Am I a Versatile Blogger?

Vreni has awarded me with the Versatile Blogger Award. Thank you so much Vreni, I feel quite flattered, really!

So, being curious, I wondered if I was really versatile – here is the definition…

ver·sa·tile
adjective
1. competent in many things; able to turn easily from one subject or occupation to another; many-sided
2. adaptable to many uses or functions

I suppose maybe in the crafting world I am slightly versatile. I can do basic hand embroidery, I can make clothes, softies, quilts, I can quilt (it may be dodgy to some LOL) on my domestic machine in straight lines and free motion! And I can do needle turn applique! Okay, enough bragging - I accept the award!

Now I have to tell you 7 things you may not know about me…

1. I hated sewing when it was a requirement in high school. Even the boys were better than me!
2. We have 2 pairs of geese, one is sitting on eggs at the moment so we might have goslings soon! I love the sound of their honking!
3. I love hand work and I really would love to try hand quilting.
4. I am a ham radio operator, my callsign is VK4FJAR. My hubby has been a ham forever, his call is VK4RV.
5. I grew up on a dairy farm, I miss all that fresh milk! It made awesome iced coffee!
6. I have lived in the same area my whole life. I have roots here, my mum and dad also grew up in this area!
7. I am getting a new kitchen on Monday YAY!, at the moment my sink is propped up on the dishwasher!

And now, I am recommending only a few of my favourite blogs, this was hard to narrow down to five…

Little Miss Shabby – check out her mini joes coat pincushion! It is fantastic!
Kate Conklin Designs -  I love Kate’s fresh designs!
Quiltsalott – Janet’s machine quilting and appliqué are stunning! Something for me to aspire too!
Sugarlane Quilts – Wendy is a fellow queenslander, who does fabulous work and is co-hosting the Birdcage sew-in, 25/26th September 2010!
Cut to Pieces – I have only recently come across Angela’s blog, she is so creative and fresh!

Check out the above blogs, you won’t regret it!
Be Happy,
Jess

Ties for little boys

Hi all,

So I found a tutorial for little boys ties over at Kelly's blog "Sewing in no mans land". It has solved a few issues I was trying to solve myself but getting nowhere.

The main thing I wanted was to have an elastic or velcro closure around the neck. Which Kelly has done marvelously! And the best bit is these ties don't need to be cut on the bias!

The only problem I had with Kelly's pattern was I couldn't get the tail angle right so it doesn't fold to a point properly, but you can't see it so no biggy.

But I also wanted to make the tie longer, so I got out the tie pattern I have already used to make TP a few ties and just overlapped the two pieces about 6 or 7 inches to make one piece much like Kelly's.

As you can see, it is much like Kelly's only longer and with a bit more shape. I think the shape makes the knot sit a bit nicer. And this also solved my point folding problem.

So I have made 2 (on the left) for TP and 2 (on the right) for BW. The paisley blue tie is from Kelly's pattern. I am really happy with how they look and concidering that they are unlikely to hang themselves with them makes it all the better!

Overall, massive kudos to Kelly for doing something I couldn't! She has a great blog with fantastic tutorials, so go take a look you won't regret it!

Otherwise, I am back to working on things for the fete. I will do a "fete wrap-up" early next week!

Be happy,

Jess

Sandys having a giveaway!

Hi all,

Just a quick one to let you know Sandys Patchwork Angel is having a giveaway!

There are great prizes up for grabs so go and take a look!

Be Happy,
Jess

Giveaway.....

Hi guys,

Check out Christine's giveaway!
It sounds great, a book, some applique needles and 2 fat quarters!

I have been busy creating more WIP's. I seem to start more than I finish, but don't we all!!

Don't worry, be happy,
Jess ;-)

Last minute OPAM project!

WAHOO! A WIP is finished!
This is a bag I started a few months ago. It is out of Homespun magazine, they called it Baguette Bag.
I was just waiting to get the handles so I could finish it. I am quite happy with it, I hadn't done much stitchery before so that was a challenge but I enjoyed it.

Also, my SIL has just started her own blog - Jump Creations. She is the one that does the screen-printing and fabric dyeing. Feel free to check it out!

Remember,
Don't worry be happy!
Jess