It's been some time....

It's been some time since I last posted, I never intended for it to be this long, however, life has a way of circumventing even the best laid plans.

Today I want to talk a bit about 'Stuff', by this I mean Stuff I've been doing, Stuff I've been making and general everyday Stuff.

Over the past year, I have gone from running my own Machine Embroidery Classes to running quilting classes for beginners, and i'm learning just as much from my students as they are from me. I sincerely doubt that anyone can honestly say they know it all. Some may know one heck of a lot, others less so, I'm honestly on the lower end of the scale when it comes to quilting knowledge, but happily share my limited knowledge with rank beginners.

My ladies who started off by having no idea about quilting, no idea of what was required to quilt, no idea how much time and effort you put in, and no idea how many times we unpick (sorry! Reverse Sew) our piecing, have now just completed their very first quilt and to say that they have GROWN, is a gross understatement. They have grown in knowledge, they have grown in confidence, they have grown in skills, they have grown in friendship, they have become very dear friends, and i'm so very proud of each and every one of them. As their quilts are finished, I'll get photo's and with their permission, post them for all to admire.

I have learnt to be better organised, I've learnt to turn someones vague ideas into practical reality, I've learned that I know less than I thought. and yes I've learned to laugh at myself even more than I already did.

Life is a joy, embrace it.

I've also started to do some volunteer work. I have many years of office skills which now i'm retired haven't just gone away, and there are charity organisations which to my surprise, actually need people like me and welcomed me with open arms. I'm loving being able to give back to my community some much needed time and skills.

All in all, I'm not so much retired anymore, as full time busy on a wide variety of projects and interests.

I'm learning to digitize using Hatch, I've had some moderate success with what I've put together so far, but am far from becoming the next big thing in the Machine Embroidery design world, (not that i'm aiming that high) I just want to be able to put together a design I want but can't find already out there in embroidery land within my financial scope.  ( i'm still buying up designs so, commercial designers don't have to worry)

Currently I'm getting stuff ready for a Christmas Trading Market which is rapidly approaching and i'm sure I don't have enough stuff......... ohhhh........ ah well, it is what it is. I can always take orders.

Here are just a few pic's of some of my 'Stuff' This is by no means all I've made, just a small selection.

Well, for the first time in over a year, that's all you get for today. Take care of yourselves, treat yourselves gently and Enjoy each day of your life, cos you never know when it's going to end.

Hugs

Beth

Cut work lace in the hoop

Following on from my last post, I've been discovering some more of Anita Goodesigns amazing designs. I've had this particular set for over 4 years and honestly can't say that I've stitched anything from the set out before now, my bad, the designs are gorgeous!

This particular design is part of a set of 12 designs called cutwork corners projects.

For the centre of my table runner I used Hatch to make my alterations to the design, I took the butterfly from the corner, reduced it's size and placed 4 in a circle to make the centre piece.

My fabric is handkerchief linen, and stitched out beautifully. The thread used is Robson-Anton I didn't want a thread that completely disappeared into the fabric, I'm happy with the contrast.

The runner is 94cm x 34cm (37"x13½").

If you're interested in purchasing this project, you can find the designs here Anita Goodesign cutwork corner projects  the set costs about $55 and was originally release back in 2012.
There is a printable information booklet to aid you in getting the best results.

Thank you for visiting today,
Happy Crafting
Beth.

PS, I've redesigned my banner to better reflect my change in focus, originally I was only posting paper-craft creations, but now it's rather more sewing, quilting etc with some paper-crafts occasionally. Let me know what you think of my new banner.