Willowberry Designs

Advent Countdown under the gum trees!

There's something new every day.....  Ideas, links, recipes and loads of fun!

Stuff...

I've been hiding in the quilting cave for the last few weeks finishing up some orders before christmas.  My Mum has had a bit of a rough time over the last few months too - lots of Dr visits and minor surgeries and dressing changes.  It's been a bit hectic! running in and out of town 3 or 4 times a week.  However she's good now and looking forward to christmas in Brissy

I've also been doing stuff... it's beautiful... you're gonna love this when you see it for real in a few weeks time :-)

Nana Pat has also been busy.... and wanted me to send a big thank you to the lovely people who have ordered from her corner of the craft world :-)  You can see some more of her pretty doings here

And this is another bit of stuff but I can only show a snip... it's a practice run for something really special... I promise :-)

Who loves French General Rouenneries?

Me!  But I can't bring myself to undo the cotton tape just yet.... it'll never be the same again...

Have you seen the Craftlovers site?  Go have a look and sign up because you get to check out what's coming up in your favourite mags... gotta love early peeks at new stuff!  And there are some great specials - still time to get in for chrissy presents :-)  Check out the girl's blogs too....

Hands up if you're on my team.  It's the team that is still sewing buttons, binding and trims to the christmas presents well into the evening on christmas eve.....  it's all fun!!

 busy busy.... be back later on... seeya

Cheryl xx

Christmas Stuff and a couple of Swaps

Monika suggested a magazine swap.  An Australian Creating Country Threads from me to her and an American Quilts and More from her to me.  What a great idea!  The mailman - my friend - delivered the latest edition full of projects to add to my 'to do' list...... I'll be buried with a needle and thread I'm sure :-)

 

And my little bundle of christmassy stuff for the Quick Christmas Fat Quarter Swap arrived on Friday from Carol in the US

Pretty and festive fun.... gorgeous buttons.... I love buttons!

and the bundle I sent to Carol...

Over at the Gum Tree Designer's Blog we're having an Advent Countdown and there are heaps of ideas to help us prepare for christmas this year.  I'm running behind as usual and I'll probably do the mad dash on christmas eve with all the other mad people who've left it to the last mad minute... :-)

However, our 'mad dash' will be happening away from home because we're spending christmas in the beautiful Whitsunday tropics with our waterboy - who is now 'Captain Andy'.  Yep, final exam finished and passed!  YAY for waterboy.... !!!!!!!  We're looking forward to our holidays but there's heaps to be done beforehand

A few quilts to finish.... This one's done - Chez Moi in Charisma

May Kristin has received her SSCS09 parcel, this is the little tree ornament I made using Vikki's xmas design and some Figgy Pudding.... cute.  You can still grab the free pattern here

And one last share for the day.... my vast collection of thimbles :-)

From left to right - South Africa (from Shirley, my lovely friend), Egypt (from Bevvy, my big sister), New Zealand (from Shelley, my little sister), Greece (another Bevvy gift... she's been everywhere!) and Scotland (from my Mum, Nana Pat)

I kind of like the idea of visiting the world through thimbles... seems to fit right with what I do for fun 

have a lovely stitchy day

Cheryl xx

Secret presents in the mail

from my SSCS 09 swap partner

Apparently I'm not allowed to open them till christmas day..........  One rule says I can open my little tree ornament though :-)

Such a cute little felt tree all dressed up with silver sequins and beads!  Can't wait till christmas........ the green sticker on the box says 'chocolates'........ better hide them somewhere cool

My bunch of fun stuff came all the way from Portugal!  Made by the busy fingers of Sandra who writes up her posts in English as well!  Makes it easy for dummies like me :-) 

Nana Pat's Hangers are now available for you to purchase if you wish.......... you can go here to see Nana Pat's pretty things.  And the NanaPatsPlace Etsy store is now open!

