More bags!

Not another bag I hear you cry! Yes, I do seem to have a bit of a fascination for making them and I'll probably burn myself out on it eventually but it's a bit like a box of chocolates - you have to have just one more :)
I think of all the bags I've made this one is, so far, my favourite. The pattern is the Sew Charming Bag by Rosehip Lane
and the fabric is Neptune by Tula Pink for Moda Fabrics.
As soon as I saw this fabric line I fell in love with the gorgeous ocean shades and nautical prints.




Here's a view of the inside of the bag. I added extra pockets as I don't think you can ever have too many!



I had plenty of fabric left so decided to make a project bag to go inside of the big bag.



I've stitched this mermaid a few times now and decided it would be perfect for the pockets on the front and back of this little drawstring bag.
I've made this bag before using a Gail Pan design called Poppy's Sewing Set.



and because I can never resist making matching items I made a pincushion from the Fig Tree Quilts pattern Petite Gateaux and my favourite little needlecase from a tutorial you can find on this blog



I actually changed the turquoise button on the needlecase after these pictures were taken as thought it looked better with a covered button that matched the one on the pincushion.
Here's a view of the inside of the needlecase. If you haven't made one of these before they are super easy, take about half an hour (if that) to make and always turn out great.


I do have other finished items to share but I haven't taken the pictures yet so will save them for next time. Just a hint.........there's another bag coming soon :)
Have a great day and thanks as always for visiting my blog.

Margaret

Finally!

When I said I would be taking a short blogging break for the summer I really didn't mean to be gone so long!
Once the family had left I did have good intentions of updating my blog but kept finding other things to do.
I'm finally back now so on with the pictures................

A few weeks ago I received a beautifully stitched and framed mermaid from Nancy.
If you are a reader of Nancy's blog then you'll already know her lovely work so, as you can imagine, I was thrilled to add this new mermaid to my collection.
Nancy added little sequins to the piece for a bit od added sparkle and the frame is one of her vintage finds.



In addition to the mermaid Nancy sent this gorgeous hand painted oyster shell that she found on a visit to Charleston S.C.



The artist has signed and dated it on the back




It's so unusual. Thank you for the lovely gifts Nancy :)


About two years ago I started stitching the Beatrix Potter Sampler as a SAL but it turned into something of a chore for me and has taken all this time to finish.
I stitched it on 36ct antique white Belfast linen using one strand of Vikki Clayton silk in Dusty Rose.



Not a very good picture but it should be clickable for a better view.

I can't tell you the relief now that I'm finished. I think I prefer stitching smaller things these days.

When my daughter was here she saw me doing some stitchery and decided to have a go.
She stitched two small Halloween pieces and I turned them into little pails for the kids to store their treats.




I think they should be able to get plenty in there!

I've made some progress with the hexagons I've been doing in Civil War reproduction fabrics



Finally, a small Stacy Nash Primitives finish. This is a heart shaped pinkeep.
A quick stitch and an easy finish.




Stitched with one strand of DMC on 32 ct Lambswool Linen using fabric from Blackbird Designs Harvest Home line for the backing


I think that's all I can show you for now. There are a few things awaiting finishing that I can, hopefully, show next time.

No nice beach pictures as we have had a couple of weeks of storms and torrential rain. Yes, when it rains here it really does rain!
We're back to the blue skies and sunshine now but I haven't been anywhere to take pictures.

As always thanks for visiting! I hope to be back soon ;)

Margaret

All things nautical

Time for another overdue blog update. Where does the time go!
Do you like the ocean?
I ask because nearly all of what I have to share today is cross stitch and quite a bit of it has a nautical theme.
My most recently finished project is Cape Cod Girls by the Primitive Needle.
This was done as a SAL together with a few friends. I think I might be the first to finish but that is because my piece is stitched on 40 ct fabric and I was having a bit of a struggle with it. I decided it wouldn't be a good idea to switch between the 40 ct and anything lower so I just soldiered on to the finish.
The threads are the recommended WDW and the fabric is Picture This Plus.
I had seen this finished on Siobhan's blog and liked the way she chose to fussy cut her thread to make the tentacles on one octopus green and the other one purple so I copied that idea. Thanks Siobhan :)



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Before I share any more stitching I just have to show you this little display cabinet in the shape of a rowing boat that Sheila bought for me. It is complete with a pair of oars and I just love it.

