Thursday, September 16, 2010

A productive month

Hi everyone,
I can't believe we are already halfway through September!
It's been a productive month for me so far but as I'm going to start trying to post more frequently I'll save some of what I've been making to show next time.
The first thing I have to share today is a bag I've made for my ten year old grand daughter.
She's been ice skating since she was five years old and I thought this bag would be great for all her hair ornaments, make up and all the other essentials that are needed to look a star on ice.



The fabric I used for this bag is Grandmother's Flower Garden by Rosalie Quinlan

I love the little house print but the back of the bag is just as pretty





The bag has a concealed zip and plenty of room inside.

I'm not sure if the pattern is still available but it was a SAL on this French blog

I recently took part in a private exchange with Lynn whose lovely stitching and finishing I have admired for some time.

Lynn made me a very special needle case in the most gorgeous fabrics and she also stitched this pretty little pillow to match




the stitched pillow is backed with the same fabric used on the needlebook



The inside of the needlebook is delightful having some very special rose head pins, buttons and matching heart shaped thread ring all hand made by Lynn.
Thank you so much Lynn. I enjoyed our exchange and love what you made for me!
By the way, you should be able to click on any of the pictures to view things in more detail if you wish.




Lynn had admired a drawstring bag I had made a while ago so I made it again for her



and I also made a sewing pocket with matching pincushion and fob





Now on to the cross stitch. Friend Sheila and I have been getting together on a regular basis to get some cross stitch projects finished into finished items.
This needle case by the French designer Au Fil des Reves is one thing we did on one of our finishing fests.



Here's the back



and a view of the inside



We've finished another needle book since then but I'll save the pictures for next time.

I took part in Niky's contest to stitch one of her designs that she offered free to anyone taking part



My number wasn't drawn for a prize but everyone was a winner as Niky sent anyone that took part another of her designs at the end of the contest.



Here's another little pillow that I stitched from a free chart on a French blog



Finally some knitting. This is a small lace shawl that I started earlier this year and then forgot about. The pattern is Ishbel by Ysolda Teague which can be purchased as a download through Ravelry. The yarn is Zephyr wool/silk laceweight.



It's not very big at all so more of a scarf that will be very welcome in the cold winter months. The way time is flying past that won't be so long in coming!
Thanks for visiting my blog today. I enjoy your comments and try to answer your questions if I can but am only able to do that if you are not set to noreply.
I'm off tomorrow on a mini break to Granada and the Alhambra Palace. I'm very excited!

Margaret

46 comments:

Margaret said...

What a lot of eye candy! I love the little bag you made for your granddaughter -- it's just lovely! I also love the exchange pieces you and Lynn made for each other. You are both so talented! Your Au Fils de Reve piece is wonderful,as is the Niky piece you made. Love the freebie pillow, and your shawl is beautiful! Figures you knit as well as everything else! Have fun at the Alhambra!

KarenV said...

Everything looks fantastic Margaret! I particularly like the bag you made for your granddaughter, it's such a great shape. The Au fil des reves piece is also beautiful, I love the backing fabrics. You have such wonderful taste in projects, both the projects themselves and the fabrics, colours etc. which you choose.

Carol said...

I always love seeing a new post from you, Margaret--your finishes are beyond perfect!! The colors you choose for your pieces are so soft and soothing...

Enjoy your time at the Alhambra--my son was lucky enough to spend last summer in Spain and that was one of the highlights of his visit.

Mary said...

Oh my Margaret, so many lovely things. Your latest bag is very cute and your Grand-daughter will love it I am sure. Your gifts to and from friends are all beautiful and then that stunning shawl. I don't know how you fit it all in. Thanks for sharing.
Mary

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Hello Margaret, I am back after my lovely break from blogging. OH, WOW what lovely lovely stitching you have been doing. I have enjoying looking at all your great projects. I also noted all your pretty scissors collections. Safe travels on your holiday. I look forward to seeing pics of Alhambra?? I will have to look it up to see what this is??? Hugs Judy

Dovilė said...

So many wonderful needleworks:) I like them, especialy the needle case by "Au Fil des Reves" and Niky's interpratation:)

staci said...

