Thursday Progress

A bit delayed with this month's progress report but at least progress has been made!

I've got as far as the heel flap on the sock

Considering the first one took me over a year and at least two false starts this is extremely rapid progress. Joking apart there is a slim chance that I might have it finished this weekend.

A bit of effort has also been dedicated to the blanket resulting in an almost completed square. 

This is actually quite a quick one but I find using the cable needle I currently have a little tricky.

Onward and upwards!

Friday Night Sew In ...the results

A late start to this FNSI but I managed to get what I planned done and for once it was wholly sewing.

My workspace all set up

Work in progress

I concentrated on nesting the seams so that everything would line up.  I was mostly successful and at least not noticeably unsuccessful!

Two complete tops

I'm really pleased with them and quite amazed at how bright they are. I still don't think I strongly prefer one layout over another, which is a good think as it means I want to finish both.  I have a wildly optimistic idea I could have them layered and quilted by the end of this weekend, judging by what else we've got planned this weekend I think that might be too optimistic!

How did everyone else's FNSI go?

Friday Night Sew In

For the first time in ages (possibly the first time this year) I will be taking part in Friday Night Sew In. For those of you who haven't come across it yet its a virtual get together of quilters around the world via their blogs.  On the designated Friday evening we all see together and then share our results on our blogs.

If you want to know more or to join in visit the sign in page on Wendy's blog ...HERE

See you Friday!

My Ultimate Gadget

After a trip to IKEA last week to pick up some necessary parts I finally got my new 'gadget' set up over the last few days.

This...

Plus this...

Becomes this...

Throw in my own sewing machine and a test piece of fabric and ... wallah...

...a freestyle quilting frame from Cotton Orchard Quilts, who are conveniently located about an hour from my home (and IKEA trestle legs supporting it).  

We first came across these at the Great British Sewing Bee Live.  I'd always dreamed of having a long arm quilter but space and finances prevented it, so I was in love when we saw these.  I've gone for a 2.5m frame which can hold quilts up to 2.1m wide ish.  I am going to try and squeeze the wedding quilt onto it, but in future if I want to larger quilts I'm going to have to probably quilt as I go.

Had my first play on it this evening...

(Underneath view - no eyelashes in this bit)

(It was suggested that initial practice was carried out on a cheap bedsheet without wadding to practice technique)

Lots more practice required and I'm going to have to re-read my FMQ books for inspiration.

Sunday Progress - Feels like déjà vu

Still going...

Halfway down the leg of the second sock. It's been a busy and tiring week at work so not a whole lot of progress has been made on the UFO's, but a little is better than nothing!

Fridays - Fruit and Gadgets

I'm in the lucky situation that I now often get Friday evenings to dedicate to crafting and I try to make the most of it (post working week tiredness permitting). 
This Friday I started to sew together my fruit squares.  They are destined to be a table runner, but I couldn't decide on the best layout even after drawing the options...



 So I decided to sew both seeing as I had plenty of squares.  (It has just occurred to me that I could have just laid the squares out and chosen my preferred layout but nevermind).  So far all the rows are sewn together and pressed.  Still waiting on so heat resistant wadding to be delivered, but hopefully it won't take too long.

This Friday was a very good craft day as I spent the afternoon purchasing a quilting "gadget" I'd never thought I'd own.

At the moment it looks like this...

And this...

 But hopefully after a quick-ish trip to IKEA I'll have something much more exciting to show.

Sunday Progress...Avoiding second sock syndrome

With minimal time dedicated to craft this week I have actually managed to finish my first magic loop sock.

And I have even started the second sock...

It's the sensible thing to do!

Being optimistic I have decided on my next UFO list:

1. Xmas stocking.
2. Little Xmas knits.
3. Sparkle punch quilt.
4. Cushion cover.

Again a couple of relatively quick ones and some more long term projects.  Of course nothing, well at least the Xmas stocking, can't be worked on until the mystery blanket is finished.  Good thing I don't want the stocking for this year!