Summer Days

Yesterday was the day for sorting and packing up swaps ready for posting.  The needle case is finished and packed, photos once it reaches it's new home.

Next were the blocks for the Barn Door Swaps.  Unfortunately. the other blocks got packed before I remembered the photos.

This was all done in time for the start of the grand prix.  Then it was time to sit and finish the back stitching and french knots on the cross stitch.

That's both the stitched pieces done, now is the time to choose the fabric to make them into a wall hanging.  I have some ideas, but it may be a little time before it gets finished.  I am determined to shrink the pile next to my sewing table first.

From Linda

It's lovely opening the post when this is what you find inside:

These are from Linda in the USA.  The different fabric combinations never cease to amaze me.  I had never thought to use a different fabric for the centre square, but this block works really well.  I know this year is going quick enough as it is, but I am looking forward to the end of the year and I have all the blocks here to put together.

Beautiful

Two beautiful blocks from Ailsa.

What I love about these swaps, is seeing the fabric combination that people use.  Sometimes they put fabric together that I wouldn't have considered, and it works!  It really helps me in being more adventurous in my fabric choice

Thank you, Ailsa, these are a lovely addition to my collection

From Mary

Two more blocks received for the Barn Door Swap, this time from Mary.  Having kept chickens in the past, I love the top one.  Thank you, Mary.

Blocks Received and a Card Made

 Two more blocks recieved in the Barn Door Swap, these two from Carol.   Love them both but the pink is my favourite.  I can't wait to see all the blocks together.

 I've also finished putting a card together.  This was a freebie from an old cross stitch magazine I had.

Mystery Monday-Week 7 and Barn Door Swap

It was a nice easy week for Mystery Monday, which was just as well, with how I've been feeling this week.  Lovely son decided to be generous and share his cold germs.   As I was feeling a bit rough, it was a slow plod through the cutting and sewing, and now have a little pile of four patch squares ready for next week.

In the post, came these blocks in the 71/2" barn door block swap.  These have come from Canada.

Thank you, Mary, a great start to the swap.

Barn Door Swap-71/2" block

It seemed a good idea at the time, but when I signed up to the barn door swap, I signed up for both sizes.  This month's partner for the smaller size wanted teal and white, so I had to wait for some supplies.  Teal wasn't a colour I had in my stash.  I think I should have though, as I like these colours.

I've done two blocks, using a darker and lighter teal.

These are now in my ready for the post pile, and that's my blocks done for this month.  Now to do something else on my to do list.  I feel the need to be able to cross things off.

Second Barn Door Block

The second block has been made, this time in blue. I only had enough to make two blocks in this variation.  My swap partner's block are all ready to be posted, but it will be next week before they go.  Now, I have to make the 71/2" version.

One thing leads to another

The next colour for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge is green.  Tuesday night, I went through all my fabrics and pulled out the ones that would be suitable for this month.  I had it all sat on top of the box waiting for inspiration.  At the same time, I remembered I needed to make some blocks for the Barn Door Swap. 

I've managed to kill two birds with one stone, use up some green and made some blocks.

This is the first time I've made this block, and I like it.  I managed to get four blocks out of the fabric I was using so  I shall probably keep one for myself and keep some for swapping later months.  Now, I need to make some from another colour for my swap partner.

February Heart

The next heart from Raspberry Rabbits was released a couple of weeks ago.  I've had it all traced out and ready to stitch, but got sidetracked.  I had packed it very nicely to take with me to do while I was waiting for the children ice skating last week, but ended up reading and then talking to another mum.

I unpacked it yesterday afternoon, and spent a pleasant hour getting it stitched.  Now I'm ready for March.

I've also received my first two blocks in the Barn Door Swap.

Many thanks to Blondie, who sent some scraps from the blocks and a charm.

Now, I'd better get myself organised and start making my blocks to send.