Wednesday 12 March 2014

Another Mixed Bag

Hello again my faithful followers, and thank you so much for all your lovely comments which are always brimful with enthusiasm and encouragement - they cheer me on my way, no end!

I have a few bits and pieces to share with you today and first off is the little hexagonal travel sewing pouch/purse. I have to say that although this is a pretty little thing and will be most useful, I do feel that the work and time spent on it does not reflect in the finished product. 

36 x 3/4 inch (2cm) paper templates to cut out and then cover in fabrics before sewing together, and then to have to cut a fair bit of them away in order to have straight edges to bind - well, I ought to have thought a bit longer about it before I jumped into this particular pattern! Anyway, another lesson learned! Do have a look at it and let me know what you think!








There is also a second table runner, very similar to that of the previous week, but just slightly longer and narrower - well, when one has scraps of fabrics that are rather pretty, it is a nice, and economical, thing to use them up. I must admit to having cut out too many squares to accommodate the little heart quilt so somewhere down the line there will be yet another appearance of these pretty fabrics but no decision yet as to what!




And the back …..


Really, these runners are so quick and easy to make and I've thoroughly enjoyed putting them together and seeing fast results.


Last weekend saw me having a quick gander at a few fabrics which were on sale at Textile Traders - I hadn't been in there for quite some time so it was very nice to spend a bit of time browsing and actually finding a few bits and pieces to add to the very slowly growing (because I keep using it) stash. Just when I had almost decided to order online up come a few attractive, and I think, coordinating pieces, at a good price that couldn't be refused! Pick it up when you see it girls, you never know when it might come in handy …..

Oh and I've also been doing a bit on my granny square blanket after being inspired by the lovely 
Forgetmenotsblue - and you can see from the pics that I really am attracted to aqua …..



…and how about those cute elephants - the fabric is called Elephant Walk.

 Just as an aside - the cotton yarn I'm crocheting into a blanket has had so many trial runs on various patterns as a cardigan - I've never before had such trouble finding a pattern I really like or have the patience to take my time to work on. Anyway, I have loads of this yarn so there will be a successful cardi come out of it sometime ….. down the line somewhere ….. watch this space. In the meantime I'm finding the blanket so very relaxing to pick up and work on a little bit at a time, especially after concentrating on matching and fixing those blocks in the 'disappearing four-block quilt' - yes, I'm still working at it and it's showing good progress so I'll give you an update next time.



Do you remember me showing you the Lillypilly trees with berries last season? Well here are a couple of pics to date, such a good load of fruit on it again; and also one solitary hibiscus flower which is also adding a nice bright touch to the garden at the moment. 




We are very thankful to have had a few showers of rain during last weekend - nothing like enough, but a little bit for the gardens is very acceptable. The good thing is that it fell very gently and that enabled the dry earth to take it in, rather than it coming down in torrents, which it will sooner or later. I had never seen rain come down so hard as in Australia - it was a total shock to us when we first experienced it here!

I'm very happy to be seeing signs of beautiful spring in a lot of your blogs and it must be such a relief after all the rain and snow of winter - I wish for lots of happy, light, sunny times for you over there - make the most of it while you have it!

Have a wonderful week and thanks again for being here with me!

With my love,

Joy xoxo


72 comments:

  1. Everything is so beautiful. I like your fabrics choices; both the ones with flowers (my fav) and the ones for children. As always too, your blossoms cheer me. We are at the tail end of winter here so not yet enjoying the blooms as you are. Have a wonderful week dear Joy. xox

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    1. Thank you so much Joyful and I do hope you have lots of blooms soon; what an amazing difference they make to our lives! Hugs, Joy xo

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  2. My, you have been busy. It might have wasted a bit of fabric but the end result is lovely. Hexy patchwork is my favourite. The table runners are a great way of using up your stash. How are you managing to keep yours growing slowly, mine is like spring season and is growing quite rapidly. I hate to throw out perfectly good fabric. Latest addition, 3 men's shirts and a load of acrylic yarn from the local Aldi. Thank you for sharing your flower pics too.
    Take care
    S xx

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    1. Hi Sarah, and thanks so much for your comments! Haha, my stash is growing slowly because I keep using it - always busting to make a start on the next project! Sounds like you are really building up a good supply - enjoy your makings! Joy xo

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  3. I love the travel sewing pouch and so nice to see your crochet hook is busy again. I love aqua too! Cute elephant walk material and your Hibiscus flower is divine!
    Have a wonderful week. Our spring is blooming here and it's so welcome!

