Autumn in Scotland

I love autumn. I was up early the other morning and tried to catch some lovely images. These photos don't do the scenery justice but the colours are magnificent.

Lots of patches of mist and flog came and went - which is why this marvellous gold tree looks a bit misty.

New tutorials

I have finally got two more tutorials written. It's only taken two years, what with family life, the insane VAT changes from the EU government and a general lack of motivation to write any more tutorials because of it. But they are finally done and I have a few ideas for more.

The first tutorial is ideal for this season - how to make Dia de los Muertos brooches from paper. It covers making the base and how to decorate. I even included a few tips and hints on decorating them.

The second is how to make bejewelled Christmas tree bauble hooks. Made using copper wire and beads, they are quick to make and add that little bit of festive sparkle to what would otherwise be a boring hook.

As always, they can be found in my Etsy store.

We can rebuild him - we have the technology

Indy has a favourite toy when she comes to visit me - the noodle donkey. She runs through the house and garden throwing noodle donkey in the air and catching him. Unfortunately he's been through the wars as Indy decided he should be bald, have two legs removed and have no innards. So he underwent major surgery this week - as you can see from the photos below. I couldn't fix his baldness but I could re-stitch and re-stuff him. Looks almost as good as new now and is back to being thrown in the air, carried round the garden and swung in the air by his legs.

Quiliting dies

There has been a lot of talk on the craft channels about quilting dies. I know! Seasoned quilters will be having a fit at the mention of them but my cutting sucks. No matter how careful I am I still have problems. I signed up to take part in the Splendid Sampler quilt project but found it a bit more challenging than I have time for right now. I will go back to it but, right now, other things must take precedence.

Anyway, quilting dies - I bought the Sizzix half square triangle die and it is amazing. I had been watching the Accuquilt Go shows on TV and the system looks great. But for someone who is a very, very amateur quilter I can't justify the cost of it - even if I do really, REALLY love their Gingham Dog appliqué die. However I already have a Sizzix Big Shot so I tried their dies.

I am now producing patchwork that does not look like the cat regurgitated it. My points are much better and my seams are straight. Although you have to stick to the size of the cut piece it has given me confidence. I am hoping to finally make my first full size quilt now. Thank you Sizzix! I may have to order another die or two.