Upturned it's just perfect for displaying some of my ocean themed treasures. Actually, I'm laughing because my husband says it looks like a coffin LOL.
Ah well, we stitchers like to stitch tombstone angels and the like so I doubt if anyone will even care!


How cute is this?



The next thing I want to show you is the most beautiful sewing case that Brigitte made for me. Brigitte and I had arranged a private exchange last year and I was absolutely blown away when I opened the package and saw what she had stitched for me.
It's a sewing case with a garden/bunny theme by the French designer : L'atelier des fées brodeuses. The front and back of the case are densely stitched


Notice all the stitching on the roof of the house?
I just can't believe how much work went into this! Oh, and while I remember, you should be able to click any of the pictures to enlarge for a close up.



and there is even more stitching inside the case with the most adorable tiny fob which is attached to a shiny new pair of stork scissors.



Tucked inside the little pockets are some bunny buttons and inside the big pocket some gorgeous variegated Anchor threads.

As if all that was not enough Brigitte also sent fabric, two patterns, and a book which I am really looking forward to reading.


I have to say this was definitely one of my most favourite exchanges ever. I'm just thrilled with my new sewing case. Thank you so much Brigitte - you really spoiled me.


I've been trying to improve on my finishing skills lately. Here are some pictures of my latest challenge.

Maidens of the Sea by Ellen Chester of With My Needle was such a pleasure to stitch.
Sheila had stitched hers a while back and hadn't done anything with it so we got together for a couple of finishing days. Neither of us found it easy but we got there in the end and had great fun in the process.



The tiny fob is really cute



a back view of the case and fob



and a view of the indside of the case



Here are some pictures of another recent finishing challenge.
This is Blackbird Designs Buttons and Blooms and no, you're not seeing things there really are three of them!



Sheila stitched one and was scared to attempt the piped edging on the pillow so I finished hers as well as two of my own. This is the first time I'd attempted piping and I had a bit of a problem at the corners but I got there in the end.
The kits come with a little drawstring thread bag in Blackbird Designs At Waters Edge fabric - very pretty.






Staying with Barb and Alma's lovely designs here's a quick stitch that I finished in a couple of days. Small Token is stitched using the recommended Crescent Colours threads and 32 ct Light Examplar linen.


I coffee dyed the lace trim and used fabric from the Blackbird Designs Harvest Home line for the backing





I forgot to show a picture of this table runner in my last post. This is the Crossroads Tablerunner from the Charmed and Dangerous book by Heather Mulder Peterson using a Collection for the Cause charm pack. Not being an expert in quilting this is just machine quilted in the ditch.



The last four pictures were taken on a recent day out to Guadalest. It's one of my favourite places to go and usually only when we have visitors staying.Everyone enjoyed the beautiful scenery and a look around the gift shops.







Phew! This is yet another long post.
Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog and for staying with me to the end :) I have family coming out for the month of August and will be taking a longer blogging break than usual as I won't have time for sewing. I'll be back in September. Happy summer!

Margaret

Flowers for Sarah is done!

One of my favourite cross stitch designers is Blackbird Designs and as soon as I saw the Flowers for Sarah needle case in the Thank You, Sarah Tobias book I knew I had to stitch it.
I stitched as part of a SAL with a few like minded friends which was a great way to get motivated and actually finish within a set time frame.
I used the recommended R & R Expresso 30 ct linen and Crescent Colours threads.
The finishing fabric is Beach House by Blackbird Designs for Moda.
The linen is quite stiff and was well distressed in that some of the creases seem to be permanent but, hopefully, it all adds to the rustic charm of the piece.












The next thing I have to show you is The Couch Companion which is a design by Leanne Beasley of Leanne's House.
I love all the wonderful things the Australian designers come up with and this was a real pleasure to stitch. The Couch Companion is designed to go over the arm of the sofa to keep all your stitching bits and bobs together while you stitch. I made this for one of my friends here in Spain. I hope she likes it!

Here it is folded



and a few views of it open.





