jans musing

A QUILT FOR JYTTE

2012-01-30T01:44:00.000Z

One of our friends on the PP Forum was to have a serious operation and I emailed the ladies to see if we could make her a Quilt together. I asked them to applique a Heart onto an 8" cream square in either blue or mauve/lilac, which I knew to be her favourite colours. They were to send a message with the block consisting of FIVE words and I would put them on their block in the quilting.

I had an amazing response to this request, I received 31 blocks plus one for the label from good old Tessa, I can always rely on her to do the ittybitty bits for me.

[OOPS! Two blocks arrived which were red, not to worry Janet, just make two more red ones and whack them in the corners - sorted.]

So 31 blocks, ho hum, what do you do? Well I made five to make the total 36, no problem, but I soon realised this was going to be everso slightly drab and would need 'cheering up' a tad. So I delved into my stash and found the very pretty Makower little flowers fabrics in lots of different colours. Perfect for the sashing I wanted to put round each block. The messages were stitched on, the sashing got done, now to the quilting.

This was not about me and my quilting so I did 'KISS' - you know - Keep It Simple Stupid - so the blocks were vermicellied lightly and the sashing had a wavy line with a small heart at each 'junction'.

So quilting done, binding next, what to put with all those colours now?? Stash comes in handy, I found a wonderful Batik of many colours which was absolutely spot on for the binding.

Next the label Tessa had made for the quilt. I hadn't a clue what to put on the label but remembered Tessa had sent me a note with her block with some beautiful words on it, so I used those for the label. Thank you Tessa.

I was determined to get this quilt done and in the post to be delivered on Saturday for Jytte. It was done in three days of solid sewing and quilting, and I loved doing every single stitch of it.

Enjoy Jytte from all your friends at PP Forum.

Following are all the blocks made by the lovely Forum ladies in the order they are on the Quilt....

Ros's block

Juliet's block

Carol B's block

Kerstin's block

Marian's block

Jan's block

Margaret S's block

Annette's block

Irene B's block

Maggi B's block

Reenie's block

Ang's block

BossyBoots block

Sylvia's block

Tessa's block

Katy's block

Dusie's block

Caz's block

Alison's block

Fiona's block

Pam's block

Aude's block

Lesley's block

Rosemary's block

Batty Jan's block

Isabella's block -

Fiona's 7 year old daughter

Tessa's block

Catsmudge block [Sarah]

Hoot hoot's block

Di's block

Jan's block

Mal A's block

Glenda's block

Kate S's block

Helen G's block

Liz's block

Label and words by Tessa

The Quilt

The back

close up of back

this is a close up of the block Katy made, it is so clever, a stencil of Jytte's name,

well done Katy :-)

You will have seen MKH on the label,

this is the equivalent of lol [lots of love] in Danish

I can tell you the Quilt has been delivered and Jytte loves it, she has given me permission to put it on here for the ladies to see their work, way too many photos for the forum pages. Well done to all the ladies who took part in the making of this Quilt.

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SO MUCH FOR CATCHING UP

2012-01-22T00:44:00.000Z

I am back to square one as I have been ill this past week.
What a pain.
Literally.

GOT BEHIND SO CATCHING UP

2012-01-14T23:58:00.000Z

Well isn't that the story of my life!! I am always behind, I will NOT tell you what hubby always says when I say that!!! Way too rude. See I got waylaid by all those Postcards and ATCs and stuff. but here I am determined to get up to speed, right now.

I asked all the ladies on the PP Forum if they would save their stamps from their Christmas Mail, what stars they are, just look how many I am getting...These first ones though are off the cello bags that some of my postcards were in, so I have cut them off and took the cards out of the cello bags, the stamps are needed for a far better cause...

stamps off my postcards...

I moved the camera before it had taken the photo, but isn't it great!!

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Di bought me this for Christmas I am enjoying reading it,

it is so funny and so me!!!! Thanks Di...

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Liz made me this gorgeous scarf for Christmas,

and...

sent lots of little goodies for Rebecca and me to play with...

thank you Liz...

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more stamps, some are really pretty,

they will be the foreign ones, ours are boring...

and more...

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I entered some UFOs in the PP UFO ZAPPING competition

on the Popular Patchwork Forum and I won this prize for being

the Zapper who zapped the most UFOs over the year,

great prize, thank you to the NEW Editor for choosing me...

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I set a swap for Postcards on the PP Forum - Theme - BLAST OFF,

Jytte sent me these fabulous Fireworks blasting off,

aren't they great, I love it, thanks Jytte...

this is my BLAST OFF to Jytte,

hope you can read what it says on the background,

on the nose cone it says JUNK MAIL...

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OOO I love a parcel and this was huge...

I had entered a Give Away on Erin's Blog and woohoo

I WON, ALL THIS...

Hubby nicked a chocolate...

Tissues inside there...

Will enjoy reading this...

Wahey I got one of Erin's stylised Bookmarks,

aren't they great...

and a bundle of fabric...

great fun, I shall love using this Erin,

thank you so much for the wonderful box of goodies.

I am truly spoilt.

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I forgot I also got a lovely William Morris card

with the Postcard from Jytte, isn't it pretty...

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Mmm mmm

January with ROBBIE...from Suzanne...

and ROBERT...treated myself...look at those eyes...

more stamps thanks Mal...

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Last night, Thursday, there was an amazing Sunset,

I tried to get it but was too slow, but these are not bad for my little camera...

this is the bungalow opposite with the sun in the top windows,

it looked like it was on fire...

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and Now a Mystery...
I had a small squishy package from CHINA....
I don't know anyone in China!!!
Look closely it says it is from DAVID - the plot thickens,
I do know a David, but know he would not be sending to me as he doesn't
know my address...

Inside was a little voile bag and in that were some CHARMS of

BATS

ha ha ha ha ha

on the PP Forum I am known as BattyJan, I wonder now,is someone

on there having some fun with me????

I am on the case but some help would be great here folks.

Can you see them they are great, so,

THANK YOU DAVID for my gift, I love them,

it is very kind of you but please let me know who you are

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ATCs DOWN MEMORY LANE

2012-01-11T00:58:00.000Z

ATCs are another Collectors item I was introduced to by my friend Di. These little gems measure 2 1/2" x 3 1/2", they are placed in envelopes to post as they are so small and would surely get lost if not 'purloined' along the journey!!! It happens, I cannot tell you how many Postcards go missing, I have had loads 'nicked' and loads never arrive, it is a shame people feel they have to spoil others fun like this. That's life as they say!!!! Anyway here are my gorgeous ATC's received from others...

This first picture is to show you the sizes of

Postcards -- 6" x 4",

ATC's -- 2 1/2" x 3 1/2"

Twinchies -- 2" square

Inchies -- 1" square

Enjoy...

Purple Majesty swap...

Green...

Blue...

Yellow...

Orange...

Pink...

Red...

Green again but different swap group...

Various themes...

Blue - different group...

Birds...

Lucky Charms...

Rainbow swap...

Various gorgeous ATC's different group again...

Season's from Di...

what happened to the other two? we stopped doing them for some reason...

Under the Sea theme...

Numbers themes, can you work them out?

from top..

0-4-4-6-6-9-9

the other numbers never arrived -

I left that group, too many no shows...

White...

The following ATC's are ones in my stash ready to send to who ever...

These were duplicates of ones sent out...

I was quite proud of this one, it is the first one in pik above,

it rolled up like a drawing, to reveal the old fashioned dresses...

the theme was 1930's...

My beloved trees get done on ATC's too...

and of course I use my Embellisher machine too...

I made these little envelopes to send them in,

this then goes in a normal size envelope for the post box...

Hope you enjoyed the ATC show

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Something a bit different,

I entered a swap for Bookmarks and these are the beauties I received,

they do get used sometimes but I don't want to spoil them...

aren't they gorgeous

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Well that's it for all my Postcards and ATC's and the like, I am still swapping with people and hope I always will. If YOU wish to swap with me, do get in touch as I just love making these and receiving them too. My Postman would be pleased to!!!!

Just email me or put a comment here and we can sort the address out later. I do post abroad so no problem there.

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TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE

2012-01-09T23:31:00.001Z

On the Popular Patchwork Forum someone put a jokey message about me and my Postcards, a little competition was set up - by me - for them to guess how many I have had sent to me, and how many I have made ready in my stash ready to send out. Here are pictures of said Postcards and the total at the end. Enjoy. This is the first box of Postcards SENT TO ME....

