morning ladies:) Congratulations on your 30th Anniversary yesterday, popeye. We were told the same thing when we got married and lo and behold, a few of those people are now divorced.

Snap, mica! lol. It's almost like I read your mind lol. I had also put my hexagons into a paper bag and pulled them out without looking. And any double ups were put back. MrK thinks it's a hoot as he knows this is tricky for me lol. I looked on you tube to find out the best way to quilt this and it seems knotting is the way to go. But I refuse to have the knots on top of the quilt, they will be underneath. It's enough I'm doing random without adding ties on the quilt too.

I'm glad I weeded the roadside garden yesterday as the weather is turning to custard today. I see West Auckland has flooding, I hope everyone is OK there.

The highlight of my day will be the supermarket lol. I only shop fortnightly as it makes budgeting easier. If it's not on the list, I don't buy it so MrK has a quick 'add on' lol before I leave. I am so glad he doesn't shop with me as he could easily add another $50 to the grocery bill.

Take care and don't forget to check in with whanau and friends, especially those in Auckland and Northland. Happy crafting :)

Edited by kiwimade64 at 7:16 am, Tue 31 Aug

kiwimade64 - 2021-08-31 07:16:00

Morning all,
Congrats 30 Yr anniversary Popeye.
Started a stich and flip quilt yesterday to use up random orphan strips and smaller peices of batting got four 12 inch blocks done. Completed a bootie and started stitching down the binding on the hst quilt last night. Then joined a zoom talk given by a Melbourne curator about 1950s fashion. Some beautiful fabrics and dresses. The undies and accessories interesting too.
KM some people do a tack with the sewing machine saw a nice baby quilt done this way using a single heart stich.
DD out of hospital looking forward to level 3 as we can expand our bubble and the big k9 can go to the kennels for the rest of the week and the cat can come out of downstairs excile. She is lonely and I certainly get felined when I an sewing down there.
More stitch and flip for me today
Keep your bobbins full

mica3 - 2021-08-31 08:30:00

Morning everyone

Thank you for the kind wishes. The Home really did my man Proud. They took him in some daffodils and jonquils, balloons and a card.. They called me and then they took photos and sent them to me as well. He said it was hard without me but was a lovely day... AND he's out of isolation so his door is open and no posters on it.
Lol Kiwimade, yep those that throw stones need to be careful. us taureans remember what has been said and will prove people wrong simply cos we know they are wrong lol.

Wow they had it bad out west. We had some thunder and rain and its windy now but we are lucky our section runs into a gully trap at the lowest point. So we wont ever flood.. I was concerned thinking it might smell in the summer, but it hasn't yet.

I know what you mean about the blokes adding to the shopping bill. MrP used to be so bad, even tho I always put his treats on first. And even now I make sure he has his treats.

Mica that would have been an interesting zoom thingee to watch. We have a retro clothing shop here , Im not sure how busy it gets but the clothes are soo cool.
I remember when still at primary school when we were 11-12ish we decided we wanted to wear the old Gym Frocks. Our mothers did well getting hold of them. Mine was grey but Mum dyed it black. We Loved them, lovely and warm in the winter. I must ask the girls if they remember. I wore them once as an adult at a singing competition for CWI in Matamata.. we won lol.

Kiwimade I've seen old patchwork quilts on the old western movies and the one that the knot that stands out the most was Johnboy Walton's quilt on his bed. I liked it but I couldn't handle that either. Besides that it would annoy me I think Missy and your Furry one would think it was fair game to attack.

I gave in and called the DR. shes given me more pain meds and strict instructions to limit the crochet to just being a short burst of exercise. So Im limiting myself to one colour a day. one round at a time.

Have a fab day everyone.

popeye333 - 2021-08-31 09:44:00

morning ladies :) Another fine day here. What a mess in West Auckland, hopefully the water will recede more today and they can begin the cleanup. Tricky though under L4. I don't know how I would cope if I lost everything.

Today I think I am tutoring one of the kids on the farm behind us. She is struggling with her schoolwork and her grandparents can't keep up with the maths she is learning. It's been a while since I've been in the classroom lol.

Yesterday I basted and sewed a few more hexagons together. It doesn't look quite so bad being random. Mica, I like your idea of hearts being quilted onto it. I don't have a walking foot for my sewing machine (yet lol) so it will be hand quilted. But that's a wee ways off as I still need to finish the top.

Our magnolia is flowering, I just love it and it makes us smile every year. The nieghbour across the road has a white one that flowers first and when hers is finished ours flowers so we get a long 'season' of flowering between us. I peeked at the aggies again yesterday. For heavens sake, what does it take to kill them? They are still green!!

Better get moving and put the washing on.

