Where have I been?

Yes I know I am extremely quiet these days, or is it I am getting slower and slower at doing things.

It doesn't mean that I haven't stopped shopping.....

 

This is my new stash...not of fabric this time.

My new skill this year was to take up a bit of knitting.  

I knew there would be a time that I was not able to reach the sewing machine (which is around now)

My local store is Treasure. Knitting Boutique

It is so handy to be able to go down the street to get a few supplies, which is what I have been doing over the past few months.  I was also sucked in by Catherine to buy this little book.  (and let me tell you I have about 6 sticky notes on different projects to do.) 

I am now onto my third cardigan and can see that I am getting better at the tension each time.

(I'm a beginner here!)

These booties have been just too cute not to knit and knit and knit.  ( I want to knit a pair in red next.)

 

 

pattern by Julie

at www.lovefibres.etsy.com 

 

 

 

 

Getting better each time too!

 

It just seems to be easier to put my feet up and knit something than stand and use the rotary cutter these days.

Oh and I am wondering if I really have my priorities right....I seemed to have everything ready for me to take to the hospital..( a bit of knitting and hand sewing ). 

I cut these out while on my ball the other night.

 



I must be staying in hospital for a week!!!! 
What am I thinking?

But I have absolutely nothing else packed in the bag. 

Baby is going to wrapped in some hospital towels to be sent home.

 

Cracking day here and am going to enjoy it but before I go, if anyone knows of a tutorial to make your own knitting needle case/roll, please let me know...It will be put down on my to do list for the maternity leave.

I'll be back to let you know about the Swoon 2013 which stated about two weeks ago....behind on that too!

 

 

Happy sewing

 

Erin

My turn at the Block of the Month.

Hi all

 

Almost a year ago Dhia at Peach Patch Quilts asked me to join in the Blogger's Block of the month.

Sure I said , honoured that I was even asked.

I have mentioned it on my blog here.  But seeing it was so long ago that we started I will  give you the run down of participants again.

 

Date	Name	Blog
Sept 15th 2012	Carin & Carol	Margarets Hope Chest
Oct 15th 2012	Jenny	Sew Kind Of Wonderful
Nov 15th 2012	Jennifer M	Ellison Lane Quilts
Dec 15th 2012	Natalie	Craftin Mechanic
Jan 15th 2013	Stefanie	Little Lady Patchwork
Feb 1st 2013	Jennifer I	Knotted Thread
Feb 15th 2013	Sandra	Sharp Quilts
Mar 15th 2013	Nicole K	Patchwork Duck Designs
April 1st 2013	Bree	Distant Pickles
Apr 15th 2013	Tracey	Itching 2 B Stitching
May 15th 2013	Felicity	Felicity Quilts
June 15th 2013	Erin	Billy Button Design
July 15th 2013	Nicole N	Mama Love Quilts
Aug 15th 2013	Dhia	Peach Patch Quilts

 

 

 

So here is the block that I have chosen for this month.

 

As you all know I love Little Apples and I have made a good few things in Aneela's fabric line.

 

I don't know what this block is called, and I am not announcing that I made the block up.  By all means if anyone knows a  name for it, please let me know too.

 

It really is a quick and easy block to do, I just did a bit of fussy cutting for my block but you do not have to do this at all.

What you need is


3 1/2"  square for the middle x (1 piece)
2" squares of fabric of your choice  (12 pieces to boarder the middle square)
6 1/2" x 2 1/2"   strip (2 pieces top edges)
10 1/2" x 2 1/2" strip (2 pieces for side edges)

I have used a scant 1/4" seam throughout and I have pressed all seams open.

 

 

 

Set out your fabric around your square to decide checking that you are happy with your layout.

 

 

 

Pin each group together.

Top row, bottom row and the two side rows.

 

 

Sew top four 2" squares together in a row.

Repeat for the bottom row.

Sew the two 2" blocks together for the sides.

 

 

 

Press seams open.

(I realised after this photo I had turned the iron off...baby brain)

 

 

 

Take the middle 3 1/2" square and sew the two side blocks on.

