Back on line :)

Hi All,

My 'puter went on a little holiday ... even machinery feels overworked sometimes, and the box kept going to bed :( But all is well ... a week with the repair man and 'tis a happy chappy again.

Meanwhile, the postie was busy.

This gorgeous ATC travelled from Jackie Ellison in Harwick.

I *love* all things oriental so this is simply perfect for me :)

Thank you Jackie!

In November, I am going to be a grandma (or maybe a Nanna ... will have to ask :))

Here is the first crotcheted square of a cot cover ... it already has 5 brothers and sisters to go with it, but I downloaded the pics before taking a family shot.

I am using a Twilleys mercerised cotton in pale yellow - a little more colour that the pic shows.

Not my usual kind of lace, but this design works up very nicely. The pattern is from an old Engligh craft magazine that my Great Aunt used to subscribe to. Unfortunately, I was unable to rescue the magazines when she downsized, but was able to get a copy of this pattern about 15 years ago.

And finally for today...

Motif 11 and 12 for the 25 motif challenge ... nearly half way!

Again, I have used DMC Perle with verigated and solid colour threads ... I just love the colour combinations!

There are plenty of "extra" bits, begging to be stitched onto some ATCs and the length is the first piece of 'homework' for the on-line tat design class I am taking.

Speaking of which, I need to post my lesson 2 and 3 homework!

Have been out and about with the baby hovercraft today - lots of great fun for the kids!

Don't forget to grop a line before you go, and make the most of every day! Let those you love know you care!

Hugs,

Bobbins, shuttles, ATCs and more

A warm welcome to all Mums, and everyone else too :)

The letter C progresses slowly! I had intended to add a few more pins today, but everything is in go slow mode. The top of the arc is complete, so it is a bit downhill from here, before the last sweeping curve :)
Lisbeth moves forward slowly also. I have achieved a few rings each night since my last post. I *love* using this beautiful thread for tatting- it is so crisp and clean and tensions well!

This little bookworm - inspired by Diane's efforts at bobbin lace has been adapted from a Rosemary Shepherd braid from one of the early chapters in her beginners book. It was a second project for this lass at school, and she was heartily thrilled with it - half stitch is SOOOOOO confusing for the 8 year olds! She cut it off here so that her sister could have a try!

These ATCs have landed in my mailbox over the past weeks! The one on the left came from Guzziesue in Nottingham, England. Also included was a gorgeous embroidered Archer and a bobbin. The bobbin is in use on my letter C, and works beautifully. I will post a pic next time. Thank you Guzziesue!

The middle set came from Ellen at Singtatter! Make the time to stroll through this blog - there are some simply wonderful designs here! I add to the chorus - please publish Ellen! Your book would be at the very top of my must have list. The bookmark is about to make its way into my work book - simply stunning! Thank you so much Ellen.

The final 3 are the result of the ATC exchange I am doing. There is embroidery, needlelace and scrapbooking here. Such a varied and wonderful collection of ideas, and this is just the beginning :) If you would like to be a part of this, please leave a comment, as I am still seeking participants!

Finally, here in Australia, yesterday was Mother's Day - a celebration of mums! For the first time in a few years, I got to see all of my children throughout the day! Yipeeeee!!! DS1 came and polished my car for me :) This was huge as he only ever has time for his own - my Maggie is not usually worth the effort. DD was bright and chirpy and happily wished me a beautiful day! DS2 - the wood working crafty one - presented my with this gorgeous tray that he made at school. The corner timbers are Huon Pine and Tasmanian Oak. The centre is made from Myrtle and the rest is "something that was laying around the workshop" :) He claims the job was a little rushed and instructed me not to look too closely, but I love it!

As always, thank you for dropping by and your comments are most welcome. Life is hectic at present, and I must catch up with friends from my last few posts, but I do read regularly and your warmth and friendliness always make the cold days cheery :)

Warmest of hugs,

Bear Garden ATCs

Greetings All,

Hope you had a wonderful Easter and that you and yours are all safe and happy!

