Lots of happy things

It is so sunny here (think it may not last but it's wonderful for now - and I do hope you have it too) and I have managed to complete a few things in the last week or so. The combined effect is making me very happy - happy that I've managed to be a bit more productive and happy because I love the sun.

A new spring/summer coat for Islay::

                            

I've used Anna Maria Horner flannel - it is incredibly soft as well as pretty. I tried to buy it in the UK but couldn't find what I wanted (Courtney at Seamstar still has some but unfortunately not what I was looking for this time) so I ordered from Fabricworm. The buttons are glazed coconut shell and came from Raystitch. The pattern came from manimina on etsy and isn't meant to be reversible but I altered the closing system - by sewing the button through one layer of fabric only and attaching little ties (repeated on the other side). Islay loves it - isn't she a good daughter?!

A new cotton cardigan for Islay::

                      


Islay may be good (and actually she's probably rather better described as cheeky and quite naughty too) but she is also very lucky. My special mum knitted her this lovely cardigan (Debbie Bliss pattern and Debbie Bliss DK cotton yarn - the yarn equivalent of the AMH flannel above, it's so soft and has a texture I could cuddle quite happily for hours). It should have a zip closure but neither of us felt it did the cardigan justice and it really didn't lie well. So mum, just before rushing off to the airport back to South Africa, suggested a toggle and tie closure. I checked out my buttons to see if I had any toggles and spotted these buttons (from Raystitch again) which I thought would be perfect. I hope you like them too mum? I felt very nervous about doing this as I really didn't want to spoil her beautiful knitting. Again, Islay loves it.

Quilt As You Go (QAYG) blocks for Christchurch::

Some of you may know Cat who blogs at Catalina's Cottage. She is an incredibly lovely person who does very kind things and has been tireless in helping her fellow New Zealanders since their earthquakes.  She has already organised people from around the globe to make quilts to be handed out through local charities to people affected by the quakes.  Since the recent biggie she has asked for QAYG blocks as they are easier to bring together into a completed quilt.  These will be posted off to Fiona (footonthetreadle) who is co-ordinating things in the UK.  I do hope they help bring some warmth and joy to people in need.

Cushion for sofa::

I finished the final cushion for our sofa and I think it's my favourite.  It was fun to make.

Pretty flowers::

Not really something I have made but I do love flowers.  The lilies are a bit over the top and ever so dramatic.  The narcissi are rather more delicate and, I think, even prettier.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend.