I started working on some blocks that I was planning to use with the Orla Car patch I began the other day. I began by sewing together long rows of fabric, but I wasn't overly keen on how it was working out so I cut them into these strips.

I'm liking them alot better like this and have a few ideas buzzing around as to how I now want to use them. But, uncharacteristically, I am going to leave them on the side for a few days and be sure of what I want to do with them. I have about 5 ideas all at once for them and have a feeling they may become a theme for new work...watch this space.

In the meantime I had to get back on track with the Car Cushion. I decided to continue on the Log Cabin style that I'd started, with an added sashiko stitching around.

I have backed it in linen with an envelope opening, in a style that I normally use for my cushion covers. I like this style. Is it because I'm too lazy to do zips? Or simply that I like them this way? I like to think it's the latter...

There are going to be a fair few of these, but if you want to grab this first one, it's right here...

I am now the proud owner of this...

I have been after an Orla bag for aeons (What? You didn't know I liked Orla?) but could never justify the price tag and so have been on the lookout for one on Ebay.

There are always plenty on Ebay, but typically the ones I like always go for way over what seems to be a respectable price for a second hand bag. Also, I was pretty sure that once I had possession of one I would be wearing it to death and was consequently on the lookout for one that had one careful lady owner.

When I looked again this weekend, there it was, the style that I was most after and apparently only worn once.

Bid entered and I sat back and waited.

And as if by magic, or maybe everyone else was sunning themselves in St Lucia over half term so weren't around to bid for Orla bags on Ebay, the bid entered and I'd won!

Two days later the bag is in my possession and forever by my side. And the description of worn only once was so true as this bag is as good as new.

For the time being anyway.

And whilst on the subject of Orla (am I boring you now?), having bought some of this gorgeous Car fabric that Manda was selling, I will leave you with a little snippet of a cushion I am in the middle of making.

The house renos have taken somewhat of a halt for the last few months. The initial steam ran out after we had the majority of the work done and we have just been enjoying what we've had done without the hassle of having people in, decisions to be made, worrying about what still needs to be done.

It's time now to get on with Round 2. Round 2 will certainly not be as disruptive as Round 1. No building work. No overly chatty decorators getting in my way. Round 2 is all about finishing touches.

First off it's a couple of wardrobes being fitted next week in our room and Samuel's. This will make for neater, tidier, cleaner rooms...and that's us too...not just Samuel.

So our clothes will have a home, shoes can be out of sight, computer desk taken downstairs - thanks to my lovely new baby, my Macbook. (who incidently has been my easiest baby yet - no sleepless nights, no dirty nappies - just pure pleasure.

With the end in sight in our bedroom, I am now ready to think about the final finishing touch of a throw on our bed.

I haven't been totally sure what kind of style quilt I wanted. The colourways was obvious, the fabric choices are all picked out, but what style? Nothing too fancy (you know me). Something to let the fabrics speak for themselves and something that fits in with the dramatic wallpaper, but is beautiful enough to stand out in its own right too.

I've recently joined a new Flickr Swap Group and found the inspiration I was after, right there...a brick patchwork.

There is so much inspiration to be had on Fickr and these 3 are just a few of the masses of amazing examples of Brick Patchwork.

This first is by a favourite blogger of mine, Red Pepper Quilts. Rita is one of the most prolific quilters I know and is a real inspiration of dedication and skill. I adore this quilt. Rita uses alot of the same fabrics that I am drawn to, so I think that adds to her appeal.

Aren't these pillows amazing? I have just discovered Megan from 100% Philistine Made and love all these pillows. I love the consistency of colour that Megan uses and this is something that I want to take from her for my throw.

This final example from Cinnamon Toast Design jumped right out at me. It's so calming. The colourways and fabric choices gel so well and I can imagine one never tiring of a quilt like this.

So, I know what I like and what I'm after. Here's hoping I can achieve it as, due to the size of it, this is going to be a rather substantial project.

All done and finished...my first set of a new product...

Did you guess right?

I'm really pleased with how these have turned out and can't wait to get into my studio and get more sets made.

I've already picked out a load of fabrics (my favourite bit of any project) that are sitting waiting patiently for a few spare moments.

The first set is in the shop now

I've been playing around with a new idea and it's almost ready to show.

Ever since Ruby got her little sewing machine for her birthday I've been hankering after playing around with Stitch I. It's that scalloped stitch you can see here.

I haven't been able to get it out of my head and I kept thinking of ways I could use it. Needless to say, it's all come together...

I've had a new product in mind to try out and today when I was experimenting with it, I suddenly remembered Stitch I and new at once how I could incorporate it.

It's almost ready for show and tell and you've probably got a pretty good idea what it is going to be...

Any guesses?

I had an extra special delivery today. One I have been waiting for for some time. I saw these cuter than cute kits from Kayanna of Junecraft a while ago and I can't believe they are here.

The kits are super easy and perfect for a first project, but oh so funky enough to want to do anyway, however advanced you are.

Kayanna's funky designs have been printed onto fabric and included in the kit is a piece of vintage fabric. To make each Guitar and Dog even more special, the fabrics used will vary.

They are perfect to give as a gift or have fun making one yourself and give that as a perfect gift.

They come in Long Dog and Folk Guitar and are just too irresistible.

They can be found right here.

Forgive me for gloating for a moment, but I am actually quite impressed with myself. I always have big plans to make handmade gifts for all the children at Christmas, but time always runs away and I never get started early enough.

But not this year! It's still only October and I've already made the starting point of 4 of my nieces' and nephews' gifts.

The rabbits are all done, as are the fabric baskets. I just need to make a couple of gifts to put in the baskets. Just something little. Nothing too challenging or demanding on time.

So, I am quite pleased with myself. And I'm hoping to even get started on a little something for the grown-ups too. Ok, so now I'm gloating...