One Flower Wednesday

I recently joined a little Garden Party called One Flower Wednesday hosted by Karen over at http://journeyofaquilter.blogspot.com/ I have never made hexagons before so it has been an interesting learning curve over the past week. I quickly got the knack, I think, and have been on a roll ever since. In one week I have completed 13 flowers. I'll admit it, I think I'm addicted to these things. Here are a few pics of the ones I've made.





I am choosing to make the centers the same colours as the petals because the person I'm making this for will like it better that way. My next batch will have different colour centers and be more feminine looking. Oh dear I guess I am hooked since I'm already planning another series LOL
I hope you enjoy looking at them as much as I enjoyed making them.
Want to join the Garden Party? Just click the link in this post or the picture in the sidebar.
Take Care,
Robyn

Block 4: Gifts of Grace

I finished block 4 of the Gifts of Grace series this weekend.
I'm really enjoying doing these blocks. I'm also learning new stitches as I go. This time the new stitch was the Portugese stem stitch, you can directions here: http://www.rocksea.org/hand-embroidery/stem-stitch/portugese-stem-stitch
I used this stitch for outlining the bird.


Hope you enjoy.
Take Care,
Robyn

Another Gift Done....

for the Early Bird Christmas Crafting.
This time it's a sachet bag or it could be used to hold small trinkets I suppose. I made it with a drawstring type closure instead of how it was orginaly designed, with 3 ribbons sewn across the top on either side to tie shut.
I found I had to enlarge the picture to fit the size of fabric called for in the pattern. One could always just cut the fabric smaller.....just thought of that LOL. I also gave the patterns a 1/4 turn so the ribbon bow was along the fold not the cut edge. The fabric I choose was cream with gold metallic flecks in it, adding to the Christmasy look.

This was a free pattern from Ellen Johnson go here to have a look http://www.heirloomembroidery.com
Take care,
Robyn

Christmas Challenges......new

It has been a busy week for me but I managed to complete a project for my Christmas challenges. This is my first attempt at completing any type of quilting in years, I've been working on tops but haven't got to the final assembly yet, and I’m just glad I finished it. Although with my machine having a hissy fit yesterday I very nearly didn’t.
I have made a tablemat/runner that will be a gift for someone special.

I also made this eyeglass case, well actually it started out from a pattern for a cell phone case but I measured wrong LOL. It does fit a pair of glasses quite nicely. It also has a loop where a carabineer can be attached.

Well that’s about all I’ve managed to complete this week so far. I just started another project for the Early Bird challenge, should have it done for next week.
Take Care,
Robyn

Tuesday Ramblings

Well it's Tuesday and that means back to work. It also means I can share a picture of what I finished on the weekend.
This is a pic of the finished block:

and this is a close up of the hearts. I learned chain stitch over the weekend so I could give the hearts a bit of zip



It's also the last day of school for the boy, he's writing his last exam as we speak. The official end of school date is not until June 29th but once they are done exams they don't have to go back.....hhhmmm I wonder if it's the teachers don't want them back. Anyhow, fingers crossed he passes all his courses
I'm still trying to sort out for the sale I want to have but it's slow going. Better get my rear in gear if I plan to have it before I take holidays in 2 weeks.
Okay, off I go.....
Take Care,
Robyn

Christmas in July Challenge....Done

I got my first challenge completed for the Christmas in July Challenge. It is a little snowman. I covered foam balls with fantasy snow & sprinkled a bit of silver glitter for some extra bling. His buttons & eyes are black 4mm druk beads. Nose & scarf are chenille stems and the hat is construction paper. I am very pleased with it considering when I came to work this morning I had no idea what I was going to make for this challenge.
Hope you enjoy him.
Take Care,
Robyn
**the first idea I had when I joined this challenge turned out to be a dud, but out of that came this**

Another Block Done & Sale

I have just finished block 2 in the Gifts of Grace series. Took me a little longer than I thought to choose colours & beads.


Now, I think I have to put the stitching aside for a bit. I am trying to get ready for a big blowout sale in the store soooooo I really should start unpacking boxes and slashing prices. On the other hand if I wait until the boy finishes exams I can get him to do the heavy lifting for me 8^) decisions, decisions. I think I'll just go do some stitching while I ponder that......
Take Care

Two Projects Done

I finished my Robin cross-stitch over the weekend as I had planned. I even remembered to bring it to work for pictures


It still needs to be framed but that will take me some time to find the perfect frame.
I also finished Block 1 of the Gifts of Grace series.


Instead of appliqueing the butterfly I did some satin stitch in yellow. I was given a jam jar of wee tiny pearls and used those for the flower centres. My french knots, well let's just say we don't see eye to eye, so I used black seed beads on the ends of the antennae. I also started block 2 of this series last night.
Can you tell it was a slow day at work yesterday....hehehe
Now I'm off to pick my supplies for the Christmas challenge. Sure is handy having a craft store, don't have to leave work to get my supplies
Have a lovely day.
Take Care,
Robyn


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Another Challenge....

Yes I have joined another challenge. This one is called "Christmas In July" and is hosted by Amanda at http://amanda-lotshappening.blogspot.com or just click on the picture to the left.
I have already picked out my first project for this challenge. I'll post pics when it's done but until then my lips are sealed.
Take Care,
Robyn

It's Tuesday....

and that means back to work for me. I don't mind since I own a craft store, it's not really like work most days.
I started a new quilt block last night. It's the first block in the Gifts of Grace series. I have changed a couple colours and instead of the applique it calls for I'm doing some embroidery in places.
Here is a pic of what I got done last night:


If you're interested in these blocks you can go to:http://val-laird.blogspot.com or just click on the Gifts of Grace button under my name.
Can't wait to start the next one 8^)

Lazy Sunday

Ah, finally Sunday, the day I look forward to all week. The day I get to nothing or whatever I want, well mostly. There's still laundry & supper to cook, but no work.
So between napping I have been working on a cross-stitch picture that is just for me. It's not often I make something just for me but when I saw this one I knew it was just for me. It is a picture of a little Robin with it's nest. No pics until it's finished. I started it 2 1/2 weeks ago and am just doing the back stitching so it won't be long before pics will be up.
Happy Sunday
CraftyRobyn

On A Roll....

I seem to be in a posting mood today. Making up for lost time or perhaps just setting myself down long enough to play catchup.
I wanted to share this pic of a top I embroidered awhile back. Anybody who works with fabric will appreciate the sentiment I think.

Flower Pincushions

I must say owning a craft store has it's advantages. When it's slow or in between customers I have plenty of time to work on my projects.
I have managed to finish these cute little flower pincushions in the last couple days



Aren't they just so cheerful.
Pattern is available at www.squirrelmomma.typepad.com

Buttercup Bags

Here are some pics of the Buttercup Bags I have just finished.




The butterfly bag is made from the free version of the pattern which is smaller. The deco rose one is larger and made from the purchased version of the pattern. Both patterns are available from http://www.made-by-rae.com/2009/02/free-buttercup-bag-sewing-pattern.html