A New Bag

Finished this one today, and I'm loving it.

As well as liking the look of a bag, it also has to sit well on my shoulder, and this one does a great job of that. It really annoys me when a bag keeps slipping off my shoulder, I just simply won't use it again. I'd make a little adjustment to the width of the strap, not much, just a smidgin'. All in all, a successful flying by the seat of my pants, let's see what happens when I......


The fabrics are Wonderland by MoMo, Arcadia charm squares by Sanae (they came from Katy, thanks again Katy). And some of the Kona cotton that arrived on Monday, mid grey (lining). I bought several Kona cottons, along with the mid grey came coal, snow, cactus and everglade. I won't be able to buy homespun cotton at spotlight again, Kona really is a superior quality and fabulous to work with. And buying from the US at the moment is really quite good!

The other finish I've had this week is my first cushion cover.


This was a heap of fun! It was one of ten samples I've put forward to a community run art & craft shop here in the Blue Mountains. It only stocks art & craft made in the Blue Mountains, and has been going since 1996. The monthly meeting was tonight, hopefully they will think my work will fit in and find me a space. If so I'll have to get busy, not that you'll hear me complaining. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

And so to bed
Cheerio for now
X Mandy

Peeping Owls!

I just couldn't wait any longer! These Owls were calling to me to do something with. As my winning comment was about when the owls come out, boys should be asleep. It seemed only natural to have them outside the window! The panel's not quite finished and I need to go to Ikea to get some sheets. I thought I'd make it into a bed set. Put the panel on a pillowcase, repeat the triangles and diamonds along the top of a flat sheet but keep the fitted sheet plain. Sounds like a groovy Christmas present for a little girl I know. But, have to get to Ikea first.

Anywoohoo, cheerio for now
X Mandy

Sunday Stash #15

Sunday Stash #15
Originally uploaded by mandalin18

I feel like I'm on a Blue Binge! I just love the blue on blue, with a little dull sunshine to contrast. And the one in the front, um well yes, I splurged. It's Amy Butler, but not just any Amy Butler.




Amy Butler...Love...Laminate!!
oooo so soft, and for the first time ever, I wanted to grab my scissors and cut into it instantly. But I resisted, it really is a good idea to have a plan first.
Follow this link for the inspiration behind my choices.

Show & Tell blocks finished

Donna wanted scrappy

Tacha wanted dots

Sara wanted black & white

and Sudi-Laura also wanted scrappy

Hopefully these will fit the bill.

This really is a super block. So simple to make, yet a myriad of effects can be achieved. I expect there are lots of blocks like that, I just really love pinwheels.

And what about these fabrics, aren't they just the cutest!I know at least one of you out there will agree.

They came from Cherri, of Cherry House Quilts, whose daughter is Lizzie of 'Lizzy's Red Letter Day' fabric. Such a generous giveaway, and I'm proud as punch that my comment was one of three that Cherri chose. She wanted to know what we would make from the fabric. I said I would make pillow cases for my boys, to remind them that when the owls are awake, they should be asleep. I've not made a pillowcase in my life! How hard can it be though. I, as did every commenter, promised to show our creation. And so I will. I'm slowly whittling down my WIP's.

Show & Tell Oct blocks - Done
Show & Tell Nov blocks - Done
6" mini quilt - Posted
Place mat Swap - Posted
STUD (swap til you drop) - Posted
Bee Crazy Oct block -
Bee Crazy Nov block -

So, only the Bee Crazy blocks to do and I will make some pillow slips. I've other things on the horizon, an order for x4 pencil cases, and some stock samples to make for applying to the 'Nook' in Leura. If it doesn't happen, I'll just add them in my 'madeit' shop listings. Yes! I finally did that too. I've only 3 things in there at present, but I do plan on adding some more to Mandalin soon.

Well, cheerio for now
X Mandy

the Falls ArtFest stock

The bags

The larger lined pencil case/wallet

approx 9" x 6"

The medium lined purses

approx 7" x 7"

The little lined purses

approx 7" x 4"

And a little cheery bunting,
because sometimes you just can't stop!
approx 2 yards

I also made quite a few cards, but they'll have to wait for another day. I really enjoyed making these bits and pieces and am going to start to put some items in my made it store. But probably not before the end of the week. I have some serious swap catching up to do. I've contacted my swap buddy's, and everything is toot sweet.


Cheerio for now

X Mandy

Falls Artfest '09

These were my handmade offerings at this years
'Falls Artfest'.

I'm very happy and proud to say, that much of what you see here, has been sold. I'll be back tomorrow, with some more pictures.

X Mandy

My home from home is....

the Post Office at the moment!
Oh no, I'm not complaining, I'm lovin' it!

This little parcel below went to a lovely Lady in South Australia. For whatever reason......she never received a DQS7 swap little quilt.

'ere tis.

I so LOVED making this.

I'm pretty sure it's all Kaffe Fassett fabrics mixed with cream linen and cotton solids. I've wanted to try the half square triangle blocks for quite a while. I'll definitely make another, but much larger (bed sized), and have rows of zig-zags which will change direction once or twice, like in Megs Doll quilt. The Kaffe fabrics were purchased as a mixed lot of 5" squares in an auction, eons ago. Hence the reason for so much pink!





I wanted to do a pieced back, and found all these little pieces in my stash that went great with a square that I didn't want to mix with the others on the front. My only regret, is that I didn't make the time to do a more classy label, ho hum, next time.

I love squiggly quilting, I just think of it as drawing with a pencil, trying not to get boxed into a corner with nowhere to go, but off the fabric. It works for me, mind you I still haven't tried it on a big quilt, yet!


Anyhow, that's me for the moment.
Cheerio for now
X Mandy


Oh, to come in a few weeks....

3 quilt swaps, they all need posting by the end of October! All heading off this isle, so I have to have them finished earlier. I'm aiming to post them all by the 21st, which should give them ample time to reach their destinations.
1. 6" (max) oh too cute, how could I resist that swap. Posted, yeah!
2. 13" x 17" (ish) placemat swap. How long can it take !?! Fabrics cut & layout finalized.
3. 15" x 15" (max) quilt. No worries, I'm an expert now. Fabrics picked.

I'm on target, but........

I also have the "Falls ArtFest" starting on Friday 23rd October, ooops!
So far I've made - 1 x handbag - 1 x zippered pencil case, no lining - 1 x zippered pencil case, with lining - 2 x zippered purses with lining - 8 x fabric Christmas gift drawstring bags.

So.....I guess I'd better finish this post!