Happy crafting :)

kiwimade64 - 2021-09-01 07:15:00

Morning all,
Big frost this morning.
KM the terrier in you will defeat those pesky Aggie's.
Enjoy you tutoring a little one, one on one can be a big help.
The big k9 goes to the kennels for a couple of days I will miss him on the whole he is sweet but I will not miss the 4.30am wake up or the naughty sneaky chewing. DH leather boots were this mornings causalty they have lost the inners. His own fault he left them in the lounge beside the big ones bed.
My stitch and flip is coming along will have a cot sized quilt by the end of today. There will be some hand stitching to do tonight to keep the hands busy.
Bobbins full have a good day

mica3 - 2021-09-01 08:09:00

Morning everyone
I expected it to be wet. I saw a bright pink sky earlier this morning. but the sun is out, albeit chilly.

Ive always thought Magnolias are Majestic and I like the "mess" they make when they lose the flowers too.

Kiwimade.. Petrol and a match.. Man they are stubborn suckers. But they have a Taurean on their heel who simply wont give up lol.

Oh you will miss the big boy Mica, but I bet your furr baby will love being back upstairs with you all.

I did nearly 3 rounds of the blanket yesterday. The only reason I stopped was that I needed another ball of wool and Madam Missy was on my lap and I was watching Wentworth, so I sewed the ends in instead.. The fingers aren't too bad. Learning to live with it lol.

OMG the Aussies know how to make an awesome prison programme. Loved Every minute of Wentworth last night. I asked them at the home to change the channel for MrP he loves it too. I totally didn't think the Dr was crooked lol.. Adds another bit of sneak into it lol.
I cant wait to talk it over with MrP.

Have an Awesome day everyone

Edited by popeye333 at 9:31 am, Wed 1 Sep

popeye333 - 2021-09-01 09:30:00

Congrats on the anniversary Popeye, I like magnolias too, have some flowers out at present.

tim6 - 2021-09-01 19:09:00

morning ladies :) Another lovely day here, frosty, but fine and calm.

I can't use petrol and a match popeye, those damed aggies are against a fence. We enjoy Wentworth too, omg it's a great series. It has lots of twists and turns and keeps us guessing.

omgg mica, lol, your husband's shoes! It took a new pair of boots being chewed when the Furry One was a pup for MrK to remember to put his shoes out of reach. Men, eh lol.

I didn't do any tutoring yesterday so we'll try again today. I weeded the garden instead. The freesias are budding up and *does the happy dance*, my Chatham Island Forget-me-knot is flowering after SIX attempts to grow it. Couldn't believe it when I saw the flowers as this was going to be my last try.

This afternoon I have my second jab so that will be ticked off the 'to do' list. And I might do a few more hexagons later on too. In spite of the smallness of the hexagons, it's growing quite quickly.

Happy crafting :)

kiwimade64 - 2021-09-02 07:42:00

Morning everyone

No frost but its a chilly one. The slippers are back lol. Beautiful sunny day so far.

Ohh Bugger re the aggies being to close to the fence. when I was talking to MrP the petrol and match was the first thing he said too lol.

My fressias are fully open. But I admit its the geraniums Im excited about. The Pink one is a piece that was chucked under a bush at the rest home when they moved the footpath behind MrPs room. It has one little bunch of pink flowers.. The white one isnt quite open but it was a rescue from the cheapie bin at Pak n Save. The plant had bushed up nicely but the buds are fat so it shouldnt be too long. I must check the one out front, I found a broken pot ages ago that had the geranium in but it looked dead. I left it to its own devices and it has started growing again. I must move it around the back and it will be interesting to see what colour it is. Im hoping for red.

Chatham Island Forget me nots are Blue arent they? or blue and white?

Wow two more medals overnight. Our Para team are doing soo well. It was nice to see grant Sharman on Sunday. He is soo interesting to listen to. I could sit for hours.

I did a little more on the blanket yesterday. Im enjoying it. The coldness is not being nice to the thumbs this morning, but the crochet will get them warm. Funny we are all working on blankets.. Always better in the winter lol..

Have a Fab day all

popeye333 - 2021-09-02 08:46:00

Morning all,
mild day here .
I love the spring flowers but my allergies dont like this time of the year :(
Been out to collect medications and more food for the K9s, having a reaction to the perfume in the phamacy sanitiser, despite having signs up saying customers need to be nice to staff it doesnt seem to be reciprocal.
however the lovely people at local vet hospital more than made up for them.
Lots of hand sewing to do now on the flip and stitch quilt, also noted a couple of places that the fabric escaped so will have to do a repair later.
Planning on asking the family if they need more masks, if so I will whip them up before starting a new project.
enjoy your day

mica3 - 2021-09-02 10:03:00

morning ladies :) Another gorgeous day here, it looks like spring has sprung. So far my allergies haven't kicked in but I know they will. I wonder what antihistamine will work this season.... sigh. Mica, I share your 'pain' when it comes to allergies and how frustrating they can be.

Yesterday I tutored one of the children who live on the farm behind us in maths. I taught her a few strategies that should help her along the way and she left smiling and with a bit more confidence. So I guess you can say our bubble was popped but we are allowed small gatherings under 10.

I also had my second jab and my arm is quite sore this morning but other than that, no biggie.

