Saturday, June 26, 2010

Just made it!

Hi everyone,
Can it really be June already? I was beginning to think there wouldn't be a June post but I made it with a few days to spare.
Well, as usual there are a lot of pictures to share with you. Starting with something I made for a friend who came to stay a few weeks ago.
This is Poppy's Sewing Set by one of my favourite Australian designers Gail Pan



You may remember I've made this set before which you can see in this blog post

I used different fabrics this time. The raspberry pink fabric is Moda Aviary and I forget what the other one is.
Some hand quilting with DMC perle cotton on the sides



here's a close up of the pincushion and fob. I really love the shape of this pincushion and it's so easy to do



Next up is another Charm Party Tote which I've now made so many times I can make one without even looking at the instruction sheet!
Fabrics used here are Neptune by Tula Pink for Moda.



a view of the back



I made a matching zippered cosmetic purse using this pattern
which is very detailed for anyone suffering from zipperphobia!

I bet you thought I'd never get to the cross stitch well, here it is even though it IS hidden in another bag :)
I stitched this LHN design a couple of years ago and never quite knew what I was going to do with it. It is somewhere on the early pages of my blog but here it is again finished into a roomy tote bag.



Fabrics are Buggy Barn. I just love those pink and chocolate colours which I thought perfect for this design.
I ordered some bling to hang of this bag but don't have it yet so will maybe show that next time.

This next bag is something I threw together for my quilt group fundraiser which is to be held later this year.



These are not really my colours but I was using what I had in my stash.
The pattern is a tutorial on a French blog which you can find here



Now to show you a beautiful surprise gift which I received from Valie who knows I love all things French.
I couldn't wait to get into the prettily wrapped package



and I was just thrilled to see what was inside



How adorable is this small canvas bag which Valie told me was for the beach.
The beach? Perish the thought! I just couldn't bear the idea of all that sand in my lovely bag with its French flag ribbon handles. I think this bag is unique and I will be displaying it somewhere where I can look at and admire it every day.
I've taken the picture from Valie's blog where you can see many more of her lovely creations.

I must have been very, very good because that same week I received another lovely surprise this time from Roberta who sent some gorgeous fabric and the Snazzy Bag pattern by Lila Tuella as well as a book on bag making and a cute pair of scissors.


Thank you so much Roberta for such a wonderful surprise.


A couple of small cross stitch finishes now.
First is Shepherds Bush Antique Heart needle roll which I started years and years ago and never finished. I really enjoyed making it once I got down to it so am already working on another needle roll that I hope to show next time.



This little pinkeep is made from a Carol Tinson design. Carol is a UK designer whose company is called Heirloom Embroideries
This is something else I had started years and years ago and never finished.








Finally some crochet. My daughter is due to have her third child this very day BUT so far he shows no sign of wanting to put in an appearance.
I'm not the best at crochet but I wanted to make a little blanket for him so here it is.



The Pattern is Wee Irish Chain from a Leisure Arts book of baby afghans.



and now just for fun..............

Friend Sheila comes over maybe once a month or so and we stitch, sew and eat scones or cake made by me.
Friend Angela in UK always wishes she could be with us.
Last time Sheila came we had coffee and walnut cake which is Angela's all time favourite so Angela, these pictures are for you :)









Hmmm, looking at the picture of that cake has made me hungry!

Well that's all from me for now. I hope everyone who is in a part of the world where it is summer is enjoying the sunshine and longer days.
Thanks for taking the time to visit my blog.

Margaret

55 comments:

staci said...

Another post just bursting with gorgeousness! That pincushion is really lovely, I love the stitching on it! And your bags are always so beautifully made. You've received some really lovely goodies to enjoy.

Phew! Pass me a piece of that scrumptious looking cake Please!!!

Carol said...

Oh, it is hard to pick a favorite, Margaret! All of your creations are truly beautiful... I do love the way you've combined the LHN chocolate shoppe piece with those luscious fabrics and made the tote! Really special... Thanks for the inspiration :)

hazel c UK said...

Another wonderful post Margaret with so much to see and admired. I love the Gail Pan set also the way you have incorporated the LHN design and the beautiful colours of the bag.
The gifts from Roberta and Valie are lovely and what can I say about the baby blanket it is so pretty, hope the baby has arrived now and everything is okay. I am sure Angela would love to share a piece of cake with you right now.
Thank you again for giving us so much to gaze at.

Love Hazel (UK)

Sally said...

I absolutely love seeing your posts as they are always so full of the most beautiful goodies. Everything is wonderful but I always love seeing your bags and wish I could make one!

Misty said...

Wow, Margaret, it looks like you've been working hard! I really love the bag with the cross stitch and the crochet blanket! I hope your grandson arrives soon. :)

Carolyn said...

As always, I'm blown away with all your pretties that you have to share. And you enabled me to buy the zipper bag pattern, thankyouverymuch! LOL It really does add to the bags, doesn't it? I love all the goodies you received and I'm drooling over that awesome looking cake. Maybe you could share the recipe with us? Pweeese?
friend!

