NNC Stitching Bee 21st June 2014

OK, I am behind in reporting this, but, heck, at least I am reporting right? LOL! *wink*

Anyway, this time around, the turn up is much smaller – only 5 of us.

I arrived with Faizon and Rose at close to 10.00am. The Food Court at The Gardens Midvalley was just about to open its doors! That’s how early we were! LOL!

We took a corner of the Food Court and got ourselves settled in.

I had brought along the lovely Birthday gifts Margaret and Bee Ee had given me to show off to Faizon and Rose and who else were coming.

I got a lovely pink polka dot aluminium box which in it were a pink measuring tape, a piece of pink fabric and a lovely pincushion, also in pink!

Bee Ee sent to me a lovely coaster with a hexy in the center. She also included in the packet a pattern for a tote bag which she won at this year’s Anniversary Meet.

She said that I’d probably have more use for it than she since I am into bag making.

Thanks, Bee Ee! I just love the pattern and the coaster.

Thanks to Margaret too for all the lovely things all in pink! I can never get enough of pink! LOL!

Zarina arrived as we were about to order our brunch, and while Faizon was showing off her lovely tatted doilies.

I just love all her lovely doilies, especially the colourful one on the left.

I have always love the end product of tattings but could never get into the hang of tatting. 

Oh well. If ever I add tatting to my already long list of passion, my craft room would be overflowing with more stash, not that it isn’t already! LOL!

Zarina added more excitement to the tatting passion when she brought out her lovely hand overdyeds and colourful tatting shuttles to match!

In the midst of all the excitement of looking at Faizon’s tatted doilies and Zarina’s colourful overdyeds and shuttles, who should arrive to add more excitement? Anna! We have not seen her in ages!

Anna has not joined our Bees for a very long time. She has even missed 2 of our Anniversary Meets. So it was great to be able to meet up with her again.

As if the excitement of seeing her after such a long silence was not enough, Anna made it even more exciting when she pulled out from her bag a lovely colourful ripple shawl in progress which we squealed in excitement upon seeing it! LOL!

As some of us took the opportunity to have brunch, I, as usual, took out my hexies to work on.

Faizon, as always, took out her tatting to do.

Faizon also brought along a tatting book which I thought if ever I want to go into tatting SOME DAY, this would be the book to get as it has easy steps to follow for slow learners like me, when it comes to tatting! LOL! 

We sat and chat for a while as I work on my hexies, Faizon on her tatting and Anna on her ripple shawl.

Before it was time to leave, we had a small Lucky Draw to recycle door gifts received from previous Anniversary Meets.

Diane, Anna got your cute measuring tape house!

Seen here is me and Rose trying to show Anna how to put the measuring tape house together.

Soon it was time to leave when Rose’s son came over with her cute granddaughter to have lunch.

We left for home but not before we dropped by Art Friends as I wanted to get a bottle of Mod Podge. I want to try my hands at making some Mod Podge projects. 

I just love the Mod Podge bottle caps Vivian made for the Anniversary Sale. I snapped up all the small bottles! LOL!

As always, every time I go to the Stitching Bees or Anniversary Meet, I always come back inspired to work on a craft project. However, this time, I came back too tired to do anything.

After dropping off Faizon, I dropped by the fresh veggie mart to buy some veggies for dinner.

By the time I got home, it was close to 4.00pm already.

I had a quick lunch (bought Japanese at the Food Court before coming home) and after a short break (fell asleep on the couch from pure tiredness and the heat), I got up and got dinner ready.

After dinner I thought I'd do come crafting but the heat gave me a bad headache. I decided to stay cool in my air-conditioned room for a while, but fell asleep.

I only woke up at 5.30am the next morning! LOL!

After Subuh prayers, I decided to start working on my Apple Core Quilt Project while I wait for the weekly maid to arrive.

Yeay! I have completed putting all the apple cores together to the size I want it to be!

Now I just need to drop by Kelvin’s or Yee’s or even maybe the soon to be newly opened Spotlight at Ampang Point, to buy the backing material and the batting!

Can’t wait to get this quilt done! It’s coming to 2 years already since I started on the project!

NNC May 2014 Stitching Bee

Recently, on 31st May 2014, we had our Stitching Bee at Seri Melaka, Amcorp Mall.

Anyway, when I arrived with Rose at 11.05am, Margaret and Jo had already arrived, sitting at a round table for 7.

Margaret tried calling Bee Ee to find out if she would be coming with Veronica so that we can move to a bigger table. But she could not get through. 

I think probably Bee Ee was taking a nap as she did say that she has not been feeling well lately.