This morning I'm going to blat around the house and get the housework done and hopefully, this afternoon, I'll be sitting at my sewing machine sewing a quilt sampler block. I'm having a tutu with designs to see what I think will suit the vintage fabric from the pillowcase. It will also be good practice for a beginner like me. My hand stitched hexagons are looking ok so far and this will be something I pick up and put down. Can't wait to get to Spotlight to buy three more balls of wool so I can finish the knitted blanket. I hate having things sitting there knowing they are so close to completion.

Happy crafting :)

kiwimade64 - 2021-09-03 07:30:00

Morning everyone
The sun is just beaming into the lounge window with an awesome golden glow.
I've been taking my antihistamines right through winter and it has helped. So fingers crossed with the onslaught of spring pollen Ill be ok.

I did 3 rounds on the blanket yesterday. But I did listen to my thumbs and put it down when I could feel them starting to hurt. And they aren't too bad this morning, so I may have found my limit at the mo. 20 rounds to go.. it covers my lap while I work now.

Off to do my bloods today and get a few things at the supermarket then back home to my bubble. I dont mind being at home alone. Im more like my paternal grandmother than I thought I was. I talk to MrP daily of course and I can talk or text online so other than not being able to go out, nothing is that much different for me... Ive never been a social butterfly having the need to be out all the time.

Right Ill get cracking.. Have a fab day all

popeye333 - 2021-09-03 07:47:00

Today is going to be a good one, l have struggled this lock down with being isolated from Violet. As soon as it was announced levels in Northland were going down l had a call to say she can come to me for a few days. My health isn't to good at the moment so it was best she stayed with her caregivers but now l get my cuddles back. We will start off our vege seeds and finish cleaning out the strawberry ???? patch. She loves gardening and has green thumbs and we will make donuts for lunch.

huntlygirl - 2021-09-03 08:09:00

Morning all,
Wee frost this morning but it will be a lovely sunny day.
Huntlygirl enjoy your cuddles and have fun in the garden.
Made some masks for DS,DIL and GS yesterday
Did a bit more hand stitching on quilt last night but like you Popeye had to stop as my elbow was putting a winge so will leave for today.
My turn to cook last night so supported local Vietnamese restaurant , it was yummy. Gotta support local businesses they just opened in June and have extensive gluten free menu .
Vacuumed the cave and machines yesterday not sure what I will do today
Off to make some date scones for morning tea as I suspect we might get a visit from GS sometime today.
Have great day everyone

mica3 - 2021-09-03 08:35:00

morning ladies :) Another lovely day here by the looks of it :)

I bet you can't wait for those cuddles, Huntlygirl and I bet Violet has missed you just as much.

Vietnamese takeaway, my kind of food, mica! MrK cooks here and he does a pretty good job of it too. Just as well we have a vegie garden as omggg $6 for a teeny tiny cabbage and just as much for half a cauli! I know the growers are having problems with pickers and then L4/3 but I'm sorry, I'm not paying that. The other night we had beans (last seasons from the freezer), roasted beetroot, baby carrots and leeks all from the garden.

Yesterday I sewed my very first quilting block and am very happy for a first attempt. I used old fabric and might just keep this one as a sampler with the instructions. It's quite big as it has a six inch square in the middle and I'm thinking it might look better half the size. It could be embroidered in the middle if I used a plain fabric of course. So many options.

Today I'll have another tutu at the sewing machine after I have either mowed the lawn or cleaned the oven. Will do one today and the other tomorrow.

Happy crafting :)

kiwimade64 - 2021-09-04 07:12:00

Morning all,
No sewing yesterday. DS and GS visited in the morning and DD, DSIL and baby in the afternoon. Nice for my DH to meet the baby. I popped over to supervise baby first bath . Basically just providing moral support.
Had a lovely Zoom catch up with friends that ae usually meet up with for dinner the first Friday of the month.
Second vax this morning, not sure what will get up to this afternoon, housework this morning.
Have good day everyone my bobbins are resting

mica3 - 2021-09-04 08:28:00

Good morning everyone

Its a stunner out there again. Missy is in her sunny spot for the morning.

Soo Pleased you have Violet with you again Huntly girl.. How old is she now? And her blanket is still the only one that I put flowers on..!

Sounds like everyone is enjoying their crafting time and gardening too..

Ill be in mine for 5 minutes today lol. Im going to transfer the broken painted terracotta pot that a geranium has grown itself in, from the front to the back of the house so I can see it. The pot looks split level. Cant wait to see what colour it will be. But Im going to sit it on the cargo trolley and drive it through the lounge to the back patio where I can see it.

Then Ill be back working on the blanket again. I didn't get any done yesterday, and I dont do the dark blue at night.

Lockdown hasn't really bothered me until today. Id love to be able to go for a wander around the warehouse or a mall, but I guess it has to wait. Ill do some online window shopping later.

Thank goodness they shot that idiot at Lynn Mall yesterday, makes you think doesn't it that even tho he didn't have a weapon he knew how to get his hands on one quickly.

Have a fab day everyone

Edited by popeye333 at 9:47 am, Sat 4 Sep

popeye333 - 2021-09-04 09:46:00

morning ladies :) A bit cloudy but the suns out this morning and no wind.

