Monday 27 August 2007

A little bit of this and that !

After the MAM quilt was done I wasn't sure what to work on next. The baby Sisters choice quilt doesn't need quilting for a few weeks so I'm leaving that to do when the kids go back to school. Less interruptions ! Every year when school returns and life gets back to normal I tend to have a bit of a general sort-out. Papers, outgrown clothes etc. Sometimes it feels like the house is going to come apart at the seams with all the STUFF.

Whilst I was mooching about cleaning and sorting and chucking I came upon a few started projects that I really want to finish. Before I had my own blog I was an avid reader and blatant copycat - lol ! When everyone in blogland started making socks - guess what ? I found this one with only about an inch left to knit and so finished it up. I made another pair before this but second sock syndrome bit with this one. I will start the other later tonight.




I also found a scrap of calico with a red border added left over from the little quilt I made a few weeks ago. This was the one where I did mitred borders. So waste not, want not ! I have been admiring the stitcheries of a lot of talented bloggers so found a little picture to have an experiment with. This is the result - a rather strange little cat who looks like he's been drinking wine instead of milk - lol ! Go on - have a laugh ! I did ! Think I'll stick to piecing - lol !




Anyway moving on, I thought I'd try and get my PIF gifts done too. I won't post pictures yet until they're on their way but here's a little peak ! You see the patterned fabric - well that's one of my favourites ! I thought long and hard about using it. I may never be able to get anymore.....pathetic I know. When I had actually cut all my pieces and found I only have a very small bit left I actually felt a bit down. I'm sure you all know the feeling !




And last of all I have long since had a plan to make some sort of medallion quilt. I found this block that had all the applique pieces prepared and had even been started. Now I am not brilliant at applique and the only way I can ever get the shapes to look like they are supposed to is to baste them onto freezer paper. I would absolutely love to be able to do needleturn and one day I will have a proper go at it but for now I will stick to freezer paper. Even though it is a bit awkward and more time-consuming at least you can tell what the things are. I once tried a needle-turned cat. Well it was anybodies guess what it should have been. Never seen anything that looked less like a cat. So this block will be the middle of my medallion quilt I think. I know I said I was not starting anything new but technically this was - IN Progress - so doesn't count -lol !


See you soon - sorting out all my quilt magazines. Keep getting distracted though - I WILL be ruthless....




21 comments:

dot said...

I laughed at your comment about the cat, I was thinking just a mischevious grin. I know what you mean about cutting into a favorite fabric. I struggle with that myself.

Rose Johnston said...

I love the cat, it has charm!!! Ur applique block is lovely and i know what u mean about cutting into favorite fabric, too sad!!!

loulee said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
loulee said...

You seem to have a 'thing' about experimenting on cats. LOL

Your applique looks fine.

Unknown said...

You have been busy, love the applique block, and your cat is lovely, just like anything else we do, it all takes practise, and perhaps a single shade of thread rather than varigated, but like Rose said he has charm, but thanks for the giggle on your description of him.

Unknown said...

Your cat's fine but he does look a little bit tiddly!

meggie said...

Your work is all lovely. I think the cat looks a little tiddly too. But cute.

Colleen said...

I think your cat has a cute personality. I enjoyed your comments about applique, because I could totally relate. I want to be a good appliquer. I love how it looks. I love doing the hand stitching, but I just haven't been able to get mine to look good unless I use freezer paper. You have been really busy getting all these little projects done. Thanks for sharing them.

Unknown said...

I think your applique looks great. I can´t believe that people didn´t see that you had appliqued a cat, maybe it was an abstract cat?

Libby said...

Awww your stitchery is really sweet! You don't have to stick to piecing...! I keep getting told that needle turn applique will get easier when I find "my" way of doing it. Hmmm....

~Bren~ said...

I thought your cat was darling and your stitching is great...don't stop. Your applique is WONDERFUL!!

mereth said...

I love applique, but needleturn isn't for me. I baste over papers and press the fold in, and I like the feeling of control I have. Needleturn isn't the 'best' way to applique, it's just another way. If you do well with the freezer paper, keep on with it and don't feel that it's not as good.
I think the medallion will turn out lovely with this block as the focal point.
Good luck with your sorting and finishing, it's a good feeling, isn't it?

Wendy said...

You have lots of great projects to work on, I love the applique block.
I also knit socks in between everything else. I find them fun and relaxing to knit.

Unknown said...

Your cat is so cute, reminds me a bit of Garfield! I find your appliqué awesome. It feels great to get things done and out of the way (like socks!) and I will look out to see how all your projects will develop. Take care.

Lynda said...

Your cat experience reminded me of the time I knitted a jumper with a cute little rabbit on it for DS when he was a few months old. I showed it to DH and his comment was, 'Why is that donkey snarling!' I suppose the only consolation is that it at least looked like an animal!

sewkalico said...

Love the applique. I don't needleturn either, I almost English paper-piece them. I would love to machine-applique, but I almost feel that's cheating LOL
A good sort out can unearth any number of things, yours are all very interesting to read about.

Quilts And Pieces said...

I love that sock! The colors are wonderful in it! And look at all those projects you dug up! The cat comment was too funny!

Ali Honey said...

Hi Andrea,
I enjoy and need to hand sewing projects, they are so portable.

I came by to say Thank you for the bag pattern and instructions. I just made one from it and am very pleased with the result. The process was interesting and a bit of a mystery, till it was sewn up the sides.There is a photo of mine on my blog if you'd care to see.

corry said...

Your cat is adorable! The knitting sock looks complicated and the applique is beautiful, Great work!

Yvonne said...

He's just a kitty with attitude....lol. Great sock and I love your applique block.

swooze said...

You are such a mess! Fine progress all around. Love the sock!