No Matter Where I go...I ALWAYS Meet Myself There!

2012-01-19T22:28:00.002+13:00

I have listed some Valentine (or anytime is good for love!!) cards on Etsy and Felt (NZ). If you fancy ordering please do so quickly as I am taking a little trip over the ditch to Melbourne for 1-6 Feb, and posting to US/International will be cutting it really fine if I post when I get back. Inconvenient, but SO EXCITING!! My first proper trip overseas.

Anyways, here's the goods

Heart on a String


Bleeding Heart

ETSY
FELT

the Mammoth Gingerbread House Mission : Complete!!! (pic heavy)

2011-12-22T20:45:00.000+13:00

Quite a day. At least 7.4 kilos of candy consumed. approx 1.7 kg made it onto a house!!

MISSION COMPLETE!!!

Mammouth Gingerbread House Mission 2011

2011-12-21T21:25:00.001+13:00

So, in my effort to take out the 'best parent of the year award' this year (just invented by me as I think I am in with a chance this year) , and because we have a whole week to kill between school finishing and Christmas, I though I would make each of my children (and random others) individual Gingerbread houses to decorate. MAD, I know. I have NEVER done these before, so it is not like I am building on prior knowledge and just diversifying , I am just going for it.

Phase 1.1 - the dough making, successful

Phase 1.2 - chilling - successful

Phase 2.1 - rolling cutting and baking - reasonably successful

phase 3.1 - assembeling-ultimately successful - I had one redo as I dropped the icing contraption on one, and I did need to 'whittle' away little bits here and there to get a good fit. Note to self, do do the trim check when pieces are straight out of the oven and still warm enough to do this easily, carving with a short sharp knife is not desirable on very hard gingerbread!

Phase 4.1 - commences tomorrow - watch this space for the hot, sugary, mess that results from this.

Anyone want 3 kids for a sleepover tomorrow??

2011 Ornament mission

2011-12-04T19:01:00.001+13:00

Several years ago , you will recall, I started the "hand made ornament" tradition. So of course, I feel like I can't give it up now. As the years have gone on, I must admit, my designs have gotten simpler and easier to achieve. This years had to be particularly achievable, as it is already December!! and I haven't even thought about what to do.
You can see previous years offerings on my flickr page.

A quick whizz through Craft Gossip, and I had several ideas. I also flicked through previous journals and had quite a few ideas in there. Here is what I started with

you can find a tutorial here .This was just super easy to do. I intended to add another bead, and a "name tag" hanging from the bottom.

These fitted all the requirements, but I really wasnt 100% satisfied. Back to the net, and Craft Gossip to the rescue again!

Aren't these just the cutest thing you ever did see?? These are pretty tiny, just over 2.5" long. I am going to put a little candy cane, or maybe a Hersheys kiss or something in each one. I have at least 20 of these to make.....I made these 2 last night, and time allowing, they may get a little more bling.
You can tell how outvof practise my needle skills are. Some of these I have seen have gorgeous , intricate, knotted blanket stitches around them. Instructions said whip stitch, and that is where I left it. They still need some kind of hanging loop.
Tutorial ,and pattern templates can be found here. The first template printed out really big, so I just reduced the size until the were teeny tiny, and elf like.

Support a struggling artist :)

2011-11-15T21:25:00.001+13:00

I have uploaded some cards to my ETSY shop. Please drop on by and have a look.

I also have a PDF file for Christmas gift tags if you want something a little unique to top this years offerings.

For kiwi reader, check out FELT.

2011-11-01T23:32:00.000+13:00

I wanted to say a quick "hi" to those of you that may be dropping by for the first time, and to those of you that havent been by for a while, because, well frankly, there's been nothing to see!!

I was quite overwhelmed to read the wonderful things that Gerry said about my work on her "blocktalk" post. The CQ community is a fantastic one to belong to, and I do still feel like I belong, even if just on the fringes.

I am more than happy to answer any questions about my work, and offer any advice. Just email or comment :)

I am going to be cheeky and tell you that I have just 7 copies of my little "inspiration" book left over at my ETSY shop.

I will also direct you to my flickr site if you are interested in my drawn art, as I havent posted here for a while. Things are also catergorised there for looking at the CQ too!!

Thanks again Gerry. I really appreciate your words.

Jo in NZ

2011-07-25T21:26:00.005+12:00

It really has been such a long, long time since I blogged. It's not that I have had nothing to blog, I was just hesitant to change the direction of my blog (because my interests have changed). I didnt want to alienate all my long term readers...so I just abandoned you :( Sorry.

Not saying I am back for good. I did (do) love blogging, and still have a healthy blog list I wade through on a daily basis, including CQ blogs....but the CQ mojo has not returned, and the blogging mojo is obviously with it!

I have been developing and nurturing my more traditionally 'artistic' side, and here are few pics of where I am at ... if you click on my Zentangles and Doodles page, you can see my earlier work. For those of you that know my aversion to colour (colour blindness) and how I struggled with that in CQ, you will note the perfectly monotone palette in my pieces. Perfectly perfect!

I am enjoying embracing my more macabre side. The anatomy pics are all drawn around pages from a Grays Anatomy text book. I post everything on Flickr, and I have a Facebook page for this drawn art- Pen in Hand
I would love to see you there if you are on FB

New items at ESTY

2010-11-25T18:58:00.000+13:00

probably a little late for christmas, but I have posted some new stuff on Etsy, as well as FELT.

Introducing Card sets (and prints if you like!)

That's all really. Thought I would try to do something fiscally useful with all my drawing and doodling, what with chrismas coming up.

Hope you are all well, and I do enjoy the occasional comments that come through. CQ is still not on my mind at all, and budgets and bulkfunding are on it far to much. The life of a self supporting crafter would be a fine one, unfortunately I have no time to make it happen.

Ka kite ano

(until later)

Denise Taylor

2010-11-09T16:22:00.000+13:00

Hi Denise, if you are reading, could you please email me. I have an NZ publication that would like to get hold of you.

Thanks so much

Sorry for the false hope readers, if you thought you were getting a post. I was planning one, even took pics... It is time to start on the annual chrissy ornies, and I had a plan, stitched and beaded, but OMGosh, they looked like my six year old made them. They are really rubbish, and not something I was willing to share. I am doing ornies, drawn ones, so I will share those...or pop oved to my flickr page for a look.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jo_in_nz/

Hope you are all keeping well. Going back to work has sucked lots of life out of me, and the will to stitch has not been around. I think about it often though, so I am sure I will return one day .
Miss you all

Arohanui
Jo

A pouch. Yes, a pouch!

2010-05-26T19:56:00.000+12:00

Another custom order. A Maori/Pacifica feel was requested.

So here we have the New Zealand Silver Fern, koru (the swirls, symbolize new life and growth) and some paua (abalone).

That's it ! I am off for a 4 day weekend to "Wellywood", our windy capital city for the annual Playcentre Conference. 6 of us are going. I have bought special outfits. Not sure how impressed the gals are going to be....

Cowl Neck Apron Top - TUTORIAL

2010-05-22T18:11:00.001+12:00

let me begin this post by saying...
use this how you like
don't care if you make to sell
DO care about acknowledgment (so if you repost, please add a link to this post :)

I (and a couple of readers) did search google after my last post and DIDN'T find anything similar, so here is a tutorial.

I bought , what is listed on the receipt as a 'jersey knit'. 1 metre was ample for this. I am quite tall, and this gives me plenty of "apron" to cover the girly bits (not that I wear them without pants! OH, no, no. I just prefer my tops top sit at just below 'girly bits' height. Jersey knit doesn't fray when you cut it so there is minimal sewing involved. You need a fabric that will have a nice drape, and other tops I have seen like this have serged edges (if you are lucky enough to have a serger!)

lay your fabric out, fold over the selvage edge about 5cms. You are going to cut this off and it will become one tie. When you have done one side, flip over and do the other. Now you should have two ties. If you dont want the little holes in the selvage edge, just cut off first, THEN do the above step to get your ties.
Once you have your ties, fold your fabric , right sides together, selvage edge to selvage edge (the edges you just cut!!)

cut while folded over. It will give you a cleaner line

circled is where you snip the corner off.
This will be sewn together to create the neck hole

next, cut out a section as shown.
Start at the bottom of the snipped off corner, and I use the very technical process of measuring the distance between my shoulder and elbow (takes you to approx waist height) to know how far down I want the cut out to end.
This cut reduces the bulk of the fabric under your arm. Because this particular fabric is non-fraying, you can cut more out later if you are still not quite happy with the look.

pin your neck seam

Ok, so your neck seam is pinned.

Next pin the ties in place. Make sure the fabrics are facing the right way! I pin them at the top of the cut out so you dont have a random edge pointy edge flapping around.

Then you whip out to your sewing machine, and sew those three seams.

I use a straight stitch for the neck and a double line of zigzag for the ties so they can handle the pulling and stretching. Speaking of stretching, I recommend a stretch needle.

Right, you are done! Hook the hole over you neck. Grab the ties. These will be quite low down, but just pull them up to waist level, wrap around you back, bring back to the front, and tie. You will probably need to pull the cowl neck out, and the readjust until you are happy with how it is all sitting.

Here is another one I made. I actually screwed up on this one little, and the cowl neck is not as deep, and before this pic, there was far too much fabric under the arms, but I just re-trimmed, and its all good!

Edited to add: I just made one of these in cotton (non stretch). It was a little more fiddly, as EVERYTHING had to hemmed (but it certainly looked way classier), and I would recommend that curve cut out for under the arm is far more 'circular' (cuts in much more) than shown here. With the fabby having no stretch it pulled a little under the arm and behind the neck. It was only prototype one though, and I had plenty of compliments. Someone even said "bet that cost you about $200" ....uh, no. $3.50 actually!

Holy crap...she's done some sewing

2010-05-21T18:24:00.003+12:00

...at total of about 10 inches of zigzag stitch! These "apron" tops have only three short seams, and there is another version that only has one seam

Excuse the pics of my ample figure, but these tops do actually look good on anyone, and probably look marginally better on those of you whose arse wont hang out the back like an ill fitting hospital gown. But, if you're behind me, I can't see the look on your face, so I am not going to dwell on it!

So, there you go. Don't let it be said that Jo in NZ doesn't sew anymore! Its not true :P

I dont have an online link for these, I copied a friends bought one, and "grumpy lady" at Spotlight was actually incredibly helpful today. I am sure you could google them though.

Nope...I still got nothing....

2010-05-07T16:10:00.000+12:00

plenty of doodles next door on the doodle page though.
Here's another hand:

If you have my mojo....Give it the **** back!

