TGIFF - Owl Love

This week I only have a small finish for show & tell - and just in time too.

For January's block for the Quilt Block Swap Australia group, my partner, Melody, asked for any block featuring an owl, either pieced, stitched, printed etc.  I decided to use this opportunity to try some embroidery... so...

after transforming this -

to this -

I came up with this -

I have to admit - I am in love.  In fact, I am umming and ahhing about actually sending it away.  Am I crazy?  Maybe a little.  So, Melody... if you don't like this then please feel free to send it back and I'll happily whip up another owl block for you.  Seriously.  Seriously.  :)

The pattern itself is called Owl Love You and is available for free from Stitchy Britches.  As you can see, I used a variety of thread colours to match in with the Delighted by Riley Blake border and, due to my lack of skills, the whole design is completed in back-stitch.

This project was really enjoyable so I am definitely keen to increase my repertoire.  As such, I have signed up to Shiny Happy World's Embroidery 101 and am looking forward to receiving the weekly emails introducing me to new stitches.  Wish me luck!

I'm off to the post office now to send this lovely away.  I really hope you like it Melody.

E.




This week's TGIFF linky party can be found at What a Hoot! so jump on over to check out everyone's awesome finishes.  AND... don't forget to come back here next Friday as it's my turn to host.  Uh oh... I'd better get a-sewing.  ;)

Weigh In Wednesday - Day 22

Before I get into my latest stats, can I just say a big WELL DONE to all of you who are playing along and linking up.  It has truly been inspiring to see your progress each week and I am over-joyed that you are all so committed to working towards a happier, healthier you.  Big pats on the back.

If you have only recently stumbled across our little linky party then please feel free to jump on board anytime.  You're sure to find our group friendly, approachable and very inspiring so don't be scared.  The more the merrier!  We link up each Wednesday but you may come and go as you please - and there are no restrictions to what you can / can't / must share.  You make the rules to suit what makes you comfortable and what will be the most motivating for you.  Hope to see you soon.

Anyhoo...as much as I try, I can't stall any longer.  Unfortunately Mr C is away this week (acting in his role as Superhero Extraordinaire) so there will be no full body shots this post.  I know, I know, it is such a shame.  So let's go straight to the stats, shall we?

Weight Loss Goal: -10kgs (-22lbs)
Week's Loss: -1.0kgs (2.20lbs)
Total Loss: -3.7kgs (8.16lbs)
Distance to Goal: 6.3kgs (13.89lbs)
Week's Gym Visits: 1 (ugh!) - plus a stroll & swim or two
Total Time Exercising: 1hrs 15mins
Alcohol Units Consumed: Nil
Date of Last Alcoholic Drink: 31st December 2011
Highlight of the Week:  Actually missing the gym whilst being sick.  Could I possibly have felt the smallest niggle of a new addiction?  If only!

At the risk of sounding silly, lately I have noticed (imagined?) a little more attention from the opposite sex whilst being out and about (no, it is not because I bat my eyelids!).  Now, realistically, I haven't physically changed that much in the last month BUT my attitude has begun to change and my confidence is definitely growing.  So, what I'm saying is, be comfortable in your skin.  Walk tall.  Lift your head.  Be proud.  When you start paying attention to yourself then others will follow.  And, let's be honest, it feels damn good to be noticed.

So, on that note, here is my music clip of the week, Beautiful by Christina Aguilera. Listen. Believe. Conquer the world. ;)


Now over to you. How was your week? Link up and let us know. :)

E.

Weigh In Wednesday - Day 15

Really, is it that time again?  Already?  But I'm really not ready!  Argh.  This week has definitely not been a good week as my motivation went AWOL and I got slack and grumpy and tired and blah.  Really slack and grumpy and tired and blah.  Unfortunately, the proof is in the stats...

No, I am not a morning person

I seriously should stop putting these side pics up

Weight Loss Goal: -10kgs (-22lbs)
Week's Loss:  -0.5kgs (1.10lbs)
Total Loss:  -2.7kgs (5.95lbs)
Distance to Goal:  7.3kgs (16.09lbs)
Week's Gym Visits: 2 (oops) - plus a stroll here and there
Total Time Exercising:  2hrs 15mins
Alcohol Units Consumed: Nil
Date of Last Alcoholic Drink: 31st December 2011
Highlight of the Week:  Making a comeback after a bad start to the week and getting back on track by Tuesday.  Thanks for keeping me going!

