Our map cushions

OK, this is way overdue... This project was finished more than a year ago and I just realised I never shared it with you. So I hereby present you with our map cushions:

 

At the time my sister shared a blog post with me (from OhDeeDoh, I think) which showed a stylised world map painted over about 12 small canvasses. Because I was not going to be short on wall art for the new house, and because I was keen on some more cushiony-type things in the boys bedroom, I decided to try these instead. I call this a 'fun' project because I think the end result is a fun touch to a children's bedroom. The actual sewing was anything but fun - one of those 'what-on-earth-was-I-thinking-when-I-started-this' projects.

 

The map was made by machine appliqueing the various shapes to the blue background, one layer at a time. I used my free-motion foot for that to save having to turn the fabric quite so much, but it was still a massive job. Love how it turned out though.

The studio is tidy

The studio got tidied up, which is as good a reason as any to share some pictures with you. I love this space very much. It feels very peaceful. I love it that my whole family can be up there with me if they desire, but I also love it that I can be upstairs sewing while the children are happily playing downstairs (I can hear what's going on, and they can hear the familiar hum of the sewing machine so we are all happy). I love my cupboard full of crates (from the local salvage yard - I think they may have contained flower bulbs in a previous life). I love it that the ex-dining table now takes centre stage in the studio, the perfect space for cutting out fabric and spreading out quilts-in-progress. I love the shelf full of art supplies, and the wrap around desk where I sit and sew at one end while Aaron and Hannah play endless board games at the other. I love the green couch which I regularly day dream about lounging on with a good book, but never do. I am conscious of how blessed I am to have this space, and thankful for the time I am able to spend there.

Sewing in the sun

I found a new sewing spot today. Daniel was determined to play outside with the other children, and because we don't have fences yet and he has a tendency to wander, I need to supervise him closely. So I had no choice but to be outside with him all day. And thankfully I found the perfect place - out on the new (nearly) finished deck, on my recently thrifted table, behind the sewing machine, overlooking the whole yard as well as the valley beyond...
I barely touched the housework today, but I do have a mostly finished quilt top and some sunburn to show for my efforts - and the kids had a wonderful day outside altogether. I think we may be onto something here, for the upcoming school holidays!

Perfect weather for stomping and sewing

We only went out for five minutes, just to wave goodbye to our visitors. It only took them a fraction of that time to find the rivulet of water running through the clay.After five minutes, they were both in need of a bath, so I grabbed the camera and let them play for another ten minutes. And then spent half an hour cleaning them up. They appreciated it though - both the mud and the bath!
And just in case you didn't visit here to see grubby little boys, here's my current sewing project...Rather unseasonal.

Sewing assistant

My sewing space

Today I packed the first boxes in preparation for our move into our new house. I can't believe we are finally that far - well, we hope to be in a few weeks time anyway. I'm really looking forward to the extra space and light. But it occurred to me as I was quilting away last night, that I will actually miss this sewing space I have here. It's right in the middle of things, sandwiched between the dining room and the lounge-cum-playroom. It's not beautiful, but it has enabled me to accomplish a lot of sewing in between all the craziness of life with four kids.

In the new house, the studio is about last on our list of things to finish, so I will probably be using this door-and-crate setup for a bit longer, just not in the middle of the living space!

Aftermath...

...from last week's sewing frenzy. If you've been around for a while you may recall my search for fabric last year. I finally had success at Spotlight in Albany (all the fabrics I was after, as well as good service!!) as well as a bulk order of t-shirt fabric from Standard Knits Australia. Which means I have a nice stash to work with, and last week I had a lot of fun putting together a batch of coordinating clothes for Caleb.He likes them, but can't work out why I haven't buttoned up his overshirt.

It only took 172hrs...

This is Phil. I'm sorry, but I just had to "break in" to this blog... but it is for good reason. I need to inform you all that Ruth has succumbed. It took 7days and 4hrs. The sewing machine has made an appearance. I'm sure Daniel will be lulled to sleep by it's humming very soon.

My new machine

Look at my new toy! It is seriously heavy duty, and smells authentically greasy, too. I tried it out this morning, with some very excited observers! Do you know what it is? A snap press (and 1000 snaps in 10 different colours)! What am I going to use it for? A new sewing project I am very excited about (as those who speak to me regularly will know - Phil looks forward to this project being finished so that he doesn't have to hear about it all the time)... But I'm going to be difficult and leave you in suspense until I have a bit more to show you! In the meantime, don't be surprised if you see snaps appearing in random places - this machine is very easy to use! I'll try to keep them off my quilts, though.

As to the quilt I am piecing, two days ago as I sat down to work on it, some of my enjoyment was taken away by the fact that I had quite a few outstanding jobs and projects that were niggling at my conscience. I put the quilt away for a couple of days and now that many of those jobs are done I am looking forward to getting going on it again this morning! And this afternoon we get to pick up Phil from the airport -HOORAY! He's been in Botswana for 10 days, which is how I am getting so many projects finished around here (its OK - he knows I get lots done while he's gone - I actually plan lots of projects in advance as a distraction during the long days and evenings) but we can't wait to have him back again!