2010-04-15T12:58:00.000+12:00

Still no stitching. I am ~~highly~~ ~~kinda~~ no, not really motivated at all, to work on the tumbling blocks wallhanging. Not sure why. The project is great. I do love it. I will look fantastic when it is done, just cant bring myself to do it.

So, whats the point of the post then Jo, I hear you ask. I have utilised the "pages" function, and added what I have been doing...

The Neglectful Blogger

2010-03-31T23:38:00.001+13:00

Sorry peoples. No blogging makes Jo a dull girl.

I havn't done anything to blog.

Haven't picked up a needle in two weeks and counting.

Haven't kept up with my online course, therefore, I HAVE NOT formed a habit yet. (Sorry Sharon)

Working on a cross stitch for someone, haven't done that either.

Lots of doodling, might scan and upload just to show you something.

~~OK, can I no longer upload pics from my docs? WTF blogger? I cant even directly access my picasa.~~ got it sorted. But cant find the DVD remote either, so having a little spaz attack here.

The last one is more in the vein of Zentangle or zendoodling. All the others are done with just ballpoint pen. This one is with pigment ink. I love the look of it, but I really like to layer and layer with a ballpoint to create light and dark.
I doodle in the long weekend conferences that I go to. I cant listen if I am not doing something with my hands, so if I don't sew, I doddle. I used to just do them on note pads, and usually give them away. I decided that I would have a book now, specifically for "meeting" doodles. You can see written on them which meeting they were done at.

TBCQ block 5

2010-03-08T23:11:00.000+13:00

I thought the block was finished, but as usual, seeing it on the screen, it becomes obvious where more work is needed. Have a guess, and we will see if you were right next post

TBCQ block 5

2010-03-05T19:24:00.002+13:00

didn't have a chance to do any stitching while I was away this time. The weekend was run as a series of small workshops, so I didn't really sit around long enough anywhere to get things out. I drew a lot though...

Here is the progress on block 5. I have done a seam here-and-there on black and gray blocks as well, but this is the interesting stuff.

and here am I in "sunny" Invercargill, at Bluff, the most southern point of the South Island

It actually was sunny for all of the weekend, except at the time we decided to take a road trip. We were up at 6.30 to get this trek out of the way before the meeting started. We are, after all, sent around the country to work!

Only two more weeks and I am off again to Christchurch this time. This meeting I will def get some stitching done!

TBCQ block #4

2010-02-23T19:39:00.000+13:00

I haven't had much time for stitching this week. This working business is a real hinderance to creating. I have Mondays fairly free, and I did nothing but olympics and stitch. Isn't that Cross skiing a blast!
Here are the results.

This was supposed to be the orange and green block, and I even put the orange ribbon aside during the day for the flowers...however, I forgot, and just took a stab at it when it came to stitching time, so, we have pink flowers, and orange butterflies

I have a meeting this weekend, so hopefully I will find some time to work on the black and gray blocks. I am off to Invercargill, which I am a bit excited about, and kiwi readers will probably wonder why!! It is at the very bottom of our little country and I am not sure that much happens there, but I have never been, and am not likely to go again, so I am looking forward to it. We even have a few hours when we get there, and may get to see more than the conference centre!

Blocks on Flickr

2010-02-14T14:29:00.000+13:00

I have uploaded all the completed 'tumbling' blocks to my Flickr page, so cruise on over there to take a look.

TBCQ progress

2010-02-09T23:29:00.000+13:00

Here's the next block completed. I like this one! It is much prettier in person. The brooch is lighter than it has come out in the pic, very 'icy', and sparkly.
Freda asked if I would use tatting in every block, and I think I will attempt to do this. Using tatting is a signature of my work, and I love the texture it adds to a block, as well as the history.

Here is a progress pic so far.

I haven't quite decided on how to work with the black blocks. The lower embellished one is effective in the photo, but in reality, blah, don't like the look. To simple , and to add more to the seams would add more colour, which I don't want. The upper block was all black - stitching and beading, and I added some dark green thread. Which I do like. I love the black on black, and the different type of fabric does create interest, but it needs something to lighten it up, literally, and visually. I am going to do another in just the green thread and see how that moves me.

My only problem now. I am loving the look to this quilt, and I want to make it bigger than originally intended, but I do not have a wall big enough to display it on (except opposite the toilet door, and while it would be a lovely piece to sit and admire, I am not so sure that guests will be excited by this option...)

2010-02-09T00:13:00.000+13:00

I am settling into a rhythm with these blocks, and making decisions as I go, like trying to work with mostly 2 colours per block (+ green, cos thats a CQer neutral y'kno), and having one main focal point per block...

which is not what I did here....

I added the red roses, and then needed a very 'strong' element to offset that. I made the stacked herringbone in red...still not enough, so embarked on the SRE posie. The ribbon is more purple than blue (this is my purple and red block).
Once I had the two elements, I thought I'd better add the third - for newbies the general (not) rule (because there are no rules in CQ!!) is to have three visual elements, or motifs, on a block, to help draw, and move your eye around, and the human eye (brain) finds odd numbers more appealing than even. If the numbers are even, the brain perceives symmetry, and doesn't bother to look any further. .... so ends todays lesson!
....so, I added the dragonfly. At this point I decided that I wasn't going to stick to that rule. Each block needs just one "eyecatching" element to draw the eye once the blocks are assembled into a quilt.

And here is the start of block 3 - mauve/blue, and dusky pink

I tried a new seem. It is (as far as I can figure) a zig-zagged, alternating, barred, chain stitch . I see many in my future.

Pics of this block completed tomorrow.

Truckin' along

2010-02-07T15:48:00.000+13:00

Lets play spot the difference. Whenever I say a block is done, it is usually never done, and this needed more work.
I notice a new crop of readers commenting, so I will explain my thought process as we go along.
The biggest difference, which is subtle, is the extra stitching added to the half cirles up the top. While effective, there was a lot of 'space' in them , and it needed filling. I used a neutral thread to add texture and 'visual weight' only rather than colour. This helped offset the 'visiual weight' of the tatting on the other side.

And below are some close up of other work on the block

This seam is a variation on chain stitch, with a fly stitch and detached chain. A bullion knot lies within each link.

I also added the turquoise beads down this seam just for continuity with the tendrils coming out form the face.

And finally for today, another block started

"Crazy in a Box"

2010-02-06T19:59:00.000+13:00

I have finished the first cream block (light side). Boy, that was a mission. It has actually been a long time since I did CQ. Sitting down with a block in front of me was quite intimidating. I am definitely out of practice. What colour to put where? How to balance the block? Even though each block is a stand alone piece, and doesn't necessarily have to blend or balance with everything else on the quilt, I still want every one to be pretty...and right!

A commentor asked the size of each block. The sides measure 6"(15cm) each 10.5 x 6.25" (27x16cm) from point to point. It is a small block, equivalent to a 6" square block I guess in stitching area.
I struggled with my colours, as usual. Trying to stitch the cream blocks at night will be a no go I think. I frogged a revolting peachy mustard seam this morning. My quirky, rare, hereditary, colour blindness rises its stupid head again. At least I cant go wrong with black on black, and white on grey...

TBCQ - more pieced blocks

2010-02-05T16:39:00.000+13:00

I made a few more blocks up today. I think they look great together, far better than I expected. I am really excited about starting this project. You can see the beginning of the stitching on the top gray block.

you can follow the progress of this quilt by clicking the TBCQ label (Tumbling Blocks Crazy Quilt)

TBCQ - 1st 'unit'

2010-02-05T00:38:00.001+13:00

Thanks so much for all your ideas and suggestions.

I need you to know that I tried...I really tried, but it had to be black!! I did my cream block, I did my grey block, then I spent an hour and a half searching through ALL my fabric trying to decide what the 'accent' colour would be. It's black!! It works.

I am going to try darker threads to embellish the seams on the black (did I mention "it's black") side - thanks Willa for that suggestion/thought/spark of an idea -to make it more 'lively'. The grey side is pretty much done for now ( pic to come later). I used white and a light beige-ish sassalynne thread to break the white. I am going to stick with just stitching for now until I am sure this is the colour scheme ( I am pretty sure it is).

I wanted to say a belated thankyou to those who suggested windows live writer as well...unfortunately, my computer won't download it, I have tried several times. Blogger and the pics seem to be behaving, but I much preferred uploading all the pics I wanted to use in one go, then clicking and selecting what I wanted, this "new and improved" way is rather labourious and slow.

New project - T(umbling) B(locks) C(razy) Q(uilt)

2010-02-01T15:51:00.001+13:00

I am posting this in hopes that it will actually spur me on to acheiving something in the needlework department.
Planning for a new quilt - a wallhanging actually. I don't think I have another double bed quilt in my at the moment, and while I enjoyed the Black CQ, it was a strictly "thread only" affair, and I want to EMBELLISH with beads, and ribbons, and buttons and doo-dads.

So here is the plan. Input from you is wanted (and expected!!)

You may think this looks familiar...you are right. Sharon Bs Crazy Diamonds was a really inspiring piece for me, so that is the plan.
The top diamond will be pieced in creams, and embellished with my lovely sassalynne threads, beading, SRE, and anything else I can think of ( a-la Pam Kelloggs flower wallhanging - two inspirations for the price of one!!)

The other two sides I haven't decided. I was thinking grey, embellished with white stitching only, and then black, embellished with black stitching only. I want to keep these sides more simple, for a couple of reasons, the main one being that they will stitch up the same as my postcards, so they will be portable for the weekend conferences that I attend.

That sounds a bit boring doesn't it??

Other thoughts were to have the 'dark' side in hues of grey, with black embellishment, and the 'light' side in a colour, maybe shades of green, or maybe I could manage to do them all different.... Although I am not a rainbow-y type of gal... and that side would still be embellished with white stitching to ensure that the light and shade of the tumbling blocks pattern is maintained. I do prefer "muddy" colours, so maybe it won't look rainbow-y. I would also use the graduated dyed cottons I favour for the 'coloured' sides. I guess if I do colour, and don't like it, I will be giving away a whole lot of diamond shaped postcards!!

So , there are my thoughts. What are yours?? I am excited about getting started on this, but I need my mum to get home and make me a template, and some of my special online buds are helping me out with cream fabrics...so i sit, and wait.

I'm Back.....

2010-01-30T01:38:00.000+13:00

I am back from holiday. We had a lovely break, and we did heaps this year too.
I have posted quite a few pictures to Facebook. I think you can view them without being a member.
Kawau Island trip
Goat Island
Round the Rocks
Bush Walk

there is also a whole lot of randomness over on flickr in the "Textile Inspirations" set.

