Seeing the light......

at the end of this particular row of flowers.......

I'm busy with the butterflies right now and making good speed.    But I think that'll change soon... when I tackle all the satin stitching! 

The main reason I've speeded up is..... I'm back stabbing!!    I always was happiest stabbing my needle through fabric.... enjoying the little popping sound it made.... until I got the idea into my head that stabbing was not the 'right' way to backstitch. 

All the books picture the stitch being made in one smooth move.  Ah Ha.... my stitches were bound to be better if I followed their instruction.    Tilly does her backstitches like that and they are perfect.  Heck... if I just stopped stabbing..... I could be as good as Tilly!   Sounds reasonable..... right?

Wrong!!!    What I discovered is that the only person I can be like is ME!!   I struggled with stitching by the book.    I just couldn't get my stitches anywhere near even.  It was one stitch forward three back for me.

So now I've reverted to type.....  and I'm such a Happy Stabber.

Madeline is a little closer to completion after the weekend too.....

Outer bag is sewn.  Handles are made.  Zip pocket is ready to stitch together and add to lining.  All that's left is to make up the lining and sort out the binding round the top!

If only I did one project at a time I'd be taking my new bag on an outing by now.

Look what arrived on Saturday......

all I can say is..... it's gorgeous!!   Of course now I'm finding it hard to resist starting yet another new project.  Fancy a bet on how long I last out!

Just had some fun watching this girly take a dust bath right outside the kitchen window......

Think I prefer hot water and lots of bubbles.

Till next time....

Josie X

A little progress....

and yet another project!

Had a good day today catching up with some ironing and playing with my Madeline bag.  It's coming together really well I think......

Looks a bit odd laid out like that but as I haven't attached the back (or front!) yet it wouldn't stand up to be photographed.

I am really enjoying making this bag.   It's a breeze to sew and after a uncertain start.... I'm loving how the fabric looks.   It's so practical too.  I'm going to be able to use it all year instead of only when the sun shines... which is not very often here!

I'm home tomorrow so hopefully I'll get more sewing done.... maybe even get a project finish! 

Heck.... one finish is like a drop in the ocean when I'm stashing projects like a woman possessed.   I like to think of it as future proofing my hobby.   If the economy disappears down the toilet and we all end up poor as church mice I'll still be able to sew.... even if I have to do it all by hand coz I can't afford electricity!

OK.... I think that's enough justification for the postman bringing this .....

It's the best Kate Spain fabric yet..... in my opinion.   The colours and patterns are fabulous.  If I won the lottery I'd buy it by the bolt I love it so much.

It winged it's way all the way from Australia and Want it, Need it, Quilt Store.   Great name for a store eh!

Their service is brilliant.   It arrived just one week from ordering.

Then there were these......

  

tried to resist but couldn't.    

They came from Gigi's Thimble the Etsy store of Amber from A Little Bit Biased.  It was worth the wait for the postman to deliver.   Modern Medallions .... the pattern on the left....  could be just perfect to show off the Terrain fabric.

Must dash now..... there are some daisy stalks that need my attention!

Till next time....

Josie X

Bit of this... that....

and the other!

First off..... thanks to everyone who offered up their thoughts on my 'Pure' problem.  You gave me the kick in the pants I needed to stop procrastinating and get sewing.....

Alright..... so the front and back are exactly the same.  What can I say except.... now do you believe I'm super anal! 

Good news..... the yardage I need to complete my Madeline bag arrived on Saturday.   I just love the writing on brown.

Actually it's a good idea to pop over to Clover & Violet  (where I got my bag pattern) right now.  They are giving away a lovely bundle of fabric to some lucky quilter.   Sew, Mama, Sew! is a great place to visit too.  They are hosting a huge Giveaway Day with more goodies than you can imagine. 

I probably could have made a bit more progress on my bag at the weekend but I got side tracked by the Spanish Grand Prix and the arrival of this.....

