More LeMoyne Stars

Day 13 of my blogpost a day August challenge.

I have finished the last two stars for the Plains and Pine One Block Five Ways sewalong.

To recap, five different techniques were shared to make the LeMoyne star; each by a different designer.

(My first post about these was *here*.)

Needleturn applique was the fourth technique —

While I've done a lot of needleturn in the past, I didn't enjoy this as much as the previous ones - all 8 points of the star were cut separately and sewed back together again....haha...sounds just like patchwork doesn't it?

 If I'd used different coloured fabrics, it might have been a little more interesting!

And the final technique was - apparently - English Paper Piecing - but using special printed stickers and machine sewing so I was a bit intrigued as to how it was done.

Because I didn't have access to the stick-on templates, I used the suggested Freezer Paper. My freezer paper was recycled (that was all I had) and didn't stick very well (!!). I ended up sewing lines on the fabric instead of using my falling off freezer paper. It was a little like the Y-seam technique in the end.

It sewed together ok though and here it is.

It was interesting to explore the different techniques and I'm pleased with all the blocks. I think I enjoyed the first three stars the best - Y-seams, FPP and Curved Piecing, but all the techniques had their place.

Of course, 5 blocks don't make a quilt, so I will be making a few more LeMoyne stars at some stage to complete the set!

'til next time,

happy stitches,

Raewyn

Running in the Rain

Day 12 of my blogpost a day August challenge

Every year about this time the local primary schools kids take part in the Taniwha Challenge. This combined schools cross-country event is hosted by one of the country schools further west from here, (Te Horo at Pipiwai) and kids from at least 8 of the nearby rural schools attend. 

It's a great community event where locals gather and catch up.

And cheer the kids on of course!

We had five grandies running so it was a full on family affair.

To save time and hopefully beat the rain, the girls and boys races were combined.

Blonde Kaliah and Saydee neck in neck the whole way until Kaliah had an extra burst of speed at the end!

George in the green and red — 

— and Xavier, blonde in the blue, were in the same race, and not too far apart —

Odie, running his first race, ran in the pouring rain, but had a good run too.

We were so proud of them all, not because they all finished within the top 8 (!) but because they all tried so hard, and ran their very best.

Being winter/early spring it's usually wet for this event and today was no exception! Not cold though.

With the exception of 2 grandies (one in Hawaii so a good excuse) and YD at work, our whole family was there - running or supporting. So in spite of the rain and the mud, it was a fun day (we were home by 1pm).

'til next time,

happy stitches,

Raewyn

Mum's thread books

(Day 11 of my blogpost a day challenge in August)

I'm still working my way through the bits and pieces from Mum's that ended up here at our place.

When she first got into embroidery many years ago, she started making thread books for her DMC threads.

They were one thing I wanted to keep (and use!) as they'd been her constant companion. There was always one or another out on the side table next to her lounge chair.

I finally decided where to put them, emptying out a drawer for them.

And I thought I'd photograph them before I put them away.

I think that this was the first one she made. I understand that she got the chart from an Embroiderers Conference in the 'Wonderful Wairarapa'.  

Full of threads —

For there is no friend like a sister to calm to strengthen to cheer to lift and to love.

(It's interesting, Mum wasn't known as being overly sentimental but she was not adverse to stitching sentimental prose.)

Three smaller ones - here she used the linen rather than upholstery fabric for the cover. Forever practical, my Mum.

Tied together with shoelaces!

And tucked into their new storage space - they fit perfectly.

(Now to find somewhere to put all the papers I pulled out of the drawer!!!!)

We're not sure what caused last night's power cut - it was off for a couple of hours. We recently bought a battery back up for our internet connection - usually when the power goes off, everything goes off. That was great last night but we decided to have an early night.

Today I had a hemming job to do for ED. I took a big breath and got them done and out of the way —

In the end, it wasn't too hard a job - the fabric was a little slinky and I wasn't sure how easy it would be to sew - not too bad - whew.

'til next time

happy stitches,

Raewyn