My quilting thoughts and inspirations sprinkled with a glimpse of life down on the farm

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Catching up...

I had this romantic notion that my winter this year would be filled with lots of sewing and crafting. With it being the 'off-season' on the farm and no cows to milk at the moment, I pictured myself in The Palace (sewing room) tackling piles of ufos and projects.
Instead I've been reduced to snatching moments when I can, However, snatching moments has resulted in a few ticks off on my list —
Stitchery in the evenings has been taken over by some knitting....
Can you guess what I'm making?!
But before I got stuck into the knitting I finished up this block from the Calendar Bears project —
Miss April at Easter time by Michelle Ridgeway Designs.
Yes, still running behind here in New Zealand!
The stitchery fabric we are using for this project is a shot cotton which was a little difficult to trace through. Instead I started using an iron-on transfer pen... I draw the design on the back of the pattern so it is reversed, then press it onto the fabric and hey presto it works!
Initially I thought the lines, being a little thick, would show up but the
excess ink seems to rub off as I handle it.
Another project I've been working on is this one. And this is all I'm showing for now. Some of you may be able to guess what it's all about... I will reveal it at some stage :-)
I had two monthly projects I was trying to keep up with this year; one, the Free Motion Cushion Challenge and the other, the Rainbow Scrap Challenge. Very sadly I've not been able to complete the cushion challenge for the last two months, but I am scrapping slowly along with my scraps. May's colour was Dark Green - I've completed the blocks for that —
The Sampler Stars, photo a little dark sorry.
Cat blocks, photo a little light sorry :-)
I spent the last two days sorting some cot sheets for my son and dil, they wanted some adjustments done which I was happy to do... apart from needing a little more velcro, they're all done and just about ready to put in my suitcase for my next trip over to see them. Counting down the weeks till those babies arrive!
And down on the farm, we had this view the other morning... yes, a ripper of a frost in Northland. We're happy they don't happen very often but I'm always in awe of all the white when it does frost up!


Chilled Mandarin for breakfast, anyone?!
And the winter daffs are flowering, they smell so sweet, but it does seem odd
 having them flower just now.
 In case you were wondering, the teenagers (Henny, Penny, Jenny, Wendy, Brenda, Milly, Molly and Mandy) are doing well and growing up really fast. They're doing a good job of looking after themselves, I've often seen them chasing the dogs or the cat, goose-style! Still waiting for the eggs to start flowing though...
Little miss flufflybums.
Speaking of the chooks and chickens, it's now time to go and feed them, get the firewood in (even in mild Northland we feel the cold!) and sort out some tea.
 Wishing you a creative week with plenty of happiness thrown in,

38 comments:

  1. Hey wow what a frost!! Didnt think you got hit that hard up the valley.
    You have been busy knitting and sewing up a treat getting ready for the babies!!
    And I love the back end photo of the teenagers. xxxxx

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  2. the frost does makes everywhere look pretty. Are twins expected think I have missed out on that bit of news or maybe triplets. The cot blankets will come in very handy. Hope the teenagers get their act together and start laying soon. Love the cat blocks and stars. enjoy your mild winter, here we are expecting hot weather tomorrow, good for Wimbledon

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  3. Love the frost we have had quiet a few already this year! Love your stitchery of the calendar bear, and the fabric is gorgeous I have that also and love it!! Where do I buy a magic pen like yours above? it sounds so easy!! I love the work shirt heart also. You have been so busy!! Not long till calving is it? I will miss that this year, first time in 22 years!

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  4. I have no guesses what you are knitting.
    That transfer pen looks really handy. I'll have to keep that in mind when I run into that issue.
    The cat blocks are really cute, and so is that last photo of the teenagers. : )

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  5. The teens are looking healthy and happy. You got some nice things finished and started. knitting looking like it might be for two special babies! great frost..........winterless north?? I don't think so.

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  6. you've got lots of sewing done.............even if time is short...........love my chookies.........always hit the time of the day to feed and bring in wood..........before it gets too cold..............

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  7. I didn't realise that you got frosts up in the Winterless North, beautiful aren't they! Your fluffy bottoms have grown and I am sure the eggs will flow in good time.

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  8. Nice change to knit. I love those cat faces. Wondering if you could tell me where you got those transfer pens from here in NZ. I have never seen them here in Auckland..they look like just the thing i need! :)

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  9. You can get lots done in stolen moments........handy idea with the stitchery pen. Quite frosty here too, it's about as close as I get to snow!

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  10. Wow! You have so much happening... Lots of lovely work! What a great idea with the pen for tracing on dense fabrics. Great to see you are starting to catch up with the bears xx

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  11. Enjoy your knitting, I'm sure it is a nice change of pace of piecing quilts. Looking forward to seeing what your 'surprise' projects are.

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  12. Lovely winter creating you've been doing Raewyn... the frost does look pretty, but it can't be good for the fruit trees can it?

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  13. I hope your frost didn't ruin your pretty oranges. You have a beautiful scenery -

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  14. You have lots to keep your hands busy!!! Love the looks of your knitting and those hearts in the quilt look pretty. The frost looks so pretty. I take it that it did not last too long in order for the mandarins to survive.

