Marg Low Designs

merry christmas

I think I've finished with the needle and thread and now it's off to the kitchen. Not too much to do there and a cool change has arrived - making cooking much more pleasant. It was 31 deg C. at 7.30 this morning! What a contrast to the weather in Europe and our trains from Melbourne are running slow due to the heat!

Christmas Day for us is a picnic lunch at the river followed by tea with friends with a little snooze in between (I can hope).

Wishing you a very merry and enjoyable christmas, however you chose to spend it.  

unplanned gardening

 There was no gardening on last Thursday's list of to do's but this changed everything. So glad I was out when it happened and Azzy (the dog) was waiting for me at the side gate. He's often sniffing around this section of garden searching for bread crumbs the birds have dropped. The power was off from 3pm until 9.30am the following morning.

 A little more of the Christmas decorations. A combination of gifts, Country Friends and my designs.

Up until a few years ago red was definitely not a colour I looked for in clothes, fabrics, china etc... probably something to do with having reddish hair as a child and all the associated jokes that go with it.  I could never quite understand Bronwyn's fascination for the colour red. We'd leave a shop, Brownyn with a bundle of reds and me with a bundle of greens. So we both had to smile when on our last trip I left with the reds and Bronwyn with the greens. Funny how things change!

red and white and other colours

 This is an old photo, taken a couple of months ago when I was preparing for The Snowmen class.

After seeing how quickly the girls made theirs, it inspired me to finish mine.

 Here they are. A little bit of green has started to creep in to this years red and white colour theme. I'm not a knitter, a snowman's scarf is the limit of my ability. Lots of fun and something I can do while watching the TV without having to take my glasses on and off! And if your wondering why the scarf looks creamier in the second pic - it's been tea-dyed.

Last year I raced out and bought fabric - I had this bright idea to make placemats (at least four) before Christmas Day. Got to laugh!One's finished and as you can see it's not going to make it to the table. Can't you just imagine the family argument over who got the 'special' placemat!

  And a little blue has crept into the theme.  The bowl is just one of the lovely gifts I received last week. Each time we sew at Sue-Annes I always have to take a peak at the rag balls she's made. They look so gorgeous. So deciding what to fill the bowl with was easy. The fabric choice was much harder (isn't it always).  I think it needs a couple more, but Bec suggested letting it rest for a bit.

Tree of Love

Before I'd even finished Tree of Love in the browns and pinks (in fact while I was still choosing the fabrics), I was busy imagining it in reds and raw edge applique. So I found time (I don't think you actually find time rather another job/project doesn't get done) and made it using some of my favourite French General fabric. So nice to  use some of it in a project for myself and not relegate it to the stash, to surface whenever I have a bit of clean out.  Sad but true!

Between now and Christmas I have a special offer on the Tree of Love pattern, AUD$13.50 including postage (local and overseas). Simply email me if you would like to purchase the pattern.

red & white, not so ho hum

  I'm still on the red and white theme and don't see my enthusiasm for it waning anytime soon.

Once I started rummaging through the decorations I found lots of red and white ones.

You'll recognise some of them as my own designs and others are much loved gifts.

Last Friday the Friday Girls swapped Christmas presents. Such a great day and we all secretly agree the best bit about Christmas.

I've fallen for the French General fabric, yes it's my favourite right at this moment!

This year I made Christmas decorations with Barb's bird designs and a pouch with tools for making cord.

I was overwhelmed by the genourosity of the gifts I received. Jan & Sue-Annes are pictured top left hand corner of the first photo, a cookbook from Michelle - one I've been going to buy (Slow Cooker by Sally Wise), lovely RED journal from Nicole and a beautiful bowl from Helen, which will be filled with red and white balls (when I make them).

had to share

  Here are the decorations the girls, Beth, Chris, Sue and Else made in class today.

I didn't realise they had nearly all chosen the same button (Whimsical Santa). It's nice to see how they work with the different fabrics. I think this is one of the reasons why I love classes so much - I get to see all the various combinations without the effort!

Avonleigh have made up some very tempting kits. Yes, I did want to bring one home, simply so I could look at it!

During the week I dropped in at Stitch N Patch at Lilydale. Doreen and I've been chatting on the phone for a couple of years now and it was so nice to finally catch up with her. I wasn't sure where to look first, there were so many beautiful things to see. (Sorry I didn't take photos - next time though.) I also got to meet the Thursday Sit and Sew girls and share some of Cathy's birthday cake and in return the girls got to look and handle lots of my samples. I don't know who enjoyed it more!

Snowmen class

I don't know who was more thrilled the girls who came to class last Wednesday or me. They all finished the project with time to spare. I have to admit I was a little surprised.  

 Here they are, The Snowmen.

What a nice way to spend an evening, with a little sewing, lots of laughter and chatter and a finished project!

 

gardening, christmas and Mamre House

The last few days have convinced me that spring has arrived. So you won't be surprised to learn I spent part of the weekend in the garden. And I'm so glad I did, and not simply so I could enjoy the beautiful weather. Last year I thought the weeds had taken over but this year they are even worse! I didn't think that was possible. What's that saying about one weed, seven years......? If you know how it goes please let me know.... or maybe not. It doesn't do to think about!

  These are so much nicer to look at than weeds. The daisy does have weed potential but right now I'd be thrilled if the beds were overflowing with this happy hardy plant.

Belinda brought her not quite finished Festive Gift Bag to Christmas club on Saturday. Who wouldn't love to receive this filled with treats. I get a real buzz out of knowing the projects are finished and not in the UFO pile.

Now I've also started work on the Mamre House projects. This year it's being held on the 24 & 25 October. More on that next time and maybe a sneak peek at some projects.

Attic Crafts - class & trunk show

Dolls were responsible for rekindling my interest in hand-made textiles. I sometimes wonder if I'd never made that first doll, a Linen & Lace Angel by Country Friends (Wendy Brigg) whether I would ever have discovered the pleasures of stitching and joy in quilting.

The first doll was so addictive, I made eight (yes, 8)  in next to no time. Having dabbled with dressmaking, doll clothes were a refreshing change. For starters, they didn't have to be removed! No collars, cuffs button holes, zips....pants, sleeves and necklines could be gathered with a piece of thread and clothes stitched to the body so they sat nicely. A liberating experience!

If you would like to learn doll making, need a refresher class or are simply mad about dolls, I will be teaching Christmas Belle at Attic Crafts on 20 November.  A small doll, measuring 11 inches, she would be a perfect addition to any Christmas display.

You'll also have an opportunity to see my new designs. The ones I've been working on this year and others as well, at the Trunk Show to be held after the class. Please contact Teena or Donna at Attic Crafts for class bookings and trunk show details.

Believe!

It's always so good once a pattern is finished and ready for release. It feels like the end of a school term.

The pattern Believe! is AUD$10.00 plus P&H. Please contact me for your nearest stockist or to purchase it directly.

This week I've been working on another Christmas project. Yes, you'd think at some point I would be all Christmassed out!

A glimpse of the new project.

And again, but this time with one of Barb's Santa tags.

The pattern will be available towards the end of September.