Marian Edwards DreamWeaver

a catch up with friends & a little quilting...

Catching up with friends is always fun and a sleepover is even better. Cath & i had a perfectly lovely time at Robyn's nest, last weekend, we didn't get much stitching done but did lots of chatting & laughing, as we ate lots of yummy food, including Robyn's to-die-for pate and her delish homemade lemon cordial..not to mention a glass [or more] of red wine too LOL!!

Robyn makes these amazing sheet music paper flowers...she gave me a few earlier this year...aren't they gorgeous, i LOVE them!!

and i also love this darling little birdie peg, thank you, Robyn!! i think it looks pretty cute on my mini basket quilt, don't you??

speaking of quilts...i have finally finished my 12 Days of Christmas quilt..remember i made two of these back in January?? well, one's done and the other one's basted and waiting to be hand quilted..

it feels great to get it finally finished :))

today i made a start on May's small quilt challenge. It's the civil war star doll quilt from Kathy's book The Civil War Sewing Circle. I made this quilt last year so i've decided to do a mini version of it for the challenge...four stars instead of twelve.

here's the rough layout in teals, browns & greys...

and one completed star...

Earlier last week, i also finished a doll quilt, for a swap with Pamela ...i can only show you a sneak peek for now...

and here's another project i started, with Sally, on Friday..a Sue Spargo inspired patchwork & wool applique bag..

so, i've got a few things to keep me occupied over the next few weeks and a couple of projects to take along to the quilting retreat, in Hepburn Springs, next weekend....five more sleeps YAY!!!

a little vintage inspired cross stitchery...

There's something warm and inviting about primitive inspired stitcheries, so when Pamela was offering a simple cross stitch design, free to download, on her blog recently, i was inspired to have a go. It's been a long while since i've done any counted cross stitch but i was up for the challenge lol!

First things, first..i had to buy something to stitch on. After asking Pamela what she uses i went out and bought some Zweigarts 25ct evenweave linen and some Aida 18ct. I opted to use the Aida because the weave was a little easier on my eyes, or so i thought. My thread choice was DMC 317 a blue/grey which was perfect for what i had in mind.

 Here's the B and the beginnings of E which took me three evenings and the best part of half a day to accomplish. It might be a snail's pace but i must admit it's a lovely relaxing thing to do..i just wish it wasn't such a strain on my eyes.

so over the past week i've made some steady progress..

and finally, yesterday afternoon...it was done!

Inspired by Pamela, i decided to make a hanging cushion using some appropriate primitive looking fabric. My choice was Lecien's 'Secret Garden' designed by Lynette Anderson, which matches my stitchery beautifully.

and for the backing a lovely primitive looking brown check.... 

now, all that was left to do was to give it a wonderfully aged patina.

Luckily, i found my stash of parisian essence which i haven't used in ages, it was tucked behind some empty jam jars on the top shelf in my pantry..what was i thinking?? anyway, i can tell you i was quite excited to get the whole dipping & dying process happening lol! 

so here goes...

i set the timer for 3 minutes, then increased it an extra 3 minutes.....

and i was very happy with the results!!

flattened out on a towel and placed on the drying rack under the ceiling fan...it was dry in no time! meanwhile, i picked out the cotton twill ribbon for the hanger and dipped that in the same dye bath.

So here it is..all finished!!

i stuffed it with a nice mix of batting offcuts and fabric scraps, and just a hint of potpourri...

here it is hanging on a set of drawers in my bedroom...

but i've decided it looks much nicer on the antique secretaire...

this little project has really whet my appetite for more cross stitch. I've had a little look around and there's some delightful primitive cross stitch designs out there..i just might be tempted :)))

a new month...

I've been in the doldrums and feeling a little melancholy, these past few days...not feeling like doing much of anything, really. The reason for my glum state is Jade's [my daughter] return to London after spending five fleeting weeks here, at home, in Oz.  As expected, it was difficult saying goodbye at the airport last Tuesday, and to make matters worse her flight was delayed, not once.. but twice!! She was supposed to fly out at 3.30pm {tuesday}, then 10.30pm and finally at 1.15am {wednesday}..so we were all rather frazzled and much worse for wear...expecting to turn into pumpkins at midnight :(((

Well, it's a brand new month and i'm suddenly reminded that i've got two very important dates in May.

