Stitcheries and such

Been Busy Creating

2011-10-02T19:49:00.000-07:00

What a year!!!!!!!!!! Its just going so fast and has been absolutely horrific, filled with one drama after another. However, despite that I have managed to get back working and creating. Some new patterns I've been working on My Owly patterns, Plus I've been having a lovely time doing a few paintings again. A few teasy pictures, any interest in my owly patterns and I will make them available to download.

I'M BACK

2011-07-26T16:47:00.000-07:00

Apologies for being absent so long, unfortunately I managed to "pop" a couple of discs in my back, lifting one of my foster doggies. Actually I was trying to turn him over so that I could rub cream on is belly, he had an allergy, when I tried to straighten I couldn't, very very painful. Now the specialist has told me 12 months to recover or to get back to how I was before I hurt my back. Poor Pugsley never did get the cream on his belly and happily he has a lovely new home in Ipswich. Isn't he adorable. Hopefully I will have some new free patterns on here shortly. Take care everyone, love and hugs Jean

NEW DOWNLOAD LINK FOR FREE PATTERN "HEARTS A SKIPPING QUILT

2011-04-24T22:11:00.000-07:00

This is a new link for my free pattern "Hearts a Skipping" Quilt top. Let me know if it does not work.

http://www.box.net/shared/66akouqhez

NEW DOWNLOAD LINK, CHOCOLATE STAR RUNNER

2011-04-24T21:45:00.000-07:00

CLICK HERE FOR DOWNLOAD http://www.box.net/shared/ss7x6m7eqs

Free Patterns difficulty finding

2011-04-24T19:53:00.000-07:00

Hello and apologies to anyone who has tried to acsess a free pattern please email me at findjeanie@yahoo.com.au and if you have not been able to get the pattern from the site let me know so that I can rectify the situation. I do apologise but I really did not realise it was difficult, Its so good to find these things out. Have a lovely Easter and stay safe.

Baskets and More

2011-04-18T19:59:00.000-07:00

Another quilted basket using an Aboriginal design fabric, titled, "Women gathering charcoal",

Gorgeous felt brooches great to lift a tshirt, jacket etc, These are hopefully going to the local art gallery for sale. Thats the plan.

basket for swap

2011-04-17T19:57:00.000-07:00

Hi, This is the basket I've decided to use for my swap. Its going international so the fabric I decided on is an Aboriginal design depicting, Women sitting men hunting. I made a matching tissue holder. What do you think? hope she likes it. Used a fat Qrt so unfortunately I couldn't fussy cut.

FOR SALE NEW ITEMS AT MY ETSY SHOP

2011-04-06T00:47:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous crocheted little gift pouches photographed with bar of soap inside. original pattern of mine.

Lovely original crocheted shawl, pattern is Lovers Knot crocheted in fine thread. This was a pattern designed for a magazine Its a 1 only item on sale at my etsy shop.

Another original design, A gorgeous stitchery panel on a blue smocked gingham cushion cover. Also listed on Etsy, why not take a look?

First try at quilted basket

2011-03-26T01:09:00.000-07:00

This is my first try at making a quilted basket, I've registered for the "basket swap", should be fun, have no idea what colour the swap one will be that will depend on my swap partners likes and dislikes, I will post more pictures.

Fungi growing in my plant

2011-03-26T01:01:00.000-07:00

Change of subject, During all the wet weather I spotted this growing out of the bottom of a pot plant, the photos dont show it up that well as the colour was the brightest yellow. Have any of you see anything like this before. Needless to say the plant died.

What are you working on?

2011-03-26T00:54:00.000-07:00

New stitcheries

Knitted trauma teddies

tissue covers for handbag size tissues

My mugrug swap partner sent me one of these, so I made a few to give out to my friends on Tuesday, thanks so much Laila. I love the one you sent me.

This is what some say is a "secret" which is rubbish, I used a paper type cake doiley, placed it on a square of white fabric. Next I mixed Jo Sonja acrylic paint with textile medium and painted over the paper doiley, carefully removed it, let it dry, then ironed it on both sides, then I soaked it in cold water all day, dried it again and hey this top secret is now revealed to all. The paint is still there and does not wash off. isn't it pretty.

Hi, Are you all keeping busy? I had so many plans for keeping busy over the last few days, did some sketches for new stitcheries, had ideas for new mugrug designs and heaps more but I really haven't done much at all. Why? because I managed to get a rather severe throat infection, what a nuisance, I get annoyed with mself when I get sick. Anyway photos of some of the things I've managed to create in between laying on the couch, going to bed, making cups of tea or coffee, feeling sorry for myself, browsing online, lol, mending holes in the fence, chasing dogs that keep insisting on leaving the premises without a note, worry they will get run over. ha ha ha. Any wonder I'm sick.

hello and welcome

2011-03-21T21:24:00.000-07:00

Hello, A lovely warm welcome to any new followers, If theres anything in particular that you would like to see on here, let me know and I will see what I can do.

