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Thursday, June 16, 2011

Back to sewing and blogging

I had a lovely afternoon in the sewing cave the other day. I shut out the world and enjoyed a bit of me time.
I've been battling bronchitis the last two weeks but I'm feeling more like my normal self now thank goodness.
Poor David has had it too but not as bad and on top of all that, had a day in hospital  (nothing serious) and a bit of minor eye laser surgery. It sounds like we're falling to bits!! We're good now and life is slowly returning to routine as much as it can.
I felt like a little sewing project that was easy, inexpensive and fast to do from whoa to go.  You can see I couldn't stop at one and I even tried a couple of different sizes.  These are great as thread catchers, containers or to put gifts in.
They're even reversible, how good is that? I found the tutorial over here if you need to whip some up.
Have you seen Mary's hexagons? I needed something happy to play with and made a few of these big ones. I was going to surround them with a row of white but now I've changed my mind and might come back to these a little later on. It's a bit of  frivolity and may not grow up to be a quilt.
I decided to simplify and go for the single petaled blooms for now.
As you can see, they've been a great distraction and I'm enjoying the simplicity of English paper piecing.
Look what came in the mail!  A fat quarter pack of Sew Cherry by Lori Holt, I had to have some after seeing them on Nannette's blog. I even got some yardage that I have plans for. Yummy!
 
I've also been doing a little painting. These two boards will have different colours on the backs. They're to help me with photos for the blog. I have such a dark house and very little natural light so it's hard to find anywhere to take photographs. I read about this great solution from Amy and swung into action.
 
That's all for now, except to say thanks a bunch for all the wonderful messages you've left me. I couldn't bring myself to reply to you all individually, I know you'll understand. I'll be doing my best to catch up.
Janet xoxo

45 comments:

  1. Oops-LahJune 16, 2011 at 6:11 PM

    Lovely to have you back in cyber space! I will have to try those little fabric baskets, they are so cute. I've already admired them at "A Spoonful of Sugar". Would be great to make them in Christmas fabrics too. And is there anything more therapeutic than making a few hexie flowers?

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  2. RachaeldaisyJune 16, 2011 at 6:13 PM

    Hello Janet, Welcome back! Big smiles to you. I love your thread catchers, they're so pretty! I noticed your bright white photos so your painted boards are doing the trick. Your hexis are so pretty, wonderful colours!!

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  3. JosieJune 16, 2011 at 6:22 PM

    Lovely to have you back...just take it easy those bronchitis bugs are nasty little things. You have been busy... the little bowls are so cute. Might just have to make on to catch my threads. Beats hoovering the carpet! Love your hexies too. They'll make a gorgeous quilt. The painted boards are a great idea... I have a dark house too... better find some paint then!

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  4. AnonymousJune 16, 2011 at 6:29 PM

    Hi Janet

    Lovely to read that you enjoyed some sewing time and the thread catchers are so very cute.

    My house is dark too and yes taking pictures always a problem, mind you I am not very good at it anyway,laugh.

    cheers
    Christine

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  5. antique quilterJune 16, 2011 at 6:30 PM

    Glad to read you found your way back to the sewing room, a place of great comfort I am sure.
    those little containers are just so adorable....
    and well that little red bird has me smiling...what is it about birds just love them!
    especially appliqued on quilts!
    Hope David is doing better after his surgery again...
    keeping you both in my thoughts...
    kathie

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  6. A Spoonful Of SugarJune 16, 2011 at 6:49 PM

    I love your collection of baskets - thanks so much for the link:) We are typo lovers too and have those little message birds.

    Your hexagons are really pretty.

    Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

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  7. jeanJune 16, 2011 at 7:45 PM

    Hi Janet, Lovely to see you back and that you are feeling a bit more like your old(young) self.
    Thanks for the link for the baskets they are so cute.
    I am including a link that I found to help with setting up a mock photography studio I found it really helpful.
    http://www.handmadeology.com/studio-quality-product-photography-with-a-12-set-up/
    As usual your hexies are divine.

