And I had such good intentions

to post a bit more regularly but then nothing, not even one post in 2019! The longer I waited the more it felt daunting to catch up. I really don't know where I'm going with this blog; should I just retire it and start using Instagram more? But I'm not really good at that either, as I often just forget to post.  I have no idea if there are still people out there reading this blog.  In any case,  here's a little recap of what I've been up to in 2019 (even if it's only for myself). 

I found a free tutorial for this cute hen and made it for our Easter decoration. 

I found another free pattern for this little pouch. I made it for a friend as a small "first aid" bag and put in little things like band-aids, disinfecting cream, Tiger balm etc.  

I couldn't find a photo with the binding sewn on this little beauty! My daughter wanted a cover for her night stand and I made her a little basket to go with for all her essentials (ear plugs, lip balm etc). 

I was a bit late to the party but I finally made the small version of the "Weebrawbag". I think I'll make the bigger one next, as this one is a bit too "wee"!

And then there's the wedding quilt, which kept me occupied for quite a number of month. The colours were the choice of the young couple. I quilted it on my B 770 which was a challenge as it's a big quilt. But I managed it and I think the couple was happy.

I also made this photo memory box for them. Of course I could only give it to them after the wedding, once we were back from Australia (that's where the wedding was) and I had the photos printed. 

A baby quit for a new little girl. I free motion quilted this one as it was not too big for me to handle and it was actually quite fun. I just need to practise a bit more often. 

And this one is for a little boy as you might be able to tell by the colours  A quick and easy quilt which took me only about 2 days to finish. 

In August I was lucky enough to go to a quilt retreat in Scotland. I've been once before, if you are interested, see here.  This is the old Manse where the retreats are held

and some impressions from the garden

the kitchen garden for the delicious meals they provided.

I went with a different group of ladies this time, but also friends from my Singapore time. We had such a nice time but also worked quite hard, sometimes late into the night. I made a start on this quilt using a jelly roll and grey yardage. The pattern is by Missouri Star Quilt Co

We also did a few projects together; like these bags

and we all made a start with the twelve days ornaments (by mmmcrafts). I only managed to make the pear but one of our friends kindly gave us all one of the ornaments. They are gorgeous but a lot of work. Well, I have now a whole year to make a few more, no excuses! 

I too brought everyone a little handmade gift. Here's the link to the free pattern for these baskets (you have to subscribe to the newsletter though) 

I added a few little useful things, like tiny pin cushions as well as these needle books which are also a free download. 

Lots of boxes were made during this past year. I still go to my weekly bookbinding and cartonnage classes.

Here are some samples:

a couple of boxes with glass lids,

a few Christmas boxes,

and an array of small boxes a friend requested for their caravan

A box covered with old silk  that I bought ages ago in Cambodia; I was planning to make a quilt, but that hasn't happened (yet)

a note book covered in Japanese paper,

 a book with coptic binding

and another book, belonging to my husband, was repaired too. 

Book boxes (handy for hiding valuables)

I also did a collage and paper cut class earlier in the year. I didn't enjoy the collages as much (so no pictures)  but I did enjoy the paper cutting part. 

So there you have it, 2019 in pictures. I really hope to be back sooner rather than later, fingers crossed!

I wish you a wonderful, healthy and happy 2020 with hopefully lots of time to stich or craft. 

With best wishes

Vreni x

I'm back

After a lovely week in China, we are home again. It was great to be back in Shanghai and to catch up with friends and go to the markets as well as having foot massages!

In Beijing we mostly spent time with DD and her young man! We got to see their new apartment as well as DD 's classroom; very new and high tech. When I went to school, we had a black board at the front of the classroom. My kids had white boards but now they apparently have smart boards, which - I had it explained to me - are interactive white boards. 

It was nice to see my Dr. Seuss quilt again

and DD was happy with the quilt I brought her.  

As we've been in Beijing several times, we didn't do any touristy things. But on Sunday we had a lovely breakfast and then a stroll through the Hutongs. Although it rained, it was a blessed relieve as finally the air was "breathable" again after three days of very heavy pollution.

Just to give you an idea of how bad the pollution was. Take a look at these photos. This one I took from the hotel window when we arrived 

 and this one - as luck would have it - on our last day. It's mid morning in both pictures.

It seems "the kids" have settled very well in Beijing. In any case they do eat like the "locals"!!

How about a little scorpion for a snack? Not for me, thank you very much,  although they tried very hard to convince me to try one. Apparently they taste like potato chips. Then why not eat potato chips, I ask you?

I hope your week is going well too.

Vreni x

Just in the nick of time

We're going to China tomorrow; first to Shanghai and then on to Beijing to see our daughter (and her young man). Initially I was going to bring her this quilt, it only needed the binding put on.

But after seeing the orange sofa in their new apartment in a photo she sent me, I had to rethink, and fast! I decided to give her the quilt which was intended for my MIL for Christmas instead. I can sort out what to give MIL later on. That left me with exactly two days for sandwiching, quilting and binding the quilt.

With time being scarce I stitched the binding by machine to the back. I usually do that by hand as I hadn't had much success on earlier attempts. But using the blindstitch foot really helped and I only needed to stop and go back because the stitching didn't catch the binding on the back a couple of times. I will need a bit more practice, but I will definitely do this again.

All ready to go. Can't wait!

Talk to you when I get back.
Cheers
Vreni

New Quilts... new beginnings

This is my version of Meg's Garden by Kellie Wulfsohn of "Don't look now". I've made it for my friend Marianne in Switzerland for her new apartment and I'm happy to say that she was pleased with it. I've enjoyed doing it by raw edge applique and was amazed how fast it came together.

This little quilt I've made for another friend; I've dyed the fabric first and appliqued the tree on, also by raw edge applique.

We are in Singapore at the moment looking for a house to live when we move back in January. As it's very difficult to do any blogging in China, I've not been able to start my blog properly. But I hope to do so soon.

I've become a huge fan of Kellie's blog and work and have decided to take part in the Joseph's Coat Quilt Along. I probably won't be able to share much over the next few weeks but will try to keep up with everybody else's work.

Happy Stitching
Vreni