To start with I have finished the comforter that I was making for Jean, and I am extremely happy with it - I just hope she will be too. When stitching the binding down by hand I found that I had to either have the ceiling fan on or the air conditioner. It has been so hot here of late (considering we are 7 weeks into autumn) and sitting stitching with a blanket on your lap is pretty hot work.
Bit disappointed with the photo - the true colours don't appear to have come out properly.
I then decided that I would make myself a bag from some of the light weight canvas (different colours to the caravan wheel covers) as I was finding any handbag I purchased did not last long due to the weight that I carry in it - let's face it, a woman's handbag has everything including the kitchen sink in it at times! Besides, this one is washable too. I was so taken with the bag that I set about and made another one (from the left over fabric) with more black showing so it will be my 'winter' bag.
Then I offered to make a little bear for a friend whose grand-daughter is doing it a little tough, and well ..... did that get the ball rolling or what!
After the above bear, I got to thinking that perhaps I might make some for ANZAC Day (25 April) and take them down to give out before the service begins on Wednesday. The little bears just kept coming, and I ended up having made 9, although one was AWOL (absent without leave) for the photo session.
I make my bears out of calico, then each of one them is put in a cellophane bag with a message - these guys have a copy of The Ode in with them.
Because I don't have an embroidery machine, I hand stitch both the facial features and either a vest or message onto each bear before stitching it together on the sewing machine, then stuffing them, or as I like to say, giving them a good feed.
I have quite enjoyed making these bears and feel that it might be a path that I will follow with my next lot to be decided upon in the next week or two. I make them through a group out of Sydney - a machine embroidery group, and they are more than happy for me to make them with the hand stitching, then you choose who/which group you will give them too, however the numbers are all tallied together. The group has people from all over the globe making these very cute little guys to give to people who are a little down or in need of maybe just a hug. Take a look at http://ameakindnessbears.com or their facebook page.
Haven't really had time to do much else but I sure have enjoyed myself the last couple of weeks - guess you could say my sewing room is my happy place.
On Thursday I am going on a bus trip with our local quilters group down to a fabric place just north of Brisbane, then across to Northlakes Shopping Centre before returning home around 4pm I believe. Quite looking forward to our day out and I can load up with lots of bits and pieces and more calico of course! Then a nice wander around the shopping centre and a lovely lunch.
For now though, it is time to get back to my sewing room and contemplate my next batch of bears to be made.
June