No stitching done AT ALL - I need to find a long term project I can sink my teeth into this year, and I have been mulling over Sharon Bs tumbling blocks quilt quite a lot. I have also been mulling over Pam Kelloggs handkerchief flower quilt..... who wants to bet right here and now, that I get absolutely nothing done this year! Now that's not to be negative about myself, but I have a new job, and bigger responsibilities, and while I love to stitch, I may have to stick to 'no stress' stuff. Though having said that i am not terribly excited by doing postcards at the moment either. I think a quilt, I can stitch away on as I feel so inclined may be just the thing. The tumbling blocks I am thinking of doing in black and white and ??? one colour? a mixture of colours? a graduation of colour? random colour? (all monotone, but overall just random. Oh, just the thought of random sends me into a sweat. It wont be random!!). I love batiks, but I love my Sassalynne threads and want to use those.

I purchased some of Kay Susan's (S'mockeryS'mart) fabulous Frakenfish. They were waiting for me when we got home. I will post pics later.
Sorry for the lack of links but they are all in the sidebar....

I was very good girl this summer, and I did walk regularly. Not every day, but regularly. The aquarobics is great for cardio fitness, but it doesn't build muscle mass in your legs because your body is supported by the water, so walking is not a fun thing for me to do. I did the small bush walk to the bay. I set a goal of doing the "perimeter track" before we went home, and I did it! It wasn't easy, but I did it, AND I could still walk the next day. Good job too as our nice relaxing ferry trip to a local island turned into a bit of a mammoth hike when we took a wrong path. I was fucked! and I even cried I was so tired, but I did that too, AND could still walk the next day. So all in all I am feeling very proud of myself. I am pretty sure that there was no weight gain over the holidays.

This is Waiwera, where we stay for our holidays. You see the large tree in the middle of the picture(up the top) and the tree to the right of it, you can just see a house in front of that tree, well our place is just in front of that house. It is such a great spot, and the kids love it.

I have rattled on enough. Time for bed.

Postcard for Lynn

2009-12-23T00:40:00.000+13:00

So, being totally inspried by Allies latest creation of the beach scene, AND at the same time asked by a friend to create something "Kiwi" with the red flowers, I did a kinda abstract beach scene.

Being abstract-ish, I will explain..

First, we have the piecing - the sea, beach and the bush (forest....you know, lots of trees...)

Then the stitching. I wanted the pohutukawa flowers to be the focal point, so instead of a whole lot of tiny red dots , which would of been perspectively better, and more true to what out bush looks like in summer, they are big and lovely!

Added a few beads and 'white horses', and we are done. This is already in the post, for a special event.

on a final , jolly, christmas note, I wish blogger would get their shit together and stop upgrading to useless functions that dont work!!
"BLOGGER" I DO NOT LIKE THE NEW PHOTO UPLOADING TOOL! IT IS CRAP! ARE YOU LISTENING??"

Merry Christmas, in case i am not back before then!

The Spirit of Chirstmas??

2009-12-17T23:34:00.000+13:00

I had a meeting tonight, so I told Rob to wrap up my christmas prezzies with the kids (you know the ones mums, that we buy for ourselves, and then pretend we are thrilled to get them, and "oh , I never expected that!")
Well, I came home and the prezzies are duly wrapped and I noticed that my Brooke had put a few cards on her presents. the first one I read was to her friend

Then her sisters

Her Dad

and then I got to this...

I nearly wet myself!! I was a bit scared to read mine, but I came thru OK. Even Ben didn't harsh criticism such as this.
Bless your little heart Brookie, and way to go with that Christmas Spirit!!

Great Gooseberries Batman...a blog post

2009-12-10T15:34:00.003+13:00

I have been making stuff, in between keeping my house VERY TIDY!! because real estate agents are frequenting the property.

Anyway, this is new stuff, and I will be upfront and say these are a ~~blatant rip off~~ attempt to recreate out of sheer adoration, this this womans wonderful work - SolDelSur - But mine are made from polar fleece and polyester fancy yarns. A poor mans version shall we say. They were fun and quite easy to make. Of course making these at the moment is just madness for me as it is SO FREAKIN HOT!! I know y'all are freezing your arses off over there in the north, but here, not a cloud in the sky, a beautiful breeze, and humidity is low (unlike last week where humidity reached 100%). Needless to say, taking pics with this on was pushing it a little....

Blog Flog - giveaway

2009-11-30T11:44:00.000+13:00

My Fab Friend, Cathy, over at Crazy By Design is having an awesome giveaway. I am not entering because I have stash coming out my'ear-balls', but you should go on over and take a punt. Draw will be done on 5th Dec.
She has something to suit everyone, not just crazy quilters.

tiny stockings

2009-11-27T23:48:00.001+13:00

I am having to play the "lets publish an empty post so we can go back and edit it to be able to post pics game" again. Blogger, be warned. I have a wordpress blog, I WILL use it if this carries on. Ridiculous!

Anyways, this is what I have been working on this week. I wanted to make some wee giftees for the team I work with, and I am so in looooove with felt and heatnbond at the moment...

I wanted something distinctively kiwi. So we have the pohutukawa flower again - a simplified version, and I used the black to represent the quintessential black gumboot (wellington boot, goulashes, not sure what Americans call them...rubber, waterproof, wear them on the farm or in the garden). Whatever you call them, they are fairly iconic in NZ. So black (for the All Blacks too of course), and red trim.

These are very small. Probably only about 2in long. One of my Aussie readers mentioned the similarity to the bottle brush flower. We have that too here. Bottle brush are more elongated like, well, a bottle brush!! Pohutukawa are smaller and rounder. I noticed a few trees already in full flower ( quite early). My nana will tell you what that means - either a short wet summer, or a long dry one. Although picking NZ I am thinking a long , wet summer...
The pic below will give you a size comparison.

My kids are having an "art" sale in the garage tomorrow. They have been colouring in like demons all week. I really do hope a couple of neighbours swing by and part with a dollar or two. Brooke told me she would be upset on the inside if no-one came, but she wouldn't cry...I'm telling you now, if no-one comes, she's gonna cry! I don't think my neighbours read my blog, but if you do, get your asses over here in the morning would you. PLEASE!

exciting stuff !?

2009-11-21T22:42:00.002+13:00

What a complete bloody drama to get pictures posted to my blog. I have been trying for days. Blogger has instigated another new picture uploading to and it DOES NOT WORK FOR ME!!
Luckily, if i edit a post from my blog, I still get the old version, which doesn't allow me to place pics, but does at least allow me to upload without crashing my browser.

So this is what I have been working on. These are Pohutukawa flowers. We call it the New Zealand Christmas tree as the trees flower these gorgeous red blooms in Dec and January. I had a custom order for two pouches for a friend to send to overseas relatives. These would also look fantastic on stockings or postcards. Real Kiwiana.

The necklace above I won in a blog giveaway. How cool is that!! I don't actually read the blog, but a link on another blog sent me off to donate $10 for breast cancer research via paypal, and for that I apparently got two entries into the draw. I did look up the blog later, and what a fantastically , well organised, fundraising event this was. There was a ton of prizes donated by other various bloggers. This was one of the Monica Magness Pink causes.
I am very happy with my Laura Krasinski necklace.

I have a had a couple of sales today - thank goodness - it has been so slow.
If you have been eyeing something up as a christmas gift in my ETSY shop, please don't dilly-dally, as I would like to avoid any delays for you, and mail as soon as possible .
How about I offer a deal. Free shipping as long as you enter my blog name in the "message to seller" box. I will refund the shipping to you. It may not seem like a lot, but it sure adds up at christmas time! (this will run thru to Dec 10)

Felt Snowflake Ornies - partie deux

2009-11-13T12:28:00.000+13:00

Part II of this tutorial for you. Part I can be found here.

These have been so much fun to design and stitch. Have knocked out the 13 family ornies this week, and will start working on friends. So, here is how to complete your snowflake ornaments.

You will need some kind of fusible, double-sided interfacing (adhesive medium). Use your original template to cut out as many as you need. I cut mine well inside the line (2mm), so they are slightly smaller than your stitched front. I like HeatnBond. I use it for my postcards to. When it cools it is really sturdy and stiff, great for this kind of thing. I have no experience of anything else, so can't do comparisons. From my knowledge of vlsioflex (sp) that is a far more softer finish for adding applique to quilts, so I am sure it would still work, but your ornie may curl or bend with time. With the Heatnbond I would expect an ornie that will sit and hang nicely for years to come.

Iron your fusible on. I ironed mine to the front. I have beads and sequins on the front and didn't want to give them to much "iron time + it will be easier to line up the names I stitched on the backs later (totally optional, so may not be an issue for you)

Here are all my fronts ready to go. I also used baking paper when ironing this on, just to protect the iron.

Peel off the backing....

I added in a hanging loop at this point (actually, the pic shows it added in under the first layer of fusiable webbing. Either way is fine.) This is where lining up the back was important to me. I wanted to make sure the loop was at the top of the name. How the front sits does not really matter as they are all symmetrical.
So put your hanging loop in - I had hoped for something a little fancier, but this worked. I did try knotting the cord, but it didn't sit right, and this did. Place your back on, the right way up if necessary. Put your pressing cloth/baking paper down over everything, including the loop cording (you never know how it will react to heat), and press until the webbing has taken.

And Wa la! Finished. I had quite a little production line going.

You may find that the front is a little smaller due to the stitching (like the top ornie in the pic below). or your template is not 100% symmetrical, and the lining up is a little off. The beauty of felt is that you just trim it up all neat and tidy.

Have fun. And do let me know if you make any ornies. I would love to see them.

I bought some great metallic thread on the weekend, so I am doing the next lot with those. I could of finished these ones with it, but seeing as they are all for family, there would of been raised eyebrows about why they got sparkles and I didn't....

Journal Cover completed

2009-11-12T23:41:00.000+13:00

....not mine though. This is Belinda's. She has been stitching away all week and wanted to do the finishing today ( I have the sewing machine).

I think she did a great job. This is for her mum. The buttons are from her grandmothers button jar.

I am inspired to work more on mine. Soon.....next post will be hoe to complete the snowflake ornies. That's what I did today.

More Ornies

2009-11-09T19:58:00.000+13:00

just a quick pic of how I have used my templates to draw out my snowflake designs. Love these little templates. Useful for EVERYTHING.

I have done 13 fronts so far. Will start on the back soon.

I also completed a custom order today. A pouch and an ACEO (postcard size)

2009 Xmas Ornies - part I

2009-11-05T23:45:00.000+13:00

Every year I make a hand made ornament for my family members. This year I am getting organised early, as I am usually still working on these come Christmas Eve. I am determined not to do that again (but I am sure I will be...it's the thought that counts, surely..)

So here is what I am doing this year. Snowflakes.

