Friday 16 October 2015

WOW The Rose continues

Hi Everyone,

Grace is settling in, loves us both and is jumping out less but we were ten years younger last time we had a two year old in the family. LOL
I have now been able to get back to sewing after the last couple of weeks.
My top is now stitched to my fusible batting and the 3D of the rose becomes clearer.


The only stitching I have done is this.


An edge stitch around the Rose and a central stitch arond the center whcich has resulted in increased puffiness.
The leaves are edge and stem stitched and their defintion has increased also.


The peeper border shows well in this photo as my first border is now in place as
 my extra fabric arrived and I have been able to add the next two borders


The cream border is a fairy frost so has the shimmer that I love.
The second a red similar to the peeper border but I could not find the same fabric.
 It doesn't compete with the Rose which was essential.

The final choice was for my binding to edge my picture frame for that is what this wall hanging  has become, a framed picture or photo. There is all the quilting to do before it is added but I have it and it will add the extra dimension needed. I have tried to photograph it but it will not play ball with me, it is a dark burgundy but it wants to look either black or purple.




So this is where I am at this week. Sewing has to give way to gardening for the afternoon as we are replacing our side and back boundary fences to give Grace more space and hopefully keep her in.
Enjoy your week everyone.
Cheers Jenny

Friday 9 October 2015

My Last two Weeks

Hi Everyone,

Haven't blogged for last couple of weeks as they have been shadowed by sadnesss as our wonderful companion of ten years had to be put to sleep. Kelly's health had deteriated over the last six months but we stayed optimistic that with ongoing treatment she would be with us for a few more years.
It all changed when she stopped eating - her favorite pastime apart from sleeping and sharing my sewing room when I was home!!! A tumor causing internal bleeding could not be treated so we had no choice but to end her suffering.


Goodbye our wonderful companion.

The following day was unbearable with no companion around the house so a decision was quickly made, find a rescue dog in need of a forever home. We searched the SPCA  websites and 2 hours drive north of us in Kaitia we found a dog called Blue. A 20 month old female  Lab / Staffi  cross, listed the same day we had Kelly put to rest, was it meant to be? A phonecall later she was ours if we wanted her.The Kaitia SPCA would bring her half way so last Friday we met for the first time at the Kerikeri SPCA.



A Staffi head with the height of a Lab she was adorable and totally loving.
Yes she was coming home with us.
We discovered her real name was Grace or Gracie not Blue as put up on their website.
Much more suitable for her.
.

Before we went to get her we made some alterations to our backyard as Kelly didn't do anything but eat or sleep and stay inside so our deteriating boundary fences were not an issue for her but a 20 month old would need a secure run for while we are at work.


Our solution was to move the trellis fence on our back deck further back and give her both a paved  and grass area and add a gate at the far end. The lower trellis fence in this area should be fine!!!

..
Add a gate and fencing at this end and Grace has a large day run for while we are at work.


By our back door is the in built kennel for her at night.
The ramp was added when Kelly hurt her hind leg and had trouble with the steps.
We intend to make it a permenant more gradual  ramp - one day!!!
So Grace came home with us last Friday.


I think I might chill out here!!


I'm sure it's my toy


I really am a good girl.



I know my beds meant to be in the dining room but is this close enough..
In a week she has wormed her way into our hearts 
Grace has never been an inside dog but we are allowing her the kitchen//dining area as we do like our dog with us and it has taken no time for her to adjust and say I love this too.

However her outside run is now a major problem.


Guess what guys, I love jumping and I'm really good at it!!!!
My fence changed to 5 foot palings on the inside and the gate has been lifted to match.
I can't get a grip on the metal gate any longer but if my Dad is in the back yard I can still jump over the highest fence part to see what he is doing. Why - because though I love my new mummy I adore my new dad, he is my pack leader and I have to help him with everything!!!


Oh No, an extra eight inches means I have stayed inside my run for the last day but just give me time.

So for us we have now ordered all the materials we need for two new six foot boundary fences for our  property then this run will become obsolete. Our clothes line is in this area so it may mean we can lock her out and keep our clothes intact while they are drying as anything is a toy for her mouth at the moment.

As for any sewing these last two weeks I am waiting for extra border fabric for The Rose to arrive.
I had enough of a cream fairy frost for the long sides of the next border but needed matching fabric for the top and bottom borders. I thought I had purchased the correct extra fabric but in pure daylight it is lighter than what I need. 
Sadness at Kellys passing has turned to happiness with the arrival of Grace and I can happily wait for my fabric.
Enjoy your week every one.
Cheers Jenny