Hidden away for decade after decade, a chance family discovery revealed several boxes of wonderful crocheted samples in sizes ranging upwards from very tiny to around 5 or 6 inches, as well as crocheted lace borders and trims.

The boxes also contained the intricately fine crochet tools used to make them. This prompted me to investigate in some of my books on antique sewing tools which contained photos and reference to some which were very similar. I was in total heaven - and so much in awe of the beautiful pieces made during Isabelle McLeod’s lifetime from the late 1800’s to mid 1900’s. Her obituary even makes mention that she was renown for her wonderful needlework skills.

There are so many of these little pieces, but they are toooo yummy to leave hidden in a box!  So I have stitched some randomly into a cushion to decorate our bed.   On the reverse side (below), I have stitched another piece which may be a little difficult to read…. “Centenary of Victoria” in the centre, “1834″ vertically to the left and “1934″ vertically to the right.

I just love to see these gorgeous things brought back to life!  It is very humbling to see, to touch and to reflect on the amazing work by our women forebears in earlier times -  to marvel at the creativity and to understand the importance of textiles for these women. They may have lived in difficult times and their perhaps stark surroundings were scattered with beautiful treasures of their own making. Their own creative and practical endeavours were no doubt encouraged from a young age, and probably provided a most glorious sense of achievement.

Here is Judy J’s absolute stunner in reverse applique from our Pas de Deux pattern.

Is it a treat or what??

We are all lining up to be one of Judy’s super best buddies ‘cos she made this fabulous quilt especially for one of her very, very, VERY lucky friends!

Just finished ‘Merevale’ last night!  It is such a great feeling putting the final stitches into a piece started eons ago, isn’t it!

I am rather happy with it and although it did have another name during construction, I have decided to re-name this quilt ‘Merevale’ after a little town in which my ancestors lived in the UK - so it holds some significance for me, especially as we have recently toured and visited that area.

This treasured and special birthday gift from the Wednesday quilt girls was well over twelve months in the making and will bring several lifetimes of absolute pleasure!   I was so excited when Rose asked if I had a pattern drawing which I had not yet made which would be suitable for the group to make.  I immediately thought of “Sweet Little Meg” but felt hesitant over the size of the undertaking. I am not sure that the other girls were exactly consulted but she loved the idea and assured me that it would definitely be achievable!

Nevertheless, I feel that it was a thoroughly massive undertaking to complete the 25 blocks along with embroidered sashings and the applique dogtooth border for which I am very grateful for all of their wonderful efforts.

I LOVE it enormously.  Big hugs and xxxx to you all!!

The quilting will be my happy contribution and I hope that my rather rusty hand quilting can do it justice!

I really look forward to the process whereby I will be sure to reflect appreciatively about my very, very generous friends.

How VERY lucky am I!!

As if being taken out for dinner to celebrate my birthday was not enough, a large and gorgeous ‘Paris’ box dressed in smart black ribbon occupied much of the restaurant table - not that I immediately noticed it in the delight of catching up with long time special friends.

On finding our seats, there were expectant faces all around the table - they urged me to hurry up and open it.!  Carefully lifting the lid, I was amazed what was inside!! I simply could not believe that they had conspired behind my back to create this beautiful present in a wonderful collection of Kaffe Fassett prints. They went on to explain the reason for the colours and who made all the bits and pieces…..

I just LOVE it !! Thank you Sue, Rhonda, Gill, Sue and Kathy very, very much!!!

Paying homage to those beautiful old quilts again!

This is inspired by another mid 19th Century beauty from the Shelburne and is a delightful jumble of flowery appliques.  So gorgeous to work and such fun trying to fit it all in!!! Emormously challenging trying to work out a plan for this one but it is getting there. Here are my first efforts and this is only the start……

I know I have been off the radar here for a time, but never still and the pencil has been worn down to the last with all the squillion drawings to finish.

Our next session at “The Farm” is fast approaching in early November - so there is much to be done on my part and a VERY full house is expected once again…… Jan of course, is organised and setting the fabulous standard as always. It is promising to be another fantastic day.