TIP OF THE DAY:

White glue is a natural sealer, if too thick add small amount of warm water. It does dry clear.

My Finished pinwheel Quilt.

2011-03-13T17:18:00.000-07:00

Well I have finally finished the lap quilt I designed for the "Versatility of Colour" tute. Think I'll call it "Pinwheel Surprise", its bright, colourful and all the colours work so well. The centre pinwheels are diagonally ditched stitched, the outer border strip, that is the wider green strip is randomly quilted. of course if you are an expert quilter you could randomly quilt the whole top, its a personal choice really. I am not an experienced quilter, I don't even like doing the quilting bit, my forte, my experience is in designing and thinking up new and fun patterns. This I've been doing for over 40years now, gosh isn't that scary. I wish I could afford to send my completed tops of to a professional quilter but unfortunately limited income doesn't allow that. Anyway hope you like the "Pinwheel Surprise" pattern It is available free to download so check it out.

FABRIC MEASURING

2011-02-25T16:47:00.000-08:00

What a disappointment to find that some of my fabrics are not the proper measurements. My recent online purchases which are yards, a couple of them are measuring at 35&1/2" rather than 36" which is what I thought a yard actually measured. A few half metre lengths are also measuring slightly less. I know, its probably hardly worth while bothering about, but think about it over a group of 10 different fabrics you could be loosing 5" of usable fabric. In future I will measure them immediately I receive them or get them home after shopping. Am I too picky??????????

GIVEAWAY FAT QUARTERS PLUS

2011-02-25T16:40:00.000-08:00

The first person to upload photos of all the items on my Tutorial : that is, 2 mugmats, 1 pinwheel runner, and the gorgeous pinwheel lap quilt, finished size by the way is or will be approx 50" square, its easy and very quick to put together. Will receive 2 co-ordinating FQ and I have decide to include, one of my lovely crocheted and decorated little pouches. Difficult to see the actually colours but the 2 FQ are basically red and the crochet pouch is lavendar.

The next 4 people to post photos will receive a small thank you for being interested gift of 1 FQ each.

PINWHEEL RUNNER PATTERN

2011-02-24T21:05:00.000-08:00

Free pattern download for pinwheel runner pattern,
https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0ByuOXEBQDvkBYTRjNDBkNjItOTM3OC00ZTJiLWE0MDEtZDE5YjJmYjE5NjFm&hl=en&authkey=CLOhnd4F

GIVEAWAY, Be the first

2011-02-24T20:50:00.000-08:00

Thought I would announce my first, very first FREE GIVEAWAY, so here it is.
Be the first to make the mug rugs, the runner and the lap quilt with the pinwheel blocks from the patterns for my Tutorial, Versatility of Colour, and off course send me photos or upload to the flickr group I created at
http://www.flickr.com/groups/photosfrom
The first person to make all of the patterns using the same colour pinwheel blocks for all patterns will receive 2 gorgeous colour co-ordinating Fat Quarters. Will decide which and upload photos soon.
The next 4 people will receive 1 FQ each.
I realise people are busy so will leave this open until the end of April, closing day 30th April, Let me know if you prefer a longer time.
Pattern for the lap quilt will be ready over the weekend so keep a lookout.

LINK FOR VERSATILITY OF COLOUR TUTE FINAL

2011-02-24T20:26:00.000-08:00

DOWNLOAD NOW
https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0ByuOXEBQDvkBN2YwNWVkN2YtOWUzZS00MjExLTkwNzUtZDNhZjdhMTAwNzdm&hl=en&authkey=CJXvr4YI

Final of Versatility of colour

2011-02-24T20:24:00.000-08:00

Ok, sometimes I'm just a dope, last post I said part 3, part 4 well that was wrong I'm sure you all figured that out, theres only 3 parts, Pinwheel blocks mugrugs, Runner and the final pattern for A lap Quilt, I need to name them individaully I think, anyway This is the final part of my Tutorial or exercise "Versatility of Colour"
rather than type it out as a post I have decided to upload it to Google Docs so that you can download it if you wish. Its been fun and very interesting even though I have worked with "colour" in some way since my early twenties, (scary that is a long time) I'm still delighted and amazed with different colour combinations and what happens to the visual senses. Have fun

Weather change.

