HEXAGONAL LOVE

Good Morning to you, 

Do you ever find the time, to stop what you are doing and enjoy a moment in time.

Do you allow yourself the luxury of clearing your mind to  enjoy what is  right in front of your eyes.

On Tuesday morning, I was lucky enough to do exactly this.

I was up and about early to get myself ready to go to my Tuesday sewing group.  I don't know about you, but I am not the kind of person, who can leap out of bed, shower, dress and drink a cup of coffee within the space of half an hour.  I am the type of person who likes to ease myself gently into the day.

George had decided to have a lie-in, so I was on my own in the conservatory drinking my morning coffee.  I was looking out of the window enjoying the rare early morning sunshine, thinking how peaceful it was.  When no sooner had the thought crossed my mind, than a family of blackbirds flew across the garden.  They all rested on the fence for a moment before the 3 babies flew down to the lawn and began running around our garden.  I did not move, because I did not want the blackbirds to fly away.  The thought about not moving, had only just entered my mind, when 2 magpies arrived in the garden.  They sat on the opposite fence and one decided to fly to the roof of the neighbouring bungalow.  When I looked over in the direction the magpie was flying,  I noticed a wood pigeon sitting very comfortably on a tv aerial. Upon seeing the magpie, the wood pigeon moved and started to pay attention to the magpie on the lower level.  The magpie stayed where he was for a few seconds and then he decided to circle the chimney stack.  He disappeared from view and upon turning the corner he continued his walk around the chimney stack.  

I watched and I could see the pigeon was unsure as to what the magpie was doing..... but I knew, the magpie wanted to be the one perched on the tv aerial and not the wood pigeon.

But the wood pigeon stood his ground and was not giving up his aerial quite so easily, as the tv aerial gave him a good view of the surrounding area.  I watched to see how this would play out.  The magpie soon  realised that walking around the chimney stack was not enough to move the wood pigeon from its perch.  So he decided on another tactic and harassed the pigeon by flapping his wings. It looked as if he intended to fly up to the tv aerial, but he didn't, he continued flapping his wings.  Still the pigeon held his ground, that is, until the magpie received reinforcements.... its mate arrived and flew to where the wood pigeon was seated.  The tv aerial  started to wobble which made the wood pigeon uncomfortable, so he finally gave way and flew to a large tree at the bottom of the garden. The magpie who had tried so hard to eject the wood pigeon, joined his mate and they sat for a few minutes, having a good look around, before deciding they had had enough and flew away leaving the tv aerial vacant for the next occupant.

Now I'm not sure if it was the same wood pigeon which returned or if it was another, but a wood pigeon arrived and made itself comfortable on the tv aerial. When it had settled  a 2nd wood pigeon landed on the roof of the bungalow.  Now at this point I did not know if the wood pigeon on the aerial was male or female, but within a couple of seconds, the wood pigeon on the roof started billing and cooing at the wood pigeon on the aerial, so it is safe to say, it was a female sitting on the tv aerial.  

.... and so the show began.  The male wood pigeon on the roof of the bungalow, started his little dance. His head went up, then his head went down, he then took a couple of steps closer to the female wood pigeon on the tv aerial and he continued his little dance of courtship.  He billed and he cooed as he edged closer and closer to the female wood pigeon.  He had completed his final dance when he decided to take his chance and flew on to the tv aerial where he continued to bill and coo once again.  He really did his best to impress the female wood pigeon, but the moment he stepped closer to her, the female flew away, leaving the male wood pigeon alone on the tv aerial, looking very sorry for himself. All the effort he had put into wooing the female wood pigeon, had been to no avail.

.... and then I had a lovely surprise.  My neighbours have a Christmas tree planted in their garden and it is beautiful.  It pops its head over our fence by a couple of feet and both George and I love it.  I caught movement out the corner of my eye and I looked across at the Christmas tree and there on a branch sat the first robin of the year.  I was thrilled to see him because when I was a small girl, robins and Christmas went hand in hand.   Seeing the robin made me smile, but then my smile grew even larger, because a moment later, a 2nd  robin flew across the garden and joined the 1st robin in the Christmas tree.  I sat very still so as not to disturb them and they rewarded me by staying for a minute or so.  It was so lovely.

What I hadn't realised was, our garden is a bit of a bird highway first thing in the morning.  Birds were tooing and frowing for the half an hour or so when I was sat in my chair.  It was a delightful way to start the day.

