Picnic Rug - Part 2

Hopefully these photos are a little clearer.

This is a great way to use up fabric scraps. I just made a template of roughly the size I wanted each 'window' to be, pinned in whatever grouping I thought looked good and sewed them all up. Once I had done that I found the smallest one and cut all of them to the same size (super easy if you have on of Kirsty's Mulit-tasker). Then you just sew them up with your contrasting strips, which was the only material I needed to buy along with the oil cloth for the back. I used polester filling as I wanted it to be quite sturdy but you could not even use batting if you didn't want as the oil cloth adds quite a bit of structure. I used some basting spray which didn't work fab on the oil cloth but enough to hold it still while I tied the knots. I sewed the binding on to the oil cloth side, even though it was the back and then hand stiched the front, much easier on the fingers.

Used these knots

Oilcloth from Amitie

One present down - Don't ask how many to go

Poppy's picnic blanket all done in it's crazy pink and red glory. I used knots to quilt it together and I think that they give it a really fun look. I have lined the back with oil cloth which I don't think they recommend you put through the wash but have on good authority that it should be fine. It is quite big 2m x 1m and more than enough room for everyone or lots of dolly tea parties or trips to the duck pond or backyard alfresco dinners. Lets hope she loves it as much as I do.

Sorry I am a bit late posting but my computer decided to die a horrid death yesterday morning thankfully it wasn't too bad and I finally got it back today - yippee but I have had to take the photos at night, I will see if I can get some better ones tomorrow

My Creative Space

I am still mucking around with Poppy's picnic blanket. I have bought on EBay this week a cute picnic basket that I can fill with crockery and felt food so I am pretty excited (sad but true).

The plans have changed a little though, I was originally going to add in all the fabric bits that I had, but after Glen turned his nose up at it, asking what the very busy thing was. I am thinking I may stick to just red, pink and duck egg blue, still busy but the green and yellow was really distracting. Glen then suggested that it should be much bigger for everyone to sit on, and I have been thinking that may be a valid point so Inow it will be twice as big. Off to Perle 8's tonight, scrap box and rotary cutter in tow.

More creative spaces over at Kirsty's house, be quick because she IS moving in to a new house tomorrow!

Eye Spy .. Season Change

Sorry I am late again, I was hoping to post last night but ended up falling asleep at the computer so I went to bed at 9:30 and am still feeling guilty about all those lost hours. The weather was a little warmer on the week-end even though not overly sunny so I innocently put on a skirt. Caleb came running up to me, "Oh mummy you look like a princess" with this funny smile on his face, Poppy was grinning and pulling at my skirt saying "pretty" and Glen asked if I was going out somewhere, which we weren't. I am not sure if that is a compliment or an indication of what they really all think about my usual jeans attire?! Glen is always nagging for me to wear skirts but in winter in Melbourne I always end up in the trusty jeans.

The pictures are from the park yesterday morning, lots of new things blooming and new little ducklings as well.

Thanks so much to Lisa for the great theme, and I am hoping that Sally can help us out with next week's theme. You can join in anytime, just add your link after you have posted below so we can all find you and it doesn't matter what day of the week that you do it.

I seem to keep saying that after the markets or after the 'something' I will have more time but I seem to have less and less so please forgive me for being a less commenty then usual - I am enjoying reading and hope to get on top of everything soon.

Two Peas in a Pod and Winners

Poppy just before her birthday decided to climb out of her cot, and not confidently, more ruggedly determined. I was concerned she was going to break a leg in her pursuit for freedom, so into a big girl bed for her. She just got her special big girl princess bed last week, but I was panicked as my little baby keeps growing up so darn quick. During her transition, I said to Caleb that perhaps she would feel better if he kept her company. After 4.5 years of bunking in with us, and on the promise of hot wheels cars, up he went and has been there ever since. My favourite is listening to them when they wake up - they have the funniest conversations. At night Caleb crashes in 5 minutes, and you can still hear Poppy talking to him half an hour later - the joys of a little sister, the benefit of being a heavy sleeper. I have really been enjoying the little bit of quilting and am working up to doing quilts for them, but I am paralysed with choice, I just can't decide what I want to do.

I had a moment when the cot left the house. I am blaming it being compounded by her 2nd birthday. I still can't believe that Caleb is off to school next year. I am super excited that I am still allowed lots of cuddles and am enjoying every moment I get to spend with them. Less hours at work has more than been compensated by more time with Poppy who is growing into a young diva (umm I mean lady) by the day.

Also the winners from the giveaway - Melli can look forward to a special dress and some new pants heading over the waters for Michelle's pirate. Please email me your addresses and sizes and I can send them off to their new homes.

Cupcake-poooza

The fabulous Potty Mouth Mama has tagged me to do a photo meme. The rules are:
"Open the 6th picture folder on your computer, open the 6th photo and blog it. Write something about it. Then tag 6 more people to do the same." I seem to recall that hers had cupcakes too - a little spooky.

This is Poppy's first birthday last year, as you can see I went a little mad with the cupcakes. I made so many of those little suckers, unbelievable. I even made some into little hedgehogs and ladybirds. They tasted so good though, I have vanilla with raspberry mouse, almond and blueberry's with cream cheese and chocolate and banana with chocolate icing. This lady has the best recipes EVER. My little birthday girl looks so tiny compared to now, and it wasn't that long ago. She wasn't walking or talking - that now seem to be her 2 most favourite activities! You may be able to see cupcake crumbles all around those lips - that hasn't changed.

Anyone that wants to play PLEASE do and let me know.