alibobbles

The cube table cover in its new home

2012-02-27T22:27:00.001Z

You can also see where Jim-bob now lives. DD is very happy with it :)

basket of monkeys

2012-02-26T14:16:00.001Z

The two little chaps are coming on well, its great the way a little character appears as you add bits.

Laundry labels

2012-02-24T16:51:00.001Z

The fun sewing had to stop as I had an urgent order from DD for tags to mark the bag she puts into communal laundry. I did as set for her friend too. Two more sets are cut out and ready to go.

They are 8 x 4, interfaced with ties added at one end.

Repurposing

2012-02-23T15:05:00.001Z

Old curtains with lots of memories are on their way to a new use ....

Details to follow

Montague Patchers Show

2012-02-19T20:28:00.000Z

Here are my favourite exhibits, excellent show as ever. Well done!

Valentines thoughts

2012-02-14T09:27:00.001Z

10 ways to keep your love aliveFocus on what you like about your partner.Be prepared to give more than you get.Say something endearing.Be ready to apologise.If you must criticise, be specific.Don't keep old scores.Maintain a sense of humour.Say thank you regularly.Don't covet your neighbour's partner.Count your blessings.(taken from John sentamu's article today)

sock monkey gone

2012-02-13T14:42:00.001Z

My middle daughter loved him so be has gone to live in her apartment. He is now named Jim-bob.

Block 3

2012-02-09T16:21:00.001Z

I was meant to do one a day but I think 2 a week might be more achievable. I am finding Physio pretty tiring so sewing has to be done reclining!

Long legged sock monkey

2012-02-09T11:47:00.001Z

He's nearly finished. Turned out the sock i used was a little flimsy but he'll be ok for an older child or adult. The long legs give him a very comical appearance.

Blocks 1 & 2

2012-01-31T15:17:00.001Z

Here are the first two blocks in my charms & ties quilt

Chair all done

2012-01-29T16:06:00.001Z

and in its new home. DD was very happy with it so I'm happy too.

Coffee table cover

2012-01-25T15:48:00.001Z

Yet another make for middle DD. She has a tatty table with her tv on top and stores stuff underneath. This should hide it all and is the first make from my old lounge curtains. I put a remote control pocket on the side.

it was a skirt this morning

2012-01-24T21:08:00.001Z

and now its a chair cushion. Another make for middle DD who is inheriting one of my grandmas kitchen chairs to go with her new desk. It's shabby & an old style cushion was needed to go with it.

Drew round a huge serving plate, made four ties and sewed up. O top sewed the edge for extra strength.

Camera lens teddy

2012-01-19T19:37:00.001Z

This is a make for a photographer friend, she take portraits of children so this on the lens should show them where to look.

Headphone case - mini tutorial

2012-01-18T11:34:00.001Z

My DH got new headphones for Christmas but no case, they are very lovely but need alot of protection for going out of the house.

Step 1 Cut two identical piece of material (I used fleece as it would be soft and protective)

Step 2 I quilted some fleece and added some inner pockets for cables and jacks

Step 3 Sew along side seams into an inner, boxed the corner 1" away from the corner and tidied it up. (The photo also shows the 2" quilting and how it is attached to the fleece.)

Step 4 Sew up the outer and attach a flap each side for the fastening

Step 5 Sew channels for fastening cord and sew side seams to make up the outer with corners exactly the same as the inner

Step 6 Turn the edges under on the inside, the outer seams should be pressed downwards to tuck away the raw edges

Step 7 Sew inner to outer ( tack first then machine to secure properly)

Step 8 Add cord for fastening

Enjoy the headphones new home and one happy customer!

Scrappy bunting

2012-01-17T14:58:00.001Z

My youngest DD is back home now and I'm missing her so I made her some bunting. Just a little length for the top of the bed or mantlepiece. She'll recognise all the fabrics as its leftovers from things she has seen me make.

