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, November 30, 2011

Latest denim jacket...

Today I delivered the latest recycled denim jacket to the new owner and she graciously allowed me to take her photo and also gave me permission to share it here.

So....
here's Irene,
sporting a creation by MA...

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Want to join in a fun game?

I stumbled across a fun blogging game and it's something I absolutely HAVE to take part in!

Do you have a spare glass jar?
 
How about some ORT's?


WHAT?  You mean you don't know what ORT's are??
Tsk, tsk!

ORT's are those pesky little bits of 'Old Ratty Threads'
you end up with when you're sewing.
You know the ones...the clippings, the throwaways.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO TAKE PART IN A
TOTALLY USELESS STITCH-A-LONG?
(TUSAL)

Monday, November 28, 2011

Beautiful things....

First of all,
here is our beautiful
daughter in law
wearing her 
new scarf...


The scarf is a really quick knit (even for me - notoriously SLOW) - I actually knitted it in one day!

AND....
LOOKIT THIS
v
v
v


YUM!!!

Baked and decorated by the
above-mentioned
beautiful d-i-l!!

Don't you think she's a keeper?

Oh yeah - and the cake's all gone
Sorry!

Monday, November 21, 2011

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Winner



Finally, the winner of the 'GreenCraft Magazine' giveaway (after the highly scientific method of writing each name on pieces of paper, shaking them mightily, and getting DH to draw) is...........






I need your snail mail addy Kaite and I'll pop it into the mail for you next week. 

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Temari ball

 Today I was given this beautiful temari ball.  I don't know if the pictures do it complete justice, but hopefully you can see the details.  It's amazing that the ball is wound with something as small as sewing thread and then embroidered with the design.  The design thread in this case is metallic.

Don't forget to enter my giveaway from the previous post.  You have until Saturday to leave a comment on that post.  Scroll down for more details!

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

I got nuttin, so how about this?


I haven't been home long enough to do much of anything that would be classified as 'creative'.  I could post a picture of my clean bathroom, but I don't suppose that would excite you.  I've cut out some fabric that I can't show because it's for a gift.  I bought some cool yarn, but can't show that either. 

SO.....

How about a giveaway?

Let me see, what will I have you do in order to get an entry?  I know - how about telling us what your absolute favourite Christmas present was and why?  Leave your answer on this post only and I'll draw for a winner on  Nov. 19th. 

Wednesday, November 09, 2011

a book review



I picked this book up at the library and have really enjoyed 
reading it cover to cover.


Part of the description on the back cover... " Twelve quilters participated in a two-year-long international virtual collaboration.  Each created a 12x12 inch art quilt every two months based upon a particular theme, such as "dandelion" or "shelter".  This lavishly illustrated book showcases all 144 quilts..."

I found the whole thing to be fascinating.  I like the concept of doing a virtual exchange (nothing to get lost in the mail).  Each of the artists has written a chapter in the book talking about their own experiences during the collaboration.  It's quite interesting to follow their thoughts on both the process and the way they each interpreted the twelve different themes.  This book is definitely going on my personal wish list.

Specs:  "Twelve by Twelve - The International Art Quilt Challenge",  published by Lark Crafts, c 2011, ISBN:  13-978-1-60059-666-7

Tuesday, November 08, 2011

Great mail and stitching...

I received a lovely surprise in the mail yesterday
from Pam Kellogg....a pretty brooch
in my favourite colours!


Isn't it pretty? 
Thank you SO much Pam!!


AND...
I finally completed one section of my
Road To My House wallhanging!

Please keep in mind that these are my first attempts at free-motion stitching!

Monday, November 07, 2011

Treasures


This weekend we had #2 son and his wife home
and I'm now the proud owner of these...










As you can see, the common denominator in both of these is Eeyore.  I have no clue why I'm a fan of Eeyore but I've always liked his character.  These are both Hallmark pieces - the top one is a tree ornament and the bottom one is porcelain (although the blanket is fabric and the little tassels on the Snowbaby are 'real').  So cute!! 



Friday, November 04, 2011

Thrifting find

Sometimes a goldmine will pop up when you're thrifting and other times it's a complete and total waste of time.  Yesterday I stumbled upon a really ugly necklace although the colour intrigued me and it looked as though it might have some useable beads*.  Upon further inspection the main element of the necklace was what made me run right to the cash register and pay whatever they wanted! 

SEE?



Isn't that a gorgeous button? 
The photo definitely doesn't do the shine and
sparkle justice. 
The beads in the necklace were just an added bonus.
* just a little sidenote - if you are in need of beads to add to your
collection, keep in mind that purchasing used necklaces 
often yields great beads FAR cheaper than
buying them packaged and sold as beads.

Wednesday, November 02, 2011

Great mail day!

I was a lucky winner of a giveaway that Patty did on her blog and this arrived in the mail...

Specs:  'Collage Discovery Workshop: Beyond The Unexpected' by Claudine Hellmuth, published by North Light Books, ISBN 1-58180-678-7

Sorry about the dark picture - it's nighttime here and it didn't photograph well. 








Patty also included a fun handmade card...




Thank you Patty, I will enjoy reading the new addition to my library and the card is already pinned up on my inspiration board.

Tuesday, November 01, 2011

Not a Halloween costume!

but my handsome husband!


See?
Real men DO blow bubbles!