I laid them out on a table in their groups as far as possible...

Postcards all from my friend Di, who sent me my first ever Postcard, I loved it and so began my Postcard love affair...

I joined many groups to swap Postcards around the World, all the Postcards you will see are from groups I have been in or am still in...

One theme was to Pick-a-Word and make a card depicting that word, so where you see PAW, that is what the cards are about...

PAW...

Black and White swap...

Bugs swap to row and PAW beneath...

PAW and Oriental swaps...

Alien swap...

Song Title's, can you recognise them?

Hound Dog - Fishy on a little dishy and String of Pearls...

Cathedral Window swap, but I want to pint out something, these Postcards should be made of FABRIC, sometimes peeps use paper or card in the making of them, see the pink piece of paper...

I never got the front part, this is what can happen girls, so be aware...

4th July swap...

Beatles swap...

Flower of the Month swap...

Chocolate swap...yumyum I remember I received actual chocolates too with some of these...

Snow globe swap...The stars in the Globe actually move...

Various PAW...

Valentine Day swap and alphabet swap...

Leaves and Kites...

Batik and Circles...

Cats and Threads of Friendship...

Easter...

PAW...

Pocket...

Lace and Weaving...

Mardi Gras...

PAW and various others...

Flowers and Mother's Day...

These cards were sent to me by my daughter, the white cat is of her Oldest cat MAZ, long whiskers on it, went in the post as is, then a view from Italy where they stay, she made this on the balcony of their apartment there, then ROBBIE emblem card... All done by hand I should say too...

Crazy...

PAW...

Doll...

RUDE/RISQUE...but oooo...

PAW...

Individual swaps from Kath...

Kath's Son then made me this Postcard his very first one...

HAVING A GO TO IMPROVE MY FMQ

2012-01-05T00:55:00.002Z

I always say I am never too old to learn so have taken the pledge and signed up for the FMQ on here....

http://sewcalgal.blogspot.com/2012/01/welcome-to-2012-free-motion-quilting.html

I will take time out tomorrow to read it all through properly, cart before horse comes to mind I know!!!! But I will sort it all eventually. Looking forward to learning more about FMQ. Why don't you give it a go too.
Thank you to Maggi for pointing me in the right direction.

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Oh guess what????

I have won TWO things.
First on
http://vesuviusmama.blogspot.com/
I have won a give away on there, ooo thank you Erin...my address is on its way to you.
wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee :-))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

then on
http://www.popularpatchwork.com/
I have won a prize for finishing so many UFOs last year.
I have won some fabrics and as soon as they arrive I will show you. How exciting is this, what a great start to the NEW YEAR.

Happy dance going on here big time. :-)))))))))))))

Also today I met up with my friend Di {we hadn't met up since last year!!!!} and we had a lovely lunch putting the world to rights. All sorted, everyone should be happy now. We have it all done for you. ;-)

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QUILTS COMING OUT OF MY EARS

2012-01-03T23:48:00.000Z

I have put similar pictures to these up in the past but I want you to see why it is I am not making any NEW Quilts this year. I WILL be making the ones I said I would be making last year -Dear Jane, Sylvia's Bridal and a few others, but I am not going to start any new after those....she says!!!! Anyway have a look and see what you think, hahahaha...

Quilts on the chair...

Quilts at foot of the bed + one on the bed...

Quilts at the top of the bed...

Quilts on a shelf...

UFOs in a tray...

Quilts in a tray in the cupboard...

Quilts on top shelf of same cupboard...

UFO pile in same cupboard, in box and on top of box...

See what I mean?

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Now, for all those out there who accuse me of NEVER

doing anything wrong.

Just look at this little Dodo..

I was making a bookmark to go in something for someone, I decided on the fabric and put some matching voile over it to tone it down, then I chose the thread for the quilting I wished to do, a lovely gold !!!! sparkly thread...Oh yes...

Gold on gold on gold..derrrrrr, so you couldn't see any of the quilting...

only on the back...

Here I am holding it in front of my light with one hand, camera in the other taking the picture - not easy, to try to see the quilting, nope no good, try again Janet...

ooh there is a bit can you see it, hahahaha, what a plank!

It was made to go in this pocket Postcard for someone who didn't receive hers from the swap I sorted. I don't like people missing out so I made up the shortfall. It was posted today first class so she should hohoho get it tomorrow and I feel pretty safe whacking it on here as I don't think she reads my Blog...

and here is the back of the postcard, I like using the wrong side of striped fabric as it helps me to keep my writing in a straight line....ish!!!!

See, I DO make mistakes, you usually don't see them cos I bin them

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Went to post office today with several packages for peeps and guess what?

The system crashed...

Is it me?

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HOW DID THAT HAPPEN

2012-01-02T00:50:00.001Z

Would you just look at the date......2nd ...it is already the 2nd, I blooming well missed the 1st day of January of the New Year!! How the heck did that happen? Answering emails is how, I had so many in my in box, I thought I would get through them before coming on here, just goes to show I must be slowing down in my dotage!!!! Grrrrr

Oh well, too late to do anything about it now, best crack on or it will be 3rd before I know it.

All I was going to do was put the pictures up of the Dinosaur Quilt I finished 31.12.11...

I love these Baby Dinosaurs, I am keeping this one for myself...

close up of one of the babies...

and another -

I echo quilted round the babies until extinction---get it!!!!

Take several dark blocks with a star...

and some light blocks with a similar star,

and what do you get?

This -

the back of the Baby Dinosaur Quilt,

hahaha another double sider, using those UFOs like crazy now

This is not my January UFO cos I finished it last year.

I will start from now for the UFOs

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OH YES The Resolutions for 2012...

1---Finish at least one UFO per month

2---Lose weight

3---Walk more to encourage weight loss

4---Cut the chocolate intake for reason one

5---Do Blog more regularly

6---Answer queries a.s.a.p

7---Stay away from Face Book

8---Streamline my messages -they are too long at times

9---Carry on being me - hahahahaha

10---one for luck but can't think of one, any ideas????

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We shall see!!!!

LET ME SEE

2011-12-31T23:56:00.000Z

My very last post on my Blog for this year - 2011 - where did those 365 days go?

I best try and make it a good one hadn't I! Let's start it off with a laugh, I could do with one of those today!!!!!

NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS 2011

Starting with Number two:-

DO NOT buy any more fabric----did I?

Well how can I resist the wonderful fabrics coming onto the market? So no I didn't keep to this one, I bought some fabric, not a lot I am sure, but I did buy some. :-((((

Be a better Blogger----was I?

Well no I think this year I was a pretty poor Blogger, I just didn't seem to get to my page as often as I used to, no explanation available, sorry. :-((((

Answer people's emails quicker----did I?

Sadly the answer for this is also a big no-no, I saved emails and went back to them after several days sometimes to answer them, not good enough. :-((((

Don't waste so much time on Face book games----did I?

Yippee-kayay, I didn't waste any time on the Face Book games as I DELETED them all, which when you think about it actually gave me more time to do the above points!!!! Oops. So a bit of a half and half mark I think for this one. ;--[

Walk more----did I?

I did indeed walk more, not as much as I would like to have done, but it was more than I expected to do. ----:-)

Eat less----did I?

I did at meal times - hahaha - but then I ate biscuits and cake and chocolate in between meals, Honestly! How old am I! ----:-((((

Try to be tidier in sewing room----was I?

Hmm, well I tried really hard at this one, I was constantly tidying my sewing room and today it looks brilliant. I am having a smiley face for this one.----:-))

Which brings me to----

Finish at least ONE UFO each month----did I?

You betcha I did indeed, and to prove the pint and possibly drive you away screaming with boredom here they all are, all old UFOs finished in 2011, not necessarily in this order... :-)))))))))))))

backside of 18

Then I kind of branched out and decided to offer my Quilting for anyone who wished me to finish off their UFOs, I got three takers which was fun...

Pat's Bow ties Quilt...

Marians Dinosaurs Quilt...

Marians Space Quilt...

and sound the fanfare, tada

today I finished my last UFO for this year,

my Baby Dinosaurs Quilt, which is

number 21 and it is also....

another double sider - two for the price of one again...

Better picture of it tomorrow in the daylight.

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Because I was bored the other night I decided to make some Firework Postcards for New Year for a few peeps, hope you like them, I love making these, they are time consuming because of all the beads but I think they are worth it...

and all together they make a pretty picture...

then guess what arrived today?