I agree, popeye. Am so glad the police were able to stop that terrorist and they had been tailing him. I see the Immigration Dept had been trying to revoke his status here.

Today is oven cleaning day, oh goodie lol, something I'm really looking forward too... not! lol. It doesn't take long to do but it isn't on my list of favourite things to do. While the morning is calm I'll spray the weeds that are growing through concrete cracks and so on. Putting a dash of dishwashing liquid in this cheap week killer works well. It only needed a sticking agent.

Later I'll sew a few more hexagons together, random isn't so bad after all.

happy crafting :)

kiwimade64 - 2021-09-05 07:31:00

Morning all
A bit windy here today.
Just a very sore arm from vax yesterday nothing unexpected.
Vacuuming, and k9 walk on this morning agenda.
Tried out piecing scraps known as crumb quilting ended up with 14 inch square the scrap pile not even dented will keep in mind to make more when I want to sew but don't have a project
I plan on making a top for summer this afternoon from piece rayon that sewing friend gifted to me.
Bobbins are full here

mica3 - 2021-09-05 08:51:00

Morning everyone

Im getting later and later lol.. Still eating breakfast lol.

I Really enjoyed Call the Midwife last night. Looks like they have fun while they are filming it. Of course then I have to read for an hour so it was a late night.

I didnt crochet at al yesterday, but I did get the Plant moved, topped up its dirt from the bath and I have them in place so I can see all three from my chair in the lounge. It looks healthy enough this morning.. Mind you I think geranium would be as hard to kill as hydrangeas probably..

I still really want to go out. I might do a supermarket crawl. Which is naughty I know but My head needs it. I need to find Missy's Kisses. I might only get as far as super value here but I never thought to check the countdowns in Pukekohe the other day. So I think I will go on a mission. Once Ive done it, I know my head will settle again.
A bit like having a craving and eating all the other stuff and still ending up eating what you crave, when you should have just had what you crave at the start lol

Love hearing about the patchworking / quilting... Ive been collecting gingham for years with the thought of doing something with them. But I have a bad habit from working in sewing factories. I dont sew straight lines very well.. and working with lines if I went crooked it would stick out like a sore thumb. Maybe one day.. Gingham is one of my favourite fabcrics.

I like colours, especially primary colours. With my collection of ribbons I matched them up the other day but it didnt please me as much as having them all mixed up so I Un matched them....
I must be changing, when I was a kid I spent most of my time at my grandmothers matching her dinner sets she used for wedding into colours lol.. pairing up the salt and peppers etc..

Have a fab day everyone

popeye333 - 2021-09-05 10:13:00

oven's all clean and sparkly but weeds aren't sprayed. They live for another day.

Mica, my arm is sore this time round too and I got the sniffles and felt a bit yuck. Worth it though. I've heard of crumb quilting and it's a great way of using those bits of fabric too big to throw out but too small to do much with. A 14 inch square is awesome.

Cuppas finished, better start moving :)

kiwimade64 - 2021-09-05 11:08:00

morning ladies :) A fine morning this morning but we're expecting rain.

This morning I really do have to spray those weeds before they flower and set seeds and then it becomes an even bigger job with more spray. Then later I'll try sewing another sampler block.

Yesterday I designed an embroidery that has cut out pieces. It's going to be fiddly but I was thinking if done in navy on cream it could be the center block when I use the vintage fabric from Mum's pillowcase. Just thoughts at this stage. With the cut out pieces (there's not much) it may be too unstable even with the contrasting fabric underneath. But it will be fun having a tutu with it and up my skills.

Time to get cracking and spray these weeds while the washing machine is on.

Happy crafting :)

kiwimade64 - 2021-09-06 07:18:00

Morning all,
Cloudy and windy here
The embroidery sounds lovely KM. Would using a light stabiliser help stabiliser your material.
Blob out day yesterday, looked through some patterns and gave the rayon material its gelatine treatment so it will behave when I come to cutting it out. Trying to decide between bias cut top or a shirt, might depend on the meterage
Now that my hand stitching is done will have to sort out my next knitting project. Something for The Nest Collective Ithink.
Motivation low today might have to find a book to read
Have a good day all

mica3 - 2021-09-06 08:37:00

Morning everyone

Small things make me soo happy. I was able to get the fancy feast puree kisses for Missy yesterday.. So this morning she eagerly waited for a different flavour. It was worth the extra trip to Pukekohe. Alot of eye contact and talking to others in the supermarkets. I think there may have been alot who needed to be amongst the people.

Love hearing about your crafting ladies, as in the quilting and embroidery. I dont have the talent for that.

I have to pop up and get my pills this morning then its back to the blanket. Ive had a few days off and have missed it really.

I must google the crumb quilt and see what you mean Mica.

Huntlygirl I hope you are having fun with Violet..