Prayers being said for a safe delivery of your precious grandbaby. HUGS, friend.

Julie said...

Beautiful, Beautiful work, I love your blog posts, such a gorgeous array of eye candy. You rock!

Sheila said...

Just looking at that coffee and walnut cake again has me salivating - it was absolutely delicious! And M kindly gave me a piece to take home too. Sorry Angela :)
All the bags from the Queen of Bags look fabulous as ever, and that one from Valie is sooo cute:)

Lesleyanne said...

Everything in this post is aboslutely gorgeous.

Jenn M said...

What a treat to see you've put up another post full of lovely things. You certainly made the most of June!
I love all the bags, but esp. the one with the cross stitch panel. Another finish I hadn't thought of!
Jenn

Margaret said...

All I can say is you're absolutely amazing. I wish I had your sewing skills. Love that blanket for your due-anytime grandbaby too! Bet you're on pins and needles waiting!

Daffycat said...

Just beautiful work all around! I love the pinkeep so much! The fabric was MADE for it!

angelasweby said...

I'm sure each post on your blog gets better and better Margaret.
You really are unbelievably talented and this time you have really given us something amazing to look at. No, I'm not talking about the bags, needleroll, pinkeeps or baby blankets. I'm talking about the coffee and walnut cake and, by the way, who ate my piece :>) One day I will visit and eat my slice myself!

Seriously Margaret, your bags are wonderful. The charm bag is charming and the Poppy Set is lovely too but I absolutely love the one with the LHN panel. It's such a clever way of combining two needlework skills and you've also brought together a wonderful colour combination.

The needleroll is finished so prettily with the beads and lace and the blanket is gorgeous. Hopefully it won't be too long before the little one makes an appearance.

Your gifts are fantastic. I love the beach bag and am not at all surprised that it will get nowhere near a real beach. I expect to see Roberta's fabrics being turned into another bag sometime soon.
Angela xx

Chookyblue...... said...

as usual a wonderful show of sewing goodies.......love it all esp the first set........and what a lovely French bag too..........

Karen said...

Beautiful finishes. Your bags are amazing. I just love the stitching set you made...too pretty!

Anonymous said...

Every time I visit your blog my jaw hits the floor - a visit always guarantees some amazing eye candy ... your bags are to die for, and your stitching equally as gorgeous. You're even tempting me to drag out a pattern and give bag making a go! :D

Just Ramblin' said...

Great Post! Love the charm party tote. Wondering if there is a pattern source available? Nola

FIONA said...

Absolutely beautiful Margaret again and again and again. I love the Gail Pan set - I have bought this pattern and am now thoroughly inspired to do it! And I love your bags - they are just gorgeous. You are one lucky lady to receive such lovely gifts too! I'm thinking living and relaxing in Spain is obviously a creative stroke of genius on your part! Love all your bits and pieces and especially your blog. thankyou. x

Apple Avenue Quilts said...

As usual you work is stunning. You achieve so much you are such an inspiration. I especially love your chocolate shop bag and the baby blanket. Your grandson is very lucky!

Michelle said...

I cannot even begin to tell you how wonderful your blog posts are - always so full of the most wonderful work. You are a true inspiration to all us stitchers. Michelle x

Sandra said...

You always have such lovely things to show us. I LOVE that blue and yellow bag, I wish I had been able to bid on it, or buy it, whatever. The SB needleroll turned out beautifully, lets hope our Strawbery Patch looks as good.

t said...

Oooooohhhh myyyy!!!!!, I have no words, I love everything, absolutely everything althoug I have to say the bags are my favorites, I'm a bag-addict, LOL, LOL. Congratulations!!!. Have a lovely day ♥

Dorothy said...

Margaret, as usual, all of your finishes are beautiful. It's hard to pick a favorite. The crochet baby blanket is wonderful and I'm sure will be treasured. The blankets Mom made for my two, are put away in their memory boxes, perhaps to be used again when they have their own children.

Anonymous said...

As usual your bags are fab! I like the one you have 'thrown together' for your sale of work in November!
BTW, the cake tastes as good as it looks!!!
Caz

Caro-CLF said...

Bravo, c'est très joli!
J'aime beaucoup.ail

Caro-CLF said...

Bravo, c'est très joli!
J'aime beaucoup.

Deb said...

Oh my goodness Margaret - what a wonderful post with all those wonderful things. I just love those bags that you made and that pincushion is so wonderful. I'm going to have to scout out the pattern for that one.

Then on top of it you show that wonderful cake! Now I need some!

Shirley said...

I love your blog and looking at all your wonderfully makes. You are a very talented lady. kind regards, Shirley

jane said...

Another lovely blog post , thank you for sharing with us Margaret. I love to see all your beautiful creations. The cake looked lovely too!We are just starting to think about a trip to the Costa Blanca for next year and your blog always puts me in the mood for Spain!

Nancy said...

Everything is just gorgeous as always Margaret, including the wonderful surprises you received!