Cheryl xx

"Parfait" patterns and things to share

Amanda in KS - Dec 01 at 12.23am

Arien from Slovakia - Nov 27 at 4.19pm

Jane - Nov 30 at 9.14am

have each won a copy of my 'Parfait' pattern ........

Girls, I'll contact you by email for your postal address so I can forward your patterns!  "Parfait" is such a pretty pattern and the technique is soooo simple!  This is the second quilt from my Aviary fat quarter bundle and there's enough left to make another smallish lap quilt.  So if you really love a specific fabric range and you're thinking about buying a whole fat quarter bundle..... do it!  It's a lotta money up front but you'll have quilts and bags and cushions coming out of your ears :-) 

Speaking of bundles, don't you just love the look and feel of a jelly roll, layer cake, charm pack and all of those other gorgeous bakery items that we get to play with?

Don't you think it's a bit tricky when the time comes to undo the bundles?  There are three things that make me go 'ooooooooh I don't want to... not just yet'

The first is when I have to undo the cotton tape that ties the gorgeous bundle together.  You know, the one with 'moda' printed on it...  Once that's undone, the next tricky bit is separating the pieces of delicious fabric because I know it will never be the same perfect bundle again.  The third 'moment' is when it comes to making that first cut.  I've chosen the most appropriate print, it's all pressed and looking so beautiful..... then I don't want to chop a chunk out of it... but I know I have to... such a dilemma!

This was once a totally neat and tidy 'Eva' fat quarter bundle....

and this?  RIP beautifully jelly rolled Fig and Plum... you're now all mushy.  Still gorgeous but mushy all the same....

Suddenly the perfect bundle is no longer entire and becomes simply a 'stash'.  Beautiful, however it's lost some of it's appeal.  Does anyone else have bundles and packs and rolls that are destined to remain 'tied up'?  Don't they look so pretty sitting on the shelf? 

That mob over at Moda are too darn clever......... they know we love stuff

Now I'm off, have a lovely stitchy day and thanks for listening and thanks for the lovely messages.  I'll answer them tomorrow... you know what I mean.... one of these tomorrows....

Cheryl xx

ps - who loves little birdies?  Yeah, me too......   

OOPS!!!  Almost forgot....  this is what became of the little 'Judith Christmas Rose' stitchery

Pretty?  Yep, I think so

 

Remember Parfait?? Wanna be in a giveaway??

Yes... me too.  I had a message from Perri the other day and it prompted the opening of the 'Parfait' filing cabinet in my head :-)  You know... the one that's labelled "Do a pattern and have a giveaway..."

So, Parfait is now written up and ready to go!

If you'd like to be in the draw for a 'Parfait' pattern leave a message on this post and I'll draw 2 names from the pink bucket next week.  Let's go for December 1st at noon - my time....

Good luck!

Stitching finished, now I just have to make the little bag.  I added a bit of an Aussie flavour with sprigs of wattle......  artistic licence granted :-)

It's one of the freebies over here - from the lovely Judith :-)

have a lovely stitchy day.....

Cheryl xx

Sharing a photo of an unexpected happenings.  Got a little gifty in the mail......

Ina, you're a gem.  Precious pincushion made even more precious because it's a surprise....

French General Rouenneries = fave fabric at the moment... perfect combination 
 

Crisp points

Remember when I talked about achieving a crisp, sharp point?  Well I decided I probably could show you today............ 

It's so simple it'll make you laugh.... and if you already know then you're very clever :-)

have a seat and watch real close......

For today's lecture, I'll pretend I'm making a hanging sleeve for the back of a pretend mini quilt with a pretend name.  Let's call her 'Eva'.    Moo, Can you put Willis down so I can borrow your hand? 

Thank you....  :-)

 

 

Fold the fabric in half lengthways and sew across each end.  Secure the seam with a backstitch at the start and finish (as if you didn't already know that... )

 

 

At this stage you might be tempted to snip the corner off.  Don't!! because it gets tricky in a minute.  Go and find some chocolate instead.  See that big professional X through the next photo?  

