April Goal Finished

My goal for April was to finish 1 top for summer, possibly using rayon from Spool and Spindle and the Aida shirt pattern from Sew Liberated.  I am happy to say that I am done.  Here is the resulting garment...

I think I can safely say that had it not been for my one monthly goal I would not have finished it yet.  I love the colour and drape of the fabric but it was 'wriggly' to work with and very fiddly, by the time I got to the curved narrow hem I could so easily have left it lingering on the 'to finish' pile for a couple of years or so.

I'm pleased that I pushed on though as I'm very happy with the result, perhaps I should note that it represents contrast top #1 of my spring/summer capsule wardrobe.  Now all I need is for some weather good enough to wear it.

Linking up with Elm Street Quilts One Monthly Goal - April Finish Link-up, thanks for all the monthly motivation once again.

Kirstin

New Shoots

At last, the snow is all gone and the weather is, if not warm, at least above freezing during the day.  On Sunday temperatures 'soared' to 14 degrees so I got out into the garden for the first time this year to get some work done.

Now I've noticed a lot of people around here have tidied up all the dead leaves and remains of perennials from their flower beds already.  I once heard the all knowing Alan Titchmarsh advise against too much clearing until all risk of frost is gone so I've left most of the debris lying about.  But look what's lurking underneath it...

My daffodils are starting to push through, hope they do better than last year.

I only planted these alchemilla mollis in October last year, I wasn't sure how they'd manage in clay soil and with such cold winter conditions but fingers crossed they will do really well.  I hope so as they are such a gentle, foamy plant and remind me of Mum's garden in the UK.

I know this Hellebore isn't looking exactly spectacular but those purple bits in the middle are new leaves.  Honestly, I've been walking past this for the last week while the snow melted thinking what a shame that they are rotting away but the purple balls weren't rot after all.

So all is looking good except for the nibbled patches on my heucheras and shasta daisies, I suppose the poor rabbits are hungry after a long winter and I should allow them a bit of a treat now it's over but they'd better not get too carried away.

What's growing in your garden right now.
Kirstin

Summer Wardrobe

Over the weekend I finished sewing the last two strip sets of Wonky Wheels together and the flimsy is now done.  Doesn't it feel good to get to a big milestone in a project.  I've got myself on a long arm quilting list for this one so now I can start a new project with a light heart knowing there's nothing more I can do for a few weeks.

So this month will be a garment sewing month.  I have 2 possible projects...

I bought this fabric in February then got so involved with quilting that I've not done anything with it.

Last week I went back to Spool and Spindle and bought the Aida shirt pattern by Sew Liberated and this fabric to make it.

On reflection I am thinking that the navy striped fabric (which I have about 1 meter too much of) would make a nice shirt dress and the Aida shirt would look great in the flamingos.  I think I have enough flamingo fabric, I won't know until I cut the pattern, if not I'll just have to go back and get a bit more.

So my One monthly goal for Elm Street Quilts One Monthly Goal April Link-up is to complete one garment with some of these materials.

Good luck everyone.
Kirstin