2011-02-21T15:25:00.000-08:00

How upside down is the weather? We have been subjected to floods, cyclones a heat wave, and now this morning when I got out of bed, it was dark, very windy and coolish, swear somone had moved my house while I was asleep. Yesterday, a storm came over and at 4 pm all the street lights came on, I had lights on it was so black. Very strange weather. Today its cooler so I may get some work done, by work I mean sewing, designing, sketching etc. Whatever you choose to do today, stay safe.

Monday morning at my place

2011-02-20T16:20:00.000-08:00

Another hot steamy day, but I now have a fan in my sewing room, its turned on too, alongside me. I have about 1hr before I need to go out so I'm trying to organise pinwheel blocks for the 4th stage of my "versatility of colour" tute. Have made part 3 which is a lovely runner. Part 4, will be (hopefully) a lap quilt. However as mornings go, this is not a good one. Trying to lower my cholesterol with diet as the medication has too many side effects for me. Now I feel sick from the new cream cheese and proactive spread I'm using yuk.
Pinwheels, oh boy one of those times when I sew, unpick, sew again exactly how I did the first time, Now guess what I'm about to unpick again. Oh well the "joys" of being a sewer. Also have another little doggie, cute one, think its a chihauha cross, ha ha can't even spell today. Have a great day whatever you are doing, chow

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FREE PATTERN, Patchwork pouches.

2011-02-18T19:14:00.001-08:00

http://www.box.net/shared/yvfzg1hbz0

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FREE PATTERN, sophisticated yo-yo's bag

2011-02-18T19:09:00.000-08:00

http://www.box.net/shared/vzcy1aeeg0

Patchwork mini pouch, free pattern

2011-02-18T18:27:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone, boy its going to be a "stinker" of a day, It's only 8.30 in the morning and already very humid, maybe it will build up for a storm later in the day. Yesterday was a "fiddle" day so here's a picture of my achievement while " fiddling". This is quick, easy to make, great as a little, "just because" gift for a friend. Useful for all sorts of things, such as, A thimble carrier, medication holder, change for the meter, tooth fairy pouch, Add a loop and attach to your bag or key ring. I'm sure you will find heaps of uses. Pattern will be available later on today.

Stitcheries and such: Don't you love this it's "tizzy" and cute.

2011-02-16T15:08:00.000-08:00

Stitcheries and such: Don't you love this it's "tizzy" and cute.

Doggy found her family

2011-02-16T01:29:00.000-08:00

What a day I've had, my latest little "foster doggy" has been found by her rightful owners, so this morning she went home to her proper family. Thats such good news for her and me too. Look at this dog, how quickly they learn to get on the furniture, hence all the covers.

Don't you love this it's "tizzy" and cute.

2011-02-16T01:16:00.000-08:00

Add caption

I forgot to post a picture of the finished bag, sometimes I'm a dope. My excuse "thinkingof the next project", so there.

SNEAK PEAK, SOPHISTICATED YO-YO'S BAG PATTERN

2011-02-15T20:47:00.000-08:00

Almost finished, This pattern will be a FREEBIE for a limited time only. Should be posted byt the end of the week. Keep a lookout.

LINK FOR PINWHEEL TUTORIAL

2011-01-27T15:22:00.000-08:00

https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0ByuOXEBQDvkBNzQyMGM4NTctYTJiNS00N2U1LWI0YTgtZmI4Mzk5OTIxM2Fj&hl=en&authkey=CIuomfUD

TUTORIAL, "VERSATILITY OF COLOUR.

2011-01-27T01:38:00.000-08:00

TUTORIAL, VERSATILITY OF COLOUR

Welcome to PART 1 of my very 1st online tute. its more nerve racking then face to face teaching haha.
Today I'm going to write about colour and how important it is, not only in your craft work but also in day to day living. Supplies for patchwork are becoming more and more expensive, so today I want to show you what you can achieve with colour rather than a large quantity of fabric.
For the purpose of this exercise I will use the same colour pinwheel square, so that you get an idea of the versatility of colour and what YOU can do.

This Tutorial is particularly geared for beginners, so if you are a new patchworker or a person who has never tried anything like this before this is for you. So grab a cuppa, read PART 1 through, then have a go. Its fun,and such an eye opener.
Have you ever stopped for awhile and just looked at the colours around you? If the answers “no” I’m just too busy, take time and do it now, sit and really enjoy your cuppa as you look at the colours, the walls, the furnishings, your clothes etc, now go outside and look at the colours of the sky, the clouds, the trees, flowers everything. Now consider the prospect of everything being the same colour how sad and depressing that would be for us.

Look at the colours of Nature, “ you know what, she never makes a mistake when choosing colours”.

Colours are important to our wellbeing, our day to day living, everything we do we use colour without realising it. Clothes we wear, cars we drive, meals we serve, everything.

So now lets consider colour in our craft work.

