COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS

My NewFo # 7   JULY 2013 ......

This is a pattern available in Australian Homespun 'Christmas in July' July 2012 issue.  The original design has pieced blocks all around the applique but I had purchased the printed panel by the Designer and decided to use that as my borders.  I cut them out individually and then pieced them back together as unfortunately they were not printed straight on the fabric (something I find with a lot of panels).

I made my centre piece for the appliqué a lot larger than the pattern so I increased the size of the design to suit.  I'm doing hand blanket stitch and back stitch and will use buttons and trims to embellish.

So there you have it!  My NewFo # 7 ..  linking up with Cat Patches ...  click on the link to see all of the other NewFo's !

Happy Sewing!!

Helen

MY JUNE NEWFO PROJECT

Hello there!

I had a couple of projects that would qualify for my June NewFo but I have chosen the quilt I am going to make sewing along with Quilting Gallery in their "Aiming for Accuracy" quilt-a-long.....

My selection of fabrics

Closer view of the fabrics

I will be using my Singer 201K knee shift to make this quilt

So there it is.... my NewFo # 6 ...    check out Cat Patches HERE to see all of the other NewFo's !

The first block has been posted by Quilting Gallery so I hope to start sewing tomorrow.   I need to oil and grease the machine first - this is so important when using these old machines, they lap up the oil and every now and then they need grease too.  My machine sews like a dream so she is worth looking after properly.

I promised to be back with photos of some recent sewing.  I made a fantastic bag --well, I think it looks fantastic but the pattern is really fantastic!.........

THE BIG EASY BAG - PATTERN FROM WHISTLEPIG CREEK PRODUCTIONS
THIS PHOTO SHOWS THE BAG ALL BUTTONED UP TO USE AS A BIG HANDBAG

BIG ZIP CLOSURE

THE BAG WITH THE MAGNETIC SNAPS AND SIDE BUTTONS UNDONE
YES... IT IS A BIG BAG! 

THE SIDES ARE UNDONE AND THIS PHOTO SHOWS THE ZIP STILL CLOSED, SO
AS A BIG TOTE OR OVERNIGHT BAG, EVERYTHING IS STILL SAFE AND SOUND!

YOU CAN FIT A WHOLE LOT OF STUFF IN HERE....
TRUST ME!
I HAVE USED MY NEW BAG AS A WEEKENDER AND ALSO AS A
"SHOP HOP" TOTE 

I just LOVE this bag!  The pattern is very well written and easy to follow.  There is a lot of prep work, cutting, interfacing etc but well worth it to produce a well finished and sturdy bag.  My bag has really been put to the test lately.  I took it on a "shop hop" and filled it to capacity with fabric.  I then used it as a weekender and then last week I used it as a suitcase for my week up in the country with my Niece (looking after school children on their school holidays).  Although stuffed to overflowing, the bag took it all!

I've also been sewing Infinity Scarves but still no photo!  I am making them in cotton voile and they are so soft and warm.

So that covers my NewFo # 6 and my latest sewing adventures....   time to put another log on the fire ...

Happy Sewing!!
Helen

NEWFO # 5 MAY 2013

NewFo # 5 May 2013 -  yes! it's ANOTHER Farm Quilt

Pattern by:-  Ella & Skysie Designs

I'm working on another Farm Quilt.  This time I will do it in "boy" colours as I have already made four girlie versions of this quilt!   This pattern is an easy hand sewing project and is always useful when a quick quilt is needed.  So I have cut out my background squares, traced the designs (I use freezer paper behind the fabric when I do the tracing - makes it much easier!) and ironed on some light pellon (#630)  which gives the blocks a nice soft, puffy look.  I use a Pigma Micron 005 pen in a sepia colour to do the tracing.  It gives a lovely fine line to embroider and I like that it doesn't disappear after a while.  Yes, it is permanent but I find that two strands of thread covers it nicely.

So this is my NewFo project # 5 for May 2013.  Check out Cat Patches HERE to see all of the other NewFo's!!

We have a rainy afternoon so it's quilting time.......

Happy Sewing!!
Helen