How to Marble fabric.

Hello,

Last week Lucy helped me to Marble some white homespun material. To do this you need very little equipment. Most importantly you need Marbling Dye, these are available at a artist's supply shop. A container big enough to hold what you are dyeing. This time I used a baking dish but previously I have used a cat's litter tray(new). You also need a wooden skewer. Firstly put some water into the container. Then add drops of dye. If you wish to make a swirled effect gently move the skewer through the paint.

You then gently place the material onto the top of the water and paint and let the paint adhere to the material.

Place the material outside on a flat surface to dry. These can then be be heat set with an iron.

I then used the squares to embroider my Wonky Houses Block of the Month.

With this dye you can also do the same process but with card or paper. I have had these paints for many years and the dye is still as good as the day I bought it. A little goes a long way. Natural materials such as cotton and homespun are the best to use for dyeing.This is a simple easy project to do and you end up with material that no-one else has. Go on give it a try.

Happy days.

Bev C

What every best cat in Oz is wearing.

Hello,

On Tuesday evening Lucy wanted to make "Clyde "the cat a footy outfit. As Lucy is a mad keen St Kilda fan, out came the red black and white material. Lucy drew up a plan for the outfit then cut out the material then hit the sewing machine.One section is the red black and white big stripes. There is another section that has a black centre with squares around it. There is black homespun for the lining. It is tied up by three ribbons. Don't you think he is a beautiful cat!!!

We stayed up until 11.30pm that night sewing. With Lucy having lots of enthusiasm for sewing I

want to encourage her as much as possible. Yes "Clyde" loves his new outfit and even slept in it the next day.

Happy days.

Bev C

"These are cool Mum"

Hello,

I got my cross stitch that I did last month back from the framers. I am pleased with how this has worked out. It hangs on the wall in the family room with other cross stitches that I have done. Yesterday I started a new patchwork quilt. This is from the Australian Homespun Magazine. Volume 9.10. It is a design by Deidre Field called "All Hallow's Eve Lap Quilt. The pattern called for 4 inch squares. I used 5 inch squares because I had bought a packet of 25 from a lady who was selling them at the markets, as I didn't want to waste the material I changed it to the 5 inch squares. I have to get some more vlisoflex to make up the tree that goes on the quilt next to the crow.

"These are cool Mum" is what Bonnie said when she saw the Oven Mitts and Pot holder that I made on Monday. This is a quick and easy pattern to follow. I was extremely happy with the way they worked out. The pattern is a design by Pam Jansen of Ballarat Patchwork. Pam's website is http://www.ballaratpatchwork.com.au/ I know I will be reusing this pattern over again as I think I will give Bonnie the blue set and make some more for myself.

Now I am off to water the fruit trees as the weather is going to warm up tomorrow.

Happy days.

Bev C

Guess what today is?

Hello.

Today is Ainsley's Birthday. Happy days to you, we all hope you have a special day and best wishes for the coming year.

Love from Mum Dad Bonnie Ryan David and Lucy xoxoxo.

Several finishes.

Hello,

What a beautiful day we are having here. I have been out in the garden dead-heading roses. I also planted a punnet of stocks and some carnations. In a few weeks the flowers should be blooming. I completed my quilt the other day. I was hoping to have some dark brown homespun for the border. Unfortunately the brown in the shop didn't match at all. I ended up choosing a homespun blender which I think works just as well. The embroidery patterns are designed by Jennie Baer and are available from her website www.homeberries.com . The designs are free to download. I love this block. There is a black bird in nearly every design.

I finished putting on the binding and hand sewing the ric-rac on the Christmas stitchery. I love the brightness in the border fabric on the sides.

I picked up this panel for a cushion a few weeks back from the local St John's op-shop. I only paid $1.00 for it. Yesterday I added a blue floral border and button-holed on the pink hearts.

Now I have to decide if I start something new or find something that needs finishing off. Decisions, decisions.

Happy days

Bev C