As you will notice throughout this exercise I am using the same colours for my Pinwheel blocks for all the items we are going to make. Using the same colour blocks I intend to make several different items so that you can get a feel for colour and realise it’s importance and it’s influence, not only on our visual senses and brain but on our emotions and how we are attracted to certain colours. If you react with a “WOW” when you start to assemble your chosen fabrics together, you have hit the jackpot.

However, if your reaction is just a mild “ugh”, (not a word for my ___ feelings at times, but I’m sure you know what I mean) then it will always be “ugh”. Don’t give up just change 1 to something that makes you go “WOW”.
Liking colours is instant, no “do I don’t I” moment, you either like a colour or you don’t.

If you want to be a part of this interesting exercise, and I hope you will take part, as it will be fun and at the end of it you will have made some nice accessories for you place or presents for gifting.

You can probably guess that I can well and truly “waffle”, used to get me into trouble with my uni assignments, I will try not to.

The main thing I want to stress here, is that YOU can make something beautiful without spending heaps of money on loads of different coloured fabrics.

Now if you want to be a part, scroll down and read the tute directions for the Pinwheel blocks , after you have made 2 blocks come back and continue reading here.

Don’t stress, have fun, there are no rights or wrongs, remember we are all different individuals with different ideas, different tastes, that’s what makes us “unique” .

You've probably all heard of or looked at a colour wheel, I have one here but very seldom use it. I expect you all know the primary colours, red,yellow,green, blue, as well as combinations of red+yellow make orange, red +blue make purple etc.
Plus we have shades of colour light,dark,medium, pale, bright
Cool colours, warm colours, shades of white, yellow white, blue white the list and confusion go on and on.
I much prefer to use visual and emotional seeing, If you like a colour use it, freedom of choice is really what its about, freedom of choice makes us feel good.
Now to explain more, you need to make 2 pinwheel blocks using 2 co-ordinating colours, these are so you can study them really look at them and actually see them, see the beauty of the colours and think about how you feel.
NOTE:
If you intend making all 4 items that I make from the same colour pinwheel blocks you need to have available at least 1mtr each of 2 co-ordinating fabrics for the main colours, plus odds and ends of other fabric to try combinations. I will try and give you quantities as we progress.
Come back after you have made your mugmats. Meanwhile I will upload photos of my 2 mats finished.

Ignore the date I haven't altered it properly, have to do that everytime I replace the batteries in my camera.
Back to the tute, Look at the bottom photo first and study the colours, this has a WOW factor, but rather than the pinwheel being the WOW, our eyes are drawn to the hot pink colour. However look again and you will notice the gorgeous shades of pinks in the pinwheel.If you zoom into the hot pink mat, you will notice that the pink "pulls out" the pinks in the pinwheel fabric, the hotpink draws your eyes so that you see the other pinks, as well as the gorgeous little flowers, didn’t notice them before, did you?
Make another mugmat using the same colour pinwheel block but this time add darker or different colours to either side of the block, it will be in the centre.
Now look closely at the two, not only look but actually see and absorb the colours.

Study the top photo and the first thing you notice is the pinwheel and its rich colours of golds and purple, as well as the small details of delicate flowers. The darker colours actually draw your eyes directly to the center pinwheel block, you will know notice and see the glorious “goldy” colours of the fabric as well as the purply shades, the pinks fade in comparison this time, isn't that amazing. Can you see the lovely “goldy” colours in the darker fabric, notice how it compliments the pinwheel.

WHY Is that, (hahha, I feel like Sumner Millar, saying, why is it so)
Adding dark colours to either side of the pinwheel block, actually draws your eyes to the picture as a whole, rather than in separate coloured sections. For example the pink in the other mugmat.
A totally different appearance to the pink block. How versatile is colour?
PART 1 has been a lot of fun, however if its been a problem for you, email me for a file containing this info.
See you soon for PART 2.
You will need 4 maybe 5 of the same coloured pinwheel blocks. Take care

Flickr

2011-01-24T15:09:00.001-08:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

FLOODS IN QUEENSLAND

2011-01-14T15:43:00.000-08:00

Hello, what a terrible 2 weeks its been for QLD. I'm now to the stage I just cant watch television as its so heart breaking. I'm originally from Toowoomba, still have family there and many friends. All safe. However the lockyer valley, is home to not only relatives on my ex-husbands side of the family but also to friends and my ex students who I call friends. As much as I want to know they are safe I cant bear to see or know the names of the missing in case any of them are listed. To all affected my thoughts and prayers are with you, To any of you who know or have family there, I'm thinking of you. I worked in Toowoomba how very very scary that must have been, I'm thankful that it wasn't any worse. I'm sending healing, love and lots of hugs to all of you.