New purse loaded up

2012-01-17T09:12:00.001Z

And good to go (I'm in the UK so its not a handbag but a holder for coins & cards)

I made this ages ago but had just been given a leather one which is now worn out so my quilted one can get used. I like it because I have made it just the size I need, big credit card pockets & room for loads of coins.

My 2011 highlights

2011-12-28T23:23:00.001Z

A quick look back at some of my makes from 2011. I got one nearly finished quilt top and orders for a long stretch of bunting and another quilt to do from my new charm pack so plenty to look forward to.

Christmas blessings

2011-12-25T09:43:00.001Z

Here is our lovely Bethlehem cake. wishing you a peaceful and joyful day.

Saw this fantastic picture

2011-12-18T10:07:00.001Z

and thought I would share. This year has been a battle but I will conquer ...

Our tree

2011-12-15T09:13:00.001Z

It's up, with all the beautiful decorations the children sewed 11 years ago when we first moved here. They still talk about the Christmas sweatshop we had to finish them in time.

Phone case

2011-12-11T16:49:00.001Z

Not sure if I've showed any of the making of this, my baby DD needed one. I embroidered it a bit for detail.

I've just finished the last handmade Christmas item. Only me without a handmade pressie but I make stuff for myself all the time.

egg cosies in construction

2011-11-28T15:20:00.001Z

My middle daughter was admiring some in a catalogue last time she visited. They were very expensive so this little make was born.

There was even instructions in my cath kidson book, I made a pattern checking out measurements, cut one from fabric and one from fleece, added a little coordinated tab. They just need turning up and hand stitching before they can go under the tree.

Recycled angels & Some days of thankful

2011-11-26T16:28:00.001Z

I had a beautiful jewellery catalogue land on the mat so it had to be transformed

There are such lovely images on every page.

Day ??? Of thankful, its December soon and I'm so thankful for the distraction of planning Christmas. It's taking up a lot of brain space. I'm also thankful for some lovely flowers from my DH.

So behind with my 30 days of thankful

2011-11-24T20:56:00.001Z

But I'm massively grateful that I'm 12 weeks post op today and feeling more human.

Happy thanksging to those in the usa!

Day 13, 14 & 15

2011-11-16T20:30:00.001Z

Really had a few hard days but I'm very thankful to have a life and someone to look after me. Hoping for a more cheerful tomorrow.

Day 12 of thankful

2011-11-14T08:28:00.001Z

I was thankful for my lovely big hot bath, comfy chair and television yesterday. Wasn't up to do much else, but that's ok.

Saw this on the net and it made me chuckle

30 days of thankful - day 11

2011-11-13T07:48:00.001Z

I am thankful that my darling daughter and her lovely boyfriend could come and help hubbie hack back the huge overgrown trees and shrubs in the garden. It does make me sad that I can't do it but thankful for family

Day 9 & 10 of thankful

2011-11-12T07:49:00.001Z

Day 9 I had a lovely visit from another friend, whilst I find it tiring it's worth the effort to catch up with people and find out what is going on with their lives

Day 10 I lt was remembrance day in the uk, 11/11/11. I had my own service as I won't be able to get to the official one on Sunday. I am so grateful for the sacrifice the service people felt able to make for our country and future. I'm thankful and grateful.

My poppy

2011-11-10T13:40:00.001Z

I wanted a permanent one. I pva-ed some red fabric, cut out two shapes, added a black button and glued onto a badge.

Late day 7 of thankful and early day 8

2011-11-09T23:11:00.001Z

Had a quiet but productive sewing day yesterday, I'm thankful for it filling the time

Today I had a visit from an old friend, not seen for a few months so it was great to catch up :)

Two more deccies done

2011-11-08T19:46:00.001Z

They are double sided, both are presents for people.

30 days of thankful - day 6

2011-11-08T06:10:00.001Z

i'm so thankful that my wonderful hubby has had some good news about his work and that we live in changing times.

30 days of thankful, days 4 & 5

2011-11-06T20:48:00.001Z

Had a lovely visit from my eldest. Lots of takeaway and laughs. Very tired now but thankful for family.

