Breakfast is served; View from my kitchen window as some of the rainbow Lorikeets vie for a place

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Embroidery on denim skirt(.Scanned from "Ideas for clothing decoration")

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Clint's ceremonial shirt":waterproof felt pens on washable white cotton velvet.Not a stitch in sight.(From "Ideas for Clothing Decoration" Sunset Press 1977

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Pack-rat? Hoarder? You decide.

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For the last two days I've been trying to re-organize storage space in the room that doubles as"office" and craft library.
I'm trying to be ruthless and cull the books,mags,fabrics that as they haven't been used for two plus years, I reckon I'll NEVER use.

Of course I have to double check "everything" don't I,so the process is slooooooooooooow!!
This morning,I have found :

part of a Recipe book printed in 1890s

A pattern for a Norman Hartnell designed skirt (courtesy English Woman's day,about 1955)

"Toys and Gifts" to make for Christmas (AWW Nov1972)

"Toys and Doll's Clothes" (AWW,October 1964)

and I also found " Ideas for Clothing Decoration"from Sunset books,Ca. printed in 1977;
I was happy to rediscover this because I remembered an embroidered denim skirt in it and thought it might be adaptable to those bags of Fun.......
In a word? NO!!
(I'll scan & upload some pics later to remind you of what was trendy in the 70s)

Knitting and Crochet books from late 40s

The first editions of Down Under Quilts;Inspirations;Australian Country Craft;Needlecraft---;CQNewsletter!

And I have the cheek to rubbish DH for his "junk"....

And with the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the house,I think it's time for a break........

Butterflies are free!

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With the "growing old disgracefully" aka Red hats Bag of Fun Challenge out of the way,I returned for another attack on the butterflies.
I vlisoflexed two "punched" butterflies to the back ground today,and completed stitching in shades of purple another butterfly,which I'll fix to the bag to-be, tomorrow.
I sorted out a "heap" of fabrics for my Christmas Ornie swap,and decided to use some of that silk from Gail R's kimono off-cuts for the foundation fabric.
Will I construct my Ornies from a "whole cloth" CQ or piece each one individually?
My heart opts for the latter,but my head(and Time constraints) says "Go for the whole cloth method.
Unfortunately I tend to feel this is reducing the originality and lending itself to mass production type of mind-set.
Really,it's too hot for such decisions(35 degree C today,and yesterday,and same predicted tomorrow.......I HATE summer!

As the auctioneers ask?

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"Are you all done?"
I thought yesterday that I'd completed my "bag of fun" but several bare patches screamed out for additional work!
I'd like to thank my friend Y for kindly sewing the red hat motifs for me........she's tried hard enough to con me into purchasing an embroidery machine,but when I've got a friend like her,why bother!
(Thanks,Y)
The two pics preceeding this post show that I added a total impracticality.......work on the rear side!
I know it will be subject to more wear and rubbing than the front,but at least this way I've got the option of two views!

So,hopefully now, I can find enough "attitude" to actually use my bag in public-----

I couldn't have a totally naked back-side,could I?

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Showing the lining and handles

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Some facts relating to "that Bag"

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Reading Jacqui's queries re the Size and style of jeans used,I thought it may help others who want to try these bags for themselves!

The red hat bag was a cut down pair of Size 8 ladies jeans;I initially performed surgery just above the crotch seam to give basic shape.
The bag finally ended up as 12 inches deep and 16 inches wide.
The straps and the bag base I was able to cut from the legs.
Thanks to a sample from Ronnie,I used Timtex to provide a stable base in my bag and I LIKE the stuff!

http://www.sew-happy.com/

(is Ronnie's site to find out more about Timtex in Australia; and no I don't own shares :-) )


My "Butterflies are free",which is still a WiP is (being) constructed from a ladies size 12 denim mini skirt,which I can see will present new challenges for constructing handles and base as not as much off-cuts are available.

