Kainga, where Roses bloom, life is lived at a gentler pace.Living Simply, doing all those good things like stitching, gardening, cooking and reading.

Saturday, May 19, 2012

"Two Pinwheel Cushions and some crochet."


Hello,

I had a pleasant day yesterday doing some sewing for  Friday-Night-Sew-In. I sewed on and of during the day and finished not one but two cushions. Even managed to do some machine embroidery quilting designs on the pink toned one. The blue toned one had stitch-in the ditch in a couple of places. This is the first time I have made the cushions with binding around the edge, a great way to finish the cushions.


The cushion covers are quite large so until I get the inserts I think they will be used as table toppers on the Dining table. I won the pattern from Sharon  from Pine Valley Quilts when the Easter Blog Hop was on. Thanks Sharon for the kit.
I can see this pattern being used in a quilt. A great way to use up the fabric in my stash. During the evening I worked on the crochet doily and added a few rows to it.  It was great to get back into joining in with other people for the Friday-Night-Sew-In. The perfect time of the year to be in the sewing room. Not too hot or too cold.

Now a little bird reminded me...


That I have lots of Maths homework that is due very soon. So I will be taking a break from blogging for a while.  Don't worry I will still be reading what everyone is up to. When I have finished I will be back.

Enjoy the rest of this beautiful weekend.

Happy days.
Bev C

Thursday, May 17, 2012

"Patchwork or Crochet?? and Quinces."

Hello,

Just letting you know I can't decide what to do for Friday-Night-Sew-In.


Finish the patchwork cushion or some crochet. Maybe both.

Meanwhile....

Quince Cydonia oblonga.
This Quince and many others are simmering on the stove. Making some Quince Paste. First time I have made it. Rather time consuming seeing you have to stir the pot for 90 minutes!!!! I think I will have a book on hand to read. Using a recipe from the Country Woman's Association that Lucy gave me for Christmas. I did find other recipes where you didn't have to stir for so long but they used kilos of sugar. Where as this one only has 4 cups. Much better for the waistline.

Back on the weekend with my sewing results from the Sew-In.

Happy days.
Bev C.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

" Saint Mary's fabric and some of Nana's Treasures."

Hello,

A very belated Happy Monday to you. No time to post yesterday, Bonnie had the computer and was making dozens of discs of photo's  from her trip. Hopefully it has all worked out this time. There is a big pile of discs on the printer ready to be posted to her friends. Onto what is making me happy this week. The first one would be my "instincts". I quite often have a feeling or instinct that something good is about to happen. A fortnight ago today I felt I had to go and have a look in Good Sammy's. I certainly wasn't after anything in particular or needed anything. One look in my sewing room would prove that. I walked in and went straight to the table that held the fabric,the one that said $1.00. They quite often put fabric and linen articles out for a dollar. I went around the table and saw some Toile fabric rolled up. I touched and admired and couldn't believe my luck.


The fabric was just so beautiful, all I could do was touch it and as I unrolled the fabric I saw the most amazing scenes.


One after another.


I knew if I didn't use it for myself one or two family members would love this fabric.


On the side of the label in the selvage was the information about the fabric. It was printed in 1992 . Australian artist Pamela Griffith was given the task of drawing these beautiful scenes. It was commemorating the life of Sister Mary MacKillop. Australia's first Saint.

I took the fabric home and rang Mum to see if she wanted something made from it. I said the material was too lovely to cut up and suggested a Doona cover. She came up the next day and said "Yes Thanks." Yesterday I got out the Over locker and Sewing Machine and whizzed up a Doona Cover for Mum and still have some of the material left over. I think I will make a table runner with that piece.

Other things Making a Happy Monday are:

A great couple of days celebrating Mother's Day. Yes not just Sunday but it was spread over a couple of days this year.

Planting Bulbs in the garden, some White Dutch Iris and Bluebells.

Seeds of the Pink and White Everlasting coming up. I did put some snail pellets nearby as they just love chomping on fresh greenery.

Watching the movie. "We bought a Zoo." Thanks Lucy for that DVD.

Reading,currently reading a book by Monica Ferris with three murder mysteries in one. They are the first Needlecraft Mysteries. Crewel World, Framed in Lace and A Stitch in Time.

Receiving my win from Sandy at Cookies & Cream Craft. A lovely kit called "Vintage Broderi Kit" by Rosalie Quinlan. Thanks Sandy.


Seeing it is Tuesday I will link this post to Melody for her Tuesday's Treasures.

Today I want to share a painting done by my Nana. It is one of a pair of paintings. Will share the other one next week.


My Nana was a very good artist. I have lots of her paintings and have grown up with visiting relatives and seeing her art in their homes as well. Unfortunately much to my children's disgust no art abilities run through my veins nor theirs.

Happy days.
Bev C

Friday, May 11, 2012

"Crochet,a book win and Happy Mother's Day."

Hello,

I have caught a bug. I don't think it is too serious though. It is called "The Crochet Bug."


After my visit to Woollylatte's last week I came home and looked through my yarn stash and made these crocheted coat hangers. A very quick and easy pattern. I used 70 chain for the base and trebles in each chain,using three chain for the start of each row. 6 rows in total and joined them together with  a single crochet.
I used 8 ply yarn and a size 4mm hook. I found the pattern for the flowers on line.


Good things come wrapped in brown paper. On Monday I had a note from Australia Post that there was a parcel to pick up. Look how lovely the wrapping was done.

Inside was the book I had won.


A lovely children's book from  My Book Corner. Thanks Emma.



Have a beautiful Mother's Day on Sunday. The Chrysanthemum's are from the plant I was given last year. It has tripled in size and blooming its heart out.

Happy days.
Bev C

 

Monday, May 7, 2012

"Raindrops on Roses."

Hello, Happy Monday to you.

Raindrops on Roses are Making Me Happy this Monday.












The change in the weather does wonders for the garden and my soul.

Happy Monday
Bev C

Sunday, May 6, 2012

"Patchwork, Crochet and Lunch at Woollylatte's."

Hello,

Hope your weekend is going well. Over the past week I have had a few finishes to add to the OPAM list. (One Project A Month.) The first items are three scrappy baskets. Two in pink tones and one in Christmas fabric.

I found the tutorial online. I found two things I did different to the tutorial. It was recommended to use lots of pins. I found it not necessary. I pinned the base and sides in the same manner. I folded each piece in half then in quarters then in eighths. Just like you do putting on ribbing in stretch sewing. I also found it so much easier to sew on the handles first then to sew the lining and outer together.

My other finish is some crochet.


I was making a doily and wasn't  impressed with the pattern so I decided to turn it into a Milk Jug Cover. There was only two more rows of three chain loops then two rows of Crab stitch. Finishing it where I did made it easy to put the glass beads on.

On Friday Lucy and I had a very early start to the day travelling to Shenton Park for an appointment. After we finished we met up with David and had a lovely lunch at Woollylatte's. If you are after wool this is the place to look. We were very impressed with the meal and atmosphere of the shop. David plans to go back as he lives not far from it. I enjoyed the best cup of Lavender Early Grey Tea. Lucy and David's drink came with its own knitted cover and the sugar bowls had crochet covers. I saw the cutest owl's ducks etc crocheted on the counter. Definitely worth the visit.

Happy days.
Bev C