It's me again

It seems like I have a lot to say for myself this week. I just have to show off my latest pillowcases. I used the tutorial from you go girl for her on the edge pillowcase tutorial.  When I made the last lot of pillowcases I used this tutorial I'd found and made up the crochet myself. I was happy to follow Cassies great instructions this time as she had some great step by step photos. The fabric I used is French Hatbox from Tanya Whelan, one of her older lines.

 

I used  Heirloom 100% bamboo wool, double knit and was a little disapointed in how it washed up a little fluffy. I'll try cotton next time and expect a little shrinkage. These have been gifted to a lovely blogger who kindly gave me permission to tell you about them before they hit the post.

I have to say that I nearly had a nervous breakdown trying to sew blanket stitch with doubled thread that was 15 times the width of the pillowcase. I just could not stop the twisting and tangling. I tried doing half that length thinking I could secure the ends on both sides of the flap. Better but still driving me nuts. Finally I had the bright idea to use single thread and just sew two rows of blanket stitch. Ah, that was the answer for me, it worked a treat. I'll definitely be dressing up my pillows from now on, I love them.

A couple of purchases were made from the trip I told you about last time. This is my latest book aquisition which is very good in my opinion.

I love step by step instructions.

It even explains how to draw and make templates for the designs. I've seen a few Sashiko books but this one stood out.

How about this flower fairy fabric? I don't have a clue what to make with it but I though the spots and sparke on it were lovely. No doubt it'll end up in some project for the grandkids.

 I have a couple of links for you.  I had a lovely comment on this post about the fusibles from Beth Ferrier.  I consider her an expert and it was her technique of applying the fusible and glue sticking the seam allowances that I followed. Scroll down the comments and have a read if you're interested to know what she has to say about the Wash Away applique sheets.

I also happen to think that blogger friends are the best and I'd like to say thank you for the offers of help I recieved for painting the bunny faces. I do feel challenged by them but I want to have another go.

Thanks Kaaren, my folk art hero and thanks also to Cath who happens to be the designer and also offered to help with the painting. Go check out these bunnies and bears and you'll see what I'm aiming for.

Cath along with Colleen and Julie have a business called Angels in Disguise and they have some beautiful stitchery patterns as well as prim dolls and all sorts of other goodies.

And I'm waving out to Pamina who has started some klosjes this last week. Woo hoo!

Happy stitching my friends, Janet