Monday morning

It is sunny outside and I've woken up feeling optimistic and happy. For some reason I started thinking about the song "Monday, Monday" by the Mamas and the Papas; anyone remember it? Well it was a long time ago (1966) so you are forgiven if you don't know it. I checked out the lyrics and find they are so sad- that's really weird. I'm not sure why I associate it with feeling good. I must never have paid attention to the words. Still, it is a brand new week full of possibilities.

First, the almost finished top of a table runner.

I took a class on foundation paper piecing with Jeannie Duncan-Farr at Cutting Edge last week. I love FPP- the way you just cover the paper and get accurate points. Jeannie had designed a colourful table runner with a flying geese border.

Jeannies table runner from the Cutting Edge website

 I had chosen an entirely different colour palette for mine and struggled a bit as I did not have any green for the leaves. Still, here are some photos of my progress.

I have pieced the whole top now but still need to appliqué the central flower. It will be interesting to see how everyone else got on when we meet tomorrow for our monthly meeting. I plan to start a new embroidery as it will be something that is easy to do in the garden while enjoying the sunny weather.

Mike and I took a trip to the National Botanic Garden of Wales yesterday and what a treat! The main aims of the garden are conservation and research that is accessible to all. This gem of a garden is only an hour away from Cardiff and yet I only visited it once in the year it opened to my shame. The planting has matured and there is something for everyone to explore; history, sculpture, plants in medicine, bees, glorious gardens and the largest single span glasshouse in the world that was designed by Norman Foster and partners. A few photos....

It was difficult to show the scale of the glasshouse because of the way it nestles in the landscape.

If you are planning a trip to Wales try to get to visit the garden. Something here for everyone.

Have a great sewing week,

Catherine

I'll be linking to several link parties this week and I have the links in the sidebar on the right;

A brand new to me Monday link party Monday Makers run by Nurdan of Hug-a-bit Quilts. It would be nice if you could drop into her party and show some support.
Anything Goes Mondays seems to be missing this week.
 Linky Tuesday (Freemotion by the River) and So Cute Tuesday at Blossom Heart Quilts.
 Esther Aliu's WOW and WIP Wednesday (Freshly Pieced)

And the winner is.....GYB 2015 giveaway.

And now, the winner of my Grow Your Blog 2015 giveaway is............
........ you'll have to wait until the end of this post!!!!

I had an amazing day at the Cutting Edge group in Ystradowen, Vale of Glamorgan on Tuesday. I have been on the waiting list for the group for months and finally got a place. I'm so thrilled as the group is vibrant, creative and so friendly. Everyone was welcoming and the variety of projects was mind-blowing. Not only that, they run some fabulous teaching days with something to appeal to everyone; Heirloom sewing, you've got it, tiny angel shoes anyone?, yes, it's there. I'm not sure what to try first. The first day I decided to try and catch up with the English Country Garden BOM. I've fallen behind with about 4 blocks outstanding- blame Christmas and the 'flu. Prior to the day I made 3 pieced blocks and took the fabrics for 3 blocks but I did not allow for the fun and chatter so only completed one and finished another today.

So, ta dah! My 2 new appliqué blocks for the English Country Garden BOM.

The details of the BOM are over on Kerry's blog, Pennydog Patchwork. The current block is free until next month and then there is a very small charge. I've now done 7 of the first 10 blocks. I have the backgrounds done for the marigold and pansy and will tackle the inset circle of the dahlia block right at the end.

And so to the Grow Your Blog party. This year has been fantastic so thank you to Vicki for organising it again this year. I really urge people to check it out and consider joining in next January. If you scroll right down to the bottom of the linked page on Vicki's blog there are links to lots of interesting posts. I have visited lots of the blogs but I will be continuing to visit more and I have gained some lovely followers too. The best thing for me was to ask specifically for comments- what interests you in a blog, why would you follow etc? This has made the giveaway constructive as well as a pleasure to hold.

I have had 70 comments- absolutely amazing. I hope I managed to keep on top of answering everyone. If not I apologize. It did get a bit frantic at the beginning.

And the winner is no.17..........Diane E.W.  of "I dew quilting"  Mike shut his eyes and made the draw for me. Well done and congratulations to Diane! I'll be contacting you for your home address to send the Owl wall hanging kit.

Thank you to everyone who took precious time to comment and join in. You all made it special for me.

Catherine