My prezzie from hubby for Christmas,

this book,

it is great he has seen one he would like already - we shall see.

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So another year comes to its close very soon now. I hope you have all enjoyed reading and looking at the piks on my Blog, I will try harder next year to get back to how I used to do it, which was a lot more frequent. Many thanks to everyone who has decided to become a Follower on here, you are most welcome indeed and many thanks for the wonderful messages and comments you leave or send by email, it is always encouraging to know someone out there is with me. If you see something you don't like, do tell me and we can discuss it, I am up for criticism. I can only do my best or at least what I am capable of, I am only a housewife, probably just like you really.

I have met some wonderful people this year on the WWW, I have made some new friends too via the WWW. Mostly Quilters but then as that is what I do I guess I am likely to attract the same sort of people aren't I.

I have annoyed some folk, I know I have, but that's life. I assume they will get over it or just not come here anymore, always their choice. I will miss a few people who have already made that decision as I don't see them as often on here. People move on it is a fact of life. I am a real stick in the mud type person myself. Boring as hell.

I have been bossy to quite a lot of people but it is the way I get things done. Think about it, if you are one of those I have 'bossed about' this year, what have you achieved? Hmmm there you go then.

I have sorted a lot of stuff out on the PP Forum, setting swaps and fun things to do [I hope so anyway] and just know I have 'ticked' off a few peeps on there, again it is how I am, straight talking, no embroidery with this chick!! I don't think I have ever been down right rude to anyone, if I come across as having been, I will apologise to you, publicly, just let me know. I will probably continue to annoy people as I go through life, I am getting old and apparently crotchety in my old age!!!! Says who? Hubby of course, nothing new there then, hahaha.

Anyway enough, if you have managed to read all this you are a better man than me Gunga Din, as the saying goes.

I'm off all I have to say now is....

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL

HAVE A GREAT NEW YEAR 2012

KEEP ON QUILTING

see you next year

xxxxxx

GOODIES - AND ALL FOR ME

2011-12-31T01:42:00.002Z

Fabric Postcard with a Pocket from Sandy...

back of the card with a 3D handle and the pocket can you see it...

dinky isn't it...

and inside three beautiful buttons...

can you see the flowers inside the buttons?

thank you Sandy.

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Another fabric Postcard this time from Helen, for no reason at all

except to wish me Happy Christmas and send me a gift,

Thank you Helen, you spoil me...

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I saw this, had to buy one - can you guess who I was thinking of????

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Muffin anyone?

Suzanne gave this to me Christmas Eve...

Yep it is knitted...

squishy too...

the base, how neat is that!

thank you Suzanne, it has joined my collection of fun stuff.

Suzanne also gave me this cute bear, he is actually about 12" tall,

thank you again Suzanne

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Christmas Presents now..ooooooo...

Fabulous fabrics from Suzanne, I shall have fun with these...

aren't they great...

she also did me a new calendar for the coming year, hooray,

I do love a calendar...
I see she has put her quilt as first picture and why not indeed...

All her cats and Bertie the Parrot,

sadly Emma has died since this was done...

yummy Valdani threads too...

thank you Suzanne for all my prezzies...

This was from hubby it is a HUGE bar of Toblerone, thanks Hubby,

my real present hasn't arrived yet...

Rebecca bought me this gorgeous thread,

thanks Bab...

Annette bought me these yummy threads too - they know what I like...

thank you Annette

My friend Pat bought me these threads...

and this bundle of fat quarters...

and a scarf and gloves, she knows I am always cold...

and a box of chocolates, yum yum,

thank you Pat I feel thoroughly spoilt...

Tessa sent me this cracker...

she made it herself...

isn't it clever...

NOT a loo roll tube - hahahaha...

Tada..thank you Tessa, I love it a great idea.

So once again I have been thoroughly spoilt with all my wonderful goodies.

Thank you everyone for my gifts

Thank YOU for reading my Blog

I may manage to get a bit more in before the end of 2011

you never know.

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Well this could be interesting

these are the resolutions I made at the beginning of this year -

NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS 2011

I will be back later to answer my own questions hahahaha

Honestly too.

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See you later :-)

HAPPY CHRISTMAS 2011 EVERYBODY

2011-12-25T00:17:00.001Z

I have given this to myself as an early Christmas present. I am sharing the pictures with you though. This is a Quilt I have just finished, which was in the Popular Patchwork Magazine a while back, designed by the lovely Babs.
Click on the blue Babs and it will take you straight to her Original Singing Garden Quilt. Just beautiful.

Truth be told I wasn't madly keen on it at first, but then I realised I didn't have to do it exactly as Babs had designed it, so I changed a few things to suit me and now it is finished. I love it. Thank you Babs for the idea.

Whole Quilt...

Close up of Log Cabin block to which I added flowers...

close up of the 'constant' block, nine of these...

close up of setting triangle and the birds I quilted in the border,

plus the musical note binding

to acknowledge Babs 'SINGING GARDEN' Quilt...

my stylised flowers and leaves, appliqued in two corners -

just quilted in other two...

the back - hubby likes this, says it looks like a whole cloth quilt...

close up of centre blocks and quilting -

you should know me by now,

there is a LOT of quilting on this...

Quilted Birds and Feathers - Singing...

Thank you again to Babs for the idea, I absolutely love this now

It is a keeper

Hope you enjoyed the photos

Happy Christmas Everyone

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BOOMBOOMBOOM ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST

2011-12-16T01:13:00.001Z

I must be on a roll or something cos I have completed yet another UFO. Well actually it could be classed as TWO because I have made this one a double sider. I figured that as I have sooooo many UFO's it may be worthwhile making some if possible, double sided. So I added a couple of borders to a Trip Round the World UFO and slapped it on the back of the Sampler Quilt I taught at Poppy Patch years ago. The Trip Round the World Quilt I taught as a Quilt in a day at my group some years back too. I am really pleased with the way they have worked together, I will definitely do this again, enjoy the pictures...

Sampler Quilt finally finished yippee...

close up of centre...

close up of one of the corners...

This I consider to be the BACK of the Quilt,

yes this is on the BACK of the one above, note quilting...

close up of centre, not bad it very nearly lines up...

closer still...

close up of corner...

I like this one, and yes it was free machine quilted on my lovely lovely little Bernina

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NEXT....hahaha

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OK this next bit is possibly going to tick you off a bit, well some of you, but I am not going to apologise for it cos this is what I need to make my quilts, and I have been collecting this little lot for many many years. Let me explain.

On the Popular Patchwork Forum which I belong to, there is a thread for our Sewing Rooms and Ros has been putting up what we should show once a month, we have done, favourite gadgets and threads and books, now it is the turn of our STASH and where we stash it..hahaha...so blame Ros, well actually Katy this time cos she chose what to do this time. Got a minute?

My bolts...

fat quarters...

batiks...

fabric bought as prezzies for me...

Makower fabrics...

more Makower and other bits...

scraps...

just what it says on the box...

oooo Kaffe Fassett fabrics...

oops more Makower...

hmm possibly for my Dear Jane Quilt - not sure...

under the table we go for voile's etc...

backing pieces...

fleece pieces...

2 1/2" strips cut from oddments...

bottom of fabric cupboard...

top of fabric cupboard...

now this is where it gets a bit - red face time-

see the boxes in the cupboard - well this is what is in them...

Greens...

Blues...

yummy lilacs and mauve's...

pinks and more lilac...

pinkish florals...

reds...

large pieces...

plainish...

yellows...

oranges...

browns...

more plains...

assorted waiting to be put in right boxes - I think...

1930's and fabrics gifted to me...

Sparkler's...

ooo deep breath - Fossil Ferns...

Sari Silks...

there are some blacks and some whites and some creams but they don't show up well so I didn't bother with a picture, and I expect you are pretty bored by now anyway....Yes I know it is a lot but in those boxes they are probably fat quarters or even less now cos I cut into my fabrics, none of them are treated as special, they have been bought to be used and used they are or will be. Annette and Suzanne know they are welcome to any of them, in fact Suzanne came up a while ago and took home a few bags full, then returned what was left. That's fine by me, saves them having to go out buying, and anyway isn't that what mum's are for?? I have used old photos to show my fabrics cos I was too lazy to get them all out of the cupboard so if you have seen them before, a lot of these have gone now, been used in quilts and stuff, but the darn cupboard is still full, now how the heck does that happen?

