Make Welcome a new Blogger

I'd like to introduce you to a new blogger - Kelli from and then there's rustic. Kelli is a big fan of all things rustic and primitive. Log cabins, penny rugs, homespuns and plaids are among her favourites.

I'm looking forward to sharing her journey.



The lovely LeKa from LeKa Quilt has given me a friendship award. Thank you LeKa! I am enjoying your blog and projects as well as learning Norwegian (with a little help from Google Translator).

Did you know that the Norwegian word for fabric/material is *stoff*? That the English word *stuff* comes from the Old French *estoffe* - a quilted material worn under chain mail.

Now, the Normans (Norsemen) were Viking conquerors of Northern France. They also did a job on the Saxon English in 1066. See, I remembered something from my high school history lessons.

Okay, well I thought I thought it was interesting.

Making Friends Again

I thought it was high time I became reacquainted with the scrap quilt top I finished last year. It's a combination of hand and machine piecing. I'm using a cotton batting that can be machine and/or hand quilted. I was thinking I might hand quilt the diamonds. Maybe. We'll see.

Also made a start on one of the baby quilts I'm making. It's called Farmyard Stack.


Happy Stitching

That Weekend Cat Blogging Thing

From grotbags2

Out there in bloggy world are lots of people who regularly post pictures of their cat/s for Weekend Cat Blogging. My favourite is Smudge from sidewalk shoes. He knows he's a celebrity.

These two characters were posted in a forum comment by grotbags2. Since I don't have cats of my own I am forced to live vicariously through others.

Thanks grotbags2...these cheeky chaps made my day!

All Stations To....

Editor of the British edition of Country Living magazine, Susy Smith, lives with her family in a disused railway station transformed into a fabulous home.

She even has an old telephone box!

Sigh. I could live there tomorrow - which does means Susy and her family would have to move out. I'm sure she wouldn't mind.


How gorgeous is this kitchen!


To see more of Susy's home click on any of the images above.

It's one of my favourite magazines. Makes me want to put on my rose coloured glasses and move to Old Blighty.

Iced Mocha Latte

Thank you to everyone for your kinds thoughts and concern. I really appreciated your comments. Happy to report that I am fully recovered - which means I have to go back to work. Drats!

Because I made the cross shaped blocks first, the remainder of this quilt came together in good time.

I probably won't tell my son I've called it Iced Mocha Latte as he's a bit blokey. He'd say something like "Aahhh, maarrrmm!".

The backing fabric I found isn't quite the right shade of brown so I'm thinking I might dye it a slighter deeper shade.

Then I can quilt it. All 68 1/2 square inches of it. On my Janome QC6260.

Why don't I make miniatures?

Happy Stitching

A Week at Home

Now that would be a fantastic opportunity if I wasn't flattened by a head cold. My Boss has ordered me to spend the week at home. Don't need to be asked twice thank you very much.

I actually felt a bit better yesterday and did a little sewing. Sorry about the image - I blame the camera and not the snuffle-headed operator.

Three more borders to go and the top is finished. The quilt was actually meant to be finished for giving this weekend but that's okay. I've been behind schedule all this year. Should have the Christmas presents out by Easter at this rate.

I'll also share with you a little self indulgence (as if this blog isn't enough!)



25 fat quarters of Faye Burgos' Sachet Potpourri. I blame Faye for this. She designed this fabric. She does this a lot you know.

My friend Kelli sent me this fantastic pincushion. Thanks Kelli - I love it!


It feels amazing and the colours are marvellous.

Happy Stitching

Blog Giveaways

There are lots of good things being given away right now. Go and visit these blogs for a chance to win some wonderful goodies.

My Irish Giveaway - Micki at Irish Muses

100thPost and First Year Anniversary - Wagonwife Designs

Andrea's Blogiversary - Kimonos and Sushi

Margot's 4 Pattern Giveaway - The Pattern Basket

Win a Pattern by Kellie from - Don't Look Now!

Good luck!

Happy Stitching

OPAM Finish for July

'Cause I didn't make it for June. Oh well. These were such a lot of fun to make! I'm sure I'll be playing with this wool felt some more...probably for Christmas.

***Andrea's Blogiversary***

Andrea over at kimonos and sushi is celebrating her blogiversary with a giveaway. Happy Blogiversary, Andrea! Pop on over to find out how to enter.

Working on my current quilt project I began to realise that I just don't have enough time to make the fancy applique centre in the original design. So I decided to substitute it with a pieced block. I'll make the applique later and use it for a cushion.

Here's the design. I think it harmonises well with the rest of the quilt.


Happy 4th July to all my US readers and I hope everyone had an enjoyable weekend.

Happy Stitching

I'm a Lucky Girl!

Earlier this year I was chosen by Lola over at and sew on, to receive a gift in her Pay It Forward.

Well, it's arrived and I love it!


So vintage looking. Lola you are wonderful! Thank you so much for making these delightful kitchen sweeties. They are almost too good to use but don't worry I will.

Happy Stitching