Monday 6 April 2009

a log cabin and lots of tea...what could possibly be nicer...


doesn't that look strange?

I was paired with Laura for Vonnie's Time for Tea swap. Laura is a graphic artist (currently looking for a job - GO snap her up - she won't be around for long) and jewellery maker and just look at what she sent me



gorgeous buttons...part 1



gorgeous buttons...part 2



fabulous print...part 1


fabulous print...part 2

excuse the awful photos of the prints - those dark patches are to do with my less than perfect photography skills, NOT the prints

there was also some tiptree jam (love it) and some chocolate...unfortunately one of the parcels Laura sent (yes, I had installments of wonderfulness all last week!) got damaged in the post and tea and some other bits and pieces she sent got lost, but still a wonderful swap package I thought. Thanks Laura.

I broadened my horizons for this swap and made something I have always wanted myself, a soya wax candle in a vintage china teacup ...I tell you these are making me damn happy at the moment...


I have this tutorial to thank for revealing to me how easy it could be...

I also made Laura a merino wool tea cosy from the yarn Mia gave me for my birthday, in a new variation for me, two by two rib, it may be my favourite so far...

I sent some rose quartz and green aventurine stones for Laura to play with too

Great swap. Thanks Laura and Vonnie.

so to log cabins...have wanted to make a log cabin square forever (at least it feels that way) but been too nervous...project improv forced my hand as the charity square was due last week, and had to be log cabin. I cut the strips the weekend before and happily sat down the night before the deadline, filled with false optimism, thinking maybe I'd manage two or three squares...come midnight I couldn't even see straight, managed to sew a couple of pieces on wrong side out and had a paltry one square to show for all my efforts.


It was a LOT of fun though, and now, finally, I can say I have pieced a log cabin square. I hope there will be many more where that came from as I do love the randomness of the pattern that emerges when you don't think two much about the fabric placement...I like this Improvisation business...it's just my cup of tea...

7 comments:

JuanitaTortilla said...

What a post filled with LOVELINESS!
Those graphic buttons are *gorgeous*... Mm! I think the tea cozy is looking funky and functional. And you know what, good on you for completing one square cabin (is that what you call it). I am still too frightened to think about cutting strips and sewing them together! Alright, maybe I will, next time; definitely agree on "quilting" as something that feels like you ought to get down to AGES ago (but keep putting it off :D).

Vonnie said...

What a lovely swap!

I tried candlemaking in a teacup too! It took four different trips to charity shops before I found even a useable teacup so I'm thinking the thrifting market down your end of the country is a lot better than up here.

Glad you enjoyed the swap :)

Suzanne Vaughan said...

What lovely swap goodies! You are a lucky pair!

x vInTaGe VioLeT x said...

lovely lovely stuff!
i want to make some of those candles too so pretty ansd i'm trying to be strong and not buy Laura's lovely buttons!

Unknown said...

cripes, I am loving every single piece of that blog post. The candles, naturally, the swap stuff - wow, and the log cabin block. Nice work, madam, each next time you try one it will be easier, I promise, you'll whip up a quilt in about 2 seconds flat...maybe a touch longer ;)

Local Girl said...

I'm so pleased the tutorial was helpful - you've done a lovely job :)

Kyoko said...

I LOVE the tea cup buttons! They are gorgeous. Candle making is so fun but I haven't done is for such a long time! Making a candle into a cup is such a great idea.