That means NO.....

 

 

Fold the seam allowance (along the seam line) to the back and finger press

 

 

Are you ready for the tricky bit?  Slide your thumb to the inside between the two layers and pinch as close as you can to the corner.  A long nail on your poking finger is a bonus :-)

 

 

While pinching with your thumb and finger, push the corner to face right side out.  Moo has nice hands don't you think?  The black cord is Willis' harness lead. He's very clever and goes for a walk on the lead.  That's him in the photo at the top 

 

 

A bluntish skewer or point turner will crisp up the point.  Scissors and knives poke holes so it's best not to use them.  Now pardon the slightly blurry closeup

 

 

BIG DEAL you say.....  But... the benefit of NOT snipping the little corners off is that your points will always stay pointy because..........  well it just does and I could garble some nonsense but just try it next time.  It works.

 

Now go make a hanging sleeve.... or a pocket or collar or something else that requires a prickly point.  And tell all your friends

 

Today's message has been brought to you by Ratty - just to make you smile :-)

 

Who loves this?

It's sweet isn't it??  and it's called 'Sweetheart' too!  This beautiful little quilt was designed by Terry Layton as a pattern for Fresh Hope..........   How pretty........

How are you all going with your christmas gift stitching?  Mine is going

s l o w l y

because life is just too busy right now  :-)

But I did finish my SSCS 09 swap gifts and get them in the mail today.  Deadline...?   Today! Just in time

Sneak peeks

Busy day today but I'll be back later.  Until then, go have a look at Fiona's sewing studio........ How fab would it be to have that much organised space??  And she 's not fibbing..  I saw the before photos :-)

have a fun stitchy day

Cheryl xx

Have you got a minute?

Good.... Me too!  :-)

So much to tell, so little time - have you seen Vikki's freebie over at the Gum Tree?  Gorgeous!!  and there's one on the go in my house.  Redwork stitching with DMC 115 instead of the applique, it's hanging around with figgy pudding.  Isn't it cute?  It might just be going to someone across the miles...  maybe...

It's almost Monday again and that means there'll be ANOTHER free design for you - this one will be from the lovely Fiona at Mother's Cupboard so check under the Gum Tree for your free pdf pattern.  I've seen photos and it's gorgeous.....

Hats are happening here in my house....

 

they're FREE over at Tozz's corner - all 9 little hat stitchery patterns are still available for you to download for free.  I'm doing these in redwork.... got a thing for it at the minute.  Maybe there'll be more redwork to come so stay tuned!  You'll be wanting to see that.........

I've traced and coloured Judith's Christmas Rose project and it's ready for some stitchin' action.  Can't wait to start this one, I think it's going to be so sweet...

Stitcher's Angel Gifts

Christine has received the bundle of fun stuff I sent across the miles...  A mini wallhanging all about quilting, a little 'angel' mug mat, a sewing and needle folder and a wee little rosie bag just the right size for carrying a couple of garden faeries.  I hope she has some.....

Well that was fun...........

Now tell me which one you prefer..... our sweet little birdie on the vintage cross stitched doiley

or the same birdie on the gorgeous pale blue damask?

$3 at Lifeline Thrift Shop last week bought me 3 beautiful damask napkins, the large'ish cross stitched table centre and an embroidered linen piece.  All in perfect condition

 
I love old stuff

That's it for now........  another busy day tomorrow.  Wasnt' it hot today???  Yep, even the trees on the ridge look hot

 

You know those perfectly crisp and sharp points that you see and you wonder how on earth you can get them so crisp without poking the end of the knitting needle or scissors through the fabric? 

One of these days I might show you how to do it........ :-)  Maybe.......

have a lovely stitchy day

Cheryl xx

I've got loads more to tell but I need my beauty sleep apparently..... But!!  We can't have a post without a quilt - this gorgeous thing is by Aileen.  Crisp blue and white quilted with large open blossoms...... simplistic deliciousness - AMEN

this week's quilting and doings....