First I decided on a shape, and cut a sturdy template. I am doing these on black felt. I cut out a whole heap of templates on tracing (baking) paper, and drew my designs on to that, then pinned that to my felt. I stitch directly through the paper , on to the felt.

Once I have finished my stitching , I gently pull the paper away. You do need to be reasonably gentle, but i don't get to much pulling that can't be tightened, and in the next step (future post) a fusible medium will hold it in place.

Here are the 3 I have stitched so far. After pulling the paper off, I added beads and sequins for shine. Very subtle, but just enough for a wee bit of zazz.

And here is the inspiration for these...a gift bag

The back of the ornies will have the recipients name and the year embroidered on them, and a hanging loop will be added when both sides are fused together. Stayed tuned for part two, hopefully before xmas eve!!

I can also see other great ornies coming from this bag. Those baubles are just screaming to be stitched.

Fabric Paper Journal Covers

2009-11-05T23:31:00.000+13:00

My online pal Ati, has been making the most fantastic postcards. I bought one a while ago, and begged her for the instructions (which were apparently already in the public domain) , but i begged anyway!
Well today was a crappy day. The BFF and I had plans to scale a small mountain, but the rain dictated otherwise, so we crafted. Belinda wanted to make a journal cover for her sister for xmas, which lead onto me saying, "hey, I have all this cool stuff to make fabric paper". So off we set. The dining room was transformed into a workstation (yes, I do have a studio, but it is small, and full of stuff, strictly room for one only). We had a blast.

the "stuff" we used, most of it generously supplied by Ati

Belinda, hard at work on her end of the table. (Pam, can you see your card in the background?) . Speaking of Ati, one of her blocks inspired the colour choice for my lounge walls too...

This is Belinda's first piece in progress. The following three are mine finished.

I am a little unsure about the strength of the purple in the second one, however these will be further stitched and embellished, and I can live with it.

By the final one I was deciding what else I could pillage for text . The newspaper wasn't very inspiring, so I grabbed a dictionary. The possibilities are endless.

I particularly like this one. The text is a perpetual calender. The words are the definition of time, and Belinda thought the moon fitted the time theme well. We are both impatiently waiting for these to dry. We can only hope they hold together as well as Ati's postcard, which sat in full view to serve as inspiration. We are off to a 24 hr second hand book sale on Saturday night (I know, if there's a party, we are there...not) , to look for vintage recipes books, dress patterns and medical text ( I LOVE medical texts!)

Ati does have the tutorial for this posted on her blog, so I will send you there for instructions. Needless to say, it was a great day, and a fun, fun thing to do. I have so many ideas.

Look, I do have something to show you!

2009-10-31T16:19:00.000+13:00

I did quite a bit of stitching while I was away on holiday, and I found a couple of bag fronts that I completed that I had forgotten about.

I have used the same handpainted silk in both of these, but played off the different colours. One is more the purples, and the other is the blues and teals.

I also have a couple of custom orders. Here is the first one, half done. Just need to add the stem and leaves, and assemble

Well, I said I have something to show you, but I have very little to say....bye for now

Bad blogger. Bad, bad blogger

2009-10-28T09:52:00.000+13:00

I am starting to feel like one of those people who randomly update their blog every few months ( I know its not that bad -yet) but thats how I feel. Next I'll be posting links to others blogs just keep it interesting here.....

I really haven't been doing anything blog worthy.
I haven't done much sewing. A couple of custom orders -which is fantastic- but they are not far enough along to show.

I have barely stitched for about 7 days!! That is big for me. I am taking on a new challenge next year, and I am starting to fall into that role now, and it is keeping me busy. ( I can't talk about it really as it is an elected position, and I have not been officially "elected" yet). My calender is filling up already with lots of national meetings next year.

so thats it. Boring boring. Bad blogger...

Back and blogging

2009-10-20T17:25:00.000+13:00

I have been so busy the last couple of weeks, I apologise for the neglect, although not a lot crafting wise has been going on.
It is a busy time of year for Playcentre with centre AGMs, and I had a national meeting weekend just gone. I did get some stitching done.

The CQI group is working on another breast cancer fund raising quilt. The theme this year, cream/white piecing, jewel tone embellishments, butterflies and dragonflies. I had to be very picky about what I took with me, and the colours etc, as I had limited time, and space (which was more the issue!- apparently we are expected to work as well...). No beads to be included on this years quilt as it makes assembling difficult. (so I used a honking great ceramic face. Sorry Debbie)
So here we are so far. There is still some work to do, and I have several small butterflies to randomly stitch around the block

all the seams have been done in various shades of sassalynne greens, and the rest is obviously ribbon work. I wanted it to look like a vibrant garden. I dyed the butterfly myself. It is the first time I have had any real success at trying to get a decent variety of shades on a motif, and it doesn't look like a dogs breakfast.

I also managed to finish several more pouches last week, the ones I stitched during the holidays . My "Christmas" rush hasn't started yet over at my etsy shop, but I do live in hope.....come do your Christmas shopping people. I will mail directly to the recipient, all gift wrapped, with a card....

Anyway, I digress, here are the pouches.

there was also a lovely "shabby chic" green, with pink roses here, but it sold. I got brave and took EVERYTHING to my conference with me and displayed them, and I got a few sales.

this is my current fave. I just love those faces!

Well that's about it really. I left for my conference on Friday, and Rob bought a new car on Saturday... it really is not a good idea to leave the menfolk unattended with the cheque book.

Christmas RR

2009-09-29T13:03:00.002+13:00

I have been stitching on Debbie Qs blocks, which is my final block in this RR.
This was fun, doing a whole block. Took a while to get back into the embellishing swing of things, but once the sequins came out, I went to town.

The silky I attached with heat'n'bond, and I hooked the lace under there to before ironing. This worked really well to keep everything in place. The heat'n'bond did darken the image a little , but I quite like the line the gold fabric produces. Looks like the moon shining thru.

Not sure if I have showed the following picture. This was the motif I did on Leslie's block. A bullion xmas tree, with swarovski crystal decorations. They really catch the light and look just gorgeous.

edited to add: seeing as the gorgeous Diane has featured this tree on Craft Gossip, I thought I would give you a bit more info.

Bullions are done with the beautiful hand dyed thread from Sassalynne. This thread is what Myfanwy calls 'fine;' and is equivalent to perle 8 cotton. I love it , it is my favourite thread. The thread is not a specific colour, just a variegated green.

It is school holidays here, so I will be gone for a week or so.

Ciao!

The Stix, in all their glory

2009-09-26T23:55:00.000+12:00

Here are all the "Stix" created so far.
"Awesomely Tacky" was the high praise received from my cyber buddy, Dakotah. And I think awesomely tacky is just the look I was going for for some of them. The others I hope are witty, or just plain fun.
I have so many more ideas for these ...

they are all, of course, available for you to purchase.

are you getting bored with these yet!!

2009-09-22T17:23:00.000+12:00

sorry. Its all I've got! You could tell me your ideas though...

More Stix...

2009-09-21T16:00:00.000+12:00

What about these colours? Boy and girl, or just stick with the black?

new idea

2009-09-20T19:13:00.000+12:00

You know some times, you just get inspired. Ideas come form literally nowhere, and you run with them, and they seems to work. Well, this is what I have been doing overnight.
Had my teen here - miss 14, and she thought the were great.
So, feedback from you, and any teens you have in your house would be great.
I have pages of ideas for these, and quite a few guy ones too. I am calling them "the Stix".

These will be up on Etsy soon, not yet, but soon, like tomorrow. I have run out of black fabric , Arghhhh!! I was thinking that they might look good on a denim look chambray, but I also think they are incredibly effective on black. Am I tooting my own horn to much, or is there potential in these?

The Neglectful Blogger

2009-09-19T19:22:00.001+12:00

I might have to change the name of my blog, I have been so useless lately, and I have done heaps to blog about, so on with the show.

Firstly, I have secured my Fleetwood Mac Tickets, they are in my hot little hands. I am so excited, and I only have to wait 3 months! Argh. They are playing in quite small venue, that is a 6 hour drive away, but I am so there. I have two tickets. Does that mean twice the experience?

Last week saw two trips to the Hamilton Quilt and Craft Fair. This is an offshoot of the Melbourne (Australia) Quilt and Craft fair. Two trips meant quite a bit of financial mis-management on my part, but come on, when a girl needs beads, she needs beads, and there were a LOT of beads....
Thursday saw Belinda and I shoot down after dropping the kids at school (an hour drive). We browsed, bought and tried plenty.

Here we are trying Bobbin lace. What a process. It was actually quite relaxing once you got into the rhythm of it, but the chairs we had to sit in hurt my back, so there was no way I could sit there to finish it. The lady demonstrating had a wonderfully intricate piece she had been working on for 3 years. She estimated 4 more years until it was finished. Belinda is below working on the same piece.

Below is our piece...

and the piece the lady next door was doing, which was lovely. She was naturally talented at this obviously.

That wrapped up Thursday. Saturday, the craft show posse turned up at 8am, and off went again, more browsing, more bead buying (seriously, you can never have enough beads) and a couple more classes I booked into on Thursday. The craft show was actually really well organised I thought. They offer lots of what they called craft circles - which were the classes you paid for, and got a wee kit to work with. The workshops were the free 'talks' basically from various stall holders plying their wares. I went to a couple of those, and will try for more next year. Helen Dafter , who is an Aussie SRE expert gave a few talks throughout the day. She was an excellent presenter, humorous, lots of samples she passed around and tips and tricks. I didn't stay for her whole workshop as I had a craft circle to run off to, which is a shame. She is on my 'to do' list for next year. To finish up this mini review of the show, I was impressed by the fact that there was some good deals to be had. Prices were not overinflated, especially on beads....

So here is what I did

This is a paverpol sculpture. I have long been (about 20 years) enamored with these fabric sculptures, and this was a must do one for me. You are basically using a strong PVA glue to harden the fabric. Some of their sculptures can be put outside, but i would guess there is a special ingredient to make them weather proof. I just loved the hands on messiness of this.

Next was this beaded pendant. Not really my cup of tea, but i wanted to learn the technique, and it served its purpose there . Apparently I was the only person to finished the entire thing . Brooke, loved this so I will give it to her .

To finish off this mega catch up post. A few more things for the shop.

First these stockings, which are custom order, so don't y'all go rushing off to buy them...though there is a similar one there in blues

So there you go. As you can see I have completed 3 out of 5 pouches to meet my weekly target, so I have some stitching to do tonight and tomorrow.

More finishes

2009-09-07T09:21:00.000+12:00

Just eye candy today. All these pouches are listed over at Functional Fiber.
I know it seems like that's all I am doing these days, but I figure that you come for the view rather than the scintillating conversation....
I have made 5 sales in the last week, so I am a very happy camper.

