Swaps update

Well, so much for showing these pics "tomorrow" (ie. Wednesday!!)  Better late than never I suppose *grin*

Much of All my crafting lately has been for swaps (or the H2H Challenge, of course) of various kinds.  I am hoping to show the blocks I haven't yet shown ... up to current 'date'.

To begin, 6in Block Swaps Australia ...

These lovely blocks were received by Monica in the US (no blog) - Thankyou!!

I especially love those little bumblebees!!!

These blocks were sent to Sue B (no personal blog) ...

Does anyone have any tips on how to ensure the colouring in red fabric doesn't weep and leave marks on lighter fabrics (white in this case)?!  I sent two red blocks as I couldn't believe that the red had bled on the first one.  At this stage I was using water soluble markers to guide my seams as I didn't yet have a 1/4in quilting foot.  I used a touch of water to get rid of those lines ... and then the morning after discovered the red on white fabric.  Any feedback and tips will be much appreciated!!!

Okay, moving on to the Christmas Quilting Block swaps Australia swap ...

In June, my partner was Leena (no blog).  I received this lovely Goose Creek block (requested block) with some beautiful fabric scraps included of fabrics used in the block ...

Gorgeous!!

The block I chose to make for Leena was a "Comforts of the Home" block by Janet Wicknell, found HERE ...

My first Flying Geese!!

My July partner was the lovely Fiona of BubzRugz.  I have been an avid follower of her blog for quite a few months now and was concerned that this block be just so.  She'd requested a "Christmas Tree" block, and as I hadn't found any pieced blocks that I particularly liked I decided to try my hand at designing a tree.  I also felt the urge to do some hand sewing (the sewing machine was really bugging me at that time!) and needed to 'get back to my roots', if you could call it that.  Fiona has also recently begun learning the needle-turn applique technique - quite beautifully I must add! - and so I wanted to use this technique in the creation of this block to pay homage to this new crafty undertaking of hers.

And a close up (sorry about the fuzzyness in the lower part of the frame)...

Each 'layer' of the tree is a separate entity, appliqued separately to the rest ... four pieces making a whole, with the bottom of each segment wavy like the bottom - thus why I spent a good 4-5 hours on this part alone.  I am not completely happy with the placement of the 'tinsel' (not quite 'sitting' right, lol) and I think if I had more time I could have worked on the placement of the 'baubles' more, but mum assured me it was good ... and Fiona, after it arrived yesterday, let me know that she "loved" it!  I am so glad!  I really love this needle-turn applique & embroidery/stitchery creation of blocks! 

Fiona sent me an equally lovely Goose Creak block ...

I love this tan coloured fabric across all four 'segments' of this block!

My August block partner, Pat, has already done and sent through my block for this month.  As she lives in America, she must have done it as soon as she received my information!!  A beautiful log cabin block...

I am in love with these berry/mistletoe fabrics!!

I was also a participant last month in the Christmas themed mug rug swap that Crafty Pug organised through the CQBSA group.  Bobbie B was my partner for this wonderful swap and look at the lovelies she sent me ...

A beautiful crafted 'postcard', a package of various panels and pieces for applique,
some pretty buttons and an absolutely gorgeous mug rug with appliqued teddies!!

And the mug rug up close ...

I have finally finished her rug off.  It is on its' way to the mailbox as soon as I press "publish", so I will hopefully be able to show it to you sometime next week.  Until then, I can show a 'sliver' of the rug...

This was the first time I'd ever attempted FMQ'ing... and once I got the hang of it (and drew out some water soluble guidelines ... I really quite enjoyed it!  It does take time to get it looking good, but I truly believe that it's worth it!

* * * * * * * *

I am heading off on a 'ladies retreat' with our church tomorrow, leaving DD with the grandparents (well, really just 'home' as we live with my parents, so she'll be home ... I just won't be).  I have only spent one night away from her since she was born - and that time I was staying 10 mins away ... and didn't leave until she'd gone to sleep!!  This time is different.  I will be leaving Saturday morning for a remote property, approximately 1.5hrs away, in a place I am not 100% sure I will have phone reception!!  I won't get back until just before lunch time on Sunday.  This will not be the first time she is looked after during the day by them, nor the first time they'd put her down for a nap ... but the first time they looked after her care through the whole day, night and then part of the next day.  We have been weaning all last week and this, so getting her feed at night will not be an issue...it's whether she can handle being away from mummy that whole time - and visa versa!!!  

The rest of today will be focussed on (well, after posting the mug rug); vacuuming and mopping my cleaning area (2hrs for only 1/2 the house!!); cooking some curry (from scratch, including the curry paste  (!); the meat is marinading atm) and something sweet for morning tea (not sure yet, but probably brownies) to take to the retreat, and a egg & ham pie for dinner; and pack for the retreat.  

All that before tonight's FNSI work - I plan on preparing a bunch of stitcheries to do at the retreat (I think better when I stitch, don't ask me why!) and then getting some blocks done for swaps to pop in the post tomorrow morning on my way 'out'.

Better get to work!!  I hope you have a great weekend too!!!