I think all your months are productive! Gorgeous exchanges by both you and Lynn. I am simply drooling over that needlecase! And your shawl is exquisite too. Everything you make is so inspiring!

Apple Avenue Quilts said...

I always love it when I see you've posted. Your finished projects are lovely. I'll bet your granddaughter is absolutely thrilled with her new bag and as always I love seeing your cross stitch. I'm looking forward to your posting more often.

Sheila said...

Another beautiful feast for the eyes...gorgeous pieces and fabulous photos!!!

Ana Luisa said...

Everything is so beautiful, thanks for sharing the photos, and well done on all!

jane said...

Beautiful work as always Margaret and lovely exchange gifts, I am pleased that you intend to post more often. I can't decide which I like best in this latest post -they are all lovely.
Enjoy your trip to Granada. I am going to be visiting ther myself in October - can't wait! If you get the chance to blog about your visit I would be very interested. We will be having a guided tour of the Alhambra but I'm not sure what else I should be aiming to see while I am there. I am also visiting Seville, have you been there?

Daffycat said...

*wipes up the drool*

Awesome projects, Margaret! I love the little bag you made for your GD. She will be the envy of all the girls in her class!

I especially like the needlebooks you've shown here. They are just lovely and so handy!

Sally said...

I love absolutely everything Margaret. There is also so much eye candy in your posts. I love the bag you made for your grand daughter. I bet she loves it.

Gail said...

wow, you have made some gorgeous things, I especially like the Au Fils de Reve needle book and of course I was thrilled to see a "threads and things" bag!

Just Me and My Shadow said...

I get quite excited when I see a new blog post from you Margaret as I always know I will be in for a visual delight. This one was no exception and I just love all your finishes. Everything is always perfect and beautifully presented. Congratulations :))

Chrissie

Heather said...

Everything is utterly fabulous! I have my eye on Ishbel, and your's makes me want to stitch it all the more.

Chookyblue...... said...

another wonderful bunch of projects........

Roberta said...

Hi Margaret, not sure where to start since I have been catching up with your blog.

Love the rabbit and cat - way too cute

The exchange with Lynn is beautiful,both in what you sent and what Lynn made for you.

You and Sheila, do some beautiful work together.

The little bag for your grand daughter is just darling - love it and I know she will too.

Do love the shawl/scarf that you knitted - you are one talented lady.

I love everything that you have stitched, sewed or received. Great Blog!!!

Thanks for sharing -- Roberta

Sandra said...

Love your Au Fil de Reves project, I think I have that in my stash somewhere, and was going to stitch it ages ago, but never did. The lining fabric is a perfect match for the threads. Hope you have a great break, I'll write next month, as we're leaving soon for our trip.

Lesleyanne said...

Everything is absolutely gorgeous. Have a lovely break.

Michelle said...

Oh my goodness everything is wonderful - what a lovely blog post to read. Well done. Michelle x

Michelle said...

Oh my goodness everything is wonderful - what a lovely blog post to read. Well done. Michelle x

Lynn B said...

Thankyou so much Margaret for all of the beautiful things you made for me in our exchange, I thoroughly enjoyed receiving such exquisite gifts. I am so glad you liked what I made for you.

Hugs

Lynn

hazel c UK said...

I always get a thrill when I see you have posted Margaret and what a delight this post was. Everything is outstanding also the photography is very good as well, you can see all the little details. I could not pick out a favourite but I guess if I had to it would be the little bag for your grand daughter or the beautiful set for Lynne. You are amazing Margaret and thank you so much for sharing. Have a good mini break and travel safe.

Love Hazel (UK)

Unknown said...

You have been very busy. What beautiful work.

I love the little sewing themed pin keep. On which blog did you find it?

Ellen said...

Wow, gorgeous! I love everything, that little bag for your granddaughter, the pincushions, the needlebook and especially what you stitch for Lynn. Admire you knitting as well!

Hugs,

angelasweby said...