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  8. KarenJune 16, 2011 at 7:52 PM

    Your little thread catchers look great. Thank you for supplying the link to the tutorial. Good luck with your hexies and with the photo background boards.

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  9. Jane in CumbriaJune 16, 2011 at 7:53 PM

    So glad that you are back, and playing with such lovely colours. It must be really comforting to be back among fabrics.
    I am also fighting bronchitis - it's nasty, so look after yourself!
    The little bowls are lovely, especially with those adorable birds!
    Jane

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  10. CarolJune 16, 2011 at 8:09 PM

    It's wonderful to have you back Janet. You've been missed. Glad you've found your way back to your needle and thread. Love those little thread catchers. Must check on that! Thank you!

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  11. CrispyJune 16, 2011 at 8:28 PM

    It's great to see you posting and back to some theraputic sewing. Those little baskets are wonderful!! I may actually try my hand at a couple :0)

    Crispy

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  12. Pinkadot QuiltsJune 16, 2011 at 9:22 PM

    Janet so glad you are back and sewing! Those little thread catchers are adorable.

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  13. Jess @ Scrappy n HappyJune 16, 2011 at 9:43 PM

    I'm glad to see you are back and sewing. The baskets are so cute, thank you for the link to the tutorial.

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  14. Barbara ArcementJune 16, 2011 at 9:49 PM

    Your flowers are so pretty. Good to see you back on line and we continue to pray for your family..

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  15. CardygirlJune 16, 2011 at 9:53 PM

    Hope each day finds both of you a little brighter in so many ways. Glad you have had some quiet(and creative) time in your cave. Nice to "see" you!

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  16. MaryJune 16, 2011 at 10:05 PM

    It is so good to have you back! And I am glad you have found a relaxing project {grandmothers flower garden}....you are so right about the simplicity. There is something about the repetition of the basting and sewing that makes it very relaxing. They look lovely! Again, good to have you back :)

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  17. NedraJune 16, 2011 at 11:24 PM

    I love those little bags, and will be making some too. And you are going to LOVE Sew Cherry! Lori sold out in two weeks and the fabric went into second printing. Welcome back, and glad to know you are getting some therapudic quilting in.

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  18. YankeeQuilterJune 16, 2011 at 11:35 PM

    Glad you've found some time to play in the sewing cave...love the thread catcher and the paper piecing!

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  19. SusanJune 16, 2011 at 11:46 PM

    I'm glad to hear that you are returning to normal there! I love those little thread catchers...thanks for sharing the tutorial!

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  20. HJune 16, 2011 at 11:46 PM

    It's lovely to have you back! Those little pouch-y bowls are adorable, as are the little birds! The background boards are such a good idea - all I need now (apart from the boards) are a blog and a camera!

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  21. ShariJune 16, 2011 at 11:49 PM

    The Sew Cherry line looks just too delicious - so far I've resisted.

    Sweet little hexagons and a good hand project - your look so lovely.

    Hope you are well and truly on the mend by now - no set-backs!

    Take care.

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  22. DarleneJune 16, 2011 at 11:59 PM

    So nice to 'see' you, Janet. You've been missed.

    I'm happy to hear that you've found your way back to your sewing room. The thread baskets are adorable - something to check out.

    English paper piecing is indeed relaxing - just stitch away.

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  23. Donna~~June 17, 2011 at 12:10 AM

    The thread catchers are too cute--thanks so much for providing the tutorial link! I've been wanting to do some hexies too, but have a feeling they will be addictive, and I'm trying (!) to stay focused. Hope your bronchitis improves soon! (if not, and your cough is odd or severe, please consider it could be whooping cough). It's great to have you back Janet--missed you!

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  24. JoanJune 17, 2011 at 1:52 AM

    So lovely to see you back Janet - and to see you doing things. I can only guess a bit of what you and your family have been through
    I have missed you ♥

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  25. JanetJune 17, 2011 at 3:49 AM

    You make such pretty things!! I'm so glad you're back into sewing again. Those hexies are lovely!

