A finish - Spring and other things

Back in July I went to a workshop in Loxton with Anni Downs it was a most enjoyable weekend. I finished the project, a note book cover some weeks ago and haven't posted a picture. I really enjoy Anni's projects I had her "A Christmas Story" so decided to make the "naughty & nice" wall hanging for a friend she has three children(it will drive her mad with the constant moving of names from the naughty to the nice tag). I have really enjoyed needle turn this time around.

Spring is here early morning sun on the first flush of roses.

Poppies

Some weeks back I posted how disappointed I had been with what I received from Amities VIP mail outs. I wrote to them saying much the same. I received these fabric in the post last week which is more in line with what I had expect and seen when I originally joined.

A work shop with Kellie

On the weekend I went to a workshop with Kellie from "Don't Look Now" at Hettie's Patch(head over there for some more photos). I didn't actually take part in the work shop I was number 2 helper. Karen who I forgot to make a name badge for was number 1(sorry a 100 times over Karen).

To see Kellie's work up close was fantastic.

This Christmas tree quilt is amazing the photo does not do it justice. Lots of girls left with this pattern.

I loved this little pillow which I might give a try as I had my eyes and ears open while I was helping. I have plans for it other than a pillow.

There was a lot of glove action happening.

and banana woman was also playing along.



and there were just those who didn't conform.



Karen who I forgot to make a name badge for(can you tell I'm really sorry), has been hand appliqueing one of Kellie's quilts. It looks fantastic.

Badge Tutorial

I have the worst hand writing, it is generally really big and untidy. When I go to work shops I hate having to write my name on a tag or sticky label. This I find is much better my very own embroidered name badge.
I also hate sticking safety pins in my clothes(along with untidy writing I'm a little bit anal).

You will need.
4 - 1" X 3" pieces for outer edge of badge
1 - 1 1/2" X 2 1/2" actual size.(white fabric) I started with a piece of fabric larger than this and cut it down.
1 - 2 1/2" X 3 1/2" Weaveline or similar
1 - 3 1/2" X 2 1/2" Pellon
1 - 3 1/2" X 2 1/2" for the back
Magnetic clasp or a safety pin.

All seams are 1/4"

Please read all instructions before starting.

I used excel on my computer to create a 1 1/2" X 2 1/2" cell then played with fonts and sizes to fit centrally within the cell.
Using a light box or window trace the square and name onto your white fabric with a pigma pen.

Iron weaveline to the back of your fabric.

Back stitch.

Trim to size.

Sew one 1" X 3" strip to top(long edge) and one to the bottom - iron with seam allowance away from name section.

Due to a technical problem Lorraine has now become Judith.

Trim

Sew one 1"X 3" strip to the side and the last one to the other side.

Trim.

Iron pellon piece to the back of this section.

With right sides together sew front to backing piece.
Leave a opening on one side for turning and if you are using a magnetic clasp this is where you will put it inside your badge.

Clip the corners and turn inside out. I use the end of a knitting needle to pock out the corners.
Press.

This is the magnetic clasp I used. I like them as they don't put holes in your clothes. I have a name badge for work with a clasp like this. They only cost about $3.00 and I got mine from a place that makes name badges. If you live in Adelaide I bought mine from Evright.com pty ltd in Gouger Street.
It comes in 2 parts one piece goes inside the badge the other is a magnet which holds the badge on even through a few layers of clothing.
Separate the two pieces.
Peel off the sticky backing and carefully slide through turning hole with the sticky side facing the pellon. This is a little tricky as you want it to be in the middle of your badge. It fits just behind the white fabric.

Slip stitch the opening closed.

I then did a running stitch(through all layers) around the white fabric extending up to the edges.

This is the back of the badge with the magnet attached.
If you are not using a magnetic clasp you can sew a safety pin to the back.

If you are completely mad you can make one for every one attending a workshop.
More about the workshop soon.

A new bag - not made by me

I went to a breast cancer luncheon yesterday and although I love my Maisy bag I though it not quite appropriate.
My friend Amanda (Sea breeze quilts) has started making these lovely bags. I had put my order in a couple of weeks ago and luckily I did because it was finished for me to take to the luncheon.
I love it it has my favourite colour in it.
Amanda is selling them in her etsy shop I can recommend them. They are made out of her lovely hand felted and dyed wool.
If she doesn't have any in her shop and you are interested I'm sure she will take orders.

Walking

Out walking.
If you are interested in having a look at some other photos.
Some like minded friends and I have another blog.
We are doing a weekly challenge at the moment pop over and have a look.

to say I'm disappointed

is an understatement.
Early this year I saw around blogland posts about Amities VIP list. I thought this looked like fun people were receiving 4 or 5 nice pieces of fabric. I sent off my money and waited for the next mail out. Some months ago I received this fat 1/4 in the post.

Yesterday when I got home from work this was in my letter box.

a 12" X 10" piece of fabric ripped on 3 sides(my pet hate - fabric that is ripped and not cut).

The sun is shining here in SA so I'm off out with my camera........ have a nice weekend.