I also have a pair of men's jeans with a 100cm waist..now they are DAUNTING!
But as my DiL would like a denim bag,maybe I can turn those into an overnight bag??

And I must add an apology......I still can't get the "link" thingie to work for me,so you'll need to cut and paste the URL to your browser to view Ronnie's site!

Nearly complete!As much embellishing as I'm doing.The base of the bag is sewn in position,the handles pinned.........."just" the lining to be successfully implanted and my "Growing old disgracefully" Bag of Fun will be ready for use!
And for those that know me-----------YES! There is one cat visible!!

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Just a few more blanks to "cover" on the front,and then I'll add just a little to the back-side.!

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The second view showing the base of the fan

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Two views of Jan W's fan after Catherine and MaureenB have worked on it

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Butterflies are a pain the a**

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The previously pictured half complete butterfly is now complete--------and reposing in the scrap bag.(What a waste of time)
Having completed and cut it out ready for appliqueing I decided it was too big,too heavy,and NOT what I wanted!
Definitely NOT what I wanted!!

A couple of smaller ones(butterflies) have been drawn up for when I can get enthused again,but in the meantime........maybe some wool embroidery to add to the garden for my lonely butterfly.

I visited the local SPCA Op-shop today and found a pair of hardly worn Levi's for(wait for it!!) 50cents!
and in the current QC mag there's a couple of bag patterns,which lend themselves/shapes to a theme I have in mind......so off to the scissors,marking pencil and tracing paper to see if my idea is do-able!

Half punched!Another butterfly in the making.

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Butterflies are free.........(says the old song)

A little stitching (and re-planning ) has occurred this week,after I sifted through my "mad woman's breakfast" stash,which has mainly gone into waiting...for the second "bag of fun."
I really think that I should frogstitch that RED twisted Basque stitch as I've gone into other colour ways to those I first planned,BUT-----!
another part of me says to leave it for shock value.
Perhaps when I complete and add the second punched butterfly it will be easier to make a decision!

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My block for Marian--------Here is one of the Dancing Fans block that I've worked on for Marian!The central patch holds a wreath of silk ribbon flowers and pearl beads;A bullion stitched "fan" with silk ribbon and pearls is on the upper green patch,and the seam braid (with different treatments) is on two of the seam lines and I used a "Twisted Basque stitch" in rasberry rayon Marlitt on the lower burgandy patch.

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Punched Butterfly:Needing to have antenna back stitched into position (which will be done after I've appliqued him to the bag) one punched Butterfly.

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Update on THAT bag...........

http://www.flickr.com/groups/topic/68688/

All that really has happened to it( Bag of Fun Challenge) is that I've unearthed MORE bits ' pieces to embellish the bag with:
Having decided that I was wasting too much time attempting to punch needle on denim,I've gone back to using a calico foundation,which will then be appliqued to the bag when the motifs are completed.

After spending the afternoon yesterday at a (jazz) dance display at ANZ Stadium,my sweet grand daughter presented me with a denim skirt she had outgrown,saying
"Gran,a bag for ME would be nice!!(how could I say NO)
At least with the skirt having a red waistband,colour has already been introduced to the equation.
I must visit Spotlight tomorrow.............I've found that my stock of (very) lightweight cotton is non existent and if I want to make those "jocks for a cure" I'll need to buy more fabric in order to make a start on that project.
With that in mind,I'll close off here and go punch a thread or three,as well as a little more work on Marian's Dancing Fan blocks

Update on the last week or so--

www.quiltsbycts.com

I'm feeling a little more relaxed in that I've completed work on one of my RRs and it's all bundled up ready for mailing back to it's owner!
I've also completed a couple of the Mother Goose themed Redwork block swap that I joined---------however,I do not like Yellow work (as requested by one of the group!)but the lavender and the blue? Oh YES!!
All I have left to do, is 3 blocks in varying shades of RED.
I have MarianE's four Fan blocks for the Fan dancing CQRR to make a start on,but the ideas are flowing so I forsee few problems(Famous last words??)
On Joma's block I had "fun" attempting my first beetle..........Couldn't master the knack of laying sequins for the wings,so I resorted to bullion stitches.A bit more practise required there,methinks :-(
---and finally:that Bag of Fun!
The wretched thing has a mind of its own,and is progressing----s-l-o-w-l-y
The only section I'm (nearly) content with is a curving line of Twisted Basque Stitch.Thanks SharonB for causing me to "try it out".

