Saturday, April 4, 2009

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












63 comments:

Sheila said...

What can I say, that bag is absolutely gorgeous and all the bits to go inside are stunning! You really are amazing. Love all your other pictures too...guess the beach will be getting busier with easter coming. See you soon :)

From the Attic said...

Your bag and accessories are gorgeous and I recognised the stitchery on the front as I have a bag with the same stitchery on it. OOOooo, I love the Flowers for Sarah needlecase too and have it on my to-do list. You do beautiful work.

Chrissie

Anonymous said...

Everything is sooo beautiful. And of course I especially LOVE the doily that you crocheted!!!

Dorothy said...

Margaret, the bag and accessories are absolutely wonderful! I love the fabric you used.
Thank you for sharing all the lovely photos of Spain with us. The buildings are so colorful.

hazel c UK said...

Hurrah another beautiful post from Margaret, I look at your blog everytime I come on to the internet and tonight I am so lucky. Your basket of flowers bag with the pincushion, needlecase and pouch are so pretty and I love the fabric you used. The tutorial seems quite easy to follow, thank you for that. The budda made me smile. The blings are adorable certianly seascape colours. I have done bobbin lace and did not find it very easy, I only made snake bookmarks, yours are so pretty. Your BD needlecase is coming along nicely. Thank you for the photos of your homeplace, the colourful houses are so cheerful.
Happy Easter Margaret,
Love Hazel

Karen said...

Oh Margaret, what lovely, lovely items you've been working on. Your are soooooo talented. The pictures of Spain are beautiful! I'm really missing the beach now...we're still having snow:( Have a great weekend and thanks for sharing;)

Sherri said...

Your sewing bags are absolutely beautiful, and the stitchery is gorgeous! I love your hexagons also...and the pictures of the coast and the homes...really make me want to go on vacation!

Nancy said...

Hola Margaret! Your blog posts are always such a treat to see. You are an amazing needleworker, crocheter, quilter, seamstress, lace maker. . .your talents are amazing! Everything you do is always gorgeous, and everything you have shown us here is no exception. Sheila's bling is also very special! I love the pink doily - I don't think I have seen anything before that you crocheted. I can't wait to see what you will do with the quilting flowers. Spain is as beautiful as always! I love the colorful houses. They remind us of Charleston, SC. Take care Margaret, and happy needling. I can't wait to see what is next!

Judith Tetley said...

A lovely post Margaret. Your work is stunning...so neat and very practical too.
Kind Regards
Judith
www.creativestudio10.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

wow, wow, wow....you are a true talent! Love all your pictures as well...maybe I need a holiday! Jo xo

Margaret said...

Oh my goodness, you're just so talented! I love everything that's been keeping you busy! I want to make a Grandmother's flower garden quilt with hexagons too, and I love your colors. And bobbin lace! I've always wanted to try my hand at that! Your bookmarks are wonderful! You're amazing!

Sweet P said...

I love the bag and accessories! Gorgeous work. Is it always so beautiful in Spain?

Melody said...

Your bag is absolutely beautiful...and the accessories to go with it!! But then I have a weakness for purses and bags...

Also, thanks for the wonderful pics. It's so nice to see another part of the world...

Tammy said...

I don't even know where to start! Your bag is just gorgeous-just beautiful. Your other things are just as lovely. I don't see myself doing any bobbin lace soon, but I sure love to see it!

Olga said...

I just love your sewing bag and accessories, you were so creative in finishing it, yoyo flowers are darling! Flowers for Sarah needlecase is going to be very prety, can't wait to see it finished.

Anonymous said...

Stunning bag and accessories Margaret. Love how clean the beaches look.

Anne Ida said...

You have been keeping busy! The bag is so lovely, and so are the little keepsakes to keep in it! You have a treasure here!

The doily is very pretty! And that bobbin lace... STUNNING!!!

Thanks for sharing your pictures! Enjoy keeping your hands busy!
Hugs and stitches

Ronel said...

Hello Margeret,

I also visit your blog every time I am on the www. Your blog is truly inspirational and I love your finishing and stitching. But here is the thing we have so much in common, except from loving al different types of embroidery, I also make lace, do tatting and love to bead. Thank you for sharing your lovely work.

Happy stitching
Ronel, Cape Town, South Africa

Nima said...

The bag looks fabulous...and all your works looks gorgeous. Thank you for sharing the pictures of beach

Anonymous said...

Margaret !
The bag and accessories ! Too lovely ! You are an artist ! Thanks for the pics - no trip to Spain for me this year, so I am glad to see it's still there. I have to rush, but will be back to read your looooong post which is full of lovely lovely things.

Sally said...