Bee Ee, I hope you will get well soon.

Vivian, who arrived just as MW was trying to call Bee Ee, managed to get through Veronica and she confirmed that she and Bee Ee will not be joinig us.

As soon as I was settled in, Margaret immediately handed me a package containing my......COASTER EXCHANGE! She is my partner!

There were 3 separate package all nicely wrapped up. The smallest one contained a pair of the cutest coasters in PINK!

MW explained that she had fussy cut the fabric to get just the right motif situated where she wanted it on the coaster.

I appreciate the effort as I think it made a difference to the coasters having just the right motif in the center of the coaster.

The second package contained teas of various flavours which she had painstakingly folded in origami style to resemble the coasters.

That extra effort is much appreciated too!

I love flavoured teas and can't wait to try it tomorrow!

The 3rd package contained a piece of fabric matching the coasters. MW said that she gave me extra in case I wanted to make a matching mugrug! 

How thoughtful! Thanks, MW! I love everything! Big hugs!

As if that was not enough, after I finished opening up all 3 packages, MW handed me another bag containing a wrapped box. She told me NOT TO OPEN IT YET until the 8th of June!

It was a birthday present for me from MW! My first BD present for the year!

Thank you, and I promise I won't peek! LOL!

8 days and counting! LOL!

Vivian then took out her box of treasures containing as expected some very lovely cards.

We went ooh and aaah over the lovely cards! 

I even learned how to make that lovely card in the center! 

Thanks, Vivian!

She also showed us some tags she is making for a Best Friend's upcoming wedding.

She's got 300 pieces to do!

I just love the turquoise and silver combination! 

Good luck on completing all 300 and best wishes to your friend.

Next MW took out her PSQ to show us and to ask us how to sew the long pieces together when the seams didn't go in the same direction.

I did not quite understand what MW was asking when she posted it at the board, but looking at it in person, I now understand what she meant. 

Jo, being the sifu in quilting, wasted no time in explaining to MW how it she could do it.

BTW, Margaret’s PSQ is awesome! I just love the colour combination! I just can’t wait to see the finish product!

Soon our food was served and they all look so delicious! 

Margaret had Kerabu Bee Hoon. And Jo had Cantonese Fried Kuay Teow.

Vivian, I think had, Assam Laksa and Rose had Curry Laksa.

I got a little confused with the menu and the explanation given by the waiter, but, nonetheless, all the food looks good!

I just had sago pudding though as I had planned to have lunch with my hubby and son later.

Just as we were about finished with lunch, I noticed that someone was looking in our direction but wasn’t sure who she was. She seemed uncertain but finally she approached us shyly…..

It was Roses or also known as Rose C!

I did not recognize her as I had only met her briefly that day during the Anniversary Meet!

She had said that she had posted at the board that she was coming to the Bee.

Sorry, Roses, but I must have missed it! Anyway, I am glad you came.

We pulled up an extra chair for her and her friend.

Roses was eager to show us a quilt in a magazine which she hoped to make, and wanted to know how to get started on the project. 

It was a queen size quilt! Or was it a king size quilt? And it was using the English Paper piecing method.

I was amazed that Roses wanted to try doing something so big when this would be her first attempt at quilting but I salute her courage!

Good luck, Roses! Do holler if you need any assistance.

Just to give her encouragement and inspire her, I pulled out my Apple Core Quilt, which I happen to have with me, but is nowhere near done, to show her.

Roses and her friend went goo goo ga ga over the unfinished quilt! *blush*

I then took out my box of hexies, which is taking me forever to complete, to give Roses an idea how English Piecing method works. 

Roses then gave me a very lovely bookmark and told me that I can use it as a sample to make more! 

Thanks, Roses!

I have never seen that kind of bookmark before but Vivian said that I can get the accessories from any craft shops selling beads, or something like that. Right, Vivian?

Can you recommend a shop?

Just before Roses left, we had a Lucky Draw for the recycled gifts I have accumulated from previous Anniversary Meets. 

They might be recycled but it still created some excitement, nonetheless, especially from Roses who has never received anything yet from NNC and when Rose and Jo received the house tape measure kit from Diane! LOL!

Roses left soon after with a friend. Thanks for coming, Roses. I hope you can join us for more Stitching Bees and stay longer.

The rest of stayed on and chatted some more. The topic was not so much about crafts this times, but Jo, Rose, Margaret and Jackie started reminiscing about the old good days when they were still schooling. It seems that they were all from the same school!

It was fun listening to them talk about all their teachers! LOL!