The photo is the beautiful flowers I got presented with.

30 days of thankful - day 3

2011-11-04T07:36:00.001Z

I am thankful that I am a little more comfortable and my pain was control-able yesterday.

I had alot of fun embroidering the Christmas stocking and am thankful for beautiful autumn colours

Christmas stocking

2011-11-03T15:58:00.001Z

For my great niece, it just needs sewing up to a stocking shape and embellishing a little.

Just two more to go, matching for my other great niece & nephew. They all have names you can't buy off the peg.

30 days of thankful - day 2

2011-11-03T08:09:00.001Z

Wednesday has left me thankful for the wonderful years that I have been married, the photo is of the building where the church we went to when we got married 26 years ago. its being redeveloped and all that was left was yesterday was the roof. I have been using the building since I was 3. it's sad to see it go but makes me reflect on all the blessings my marriage has brought me.

30 days of thankful

2011-11-02T07:11:00.001Z

http://knittybitties.blogspot.com/2011/11/30-days-of-thankful.html

the inspiration has come from this wonderful blog.

I am thankful for my daughter phoning me and being lovely. she is beautiful and so suits being a grown up independent woman who can achieve her hopes and dreams.

I enjoyed the sunshine and blowing leaves that autumn brought yesterday.

looking forward to what today has in store. this is one if my favourite harvest photos.

Christmas baubles

2011-11-01T16:20:00.001Z

From an old Landsend catalogue, you take nine circles folded in half and stapled in the middle. They are then glued alternate top and bottom.

I did some little ones from old books. These are so cute and didst.

there is a lot of Halloween on here

2011-10-31T15:54:00.001Z

http://www.harefieldchurch.org/news/halloween.htm

but I don't celebrate it so having to skip alot if posts. at least its bonfire night soon.

Foot warmer done.

2011-10-31T09:28:00.001Z

The 15 mins play solid challenge turned into this. It's hand quilted with jewels to hold it on the bed.

Three stars done,

2011-10-29T12:18:00.001+01:00

I've renamed the hexxie flowers stars as they are sort of that shape. I'm going to do a few more but the end of my fingers need a little time to harden up.

First Christmas make

2011-10-27T14:29:00.001+01:00

Going to make a stack of these seasonal hexxies to string up in the lounge. I have fabric saying 'hope, peace, joy' so they will look very festive.

Great little keyring

2011-10-23T19:42:00.001+01:00

Ideal for a sewist who repurposes as it has a tape measure that pops out from its chimney. No more wondering if there is enough material in an old dress I find at the charity shop.

Doing a bit of armchair sorting

2011-10-22T17:20:00.001+01:00

Not been up to doing much but this little eBay treasure has made my sewing stuff easier to get to. I'm off for my post op next week so hoping for good news about my op.

Boring cardie makeover

2011-10-17T18:18:00.001+01:00

It's gone chilly so my old faithful cardie has come out of the cupboard. Put it on and I'm bored of it already, so I have changed the buttons for some more interesting ones and done some matching embroidery in wool around the bottom. Very happy with my new cardie. It'll go with lots of things!

Crewel is good to go ....

2011-10-14T11:23:00.001+01:00

I'm doing the William Morris design from my lounge. The colour of the wallpaper is nicer than the fabric but its huge flower that won't look good in wool. I'm therefore going to do an interpretation based on the wallpaper but smaller.

It's my second crewel project. Eeek!

Blanket done ...

2011-10-11T14:13:00.001+01:00

but keep it secret as its going to my DD (if you are reading hun just act surprised on Christmas morning). I'm going to put a vintage backing on it so its super cosy when I'm allowed to use my machine again.

Now where is my crewel?

Mobile phone pocket

2011-10-09T15:20:00.001+01:00

It's gone really cold but my favourite fuzzy warm montane jacket hasn't got an inner pocket. I found a little black velour pouch I already head and sewed it in. Even better it has drawstring top so I could always use it for a bit of change. It'll keep my phone or mp3 player dry and pockets free for my hands.

