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.

Monday, September 30, 2019

Mystery project update

Here is a  photo of the work I've done on the mystery project...


Any more guesses as to what it might be?  I'm really
enjoying the ones you've thought of so far!


- Stumbled across a little hint for those of you that make dolls and stuffed animals and have trouble getting the necks stiff enough - try using a pool noodle!  You can cut pieces the length and size you need and no danger to a child.

- Lots of cute crochet pattern links HERE

- Pam Kellogg's 2020 Crazy Quilt Calendar is available for purchase now and you can find it HERE (just think how much fun this would be to gift to someone for Christmas!).

- There are lots of links HERE for some pretty crocheted doilies.

- Tutorial HERE for making fidget quilts.

Today's quote..."Life is so ironic.  It takes sadness to know what happiness is,  noise to appreciate silence,  and absence to value presence"

Friday, September 27, 2019

Just a little mystery


The past couple of days I've been working on a small crazy quilt project and will keep it a mystery for now....any guesses as to what this might become?



It measures approx. 20x6"

- Now that many of us are trying to reduce our effects on the environment, perhaps making some of THESE would reduce our usage of deodorizer sprays.

- Never let it be said that here at Chez Magpie there isn't a smorgasboard of links - some useful, and some just plain fun.  THIS one falls under  fun (altho' if you have a Barbie fan in your life, it could prove quite useful).  Scroll down to see the 'bottoms up' photo - made me laugh.

- There are some really cute Halloween patterns HERE.  

- If you're a fan of the 'Outlander' series, perhaps you might find THIS of interest.

Today's quote..."When you're going through hard times and wonder where God is, remember the teacher is always quiet during a test"

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

and....another finish!

I'm quite happy to report that the adult-sized sock knitting is done!!! Must say I was getting rather tired of socks after having made at least nine pairs (lost count and too lazy to go and check).  Now I'm working on a 5-year old size which seem REALLY small in comparison!


These were made using Paton's Kroy sock yarn that I had in my stash.  I used the same pattern but made some modifications by adding a few stitches and rounding the toe.  Pattern is 'Wise Hilda's Basic Ribbed Sock' by Kate Atherley and can be found HERE on Ravelry.  


- I don't often give you a link to a commercial site, but in this case I simply couldn't resist.  Go HERE to see what astounded me!  Be sure to scroll down.

- There's a wonderful tutorial HERE for a spacious sewing caddy.

- I found THIS Pinterest board of interest.  Lots of inspiration there.  Be sure to scroll down!

Today's quote is from Eleanor Roosevelt..."Great minds discuss ideas;  average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people"

Monday, September 23, 2019

A finish!

Over the weekend I managed to finish the latest landscape quilt....


FOR SALE! 
SOLD!

This one is a fairly local barn and caught my eye because of the 'L-shape'.  I'm sure there's a proper name for it, but I don't know what it is.  This one is for sale if anyone is interested!

- There's a sweet tutorial HERE to make a paper boat.  Wouldn't a whole fleet look pretty turning in the breeze?

- Another nice tutorial HERE to make a reversible apron (Christmas gifts, perhaps???)

- THIS is a cute crocheted pumpkin perfect for your fall/Halloween decor.

- And HERE is another great fabric stash buster that would make great gifts.

Today's quote is from Alexandria K. Trenfor...."The best teachers are those who show you where to look, but don't tell you what to see"

Friday, September 20, 2019

Returned!


I'm back!  We had a wonderful two weeks spent in beautiful British Columbia with our #2 son and his family and although we're glad to be home, we also miss them horribly.  Spending a couple of weeks of time with our 3 year old grandson (lots of stories and Grandma playing with building blocks on the floor and Grandpa baking with him) was a complete joy.  We celebrated the 3rd birthday of our grandson and our 40th wedding anniversary while we were there.  Now we face having to get back into our regular lives, punctuated with having to take our car in the first day we were back for a brake job.  Not exactly the homecoming welcome we had hoped for!

Quite obviously there has been absolutely nothing creative happening here at Chez Magpie (altho' I did a little bit of knitting while we were away, but nothing ready to show), so alas there are no pictures to share.   Instead, I will show you a picture of something that happened a lot while we were there - Resident Chef Grandpa and his sidekick - in this photo they're making cookies. 





- For those who have a stash of yarn, perhaps you might find THIS organizational tip of value.

- And there are a number of really handy charts available HERE!  And there are a ton more HERE  (be sure to scroll down).  

Today's quote..."I am not a hoarder.  I just need a bigger craft room"  (wonder how many of us can identify with that?)