Cats & Quilts - a match made in heaven... (except maybe those stubborn little clouds of fur that latch on to the fabric!)

Kitty Quote of the Day

I love cats because I enjoy my home; and little by little, they become its visible soul. - Jean Cocteau

Monday, August 5, 2013

Birthdays Again - Mine & Glenys's

This years birthday is the one that keeps on giving. If I had to celebrate one year for each day I got a present I would have almost skipped a decade.

My latest & last present for this year was from my lovely friend Melody from The House on the Side of the Hill. Even with all that was happening with her DIL's medical emergency Mel was still worried my present would be posted late. Any day is a great day for a present sweet Mel & especially given the circumstances. Check out Mel's blog and the other colourways she has made in this bag - they all look so good.

I was charmed by the wrapping stage and a ticket to win the raffle quilt from the NOTY Quilters that Mel belongs too.

 
Here are the fat quarters Mel sent for the FQ Birthday swap. Yummo! Bonus choccies that match beautifully & didn't taste bad either. I took the pics that night so for once you are seeing a full box of chocolates!


And my bag, made of beautiful Bunny Hill fabrics and embellished with doilies, lace, crochet etc. Isn't it a beauty with chocolate brown lining with pockets. Bunny Hill fabrics!



For once I now have a choice of gorgeous fabric bags thanks to Mel, Anthea & Shez. Thanks again sweet Mel, you know I love it all! xx
 

Glenys, my partner on the Mrs Martin's year long swap has also just had her birthday so now on to what I sent to Glenys.  The brief was to send something to do with our beloved sewing so thinking about what I have made & use all the time, I made Glenys a couch companion. Mine has been going strong for 10 years plus & keeps some of my most needed supplies and tools in one place so I know where to find them. Believe me, that is quite a feat!

I made it in country colours that Glenys loves and even wrapped it in a nice green fabric that was part of the fabrics used. Good choice on my behalf too. When Glenys wrote she was going to use it straight away with some Marg Low stitcheries she was making.
 
 
Here it is in all it's glory. I love the stitchery pin cushion. I think it may have been a Leanne Beasley pattern out of a country threads magazine many years ago (sorry to the designer if I am wrong - I'm sure many of you will know). I know I would never find the pattern again so made it based on mine and drew a bit of freehand, took a few measurements etc.
 

 
I love the fabrics & they are a similar colourway to what I used. I brought my fabrics in my hometown of Nelson NZ so that makes my couch companion even more special.
 
Of course, couch companions are no fun empty so there were a few supplies to go to Glenys for her birthday too. Cotton threads, embroidery threads, pins, needles, scissors, needle holder Fixion pen, ric-rac and a seam ripper.
 

 
I had forgotten how much fun these can be to make & stock too. Glenys emailed to say she loves it so sounds like it will be very happy in its new home too. I'm certainly happy you love it Glenys! xx



Happy stitching!
Tracee xx



15 comments:

  1. How wonderful tohave a birthday that just keeps on going...
    Love the goodies you received from both Mel and Glenys..
    You were truly spoilt.....

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  2. Your new bag is wonderful and the couch companion you made is gorgeous, such a good idea for a gift! Love it!!

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  3. Mels bags are quickly becoming iconic... yours is lovely in those colours... and a great couch companion you made choc o block full of goodies...
    Hugz

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  4. Beautiful gifts both sent and received Tracee, the bag is gorgeous and you did such a good job of the couch companion. I love it.

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  5. I loved making a present for you, my lovely sweet friend. Your gift to Glenys is fabulous - no wonder she loved it.

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  6. I do believe you have been having lots of fun giving and receiving these gorgeous goodies! :)

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  7. Wow love the couch companion that you made Trace i have that pattern earmarked to make and you are right its leanne's design,i can see why your partner loved her parcel.The bag Mel made you is absolutely gorgeous Trace,love the fabrics too.xx

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  8. What fun to get one of those bags from Mel and just Wow! for the couch companion . I thought you were talking about Hun Bun at first. It looks fabulous and seems to hold quite a lot.

    valspierssews@gmail.com
    http://valspierssews.blogspot.com.au/

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  9. Mel's bags are gorgeous. The sewing companion you made for Glenys is lovely and filled with so many lovely goodies.

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  10. More beautiful gifts received and sent. hugs

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  11. Well done Mel. Beautiful gifts sent and received. I really want to wish you good luck in the quilt draw but alas....I want my ticket to win LOL!

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  12. What beautiful gifts !! The ones Melody sent you and the one you made !
    I love your sewing companion very much !
    Florence

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  13. My present arrived Tracee. My new bag is beautiful. You did such a good job.

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Thank you friends for leaving a comment on my post - love to get them! Tracee xx