Old Chair - New Chair

Another lifetime ago MY Little Girl was given a small Arm Chair by her Grandmother.

It saw a Lot of use in those early years and the other day I brought it out of storage with the intention of reupholstering it.  

Before I was able to get started - Little Miss A visited unexpectedly and saw the Chair.

"Do you like this?" asked Grandpa.  

Pointing to the tear on the arm she casually replied - "No!"

She changed her mind when we showed her the upholstery fabric.

* * *

We carefully dismantled it - Taking photos of each step and making notes on the frame as to which way was up.

I found a few lost items in the process - The standard Lolly wrappers, A Tasmanian Devil Tazzo (circa 1990) and The missing Blue Knitting Needle that belonged to my Grandmother.... or what was left of it.

We decided that the webbing was still tight enough for this makeover, so new Foam and Padding was all that we needed. 

I cut out the new Fabric using the old as a pattern giving myself a generous allowance in case the foam was too thick.  Just as well as I needed every inch!

My Father had a saying and that was - 'Get the Tool for the Job'.  So taking his advice I bought a Ryobi Cordless Staple Gun. 

It made things SO much easier than the last upholstery project I did!

Just for fun. 

I added a piece of the original Brown Vinyl upholstery fabric and a note as to when it was originally bought and when it was reupholstered.

With interruptions - It took about 2 weeks to do and looks SO much better now 

... and ready for a whole new generation (and one very spoilt Cat) to enjoy.  

Life in Lockdown ?

Still waiting for  all that "Spare Time" to materialise.

I must admit to quipping that "We are waiting for the Weeds to grow - so we can pull them out!" 

Although, there are plenty at DD's to keep us occupied and still keep within the Physical Distance rules.

(There's a Gate here somewhere....)

Back at home I have been getting on with some projects

 that were not on "The List"

We recovered the small Ironing board - padding out with some reflective batting - I will see how that goes before tackling the larger 1800 x 600 Quilt board.

I also dusted off the Over-locker and got it Working.
(I can't remember the last time I used it!)

Next to Elbow its way to the top of the List is our
"Well who says we can't have fun while having a takeaway Coffee in the Car" project.

Basically it is a very narrow Table Cloth,
Or an exceptionally Long Serviette...

Either way it is an effective Crumb Catcher for Brekkie on the Go.

Today was the first "Let's have Breakfast Out" day in a month - Yes folks it has ONLY been a month!

Finally I have been able to finish a Project that was in danger of becoming a UFO.

A Ballet Bag for my Great Niece who turns 5 on May 4.

Now all I have to do is work out How to get it to Her!

As I was about to finish this Post, DH presented me with this.

The Rose does not know what is happening in the World other than the Air is clearer and the Rain sweeter and so it continues to bring Joy and Pleasure with its delicate fragrance.

Happy Sunday Everyone.

Stay Safe.

Let's Try Again ...

Moving on from Monday.

Choosing not to go off shopping for a new Iron (Just yet) I opted to unpack "The Beast" that has been lurking in the corner of my Bedroom.
I have no idea where I bought this monster only that it "Must have been on Sale" also "It Smells Odd" (which is why it was still in it's box!).

It is a perfectly good Iron and after an initial test run I decided that no crease would dare stand in it's way.  So, I may be more inclined to pre-wash more of my stash from now on.
That being settled it was on to the mending pile.

I didn't set out with the intention of doing ALL of it -
It just happened. 
A button here, Half a trouser hem there. And before I knew it -
It was ALL DONE.
Eight pair of Trousers, Two Camisoles and Two Cardigans - Now I wonder if they STILL FIT?

Never a dull moment

Is it ONLY Wednesday?
It seems like it should be much much more!

Since my last blog post my Father had a tumble and broke his wrist landing him in hospital.

Sitting in 'Emergency' was not my idea of a fun Friday night - but I did get a bit of knitting done!


The last few days have been taken up with trips back and forth with my Mother for visits and appointments with the associated medical and Aged Care assistants.

I am REALLY glad I have a simple pattern and a very big ball of wool.

* * *

I did manage to also fit in some sewing.
This time I am trying my hand at making a Jinny Beyer pattern for her Medallion Table Runner.

I came across the age old dilemma of having a "Great Wall of Fabric" and nothing that I could use!

DH walked in and said ...
"This one, this one and ...this - no, THIS one!"
Infuriating isn't it?
But on the bright side - if it doesn't work
It's HIS fault!

Unravelling a 10 year mystery...

As UFOs go - I do not have a lot of the Quilted variety.

I have only been quilting for around 11 years and (to keep DH happy) - I try and finish them.
Before that I did a lot of 'tinkering' with other crafts - I made toys and lingerie and tried my hand at embroidery, needlepoint, latch-pull, house and garden renovation and... I knitted.

On the 5th August 2005 I began knitting an Aaron style cardigan.
(I had made one once before and finished it in 2 months.)