I've been conversing by email lately with Cindy Thury Smith,and on her invitation dropped in to visit her web site where I'm learning of what's involved in wool fulling.........I think it was JanW from southerncrosscrazies who was asking about the availabilty of commercial fulled wool recently,and MaryC-B mentioned how to DIY.....Cindy is hooked on it,go have a look at her fulled wool CQ!

and if my link still doesn't work,cut and paste the www.quiltsbycts to your addie line!

Cats

Cat cushion 2

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Adapted from Gary Clarke's book "Cats:Inspiration for Needlework " is this cat worked with Madeira Decora on Organza

Candlewicked cat

Candlewicked Cat cushion

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Not one of my better pics!I'll have to do a little more editing I think.
This would be one of my earliest cat stitchings......it has survived cats,frequent laundering and quite a few pillow fights!
Using traditional candlewick thread and mainly colonial knots and shadow quilted to give some definition

Cadbury?

Another Cat on Organza

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This needlework design reminded me of Cadbury--our little "princess"!
Once again using Organza over homespun with Madeira decora plus the odd Edmar thread this piece was done in bullion,satin-stitch,lazy daisy and lattice stitching.

A WiP!

Cat stitchery on Organza

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Being owned by three cats,I tend to be influenced by them in my stitching.
A couple of years back, after buying several of Gary Clarke's books ,I tried his method of embroidering on Organza.
Several cushions were the result,and one heart shaped motif, which was swapped in Chain of Hearts with Dawn in Nova Scotia.This I did for myself.
It still needs some whiskers and shading in the tail area.
The threads are Madeira Decora.

Dropping in for lunch!

We are blessed to have many species of wild birds visit us.Here are two "regulars" dropping in for lunch:A pair of sulphur crested cockatoos who have been named Joe, (after the raucous tones of Joe Cocker) and Jo-Jo.The pink/blue flowers are Match-stick Bromeliads

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Ready to start??

So far I have one denim skirt and a kilo or so of denim offcuts with which to tackle that "bag of fun".Hopefully by Sunday I'll have made a start on the actual needlework

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Bags of fun??

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The aim is to construct a bag----handbag,carry bag,whatever from preloved denim jeans;skirt;scraps of denim.

Now jeans as a form of clothing, I first wore in the 1950s(yes Sharon, a dinosaur is participating!!)
Back then(in the 50s),....mine were green, baggy and great for horse riding,bike riding and just generally "mucking around".Jeans wre definitely NOT the fashion statement of more recent years
Enough of the reminiscing!
When my daughter's household furnishings leave for a new/permanent home tomorrow,I'll dig out my off cuts,my skirt and my son's cast offs and make a start.
As I want a practical bag,mine will (hopefully) be mainly hand embroidered with coarse threads,and maybe some applique that will stand up to a life of hard workItemURL>

The cow jumped over the moon.The second of my blocks for a quilt with the theme being Mother Goose

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Hey diddle diddle,the cat and the fiddle!

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Here is a block for Lyn ready to leave me and head south.I worked on the two central patches:the palepink and the check,where I embellished silk ribbon flowers around a gold heart charm and a (beaded) spider above.I also marched a row of SRE flowers across the lower seam

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Hey diddle diddle,the cat and the fiddle

You can't see the actual light box,but you can see the Bluework illuminated by the light box!

Entering Broadband Land:

At long last,I've been able to access Broadband.........NOW I have to learn not only how to use it successfully,but how to whip my Blog into a satisfactory format.