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  15. I like picture of the Misses Fluffybums!

    I've never seen that transfer pen before but it looks like a really handy tool to have in the tool kit! I also like that it seems to rub off.

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  16. I always forget that it is winter for you when it summer for us!! Loved the frost photos!!!

    Misses Fluffybums!! Very fitting indeed!! And my they are quite the queens of the barnyard!

    As always, your stitchery inspires me!!! I'm hooked on knitting!! I'm working on mittens for the grands - two pairs finished and half the third pair done, too. Will cast on for the last wee mitten today! Then off for a three more pair of mittens for the girls and then maybe some hats or sweaters!!

    Love the flannel hearts!! From DH's shirts I presume - it looks like a treasure for sure!!

    Blessings and hugs!

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  17. You've been very busy! And such a wide assortment of projects to choose from! Will be waiting to see baby pictures in the near future.

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  18. your teddy looks lovely, great idea with the iron on pen, never used one before it looks easy to use.
    love your cat blocks and looking forward to seeing your big pic of your shirt quilt. I have my top done since the start of the year but haven't moved since then!
    cute fluffy bum pic-bottoms up girls! Do our buts look big in this photo?

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  19. there is heaps going on there.... clever little pen... those bears aresweet stitcheries.... .. woo hoo get moving with the shirt quilt....

    Hugz

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  20. Hi Raewyn,wow lots of lovely sewing being done and how exciting those little babies will be here before you know it xx

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  21. What a frost you had there! We had a teeny bit down here in Howick the other day, but not as much as you and love the "chilled mandarin". Your knitting - a soft wool dolly? You've been busy with your stitching and I love the Easter piece.

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  22. That sure is a ripper of a frost Raewyn. We have had some heavy ones down my way too. Your new creations are looking lovely - that patchwork heart looks like its made from mens brushed flannel shirts ??? And that knitting project is surely a dolly ??

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  23. Lots of variety in the output ~ a gal after my own heart ~ loving the chicken rear's ~

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  24. Looks like lots happening here... even if it's only intermittent 'snatched' moments! Love your frost pics!

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  25. Oh that is a doozie of a frost..in the not so winterless North!! Love the fluffy bums..hope they produce eggs soon for you. Ah, would that be your shirt challenge by any chance????? Lovely sneak peek. Lots happening I your part of the world.

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  26. Not even sure we got a frost here in Texas last year, but I'm sure we probably did. I guess it all thaws out by the time I'm awake....grin. Your embroidery is so perfect! and love the chick photos.

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  27. Gorgeous photos of your frosty morning Raewyn. Your winter daffs are so beautiful... it's hard to grow anything but weeds here. I'm a tad envious. I've just had a cup of tea and a lovely browse around your blog. You've been busy with so many projects lately.... sewing... knitting and crochet. I love your hot water bottle cover. As for your cute fluffybums..... can't stop laughing! Hugs.....xxx

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  28. Amei conhecer o seu blog, já fiquei por aqui!!!Achei maravilhoso!!!
    Visite-me:http://algodaotaodoce.blogspot.com.br/
    Siga-me e pegue o meu selinho!!!

    Obrigada.

    Beijos Marie.

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  29. Love your projects, Raewyn! I find knitting so relaxing. I always feel that I only steal a few moments here and there to sew or quilt. I wish I could devote more time to my sewing but it never works that way. Maybe someday!!

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  30. It is surprising how busy you can be when you think is should be quiet. But it is good to see you making the most of the time you do have.
    The Easter bear is very sweet. And I am guessing you are making a knitted toy.
    Love the cat blocks and good luck with the other projects, too.
    That frost looks really chilly! Keep warm.

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  31. Wonderful to see all your projects coming together! I'm sure you have a knitting deadline that will spur you along to the finish line! Have a wonderful time preparing for your family!

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  32. "Ontem foi embora.Amanhã ainda não veio. Temos somente hoje, comecemos!!!Qualquer ato
    de amor, por menor que seja, é um trabalho pela paz" (Madre Teresa de Calcutá)
    Obrigada pela visita carinhosa, volte sempre!

    Um grande abraço, Marie.

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  33. Beautiful knitting and blocks! The calendar bears are gorgeous and I love your star blocks, I'm looking forward to seeing the quilts finished (no pressure :) ) It has been cold although frosts are rather normal here!

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  34. Raewyn, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this post!

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  35. Those are some really nice projects to work on during wintertime. That pen is pretty neat. I think I will have to be on the lookout for one since I like to embroider too. Wow! that is some thick frost. It does make a gorgeous photo.

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  36. Are you knitting a doll Raewyn? It looks like two little legs and a skirt.
    I have never heard of an iron on transfer pen _ thanks for sharing that tip!
    Fluffybums, Hee hee hee.
    A ripper of a frost is right... it could almost be snow.
    Love the kitty blocks. I'm guessing that progress on some things will be slow with all the excitement of your new grandbabies coming!

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  37. Ok - first of all, great picture of those hen's hinnies! I love it. I need to go get one of those transfer pens. I'm not fond of marking tissue paper and using it for my embroidery. Keep up the good work!

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