It's been........

one of those weeks where I feel as if I haven't done much but I have lots to show.  This is a change from the weeks I feel like I have accomplished so much but DON'T have much to show for it.  Do you ever feel like this?

Any how, I have been making Dog Gone Cute blocks for Karen at KAHolly who is making quilts for hurricane victims.  Karen is one of the nicest quilters I have ever met, and it is lovely to do something to help her so I made

this block.  If you haven't seen the blocks before they are designed by Lorna at Sew Fresh Quilts as part of a free quilt along.  There are six different dogs in all in two different sizes and you can find them on the introductory post.  If you are familiar with the blocks you may notice that this block, no 5, is slightly different.  Jennifer from Inquiring Quilter changed the ears on this dog when using it as a bee block, Lorna loved it and shared it on her blog last week and as I have two springer spaniels I just had to make it too.  Jennifer posted the details on how she made spaniel ears on this post if you are interested.

The second block isn't quite finished yet, I have a head cold, the first one in years, and have a touch of cantbebothereditis, but I should get it finished and in the post in the next couple of days.  This one is Ella, and the previous one is Indi, after my two.

Oh I haven't shown you this weeks Gypsy blocks have I?

An easy week this week, three hourglass blocks, and as I forgot to take a pic before I went on to the next stage you get to see them in all their glory, with one and two borders and bordered with square in a square.

Last week I forgot to show you pics of two snowman cushions Elspeth is making,

 Elspeth hasn't quite finished them yet but tells me how much she is enjoying making them by hand.  They are bonded appliqué as in the pattern but Elspeth did all the buttonhole stitches herself whereas I just used the sewing machine.  I must say the stitching is beautiful, so even.  The templates and tutorial is available free HERE if you missed it.

One thing my sewing room lacks is drawers, but after seeing a pic on Instagram from Anja at Anja Quilts I paid a visit to Ikea.  I ended up buying a similar one,

What do you think?  I meant for it to go under my sewing table but it's a little taller than I thought, or it could be that my table is a little lower, but anyway I love it, perfect for all the bits and pieces I use all the time and have to hunt for.  I could do with one or two containers to keep it tidier and I've just thrown everything in as you can see, but I can see where everything is at a glance and I love it.  So thank you Anja for the inspiration.

Finally, I got such a lovely surprise in the post from Helen at Midget Gem Quilts,

a lovely pouch with some goodies thrown in too.  You know the feeling of surprise and happiness when someone gives you something and it is totally unexpected?  Well it arrived today, just when I was feeling sorry for myself with this cold and it's cheered me right up.  I love the fabric Helen used for the pouch and the bright blue zip is perfect, I love it.  Thank you so much Helen, it is so very kind of you.

So, that's all for this week, although I haven't shown you the fabric I forgot to show you last week, hmmmmmm, I will show you next week, promise.  AND, if I remember that is, I will tell you about the book I was given which belonged to my mother in law Edna given to her by her mother in law Sarah, I couldn't believe what I was reading.

Until then,
With smiles from,
Kate x

Linking up with:
Can I Get A Whoop Whoop?
Finished Or Not Friday
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