Don't forget blame Katy - not me..hahahaha :-)

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SECRET ROUND ROBIN

2011-12-14T01:15:00.000Z

Annette - my younger daughter - set up a Round Robin with herself, Marian, Joan and myself. We had to make a block then send it on to the next person who added a border, then onto the next, another border added, then the final person and their border then back to the original owner, who did what they wanted with it. Here is my RRR ---

Real Round Robin.

My block -

first border added...

second border added...

third border added...

back to mama...

pinned ready for quilting...

job done...

back view...

the ever important label...

When are we doing it again then Annette?

I loved doing this it was great fun, I hope the others get theirs finished soon...

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I DID IT MY WAY- - QUILTING THAT IS

2011-12-11T01:18:00.001Z

Where does the time go these days? I cannot believe I have been so tardy with my Blog of late! OK, so I didn't win on the competition I entered the quilt in - see last post - but I was pleased with the votes I received, good thing I don't expect to win or I would be sobbing in my tea!!

So what have I been up to? Well I have tried - unsuccessfully yet again - to sell some of my quilts on Ebay. Hmm think I will forget about that completely, I thought I had priced them reasonably with free postage too, but all to no avail, so I have come to a decision, wasn't easy but feel I have to do something as we are being overtaken by all the quilts I make. My decision is that I will no longer start any new quilts for myself, I will finish all the UFO's I have in cupboards and various places, yes I do have a few laying around, this I feel will keep me busy for possibly the next year or two depending on just how many I discover lurking in their hideyholes....After that I will have to decide what I shall do in the future. As you understand this has been a difficult decision for me to make as I just love quilts so much, this is why we have an enormous amount of them in the house. So thank you once again Frank [Sinatra] for letting me say yet again, I did it my way.

On another tack.....

I have started doing quilting for others as you may or may not know, and just this week have finished two for a friend of mine - Marian - wemet on the PP Forum and have become great buddies. When I suggested I was going to have a go at quilting for others she got in touch with me and asked me to do TWO quilts for her. One being a Dinosaur Quilt, the other s Space Quilt. How unusual they sounded but I accepted the commission gladly and have completed both this week. I have to say the Space one is my favourite, I love it to bits, they were both a joy to Quilt as MArian is so good at her sewing. I also managed to finish another UFO for myself, oh dear, another blooming quilt for the pile....hahahaha.... anyway here are some pictures of MArian's quilts, she has given her permission for me to show them, this is before she has received them herself, I sent her pictures first though. I hope you enjoy them...

The DINOSAUR Quilt - Front...

close up showing the fabric, how great is that...

the back of the Dinosaur Quilt...

close up of the back...

Blocks were done Quilting in the Ditch,

in the border I stitched round some of the dinosaurs amongst the vermicelli quilting, Marian didn't want a lot of quilting on them as she wanted them to stay 'puffy'...

back view of block quilting...

can you see the dinosaur?

The SPACE Quilt - front...

the centre panel blocks...

close up of borders...

Back view of full quilt...

close up of back showing quilting of the centre blocks,

once again not a lot of quilting done on them, to keep them 'puffy'...

front view close up...

can you see the stars and spaceships in the vermicelli quilting?

and small stars linked together in the thin orange strip....

I had to make sure all the spaceships were orbiting the same way...

I love this Space quilt, they were both a pleasure to Quilt but I have to admit the Space one does it for me. Thank you Marian for trusting me with them, I look forward to doing the next one for you.

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TRYING FOR A WIN

2011-12-01T23:18:00.001Z

I have entered this quilt...

into a competition on QUILTING GALLERY, I will put a link up in a minute to that, BUT you cannot vote until tomorrow, their rules not mine.

What I am actually asking is that you take the time to look at all the quilts in the competition and vote for the one you want to win which will not necessarily be my one.
Here is the link for you to go see the quilts....

Vote on this page folks for seven quilts if you wish

some really fabulous quilts on there for you to ogle

http://quiltinggallery.com/2011/12/02/vote-now-star-quilts-2/?utm_source=feedblitz&utm_medium=FeedBlitzEmail&utm_content=416375&utm_campaign=0

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QUILTS FOR SALE and MORE

2011-11-29T01:09:00.000Z

Postcard depicting GAME [Scrabble]

made for Myra on PP Forum...

Card received from Maria, depicting GAME - Solitaire,

on PP Forum, thank you Maria it is great...

Card from Helen as it was Children in Need -

a lovely Pudsey card, just for me, thank you Helen he is gorgeous...

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My very first Customer Quilt - finished...

This belongs to Pat B, hope she will like it...

the back...

close up of front quilting...

close up of back view...

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I set a challenge on the PP Forum for us to make a cushion ala Kirsty,

this was my one, I really enjoyed making it, I had to put an Owl some Hedgehogs and a Bat on as they all think I am nuts...

the hogs...

the Bat and Owl...

Now look at the ones the girls all made...

TESSA

SYLVIA

PAM

MARIAN

MARGARET S

MARGARET B

KATY

JYTTE

JULIET

IRENE

CAROL B

ANGELA

We had to choose a winner, in the end there were three winners,

can you pick them out?

It was very hard to do, they are all so brilliant

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Again on PP Forum, Katy has been setting us a monthly Journal
challenge, the one for November was FMQ -
free machine quilting, here is what I made - it is A4 size...

close up of centre...

of side...

of border...

Hubby doesn't like the fabric I chose, he says the white splodges are off putting, I see what he means, I will make another one I think on plain fabric...

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I have just put the following quilts on Ebay -

my ebay page
the reason being, I have to sell some of my quilts, they are taking over the house,

if I don't get 'rid' of some of them I shall have to stop making them I guess -

boo hoo...

Thanks for looking!!!!

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At the last meeting for this year of my group, I had asked them to make a Suffolk Puff tree, they loved it, personally I hate SP's but had to do it, well you do don't you...

so here is my SP tree, I have to say I quite like it but no way will I be doing SP's again

I did squiggle wiggly squares for the background using FMQ,

then sewed a snowflake and bead to each junction point..Mad!!!

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Last but not least -

back once more to the PP Forum, Katy is running the UFO club on there this year and this is the quilt I am working on now to get finished for the UFO Album, it is a very old UFO, very old.....

I hope to have it finished by end of the week.

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OLLIE's QUILT from LOVEQUILTSUK

2011-11-27T00:17:00.000Z

Oh my it has been ages since I have done my Blog, the reason being, the Motherboard blew itself up, it had 60 degree burns apparently, oh dear oh dear. Anyway after a lot of fiddling and faffing about we managed to get back on the WWW as I bought a brand new computer, I was sick of wasting money having the old one fixed time after time, in any case after the MB got burnt there was no other option. So here I am like the proverbial bad penny back to haunt you all again. hee hee.

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FOR OLLIE

My first post after such a lengthy absence has got to be the best post on this whole Blog. Not sure if I mentioned I had signed up with LOVEQUILTS UK to assemble and quilt a Quilt for a young Lad named Ollie. Here are two links for you to be able to read about Love Quilts and little Ollie.

http://www.lovequiltsuk.com/index.php

http://www.lovequiltsuk.com/childquilt.php?qid=176

OK, now you have visited the site, here are the beautiful blocks I received. I knew what was coming but when they were actually here I stood and was totally gobsmacked by the beauty of each and every one of them.....it then dawned on me I had to turn these beauties into a Quilt. No pressure Janet.....OMG. I have to admit I panicked a bit, but then cracked on with it. In the parcel along with the blocks was all the fabric for the sashing, borders, binding, backing AND the wadding. So I had no excuse but to get on with it. I do have to admit to you I struggled a little with the 4oz wadding, I only ever use 2oz myself, but this was a whole new ball game for me. I managed - just. Well I am going to shut up now and let you view the blocks then the finished result.....

This is how they will be joined together in their rows, after pressing of course...

...time passes...

voila, one finished Quilt for Ollie,

I quilted double lines to try to emulate train tracks...
the cornerstones are fussy-cut squares of the gorgeous border fabric...

the back as you can see is pretty fab fabric too...

to go with the Quilt I had to do a letter,

and so went to town and Annette helped me find a brilliant card

for Ollie, most appropriate we thought...

the girls - Gaynor and Kat at LoveQuiltsUK -

are just sooo kind you know, they made this pillowcase for

Louis, who is Ollie's twin brother, just so he wouldn't feel left out,

now I think that is pretty amazing, well done girls,

and well done to all the cross stitchers who made those gorgeous blocks.

