MAGPIE'S MUMBLINGS

A blog about my interests, which include fabric landscapes and various and assorted other artsy pursuits and sometimes known to contain mumblings of a random nature.

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Who knew?

 I mustered my courage and attempted to sew a little dress for our grandie.  I was reminded quite thoroughly that I am NOT cut out for sewing clothing when I was feeling quite smug about my progress only to realize that I'd made the opening for the back on the shoulder instead. AND, to add insult to injury I completely overlooked the pattern where it very clearly said you should cut the front bodice on a fold and I cut it in two pieces (and then wondered why the facing pieces didn't fit...duh.   Good thing I'm such good friends with my frogging tool.  Luckily (?) I had to order additional fabric to do the skirt and there's enough that I can re-do the pieces I messed up.   I'm also pretty sure it's quite a bit too big for her, despite using the 'proper' size on the pattern.  Oh well.  She'll grow - maybe it will fit her NEXT year.  Now you know why I don't sew clothing!!!💣💥💩😒

Here's the pieces put together correctly (I hope!) waiting for the
skirt to be sewn on.


Pattern I used is Simplicity CS9280.

- THIS would be such fun to make and gift to someone - it could be filled with anything you like.

- Have a peek through the galleries of THIS incredible artist!  

- And THIS gallery made me smile!  (Be sure to check out her other works too).

Today's quote...




Monday, March 23, 2026

A bouquet?

 Here's the bouquet of flower coasters I finished over the weekend (there's still one not quite completed).  

These could be made in varying sizes - perhaps used as a spring bunting?

- I thought THIS article was very on point and something you really might want to consider working towards during these times of uncertainty.  We keep a fairly well stocked pantry but can certainly do better with this article as a guide.

- If you'd like to make an inket print waterproof, have a read through THIS article that discusses various sealants that are readily available and easy to use.

- Some things just simply make me smile and THIS is one.

- And here's a little public service announcement...apply some petroleum jelly to the lids of glue and paint jars to keep them from sealing shut.  You're welcome.

Today's quote isn't a quote, but interesting nonetheless...


NOTE:  the above prices are rather out of date
because fabric costs a lot more than $11/yard now!





Friday, March 20, 2026

Squirrel!!!!

 Yep, I've gone off on a different tangent and decided I'd create a few flower coasters using the tutorial found HERE.

🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈

AND...

I suppose I should be celebrating.  It was twenty years ago today that I hit publish on my very first blog post.  And they said it wouldn't last!  If you're interested in reading that bit of mumblings, you can see it HERE

- If you  have any Bluey fans in your life, I think THESE would be welcomed.

- There's an interesting discussion HERE around pricing handmade articles vs. big box store prices.  I ran into this the other day when I was surfing the 'net and came across a Canadian artist who does similar work to mine (but without the addition of the hours of embroidery I often add) and must admit I was astounded when I saw that she was asking $1800 and up...and many of her pieces were marked as being sold.  She certainly must travel in more exalted circles than I do, that's for sure!

- Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best as THIS might attest!

- There are some cute Easter bunny designs HERE.

- Although there doesn't seem to be any links towards the patterns for THESE, there are several that are awwwww-worthy to see.

Today's quote...





Wednesday, March 18, 2026

ummmmm.....

 Even I'm bored with me at the moment.  There's been nothing creative happening here whatsoever and so I guess that means an extra dose of mumblings.  However, I did buy myself some pretty spring flowers so at least I have something to show you...

- I've poked around some more on that site about decluttering I sent you to last time and came across THIS excellent article that you might also find helpful.

- THIS is an awww-worthy thing!

- As is THIS.

- There are lots of great ideas HERE for working with paper.

- I enjoyed looking through THESE.

- THIS is intriguing.  

- Perhaps you'd like to play with THESE ideas.

Today's quote...




Monday, March 16, 2026

At loose ends

 So....I made this fabric bowl using a tutorial from Molly and Mama (found HERE).  Not sure what I'll use it for, but it was fun to make. 


 
And...I keep forgetting to share something sweet that arrived in my mailbox from Donna.  She stitched the feather and added the words 'As long as there are bluebirds, there will be miracles' on the tag.  It was a lovely surprise to find this in the mailbox - thank you Donna!

- Thanks to Vicki, I discovered THIS incredible artist.  I love how she adds a sculptural element to her quilts.  

- I like the idea of THIS to use up oddments of sock yarn.

- THIS might be fun to attempt!

- I know many of us feel the need to declutter and perhaps do a better job of using what we have, so THIS article might be encouraging.

Today's quote...






Friday, March 13, 2026

Introducing....!!

 "Him And Me"

measures approx. 20x22"

FOR SALE!

I am sorry to see this one come to an end because I've really enjoyed working on it.  

- THIS is a really cute Easter project that looks like fun to make.

- Have a peek through the selection of artists HERE 

- There are a number of great quilt ideas HERE (scroll down to see them).

- Those of you who like junk journaling, perhaps there's something HERE you'd like.

Today's quote is from Eckhart Tolle..."Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it.  Always work with it, not against it"






Wednesday, March 11, 2026

A little change and yet another pair of socks

 There's been a small change in the latest landscape and it's been quilted now (but I doubt the picture is good enough to show that part of it)...

\

and....
there's another pair of socks fresh off the needles...
(my usual pattern and Paton's Kroy sock yarn)

- Have a peek at the gallery of work by THIS artist and then, if you're interested in seeing more and reading an interview with her go HERE.  I'd love to be a fly on the wall and watch her working!

- THIS would be a really pretty addition to your spring decor.

- THESE are a bit awww-worthy.

- For those of you who like junk journals, perhaps you'd find THIS article of interest.

Today's quote is a native proverb...."Be kind to everything that lives"