The first date i've pencilled in on my calendar is May 12th, a sleepover, at my friend Robyn's place, in Healesville.  Robyn, Cathy and i have been planning a sleepover since way before Christmas, last year and now it's actually happening, and the three of us are very excited, and we can't wait!!

here's a pic of Robyn's place...a gorgeous Californian bungalow {and garden} to die for!!

AND..... 

The second very important date is...May 25 & 26 when i'll be heading to Hepburn Springs, with a group of quilters..nine in all. My friend, Helen organized it all and we'll be staying here...

doesn't it look homey & welcoming....

 not sure how much quilting we'll get done over the two day stay, but we're all looking forward to checking out a few antique shops along the way and maybe even squeeze in a massage and spa treatment....aaahhhh now that sounds like a plan lol!!!

SO...now i'm feeling a lot brighter with so much to look forward to this month, i've got absolutely nothing to feel glum about!!

and...just in case you're wondering what i've been up to in my studio, in recent weeks...

well...here's a peek at my first wool applique project..a darling little table runner...

the wool applique all glued and stapled in place... weird i know but that's how it's done LOL!! now all that's left to do, is button hole stitch each piece in place.

and in no time... a finished block...YAY!!!

i'm really enjoying doing wool applique and the best part is it's sssooo quick and easy..gotta love that!!

only two more blocks to make and my little Jandalberries table runner will be done!!

i think it might be a good project to work on during my quilting retreat in Hepburn Springs..just one of several projects i'll be taking along with me, but how much i'll get done..well, that's debatable..my guess is as good as yours LOL!!!  

a mini 9~patch...

This month's quilt challenge is a 9~patch quilt designed by Kathy and available free to download on her website.

I decided to leave it till after Easter, so a few nights ago i started pulling out a few fabrics i thought would work well.

so here's what i chose..

nice enough...but i was still a little undecided.

btw i made a smaller version of Kathy's 9~patch quilt. I cut my blocks 1 1/2inches instead of 2inches. My finished 9~patch units measure 3inches. The finished quilt measures 9 1/2inches x 14 1/2inches.

as i started to piece the nine patch units, i had a sudden change of heart. 

i liked the blues, reds & mustardy yellows, so i kept them, however, the lighter shirtings just didn't work for me..so out they went!!

i replaced them with a darker, almost solid, blackish print...

and i'm so glad i did...i love those dark contrasts.

next i chose a dark blue print for the narrow [upper & lower] borders...

and a cinnamon brown for the wider borders.

and in no time, the top was done.

onto the basting and quilt markings, in readiness for quilting.

trimmed and ready for the final step..the binding.

and voila..a finished little 9~patch quilt which i'm very happy with.

the darker fabrics work really nicely together, giving it that a warm colonial look that i really like.

in the meantime, look what i found at the local oppy..

a sweet little amish doll, for next to nothing.  don't you just love how she's clutching her bird..sso sweet!!

 i think Hannah loves her new quilt..don't you???

happy days...

It's been a lovely week of balmy autumn weather and what's made it even better is spending time with my daughter, Jade, who's visiting from London.

We've been chilling and enjoying just being together... talking, laughing,

baking.....

we made a delish coffee tea cake with a walnut caramel swirl...needless to say it was scrumptious & gobbled up in no time LOL!!

sewing...

a laptop cover without a pattern..isn't she clever??

measuring twice..cutting once..no room for error

the front and back done..it was time to add the batting.

but first things first...

spending a few minutes bonding with Oscar...  

then on with it...

and before too long....

 tadaaa...

how cute is that apple print??

a perfect fit...the laptop fits inside nice & snug...

 

shopping in the city...

we arrived at Melbourne Central station...

and made our way to L'uccello....

where we caught up with Kim...and snaffled up a few goodies

next stop...

Centre Place...

where we had a bite to eat...and a latte in a lovely caff

refreshed, we made our way to...

 

where we drooled over the luscious fabrics & trims...finding it hard to resist those gorgeous liberty prints!!

then onto...

and finally...my fav book store, in Swanston Street...

on the way back to the station we went via Hosier Lane and took a few pics of some weird & wonderful graffiti...

next day...

we split and stacked some firewood...

 

and did a bit more baking for afternoon tea...


as you can see we've been having a lovely time doing whatever we please and simply enjoying our time together. Tomorrow we'll be baking a batch [or two] of brownies to take to Sorrento, to share with the rest of the family, over the Easter weekend...YUMMMM can't wait!!