The granny squares are nearly hooked together and i should have enough wool for a border :)

Junk envelopes

2011-10-05T10:48:00.001+01:00

Made a template from the right size envelope and used a beautiful travel brochure. Viola the right size envelope for my Christmas cards. Just another 50 to make.

Playing with layouts

2011-09-26T16:21:00.001+01:00

I am nearing the end of my wool so its time to make up my mind on design. I think I prefer the colours in rows rather than jumbled up (3 colours, pink, brown & orange). I'm going to do a small plainish stripe to give it a bit more detail. This is for my 'homemade home' loving daughter.

Ps I'm now 3 weeks post op and starting to feel a bit more human. The rods are settling in their new home.

Just a quick post

2011-08-29T18:41:00.001+01:00

As teddy was desperate to say hello on his first day alive. I shall definitely be making more. It was fun.

teddy head

2011-08-28T17:44:00.001+01:00

The bear is progressing well. I'm deciding how the mouth is going to go. He is very cheeky looking. I am.so looking forward to assembling Mr bear.

Rag rugging mat

2011-08-23T10:09:00.001+01:00

I've sorted through my tiny offcuts and lots were useable. I've sorted into four colour lots and am doing it on an old rice sack. Not sure how well it will wash but its something from nothing so its worth a try. I've left the handle on as it is useful and looks good.

Triangles everywhere

2011-08-21T19:15:00.001+01:00

They are growing and joining. It's lots of fun to do the hand equivalent of fmq, does it have a name? Binding next.

Hand quilting started

2011-08-11T22:03:00.001+01:00

My 15 mins play solids challenge grew and grew ..... its now going to be a foot warmer on the bed and its getting coloured triangles to quilt it.

Hanger "safe"

2011-08-09T13:25:00.001+01:00

Hi, tried to post about this yesterday so if this is duplicate apologies. Saw this tutorial on another blog and thought it was a great hidey hole for holidays.

This is my best birthday pressie,faith necklace from Lilly Ellen designs.

It's my birthday

2011-08-02T15:56:00.001+01:00

and I'll bunting if I want to.

Cakes baked (plum sponges) and lounge decorated for tomorrow

Happy birthday me.

Birthday bunting nearly done

2011-07-24T20:54:00.001+01:00

It's stitched, embroidered and decorated with old buttons just the neatening off to be done. Best thing is I'll be first to use it.

Birthday bunting

2011-07-11T16:19:00.001+01:00

It's going on a card for DD. I'm making some bigger for birthdays at home and this was from the leftover scraps.

What is this going to be?

2011-06-23T20:03:00.001+01:00

... it involves a rag rugging but its not a rug.

solids 15 mins play piece

2011-06-17T14:08:00.000+01:00

My favourite solid pieced artwork is Matisse's "The Snail", when I saw it at Tate Modern it was amazing, I had no idea from prints of it, the edges are wavy and colouring in the that he did to complete it give a real texture and it jumps out at you and it is HUGE.

i am now debating whether to square up or leave as a kite shape. It just grew that way so I let it go, the shapes the scraps have made are beautiful. i'm wondering whether i could just keep doing white and solid pieces as i get them and keep adding to each side until it builds up to a quilt size?

Pop up buckets

2011-06-10T19:10:00.001+01:00

My IKEA find that will be brilliant for keeping little projects tidy. They even have hanging tabs so can keep worktops tidy.

2011-06-09T16:15:00.000+01:00

i've been busy preparing lots of hand sewing projects for an upcoming period of convalescence. I have been itching to do the 15 minutes play BOM so got the first one done today

http://www.15minutesplay.com/2011/05/square-in-star-tutorial.html

I really enjoyed it and will definitely make more of this one, now where can i put the instructions so i won't forget them.

my scrappie quilt is basted and ready for hours of hand quilting, I'm going for lots of coloured embroidery thread in bold stitches as my concentration won't be good and colours will really show up well agains the contrasting colours.

