THE lovely Carolyn at Comfy & Cosy asked whether the penny eggs might actually be penny rugs. Well, it seems they are indeed. I’d searched on the internet for a reference to penny eggs, but couldn’t find one. Carolyn spotted the art form and I have since found a wealth of information about a craft I could well get into. I don’t have the patience for patchwork or quilting, but I could do this. I love the thrift of it. I love rag rugs and the idea of using remnants to create something practical and beautiful.

Photo source: Robyne Melia, of http://robynefmelia.blogspot.com/

I HAVE been stitching these penny eggs for years. I am determined to finish them and have them on display for Easter 2009. There are to be no new stitching projects until they’re done. I have no idea why they’re called penny eggs or where the tradition is from, but I’ve been calling them that for so long it hardly matters whether it’s right or wrong. See the lovely fabric from this generous blogger? It came with a toy pattern Mel offered after meeting Tea Towel Ted. Thank you, thank you. It’s taken me so long to acknowledge your generosity here, but it really, really is appreciated.

ON Sunday I was stitching up a storm. The family had not yet returned and I was determined to use the peace and quiet to finish a couple of sewing projects. The pants I’m hemming are a remodelled op shop purchase. These pantaloons – the only possible word for these stunners – are made of Thai silk. The pants cost me $4, from memory, and were ankle length. They now fall just below my knee and are puffy, oh so puffy. I also finished stitching cuffs to a black pair of pants, again from an op shop and originally from Katies. Circa 1984, I reckon. The fabric is lovely and has weathered well. Now, if only I could get someone to stop sniggering long enough to help me photograph them on me.