Have a fab day everyone

popeye333 - 2021-09-06 09:31:00

Hi popeye, l have made the decision to send Violet back to school and have her stay with her other parents. I have been unwell for a few weeks with kidney problems and l was exhausted caring for her over the weekend. There are only 8 kids going into school so she will get some help with her schoolwork she is 2 yrs behind and last lock down she went further back.
She still loves her blanket and get lots of comments about the flowers, they make it unique.
I am over all this covid stuff, my exhusband died last week and l would love to be able to give my kids a cuddle. His wife woke up and went to make a coffee he was in his chair and had passed during the night he was 69. We always remained friends and l actually lived with them for a while l will miss him dearly.

huntlygirl - 2021-09-06 12:12:00

Ohh Huntlygirl so sorry for your loss.

I remember when MrP's ex wife died he was surprised that he felt sad. I said cos you loved her once and she was the mother of your children it was natural.

Probably a wise choice to send Violet back, hard on you, when you really could do with a hug, but schooling is important too.

I hope you start to feel better soon, this lock down is hard enough let alone adding illness to it.

Take care

popeye333 - 2021-09-06 12:29:00

morning ladies, a bleak day out there today but boy, do we need the rain.

Huntlygirl, I am so sorry for your loss. Even though he had remarried, you still have those memories of him and he was still a part of your lives.

I'm not sure what I'll do today. I think I'll try and find some graph paper (or else download and print some out) and redraw my design so it's more than just a sketch in an art book and is a workable pattern. Mica, I might have to use a stabiliser of some sort when the time comes as the cut out pieces will make the fabric weaker.

The Furry One needs his tug rope thrown and a game of tug-of-war. He loves it when I swing him while he's holding the rope with his teeth, his tail goes like crazy lol. He's my work out with weights lol.

Happy crafting :)

kiwimade64 - 2021-09-07 07:25:00

Morning all,
Rain here as well as wind. I guess I will be throwing the ball for one k9 as I don't fancy a walk in the rain. Bad day for DH so it will be quiet day at home for him.
Huntlygurl sorry for your loss made even harder in these covid times.
Cut out a shirt yesterday everything prepped to sew today.
Baby cardi back on the needles last night just about finished the back and thought it was very small so ripped it out to start next size up have enough wool this way less leftovers
My bobbins will be spinning today

mica3 - 2021-09-07 09:06:00

Morning everyone
Had a long phone call so very late today.

It has rained, not heavy enough to hear it tho. It was surprising how dry things were.

I dont know where the time went yesterday. When I think about it, I really didn't do anything after getting my meds etc. I saw the line at New World and there was a cold wind so went to the fruit shop on my way home for the tatties...

I hope to crochet today as I dont feel like doing anything else lol.

Kiwimade its amazing how strong the dogs mouths are eh, much easier to swing a little one than a big goofy one like we had at one stage. MrP had to do it in the end cos Ben got too big for me to do it.

Have an awesome day everyone, Stay warm and dry

popeye333 - 2021-09-07 10:10:00

Good Morning Ladies, I have come in over the last few weeks readed and out again. Have been to hell and back. Houses on either side have been empty, one for over a year now, The other side was sold and the couple moved out before the last Level 4. The new owners are a family with a young family. They have been busy the last couple of weeks working on the house inside.Both have been broken into as well. People just don't understand that they should have been in their own places. Yes! I have had to call Police a few times.
So what have I been doing? Set up my craftroom in the back half of the carshed after the couple of floods.Just waiting to have some floor covering to go down on the floor now. In the mean time I washed metres of fabric and wool. You ask why? floods! Have sown new curtains, cleared out bites and pieces.
.Friend passed on some lovely new fabric to make bags. She a manger for a opshop and was given this lovely fabric. Wants me to make bags for the Christmas sale.
Thank you ladies for sharing what you have been doing over the last few weeks.
Have a great day and enjoy some time out for crafting.

Edited by sunflowers28 at 11:32 am, Tue 7 Sep

sunflowers28 - 2021-09-07 11:29:00

morning ladies :) We had some good rain yesterday and overnight and the sun's coming out this morning.

MrK is going to take the vanity plates off the old car today so I can have them swapped to the new car which means a trip to Cambridge VTNZ today. Once all that is sorted, I'll advertise her for sale.

Yesterday I transferred my design to tracing paper with a heat transfer pencil so it's all ready for ironing onto fabric once I sort what fabric I'll use. It's only a tutu so I don't want to use my 'good' stuff. But first I need to clean my iron again. Might do that shortly while I'm waiting for MrK.

Happy crafting :)

kiwimade64 - 2021-09-08 07:25:00

This message was deleted.

popeye333 - 2021-09-08 09:25:00

Morning all,
Heavy rain over night
No sewing yesterday ended up at DD and holding a sleeping baby for 2 hours while DD and DSIL got some sleep. Nanas have their uses.
Our new dryer gets delivered today heat pump one to match the new washing machine both purchased 2 months ago.
KM have you tried using a panadol tablet to clean your iron, its what my sewing group friends use
Fingers crossed I will get some sewing done today
Have good day

mica3 - 2021-09-08 09:37:00

morning ladies :) Another wet day today, I think, but the rain is still welcome. It's been freezing though.

Mica, oohh a new dryer! Mine still needs repairing lol. I remember you 'telling' me about using the panadol a while back and yep, I used it again. The panadol certainly dissolves the gunck that's for sure. I think it's the starch that builds up on the iron and makes it stick along with any pencil marks I make on the fabric.

