Working Hard

Adopting a working pattern has had an advantage.  Starting 20 blocks and working the same stage on all 20 before moving onto the next stage was a bit of a revelation (probably common sense to some) and meant I completed all 20 today (9 hours work).  It's a working method I would follow in other textile/embroidery disciplines so can't think why it wasn't obvious in the first place!  For the first time in a long time I am keeping a record of the hours worked so will probably blog about it more than usual.  I apologise in advance for repetition of similar posts.

It started out as an exercise to try and cut down on the amount of time the iron was on ............ ironing each stage on all 20 blocks then switching it off rather than leave it on all day.  My iron is 2000w .......... am wondering about getting a 1200w one for £2.99 at Argos if it means saving on electric.  Would this be a significant saving or false economy?
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Slow Progress

I have managed to work out (well kind of) how to do the patchwork mentioned in the last post and estimate that I'm going to need about 200 squares of varying sizes for a blind ............

 

I knew it wasn't going to be a 5 minute project but with 20 squares completed in 2 whole days it's going to take longer than I thought,  Does one get quicker with practise I wonder?  I've found that some of the squares haven't worked particularly well but am hoping they'll somehow get "lost" in the finished item and I do like the recycled M&S stripey boxer shorts!
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Shells

Shellness (on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent, UK for those unfamiliar with this area) is one of those magical places.  Much like Dungeness ............ remote, desolate and sometimes eerie but oh the shells.  Fragments embedded into the sandy bank separating the road from the beach .....................

In places the beach is entirely covered with shells (this one's from flicker as it's clearer than any of mine)

If you decide to visit, you might want to be mindful that it is a nature reserve ........... not only a nature reserve but THAT kind of nature reserve as well so, like us, visit out of season or during non-sunbathing weather!  The beginnings of some shells on my "Rainbow" piece .........

I am really struggling with my eyes and this stitching so progress is going to be very slow but I hope to be able to show at least a little bit more each week.  I have lots of ideas for other stuff I could do in the meantime but there are more pressing things too ............ some blinds for home.  I want to do something like this ..................

There is only one copy in the county library system and it's out on loan until sometime next month.  Then it could take up to a week to get to our branch library but I want to start NOW .............. if only I could tell them I only need a quick 5 minute look to get an idea of the block sizes and see how they are paper pieced!

On a more positive note, I knew what the postman would be holding when he knocked the door this morning ........... my prize from Fibrefrolics - aren't they just "my" colours!  Some merino tops, silk fibres, ribbons, fabrics, Angelina ................ lots to play with!

Penny had also previously awarded me a "Sunshine Blogger" award which was exciting too.

Meagre Offerings

Slow progress ............

   
Looking a bit flat hence the need to do a bit of experimenting with other things.  Felting over a balloon.  It was fun.  The shape wasn't  bad but, as expected, not as precise as I would have liked and the added curly fleece didn't work so well either so not sure it's a method I would use again.  Last resort = washing machine so even more scruffy now ...............

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Snow, Felting & Giveaway Winner

With some snow on Wednesday & more forecast, I had decided to set Thursday aside for some felting but was distracted ................. the hills from our back garden ..............

Along the top of these hills runs a lane ................... Four 4x4 vehicles & eight young men got stuck there late Wednesday night when they met an abandoned vehicle and, after several hours attempting to free themselves huddled together in two vehicles for the night.  From being able to see the road when they came to a halt, daylight came .......................

Thankfully, one of our sons and his 7 mates managed to get out of this and another vehicle and get home safely.


I have finally got round to doing some felting today.  I have used resists and felted over objects before but this is my first attempt at using a balloon ............... not sure that it's quite the sea urchin shape I was aspiring to but it's a vessel nonetheless.  My special Valentines gift was being allowed to play all day so this is for my husband ............ when it's finished ............

Thankyou for all the comments on my giveaway post ........... I really was surprised to see so many.  Each comment was assigned a number (by myself) in order of posting, written on a piece of paper, folded and placed in a bowl.  Independantly witnessed by aforementioned no. 2 son, my husband picked out no. 2 .................. Sue from "The Magic Armchair Traveller in Stitches" whom I will be contacting shortly.  I must mention that said son was really quite perplexed that people had actually said that they would like one of the bowls and wonders why on earth somebody would want one ................... same reason as I would I suppose.  There's nothing like family to give you an inferiority complex eh?
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Pink on Pink

Paper template to mark position of foundation stitches

Foundation stitches = chain stitch in coton a broder

Starting at centre, whipped needleweaving in coton a broder over ground stitches incorporating one more stitch at the end of each row taking care not to pierce fabric

Each chain stitch has now been used

Continuing to fill shape

Pulling the threads of the chain stitches together to make a "frilly" edge

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100th Blog Post Giveaway

The draw for the giveaway has now closed ............. the winner to be drawn shortly

To mark the occasion of this, my 100 blog post, and as a special thanks to everybody who reads my blog, I am giving something away.  Remember the small bowls that I made last year .................... if you would like a chance to win one (either the darker blue or the purple as I use the other one) then just leave a comment at the end of this post.

Names will be put into the hat next Sunday, Valentines Day .............. be sure to let me know who you are and a way of contacting you if you aren't linked to a blog.
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