Even though seasons don't change exactly according to the calendar there is something about the beginning of September... some trees just know the date it seems!
My prunus has never flowered as heavily as this year and the front lawn is covered in petal confetti - the blossoms are nearly all off in a matter of days.
The Wisteria is flowering....
.. and so are many of the natives.... not sure what this one is called but it's the first time it has flowered... some kind of grevillea I think
Retreat was fun.... some of the girls did some damage to their wallets at the patchwork shops...
Every year someone is assigned a 'secret project' and we are given a list of fabrics to bring...
Marilyn asked for 3 strips of fabric and some pellon.... and this is what we made.... cute little bags and they are ready lined with the same fabric... very clever little pattern
Several ladies had these mats to stop the machine pedal slipping..... and so with 'borrowed' anti slip and 'borrowed' spare fabric and 'borrowed' stuffing this was made up....
works a dream.... and I think I will make myself another one sometime....
A project I had taken was for this little vinyl drawstring bag.... I like the bag but I don't think I will bother with sewing vinyl again unless I absolutely have to...
It is lined with cotton.... be a good bag for those shampoos etc
I made some progress on quilts.... this one has several different blocks so I made some of them up.... love these colours of teals and greens....
This is a William Morris layer cake cut into charm squares and then added corners to 2 sides to make the Road to Tennessee block..... now I have 168 blocks and 336 little HST's to press and trim....
This week I hand sewed down the binding for my pretty pinwheels quilt....
The backing is a fun doona (duvet) cover. It's a bit stiff from its sizing/starch but will be fine once washed and the colours were just right....
I quilted it with free form ribbons all over....
(do a meander then backtrack loosely to create a ribbon)
My blackwork garden is growing..... slowly ... like real plants some seem to take ages to blossom and others are quicker....
Righto, Gotto Go... we have the bi-annual embroidery show put on my the local group - always stunning to see (no photographs allowed I'm afraid) but I know I will come home all enthused and excited....
... but first... coffee
A very productive week, Fiona - good on you!
ReplyDeleteYou've been busy, all lovely projects. Love your flowers. Hugs, xx
ReplyDeleteSome wonderful ideas from your retreat Fiona. Lots of lovely projects happening, always a good idea using a doona cover for a quilt backing.
ReplyDeleteWow, you've had a busy week. Gorgeous projects.
ReplyDeleteI love using doona covers or flat sheets for quilt backs.
Great project ideas from the retreat. Love the idea of a waterproof shampoo bag. Pretty pinwheels.
ReplyDeleteLove it all... but especially watching the garden grow... xox
ReplyDeleteI love everything you are working on Fiona & all your new projects .. that foot pedal holder looks amazing! You are way ahead of us with your spring flowers & blooms - no blossoms here just yet but hopefully not too far away. Have a great weekend. xx
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had fun with all the "secret" projects! I need to try your ribbon quilting motif. Do you make the meander extra loose so there's room to go back and double it?
ReplyDeleteThat was a good retreat I think as you manage to do a lot of sewing. Love the pinwheel quilt. You balanced the colours very well. None are too many in the same spot. Great job on the quilting too. Congrats! The blackwork garden is amazing. I didn't know it was that big. It will be spectacular when finished. Enjoy the show! ;^)
ReplyDeleteYour gardens are beautiful, so much color and variety. Love all your new projects and bags are something I want to start learning to make.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
Your spring garden is looking nice and colourful. Retreat must have been great fun and you appear to have achieved so much. With your machine pedal, do you have carpet or a hard floor? I have carpet and wonder if they would be effective or not.
ReplyDeletelots of beautiful colour in the garden as well as in all your beautiful projects..
ReplyDeleteSpring? We’re about to enter fall here in the Pacific Northwest (USA). As our colors fade it’s so nice to see your colorful photos.
ReplyDeleteyour blossoms are pretty.......and wisteria is pretty to see but we have a love hate relationship.......I have to avoid it as much as possible.........
ReplyDeleteso pleased you had a lovely time with the girls.......
I'm sure they would have done some damage the patchwork shops are lovely up there......
It is lovely to see that Spring is coming. Lovely to see sunshine and blossoms.
ReplyDeleteLooks like your retreat was very worthwhile and productive.
Great to see the pretty pinwheel quilt completed and looking gorgeous.
Beautiful signs of Spring in your garden. Fantastic idea with the pedal pillow. Lots of beautiful sewing from you....beautiful windmill quilt xx
ReplyDeleteAlways a wealth of loveliness on your blog
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