I had to rewash 'Dex' as I spotted (get it lol :P, bad Dad joke there) a mark on the fabric. It's all dry now so I'll iron it and lace him onto a board ready to be given away. Later in the afternoon, I started having a tutu with the new embroidery but I think I'll have to change the type of thread I was using. No biggie as I hadn't done much.

Happy crafting :)

Edited by kiwimade64 at 7:26 am, Thu 9 Sep

kiwimade64 - 2021-09-09 07:25:00

Morning everyone

I must apologise, I put the heater away, that's why it got so cold lol.. We had a little hail yesterday too.

Lol My dryer is also still Broken, My dehumidifier does an excellent job. I have it in the larger bathroom and hang the clothes on the airer. They dry in a day or less.

I ventured into the sewing room yesterday, got more wool out for the blanket and tidied the sewing table. My mind doesnt seem to be able to come up with a plan for the top of the dress i want to make, so I might just put some elastic in the top and it will just be like a long skirt to wear from under my arms.
I did that with Bath sheets when we lived in Taranaki and spent alot of time at the beach. An easy way to get dried and not have to carry clothes etc to the water.
Today I've decided to take MrPs tractors and motorbikes etc out of the lounge and Im going to do a "Kitchen" theme on the hall stand. With my fave cook books, I have MrPs Mums harper kitchen scales and Ill put my vintage Tupperware cereal bowls and tumbler sets on there. I have one of those very old mixing bowls too but it may be too wide, to be safe, but Ill try it.
Have fun with the crafts, ill crochet later

Have a fab day

popeye333 - 2021-09-09 09:27:00

Morning everyone,
woken up to a lovely sunny day, still a bt windy. Have just finished the vacuuming while DH walks the K9s.
Visitors yesterday morning. Got to the sewing room and made 4 masks for my DIL mum then started on my shirt, will attach collar stand and sleeves today. material for DD track pants arrived so thats washed, dried and ready to be cut out. A nice cotton spandex french terry puchased a black and navy. the dryer was delivered after 6pm, it looks good and works so all good. Wont feel guilty using it as cost 30cents for full load.
Enjoy your decorating Popeye its nice to move things around.
A few errands to run this morning with DH when he get back, then sewing this afternoon.
Finished knitting the front of the cross over cardi last night so will start on the L front tonight.
Happy stitching

mica3 - 2021-09-09 10:02:00

Goood Morning from sunny Napier, I have finished 3 knitted baby blankets and two patchwork blankets. So slowy getting my fabric and wool down. What else have I done? .Spring cleaned the house,not finished yet. Need to replace some curtains and nets.

Like your stitching kiwimade. Sounds like you have been busy in the gardens as well..Thanks for showing your pieces. Hope both of you are keeping well.
I'm looking forward to coming up your way to see family and friends,once we are down to level 1.

Good to hear Popeye that you are getting around ok. See you still having blood tests. The blankets you maded for Mr P hope he likes them.How your veggie garden? I have seeds in trays at present.

I have building sites both sides of my place. One had everything out inside and been re done. Slow as they had to stop when on level 3 and 4.Just hope the family that gets it likes it. They are a good crew and they call over if I'm outside to see if I need any help and I'm ok..
The otherside was a couple in their 60's,moved in about the sametime we moved into our own home.It was a rented place. The landlord sold the house and a new family with school age children are due to move in shortly. It's there first home. So far they riped all the wallpaper off the walls and carpets. They where drinkers and snoked inside.

Hi,mica3 Welcome. It's great to have your own space to craft and other hobbies.
Everyone take care!
Enjoy this new season. Can see alot of us will be out and about and enjoying this great weather we are having.
Take Care!

sunflowers28 - 2021-09-09 11:20:00

morning ladies:) It's a very wet day today, lots of dark clouds.

How lovely to have new people next door, sunflowers and awesome it's a first home for a family. I don't blame them stripping wallpaper and carpet if the previous people were smokers.

wow, mica, 30 cents a load for a dryer! That will save a lot of fuss over winter.

I started stitching the cut work piece I designed and I'm realllly rusty with buttonhole stitch lol. Just as well this is a tutu and not the 'real' thing. The design seems to be working for this style of embroidery and I'm happy with it so far.

