Tuesday, May 26, 2009

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

52 comments:

Sweet P said...

I know why you don't blog often - you're busy creating wonderful, gorgeous items! Your crocheted squares are beautiful. I've been crocheting this past weekend too.

Stina Blomgren said...

It must be so... you are sewing and we are not..lol...
Love your finishes.. the bag is gorgeous... the fobs...the knitting and the crochet... love the different granny squares!!! :o)) Oh gosh that was a lot of things..:o))

Anonymous said...

My gosh Margaret you certainly have been stitching up a storm, all gorgeous of course.

Anonymous said...

You cannot be simultaneously blogging and producing such beautiful bags and pouches ! Waooo. They are NICE. And so is the crochet, and the knitting (I have been dreaming of having such a shawl... but I don't knit, I blog)and the fob finishing... You ARE a busy lady !

Nancy said...

Wow, you showed so many pretty things, it is hard to comment. I love the fobs, the granny squares and as usual, your bag you made it wonderful. I love the red sissors too. You do beautiful work.
Nancy

staci said...

It's always such a pleasure to see what you've been busy creating! I adore your bags and this one is no exception! And that shawl is stunning! Love all of your beautiful fobs...how do you keep from drooling all over your scissors???

Anonymous said...

I'm in love with all those gorgeous projects, wow!

tintocktap said...

Wow - even if you've not been blogging, you have been busy! Love the granny squares (I've been bitten by the crochet bug again recently too), and the Just Nan fobs - beautiful!

Love to Applique said...

What a beautiful job Margaret, you certainly have been busy.I can't wait to see your BD all finished. Hugs Debbie

Jeanne said...

Margaret, I love seeing your beautiful work. If you're creating such wonderful projects, you can blog whenever you want. :-)

Stitcher said...

Great finishes, I love your granny squares, and that bag is stunning - did you use a pattern? or make it up?

Julie said...

Lovely bag! I love bags, totes, but the patterns kill me! I'm going to begin a block a month (quilting) group next month. Maybe I'll meet someone in that group who would be so kind as to offer their assistance as you have to your friends.
Lovely squares! What will you do with them? They remind me of a sweet old grandma - definately not mine as she isn't sweet! LOL
Beautiful fobs and finishing!
I can relate, its hard keeping a blog up to date.

Siobhán said...

Like Sweet P said--the reason you don't blog as often as some others do is because you are too busy being creative. Wow wow wow wow wow. Margaret, I bow to your awesome talent. You rock. Each picture is amazing.

suz said...

Your work is always lovely - although we don't hear from you often, when we do, it's well worth it. I love your seasonal fobs.

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Good Day Margaret, Nice to see chatting again. Of course a post from you would not be normal unless we saw another lovely bag from you. vbg ^The purple shawl is lovely. Love the cross stitch Fob. I just bought a "British" Mag. on Cross Stitch. WE shall see how I can manage it. LOL Now Where OH, where is the photos of the lovely place you call home. VBG I miss them. Hugs Judy

Nancy said...

MARGARET! No wonder you don't post often. It's because you are so busy making incredibly beautiful things! The bag and pouch are gorgeous - I love the fabrics. The fobs and granny squares are all amazing. But, your shawl - wow! It is stunning to say the least. You do amazing work no matter what type of needle you put into your hand. You are so talented!

Misty said...

Hi Margaret,
I've been thinking of you lately and wondering how you were doing. I'm glad to see that you've been enjoying yourself making some gorgeous items!

I really love the bag and the fabric you used! And congrats on finishing your shawl! I know they can be a lot of work but it is beautiful. The fobs and crochet squares are also lovely.

Take care!

Abby and Stephanie said...

Lots of goodies to see. Great bags. I love bags. Your shawl is so elegant. I clicked on the picture to get a better view. Those grannies are self-taught? They're so beautiful. Lovely scissor fobs too. You sure are multi-talented.

Sheila said...

At last - good to see you updating your blog with all your wonderful creations.
Fabulous stitching, sewing, crocheting etc and beautiful pictures too :)

Tammy said...

WOW, all your projects are beautiful. Great bag. I'd love to know what pattern that is, if you don't mind. Everything is so so pretty!

Daffycat said...

Oh, how I love these scissor fobs! What awesome finishing!

Dorothy said...

Beautiful work Margaret. I love the scissor fobs! Good to see you back.

From the Attic said...

You are very obviously a woman of many talents!! And, everything you create is beautiful. I was really looking forward to seeing your finished FFS sewing roll Margaret. Do you have a photo of it to show us? That bag is beautiful.

Chrissie

Carol R said...

If I spent less time blogging maybe I could come up with such great goodies as you! The bag is wonderful but that shawl is to die for. It's perfect to go with my dress for my son's wedding! Now where are those knitting needles?

Sandra said...

Gorgeous bag Margaret, you should sell them!! I love the little scissor fobs and your shawl is gorgeous, you are very talented. Looking forward to seeing Flowers for Sarah, you'll not doubt get it assembled in a couple of days.

Dawn said...

