Back to blogging

A few people have been wondering where I have been since August, when I last posted.  I've been around.  Busy, busy, busy.  I have been feeling very guilty about not keeping up with my blog.  I was also wondering whether it was worth the effort blogging when I now have so little time to create and much less to spend updating my blog. After much thought, I think I should give it a go since crafting is definitely my passion and I will carry on doing this whether I blog about it or not.  But this blog gives me the chance to somehow keep a log of all the things I make.  My posts may be sporadic and erratic (for instance,  will be disappering for about 2 weeks) but I will do my best to keep on top of things.

I have made a few things in the last weeks and also finished off some long standing projects.  I got the chance, for instance, to try out a Japanese bag pattern which I bought months ago.  After much guess work, I must say that I am pleased with the end result.

I have also been eager to make a bean bag using the same fabric (I have loads of this fabric so it will continue to feature heavily in my crafting).  I used a pattern which I found an old issue of Homes and Gardens and stuffed it with some polystyrene beads kindly donated by my friend, Vicki.  I often find it difficult to anticipate the final size of some things I sew and this was a classic example.  Although I love the shape and it looks as I anticipated, it turned out smaller than expected.  So small that you could not even safely sit a small baby on it (without him/her rolling off).  But we have found another use; it is excellent for propping you up whilst lying in bed reading a book; so it has not gone to waste.

But my biggest project to date is the quilt which I started some time ago.  I have made up 20 square using a variety of green fabrics.  Each square measures 20 cm x 20 cm.  I have been thinking a lot about what colour fabric to use as sashing and for the back.  My initial thoughts were white for the sashing but Markus has recommended a tan colour which I think works better.  Whilst I was planning to order some Kona cotton in tan, it did occur to me that I have some lovely linen in the exact colour which would be perfect (I just hope linen quilts ok).  I will nevertheless still have to order some fabric for the back (tan and green) as well as the batting.  Does anyone know where I can order cotton batting in Europe? I only seem to be able to get the synthetic stuff here.  I may now have to order it from the US.  This is how my combination of squares look:

Last but not least, is a bag which I started felting months ago.  The felting process went quite quickly but it then took me several months to decide how to finish off the bag.  I opted for a leather handle and I sewed on some trimming in a matching colour.  I still need to decide on a suitable closure for the bag but in the photo, I have pinned on three fabric flowers and 'closed' the bag with a safety pin (ad interim).

Comments

[varenia]

Welcome back!!

Your bags are amazing, I can't decide which one I like better... they are both beautiful. And bravo on your quilt, I dream of quilting but I always end up turning to a different project for quicker results. I admit, I have no patience :) Can't wait to see future creations!

[jenn]

What a beautiful felted bag! It is so nice to see you again also!

[melissa sews]

Oh, Aima! I am so impressed with your quilt! I have often thought about giving one a try myself, but I simply do not have the time during this season in my life. Yours is beautiful. It was good to hear from you and I'm glad to know that you've been encouraged reading my blog. God is so good! I pray that you will continue to experience His peace and presence.

[Levin]

Bravo! Welcome back!

[erica]

You're back!! Yeaa, I've missed you. Lots of craftiness going on. I especially love the bag you made, the felted one...it's so sweet. You're quilt is off to a great start, I unfortunately don't know where you can get cotton batting in Europe. I wish you luck and eagerly await your next installment of crafty show and tell.
-erica