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    1. Many thanks Sandra, and it's really nice to have a bit of crochet on the go again. Do enjoy your spring time, it must have seemed like such a long time to be waiting for it! x

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  4. First and foremost love that little sewing case.i can definetly see where the hard work is gone in making it, its fabulous. Secondly your fabric use is on key, love how you put all the patterns together.lastly your new crochet project and the aqua colours your using I really like.Enjoy your week x

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    1. Hi Joy, and thanks for your lovely comments - I'm happy that you like the projects! x

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  5. Dear Joy
    I think your hexie patchwork is lovely, despite you having to waste some of it. The table runners are beautiful too.Congratulations. I am just about to start my first patchwork projects (very small things to begin with) but your work is very inspirational. That hibiscus is amazing!
    Best wishes for a happy sewing week
    Ellie

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    1. Dear Ellie - thanks so much and I'm really pleased that you are feeling inspired - all the very best with your projects! Happy sewing, I'm sure you'll enjoy your forage into patchwork! As soon I got started I just loved it!
      Joy x

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  6. Really love that travel sewing kit case - so cute! Also really loving the table runners - I have a 'thing' about patchwork stripes, well actually any stripes. My boys always wore stripes when I chose their clothes!! xXx

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    1. Hello Suzanne - lovely to see you and thanks so much for taking the time to leave me your lovely message! Joy xo

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  7. Just found your lovely blog via Jane at the flowerhouse! That is such a useful idea, the little travel pouch with sewing bits and bobs!
    The runners are a great way to use scraps and looks so pretty and cheerful.
    Have fun with the crochet!
    Gill xx

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    1. Ah welcome Gill, I'm very happy you found your way here and hope to see you again soon, and in the meantime thank you so much for your kind message! Joy xo

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  8. What a great idea...your sewing travel pouch! I have so many scraps...gosh so many, I really need to put some of them to good use....thanks for so many great ideas!!!
    xx Shari

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    1. Hi Shari, I'm glad you enjoyed seeing the bits and pieces and all the best with your use of scrappy bits - I have stacks of those as well!!!
      Joy xo

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  9. Hi Joy, I love your little travel case....yes... lots of hours of work went in to it for something so little, but I bet every time you use it, it will bring a smile to your face! Have a lovely week, Sarah xo

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    1. Ah, such a lovely thing to say Sarah, thanks so much! Joy xo

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  10. Hi Sweetie! I'm loving that darling little sewing case you stitched up...and so perfectly! I could never do a binding like that!!! You know how I always love your choice of fabrics... those table runners are so, so pretty. They'd brighten any table for sure and bring a smile with every walk by too! Your crochet is also looking so pretty. Joy, you're so full of wonderful creativity and talents...I get inspired with ever visit! Oh...one more thing...I don't think I've ever heard a cuter name for a plant than a Lillypilly tree! :) Sending hugs, Paulette

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    1. You are such a delight sweet Paulette, I love your messages and do sincerely thank you for all your encouragement and enthusiasm - you always make me smile, thank you!
      And I agree, lillypilly is the cutest name for a very interesting tree!
      Sending hugs right back lovely girl, Joy xo

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  11. I love your little sewing purse, I would love one and I can think of many others that would love one too. It is just perfect for transporting the essentials and the pattern and colours are so lovely. I am also loving the table runners, you are so good at putting the colours and fabrics together, and that elephant fabric is very cool.
    I am sure your cardi will get started and finished when you are ready but it is lovely that you are enjoying the relaxing pattern that is the granny :)
    Thank you for your kinds words on my blog Joy, they mean so much xxx