I searched all day and finally found a spare 38 seconds to quickly scribble a message and show some photos

If you're looking for a sweet baby quilt contact Mary at Fresh Hope - mary@freshhopepatterns.com

These are some of the little bubby rugs I recently quilted for Fresh Hope - Mary will now bind them and have them ready for sale in the wink of an eye....  all of these little quilts have poly wadding/batting

'Up up and away.... Teddies in the basket' - 100% cotton

'Garden Party bugs' - flannel

Blue alphabet - flannel

Sampler throw - 100% cotton

What else has been happening?  Some needle turn applique beautifulness.  Do you like the chain stitch finish around the leaf?  Just for something different... this is a sneak look at a new project for Creating Country Threads.  I'm so pleased with the finish and I can't wait for you all to see it too!  That will be in a few months time.........  :-)

 

and this one is just delicious!  But only a little peep of it because it's not finished yet...  beautiful threads on fabric as soft as silk.... tactile loveliness :-)

Remember Eva?

Well, it's just hanging around waiting for it's turn to shine... :-)

And last of all..... did you see Dawn's christmas freebie design under the gum tree?  Go have a look, it's so sweet!  It's the sixth freebie and that means there are still three more to come... and they're all GREAT - especially because they're FREE!

Actually that was second last of all..... I hit the quilting studio most mornings by 8.30am.  Normally I'm all tizzed and tarted up ready for whatever the day brings.  As you can see, my hair is coiffed and curled and primped .... (I've retired the silver bulldog clips in favour of these, apparently they actually ARE for hobbling wayward fringes...)

I slip into my stilletos....

and trundle off down the back stairs to go to work for the day....  (purple tracky dacks* hide the hairy legs... did you know that?  Well, now you know....)

What adventures did you trundle into today?

Hope you had fun, wherever you went :-)

seeya

Cheryl xx

*FOOTNOTE:  For the non-Aussies.... 'tracky dacks' are the bottom half or 'pants' part of a 'track suit'... fleecy lined, they should only EVER be worn in quilting studios and sewing rooms....never in public  :-)   AMEN

Creating Country Threads Magazine goes to......

Tine in Copenhagen!!  Tine's comment was the lucky one drawn from the pink bucket

 

 

Tine, I'll need your slow mail address so I'll contact you by email soon.  You very own copy of 'Creating Country Threads' Magazine will soon be at your door :-)  I know you'll love it, it's full of heaps of fun stuff!!!

What else have I been up to?  Gettin' up to no good, let me tell ya

Dawn's cute little 'no fat chocolate cake' design - it's available on her blog for free!  I've completed the stitching but not sure how to finish it off....  If it were a real piece of chocolate cake there'd be no problem - straight down the hatch..... :-)

So what should I do.... Maybe a panel on a mug bag?  Or a pretty mat for the table?  Let me know what you think......

Happy Anniversary to me and the Funny Little Man.... I baked a roast dinner tonight and we had choc mousse for dessert... yum.   Thanks for all the sweet messages and nice wishes, I'm pretty sure we'll last at least another 31 years.  I'm worth it..... 

wii fun

Bloss bought a wii.... here she is with her Dad playing tennis in the cave.  Did we think in 1989 that in 20 years time we'd hold onto things that look like cordless phones and play tennis in the lounge?  Nope!! 

No stitching in my fave stitching chair while that pair are jumping around the room !!  Blossie won and yes, there were tantrums from the loser....

Just a peep at one of the gifty bits I made for my Stitcher's Angel partner.... cute little buttons... and lovely rosey fabric from Fiona at Mothers Cupboard

Thanks for entering the giveaway, if you have trouble finding the magazine and will simply collapse if you don't get one, let me know and we'll see what we can do.... :-)

seeya next tomorrow

Cheryl xx

Not sure what's happened with the text tonight.... mad!!!  Hope you can read it properly :-)