s.l.o.w progress is being made

I have been finding it hard to sit down knowing I have a good block of time to get on with this project. I will have it done by Christmas.

Almost done the tree - the most intense part.

The thing I dont like about raw edge sewing is you can either miss the edge. Do it to close so it 'shreds' the fabric or to far away that is it obvious... I understand this is not the done thing...

argh.

Salted Caramels

I know - would never imagined mixing these two flavours together...

Would you ever imagine they were morish?!

Go on make some... here

Check. Check. Check it out.

Claire from Little Fish Creations kindly encouraged me to learn how to use an over locker. My fear, I realised was unfounded... Look what I made with her support and encouragement... I had a GREAT day with Claire and am rather pleased with myself. The Little Man is particularly pleased with the trains... toot toot!

Those black naughty thingos...

They are back this year...

I have a lovely surprise for them.

Yes I do.

A allnaturele version to get rid of them.

Vacuum dust. Yes dust from your vacuum bag. They hate it.

Cherry slugs people - they also like quinces AND pears. Shake your vacuum bag over the trees (and under the leaves) regularly and this will - apparently rid of the darn things. Oh I know they don't harm your tree or fruit - but I rather use my vacuum dust efficiently and have pretty trees in my garden all summer! I think I might beat them this year (evil laugh). Next is the slugs/snails...

With a bit of planning...

I can be disgustingly organised with Christmas gifts.

This year is my best so far. I am really pleased. I think I have competed all my to-make-gifts. Do you make gifts for Christmas?

I still have some gifts to do - but that is because I have NO idea what to get them (sisters...). Darn it.

I got this idea from here. Perfect for the goodies hamper I traditionally do for each of my aunts and uncles...

I REALLY thought

after raw edge appliqueing this WHOLE tree once I would have the technique down pat.

fat chance - another two to go...

Childhood books

This is a story I remember fondly from my childhood. My mum read to me before I went to sleep. I cannot remember when she stopped doing it. This is my original copy - what a treasure. Another book I remember and have just sourced is Tikki Tikki Tembo.

Do you know this book?

What was a special childhood book for you?

a bit of this and a bit of that

I have finished this book. Book club is tonight and I am at home. Been struggling with a head cold the last two days. Damn it. I love the socialness of this group of ladies. I enjoyed it "immensely darling". Would only change one thing. Wonder what the next book will be?

I am also excited that I have managed to source a good, reasonably priced duck bill scissors (here). I will be doing lots of needle turn (yes facing it head on!) in a quilt I am about to start so decided to get myself a pair.

Happy week everyone!

okay... enough pillows for 2011

I just had to do this project. Personalised it to suit our home. Goes perfectly with the Eiffel

pillow.

Now a bit more positive thinking and progression on my Christmas appliqueing...

You got to feel good!

When you finish your first attempt at something!

Kris encourgaed me along to finish it - to start clipping rather than wait till I finished another project. Good on you Kris. Thanks to Jan for her teaching and step by step instructions. I have a friend who now wants to make one.

hint: linen raggs up beautifully!