.... and now I am smiling to myself, because I have just talked about enjoying a moment in time, and  now I am going to propel  you forward, to Christmas, as I am going to show you a Christmas gift I am making. 

I am busy making two Christmas quilts for two very special people.  I cannot say who, because I know they read my blog, so I am keeping them guessing.

I adore sewing and I have an immense love of hand sewing, which works perfectly when it comes to sewing hexagons.

When I begin a project, I love taking the time to look at the material which I have tucked away in my cupboard.

Some materials work together and some don't, but 9 times out of 10, I do find what I am looking for within my store of material.

I have a well used cardboard template to cut out my hexagon papers and 

a larger cardboard template, to cut out my material.  This is such a peaceful task.... and so the process begins.

When the hexagons have been cut out and the hexagon papers are ready to be attached to the material hexagons, I find my needle and thread and enjoy the peaceful art of hand sewing.

Making hexagons is a brilliant way to use up scraps of material because a hexagon can be cut to any size.

Here I made sure I centred the picture of the poinsettia into the middle hexagon.... pretty effective don't you think.

Oh no, I've just noticed I have sewn 3 hexagons upside down..... when a pattern is involved you have to be so careful.  As you can see I wasn't.  Oh well, it's time to find the unpicker and set this right. 

Each hexagon can be a different colour or just one colour choice but with different designs.

I have so enjoyed hand sewing these hexagons together, but I had to focus, because for some reason which I can't quite fathom, I sewed one completed hexagon onto the backing fabric, with one of the centre papers still in tact.  Luckily I was able to retrieve it with a little bit of careful manoeuvring. I'll put money on it, that this happened, when I was at my Tuesday club.... I have a feeling that it was too much chatting and not enough concentration.

I will not show you all the blocks, but I promise to show you the two quilts which have to be finished by Christmas time.  Although the hexagons have been hand sewn, I think I will use the sewing machine to attach the sashing, because that will allow me more time to hand quilt.

.... and would you like to see the mannequin I used to lay out my blocks out.

My lovely wicker chair.  This beautiful cushion was one of two which used to grace my bed, but I think, as beautiful as it is, it was a little too feminine for George, so I brought them down stairs.... and this one is living happily on my wicker chair.  Although not for long, because my autumnal cushions will be making an appearance very soon.

The nights are drawing in very quickly and there is certainly a colder nip in the air these days.

.... but I really don't mind when I am warm and cosy inside my home.

Take care and I will catch up with you on Thursday.

As Always,

MY CREATIVE PLEASURES

Good Morning to you,

I do hate being ill.  

I find when I am lying in bed, I am thinking of all the things I need to do.  I really want to be up and about, doing.... but of course, when your coughing and spluttering and on top of that, you can't decide, whether your hot or cold, there really is, no better place to be, than tucked up in bed.

....also, I received stern words from George last week, after he caught me writing to you. He told me I had to stay in bed until I felt better and that he was keeping an eye on me to make sure I did.

So stay in bed I did.... and now I feel a whole lot better, not 100%, but much, much better.

.... and because I was unwell last week, there are no recipes to share with you today.

So instead, I thought I would show you my creative pleasures.

These little squares are going to be hand sewn together to make a lovely quilt for my friend.

It is a simple 4 patch block, but I love the mix of colours.  I think I am going to add white sashing to the completed squares, but I'll make that decision when I have sewn all the 4 patch blocks.

This bright Christmas project is one I am taking to my sewing group.

I have to say, it took me quite a while before I could reach for my needle and thread, because first  I had to cut out my 2 cardboard hexagon templates. I then cut out the papers using the smaller cardboard template and then I had to cut out the material hexagons using the larger template.... this all took quite some time.  

My friend Avril, is the person who inspired me to make this quilt as she is making a flower garden quilt in different shades of blue and I have to tell you it is stunning.... she is a real talent where patchwork is concerned. 

As you can see the pencil slipped on a number of occasions, I think I need to find my rubber, to tidy up those pencil marks. I'm not sure how many hexagons I will need, because my work tends to be organic.  I start with a germ of an idea and the idea grows as my work progresses, so I might need 500 hexagons or I might need 750 hexagons. I think I need to ask the family to start saving all their white envelopes, because I think I am going to need their help.

