Block Swap, I'm finally up to date!

Here are just some quick pics of two blocks I finished for my block swap partners. I'm actually about 4 months behind and have just finished catching up. I had two other blocks that I finished ages ago but haven't gotten around to actually posting until now. The two themes for these blocks are red, white and blue and earthy tone stars. I hope that my partners like their blocks.

I will have to post a photo of the blocks these two lovely ladies sent me, they are really quite lovely. Thank you both!

More Onion Paintings!

This is what I do at 4.30 am when I am depressed and have been sleeping all day to keep bad thoughts out of my head. True art therapy!

Axel wanted a photo of me at the exact time, I tried to smile so he doesn't think I'm too depressed.

It's Been 7 Odd Years...

I did something today that I haven't done in about 7 years... yep I made an oil painting. It's not very good and it's not exactly exciting or inspiring but it is still an oil painting. I don't know what possessed me, well actually I've been fidgety all day, ok, ok, ok all week and I've been doing some sewing, no luck there really, and trying to think of something amazing to make for Axel's birthday and christmas present, again no luck so at about 11pm I get out an old tube of brown oil paint and a small canvas I bought at the 2 $ shop and start sketching an onion.

I must admit I was so scared to start because I didn't know if I would remember how to paint after so long. Anyhow I must say I sure am rusty, there are so many problems with this painting but meh... it's alright for a quick painting of a sprouting onion. Picking up the paint brush again made me realise that I've been running around trying to learn all sorts of new skills that I've forgotten some of the others I have. I used to just paint and draw once upon a time, now it's the last thing on my mind. I think I have to change that. If I loose this skill then I don't think I could forgive myself.

The colours are darker in this photo than in real life. The onion is quite redish purple not so blackish. It's also quite a small canvas, about 15 by 20 cms.

What's New Pussy Cat?

It feels like ages ago that I last posted an entry. I've still been sick, every week it's something different, stomach bug, runny nose, sore throat, aches and pains, sinuses then stomach bug again. It has been never ending this term! I am just waiting for the boss to call me into his office and say, 'Kathy you are too sick, you are costing us too much in sick leave so I'm going to have to let you go!' then I imagine myself breaking out in tears and crying 'oh I'm sorrryyyyyyy... boo hoo' Ah thank God for school holidays which start this Friday at 2.30pm!! Two weeks of relaxation, sleep and warm cosy indoors without having to come within and inch of a school kid with runny nose. If I don't feel better by the end of the two weeks I will be feeling pretty close to jumping off the Westgate bridge!

Anyhow some crafty news... I've finished sewing my first shirt! I started one for my sister who then decided she hated it and wouldn't wear it, so it didn't matter when it didn't work out. Then I made one for myself with cute bumble bee material and it turned out perfectly! I was so pleased but disappointed that the pattern was so dodgy, short and tent like. I've decided that I need to add pleats at the back to give it some shape. I'll post a photo once I've done the adjustments.
I also finished the baby cardigan that I started a while back, adding the buttons last night. I've decided to give it to our neighbours who just had a baby boy called River. I haven't seen him yet because I don't want to share my sick germs.

I can't wait to make more of these, it was so easy to make and so cute. I hope baby River likes it!

Another Crochet Baby Jacket

Here is a photo of the finished crochet jacket that I was working on. I think the yellow star buttons finishes it off quite nicely. I've started a new jacket but this time using nice pure wool with a 4mm hook instead of 4.5mm. I am getting nicer edges without wholes just by ch2 instead of ch3 to make a dc at the start of a new row. I also have realised that quality yarn is the way to go and that $2 yarn looks like $2. So I've gone and bought some pure wool yarn for $5 for 50 gm balls. I must say I cannot wait to use the stuff. In this jacket below you can see some of the orange yarn I bought. I am going to make the rest of the sleeves orange and brown stripes. I am also thinking of putting teddybear buttons on this one.

I Finished Sewing My First Piece of Clothing

I finally finished sewing my first piece of clothing. As you will see if you go through my blog I do sew a bit but only quilts. I've always wanted to sew clothes because most of the time I think the stuff in the shops is either crap or just don't fit me. And so here after my third lesson I've finished sewing a hoody with zip.

I've made a lot of mistakes while sewing this hoody but I'm glad I did because I've learnt so much from those mistakes. I now know how to use my zip foot and to use and adjust different stitches. I also now know what those nodes are for on the patterns.

I wore the hoody to work today and all day I was trying to put things in the front pockets but of course there are none on this. I think I will go back and put some on so I'm not forever feeling for pockets that are just not there.

My next project is a short sleeve blouse for my sister in some nice blue cotton material, which she just told me is the same material that the cleaners wear at her work. Oh dear I guess she won't be wearing it out then. Still it will be good for practicing and I'm sure I'll learn lots from the experience. Collar and buttons and interfacing oh my!

Afghan is in it's New Berlin Home!

I just received some photos from Axel depicting the afghan I made for his apartment set out on his bed. I think it looks kinda neat. I do think his room needs a make over though. Something for me to do when I go over there for Christmas. Axel will be at university so I think it's safe to say I can do what I like to the apartment, deco wise.

I am nearly finished sewing the jacket I've been working on in sewing classes. I just need to heme the bottom. I am going to try and make a shirt next for my little sister, she's probably the only one out of all of us that will wear it. We shall see but I get the feeling that most of the stuff I'm going to make is never going to be worn.