Finally...............some sewing!

I haven't even picked up a needle for over two weeks. That seems very strange.
Two weeks ago we were in Singapore where the temperature was 30C with high humidity. Then the long flight back to London to be met by a sunny day, but cold, only 12C.
Since then we have had several frosts and temperatures down to 2C!

So, why haven't I been sewing? Unpacking, washing and ironing and finding places for everything we brought home from NZ.
Also we have been on family duty supporting our daughter who had an operation on her spine three days after we arrived home. Transporting our granddaughter to and from school and to all her myriad of after school activities. So, no time to sew until yesterday afternoon when I thoroughly enjoyed myself making two drawstring Patchwork bags. (Pink Penguin blog tutorial).
My granddaughter was very keen for me to make these, one for herself and one for Mummy. She picked  out and arranged all the fabric squares for her own bag (initial A) and the squares for the front of the second bag (initial C) and then we ran out of time before I drove her to another of her activities.

However, both now finished:

The fronts

And backs

Hope they are well received when I see A tomorrow.

And to finish, a photograph of the Palm Cross I received at church this morning.

As I walked home along the shortcut path I take beside a little copse I spied some bluebells, the first I've seen this year. I took a photograph on my phone but not sure how to add that to my blog post.

More sewing this afternoon I hope.

Ten more Grannies!

I found some more scraps of yarn at the Charity Shop so I made ten more crochet Granny squares.

All the colours were rather dark the day I rummaged though the box of yarn but I think these squares would work well in a man's blanket so I'll be posting these to Jan in Australia tomorrow.

Her blog is: sewmanyquiltstoolittletime.blogspot.com

On their way to Australia

Whilst I've been on holiday in NZ I have used up scraps of fabric to make 18 x 10.5" square QAYG string blocks and 30 crochet Granny Squares.

                                       These are the last 8 I made in the last few days.

 I love making them all. Hope Jan can use them in her charity QAYG Quilts and crocheted blankets. 

She supports so many worthwhile causes it's been a pleasure to send her donation blocks over the past few years.

Have a look at her blog: somanyquiltstoolittletime

Perhaps you can send Jan some donations too, even a top or quilt?

A quilt finish - FIRST for 2019

I finished a small baby quilt and labeled it ready for gifting.

Bright colours, suitable for either a boy or girl. Baby is not due for some time yet but we need to gift it to baby's Mum before we travel home.

It measures 34" square so ideal for a Play Mat, as a cover for the pushchair or snuggle time.

All hand quilted with Perle threads, using blue and green threads on alternate blocks.

Lots more Strings from friends

I am clearing up scraps, trying to use everything I have here in New Zealand.
Last week I collected together strings scraps, prepped some squares with batting pinned on, ready to make some QAYG String blocks for Jan in Australia.

As always, I am surprised how quickly a pile of scraps is used up and I only managed to make 7 blocks before I was very short of strings!

I ran out of strings before I could cover the blocks I had prepped. I was going to my Patchwork Group the following day so emailed the members to ask if anyone
 has scrapstrings to spare. Several people brought some to the meeting but several were puzzled by  my term "strings" , thinking that I meant string like you would use to tie up a parcel!  So we learned another difference in Kiwi  English!

I had enough gifted strips to make another 11 blocks.

Crochet Granny Squares

I've been using the oddments of yarn I thrifted from The Salvation Army Charity Shop, making Granny squares I will send to Jan in Australia for her charity blankets.

Last year I made lots but used a different colour for each of the ten rounds of crochet.

This year I am making them a bit differently: a whole square if I have enough yarn, then bands of colour to use every scrap of yarn up. Liking the results.

These three are my favourites. I used two different variegated balls of yarn which ended up in these. They remind me of Sugared Almonds!

I think I have 22 finished here, made another last night and have enough yarn left to crochet quite a few more. Great to keep my fingers busy whilst I watch a bit of TV.

Happy Blocks is a flimsy!

I had a very productive day at my Vintage Quilters meeting on Saturday.
I framed 23 squares and turned them into Happy Blocks, then assembled them into a flimsy.
I'm delighted with it, so bright and colourful!

This morning I basted it ready to start quilting tomorrow at my other Patchwork Group, the MQC.
Raring to go!