Finished "Quilt in a Day" - Flower Fairies

Here it is, all completely finished. Measures 34.25" (87cm)wide x 50.5" (128.5cm)long. I sure hope the buyer likes it - I think it's pretty. Flower Fairies by Cicely Mary Barker.

Quilt In A Day

Today I ALMOST finished a quilt in a day! Oh yeah! It's never happened before and I've always poohed-poohed the idea from patterns and books. I mean, who doesn't take at least a day to sort out the fabric to be used and then spend hours cutting it up? Anyway, one of the fabulous (not!) things about the medication I'm currently on, is that I don't sleep for very long. So this morning I was up at 2:45am, dressed, heater on in the quilting studio, cutting, stitching and ironing. Admittedly it's only a cot quilt for commission. All I have left to do is quilt the two side borders and bind it.
Photo tomorrow, when finished.
I'm really (knackered) bushed now, it's been a long and productive day!
Yippee!!

Needle Case Swap Sample

I thought it prudent to make at least one sample for the applique needle case swap - it wouldn't be good to make a mistake on the BEST swap one, would it.
So, I've used linen for my background and played around with colours for the flower and done some hand stitching for embellishment.
Anyway, here's the outside, opened up:

And this is the inside - I used fine wool for the 'pages' instead of felt, and cut more than one sheet:

 Pretty happy with the outcome.

It's Been a Great Day!

My health for the past month has been pretty tenuous, but I'm now starting to get my energy back, thanks to a new course of medication. So, this morning the dog was lucky enough to go on a short walk with me and I managed to process the last of the feijoas. Here are the 5 (only) jars of Feijoa Relish:

Later in the day I started one of the burning piles of tree branches, weeds, etc. I have had waiting for a windless day and clearing the area around the compost heap ready for planting potatoes. Monday is winter solstice (Maori Matariki) and I want to grow some Maori potatoes - they are smaller than commercial varieties with black/purple skins.  Apparently they are beautiful boiled whole in their skins and served with butter.

Anyway, look what I found under some sticks in the burn-off - aren't they a gorgeous colour and so delicate:

Applique Needle Case Swap

Ok, it's not as if I don't have enough to do, but I've decided to participate in this swap. Follow the link above if you are interested. There you will find the swap guidelines, the pattern, a tutorial and registration which closes on 5th July.
I will post pictures as I trundle along with the swap.