You have been busy!! Everything is gorgeous! I especially like the fobs and the colors of your granny squares!

Heather said...

Wow, you have been so busy! I love everything here, what a lot to look at. The fobs are just so bright and cheery, and you have all 4 seasons, so nice.

I like the shawl, and the bag is beautiful. I love that fabric you used.

Andrea said...

Everything is so beautiful. *sigh* I love what you did with the JN pieces, turning them into scissor fobs. I do think the bag is gorgeous though.

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri ~ Boog) said...

What a wonderful post; well worth the wait! Your bag is so pretty - I would love to make one but seriously, have no skills! Your shawl is lovely and so are your granny squares. But boy oh boy are those scissor fobs glorious! Great job - you've been one busy girl!!! Thanks for sharing all your wonderful finishes.

Chookyblue...... said...

what a lovely bag.......you know I always love what you make.......lol......oh and everything else is lovely too........

Julie said...

You are so so talented. I wished I could tap into your brain, girl! I love that tote bag.

hazel c UK said...

I wait eagerly for your news and it was so worthwhile waiting for. The fobs are beautiful using Just Nan designs which are always so pretty and full of detail. The bag is lovely as usual your work is outstanding. Thank you for sharing Margaret,
Warm hugs, Hazel (UK)

Sally said...

I love dropping by to see what you create Margaret. I love your bag and the scissor fobs are delightful. I do wish I could create like you do.

karenv said...

All your finishes are lovely Margaret, but I particularly like the bag, it's so pretty. I love the crochet squares too - I cannot crochet to save my life (and I have tried) but I love the way those little granny squares look.

Françoise said...

WOWWWWWWW!!Merveillous!!!
Gorgeous like always!!!
hugs
françoise

FIONA said...

Beautiful stitching - gorgeous little projects and the bag is fantastic (from one bag lady to another). Love your blog! x

Khris said...

crikies girl you are a woman possessed....I love it all...well done...hugs Khris

jane said...

beautiful work Margaret - love them all. I have been crocheting too and also thinking about a granny square blanket....
Looking forward to your next blog filled with lovely things for us to see

angelasweby said...

Margaret,
I couldn't leave for my travels again without a (quickie) look at your blog and, wow was it worth it or what!! Talk about getting value for money...haha! You may only post once in a while but the goodies you then treat us to are stunning. I love, love, love your little seasonal fobs what a treat to have a different scissors fob every season :>) And your crochet squares are just fantastic. You picked that technique up so well you look as if you've been crocheting all your life. Saved till last is my comment on your bag. Being a proud owner of one I can honestly say these bags are divine and this colour combination is another big success. How nice for your friends to have a first hand tutorial. One day, i shall book my ticket and come over for a tutorial all of my own :>)
Warm hugs Angela

Julie said...

your work is absolutely beautiful

Julie said...

You have been very busy! I love your work,it's beautiful, thanks for sharing!

Chris said...

Hi Margaret,

Wow what beautiful work, the sewing the stitching and the crochet it is all so beautiful and so is where you live. I am retired and live for the moment in West Midlands, not all all like Spain!
Chris

Anonymous said...

wow! and good golly!!! I need lessons from you to learn how to stay of this darn computer and stitch more, LOl!!!
Love the fobs, they are great.

Roberta said...

Oh my Margaret, you have been busy, just love your bags and the shawl is just lovely. I may have to take up crocheting again - love the squares.

Carolyn said...

I just LOVE your blog! You are so creative! I agree...you don't have time to blog because you are busy creating gorgeous things for us to drool over. :) I LOVE the idea of makeing the Just Nan Whimzies into scissor fobs. They look awesome!! Thanks for sharing your talents with us. :)

Brigitte said...

Goergeous work, Margaret. Whatever kind of needlework you do, the result is always stunning.
This bag is wonderful and I do envy those ladies you taught how to make it.
And wow, all those different crocheted squares, they will mae a very beautiful afghan.
I love the little fobs very much, particularly the spring fob with this cute little bunny.
Knitting is completely up to date here, too after some long years of being a more or less neglected needle craft. Nowadays you find all sorts of wool threads in the stores again whereas cross stitch seems to be in decline a bit. I love your shawl, it's so fine and delicate, very beautiful.

Anonymous said...

Your fobs are so adorable!

Carolien said...

Hello Margaret,

Your 4 fobs are so sweet, the bag is beautiful ... well, all things you make are so beautiful! When I see that crocheting of yours I 'plan' someday to learn that proper too :)

Take care & hugs, Carolien

Maren said...

Beautiful fobs! I love your crochet squares, too. I tried my hand at making a king-sized comforter for our bed, but it really does get boring. It's been three years in the making and I only pull it out in the winter time when it's comfortable to sit under. lol

Anna Zont said...

Hello, Margaret!
I fell in love with your blog! Your works are beautiful!
And veri interesting!

Welcome in my blog! :))
Anna
http://anna-zont.blogspot.com/

Cardygirl said...

Love all your work...especially the fobs and crochet!

MysteryKnitter said...

That rose bag is awesome!