All fabric used on the inside of the case are from the Harvest Home line by Blackbird Designs for Moda

I don't think there can be many cross stitchers that are not familiar with Yuko's blog. Yuko is from Japan and she does the most beautiful stitching and finishing. Not only that but her photography is outstanding.
She recently had a blog drawing to celebrate three years in Blogland and I was lucky enough to win one of her gorgeous pinkeeps.
The pinkeep has a Lily of the Valley design. Yuko says when you give someone Lily of the Valley it brings the recipient happiness. Well it certainly worked for me Yuko as I couldn't be happier :) I will call this my Happiness pinkeep and treasure it always.
Because my pictures are nowhere near as lovely as the ones Yuko took I am borrowing them from her blog. Here is the front



here's the back




and lastly one of my own pictures showing the lovely card and pretty threads Yuko included



I also have a pinkeep of my own making to show. I finished the stitching ages ago and have only now finished it into a pinkeep.
It's the Christmas Spot Sampler by Ewe & Eye & Friends. Yes, I know it's a bit unseasonal especially in the heat of the Spanish summer but if I put it away until Christmas I'd probably forget all about it!



Here's a picture of the back. I used fabric from the Sweet Romance line by Blackbird Designs for Moda. I DID say I love Blackbird Designs didn't I?




I think that's all for now other than a few pictures taken while out and about.
The buttons were on a market stall at a place called Guadamar. I did buy one or two but was so spoilt for choice I could hardly make a decision.


This is part of the fabulous beach at Guadamar




One of my friends lives in one of the apartments overlooking this courtyard and the following picture is the view from her balcony







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Thanks so much for visiting my blog today. I hope everyone is enjoying some sunshine no matter where in the world you are.

Margaret

Catching Up

I really don't know how you bloggers out there manage to stay on top making regular posts to your blogs. I seem to be forever lagging behind but even when I'm quiet I'm still beavering away making something so here are a few updates on some of the things that have been keeping me busy.

I've done some sewing and no post would be complete without a bag. Two of the ladies at my quilting group wanted me to show them how to make one of the bags I've made recently so I worked alongside them putting this one together. Fabrics are Madeira by Blackbird Designs for Moda. It's a pattern you've seen before but it's a nice easy one to make and always turns out great.
Here's the front of the bag



and this is the back (you can click on any of the pictures for a close up)



I love to make things out of nothing so with the few scraps that were left I made the matching zippered pouch



I learned to knit when I was a child and have knitted for most of my life until cross stitching took over about twenty years ago. A couple of years ago I started a lace shawl in fine Alpaca yarn. I got bored with it and put it away until recently when I decided to finish it



It's not the best picture. It was difficult to photograph but I hope you get the idea. The pattern I used is the Flower Basket Shawl by Evelyn Clark.

Still in the mood to work with yarn I had seen a lot of lovely granny squares being crocheted and shown off on various blogs so I decided to have a go. I was never taught to crochet but have managed to pick it up with the help of some online tutorials, You Tube videos and Jan Eaton's book 200 Crochet Blocks from which I worked to make these squares.
I used acrylic yarn for my practice squares but now that I feel confident enough I'd like to crochet a granny square throw in cotton




I've also done a lot of cross stitching recently. I finished all of the stitching on the Flowers for Sarah needleroll that I showed in my last post. I've just received the fabric I had ordered for the finishing so will hopefully have that to share next time.
Meanwhile here are some scissor fobs that I stitched and finished a while ago.
The charts are a series of four seasonal Whimzies by Just Nan. I liked the idea of a fob for all seasons rather than framing.






I did take an individual picture of the Winter fob but it looks a bit unseasonal hanging off the Christmas tree so I've left that picture out :)



Hopefully I won't leave it so long before I make my next post. As always, thanks for visiting my blog and for your lovely comments.
Margaret

It's been a while since my last post so here, without further ado, is what has kept me busy since my last blog entry.

First up is a sewing bag and accessories.



I cobbled two patterns together to come up with this bag. The stitchery, and overall size of the bag is from Crabapple Hill Posy Pockets Handbags and the rest is made up from the Bow Tucks Tote bag by Quilts Illustrated.
The fabric is Moda Simplicity.

To go inside the bag I made a little zippered pouch with a tiny yo yo and button trim, a pincushion with a bigger yo yo and one of the cute needle cases from a tutorial that you can find here Khris has done a great job on this tutorial. It's so easy and only takes about a half hour to make






OK, I just couldn't resist taking this picture



It might have been a good idea if I'd given him a wash first as it seems like the birds have been using him for purposes we won't go into here :)

Staying with the pink theme............I wanted to do some crochet so here's a doily I made from Patricia Kristoffersen's Coffee n Cream Doily book using Coats #12crochet cotton.



