Another one to cross off the UFO list

I had hoped to finish this one last year also but didn't quite manage it. But finally I can cross this one off my unfinished list:

I started this "Hope, Love and Friendship" stitchery by Rosalie Quinlan years ago... I've been trying to remember whether it was before or after Alex was born - yes, it's been on the go for that long!!

As it only used one colour thread, it was the project I'd take along to stitching groups or on a plane, or just pick up and do a few stitches while waiting for an appointment. I would usually only manage a few stitches and then it would get put away again, sometimes for months at a time.

I love the amount of detail that this pattern has... from the chain stitch required for the bow to the design treasures hidden within such like the little bird almost lost in the middle.

The question now is, what to do with the finished product!? I had a few ideas along the way but now that it's finally done I'm not really sure. Suggestions welcome!

Until next time x

It only took nearly 4 years...

It's done! Can you believe it?! I finally finished the quilt I started for Alex back when he was one. I started cutting fabrics for this project back in April 2012 after having searched high and low for the best pattern for my baby boy, and put the final stitches in during December 2015 (and yes, only just getting around to blogging about it).

Australian designer Anni Downs' pattern "A Boy's Story" was perfect, and I decided to stay fairly true to the colours she had used. By the time I was ready to put a backing on the quilt, Anni Downs had released a fabric range based on this pattern - so of course that was the natural choice for both the backing and binding. (On the label, 'Mami' is mummy is spanish for those curious!)

The applique, piecing and stitcheries took awhile. Lots happened in my life while making this quilt (a move overseas, a move back to Australia, another baby, going back to work, a further move interstate...) but let's face it, I also just got bored of it at times! The amount of times I said I'd finish it by a certain date and then I'd have to move the goalpost again and again.

I took Anni's recommendation in the pattern and hand-quilted this project, and I love the effect. I'm really happy with how this quilt has ended up. Alex also loves it which is the main thing!

So happy to finally have this one finished and actually on Alex's bed :)

Until next time x

And another year begins...

I've been meaning to update my blog for quite a few weeks now, but time has continued to escape me. And now 2015 has ended and a new year officially commenced... How did that happen?!

The last couple of months of 2015 were busy, just as they are for most people with shopping and Christmas preparations! I had a few stitching finishes that I am yet to share, a trip to Sydney with the kids for a Christmas concert, a great Christmas, and then a much needed getaway with my wonderful partner.

I've been doing more and more mountain biking, which has been giving me an incredible sense of achievement (even when I fall!) however this has also chewed into stitching time... or, combined with work and also the kids forever keeping me busy and on my toes, made me simply too tired in the evenings to pick up a project to work on. Our latest getaway included a couple of nights mountain biking at Mt Buller... such an incredible way to see amazing parts of Australia. I will aim to write another post about that however!

Back to my stitching finishes that I haven't yet shared...

In August, I gifted a finished quilt for my Dad (it was supposed to be for his previous birthday 12 months earlier but I had only completed the quilt top at that stage!). Going for a simple 'post and rail' patchwork design for this quilt, I predominantly used Lynette Anderson's Hollyhock Cottage range of fabrics. I found it really hard to find fabrics that were right for this project, but found the colours in this range perfect for my dad!

For Christmas I whipped up some quick gifts for the kids... a 'pouch' style bag for Sofia for her to carry around favourite little toys. I debated putting a flap on this bag, however decided not including one would make it easier for her to get things in and out :)

Alex has been increasingly enjoying dressing up and his latest craze has been around the Ninja Turtles. So I decided to make the four different coloured masks, plus a bag to store them in. The eyes were a definite challenge and I'm still not happy with them. I think if I make too many more masks I'll have to perfect a button-hole type stitch to get a smoother finish.

I made a mistake though... apparently I should have used dark blue as light blue is the girl Ninja - so that is now for Sofia to use (so Alex tells me). I had no idea there was a girl Ninja who wore light blue, but there you have it. Apparently I'm now making a fifth mask for him to have the complete set!

And can you believe it... (drum roll please)... I've finished my 'A Boys Story' quilt for Alex!! I'm yet to take pictures but as soon as I do, I will share. I'm also on the verge of finishing a Rosalie Quinlan stitchery that I've had going for many years.

On reflection, my 2015 year of stitching had a few finishes, but mainly of smaller projects (although finishing A Boy's Story is a big win I think!). 2015 also saw a few unexpected and big changes - namely my move back to Canberra and changing of jobs. My partner and I have been working hard bringing together our new 'blended' family, particularly given his children are a fair bit older than my two. For 2016, I'm hoping for a relatively easy transition into some new routines (Alex starts school this year!) and creating some stability after so much moving around. I'm looking forward to more fun times with my wonderful family, mountain biking adventures, and also some quiet moments to be able to stitch.

What are your hopes and plans for 2016?

Happy new year x