Where has the week gone ? I've not really got going this week quilting-wise. Been trying to get organised for Christmas and lots of driving people about hither and yon. Next week will be better as I have far more time to myself - :-)

We had the second part of our Dilys Fronks workshop on Tuesday night and she gave some wonderful tips on machine applique. I have not done an awful lot of this before ( neither hand or machine ) but I so enjoyed doing this I may try some more. Dilys is an excellent teacher and I learnt a lot from her. On Wednesday I was fired up and literally sat on my backside and appliqued on and off all day. Once I got confident with what I was doing it was great. This is all but finished except for hand sewing the binding down on the back. It even has a hanging sleeve ready to go.

I also mentioned in my last post that I had a load of cut strips leftover from the braid quilt and was going to make some 9 patches. In between shortening jeans for customers I did a few of these and was quite surprised that I ended up with 50 blocks. Will leave them to mature for a while as I'm sick of brown just now - lol ! Once the braid quilt is done for the in-laws I'm planning something lighter and pretty. Just not sure what yet ! I am trying not to start anything else now til the New Year but that could all change... I still have a few gifts to make yet.

Look at these lovelies

bought them yesterday and am toying with a few ideas as to what to do with them. I've never used plaids before. First time for everything .

Forgot to mention that I took my sewing machine back on Monday and the owners son had a look at it and adjusted a few things and tweaked about and sanded something down and the mysterious noise has all but vanished. He reckoned it is just a little wear and tear and absolutely nothing to be concerned about. If I ever need to go back there I will make sure the son is there not the father who was very abrupt with me when I took it back. I'm sure his hearing was not all it should be - lol !!

Onto nicer things than grumpy old repairmen - I had a lovely pressie through the post from Anne. We did a swap a short while back. I sent Anne some fabric in return for the pretty little needlecase. A good swap indeed ! I was also lucky enough to receive a PIF gift too. These are both wonderful items and I love them. Anne - your work is beautiful - thankyou !!

One last thing - as usual I would like to say thanks to all for the lovely comments. Some people however are coming up as no-reply and I am unable to answer personally. A shame especially when they are asking questions. If anyone wants to email me directly instead of leaving comments then that is fine.

Happy quilting....