I just had to start pulling fabrics from stash right away...... as you do!

I'll probably chop and change a few..... it wouldn't be me if I didn't would it.

It has to be said...... it's all Wendy's fault.    I saw her Boy's Story quilt progress on her blog and decided to make one for Mac for Christmas.    It's him to a tee.  The comic strips are right up his street.   How long is it till Christmas?   More to the point.... how old is my 'boy'!!

If you're wondering what's happened to my Vignette blocks 2/3..... here's how it looks this morning......

My eyes were out on stalks last night..... literally!   I'm stitching all the stalks now that I've finished the daisy blooms.  I get hives when I think of all the satin stitching still to come.  Will I ever catch up.  It's almost June which means it won't be long before the next issue of Vignette arrives.  Oh heck........

I'd better get going if I'm going to make any progress on anything today.

Till next time...

Josie  X

The morning after.......

the FNSI before!

Deciding how to spend my evening wasn't too difficult this time.   I thought about sewing my Madeline bag but decided to err on the side of caution.  I was plum tuckered out after a hard day running errands and my recliner was way too tempting. 

So.... I opted for the relaxing option.  Sewing hexies!

I had quite a few cut and glued ready.  I intended to stitch them on Wednesday when I stewarded at the craft exhibition but the normally quiet gallery was super busy all day!   Seems every coach tour in Scotland ended up in our little neck of the woods. 

This was me last night.......

Believe me.... that is my be socked foot sticking up there.   I should have worn a pair of jazzy hand knit socks to impress you but I think the one pair I finished is in the wash!

So it's a stupid photo but you know it's really difficult to stitch.... raise a glass to FNSI  friends and take a photo at the same time.  Even Dr. Mark Green  (ER) looks like he thinks I'm nuts.

This might be my favourite hexie flower....

then again it could be one of these...

I like them all and I really like playing with them.

As I mentioned the craft exhibition I thought you might like to see a photo of some of the sticks Mac is showing there......

they're all carved in one piece with the stick head be it horn or wood.   I think he's amazing.... but then I'm biased.

OK... I'd better get going.  I'm doing battle with a stack of ironing today.  Only because if it gets any bigger it'll need an aircraft warning light on top!

Hope everyone who joined in last night had a lovely time and that those of you who didn't will sign up for the next one.

Till next time.....

Josie X

Friday Night Sew In!

I knew there was something I forgot to say yesterday.......    this coming Friday (20th)  night is Sew In night!

There is something really nice about an evening stitching in the company of others.  Even if they are half a world away and don't know me from Adam.  We're all on the same wavelength and there is definitely a vibe in the air.  

If you feel like joining in just look for a button like this button on my sidebar......

Click on it and Bob's your uncle.... you can register to join in.  There's a chance you might win some lovely goodies too.

I normally plan ahead what I'm going to work on.... but not this time.   I've decided that on the night.... a little of what I fancy will do me good.   Hummmm..... wine could feature in this I'm thinking.

Till next time...

Josie X

Chopping and changing.....

and still not sure I like it!    

I've lost count of the number of times I've re-arranged these....

and still I can't say I'm really happy with the result.    It's strange because I really love the fabrics.... Pure by Sweetwater.... so I don't understand why I'm finding it so difficult to arrange them.    I've changed them again since I took this photo.

I thought they'd be perfect for this....

it's the Madeline bag pattern I bought from Clover & Violet..... but now I'm having doubts.   I felt so smug about using this charm pack too..... it came from stash.    I get points for that... right!  

I've already placed an order with  The Fat Quarters for some of the dark brown wording for the sides and base and a blue with brown spot for the handles and ties.    I'm committed..... or maybe I should be.   But I can't shake the feeling  that I'm making a pigs breakfast out of a great bag.

I'd better sleep on it....... again!

On a brighter note Mac made me this today.....

my very own revolving cutting table.