FLOODS IN QUEENSLAND

2011-01-02T16:01:00.000-08:00

Queensland is awash and my sympathies go out to all affected. Its unbelievably difficult to cope with I've been there floooded out in 1974, lost nearly everything and in those days there just wasn't the resources in place to help us. But we coped, WHY, because we had 5 small children and we had to. I feel deeply for all of you the devastation is just enormous and probably more to come. Fortunately I'm not in a flood area now, we moved in 1976 to escape the bad memories etc, but often that is not feasable. Its hard to leave friends and familiarity. If you or maybe you know a quilter/sewer/crafter who has lost everything, let me know and I will send a small crafty gift to them.

MY FRIENDS

2010-12-30T16:12:00.000-08:00

My 2 Mates, Misty is the little miniature foxy and jack is the Schitzue. My sister calls at lunchtime after work and always eats her lunch here at my place and its always the same, cheese on rice crackers, my 2 dogs hang out for the cheese then as soon as lunch is finished, that is they have eaten all the cheese they leave. Its really funny.

MY FRIENDS

2010-12-30T15:38:00.000-08:00

Benny spent a few days with me and mine just before Christmas, while being re-housed, I'm a doggie foster Mum. He found a lovely family to live with.

This gecko was on the kitchen ceiling, It caught a large moth, by the time I had taken the photo the moth had been eaten, what a guts. We have lots of these lizards in the SE corner of QLD.

MORE MORE MORE

2010-12-30T15:21:00.000-08:00

Still more to come

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE.

2010-12-30T15:13:00.000-08:00

Here's "wishing" that 2011 is going to be a much better more productive year not only or me but all of you in Blog land as well.

Just a few pictures of what I made in the last few weeks, Most have been given away

HEARTS A SKIPPING FREE PATTERN

2010-12-04T23:32:00.000-08:00

Hello, just a remeinder this free pattern is still available

NEW ITEMS

2010-12-04T23:25:00.000-08:00

I have made in the last few while I've had to just sit and rest, 4 Jounal covers, 9 felt needlecase, 1 crazy patchwork, 5 sets of 4 mugmats, 1table runner with 4 matching mugmats, 3 pot of flowers pincushions and 1cupcake pincushion. What a great time I'm having making all these small items.Keep a lookout for the patterns. Take care

Stitcheries and such: Crochet box pattern

2010-10-06T23:59:00.000-07:00

Stitcheries and such: Crochet box pattern

Crochet box pattern

2010-10-06T23:58:00.000-07:00

Materials required: Small amount mercer crochet thread no 20.and 1.50 steel crochet hook.
thin cardboard, measuring 10x5" (25x13cm's)
glue.scissors.
artificial silk flower, beads, narrow silk ribbon, approx 1yard.
Make the inside box first, so that your crochet piece can be made to fit.
Using 1.50 crochet hook and thread, make 70ch. HINT, leave a longer starting tail than usual, this allows you to make extra stitches and adjust the size.
Row 1. Miss 3ch, 1tr in next ch, *miss 2ch, 2tr 1ch 2tr in next ch, rep from * to end, ending with miss 2ch, 2tr last ch, turn, (21shells)
Row 2. 3ch,1tr in next tr, *2tr 1ch 2tr in 1ch sp of shell, rep from to end, ending with 2tr last tr, turn
Repeat last row until 19rows have been worked or crochet is long enough to fit the inside box.
Row 20. Work into the back loop of stitches only, work as 2nd row.
Work 3 more rows in shell pattern, fasten off.
Fold crochet piece in half and sew along the sides and bottom section. Place box inside, folding the extra rows inside over box to cover cardboard.
Join crochet thread onto side seam right side facing, working through the folded section at the same time, this is easier if you take the box out.
Work row: 3ch, 1tr in tr, *2tr, 4ch slst back into 1st ch, (picot made) 2tr into 1ch sp of shell, rep from * to end, ending with 2tr, fasten off. Secure all ends of thread.
Decorate box using, silk flower, ribbon and pearl beads.
2tr

hello

2010-10-05T21:11:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, Please bear with me if you see anything out of place or "strange" on here, I'm "fiddling" with it adding things moving things, really have no idea what I'm doing but hopefully I will eventually reach the, WOW, I've done it stage and I will be happy. I'm really trying to give you as my "followers and friends" lots more, such as tutorials, free patterns, swaps, blocks of the month or pattern for this week type stuff.

Stitcheries and such: FREE, FREE CROCHET PATTERN FOR DECORATIVE BOX

2010-10-05T21:05:00.000-07:00

Stitcheries and such: FREE, FREE CROCHET PATTERN FOR DECORATIVE BOX

NEW PATTERNS COMING SOON.

