Bonaparte and Ellie

Last night was opening night for our on-line group's Softie Swap.  Jenny made Bonaparte (from a recent Homespun magazine) for me - her work is beautiful and he is gorgeous.  His hat is fantastic.

My other partner was Karyn and I made Melly & Me's "Ellie" for her.  Ellie is such a sweetie.  She was the sneaky-peak photo from a little while ago.

Tennessee

"Tennessee" - the second Sylvia's Bridal Sampler block for this week.  The diamonds are foundation pieced and the rest of he block is hand-pieced.

The centre still isn't quite right.  I've unpicked it twice and have decided to leave it as is for a little while before having another go.

Beautiful. sunny winter's day on the South Coast.

Block 3

Block 3 of "Butterfly Garden"

Needleturn still isn't great although there is some improvement.  Haven't made up my mind yet whether I'm a fan or not.

The three blocks sewn together.

Diann has decided that we need to make a second SBS block this week and she's chosen another doozy ("Tennessee" - more set in seams, foundation pieced diamonds).  I think it's a job for the weekend as it's too much for my brain to cope with after a day at work.  I'm also thinking it's time Miss Diann found an alternative method of choosing blocks - close your eyes and point is no longer working for me.  I prefer a system that chooses easy blocks and then slowly brings in the more difficult blocks (being the chicken that I am).

Giddy Up Again

The filly is finished and waiting to be taken to her new home on Tuesday.  Pretty obvious that I love this pattern.

This week's Sylvia's Bridal Sampler block - Bright Hope.  Nice to make an easy block after last week's.

The blocks so far:

Lots of Pink

My blog is looking pinker and pinker by the week and this week's Sylvia's Bridal Sampler block - Laurel Wreath adds more pink.  This was another doozy with lots of set in pieces and Y seams.  I decided to hand-piece this one and the points turned out well but the block is still a smidge larger than the 6-1/2" it should be.  Accuracy is definitely an issue with this quilt.

Sneaky peak at softie finished last weekend for our on-line group's next swap.  She will be flying to a warmer climate next week.

A few strips have been added to the Hexagon Quilt

and this is a filly version of Giddy Up - hopefully John will have some time on the weekend to cut and drill the dowel so I can finish putting it together to give to a little tot when her new baby sister comes home from hospital early next week.

I've been to the pictures twice this week - last Sunday with our family to see "The A Team" (great characters, funny one-liners and as much action as would be expected) and on Wednesday night Jenni and I went to see "Toy Story 3" - as much as I enjoyed this movie, there's no way I'd take small children to see it.  There were children crying in the theatre, which I found upsetting.  Buzz Lightyear's Spanish dancing is sensational.

Butterfly Garden

Block 2:

Blocks 1 and 2 together:

Today is ...

... Batman's 28th birthday.  This photo was taken when Michael was 2 - we were having a big wedding anniversary party for Mum and Dad and he wouldn't wear anything but his Batman outfit.

A few years later - asleep on the top bunk.

I've shown the photo before of Michael dressed in his 'A-Team' outfit - he didn't see much of the show when he was little but he loved Mr T and the rest of the guys.  On Sunday we're all going to see the new movie - I hope it lives up to Michael's expectations.

This week's Sylvia's Bridal Sampler block - Contrary Wife or "Lynda's self portrait" as John calls it.  Think we should make "Contrary Husband" next - it is in the SBS book.