However many I need, I have to say, I am really enjoying this project.  I cut the material and paper hexagons at home, but I keep the hand sewing to do at my sewing group.  It is such an easily transportable piece of sewing.... hardly any weight at all.

I won't have the quilt finished for this Christmas, but it will be ready for next Christmas.  I have already made a Christmas quilt for Natasha, so this one will be for Danielle.... I just know, she will love it, as much as I am loving, sewing the pieces together.

.... and I just had to show you how my crochet was getting along.  This is a simple medallion pattern, which is fun to do. I chose this because I have to re-learn how to read a crochet pattern, as I haven't read one for years.  The trouble is, I am a visual learner and the book I am using, has a crochet diagram, so my eyes keep straying over to the diagram, instead of the crochet instructions. I think I need to cover the diagram, to help me learn all the crochet abbreviations. I think this could take some time.

Just before I leave you, I wanted to say, because I was poorly, I was unable to answer the comments which you so kindly wrote, but I promise I will be catching up with you during the week.

Take care and I will see you again on Thursday.

As Always,

QUILTING AND SEWING

Good Afternoon to you,

I have been busy in my Button room this week, sorting and organising my materials. Placing beads, into their new little compartments, which I have to tell you took quite a while, as I have lots and lots of beads. When I needed to stop to make supper, George took over.... which was kind of him.  He does love doing anything which is fiddly.

Now then, I can hear you asking, what is a Button room? Well I will tell you, as I am not sure if I have mentioned my Button room before. It is the name we have given my sewing room. My Button room used to be in one of our smaller rooms, but I have moved into a much larger room, so I have more space to work with.... which is wonderful.

So after working hard, transferring everything from room to room, I thought I would take a break and have a look on Pinterest, to find a little inspiration and I was not disappointed, as I saw some beautiful rooms. Some were perfectly co-ordinated, with white walls and white furniture, some rooms filled with delicate lace and dried flowers and oh so perfect..... beautiful to look at, but have you ever visited an elderly aunt, whose home is pristine. When you arrive you are offered a cup of tea, but you don't know where to place the cup and saucer, because everything is so perfect..... well that is what a lot of the images reminded me of..... not a look I go for I'm afraid..... neatness is not something which applies to me when I am sewing. In a perfect world, this would be the type of sewing room I would love, but I have to be realistic, I would never be able to keep the room looking as beautiful.

After enjoying all the beautiful images, I decided to be sensible, and not get carried away. First on the list of things I needed was a cutting table, so I found our old kitchen table in the garage and it was the perfect size, perhaps not the perfect height, but George is going to fix that. Feeling inspired, I arranged the table beautifully. Lovely boxes filled with needles, embroidery threads, pin cushions, filled with brightly coloured pins, my tambour needles and my bead catcher placed on heart shaped plates.... the table looked lovely.... really pleasing to look at, but when I began cutting out material to make a cushion, I realised that I had arranged the table so beautifully that I had not left myself enough space to cut the material.  So it was back to square one for the table.  I removed everything, apart from my scissors, rotary cutters and cutting board. It did not look as attractive, but it worked... and then after a Skype chat with Natasha, the problem was solved.  She mentioned that she uses a tray which she fills with all her sewing 'bits and pieces', and then leaves the tray on her table. When she needs to use the table, she simply removes the tray which takes a matter of seconds..... what is the saying 'a problem shared is a problem halved' that is certainly true..... and  I am pleased to say, that yes, I have the perfect wicker tray to use..... so on Natasha's advice, I am making a pad for the bottom of the tray so that everything sits nicely.....when it is finished I will have such a pleasing table.

The ironing board is set up with the iron at the ready to press seams, which is so much easier. I have everything I could possibly need to hand.  The longer I use the room, the easier it will be to organise myself, because what I have discovered is, that just because something looks aesthetically beautiful, it does not necessarily mean that it will work in the space it has been allotted. So the Button room is an ongoing project.

..... but I have been busy,

I have made a cushion for my friend.  Sorry, I should have taken photographs with the cushion positioned nicely on a chair, but I did not have the time, as I needed to get out of the door and take this gift to my friend as time was running away from me.

