Back with the Stonestead Stitchers

After missing two consecutive fortnightly get-togethers with the Stonestead Stitchers because we were travelling around in the caravan, it was nice to finally get back with the ladies again.  There was lots of “Show and Tell”, obviously some of the ladies had been busy finishing off their projects.  Kevin had put the heating on for us upstairs in the Tea House, so what started out as a chilly morning soon warmed up.  Dorothy is getting excited about her upcoming trip to California in two weeks time to deliver the Wedding Quilt to her son and daughter-in-law.  This is in different shades of blues and is sashed in New Zealand Paua fabric.

Wedding Quilt

Two Christmas Runners are also going over with Dorothy.  Not quite finished yet, they will be taken over as gifts for the people they will staying with.  Dorothy has used the same pattern for each of the runners but with different fabrics to give them a different look.

One of Dorothy’s Christmas Table Runners

Mary brought along her lovely Christmas Tree quilt to show us.  This was a kit set and used New Zealand fabrics.  The appliqué is done using  hand-buttonholed stitch, and we all thought it was such a lovely pattern with the pretty curved branches of the tree.  Colourful wrapped gifts under the tree finish it off very nicely. 

Mary’s New Zealand Christmas Tree

Ruth has started a long term project with her large white Mountmellick embroidery piece.  This type of embroidery started in Ireland in the late 1700s and the designs are based on nature.  We will certainly watch the progress of this piece of work with interest.

Mountmellick Embroidery

Joyce was doing hand stitching too.  Her grand-daughter loves owls so this felt appliqué owl cushion will be for her.  The owl will be getting some embellishment Joyce said, once it is appliquéd in place, to add some more interest.

Owl cushion for Joyce’s grand-daughter

I noticed a lovely little tapestry pin cushion and tassel attached to the pair of scissors which Joyce was using.  She brought this as a kit during a visit to England, she told me.  It is certainly a lovely little keepsake of a trip.  I rather like those embroidery scissors too.

Joyce’s scissors with tassel

I”m rather partial to Shaggy Quilts, they are so quick to make and look so nice and cosy.  Liz brought along one she had just made for her daughter.  This is made up using Aboriginal fabrics her daughter had purchased when she was working in Australia.  It utilises colourful fabrics with the golds, browns  and ochres of the Australian outback on one side and black and white prints on the other.

Aboriginal prints in this Shaggy quilt

And now for something completely different which I haven’t seen before…..Vicki-Ann was making a necklace.  She is obviously an expert on this and brought along her equipment which she set up on the table.

Vicki-Ann with her beads, wire and pliers

And what was I doing?  A little knitting, then I moved on to my latest “Under the Sea” block.  Didn’t get it finished though, so there is no photo of my work this time.  I’ll just have to work harder, I think.  It was another lovely day, spent with like minded ladies.