To the other extreme,regarding needlework,I've been playing the last week or so with Redwork and Bluework as I'm "between" receiving my next section of the CQ RRs I'm committed to.
I find the simplicity of R/W and B/W very relaxing........little or no thought process required once I've marked my naked block with the pattern required.
And on this theme,I venture to ask:
"When working Redwork,do you prefer a Pellon backing,or just the homespun with no backing at all?"
(I myself,prefer a pellon backing;but it seems quite a few,don't!Please let me know your opinion)
I must acknowledge my long suffering husband here, and THANK him for the great Lightbox he has just made for me..it sure beats taping fabric and patterns to a sunny window!

Not so naked "dancing fans"

Some four months ago,four "naked" fan blocks left me to travel around Australia in a RoundRobin: here are two that are being embellished----if you check out my April?may archives,you'll probably find them in all their naked glory (VBG)
My thanks to MarianE and MaxineJ for their work

In memory of Bill

In memory of Bill:
an uncommon tabby cat who sang like Pavarotti and will be sadly missed.

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The final block of Maxine's:Playing with bugle beads and Brazilian threads yet again!


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Block3 of Maxines where I used an antique gold braid for the fan top and Madeira metallic thread for the blades;I also added a couple of Organza flowers and a zigzag tseam treatment in lavendar ribbon

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This is Block2 of Maxine's:In this block I used 4mm silk ribbon woven through straight stitching for the blades and Edmar lola thread in bullion stitching for the top of the fan;I also added the fan shaped lace as a seam treatment

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These are the four blocks that MaxineJ has in the Dancing Fans RR.She suggested that we add our favourite fans,so I played mainly with Bugle beads,braid and silk ribbon and Brazilian embroidery.

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Part of the unfinished" Summertime at the Beach" bra

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Playing "catch-up"

The last two weeks have been rather higgledy piggledy!
My boy,Bill (aka Pavarotti for his tenor purr) has been quite ill, and needless to say he's been getting most of my attention.
In the odd moments I've been working on MaxineJ's Fans for the RR and trying out differing versions of fans on the four blocks.When I do a little more,I'll scan them and add to the Blog!
As well as the fans RR I've been tearing my hair out(,figuratively :-) only,as to what to add to EvieH's CQ block:
it looks like I'll be embellishing seam lines mainly,as the two blocks done so far are pretty powerful and eye grabbing and too much of a larger theme will distract from the overall effect of the rich fabrics she has used!
I've also completed one Redwork block (with another to follow) for a surprise birthday quilt being made by a small group of us for a special friend..no pics of that until Late October when xxx has received the gift!
Finally,I've been indulging myself.....having fun embellishing my second Bra "Summertime"!
I chose to work on the Beach for my summer theme,and have had great fun playing with tricot fabric to get a wave effect,and then have dolphins,fish, etc playing in the depths!
The various charms,beads and trims I received in the Ocean Swap on southerncrosscrazies have all come in very handy for allowing me more choice!

I still have the back panels and straps to complete,before I can make a start on Autumn and Winter,but as I still have the "Jocks for a cure" to tackle,I think the two remaining Bras will be relegated to a 2006 commencement date.

Now it's off to clear the decks/work table to make some sewing space!

When I received Mary's block,I forgot to scan it before I started,so visualize this block with only "M A R Y " in beads on the mauve lace,and the line of daisies separating the lace from the rest of the block.
I added a "vine" with SRE pansies and Joyce fargo roses weaving around her name.

Because Mary plays the violin and I couldn't find a charm I added a bar of music.(The body of the notes are black seed beads)
Then there is a little cat playing with a ball amongst some silk ribbon flowers.
At this point I HAD to stop,or there would have been no room left for any-one else.

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I mentioned about a month ago that I had a block to work on for Mary H;
Mary is eleven years old,and after seeing some CQ blocks that her mother was working on in a RoundRobin expressed an interest in CQ, and I offered to work on Mary's block as she didn't have any (young) friends or their mothers to ask.
This is a scan of the Wishlist in Mary's logbook.