Before I show you the second thing I have made, it is time to share some music with you,

the soundtrack from the film 'Chef'.  Now I have to tell you I had not heard of this film and I also had not heard the soundtrack.  But Carol from Art and Sand told me she had been to see the film and she loved it, and the soundtrack was so good, that after she had seen the film she went out and bought the soundtrack.  Now, after Carol's recommendation,  I had fully intended to listen to the soundtrack,  and then I was talking to Natasha yesterday and she mentioned the soundtrack and how fabulous it was, so I got myself into gear and went over to Itunes to listen to the music and I love it. I defy you to listen to the music and not tap your feet.  You will want to strut your Latin moves.... honestly it is that good. I loved 'Oye Coma Va', 'Que Se Sepa', and 'I Like it Like That'.

I really am trying to keep my feet still, so whilst my feet are taking on a life of their own I will show you what else has been happening in the Button room.

It started with one heart,

and then another,

then a few more.

then the borders were added.

and the

binding completed,

so there was 

nothing 

left to do,

but

add a little note to the back

of the quilt.

'Made with Love

for

Jackie'

and who is Jackie?

Jackie is 

Wasanti and Gaja's little girl.

Jackie

will be 1 year old in October.

So once I have finished the little note

to attach to the back of the quilt,

it will be winging it's way to India

as a gift for Jackie.

Whilst I am telling you this,

I have a huge smile on my face,

as

my middle name is Jacqueline

and I have the honour of having

'little Jackie'

named after me.

How wonderful is that.

Before I go, I just wanted to mention the differing colours in the quilt photographs. I have been all over the house taking photographs, I have had George holding the quilt which I attached to a yard stick, here there and everywhere..... his poor arms were aching.  Then we attached the quilt to the back of the door.... but the problem was the house was getting darker and darker, because we are experiencing heavy rain, so no matter where I went I could not get the right colour.

Sometimes taking photographs can be soooo frustrating.

Take care and I will see you on Sunday.

This week I will be joining,

Fluster Buster Creative Muster

RUG HOOKING

Good Morning to you,

On Saturday, my girl friends and I, spent a lovely day together at the Customs House in Sunderland. We arrived in the morning to take part in a Creative Masterclass for rug hooking and clippy mat techniques.

Our tutor, Kathy, is a very talented textile artist and her exuberance for the art of rug hooking  is infectious. Kathy is the type of person, that after an hour in her company,  makes you feel you can achieve anything.

The course was run as part of the WW1 Centenary and we could choose to make either a poppy wall hanging or a summer garden wall hanging.  I chose a summer garden design, but of course, in the shape of my favourite design..... a heart.

I chose ribbons, lace, cord and net material and as I love pink and blue flowers in my garden, that was the path I followed, but somewhere along the line, I seem to have forgotten that, as I made predominantly pink flowers.... I think I just fell in love with the assortment of pink lace.  I can easily get back on track, as I have blue materials and ribbons here at home, so I can make  a few blue flowers to intersperse with the pinks. 

This is the first flower

I created,

my second flower,

(This photograph does not do justice to the design)

my third flower,

my fourth flower,

my fifth flower,

and

 finally, for now,

my sixth flower.

I love this material, the colour is perfect

and I love the crinkly look,

although to be honest, as much as I love it

for this project, I really do not like

this type material for clothing,

as I always feel I want to reach for my iron and

 give the material a good ironing.

This is not the end result, but I thought you 

might like to see how the colours work together.

Quite nice, I think.

I also need to add some green,

so I am playing around with some

material to see which I like the best.

As you can see, there is still quite a way to go to finish the design.  I am not a fast worker, I like to take my time,  to think about a project.  A couple of my friends finished their projects, so on this occasion, I have to get a shimmy on, as our designs are going to be on the Customs House website.

Have you noticed that there is something missing... there is no music playing.... yes, even when I am sewing, I love to listen to music. I created the sixth flower, here at home, and I listened to, well I won't tell you straight away, I will see if you recognise the lyrics,

'I rode my bicycle past your window last night

I roller skated to your door at daylight

It almost seems like your avoiding me

I'm okay alone, but you've got something I need.

I've got a brand new pair of roller skates

You've got a brand new key,

I wish that we could get together

and 

try them on to see'

Do you recognise the song? I bet you do and if so, I just know you will not be speaking the words, I feel sure, you will not be able to help yourself....  you will be singing the song.....  'Brand New Key'

Do you remember Melanie singing the 'Nickel Song', I'm sure you know 'Ruby Tuesday'..... I can't stop singing 'Brand New Key'....what about you?

