Spring Mini Swap

Hi all

I had the sweetest parcel to pick up from the post office late this week. It was my Spring Mini swap parcel & it came from our sweet friend Melody from The House on the Side of the Hill blog. If you are not a regular visitor to Mel (unlikely!), rush over there & check out her blog, the posts of beautiful creations & all the amazing free designs Mel find & shares with everyone.

My parcel was a delight right from the outset with the parcel wrapped in blue kitty fabric & blue ribbon. I love ribbon (almost as much as kitty fabric - I'm a ribbon stasher - shhh don't tell anyone!).

There was a beautiful card with my favourite flowers, sweet peas, on the front. My mum always grew sweet peas & they are so fragrant & prolific in flowering- I love them.

Inside was not only my lovely spring mini but generous Mel had also sent me a book - 'A Friend Like Ben' by Julia Romp. (A mother desperate for love. A little boy who can't show it. The cat that brought them together). All I need to add to that is a nice big box of tissues - the cat goes missing too! Thank you Mel, you thoughtfully picked up on my love of reading as well as kitties (surprise, surprise!).

And leaving the best to last - my Spring Mini quilt. Isn't it gorgeous, redwork stitchery, red & turquoise fabrics, bright & happy colours & a gorgeous design with buttons. Here it is, on my bronze mini quilt frame with the ribbon header. Purrfect!

Yes - that is a stack of magazines on the coffee table behind it - the ones I can't bear to put away yet.

So big kisses & thanks to sweet Mel - you can see I love everything!

Thanks also to our swap mama Cheryll of Gone Stitchin. There is still time to take part in the Christmas Mini Quilt Swap, it closes on the 25th October. Sign up to join in the fun on Cheryll's blog.

Happy stitching
Tracee xx

Spring Mini Swap

I did the recent 'Spring' Mini Quilt swap hosted by our swap muma Cheryll from Gone Stitchin'.

My partner this time was Dannette from Quilting Chemist in the USA. Great to meet, well really it was to stalk, someone new. These are secret swaps so Dannette didn't know I was stalking her a few weeks back to learn what she liked & what would suit her in a mini quilt. It ends up we have a lot in common - definately not the chemist bit but we both love hexies, stitchery, applique & birdies.

So this is the Spring mini I made for Dannette.

The stitchery is from Homespun magazine, a design by one of my favourite designers, Lisa from Cubby House Crafts in Tassie. The original pattern is for a great tablerunner & included hexie flowers. I didn't want to lose the hexies so used them as a border feature. The colours are soft & subtle with the lovely blue birdie.

Dannette emailed me last night to say it had arrived safely & she loves it. Yippee! This is my favourite mini I have made so want to make an identical one for myself too. It's on the list!

Can't wait to see more of these mini quilts as they arrive at their new homes & mine too. As always, Thanks to Cheryll for putting in the hard work.

Happy stitching
Tracee xx

Weekends With Brunnie =^..^=

Hi friends - Brunnie still here, just not been writing much & my typist is very unreliable!

Never mind now I have a tale (or tail??) for you. It contains purrs of joy, generosity, snuggliness, squeaks of terror & mumma swearing. Oh it also includes me, Brutus Beefkitten as the hero & Honey-bun as the bad, bad scaredy cat.

It all started one fine shopping day when mumma decided (right or wrongly but generously) that it would be a good idea to buy her two furboys a new fluffy bed for them each to nap in. They are soft & fluffy, spacious and match nicely to the decor of the lounge room. They were also 50% off so what could possibly go wrong.

I very happily took to my new fluffy bed (here are the purrs of joy). It is warm & snuggly and sits on the couch next to mumma where I can sit & watch mumma sew.

Here my tale takes a turn for the worst. Hun-bun normally sleeps on the other couch on his blankie & mumma thought the snuggly bed would help contain his ginger furs he puts on the chocolate brown couch. Little did she know what she was in for.

Mumma lifted Hun-bun in to his snuggly bed & Hun-bun turned from sweet napping kitty-cat into massive big crying scaredy cat not wanting to go in fluffy bed. He held his paws out on the sides like he was being thrown in the bath, squealed & tried to claw mumma. That was the bit when mumma said the bad words!

So after a bit of planning & no sign of Hun-bun all afternoon & evening mumma decided to put Hun-buns blankie on top of the fluffy bed & entice him in that way. Hun-bun crept in that night after mumma went to bed & slept on the couch, right on the brown. That was the next time muma said the bad words!

