Simply Stunning!

Very cute postcard!

When Mr Postie popped this familiar pink baggie from Simply Solids through the door this afternoon,  I had a moment or two of panic that in my week of very late nights I had at some stage placed an order for fabrics and not remembered.  But, oh my! Look what was inside.  Not fabrics, but ...

... my utterly amazing FQR Name Tag from Justine at Simply Solids/SewJustine Sew!

If I didn't love hexies with all my heart, I wouldn't know where to start enthusing about this gorgeous Name Tag.  But, luckily I do, so take a peek at those 0.5" hexies of Liberty lusciousness and tell me you're not jealous!  Justine has really put lots of effort into those wee beauties and I love the grey sketch fabric she has used for the background and for stamping too.  Oh, and I must point out the measuring tape ribbon that she used for the lanyard.  Isn't it brilliant?  (Added to my mental shopping list.)

If a superduper name tag wasn't enough, Justine sent me the cutest little purse absolutely bulging with liberty scraps. The purse is just big enough for some pocket money for FQR, methinks ;-)  Maybe a proplus or two as well, to keep me up for the partying!

Oh, I am a happy bunny tonight.  Thank you ever so much Justine for all your hard work and for making something so beautiful!  Can't wait to meet you and say thank you in person!

FQR Name Tag Swap Reveal

With all the finished FQR Name Tags popping up on blogs and flickr it's beginning to sink in that my jolly to London is not too far away!  Eek!!

So, what seems like waaaay back I joined in the FQR Name Tag Swap and then promptly proceeded to fret and wring my hands in case I couldn't come up with an idea that there would be even a chance my partner would like.  However, a teeny bit of bloggy research led me to a most helpful post on her blog which provided the inspiration image I needed.

A geometric design and a certain shade of embroidery floss helped to get me started.

And, after a wee bit of a squash and a squeeze I had a name tag which I hope Sarah over at Duck Egg Threads will enjoy wearing at the retreat.  It has now arrived safely and Sarah has sent a lovely thank you email and seems to like it!

Learning point for me: it is hard to get a name, a blog name and a design into a name tag that doesn't mean my partner will feel like she is wearing a sandwich board!  Thankfully I didn't get a partner whose blog name is enormous!  This tag finishes up at 3.75" x 3.25".

The tag underwent a little adjustment when I realised that a thread had started on the flickr group expressing preferences for pin tags or lanyard tags.  So, Sarah now has a tag she can wear either way!  It even co-ordinates with the aeroplane bag she made to take to retreat which was made fom the fabric of the first image/design from which I drew my inspiration.  Check out her bag here.

So, from one Sarah to another I really do hope your tag fits the bill (or at least doesn't embarrass you)!  See you in July!

Hexie Globe Quilt

Hooray! The binding and hanging sleeve are finally on my hexie globe quilt (aka Flower Ball by Geta Grama at Romanian Quilt Studio).  In spite of the dodgy applique and outline quilting of the circle, I love how this little quilt has turned out.  I know it doesn't look it from the photo but some of those edge pieces are narrower than the  0.25" seam allowances!!!

At 32" x 32" this quilt is perfect for a wallhanging and I have just the spot for it in our bedroom.  I may have to speak very nicely to hubby to see if he'll do the necessary DIY so I can hang it in position.  (I do hate having to beg!)

I also made a quick adaptation to my FQR Name Tag Swap partner's tag yesterday.  Originally it was just a pin tag, but I see from the flickr thread which started up as I was in the process of finishing the tag (!) that she has expressed a preference for a lanyard, as have most.  So, after a bit of head scratching as to how to add a lanyard loop after a tag has been finished, I think I managed and my partner will now have options to pin or hang her tag at the weekend.  Making lanyards are fun, I should try to find an excuse to make them more often!

I was on a roll at finishing a few things up and then I went and spoiled it by starting something new.  I know, I know, I really didn't mean to but I have made a deal with myself that I could only start it if I also finished it this weekend.  It's also part of my next Le Challenge entry so I would be making it soon anyway.  Have I justified myself yet?  I am excited about this little project and can't wait to show you, though even when I do finish it this weekend I won't be able to show you until mid-June!  It's gonna be good though!

Well, the sun is shining here in NI this morning - makes a change - and I hope to avail of it in some shape or form so I will love you and leave you and wish you all a great bank holiday weekend.

Brit Bee ladies - have fun at your gathering.  I may be more than slightly envious of those of you who ate that chocolate and raspberry pavlova last night!

Sneaky Stitches

I've been doing a little bit of sleuthing and some secret stitching for my FQR Name Tag Swap Partner.  I have finished the pin tag now but this progress shot is all I can show you in case my partner susses it out.  Hope it'll do the job!