Here is another custom order. My BFF is a great saleswoman!

the WINNER

2009-09-02T23:46:00.001+12:00

I have done the draw for the 600th post giveaway. I thought it was something I should get on with since I do have a tendency to let these things drag on....
Random number integer was used as usual.
The winner is

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

Timestamp: 2009-09-02 11:23:52 UTC

by my counting, that makes Aida the Winner!!! Congrats Aida. I'll be in contact for mailing details. So if I recall, you get the pouch, the doilies, the good bag, and the not so good bag.

I also said I was going to throw in something extra for the 100th comment. That comment was made by butrfly2200. I will contact you too for mailing details. You will get a card pouch also. Now this one is not perfect on the inside because I put the magnetic snap in the wrong place the first time. But the embroidery is still very pretty all the same. These pouches are also smaller than what I make now. They were the prototypes, shall we say. You can get several cards in them, just not as many as in a 'bought one'.

Here are some pics of the latest offering over at Functional Fiber

I am a very happy camper today as I had 3 sales overnight. That means I can go and get my car registration. Yay! Its not as dire as it sounds, it was just a big bills month with Robs golf fees needing paying too...which I forgot to get money off the term deposit for. As Oprah said today on her show about mums - " You need a wife!" She is so right!

Blog Flog

2009-08-26T13:11:00.000+12:00

Although it is highly unlikely that anyone who reads here doesn't read Pin Tangle, I am still going to send you all on over there to see Sharon Bs recent work.
I am enamoured, smitten, in awe of, and inspired...
Check it out.

A free day

2009-08-25T14:25:00.000+12:00

I found myself with an entire free day today. I thought I had a meeting, but that was last week (and I was there!!) and yes, I could of gone shopping, but heck, that's boring. So I stayed home. Did a little work (pd by the hour) and some stitching.

I found these great little motifs I could rescue from a scrap of tatting. I saw them and though "flowers". I was going to , and even started , doing the embroidery in the same colour as the tatting. I think I will do that next time. The leaves I took the leap and did satin stitch. I avoid that like the plague usually. You have to be so precise....I am happy with the way it came out though.

I had a meeting last night, so I took my box of goodies and set everything up (etsy inventory). I meant to get a photo. That was a bit of an intimidating experience. I have really had to take a deep breath and start selling myself. I don't mind online stuff. I have time to think about what I am going to say. I don't have to look you in the eye, and pretend I am confident. I am getting better at it. But I figure if people don't actually know what I do, well, they can't buy anything can they. No sales, but hopefully I have planted a seed and people will think of me in the future.

weekend work

2009-08-24T11:22:00.001+12:00

This is what I achieved over the weekend. All these are listed on Etsy of course.

I am excited about the number of comments received for the giveaway. Over 100 now, so all prizes are "unlocked" and will be included.
I have also decided to do a special prize for the 100th commenter. I did have her name here , but I can't lay my hands on it right now (in my impeccably tidy office!!). I will find that out later and contact you.

Woven Rose Tutorial

2009-08-20T00:16:00.001+12:00

Miss RoseAnne asked how I did woven (spiderweb) roses. So here are lots of pics, and words that hopefully make sense, to show the one little trick I do when creating these.

10 minutes later.....
Ok. I have tried and tried to get the words next to the picture (with the pic on the left of the screen) and it just is not going to work. I am very frustrated with whatever changes blogger has recently made because they ARE NOT working the way they did. It seems I have half the old blogger back, and half the new beta dashboard. So it is words below, Sorry. It really would be easier to have them next to what I am talking about, but needs must I guess. Blogger NEEDS to screw with me. I MUST post tutorial!

Lay down your spokes as usual. I do 5 , sometimes 7 for a larger rose.

I do my first few weaves just as 'normal', meaning I don't worry at all how the ribbon falls.

(excuse my revolting fingernails, I am a woman of many bad habits). Next I take the needle a 'roll' it between my fingers to create a curl in the ribbon. I am not fussy about which way I roll, and often change direction several times through the process. If a petal doesn't look right, I unweave, and roll the other way, until I am happy.

This shows the curl in the ribbon.

Next run your hand down the ribbon, starting at the needle end, to get all the curl in one place. I don't always do this as when you weave it, I kinda does it itself, but this can help when you are starting out.

The weave it through. You can see the curls being trapped in between the spokes. It is important not to pull to tightly. I would rather leave it looser, and do a couple of securing stitches, than pull to tightly.

And here is a petal with a conveniently paced curl in the middle. They don't all work like this !

Here is another one that appears longer an smoother. I don't worry how they look, as it look more realistic if it is not perfect.

Another example

The finished product!

A different view.

I use 7mm ribbon mostly for these roses ( I guess that nugget should have been at the beginning), but it can work just as well on smaller roses, with 4mm ribbon. Still use 5 spokes for your weave though.

Click on any of the pictures and they will get BIGGER.

As you can see I got the pictures to move with drag and drop. Hallelujah.

Don't forget to enter my giveaway on this post HERE. It is up to 82 comments. I would LOVE to get 100 to unlock the bag, but if we don't, I'll throw in the other (not so successful "Vintage") bag anyway. Its still a cute bag....

Magnolia

2009-08-18T17:02:00.000+12:00

RoseAnne wanted to see a picture of my whole magnolia tree so here you go. It is a deciduos one, and gets al its flowers before the leaves come in, and they are just stunning to look at. Friends bought this for me when I moved in here. I had one at my last home, and I loved it. This tree is about 11 years old.
They are not the 'cup and saucer" flowers you usually get... I think they are called 'the fingers of god"

and I had a meeting today, so took some handwork to do. Budgets are very boring...sewing is not!

card holders pieced with the muslin/calico. SRE will be added next, with some more pics for RoseAnne hopefully.

What a great response to the giveaway. Keep those comments coming, I would really like to throw a pincushion in the mix as well.

600th post giveaway - It's a big one!!

2009-08-15T15:03:00.001+12:00

PLEASE NOTE DRAW IS CLOSED. WINNER DRAWN. ALL DONE AND DUSTED! Thanks to those who entered.

601st post actually, but who's counting?

So here is how this is going to work, the number of comments received will decide what goes in your goody bag. You can comment more than once, under certain conditions. At each selected comment number reached, the extras will be added to the goody bag.

30 comments = one of my keyring card holders, this one to be exact

it is a little smaller than the ones i am selling now , but you can still fit 6-8 cards in it.

50 comments = 5 vintage doilies, they may be embroidered, tatted or crocheted, but they will be in good condition

100 comments = everything will be put into this bag, from the previous post

200 comments - a pedestal pincushion will be added as well, probably a small one.

* first comment is painless, just for stopping by.
*To enter twice, post a link on your blog to this giveaway here - then leave your second comment to let me know you have done that.
*To enter 3 times, post a link to my "No Matter Where I Go" ETSY shop as well - then leave a comment telling me you have done this .
*to enter 4 times, post a link to my "Vintages Vices" ESTY shop too - then, you guessed it, leave another comment here to let me know you have done that. ( you can post your links in the same post on your blog, just leave separate comments here so you get your entries)

Good luck, I am looking forward to this!

Doily Bag mark II

2009-08-15T14:36:00.000+12:00

and I think this is my 6ooth post, and I had promised something big hadn't I?? Oh dear, I'd better think quick..
Anyway, I have put together my second bag. This is definitely more the vision, but I played a little with the handles, and that isn't 100% right now. It not bad, just not great.

I decided to go back to the 'knot bag' style of handle, but do it front to back, rather than side to side. It works ok, but I like the handles on the other bag, and the shape the bag had.

Sorry about the picture quality, something hinky has happened with the blogger dashboard, and I seem to have lost some functions.

I will do the giveaway in the next post

2009-08-13T23:23:00.005+12:00

I was reminded of these pics I took last week when I had to address an envelope for Magnolia, Texas. I LOVE my magnolia. I love all magnolia's. Such beautiful and noble trees adding a shot of colour to the landscape after a cold winter. This is the first bloom on my tree.

colour

B&W

Vision a bit off..

2009-08-12T17:01:00.001+12:00

My vision has not quite been realised. Damn these ideas that just can't make it to reality in a reasonable fashion. It has potential. You tell me what you think.

The bag is either too small (which it isn't) or the doily is too big (which I think it is).

The bag is great. I have used the principle of the knot bag pattern, but done away with the round bottom, and I am cheating with the lining too . It was very quick to put together.

I love the calico (muslin). That is a great base. I am going to work with it more. I think also the issue is that the doily is to dark (or conversely the muslin is too light!!). The poor doily was scorched, so I scorched it all over, and now it is to dark. I think if it was its original colour it would look better. I might tea stain the bag.

Anyway, the bag itself, a great little number. I am happy with the bag. I didn't do the "one handle shorter" as the knot bag pattern call for, but it will translate easily to this design to.

The doily on it concept...that still needs some work. ( I embroidered the word 'vintage' myself. I like that!)

more completions.

2009-08-11T16:40:00.000+12:00

I have been an A-Grade bitch over the last week or so. I had a change in some medication, that did not make me calm, and relaxed and in control, but everything that is the opposite of that, to the nth degree. Anywho, a desperate visit to the doc on Friday, and a desperate plea for the old pills back, sees me back to my usual kinda bitchy self. Said bitchiness had rob taking the kids away over night so I could have a day to myself. I achieved a lot. Yeah. And i have more ideas in mind.

all these are available at No Matter Where I Go....ETSY

These two bags are finished, but I am waiting for a potential owner to choose one. "C" if you are reading, could you please email me, as all emails I have sent have been returned 'undeliverable'??

And here is a look at what is available in my Vintage Vices store. I have been a busy little beaver listing away. Sorry for the terrible pic. I still haven't figured out the 'screenshot' thing (obviously)

And, just for fun, here is my auction up on our NZ ebay equivilant - TradeMe

1 MOUSE (and a garage full of crap!)

you get to see more of my secret shame...my hoarding. I do however limit it to the garage, where I don't have to look at it. Can't stand looking at it, but will so enjoy collecting more once the garage is empty!!

New ETSY shop- Vintage Vices

2009-08-05T16:28:00.000+12:00

I have been lucky enough to come into a treasure trove of vintage linens. While I will use some of the tatting (of course) and crochet, there is an awful lot of hand embroidered doilies etc. The work is just exquisite. In some case, when taking pics, I realised I had photographed the back, not the front!!
99% of everything is edged with tatting or crochet, and while I would love to 'salvage' the tatting, I have decided to offer them for sale. I also decided to open a second shop to do this, rather than have it with my handmade goods. You can find a link in my sidebar, or you can click here

Vintage Vices

There is lots more to add, and I will be doing that over the next several days.

