Happy Halloween!

pattern testing ??

Having four different patterns for pocket/travel tissue pouches I made up several using all four patterns to test them - here are the results.  The green pouch is the most compact (and most suitable for my handbag), uses the least fabric, and goes together really quickly - I gave it thumbs up.  For me the red and black one would be ideal sitting on my desk;  it uses two pieces of fabric - one larger than the other to create the trim, which is very clever.  The 3rd design is the criss-cross shown in the pink/red (and mauve/ white in photo on the right) - it seemed to need very careful selection of fabric that is sometimes a challenge for me;  the 4th design is in the lower picture featuring the scissors and thimble fabric. What do you think of the four styles?

 Unfortunately, finding the travel tissues themselves has been difficult but when I do find some I'll stock up.  I figured these would be  terrific to have on hand for whenever a little something was needed.

I'm linking up with the Needle and Thread Network.

dusted off the sewing machine

The sewing room has been having a ceiling installed and that means my sewing machine and all my junk paraphernalia has been under wraps.  It's a back breaking job at our age to install a ceiling so every time the man of the house took a day off I did a bit of sewing.....

No plans for this one yet.

The design for the snowman can be found here.

I was wanting the primitive look for this one using tea dyed muslin for the stitchery and a faded homespun for the rest - I couldn't get the lighting just right for the photo (it looks much brighter than it actually is).  The holly is a design from here. 

 I  remember making wine jackets for gifts many years ago.   I was pleased that I still had the pattern.  The black one is just some whimsy and the aqua one is for a certain someone.  They are a nice way to dress up a gift of wine or dress up a bottle of wine on the table.

this and that ....

On Saturday we took in the first of the fall craft shows and it happened to be out of town. Unfortunately, it was more trade than craft.  There was a good turn out but it was so crowded that one could barely walk around so taking photos was out of the question.  The vendors that we spoke to were friendly and that was enjoyable.  When we were finished what else could we do but go to our favourite Chinese restaurant for a delicious lunch! 

Saturday evening our first snowfall of the season arrived  -  just a skiff that collected on the grass.  It's much too early for winter to start so we appreciated that it disappeared on Monday only to return Monday evening, alas ... there seems to be a pattern here.

The other day when I was unearthing the oddball quilt blocks for their photo op I came across a stitchery that I'd done ages ago and forgotten about.  Obviously, I'd tucked it away until the right idea for it crossed my mind and lo and behold when I laid eyes on it the light came on  I knew exactly what I was going to do with it!

By the way, there is a linky party going on here.

 Here is some of the countryside enroute on Saturday.

                                                    

my oddball collection ....

I'm intrigued by unusual quilt blocks and usually have to make one just to prove to myself that I can.  Consequently I have a wee collection of oddball blocks some of which I'm showing here.

 This is a pleated tree block that I made this morning and that's what gave me the idea to share some of the others with you.  I've tucked a piece of paper between two of the pleats since they aren't that readily seen in the photo.  I was really pleased with this one.

 These are some other Christmas ones that I've made.  The big one with the red 'ribbon' has a 3D bow in the centre.  The small one is supposed to be a snowflake.  My favourite is the package block.

My favourite one here is the small faux cathedral window - what a magnificent quilt these would make!  The small aqua one is called 'hugs and kisses'.

Happy Thanksgiving!

This is Thanksgiving Day in Canada.  

I harvested the last of our carrots and these are some of the oddballs.  The man of the house made 3 litres (quarts) of horseradish!

 Happy Thanksgiving 

and don't forget to count your blessings!

variegated floss

Is there a correct way to use variegated floss?  I've never been able to find any information on it and  in my ignorance  just keep stitching with it.  My favourite one is DMC 115 that I  used for these ornies/tags. For the outer stitching I used pearl cotton and backed them with red ticking.

Just for the fun of it, if you're leaving a comment tell me which one  you like best .... my favourite is the prim Charlie Brown Christmas tree (lower left).

I'm linked up to The Needle and Thread Network.

just in time ....

I finished this just in time ...

it's another charming design from Lynn B. 

I used beads for his eyes, nose, and collar and realized that I need some beads that are in primary, solid  colours so they'll show up better - these ones are crystal-like.   These cats are adorable. 

And here's another that just squeaked in .... wasn't sure
how I was going to finish this guy but a heart
seemed appropriate since I don't have a Halloween Heart.
It was a design from here.

And last but not least is one from the pumpkin patch.  The
 design  can be found here.

3D

I'm currently working on a 3D pinwheel block.   For the pinwheel I basted the squares together before sewing because I just knew they'd give me some problems if they were only pinned.  I'm pleased with the result.  If I make one only I shall turn it into a candle mat but if I go ahead and make the other there will be a pair of mug rugs, I think.

 Interesting colour differences - the

truer colour is the bottom photo.

I finally found it!!!!!

I finally found the x-stitch Christmas Ornaments magazine - hurray!!!   We were in town today and lo and behold there it was - OMG, I was so excited.  I looked through it all the way home - good thing the Man of the House was driving!  There are enough projects in here to keep me busy for months.

I know, it's a lousy photo but the sun is shining today and we're so happy to see it plus the photographer is excited.

and the winner is ........

There were only five participants in my recent giveaway so each of them is receiving a gift.   
The ladies who are getting a crazy quilt needle case are:

Valma

  Jo

Anthea

The  ladies receiving x-stitch charts are:

Debbie 

CP

 Thank you, ladies, for participating - your gifts are in the mail.

I hope you'll visit their blogs to have a look at all the wonderful things they make  
 and be an armchair traveller as well.

happiness .......

I came across this on Facebook and really liked the message...sometimes we I need reminding.