2010-07-19T02:43:00.000-07:00

HEARTS A SKIPPING,

2010-07-19T02:38:00.000-07:00

Quilt is shown on my bed with another a doona underneathe, thats why it looks bumpy. Finished size is approx 53" square.

PATTERN AVAILABLE, HEARTS A SKIPPING. QUILT

2010-07-19T02:24:00.000-07:00

"HEARTS A SKIPPING" batting

2010-06-03T00:07:00.000-07:00

Hello once again, For the batting and backing of my quilt I've decided to use a polyester batting, softer,cuddler and probably more serviceable for a child. The backing fabric I've chosen is asoft lilac colour very pretty. I'm working on getting it finished over the weekend as well as organising the pattern. Take care, until next time bye

Photos of 'Hearts a skipping' quilt top

2010-06-01T19:52:00.000-07:00

The 'paper dollies' on the sides are holding skipping ropes, for the cute little 'skipping hearts' all have faces and very happy. Close up of the paper dollies border has been uploaded previously.

"HEARTS A SKIPPING" My new project Almost finished

2010-06-01T19:42:00.000-07:00

Hello once again, hope you are all well and happy and keeping busy. My "knee" is now progressing better and I can actually take myself out shopping, although I can't stay out for long as its difficult to wait in queues, can't stand in one place very well have to "loll" or lean on things, ha ha ha. Isn't it funny, there are just never enough places to sit and I am discovering what a hassle it is, when one requires a toilet stop as disabled facilities are really few and far between. Still I am coping much better now, Each day brings a new challenge to conquer. My new quilt however is almost finished and I am very excited with how it looks, Its so pretty and I'm sure some little girl would be thrilled to have it on her bed. As yet I haven't organised all the pattern, will work on that over the weekend. The photographs aren't all that brilliant either, I'm waiting for a lovely sunny day to photograph outside.

PART 2, HEARTS A SKIPPING

2010-05-09T18:18:00.000-07:00

HOME FROM HOSPITAL

2010-04-06T20:10:00.000-07:00

Hello everybody, I'm home after my surgery and managing to get my self around. As yet I havent been able to get back to my stitching, still on a lot of pain killers. Being an invalid is not something I enjoy so today I've been looking at my "work in progress" so guess it wont be long until I'm stitching again. Talk again soon, take care, bye

APPLIQUE SECTION 1ST BORDER, HEARTS A SKIPPING

2010-03-24T02:39:00.000-07:00

"HEARTS A SKIPPING" My new project, part 1

2010-03-24T02:36:00.000-07:00

Hello, I've finished the centre section of my new fun and happy lap quilt or little girls quilt or whatever. It is now ready to QAYG, which I will probably do over the weekend. Its very pretty, the Moda charm pack I used was called Spring. I'm expecting the finished size to be approx 50-54" or in that vicinity.
The centre block measures approx 31" square ideal to quilt as you go. The 1st border which I'm giving you a sneak preview off, is fairly involved with lots of applique and hand stitching. Creating lots of stitching for me to do over the next couple of weeks. If you would like more detailed information regards fabric quantities etc, email me before 1st April as I will be away for awhile.

PICTURES

2010-03-23T16:16:00.000-07:00

Hello again. a quick note to say how appreciative I am of your comments and having you all as followers. I love seeing your photos every time I log on, makes me feel even closer to you all.

UPDATE ME

2010-03-23T16:11:00.000-07:00

Well what an unexpected turn of events. I spent all day yesterday at Prince Charles Hospital having what is now known as "my pre-op". Tiring, frustrating and boring but a necessity nowadays. My surgery is next week, 1st April. Its nothing life threatening etc, having knee replacement. Not looking forward to it but I have been putting it off 20years, so I guess its time. I will be cranky if I cant get back to my stitching and sewing when I get home. lol. One good thing I will be able to walk around quilt shows and craft shows for longer afterwards so that will be a positive. Sadly I'm missing the Craft Expo on this weekend. Today the sun is shining so it would have been lovely going on the train to the show but oh well just have to stop thinking about what I'm missing and get working on my new design lap quilt for all of you.