If you would like to help in any way, by making the Quilts up or sending a donation for the fabrics etc for future Quilts, please go to the link for LOVEQUILTS above and you will see how to do just that.

Thank you for looking, any comments will be passed on to the other ladies.

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BAG FOR ERIN

2011-11-07T23:22:00.001Z

I can now put pictures on here of the bag I made for ERIN. She is the lady from America who won my give away along with Katy. I asked what colour bag she would like and her first thought was Black and Orange, woohoo I thought, fantastic, then she put that no she hadn't better have those colours she best stick to 'safe' ones. She also asked for short handles as she always has long ones. I kind of did a s'thing' with the handles so she can have them long or short, see below.

Well, if you read my Blog on a regular basis you will kind of know me a bit by now....hee hee.... Black and Orange it was, I have a feeling I will make another as I loved it when it was done, let me know what you think.

One side of bag...

other side...

this picture is showing how the handles can be either long or short,

you just pull them through the plaited loops I made -

thanks Liz for the cord, see I used some of it

ERIN is going to use it for when she goes to Karate classes, it is big enough for her Kit. So pleased she found a use for it. Erin you are more than welcome, it was a pleasure to make for you, and thank you for giving me such a great colour scheme to work with.

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THE MISSING QUILT AND MORE

2011-11-04T01:09:00.000Z

The one I forgot to photograph yesterday...better late than never...

it is a four patch on point, made with scraps...

the back...with a pair of feet hahahaha...

close up...

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Bit of fun now, whenever there is a 'special' day, my mobile phone

outs funny backgrounds on my screen, this was for Halloween,

can you see the graveyard and spooky trees -

but look at the peoples heads - they are pumpkins, hahahaha

wondering what will happen for Bonfire night????

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This little postcard went all the way to Israel for Fay...

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WHAT KATY SAID...AND MORE QUILTING

2011-11-03T00:42:00.001Z

I asked Katy if I could put on here her comments she sent me when she received her Quilt. She has said OK so here they are, I did laugh out loud at the first one, feel sure you will too. But I do appreciate what she has said, what wonderful things to say for me. Thank you Katy.

Katy’s comments

Jan

It's here, and it is beyond bloody beautiful! I can't get over how totally lovely your quilting is! It is a marvel and just fantastic, I feel like the luckiest person in the world. THANK YOU SO MUCH! And thank you for the lovely postcard too. I am beyond words, and I never want to quilt anything myself ever again! I will steal money from my children and pay you instead!

x100000!

Love

Katy

Katy then put this on a forum we are both on, I am so grateful Katy.

Am I not the luckiest person ever? Jan has transformed my little welsh quilt with her brilliant beautiful free motion quilting. Here is the back, it is going to be hung up wrong side out I think, cos it is so lovely, I want to look at the back all the time. Have a look in the album at the other photos (which incidentally I pinched from Jan, cos they were better than mine, thank you Jan). The feathers are all brilliant, but I love the patterns in the wide pale border the most.

Isn’t Jan clever? Have a look at Jan's blog, Jan's Musing for more info, and keep your eyes peeled for some exciting news about Jan's quilting.

Before this came back, I had a plan for the November technique challenge, but I'm a bit scared now!

Thank you again Katy, you are a star

I have received many wonderful emails and comments on the forum from other ladies about this little quilt, so maybe someone will ask me to do a quilt for them. Actually my friend Di, has earmarked one for me to do for her. So it looks as though I am off, as it were.

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OK moving on, I have been busy quilting away on some more UFOs. I have finished three more, plus one new Quilt I started a few short weeks ago. Hope you like them...

This Quilt doesn't have much quilting on - for me - hahaha, when I made this one

I loved it, but now ???? not sure whether I will be keeping this one...

close up for you, see, not a lot of quilting...

the back, it is made up of strips of different fabrics...

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This Quilt is actually one that when I first got a computer,

I didn't have a printer and my Suzanne and her hubby Richard used to print patterns out for me,

this is one of them, I love this design, but I shan't be keeping this quilt,

it is going to someone special, can't say yet...

lots of quilting on this one...

blooming vermicelli...

the back view...

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This is a Quilt which I tested the pattern for
GETA
after making the few squares to test her pattern I carried on making the blocks

because I just loved the design so much, now it is finished and this is

MY Quilt, I just love it. Thank you Geta for allowing me to be your Tester...

No vermicelli on this baby...

showing the border quilting...

the back...

another shot of block and border...

another of the back, this was taken indoors...

since testing this pattern for Geta, I have done another for her.

I cannot put it on my Blog yet as I am not sure she has the pattern for sale yet.

It will be another keeper for me I am sure.

Actually I just want to let you know Geta has written a book now which is available from Amazon, you have to pre order it, I have done just that. More on her site HERE

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The Eagle eyed amongst you will notice there is one UFO missing...I forgot to take a photo of it. OOPS!

Tomorrow folks.

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QUILTING QUILTING QUILTING AND OTHER STUFF

2011-10-30T01:19:00.001+01:00

How terrible, I have been neglecting my Blog. All in a good cause I can assure you. I have been quilting, quilting, quilting, and then quilting some more. I just love doing it. I'm sure I have been doing other stuff too, but as you can tell quilting always comes first...with me anyway.

So exactly what have I been quilting you ask? Well, do you remember I did a special give away a while back. I offered to quilt a quilt for someone in the UK and make a bag for someone overseas. Katy won the quilt bit and Erin won the bag bit.

I received the quilt from Katy, she didn't actually have one done, so she just made a small Welsh style Quilt...

complete with wadding and backing it arrived...

here it is opened out, well done Katy, it is lovely, looking forward to quilting this for you...

Katy had told me I could do what I wanted on it quilting wise, but I decided to search out some Welsh style quilting designs as she had gone to the trouble of making one. My friend Di rang the Quilters Guild as she is a member and found out the Welsh use toned threads for the quilting, good job she found out I would have used good old black!!!!

I have to tell you it is only small though, about 29" square actually. Oh well, maybe next time I will get a bigger one, if there is a next time!! Anyway, I have finished the Quilt and have returned it to Katy, who likes it, hahaha the message I got was really funny, I will have to ask permission to put it on here, it made both me and hubby laugh out loud. Katy you are so funny.

Just to remind you I do all quilting freehand, I never mark the fabric, I just go for it, so if the patterns are sometimes a tad 'wonky' that's me done that. No apologies, it's the way I quilt.

Here it is then, finished - sorry, lots of photos....

close up of centre, using Welsh style designs...

close up of final border-the black one - which is my own design...

the whole thing...

close up of the back outer edges...

partial centre...

centre of quilt...

complete thing finished - this is the back of course,

can you spot my signature? Wonder if Katy found it!

I was extremely pleased with the way this turned out as before this I had never done any Welsh Quilting, I do like their designs, even if I did kind of alter a few here and there. Oops!!! hahahaha

So that is one down, one to go. Yes I have done the bag for Erin, it is as I type winging it's way across the Pond to her. When she receives it I will put the pikkies up on here only fair she gets to see it first.

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So that is that part done, hmm what else have I been doing, oh yes I have been trialling patterns for Geta, made a quilt with one of the patterns I trialled for her, picture tomorrow as wahey it is all done, put the binding on it tonight.

Which reminds me....DID YOU REMEMBER TO PUT YOUR CLOCKS BACK FOLKS????

I have also made a few Postcards for some swaps I am in. Again no pictures until they are received other end. Sorry.

I can put the pictures here though of the ones I have received...

HAPPINESS Postcard swap from Margaret - lover it, thank you so much...

More new threads, I cannot resist...

the final block for the Underground Quilt with Tessa on PP Forum -

I can now start assembling the quilt yippee...

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Just look what my friend Liz sent me - isn't it great,

I am known as BattyJan you see, good one Liz, thank you so much, love it...

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Again on the PP Forum, Ros has been asking us about various things we have in our sewing rooms,

we have done threads - I wont put them all on here again, oh dear, SO many hahahaha,

but this week she asked for our favourite Gadgets, I seem to have found a few...

Safety pins, Rulers, Special machine feet, curved scissors, KandiKane, Small iron, Soldering iron, Heat gun, Chenille cutter and a thread stand for those slippery threads, not forgetting the cutting mat they are all posing on...