So mumma decided to get Hun-bun used to having the bed around first & so it sits on the couch next to Hun-buns blankie. Hun-bun ignores the fluffy bed, mumma ignores the fluffy bed, even Hermoine ignores the fluffy bed & I laugh at scaredy Hun-bun & dirty mouth mumma!

Two weeks later & I can see mumma hasn't given up though. It is just a temporary truce & every so often she puts Hun-bun in the fluffy bed & holds him in there. The record so far is about 20 seconds with mumma lying full on top of Hun-bun to keep him in there. The saga continues......

My poor oversized scaredy cat baby brother!

Big purrs
Brunnie xx

Naked No More....

My mini-quilt frame that is!

It has sat forlornly waiting for my overdue Welcome mini quilt. Now I have finished my first little mini quilt for myself & I think it is a beauty.

I have shown the stitchery previously but I finished it off with a simple red border and final border & binding with a gorgeous blue & red fat quarter that Leanne gave me in a swap.

It is delightfully cute & simple, showing off the stitchery perfectly. At last I am displaying a mini quilt on my gorgeous cream frame.

I have since made another for the Spring mini swap. It is currently winging its way North so I can't show it yet but I so much want there to be time to make one for myself. I love it & hope my swap partner does too.

Over the weekend I also made two more Snugglybug blocks to go in to a quilt along with the other block mades around Australia for a 6 year old little man who is getting treatment in Hobart Hospital. I hope Spiderman helps him fight the big battle he & his family are facing.

I couldn't get Spiderman fabric in the quilting department of the three shops I tried. I was worried that I would get distracted & forget what I was looking for so I was wandering through the fabric aisles singing 'Spiderpig, Spiderpig, does what ever a spiderpig does'. I did get a couple of stares that made me think I wasn't singing as quietly as I thought. I don't know what Spiderman's theme song is but obviously I have watched a few episodes of The Simpsons in my past.

 Given the circumstances I so much want to get the fabrics that these little people ask for & in the time alloted so this time went for curtain fabric in the spiderman blocks in the centre. I hope that works OK for the person putting the top together & the quilter. I'm sure the little spiderman fan will love it!

Happy stitching
Tracee xx

Stitching with Helen of Hugs n Kisses

On Friday I had the best day.

1st - I finally had a day off work to do something fun

2nd - I spent the day with Helen from Hugs n Kisses & 7 others stitchers doing what we love best - stitching, laughing & learning new techniques.

Helen came all the way to Perth from the Promise Land - Hobart, Tasmania, to teach classes for the WA Quilters Guild. The Friday class I went to was a workshop on embroidery & specifically her lovely 'Sewing Chatelaine' projects.

Before even the first stitch I learnt heaps about needles, working with threads & specifically why my thread tends to get fuzzy & knot (I'm using too small a needle with too small an eye - Crewel No 7s for me from now on!).

We started with the large medallion on the needle case. Here's my effort for the day;

The blue areas are the iron on pattern, such a time saver & a feature of Helen's patterns. You get an iron on transfer that will work several times as well as the printed page for tracing if that is your preference. The blue petals are now filled with satin stitch in a delicate pink.

Even though that is as far as most of us got, Helen went through all the tips & hints for finishing off the set. I can't wait to try the leather stitching on the sides of the scissor case, tape measure holder & fob, it is such an easy, strong & decorative stitch. Helen showed us how to make the cord & tassel to finish off our little masterpieces.

As you can see behind Helen, there was a display of her work & I was so happy to see her new project 'Home Sweet Home' up close. The scallops are larger than I expected & the stitcheries in them so vintage & sweet.

Check out some of the stitcheries up close;

and of course there has to be a kitty;

So naturally a copy of this glorious Home Sweet Home pattern & the acrylic templates had to come home with me. The fabrics in this quilt are Helen's first fabric line 'Life is Beautiful' in conjunction with Red Rooster fabrics.

They are available at Quilt Fabric Delights ($5 a fat quarter - great price for Aussie) and I read on Leanne's Blog yesterday that Esme's in Launceston is stocking Helen's fabrics too. Check out the needle cases Leanne has made for the shop out of Helen's Life is Beautiful panel. In Perth, Quintessential Quilts in Morley are stocking the range too, so we can see them, touch them & play before we buy.

A big thank you to the WA Quilters Guild for bringing Helen all the way West for us & to the lovely & talented Helen for her fantastic teaching, generous sharing of her wealth of knowledge and sweet ways that made the days such fun.

I read something recently that gave me a giggle, on a blog or Facebook, can't remember which, 'I'm going to a workshop to learn how to make another UFO!' I can so relate to that but this sewing set is just so pretty & useful that I am determined to get them finished - soon!

