Ditsy Doileys

 I have been collecting embroidered doilies for some 

time now,

sourcing them mainly from op shops around the state 

and even in Tasmania on a trip there last year.

I was also gathering vintage fabric and ditsy prints to 

use in my quilt making.

I had to steel myself cutting into the first couple of 

doilies, 

but once the pretty patches started to grow, it became 

easier!

I had to make some of them square with low volume fabrics....

Then I bordered them with the floral fabrics to make 

them 8" (finished) square.

I felt their pretty designs needed some breathing space, 

so cut 1 1/2" white and cream strips to border them 

with....

Then I felt they were a bit 'white' so introduced some 

beige and browner tones.....

I'll continue to cut and piece and border, until I have 49 

blocks in total, to give a quilt which will finish at 70" 

square.

And when a doily is too big or too lovely to cut up....

I'm working on another project!

Happy sewing!

SUZ

Knitting....

While I spend some of my days sewing,

my nights are often spent knitting, especially as the 

days grow cooler 

 

and the nights grow longer.

 

I have long wanted to knit socks!

 And tried many times…..and failed!

 

But I guess it was just about finding the easiest pattern 

for the old brain to follow!

 

For someone who made garments for more than forty 

years by sewing the pieces together,

 

there’s something pretty magical about creating a 

3D sock…..

                            With its heel flap, short rows and kitchener stitch!

 

My first effort with this pattern, Rose City Rollers by 

Mara Brynner on Ravelry,

 

was too big because I couldn’t find my small 2.25mm, 

toothpick-like needles!

It isn't actually pointy!

      I used 3mm needles and a yarn that maybe a 5ply?

 

Anyway, they are a little big but perfect for lounging 

 

around on the couch in Winter.

 

The second pair, right size needle, right size yarn are 

much better.

I changed up the cuff which is not perfect but for me it's 

a learning experience.

 

Now I want to make more, in different designs and 

fabulous colours.... 

 

Just wish I could knit quicker!

But in the meantime, I'm hand piecing these bits for my 

Hearts Garden quilt......

Happy knitting!

SUZ

Go-Es-Car-Go...a finish!

This quilt top has been together for over a month now....

So I decided to bite the bullet and get quilting.

 

Basting didn’t take long,

 

but the quilting certainly did!

 

If I ever consider quilting swirls again,

 

I need someone to take my sewing machine away until 

I have come to my senses.

 

I used almost an entire spool of Aurifil thread,

 

and I lost count of how many bobbins I wound!

 

I wonder whether the swirls contributed to the bouts of 

vertigo I experienced during this time! 

To say I am glad it is finished is an understatement!

It finishes at about 58” square, and my second quilt for 

2022.

I finished it with black and white stripe binding.

I couldn't resist taking this photo.....

snails do 'go slow' after all!

In retrospect, that would have made a good name for this quilt!

Thankfully the rain stopped and we had a chance to get 

some decent photos.....

because this was the sky as we went for a walk earlier 

in the day!

 

Lifetime Quilt #143

Happy sewing!

SUZ

  

Hearts Garden progress...

 Has it really been two months since 

 I shared progress of my Hearts Garden quilt?

This is where I left it last time.

 

It now has its borders of lollypop flowers

 

 

Next there will be hearts, of course.

 I have fabric sorted for the different parts,

 And the corner log cabin blocks made too.

Playing with the layout of those triangles, the base of the heart shape

 I’m thinking this one will be hand quilted,

 

So a finish will be some way off yet!

Should you wish to make your own Hearts Garden 🧡 

quilt,

Elizabeth @occasionalpiecequilt has it for sale here

 

Happy sewing,

 

SUZ

More garment sewing!

Back in February, I saw a “Seed” dress in a local op shop.

I bought the cardigan though, that is on the right there!

 

It was too small but I loved its easy style.

 

I had two patterns that I thought I could make work,

 

So once I found some fabric, on sale at Spotlight,

 

I decided it was time to give it a go. 

 

The mauve double gauze is for a boxy blouse, next Summer

I used the skirt and front band from the Stylearc 

pattern 

 

and lengthened the bodice of the Simplicity one.

 

The inverted pleat can be seen here.

The Simplicity pattern has the back gathered into the 

bodice. 

I made an inverted pleat like the Seed dress instead.

 

I added a contrast collar, cuffs and the centre band 

closure with a light weight denim.

 

And the pockets cut on the bias with denim flaps.

I was pretty pleased with my check matching skills, 

although I acknowledge it’s not perfect.

 

It still need buttons here.

The trick is to not stand still long enough for anyone to 

notice!😄

I hope to get a better 'modelled' photo soon.

Happy days,

SUZ

Commenting on Blogs!

 I don't know what Blogger has done,

but I am unable to comment properly on many blogs at 

the moment!

The beach yesterday!

Sometimes it is this message:

    Clicking on the blue message goes nowhere, even if I am logged into my Google account!

         Other times I get the message...

          and I have to remain anonymous.....

      Then if I try to leave my name, 

    apparently I need a URL as well!

Or if I try to sign in, again with Google, it goes nowhere.....again!

It doesn't matter which browser I use, nothing changes!

I have mentioned it to a number of blog writers but they have no idea either!

Made for my grandson!

So sorry blogging friends, I am reading all about your 

quilty adventures, 

but fear the days of blogging are numbered!

I re-knitted the neck of this lovely jumper my sister made....all ready for a southern hemisphere winter!

Happy days...

SUZ