chloe's christening quilt

I can't believe I thought I could do it. And I also can't believe I actually did it. I realised on Monday night that I wasn't going to be able to get a gift for little Chloe's christening that I would like to give her.

As in, I couldn't really think of anything and the second daughter always misses out on things because there are always loads of hand-me-downs from big sister. So Monday night I thought to myself - I'll make her a quilt. And I went to the stash, pulled out a bunch of pinks and bright sky blues, shuffled them around and thought, yep, there's enough there. Then I googled to see what dimensions I needed to make a cot size quilt (100 x 120cm or 40 x 48inches approx). After that, I got a piece of paper and drew up the design (coins? I think it's called) and worked out my piece sizes.

Much to my husbands annoyance (he was trying to watch Q&A), I finished sewing up the top that night. YAY!

Today, Friday, I finished off the last of the binding.



In between, I went to both Quiltsmith AND Calico and Ivy to get wadding, bias binding (no time for DIY) and a new thimble.





I'm very pleased with myself (can you tell?). I made sure it was clear this was Chloe's very own special quilt especially for her, by quilting her name into it. I've only ever hand quilted, so this time I made sure it was simple enough to finish on time.

serious swap goodness

I've been so very lucky recently with the swaps I've participated in. I have been very slack, however, at posting the wonderful stuff here on my blog. If you look at my flickr photos at all - you'll see everything there. I've been finding it so difficult to get my act together posting here as well.

So - my apologies to my wonderful swap partners who've been incredibly thoughtful and generous.

Starting from the most distant swap I haven't posted...

The September Kaleidoswap theme was "back to school" and I was partnered with the organiser Isabelle. I received the most amazing box full of great things - sweets, notebooks, pens, perfumes, games. I absolutely love everything. Isabelle really took notice of all the things I like and dislike and everything was great. I think she has a real talent for choosing gifts for her partners!



I had posted the wrapped parcel of the things I sent her, so here it all is now before I wrapped it. I also tried to make sure I put things together that Isabelle would really enjoy.



Here's a close up of the sterling silver and czech glass beaded earrings I made for her. They seem to go perfectly with one of her favourite necklaces! Perfect!


The next swap I received recently was in the Sweetpea "Something Old/Something New" swap. I was matched up with Julie (aka sewitsforyou). Julie has a shop in Etsy which you must check out too.



The teatowel Julie embroidered for me is so perfect - to the extent that the teapot is eating a DONUT! Wow - I didn't realise my 'Homer'ness' was so evident on the internet...And the buttons are just beautiful! And the embroidery patterns are so cool - in fact I'll be starting a tshirt project today if I get the time.

Here is what I sent to Julie. I must admit that time was an issue for me and I didn't get the time to make something for Julie to post with this. However, I did find the cutest Japanese print fabric, and over did the chocolates to (hopefully) make up for it a bit.


The final swap I am posting today is the "Vintage Christmas Stocking Swap" organised by the wonderful Jo and MaryAnn. Unlike the swaps above, this isn't a direct swap. I was sent a parcel from Beth, who has a really beautiful blog and shop on Etsy.

I was completely in love with the beautiful handcrafted gifts I received from Beth. The style of vintage Beth made for me was (again) just perfect! The Christmas Angel is adorable - and my grandmother was very impressed with her. Here's a photo of all the good stuff.


The stocking is just beautiful.


Here's a peep inside. The fabric lining the stocking is very cool. I wish it was easier to see it/show it!


And finally, the beautiful corsage. I can't wait to wear it! I've decided to wear it to all the Christmas parties and Christmas drinks I go to as well as on Christmas Day.


I have sent my Christmas stocking and goodies off to Cheryl nearly 2 weeks ago. So far it doesn't seem to have arrived. Of course I hate the waiting part - I hope it gets there soon and all OK! Once I've got her confirmation it's there, I'll post photos I took.

Happy Season Swapping everyone!

the bag matches the shoes

The actual photo of the bag is thankfully not representative of how excellent the bag is. I'm not a very experienced sewer, but I'm very pleased with the final result!

I was inspired by 2 different bags in a couple of Japanese craft books I have. So I kind of just put it together as I went.

I'm surprised how similar it looks like Amanda's (Soulemama) new bag.

I made another bag

This is for Pieta for her 30th Birthday. She'll get it tomorrow...It was her birthday last Friday, but I warned her it was going to be late.


This little bundle of goodies is going out in the post tomorrow to someone not expecting anything. It's a little thank you pressie with some cute stuff from my stash. Hopefully she'll enjoy using them in her sewing projects.. I really love the little yellow vintage buttons. I can never get enough buttons or ribbon. I don't seem to do anything with them but horde them. Is anyone else like that? I just like looking at them.