Oh wow, Margaret what beauties you have to show us! I LOVE the bag and accessories. They are so gorgeous! Also love your Flowers For Sarah. It is very pretty.

Khris said...

wow, wow, wow...gorgeous stuff as usual Margaret...you impress me all the time...and lovely to see you made a needlecase from my tutorial...hugs Khris

Stina Blomgren said...

What to say... but I LOVE IT... they are absolutely fantastic.. and they are PINK..:o)
Thanks for showing them and for showing us your gorgeous cross stiching from the Sarah T. book... :o)

karenv said...

You're so amazingly talented Margaret in so many different areas. Everything you've shown today is just gorgeous :)

Brigitte said...

Oh my, Oh my, so many lovely pieces. This pink bag is a dream, and so are the accessories you made for it. Your lacemaking and crocheting is juast as admirable. Your work is absolutely gorgeous.
I love your progress on the Sarah Tobias needleroll. I haven't started on mine yet but will next week when we have our Easter break.

Patricia Lessell said...

Like Sheila what can I say, the bag is absolutely gorgeous and I love all the bits you have made to go inside. Thank you for sharing all those great photos of Spain too I haven't been there for quite some time and your photos just remind me. Lots of Love Pattixxx

Nancy said...

Wow, where do you start to say anything. Everything you make is just beautiful. I love dollies, my Mom made them and now my Granddaughter Kristy makes them and they are sooooo pretty, as yours is.
I love the bag and accesories. I want to look at the pattern for the needlecase. I have one a Dutch lady in Heidi's group made for me. They would be great gifts.
You are keeping very busty.
Nancy

Daffycat said...

Incredibly awesome bag you created!

All of your crafty projects are wonderful and I love your cross stitch WIPs. The pictures of Spain are beautiful!

jane said...

Love the bag Margaret and your stitching is lovely. The pics of Spain make me wish I was going on holiday - oh well maybe later in the year.

Deb said...

Wow! So many beautiful things. The bag is gorgeous and I love the mermaids. And the lace - I have never been able to bring myself to even try that - yours is incredible! The beach looks wonderful too!

Sonda said...

OMG! Those are all sooo wonderful! No wonder you haven't been blogging. If only I had such good excuses when I neglect my blog.

Anonymous said...

WOW, WOW and WOW!!!!
I love the stitching bag and accessories! You are so talented. The beaded dangles are so cute. and I'd LOVE to be on that beach right now!!!! that is such a beautiful picture.
thank you for sharing!

Yuko said...

Oh my Margaret!!!
How talented you are as I always say!!
What can I say? Everything is SO wonderful and beautiful!!!
The bag is so pretty in pink and other accesories are also so pretty!!!
And the mermaid fobs are so beautiful!
Where did you get the Daibutsu (budda?) it's so nice! :)
You are really multi talented lady!!
You also can crochet!!
Amazing, everytime I came here to see your blog, I really enjoy and your wonderful works and beautiful photos make me happy!
Thanks, Margaret!

Dawn said...

So many beautiful things to look at!! Thanks for sharing.

Marsha said...

What a wonderful bag and accessories to go with it. Love the lace, doiley, beading and warm pictures of Spain. Ahhhh. It's all lovely.

Sharon said...

Your sewing bag and acessories are stunning!

Chookyblue...... said...

Hi Margaret
your sewing bag is beautiful........goodluck with the bobbin lace.....beautiful but fiddly........
love the Spain pics.......

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Gooooooood Day Margaret!! You post this time really made me smile allot. Your tatting is absolutely "Gorgeous, Gorgeous and drop dead beauitful. VBG

I also love your new lovely "Pink" tote set and the stitching on it made it perfect. Very very pretty..

And thank you sooooooooo very very much to sharing more photos of your lovely tropical beaches and Ocean. They make me smile allot everytime I see these kinds of photos.

HAPPY EASTER MARGARET!! FROM Springy Michigan. Hugs Judy

Roberta said...

Hi Margaret, as usual your stitching and sewing talent is beyond beautiful. You do such lovely work and have such a natural talent and eye for color and fabric.

Very nice!!

Roberta

lena-lou said...

What an action packed posting, I have thoroughly enjoyed it and just LOVE to see what you have been creating :)

Char said...

Hey Lady, you put me to shame with your beautiful stitching and pink projects...I didn't know you were a fan of pink as I am..lol Blues, too, and of course, I love reds....
But seeing all those cute projects makes me want to go and cut out something PINK......love, Char

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri ~ Boog) said...

What a beautiful bag and all the accessories to go with it are so pretty. Everything you've been working on is fabulous - you've definitely got many talents! This was a post worth the wait for the terrific treats you shared!

Misty said...

I love all of the pink! Your sewing bag turned out so nice--I love the embroidery on it. What a great idea to make it along with all of the other little accessories.

