Swapping Gifts...

Packages all wrapped ready for tagging and then off to the post people - hope they're all set for working extra hard to get these to their destination in time!

Below is the sweet hanging I received in the Anni Downs Swap on Saturday.

I am so happy with this hanging as it is not something I would make and I always like to have some new decorations at Christmas so I think this will mark the beginning of the decorating.

I don't want to put it away now.

I could have been showing some progress on my latest project if I hadn't gone to my craft group today with only one project and no instructions. My time wasn't wasted though I answered some technical questions and did some knitting on a sock for a fellow crafter.

A very pleasant afternoon with lots of chatting and laughing too.

May Wednesday be a creative one for you all.

Inspired by Simple Pleasures...

Saturday I joined a group of lovely ladies at Mill Rose Cottage for a stitching good time.

Lovely setting, Lovely fabric and delicious food, adds up to a perfect Saturday.

The optional swap was a little something made from an Anni Downs design.

I chose three designs from her book 'Simple Pleasures'.

Stitched with DMC Red/Pink thread and arranged as a long narrow hanging, perfect for a little space.

Flower Tree

Flower basket

Home

I did finish something see!
(I secretly wished to get my own project back)
The other projects were beautiful too, and I got something gorgeous that I would not make myself. I'll get a photo and show you soon.

I managed to get some sewing and shopping done too.

A Beautiful day all round.
Thanks to Melody for coordinating all this fun.

Wishing you all a wonderful week.

Can you keep a secret?

No, neither can I.

Fueled by some M's

I got to work cutting and sewing...

Some little blocks and

some pockets.

I can't show you what they turned into as they are not all done, but good progress was made on several projects last night with the FNSI ladies.

Thanks Heidi and Bobbi for hosting it sure felt good to sew along on Friday night.

Now off to sew with some ladies at Mill Rose today - maybe a finish or two?

Have a wonderful weekend.

Catty done

There has been some activity in the sewing room.

The cat projects are complete and were delivered to the Mother today.

One phone pouch and the Mother put her phone in there immediately - perfect.

The bag is from the pattern in Simple Pleasures by the talented Anni Downs with Mistea modifications of course.

The big Cat stitchery makes a pocket on the front and there is a pocket on one side.

I didn't put any internal pockets but I did include a swivel hook to keep the keys from falling to the bottom of the bag - forgot to photograph the inside.

My new green vest is done and I wore that today with a little button closure - it is not fixed and may be changed as out in the daylight it was not the right green colour.

Perfect for a little celebratory outing with the Mother.

The yarn is 'Alice' an acrylic and wool blend from Spotlight and the pattern is a free one from Lion Brand.

Below is a close up to show the pattern.

It has been a productive week in the craft room - Perfect.

Hope you have had some time in your craft space this week too.

In the craft room...

definitely a PJ day here as the weather was not suitable for outside activities.

I made some progress with the cat projects - after cutting all the fabric in the right shapes and sizes. I succeeded in attaching the pocket to the front of the bag and sewing the outer bag pieces together. I feel like I am almost done!

The pouch pieces are still waiting to be sewn but they are all cut out.

A large portion of the day was spent on the couch with my new hooky project.

I know you can't see it very well here but I have made good progress and it is even the right shape and everything so far. The yarn is a super soft Acrylic/wool blend in a pretty green colour.

Not sure about the plastic crochet hook though - when did they change? All my others are old and they are metal, it actually feels like you are holding onto something when working with them.

Will be looking for a more solid alternative as I didn't buy just one new lot of yarn yesterday, how could I when it was on special?

Playing along in Pyjama party Sunday over here.

Hope your weekend was a creative one.

A little stitching...

I started out by gathering some supplies.

A girl's gotta have a little sustenance for serious creative activities - Right.

I finished off the little cat stitchery and,

gathered some fabrics for a little bag making.

Then I curled up on the couch and indulged in a little hooky activity.

Green hat started at Tuesday craft group and worked on at NCB is now finished.

More of the red crochet. I started the second piece on Thursday, it is growing really quickly.

I used some leftover white yarn to try out a pattern and today I went to Spotlight for some yarn to make the real thing. I could have a big whine about not being able to find the colour that I thought I needed, but I got something pretty anyway. May just have to replan my outfit around the new colour.

Thanks to Heidi for hosting Friday night Sew in even if I did get distracted from my sewing projects by the crochet ones.

Hope your Saturday is filled with creative moments.

Slowly

Taking things slowly yesterday I sat with stitching in hand and got quite excited when I thought this was finished - but a quick look at the pattern pic reminded me my cat is missing something/s.

Oh, yeah that would be the whiskers -everybody knows cats need whiskers.

All done.

Then I started this mini version - which is the actual size for the Simple Pleasures quilt the design fits within a 2&1/2 inch square - yep titchy and requiring lots of concentration on this pretty fabric.

Coming along nicely so far.

I didn't mean too, but while I was out today gathering some essentials I found this yarn which is perfect for trying out a new design - if I am successful I will even use it.

The colour is more red than orange and yes it is bright unlike today which was quite dull.

You know how it is just had to make a start - no point putting it in the cupboard where I'll never see it again! I really didn't have enough of anything in the warehouse to give this design a go.

I'm hoping it grows quickly because it could be very useful.

Have a wonderful Tuesday - I hope it is happy and bright.

Catty

This pretty yarn came to my house yesterday with a request to make a pair of mittens for a crafty friend. A lovely soft Merino yarn which will be very nice to work with.

Guess that isn't catty at all - but do you see something else in the picture above?

Inspired by this little kitten hanging out in the garden.

I decided to stitch this kitten on this pretty fabric with a soft vine print.

Cat from Anni Downs book Simple Pleasures. This little book contains a number of stitch designs and little projects with instructions to increase the design size for some. I decided this one would look good on the bag featured in the book.

Having fun with needle and thread.

Hope this week is productive in your craft space too.