What a feast for the eyes, Margaret. I make a point of checking into your blog even when I'm far away on holiday and what a treat this little visit is.
I love the bag you've made for your granddaughter. Bags like this are so useful as well as pretty to look at and, of course, the exchange pieces you and Lynn made are fabulous. You are both so talented and it's lovely to see how much thought and time you both put into making something really special :>)
I love the Au Fils des Reves needlebook and your finish on Niky's contest design is gorgeous.
Hope you are enjoying your trip to Granada, I know you've been looking forward to it.
The little shawl is gorgeous. You'll be needling it soon when you pop over to Blighty. Just remember, Keep Calm and......haha!
Angela xx

Nancy said...

I think every month is a productive month for you Margaret! Everything is just gorgeous as your things always are! I love your shawl - what a beautiful color!

Karoline said...

They're all gorgeous Margaret, congratulations.

Have a lovely time in Granada

t said...

Hi dear, wow, do not swear it's been a productive month. Your grand daughter must be thrilled with her new bag, although now she has now friends because after seeing the bag they hate her, LOL, LOL, LOL.

The cross stitch is awesome, what you did and what you received. I have fallen in love with the drawstring bag; I love that fabric, I don't know if it's Toile de Jouy but it looks like it, I had never seen anything done in pink. The Au Fil des Reves is also so cute and neat.
I do not knit so I really think it's impossible to do that with human hands, LOL, LOL, it looks very pretty as well.

Andrea said...

One word....gorgeous!

Siobhán said...

What a fantastic blog entry, Margaret! The bag that you made for your granddaughter is so cute! I love the exchange that you did with Lynn, too. I can't wait to see more of what you & Sheila come up with--your finishes are fantastic! I love what you did with Niky's design, too. The knitting is exquisite!

Stina Blomgren said...

Your work is fantastic... so many pretty things made..
Really need to get me going on the cross stitch again...:O)

Peg said...

Margaret as always a delight to visit your blog. You amaze us each time with the beautiful items you create thank you for sharing them with us. I never go away disappointed from your blog. I'm so pleased Sheila and yourself are able to spend time stitching together I would love to be a fly on the wall watching you both busily stitching and enjoying each others company, long may you continue. :o)

I look forward to you next post and you new reveals.

hugs Peg xx

Catherine de l'Atelier des dix doigts said...

Everything is beautiful.
It is always a pleasure to visit your blog.
My favorite project is the sewing bag with the fob, etc ...
lovely

Anonymous said...

You always display such lovely things ! Congratulations for the bag you made for your granddaughter - very impressive.

Carin said...

What a beautiful finishings !!! Do you still know the name of the french blof where you found the pattern for the little pillow. I just love that one !!

Kathy A. said...

Wow, what amazing work you do. Each project that you have done is absolutely stunning.
Gorgeous bag for your granddaughter.
The needlecase is stunning. Love your color and fabric choices.

Jeanne said...

Oh everything is just so lovely to look at. Your exchanges with Lynn are to die for! I love the pink cherub pillow - so cute. Thank you Margaret for sharing all of this with us.....I too would love to know where we can get that freebie pattern for the sewing-themed pincushion -love it!

Teri said...

Gorgeous finishes!

Farah said...

What a cutie the bag is.. the fabric, the design everything... Its absolutly fabalous..
I would love if you pay a visit to
http://craftaworld.blogspot.com/
hope you enjoyed your trip there
Love
Farah

Marsha said...

wow, wow, and wow. What lovely sewing and stitching. The knitted shawl looks so delicate and I bet it will add just the right amount of warmth. I'm a bag fanatic and your granddaughter's is delightful in style and color. The exchange pieces are pretty too. I'm getting to like pink more and more.

Anonymous said...

tout ce que tu fais st superbe ton petit porte aiguilles avec la petite maison est splendide et tes pochettes aussi
felicitations
bisou
nanou13

Anonymous said...

tout ce que fais est superbe ton petit porte aiguilles avec la maison est splendide et tes pochettes aussi
felicitations pour ton travail
bisou
nanou13

Anonymous said...

waouh;.......................
c'est merveilleux
tout ce que tu fais et très beau
ce châle est superbe et tout doux
bravo
bisou
nanou13

MysteryKnitter said...

That shawl is awesome! And the skating bag looks great, same as the drawing string thing. I can't but admire your skills!