Friday 30 September 2011

How not to's and Thank You's...

Sorry to anyone who was confused by the last non post...  I had been trying to write a post, and it really wasn't happening and I kept falling asleep.  Eventually I woke up and saw that I'd published something!  So, cant un-publish so I had to delete... Which was annoying cos it deleted the post but not the fact that I'd posted something, and it deleted the draft version too cos I'd published.  Pants!

I got my final part of Cindy's Mug Rug and Goodie Swap completed.  I wanted to do a needle case / sewing kit and I'd seen the perfect tutorial here.  I really should learn to actually refer to the tutorials regularly though...  I read it so many times before I start that I sometimes forget to actually look at it whilst I'm beavering away.  Naturally, that doesn't work.  My needle case was pretty much a disaster from start to finish, every single stage went wrong and needed re-done.  Then, when I finally got it finished, I spotted the fact that it closes back to front!  D'oh!  Never mind.  It looks all right in the photos and it works, its practical enough!


There you have it.  One back to front needle case.  I wish I'd done a trial run first!  But, it has the requisite needle pages, two pockets and, AND I did another zipper!  And this time the zipper was about the only part of the whole thing that I didn't f#** up....  

I've received one of my swaps back, a lovely, very thoughtful package from Catherine @ Sew wonderful Life 


Those zigzags are just the teeniest little Half Square Triangles!  And her box pouch has a perfectly fitted zipper...  A package I should learn from!  Note the inclusion of Another Zipper....  Cheeky ;-)
I also had some lovely post (non swap related).  I got my Rainbow Charm Squares from Kati @ from the blue chair who after running round one of a brilliant charm swap is now about to host another Quilt Along that I really wish I could join in on!  I'll go back to it later I'm quite sure, it looks awesome.  Also, I got the kindest parcel from Elisa @ Postpartum Quilter who sent me a 9.5" Square Ruler, along with a fab wee origami crane, some adorable wee felt buttons, and some chocolate!  Score!  Thank you Catherine, Kati and Elisa!  Ain't bloggy life grand?!

Elisa's origami crane

Els getting in on the photy action...  
Meanwhile.. I've been doing my September Bee blocks for lovely Susan (whom I instruct you to visit cos she's brilliant) Awkward madam that she is she sent us parts for Drunkards Path blocks... which for the non quilters, well, drunkards path - cant go in a straight line...  Its curves...  lots and lots of sewing curves.


Took me at least 2 goes per curve....


Did that more than once too.  Not to mention my awful not-quite-quarter-inch seam ends, which all had to be unpicked and re-done too.  However, they are done - I just cant show you yet ;-)  As much as I mess up, I have to say I LOVE that my bee ladies make me try new things!  It is really challenging, but so pleasing to actually complete something you didn't think you'd have the nerve to try yourself.  Great fun!

16 comments:

  1. Love that last photo!! Can't wait to see the blocks. And nice to the postman has been good to you too. Seems to me posties have become quite amazing people lately.

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  2. It was a cool post - and this one is even better!!
    Have a nice day and maybe even more postal goodness x

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  3. I love those cute wee needle cases, fun and practical! Good to hear that you've proved inserting zips aren't all that bad!! Jxo

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  4. Darn those curves! Love the little needlecase, and it's extra quirky that it opens back to front :)
    I have plans to face my zipper phobia shortly... eeeeekkkk x

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  5. So much eye candy and what fab goodies in the post!

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  6. Your needle case is lovely! And what amazing post you've had :)

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  7. I too have recently learned to do zippers and I don't know about you but I still wouldn't say they are easy. I would say they are doable but only after much grumbling and fiddling. Thanks for sharing - now I am know I am not the only one who fusses with things and messes them up (remember my first needle case - utter disaster).

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  8. Needle case - lovely! You do not know what you can do till you try Swaps and Bees are good for pushing us that little extra step! You are doing so brilliantly and fighting the habit too - keep it up!

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  9. Drunkards path! That is the best name for a quilting block!

    I hate zips with a passion, in fact i don't think anyone would claim to enjoy inserting them into anything, so don't worry you aren't alone.

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  10. Hi, Sarah! You're swap projects are so neat: great ideas, great fabrics, great designs. Loved the story about your hoover (although, how unfortunate), and congratulations on getting so far as a non-smoker. It will get better. You don't appear to be suffering as much as someone near and dear who told me he felt like he was going to die every day for six months--plus his teeth began to wiggle. Said person has been a non-smoker for quite awhile now, thankfully. Hang in there!
    best, nadia

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  11. I've had the same problem with Blogger and it stinks! No worries. We're happy to keep coming back and checking in on your news :)

    Your needle case is great even if it's a little backwards. Its yours and that's all that matters. xx

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  12. Those needlecases don't look back to front to me - is that because I am a leftie or the bump on the head..lol.

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  13. your needlecases look fantastic! Love the pic of Ellie cat!

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  14. Loved this post and it's nice to see Ellie cat! The needle case is fabulous!

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  15. Your goodies look fab (see, I would have been brazen enough to just say that needle case was meant to open that way ;o) ), and well done conquering the drunkard's path.

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  16. I love both your needle cases!! And that's a really cute shot of your cat! I am about to attempt my first zipper(s) this week for a cube organizer I am making and I am terrified after reading about everyone's experiences with them. Wish me luck! I love the drunkard's path pattern-- looking forward to seeing them when they are finished.

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