Wednesday 26 October 2011

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!

I won a prize!!   No I didn't really win a chicken dinner I won something much nicer than that.  The 1st prize in last weeks FNSI!   Can you believe it.   I still can't. 

If you'd like a sneak peek at my prize pop on over to Crafty Vegas Mum and check it out.    If you haven't signed up for Friday Night Sew In before.... you are missing out on a good time.  It's a lovely bonus that there are goodies to be won every month too.

Still on a giddy high from winning I joined this new group....


Sorry there are no prizes for guessing it's a support group for anyone daft enough (that means me) to think they can actually make a Dear Jane quilt!!     Of course there are folks there who have already made a DJ (or two)... that's impressive.    You only have to make one block per month and post about it to be allowed to stay in the group.   If you don't.... you get the order of the boot!!    That sounds like the sort of dicipline I need to get started.

So.... here's my DJ stash


Not a lot but enough to get me going I think.    I did make a false start last Christmas Day.  I'd decided to begin my DJ on that day coz I thought it would be a date I wouldn't forget.   I didn't forget the date.... just forgot to work on the quilt! 

I did start one block......


This is as far as it got!    I handpieced the seams because my tiny brain didn't have a clue that it might be easier to applique the white bits onto the red.   I don't think I can stand the strain of hand stitching more curved seams so I figure I'll start the block again... this time with applique. 

If you fancy having a go at your own DJ why don't you pop over to Janiac's Unite and request to join.  Better get your skates on though.  There are only 100 places up for grabs and almost 40 have already been taken.  

I'm having a really good week.   The Postman brought me.... PARLAN!


I've tried to take a close up photo so if you've never seen Parlan but have wondered about it you can hopefully see the texture.   It's lovely!    It has a texture similar to a soft felt.  It's not bulky and it fuses beautifully.  

I used it on the back of a small stitchery I started last night and can tell you that the needle goes though it like a hot knife through butter.  One thing I will say is... if you are a compulsive unpicker (ha) there are times when the odd fibre will pull through to the right side when unpicking a stitch.  It's no big deal..  it snips off easilly and leaves no trace.   Just thought you should know.    I'll show you what I'm stitching next time...

There might not be a next time if I don't tackle the heap of ironing that's blocking the light in here.  I'll start right after I finish these.....


 A nice cup of Earl Grey and a couple of Jammie Dodgers.... yummy!     I'd offer you one but I reckon by the time you could get here I'll have finished the box... sorry.

A little friend has been helping me write this post.... Licky Lou.... my black cat!


Honestly...  she looks black as coal until the sun shines on her then you get to see that she's part red head!  She's still here next to me... sound asleep now.  Typical cat!  

Hope you are enjoying your day.

See ya soon
Josie 

11 comments:

Larissa said...

Ooh! Another 'fellow' blogger to join in the insanity, LOL!! What a lovely selection of fabrics you've chosen for the DJ ... can't wait to see how it comes along ... your 'first' block looks like it will be gorgeous once fully pieced!!! ... And yes, a fellow lover of Parlan here! I really need to order some more, come to think of it! Stash is getting low, lol! ... I am in love with your chicken mug rug! And your 'little friend' ... I could just snuggle up to her all day if she'd let me!! Love me some cats with long fur!!! Hugs!

Linda Coleman said...

Love the colours in your fabrics for the DJ blocks. Where do you get the Parlan from?

Raewyn said...

Oh love your DJ fabrics. I'm a Parlan convert too - it has such a lovely feel to it. Congrats on your prize - I had a sneak peak and it looks very exciting! Your mug-rug is gorgeous:-) as is Licky Lou! Have a great day.

Pam said...

I see you are in to Parlan Josie - did you have to send to Australia for yours? I have not found a stockist in the UK.
Several years ago I made lots of blocks from the Dear Jane book it was supposed to have a scrappy look but they are still waiting to be put together!!!!!
Happy stitching Pam

Grethe said...

Great,congratulations on the FNSI win:-) The moment she announced it I knew.Lovely MugRug,I`ll pop over for a cup of EarlGrey to watch your win!! ... LOL ...

Anonymous said...

A few years ago I attempted the DJ. I bought the book, the software, and made 9 blocks ... decided it was NOT for me, sold the book, sold the software, and sewed the 9 blocks together. They are still unquilted but when finished I'm going to hang it on the wall. Good luck with it. I hated it. But, it's VERY popular and the quilters who stick with it are making some beautiful quilts.

Tilly Talksalot said...

AAAAAAAAAAAARGH!!!! Brilliant! Congratulations on your win. Maybe your goodies will have arrived by the time I next visit and can get to see them. Although there's no point in even asking if you will save me a jammie dodger, is there? Signing up for DJ..... yes you are insane. Wonder if that's why you are my friend. lol Hugs Tilly

Anonymous said...

congrats Josie on your win and good luck with your dear Jane quilt and how cute is your cat Licky Lou

siv hege said...

I am a daft one too, I fear that my Baby Jane will take years to finish...

rosie said...

Miss Josie, you are certifiable!!! I love your friend's name - Tilly Talksalot!!
I am so pleased that you had a win!!

Wendy said...

Congrats on your win, I had seen your name on Bobbi's blog and it was quite exciting to see someone I 'knew' win!! I love your DJ fabrics, they look perfect colours for my home!! Cute shot of the jammie dodgers and Licky Lou is beautiful.