Two wise birds

Summer Bird House Mug Rug Pattern

I am often asked how I find the ideas for my mug rugs.  Some just come to me and I make them straight away (Summer Birdhouse Mug Rug is one such pattern).  

Others take hold a little more slowly and that is exactly what happened with my Two Owls Mug Rug from my Animal and Pets Mug Rug pattern book (also available in paperback via Amazon).

Two Owls Mug Rug

 

I was driving home from work through a beautiful little village, called Southwick (pronounced Suth-ick), one dusk at the beginning of summer when a large bird flew across my car and up into the bough of a tree a short way ahead. 

(picture courtesy of the Barn Owl Trust)

It was my first encounter that year with an owl and it made quite an impression.  So much so that I search the boughs at the edge of the village when I drive through though I never have not seen the bird again. 
 
The next encounter came whilst I was in the Lake District this summer.   It was here that I picked up a packet of paper handkerchiefs which were adorned with owls. 

I didn’t think much of it until four months later when I was strolling down the greetings card aisle looking for a Thanksgiving Card (not a hope in England!).  A card caught my eye – two owls perched on a branch looking at one another. And then further along I spotted a little handbag diary decorated with owls. 

It was then that I remembered the owl tissue and then the bird on the bough of the tree.  Too many hints to ignore so I got to work to create a whimsical mug rug that is suitable for grown-ups and children alike.   I hope you like the end result as much as I do.

 

Across The Pond Sew Along - Week 2

I should entitle this post, week 2, 3 and 4 'coz I've finished the Anita Vacation bag.  I didn't mean to - it was just so easy.  The pattern looked quite long upon first glance but I soon realised that was due to the awesome tutorial style which in turn makes it a breeze to put together.  I sat down on Friday morning intending to cut out, do the base of the bag and the handles only.  Well, the cutting out took no time at all due to the clear instructions and the outside of the tote went together in minutes - including the pleat. 

I just kept on going and by lunch-time I was the proud owner of this beautiful tote bag - complete with inside zip pocket and inner divided pocket to take mobile phone, notepad and pens. 

I knew I was onto a winner with the handles - they were so easy to do yet look so professional.  Amy recommended a 'jeans' needle but I used an ordinary no. 12 machine needle - the one that was in my machine (I'm a lazy so-and-so).  It worked a treat.  Amy also recommended another two lines of stitching on the handles but I stuck with just three - the handles looked so good I was worried I might ruin them - can you believe that - me ruin something - NEVER (ahem!!).

This is only my third bag I've ever made and I think it is fair to say it is the only tote I will ever make again.  The simplicity of doing the bottom corners, the handles and the zip pocket made it so quick.  Even the side pleats matched up and I wasn't concentrating on those.  I took my bag out on Sunday, for coffee and cake, to celebrate and I received two comments on it in the coffee shop. 

So what can I say?  Across The Pond sew-along for the month of November - completed - in a morning.  I would like to say it was down to my incredible sewing skills ..... but I'd be lying.

I am devising the next pattern - a lovely placemat and napkin set.  The pattern will be ready for the 1st of December so you can make them in time for Christmas.  I am hoping it won't take anymore time to complete than Amy's wonderful pattern - but I can't guarantee it - I haven't made it yet.  This is just a little taster - it may end up in the placemat - it may not ..... as I say, I haven't made the pattern yet!

Sew can't stop and chat - got work to do.  

Strip Search

Sometimes I am not the brightest penny in the pot and it can take a little while for me to realise that something isn't quite right.  Such was my escapade this week it is a wonder I am not writing this behind bars.

What on earth has the Patchsmith been up to?  I hear you ask.  Well it started quite innocently with a quilt pattern - as most things do.  I patch and I applique and occasionally I undertake some English paper piecing but I had never attempted to paper piece a block where you sew onto paper.  Susie over at Susie's Sunroom is very good at paper piecing and I am mighty envious of her scarecrow.  With this in mind I set out this week to learn how to paper piece.  I had seen a star that was made up of strips of fabric that I liked instantly but unfortunately it was not in my favourites folder.  I remembered that I had saved it but I think I may have put it in the wrong folder.  Well rather than search through the endless folders and items on my computer I decided to do a google search - it would be quicker.

 

I selected Google images as I knew I would recognise the star instantly and I typed in 'strip star'.  Well you can only imagine what showed up on my computer screen.  I am looking and looking wondering why I have pictures of naked people, of boobies and bums and not a quilt block in sight.  I look back at my search box .... yes I had typed in the right thing 'strip star' yet not a patchwork anything (a few patches sure, on different bits and pieces, but nothing I could work with!!!).  Then the penny dropped (as we say here in England) and I roared with laughter.  What a klutz - and it had taken me several minutes to even realise.   

 

I was just about to clear the screen when an image caught my eye.  It was Brad Pitt - on the set of Troy - and he was naked - all except for a fig leaf covering his dignity.  Now have I told you that I have trigger finger - yes, 'tis true - it is a real medical term.  Sometimes my fingers click automatically, they lock, and I struggle to get them undone.  Well you will not believe it (neither will the judge I am sure) but just as I was about to clear the screen my fingers triggered onto the mouse and clicked onto the Brad Pitt picture.

Oh my!!  Yes, Brad was still wearing a fig leaf but I had the option to remove the fig leaf with one small, little click of the mouse.  Did I?  Didn't I?   Mmmmm, what do you think?  

Of course, I daren't say.  And I would love to share the links - you all know how very generous I am but unfortunately I don't think it is legal.  

As for my strip star - it is actually called a string star - but don't type that in Google images either - for stars wear strings - apparently.  If you do a 'strip' or 'string' search make sure you use the words 'patchwork block' somewhere on the search line.

I did make a block - it wasn't a string star block though that looks easier than the one I attempted.  I attempted the evening star (turorial here) I found it quite easy to sew the individual star points but putting it together was really tricky and fiddly and I didn't like it at all.  I couldn't match the points.  I haven't ruled out paper piecing - just not a strip star!!!

Ooh, gotta sign off now - the warden is on his way up - something about Prisoner No. 10 (of course!) stripping!   Sew until  later .......