Did you catch me on the Teev last night?
The Date nearly killed himself laughing when he found this in the guide.
I watched it & loved it! No, maybe not all together my style but ace none-the-less. The passion and enthusiasm of the featured artists/crafters was uplifting. Give it a go.
You might remember ages ago I got all inspired by this lovely girl & layed out my PJ quilt on the carpet.
I had the very best intentions of actually stitching it up BUT all the pieces got in the way & I had to pile them up again. Once that was done I lost all enthusiasm & they have sat in a nice neat pile ever since.
I've been slowly working on my granny square quilt/blanket & everytime I go to make up a new square I lay all the blocks out to see what I've got & what I need (or don't).
Then I stack them all up again.
So yesterday I made this piecing "quiver". I'm quite pleased. I've just safety pinned them on & then rolled the whole affair up & stowed it under the table in the pool room.
Be lazy with me...
I just used an old double bed doona cover & a couple of broomsticks from the hardware.
I layed the stick on top of the doona & "measured" the casing for each side. Pin & machine stitch into place.
& for the ties along the centre fold (wrong side of doona cover). Pin & machine stitch into place.
Then I marked lines for a cot sized quilt & a single bed quilt
& just ran lines of stitching. The doona cover I used had lines already printed on it ... a stroke of accidental genius.
Once all the machining was complete I fed the broomsticks into their casings & then I pinned my blocks to the doona cover.
Note: there's overhang at the top which I just folded down when ready to roll.
I folded in half so that the sticks met
& then rolled the sticks toward the mid line.
I tied the ribbon loosely & stored.
Disclaimer: This method would not be recommended by serious quilters I am quite sure...but it works for me.
Also: if you know of anything similar to this please let me know - I'd like to check it out.
x marks the spot
Magnetic Corner Bookmark
a tutorial
Gather your supplies:
Embroidery floss, scrap cardboard (a used cereal box is ideal), calico, scissors, craft knife, needle, fade out marker, adhesive backed magnetic tape.
Step 1:
Take a deep breath…there’s a bit of maths here.
Prepare your templates.
Cut a 13cm (5.1 inches) square from scrap cardboard
Cut a right angle triangle measuring: 7.5cm (2.95 inches) x 7.5cm (2.95 inches) with a hypotenuse of 10.5cm (4.13 inches).
Step 2:
Cut your magnetic tape to fit & stick it to the triangles so that they come together neatly. Set aside for later.
Step 3:
Using your square template as a guide cut out your calico. Leave a seam allowance outside the template of approximately 1.5 cm (3/4 inch).
Step 4:
Press your calico square around your cardboard template.
Begin by pressing the corners as pictured above.
Next press each of the sides as pictured. This removes a lot of the bulk in the corners & will keep the folds nice & neat.
Step 5:
Remove the cardboard template & fold the square in half to form a triangle.
Press. Fold in half again & press.
Step 6:
Print this template or just trace/draw your own "x".
Unfold your pressed triangle & positioned it right side up. Whip out your fade out marker, check your folds carefully & mark your “x” where you would like it positioned on the face of the book mark. You need to make sure that you mark your “x” in the left hand (or 9 o’clock) triangle of your square. Just bear in mind that the centre seam will run parallel to the spine of the book.
Step 7:
Stitch your “x”. Gift…use a speedy stitch like running or back stitch.
Step 8:
Once you’ve finished stitching your design place your work face down on the ironing board & repress the folds.
Step 9:
Position your triangle shapes (magnet side down) inside the seams & fold in half.
Step 10:
Pin to secure.
Step 11:
Running stitch along each of the short sides of your triangle.
Step 12:
Once you’ve completed the running stitch – make the final fold & remove your pin. Now blanket stitch the short side closed to form your “cuff”.
You’re finished & ready to gift.
...
Would you like the premium how to? There are lots more images, printable templates & some extra tips too. All for less that the price of a coffee & delivered to your inbox. CDs & kits also available - over here.
This is... hosted by Three Buttons. Theme from Hila.
For our 10th wedding anniversary the date & I went to Lord Howe Island. It is absolutely the most beautiful place in the world. We were sans kids for the first time in 9 years.
We stayed & ate at Capella Lodge - gorgeous.
Never ones to be idle we filled our three days with walking, cycling, snorkeling & we had a guide take us up Mt Gower. I wasn't as fit then as I am now & nearly killed myself trying to keep up with 2 super fit guys. I made it up & back in super quick time & in one piece. The experience makes me think of that piece of sage advice...
"That which does not kill us makes us strong."
I'm in real need of a haircut...it's feral.
I have been enjoying a bit of length though. I've been knotting my hair in a makeshift bun & then giving it a bit of a shake to encourage a bit of softness & a few whisps too.
This got me to thinking about a plastic tool I had in the 90s which basically fashioned a fake french roll. I don't yet have the length for a french roll but can get away with the reverse version pictured above.
Of course I had to set about making myself the little tool.
I just folded some heavy duty elastic through a biro casing...
& then tied it in a knot, forcing the knot back inside the pen tube.
This is how to recreate the cheats casual (& whispy) upstyle.
- Put your hair up in a pony tail.
- Feed the knotted end of the pen up from under the pony tail to the top of pony tail.
- Flip your pony tail through the elastic loop.
- Pull the pen gently. You'll need to guide & ease your pony tail though itself so that the whole "style" isn't too loose.
- You could use a bit of hair spray at this point if you like.
is a whole lot of loveliness.
Some silver fabric. I've been waiting since before Christmas for this to appear at one of my favourite Op Shops & this week it did.
Great vintage craft books. The soft toy one on top is particularly good.
Mint leaves. What's not to love about a mint leaf?
A little data entry to keep me out of mischief.
Chubby crayons. The chubby ones are the best kind.
The I op therefore I am guide.
I bought this shirt from my favourite Op Shop a few weeks ago & I've hardly taken it off.
During the first week I wore it every day. It took until Day 5 for The Date to notice...
The original owner was a Guide with 3rd Canterbury & a patrol leader. She wasn't too flash with the needle & thread though (& hasn't achieved her needlework badge). The wonkiness of the shirt only makes me love it more.
What I'm wearing players in Dear Fii's sidebar.
that I love you?
My new favourite spot has trotted out another wonderful gift guide in the last 24 hours. I went on a little clicketty trip & ended up here. All the cards are so good but this one particularly appealed.
Chances are that if you've been insulted by me recently it's because you're pretty special.
Idiot is a term of endearment in our household.
Over use of the word has got the kids into trouble a couple of times but it hasn't stopped me splashing it around. It's especially reserved for people who are "so not wankers" & I'm sure (or somewhat confident at least) will not be offended.
It's a bit like pulling hair & pushing kids in the playground I think.
if I gave you this for Christmas?
I thought it looked pretty cute but now I'm a bit worried.
I've purchased eco-friendly dishwashing liquid in bulk & filled these little glass bottles, added a hand knitted dishcloth and put it all together in one of those takeaway boxes.
These gifts are for the gym, swimming & drama teacher types. What do you think?
While we are on the topic of Christmas...I have been enjoying Design for Mankind's gift guide. Go on over & take a peak.