(I am trying to get to post 600 for this months giveaway...)

Oglala stitch how too

2009-08-05T15:59:00.000+12:00

Now I know I am not the first to do instructions on this, but I had to read several diff ones to get it, and it really is very easy, and very effective when you know how.

first, lay down you 'foundation' row, however you would normally do this

bring your thread up after the first bead

add 3 beads (of your choice) to your thread. -you can add more, if you want a bigger 'ruffle'. I will get to that in a mo...

jump over the next bead, then pass your needle through the 3rd bead. If you want a larger ruffle, then add another 1, mabe 2 beads, or you could add 5 beads and skip two before passing the needle through. This stitch also lends itself well to 'layering' though, so adding a second and/or third row is always an option. I won'tbe on this small piece, but will try and do something to show that another time.

here is a different angle of the same thing . The 'ruffle' is created because you are adding more beads than can 'sit flat' against your foundation stitch. No room means they gather up.

Once your needle has passed thru, you do the same thing again, until you get to the end of your row.

This pic is showing that I pull my thread toward the point of the previous picot (ruffle). I found that this created a nice ruffle. Previously, I pulled the thread down and away from the point, which caused each addition to sit on the opposite side of the foundation line. This aso looked nice, but didn't ruffle as well (see next pic)

Here you can see how the stitch zigzags the foundation line, rather than ruffling. I can still make this ruffle, but it tends to go back to this. You could do it this way and add extra beads and still get the ruffle I would imagine. Something for you to experiment with.

And here is the finished row

I can think of lots of places to use this stitch in CQ. Around silkies comes to mind. Along a piece of lace to fancy it up. around in a tight spiral would make a stunning flower.

Do remember to knot frequently, and take your needle back up through the fabric one bead back, and bring it up thru a foundation bead before adding your 'ruffle' beads.

plenty achieved this weekend

2009-08-02T18:55:00.000+12:00

I am heading into a 'manic' phase, I can feel it. Either that or heading for a huge crash, but while we're up, I'll take advantage!

I had hope to get further with these bags today, but the outer is done, and the inners are all ready to go. I find sewing the circular base in troublesome. I have an idea in my head though (don't we LOVE those), and when I get some time I will give it a go. Should still give me a nice rounded base, but be less (no) piecing . I really like the round bases. I am sure i can make it work, it will just be defining the areas for embellishment that might be tricky.

Here are some close ups

and finally, everything else I got done this weekend

you can see all the threads hanging out. I hand finish these on all my work, knotting and running them into the fabric. This will be "meeting" work this week. The stockings are going to ETSY, and the pouches are for my step daughter and her BFF.

but wait....there's more....

these stockings are a custom order. Embellishment will commence this evening. The red need it's heel.

Do you remember....

2009-07-31T16:52:00.000+12:00

...the giveaway post back in June! (sorry about that, didn't think it was that long, I could regale you with tales of stress and woe due to final sproglet going to school, or all the extra meetings etc I have had to do even though I am 'retired' from Playcentre (yeah right), I could, but I won't)
Anyway, today is the big day - Random Number Interger day!! Can I get a whoop whoop?

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

5 14

Timestamp: 2009-07-31 03:56:18 UTC

so, by my calculations that is Tatting Chic and Magpie's mumblings who are the winners for this (and that) month. Tatting Chic , pink and blue postcard coming your way ( I have your details.

Magpie's mumblings, you get red. Can you email love with your addy (contact via profile page)

Settle down, settle down all of you that missed out. I promise to be a better giveaway runner from now on, well, for next month anyway, then i think I am out of giveaway stuff!

I will be offering one of my card pouches, so stay tuned.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

here is Kerry's completed xmas tree skirt wedge

and a bag front. If you are wondering , the beading stitch I used is called 'oglala'. I googled until I found instructions that made sense to me. This puppy has so much beading thread I think it will survive world annihilation, but I also figure that it won't sustain quite so much 'abuse' as a pouch that lives in your pocket. I did most of this beading at a meeting the other day. Was fantastic to get stuff done.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And finally I leave you with a quote. Jon said to me yesterday after his 4th day of school, after the third stomping, door slamming trip to the beadroom

"mum, I just want to go back to my old life"

busy beady fingers

2009-07-28T10:05:00.000+12:00

This is a new card holder for me. I love the embellishment, but I need to live with this for a while to see if it will work.

Will the ceramic face crack easily?

Will the beading hold up to being put in and out of pockets all the time?

It may be gorgeous, but maybe not so practical. I have made another one that I will give as a gift to a friend, and she can be a 'tester' too.

I have a meeting today, and I am going to do a similar desing but on a bag, which I think will work better. I just know that my keys live in my pocket, and espite beading thread, and regular knots, I wnat to know these will last longer than 5 minutes if I am going to sell them.

The one below was 'ordered' by a friend. I am happy with how it turned out, and she liked it to. GREAT!

"etheral" treasury and birthdays...

2009-07-26T14:02:00.000+12:00

Treasury

another treasury. You can while away hours looking at all the amazing stuff on ETSY (and dreaming about when you can afford it!). I particulary love the piece in the middle top row. She uses tatting and crochet in all sorts of ways. Very inspiring.

I even figured out how to get the 'screen shot' myself....

We are about to embark on Jono's 5th birthday party. I am not muych of one for creating wonderful, life long childhood memories for my kids, and we usually only do an afternoon tea, but this small gathering has grown a bit, and I have managed to throw together a "parcel parcel" (as Jono calls it), so can we say "pleased with ourselves".

I haven't forgotton about the giveaway. Will be doing it soon....

more progress

2009-07-22T16:49:00.000+12:00

more progress on Kerry's block. I did add snow to the branches. I know the angle of the baubles looks funny, but I wanted them to be square to the block, and how it will sit when it is sewn into the skirt. They are very sparkly and pretty. I added an extra branch and greenery, the cream fabric was detracting from the motif.
I have started beading the tatting. I have decided to go with a winter wonderland feel, icy and cool. Lots of clear beading and sequins that will catch the light without changing the overall colour values in the block.
Thats the plan.....that may change of course!

Keeping myself accountable!!

2009-07-19T17:31:00.000+12:00

I am posting pics of Kerry's RR block so that those who I promised I would get on with it, know I am getting on with it!!

Kerry wants a victorian feel to the block. So I have laid the base stitches for seam treatments. They are fairly basic at the mo, but I will add more as I go. I have tried to move the maroon around the block more, to give a darker, richer feel. I am going to pretty much stick with seam treatments adding beading etc. Not sure yet what I will do with the tatting.

Here is a close up on the birdie area

I extended the branch out. I don't have any gold thread, otherwise I would add that to my extensions too. Added some greenery (supposed to be pine). Turned the birdie into a Robin ( i don't know if they are xmas birds in the US, but when I lived in the UK, I always associated them with xmas), and the circles you can see are going to be 'baubles' of some description. Probably beaded and sequined, but sparkly for sure.
I may stitch over the gold and try to make it look like snow on the branches, and the circles may be snowflakes. Will have to see where they mood takes me.
So this bit will be the main focus of the block, and the rest I intend to keep motif free.

quick pic

2009-07-19T10:29:00.001+12:00

here is progress pic on another bag I have been working on.

Lovely colours in this one.

I am working on Kerry's tree skirt today.

Need a new microwave!

Giveaway draw coming soon.

Couple more keyring card holders done

here

and here

Last day of school holidays today!!

Keyring Card Holders

2009-07-18T01:19:00.001+12:00

These are an old friend that I am revisiting. I need to have something on etsy with a slighter lower price point, and these were one of my ideas. I know what they were like the first time round. Having lived with mine (several actually) for a couple of years now, I know what works, and what doesn't. What gives first, and falls off, and I am happy with what I have come up with. Not a wholy original idea, I am sure, but how to assemble it came to me in the middle of the night, and so far so good. They only take a couple of hours to put together, which is also good.
(you can visit the previous design by clicking on the label "keyring card holders")

So, here you go, the new and improved, Keyring card holder...

Design improvements include
*folded and double sided - easier access than the previous ones where it was hard to find what I wanted
*magnetic snap ( feel free to lavish praise for the excellent execution of these). The sewn on snaps just came off after many many pulls.
* assembled by machine, - the previous ones were hand finished, and again, came undone after about 6 months of daily use. This hasn't had 6 months of daily use yet, but I think it will hold up much better.
* Use of the heavy interfacing will ensure that the weight of keys (as I have many, many more than the ones in the pic) doesn't pull the eyelet out of the fabric.
* all beads , sequins etc are double stitched and knotted individually with proper beading thread. I found the beads were the first to go.

This was the first one I made, and the others I have made slightly longer to allow for more cards to fit in. I use this every day. I rarely take a handbag out with me unless I have to carry kid crap. I have my Drivers license, eftpos cards, spotlight card....what more does a girl need?

ps. this is on ETSY, of course.

More Etsy time Wasters

2009-07-12T12:46:00.000+12:00

There are plenty of things on ETSY that can suck up your time, like hovering for 'hours' over a page waiting for a little box to appear so that you can publish a curated "treasury", a collection of items of your choice. Here is what I put together.

Keep New Zealand Green

A collection of (mostly) Green things from Kiwi Etsy sellers. . It would be great if you could click and look at the actual page, and clicking on each individual pic pushes me up some mythical 'ranking'. (you don't have to look at everything, just click).

More stockings

2009-07-10T22:15:00.000+12:00

You must be getting sick of it, but my goal for about the last 3 years has been to have christmas stuff to sell at christmas, and having it up early doesn't do any harm. The red set sold almost immediately , thanks to a wonderful reader. So here are some more. A more subdued, but no less elegant set.

Rubies and Cream

I like the red set better, the contrast shows off tatting beautifully, but I had a vision for these, and they turned out as I wanted. I have a couple of other sets ready for finishing, black and green, but other stitching is occupying me currently.

Holiday stitchin

2009-07-10T16:24:00.000+12:00

I am not gettig a whole heck of a lot done here. Its school holidays, and for those of you who forget, it's the WINTER holiday here. Wet, cold etc etc. Stuck with children a lot, in other words.

I have been doing a bit of stitching though. Here is a pic of your block Kerry. Progress is slow, but it is going
I often get asked how I get so much done, well, in the pic below, is a small revelation, a wee glimpse of why....

can you spot my chinese laundry of a drying rack (which has become , by default, the place to dump all crap 'we' can't be bothered putting away...). What you can't see is the 2 seater sofa that is currently housing 4 loads of dry washing. I haven't had time to put it away, what with stitching, blogging, tweeting, etsying, facebooking, baking....you see, my deep dark, shameful secret, I avoid housework like the plague. I do what I have to to not be thoroughly horrified should someone come visiting unexpectedly.