I know you can buy them but they'd certainly cost a lot more than this one.   He used a revolving turntable bought from a Pound store.... the kind for putting portable TVs on.... then cut and glued a circle from a small cutting mat onto the top.

It's so dinky... and it works perfectly for cutting hexies with a rotary cutter.  I've plans to try more paper piecing too so it's going to be really useful long term.

Cut these in no time this afternoon.....

I plan to sew these tomorrow.  I'm stewarding at a craft exhibition the whole day.  There's an awful lot of sitting involved so I'm hoping stitching these will help pass the time.  Mac has sticks in the exhibition so I'm keeping my fingers crossed he gets some sales.

Better get myself up to bed and hope I dream up a solution to my bag problem.

Till next time

Josie X

Fabulous Finds at Fobbles....

I still can't believe what was waiting for me there.......  look

a fat quarter bundle of  Where the Wind Blows from Melly & Me !!!   

It's gorgeous.... and so is the little Fobbles pin.     Beverley gave everyone at class one as a little treat.... told you she's lovely! 

Now... for anyone who is interested.......  THERE IS ANOTHER BUNDLE!!     At least there was on Monday when I left.     So if you've been lusting after this fabric and couldn't find it in the UK .... get in touch with Beverley at Fobbles quick!   

Here's another surprise......

Yay!!!  It's Pellon fusible fleece.... right here in the UK!!   Under my very nose!!    I just had to buy a couple of yards for 'stock' didn't I.    It feels lovely and I can't wait to try it.    So.....you know where to go if you want some.......  FOBBLES! <lol>

Now I wouldn't consider myself a 'real' needlewoman more an inept novice who can manage backstitch... french knots and the odd lazy daisy but knowing that still didn't save me from temptation....



I couldn't resist this little needle roll kit.    It's so pretty and looks like I could manage it.    I'm not so sure about this beauty......

I could be well out of my depth with this one but hey..... I'm an optimist!! 

That's not all.......

I think the bottom two titles about sum things up!   

It's becoming clear that I need to find a way to earn money to support my stash habit.   Preferably one that doesn't involve getting naked....... my birthday suit needs ironing and I'm all out of steam!! 

Here are some pics of Beverley's pretty little store.....

If you zoom in and look carefully..... you can see that lonely bundle of Where the Wind Blows sitting on the corner of the blue drawers!   Are you tempted...........

I leave you with this......

the calm after the storm.  I almost managed to photograph a rainbow!

A view from the farm where we rented  'The Dairymaid's Cottage' for our stay.   We're a bit long in the tooth to be Dairymaids but..... hey ho!!

Till next time......

Josie  X 

Brace yourselves..... I'm back.....

and I'm full of it!!

I had an absolutely brilliant time and learned so much my brain feels like it's about to burst! 

First off we worked at piecing curves following a pattern provided by Philippa.  Then we all dusted off our brain cells and worked at designing a piece all of our own.  Scary stuff!

Chris... Kitty and I worked long into the night.   OK... till our dinner was cooked and we had clear the table to eat.....

The drawing at the back of the table is the creation of Chris.  The colourful one in the centre is Kitty's.  That means the three at the front are mine.  OK... I hogged all the space... well it's my blog after all! 

This is how mine is shaping up......



Don't look at it too long..... you'll get a headache!   The bottom aqua patch in the centre is pinned ready to stitch... I haven't done a cruddy seam... honest!

Apart from curved piecing we learned how to sew (multiple) mitred borders.   To add piping between quilt and border.  Multiple rows of piping too.... it looks fantastic.  And how to make perfect hanging sleeves for exhibition quilts. 

If you get half a chance to take a class with Philippa.... grab it!!    I promise you... you won't regret it.  She'll improve your skills and increase your confidence for sure.   We booked next years class before we left.  Heck.... do you think I'm becoming a Philippa Fanatic!!  



All that and she looks so..... normal! 



While I'm dishing out praise I'd like to heap some on the lovely  Beverley too.......