I've been wanting to try sewing hexagons myself. Yours look great!

Always a pleasure to see all of the beautiful things you are making and receiving. Thanks for the lovely pictures of Spain!

Kit said...

I love the bag and accessories, you have been busy!

mainely stitching said...

Your bag and accessories are amazing. Utterly amazing. I'm also in love with your cross stitching! :D

SusanPatch said...

Not only good with thread and needle...also with crochet...Love the bag and all accesories...
Hugs from Malaga
Susan

angelasweby said...

Well, here I am Margaret, finally and at the bottom of a long list of happy and very inspired bloggers who wait fror your blog entries with great anticipation :>)

You forbid me from checking your blog because I was not to see the stunning gift you lovingly made for me until it arrived. Amazingly, the post man arrived more or less as we were setting off for the week away celebrating MIL's 100th birthday so I just put it in the car and opened it on the way. My eyes grew big and round as I pulled out the bag. I was so touched that you had gone to so much trouble for me. What a beautiful gift. I love it so much. Then, when I saw what was inside I was amazed. Margaret the little pouch is perfect. I wish everyone could see how exquisitely it's made, the stitching and finishing are just incredible. The little bolster pincushion with it's patchwork and little yoyo is gorgeous and the needlecase is beautiful. I just cherish it all. You knew how much I longed for one of your bags and you granted my wish :>)
I love the way you have photographed it. You really have a gift for style and eye for detail as well as all your other talents.
Warm hugs, Angela

angelasweby said...

Margaret, hi, me again :>)
I, rather selfishly, wrote so much about my own gift in the previous comment, I thought I had better start a new comment for all the other wonderful things in your blog entry. Visiting your blog is like going to the theatre to see The Royal Variety Show. There is so much to see, to entertain and to marvel at - a real treat, in fact.

The little lace bookmarks are beautiful. It's always lovely learning a new craft and even more satisfying when you master it like you've done. I adore the crocheted doiley. The pattern looks so intricate and I, of course, adore the colour. The gorgeous bling Sheila and her sister have created is really pretty and will grace the mermaid bags beautifully. They are both really talented and I know Sheila is a wonderful stitcher too :>)

Sarah Tobias is coming along nicely. Hopefully I'll catch you up soon. You're right about the linen - distressed AND distressing...haha!

I never tire of looking at your beautiful photos of Spain. This must be one of the nicest times of year.
Your blog gives so much pleasure Margaret and everyone waits for your news and pictures eagerly (you know what I mean!!!)

Siobhán said...

Margaret, you are so amazingly talented!! I love all of your projects, finished and unfinished. Thanks for sharing the pics of Spain, too!

Carolien said...

Hello Margaret,

I do understand why Buddha was enlightened ... he saw such beauty at his feet!!! :)
You (again) made such beautiful things ... Wonderful!

Happy Easter & hugs, Carolien

The little book of Nessie said...

What a pretty bag and all the accessories! Pretty in Pink! Loved seeing all your other work too as well as the other pictures. Regards, Nessie

Françoise said...

EXtraordinary!!!!!
So lovely!!!
Gorgeous work my friend
hugs
françoise

Kellie said...

All of your projects and pictures are simply gorgeous! The little mermaid "bling" is darling!

Christine said...

You are doing so splendid things.
Good ideas and plaisant blog !

Pat said...

OMGosh Margaret, what a beautiful post. Your bag is beautiful. Way too lovely to use!!! I love that fabric. Your tatting looks great. Your cross stitch...what can I say that hasn't already been said. Those pictures are wonderful. We had snow flurries again last night. I am going to use one of your pictures as my screen saver and stitch in front of my computer.

lena-lou said...

You always have such nice pictures on your blog and I love seeing round about where you are !


Gorgeous eye candy on the crafty things :-)

Have a happy week

Ruthie's Place said...

Hello Margaret,
Well I "found" your blog again, and I must say you do amazing work. Love your items, all of them, they are fantastic. I hope you don't mind I added a link to your blog from mine.
Warm hugs,
Ruthie

Deb said...

Oh my gosh - a girl after my own heart with all the crafting you do. I love those bags - simply gorgeous both the fabric and the sewing!

Helz said...

& It is All just Magic... including the beach shots Margaret... Sigh...

Contos de Sonhos said...

Hi
What a fantastic fabrics you used!
I just loved it!
All of that.
great job!
Cris - Brazil

Unknown said...

I love your works!congratulations

MÂŞ Pilar said...

Haces cosas maravillosas, felicidades, y los bolillos son muy bonitos, en España, son distintos besicos.

MysteryKnitter said...

Awesome views of Spain again! Thank you for showing those!