An 'Us' Weekend

My husband has been working away from home lately and he is off again next week, so this weekend was declared an 'Us' weekend.
I've been complaining that my togs (Queensland speak for bathers, cossie, swimmers, or swimming costume) have not seen water this summer. We've been too busy, or too tired, and the weather too wet or too cool.
So on the 3rd day of autumn, we finally got to go swimming. Up early, a quick 1 hour drive north, slap on the sunscreen and an oh-so-sexy-not sun shirt, then a very refreshing and longed for swim. I really do have lovely togs under that shirt, but they are only seen at night or in a shady pool. Look at that body - Jennifer Hawkins eat you heart out!
We had coffee, gooey cakes and delicious pies at nearby bakery before coming home.


In the afternoon we delivered the latest baby quilt. I took my camera but forgot to photograph our newest arrival on her quilt! Rats!!! I'll have to tie that camera around my neck. We got lots of cuddles and I had a lovely play with her 17 months old big sister.

I did manage to sneak in a little sewing. I must learn to read the instructions better. For this SKoW quilt I had to cut 1 and 1/2 inch squares, lots of them but less than what I ended up cutting. Der! Then I had to sew them in pairs and fours. Read carefully - 54 pairs makes 27 quads not make 54 quads. Another der! LOL. Another thing I didn't realize was how many spotty fabrics I had picked out for this quilt. Still I like how it is turning out.
Today was just a lazy one with hubby cooking a Thai green chicken curry for tea. Yummo.
A good week coming up, hopefully with a bit of craft time.
Take care everyone, particularly those in flooded areas down south.
Kayly

Catching up with SKoW

The new Miss AGRR's quilt is finished and ready for delivery. I am very pleased how it turned out. I thought I had another month before the next baby was due, but my SIL tell me it's anytime this week! I'm right if it's a boy, but all indications are that it's another girl. I have dived back into my stash to see what I can come up with this time. I'm thinking of having another go at 'Square Dance' by Bits and Pieces. The last one I made with this pattern was quick and more importantly looked great.

My SKoW quilt has had to take a back seat to these baby quilts. This afternoon though, I was able to start cutting some of the little 1 and half inch squares needed. There are so many!!!!! Can't wait to start putting it together.
Yesterday, I got my letter from Kerry with the 'what to bring' list for GDITC and a small pincushion kit to make up for the swap.
Too many projects on the go, I think. Need to be a bit more organised and watch less TV.

Take Care everyone,
Kayly

Getting back in the groove.....

It's been just too hot lately to do much. That and I've have not had much enthusiasm for anything. I have started to feel more like it this last week.

Many years ago I did an adult community education class with Jill Lind. Jill once worked for Patons and knows everything about knitting and crocheting. She introduced me to broomstick and Tunisian crochet. I have wanted to make jumpers (Queensland speak for cardigans) for myself for ages. Mum has knitted beautiful jumpers for me over the years, but her arthritis stops her these days. Due to an odd arm, my knitting is painfully slow. Beanies, booties and tea cosies are my limit.

I love crochet, but until recently I only did d'oyles and handkerchief and towel edges.
I have been gathering books on Tunisian crochet. This method will give me a garment with the look of knitting but the ease of crocheting. So the purple thing in the photo below is the start of a shawl or mobius wrap. I shouted myself a set of Denise crochet hooks. The set has different tails and hooks that can be mixed and matched via a locking system on the ends. It is a fairly simple pattern and I can do it in front of the TV at night, when my eyes are not so good for stitching and my hands are not so sticky that the wool won't flow smoothly.

In the tin is the Chocolate block for my SAL SKoW quilt. I am far behind, but I will get there.
Below, pinned and ready for quilting, is the quilt top I made up to replace the 'too blue' one I mentioned in the last post. I am very happy with the way it turned out.

I am going to trial the basting method that uses slats of timber with the top and backing rolled onto them. My knees and back do not like me pinning the quilts on the tiled floor anymore.
Well I'm not going downstairs to quilt it now -too hot - over 30 degrees C still. I'll try in the early morning.

Take care everyone,
Kayly

Baby Quilts

I didn't realise how long it had been since I last posted. The beginning of the year is a very busy time for me at work, but all is nearly settled now.
I have a dilemma. Another beautiful grandniece has arrived. I thought I would be able to finish off a little quilt I started last year when our patchwork group had a sewing day. We used the x-block ruler and book to make perfect baby quilts. Have a look here. I've just searched my blog to do the link and I'm surprised (shocked) to see it was October 2010 NOT 2011. Oops!
The one I was working on is a touch too blue, pretty but too blue. I confess I like pink for girls. So I have just turned out my fabric stash looking for something else. I think I found something just right.
I thought I would do a little collage of the baby quilts I have given away to family and friends. I must admit there are finished tops stashed away but not quilted.

I am looking forward to going again to Girls Day in the Country at Nundle in March. The countdown and stirring has already started. Sue Daley will be our tutor this year.
I'd better go the dishes are calling for a wash.
Take care,
Kayly

Late Christmas Present.

I'm not the dressmaker in our family, that's my mother. However she thinks those days are over.
So I thought I'd have a go at making a dress for my grandniece, the delightful Miss A.
I was very pleased at how it turned out even if I do say so myself. The pattern is 'Sunday Best' by Kookaburra Cottage, made in Me and My Sister fabric.
I think she liked it.
I'll have to think of something for her 6 months old baby sister, the very vocal Miss S.

Today was the first chance I had to try it on Miss A and finish the buttons and hem. A better late than never Christmas present.

Take care everyone,
Kayly

Stable Bag

My neighbour C and I saw one of these Stable Bags in 2010 and we have been searching for the pattern ever since. Of course, we had the wrong name. We were looking for a Saddle Bag. You know word association - 'stable' may have been said but we thought 'horse' then looked for 'saddle'. Eventually we were corrected and C ordered the pattern online.


Last week, we had a sewing day. I must make sure I get a photo of C's bag. It looks lovely in a black, red and mustard floral stripe with a dark glossy red cord.


The instructions were not great and there are things I would do differently if I ever made this bag again. On each project I do, whatever it is, I learn something new. This time it was piping. I have never made or installed any. Next time I meet piping in a project, I won't be daunted by it. (I wish I could say the same about zippers.)
This bag is a great project bag. Knitters could make it a bit wider to accommodate needles, but it will be just right for my crocheting.
This year I am aiming to do more crocheting -Tunisian style. I did a bit of 'damage' at the local yarn shop. I'll have to show you that. So many luscious threads, so little talent (on my part), ahhhh.

Back to work next week. So according to the rule book, Brisbane should have a 'stinker' of a week, weatherwise.

Take care,
Kayly

What you do in Queensland....

...or at least the ones who like mangoes do.


Unfortunately, the best ones are at the very top of the tree and our stick with the can taped to it is not long enough!
Need to marry someone taller!!! ;-)
The possums and bats are having a feast on our mangoes. I'll have to train them to pass down some to me.

Happy New Year to everyone,
Kayly