2012 in review

I wasn't sure that I'd achieved much in 2012, but then I looked back at my post from this time last year, and realised that actually, I've done more than I thought!

A year ago, I was working on hand sewing some ornaments, and I wrote out some resolutions for the year:

1. Stop procrastinating and get the machine fixed!
Done, if you count making Hubs buy me a machine for my birthday....

2. Make something for myself, as everything I've made so far has been given away. I'm thinking about making a case for my kindle like this.


I made two skirts, a kindle cover, two bags and a mini-quilt for moi

3. Make something for Hubby for our second wedding anniversary in April - hopefully a version of the Dead Simple QAL from http://lilysquilts.blogspot.com/

Ta Dah!

4. Have another go at a cushion and get the backing right this time! Thanks for the helpful suggestions last time to fix the bodge I made of my hexie panel cushion, the velcro did work.

Went a bit cushion crazy....

5. Get nice camera so I can take decent pictures of my triumphs and disasters rather than using my phone!
Done - hopefully you can see some difference!


I've been a bit busy with other projects too:

1. Dusky Pink Kona Geranium Dress, Size 12-18 months with extra embroidery, 2. IMG_0218, 3. IMG_0191, 4. Untitled, 5. Scrappy Swap Boxed Pouch, 6. H's finished quilt, 7. Tortoise tidy, 8. Lizzy House fabric basket, 9. Zoo Windows in the window!, 10. Zoo Windows back, 11. peassss, 12. Isla, 13. amy4, 14. 3 in 1 infinity scarf, 15. Kindle Cover, 16. IMG_0199

Bring on 2013, I wonder what I'll be able to do this time next year?

PS - sorry if I've been quiet recently, work and Christmas have taken over my life!

Burning the midnight machine-oil

I didn't update on Saturday as I had absolutely zilch to say - the machine was not touched in a whole week, as the pre-Christmas school madness  kicked into gear.

Since Saturday morning, the machine has whizzed and whizzed and whizzed. I gave my first handmade gift today which went down really well, hope these will be as successful!

Cushion for Gran, using Cath Kidston fabric from IKEA - thanks to Lucy for the zip help!

Front of Gran's cushion, from my Aneela Hoey class.

One of the many scarves - unfortunately this was the only one which managed to be circular, the rest were too short, booo.

Next, a table runner for one Mum (spot the farrrrr too puffy wadding, that made quilting a nightmare! Had to do the inside-out-envelope jobby rather than binding it due to this too)

It looks like it should be on the end of a bed!

Here's the other table runner - the observant of you may notice that it actually looks more like two table mats....

I was intending to use the HST BOF from Blossom Heart Quilts, but I really ran out of time and energy so went with the stars instead - fewer seams to deal with!

Right, back to hiding in my ostrich hole until Thursday, when the great Xmas migration begins!


PS - How cool is this little dude who arrived in one of my cards?!?

Presents, presents, presents

Well, it's T-11 days til we leave for my parentals for a pre-Christmas wedding, and the madness has really begun. We've had Christmas meals, mince pie and mulled wine parties and last Scouts before Christmas, we've still got carol concerts, pantos, more Christmas meals and a full time job to keep us busy up until we leave!

The big weekend job has been getting on with some presents, using lots of really great tutorials - there's still time to use them if you need! The most useful were these three: Kindle Cover;  Boxed Pouch and Apron

Here's the pics:

One of my best friends loves fantasy novels, and has just got a Kindle so I made her a quick cover with some Michael Miller fabric that I know she'll love.

I always find it strange making stuff to other peoples' taste, but I think it'll suit her :D

Next up is an apron for D who is an amazing baker (she does the best Coca Cola Cupcakes!)

Sorry about the rubbishy photos, they're all wrapped now so I can't retake them!

I've also made some boxed pouches, one pencil case size for a colleague (who is lovely, hence why I cut into my viewfinders for her!) and another big enough to use as a make up bag for a friend. I love this tutorial, it's so easy!

I've also finished the cushions for my friend, so they'll be in the post tomorrow.

I've enjoyed making these, and I'm fairly sure that she'll be pleased with them, but I don't think I'll take on another commission - too much stress!

Still got lots to finish, including two Christmas table runners which CAN'T be late - wish me luck!

Goodbye November.... Hello to the madness of December!

1. Cushions for M and the kids, 2. HST BOF Ornament Block, 3. Cushions for M and the kids, 4. Cushions for M and the kids, 5. Embroidery from Little Stitches with Sew Stitchy sashing, 6. H's quilt all rolled up, 7. Cushions for M and the kids, 8. Cushions for M and the kids, 9. Cushions for M and the kids, 10. Scrappy Swap Boxed Pouch, 11. Scrappy Swap Boxed Pouch, 12. Fab Scrappy Swap bits


This month has been dominated by the Scrappy Swap (just to be clear, I didn't make the last pouch, I just received it :D), delivering H's quilt and making lots of cushions as a commission for a friend.  I also went to a class with Aneela Hoey, which was fab!

The other major occurrence of November was a flu bug, antibiotics are helping but I still feel rubbish and tired. No LMQG for me tomorrow, despite last month's being brilliant.

Now to finish off the rest of the to-do list - leaving for Home in 19 days!

Linking up with Lily's Quilts and the Slow Blogger Linky :D