Jo took out a piece of fabric which she was trying to unpick while I carried on working on my hexies. I managed to finish putting together 2 flower hexies.

Later Margaret took out some awesome craft books and I took out a book on bags.

I always get excited whenever Margaret brings her collection of craft books. Books, any kind of books actually, except probably on sports, gets me all excited! LOL!

Every time Margaret brings her collection of books, it makes me want to go home and start buying online! LOL! So very the dangerous one! LOL!

Soon it was coming to 2.00pm and it was time to leave. Vivian left first when her hubby arrived. Everyone else left soon after while I waited for hubby and son to join me for lunch.

The rest decided to drop by BookXcess before making their way home, while I decided to browse the few stalls nearby while waiting for hubby to arrive.

Even though only 6 of us could spare time to meet, I am glad we still went ahead to meet up and as always, I had a great time.

Attending Stitching Bees and Anniversary Meets always inspire me to come home and get started on some crafting. Although this time, I had a full day yesterday after coming back from the Bee to go to my MIL’s house for tea, followed by my mum’s house later that evening.

Thanks, everyone for coming. Can’t wait for the next one on 21st June! I hope more will turn up!

NNC Stitching Bee October 2013

NNC recently had its October Stitching Bee on 5^th October 2013.

This time we decided to try a new place – Starbucks Paradigm Mall, as suggested by Rose.

We agreed because then it would be convenient for members who stay around the PJ area to join us and it is closer to where Rose is staying as we wanted to see her before she goes off for her pilgrimage the next day.

I am glad we agreed to try out this new place because the Starbucks at Paradigm Mall is just perfect for our Bee as it has a long sofa with 4 tables and 4 chairs. It can easily fit 10 of us comfortably. 

I arrived at exactly 10.00 am at Starbucks Paradigm Mall and got us a very nice place at the center of the restaurant. 

I made my order for coffee and banana cake and set about to open up my hexies to work on as I wait for the others to come.

Alas, I realized that I had brought my hexies but without the thread to stitch them as I had left the roll of thread at home. But luckily I had two needles which was already threaded, so that was good.

As I was about to start stitching, Rose arrived.

She said that she had actually arrived 10-15 minutes ago but when around to see the shops.

We sat awhile to chit chat when June arrived and immediately showed me this wonderful magazine filled with lovely stitcheries! The magazine was meant for Margaret, but I wish it was meant for me! *wink*

Soon after that, Faizon arrived and immediately started to show us a new tatting book that she had just acquired. As usual, it was full of lovely tatted pieces.

Margaret and Jackie arrived soon after that, followed closely by Bee Ee and Veronica, and a little bit later, Jo arrived. Zarina was the last to arrive.

The group started getting excited when Bee Ee started showing us her variety of hexies.

I think the main topic of discussion of Saturday’s Bee was about hexagons done in so many different methods.

Bee Ee’s hexies were done in a method different from what I am used to where she did not use the English Paper Piecing Method nor did she use the Inklingo method. I think Bee Ee just invented her own method. *wink*

They were so many lovely pieces, 16 in all, and still counting, and I saw Faizon trying to arrange the hexies together, and having fun doing it! *wink*

I think Bee Ee will have a fun time putting them together to see what comes out.

When Jo arrived, she showed us her lovely hexies to be given to Zarina in a lovely handmade pouch which Zarina could reuse.

Jo explained that she’d rather make a pouch to put in the hexies than put them in an envelope because then her partner can reuse the pouch for other things.

Great idea, Jo. Can I be your partner next? *wink*

I showed the hexie ball I got from Radha, and June asked me if it had bells in it. Guess what? I didn’t know until June shook it and there was the sound of bells! LOL!

I also showed the hexy flowers I got from Sally, and when I showed the hexies Sally gave which was printed on Nasi Lemak Wrapper, it started a discussion on the Inklingo method of doing the hexies, and as to whether the nasi lemak wrapper or the freezer paper would be best suited for the method.

That’s when Margaret took out a whole roll of Freezer Paper, courtesy of Janet from a long time ago, and June started cutting them up to distribute them to those who wanted them.

Thanks, Janet, for the paper. Thanks, Margaret, for bringing them, and thanks, June, for helping to cut up the freezer paper to be distributed.

Next Jo showed us the hexies she received from Diane, including the fabrics and templates.

We also discussed on using ladder stitch and whip stitch to put the hexies together, and how to cut the hexagon fabrics, sizes of hexagons etc.

Margaret then brought out the HE2 Exchange she got from Sally which I agree with Margaret, that it was much admired by everyone. 

