The Tension is Back

The bobbin tension, that is! 

And this is fantastic!!

 

 I took another bite at getting this right, the little screw needed to come out just that incy wincy bit more. 

Using my hands like fish scales, like the technician taught me, I seem to have it in the right spot for now.

I loved the dolls quilt I made last week so much, I decided to make another.  

 

 Black, aqua, raspberry and purple tone on tones, with Kona Ash.

I loaded it onto the longarm, with a lovely print from the Tea Party line by Hokkoh as the backing.

A spiral on the longarm is soooooo much more difficult than on the dsm. 

So I have decided, to just love the wonk!

As the backing was wide enough, I have also basted another mini, which I will doodle over the weekend.

I have also been patiently watching my Hoya seed pods.  No seeds as yet, but plumping up nicely, as are the flower buds.  

Soon we shall have blooms!!

Spring Lucky Dip

I LOVE a swap

The annual EB Dolls Quilt Swap is an event to which I always look forward to participating in.

“Spring” was the theme this year, and it was also a random swap.  No partner to make for, just make what you like.

In Melbourne, spring is often associated with lots of grey, windy days and rain.  It also showcases the new growth of the season, and the warm days, with blue sky promise days of sun and fun.

I love HST, so it is no surprise I used them again.  This dolls quilt was inspired by the lovely Megan at Canoe Ridge Creations

I quilted with a variegated thread of pastel shades, in a spiral.   The colours sort of shimmer against the Kona Ash.

The center was free motion quilted, then I swapped to my walking foot to finish the rest.

                                      Bound in an aqua, I am pleased with this one.  
                                          It finishes at 24 inches square  

The backing is a piece of random fabric that I had in my stash. 

                           

   Now to pop it into the post, off for the lucky dip!!

 

Spring

Spring is in full swing.

My garden is starting to show signs of life and I spent a few moment out there this morning.

I also have a bit of love affair with the Hoya plant.  I have approximately 5 plants, all in hanging baskets.  Most of these plants I have had for 10 years or more.

An evergreen climber, these plants have lovely foliage and probably are better known for their wax like flowers.  

 The flowers sprout from the same bud year after year.  

I noticed this morning some strange red pods hanging from about 9 bud ends.  It turns out these are seed pods.  

I have had this plant for many years, and have never seen this before.  A quick search on the internet tells me that seed pods are quite rare, and some plants never produce seed pods, ever.

Very Cool!

 

I also got some lovely garden ornaments the other week to mark the spot where Roxy, our beautiful cat, now lies in rest.  The wings glow in the dark, which the kids think is pretty cool.

Quiltwise, I am working on a mini for a special teacher's present.  

Going to be fun!

Cup Day Winner

Yesterday, Melbourne put on a beautiful day of sun for the annual running of the Melbourne Cup.  A horse race that has endured the test of time, it consistently serves as a treat for the horse lovers, the fashion fanatics and the roses never disappoint. .

 I was busy finishing off this baby quilt.  

 A replacement bobbin case arrived safely Monday, so I was able to get on and get this finished. 

 I decided on outlining the elephants with a white thread.

Off to its home, and a lovely new baby!!