But anyway, here is my show and tell for the month... even if it is only a little. I've kept to my word and worked on two unfinished projects (UFOs) before starting on something new.
Firstly, I dug out a red-stitch table runner I started sometime last year. I completed the stitcheries before moving to Bali but then they just stayed tucked away in a plastic tub for four months. I am happy to report that I've cut up the little squares that make up the first borders and pieced the top of the runner.
I'm rather happy with how it's looking! I also cut up and folded/ironed the squares (well, now triangles) that are to be 'prairie points' at each end of the runner...
I should probably explain here that ironing things actually holds up my projects... poor excuse I know, but hear me out. I am privileged enough to have a lovely housemaid while living here in Bali, and sometimes it feels like my iron and ironing board are 'out of bounds'. Our house is split in two, with our housemaid having her own 'domain' at the back of the second house. So for me to iron a seam I need to exit one house, cross the yard, go around the second house and into the housemaids area. And much of the time she is there ironing our clothes, sheets, etc... so she offers to iron my sewing seams. However, I'm not sure if you're like this but I'm quite particular in which direction my seam is ironed, so I prefer to do it myself... meaning that I tend to wait until she's not around to iron (ie, Sundays when we're often out as a family with Tom and Alex). Crazy, no?! I think I may need to get a second iron and ironing board for my sewing room...
The second UFO I've dabbled at this month has been a quilt for Alex. One of my favourite designers is Anni Downs, and I fell in love with her "Boys Story" quilt as soon as I saw it. So about a year ago I started... I cut out all my fabrics for piecing, I traced the patterns for the needle-turn applique, and prepared fabric for the stitcheries that go in between. As gorgeous as the quilt is, it has a few elements!! I am finally proud to announce that I have completed the first stitchery... only 12 more to go plus 9 appliqued squares... hmmm, could be a while. However, as I already cut out all the fabric for piecing, I figured I should 'piece as I go'. So here is half of the first 'block' including stitchery...
Two UFOs worked on... time to start a new project!! You know me, I can't resist a new pattern :D
I opted for a small cross-stitch and am rather happy with how it's progressing. To give you some background to this pattern, about 18 months ago my grandmother's pet bird escaped from its cage. Heartbroken by her little feathered companion's departure, she opted not to have another bird as she didn't want to go through it again. I decided that 'one day' I would cross-stitch for her a little bird to hang on the wall, one that wouldn't fly off. When I came along the following pattern I thought it was perfect - nice bright colours, and two birds so they can keep each other company (yes, I know they're not real).
While they take forever compared to a stitchery, I love how cross-stitch slowly but surely comes to life. Since taking the above photo I've actually finished the green of the feathers. Just the rest of the branch they're sitting on and the backstitch and I'm done!
So that's my show and tell. I thought I'd share one more photo though... Alex often ventures into my craft room while I'm in here (whether it be sewing or on the computer). In one corner are a selection of his toys, but of course, Mummy's toys can be much more interesting! Here's my cheeky little monkey rearranging the pins on my pincushion. Not sure why, but I often catch him intrigued my my pins/pincushion but at least there haven't been any tears as yet.
A bit of a long blog entry, but I hope you enjoy seeing the stitching I've been doing, even if it's a poor excuse for a months worth!!
Take care and until next time xx
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