Not as awesome as my first week, I know, but I'm still happy that I had a loss at all.  Though, it seems I have discovered that sitting on the couch watching inordinate amounts of tennis does not help.  Hmm.  Oh well, time to wipe the slate clean, me thinks, and start afresh.  I, nay, WE can do this.

To start the new week with a 'push' I've picked a motivational track from the supremely talented and always entertaining Salt-N-Pepa.  ;)


So, how are you going after two weeks of the Missy Mac Challenge?  I was blown away from all your efforts in week 1 so am looking forward to seeing this week's progress.  Link up and share your news.

E.

TGIFF - A Shirr Thing

It's TGIFF time again and even though I feel like I've been incredibly unproductive this week, I do have a little finish to unveil.

This little shirred dress is for my friend's 2 year old.  I followed the Easy-Peasy Shirred Baby Dress tutorial over at Hand Made-n's and am happy with the final result.  Let's just hope that Miss L likes it too.

The "hardest" part of this dress was the shirring, which can prove to be a bit of a non-event when sewing on a Brother.  I actually didn't find it too bad and, after a few helpful Bloggers pointed out the need for steam (thank you!), it seemed to pull together nicely.

That said, though, it could still be tighter so I plan to adjust the lower tension by following this video tutorial, as suggested by the lovely and talented Kermit Katy.  I'm hoping that this makes things a little more 'springy' - and then I'll sew up a second dress for comparison.  Stay tuned.

That's it I'm afraid.  I really should have had my two quilts for Blankets of Love all done by now but... no.  Oh well, there is always tomorrow.  ;)

E.





I'm linking up to Thank Goodness It's Finished Friday, hosted by M-R this week.  Come on over.

Edited to add - I've also linked up to Pam's ongoing linky party for little girl dresses, Threading YOUR Way with Threading My Way.  Pam is creating an amazing resource with different categories started each week.  Jump over to check out the latest projects - (1) Bags,  (2) Little Girl Dresses and (3) Women's Dresses.  Definitely more to come so keep an eye out.

WIP - Bit O' This, Bit O' That

I have to apologise for the dual posts today... but whilst Weigh In Wednesday continues it might just have to be like that.  Afterall I don't want to miss out on Lee's fabulous WIP Wednesday linky party.  Hope you all don't mind!

Unfortunately, I don't have any finishes to show off as yet (I'm working hard to have something finished in time to link to M-R's TGIFF post) so today is all about those works in progress (funnily enough).


QUILTS FOR BLANKETS OF LOVE

First up, a small quilt I am making for the Blankets of Love campaign.  If you haven't heard about this one, Kat is asking for donations (of blocks to complete quilts) for premature bubs born at the main women's and children's hospital in Perth, Western Australia.  As I live nearby I immediately put my hand up to contribute to this worthwhile cause.

Measuring just 25" x 25" this baby is basted and ready to quilt.  Astute eyes would have noticed the indents from previous quilting, which was unpicked the other night after a disaster with a pieced back.  Um... I seem to have learnt the hard way that squaring up the top and back is hard work.  So, after much grumbling, I've retreated to my usual safe option of a plain back, no piecing involved!

As this one was so quick to put together (as I told myself before the quilting disaster) I've also cut out another 25 5.5" squares to make another.  A good cause is a good cause afterall. 

The second quilt will be quite similar with only one print swapped out and another popped in.  There is a method behind my madness as I wanted to take this opportunity to play with colour combinations - and, in this case, see what difference more blue and less red would make to the overall look.


JANUARY BLOCK FOR QBSA

For this month in the Quilt Block Swap Australia group I've been paired with the lovely Melody who has requested a block incorporating an owl, in any capacity.  As I've been itching to start embroidery I couldn't resist having a play.  Here's a sneak peek of what I'm working on.

