Basket Case.....

or a simple case of irresistible baskets?

I've succumbed... again!   The lure of hundreds of gorgeous little baskets over at Supergoof finally got to me.   I promised myself I wouldn't start any more projects till I finish at least one of the multitude of works in progress.   I can't think of a good reason for doing this......

therefore  it's obvious I have no willpower whatsoever!

I knew the packs of A4 sheets of freezer paper I bought would come in useful one day.  I made a master template of the basket shapes on card then photocopied it onto the reverse of the freezer paper.  Cutting out the paper baskets was very therapeutic.  I was having a bad day!

Found a bit of relaxation in doing this too.....

pressing freezer paper to fabric then cutting out... turning... and tacking the little shapes.   There is something to be said for taking it slow and tacking these little baskets.   So what if it isn't as quick as starch  it's really enjoyable and gives a nice result.

Now the Eagle Eyed amongst you might have noticed the blocks behind the baskets......

see.....I haven't forgotten the table topper for the conservatory.   I haven't progressed much further on it either.   So far I've joined  one and a half rows.... that's six blocks.  Only ten to go..... how long that's going to take me is anyones guess.

I should be shot for not finishing my Schnibbles but I was so enjoying these...

This is the first time I've tried out applique with the freezer paper left inside till the stitching is done.  It felt a bit funny to a gal who's used to sticking everything.  I admit....I did use a bit of glue baste to attach the baskets to the backgrounds.   There is only so much tacking I can take!

When the stitching was done I trimmed out the basket backs and removed the paper.   This is how they look on the backside.....

I luv em!!!       Can you look at these little cuties without wanting to make some of your own?   If the answer is 'yes'.... you really should have talked to me earlier.  You could have saved me from starting another time consuming if ever so gorgeous not to mention cute project.

OK... what else.    I have stitched another foot or so of my Vignette flower border.  I'm not going to bore you with another photo of that.   It's growing slowly but surely.     I also decided I'd make more Dear Jane blocks... ahem.... that was before the baskets got to me!   

What else...... there have been visitors in my little room.

First off... my Mum.......

she spent a day finishing off her latest batch of little vests for Aids Babies in Africa.   They've to be knitted to a very basic 'T' pattern and should be really colourful.   Mum knits them in the round on 4 needles to avoid scratchy seams.    She's back to making dog blankets for Dumfries & Galloway Canine Rescue right now then it'll be back to cardigans and hats for the Premie Babies at Dumfries hospital.    She's such a well organised get on and get it done type.... who'd have thought she'd be my mum!   Certainly not me!! 

Then came Tina with her hexies.....

and let me tell you they are perfect.   I really mean.... PERFECT!   She's sewn them with invisible thread (masochist) and I promise there is not a single stitch to be seen anywhere.   She's using Minick and Simpson's Bar Harbour fabric.   It's lovely.  So far she's made 10 rows and is working on the connecting hexies.   How come she started making hexies way after I did and yet she's nearly finished?    Don't answer that!

Then came Chris and Sally.    Chris finished off a kit she bought at the Quilt Festival in Birmingham last year....

Another pretty flimsy added to her heap of tops waiting to be quilted!   Alright....don't get your knickers in a knot Chris.... I know I'm as bad as you.   We both live in fear of the  MACHINES!!!!!!!

Sally is fortunately... fearless (she doesn't know any better)!    However she's sticking to a bit of safe stitchery for now.....

she's got the first two blocks of the Fernhill Button Club all done and dusted and they look so cute!  NO.... I'm am not starting mine anytime soon.... I think!

Well... that's it for all the crafty stuff that's been happening here.    I've still not painted out the Conservatory.  Still blushing with shame.   I have worked in the garden... between torrential downpours.  I swear the whole population of the UK will be conscripted into Ark Building before long.  I really feel for all you folks in England hit by the floods.  For once Scotland hasn't fared too badly in terms of flooding but we certainly have had way more rain than is natural.  

Good news...... we have new stock fencing around the garden.....

no more sheep sneaking in here.

No more uninvited cows getting in either.... oh joy!    I'm getting to old... slow and nervous to chase them round the garden.

Flowers are blooming.....

I love Alstromeria...

pretty eh!

That's all my news.   Not a lot considering I haven't posted for 17 days... not that I'm counting.    I do want you all to know that I'm still reading your blogs and loving them.   I'm only sorry that I haven't been commenting as much as I'd like to.

Mac's health problems are changing in a very worrying way.   He is oblivious to the changes and I'm stressed to the point of twanging like overstretched knicker elastic.... and belived me I know everything there is to know about that!     Who knows.... one day the medical profession might step up to the plate and see to it he gets the help he needs.  At the moment there is more chance of Pigs flying over Parliament!   Don't get me started on Parliament!!!!!!!!     Oooop's sorry.... you didn't... did you!  ;o)

I'm going before I drag my soapbox into the middle of the floor.   If I start to rant tonight.... I'll never stop!

Hope you are all enjoying life and having a lovely time doing whatever makes you happy.   I've got my beady eye on you all....

See you sooner rather than later....
Hugs
Josie