Recycled crayons

This week the little boy and I sorted out all our crappy crayons and had a go at making them into new ones. We put the crayons into an old muffin tray that we use for painting nowdays. Popped them into the oven on 160 deg for about 15 minutes. We kept checking them because we wanted to watch the melting process. They cooled for a while-we went to collect Bella from school-and were then ready for drawing. So easy and fun!

Log Cabin Cushion

Completed! Remember the log cabin cushion cover I started a while ago?

Well I have crossed it off my to do list-the one in my head. I have SO many wips and I have made a kind of promise to myself that I won't start anything new until I have finished them...well some of them. I really like these cushions, I'll definately be making more. (after I've completed some more unfinished projects from my basket of wips of course!)

What have you been making this week?

Apple catchers

A long time ago I bookmarked the 'cutest ever baby pants' in the Meet me at Mikes book by Pip Lincolne. I thought I had better have a go at making them seen as Lulu is hardly a baby anymore. Still our baby but I think it's borderline that she be wearing the cutest ever baby pants. I made them in some cheapo fabric from Big W. They turned out okay so I might make another pair in some favourite fabric.

Lulu LOVES them cos they have 'fwourwahs' (flowers). It was very tricky to get a decent shot of Miss Busy. She just wouldn't stay still.

 I remember wearing these little pants under my sports uniform in Kindergarten. We called them 'apple catchers' back then.Did you wear apple catchers too?

Binding Practise

A little dolly quilt for Lulu's 'bubba'. What a good little mummy she is.

And after my practise run on the dolly quilt it was onto bigger and better things.

FINALLY! Introducing.....the 'Belle' quilt-named after it's recipient our dear Nanna Belle.
Testing the single sized quilt out on Bella's king single bed.

I didn't particularly enjoy the handstitching of the binding and I must confess some parts are a bit dodgy but I am thrilled to have completed a quilt. I have definately learned things along the way. Mistakes made = lessons learned and improved knowledge. I can't wait to deliver it this afternoon. I am oh so tired of looking at it:)

A creative kickstart!

Last night I stayed up way too late and excitedly created this fun page put together by the very talented Gigi.

I have lurked Gigi's blog for a long time and have been inspired by her gorgeous creations, not to mention her honesty and wit! She has really evolved as an artist and I LOVED trying these new techniques. I have to say those wiggly borders and hacking into the cardstock like that put me right outside my comfort zone. I am thrilled with my page. I'll be using these techniques again and again! It's not too late to join in on the class. As well as being super inspired, all funds raised will be a big help for her gorgeous boy. You can read more about Gigi's class and her family here.

Progress

Progress on Nanna Belle's quilt has been slow...but it is progress nonetheless.
I finally tackled the quilting, it was daunting I tell you. Straight lines both vertically and horizontally. A bit of unpicking, only two small puckers and I think I am okay with that. I am trying not to be so fussy. So it's perfectly imperfect.

I whipped up the binding last night. I have chosen a kona solid in coral. It's quite orangey but I wanted it to mesh in with the quilt as well as contrasting a little. Onto the binding then!

Stitchy art

I had a lovely time making this piece of 'stitchy art'-that's what I'm calling it...
 
I made it for  my oldest and dearest friend. We've been friends since Kindergarten!!! And that was a VERY long time ago. Never in a million years did I think I could ever sew anything but thanks to her patience and ENCOURAGEMENT, I have! Sooo I made her a little piece of stitchy art to let her know how much I appreciate and enjoy our little sewing sessions.

 

It has some scraps I swiped from her scrap bucket, some little favourites of mine,  some vintage sewing pattern, music paper, more of that thrifted doily from a couple of posts back!! Some thoughtfully chosen buttons from my button jar, some precious little bits from the op shop-LOVE the really old hook and eyes.

I always feel nervous giving a handmade gift. Do you?