I have also been working on another bag, which may, or may not, have a home, depending on the next bag I do...so if you fancy it, you can put in for second dibs. It still has a little more beading etc to finish it off.
I am liking these bags a lot. I think they a filling a gap, between completely plain bags (no embellishment) to bags such as Pat Winter's, and Pam Kellogg's beautiful creations. While I LOVE their work -no doubt about it- I think mine are falling somewhere in the middle, and while that was not by design, or conscious forethought, I am liking that idea, and it will be a conscious decision from now on. I could never compete with the style of those two ladies, and nor would I want to.

Back to stitching, with a dinner thrown in there too ( I do manage to feed my family, and Rob does the dishes)

One hit Wonder?

2009-07-03T22:50:00.000+12:00

I am feeling a bit like a one hit wonder with constantly posting about what I just listed on ETSY, but thats what I am making at the moment, so there would be no posting otherwise.
So, that said, check out what I just listed on ETSY.

I wanted to do some stockings that looked lovely, but weren't to time consuming. I think these fit the bill. I have added an eyelet for putting a hanging loop thru. That worked quite well. I have some other ideas that I think will be reasonably quick, but visually effective, AND I have 2 weeks of holidays to work on them.

I also listed some tatted doilies, on their own. I would love some feedback on the price etc ( I am wearing big girl panties, I can take it).

~~~~~~~~~~
Today was a bit of a special day for me. It was mine, and Jono's last day at Playcentre. I have been At Weymouth Playcentre for 6.5 years. Jono started when he was 6 weeks old.
- to cut a long story short : early childhood education for 0-6 year olds, run by the parents on a voluntary basis. We receive government funding and have to train to a certain level to run licensed sessions. I have really enjoyed Playcentre. It was a lifesaver for me as a new mum, who didn't know anybody around where I lived. I got to interact with other parents. I got to do a 'job' which re-instilled that self esteem we women so often lose when we become "mother". I gained many skills - leadership, management, financial (when I say run by parents , we do it ALL), humility. I have contributed not only to the management of my centre, but the overall management of all the centre's in our area. I got to work with a great group of mums, dads, nannas and poppas, and I can leave knowing I touched the lives of many children, and hopefully sparked a lifelong interest in learning.

Having said all that though, I am SO HAPPY to be sending my Jono off to school. It has been a long, hard, sometimes very dark, road choosing to stay home and raise these kids for the last 9.5 years. I am looking forward to some time for me. My BFF is back in Auckland so we are going to have a 'play' date once a week at least.
Of course I will still be involved with Playcentre (in a paid capacity), and I am still treasurer for my centre until the end of the financial year. I am looking forward to seeing what new things lie ahead.

Over and out ... and God (or anyone of a higher power , I am not fussy) give me strength to get thru the holidays!

Guest Spot

2009-06-30T11:37:00.000+12:00

The Magnificent Mary Corbet, over on Needle'n Thread has featured a post by me. I am quite chuffed about this as I know Mary has a large readership that covers a wide range of 'needle' techniques (not just CQers).
It is a new post (as in, not just rehashed from here) so do pop over if you are interested. The focus of the article is on my "retail" adventures.

Speaking of which, I just packaged up 3 bags, and though I LOVE that they are sold, I actually find it really hard to part with them. Do find this too, even if something is made specifically for sale?

June Giveaway - just under the wire

2009-06-28T18:18:00.001+12:00

Two postcards again this month. (I am predicting I will forget July as well!).
What I would like from you this month is to visit my ETSY shop and buy something...JUST KIDDING!!
Though really, I would like you to visit my ESTY shop, and tell me what you would chose, if the giveawy prize was something from the shop.
Here are the postcards for the month. They are actually the last two I have made up. Please name your preference in your comment.

red

pink

Another one bites the dust...

2009-06-28T18:08:00.000+12:00

Another bag completed.
Sea Dreams

and I have finished the custom orders, These bags are just lovely. I am so pleased with how they have turned out. I will be embarking on some more black in the near future

I now officially have only Kerry's RR to do. I did start last night with adding some tatting (of course!) I have just realised that I missed the giveaway AGAIN, so I will post that next.

Busy Day, mucho acheivedo

2009-06-27T18:09:00.000+12:00

After beavering away last night and today I have two more bags completed and listed over on ETSY.
My Shabby Chic Green - a more casual affair

and this sexy little moulin rouge-esque black on red - definitely 'red'y for a night out

( bad joke, I know)

I am getting the hang of all the little tricks for putting these bags together and it is getting easier and easier each time. They are fully reversible (so no exposed seams inside) and that poses the occasionaly problem.

I have the hand finishing to do on the custom orders, and then another to assemble. Hopefully those will ready to post tomorrow.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I thought I would post here an answer to a question on one of my groups. You might find it useful!! Here is the pic the post relates to

I just have a tip to share for colours etc. I try to use colour of a similar
shade or value in the adjoining patch. So, for the dark velvet patch, I would
use an equally dark thread/ribbon, ( or sequins/ beads for embellishment) in the
patches adjoining (above) it. That helps the lines not look so severe, as the
seams can 'flow' into each other.
I did have a hard time picturing (Leslies great isn't she!), but I thought your
lace was lovely, and is leaving some room for some lovely embellishment. I am
thinking you will do your herringbone at the botton (flat side) of the lace, up
into the lighter patches. On the lace there are three teardrop shapes above each
point, they would look great with your organza ribbon in a simple ribbon stitch
in each one. The holes in the middle of the scrolls could have a pink bead in
each to match the rose. The points could have a fan in a lighter purple, pulling
those other patch colours down into the darker patch.
All just "COULDS" to give you (and others reading) ideas, absolutely no "have
too's"

truckin' along

2009-06-25T15:44:00.000+12:00

Here is the pic of one of the bags I got assembled. It looks very nice. The handles still need that final stitching done.

and here is the blue(ish) stripy bag

This was fun to do. Like a postcard, with the seam treatments, but I got to add lots of beads and sequins .

I got myself a small OTTlite and i am using that in the evenings. I am still having trouble distingushing colours, but i do think it is better. I could tell the blue from the green in this bag, so that is a great start.

Apart from assembling the bags, I am going to start working on Kerrys Xmas RR block next.

A few finishes

2009-06-21T19:37:00.000+12:00

Sunday here. Its cold (just as an aside) and I have been busy.
Done today.
One black bag assembled, lined, sewn up -just hand fininshing to do.
One green bag, assembled
One red bag - bits cut out
Other black bag - assembled, lining etc ready to cut out and sew.
Another black bag - pieced

Remember these

Well, they are now these..

and they are listed over at ETSY. I was a bit clever this time and put a small lining in them. A bit tricky, but I did succeed.

This block has morphed into this

She is quite lovely. This was a great way to use a block. She is here.

Thats me for now. Amazing Race has just started.

Wed 17th June

2009-06-17T16:28:00.000+12:00

Gosh, I am all out of titles, but not out of pics.
Here is the red bag from the previous post. I actually really like how it turned out. I was dubious to start, as my night pieceing under artificial light was a bit dodge (the pink was supposed to be red!). If I did it again I would use cream beads to tie in with the tatting and move that lightness around the block. I have about 4 bags assemble now, so a marathon piecing effort will be required soon.

And on a positive not, my vistaprint cards arrived, from the Netherlands! They are very nice quality. On reflection I should of used "www" rather than "http://". I didn't add phone as most of these go in RR bags, or with purchased item, and I figure I can always write on the back if need be. I probably should of used a less detailed picture, but overall, they will do the job.

more work in progress

2009-06-13T16:39:00.000+12:00

I have been busy stitching away. The embellishment on the second custom order is finished. Now I have to actually 'finish' them, as in assemble into a bag....
This is a sexy little number with its maroon

here are some other things i have been working on to

thats all for today.
Still waiting for a reply from vista print on the shipping cost and bogus offers, still waiting for the cards for that matter....

Custom Bag Progress

2009-06-09T17:25:00.000+12:00

I have been lucky enough to have a couple of bags requested. Although there was a plan, they have taken their own direction, and I can only hope they are liked.

I really like the colours in this one. It is very elegant. The brief was originally black on black. I freaked at that. I didn't see how that particular tone on tone would work, but it does!! and quite nicely. But I do think a complimentary colour is needed to bring some life.

I am unsure about the 'silvery' looking beaded daisies, but this is a bag front, and it won't look as it does now once the bag is assembled. The beads and sequins catch the light beautifully.

It's my blog, and I'll moan if I want to! (and swear- consider yourself warned)

2009-06-05T23:49:00.001+12:00

So here is my story. My Moo cards are running out, so I decided to order some more. Went thru the whole laborious task of uploading and cropping new pics (because I wanted to change them), did all the bits and pieces I had to do, get to the end and hit the buy button, do some more stuff, hit the buy button, only to see that shipping will be $13 US. WHAT THE FUCK! Well, time wasted, but I didn't complete the order, and then sent a very disgruntled email to said Moo 'people'.

So , the next step in my journey. I googled mini cards/business cards "search New Zealand". That is the key here people- New Zealand search. And I come up with a .co.nz address, and I assume ( I know , i know, can we say "stupid") that these would be made in NZ, and therefore would not cost so much to ship. This process was even more laborious - BTW it was Vistaprint- and to add to actually getting the card designed and done, sealing the deal with the 'buy' button, i then had to click thru pages, and pages, and pages, and, yes you guessed it, pages of other advertising before I could actually buy them. I did decide to get some return address labels. so I get to the end, shipping $19. WHAT. THE. FUCK!! ( I must mention that all pricing was in NZ$)

Well, i cut my order way down, from 500 cards and labels to 250 cards, no labels, Shipping dropped down to $12 (and I was getting 150 more cards than with Moo). Still not happy, but by this time i have probably wasted about an hour and a half of my life. So I purchase. Then, then... after the purchase is complete, i get a little message saying , "you have 10 minutes to accept this deal. 500 more cards NO SHIPPING cost." Oh, I think, ok. I can do that. Could I?? Do you think I could do that? No, I could not, The site could not process that order at this time. I am sure that 'the site' would suddenly remedy that issue at 10mins and 1 sec....

So I have my cards (in 14-21 working days). They better be worth it ( that shipping for both companies was for the slow boat via china btw- not even super duper express which was - hope you are wearing your depends- $30!!). Vistaprint got an even dirtier email from me regarding the misleading URL, the highway robbery shipping and the totally bogus offer at the end. The Moo people have had the good grace to respond, and assure me that the shipping charge is WRONG. Shit, you think!! They would most assuredly refund me the excess. Well you won't, because I never gave it to you in the first place, dick head.

