The jigsaw bag

is done.

This pattern was from the Willing Hands Club, with projects by Robyn Pandolph, back in 2001. It's a great little pattern, which can be modified by using different fabrics, appliqueing designs on the bag etc, but it also nice plain.

Christmas Quilt Swap

Just look what the lovely Lee of Lala's Lovelys sent me;



Thanks so much Lee, it's lovely.

This swap was run by the fabulous Margaret as part of the Four Seasons Quilt Swap.

Congratulations

to Cosy of Comfy and Cosy. You're the lucky winner of my Giveaway, and thanks everyone for visiting and entering!

My creative space

(scroll down for the giveaway post)

Today my creative space involves quilting. It's a snazzy little bag which comes together like a jigsaw puzzle - hopefully finished pictures tomorrow!



More creative spaces here.

Giveaway Day!

Over at Sew Mama Sew it's Giveaway Day.

As my giveaway, I'm giving away 9 fat eighths of Debbie Mumm fabric. I have no memory of how this came to be in my stash (possibly even someone else's giveaway?) No idea.

To have this little pack come to live in you stash, just leave a comment below by midnight December 5 (Canberra time, of course).
Good luck!

The Giveaway has now ended! I'll be back shortly with a winner.

Starry paper fun

After reading about this lovely star tutorial on Whipup this morning, of course I had to try one.

So much fun. I used scrapbooking paper, which was a mistake since it is only printed on one side. Such fun - I'll be making more before Christmas for sure.


Oh, and LDH is having a star giveaway on her site, so do go and visit!

Lovely mail!

A while ago, I was lucky enough to win a giveaway from Xena, and my bundle of goodies arrived yesterday.


My favourite thing is the bag - it's just the perfect size for a magazine and a bit more... - straight to my handbag for shopping trips, I think!

I've also been sending some mail... to my stitcher's angel.

The first stitched item I sent wasn't wonderful, but I figured I could only improve. I didn't. After several projects I tried, I gave up on embroidery, and fell back on trusted skills. Which I didn't photograph. But here is the link to Carol's lovely blog where you can see the bags I sent her.

Christmas Angels

Christmas craft is well underway at preschool, where I volunteered my time last Thursday. I loved these little angels - so simple and effective.

First draw up this template and cut out of very light card. Cut the outer circle with fancy scissors, to give an edged effect, and the short lines and inner shape with straight scissors. The preschool then painted their shapes, but I just used scrapbooking paper.


The simply curve the paper around and slide the short cuts on opposite sides of the circle together to form the cone, with the left over sections forming the wings. Sounds tricky, but really is straightforward.



I'm planning to make some out of fabric next...

Christmas Quilt

I signed up for the latest round of the Four Seasons Quilt Swap because it was a holiday theme. Specifically, Christmas, unless requested otherwise.

My swap partner didn't have any criteria, but from reading her blog it became apparent that she prefers precise, traditional style quilts.

Now, I don't think I've ever been described as precise, but this is what I came up with.

It's in the style of a paper cut snowflake, including Christmas trees. My first few tries including much more detailed papercuts, including holly leaves, berries and presents. I simply couldn't cut through the layers of fabrics, so it instead I simplified the design to just be trees, which I think is still effective.

I vleisofixed the design on, and stitched the edges down as part of my quilting.


I was quite happy with this little quilt (15 inches square) and hope my recipient likes it too.

My creative space

This week my creative space involves quilting;

and gift selection - it's Christmas list season for me.

I can quite easily get swept away when compiling Santa sacks.. which made it a big day when Lucas came home and told me his best friend doesn't get presents from Santa, 'because you only get presents if you believe in him'.



After a pause, Lucas added 'I believe in Santa.' I do too, sweetheart, I do too.