A little bit of this, and a little bit of that ...

Since it's been almost a month since I last posted progress on my stitching endeavours, I thought it was high time I updated it here ...

Table Runners ...

A little while ago Sue ran a Charm Square Table Runner Swap, and I can finally show this.  My partner made me a fabulous runner out of 'Farmers Market' fabric ...

... and I made her a runner out of the 'La Belle Fleur' range ...

I thought I would try my hand at a pieced backing which I think turned out pretty well ...

Apparently, when she opened up the parcel her 14 yr old daughter swooped in and tried to claim it as her own, lol!, so I guess I did something right since they both like it *yay*.

I've also finished off another table runner since then, in the 'Eva' fabric line.  Back at the Let's Get Stitched retreat in March, there were quite a few ladies who purchased some of this fabric and, though I wasn't entirely in love with it then, I certainly am now!!  Although it is only a 'top' so far (I haven't found the *right* fabric to back it with, lol!) I am looking forward to this being one of my first items to go in a glory box of sorts for when I get married.  

I have always loved purples and pinks with white, and I am loving the addition of the lime green to this combination!!

Iron cord Covers ...

I've also managed to put together a couple (well, three, but the third is not yet finished ... possibly because it will be for me, haha!) of iron cord covers from a tutorial by Melody. [When I find the direct link, I'll add it ... I know she offered it only just this year!!] ... I used a couple of Jen's letters, from her recently released Shabby Roses Monogram Sampler [available for free HERE in her Craftsy shoppe], to embellish, and make them a touch more personal for the two ladies I gave them too.

Cross-Stitch Flashback

For many years before I got involved with patchwork and quilting, I LOVED to pull out a cross-stitch pattern and just stitch to my heart's content.  In fact, I was chatting to a long-ago-luv the other night and he actually asked me if I'm still doing the cross-stitch I used to do (crazy, since we haven't even seen each other for over 8 years!!!).

Two weeks ago I pulled out a large angel pattern (Finished size : 14 x 12in) I had tucked away.

Working on 28HPI even weave ... this would be her skirt.

Although I enjoyed it, and would love to finish her ... I much prefer stitcheries and sewing to this these days.  Something nice for a change though.

Some Kind of Wonderful (SKoW)

And finally, some progress on my SKoW 'My Favourites' quilt.  I managed to find the image of a slice of Pavlova that I thought would translate well to needle-turn appliqué, and went from there for a block to replace the cupcakes block in the original quilt design.

** THIS was what I was working on during this past Friday Night Sew In.

The Pavlova (white), cream (cream), and mango & kiwifruit slices (orange & green respectively) are appliquéd, while I stitched in the kiwi fruit seeds (lazy daisy stitches) and the passionfruit pulp (satin stitch).   I'm quite impressed with how I've been able to translate the original image (left) with needle and thread.

I have also managed to take these ... 

About 300, 1 1/2in and 2 1/2 in squares

along with the completed blocks, and put together the first two quilt (block) rows ...

I am VERY happy to have these two rows completed.  And with only four blocks to go, I am hoping I will have the next three rows put together in the next few months!!!

* * * * * * * * * 

Lastly, as I'm hoping I've got this up in time for my Mum to show my Grandad this post before she returns home from her holiday, this is what Dad's been having fun making over the last week ... a platform for the mulcher, and a trailer to go on the back of the ride-on lawnmower to transport the palm fronds from around the block TO the platform (which is WAY too heavy to move on a regular basis!!).

I do have a few other items I have made, or am nearing the end on, but those will have to wait for their time to be shown as they are swap items ... Now, back to the studies & then off to clean the house before Mum gets home.  Have a great week!!!