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Dancing Fans----fan dancing?

This is the fan I chose to work on for MaureenB(akaMaureen3).
M3 had added the white braid and I've added a small bouquet of SRE and BDE flowers in the top patch;
A fan in Edmar lola thread,and using the same thread on both sides of the striped block, I've straight stitched fans on one side seam and lazy-daisy fans on the opposite seam.
On the other striped block I meandered a chain stitch in metallic black down the seam.Finally a small butterfly hovers in the remaining patch---I still can't decide whether to add a flower too!
Then the blocks will continue down south to CatherineS in Victoria

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Getting excited------

This time last year,we were recovering from an influx of visitors from Switzerland,New Zealand and Western Australia for our (only) daughter's wedding.
Tomorrow,Colleen and Pascal arrive back in Queensland--------indefinitely!
So,don't be surprised if KenmaursCorner,(and CQCrazy) languish for at least a week:there will be so much "catching -up" occurring.
This week has seen the postie deposit several CQ blocks in my mail box.
The one that appeals to me most,is from an 11 year old girl in Victoria-----Hello,Mary!
I met Mary's mum through a craft site,where we got involved in(surprise,surprise) a CQ Round Robin.
Then I learned that Mary would like to do a block.(Mary LOVES purple,cats and violins--though I'm not sure in which order)
Anyway Mary's block arrived this week,and I have so many ideas!!
Also this week I posted to the USA a couple of VTBs...............now these were a steep learning curve(VBG) but more of them,
later!!

This is work done on another of my dancing fans,by a NZ friend(Thanks Evie).
And Evie said:
" I have added three 'art doll' faces made from soft air drying clay painted with Lumiere paint. I used the same paint on the bow motif. Using the soft clay is brilliant because it can be stitched through. Lumiere paint is absolutely the best stuff....great range of colours and perfect to use on fabric....no medium needed.
Around the faces I used a 'soup mix' of beads using colours that were in other patches of the block"


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Cat emotions

sometimes I just can't help myself!My family and friends know that I love cats, and swamp me with appropriate and not so appropriate e-mails.This I HAD to share!!
Through my Flickr contacts I became aware of "Catster"
http:www.catster.com/welcome.php
why don't you go have a peek?


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I bought three packages,one each of Peacocks,Dragons and Tigers.
Each picture is a paper cutout sandwiched in a tissue paper cover.At the time,they were "must haves",a souvenir of Beijing,and lightweight (a point to be considered as a tourist)
What they are to be used for,I never did discover......maybe in Scrapbooking, or card-making?
But they fascinated me and so,they migrated to Australia!

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Seeing the peacocks on Chloes Place,reminded me of some I purchased in Beijing a few years back.

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Correcting a misunderstanding

I'm sure I mentioned it in an earlier post,but I'll say it again;
Much as I'd like to take credit for the embellishment on the block with the burgandy fan,all credit is due to Maxine_j.
I have to bide my time until that block comes to me.
But oh,I DO like that fan----with the daisies dancing on the upper edge!

I didn't need Gordon,but----

Dear Friends,

I was having trouble with my computer. So I called Gordon the computer guy, to come over. Gordon clicked a couple of buttons and solved the problem. He gave me a bill for a minimum service call.

As he was walking away, I called after him, "So, what was wrong?"

He replied, "It was an ID ten T error."

I didn't want to appear stupid, but nonetheless inquired, "An, ID ten T error? What's that . in case I need to fix it again?"

The computer guy grinned.... "Haven't you ever heard of an ID ten T error before?"

"No," I replied.

"Write it down," he said, " and I! think y ou'll figure it out."

So I wrote out .. I D 1 0 T

I used to like Gordon




Hope this gave you a chuckle or two......as I just HAD to share!

Is Success mine?

my fan blocks2
Originally uploaded by curli.