She is Fobbles!    How she can look so serene when she's in charge of the whole show is beyond me.  You are sure of a warm welcome in her store and you won't be dissapointed at all the goodies she has stashed in there either.    I've got more to show and tell  in my next post.  

I thought you might like to meet the rest of the class.....

From left to right..... Debi, Kitty, Janet, Philippa,  Josie (me),  Chris,  Beverley (hiding behind Chris), Alice and Janet.   We were joined for three days by Ann too but unfortunately I didn't get a photo of her.... sorry Ann.

A few more snaps.....  

Kitty (left) and Chris trying to look good natured while telling me where to go with my camera!

Alice and her sister Janet hard at work..... well one of them is!

A rabbit caught in headlights?  No.... it's Janet.... I think I startled her! 

Debi.... showing off the 'funky' hanging sleeve she made.  She makes gorgeous garters too.  Didn't check to see if she was wearing one! 

That just leaves me.......

 
I was having such a good time I forgot to hide from the camera!   Chris.... you will pay for this!

I'll be back soon with pics of Fobbles and the goodies that came home with me......

Till then....

Josie  X





My bags are packed.....

with everything but the kitchen sink!

Not long to go now before I set off on a quilting adventure.  I know it's going to be brilliant because the teacher is  Philippa Naylor.    Honestly... if she's ever teaching near you it's worth mortgaging your stash for a class. 

Apart from being a generous, super talented quilter.... her workshops are fantastic fun.

The challenge this time is Curved Piecing and Finishing Techniques.   I love curves.....



This is the cover of Philippa's book.... covered in lovely curves.

I promise I'm not on commission here!   I'm just bursting with excitement now that the time has finally come to leave. 

Wish I could take you all with me! 

Hope you all have a fantastic week working on whatever takes your fancy.   I'll see you when I get back.....

Till next time

Josie X

A bit of a break

in more ways than one!

Today I took a much needed sanity break from stitching daisies and hexagons and decided to make myself something I badly need.....

As usual.... I did things backside first!    I should have wadded and quilted up an oblong of fabric and cut the pattern after quilting....as you can see.... I made a faux pas!

Now you'll have to imagine I've just cut this from a larger piece of pre quilted fabric....

I stitched some binding around the edges.....

Inserted a zip.... which I did by hand and didn't get a photo of coz I was way to busy wrestling with needle.. thread and unruly zipper.

Bet you've already guessed what it is.......

A new toiletry bag.  All ready to be packed for a trip.....

I made the bag using this great tutorial put together by Janet at Quiltsalott.    It's so easy to follow.  Before you know it you have a lovely bag.

I'm heading out of here on Tuesday morning for 5 days of fun and frolics with Chris and Kitty at  Fobbles in Cumbria.   Hence the need for a new toiletry bag.  

I have to confess I didn't own any sort of 'beauty' bag.  Much to the dismay of Chris who does try to get me to pull my girly socks up... bless her!    Last time we went on a jolly holliday together I carried all my grooming stuff inside my plastic shower cap.

Not so stupid as it may sound when you look at the shower cap in question.....

It's humongous!!  It certainly dwarfs my new bag!!  In case you're wondering.... my head is NOT that big!

Have to say the cap is not a good look for anyone interested in making a fashion statement.   It does nothing for me except make me look like an extra in Coneheads (the movie).  In my defence I bought it pre packed in a sealed bag.  The true horror of it wasn't revealed until I actually put in on my head in our hotel bathroom.    When I walked out of the bathroom Chris laughed so much she only just avoided an accident in her underwear! 

I have to credit Tilly too for the fact that I have any nice 'smelly stuff' at all to put in it.   She tries so hard to beautify me.   I think I'm a 'natural' woman.  She thinks I'm a cosmetic disaster zone!

No matter what I am.... I'm blessed with great friends always ready to share a laugh.

Till next time....

Josie X