A productive month

Hi everyone,
I can't believe we are already halfway through September!
It's been a productive month for me so far but as I'm going to start trying to post more frequently I'll save some of what I've been making to show next time.
The first thing I have to share today is a bag I've made for my ten year old grand daughter.
She's been ice skating since she was five years old and I thought this bag would be great for all her hair ornaments, make up and all the other essentials that are needed to look a star on ice.



The fabric I used for this bag is Grandmother's Flower Garden by Rosalie Quinlan

I love the little house print but the back of the bag is just as pretty





The bag has a concealed zip and plenty of room inside.

I'm not sure if the pattern is still available but it was a SAL on this French blog

I recently took part in a private exchange with Lynn whose lovely stitching and finishing I have admired for some time.

Lynn made me a very special needle case in the most gorgeous fabrics and she also stitched this pretty little pillow to match




the stitched pillow is backed with the same fabric used on the needlebook



The inside of the needlebook is delightful having some very special rose head pins, buttons and matching heart shaped thread ring all hand made by Lynn.
Thank you so much Lynn. I enjoyed our exchange and love what you made for me!
By the way, you should be able to click on any of the pictures to view things in more detail if you wish.




Lynn had admired a drawstring bag I had made a while ago so I made it again for her



and I also made a sewing pocket with matching pincushion and fob





Now on to the cross stitch. Friend Sheila and I have been getting together on a regular basis to get some cross stitch projects finished into finished items.
This needle case by the French designer Au Fil des Reves is one thing we did on one of our finishing fests.



Here's the back



and a view of the inside



We've finished another needle book since then but I'll save the pictures for next time.

I took part in Niky's contest to stitch one of her designs that she offered free to anyone taking part



My number wasn't drawn for a prize but everyone was a winner as Niky sent anyone that took part another of her designs at the end of the contest.



Here's another little pillow that I stitched from a free chart on a French blog



Finally some knitting. This is a small lace shawl that I started earlier this year and then forgot about. The pattern is Ishbel by Ysolda Teague which can be purchased as a download through Ravelry. The yarn is Zephyr wool/silk laceweight.



It's not very big at all so more of a scarf that will be very welcome in the cold winter months. The way time is flying past that won't be so long in coming!
Thanks for visiting my blog today. I enjoy your comments and try to answer your questions if I can but am only able to do that if you are not set to noreply.
I'm off tomorrow on a mini break to Granada and the Alhambra Palace. I'm very excited!

Margaret