As I needed a bit of a break from my spiral blanket, I’ve swapped back to my scarf knitting. It is a really easy pattern and being a scarf each row is finished quickly – perfect for knitting and watching a DVD.
New Embroidery Threads
I found an online supplier of the machine embroidery threads (Robison Anton Rayon) I like . I bought these ones from ozquilts.com.au. They were reasonably priced and although they did take a while to arrive they didn’t charge my credit card until they shipped the order (so I wasn’t worried about something going astray).
Filed under Machine Embroidery
Selvedge Magazine
Selvedge is a beautiful magazine with fabulous photography. As it is also very expensive ($30 Aus), I don’t buy it very often. Maybe once a year when I’m in desperate need of a treat. Yesterday I picked up a copy.
I find it amazing (and lovely) that there can be an entire magazine on Textiles. I even find the adds interesting. Definitely worth a look if you are at all interested in textiles (quilting, knitting, embroidery etc.)
Filed under Inspiration
Spiral Knitting
I’ve been working on my spiral baby blanket. It is very relaxing (almost meditative) knitting. The colour is beautiful and the yarn (surprisingly) lovely with which to work.
While knitting I’ve been watching Emily of New Moon. I don’t think this was ever shown in Australia (I bought it from DVD Scene and they were fabulous – very quick service). I’ve only watched two episodes and I have to say it is very different from the novels. I do, however, like it. It’s very dark with quite adult themes – where did the beating of the little Indian boy come from? The scenery is spectacular and I’m hoping for some good interior domestic scenes.
Filed under Inspiration, Knitting
Material Obsession 2
The girls went back to school yesterday. We’ve had a lovely holiday, but I was keen for them to return to school.
After six weeks of very little child-free time I decided to treat myself with a trip to the Subiaco Book Store. This is a great store – independent with an eclectic mix of books and the most amazing embroidery, quilting and knitting section. It’s not particularly child-friendly hence the desire to go there on my first child-free day.
I bought a copy of Material Obsession 2by Kathy Doughtly and Sarah Fielke. I had a quick look at the first one, but the quilts in this one appealed to me more.
Here’s the description from Amazon…
Each of the pairs of quilts in this gorgeous new book by quilters Sarah Fielke and Kathy Doughty springs from a single idea or shared moment of inspiration. The results – like non-identical twins – are inextricably linked, yet intriguingly different. With their reinterpretation of traditional designs, as well as a characteristic bold use of colour and dazzling patterns, Sarah’s and Kathy’s quilts will appeal to quilters of all levels – from new quilt-makers looking for the next challenge, to experienced quilters ready to embrace some of the more complex projects. With practical step-by-step instructions, a comprehensive basics section and glorious photographs, this is a book to make your fingers tingle with sheer inspiration.
I’ve always liked their work – in particular their use of colour and applique. In this book they each write a brief essay on their inspiration and then include detailed instructions to replicate the quilts. It’s a beautiful book – well presented with fabulous photographs.
Filed under Book Review
Alphabet Quilt – Cutting Blocks
I’ve started cutting my alphabet blocks. I used template plastic, which I’ve never used before, to fussy cut the squares.
At first I tried to use my rotary cutter, but that was a bit of a failure. Now I draw around the shape with a disappearing pen and then cut it out using scissors.
Filed under Applique, Machine Embroidery, Quilting
Baking (Again)
As it’s school holidays, we’ve been baking (need to keep Miss A and Miss P and their friends contained).
The above is a Crispie from the Golden Wattle Cook book. It’s a very easy recipe and makes heaps …
Ingredients:
240g Butter
1 Cup Sugar
2 Cups Rolled Oats
2 Cups SR Flour
2 tsp Golden Syrup
1 tsp Bicarb Soda
1 tsp Vanilla
3 Tbsp Boiling Water
Method:
1. Pre-heat the oven to 180°.
2. Cream the butter and sugar. Add the Golden Syrup.
3. Dissolve the Bicarb Soda in the boiling water and then add to the butter mixture.
4. Add the oats, flour and then the vanilla.
5. Mix.
6. Cover baking trays with baking paper.
7. Place dessertspoon full heaps on the tray. I usually fit 9 on a standard baking tray.
8. Cook in a moderate oven until golden (about 15 minutes).
Filed under Baking
Australia Day
In the true tradition of Australia Day (26th) I made a pavlova
I had been led to believe they were difficult, but it was surprisingly easy. I used the recipe from Nigella Lawson’s How to Eat. The recipe is very similar to this one.
I thought I would include a few Australian facts:
- Australia is the largest Island – it is the 6th largest nation (after Russia, Canada, China, USA and Brazil).
- We invented the black box flight recorder, pre-paid postage, the bionic ear, the electronic pacemaker and the cure of 80% of stomach viruses (by using antibiotics – bacteria caused the ulcers).
- We were the second country (after New Zealand) to give women the vote.
- We have the most poisonous snake – the Inland Taipan.
- We also have the most deadly marine creature (the box jellyfish) and the most deadly spider (the funnel web).
- We are the only country that is also a continent.
- In 1967 our Prime Minister – Harold Holt- went for a swim and never returned.
- Per capita we read more newspapers than any other country. We also spend more gambling than any other country.
- Our population density is 2.9 per square kilometre (China is 18534, USA 32)
- Our national anthem Advance Australia Fair only became official in 1984. It has the word ‘girt’ in it. It use to start with ‘Australia’s sons let us rejoice…’, but now it is ‘Australians all let us rejoice…’
- 24% of our residents were born overseas.
- Australia has the lowest rainfall of any inhabited continent.
- Australians have competed in all 26 Modern Summer Olympics.
- Our money (notes) is plastic. We’re the first country to do this.
- We have the longest fence in the world (5530 km).
- We have universal health care.
- Australia was one of the founding members of the United Nations.
- Australia held the first Surfing Championship.
- We have the highest literacy rate in the world (100%).
- It is compulsory to vote.
Filed under Baking, Inspiration
Alphabet Quilt – Spring Block
This is the spring block and is the last of the blocks to be made. I’ve enjoyed the embroidery process – there is something almost meditative about it.
Now I need to cut each block to size and decide on a border/sashing fabric. I’m determined to use something in my stash.
Filed under Applique, Machine Embroidery, Quilting
Alphabet Quilt – Autumn Block
Autumn is finished – only Spring to go…
Filed under Applique, Machine Embroidery, Quilting