Happy stitching
Tracee xx

Black & White Bag Swap

Hi all

I have recently taken part in the Black & White Bag swap, part of Cheryll's 'Lets Exchange' series of swaps. Cheryll is a great Swap Mama, so thanks again for all your hard work Cheryll xx

Boy was I glad I did when I got matched with Sharon from Lilabelle Lane. I am just amazed by her beautiful creations & how finished quilts & smaller items come out thick & fast. Her sewing machine must have smoke coming off the feeddogs!

This swap was no exception. The parcels arrived about a week before the post date so I sat them on the table & tried not to look at them, touch them, smell them or rip into them.

I hadn't even posted mine but that was soon remedied so I waited for Sharon to receive my parcel on Friday before I opened them. A nice start to a Friday night after the work week.

My bag is beautiful. It's roomy, has great inside pocket & I love the conversation print lining.

An added bonus is the embellishment is on a brooch pin or hair clip so can be moved or taken off the bag & used else where. It is very pretty close up.

The fragrant part of my present is a gorgeous set of lavender & chamomile body wash & body lotion. They are all naturally derived ingredients and beautifully packaged. Spoilt!

Thanks again Sharon, loving my swap pressies! xx

Here are my presents to Sharon; the black & white bag.

I have been saving that white & black swirly print for just the right project - it's a favourite & I think looks very posh in this little bag.

I also sent a glasses case made to match. I have been meaning to make one of these for ages & was pleased how easily it came together. It is from my favourite US magazine, Quilts and More.

It fitted my sunglasses very nicely. Here are both gifts together.

As you can see the pics are taken aboove my sewing table - no fancy settings for me, I just don't have the knack for doing that!

I forgot to take a pic of the smellies & extra but you can see them on Sharon's blog. I sent Blueberry & Raspberry Body Butter, Soap & Hand Sanitiser and a chocolate with a spoon in it all ready to make decadent real hot chocolate. Maybe I should trial things like that before I send them.........

My bag came from this great UK magazine filled with lots of great bag patterns.

Shez also used this magazine for the pattern to her amazing knitting bag that she made for Maria. If you haven't seen it, check it out, it's a beauty & on my 'to do' list. We both made a slight change by adding pellon to the bags but otherwise even though both patterns introduced us to something new, they worked a treat and gave excellent results.

Here's the original of my bag in the magazine. I think the pellon making it a more formal looking bag suited the colours & fabrics used. I have one cut out for me in red & black. I'm sure I will make it one day soon........

Happy stitching
Tracee xx

FNSI - Little Things

Last night I had a Friday Night Sew In along with many of you worldwide. It was a great Friday night for a sew in in Perth. The weather was stormy, the temperature had dropped dramatically & the rain was falling. A night in front of the TV watching the AFL footy semi-final, then 2 ABC police & forensics programmes while stitching was perfect.

For once there was no stitchery happening, just lots of little things coming together. I made these hexies on Thursday night.

And Friday night sewed them together. Little Brun helped by supervising which fabrics to put in what order.

Next it was cut up lots of little squares.

That orange circle is the large size clover yo-yo maker. And by bed time I had 15 lovely little yo-yos made.

Another 10 were made during the second semi-final footy game today so only 5 more to make. The yo-yo maker certainly makes it easy.

To see what everyone else did on their FNSI, go to Heidi's blog, Handmade by Heidi, where there are 127 bloggers signed up for last nights sew in. It's a great way to find new blogs & bloggers whose work we can ohhh & ahhh over.

Happy stitching

Tracee xx

Stitchery Queen!

Hi all

Now that I am back stitching, I am more than living up to my self proclaimed 'stitchery queen' tag. There has been so many stitchery projects in recent magazines that I just love.


In the latest Country Threads Jennifer Reynolds from Elefantz had a design for gorgeous 'On Christmas Day' Postcards. They have a cute pocket that you can put a tea bag in (or I was thinking a coffee sachet & a chocolate!) & send to a friend. The words are lovely. Today I finally managed to find a pack of little buttons & stars to decorate the trees with.

Here's a copy of Jenny's design & what mine will loosely end up looking like.

I have also finished my stitchery for my first mini quilt made for me but like most of my projects it is now in line for the machine sewing borders etc. It has turned out gorgeous already though. I'm sorry I can't tell you whose design it is as I found the stitchery traced on the white cotton in my UFO box & the pattern or magazine it came from no where to be seen.

 

 

The latest issue of Homespun definately had me swooning. See the table runner design on the cover (hanging off the table), it & the stitchery in the middle by Lisa Pyke of Cubby House Crafts is definately my cup of tea.

