Thursday, May 24, 2012

TTT - The Returning Edition

Hellooooooooooo Blogland.  My name is Erin and I have been a bad, bad, bad blogger.  I'm so very sorry!  Please accept my sincerest apologies and kindly hold my hand as I take these first tentative steps back into this crazy world.

Truth be told, I have been meaning to get back to my little blog for some time now but... you know how these things go.  I'm just utterly shocked that 3 months have gone by.  3 MONTHS!  Oh my, that is just embarassing.

Thursday Think Tank

So, I figure, what better kick start is there than Becca's always fabulous and inspiring Thursday Think Tank.  Because, honestly, all I can think lately is - I need to get my blog on.

Firstly, let's clear up the distasteful stuff.  I have been hearing nasty rumours (no doubt being spread by the disgustingly evil Laura) that I have been renamed Missy Slack Creations.  Sure, it has a certain ring to it - a lovely charm, if you will - but it isn't entirely true.  Though I have not been posting I have, in fact, spent at least some time crafting.  Not much has actually been finished but I stand by my claim that THAT IS NOT THE POINT!  ;)

Ok, now that the unpleasantness is out of the way, it's time for me to shut up and move onto the picture portion of this post.  Because, well, you're no doubt sick of reading my ramblings but also... I'm spent.  This blogging stuff is hard work.

CLASSY CURVY TOTES

My favourite creation of late is this Curvy Classy Tote made just for moi.  I love it and use it nearly every day (yep, even if it slightly clashes with my outfit).  The fabric is from Jenean Morrison's Silent Cinema collection which I absolutely adore.  I also have another 10 prints stashed away as I await inspiration for the perfect quilt.


I have to admit, I love this bag pattern by Sweet Pea Totes and have (so far) made three - the one for me (above), another for my Mum  in a more neutral palette and, more recently, the one pictured below to sell (hopefully) in a friend's shop.  It is a quick, easy and very user-friendly project and is a fantastic way to showcase your favourite fabrics.

I only made one slight alteration to my first effort - and that was to include a second, smaller pocket for a mobile phone.  This has come in very handy and is now something I include every time.


QUILT TOPS

Embarassingly, I have a few quilt tops that are yet to be finished, including this string quilt made with blocks from the members of group 1 of the Quilt Club Australia Bee.  My month was January and, as per this post,  I requested an 8" block in brights, using this great tutorial.

 

The ladies did a fantastic job and, after I announced that the finished quilt was destined for charity, were extremely generous - with some members sending 4 blocks each!  Thank you ladies.  I promise to get this done and dusted very soon and then write a complete post mentioning you all individually.  Uh oh, did I just say "I promise..." ???

Unfinished quilts 2 & 3 are two versions of Cluck Cluck Sew's Road Trip Quilt.  The first, in girly pinks, blues, aquas and white was made with no intended purpose - other than to keep me busy and, therefore, sane.  Now that's done, though, I have still have no idea who to give it to... so the chances of it getting quilted and bound anytime soon are less than slim.


The second Road Trip-style quilt is this little boy version - made for Mr C's cousin's brand spanking new bub.  Ok, he's not quite brand spanking new anymore so I really need to get a move on and get this one completed and sent.  Only problem is, I'm being extremely picky with the quilting and have actually started twice already... and unpicked it all.  Anyone want to finish it for me?  Anyone?


UFO #4 is this adorable donkey.  Yep, I still love 'em.


This baby was originally started for Ruby who I made for a Christmas present last year.  The recipient's brother, Mr L, told me in no uncertain terms that the donkey would need a blanket for winter so I googled away and found this hilarious lovely design from way back when.  BUT... now that the top it finished I can't give it up.  I just can't.  Sorry Miss A but I'm picturing this one up on the wall in my new craft room.  Ahh.

So... onto Plan B for poor little Ruby (and her mum, Miss A).  This time I thought I'd use up all those tiny little pink scraps I have and try a ticker tape quilt.  Benefits are not only that it uses odd pieces but that it is also made using the QAYG method so, I figured, it might help me actually get something finished.  Or so I thought...


Hmm... it has, probably not surprisingly, reached a standstill.  Once I realised that things had gone a little wonky I got extremely disheartened and gave up.  What the hell is wrong with me?!?!?!?!?!  Does anyone else have this problem of being ridiculously judgemental?  Yes, yes, I know I just need to keep on keeping on.  Watch this space.
 
TAGGIE BLANKETS

More recently, okay yesterday, I started experimenting with taggie blankets for bubs.  I decided to use up scraps to begin with and thus, this little piece of loveliness, was born.


It measures 10" square and is the perfect size for little ones to handle.  I'm sure they'll also love the crinkliness with the extra layer added into the middle (any guesses?) and the soft flannelette back.  Aren't the owls just darling?!


Well, there you have it - some of the projects that I've been working on over the last 3 months.  Missy Slack Creations?  I think not!  There were also, of course, bee blocks and the like but I seem to always forget to take photos of those.  Doh. 

Now, I'm off to sew some more.  Seems I've inspired myself!  Fingers crossed it won't be so long until I'm back in Blogland again.  ;)

E.

I'm really hoping that Becca is hosting Thursday Think Tank this week.  Why don't you pop over to see...