Tialys’ Red and White Period

Like Picasso, I am going through a ‘period’ where I favour certain colours.  Unlike Picasso, mine is red not blue.  Also, unlike Picasso  I’m not an incredibly talented, world famous artist but, let’s not quibble – I’m not Spanish either.

Last October, when I went to visit my friend who was housesitting, I found this slubbly spotted linen and immediately thought it would lend itself to one of my hexagonal work boxes.  Finally, I have got around to making it.  I used, on the inside, a linen blend fabric I found at a craft fair which is a finer weave and more suited to the interior.

Meanwhile, my little sewing group has been working on this pattern we found in a French crafts magazine from back in 2000 and, although I am quite pleased with the result, it was a pain in the derrière to make.  The instructions were really bad – and don’t blame my French, as my two fellow group members are French so it wasn’t my fault.

It’s quite sweet though and when I have figured out exactly where to insert the piece of wooden dowelling – no suggestions please! – it can be hung from a hook and, when you want your needles, threads, etc. you unhook the ribbons and – voila!

What I love the most though is this gorgeous teapot which I made from my blogging friend RicRac‘s awesome pattern.  I just love it.  I will have a go at the cup and saucer next .

And, finally, my plan to do a patchwork block a week with my group commenced with the ‘Tumbling Blocks’ pattern as it came first in the sampler book I have and is fairly straightforward.  Also, I am determined to stop being a slave to my machine and I am only going to do the hand pieced blocks which is much more sensible – and sociable – when you are round somebody else’s house.  Everybody will be needing different coloured thread and constantly rethreading the sewing machine then trundling away at 90 mph is not conducive to socialising and, in my case, learning French.  So, I’m getting out the Sharps no. 8s (and needle threader) for these blocks.  I don’t know what I am making yet but if I keep the colour scheme similar, if I want to and have made enough blocks, it could become a quilt.

Did you guess it was going to be red?  (obviously not the finished item – 4 more tumbling blocks to go and, even though my hand quilting isn’t brilliant, it won’t be as large as these tacking stitches  –  just saying…)

Anyway, apart from the blocks which I am going to do at the weekly group, all my current projects are finished.  SO!  Does this mean I can go back to Madamoiselle Tialys’ 18th birthday quilt which should have been finished last August but is still languishing in the cupboard?  Yes.  Well, hopefully.  By the time she either has her 19th birthday or, failing that, leaves for University, I will have that quilt finished and wrapped up to present to her.  And, this time, I won’t be asking for it back in order to finish it.  That’s the plan anyway.  By the way, if you have forgotten or didn’t see my earlier posts on the subject – her quilt is predominantly red.  I’m spotting a theme.

Happy Jubilee long weekend to everybody back in the ‘old country’ – I’ll definitely be putting up some bunting and coming over all ‘monarchist’ on Sunday – I’ve even got my souvenir issue of the Radio Times with the new portrait on the front – can’t quite decide about that portrait but let’s just say I’m glad it’s not of me.

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Perfect Poms

This week’s Saturday Selection is an item that you can make yourself.

I love these poms!  I fancy making some  to hang around the house this Christmas.  PomLove  has these gorgeous ones in kit form  so I might well be fiddling with lots of tissue paper some time soon. 

Lots of other colours available.  Wouldn’t they look great at a wedding or any celebration?

(Ooh, I’ve just realised how well this photograph coordinates with my header – a happy accident!)

Hexagonal Etui – Kawaii Style

 

Kawaii Red Riding Hood

I sold my favourite hexagonal sewing box a couple of weeks ago and have been waiting for the cardstock I use to come into the local shop so I could start on a new one. I was sifting through my (vast) fabric stash thinking I might go for a slightly different feel this time, a bit more ‘fun’ and young – maybe for somebody’s first sewing box or just somebody who’s into kawaii or fairy tales!

At the Start

I just need to put it all together now!

New Hexagonal Etui Box – Vintage Sewing Notions

Tadaa!  The finished article. 

Hexagonal Etui Box

I’m really pleased with the way this one has turned out.  I love the linen fabric, both inside and out, and the vintage images on the outside.  I think the linen polka dot fabric goes really well too and I decided to stamp the plain linen on the inner base and lid with this gorgeous whimsical mannequin image from Stampington & Co.

Inside the Box

I think I’ll make something  quick and easy next, just for a rest.

The Beauty is in the Detail

mouse group natural

Originally uploaded by the beauty is in the detail . . .

Looks like the mice are having a good old chin wag. Love the spotty one with the plain tail but, then again…..
More gorgeous sock mice by The Beauty is in the Detail

Etui Boxes

I was a bit dubious when Dionne contacted me and asked if I could offer one of my etui boxes as a giveaway on her blog.  However, I had a look and decided to go ahead as it is a really great blog, laid out really well and with some interesting topics.

If you want a chance to win one of my boxes, go and have a look at Dionne’s blog at http://notesfromdionne.blogspot.com/2009/08/baby-fever.html

 

 

TOO HOT!

 

It is so hot here at the moment – in the mid 30s – I don’t mind so much during the day but I hate it when it’s too hot at night.  I have finally given in, realised that I must live in semi darkness and, like the French, close my shutters against the sunshine.  I must admit, it definitely keeps the house cooler but, in my opinion, it’s a high price to pay.

Anyway, mustn’t complain, I’m off to the U.K. at the weekend for a wedding so that’ll probably cool me down.

Been busy making stuff as usual and I am quite pleased with this table runner.  I knew I wanted to use the birdy fabric with black but wasn’t sure about the side panels so went mad and chose the polka dots.  I think (hope) it works.  The back is a straight run of the bird fabric because it’s so lovely I wanted to use a whole stretch of it and it’s a side for calmer moments.