WILLOW VALLEY STORE

Apple cores and Clam shells

That sounds like an unusual recipe? But not when they are paper and fabric ;-)

Paper piecing is great fun.

Its a bit full circle for me. I started on a paper pieced hexagon quilt as my first project about 20 years ago. It was made with Laura Ashley fabrics. ( a UFO that I parted with a long time ago and kinda wish I hadn't).

I have done a few lately with hexies of various sizes - but the curved shapes I have avoided.

So - Two things I would like to accomplish this year - mastering apple cores and clamshells.

Here is my first play with apple cores...

I stitched this while holidaying at the farm. It went together really easily and very very accurately. All those intersections meet up so perfect - happy! The clever thing about this one is that the seams interlock so it is easy to sew and sits flat.

I will complete as a table runner. Machine quilt it myself in the ditch. Good project to practice wavey binding on too - havent done that apart from rounded corners.

And here is my first play with clamshells. I did 40 of these last night. They go together fast and easy too. Just have to start the hand applique now  (currently glue basted)

The templates that I used were Sue Daleys Patchwork with Busyfingers - love them!

I like little projects where I can try a new skill - finish it - and then try something else. Thats whats good about Dear Jane too.

More stuff on the accomplish it list for 2012  - master PERFECT needleturn applique circles, and master REVERSED needleturn applique.....

xo Cath

think l want one....

of these...

gosh you can't deny its really beautiful esthetically...

I already have 3 sewing machines (incl 2 old Singers retired) and did think a Sweet Sixteen would be my next purchase for its quilting benefits? I am not so sure that this new Singer will do anything I can't already do on my Q ed Brother that I love.....its just that I am really taken by the look of it. Its a superb blend of vintage and modern.

Has anyone test driven this little black beauty???

xo Cath

Dear Jane. G6 Papa's Star. Centre 1" Ohio Star.

This is my second attempt! (First one was after hard days work and 2 glasses of wine. Epic fail. )

But this one is pretty good. An easy hour.

I think it would be cute to make 12 of them and make a tiny quilt.

Tally so far....

Dear Jane blocks finished = 8   

Dear Jane blocks cut out ready to sew = 7   (waiting for some matching silk thread for applique)

No grand illusions about making the whole quilt. Really enjoying the process of learning something new from each block. "What are you going to teach me today Jane?"

xo Catherine

Winter Diversion

Every winter I knit myself a scarf. This has been my habit for some time. 

Some years......my knitting ends up in the bin.

I knit a litttle bit shit - but still I persist.

I hold the needles all wrong. The poor wool creaks at times as it is pulled and dragged into submission. It reminds me of a big wooden sailing ship - the needles are the masts and the wool is the rigging - and there is a storm at sea going on. 

I forget where I am. Drop stitches. Add stitches. I use the incorrect terminology and make up my own (like "front one" and "back stitch"). Holes appear. Loops form at the end of the my rows. I call my rows  "laps" - because its like a marathon - see - more made up lingo...

So this year I am determined to do something roooly kleva.

I am teaching myself how to knit cables.

This year no matter WHAT I am gonna Conquer the Cable and cross it off the "I can't do it" list.

My dear MIL is a brilliant knitter. She makes gorgeous warm cable jumpers for all the men folk in the family. I wish she was here to help me ;-) Handknits are so earthy and NOTHING store bought could possibly compare!

Here is a jumper she made for Brian several years ago.

OK First step - do that slip knot. Crap. Forgotten how to do that. Quick google. Ah yep ok got it.

Next step - cast on 38 stitches. Crap. Forgotten how to do that too. Quick google. Ah yep ok got it.

Do some ribbing with your rigging until its 2 inches. Great done.

Some front and back stitch in sequences of 6 and 2.

Ok now we are ready to get that weird cable needle happening. This is as awkward as trying to use 3 chopsticks at once. Hm ok well thats not so bad and scarey. Wow, so its only one lap that has chopstick cross overs and the rest is the usual front and back stitch. Too easy! LOL

Da Dah!!!

