Sunday 28 November 2010

Brrrrrrr....

It's bloomin' cold!  The temps have dropped to sub zero, the snow came, and more forecast for later (though we have nowhere near as much as some) and today it's still -4! 

So this morning I finished off cutting these for a quick Pork Chop Swap over on the Old Red Barn Flickr group. 


And whilst I was in town earlier this week I picked up a couple of quilting magazines that I don't normally buy, including this one.


There's great instructions to make those Arrowhead blocks by Anita Grossman Solomon.  The magazine article starts off with 8" squares, and after reading through all the materials and instructions, it got me thinking.... did you hear those cogs from where you are?  LOL 

Anyhow, what if I don't want to cut my FQ's and have a little left over from all 21 of them!  How about if I used a layer cake instead.  I was pretty sure I could make it work, but not sure how big a block I would get at the end of it.  So off I went to delve into my stash for an unsuspecting layer cake and some contrasting fabric to go with it. 

Now I'm sure you all remember Twiggy? 


I've had this for quite some time, added a little of the drops from Hushabye by Tula Pink, and as LCs in the UK only ever seem to come with 40 squares, I'll cut a couple more from the blue spot that is from Freebird by Momo all for Moda.  (I've discounted the green, it was just a little too bright for the other greens in Twiggy) 

So this is my trial run.


And I managed to trim this down to a 12" block so it will be 11 1/2" finished.  That means I can have a quilt that is at least 18" bigger than the one in the magazine.  Wooohoooo! 

I think I may get this pieced sooner rather than later!  And if ever there was a good excuse to stay in and keep warm, this is it!

So back to the cold weather.  A beautiful sunny morning called for a walk, don't ya think?








I'm so very lucky to live next  to all of this!

Happy quilting!

Saturday 27 November 2010

The Great Big Stitched Postcard Swap

I received my postcard from Leona, all the way from Florida this week.


Isn't it glorious!  I just love it, bright, fresh and between sewing and baking is me down to a Tee!

Thank you Leona, I just love it!

Sunday 21 November 2010

A funny week!

... as in funny strange, not funny haha!  I've lived in the same house (on and off) for the last 18 nearly 19 years, and I have to say, I like it here.  So it was a sad day on Friday when my neighbours of the last 12 years moved to a new home.  They have been such lovely neighbours and it's been a delight to watch their young son grow and go to school.  We had great fun in the summer baking together, and a sunflower growing contest... such memories. 

So this change has to be marked with a gift, don't you think?  And what better than a quilt, but oh the dilemma of which one could I possibly part with!



We decided on this one

I spent the weekend catching up on my Bees Knees Bee blocks. 


September Cobweb blocks for Marlene

October Improv Fishy blocks for Lynette. 

Not a lot else been going on, though there are signs of some Medlar Jelly in process  :) 

Oh, and a little more progress in the garden ...



Roll on January !

I hope you've all had a productive weekend,
Happy Quilting!

Friday 12 November 2010

Quilting Butterfly

I'm a quilting butterfly, I flit from one project to another, I have maybe 10 on the go at any one time and at least 20 tops waiting to be quilted. 

So when a blogging friend said she was starting something new, it got me thinking ....

(yes, I've been known to think before I start something new!  LOL)


I've been looking at these fabrics for the last couple of weeks.  There are several options to consider.  The blues and greens I've been thinking about a pattern I saw on Film in the Fridge blog.  However, Bonnie Hunter of Quiltville fame is about to start a new Mystery quilt, and I've made the last two (well, technically made one the other is at the layout the blocks stage, so that counts right?)  Anyway, when I put the blue greens with the pinks and oranges I have the start of a great quilt, throw in some white background a little taupe and we are there!  But then the pinks and oranges would make a great version of the Film in the Fridge quilt.  And then again, both these colourways would look great as a half Square Triangle quilt along the lines of Red Pepper Quilts

Now can you see my dilemma? 

I really want to start something new, bright, cheerful, but which one? 

What would you do?

Thursday 11 November 2010

Lest we Forget ...

Today I wear my Poppy with pride.  In honour of all those who have gone before, and paid the ultimate price for the freedoms we enjoy today.


We will Remember

Wednesday 10 November 2010

And did I mention ...

I got these little zipper gift bags in the mail to Brooke.


I'd love to point you in the direction of the blog I saw a tutorial about them, but for the life of me, I have not been able to find it. 

Edited Note:  Thanks Linda for the link to the tutorial for the bags.  LuAnn Kessi of May your Bobbin always be full blog is where you'll find great instructions

 
If you're interested, about 18" x width of fabric quilted in a one'r.  Then cut into 5 equal segments and sewn up into zippered bags using 8" zips  (I used what I had!) 

Really quick to do!

Tuesday 9 November 2010

In no particular order!

I know, I'm sorry, I've been a little absent to say the least.

So here's a quick summary:

Inspiration for a C&G quilt, if it fits the brief!

from here:



I've also got some pics of the quilt exhibition that was on.... for another day!

A very special Thank You gift from Courtney at Seamstar.  Thank you Courtney, this made my day!

I even got to engage this equipment!  (yes, those are the buttons from my pyjamas!)

And I finally got the last 10" of binding sewn down on this!

These just HAD to come home with me .....(oops!)

And a great package from Glen in the Scrap Swap!  I can see a workroom apron in my future!


I was thrilled with how this turned out for Leanne for the Bees Knees Bee.

Leanne's Bees Knees Bee Blocks.

Queen Bee Jean's blocks for the Many Jeans!

And another one!

And I've been playing with some dyed fabrics from the summer, and there may be a few more postcards than these two now! 

Oh, and there are ground works afoot in the garden! 
 An 18" trench the length of the garden, meeting Building Regs!

Slacking?  Who me? 

Oh, and just for Mary, I've got all my blocks sewn together, so will be laying out this weekend!

Happy Quilting!