What I've been up to ...

... Last Saturday was a meeting of the Yorkshire Modern Quilt Group that I belong to.  We had a great demo from one of the members about how to do porthole applique.  I had a go and thought it was great.  I can see more of this sort of thing in my future.

The other thing that has been taking up my time for the past week is this.

Yes, I've started knitting again.  I haven't done any for years, but recently have had the urge to play with my knitting needles.  Of course, being me, I couldn't possibly start with an easy project could I? No, that's far too sensible.  Instead I chose a pattern with a 40-row repeat on it!  The trouble is that it's a very lacy pattern with lots of knitting stitches together, creating extra stitches, passing them around the room, standing on my head whilst doing it, etc.  I can tell you that when it went wrong it was easier to undo it all and start again than just trying to undo one row, so the first few rows were knitted more than once, twice, or even three times. My problem is that I was knitting in the evening, with the TV on, and was therefore being distracted. I think I've cracked it now though.  I've found that it's much easier to follow this pattern by using the chart that was provided rather than following the "words".  I've never used a chart before, so I'm feeling a bit proud of myself, and am up to row 30. Tonight I'll do some more so wish me luck.

Falling over autumn

(this is a sponsored post)

Apparently, we're coming up to the start of fall (autumn to me in the UK) in the US, and so Craftsy have decided it's the perfect time for a sale.  I think I agree with them.  After all, if it's getting chilly and maybe wet or windy or even, heaven forbid, snowy, what can be better than learning something new?   (Apart from spending time with your sewing machine that is.)

So, the BIG Fall Course Sale is happening right now.  Remember, you can learn from the world's best instructors in the comfort of your home, and there's up to 50% off all ALL online classes! Once you enroll you can watch your classes anytime, anywhere, forever. Hurry, offer expires September 22, 2014 at 11:59 PM MT. 

I've already decided on which classes I want to take, how about you?

Pattern Testing again

One of the people who bravely volunteered to be a pattern tester for Tubix was Joanne who blogs over at Splitting Stitches,  

I have stolen a couple of pictures from her blog to show you what a great job she did.  I hope she doesn't mind.

Joanne had quite an adventure during the making of her quilt and she has written a great post about what she learned about herself on the way. Fortunately, she loves the quilt, or at least, that's what she says in her post about it here. Do go and read what she had to say, and make sure you read right to the end - there might be a giveaway involved - just saying.

Don't forget about the Craftsy special offer I wrote about in my previous post.  You can save up to 50% off on Sewing, Quilting & Knitting classes until 15 September (that's Mrs Nomad's birthday).

It's sale time ...

... 

While I have been spending time with my foot up I have been having fun on the  Craftsy site.  I signed up for two classes, one called Designing Modern Quilts with Weeks Ringle as the tutor, and the other, which I have been watching, but not "doing" yet is Creative Quilting with your Walking Foot with Jacquie Gering as my tutor.  I have been enjoying both of these courses, and love that I can access them at any time at all, forever. Anyway, because I am about to put some of my patterns up for sale on the site and because I have been having such fun, I have signed up to be an affiliate of theirs. This means that I will be paid a small commission on any purchases made by people who click through to them from links on my blog.

So, you're all wondering why my post header says it's sale time aren't you?  Well that's because I can now offer you the chance to buy some of the best-selling  Craftsy classes at bargain prices for one week only.  You can save up to 50% off on Sewing, Quilting & Knitting classes taught by some of the world's best instructors. Once you purchase a class, it's yours to enjoy forever. Every class comes with a money-back satisfaction guarantee!

Now, stop hanging around here reading my witterings and hustle on over to  Craftsy to see what you fancy learning.

Disclosure:  The Creative Quilting course was supplied to me free of charge by Craftsy, and if you click through to them from my website and purchase something, I will receive commission.

Ouch!!!

I have just got back from the doctor who has confirmed that I have gout which is a form of arthritis apparently. After Friday my foot got worse and by Sunday was swollen to about twice it's size, bright red, and painful doesn't even begin to describe it!  He thinks it's caused by some other pills I've been taking, even though I've had those for years.  I have to stop those, but take the anti-inflamatories and the painkillers he's given me, keep off my foot and keep it raised for a week and that should clear it for now.  Then I start the pills again and we see what happens! I'm feeling sorry for myself!