How Kleva am I? Or Knot? LOL!!!

The needles I am using are wonderful! They are vintage FAUX tortoise shell from the 60's/70's and are made from casein - a milk protein. They are soft and bendy. You can still buy these in the op shops. Thats where I got that little counter doodad from too.

xo Catherine

P.S. Here is the link to the pattern in proper knitting language!

 

Plenty of good stuff....

2 projects completed!!!!

Pretty pleased with that considering that I had a one month deadline for BOTH of them. Gosh I take some big faith steps sometimes. Thats ok. When wonderful opportunities arrive they should be seized with both arms - like a big hug. Unfortunately, I cant show you any of it - not even sneaky peaks. Its all secret squirrel. BUT I have put a lot of love into both of them - and hope that when you see them later this year you will like them. I have kept my head out of blogland for a few weeks while I organized my time super efficiently - dont know about you, but blogging is distracting and before I know it - an hour or more can slip by.

Yippee its now school holidays. I have a week off and then tag with Mr B. who will manage the rest.

I am just loving the thought of sleeping in until 7.00am for a whole 9 days in a row. Bliss. Sure wont miss that 5.30 alarm.

 

So here is my show and tell for today that I CAN share....

Remember my hexies? They are growing - and I now have 17 completed daisies. I am using Fig Tree Quilts fabrics - all ranges - very scrappy. Hooray for the Sewline  glue pen and Sue Daleys templates - they make it ssssooo easy and enjoyable. I still dont have a concrete plan for these. I think thats another reason why I am loving this. There are so many things in my life that have rules, expectations and protocol attached to them that the freedom to just make them for the sake of it is lovely.

I also have these diamond, triangle and jewel templates that match my hexies perfectly. I sit and play with them making all sorts of designs. I wonder what will eventuate?

And guess what?

I have been resisting this one for ages - because I really dont have the time...(but do any of us??)

I finally bought this....

and in just 5 days I have these sweet Baby Janes (plus 1 more completed and 3 started)

Ok so the plan here is to make some blocks until the fun runs out. So the best it might get is a table runner with about 15 blocks. But I hope not. Because it IS fun and I am learning some really useful skills too. Its a lovely sense of achievement when you complete each little block. I have joined a Dear Jane class that is hosted by Sandra at Foothills Fabric and Threads  first Sat of the month. Thankyou Sandra for your great tuition with the curved piecing!!!! I really enjoyed myself.

And guess what?

Told ya I have been busy...

I dusted off a long buried childhood/teenage dream - took advantage of the recent huge sale at Horseland - bought myself some boots, jodphurs, hat and gloves - and somehow squeezed horse riding into my agenda. YYeeeeehhhhhhhhhhhaay!  so loving that! (Please excuse the mud and horse hair!!)

I have a private lesson once a week for an hour. I am learning so much and having the time of MY LIFE!!!!

xo Cath

Pointy bottom

....think I have pointy bottom syndrome....aka - can't sit still long enough to sew, take photos or blog!

By the time I finally get what has now evolved into,  a rare day off  - I am catching up on the the washing, ironing, vaccuming, floor washing,  grabing groceries, planning dinners for the week, tidy garden, wash dog, walk dog , visit Nicole my osteopath (who God bless her is fixing up my right shoulder beautifully) etc etc etc. I am the first out the door in the morning (by an hour + ) and the last one home at night (by 2 hours +) . I am super lucky to have Brian who somehow manages to work full time, helps out with this stuff too and runs the boys around to their various after school activities. I feel like I am either a whirlwind or unconscious (and snoring so I am told). I deny this. Breathing heavy is not snoring...besides only boys snore. Maybe I need some vitamins - the coffee OD default plan sure isnt working!

So, my life is seriously missing those quiet spots that is required for needle and thread to meet that I used to enjoy so much - and I now realize - took for granted last year.

Ok well thats all boring and you didnt come here for that...everyone is busy Cath suck it up.

so here are some things I have been up to that I CAN do late at night when the winter lighting is poor and I am too tired to think. This is not a pity post. I am truly happy and having fun!

