Marg Low Designs

a different kind of sewing

It's been ages (years) since I did this kind of sewing. I've been wanting to have a go for at least 12 months. Whenever Jan's worn something new I'd feel inclined but not compelled. After all the last effort about 7 years ago ended in the bin, it was totally, totally wrong!  Pattern selection can be a bit of a gamble - somehow the reality never matches the model on the cover. 

Bec, bored one summer semester break, decided to make something.  She was excited and I was reluctant. I understood her excitement. You look at all the various combinations on the cover and picture yourself making and wearing them all in the next few days. Now I guess it comes as no surprise the dress is not finished. What is a surprise is it fitted me - snuggly (very). But with a little adjustment to the pattern I could make myself one. I knew the pattern would work.

 
So this is what I made yesterday -OK it's not quite finished it still needs to be hemmed. I'm excited, it's wearable and perfect with my new cardigan and shoes. Of course I didn't buy fabric for just one - there's another to make before the enthusiasm wanes.

AQM 2010

 I was very surprised - everything fitted in the car beautifully. Jan and I arrived in Melbourne with time for a little shoe shopping. I resisted only because I couldn't justify another pair in less than two weeks, but was more than happy to help Jan choose hers. If you're not buying then the next best thing is to have a friend who is! There was only time for the shoes, a bite to eat before setting up. 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

It took just over four hours to put up and came down in less than one!  

almost packed for the AQM

I'm just about ready for the AQM this weekend. Now all I have to do is pack the car and hope there is enough room for Jan and I and our bags! I'm putting this job off; that's why I'm posting a blog instead. It seems to take forever making the boxes, bags, and those loose bits that don't fit in a bag or box slot together for a well packed boot! 
The new quilts were one of the first things packed.

 
Soon followed by these Christmas designs.

I did manage a little sewing yesterday on one of the projects in next year's club called Red Treasures. I had high hopes of completing it today but the only thing I've done with it is carry it to another room.

 
No more procrastination, I'm off to pack the car.

barb's visit & trunk show at avonleigh

This time last week I was getting organised for Barb's visit and the trunk show at Avonleigh and it has been and gone. I blinked and it was over, days have passed.... 

 
A section of Barb's inspirational display. Some the first projects I ever made were Barb's designs. The first workshop I attended was at Cohuna with Wendy Brigg (Country Friends) and Barb. Barb has so many new and gorgeous buttons/decorations to choose from, it's impossible to make a decision.

 I showed the girls how to make an 'oh so quick and easy gift tag'. Here are some I made last year to decorate birthday presents.

 

 This year I used pretty papers behind them instead. Even quicker!

 
I simply use a bit of sticky tape to tape the button in place. The decoration can easily be removed and used on something special.  

Christmas club no. 5

I'm guessing I'm not alone in wondering where this year is going (gone). It's hard to believe but the final Christmas club classes and mailouts happened last week. 

 
Here are the bags the girls made a start on. I love seeing the fabric choices, from antique reproductions to bright novelty prints. They all look gorgeous and there is no way I could pick a favourite.

 

Here is my finished version complete with hand-made sweets. I have good intentions to make a number of this bag and fill it with home-baked gluten free treats this Christmas. What I would like to do and what I'll have time to do are not necessarily the same thing!  I've been writing this blog for 3 years now and if you've been following all that time you'll know I never manage my time properly and am always winding back ideas the closer it gets to Christmas.

Rhonda and Beth brought along their projects from previous classes. It gives me a lot of pleasure to see the finished projects and know they won't become UFOs.

 
Rhonda's Celebrating Christmas, started at the Christmas workshop in July.

 
Rhonda's How Many Sleeps? and sorry girls but the 53 sleeps is out of date, less than that now! 

 
This is Beth's How Many Sleeps?, soon to be a gift for a niece. Lucky girl!

little quilts

A few weeks ago I was sewing every spare minute, finishing off quilts and starting new ones. I knew it could not last and I am well and truly over it. I think I managed to finish 5 or 6 quilts. A fantastic achievement for me as I'm not to good at finishing off things, especially projects started years ago. It was impossible not to start at least one or two or three new little ones. A reward for tackling the old ones.

 
I'm planning a quilt for my brother's birthday next year and decided to try these colours together. I don't need it until mid year so lots of time yet.... yes I do realise I should be starting it now and no this one is way to small to give him!

 
This one's for a friend.

 
My daughter asked me to make a baby quilt for a work colleague. Love how they think, Mum likes making things, she won't mind. Of course I don't, but a few more hours in the day would be nice!

 
The back. I was determined to use up the cute animal print left over from a previous project. The best thing about using that last piece of fabric is it's the perfect excuse to head to the shops to purchase a new one.