A treat

Issue 2 of Fat Quarterly arrived this week and it is all about using scraps. (I certainly have plenty of those!) It contains patterns for straightforward quilts (love those diagrams in the instructions), interesting reading and opportunities to win giveaways.

It is a lovely treat that arrives on my computer once every three months (I wonder where the past three months went?). Most of all, though, I love the clean design of the e-mag. Lots of white space, which appeals to my eye. Well done, Fat Quarterly creators!

Dreaming of spring

One of my favourite pastimes is to dream over plant catalogues. My new Garden Express catalogue arrived today and immediately I want this

and this

 and this

and this.

Making borders

I haven't had as much time as usual to sew this week, but I have started on the borders for my current project. Back to hand piecing, mainly because I love it so much, but also because the last thing I want to do after work is to sit at the sewing machine.

Two borders are done so I need to cut pieces for the rest today.

Sometimes

there's a lot of juggling going on behind the scenes. Please tell me that happens to you as well?

Mesh work

Those Japanese crafters sure are ingenious. Yesterday we had a demonstration of mesh work at The Quilters' Guild of NSW Inc meeting. Catherine from The Craft Mailbox showed us how to create interesting patterns by weaving strips of fabric. The strips had their edges folded under by a fusible bias tape maker and, at the same time, had strips of fusible webbing applied to the back. Then they were woven into fabulous patterns and fused. No sewing involved until the woven pieces were cut up and used in quilts, cushions, bags or place mats.

Using the same technique, but with thin satin ribbons, Catherine had made a pile of ATCs to swap. I couldn't resist (of course) so I swapped one of my ATCs for this one of hers. I love it!

The Craft Mailbox has free patterns for mesh work here. I'd love to see your pics if you try it!

On the design wall

Part of the current project. Outside borders are next...

Seriously cute

Let me introduce you to my new little pirate helper - my stitch ripper.

I chose him from the different characters here, because every time I have to unpick a seam, I find myself saying aaarggghhh. Most appropriate, don't you agree?

Texture in the garden

Beautiful shapes and colours on the fungi in my garden.

Sydney

As a Sydney person, I have mixed feelings about my city. It exasperates me sometimes, excites me other times and challenges me, too. Always, though, there's plenty to learn about the place where I live.

A wonderful new resource is being developed to bring together information about Sydney and its past. It's not a shiny website that shows tourist attractions, but it is building a comprehensive site about Sydney's history. Check out The Dictionary of Sydney  for yourself and get in touch with the compilers if you have something to add. I love the fact that, together, we can add to the city's knowledge about itself.

Who's a lucky girl, then?

Last month, I showed you Windows, the quilt I made for a recent swap between members of the Australian/NZ Art Quilters online group. Today, I can reveal what I received in return - Behind the Red Door by Sally Westcott.

I am totally thrilled to receive this gorgeous textile artwork. Here's a closeup of some of the detail.

Thank Sally - it has made my day!