Yesterday I took a few things into the Sallies and spotted a picnic basket. Ours is over 30 years old and falling apart and this one is in pretty good nick for its age. I've been looking for one for a couple of years now but all the new ones have all the bits and bobs which we don't need. So I bought this one for the princely sum of $4 and have stripped the old stained lining from it and am relining it with some red gingham I had stashed away. Rather than stitch the new lining to the basket, I'm going to velcro it in so it can be washed. I need to buy some backing fabric for it as my fabric stash is now getting a tad low. I don't often buy from op shops but this basket must have been there for me to see :)

happy crafting :)

kiwimade64 - 2021-09-10 07:19:00

Morning all, very winday here gale force gusts.
It will be nice to have new neighbours Sunflowers.
Good find KM the red gigham sound just right for a picnic basket.
My plans got waylaid yesterday. Went to the zoo with DS and DGS.
Did get down to the cave to sew shirt but my overlicker broke in the middle of stitching second sleeve seam. Looks like something happened to front feed dogs will be off to sewing machine hospital when I have finished my coffee.
I do have a back up overlocker and as luck would have it I had her out for a run and clean last month but she is only a 4 thread a d I like using 5 thread when sewing wovens, just lazy but don't need to use sewing machine one pass and the seam is done.
Let's hope it is not too serious or takes too long to fix.
Must get off
Have a good day everyone

mica3 - 2021-09-10 08:54:00

Morning everyone

Lovely to see you Sunflowers. Always exciting when you get new neighbours, I hope they fit into the community well.

Yep you were meant to go to the oppy Kiwimade, Gingham is my fave so its going to look lovely. Good idea attaching it with Velcro.

Ohh Mica love the sound of your dryer... And Not good re the over locker.. I remember years ago in the Jean factory I first worked in, I broke a feed dog in an industrial machine. The boss said in all the years he had the factory he had never seen that happen... But I was a bit of a "Teachers Pet" and he got a brand new machine for me to use. I Miss that job still.

I got some crochet done yesterday, one must Not have a break of a few days, lol.. The fingers complain again.. geeze this arthritis crap is nasty lol. But I've got a part of a round of the dark then Ill be able to work at night time.
I also set up the hall stand with my retro Tupperware, most of which I found on here, its very popular.. and my Kiwi, chocolate, Christmas and baking cookbooks. It wasn't until I took a pic that I realised I had stacked the books to the same height without planning lol

I really love it... I kinda feel a little guilty. Im not "deleting" MrP cos he's not here, but its just been a very long time since I had my stuff on display.

I still need two more containers to match so Ill keep my fave search on here until I do. Ill post a picture later. ,, Small things make me happy lol.

Have fun with the crafts ladies.. the rounds are taking a while now, but Im loving the blanket.

Have a fab day

popeye333 - 2021-09-10 09:36:00

morning ladies :) What a storm we had last night! It's a bit clearer this morning though.

The rabbits are back. I knew they were when I found droppings on the lawn the other day but this morning I spotted one helping himself to the vegie garden. The Furry One is in seventh heaven again although I suspect he has known they have been back for a bit longer than us by the way he has been behaving around the garden. I wonder how many he'll catch this summer.

I'm still beavering on with the hexagons and this embroidery piece. Today I'll potter about with the picnic basket as I didn't have much time yesterday to any sewing. I can semi prepare and then wait until I buy the backing. So many things half done is driving me nuts. I usually finish something before I start another.

We have someone coming to look at the car today so fingers and everything crossed it sells.

Happy crafting :)

kiwimade64 - 2021-09-11 07:16:00

Morning everyone

It was Impressive eh Kiwimade, the first clap of thunder surprised me, no warning rumbles lol.. Thankfully Missy doesnt panic with it lol. Sunny and windy now.

How many Bunnys did the Furry one get last year?

Fingers crossed for a sale for you.

I got the dark rounds done on the blanket yesterday and have joined on the light blue . I will get more done today cos Im sore so will be sitting a bit.

I put bread on this morning. Crossing my fingers at 5am that the yeast would be ok. I thought I had a new jar in the pantry but didn't. And the one I used best before date was October last year lol... it works and the bread looks good. I wont make it too often cos I tend to eat too much of it.. but Ill have both crusts and will use the middle for French toast in a day or two . Im not that fond of it when its a day old lol

I know what you mean about having too many things on the go at once Kiwimade. I dont like it either, hence the pile on my sewing table is loaded. Once I have the house to how I want it again Ill will start getting this stuff done.
I will be Diamond painting over summer, cooler than knitting or crochet.

Have a fab day everyone

popeye333 - 2021-09-11 09:15:00

Good Morning Ladies from a Sunny day here in the bay. Yes it so good to have people in the house,they been working evenings and weekends working on inside of the place, it just good to see lights on in the evenings.The other side of me the house been poorly looked after when owner took off to The South Island about 5 years. She sold it and it's had the inside taken out and been rebuild inside. Been along time with C19 going into lock down all the time. The crew have been very good and shown me what they where doing. It was not nice to have no one in them or working on them during level 3 and 4.

Spend a few days helping a girlfriend (manager) get the shop ready to open this coming Monday.It is a church OP Shop. There is 6 opshops in main street in Taradale. The shop had to be cleaned from the top of the walls to the floors. Had to wipe everything down and stream clean the clothes and other pieces. We left around 6ish last night got some fish and chips and went down to beach and watched sea roll in as the sun went down..