It must have been picked up and put away sporadically over the next couple of years when, somewhere in 2009,  I suspect the dreaded "Muuuuummmmmm!" must have stopped me in my tracks -
Why else would I have put my knitting down with only 15 stitches to finish a row?

For the past 2 weeks I have been ill (thanks for sharing DS & DH), and have once again picked up my knitting basket, as it meant I could potter without getting up too much.
Yesterday I found my cardigan - which of course will no longer fit me (a win for DD) - and taking the afternoon to work out where I was... picked up and finished the back.

11 years after I cast those first stitches on - because I had the wool - I have decided it is time to finish this UFO!

Picking up my needles

A while ago I was tiding my sewing/craft/store room when I came across my Grandmother's collection of knitting needles. Wow, did they bring back memories!

It has been quite a while since I picked up any needles - but there is SO much beautiful wool around now that it is VERY tempting indeed.

So tempting that I found myself wandering around free knitting sites until I found something that sparked my interest.

Of course, I would choose something that had more to it than 'just plain stocking stitch".

I admit I did enjoy the challenge...
(and my Nan would have been pleased to see her needles being used.)

Now to find something for that beautiful Silver Grey Alpaca and Silk.....

My Christmas UFO

This is possibly my longest UFO,
42 inches long actually!
and I have taken a long time to make it as well.

It is called "The Cat's Meow" by Concord Fabrics, I am fairly certain it predates any other Quilt fabric in my stash.

I have no idea when I started this ...

I have 3 of them and each one is in various stages of being beaded, sequined, and embroidered
(ok, maybe not embroidered).

But they have been quilted - of sorts...
What concerns me is the wadding I have used ... is ... foam - and it looks like it has been recycled from something else.

So much work and it still isn't finished.

New Tripod - No Bag

Apparently, there are as many different styles and choices for Tripod Bags as there are Tripods to put in them, and my new lightweight Manfrotto did not come with one, (I was informed it is an optional extra), so I set about making my own.

How to make a Carry Bag for a Small Camera Tripod or Music Stand.

First off it really helped that I had a bag from another tripod, that the Manfrotto fitted in so I was able to take measurements from that.

The next helpful thing was, that DH had a Promotional Document Wallet - the kind they give out at conventions that you never know what to do with once you get home.

This wallet was particularly suitable with a good quality zip.
All I had to do was unpick the stitching.

Which included trying to unpick as much of the logo that was necessary - no need to unpick it all.

Cut out the pieces incorporating any of the features that may be useful.

In this case I have used the zip and the clear nameplate window.

All that was left was to sew it up using the sample as a reference. (Sorry, I got so engrossed with the construction that I forgot to take photos of this stage.)

Attach an adjustable strap from an old computer bag.

Then add a couple of Iron On Souvenir patches - to personalise it  - and there you have it ....

one new Tripod


and one new Tripod Case.


All ready for an adventure! ......

The Gift Has Been Given....

....and now I can show you what I have been up to lately!

Armed with a photograph of my Christmas Stocking Swap partner and an idea, I decided to brush off my other skills and set about to make a Birthday present.



My Swap partner Kerry is an active Member of the Red Hat Society, so I chose to make her something very special.

And how much more special can it be but a Caricature Doll of your Alter Ego!

So here she is Princess Ruby.

I am sure she will make herself very comfortable with the ladies at the Red Hat Society.

... and yes, She DOES look like Kerry!

The Tailor of Gloucester...

is said to be Beatrix Potter's own favourite .  It is the story of an old tailor who sets to work on a magnificent coat for the Mayor of Gloucester's wedding. When the tailor falls ill and unable to finish the coat in time - it is mysteriously completed by secret helpers who leave only one clue to their identity - a tiny note pinned to one unfinished buttonhole saying "No more twist".

 On Saturday I felt very much like the tailor - working against the clock, I started cutting out a waistcoat for DS#2 to wear to a dress up event that night....and at 6pm I put it down and said ---"I can't do it".
There was plenty of encouragement from the assembled group - but no small mice with a talent for needlework - the waistcoat was not finished in time and he had to wear something else.

Sunday, I sat down and finished the waistcoat to the point of just needing to  make the buttonholes, but of course, buttonholes need buttons before you can make them.  I had plenty of twist - but no buttons!
Yesterday I found some that will look quite the part and all that needs to be done is 5 buttonholes made with golden thread.

*********
Footnote:  Matilda here is a bit more shapely than DS#2 and the waistcoat doesn't look too bad on her, but it did need quite a bit of adjustment to tailor it to fit.  IF I had any ideas of making a new pattern that would fit my Son, leaving the original intact for other members of the family to use.......

Paper? ..... What Paper?

I think I may need to get some more paper......

What did I do before Quilting ?.....

