting one of my baskets), and it was simple and (hopefully) eye-catching. It definitely looked fab once the sun came up and out.

I facebooked a photo once I'd set up, and the cot quilt was quickly "snapped up" by a friend of mine all the way over in WA...it's now making its way over to her. I sold a couple of my newest bunnies and owls, a wheat bag, lots of fabric, and even a couple of throw cushions.

Overall I'd say it was a pretty successful day, and my best to date. The markets are moving indoors for winter which will be a bit of a change, but nice not to have to dash around in the rain.

(Pre-market dining room chaos)

Tomorrow morning I'm off on school camp (!!!) with a group of year 7 students, so there will be no posts for a few days. Hopefully I'll get some good photos to share. As a result, I'm closing Bella's for a few days, but any orders that come in will be dealt with when I get home on Thursday arvo.

Hope everyone has a fab week.

Cats, Owls and Pasta

I had a delivery today that came in a long, narrow box; it didn't take Bella too long to make herself at home, right down the very end.

I'm making progress on my market sewing for next month; I've finished big owls, bunnies, and now a pack of little owls. Since I took the photo, they've been stuffed and had their squeaker inserted...just need to stitch them closed now.

I've also made some yummy home made pasta this afternoon which I'm looking forward to having for dinner. Simple and easy to make, and my recipe makes two adult serves plus a small serve of leftovers for lunch, or serves 4-5 as a side dish for something like beef stroganoff.

To make my pasta, blitz in a mixer 2 cups plain flour, 2 eggs, pinch of salt and a few slugs of olive oil. Then add some warm water and blitz till it resembles bread crumbs (the amount will vary depending on your flour). Tip onto your bench, knead until smooth, then wrap and pop in the fridge for an hour. Then use a pasta roller to roll out and cut as desired; I make mine into fettuccine.

One Step at a Time

I've found that the easiest way to tackle Rosettes is to break it down into small chunks; you feel like you're making progress and it's more managable. I cut all the 2" squares one day, drew the diagonal lines the next, then stitched them all to the rectangles the following day. Another day was for trimming and ironing. Within each of those tasks, I break down the fabric into groups, and take a break between each. It's the only way to maintain my sanity!

Today I've finally got around to piecing the blocks, working two at a time. I've done eight of the 16 so far and I think they're looking pretty spiffy. I'm finally getting the hang of those points, too.

Whenever I leave the ironing board "alone" for too long, Miss Bella steps in to keep it company, and promptly falls asleep.

I also thought todays sunshine might be a good opportunity for a photoshoot with Millie, but she was far more intent on rolling around on the grass, or eating it, to pose for me.