Press.

 

 

Pin top and bottom row on and sew.

 

 

Looking good!



You are almost there.....

 

Pin the 6 1/2" by 2 1/2" strip to the top of the block as shown

Press and trim

Repeat with the second piece of strip at the bottom of the block.

 

If I have explained well enough, you should only have two strips left that are the biggest strips

(10 1/2" by 2 1/2")

 

These two strips are sewn on each side of the block and Bob's your Uncle...you have done it!

 

 

 

Give it a good press   Your block will be bigger than needed but sometimes it is better to be safe than sorry....( which I did on another of these blocks and now have to make it again)

I cut down  the block to 9 1/2" (which is what Dhia wanted)

It will be going with my other blocks that I have made.

 

 

Block tutorial at

Margarets Hope Chest

 

 

 

Block tutorial at

Sew Kind Of Wonderful

 

 

 

Block tutorial at

Ellison Lane Quilts

 

Don't forget there is a flickr group if you are making the blocks for the Margaret Hope Chest and all block  that are donated will be made into a super quilt at the end.

 

If you have missed out on a few blocks (like me...I have about 6 to do) click on the links and you should fine the block tutorial.

 

Thanks again for dropping by (sorry I was a  little late)

Dhia.   Thanks again for letting me participate.

 

Good Luck and Happy Sewing.

 

Erin

Kona Solids

A quick little photo of a quilt made for Cindy at Fluffy Sheep Quilting

 

Kona Charm pack with a splash of Kona Ash, Medium grey and white.

 

Tutorial on the way.

 

Happy Sewing.

 

Erin

My winnings

A belated thanks to Julie at Mack and Mabel for her giveaway on the Sew Mama Sew May Giveaway week.

 

I was one of the lucky ones that won a prize...which I might add will come in very handy in the future.

 

 

Two little bibs

I also had a bit of a snoop around her  two Etsy shops and found some little patterns for knitting.

But that is another days story.

 

 

Thanks very much Julie again...I love them.

 

 

As for some sewing...yes I have been doing some bits and pieces but noting has been finished so I really need to get off this couch and get my quilt finished for Cindy and sew my sleeves in my top before I grow out of it.

 

Happy sewing.

 

Erin

Texty Charm Swap

Anyone interested in joining a texty charm swap? 

Join up here

 

We are looking for a few more Europeans to join the group.  It would be lovely for you to join.

May of Confessions of a fabraholic is hosting the swap. 

Head over and check out what she is looking for.

 

I was thinking of this as my fabric....

 

Hope it is texty enough!

 

 

I'm in love

Yes I'm in love with lots of things but have found a new love for these.....

Karen at Blueberry Park  handprints these little buddies and oh how I love the colours. 

I'm going to get this little quilt underway very soon.  I have come to the conclusion that I am better to stick with baby and smallish quilts so I know that there is a chance to finish them.

 

Karen sells her designs through her Etsy store.  I could be tempted for some more.

And the sun came out.

A productive day had here in my Kitchen....yes I did say my kitchen.

Although I do have my sewing room, I have realised that I have sewn less and less when the machine is set upstairs, so I got hubby to bring it back down to the table in the kitchen and look what has been accomplished this week. 

My first attempt at the Tova pattern.

 

It was all going great until I have realised that there isn't enough fabric for the collar.  Back to Hickeys on Monday.  

 I have left lots of room for bump to grow at the front but should have shaped the sides a bit too, but seeing the pattern was so easy and quick, I will be making another.  Really I should have popped over before I started to Kerry's blog and checked her sewing tutorial series that was run last year. Kerry I will be back over at some stage.

 

I also got these finished today.  Bee a bit Stingy blocks for Jan for the month of March....(yes I know, I'm crap at these bees)

 

 

And last but not least, I couldn't resist a photo of my ever growing Starflower blocks in the lovely sunshine today,,, something we have had very little of.. sunshine that is. 

 

 

 

Happy Sewing.

 

Erin