Monday 29 September 2014

Block after block after block ...

.. this is what I am doing. I could have blogged about it, but it is kind of boring, isn't it? But I will tell you anyway about the blockmania going on here. So the summer was a huge break for me I had to catch up in all those commitments. I have no clue in what order I made them so I just show them as they should have been made in my two bees.
July was the month of Sarah and Fiona. Sarah asked for a special spiderweb block and I have to say that was the best one I ever made.

Modern Stitching Bee block July

It was so easy going and with all the fabrics precuts so the finger press was the solution. I rarely had to get over to iron the stripes back. It was a pleasure to make them.

modern stitching bee

The other block long over due was for Fiona and she asked for selvageblocks. I am sure this quilt will be amazing when all the blocks are together. 

I am glad I finished those blocks before the school run and even managed to make some key forbs for the girls too. Finally I found a good use for the Japanese fabric. #modernirishbee
the bee blocks are hiding under the wrist bands 
As I had a good week (or two) I also managed to get the August blocks done. Unfortunately this was the last block for the Modern Stitching Bee. I am really sad it is over as those ladies are really amazing! It was challenging but great fun. Thank you Rhonda and Leanne for a great bee year. So Rhonda asked us to make a "union jack" block (which I learned is actually not a Union Jack and better should be called Union Flag). This one was very tricky and you really have to read the instructions carefully not to lose track.

Ok , @gapquilter  I did it but if anyone else is ever asking me to make those blocks again,  I will run!!!!!!! It freaks me out that they are not symmetric.  So I hope there is no mistake in the blocks as I pack them and send them to you NOW.  #modernstit

For the Irish Bee it was Fionas turn and she asked for Churn Dash blocks. They are really fun! The only rule we had to follow was to use our favorite fabric in the middle. Not sure if this was a good idea as in my house it is all about pirates and sculls at the moment. So this is my first block:

Fun block

I showed this block on Instagram and guess what happened; she liked this block! I made this block just for fun and of course this was not the one I had in mind for her. I just loved the combination of pink/purple with the scull and my sewing motivation up high it was made in no time! But of  course I made two blocks in a much "softer" version for her

Bee block for the modern irish bee Bee block for the modern irish bee

Hope all those blocks arrive soon safe in the new houses. I can not wait to see those quilts finished. They will all be very colorful and fun! So I am back on track and have already made my September blocks for the Irish Bee. Looks like it is time to look out for a new bee as this one is also fast coming to an end. Any suggestions? I love to be in bees!
I do not promise to write soon again as my laptop broke down and is only working if I am really nice to him. Think asking him for editing pictures might not be a good for now. But the new one is ordered and I am patiently waiting for it to arrive. 

Saturday 6 September 2014

Back to routine

My last blog post is quite a long time ago and in the meantime we already came back to Ireland. It is lovely when the neighbors greet you with a "welcome back". The last time I told you we were going back up on the mountain at midnight the next day and we did. We had a great time up on the mountain having a bonfire ...

The Guinness was brought by a friend of mine ;)

.. making bread on sticks, sausages and before the children (we had three with us) had a little nap they made some marshmallows as well. It was a great experience to see the sun rise in 2404 m and even if they were freezing and did not have enough sleep we hope to do it again.

Sunrise at the Nockspitz

The rest of the holidays we visited museums, castles, the silver mine and lots more. We were lucky this year and had lovely weather: not to hot and not to cold. We had an amazing view down on Innsbruck on a sunny day.

View over Innsbruck from the Hafelekarspitz in 2400 m

After we went to Croatia for some days and visiting friends in Graz before we went to Vienna for the flight back. I always wanted to go to the Prater with the children and after a lovely walk at Schönbrunn we went there for the evening. The children enjoyed having a ride on the Big Ferries Wheel ("The third man") and a more scary ride on one of the attractions on the fun fair.

Big Ferries Wheel in Vienna

There was not really much sewing going on in the summer and even the crochet beanie I started was not really touched. I only made the Big Stitching Swap item and sent it off almost in time to my partner. Unfortunately I did not make a picture but my partner was so kind and made one for me. Thank you so much Yeechi!

Using the hexagons I got in London 

Thank you Cindy and Sarah for organizing the swap and make me do at least one item over the summer :) Finally I am back and ready to make all the bee blocks I missed in the summer but more about this the next days.