Stitching wallet SAL

 I love sewing!  Nothing surprising there of course but this last two weeks have made me realise how important it is.  I had the sutures removed from my hand on Monday, although still a bit sore at least I could do some stitching.  Ten days prior to that I felt totally lost, I couldn't settle to reading, I couldn't work in the garden, do housework (that was a good thing of course!)  Get into watching TV and I couldn't sew.  As soon as I could pick up a needle (even for a short while) I could feel myself relax.  There really is something about that rhythmic in and out motion with a needle isn't there!

I have spent the last few days working on the Faby Reilly SAL and fortunately part four has been relatively easy.  Once I had done all the stitching I auditioned some felt for the sea shell and scissor holder.

I was convinced I wanted the blue felt!  But ended up with the pinky purple felt on the right hand side.  In the photo below it looks totally different!  I need to sew a button on the shell but haven't quite got the right one in my button box.

Im not sure what I will be sewing today for slow Sunday stitching but what I do know is I will definitely be sewing!!

Seahorse SAL

 I did manage to complete the third part of Faby Reilly's SAL before the next part is published tomorrow.  

I wonder what sort of sea creature will feature in the next part?

Not much more sewing to show this week.  I had surgery on my hand on Friday and haven't felt like sewing much over the weekend.  Surprising how it has taken it out of me!  

So I will finish up by showing you some picture I took earlier in the week at Mottisfont Abbey a National Trust property.  The Iris and Peonies were stunning.  We were a bit to early for the roses so will visit again during June and hopefully catch them in full bloom.

Birdhouse tapestry and ByAnnie bag

 I've been working on Faby Rielly's SAL before the next section is published, so I will show that next week.....hopefully with part three completed!  In the meantime I thought I would give an update on the Birdhouses tapestry.  I've really got back into this one again, mainly because I just love the colours!

I should be thinking about doing some of the background (there is sooooo much of it)!

I have also been itching to make the 'Easy Does it' pouch from By Annie.  It is a free pattern, which is a great way to learn some of the techniques that she uses in lots of her bags.  Fortunately the free pattern comes with a set of very comprehensive videos - if it didn't there is no way I would have been able to complete this bag!  The fabric choices where made based on the fact I had a pink zip in my stash.

Firstly I quilted the main body of the bag.

Followed by cutting out the components.

Setting in the zip and handles.

And then assembling it!

(I often wondered why these little clips were sold in large numbers as before now I've only ever used a few at a time - now I know why!)

Drum roll please....... the finish!

Believe me when I say this is not a quick or easy make and I totally gave up on trying to join the inside bias binding or sewing it down with the machine (the binding was hand sown in the end) but I am really pleased with the outcome!

I am linking up with Kathy for some slow Sunday stitching and my plan is to crack on with the seahorses.