Jaxon's Quilt

Things have been rather quiet around these parts lately. Life seems to be taking up much more of my time. My mind is always racing with new projects and I am still as productive, it's just that I don't get the time to sit down and write about it as often. Oh well, I'm thinking that's a good thing?!
I have finished little Jaxon's baby quilt! It's a perfect size for pre-rolling and for a stroller. It was all machine stitched and relatively fast to finish...the fastest quilt I've ever made, that's for sure. The quilt on the right below, also a baby quilt, took the longest time ever to make. It's all hand pieced in a crazy made up maze like configuration and hand quilted. I don't know what I was thinking.

Now for my next project, new blinds for the middle room....soon to be nursery. I'm going to use the pattern posted by Two Straight Lines here.

I am also going to ask the L.F's mum if she'd mind knitting up one of these. How gorgeous! oh, and how about this.

Crackpot

I was given a copy of this Crackpot 2008 Calendar recently for my birthday from my friend Julsie. It's features 53 incredible illustrations by different artists (there is a week to a page). I am in love with it and every time I flick through it I come across another illustration i want to pop into a frame and stick on my wall.
I like Stephen Kelleher, from Frankenstyles, 'Change your mind' and check out the Japanese site by Nicopop, it's lovely.
You can buy yourself a copy from Amazon or I do know that The Brunswick Street Bookstore have it in stock.

Speaking of good bookstores, has anyone been to the Coventry Books, in South Melbourne? Their kids room is amazing. You could get lost in there for hours.

I was introduced to the delights of the Hippeastrum last year when we were given one by the L.F's grandmother, as a house warming present.
This year our Hippeastrum has bloomed and now we have two new bulbs and at present three of these glorious flowering trumpets. I find it such a treat to walk out into our garden at this time of year and spy new growth. Spring, for me, really is such a magical time. So, I thought I'd share it with you.



I started work on this quilt top on Friday. It's for friends of ours, who had a baby boy last week. I'm impressed with my progress. There's nothing like a quiet weekend away to finish off craft jobs, especially if the sun don't shine... (it was 18 degrees in Lorne and 34 in Melbourne...go figure, Lorne seems to have a micro climate of it's own).
This morning I've been off to Spotlight to purchase the backing fabric and batting. Fortunately, or unfortunately, I haven't made up my mind, Spotlight were having a massive "20% off Sale Today Only". The queues were quite another thing. It was almost as bad as the Myer Stocktake Sale in there.
Now it's time to finish my quilt and get myself organised for gocco printing with Anna tomorrow. I can't wait.

Oh yes, while I remember two new blogs I've come across which I thought were worth a mention are Two straight lines and Rummage. You may already know them but to me they're new friends. xox

more is good

It's been a productive week. Even though the L.F. has been home sick most of the week I seem to have managed just as much work (if not more) than usual.

These are some things I've been working on. More bags, more chibi rabbits and more of my needlepoint WIP (sorry for the crooked shot!). For a closer look take a peek at my Flickr.

Bag lady

Here is one of the bags I made this weekend at Patchwork on Central Park. To take a peek at the other two...check out my flickr. This one is made from an Amy Butler fabric with a wool lining and bias I made from polka dot fabric. It's totally reversable too.

Last Minute Gifts.

These two quilts are from the new book out, by Joelle Hoverson, Last Minute Patchwork & Quilted Gifts.
I'm inspired to start a new quilt after a weekend of sewing at Patchwork on Central Park. I took a bag making course there this weekend and have come away with 3 new lovely bags and loads of ideas for Christmas presents (I'll post photos of them soon...my camera battery is currently dead). The fabric choices at Patchwork on Central Park are mind blowing, so thankfully the staff are just so helpful at selecting fabric with you, or I think I'd still be wondering around in a daze.

Greeting Card download

Jessica at How about orange has a fantastic tree greeting card for us to download here. So there's no excuse, or running down to the shop, for that impromtu card ....just print and post. I love it.

Happy Birthday Tom

This is an elephant I finished off today as part of my little friend Tom's 1st birthday present. I haven't passed it on yet...so Lisa..if you see this before Tom does...shhhhhhh.

Apple & Eve

I received this sweet parcel in the post from Germany yesterday. It came from Eva over at Apple & Eve. It was so beautifully wrapped... I didn't want to untie it. The wrapping was hand stitched with lovely wool and the thank you card....ohhhh.



This delightful bird was inside. He's even more delicate and beautiful than I imagined. You can see more of Eva's creations (there are birds, bunnies & kitties) over at her Etsy Store. Thank you Eva, I really do love him! xo

Miss Woolly's x-stitch brooch

For those of you who haven't been over to check out what Miss Woolly is up to recently, I highly recommend a visit to her etsy store. These beautiful, individually made cross stitch brooches are to die for. You'll also find some gorgeous magnet sets there that'll brighten up your fridge life.

Spacecraft

Oh la la we bought a new Spacecraft bedcover today from Nest, in South Melbourne. I can't wait to jump under those covers tonight.
I've been a big fan of Stweart Russell's work for a long time now...(as are moda muse).
Take a look at the clothing range it's pretty special too.

Turkey & Softies by Tania Ho

This is a photo from Tania Ho's Flickr set of Turkey. I've been following her trip closely and the detail she has captured on her travels is incredible. Take a look for yourself here. I can't wait to see more.



Tania is also a talented crafter with a huge set of softies to inspire, if Turkey is not your thing.

Hand made goodness.

Yesterday was my birthday and I was totally spoilt. Thank you to everyone who made it such a special day.
So, so much goodness was received..(I wont list all the goodness here) however a couple of pressies too good not to mention, especially for us crafters are...... the above hand made and hand dyed Elissa Coleman top, a beautiful pair of verre newyork "let them wear glass" earrings (take a look at the gorgeous rings too) and a delicate hand embroidered Megan Park top. Thank you, they softened the blow of turning another year older! All three items are so beautifully hand crafted. I'll take great delight in wearing each one.