THIS, is my most important foot,

this is the foot I use when I am free machining or quilting on my machine,

doesn't look much does it, but oh boy I would not be without it, no way...

and last but not least - here are a few of the things I have for sale on my other Blog,
http://jansmags.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-10-29T01%3A04%3A00%2B01%3A00&max-results=1

lots more on there, so if you fancy taking a look and see something you like,

please get in touch with me...

Lots of books....

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NOT A LOT TO SHOW

2011-10-19T23:49:00.001+01:00

Well I don't understand this at all, I have been sewing away like crazy but this is all I can put up on here...how odd!!!! This first picture is of the supplies for a book I shall be having a go at making compliments of Jytte on the PP Forum....

... and this a Postcard sent to Maria from the Forum, the theme was 'Earliest Memories' this caused quite a problem for me as I don't have good memories from long ago, but suddenly remembered my mum used to brush my hair til it shone, and yes, I was a Blondie until I was about 5, then it all went dark.

I must find out what has happened to all the stuff I have been doing of late, where is it all?

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ASSORTMENT

2011-10-17T00:52:00.000+01:00

Just a few bits and pieces for you to see that I haven't been idle just cos I have been quiet on here...

This is a new ted for my collection from my lovely Little Di,

isn't he cute?

Thanks Di xxxx

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On the PP Forum everyone thinks I am batty so I sign myself as battyjan,

Margaret saw this card and thought of me,

cheers Margaret it cheered me up no end..

Perfect...

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A couple of quilts ready for their binding to be put on,

I like to get two or three at that stage then I feel I have really achieved something...

number two, this is earmarked for someone...

and here we are another pinned up ready for quilting this time...

and another - this is a special quilt, I 'trialled' the pattern for

Geta
she had asked that I only make two blocks to test the pattern but I loved the design
so just carried on and made a quilt, I am hoping to get it quilted very soon...
just a corner of it here, the pattern is available I believe from Geta now...

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THERE SHE GOES

2011-10-12T01:38:00.000+01:00

I haven't been on my computer for over a week now I do have a good excuse, the reason being.....

Last Sunday, I was playing !!! in the garden with Rebecca and for some reason I lost my footing and hubby said I went down like a lump of concrete - charming description!! - face first onto the grass. It felt as though I had landed on concrete, I remember going, 'oh no oh no oh no' then I was flat on the grass. Because I cannot move my head my poor nose got the shock of the landing along with my knees, boobs and stomach.

So OK now I am on the grass in total shock at being there and unable to move.

After what seemed a lifetime, I managed to get on my back, cannot tell you the pain, but worse was to come.

Hubby pulled me up so I was now sitting on the grass, then we tried to figure a way of getting me up, I suggested steps of varying heights so I could work my way up slowly, but no, he grabbed under my arms and in one movement, yanked me up, I know I screamed my head off, as he was actually giving me a Chinese burn under my arms, but he didn't know that of course.

Anyway, to stop you all being bored, I managed to get in, went to bed as couldn't sit or stand, was uncomfortable laying down but had to do something. I fell asleep anyway and kind of slept the week away.

Nothing got broken, only my pride I guess, thank goodness I was at home not out somewhere, but the bruising, Oh my, agony all week, but not one bruise has shown up anywhere, the only bit you can see that I have done something is my glasses nipped the skin on my eye and cut it a little. I still ache all over, but am doing a bit of sewing in the day to get me back into the swing of things and get my mind off the aches and pains.

It is now over a week since I fell, and I do feel a lot better although I am wary of going out, guess I am afraid I shall fall again. Today, hubby took me up to the centre and we had a slow mooch round the shops, had lunch and a coffee then came home. I think it has shaken my confidence a bit as it was so unexpected, and damn painful. I just hope because nothing showed up, there is nothing going to 'surprise' me in a few weeks or months time!!!!

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On a cheerier note, both my winners have been in touch with me, Erin has let me know the colour she would like for her bag, well, maybe those colours, she is not too sure, left it to me so we shall see, I chose them today actually and have started it Erin.

Katy has also been in touch and I am absolutely thrilled with what she is going to send me, she asked me first could she do 'this' particular quilt as she had nothing done, I jumped at it. Just hope she will like what I do with it. Looking forward to receiving it I can tell you. She has also given me permission to put it on here. Cheers Katy, I am very grateful to you.

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I have done the latest block Tessa set out for us in the UGRQ - a Boat this time...

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PLUS, I have finally !!! got the edges done of my Journal pages I am doing with the PP Forum...

MOLA - Completed

LANDSCAPE - completed

detail showing the crystals...

ORIGAMI - completed

detail showing the crystals...

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Doing those little bits and pieces helped keep me sane

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WHOOPS AND GOT TO GO

2011-10-01T22:48:00.000+01:00

Apologies going out to Liz who sent me some great stuff last week. I was sure I had put it on here, but on looking through I can see I hadn't. Sorry Liz, what will you think of me. Just look at these...

aren't they fabulous, lots of lovely glittery braids. I shall have great fun using those Liz.

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This picture of this really funny book is for Kerstin, we were talking about it

at the Festival of Quilts this year and I said this was so me! Do you remember Kerstin?

I can't put the poem up but I am sure if you Google it, you will find it on the WWW somewhere, it is really funny, go have a look, then see if you agree this is me now?

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Got to Go

The other day I went through my Quilts and Books and found lots of them which I feel I can part with now, some of the Quilts are old ones I made many years ago, some are recent ones. The Books are a real assortment. Until I get round to putting them on EBay, I am putting them on my other Blog http://jansmags.blogspot.com/, so if you fancy nipping over and having a look and even better, show an interest in anything, do get in touch with me for more information. Usual email address or as a comment under the item you like the look of. Cheers.

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A BIT OF THIS - A BIT OF THAT

2011-09-30T00:56:00.000+01:00

Not finished anything of late so just been taking pictures of this and that, as you do. The first picture is of my beloved Bernina, just to remind everyone that this is the machine I do all my sewing on, I don't possess a Long Arm, way too expensive for me. Anyway this machine does the job I feel.

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On the PP Forum we are set a theme for a Journal Page each month -

September was Fabric Origami...ARGH, I hated this almost as much as the Mola,

but it is done now, here is what I did, finished pictures will be tomorrow, I forgot to take those [doh]...

the background...

One Pinwheel or is it a Friendship Star???

Made a few more in different sizes...

Then stacked them...

one on top of the other, in threes, finished pik tomorrow, sorry.

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Remember the cupboard I was pinching?

Here it is all filled up, I got hubby to make me a 'half shelf' for the top so I could utilise

the space a bit better. Now starting at the bottom left, that is all UFOs right to the base of the shelf...

Oh dear!!!!!

Right hand side, trays of bits and bobs, things that are, ideas in progress as it were...

On the shelf, on the left are Quilts for sale, on the right, smaller bits for Sale...

I am going to put them all on my other Blog the JansMags one, once I have sorted the sizes out...

I hope you will go and look and see if you fancy anything!!!!! ;-)

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Rebecca found out her mum's wedding dress was in my wardrobe. She asked to have a look at it,

then could she try it on, her mum said yes she could so.....

Bit big for her and a bit long for her too, but oh my....

back view, she wanted to keep it on, but spoil sport me said no, so back in it's bag it went

back in the wardrobe...

and there is Annette in it...

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What has happened to my Rose?

The other half is right....

better late than never I guess...

going over now...

so many different shades...

I love them, I can't help it...

but NOT their scent...

He grew some Asters and they were gorgeous...

waiting to be planted...somewhere...

more Asters...

Queen Elizabeth Rose...

difficult holding it and taking the picture...

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Rebecca's old scooter up for sale in our local shop...

and her bike...

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I HAVE NAMES OF WINNERS

2011-09-28T00:03:00.000+01:00

Well I have finally got two names for my Give Away, I just have to tell you all who entered, I had to add some names of people from a forum I am in, they are my friends so eligible, but they unfortunately didn't know how to post a message on the Blog, so I put them in the draw myself. Just so you all know. Right...

Overseas WINNER for a Tote Bag of their colour choice is...
Vesuviusmama

and the

UK WINNER for the quilt to be quilted is...

Katy

I will email you both as soon as I have posted this onto my Blog.

