UPS & DOWNS

Had a really bad week with this bug getting to me. I seem to have had either awful days or not quite so awful days but no good ones. That is until today, when at last I feel much better. Take care and big hugs if you succumb to it.

I'm not one for generally letting health issues get me down so I have tried to fight and in doing so have managed to sew these blocks.

When the weather has allowed I've also enjoyed my flowers.

It looks like this bee has enjoyed them too as he is having a sleep on one.

 

Tomorrow sees the start of Tim's Creative Chemistry 103. My little craft space looked like this earlier.

But now it's cleared ready for paints, inks etc.

Bring it on Mr Holtz.

SLOWED DOWN BY A BUG

I've had a sickness bug for the last 4 days which knocked me sideways for a while however, I feel 'chirpier' today, thank goodness. I would probably have managed more than the 3 blocks I did manage to make had I felt better. Not being one to let things hold me back for long I completed these

I am struggling now and may have to resort to hand sewing the more difficult blocks.

I've actually completed 40 and although I am enjoying making them, I have no idea what to make with them - a quilt, a throw, a few bags etc. My time is limited now to complete any more because next week it's Tim Holtz Creative Chemistry 103 - yippee!!

SLOWLY PLODDING ALONG

I've just this minute sewn another block. I cut it out yesterday but find that bit plays havoc with my back so it's a slow job to prep them.

I was a bit concerned when I chose these Tilda fabrics that the pattern of the block wouldn't show up, but it has and I'm pleased with the end result. 

I don't have any more prepped so that's a job for another day. 

WITCHES - SORT OF - AND BLOCKS

My Paula went to the Tatton flower show today, with her sister-in- law, and sent me this photo.

 Isn't this just fabulous. A witches hat made with Sempervirens. Stitches with Witches craft club plus a bit of gardening now!!!

I made another block yesterday. This one is titled 'Joy' so I dedicated it to my lovely special friend Sylvia who not only got me into patchwork, but also has the surname Joy.

I am really happy with the way this one turned out and reckon Sylvia was encouraging me with every stitch. 

FINISHED THAT OTHER BLOCK

It was so hot last night I stayed up and finished the block I'd started a couple of days ago. Needs a good press.

A tricky one this but most of my points match. 

Next one then.

SWELTERING

What incredible weather. Much too hot for me but the humidity is the worse. I wish I could bottle some of the sun to use through the winter.

I managed another block today and am part way through another.

This was an easy one. 

Think I'll cool off in my craft room and sew a bit more now.

MORE BLOCKS

I tried to make another block yesterday using foundation paper piecing. It had me beat. Turns out, it was one of the few where you put your template on the right side of the fabric. Anyway, it's in a plastic bag ready for another day!!

Here are the ones I have managed to complete.

The next one is my first one made by foundation piecing.

The last photo shows the one that got the better of me!

GARDEN BEAUTY

No talk, just photos

Done x

A BIG HOG

Just caught this little monkey in the garden.

Having a good route around.

BIRTHDAY WITCH

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY to little witch, Susanna.

STITCHES WITH WITCHES

Yay! Our very first crafty gathering.

Who! 

My two lovely step daughters who are also my very bestest pals plus me. We have finally started our crafty gatherings after many years of thinking about it. All of us are in to sewing at the moment but that won't necessarily stay the norm, after all, there are birthday and Christmas cards etc to think about. 

Today, our Paula helped me cut a strip out of my jelly roll throw topper. That is now ready for me to take forward, no rush. I tried to rough cut more templates for the 1930s blocks I'm making, but some of the pieces are so small I gave up and started to sew a few of the Kaffe Facette hexies I did whilst on holiday.

Our little hive of activity today was in Paula's conservatory. 

We all, Paula, Susi and I, sewed, croched, cut out, watched a squirrel and lots of birds plus cuddled and stroked Huxley and Tilly, Paula's Tibetan Terriers.

All in all, a fabulous get together which will be repeated on 7 August.

ILLUMINATION WEATHER

If you lived in the Fylde you would know what I mean by 'illumination weather'. 

Generally in September when the lights are on in Blackpool, we get gales that cause damage. Today we had gales. It's lovely and warm but it's blowing a 'hooly'.

Over the last two days I've managed a little bit more sewing.

This one was hard. I nearly gave up hope!

Grandmother was simple to make but the next one wasn't.

May was fiddly to say the least.

Tomorrow is 'Stitches with Witches craft club. Can't wait. 

BEEN A VERY BUSY FEW DAYS

Saturday was removal day for our Susanna. Her dad and I went to help with the chaos. Fortunately though she had removal men for the heavy stuff.

She is almost straight now despite going back to work last Monday.

I have managed to sort fabric for more blocks plus I printed all but one of the whole 99. I forgot # 37!!

A few more are finished

Hope to rough prep some today.