NEW CREATION

2010-03-19T16:26:00.000-07:00

Hello from Caboolture, this morning I woke to the sounds of rain, lol, theres now a cyclone off the north coast and although its a long way north of where I live, because I'm close to the coast we will probably get wind and rain from it. Still its great "working" weather.
I'm having a fantastic time designing and assembling a "new" creation, this one is designed for a little girl or maybe a wall hanging. The full pattern will be available when finished, however I'm also going to put the directions on here, section by section as I create it.
STEP 1. For this you need 36, 5" charm squares, lay them out into 6 rows of 6 squares. When you arre happy with the placement, sew them into 6 rows, Press seams. Use soft pastel charm squares, I used a Moda pack and added an extra 3 of my own as the pack only had 33 squares. NOTE. Be aware that the squares may be slightly smaller than 5" as mine are, thats disappointing as it will alter the overall measurements for fitting together.
STEP 2. This can be omitted. Select 2 or 3 cordinating scraps, 3/4" x2/3", iron vliesofix onto the wrong side, then draw a few heart shapes onto the paper, cut around shapes, randomly place them onto a few of your charm squares, I made 7, When happy remove backing paper and iron in place. Using embrodery thread blanket stitch around each one, or sew using close machine zig-zag, I prefer to hand sew, takes longer keeps me busier.
STEP 3. Lay the 6 completed rows out until you the placement, then sew together to form a square, press all seams.
NOTE, this project is idea for a quilt as you go project. I will upload a photo soon of the centre.

SIDE TRACKED

2010-03-15T16:27:00.000-07:00

The sun is trying to shine here in "sunny Queensland" but its also been raining again. this is very strange weather for us, we have had rain all through February and now into March. I love listening to the rain on the roof at night time but I have a tiled roof, lol so dont hear much.
Have you ever started a project to find another idea keeps taking over, well thats happening to me at the moment and unless I work on "idea 2", I'm not going to be able to complete "idea 1". At times this can be an inconvenience because I may not have all the materials for "idea 2" where I have for "idea 1". LOL, can you understand this. So today I need to go shopping for the materials I need to complete "idea 2". If I dont I will be pacing the floor unable to settle and totally unable to work on my first project.
Still "idea 2" is more exciting and will take longer for me to put together, it was supposed to be, sitting until after my hospital trip to give me something to do, (my sister tells me I'm cranky when I'm bored), but I gave in and started working on it last night. See how "weak" I am can't resist temptation. Take care Jean

HERE I AM ONCE MORE

2010-03-13T16:02:00.000-08:00

I have just purchased a gorgeous piece of country style fabric. Boy, sometimes I think its easy to tell I'm the only "human" in my house when a piece of fabric makes me excited and enthused, LOL. From my half metre of fabric, I bought it to share with my sister. I have plans to create at least 4 different things. The patterns have to be simple, suitable for a patchwork beginner, (thats my sister) and attractive. So for the next few days I'm going to be having so much fun, creating, making a shemozzle and just enjoying myself. I'm on a 24hour hospital cancellation call up, so need to organise heaps of "to do" projects while I'm convalescing. Lots of embroidery,applique, new sketchbook to take with me. I get cranky if I just have to sit all day and have nothing to do. Dont you feel so blessed,so grateful sometimes that you have been allowed to "have" a creative gene. Approaching the latter part of my life, I'm discovering that life is more exciting, maybe a bit more challenging health wise, but still exciting because I have reatively good eyesight and a vivid imagination, a creative gene, which I'm very proud off, and which I love to use and challenge. Really all I need now is a lovely man to keep me company and life would be absolutly perfect. Anyway stay tuned as my new patterns and projects will be available for you too.

MONDAY ALL READY

2010-03-07T15:09:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone, isn't the year getting of to a flying start. soon be Easter and then Christmas. I'm already thinking of new Christmas designs and things.I have had the busiest weekend probably "working" in excess of 15 hours on a new creation, which has been quite difficult to get together, I'm hoping that today it will all come together in between other chores I really have to get done. BRB< heres the garbage man. Sorry but around here I'm "it" as I live by myself, whoops I need to clarify that I am the only human in my house but I live with 2 cute little dogs. Misty is a mini-foxie and her mate Jackson is a shitzue. Jack suffers greatly from seperation anxiety and where I go in the house he goes, so frequently gets stepped on, tripped over, caught under my office chair etc. Right now hes under the chair. As soon as I can organise this site exactly as I want it, I will post photos of all of us living here. Tomorrow I'm expecting my youngest daughter for a couple of days so hopefully she will organise this for me.

THE FINISHED WALL HANGING, well almost

2010-03-04T21:23:00.000-08:00

I'm happy to say its finished except for the buttons to attach it to the hanger, I'm now looking for little bee buttons or ladybeetles.

ITS FINISHED

2010-03-04T21:20:00.000-08:00

I have place material scraps underneath the wings so that you can see them better

FREE PATTERN BUTTERFLY IN SPRINGTIME, WALL HANGING

2010-03-04T21:15:00.000-08:00

Hello, Today I have been working hard to organise my new pattern, its now available to anyone who would like it. Its such a privilege and a pleasure to be able to "share" my creations with you. if you have a blogspot, let me know or add it here I love see all the beautiful work you all do. Hope you like the wall hanging.