Wishing you all a very Happy & Safe Easter :))) 

surrounded by baskets...

It's true..i have a basket fetish!! i LOVE baskets, no matter what size or shape...be they made from wood, paper, cane, wicker, plastic, tin..i LOVE them all!!

here's a peak at just a few from my vast collection. Call me a basket case and i'll just laugh out LOUD!!!

a small selection of vintage sewing baskets..the large hexagonal one belonged to my mum.  i think Oscar might share my basket fetish too, don't you LOL??

i love these 50s card baskets..perfect for storing quilting fabrics.

and these flask picnic baskets keep my knitting needles in check.

and there's simply never enough baskets to store my mountains of wool in lol!!

AND...

while we're on the subject of baskets...i've got this month's small quilt challenge all wrapped up and ready to show you..and just in the nic of time too..phew!!

this little quilt's name is Civil War Baskets from Remembering Adelia by Kathleen Tracy.  As i've already confessed..i love baskets and i was hoping Kathy would choose this quilt design for our small quilt challenge, for March, and she did, how lucky was i?? Either way, i had already decided i was going to make it because it was on my list of 'quilts to make' in 2012.

These sweet basket blocks were so much fun to make as were the applique handles...i just wanted to keep making more and more LOL!!!

While i was in the middle of hand quilting it, i had an idea to make a mini quilt from a single basket block.  I really liked the idea and got to work immediately. It took no time to pick the fabrics and before i knew it, it was pieced and ready to quilt, all in an afternoon.

i found the bamboo handle at a local oppy for next to nothing..perfect for hanging my mini quilt on..

it's got a prim country feel about it, and i LOVE it!!

I love plaids and try to use them whenever i can...so i decided to use red plaid in both quilts, as a connecting thread, so to speak.  I'm really happy with the results and i think it works well don't you??

primitive folk art...

Today, i'd like to share, with you, a few of my handmade colonial inspired goodes...

 firstly, a primitive folk art 'rabbit' doll..isn't she adorable??

she hangs happily, here, in my studio...

next on the list is this delightful colonial bonnet...beautifully aged

 

one can never have too many pinkeeps, especially when they come in the shape of this sweet gem...

and lastly, a colonial sampler..beautifully stitched and dyed to achieve a time-worn patina.

such sweet little treasures..i love them all.

they were all made by the very talented Pamela, at Our Pioneer Homestead

Pop by and check out her delightful blog..you'll find lots to inspire you, and free tutorials, as well. And..while you're there be sure to visit her shoppe, but be warned, you'll find it hard to resist her beautifully handcrafted colonial inspired goodes :))

a fab day in the barn...

Last Friday, i spent a fun day out with like minded friends learning all about wool applique, at the 'Gathering in The Barn'...with the very talented Leonie & Deirdre

Jacquie & i knew we were in for a treat the minute we approached the entrance to the barn...

WOW!! yummy eye candy... at every turn.

Lots & lots of mouth watering wool applique projects to tempt us!!

After meeting up with Robyn, we headed for our table where delightful gift bags were beckoning to be explored...we were thrilled with our surprises!!

Four beautiful quilt patterns designed especially for the Gathering...

and the sweetest wool applique pincushion kit, which we itched to get started on...

here's mine glued and stapled....ready to be blanket stitched in place.

here's Robyn quietly working on her pincushion...

while Jacquie was checking her blanket stitch....and Julie was cutting out her applique shapes.

i couldn't resist taking this shot of Elyte waving at me LOL!!

To everyone's delight, Leonie & Deirdre surprised us with a fabulous trunk show, featuring some stunning wool applique quilting projects, which are about to be featured in their new book 'Elegant Quilts, Country Charm'..i've already ordered my copy!

What a fun & fabulous day we had!! Learning an exciting new craft and being thoroughly spoiled by delicious culinary delights..thanks to Linda and her wonderful crew!!

Jacquie was delighted with her little stash...

and i was thrilled to bring these goodies home with me...

earlier today i finished my sweet little pincushion...so much fun to make!!

it's really whet my appetite for wool applique and i can't wait to get started on my next project.. i wonder which one it will be??? 

two little finishes and two beginnings...