Do you remember the mermaid bags from my last post? Well, Sheila and her sister Pamela have been busy making bling to go on our bags. I was blown away when I saw the gorgeous dangly things they have made to hang off the side of the bag and there is also a scissor fob and mermaid needle rest.
You can click on any of the pictures for a better view if you would like.



Every Thursday morning four of us meet up to make bobbin lace.
Now I'm told that children can make bobbin lace but, while I may be approaching my second childhood, this is one craft that does not come easy to me. It takes me forever to produce even the tiniest scrap of lace! Here are two bookmarks that have kept me busy for weeks. It takes Sue, the person who teaches us, just one evening to make one!




There's not a lot of progress in the quilting department either although I have managed to make another hexagon flower from some pre cut fabric hexagon shapes. These are from Keepsake Quilting 100 in a pack made from reproduction fabrics.
I'm not sure what they are going to be used for - I'll decide when I have them all made and laid out.



I don't usually show pictures of my cross stitch WIPS but since I have no stitching finishes to share here's my Blackbird Designs Flowers for Sarah needlecase WIP.
Sorry for the creased state of it. The linen is R & R and it is usually distressed even before I begin bunching it up as I stitch in hand.






Finally I know there are some of you that enjoy the pictures of Spain so here are some from when we went to the market at La Villa Joyhosa a couple of weeks ago.





These coloured houses are part of the old town. They are doing quite a bit of work in that area hence parts of it are cordoned off.




I think that has brought me up to date. I've enjoyed sharing my pictures with you. As always thanks for visiting and for your nice comments :)

Margaret

A long post!

It's a while since I've posted anything but I'm so excited to be showing you what has been keeping me busy over the past few weeks.
A couple of years ago Christine gifted me a piece of gorgeous Laurel Burch Ocean Song fabric. I'd looked at the fabric many times and wondered what I might do with it. I knew I wanted it to be something special but what............
When I made my first dilly bag last year it occurred to me that this would be the perfect pattern to showcase these gorgeous mermaids and so the idea was born.
Ocean Song is an old fabric line and the mermaids are like gold dust to find now but it's still possible to find some of the other fabrics in the range. I bought enough to be able to make two bags as I knew friend Sheila, another mermaid fan, would love one of these bags as much as I did.
I felt these mermaids deserved to be photographed where they would feel right at home so I took the bags to a beach where there are some nice rocks for the photo shoot :) Be sure to click on the pictures for a better view





When Sheila came over to see how her bag was coming along she blew me away when she presented me with this gorgeous Laurel Burch Ocean Song mug!





Now I know for a fact I'll never be able to bring myself to drink out of this mug for fear of dropping it on the hard tile floor we have throughout the house but it will be displayed somewhere safe that I can enjoy looking at it every day.

On to other things... a friend who loves owls had a birthday so I made a matching pincushion and fob for her. The design is one by the Prairie Schooler from the Autumn Leaves book. This is the front view



and here is the back



another small gift I've been working on is a sewing pocket, pincushion and fob.
The pocket and pincushion are from a pattern by Calico Farm and I added the fob by taking a small element of the stitchery design.
Fabrics used are Kona Cotton Natural and the print is Blackbird Designs Madeira



Here's a view of the inside of the sewing pocket



Since there is not a lot of cross stitch content in this post here's my finished Return to the Sea which is a lovely design by The Sampler Girl
I used the recommended threads and a piece of unknown linen from my stash



Another small finish is Stacy Nash Hanging Bluebird Pinkeep. Again this is the recommended threads and unknown linen. This was my first attempt at ageing fabric with walnut ink crystals and I was quite pleased at how it turned out.



Finally, just for fun, here is a picture of the local merceria where I am lucky enough to be able to go to buy trims, buttons etc. The man and wife team that run it know me well and are always delighted to see what I've been making with the things I buy from them. You definitely need to click on this picture! I can take orders LOL.



and since we've already done the nice beach pictures here's a sight you don't see every day in UK which is where I'm from. These goats live about a mile away from us and every day they go out for a walkies. I love to see them out and about even though they do hold up the traffic at times!




Wow! what a long post. Are you still with me? I hope you've enjoyed the pictures as much as I have enjoyed sharing them with you. Thank you for visiting my blog and, as always, thank you for your lovely comments.

Margaret