Getting Cosy!

I've been all about getting cosy these past 24 hours, because I've had no heating or hot water while my boiler was being repaired.

All sorted now thankfully!

Porridge, therefore, was most definitely on the menu for breakfast.  I use this microwave bowl cosy when I cook my porridge.

But after making a complete over-cooked and sticky mess this morning, I thought it was time I made a few more!

Again, I used this excellent tutorial, making another 10" cosy and a smaller 8" cosy.

These are the perfect size for using up leftover Layer Cake squares.  And because all the materials are 100% cotton (essential for heating in the microwave) they are completely machine washable!

So now I can make all the mess I want!!

I also got the next round of Brit Bee borders made - flying geese for Hadley's medallion quilt!



Only a few more rounds to go and we will reach the end of this epic & secretive quilt top marathon!  I can't wait to see how everyone's turns out!

Hoping you are all keeping warm and cosy!

Jude xo

A Gaggle of ......

.... bee blocks!

For February in Hipbees, Di has given us permission to cut up her precious Ruby into flying geese!



This is a 16.5" block, and it's going to be one super quilt going by the other blocks popping up in the flickr group.

In the Modern Irish Bee, Karen sent us her DS Chicopee to chop into these lovely Hot Cross 9 Patch blocks:



So these bee blocks, plus yesterday's makes, sum up my Sunday sewing! 

And look what was waiting for me after work on Saturday! 

He's for keeps, my hubby!

And today I've been working on something new - here's a sneaky peek!



Happy Monday everyone!

Carry on Regardless!

It has been a real struggle trying to get my head back into 'work' mode after the exhilaration and over-stimulation of the FQR.

Here in N.I. it isn't half term, and after having an extra day off for the Jubilee weekend, the little darlings were back at school on Wednesday.  So there was no excuse for me not to get my head down and get some work done!

But somehow, my hands were magically drawn to 'other' projects!

Like my Brit Bee block for Trudi, who is kicking off our 2nd year with 'Flying Geese'.

Approx. 16.5" x 20.5"

Our lovely Trudi gave us the choice of 2 x 12.5" blocks or a larger block.

As per usual, I started off with one idea, and ended up doing something completely different!  But I love flying geese, love the end result of this large block, and LOVE the Valorie Wells Karavan fabrics I got to play with!  Thanks T!

And as if that wasn't distraction enough, I then carried onto my next bee block, for Henny in Sew Bee Happy.

'Maybe' from 99 Modern Blocks pg 110 

Henny wanted graduated colour, with an inspiring word that was meaningful to us.

Now I must have taken 20 photographs of this block in just as many locations, and still failed to capture the true colours here.  The middle green is actually a chartreuse shade of green - all of them are darker here than in real life.

But it went into the post to Indonesia regardless!  I think Henny will be happier with the actual block than this poor representation.

Well that was my fill of being distracted from work.  Having a little playtime was lovely - now back to the real world!

Flying Geese Finished!

I swiftly acquired another iron this morning (see earlier blog!) and pressed on (get it!) with this present for my friend's daughter.

I have a love/hate relationship with flying geese - love the versatility & finished look, love the no waste technique of making them up, hate it when the points don't meet, hate it when you get a bias stretch at the bottom of the goose!


I also hate the maths of half square triangles, but thanks to a fab wee conversion table by Pieceful Kwilter, the mental torment was removed and pleasure ensued!


For a 'no waste' tutorial on flying geese, check out Dotty Jane.

Demon Iron!

Last night I was making great progress on a present for my friend's daughter. 

My back was turned for a second when smoke started pouring out of my iron.  I switched the steam setting off and tried it on the ironing board - big mistake!

I quickly realised the iron had become possessed and went into super-nova heat.  I ran downstairs with it, trying to avoid the smoke alarms, and chucked it out the back door!



Don't be fooled by this innocent looking device!

 How annoying!  Lots of seams still to sew and press open, so I'm on the hunt for a new iron today!