Pink tote

Pink tote
Originally uploaded by Maureen1.

I was given some curtain samples a while ago and spent time the other day turning two squares into this bag. The other side of the bag is a different colour, but same pattern. It is a useful size tote, not so large you lose things, but large enough to carry a bit of work to one of my craft groups.

Crazy quilts on ebay

There are three beautiful crazy quilts for sale on ebay. These quilts have been made by expert crazy patchworkers and embellished with hand embroidery. The hope is to raise money to benefit the victims of Hurricane Katrina. I do hope you will go and see these quilts, I have watched them being made block by block and have been stunned at the wonderful work put into each piece of work.

quilt no 1
http://cgi.ebay.com/All-That-Jazz-Contemporary-CrazyQuilt-Outstanding_W0QQitemZ7413112984QQcategoryZ63630QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QqcmdZViewItem

quilt no 2
http://cgi.ebay.com/All-That-Jazz-Katrina-Fundraiser-Crazy-Quilt_W0QQitemZ7413335771QQcategoryZ63630QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QqcmdZViewItem

quilt no 3
http://cgi.ebay.com/All-that-Jazz-Katrina-Fundraiser-CrazyQuilt-Stunning_W0QQitemZ7413326233QQcategoryZ63632QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QqcmdZViewItem

Knitted clothing for orphans

If any Australian readers of my blog wish to take part in this World Vision scheme, free Guardian Angel knitting books will be available from more than 250 Guardian pharmacies across Australia from 1 June. To locate your nearest Guardian pharmacy the link should take you there. I read about the need for warm clothing for these Mongolian orphans in Australian Women's Weekly.

Beanie for orphans

Beanie for orphans
Originally uploaded by Maureen1.

This is the second beanie I have knitted for a scheme run by Guardian Chemists. Warm winter clothing is needed for orphans in Mongolia, and since in idle moments I quite enjoy knitting, I have been in beanie mode.

Crazy Patch block

Crazy Patch block
Originally uploaded by Maureen1.

Here is the blank postcard ready to be embellished. As usual not all of the fabrics I auditioned made it into the final block. I find fabrics have a mind of their own and sometimes just will not fit into the space you want, the colour is wrong, a pattern is too overwhelming, whatever, I just go with the flow.

Postcard fabrics

Postcard fabrics
Originally uploaded by Maureen1.

These are the fabrics I am auditioning for the postcard swap with my crazy patchwork group. Vintage fabrics, c1930s, silks, satin, ribbons, laces, brocade, braids. Have started to put my postcard together, hopefully it will be ready in time for me to take on holiday for embellishment.

Scam comment

I had a comment on my blog inviting me to phone some number to acquire 'a real College Degree'. Since I have a real University Honours degree I am not that interested in acquiring a non-verifiable degree from a non-college. Have since binned this comment as it is of no interest to anyone.

Embellished scarf

Embellished scarf
Originally uploaded by Maureen1.

I was jogged into working out more embellishment for this scarf by Helen at http://hebartjournal.blogspot.com/ I added some silk tie pieces, stitched them on with metallic thread. The scarf is such a thin silk that I was worried about it gathering up too much if I did too much stitching. Actually, it is such a light scarf it tended to blow around too much on a windy day, the added silk pieces give more weight to it.

Silk scarf

Silk scarf
Originally uploaded by Maureen1.

I found an old silk scarf recently, all faded and unappetising, so I twisted it up to form resist patterns, and painted it with Setacolor. When part dry it was unfolded and re-twisted to completely colour the scarf.

Birthday Calculator

Fun things about your birthday.

Paducah Quilt Show

I have been more than a bit slack about blogging lately, but have had not much to report. Am battling the hand problem with several small cuts on my fingertips which make life incredibly ouchey not to say make crafting difficult. Am pouring into my hands udder cream, emu oil, vaseline ointment and cortisone cream from the dr. and nothing seems to ease the dryness on the palms of my hands.

Enough! The winners at Paducah Quilt Show are here. As usual there are some wonderful quilts to see.