Thank you to everyone who entered, I hope you will still continue to read my Blog, you never know I may become generous again one day, hahahaha. No seriously I do appreciate you all taking part in this. Sorry I couldn't offer it to everyone I know, but I hope I will be available to take Quilts in for you to be quilted in the future, all depends on the 'report' from the winner!!!!! Only trouble is they won't be free.....

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MIXED BUNCH OF GOODIES

2011-09-24T00:56:00.001+01:00

I have finished the last three blocks Tessa had put up on the Forum for us to make, I think some of my blocks are quite different to the other girls blocks they have made, but not to worry they have the same names...

WAGON WHEEL

FLYING GEESE

CARPENTERS WHEEL

Another block will be put up for us to make on 1st October, just a few to go I think.

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When Rebecca and Annette went to London and visited Buckingham Palace,

they bought this for us...

yum yum, haven't eaten them yet, but it wont be long before I do, hahahaha

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Liz asked where I keep my Quilts when they are finished???

Some of my Teds take care of them Liz, BUT

they are going to a new home soon, the Quilts not the Teds.

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We cleared a load of ~~crap~~ stuff out of the airing cupboard as

we were having a new boiler fitted in the roof, this meant we had to empty two cupboards,

what a load of rubbish we found, BUT, look at this little gem hubby found...

Original Wrapping...

Instructions...

complete with threads...

fascinating...

Yes, I had started it then abandoned it -

I remember when I used to go to hubbies house every Sunday for Tea, before we were married this is, his mum found out I liked to sew, so, she went upstairs and came back with this, ~~threw it at me~~ gave it to me and said 'there you are then, you can do that' So I used to sit there every Sunday evening sewing this, I know I used to enjoy doing it even though it took ages to do one flower. I think I impressed her actually cos she said 'that's nice'. Isn't it a shame I never finished it, I think we must have got married and it got forgotten. I know I will never finish it now, so what to do with it???? Any ideas?????

These took me ages to do, one at a time, slow but sure...

It is just so pretty even if I do say so myself...

I await your ideas of what to do with it

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What is this??????

YAY it is the empty cupboard which I am going to have for my Quilts, see Liz, they will be moved into here, hubby has painted it all for me inside, I am waiting for it to dry out thoroughly before the Quilts go in there, I may even put a piece of fabric at the base, and some Cedar balls to help the scent of the thing, it does pong at the mo!!!! I am hoping to get my completed Quilts AND my UFOs in there. We shall see...

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To finish on a really great not, here are the threads hubby bought me for my birthday,

yum yum yum

thank you hubby

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Don't forget to enter my give away - under the 1066 post
I shall be closing it on Monday 26 September
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FUN WITH TESSA

2011-09-21T23:40:00.000+01:00

On the PP Forum, Tessa put up a suggestion we all make a quilt together. She was embarking on the Underground Railway Quilt and asked if anyone wished to join her along her journey. Well at the time I didn't fancy it at all and was busy anyway so opted not to join in. Things change, you get caught up with stuff you are doing, well I did and on a second look at the blocks they were making, I quite fancied joining in at this late stage. I asked Tessa if I could and she said 'come on in'. So this is what I have been doing the past few days, catching up with everyone else on the block making. How it works is Tessa is using the actual Book of the Quilt, then posting the name of the block she has made, we have to search on the Internet for a pattern of that name, make it and voila we have a 'kind of' UGRQ. I found most of the blocks in my disc of Block Base, so printed them out and got stuck in, here are the ones I have done so far.

First a picture of the fabrics I have chosen to use for this quilt, all from my stash...

this one shows the background fabric I shall use...

Now for the Blocks which I haven't pressed as yet - bad girl...

BIRDS IN THE AIR

LOG CABIN

DRUNKARDS PATH

JACOBS LADDER

MONKEY WRENCH

SHOO FLY

BASKET

BEARS PAW

BOW TIES

CROSS ROADS

I have two more done but not a picture yet, they are -

Wagon Wheel and

Flying Geese

I am working on Carpenters Wheel, I hope to have it completed tomorrow,

then I will be up to date with everyone else. Phew!

1066

2011-09-16T15:16:00.004+01:00

I bet that has got you guessing. What does it mean I hear you asking???? Well I will tell you...later.

First, let me show you the UFOs I have been cracking on with and got completed, I am so pleased with myself I am like the cat who has had all the cream. There is one more to come but I hadn't got the binding on in time for this photo call so that will come later - sorry. Anyway, here are some to be going on with...

I joined an online swap at my friend Janice's Yahoo group, if you read the label,

it will explain it to you, I am very pleased how this turned out...

I added the sashing using a bright peach and tan fabric, have to say

I wasn't totally convinced it would work at the time, but,

I am very pleased with the final result...

Close up of one of the blocks...

the back...

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Yes you have seen one LIKE this recently -

this one is mine though, to keep...

I have done a different quilting design on this one

as it is for me to keep...

the back...

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OMG

I thought I would never get to the assembly of this one...

I hope you agree with me that it was worth the wait...

the back...

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Another of the recently seen quilts but...

yet again this is my one to keep...

I did the butterflies differently on this one, because I can...

the back...

Not sure if you can see I have quilted butterflies in the quilting, just for fun...

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Oh dear, yet another...

Not a lot of quilting done on this one, the fabric is so busy you wouldn't see it...

see what I mean, this is the back...

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I asked the ladies at my group to make a block using strips of different widths and to quilt it as they made it, you know the sort, easy peasy, they had to use a cream on the back and leave it large so I could cut them all to the same size when I had them all!!! I won't go into that part....Anyway, after a few months I had all the blocks I was going to get and quickly realised it wasn't going to be as straight forward as I had thought - it never is - anyway, I made two more blocks and voila, it worked out just fine. I cut some green floral strips and joined the blocks together---night-bloomin-mare---it seemed to take forever to do this, but I carried on, only occasionally grumbling to myself, 'why do I do this' oh yeah, it's cos I enjoy it!!!! So the blocks all got joined together and I hope you will agree with me it is pretty fabulous. Here is the label for it...

and here is the Quilt the ladies made, I love it and am very pleased with the result, I hope they will be cos I am going to ask them for some money hahahaha, I want to raffle it and the money go to H4H along with all the money we have been collecting from the Bag raffles each month, hope they will think it a good idea...

and here is the back, even that is pretty interesting if you ask me.

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Last one you will be pleased to learn, now be warned, I usually Quilt my Quilts a LOT,

my friend Di says I quilt them to death..hee hee... well this one

in that case has been buried too...

Yes, another of the Makower copies...

Close up for you...

the back...

closer...

took this shot indoors...

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So what does 1066 stand for?

That, believe it or not, is the amount of Posts I have done on this Blog.

Shock, horror.

I wanted to wait for this particular number cos I was 66 the other day and it seemed to fit in nicely with me wanting to do a Give Away for my Followers and Friends.. Before I tell you about that or those I should say, I want you to go back and really look at the quilts above and criticise at will, I don't mind. Only please remember I only have a Bernina sewing machine, NOT a long arm machine, all my sewing is done on the Bernina, the quilting is all done on it free style, the pattern comes out of my head as I am sewing, I DO NOT draw the design on the quilt, I just - do it.

Now the Give Away.

As I am at number 1066 I wanted to do a special give away, I kind of mentioned it in an earlier post if you think about it.

I am offering to Quilt a quilt of yours for free, that is if you trust me with it of course.

This give away is only open to people in the United Kingdom I am afraid, sorry to my friends overseas, you have a different give away coming up. Also only to my Followers and Friends on other sites I am on. You know who you are if you are reading this.

IF you are interested in me quilting a quilt for you, you have to pay the postage and supply me with the wadding and backing for the quilt, you have to trust me on the quilting. If you don't trust me, please don't enter your name. The size can be UP TO 48" square only. Again sorry but I have to draw the line somewhere. In exchange for this I am asking that when you get your quilt back, you critique it for me so others will know what you REALLY think. I can take it. I think! hahaha. So there you have it, if you would like a chance of this please leave a comment on the above quilts, saying YES, if you don't wish to risk it, just please leave a comment anyway. I will get the Random picker to pull the name out and let you know asap. So please don't send me any quilts yet. :-) Also I am only offering to do one free quilt.

[ I am hoping to offer quilting services to my friends in the future, for payment, but only if this works out. If not I will forget it.] THIS IS OPEN UNTIL 26 SEPTEMBER 2011.

Now the Give Away for my friends overseas..