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    1. Thank you so much Emma - it could easily be duplicated using a nice patterned fabric and quilting it up, for anyone who isn't in to little wee titchy small hexies; it's just one long piece, quilted, then folded over and shaped round a little bit before binding! Go for it girl!
      I really appreciate all your sweet and positive comments m'dear, a big thank you!
      Hugs, Joy xo

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  12. Joy. That purse is so pretty. It must give you joy every time you use it. Ha ... No pun intended. I would love that elephant material for my baby bibs. Everyone loves elephants don't they. So glad you are enjoying the awakening of Spring. X

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    1. Hello Linda - I've just been enjoying reading your latest post and of the lovely happenings in your holiday place - AND lovely sunshine for you!
      Yes, I can visualise your baby bibs made with this delightful fabric; it's by Michael Miller and as mentioned, called Elephant Walk pattern # CX 5176 - you never know, it may be available over there or on line, just in case you want to 'chase it up'!
      I am enjoying seeing spring awakening on the lovely blogs I follow in the Northern Hemisphere, whilst here in Australia we are enjoying the 'sometimes' cooler days as we welcome autumnal times. I'm really not a hot weather person which is why I prefer the kinder climate of the South-West of Western Australia!
      Wishing you happy family times Linda, Joy xo

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  13. Hello Joy, your needle case is stunning, it must have taken hours to make but the effort is well worth it. I love how you have used more left over fabrics is your table runners, and your crochet is gorgeous especially the aqua blue, just beautiful.
    luv
    irene
    xxxx

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    1. You're so right Irene, it did take hours and for the most part I did enjoy the making and love the handy little thing, but I do wonder if a similar effect could be more easily gained by substituting a clever print fabric, quilted! You see, I'm always in a hurry to start on the nest project, naughty Joy!
      Thanks so much for your kind message, happy days to you, hugs, Joy xo

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  14. What a pretty travel case it may have taken a lot of work but I do honestly think it was worth it in the end. The runners are lovely too, you are so clever with your sewing Joy, your makes are always beautiful. I love the colours of your crochet blanket, it's nice to have something easy on the go. I'm glad you saw a bit of rain your garden is beautiful as always

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    1. Thanks so much Linda - you may like to look at my reply to Irene's comment, above, on this subject - I'm so happy to hear you like the projects - it is nice to use fabrics we love isn't it! Oh yes, rain, we are expecting more today so hope it comes as promised by the weatherman! Hugs, Joy ox

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  15. Your little pouch is so cute!! It really is amazing that you made something so small so beautifully, I think that smaller things can sometimes be much harder to make as they are so tiny to handle. Hope that you are not getting rained on too much! xx

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    1. Hello Amy, lovely to have your kind message, thanks so much, and yes, the little hexies were a wee bit tricky at times and I am happy with the result - but didn't like the waste after cutting into all that work!!!
      We are longing for more rain Amy, those clouds seem to have such a terrible time dropping it at this time of year - they keep trying though! Hugs, J xx

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  16. Hi Joy, your sewing case is really lovely. I love aqua too. It's wonderful to have so many daffodils in our garden and now the hyacinths are starting to flower too.... hooray for spring! Thank you for your lovely cheerful post. Tracey xx

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    1. Ah yes Tracey, I'm finding that quite a few friends also love aqua - such a fresh light colour isn't it! I bet your hyacinths will be beautiful - and the lovely sunshiny daffodil, what a brightener to lift spirits and bring smiles! Enjoy them all, and thanks so much for your kind message! Joy xo

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  17. Such a lovely coloufulr post Joy, wow that tree is amazing. I love the little sewing pouch too and the yarnie goodness that is you're granny blanket. It so lovely to have all the Spring flowers out here hope you have a lovely week with some gentle rain
    Clare xx

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    1. Hiya Clare, I'm so glad you're enjoying your beautiful garden - it does the heart good doesn't it to gaze on such beauty as the spring blooms!
      Many thanks for your sweet message m'dear, hoping your health is improving ….
      Joy xo

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  18. I don't mind a hexagon anything. It is very sweet and I agree they are not quick projects but I love them so. Nice to think the heat will soon drop down a tad and we may even use a blanket soon, hard for those in the other hemisphere to understand but I get tired of heat and long for cosy nights under a blanket or quilt. Stashes of fabrics are a little promiscuous you know and will breed when your back is turned and before you know it.......well you will see don't say I didn't warn you...hahaha.