...... and i had a tiny bit of "made" fabric left for a little make. I support a friend's charity (i sponsor a couple of children at school in Malawi where they are also building a new school) but want to do more so I am starting to build a stash of things to sell for them.

Next necklace

2011-06-03T19:29:00.001+01:00

I had some lovely beads from an old necklace, i think they are some kind of precious stone. It is just big enough to slip over my head.

happy lampshade

2011-05-26T17:19:00.001+01:00

In its new home, the mod podge gives it a nice antique look and its now wipeable.

Covering a lampshade

2011-05-25T17:54:00.001+01:00

I've not done this before so praying it dries well. Started with a paper template, cut out material, spray adhesive on the old shade. I then hot glued on the braid. This was then mod podged to glue and protect it. We will see if it did in a few hours.

Felt necklace done!

2011-05-21T18:11:00.001+01:00

It's threaded and done. Definitely going to make more. I have some lovely coloured waxed cotton to use now. Wore it today. It's very comfy, not too heavy but long enough as it was made to measure.

foliage

2011-05-20T17:28:00.001+01:00

foliage, originally uploaded by alibobbles.

lovely variations in this foliage, I've not taken muany photos in the past couple of weeks and need to keep my hand in.

Bum bag alternative

2011-05-19T09:45:00.001+01:00

I find the ones i have quite uncomfortable and not that pretty. So I decided to make a multi pocketed cute one. Going to be happy putting my phone and purse in it!

Felted bead making.

2011-05-17T16:38:00.001+01:00

I'm having a lot of fun with this new venture. Its a bit like embroidery but I'll get to wear it when its done.

Yellow scraps

2011-05-10T19:25:00.001+01:00

I got chance to play and here is the result. Going to be chopped for a project.

Card making factory

2011-05-05T13:41:00.001+01:00

A photographer friend is having a stall at a fair so I'm on chopping (or wet tearing ) duty.

Her shots go onto contrast card.

Just waiting for them to dry before assembly.

The basket filled and a view of the cover.

2011-05-05T10:42:00.001+01:00

It looks so cosy in there!

Lined basket

2011-05-05T08:25:00.001+01:00

I have bits of work sat in little bags all over so have decided to make them a proper home. It's got a little cover that is made from hexies.

The bottom is a stained panel from a skirt so no use for any other project and the sides are from an old sarong. It could have been slightly bigger to fit better but once filled will be just fine.

It will nice to have something so pretty yet functional to use.

Baby blanket

2011-05-04T16:09:00.001+01:00

My neice has had a little girl, guess the name. Happy with the result but I am never appliqueing on such stretchy fleece again.

Yet another little case is on its way

2011-04-30T20:42:00.001+01:00

Here is a smartphone case in construction. The pics are fairly self explanatory, it has just been turned right sides out and is awaiting a little pink embroidery.

I love little makes!

Hope everyone in the UK is enjoying all the bank holidays and the wedding if you like watching weddings or like the royals.

DD's Easter egg

2011-04-27T16:03:00.001+01:00

Just remembered that I hadn't shared a little make. She got a cafetiere with a home-made cosy. It looks lovely in her flat.

Its beautiful here today

2011-04-27T15:59:00.001+01:00

The view from my sun lounger. Hope you are getting some spring sunshine though its more like summer here.

Crochet top

2011-04-21T19:41:00.001+01:00

Here is the little shrug being modelled.

The recipient was very happy!

violet tulip

2011-04-20T16:05:00.001+01:00

violet tulip, originally uploaded by alibobbles.

just at the top of our road, so beautiful.

Scrap lap

2011-04-17T13:33:00.001+01:00

Scrap lap, originally uploaded by alibobbles.

I have been evicted from my sewing room by DD(it is a bedroom as well), so I am extremely frustrated after a whole week without my daily 15 mins play.

Undefeat though I snuck in and got my tiny scraps and have started hexies with anything that is big enough. I have no ideas what to put the resulting material in? Any suggestions?