The hexagon butterflies were lovely, and the hand quilting around the hexagons were awesome. It inspired Jo to use the idea of doing a butterfly too for her next hexagon project. 

I think many of us gained a lot of knowledge on the different ways of doing hexies that day. It was good to learn from one another. 

Veronica then brought out her lovely Mirabilia cross stitch piece which had beads and pearls, and was done on an opalescent fabric.

Agree, Margaret, that it is a stunning piece!! 

You can see the finished piece on her Blog  http://veronicaoyh.blogspot.com/

June took the opportunity to personally hand over a private Birthday Exchange she did with Margaret and another member, and the minute Margaret unwrapped it, everyone was going oooh and ahhh over the lovely piece.

June had sewn a teacup pouch complete with quilted flowers, and it was so beautifully done!

I was really impressed and saluted her on the lovely quilted flowers she did, even though she claimed that it was her first attempt at doing quilting.

Imagine if she becomes an expert, the amount of awesome quilting that will come out from her!

June, can I become your partner for next year’s Birthday Exchange? *wink*

Together included with the pouch were 2 bases for pincushions and charms imported from overseas. June also gave Margaret a metal box with many types of Chinese tea and a piece of linen fabric and a sewing magazine.

Just to add to Margaret’s excitement, she also received 3 FQs of some cheerful fabrics form Zarina which she won at a Give-Away that Zarina had at her FB Shop.

Hmmm....how come I missed it?

Anyway, more excitement erupted when Jo took out a book/iPad/Tab stand in the shape of a pyramid which she had made herself.

June promptly put Jackie’s iPad on the stand as she refers to the instructions on the iPad in an attempt to try to correct a blouse Jackie made which she (Jackie) could not figure out some parts of the blouse.

I think June succeeded in correcting the problem. So, if anyone of you is in need of help with some tailoring problems, you know who you can go to for assistance. *wink*

For a while, the topic of discussion shifted to going shopping overseas when Veronica announced that she will be leaving for Japan soon for a holiday.

Margaret got us all excited when she told us that she had read a Blog where it mentioned there was a building that had 15 stories of crafts!!!

15 stories? Really? That must be some Craft Haven and heaven! I must look it up!

We actually talked about someday making a trip to Melbourne or Sydney for a craft shop hopping, and for it to coincide with the time when the Annual Craft Fair is on.

All a dream, but who knows...... time to save some money!!.....

For this Stitching Bee, I kept reminding those members who were joining us not to forget to bring something to stitch.

I managed to get Bee Ee to work on her hexies and, as usual, Faizon worked on her tatting.

I, myself, brought along my hexies to work on too.

What about the rest? Hmm...must bring a whip or something to the Bee next time! LOL!

Hopefully, the next time we have a Bee, more members would bring something to stitch on or work on. That way, we can kill 3 birds with one stone – we get to meet up, chat to catch up on the latest craft news or learn some crafts or new methods of doing something, and at the same time, work a bit more on our crafts.

But, most importantly, each time we meet up, we always tend to get inspired and motivated to go home and work on something new or to try to finish that piece of UFO which have not seen the light of day since God knows when! LOL!

They say that all good things must come to an end. We were having such a good time, but soon, it was time to part ways when Jo’s hubby came to pick her up, and I had a wedding to attend.

I made my way to do my Zohor prayers while Margaret, Jackie and June made their way to Daiso. Bee Ee and Veronica went to do some grocery shopping and Rose went to meet her son for lunch. I think Faizon went straight home. I can’t recall where Zarina went.

It was great catching with everyone. We hope to have the next one in November. Hopefully more members will be able to join us, as it will be the last Bee for the year 2013.

After that, we will start planning for more exciting activities come 2014!

Thanks, Margaret, Jackie, June, Rose, Faizon, Jo, Veronica, Bee Ee, and Zarina, for coming.  

NNC February 2012 Stitching Bee

We had our first Stitching Bee for the year this year at Restaurant Sri Melaka, Amcorp Mall on Saturday, 11th February 2012.

Our very first stitching meet 4 years ago was held here but with a much larger crowd. That day, there were only 9 of us, but the excitement and noise that we made was loud enough, it sounded like there 20 of us! LOL!

Anyway, I got there quite late. We were to meet at 10.30am, but since that day was also Aiman’s 3-way conference at his school with his teachers, I could only make my way to Amcorp Mall after we were done with the conference. I had already told the members that I would be late.

I finally arrived at about 11.30am. When I got there, most of who were supposed to come had already arrived. There were Zarina, Anna, Jo, Veronica, Bee Ee, Margaret and Jackie. Paul smsed to say that he was going to be late.