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    1. Ah Susan, you crack me up with your lovely words and funny ways - you're better than a tonic!
      I get tired of the heat too, in fact it really affects my health quite badly - and isn't it easier to wrap up in lovely cosy winter woollies than get cool in some of the high temps we get! Oh the grass is always greener on the other side of the street …. !
      I hope my fabrics are extra promiscuous and really start multiplying - I'm still laughing … you are sooooo funny!
      Have a great weekend, Joy xo

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  19. Such delicate and beautiful work Joy - so pretty and such a delight to look at, Your last photos of your hibiscus are so vibrant - remind me of growing up in Africa!

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    1. I'm so glad you like my work Hawthorn, and thank you for being so kind. The hibiscus is a beautiful plant isn't it - I used to have quite a variety of them in a previous home years ago and so enjoyed choosing and planting them, then seeing them grow - satisfaction! Joy xo

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  20. What a feast for the eyes Joy! I just love reading your posts and looking at your beautiful work. Those runners are just wonderful, the fabrics work so well together. That lovely flower looks almost surreal, the colour is so rich and bright. Thanks so much for sharing. xxx

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    1. Thank you lovely Hazel, I really appreciate hearing your kind words, and I am gaining a lot from your posts too - can't wait to try that sponge cake recipe! Joy xo

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  21. I love the purse, it's so functional and pretty but it does look like a fair amount of work. The runners are beautiful and the colors are gorgeous in them. Your flowers are always so pretty. I'm glad you got some rain; I well know from life in the desert that every little bit helps. I hope you enjoy the rest of your week, Joy.

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    1. Many thanks Jennifer, and wishing you the best! J xo

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  22. What a lovely post, and I think your sewing pouch is awesome even with all the hard work that needs to be put into it...its really pretty as well as functional!

    I love your granny square blanket, such a lovely blue yarn you are using there!x

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    1. Hello Hazel, and thank you so much for your kind message! joy x

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  23. Joy your bright colours have really cheered me up. I think the runners are fabulous. I was a bit frightened of the runaway feeling of free motion but once you get into it, it is great. Blanket, sewing, garden everything is looking zingy and fabulous. Love to you Jo x

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    1. Aw what a lovely message Jo, many thanks - I'm so glad you like! Love to you too, Joy xo

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  24. I will admit thwt paper piecing is very slow but your purse looks worth it. It is something that you'll probably get a lot of use from. It would be much worse if you weren't going to use it much. Love those table runners too. Colours are great.
    Rosie

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    1. Thanks Rosie - I'm always in too big a hurry to see projects finished! xo

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  25. What lovely makes. I've never tried paper piecing but I am very tempted, it looks so pretty. Your table runners are so nice, what a good way of using up fabric scraps. I have a lot of fabric in small amounts and think something like this would be a good way to use it up. x

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    1. Hi Gillian - so easy and quick too, to use them up in this way - not to mention the satisfaction derived; all the best with your bits and pieces! xo

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  26. Hello Joy
    Wow! you've been a busy bee.
    Your quilted purse to keep your needles and sewing bits in will come in useful. It's really pretty too. Great way to keep thing organised.
    Another table runner, gorgeous and the backing is fab I do love that fabric.
    Aha your crochet blanket is looking lovely I like the aqua colour choice lovely and bright but still relaxing too.
    Oh the elephants are very cute you could make no end of lovely things with that I'm sure.
    The hibiscus is so beautiful.
    Yes some signs of spring here it is a relief after all the rain and grey. We were luckier than most.
    All the best till next time
    FB xx

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    1. Hi FB, you're so kind to take the time to comment on everything, thanks once again! I am loving that aqua in the blanket, and enjoying relaxing with it too, a big thanks for that!
      Love, Joy xo