There is still a little way to go to finish my project, but I thought you would enjoy seeing how much I have achieved.

When the wall hanging is finished, I am going to ask George to make me a wooden backing so I can hang my summer garden, on the wall, in my sewing room...... all will be revealed....quite soon.

....... yes, you guessed correctly, I am keeping George busy with woodwork.

Take care and I will see you on Sunday.

This week I will be joining,

Patti and Paul from Ivy and Elephants

and

Robin from Fluster Buster

IT'S ON WITH THE PINNIE FOR THE HILLARYS BLINDS COUNTRY CRAFT COMPETITION

Good Morning to you,

....... I've done it!   It was touch and go as to whether I would finish my project.... but finish it, I have.

I have beaded and sewn until my fingers are so very sore, but I am so very proud of what I have achieved.

This is the top

and

this is the bottom.

I have made the most fabulous

Hostess Pinnie.

I just felt it was the perfect thing to make,
because I always wear pinnies when I cook
and as Natasha and Danielle pointed out to me,
I am always saying,
"Now it is on with the pinnie".

Here is a closer look at the head of my proud peacock.  I had intended to use sequins, but I found the most gorgeous tiny beads, tucked away in one of my tins, which look perfect. It took me five hours to sew these little lovelies in place.

I used invisible thread to attached the flowers and centre beads, and I have to tell you, invisible thread is not the easiest thread to work with, but the results are perfect.

....and here are the finished tail feathers.  I think you will agree that they look just a little fabulous.

You can see much better in this photograph that there is not a thread in sight.

I had intended to take a photograph with me  wearing  the pinnie, when George returned from his walk, but the weather became so grey and overcast, that the inside of the house grew quite dark, so I had to act straight away and could not wait for George to return. So I laid the pinnie on the table, but I could not get the whole pinnie in the photograph. So it is a pinnie of two halves.

Now as part of the Hillarys Blinds Country Craft Competition I need to tell you how I made my pinnie.

HOW I MADE 
MY

HOSTESS PINNIE

I cut a heart template out of baking parchment,

for the top of my pinnie.

I then cut three heart shapes.

The first in the Bird Parade material,

the second in a cotton

the third in a cream backing fabric.

I tacked the Bird Parade material

to the cotton material,

as I find this give the beads stability.

I then started my bead work.

When the bead work was finished.

 I placed the backing fabric onto the finished beaded 

Bird Parade fabric

and machine stitched.

I left a 4" gap either side of the base of

the heart to enable the heart to be turned

inside out.

Before turning inside out, I snipped the edges of the heart.

This allows the seams to lay flat,
when turned inside out.

I then cut an oblong shape 20" depth x 27 width
for the lower half of the pinnie,
from the Bird Parade material,

and

I machine stitched the two sides and bottom

of the Bird Parade material,

(the bottom being the hem)

I folded the Bird Parade material in half to find the centre

and marked the centre with a pin.

Using a running stitch, I stitched  3" either

side of the centre point.

Then I pulled the running stitch to create little gathers.

I then,

cut 4 x 23" by 2" pieces of material

for the  ties

at the waistband

and the neck.

I then folded each piece in half and machine stitched.

I left the top section open

so that I could turn the ties inside out.

I then pressed the ties

and stitched the openings.
I attached one set to the top of the pinnie
to tie around the neck.

I then

cut a waistband,

25" in width and 5" in depth

and folded in half, length ways

and

top stitched the two sides and top of the waistband.

Here you will notice my mistake.  

I should have attached my ties before I stitched

the sides of my waistband.

So yes, this stitching was unpicked, and the

ties attached and then restitched.

I just forgot to take a photograph,

but you will see the correct version below.

I attached the waistband to the lower part
of the pinnie.
As you can see I could not resist a little embellishment.

Then I stitched the bib
to the

pinnie
and if I have not missed
out any instructions
you should
have,
at this point,
the 
most
fabulous
Hostess Pinnie

Oh I do hope so!

Now, it is in the lap of the Gods..... I have to tell you I really enjoyed making this pinnie..... but I think I will not be doing any beading for a little while.

I am now free to catch up with you, so I promise I will be replying to your comments in the next couple of days and I will also be out and about visiting you again.

I am now going to soak my hands in lavender water.

Take care and I will see you on Wednesday.

This week I will be joining,

Crafty Allie for Worthwhile Wednesdays

Fluster's Creative Muster