Pieces of Cloth

I have finished the quilt for my nephew Andrew. I had previously made one for his mum and sister and Andrew had liked them too. So much so that when his parents left on a 6 month camping holiday, he hid my sisters quilt so he could use it!  She had wanted to take it with her on the trip.

It is rough and ready and would not pass some quilters inspections but nevertheless I love it. I had asked my sister for some old winter shirts to undertake this project late last year. The bag of shirts had sat forlorn in my sewing room until about a month or so again when inspiration struck and I began with wild abandon to slice and dice the said shirts. I tried to make the pieces straight, but I wasn't concerned if they went wobbly-it added to the character. I used parts of the sleeves and the body of the shirt and then in another sudden rush of design madness, decided to attach three pockets, so he could put his mobile in or a chocolate or even the remote control.
I have read about and seen some early day Australian quilts made by people living in the bush and they made them from old jumpers, coats and any other cloth they could get their hands on. They called them Wagga's, so dare I claim to have made my version of a wagga?

I even managed to sew them all the right way up too. I gave it to him on Sunday and he liked it. I hope he enjoys it.
The Bloke took the photos and he tried hard to present it in the best light and he did a great job I think.

I did have more photos to put up on other subjects but something weird has occurred to my photo library and I need to ask one of the girls to help me sort it out.

I hope to be back soon with more chat.

A Most Fortunate Life

                                                My adorable assistant checking through the fabrics

I was able to finish the lap quilt that my best friend asked me to make for her. It took me a little while to complete it but the main thing is that she likes it. I feel a little nervous when I hand over a quilt. Hoping they don't notice any imperfections, but of course that is my own self doubt peering through.

                                                 

This very cute little owl softy was recently sent to me by a wonderfully, clever woman; a special friend of mine. I am grateful and feel privileged that I have some top notch people in my circle. Some of the most gorgeous women call me a friend. I am so fortunate.

Well just a quick post today I am a woman on a mission. I am going down into my cold craft room and putting things in their correct places and then hoping to start a quilt for one of my nephews. More about that when I get some progress on it.
Until next time keep warm and enjoy life.

Jan

Hello Candice

                                             This bird pic has nothing to do with this post, but I love it.

Hello dear friends. I have been prompted by a young friend to update my blog so here we go. I have considered shutting down my blog for some time, as for the past 12 months or so I have not been regularly writing and sharing as much as I used to or want to. Writers block, depression- call it what you may, but the end result was I thought I didn't have anything relevant or interesting to say. Sure, my fourth daughter who lives far, far away loves reading my blog to glimpse life 'at home', but we do also talk on the phone almost daily. I know readers of blogs like seeing pictures, and I love a blog with great pictures, but my photography skills are still not great. Most of the photos used here come via my mobile phone, which I am still learning to use. Although in saying that 'the bloke' does take some fairly good pics that I have included.
I originally created my blog in an attempt to hone my writing skills and in the process gain feedback. What I found was that I had some great responses but no constructive critique. I realise now that this is probably not the right forum to gain that, and my audience far too small. However, after saying all that I will still blog occasionally, dependent of course on energy levels, and if I have something worthy of writing. 
 With all that said I have come here today because I do have some things I want to share. 
Recently I have been inspired by a great group of women who are creative and arty and who have been mentoring me in the art of card making and scrapbooking. 
Usually I lack natural confidence to give new things a try but as I have aged I am more inclined to give things a go, and see if I like it. Well I do like it. A lot. Pretty card. Pretty papers. Little trinkets and do-dads. I love it all. My last blog post showed some layouts I am doing for my grandson. I am up to the 9 month stage now! How time has flown on by. 
I am pleased to report that I entered my very first card swap last week. I am still surprised I did it. I have found that I am not good with deadlines, and this task involved a group of 12 of us each making 12 cards then sending them to the person organising the swap who would then divide the cards into 12 piles and send us 12 different cards each. I created mine in one day. At first I tried to get a bit too flash and the cards did not look 'right' so then I used the KISS method. Keep it Simple scrapper. Simple is best for me. I have seen so many blogs with talented artists  and their cards are amazing, but really not for my skill set at this stage of the game. 
I was quite pleased with the results and continued on to make a few more for my own personal supply. Generally I am not a card giver, but I do need to do this for some beautiful people in my life. I know a card cannot thank them enough for what they bring to my life, but it is a token of my appreciation. Crikey I can blather on. Below are pics of some of my cards. I am sorry that I don't have them in a collage format, but I don't now how to do it. A lesson for another time.

                                                               This is the inside of the above card

So there you go, hope you liked seeing my cards and if you want to come visit in a few days I am hoping to have a post about the quilt I made for my friend's cousin. 

Take care