As soon as I managed to catch my breath, Jackie excitedly showed me the oven mitten she had made, which coincidentally matched the bag I had brought with me! LOL! Unfortunately, in my excitement, I had forgotten to take a photo of the mittens. Maybe Margaret can do it for me and upload it to the group?

I started the excitement going by taking out my box of treasures or, shall I say, my treasure trove (in other words, the great stash) from my recent trip to Singapore (will blog about the trip in another posting).

I had managed to haul up quite a lot of things from the trip to Spotlight and Quilts & Calicoes.

Since coming back from the trip, every night, I would open up my treasure trove and look at the stash in it one by one before going to bed! LOL! Non-crafters would probably call me insane, but another crafter would surely understand! LOL! *grin*

Anyway, back to the present posting, as if my treasure trove wasn’t enough to get everyone excited, when Zarina took out 2 of her awesome postage stamp baby quilts, everyone squealed in excitement. Yup! Squealed! You read that correctly! LOL!

I think we probably got everyone in the restaurant looking at us, wondering if someone had gone mad or something! LOL!

According to Jo who had arrived early at Sri Melaka, they actually asked the waitress for a table in a corner or at the back of the restaurant so as not to disturb the other customers, but the waitress had refused, saying that the corner area where we wanted was closed for the weekend.

Jo actually warned the waitress that we are going to be quite (did I say “quite’? LOL! *wink*) noisy, and it might annoy the others customers. But, the waitress refused. So, don’t blame us if we are noisy. We already warned them, right? *wink*

Next time, maybe they won’t be so adamant should we ask them for a corner area, or, do you think they will even let us in? LOL! *wink*

Anyway, Zarina had completed her Postage Stamp Quilt, which we had planned on having it as a Quilt-A- Long at the group as part of our activities for this year.

Quoting what Margaret had said, Zarina was officially named as one of the Advisors for the PS QAL journey in case any of us have any problems along the way. I didn’t hear this, but Margaret mentione din her report at the board that upon seeing the postage stamp quilts Zarina made had made Anna decided to join us for the PS QAL!!!

That would be great, Anna!

Another round of excitement followed when Anna took out to show us her lovely crocheted shawl in progress.

Another amazing work that got everyone excited was a bag done by Veronica for the Friendship Bag Exchange where Margaret became the lucky recipient.

I must agree that it does looked like latticework but it isn't! Borrowing words from Paul’s description, the insides are 'pinched' at intervals like smocking which gives it its latticework look. And the handle of the bag was woven from self-made fabric tubings. Indeed a very beautiful work! I must have Veronica show me how it’s done the next time we meet up.

Things quietened for a while when everyone started getting hungry and we decided to have our lunch served. Did I say things quietened for a while? Not really actually. *grin*

Even when the foods were served, it got everyone excited to see how good the other person’s food looked! LOL!

We had quite a variety of choices as you can see from the photos.

As we were having lunch, Paul arrived and proceeded to order his lunch.

As soon as Paul was done with lunch, the excitement continued with Veronica taking out her lovely overdyed linens and evenweaves which she had bought from Silkweaver.

Next, Jo's lovely bags became the center of attraction, and again, everyone admired the work and effort out into the lovely bags.

We got excited too (I don’t think there was ever a time when any member brought out anything that did not get us all excited when we meet up! LOL!) when Anna brought out her lovely baby blue project. I got excited when I saw the size of the yarn! I have never seen such a huge yarn here in Malaysia before.

Just to let you all know, even a set of chopsticks which Anna gave to Paul, Margaret and Jo got us excited too when we saw how lovely the designs of the chopsticks were. I think we are just naturally appreciative of anything and everything crafts. *smile*

When it got to 2.00pm, we decided to adjourn to Book Axcess to check out some craft books as we know they used to carry quite a selection. However, I was a tad disappointed when there were only one or two quilting magazines available. I bought the two magazines that were available and made my way to the flea market on the 1st and ground floor of the Mall.

However, I was also disappointed with the stalls available. Amcorp Mall use to have many craft stalls, but today, there were only a handful. Could we have gotten the dates wrong?

I went to do my groceries instead, and after that, left to pick up Aiman from his tuition.

Overall, the Stitching Bee was again a success where I had loads of fun, and I am sure all those present enjoyed themselves too. Even Paul who was not feeling too well made it to the Bee and I really appreciate the effort.

Thank you, everyone, who made it to this first Bee for the year 2012. I hope many more will turn up for the subsequent Bees. Looking forward to the Anniversary Meet next in April!