New project for the year - Advent GingerBread houses

Not that I really need another project to work on, but just felt I really wanted to do these. 25 Advent gingerbread houses. Big enough to add a small gift. The measure 3 1/2 wide, 5 high, 1 inch deep.

Each house will be different, but I thought I'd get all the roofs finished.

The Merry Christmas will be between the bigger houses. They will incorporate some goldwork and beading on them.

 One house is finished, but think the design for each will vary. The Merry Christmas are half made.

There just stuck together at the moment, still need to stitch.

Beetle tutorials - now available for sale

Hi All, yes long time no see.

My goldwork and beadwork beetles are now available in my Etsy shop as a tutorial download.

I have also released my Goldwork Crazy Quilted Tree skirt as a tutorial, which you get the gold work beetle tutorial FREE.

Also you will find the release of some other new projects.
Catch up again soon.
Arlene

Crazy Quilted Christmas Tree Skirt Tutorial - Release

It's been too long since I've posted.  So much has happened, so I'll make a couple of posts to tell you all about it.  My Christmas Tree skirt that I made back in 2012 has been published in Pam Kellogg's CQ Magazine.  Click here for the link.

To coincide with the release I have finally created a tutorial so you can make my Tree skirt also.
Here is the link to my Etsy shop where you can purchase the tutorial.  The tutorial comes complete with instructions to create this masterpiece as well as the Gold beetle tutorial, Silk Ribbon embroidery Basic stitch Booklet, and Embroidery Stitch Booklet. Great value for only $19.95 (AU).

Christmas Gift making.

Well whilst I've got the sewing machine out, I figured I might get some more sewing done. Back in early August when we were up in Brisbane, I spend a couple of days out at my brothers place. They purchased a little pop top van. I made new curtains and a table cloth in matching fabric for Donna. I took the scraps and promised I would make her some accessories for her and Peter for Christmas. So this is what I made with the scraps. Two place-mats, two drink coasters, two tea towel hanging towels and a pot holder. I did buy some extra fabric to match. The fabric that the curtains were made from is the same in the top of the tea towel holders. Love the colours, very bright.

 This shows the full set.

 The coasters

Two place mats

 A pot holder that was very fiddly to make. Certainly won't be making another one.... ever.

And two towel holders.

I'm pretty sure Donna will like them, as she is always appreciative of the things I make for her.
Arlene

Latest Project - Stumpwork embroidered Crazy Quilted box.

I have to admit it is easier to make things in a house than in the caravan.  I was commissioned to make a gift for a friend for their friends up coming birthday.

 Embroidered Basket with silk ribbon roses and beaded flowers.

 Inside view of box

 Top view of box, Buttonhole lace Butterfly, Stumpwork Goldwork beetle in pink, Silk ribbon flowers.

 This is the brooch I made as an extra gift

Buttonhole embroidered butterfly.

And of course my signature beetle.
The lady who commissioned it has received, she is over the moon with the result as am I.

Tutorial - Poinsettia Christmas Ornament (updated)

Late Change:  I have added to this tutorial to make into either Thread version or Goldwork version.

Thread version

Goldwork version

Now available for purchase and download. Kits are also available.

Ornament Tutorial Link

Kit Link

Arlene

Christmas Stitching and swaps catchup.

Now that school is finished I have had more time on my hands, so I have had time to finish off some stitching.  I have made my hubby's mum a reversible bag.

My son has a lady friend who is coming to lunch Christmas day.  So that she didn't feel left out I made her a stocking.  I think she will like it, I did ask for some input about what colour etc.

This is the full view.

 Close  up of the candle, and the heal.

 The toe, her name is Rachel, so it makes it personalised for her.

The button trail at the top.

I was in the Lion's stocking swap again this year, here is the one I sent: (without the holly brooch).

This is what I received in return, I received one of Lyn's, the rich red and blue roses are amazing. A lovely notepad and a length of tatted lace.

For the Southern Cross Crazies Swap I also received my cracker which was made by Viv, absolutely stunning.

Lastly for the Fat Quarter swap Xmas gift, for Maureen I sent a needle case purse with needles and a pair of fairy scissors.

These lovely gifts I received in return.

A lovely pink purse and wonderful Christmas bag with pouch.

Lastly I was presently surprised by this gift. Eva and Alison pinched some of my completed CQ Blocks. Four of these blocks from a Round Robin I completed some time ago were made into a stunning cushion.  Summer DYOB - 2009, the blocks were embellished by Karrin H,  Rita C, Rebbeca B and Lyn G. There are still two more blocks, but they are being made into something else I believe. 

I have such wonderful friends. Have a very stitchery Christmas my friends.....

Here's to a prosperous 2014.

Thanks for following

Arlene

3 French Hens.....

Finally got to work on block three of the CQJP 2013 project.  On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, three french hens....

 This is the block with the hen ornament. 

And then removed to show three more french hens. The three silver charms I purchased on Norfolk Island in February, the three buttons I got from Sunlit Blooms sewing, my local shop, just perfect.

Felt made Hen, fit's nicely in place.

Now onto 4 Cally birds...... gosh more birds..... did you know the first four days are all birds....

Arlene