Sue Spargo Magnolia Quilt- Progress so far

I have wanted to make this quilt for ages (Sue Spargo's Original above) and finally got the book with the pattern. I love the idea of mixing different fabric as well as embellishments to create more of an artwork than a quilt. This is the style of Sue Spargo. When you read her book and she gives suggestions of how to embellish your quilt she says that is addictive. I can understand why.

Block 3 above- work in progress.

Block 2 above- not finished yet- needs to be embellished.

Block 1 above- basically done but may add more embellishment and bird to come later.

As you can see from my blocks my colours are quite different. I hope that it looks good once done!! It's been fun so far. I have collected some interesting fabrics, ric-rac, ribbons, threads, beads etc.

New bird cushion

I made the front of this cushion in Australia but hadn't finished making it up. I finally got roung to it yeaterday. The applique emroidered panel is on linen which has then been combined with pretty Tanya Whelan fabrics and some trim.

Vintage linens

In my previous post I mentioned I would post some of the handembroidered vintage linens I've been collecting over the years. These are a couple of my favourites, I love the colours.

Vintage goodness!

I'm planning on making a quilt with pretty vintage embroideries and my own embroideries. I'm not quite sure how this quilt is going to be yet but I have been collecting vintage tablecloths and traycloths for some time now. I recently discovered Pam Garrison who is the most wonderful artist, one day I hope to buy one of her paintings! She made a beautiful bedspread with vintage doilies which is totally inspiring. You should go and check it out. Later today I'll photograph my growing collection of goodies. I bought the 2 doilies posted here in a little antique shop in Oz. They were plain so I embroidered them with patterns from my new book sas gave me for Christmas, 'Embroidery Craft: Stitching through the seasons' by Vicki Haninger. Truely gorgeous stitcheries in that one!

Pretty girlie things

I made a whole lot of goodies when I was in Australia. All for little girls. I made bags, necklaces, crowns, hair bands and hair elastics as well. Finally I will share some of them with you! Some I have put aside for a customer order and other will go into my Etsy shop. More different images on flickr

December Markets

Here are a few shots from the markets we did in December. It was good to have Rach here so she could be part of the action. We all did well. During our last market for the year we had a big sale in the hopes of selling a lot of stock so that we can start with some fresh ideas for 2011. This year we probably won't do as many markets as mum is moving to Brisbane so my market partner will not be available. I still want to do a few as they are fun and might even start a second Etsy store where I can sell my stuff.

My New Painting by Tanya from Roocci

This is my fantastic new painting that I bought at Hide and Seek Market in December from a stall called Roocci. Rach and I had a stall at the market and always like to look at some of the things that other people are doing. This stall owned by Tanya, had wonderful original artworks as well as prints of her artworks. Most of the paintings were of Australian animals. I normally hate paintings of Australian animals but these were soooo cute. Initially I purchased several prints (I will have to blog them later as I haven't taken a photo of them yet- the dingos are to die for!!)but loved the original paining above. I went back to my stall and kept looking back at the painting. With a little encouragement from Rach I decided that I had to buy the painting. I was so excited to get it home and hang it up. It's my first large artwork that I have bought. I have had many nice comments on it when people come over and see it. Rach, one of my friends and I all bought several of her prints. They are great and we think that she is an undiscovered talent who will go a long way. I suggest you get in early before she gets too big and you can afford an original!! Have a look at her website and Facebook page. I know that I will be back for more!

Stockings Galore

These gorgeous stockings were completed by Sas for customer orders in Sydney. They are really stunning!

Santa Sacks for Christmas at Dad's

For Christmas our Dad requested 10 stockings! We had 5 boys and 5 girls. Sarah made the girlie stockings and Rach made the ones for the boys. They looked fantastic hanging over dad's fireplace which of course was not lit as it's summer here in Oz!!!!

We have gone a bit stocking mad this year. We have both probably made over 20 stockings for orders, family, markets and Etsy. They are quite fun to do and we have lots more ideas which we will have to save for Christmas 2011. For now we just want to do something different as we are so over making Christmas stuff!

Christmas Decoration by Mum

Yet another lovely felt Christmas decoration by mum. Again this is made with wool felt, applique, and embroidery. Mum sold out of these at the markets.

Felt Decorations by Mum

Sorry we have been very slack in the blogging department lately. December was hectic with markets, sewing and Christmas!! Rach has been here in Australia and we just haven't stopped. There has been almost no time for sewing (other than for markets and orders) just for the pleasure of it. So here is a bit of what we have been up to.

These wonderful decorations were made by mum for our brother's house. She had them hanging on a wrought iron tree with other decorations she had made. These were made from an Italian pattern Rach gave her. I can't remember the name but can provide it if anyone needs it. They are quite large and are made from gorgeous wool felt, applique and embroidery.