Well, what have I learnt? Not a fuck of a lot really. But if any of you know of anywhere decent, and reasonable for business cards, let me know would you.

edited : thanks for your comments, they made me laugh. This will make you laugh. I just got my first ~~spam -~~ advertising, from vistaprint, offering me just about everything FOR FREE!! woohoo...
I unsubscribed , and god help the automated moron that sends me the next one.

Thanks Susan's husband!!

2009-05-27T16:33:00.000+12:00

Susan/CqLily said...
Well, Jo, I found out who bought your purse...your beautiful purse! My dear sweet husband. I had seen it one your etsy site and told him I loved it and evidently he ordered it right away! It arrived today safely and was a wonderful surprise. If possible, I think it is more lovely in person than in the photo!
I am soooo excited! All of your work is gorgeous!

Thank you!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Don't we all wish we had a husband like this, and I sure am thankful for Susan's!
Susan, I hope you enjoy the bag, and I am pleased to hear that it got to you safely. Did he grab the mail before you, or were you wondering what the heck you had ordered (it was addressed to you).

Two posts in one week !!

2009-05-26T15:40:00.000+12:00

Wow, two posts this week. How spoilt are you!! Lack of creating definitely equates to lack of blogging. I am away at a conference this weekend, so as always, I will take the opportunity to stitch, and here are the 'blank slates'. I have an idea and want to play with circles. I think they look quite groovy.

One of my postcards sold on ETSY. More excitement. Thanks JT, I appreciate your custom.

new postcards...and May giveaway winners

2009-05-23T22:12:00.000+12:00

First, the giveawy winners for this month. I have taken the first number, and given that winner the card of their choice, the second number, well, they get the other one!!
Here we go...

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

1
7

Timestamp: 2009-05-23 09:58:02 UTC

Number 1 is Francy . She chose "Soar".

Number 7 is my buddy Cathy K. By default you get "you've got mail"

Never mind if you missed out. If you absolutely can't continue to function without one of my postcards gracing your mailbox, then I have decided to offer some for sale on ETSY .

I will be continuing my monthly giveaways though, so don't panic!!

I did photograph Hidekos RR block as promised, but they were hideous (and I noticed things I hadn't done!!), so I will retake tomorrow and post in the next couple of days.

pincushions

2009-05-20T20:32:00.000+12:00

I have been stitching on other things too. I have a RR block that I completed, but I am wanting to get a few more items over on ETSY.

This one is actually really pretty. It hasn't photographed well. The colours are very soft and it looks lovely on a the wooden base.

And these are two "mini's" that I made. They are c.u.t.e.

Will photo RR block tomorrow and post.

pincushion for nana

2009-05-15T23:58:00.000+12:00

I made my Nana a pincushion. It is very plain, because I want her to use it. I still don't think she will use it!!

If there are any readers out there who have been to my ETSY shoppe, I would love some comments on the new pic for the pincushions. Do these pics make you want to look more than the other ones?? You can just look in the sidebar too.

I made a sale!!!

2009-05-14T13:33:00.001+12:00

Now, don't get me wrong, that title in no way demeans the 50+ people who have purchased my book. I feel incredibly blessed to belong to an online community that has supported my book venture so heartily, but when I checked my email this morning, and saw the etsy transaction email, i expected another book sale...but it wasn't. My Brown knot bag sold, and I am so excited!! Not just to make the sale, but to make it online, with no touching or feeling. What a buzz. I don't think I even know the buyer (if I do, please say hi). I feel validated, and extremely happy as that money will help pay for my drive shaft seals (that is NOT exciting, but necessary and expensive).

Bye bye baggie. Be happy in your new home.

edited to add: I was driving home from aquarobics, and I remebered about the lovely Kate who purchased a pinchushion. You're not chopped liver Kate!! It was just such a buzz to see the ETSY transaction email and expect a book sale, but it was a bag!!

just pics

2009-05-10T22:34:00.000+12:00

My attention has been diverted...

2009-05-09T22:46:00.000+12:00

I have been neglectful. Sorry. I have been busy revamping my ETSY shops look. Did a new banner, which I think looks pretty good. I have listed all the pincushions, and photographed and rephotographed them to try a get a "cohesive " look to the shop, AND I have found the ETSY forums, and been posting there in an effort to promote my shop. It is all very addictive and time consuming...and not very fruitful to be honest.

There has not been many comments on the giveaway this month?? Do you not like?
I will give it another week or so, so get commenting.

I have been stitching another seascape pincushion for my mum. She really liked the green one, so I am making one especially for her.

Happy Mothers Day to you all. Hope you have a lovely day

May (and April) Giveaway

2009-05-03T22:32:00.000+12:00

I just realised I never did a giveaway last month. So, two this month, and the theme is "words". And here are the postcards you are in to win. You may state a preference, but it will be eeny-meeny-miny-mo if both winners pic the same one!

You've got Mail

Soar

more pincushions

2009-05-02T16:10:00.000+12:00

Here is a group shot of everything boxed up ready to head off to mums quilt show. The lovely Kate purchased the pink roses with pearls (thanks Kate).
If you would like a closer look at them, they are here, on my flickr page.

Any 'leftovers' will be up on ETSY next week...I need to work out shipping properly!

Hi

2009-04-28T16:42:00.001+12:00

Stunning title eh? Draws you in, makes you want to read more....My body is back from holiday, my brain is not!
I did stitch while away

These are part of a (possibly) new project. The red is actually nicer than it looks. The lighting is very bad on it .

Mums small guild is having a quilt show this weekend, and mum is working the trade table, so I have done a few more pincushions for her to add to the table.

Well, that's about it for me today. Scintillating stuff eh? If anyone desperately NEEDS to have one of these pincushions, email me. $30US (includes postage) . Any that are left will go on ETSY, but hopefully there won't be any left.

These are all approx 7 inches tall (only an approximation, i guessed, not measured).

Hopefully the brain will be back online in the near future

ciao

2009-04-10T09:33:00.002+12:00

I am off for a couple of weeks, Easter school holidays here. See you when I get back, hopefully with some stitching to show you.

I have had a great day!!

2009-04-07T13:39:00.000+12:00

...which actually started last night when my best bud rang to say they were moving back to Auckland in two weeks. Two weeks!! I am so excited. I couldn't afford to go visit these school holidays so I was a bit sad, but this is just the best news.
Then this morning I managed to get my favourite bras, in my size, Yay. All you gals know how important this is right? When you find a bra you love, you stick with it it, and these are seriously the most comfy bra I have ever come across as well as being ...urrhumm ... uplifting.
Then I did the shopping, boring boring, but I came home to find a whole lot a mail, lots of the paisley swap motifs I am guessing, but I didn't open them yet, cos I got mail from my mum, which is really weird right, as she can phone, and I could tell it was papers and I thought, it's proably a will or family trust stuff...but this is what I found

Issue 67 of the New Zealand Quilter. Mum usually gives me a copy of these when she is in them, but a quick browse and I found this

See that tiny little squidge of my quilt?? How exciting. I am guessing mum had something to do with this, but she didn't let on to me. There was also an article about the POST stitch exhibition which my seascape postcard was in, but not lucky enough to get a mention there, but wow, in a little place like NZ, if I was mentioned twice in one issue, that would just about make me I think. LOL

So , as Sponge Bob would say "it's the best day eee-vvveerrrrrrr". Brookies birthday tomorrow, then holidays, then hanging with my BFF to look forward to.

So i had this issue...

2009-04-06T13:33:00.003+12:00

and now I am thinking I am just a huge bitch. However, it bothered me, so I addressed it.
I was on a social networking site, and got a friend request, which I accepted, only to find myself looking at a picture of my own work as this persons avatar.
Well, I was a bit freaked to say the least. A bit perplexed, and then a bit annoyed.
I understand that blogging makes my work "public" property, but surely there are some lines that you don't cross.

Just to be REALLY CLEAR, this person was not passing this work off as their own, but it was not credited, nor was permission asked. I have posted inspiration before, and not remembered where it came, and I always state that it is not mine, but I don't know where it came from. An although I don't think there was any malintent in this situation, if you post a pic as your avatar, is that not a way of identifying yourself, and therefore it would be identified as yours by default??

So the point of this post. Feel free to save pics of my work as inspiration. Download them, print them out. Feel free to post pics of my work on your blog or wherever, but please at least credit it as my work, or that it is NOT yours. Feel free to copy any thing you like, and if you have stitched it with your own hand, then it it yours and you may post it where you like, in any fashion you like. I blog to share my work, and to inspire, as well as be inspired by others. I do take it as a compliment to see people emulate my work, that makes me feel great. This made me feel uncomfortable, however. I think there are some unwritten rules with internet use, and I would say that using someone elses work as you avatar picture is one of them.

End of post...I have enabled comment moderation. I am happy to read your views, but this post was a vent, not a witch hunt, so I won't publish them. Thanks for understanding

edited to add: She changed the pic when I asked, no drama ,so all is well.

can't think of a witty title...

2009-04-05T13:50:00.000+12:00

I have been so slack with my posting lately. Probably because I haven't been doing that much stitching. Motivation is lacking...still.
here is what I have done over the last month or so.

This is a DYB for an Xmas RR i am in. This belongs to Hideko. Still alot more work to do on this.

The red stocking I showed you a while ago. The embellishment is complete , it just needs finishing. I am goint to try adding a wee pocket to these. So not exactly 'lining' it, but somewhere to stash a small gift.

Blue stocking. more embellishment to do.

This is some of the work I did on a block for Hideko. Her theme was the book "Lark Rise" with a focus on the "May Day" chapter. I did 'the lady' atop a garland of flowers.

In the story , 'the lady' was a doll dressed in a blue. The 'bits' out the side are the wooden poles used for carrying the garland thru the village streets.

I did do more work on this block, but forgot to photo it, and it has alread heded home to Hideko in Japan, intime for this years May Day!

March Giveaway Winner

2009-04-01T18:13:00.000+13:00

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

Timestamp: 2009-04-01 05:06:07 UTC

Comment 12 belonged to ThreadHead. I took out the "hi" from anonymous (you were the initial winner!) and Angelldoll removed her first comment, so I get 12! Blog owners decision is final...

Congrats to you, drop me a line. contact available via my profile page.

Sassa Lynne Giveaway

2009-03-26T23:10:00.000+13:00

Go and check out the Sassa Lynne blog to sign up for Myfanwy's giveaway celebrating a year on Etsy. Woohoo!

I have been doing a little stitching, will show next time I post.