During the last few weeks, I knited a baby's blankets (3) and another on my neddles. Cut out 10 bags all sizes and the last one will be pressed for open on Monday.
From my office window, I can see light blue sky with the sun out. Time to move, my poor gardens need some love and care as will
Have a great day everyone. Please take time out just for yourselves.
Have great day! everyone.I'm off for a walk!

sunflowers28 - 2021-09-11 13:48:00

Good afternoon,
Beautiful day lower half Nth Is, after last nights storm.
travelled to Palmerston North today with sewing friend to attend a quilting demo the brunch with couple of other ladies so nice to get out and socialise again. Cafe well organised so all good.
Picked up my overlocker 24hr turn around not bad and very reasonable price proof will be when I use her tomorrow. First time that I have used this particular tech so fingers crossed for a good outcome.
Currently making dessert for dinner tonight apricot shortcake with whipped cream yum
Hope everyone is having an enjoyable day

mica3 - 2021-09-11 14:46:00

morning ladies :) The fog has kicked in, when I got up it was clear outside but now you can't see across the road.

Popeye, last summer the Furry One caught about half a dozen rabbits, we've been keeping a rough tally over his lifetime and it's close to 50 all up now. He's an awesome hunter but then Jack Russells are bred for hunting.

Wow, that was a quick turnaround for your overlocker, mica. If the technician's done a good job, then he's a keeper.

I found some fabric to use as a backing for the picnic basket, it's part of an old linen sheet with a very tight weave and heavy so will cope with the velcro being pulled. I did have to buy velcro. It's been a while since I have used velcro and didn't know you have to buy each side separately now. Today I'll make some binding and hopefully finish the bottom of the basket at least. It certainly looks a lot more cheerful and fresher than the dirty green that was in the basket before.

Happy crafting :)

kiwimade64 - 2021-09-12 07:27:00

Morning all,
Overcast at the moment
KM you can't beat a terrier to hunt the bunnies. I rely on ours to dispatch the live mice that the feline occasionally brings in she always seems to bring them to dining area to share with us. Our old k9 girl dispatches them fast.
We had lovely night last night had friends to dinner.
I am hoping that my sewing plans come to fruition today, finish my shirt so that I can start on other projects
Have a good day

mica3 - 2021-09-12 08:24:00

Morning everyone

Gosh the weather is a mess. yesterday very little wind and it actually got to 21 in the lounge. I had my fan on for a while. This morning its chilly again.

Wow the Furry one is doing well with the rabbits. I thought it was 6-7 last year lol. For an older boy he's keeping well even with his conditions.

I did 3 rounds yesterday on the blanket and Yes Im paying for it. Ill cut it back to two.. Cos they are getting longer too and I didn't allow for that. So the fingers are complaining. But I wont give in. I have 14.25 rounds to go. Still sounds like so many lol. But there's 65 in total. So Im getting there.

Wow that is fast for a machine repair, hopefully you will get some time at your machine today Mica.. Ill be back to some sewing once the blanket is finished.

I miss having people to dinner. We had a group of friends that rotated between houses and we did what we called "Formal" dinners.. Basically giving us ladies the chance to use our good china and put the Pearls on so to speak lol.. It was always a lot of fun.

Have a fab day everyone

popeye333 - 2021-09-12 08:52:00

morning ladies :) Looks like we have rain, rain, and more rain today. The wind down south look awful and they are heading towards you in Wellington, Mica.

The best laid plans of men and mice lol. So much for finishing the picnic basket lol. Yesterday the weather was fine so I decided I'd trim the lawn edges and mow the lawn. Then I moved on to the ironing and baking and in between sold our car. So no time for sewing but a productive day anyway.

Today I will try again and finish at least the bottom of the basket. I have a list of things to do in town first though so will do that early before the storms hit.

Happy crafting :)

kiwimade64 - 2021-09-13 07:13:00

Morning all,
Gale force winds and rain k9s not even asking for a walk.
First gym session this morning manage to complete but having nasty reaction to sanitiser being used so now eyes all puffy and tongue and lips all tingly
Winge over.
Finished my shirt and made DD pair track pants using a lovely cotton spandex French Terry which I purchased from For FabricSake in Levin. My clicky finger has a bit of work out in these covid times.
I might have bought a Style Arc dress pattern yesterday so will have to print that off this week
Off to get buttons for baby cardi, my shirt and cord for the track pants after coffee and a shower.
A good day to be in the cave

mica3 - 2021-09-13 09:03:00

Morning everyone

Sunny and calm here at the mo, it sure looks nasty further south that's for sure. Please stay safe everyone.

I didn't crochet at all yesterday... Im very quickly losing patience with my hands.. But I will try again today.. I have to finish the blanket at least. Then I have to really think about the future.. I understand now what others have gone through, and why they wish they could chop the dam things off...

Good that you sold the car Kiwimade, it gets it out of the way and is still useful to someone.. I still only tolerate this car. The hardest bit has been getting it to stick to the 80kms open road speeds we have up here. It feels like your crawling, even tho its been a good while since they change it to make us "Safer" it would have been a lot better if they fixed the roads lol.

The Buds are slowly opening on the White geranium Yay.

Waiting to hear how Micas Machine repair has worked.. fingers crossed for you Mica.

Huntlygirl are you ok?

Sunflowers I hope you are enjoying watching the progress of the neighbours.

Have a fab day everyone

popeye333 - 2021-09-13 09:06:00