Work in progress

2010-03-03T14:47:00.000-08:00

PREVIEW TEASER BUTTERFLY IN SPRING WALLHANGING,

2010-03-03T14:45:00.000-08:00

My new FREE pattern will be available shortly. This is a preview of "work in progress" it is almost finished. Keep a lookout. Wont be long.

Stitcheries and such: WHAT AM I DOING RIGHT NOW

2010-03-03T01:50:00.000-08:00

Stitcheries and such: WHAT AM I DOING RIGHT NOW

FREE PATTERN

2010-03-01T15:30:00.000-08:00

HELLO Are you one of the any who have received my pattern if so why not post pictures so I can see it now its finished I'd love to see what colour choices you made for the fabric, I'm sure it looks spectacular. I'm busy working on a wall hanging now, its still raining so excellent time to get stuck into sewing. I love the rain, but why is it always so dark and depressing when we get rain like this. Well back to my sewing, bye

CHOCOLATE STAR RUNNER. FREE PATTERN

2010-02-27T17:09:00.000-08:00

How gorgeous is this, if you would like a copy of the pattern, just email me. Runner is quite long its pctured on my double bed, you could however make it smaller if you wanted too. Width is approx 17"x 68"

FREE PATTERN ,TINY CROCHETED PURSES, SO CUTE

2010-02-27T17:05:00.000-08:00

Available just for you the pattern for these gorgeous tiny crocheted purses, ideal for meter money, great for kids,great fete idea and perfect to dangle from you key ring. Pattern is FREE but you will need to email me for a copy. Have fun whatever you are doing today.

FREE, FREE CROCHET PATTERN FOR DECORATIVE BOX

2010-02-27T16:33:00.000-08:00

Email me if you would like a free copy of the pattern for this gorgeous crochet box, it includes instructions for making the inner cardboard box too.

WHAT AM I DOING RIGHT NOW

2010-02-27T16:21:00.000-08:00

Its raining here in Caboolture, has been pelting down since lunch time yesterday, that was Saturday. Perfect weather to sew, which I have been doing. Backing and finishing off a gorgeous table runner or bed runner, the photos and pattern will be posted hopefully later today as a freebie for those that would like it. After I get all that sorted out, I will start another runner or maybe finish a lap quilt if I've got enough material to back it with. I've recently finished a new crochet pattern for the magazine I do patterns for, its a lacy, cape sleeve gorgeous jacket and matching cap complete with flower and beads. If you love to crochet keep a lookout for the pattern in future issues of Beautiful Country Crafts.
Feeling bored one day I decided to find some of my "old" patterns, some that had never been published. Well even I was surprised at how many I had, they date back to the 60's unbelievable, but exciting as now I can sort them out and offer them to you. Anyway I'm happy to be back here and hopefully this site will get to be as busy as some of the simlar ones are. take care Jean

I'M BACK

2010-02-27T16:16:00.000-08:00

How slack have I been lately, sorry,sorry sorry. However I've been busy with y new website which is now up and running so please check it out. I'm also having so much fun creating new and exciting patterns for everyone. later today I intend posting the first of my freebies for you. Please note. If you wish to receive this pattern you will need to email me, as yet Im unsure how to place a direct link on here.

2010-01-16T17:35:00.000-08:00

The pattern for this gorgous crocheted Christmas centerpiece is for sale. If interested, please contact me.

All about me

2010-01-16T17:13:00.000-08:00

Welcome to nannasworkroom, Thats me. Being a person who gets bored easily I spend my time creating. Fortunately I have been blessed with the ability to do this. Married young and with 5 children I quickly learnt that it was,back then, cheaper to make their clothes, so I did. My sister and I then learnt to crochet from a book, since then I have gone on to design, write and publish 6 books of crochet patterns specifically for the Porcelain doll market. Memorable achievements, apart from my children, include teaching a little girl with fingers only on one hand to crochet, aged 8, I'll never forget the excitment and joy on her face when she realised she could. My eldest daughters wedding dress was also a challenge, I had a severly broken elbow while doing this, right arm too. It has over 3000 pearls on the skirt, a train featuring their names, a church date etc, and the skirt was 6yards around. I amazed the doctors by crocheting with my right arm in plaster fingers to shoulder. Guess I could be called stubborn. Now I'm classed as mature age, or pension age, I still crochet, still design all my own patterns. I design and write patterns for magazines. I'm also in the process of setting up a website. I love to paint, do stitcheries, knit and patchwork. I sell my designs and will upload a freeby from time to time, as well as let you know what is happening. At this point in time I'm workng on a new crochet pattern for a magazine. Living in the most beautiful part of Queensland, its easy to be inspired to create beautiful things.