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  27. As usual Joy it's a pleasure to read your post. I love your little hexie purse but I know what you mean about having to trim a lot away to get straight edges - it's heartbreaking!! I love your crochet work too, and really nice colours and prints of your fabrics. Indeed bag a bargain when one can! :o) Sam xx

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    1. Hi Sam - thanks so much for your lovely message once again - I am enjoying the variety of various projects at the moment! Take care, and have a great weekend! Joy xo

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  28. Joy, I love seeing your beautiful projects and want to try making all of them! And your berries and flowers are so very lovely. I am glad to know you are getting some much needed rain, and am interested to follow the progression of your seasons. I am fascinated with all we have in common and yet the contrast of those parts of our world that are unique to our different locations! Wishing you and yours happy days. xx

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    1. And I'm sure you could make them all Gracie - but it's time too, isn't it - that always seems to be rationed! I think it's quite wonderful that we have the opportunity to share so much through our posts and messages, and I appreciate every chance to get to know you better my friend! Blessings and love, Joy xo

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  29. So much gorgeous colour here! Thank you for brightening my day Joy x

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    1. More than happy to oblige, Annie - keep smiling m'dear! xo

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  30. Lovely makes, Joy, and such sweet fabrics! I really love those gorgeously colourful berries and hibiscus flower. Wishing you a happy weekend!
    Helen xox

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    1. Many thanks Helen - I've been having such happy times with fabrics; it amazes me the choices that are available these days! Joy xo

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  31. You have so many great projects either in the works or finished. I like the sewing pouch but I don't think I would attempt it with all that work. It is quite pretty though. You found some great fabrics. The elephants are definitely adorable. Have fun using all that fabric. Who cares if the stash doesn't grow as long as you have fun using it all.

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    1. Hi Cathie - you're right, we buy it to use it, and I am having such fun with these fabrics! Thanks so much for dropping in again. xx

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  32. Dear Joy, such a lovely post, I'm so sorry to be visiting so late, time and commitments got the best of me last week so blog visits were few and far between! But oh, it's worth the wait to see you playing with fabric again - another stunning table runner! Love the backing fabric, too, I really want to try to make one myself! I love the little purse, it really is very pretty, but I sympathise with you on the hexies - such a darn shame to make and stitch so many only to cut it away! Thank you for sharing more exotic, amazing photos! Chrissie x

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    1. Ah it's always so lovely to hear from you Chrissie, and thanks so much for your sweet comments - they mean so much to me! I love how you are always so understanding, with your ability to read between the lines and see what's really happening! I hope your week is a little less busy to allow you time to 'smell the roses', or at least enjoy the lovely spring blooms in your refreshed garden! Joy xo

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  33. Hello Joy, I love your little sewing purse - such a shame and a bit annoying to have to cut some away having stitched it all together, but the end result is lovely. Your second table runner is a triumph, I really like these, such lovely fabrics. Looks like busy times to come with your new fabrics too! The berries on your tree are an amazing colour, are they edible? Stunning hibiscus flower, nature does wonderful things. Have a lovely week.
    Jane x

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    1. It's lovely to have your kind message again Jane, thank you so much!
      Yes, those berries are edible and popular for jam making, although I haven't attempted such, personally; we do have a jam-making friend who says he will pick them and turn them into jam - we'll see! xo Joy

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  34. You're little sewing case, is just beautiful. I love the fabric, you can see the work that's gone into it. Have a great week. Deb x

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    1. Thanks so much Deb - happy days to you! J x

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  35. Hello Joy, Your wee travel pouch is delightful. The fabrics are so pretty. But my heart skipped a beat when I saw the berries on you gorgeous Willypilly tree. LOVE It... I hope you continue to gets wee drops of rain to make your gardens HAPPY. Hugs Judy

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    1. Hi Judy, I'm happy you like and wish you could see the berries in real life, they make quite a picture! Happy days to you too, and big hugs, Joy xo

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  36. Hi Joy I love your sewing pouch - such a lot of hard work but it is adorable. Sue x

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    1. Many thanks Sue - it is proving to be rather handy. Joy x

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