Mug Cosies - Tutorial

2011-04-06T10:15:00.001+01:00

Inspired by a plain mug cosy I saw I decided to go one better

You start by making a paper pattern based on your favourite mugs, then cut out one from quilted material and another from patchwork strip. I had appliqued on an initial as both me and my other half have one each.

The velcro needs to be sewn on the right side of the quilted inner layer now, i.t will show otherwise but the other piece waits until it is made up

Sew round the two pieces leaving the end away from the velcro point open, you'll close this when its turned right side out.

This is a very blurry pic, it shows the added layer of fleece to make it extra warm, I attached this with some hemming tape to aid turning it right sides out. Its narrower than the whole piece to stop added bulk with extra seams.

This is it turned right way out and the ends turned under and stitched.

Here it is right sides out, the velcro sewn on last to make sure its in the right place. With a little hand quilting added it looks really cute.

They work really well at keeping the last bit of the drink hot, no more forgotten cold dregs of coffee.

Have you heard about Mug Rug madness?

2011-03-30T16:41:00.000+01:00

http://www.twomoreseconds.com/p/mug-rug-madness.html

Here is my little effort

Its a quilt as you go little scrap quilt. Its made to fit our leather coffee table and accommodates our two cups and plates nicely. It has scraps from the makes that live in the lounge so it tones in really nicely.

Nearly done

2011-03-30T16:34:00.000+01:00

Unfortunately its a really rainy day here so the best pic I could manage was up at the kitchen window. I am deliberating on what size it needs to be, its pretty big already. \I have some more of the burgundy to use up and then my scrap basket is pretty much empty.

stalks and flowers

2011-03-28T21:02:00.001+01:00

stalks and flowers, originally uploaded by alibobbles.

i'm loving my garden in the spring, I never realised how many lovely things come out of nowhere so quickly once it gets warm. its such a blessing being able to record them well!

15 mins play - block 9

2011-03-18T16:05:00.001Z

15 mins play - block 9, originally uploaded by alibobbles.

My sewing room has had new carpet laid so I had a few days enforced non sewing and this drove me up the wall. I did do some crochet but I think I could happily make scrap blocks and do little other sewing.

this is two little diamonds pieced into a block, I have two more that I am going to piece into another block. The outside material is a complete random pick, the first three from the basket and then I fished out more to check there would be enough for a whole block. I'm going with the not over thinking what goes with what. Its alot of fun.

buds appearing

2011-03-16T18:58:00.001Z

buds appearing, originally uploaded by alibobbles.

the garden is sprouting forth new life, spring is such a wonderful time, epseically after the snowy winter we have had.

First peek at the diamond quilt

2011-03-10T19:15:00.000Z

I had to wait a while to find some suitable fabric for the outside triangles and this came along in my recent remnant find at the charity shop. I am loving the colour combinations. Its the first time I have followed a pattern and its quite a different process to my usual organic process.

Scrap quilt

2011-03-10T10:40:00.002Z

I had some lovely new scraps from the diamond quilt I am making so I made up a square and chopped it up.

I absolutely love it with the shiny green inserted. I have been so adventurous, I would never attempt to quilt with shiny slippy fabric but this playing thing makes you do such random stuff.

I am now starting playing with how the blocks are going to look together

I am so looking forward to putting it all together ... still got a small basket of scraps so its not finished till thats empty!

Film watching

2011-03-04T10:28:00.000Z

I've dug out the film 4 list of 50 films and going to see where i have gaps, I'll probably keep the list handy and watch what comes on tele. I happily watch any sci-fi that comes on and so need pushing out of my comfort zone.

