Slowly working away on my knitting. I’m intrigued by knitting in the round and I’m quite keen to try a big person version. Maybe something like this or this (although this my be beyond my current ability).
Category Archives: Inspiration
Baking
My self-imposed challenge of blogging every day has meant that today I’m struggling to find something to write about. As we all know, craft takes time and although I have made some progress on my knitting – it would look very similar to yesterday’s image.
Today I made chocolate cup cakes. I made Chocolate Cake No.2 from the Golden Wattle cook book. Stuck them into patty pans (it made 9) and then sprinkled icing sugar over the top.
Filed under Baking, Inspiration
Redback Spider Costume
Today the girls had to go to school as something Western Australian. This is Miss P dressed as a redback spider. It’s been the best costume – it’s simply a black t-shirt, black leggings and I sewed four extra legs to the t-shirt (stuffed opaque tights). We’ve taken the red patch of the back and used it as a Charlotte (from Charlotte’s Web) costume.
Filed under Inspiration
An Outing
As I’m still caught up in a tangle (somewhat of my own making), I went for a walk to the DNA Tower (see above – image from lifeonperth.com) to get out of the house, get some fresh air and a new perspective. It has worked for the moment.
Filed under Inspiration
Inspired Machine Applique with Michele Hill DVD
I bought the Homespun magazine (not the current one but the previous issue) because it came with Inspired Machine Applique with Michele Hill DVD. I love doing applique, but I’ve never worked out the best way of attaching my shapes to the background fabric.
Michele’s (she’s the one on the left in the image) quilts are amazing; complex with lots of intricate looking shapes.
Here she is laying out her pieces …
She had quite a simple technique (probably hard when you try it yourself). She copied the design onto applique paper which she then ironed onto the wrong side of the fabric. Cut the shapes out (this is probably a bit tricky), removed the paper and ironed them onto the backing fabric.
She then stitched around the pieces using a blanket stitch an embroidery sewing thread (she prefers rayon).
She has a great method for stitching points – she simply stitches across the points.
I should point out that she would normally use a matching thread (she used the white to make it easier to see).
Michele had a really personable style and a really relaxed approach to the process. If you are at all interested in applique, I would recommend seeing this DVD.
Filed under Applique, Inspiration, Magazines, Quilting
Skirt Kit (Another New Project)
I went to my local fabric store and came home with this skirt kit (as you do).
So many new projects and nothing is getting finished – I am working away on my quilt and the spiral blanket!
Filed under Inspiration, Sewing
Demise of Notebook Magazine
I was sad to read about the end of Notebook magazine. It’s such a positive magazine with a lot of great craft, home and food ideas.
Filed under Inspiration
Roses
Because it’s Friday and I haven’t had time for craft. We did, however, go and see The Gruffalo – it is fabulous!
Filed under Inspiration
Knit Store Excursion
I went to Knit, which is Jo Sharp’s yarn store. It’s a great store – quite small, but the staff are helpful and they have made up versions of their patterns that you can try on and then decide if you want to knit them. Such a good idea – saves you spending all that time knitting something only to discover it doesn’t suit you at all.
Fortunately I didn’t purchase any yarn – my stash is reaching unmanageable proportions. I did, however, pick up a copy of Knit Issue 2.
I’m quite interested in knitting the bolero (last image on the right below).
Filed under Inspiration, Knitting
The Gentle Art of Quilt Making – Jane Brocket
I’ve been very unproductive the last week or so and as it school holidays for the next two weeks I don’t think that is going to change. However, I have bought The Gentle Art of Quilt Makingby Jane Brocket.
I have her Gentle Art of Domesticity which I loved (I’m sure she is living the life I should have had!) So I had to have this one.
Once again it is beautifully presented. It contains 15 quilts and a description of in the inspiration behind each quilt. What Ms Brocket does really well is to take away the paralysing effect of perfection – it’s all about having a go and making something usable (and beautiful). Most of the pieces are squares or strips (much easier to cut and sew) and the wow factor is produced by the fabric selections. Who would have thought squares on point could be so spectacular (see the cover image above).
Here are three of my favourites …
Beach Hut (Ice Cream)
Amarylis
Purple Rain
Don’t let my dodgy photography put you off. I think this book is designed for quilters of all levels.
Filed under Book Review, Inspiration, Quilting