Thursday 18 September 2008

Lots of pictures (119)

I don't know if I'm happy to be reminded that I'm 60 now, but I guess it's okay if it's accompanied by a belated birthday gift! A present arrived from my sister-in-law and her family - the family are known for being late for everything! DSL is great at finding presents that are fun and useful, made much easier for her I'm sure now that I have several hobbies. She sent me several lovely fat quarters and a paper crimper. I used the paper crimper to make a thank you card and look forward to finding ideas for the fabric. 

I've now completed three more Dear Jane blocks. 
I'm hand piecing them and enjoying the time spent sitting quietly listening to the radio. I've not enjoyed applique before, but have tried a new method which works for me - I use freezer paper on the back and leave it on until I have finished stitching, then slit the backing fabric and remove the paper. (Apologies for the creased backings in both photographs - I can never find the 'perfect' setting - what do you do?)











And finally, I can show you some pictures of the bag I sent to Jo-Anne (at
 The Carter Clan) for Linda's Bag and Bucket Swap. It's made from a pattern in Anni Downs' little Simple Pleasures book.

Well, it's a glorious early autumn day here, blue skies, sunshine and that gorgeous hint of a chill in the air. Tanya's post (at Taniwa) about cemeteries has made me feel like taking a walk to our local graveyard, which should look wonderful today. Perhaps I'll remember to take my camera.

13 comments:

Amelia said...

I have used the freezer paper before and have found it pretty successful for most jobs. Your blocks looks like it is working perfect for you.

Enjoy the lovely weather.

Amelia

Anonymous said...

Amanda what wonderfull things you have been up to and a late b,day gift,
My camera is not that good for talking pic`s tends to be on the dark side, electric light hs not helped with my photo`s,
Just cant belive the sunny is been out lots this week, makes a nice change, Catch up with you soon,
Take care

scraphappy said...

Such adorable Dear Jane blocks! I use the freezer paper method as well, and it is much easier for me than needle turn.

Lynn said...

Your Dear Jane blocks are wonderful! You have really jumped right into doing those. Uh-oh - I'm feeling like I want to jump on the Dear Jane Bandwagon.

Peg - Happy In Quilting said...

Your bag for Linds bag swp is just lovley...and soare your DJ blocks you have been very busy.

Anonymous said...

Love your little blocks, When I press my applique I use a thick towel and place the applique right side down on to towel and press with my iron on cotton setting, I also like a bit off steam.

cheers
Christine

don't press your applique on the right side as you can leave shiny marks on the thicker parts

Anonymous said...

Love your little blocks, When I press my applique I use a thick towel and place the applique right side down on to towel and press with my iron on cotton setting, I also like a bit off steam.

cheers
Christine

don't press your applique on the right side as you can leave shiny marks on the thicker parts

SueR said...

Nice job on the Dear Jane blocks. I can't remember if I did that tear drop one, but I did one similar to that with circles, and I had trouble with it--couldn't get them lined up even and laying flat. Plenty of things to practice in this quilt!

Kay said...

I just can't get over how creative you are. I love just looking at all your designs and ideas.

Liz said...

Hi Amanda,
Your swap bag is beautiful. Jo-Anne is very lucky.
These Anni Downs patterns are very popular I will have to check them out.
Your Dear Jane blocks are great too.
Presents are great anytime I say early or late!!!!!!
Take care and kind regards from Liz

Candace said...

I enjoyed your post Amanda. The gift is lovely, and I can see the possibility of some of it showing up in your Dear Jane blocks. Speaking of which, they are lovely. Your bag is adorable, and girly with the lacey top.

Anina said...

Oh I love the little Baby Jane blocks. Lovely fabric choices!

Rhonda said...

Great bag!

Happy belated birthday!