Poppy's Sewing Set is so unique! I love the shape of the pincushion too, and your satin stitches look so pretty. Your bag from Valie is wonderful!

Oh my the Walnut Cake looks delicious! I'm making brownies tonight so those will just have to do.

P.S. The crochet blanket is very sweet!

Gail said...

How exciting to see you made my pattern again....I am thrilled to see it on your post. Love the charm tote bag as well..and also the chocolate cross stitch bag...and the blanket...best wishes for your new grandson

Katherine said...

Great bags again! And I agree with you, that pincushion has a terrific figure. My mouth is watering now after seeing that cake; so clever of you to cut Angela a slice. And thanks for the lead on that bag pattern last month.

MOMENTS Designs said...

Margaret...you amaze me! How do you always manage to get soooo many beautiful things done??? If you can't find a place for a purse or a needle roll...I can send you my addy! LOL
Hugs,slow sewing Liz

Michelle said...

Margeret, you are amazing! You are so talented! Everything is gorgeous from the bags to the cake (including the cross stitching). I must admit I simply LOVE the bags - they are so beautiful I feel inspired to make one myself :)

Lapplisor said...

Hi Margaret
Your works are all so wonderful ...
I have no words to give expression of my enthusiasm...
Your LHN embroidery looks so perfect on the bag,
I like also the needleroll .
- Now I take quite a lot of positive impressions ...
Thank you for show's :-)
Happy Stitching
♥☼♥Barbara♥☼♥

Peg said...

Margaret they are stunning as always, your talent never ceases to amaze me. I'm way behind with my blog but keep popping back to see what goodies you've stitched/made to show us.

Peg x

Catherine said...

I nearly could have missed this post before going on holidays!!
Your poppy set is marvellous, I have visited the website, thank you for this visit!!
I hope to find it maybe in a French retailer?

Have a nice week-end

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous!!!!
Hugs
Françoise

Clare said...

You are still an inspiration to me Margaret - what a beautful selection of stitched treasures to be sure. Which pattern did you use for the pale green tote? Is it still available?
And cake too! May I have a piece, my family don't like coffee and walnut, so I never make it just for me. (Sob sob)

Carol R said...

Another lovely post with gorgeous pieces to show.

Poor Angela - teasing her with a delicious cake! Where's my slice?

Lynn B said...

Oh my I am speechless, your creations are such a joy to see, I love them all. I am drooling over that cake, mmmm I feel a baking day coming on!

Hugs from Lynn.

tintocktap said...

Love all your sewing Margaret, but the Gail Pan pincushion is just gorgeous!

Hope all is well with your daughter - love the crochet blanket too.

nilda said...

Amei conhecer seu blog, e junto com os trabalhos , a cultura que sĂł faz bem.
Beijoca Nilda.
http://meucantin5.blogspot.com/

Roberta said...

Wow, Margaret, you have been busy. Love the afghan you made for your newest grandchild. As always your bags are fantastic.

Hopefully someday I will get to taste Walnut cake - it looks yummy!

Roberta

Pat said...

Your work is beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Happy Quilting!

Siobhán said...

I had to laugh at that pic of Angela's slice!! LOL You are a woman of many talents, Margaret. Your stitching is always superb, and omg, the bags are incredible!!! I love them. Thanks for mentioning the fabric lines, too. I'm getting back into quilting and it's nice to see what's what. Beautiful work!

Litamora's Quilt & Design said...

The 'Poppy's sewing set' you made are just lovely! I like this pattern so much, but haven't had time to make all of the items yet, just the needle pillow. Love your fabri choice too :o)
And the bags/purses of yours, are so great too! Lots of yummy stuff you've made :o)
Have a great day,
Laila

KaHolly said...

Hi, Margaret. Wow! You have a ton of fabulous finishes. I am deeply in love with charm party bag. It is just adorable. The needle roll? You know, if you make things too, too beautiful, no one will want to use them??? Well done!! Certainly enjoyed my visit. ~karen

countrygarden said...

Hello, just wanted to stop by and thank you for visiting my blog. Loved my visit to yours. I enjoyed looking at all of your lovely handmade bags and congratulations for the new grandbaby.

Mary said...

CONGRATULATIONS MARGARET,
Just noticed that you have managed to win some of the wonderful material from BBD. Well done! at least you will make good use of it with one of your fabulous bags, and not just hoard it like I would. I adore all your bags expecially the ones with the French General material. Hope all is well with your grandson.
Mary

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Sonda said...

I am blown away by your beautiful sewing...those are all lovely bags! Of course, the stitching that goes with is exquisite as well...

John'aLee said...

Your work is absolutely amazing! What a great friend you are...giving gifts when people come to see you. Usually its the other way around! I am not only impressed...I am inspired.
Have you ever read any of Alexandra Stoddard's books? I think you would really love them.

Moreen said...

Fanastic! Your work is amazing.
I have just found your blog and I can't tell you how glad I am.

MysteryKnitter said...

Fantastic projects! I can't but admire your skills. And I am glad your friend gave that little bag with French flag color strip.