I have finally finished my wash painted teddy ATCs on calico, trimmed with a little tatting. Guzzie Sue...what do you think? If there is one from here or my last ATC post that you like, let me know so I can pop it in the post with the other 7 :)
If you have a favorite and would love to trade, please leave a comment. Better yet...how about that exchange :) Just let me know in the comments box please. I love having visitors who enjoy a chat!

Off to make a hovercraft skirt - yes, another one! This time for a much smaller 1 person craft so should be easier .................. I hope!! Then I may be able to focus on the next round of ATC ideas, a little more of the A or even sample a small piece of the macadamia nut chocolate bar awaiting my indulgence ...MMmmmmmmmmm

Hugs to all

This and That

Salutations one and all,

First I would like to share some ATCs with you. The top 4 are made from a length of textured ribbon - hand dyed I think by Jane in the UK. Along with my ATC, Jane sent me some wonderful "scrappy bits" and here is what I did with some of them. The tatting is my work, but the 'garden gate' is a piece of machine made lace, the 'flower' hearts are sequins and such. The bottom 2 are left over from my first effort so I thought I would include them again. Hope you like them, and if you would like to trade, you know the drill - just leave a comment :) I have lots of ideas, but as you can see, I am easily distracted :D
I was not as impressed as I thought I would be by my first efforts at needle lace- see http://lauraslace.blogspot.com/2009/01/1st-lace-day-of-year.html However, I am determined not to be beaten by what could eventually be a beautiful form of lace so here is the beginnings of my needle lace scarecrow. I am still working on laying the cordonette? I will keep you posted :)

Here is the completed miniture hankerchief, made especially for my friend Frank. Frank is an antique bear who has the most exciting adventures. He was surprised at receiving such a special gift, but very quickly put it in his vest pocket in case I changed my mind. He was looking forward to school on Monday so he could show his friends his new hankie! I hope they liked it!

These books are my bedtime (and daytime) reading at present. The goal I have set myself is to

learn Bucks Point Lace this year. I am nearly ready to have a go at the basic patterns :) I am also in the process of designing a Penguin School logo using Lace R-XP...the workshop is beginning to pay off already. Porty the Penguin will be crafted by the children who are eager to make a bit of lace, but happy to not have something to take home right now. He will then be displayed along with the lace letters - if I get them all done in time that is as begun in an earlier post :) The Oliver Twist Edging is progressing swiftly...only 11 fans left in the headside! The thread has finally been ordered for my 25 motif challenge project and I have made several centres in preparation.

Enough, enough...I talk too much...thanks for stopping by, hope you found something of interest. BTW I was visiting blogs from my list at the side and found the most wonderful surprise...I will save that story for tomorrow as it is bed time :) Sweet dreams all!

ATC's

Hi All,

It seems ages since I posted last, and there is still not much to report! I am working on several pieces of lace, but unfortunately I cannot share for 1 reason and another.

Progress report:

Tatting - 14 of 30 outside motifs complete on the doily...will share after early October!
- waiting on thread for the next lot of quanti's for the 25 motif challenge.

Bobbin lace - Beds mat...only about 20 ends to sew in...new pic when done.
- Just started - hankie edging, own design in Oliver Twists thread...coming up sooooo well, I intend to enter it in the local show in October - hence no pics, sorry :(

And the quilts are also coming along...126 dingies awaiting being turned into sailboats and hexagons forming flowers at top speed!

So, something I can share is my newfound passion for ATCs...Artist Trading Cards!

What fun! You make a 3 1/2 inch by 2 1/2 inch card using whatever artistic medium turns you on, then trade them with fellow artists! No selling - trade only! Here are my first 4 attempts...the only way to improve is make more. Besides, it is such an interesting way to use up all the false starts and scrappy bits :)

The bottom right hand corner is winging it's way to Western Australia as I type! The rest are currently residing with it's replacement in the newly labeled album, wondering where they may find a home. If you are interested, please leave a comment! If you want more info, also please leave a comment or click the stitchety-grub logo on the right! I'm just getting started and looking forward to many new ideas, to add to the ones popping into my head during all hours :)

Don't forget to smile today...someone having a bad day just might see it and feel heaps better!

Cheers:)