Christmas in July Ornament Swap

Merry Christmas in July for yesterday. I participated in the ornament swap organised by Sarah ... it was my first swap and was lots of fun. I met two bloggers who were new to me, one from Australia and the other from the US.

This is the sweet little parcel I received from Bec. I love the Swell fabric she used as wrapping ....



and inside were these gorgeous little fellas. Aren't they sweet? They are from Anni Downs A Christmas Story book which I have on my bookshelf. Must make some things from it myself soon. Thanks heaps, Bec.



Kymberly has posted some photos of what I made for her so I can finally reveal a finished item for Peg's challenge. Do you remember this sneaky peek?



Well, this is what Oliver was checking out. These little blocks are from a table runner pattern by Marg Low which I made last Christmas. I thought they would make nice little decorations to hang on the tree.

Heritage Stitching Day Part 2

Better late than never I guess! Thought I'd share some more photos from the recent Heritage Stitching Day at Evandale, this time featuring the works of Vivian Robinson - I love all the stitchery in her pieces. Vivian had designed three projects for Evandale, including this gorgeous Sampler Tote Bag.



A lot of the girls at my table made a start on this. I would like to make it too some time.

Vivian's second project was a Sampler Stitchery made into a small wallhanging.

I didn't get any decent photos of the whole piece but you can see from these close-ups how lovely it is. I adore samplers.

Vivian's third project was a Sampler Rubbish Bag for all your thread off-cuts. Being an absolute doofus, I some how missed taking a picture of it! Sorry. You'll just have to take my word for it that it was very cute ... it had a little house stitched on the front.

The remaining pictures are some of the other samples Vivian brought to show us. I really like this swag of reindeer pulling Santa's Express.





This little hanging is a child's message to Santa with a rustic old key so he can get in on Christmas Eve. Click on the photo for a better look.



And finally Holly Jolly Christmas. Although I'd probably choose more muted colours if I made this for me, I really liked this quilt. (and I wish I'd bought the pattern - it was only $22.00!)

Just realised these are all Christmas projects ... well it is nearly July 25th. Looking forward to opening my parcel from Bec on Friday and seeing what she made me for Sarah's ornament swap. I hope Kymberly likes what I sent her.

A Little Bit of Luck

Look at this beautiful pincushion that I won in a giveaway from Cassie.



Oliver was very impressed with it and the fact that it was nice enough to be outside taking photos.



I love the colours and Cassie's stitching is superb. The buttons are very cute, too. Thanks Cassie.



I've been rather fortunate in the giveaways lately. This gorgeous pattern recently arrived from Karen at Mrs Martin's Quilt Shop. It is called Chocolate and Raspberries and is a new design from Jennifer Knol Designs. I was very pleased to win this - it is very me. Thanks Karen.

Heritage Stitching Day Part 1

WOW! Had a great day yesterday at the Heritage Stitching Day at Evandale. As always, spent far more time talking (and eating!) than stitching but took home some nice new projects to stitch when time allows.

There were a few familiar faces from the Quilted Crow Gathering but I spent most of my time with Cathy and Sarah. Great to meet you girls. Cathy's blogging daughter Alex also came and here is a photo of us Tassie bloggers.



We were all a bit disappointed that Christine Book was unable to attend but the other designers had some nice projects for us. I took too many photos for one post so today will just be about Kerry Gillespie's projects.

First up was this very cute Santa ornament which measures about 8 inches. This is definitely on my 'to do' list.



Going with the heritage theme Kerry designed this vintage looking bonnet. The same stitchery is featured on the cushion.



Kerry had samples of her other patterns on display including this santa,



dolly and ...



Advent quilt. I love seeing a designers original samples.



This is a new quilt she has designed. Absolutely gorgeous. Isn't she clever to be able to paint and stitch? Click on the pictures for a closer look.





And here's my favourite ... Life's Pleasures and Treasure. Love that quilt.



Finally, thanks to everyone who commented on my log cabin blocks in the last post. I made another block on Friday and have trimmed them all the same size. Very pleased with how they look so far. Lots of you asked how they are constructed. After four blocks, I'm hardly an expert but I'll try to put together a little tutorial when I get time.

Quilt-as-you-go Log Cabin

On Saturday I went to a quilt-as-you-go class at Picture Patchwork in Latrobe. There were only 3 other ladies in the class so it was nice and quiet and relaxing. Silly me forgot to take my camera!

These are the three blocks I managed to put together. I am very pleased with how they are looking. (Sorry about the terrible photos ... I can't wait for summer and better light again!)



I am using shirtings for the light logs ...



and mostly blue and brown Charleston by Judie Rothermel for the dark side.



Next Saturday I am going to a Heritage Stitching Day at Evandale. The four guest tutors are Christine Book, Kerry Gillespie, Brenda Ryan and Vivian Robinson. I will NOT be forgetting my camera this time. Also looking forward to meeting Cathy and Sarah. The flyer I received says that 'High tea will be served for morning tea together with a Roast Luncheon followed by Devonshire tea in the afternoon.' Just gets better and better!

On Sunday I managed to finish two 'secret' projects. Will show some photos after they reach their new homes.