Sewing like I’m possessed

For Tonya’s Summer Class. I’m continuing the repetition theme by doing some wonky houses.

The picture has come out a bit dark - bit of a grey day here today.

Quilt No 7 for Qs4L

I love the apple block and Irene’s block, first left, second row down.

It’s a Bank Holiday here today (Victorie 1945), Alex is off school until next Tuesday and it’s raining! DH and I spent yesterday making flower beds in the courtyard. Didn’t get very far, but a start is better than nothing.

Itching to get back to the sewing machine, but the list of outside chores is growing by the day. The pool has got to be power washed, with treated with acid, power washed again and then painted and if we want it open soon, as we do, then sewing is going to have to take a back seat.

Donc, A+

Thrifty Thursday

Oh bargains - lots of bargains (ok then, a few!).

This week’s haul!

The camera is not behaving itself. Goodness only knows why. Pictures are coming out grainy.

We have 4 balls of DMC Perle 8 at 0.50 centimes a ball found at the vide grenier at Léguillac last Sunday.

Then we have a lovely big pile of batik FQ’s all the way from Georgetown, TX and apparently more on their way. Lovely lovely Megs.

And now for the bargains of the year.

You will know the Jan Mullen book as Cut Loose Quilts. On the back it says 31€. I got it for 4€ and it’s brand new. I’m not keen on the fabrics, but I like the ideas.

The Inspiration Patchwork is not really my scene, but it was only 5€ and, again, is brand new!

Funny - I always walk past the book stands at brocantes as they are usually horrendously expensive. This one wasn’t

Been busy busy busy. More when I’ve got something to show.

Donc, a+

Wonky Letters

Have you noticed that Blogger has changed the format of the letters on Word Verification?

Inspiring don’t you think?

The Day the Earth Shook

One ruler with some dark blue FQ’s to finish my Lazy Gal project.

I’m on a high - very big high!

After writing yesterday’s post the postman arrived. He delivered a big box from America.

I couldn’t for the life of me think what it was. Had I won a giveaway (highly unlikely as I never do!), or had I ordered something online and forgotten about it (again not likely).

The Customs declaration form said it was a book. What on earth????? I’m sure I hadn’t ordered anything recently. The Euro/Dollar/Sterling thing has put a stop to that!

Only one thing for it - start opening it! Now who do I know who lives in WI? Only Finn and I know she hasn’t sent me anything and the name does look vaguely familiar. Questions, questions, questions. Start ripping and let’s see what’s inside.

Loads of bubblewrap. Whatever it is , it must be precious.

Screams, yells, jumping up and down - the family came rushing thinking I’d hurt myself.

LOOOOK!

It’s from Kathie at Threadlines.

Her card says

“I happened upon a bargain priced copy of this book a couple of weeks ago. I already owned a copy; what to do with this new book?

I decided it belonged to someone who really wanted a copy and was unlikely to find one where she lived. “Someone” suggested you.”

That “someone” received a phone call yesterday from a very incoherent me. Sorry Tonya - I probably wasn’t making much sense!

Kathie - you are one of life’s nice people. Thank you so very very very much. I still can’t believe I now own this book and have to keep making sure it’s actually on the table.

On that note - the sun is shining - for the first time it’s warm - I’ve got a patio to pressure wash and Gwen Marston and Liberated Quiltmaking is going to have to wait until afternoon tea time, but I’ll probably keep on popping into the kitchen to make sure it’s still here!

Donc, A+

WiP Wednesday : 23-04-2008

I’ve managed to get some computer time while the girls are still in bed (it’s nearly 11.30 a.m!)

They are spending their days chatting on MSN and updating their blogs every few minutes.

I took this sneaky picture yesterday afternoon - they’ll kill me if they find out.

Alex is on the left and that’s Magali on the right

Right - on to what’s happening in the sewing corner this week.

Remember Ab Fab? The fabric I got at Riberac Brocante last year.

And here is the bit I’ve quilted close up.

I’m really quite pleased with myself.   Stitches are getting smaller and more even.  I’ve got 3 different needles on the go - a size 10 quilting needle for normal quiltilng thread, a bigger one for 3 stranded floss and one for the perle 8.  My stitches vary in size depending what needle I’m using, but I’m pleased with it, even though it’s still a bit bumpy.  The baptist fans went a bit off course - I’m trying to do these literally free hand with no markings

My project for Tonya’s Summer Class is going well too AND I’m piecing together Quilt No. 7 over at the Qs4L blog.

Taking the girls into Perigueux for the afternoon and hoping to get into one of the QS’s.  I have decided I really do need the very long Omigrid ruler.

Donc, a+

Calling quilters in Asia and the Middle East

I’m on the hunt for quilting bloggers in the Middle East and Asia/India/Russia/China who would be willing to contribute a block or two for Quilts 4 Leukaemia.

Does anyone know of any please?