Study the above Quilts and decide if you like my style of quilting. If you do, leave a comment on here about the quilts and I will make a quilted tote bag in YOUR COLOUR CHOICE, for the person who gets pulled out by the random picker thingy. I am only offering to make one free tote.

THIS IS OPEN UNTIL 26 SEPTEMBER 2011.

So there you have it, I hope that is all clear to you above, if not, do email me and I will explain - if I can.

THANK YOU EVERYONE

2011-09-15T00:55:00.000+01:00

It was a real treat for me to receive so many messages saying you are all still about, just that sometimes Life gets in the way and you are unable to Blog or even leave messages. Anyone with problems of leaving a message on here, do please let me know what it is and I shall try to sort it out for you. I love to see the comments you see.

I have been very busy finishing off some UFOs. I have completed eight of them. Yes 8. I did all the labels today, what a chore that is, I normally whack them on as I am doing the binding, but for some reason I forgot all 8 of them this time so...well I cheated of course, I sewed what I could by machine then hand stitched the rest of the label down. If there is a way to cheat !!!! I will surely find it folks. hahahaha

Anyway, I shall take piccies of them all tomorrow and then tomorrow night I shall put them on here for you all to see. Also I will be putting on a Give Away I have had planned for some time now, I have been waiting for a certain number Post to come up and tomorrow, I do believe I shall hit it. Woo Hoo. Can you guess what it will be? The number I mean not the Give Away.

It is going to be something I have never done before so I am going to request a bit of help with it from the person who wins. All will be revealed tomorrow. [later today actually] Oh yes, I ought to say there will be TWO Give Aways, one for here in GB and one for the Rest of the World. You will understand why when I do it tomorrow. Not long now.

Thank you for visiting.

WHERE IS EVERYBODY

2011-09-12T00:22:00.000+01:00

I sometimes get the impression I am the only one in Blog-land. I often wonder where everybody goes, it seems some people only come on once a year or maybe once a month, maybe if we are lucky once a week, unlike me, generally once a day. I am such a chatterbox, hubby says I could nag for England, with most of it being rubbish....gee thanks hub.

So back to where are you....

I used to hear from so many people all over the world, but it has just dawned on me that now Facebook has reared it's sometimes 'ugly' head, people go on there most evenings and chat. I admit I joined FB, but don't think it is really me, I like things to be organised and it seems the messages are very random, plus they keep altering the way they are doing the pages, which I find most irritating. I go on there occasionally, just to see if I have any messages, but more often than not, I am here in my own little world of Blog land. So if you are about do leave me a message so I know you are still with us.

My thanks go to Liz and Maggi who see m to be the only ones of late reading my waffling. :-)

9/11

2011-09-11T00:33:00.001+01:00

I am sure we all remember those horrific scenes on our televisions ten years ago. I hope never ever to have to see scenes like that again, my heart went out to all Americans on that day, and it will again today to all the people who have had to cope with the aftermath of that day. I am not American but I do wish to say -

God bless America

BEFORE THE EIGHTH

2011-09-10T00:08:00.001+01:00

All the things on here were sent or received before my birthday but I forgot to put them on -

must be getting old!!!!

Anyway, the first two are Postcards I have sent to -

ROS for the Who Inspires me Postcard Swap on the PP Forum,

it is all the fabric manufacturers and designers who come up with all the

fabulous fabrics we use...

I put a secret message on the front for Ros - hope she found it...

Liz and I did a private swap, hers for me was DRINK,

mine for Liz was FOOD,

the strawberry is thread painted, took ages to do but hey

what else was I to do?

Would you just look at this beauty -

I did this pattern with my group a while back and Annette made this, and of course when I saw it, I said oh I want this, So, being the good daughter she is... She gave it to me - aren't I lucky - It's because I'm worth it------hahahahahaha----

thank you Annette it is already hanging up...

Annette saw in a shop in town a gorgeous scarf she would have liked me to knit for her - ???? - doh..

I had already seen on Liz' Blog that she made these so I asked if I bought the wool would she make it for Annette - I'm not daft, me - knit? I don't think so, not any more.. Anyway I sent the woo off to Liz and can you believe she made it and had it in the post the next day and Annette is thrilled with it...

- in the same package came these smaller pieces Liz had knitted, she sent them for Rebecca to have,

BUT, I am afraid I kept them for myself, hahaha, they are the perfect size for me to wrap round my neck to keep it warm, Rebecca didn't mind !! much !! she loves her Nana, she thinks I am worth it...

hee hee

ALSO, Liz sent me this piece of gorgeous fabric, she is afraid to use it - ???? -

I have a plan for this already Liz, thank you so much, it is a beautiful colour folks...

These are my new threads I treated myself to last week, they arrived the other day and the piece

of fabric from Liz was just perfect to display them on...

YUM YUM YUM is all I can say.

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I got another UFO finished ready for it's binding this evening, YAY.

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CLICKETY CLICK - THAT's ME

2011-09-08T23:41:00.001+01:00

Worked it out yet? This will tell you -

from Suzanne and Richard,
pack of flannel fabrics,
some gorgeous sparkly threads and sumptuous wool for my Embellisher machine, and...

some Valdani Threads, yummy...

thank you to Suzanne and Richard

This fabulous fabric with it's pretty ribbon was wrapping up...

this Book from my friend Di, great stuff inside,

thank you to Di and Jeff...

this gorgeous fabric with the Ric Rac was wrapping up...

all these threads, a veritable rainbow, jumdubblies,

[they were in a box but I took them out for the photo]

from Annette and Rebecca,

thank you to Annette and Rebecca...

My lovely cards, oh yes and can you see the money? That is from hubby,

he said to buy some threads or some 'rag' hahahaha - it will be threads,

thank you to hubby...

So you see what the clickety-click is now, my 66th birthday today.

Thank you for my lovely presents everyone, I am so lucky they are all perfect.

I have been spoilt again.

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10 BLOCKS

2011-09-07T01:37:00.002+01:00

I joined Janice's Yahoo group and was in a swap where you chose the colours you would like your blocks to be, then the people you swapped with made their choice of block, but in your chosen colours, then sent it you. Here are the blocks I received, ready for quilting...

here are the blocks, well nine of them, ready for quilting now.

The one last block I will use on the back as a label when I am finished quilting.

Watch this space...

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52 BLOCKS

2011-09-07T01:06:00.001+01:00

In the year 2009, I signed up to the Friday Night Block Party Group, you had to make one block of their choosing per week, the new pattern was posted each Friday night, of course!! Anyway after a false start I managed to get all of the blocks done. I have to admit they sat around for ages before I got them all out - again - and really looked at them. Some I liked some I loved some I downright hated. BUT, I was determined to use them all somehow or another. First I put them into their sizes, of which there were four or five different ones, I can't remember now, too long ago. Anyway, one I had done that, it was fairly easy. You can see further down what I have done with some of the blocks. Here are the 52 blocks I made They are not in the order I made them, I can't remember that either and am too lazy to go and find out now. hohoho, and yes I have posted about these before but hey ho, I have some new followers -- WELCOME to you -- and thought they may like to see them. They are all from Quilter's Cache by the way...

Here then are the Quilts I have made so far with these blocks...

Close up of the strange quilting I did on this one...

The snazzy backing...

You will see I have added strips round the blocks to make them slightly larger,

I did it to all the blocks as I liked the effect...

close up quilting for this one...

Yellow snazzy backing this time...

Number three, same format, different blocks...

close up of quilting for this quilt...

Pink snazzy backing for that one...

I have the last 22 blocks sorted ready to use, watch this space

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LAST BUT NOT LEAST

2011-09-05T23:59:00.001+01:00

No more Quilts for Makower, I was told they didn't need me anymore...AHHHH. No it was OK, I had done enough for them I think, they got some other quilters on their books to make samples for them. BUT, as a final fling! I was asked to produce several items I could think of for a Wedding, with the fabrics they sent me, which were pretty Roses and Printing fabrics. Here are the items I came up with, they did get printed in a magazine too...

Everything I made in a group photo...

Bridal favour bags complete with crystals...

Triangular bag for a little Bridesmaid, can you see the Crystals I stuck on?

Ring cushion --- closed....

Ring cushion ---- open...

Place setting card...

Various cards, Gift, Invitation, Thank You and Place setting cards

Somewhere, all these things are in a box, unless I gave them away? I cannot remember. Oh well, not to worry. So that is it, I made no more items for Makower after this little lot.

The End

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