If your life is a bit stretched at the moment - you might find some inspiration here to get you through....and that really is my motivation for sharing today.

Hexagons.

Have no idea what I am doing with them...that doesnt matter right now. There are lots of options. I am making all mine strictly from Figtree fabrics - various ranges. I am thinking a quilt and the size will depend apon how bored I get with it ?!?! Super easy. Dont baste them -  use these kleva Sewline pens. Done in no time. They adhere quickly and release easily when you want them to - so you can retrieve the card templates and re-use them (precuts of course - save time)

Had a play with these ones too from Patchwork with Busy Fingers. Pointed 12 piece dresden plates. Cute! Will definately collect some more of these!!!

I used lots of blue scraps and didnt get too fussed about ensuring that this goes with that. Very scrappy. I am thinking of appliquing them onto pink circles and then larger blue ones with scalloped edges?! Not sure yet, once again - no end plan. 6 made so far.

Playing with some selvedges.

Inspired here by Jodie @ Vintage Ric Rac  who made an amazing dress from them and other stuff too! I have made mine with part of the fabric showing and am arranging them into rainbows. Got a few ideas but - yep you geussed it - no end plan. I have been busily going through my fabric stash and removing the selvedges with at least 1"  of the fabric too...and stuffing them into a bag saving them up. I think you should too. And swap some with your buddies. I am sure you will find something to do with them. Table runner would look good ;-)

Haven't done much practice on machine quilting (went to an excellent machine quilting class with Pam Spurway few months back  - thanks Pam!)

- (lots of excuses - right shoulder needs rest - back room of the house where sewing machine lives is too cold - and of course my bottom is too pointy etc etc etc)  but did manage to finish this little dolly quilt.

- and seeing as we have no dolls in this testosterone abode - it doubles as a candle mat for the dining room table. Amazingly it has been spared tomatoe sauce assault so far....

xoxo Cath

William and Kate

Wow how good was Will and Kates wedding!

I wasn't planning on watching it at all. I figured meh! I am not a fan of the royal family and the continual reference to Kate as a 'commoner' has made me roll my eyes.

We were actually going to go out (Field Nats) ....but once I got watching it - I was entranced and didnt budge from the sofa.

I loved the wedding because:

* as a mum myself of 2 boys I knew Dianna would be so proud of Will and Harry. I remember them both being born - have watched them grow over the years - and totally bawled my eyes out watching Dianna's funeral. (being an emotional wreck at this time with a 3 month old baby was partly responsible) 

* it bought back memories of my own wedding day - and how I was feeling on that day

* the entire Middleton family 'owned it' and were full of style with a wonderful sort of  'humble confidence' - they were friendly and they just won me over. I was applauding and cheering for them all.

* it was lovely to see 2 people obviously in love get married

* THE dress - OMG - Kates dress was fabulous. So perfect. Timeless.

* and ...... the BEST bridesmaids dress ever - well done Pippa!

* as Wills and Kate waved to the crowd they were genuine and enthusiastic

* nothing bad went wrong (so I guess those millions $$$ on security paid off)

* the horses, carriages and uniforms - wow what a spectacle

* the spin in the Aston Martin was a fun touch

So I went from someone who wasnt going to watch it - to a gal who sat on the sofa and was glued to the TV and didnt want to miss a thing.

What a big turn around. Did that happen to you?

Anyway I figured I would make a little momento that night.....

so here is my Union Jack made with Pete's wool (Hatched and Patched). I didnt have enough plain cream in stock and so chose a biege herringbone instead which I think is vintagey like its been in a war or something.Its destined to be backed with flannel - a button or 3 - and filled with crushed walnut shells...

always room for another pincushion....

xo Cath

PS here are some sneak peaks of some more wool pincushions I have been playing with

Hols!

OMG how good are the school hols! In my jimjams and pottering around all day for week 1. Messy hair, no makeup, bare feet , jeans and T shirts...love that.

Had fun relaxing and making lots of quick projects from other designers, played in the garden - loved my pink windflowers in the autumn sunset. Thanks to our abundant rain and sunshine I had literally armfuls of them!!!

