String Quilt

Here it is!  My first quilt.  It 's a string quilt with a small border on the back.   It's been really fun to make and very easy... not a fiddley.  I'm not as happy with the back because the lines are wonky.  I used a quilting bar and I think it moves around and the machine vibrates.  I'm not sure what I'll do with it.  It's big enough to be a pram quilt or a playmat. I chose something small to have a go with.

New Summer Skirt

I've been saving this Heather Ross Mechino fabric for a couple of years.  I love this fabric and could only get a couple of yards of it before it went out of print.  I decided on a new summer skirt.  It's a simple A-line shape which is lined with a back zip.  You can't quite see the shape in this picture because the hanger is a bit wonky.

SkyMall top picks

As some of you may know, I just returned from visiting my family and friends in Tennessee.  While en route I browsed through my favorite catalogue to see what wonders of technology and invention they have cooked up for us citizens of the world: SkyMall.  For those of you who are not familiar with this cutting edge concept, Skymall makes it possible to shop even when you're thousands of feet in the air.  Here are some of my personal favorites.

This is the Bigfoot Garden Yeti.  S/he stands at a proud 2 feet high.  It is a" designer resin statue and hand-painted for startling realism".  Startling is right.  I can't thing of anything more natural in our small British back garden than a yeti. 

Cost:  $115.  Money well spent.  Please see skymall.com to purchase.

There was one thing I wish I had bought before my flight.  The "germBana".  This is a clever and fashionable face gator.  The man next in front of me was doing his best to infect the who plane with his boggie spray. 


Jamie had a shorter stay in Knoxville do to some work engagements, so I flew over a week before him.  I was looking through Skymall wondering what I could get the love of my life when I saw this..

iGrow Laser Hair Treatment

"iGrow Laser Hair Rejuvenation Treatment is the world's most advanced hands-free hair rejuvenation system which utilizes a patent-pending combination of LED lights and low level lasers for thicker, fuller hair for both men and women."   This is cutting edge!  and hands free!  and a bargain at $695 dollars.

My parents have two dogs, Mamy and Gena.  They are poodles of the cutest kind.  Little gena doesn't have very good control of her bladder and doesn't like to go out if the grass is wet (wouldn't not be a good british pet).  When I saw this, I thought it would be a perfect present for them.  It's called the porch potty, but is ideal for in home use.  The scented fire hydrant has a built in sprinkler that washes and then drains away any deposits.

These are only a few of the amazing deals on offer at Skymall.com.  Enjoy

The Aftercraft

My talented friend Sarah has just finished designing an amazing Union Jack quilt pattern.  I met her while she was living here in England.  She's a lovely person and a fantastic sewer.  You can buy her pattern on Etsy and here it the link
http://www.etsy.com/transaction/51670566
We miss you, Coley and Bobo.

Pet Portrait... check

It's official... Mr. Noah has been given the court portrait he has always deserved.  The lovely Caroline Coates has done an amazing job.  Here is a picture of Noah

Here's the portrait.  Fantastico!

 It was an absolute bargain at £30.  Portrait by Caroline Coates Illustrations

FABRIC DELIVERY

I absolutey love fabric delivery day!!!  This batch is almost all sewing prints:  vintage machines, safety pins and scissors.  I've been listing like mad on folksy and ebay but can't wait to start sewing.  Here are some pictures of the fabric. 

Cushions

I've been working on some cushions for an upcoming craft fair this Saturday and as a possible "class/workshop" in Manchester.  I've been playing around some embroidery ever since I found a nice tracing pattern of a dress maker's dummy.  I've also been saving some Laura Wishburn fabric for my personal stash.  Here they are.....

here's a close up