1 Apocalypse Now
2 The Apartment
3 City of God
4 Chinatown
5 Sexy Beast
6 2001: A Space Odyssey
7 North by Northwest
8 A Bout de Souffle
9 Donnie Darko
10 Manhattan
11 Alien
12 Lost in Translation
13 The Shawshank Redemption
14 Lagaan: Once Upon A Time in India
15 Pulp Fiction
16 Touch of Evil
17 Walkabout
18 Black Narcissus
19 Boyz n the Hood [CORR]
20 The Player
21 Come and See
22 Heavenly Creatures
23 A Night at the Opera
24 Erin Brockovich
25 Trainspotting
26 The Breakfast Club
27 Hero
28 Fanny and Alexander
29 Pink Flamingos
30 All About Eve
31 Scarface
32 Terminator 2
33 Three Colours: Blue
34 The Royal Tenenbaums
35 The Ladykillers
36 Fight Club
37 The Searchers
38 Mulholland Drive
39 The Ipcress File
40 The King of Comedy
41 Manhunter
42 Dawn of the Dead
43 Princess Mononoke
44 Raising Arizona
45 Cabaret
46 This Sporting Life
47 Brazil
48 Aguirre: The Wrath of God
49 Secrets and Lies
50 Badlands

How many have you seen?

Material finds

2011-03-03T16:01:00.000Z

Very happy with todays haul, they are off for a quick wash before i use them, the floral is going straight into a quilt i am cutting out as its exactly what it needs. Happy bunny!

15 mins play - block 7

2011-03-02T16:20:00.001Z

15 mins play - block 7, originally uploaded by alibobbles.

Inspired by other peoples house I had a go, I had some bright scraps at last after finishing another project. Very happy with my little abode :)

15 min play block 6

2011-02-27T09:32:00.001Z

15 min play block 6, originally uploaded by alibobbles.

I'm having alot of fun playing, this one was a few play sessions as my scraps are getting fairly small. I'll have a fresh batch soon as I am in the process of cutting out a new quilt. A few curves crept into this one, not sure how but they are there and I went with the flow and left them in.

First try at crewel

2011-02-25T16:21:00.000Z

My book arrived and as I have been confined to the house this week I have read it and was itching to have a go. I had some old orange material (it is much brighter than the photo showed and i thought it would show a contract. Unfortunately only biro would stay on it, I tried all my different types of marking pens but its only a try out and as it goes I am covering it all anyway. The flowers took me a couple of hours but were fairly straightforward. Its edged in split stich. I get to try doing the leaves and branches next.

15 min play - block 4

2011-02-19T16:44:00.002Z

15 min play - block 4, originally uploaded by alibobbles.

This is a large block that is going to be squared off with a narrow strip, its got some little scraps of old lace curtains sewn on in a wavy pattern.

15 mins play - block 3

2011-02-17T17:02:00.001Z

15 mins play - block 3, originally uploaded by alibobbles.

I'm trying to use up all my small bits, I have sorted through the sewing bin and now have a large basket of scrap to use. I quilt and sew with repurposed fabrics so lots of it needs unpicking before I can use it to play. Making something out of nothing is very satisfying!

Curtains and grandmas lamp

2011-02-17T08:31:00.000Z

They are up but not hemmed, I'm not sure when I'll be able to bend to do them so it might be a slow job, pins don't look too bad do they? The lamp used to be covered in white paint. I stripped and stained it years ago b but it has never had anywhere to go in this house. So 11 years later and one silk lampshade - ta da! I'll put another picture of the curtains full length when they are done. Don't hold your breath though, it may be some time.

Just realised I haven't told you about the curtains, the material was a charity shop find and they are lined with burgundy cotton. The heading is pleat tape with long necked swan hooks to make the pleats. More pictures might be needed to explain properly.

Roman blind

2011-02-16T16:45:00.001Z

This doesn't show off the material very well but the folds do look nice and neat! - phew. DH bought flowers for valentines day which match it perfectly. I'm really pleased with it for my first blind.

15 minutes play - block 2

2011-02-15T16:50:00.001Z

15 minutes play - block 2, originally uploaded by alibobbles.

My second 15 minutes play block, I think I may have made a little house, loads of tiny bits were used up in this including some that slippy and fraying bits that I would never normally quilt with.