- then "tag you're IT" back to work for me - and its Brian's turn for week 2.

We are very blessed to share the home and career roles. I think it gives us both a good appreciation for each other....great for our boys too!

Last weekend I had the unexpected and awesome privilege of attending a full day class with Pam Spurway.

Pam is well known for her beautiful range of dyed threads, felt and ric rac - Cottage Garden Threads.

But she is also pretty darn good (roolly troolly seriously good!!!!) at heirloom machine quilting.

To say l learnt a lot would be an understatement.

Pam took us through choosing the correct type of batting, thread and needles (and why) and the quilting style to best suit your quilt top to show off your quilting.

... successful preparation and pinning...techniques, pros and cons of various marking methods and of course all the machine quilting clues to turn flimsies into glorious cuddly yummies.

We had time to practice - which was a tad frustrating cos we wanted gorgeous results effortlessly like Pam immediately...and we were all a bit dismayed cos we sucked!  Pam makes it look so easy!

But we were all excited too - as we could see the potential just on the horizon over yonder. Pam gave us some clever tips about how to practice our skills with some clever do-able projects. Great homework stuff!

I was having some trouble maintaining thread tension hhmmmm... so after we evicted the HUGE dust bunny that had felted himself into the bottom of my sewing machine things improved a lot LOL.  He sure had a cosy burrow!!!!!!!!!!!!! Note to Cath - undo those 2 screws and clean it regularly you dork!

Karen took a photo and I said don't you dare blog that!!! hehehehe. That was really embarrassing. Hope she does blog it...so we can all have a laugh at my big big big dust bunny!!

Oh well at least its proof that I do sew a lot - even if there isn't much finished proof of completed projects worthy of blogging about.

So now its practice  practice practice practice to put all of the golden tips into place.

Here is a honey bun quilt that I am stippling.....ignore those loose threads for now....

I have stippled before - but it was  not fun - and now it is - even the bigger quilts (and there are no creases on the back!)  Thanks Pam!!!!

Can't wait to get going on those feathers and daisies and other wonderful quilty lines.

Mission for this year: seek out the workshops that teach great skills and learn learn learn...

Are you booked into a class that you are excited about? I would love to hear what it is!

xo Cath

I sure will miss....

the gorgeous view I have had for the past week!!

This was our balcony (one of 3! spoiled rotten!!) where we have been kicking back and watching the surf roll in.

The beach was beautiful...and we had so much of it to ourselves....

I have been busy here when able, working on some projects...

this is one I have been wanting to do for a while

this is the BONUS extra mini stitchery that will be accompanying the main design in my Robin's Nest pattern from now on....

   
I kept the colour palette simple - red fonts, blue eggs and the rest antiqued brown. It will go perfectly into a 6" sq frame. Pretty pleased with that.

 Here is another design I have had in my hands a lot....sweet bunnies and hearts needleturn appliqued. It has a cheerful vintage feel about it that really makes me smile.  More than ever I am finding that quilts made entirely from one fabric range are a bit safe...and they just dont look yesterday enough for me.

 The fabrics are mostly Savannah - with ring ins added from my stash. I know that one of the endearing things that I love about vintage quilts is their almost makedo fabric choices. 

Another reason this one makes me smile is that Louie provided the rabbit silhouette  for me - although I had to change the ears on my design and make them stand up - cos his lop - and he looked like a strange square headed bunny with no ears unless I did.

We have had Louie since he was 6 weeks old and he is very sweet. Thats him on the right. 

I have also taken the time this week to create a new catalogue. Just a few finishing touches and it will be ready some time next week. I am going to add a modified one here to my blog as a PDF. You will be able to view - click and save - email on to your friends - and print.

xo Catherine

 

Sneaky peak....

....here is a peak at a project I have completed, that you will see in a magazine next year.

Cant say much about it yet....here are some clues....Church   Starlight   Blackbird.

I received some of my inspiration for my block  from here...across the road from where I work...
 
xo Catherine - who is REALLY EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!