Rust dyeing

Last week a small group of us had a go at rust dyeing, we were lucky that the weather was cooperative and we had all the sunshine we needed. Rust dyeing doesn't require much - fabric, white vinegar and rusty things.

Here are the rusty bits and pieces that I used.

All the bits and pieces wrapped in fabric and semi enclosed in plastic while processing to stop it drying out too quickly.

The rust dyed fabric on the line. Some of the pieces will probably be over dyed as the effect isn't very strong. I didn't tie any of the fabric with string and it has been interesting to see what pieces created the best effects. There is a suggestion that we produce a 12"x12" piece, will let you know where that goes. 

Until next time, happy stitching everyone

Donna-Maree

Happy Easter everyone

We have had some very crazy weather and the beginning of Easter saw Cyclone Cook in our region making an impact, thankfully not as much as it could have. I think the storm was further out to sea, I know White Island had wind speeds of approximately 210kph and while we had wind it wasn't of that magnitude. We did go through the process of putting away all outdoor furniture etc just in case, better to be safe than sorry. The weather for the rest of the weekend has been a mixed bag with sun and rain which also included thunder this morning. 

The Easter weekend also saw the start of the school holidays so traffic in the mornings and after school time should be better for the next couple of weeks. This is the first year for us that school holidays aren't an issue, although our youngest does have a break from her studies and yes she has become a couch potato. 

I was lucky enough to be the winner of these beautiful fabrics from RJR Fabrics and Mandy Andy Designs in a competition that was on Instagram. Normally the only prizes I win are the booby prizes and so I was very excited when this parcel arrived at our house. I have so many ideas as to how I could use the fabrics so it will be interesting to see what they become. In the meantime I am chipping away at some projects although there isn't much to see at this stage. Sorting and tidying is another activity that is an ongoing thing in my sewing room at the moment. It is nice having a sewing room again although it is a change for us all and I think hubby misses me sewing in the living room where I was more accessible. 

Last week I made some quince chutney, I just love quinces and couldn't resist them a week or so ago at the local fruit shop. We had some last night with cheese and crackers and it is seriously yum. The several jars it made won't last long for sure. 

The day is calling and there are things to be done, but call back soon and happy stitching everyone.

Donna-Maree

The days are slipping by

I can't believe we are in April and that Easter is just about upon us. We spent a leisurely weekend at home catching up on chores and starting to get things organised for winter. There is still more to do but we have made an honest start. 

Hubby planted these Cherry Pie Heliotropes last weekend in pots by the front door under my sewing room window and boy do they smell good. I adore scented plants and we try and fill the gardens with them as much as possible.

Some produce picked from the garden today, yummy sweet capsicums. I have quinces waiting to be made into chutney, a job for tomorrow as I ran out of time today.

I have been making slow progress on my hexie project, I have been enjoying working on this in the evenings after dinner.

I have been making good progress on another project but there isn't much to see at this stage as it has all been prep work, however a project that is wanting to come out to play is Milliefiori and I shall start working on that one this week. Nothing like putting it out there for accountability. 

Alas this is the second time I have written this post, unfortunately for some reason it didn't publish and I have had to recreate it, funny how the words don't work quite the same second time round. Well it is time to move on, so until next time, happy stitching everyone.

Donna-Maree