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  26. Sonja♥June 17, 2011 at 5:19 AM

    It's good to read you again, Janet!
    Hexagons are like little "simple"individual projects but at the end of the day, if you want,, you can change them into a huge project:)

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  27. ShirleyJune 17, 2011 at 6:13 AM

    Those hexagons are working their magic and helping you through this difficult time. It is good to have you back Janet, you have been missed. I may have to have a go at those little pots. Still hugging you.xxx

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  28. SusanJune 17, 2011 at 6:25 AM

    I missed your last post but you have been in my thoughts every day. So glad to know you are back with us all and are to a certain degree, healing. You will stay in my prayers.X

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  29. Abby and StephanieJune 17, 2011 at 6:31 AM

    Love how you photographed your thread catchers. They're super cute. Beautiful hexagons. Sometimes we need to play, just because...

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  30. PatJune 17, 2011 at 8:21 AM

    The fabric thread catchers are so sweet - I can see how you couldn't stop at just one - like potato chips!
    And those little birds are adorable.

    Playing with fabric is often the best answer to settling the emotions onto a more even plain. Take care of yourself.

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  31. LoriJune 17, 2011 at 8:56 AM

    I'm glad life is getting somewhat back to normal. It can be hard. I hope you are through the rough bumps for now.
    I love your little baskets! So cute!

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  32. JuliaJune 17, 2011 at 9:49 AM

    It's wonderful to have you back Janet. You've been missed. Glad you have had some "me" time and found your way back to your needle and thread..cute little thread catchers. Must check on that! Take care.
    Hugs Julia ♥

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  33. SalleyJune 17, 2011 at 10:08 AM

    So pleased to be finding you on the blog again. X

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  34. ThimbleannaJune 17, 2011 at 12:24 PM

    It's so nice to see you back Janet. It looks like you've had some wonderful me time -- your hexagons and little bags are all so beautiful!

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  35. KathieBJune 17, 2011 at 1:20 PM

    It's good to see you sewing again, and sharing with all of us. You've been in my thoughts.

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  36. LaurenJune 17, 2011 at 1:33 PM

    Welcome back. So good to see you are able to start playing with fabric again.

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  37. Quilts And PiecesJune 17, 2011 at 3:23 PM

    Oh I love those little bowl thread catcher things. Those are wonderful!

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  38. LinaJune 18, 2011 at 3:53 AM

    Glad your back Janet!!!

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  39. Dixie HowardJune 18, 2011 at 11:38 AM

    Yay, happy projects! Love them all. The hexagons are mega cheerful. So HAPPY to see your blog entries again.

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  40. BarbJune 18, 2011 at 10:19 PM

    sorry to hear you weren't feeling well = it was great to see you back on my reader.
    I love these little catchers - I may have to try a few!
    fun hexies

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  41. TerryJune 19, 2011 at 1:11 AM

    Love the little fabric baskets! Those are so cute! Love the hexies too. They're on my "someday" list! :0)

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  42. KatieJune 21, 2011 at 11:47 AM

    So glad to see you get back to some sort of normalcy. Best wishes!

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  43. Nanette MerrillJune 22, 2011 at 1:08 AM

    Oh Janet! those little baskets are so adorable. Now I HAVE to make them. I love them. Thanks for showing them. I think you'll enjoy your sew cherry. I'm working on my Lori quilt and can't put it down, even though I should be doing other things. Now over to look at the tutorial. Thanks again.

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  44. Carrie P.June 23, 2011 at 5:29 AM

    Bronchitis before the stomach thing. UGh! You have been having a rough time of it. Glad you and your hubby are getting over that.
    Thanks for sharing the tutorial link. very cute catchers.

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  45. RobinJuly 18, 2011 at 2:27 AM

    The thread catchers are so nifty! Thank you for the link to the tutorial. Hope all is well with you now. :)

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