 

 

 

 I love the whole table runner design but decided to make the stitchery a bit bigger & stitch it for the Spring Mini Swap I am doing, organised by swap mama Cheryll from Gone Stitchin. Are you in the Spring swap? I wonder if I am stitching it for you??? I am definately going to have to duplicate this one & do one for me too.

 

 

Something else that took my eye when I saw the Homespun cover on Lisa's blog was naturally the colourful kitties. What could be more purrfect to add to the Quiltkitty household than a lemon stitchery kitten with pink ears? Of course he won't be an only kitty & there are plans for a whole litter in the fabric pile on my sewing desk.

 

 

 

So as always, there is a backup at the sewing machine of projects to be finished. My audit days at work start tomorrow so will soon be over. Even though there is catch up work to do I am already feeling a lot more relaxed. Soon there will be more time & energy for lots of machine sewing!

 

 

The last 2 weekends there have been big yard cleanup days to coincide with the verge pickup. Brutus coped by napping on the bed as usual, while Hun-bun tried to help but found it much more fun to sit in the neighbours rockery and watch the work being done. I'm sure he thinks he looks like a big, tough savannah lion. It's a good thing his honoury 'Uncle Neveille' doesn't mind him making himself at home in his yard.

 

 

Happy stitching

Tracee xx

Tuesday Treasures

Here's a funny treasure but one close to my heart in winter, even in Perth. The Bureau of Meteorology says we are having a low of  6 this week & highs between 17 & 21 with lots more rain until next Sunday when a nice fine 24 is due. The temps will have to rise dramatically before I put this treasure away in the drawer until next year.

I do like a good pair of fluffy slippers & warm socks but my winter treasure is a nice comfy pair of flannel pjs. Nothing flimsy, frilly or flirty for my winter attire!

I have brought two new pairs. A French theme, slightly woolley as worn & washed already....

And my new favourite - Dancing Moo Cows!

Little Brun & Hun-bun were a little put out - where's the kitty prints muma. They soon forgot about it, once snoozing in front of their favourite winter treasure - the gas fire.

To read about other treasures of join in go to Melody's blog, The House On The Side Of The Hill.

Keep warm friends!
Tracee xx Brun xx Hun-bun xx

Stitching Up A Storm....

Hand stitching that is & maybe less of a storm & more so just a passing front that I hope will lead to big things...

When at my most frenzied I always revert back to knitting & scarves, due to no thought required but accomplishing something. Here's the model of the family Hermione with the most recent creations;

At last Spotlight had in a few balls of the black Honeycomb yarn though I had to get the one with the bobbles on it. I stopped myself from knitting until the end of the ball too so this scarf doesn't quite hang to my knees like the others of this type do.

My new favourite, another single ball of wool from Spotlight & Moda Vera. The pattern was on the band & the wool is soft & elasticated. The colours in this one are just perfect for me. I went looking for more but they only have a blue one left & I really wanted girly colours for a change.

Needless to say in the rush of 9-10 hour working days I had forgotten how relaxing I find hand stitching so am pleased to now be stitching again on a regular basis.

Now for the projects that have resulted from my rediscoved stitching joy!

Lovely Leanne from Lizzie the Quilter & I did  birthday swap & not long ago I did a post on my gorgeous tumbler table runner & other gifts I received. Yesterday was Leanne's birthday & below are the pressies I sent her.

A little felt friendship heart with lots of baby buttons & pretty fabric.

The main present was a mini wall hanging that came with its own wire stand. The stitchery is an enlargement of Natalie Bird's True Friends stitchery from her Red Home Book. A few borders & a nice little peeper and this is the end result.

I was so happy (& relieved!) when the stands arrived from the USA in time to post Leanne's parcel to her. I meant to order them weeks ago when I did the Welcome mini swap, run by Cheryl of Gone Stitchin but didn't get around to it so fingers & toes were crossed they would get here in time for the birthday. The parcel did get to Tassie in time & Leanne posted she is very happy with the present. A great swap between friends - thanks again Leanne! xx

As for my stands (yes plural - quite a few of them & lots of headers), I will take pics when I have a mini quilt to show off on them. My Welcome Swap quilt has never been sent to me & sadder still I never got a thank you or even an acknowledgment for my birdy quilt.

Never mind, as I well know life sometimes gets in the way of crafting, so I am busy stitching my own mini quilt also with the birdy theme. Here's a peek & when I finish it I will post pics of my lovely hangers.

Happy Fathers Day to all our men!

Tracee xx