This has been a lot of fun and a great project to have on hand when I need to sit and relax.  Might have to get a move on, though, to ensure Melody receives it before the seasons change.  ;)


SHIRRED DRESS/ES

I've been hearing rather nasty rumours that my new little Brother BC-2500, Laurie, wouldn't handle shirring at all well... so I was determined to find out for myself.  I mean, shirred dresses are quick, easy, inexpensive and adorable!  So I stocked up on shirring elastic and sat down with some scraps for a play.  I found out pretty quickly that Laurie can, in fact, shirr... and after a play with stitch length and tension he was doing a pretty good job.  Yippee!!

So I requested some measurements from a friend with a 2 year old... and set to work.  Unfortunately things didn't go exactly to plan.  I'm not sure if I've done something wrong, or if this is how it is supposed to look... but I expected it to gather more than this?  Any thoughts?

Would absolutely love to have some tips if you know of any.  And, no Katy, I don't want to hear that he can't do it.  My beloved Laurie can do anything!  That's my story and I'm sticking to it.


So that's what I'm working on this week.  I'm pretty sure that there are many other WIPs stashed around the place (a certain Summer House quilt, for example) but let's not go there.  ;)

I'm looking forward to checking out all the other projects linked up to Lee's.  Pour yourself a water/coffee/wine/etc and pop on over for a look-see.

E.

Weigh In Wednesday - Day 8

Firstly a BIG thank you to everyone who linked up or commented after last week's initial Weigh In Wednesday post.  Honestly, your support and encouragement has been amazing and, no word of a lie, has really, truly helped me get through this week without scoffing down an icecream (or seventy).  To say it was a tough week for me, mood-wise, is a slight understatement so the thought of having to weigh in today infront of you has really kept my feet on the... err... treadmill and my hands out of the cookie barrel (though I did have two that Mr C freshly baked... yum!).  THANK YOU!

To those of you who have joined me on this journey - CONGRATULATIONS - you've made it through the first week of Missy Mac Bootcamp.  ;)  I hope you've been positive and successful in your endeavours and haven't raided the pantry at 2am more than, say, five times.  No matter what, I am proud of you all for starting the journey and committing to keeping on track with me.  You'll all be looking hot, hot, hot in no time.  :)

It is now a new week, though, and it's time to look forward to the next seven days of healthy eating and exercise.  Here's where I'm at, Day 8, beginning of Week 2...

Front - Can you see the difference?  Nah, me either.  Yet!

Side - Can you see the difference?  Yep, it is worse!  Bloaty, bloat, bloat.  Ugh.

 
Weight Loss Goal: -10kgs (-22lbs)
Week's Loss:  -2.2kgs (4.85lbs)
Total Loss:  -2.2kgs (4.85lbs)
Distance to Goal:  7.8kgs (22lbs)
Week's Gym Visits: 3 - plus walks along the river / beach (yay for summer!)
Total Time Exercising:  2hrs 55mins
Alcohol Units Consumed: Nil
Date of Last Alcoholic Drink: 31st December 2011
Highlight of the Week: Managing to drag myself to the gym for 30mins of exercise when I really, really, really didn't want to go.  Even though I hated every miserable second, I was still proud of myself for doing it.

As per usual, I'm finishing with a little bit of music - to make you laugh, smile, cry or groan.  So, little lady, it's time to jump down from your trusty steed, yank off your cowboy boots and pull up a hay bale.  Here is Bobby Dare with the "Diet Song".


Ha! Ok, I promise... no more country.   Actually, that's a complete and utter lie.  I have another ripper lined up for you... but that'll have to wait a week or two.

Now it's over to you!  Link up and let us know how your first week went.  :)

E.

TGIFF in Pictures

As my last few posts have been very 'wordy' (I know you're sick of hearing from me), I thought it was about time to limit the chatter and just show you what I've been working on this week...

Circle Zip Earbud Pouches for me and Mr C

22" Mod Mosaic Floor Pillow for me (not Laura!)

Simple Pyramid Doorstop for my Mummy

Sewing Machine Cover for my new little Brother, Laurie

Scrappy String Blocks for the QCA's 2012 Bee (it's my month!)

So, there you have it - quite a productive week for me.  AND... all of that between sweating it out at the gym for Weigh In Wednesday.  Wowsers.  ;)

E.


I'm linking up to the first TGIFF party for 2012, at Quokka Quilts.  Pop over to see Laura's gorgeous summer skirt, with matching accessories.  :)