Beautiful spring

In truth spring has been cold and wet so far but today the sun shone and it was nice to get outside.  The flowers don't seem to mind the weather and are looking their best; spring is the prettiest time in our garden before the summer sun dries everything out.  I haven't had too much time for crafting lately but I did finish a little crochet project, a half lotus bunting which is a free pattern here.  It looks pretty hanging at our bedroom window with the morning sun shining through it, although Paul thinks it is perhaps too pretty since it is his room as well!  I finally have my Chateau Hexagon out again and have started the applique.  There are sixteen windows to stitch in place and then quite a bit of embroidery.  But it is starting to feel like I am on the home stretch! Wendy xx

The holiday table topper

Last week Jenny of Elefantz kindly offered a free pattern and a daily tutorial to make the Holiday Hostess table topper.  I had been feeling in a bit of a slump with my quilting but this project was just the inspiration I needed.  The instructions included finding a fabric that lent itself to being fussy cut; I didn't have much to choose from and in the end settled on a vintage Christmas postcard fabric.  Jenny's tutorial was excellent and easy to follow along; my only difficulty being when my cat decided to fall asleep on the topper as I was trying to quilt it!  I really appreciate Jenny's generosity in sharing this pattern, I am sure the tutorial must have taken lot of time to prepare!  Thank you.  Wendy xx

Wintery

It's getting wintery here, days of rain then days of golden sunshine with cold mornings and nights.  The light is changing, in the afternoon it is a gorgeous warm glow but by 6:00 pm it is dark and the curtains pulled.  I love the evenings when we are staying at home in our cosy warm house.  Charlie and Paul have been full of colds this week, particularly Charlie who seems to get sicker than the rest of us, so the fire has been lighted most days.  Oh, how I love the fire.
Winter feels like the time for knitting and that's what I have been doing.  I made Charlie Bofur gloves, the exact pattern and wool used in the Hobbit movie for the dwarf Bofur (Charlotte loves Lord of the Rings.)  As soon as they were off my needles they were on her hands, no blocking for Charlie!  I'm knitting a cardy for me and some socks.  Making socks was one of my goals this year so for my first attempt I am knitting Easy Peasy socks.  I find the self-striped wool fascinating, such pretty patterns for such little effort!  Other knitting projects in the queue are fingerless gloves for Josh (14 years) and a hat for me.
And the bundle of fabrics in the last photo?  I am going to be playing with them on Sunday, Wendy xx

Chateau hexagon and balls of yarn

I finally finished the row of flowers for my Chateau Hexagon block seven so I was able to join it to the quilt and add the row of hexies.  A poodle button goes on this block too in the gap among the flowers.  Only one more block to go for this quilt but I will put it aside for a while as I have some gifts to make.
My dear mum's wool winder came in handy this week.  I had a bit of fun turning hanks of yarn into usable balls and started on a new knitting project. I am loving the bright summery colour! And isn't my couch companion cute, Holly perches on the arm of the couch right beside me. Wendy xx

Giving and receiving

I have some last Christmas things to share before the new year starts tomorrow.  Michelle and I have been partners for the year for Mrs Martin's Lets Celebrate swap and I have loved giving and receiving gifts with Michelle.  For the Christmas swap I made her a tablerunner, a Santa and a felt bird ornament: all the projects are from Marg Low's All Things Christmas book which I love.  Michelle gave me a Molly Makes magazine which is one of my favourite mags, some of her lovely patterns, threads, gorgeous little handmade ornaments and a beautiful button garland.  She definitely spoilt me again.
I also received a lovely package from Florence who sent me a Simply Vintage magazine, my other favourite mag, and some gorgeous little tree ornaments.  I have sent her a Homespun magazine in return but I'm not sure it has arrived yet.
These weeks after Christmas are some of my favourite of the whole year: the crazy, busyness has past, the city quietens down, and the usual tasks and work are on hold.  Just lovely. The last three photos are taken by my son and I thought he did a great job catching some images of our week, Wendy xx

A handmade wardrobe

Colette Hawthorn

Day to night drape top and whole wheat cardigan

Peggy sue cardigan and truffle dress

I thought I would finally do a catch up of the clothes I have been making.  It looks like I have made a lot but this has been over quite a few months.  I am really enjoying the process of a handmade wardrobe: the planning, purchasing the fabric, and doing my best to get a good fit.  One of the steps I love is pre-washing the fabrics and seeing them hanging on the line, I love to imagine how the pretty fabrics will be transformed into something I can wear.  Once I have caught up with my Christmas sewing, next on my list will be a couple of skirts and a summer dress, I definitely need more cool clothes as it has been quite hot here lately. The sun was streaming in the lounge windows on Friday afternoon and created a lovely light around Barney as he slept on the back of the couch, he's such a cutie! Wendy xx

Friday night with friends

I did sign up for Friday night with friends but forgot to mention it in yesterday's post.  After working on the baby quilt in the morning I felt like a change of pace so picked up my knitting needles.  I was able to finish the second side so only sleeves to go.  Thanks to our lovely hostess Cheryll for encouraging us.  Today is a glorious day and, having caught up with housework, I rewarded myself with a bit more knitting on the deck with my afternoon cup of tea with Barney for company.  Silly photo of him I know, but he's not looking his best at the moment as he's recovering from an infected cat bite so I was trying to avoid the not so pleasant bits!  Wendy xx

July Christmas item

I was determined to finish some Christmas items after missing last month! I made two little ornaments from a paper foundation pattern by Mary Herschleb.  The pattern also includes a cute Santa and snowman that I may try next month.  I took these photos on Monday when the sun made a welcome appearance in the afternoon.  Little Holly was making the most of the sunshine too, napping in a warm spot.  A big thank you to Narelle at Pins and Whiskers for organising a Christmas item each month!  I am having so much fun this week, creating a cute little someone and doing a bit of crochet, simple pleasures!  Wendy xx