A while ago....

So a few weeks ago I got hold of this lovely stretch fabric from Karen. Remember the Tova that didn't fit? Yep, we swapped!

It actually looks black, but is a dark navy. 

I thought I'd try it with this pattern. I think I like it.

It is quite a thick knit, so I think a lighter knit would drape a little better. But this is super warm!

I finished it in the morning and wore it out that afternoon. Karen was there and snapped a pic! 

I also made a few bags. I have left a job (and started at a new one, don't worry) and wanted to give a few of my fave colleagues a little something. Boy, it's hard finding something to make 6 of (I ended up keeping one teehee) that are quick and easy!

I went with this tutorial- and used up quite a few scraps!

The most fun was choosing the colour combos

and the linings! They look great, and were very well received! For anyone wanting to try it, do it- clear instructions, and only used fabric and batting. It stated fusible batting, but I joined my scraps together of cotton batting from quilts, spray basted them on, and then quilted around the patchwork squares to keep them in place. Once it was all sewn up the batting is in position!

My Creative Space

I haven't joined in for a while, never seem to be organised on a Thursday! And the laptop has been playing up- Google anything not working well, an Outlook fail, and it's off to get serviced soon. 

Today it's allowing me to blog (so far so good)

So I'm finally getting around to basting this big one together. I think I started it about a year ago? I made the king size (in for a penny, in for a pound) and plan to hand quilt it similar to the pattern instructions. There is a flickr group I'll try and add pics to as well.

The hand basting has nearly done my back in though- it's sticky taped to the floor of the lounge room (couches all moved out) and I've been working on it each night. (quilt is too big for table tennis table, and it's too cold out in the garage anyway!) 4 nights so far. Nearly done.

I plan many nights on the couch hand quilting this winter!

a big thanks to Sarah for answering questions and encouraging the hand quilting experience!

More spaces here

The finished room

I only realised as I was tidying the other day that I hadn't done my finished room reveal! This was started back in November when i bought myself the bookshelves and desk for my birthday.

I eventually got the cupboards for the shelves, so everything is nicely hidden away! (Thanks to sister Jess and her drill fro helping with that job. Think I know what I need next birthday!)

This is DEFINITELY after a tidy up!

The 'vintage kids collection' stash; overlocker storage and 3 channel tv!

Laptop handy for movies, tweeting etc.

The messier corner. a box of patterns, UFO's on top of that, and things that don't seem to fit anywhere else.

A peek at the stash...

It was actually worth tidying it all up, as I got stuck into some overdue projects that night.

Finally, a footstool!

So anyone familiar with the drama of the footstool will probably understand my reluctance at having another go (go on, go back and read it for laughs!). Having to throw out the last one, when I found this one for a few dollars, I didn't touch it for ages! Just used and accepted it's vinylly ugliness.

When I found this cushion on Mothers Day at Savers, I did plan to use it for the couch. But then I had the idea....

Ta Da!

I used glue- after the last pull apart disaster, I simply glued this piece (cut, interfaced and sewn onto the denim) onto the vinyl, and added a few tacks for decorative and stability purposes.

The understand was all raw, so copying off the original cover a make an undergarment...

already well used!

Ups and downs

It's been a roller coaster over here lately. I really don't cope well with lots of indecision- being a 'control freak' by nature, I love a bit of order and consistency in my life!

I started a new job about 18mths ago, and it involves never being in the same place twice, and having no control over most things in my day. Needless to say I haven't coped well; cue a job interview and a weekend of angst, then finding out I got the position! 3 days a week in the same place, ahhh, bliss! I'm UP UP UP!

basting at MMQG

I picked up the sticks again after swearing off them this winter; my first time on the circular needles, and I have this lovely cowl! It's a teal colour, excuse the pic! UP UP UP!

 I'm cruising along relatively ok on the money front, after joining a 'debt free' agency and sticking to a very strict budget. (and coping with the shame of having to do that) It all came undone when I got a massive direct debit out of my account, and had to do a lot of juggling (and swearing and crying) and trying to remain positive that it's only a hiccup. DOWN DOWN DOWN!

And I'll gladly welcome Optus back as my ISP (hope that not famous last words teehee)

At least this little one gives me a reason to hang in there! Makes me feel all the struggle is worth it, when she tells me I'm the best thing in her life.

Teddy, my hero, keeping my little girl safe in the night.

My Creative Space

A continuation of last weeks space....

I spent a good 8 hours on it yesterday (oy, my aching back!)

Now to get it basted and quilted.

Joining in over here.

Nothing like a bit of healthy competition!

So I saw over on Facebook a link to this blog, and got a bit excited about a challenge like this! A $200 voucher is COMPLETELY unnecessary for me, but i thought is was a good way to try out different fabrics that aren't usually in my stash. A bit like if someone offered me a gardening challenge. Er. No, I wouldn't be up for that one actually!

So I jumped onto the shop and saw the scrap packs. (Bugger, I just looked again and there are heaps of PINK!) Dammit....)

I am in love with the shrooms though. I cant remember all the sizes, but folded it looked like this;

 and unfolded like this. Almost a fat quarter of the green.

I'd seen this a few days ago, and like the style, and the fact it was a free tutorial! I'm in!

The inside is a Spotlight fat quarter;

here's the old knitting bag (one of my first bags I ever made!)

and TA-DA! My new knitting bag!

I added medium weight interfacing, and some iron on pellon (tips learnt from my bag guru, of course. ooh, look, what a coincidence, a workshop just on that haha)

I wanted structure;

  

but also can squash it in another bag to take to work etc. The fabric was perfect for this project.

And it fits all this!

I had so much fun making this!