Surprise, surprise...you'll be pleased to know that i have finally finished my Pink Lemonade quilt..YAY!!

i actually toyed with the idea of aging it with a little Parisian essence but i couldn't find any in my pantry.. i'm sure i've got several bottles of it, wonder where i've stashed it?? not to worry.. i'm quite happy to leave it as it is.. for now.

and here's my second little 'surprise' finish. Feb's small quilt challenge ~Broken Dishes~ 

remember how frustrated i was making little quilt?? WELL, i'm pleased to say that it's actually grown on me. It was a joy to quilt.. and once the binding was done, i stood back and thought, yeah i'm really happy with how it's turned out...who'd have thought! it's taught me a valuable lesson, not to give up when the going's tough..but to hang in there!

This month's small quilt challenge is the Civil War Baskets quilt from Remembering Adelia. I actually guessed [and hoped] that Kathy would choose this quilt design for us to do because i just happen to love & collect baskets..i'm sure i'm not the only one.

i'm relieved to say that, this time, it didn't take long to decide on the fabrics i wanted to use..phew!!

with the layout decided, it wasn't long before these 12 simple blocks turned into.... 

12 little baskets blocks..what fun!!

next came the handles...

and here are nine i've already appliqued...

that means only three handles left to applique and then these little babies will be ready for the sashing. if all goes to plan i should get this little quilt top finished over this long weekend :))

and while we're on the subject of basket blocks...how cute is this little block??

it's the start to Temecula's 5th Anniversay QAL ~Blessings~ . I've ordered the kit which hasn't arrived as yet, so in the meantime i thought i'd make the first block using fabrics from my own stash.  Free instructions for this block are available on their website, and a new block pattern will be posted each Thursday during the month of March...go check it out!! 

a fun [hot] weekend in the city...

Last weekend, i spent a fun time in the city with three great school mates.  Despite the searing heat, we managed to keep our cool...a little hot weather wasn't going to spoil our fun.

Kathy, Sue & i trained it down, where we were meeting Kris, who lives in the burbs. I had forgotten how convenient & relaxing train travel was, and in what seemed no time at all, we were pulling into Flinders Street. 

No visit to the city is complete without popping in to L'uccello so on our arrival, we promptly made our way there.  As it happened, i emailed Kim earlier in the week to say i was coming to town [with friends] and that i would bring cake.  Kim made a lovely pot of earl grey tea which always makes carrot cake taste so much better mmmm!

As i looked around the shop there was lots to tempt me, but first i had to take a few pics of the shop...

so much luvverly STUFF!!

here's what came home with me...yes, i was very restrained.

HOWEVER, i lost my head in the 'olde wares' shop right next door to L'uccello..the name escapes me & no photos either, sorry :((

a 60s vintage Mickey..how could i resist??? doesn't he look perfectly at home in my rocker lol?!

as for this fabulous murano glass vase..well, it was just way too irrestible!!

as was this retro amber glass genie bottle...i LOVE it!!

the girls couldn't believe that i could fit this lot in my small suitcase..but i DID and got them home safely too!!

BTW, this was Oscar, early Saturday morning, as i was trying to pack my case. Do you think he might've been trying to tell me something or perhaps he simply wanted to stowaway lol??

Our lodgings for the weekend were in a lovely apartment, in St Kilda Road, directly opposite this...

no complaints..it was PERFECT!!

On Saturday afternoon we went to a matinee to seeTribal Warfare at MTC...what a fabulous play & a wonderful cast.

Then on to China town for a yummy dinner after which, we mingled with many locals at a Greek Festival in Londsdale Street..it was a LOT of FUN!!

Later, that evening we trammed it back to Soutbank for cocktails & nibblies. Then back on the tram to our apartment where we chit chatted till the early hours and finally drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, Sue & i were up bright & early so we went for a brisk walk, past the shrine and around the beautiful Botanical gardens. The fresh morning air was a welcome reprieve after the oppressive heat of the previous day.

here's Sue stepping out...

After a leasurely brunch at Soutbank we made our way to Docklands, for a few more of hours of retail therapy, before heading back to Flinders Street to catch the train back home.  Needless to say we were exhausted..from the heat, the walking, not to mention the shopping lol...so we snoozed most of the way home.

We all agreed that it was a FAB weekend and Sue suggested we do it again in August for Kathy's birthday & my birthday..i'm definitely looking forward to that!!