Hopefully I can slip this pic through the back door to my Blog.It's been such a frustrating scenario as I can't work out "why" this particular pic dislikes my Blog so much.

Still frustrated!

Well!!
There's no fear in me Sharlee---------I KNOW that this 'puter is smarter than me!
I snuck in this morning to try uploading that pic again;The result?
Nada,zip,zilch!
I'll try it to Flickr now and see if that works.........I'm NOT gonna let a heap of plastic,glass and diodes beat me!

Frustration rules supreme!

I have been trying(unsuccessfully I must add) for the last hour to upload one picture to this Blog!!One of the southerncrosscrazies (who is participating in a RR with me and four other ladies )kindly sent me a pic of the work she had done on MarianE's block.
I've tried uploading to both this and the other Blog (CQCrazy) but apparrently Picasa and Hello have decided to go on strike :-(
Maybe I'll try again ............tomorrow!
Sorry Maxine.

JanWs Fan ready to leave Moodlu!You can see that one two of the Fan blades,I've added some Sashiko quilting in the Nowake or Pampas Grass pattern.The lower patch I edged with Cretan stitch and added a Bonsai tree using the pattern of the fabric as a cliff--the foliage is punch-needled and the trunk is chain stitched with two strands(light & dark)DMC cotton.To add a splash of colour I added a small spray of SRE flowers.

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My first VTB(very tiny block)measures 1.5by2 inches.Yet to be embellished.I find that working in such a small size with silk is a little difficult as the fabric is so slippery

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Friday report

Feeling quite virtuous today---says she with a big grin!
A couple more UFOs are now complete;What started as a small project (one potholder) developed into sextuplets-----three Redworked potholders and three matching,but unembroidered potmits;two of which are now wrapped for their overseas flight to their new owner.
Then,as youngest GD is coming for the weekend,and I had a promise to keep,fabric has been prepared for her to start her first Redwork needlework.I copied a"country angel" from Homespun's latest mag (#29)as she was "taken" with it when she had a look last week.
Also kept DH happy with a large pot of Vichyssoise.Winter is so short in the sub-tropics that we have to make the most of hearty soups on our few cold/cool days.
Tonight I'm going to start on JanW's Fan block...........have decided on a small area of Sashiko quilting as a starting point...............

My first attempt at an ATC.....a name tag!

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A (scanned)portion of JanW's Japanese fan block for our Fan dancing RR.
I like it as it is...........NAKED!
Jan has used Japanese cottons for the fan,with vanes of a mustard braid,which give it a feeling of strength.The background patches are in various neutral/cream fabrics and provide a great foil to the predominantly indigo shades.I prefer the minimalist approach to things Japanese, and have been apprehensive of doing anything to spoil Jan's plan.
However,I have been assured that Japanese style motifs----crane,Koi carp,kimono,cherry blossom,coins,fans are acceptable!
So now,I must put needle to fabric.I'll post a photo ,later!

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One of my favourites:Clerodendrum Ugandese,also known as Blue butterfly bush!

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Not exactly CQ:but a WiP; An" idiot relief" from my attempts at Needle tatting---One of a pair in redwork,Henny's "mate" is only half stitched at this stage.

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A closeup of the blooms of three days ago.

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Hellebore asked me to show "more" of the stamens/pistils of the Icecream tree blossoms--here's a macro---

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Not so Jurassic butterflies

Not so Jurassic butterflies
Originally uploaded by curli.

Slowly,my needle tat skills are improving!
Well that's my story,anyway!
These two examples were done using a Crochet #8 thread.
The bottom one was constructed using instructions for a card embellishment

Jurassic butterfly

Jurassic butterfly
Originally uploaded by curli.

Another attempt at needle tatting.I purchased the (crochet)thread at the recent Stitches and Craft Show,as a "must have" because of it's brilliant colouring.My poor butterfly compares poorly with the example in the book,but I guess I have to start "somewhere"!