leaf quilt

I saw this 24 Leaf Quilt on Marion Boddy-Evan's blog and loved the simplicity of the design. The tree also reminded me of a lime tree I have in my back garden. Today I have just finished my own quilt based on her design. The tree trunk is a tweed material. I have also included a blue tit and a grey squirrel in the design as they are both frequent visitors to my back garden. Not sure about the blue leaves though, I thought they were a good idea at the time, to coordinate with the blue leaf patterned curtains in the hall. Not sure about the squirrel either, I think his head is too small- but just glad to have it finished.

Here it is.....

and some details of the quilt.....

Bye, Ali.

miaooooow

I spent a nice day working in the garden on the cat for my new pattern. Still have to write it up mind you. I like the idea of combining the crafts of sewing and knitting and the use of fabric and yarn. The cat has fabric inner ears and will have fabric paws. I'm also hoping to include a pattern for a fabric dress and possibly a knitting pattern for a cardi.

All at the very early stages and it is very much work in progress. I'm hoping to have it finished at the end of the summer...hopefully that is!
Bye, Ali

beaded cuff

I had a free afternoon today and decided I would make up a bracelet which I saw in the Annahilt bead shop.

Ive written up the instructions for anyone who would like to have a go.

what you need

-50 (aprox) coloured safety pins

-selection of beads with holes large enough to thread on to the pin of the safety pin
-beads for spacers with holes big enough to thread onto the elastic
-elasticity (1.0), which is a soft flexible bead cord which looks like nylon but is stretch like elastic  - about 3/4 metre

-nail varnish or glue

Instructions

1. Thread beads on the open pin of the safety pin.

2. Using half of the elasticity, thread the safety pins and spacers alternatively.

The safety pins are threaded head to toe, that is, the first pin has the closure at the top, the next pin has bottom side at the top. Make sure the beaded pin is facing forward. Use a paper clip at one end to stop beads and pins sliding off. If you have a reel of elasticity work directly from the reel.

3. Continue in this way. Check to see you have enough safety pins and beads to go around your wrist. Use an even number of safety pins to continue with the "head" to "toe" sequence. 

4. Place the safety pins on a flat surface, beaded side facing down. Thread the other piece through the other side of the bracelet adding a spacer bead between each safety pin.

5. Tie one end of the bracelet with a reef or square knot. For a tutorial on how to tie this knot click here.

6. Repeat for the other end of the bracelet.

7. Put a dab of glue or clear nail varnish on the knots for extra security and trim ends. Push knot into the hole of the safety pin.

soooooo cute

At the moment I am writing up a pattern for a knitted cat. However progress is very slow and my enthusiasm has waned somewhat. For a wee break I knitted up some baby bunnies, a pattern by Laura Long, which is in her book Knitted Toy Tales. They book is absolutely delightful and I like the way she uses fabric. Sometimes its nice just to follow someone elses pattern and interesting to see how they do things.