I made toys!
Well, actually they were
 "Hand crafted Companions".
Not really intended to be played with - but they did pass the Toddler Test for durability as they all had to be vetted by my (then) 5 yr old.  Who gave them a kiss on the nose before going off to their new homes.

These little guys are just some of the more popular toys that I made from commercial patterns for Friends and Family...well mainly the people My DH worked for, who wanted something hand made for a special gift - or just wanted something that could not be bought in the shops.
There were Bears, made from bathmats, before Fur fabric (let alone the beautiful German Mohair that you can get now) was available.
And Rabbits, and Dogs, Pigs in Pokes, and Pandas, Baby Seals & Penguins,
and Elves - a LOT of Elves - or were they Pixies?

Then there was THE Cat!
Cat came into existence when a colleague of my DH gave him a photo and asked .. Can Wendy make this?
I had a pattern for a sitting Cat and some beautiful 'mink' fur in a chocolate brown... So.. Why not give it a go?
That photo sat on my work bench during Cat's construction and when he was finished - he went to work...
The Colleague was so impressed her reaction was "That IS my Cat... BUT he would tear it to shreds!"
Cat wasn't adopted, I learnt to take deposits, and he stayed on DH's filing cabinet for that long he became part of the office!  People (and rather important ones at that) would come in and find themselves stroking Cat while they were talking to DH.  Eventually Cat was adopted and I was rather sad to finally say goodbye.   He certainly was the Purrfect Pet!

Two Projects One Solution . . . .

It is always good to be able to work 2 specific needs into the one project.  I like to do this as much as possible and this week was no exception.

My DS#2 needed a Costume for his movie shoot and I needed a contribution to an Embellishment Challenge for my Janome Group.....

Simple!   Remember This?
It was the Jacket that I made last year for another event.. which coincidently I was able to use for the Decorative Stitch Challenge.

I hadn't done any more to it once it came home so thought a little Embellishment would give it a new life or more to the point ..a new Role to Play!


Adding a bit of braid to the lapels and some pre-purchased Military style Motifs did the trick, turning the same jacket from Futuristic Cyborg to Time Travelling Aeronaught.



Everyone was delighted with the transformation.

January Birthdays

The last two weeks have been taken up with finishing off a couple of UFOs for January birthdays.

Topsy-Turvy Rabbit - now aptly named "Bunny" was started many years ago when I made soft toys for a hobby.  The little girl I was making her for grew up, and away from such whimsy and so she lay,  not quite forgotten - until a new little girl appeared.
As it was to be a gift from my DD, she tried her hand at some sewing to make the TWO dresses required. She quickly learnt that making Dolls clothes was not "Child's Play".

A Topsy-Turvy Rabbit is a toy that has an "AWAKE" face and dress and when turned upside down reveals her "ASLEEP" face and night attire.

Little Miss Turning 5, had never seen such a toy before, and was not quite sure at first, but it did not take her long to work out that 'Bunny' should not be seen in her night clothes .... when it is still daylight!

The other UFO was started more recently and for a much older girl.  I took ONE look at this fabric (Thunder Flower by Alexander Henry) and just had to have some......... I know exactly who it will suit!  The problem was - how to use the fabric to it's full effect.

 A Laptop bag was the obvious choice for an up and coming IT student.  Inside it has 4 pockets and 2 key keepers and enough room for a 15" Laptop. It also gave me the opportunity to try out the buttonhole feature on my Janome 6500 - which I am pretty pleased with!

Would I make another? ....No I don't think so.
                             This bag is Unique - just like it's new owner.

"The Roo Arrived"

Well, that is good to hear!
Last week I posted that I was working on a Fabric Postcard Challenge.  The theme "We are the World" was a difficult one to work with...
How DO you make a topic like that out of fabric that is restricted to 6" x 4" ?

Some chose to make a Globe and surround it with figures, This is Julie's card she sent to Grace.

Others decided to add an extra line to the challenge title
 ..... "And this is my part of it!"
I chose to go with this option..


I decided on symbols that are universally recognised as Australian.  Those in the 'know' would instantly recognise the Australian Aboriginal Flag.

The symbolic meaning of the flags colours are:
Black:   Represents the Aboriginal People of Australia.
Red:     The Red Earth, the Red Ochre and a Spiritual relationship with the Land.
Yellow:  Represents the Sun. Giver of Life and Protector.

I also used the Stars of our National Flag - The Southern Cross.  To me this represents Home.

A Kangaroo?  Who in the World does not know that Kangaroo's and Gum leaves are Australian???

The mini quilt was satin stitched onto a card with Gold thread and Green in the bobbin, then sent "Naked" through the post.  I posted them on Tuesday afternoon and the first one arrived in Canada 3 days later!

Also during the week I have been doing some fine tuning on my Blog - I have changed the wallpaper for Summer added a Greeting to the sidebar and a New page.
I understand that not everyone wants to comment on a specific posting so I created a place to leave a greeting or just an autograph.
So don't be shy - sign the 'Visitors Book'