Friday 30 January 2015

Setting the table with Sizzix

You know if you follow me on instagram, you'll have seen this in the making


So today over on the Sizzix blog, you'll find a mini tutorial on how to make your own runner with the Big Shot machine, dies and a pile of pretty fabrics! 
(by the way, the Cotton and Steel Basics I got from Simply Solids, and the floral from the Village Haberdashery)



so for those of you who 'know', my table doesn't always look like this, and the runner is made to fit perfectly in length.   But that's one slippy table top right there, so to keep the runner in place, a little trip to the pound shop, and the trusty non slip grip liner to the rescue!


I cut about 10" off this roll, and it fits like a treat, my runner stays put. 
(this is the same stuff i use for free motion quilting!)


Don't forget to pop on over to the sizzix blog to check out the whole project.  
You too could have one just like it for Valentines day! 

So, that's my first finish off the FAL list too!  

Tuesday 27 January 2015

Thank You!

So the wee cushion I have on my FAL list, for Sarah, well its a private swap, with no big deadline, and I forgot all about the swap part, until a package arrived ...

and lo and behold ...


Isn't it marvelous!  

Sorry about the gloomy day picture


Looks much better on the bed!
So now I can't wait to get the Brit Bee Round robin quilt back!

I wish I had taken a close up picture of all the hand quilting detail, which is stunning!  I was took keen to get this post written, and another poorly lit picture wouldn't do it justice!

And I better get a move on with Sarah's cushion too!  

Thank you Sarah, I absolutely love it, I could gush all day and night over it!


Monday 26 January 2015

Finish Along 2015

Yes, I'm going to join in again!

Well I was!  i just didn't get my act together, so rather than deleting the post I wrote but didn't publish, I'm declaring myself now!

I may not get everything done,but it helps me focus. 
and that is something that should be 'cultivated'


so if you hadn't heard, Adrianne, from On the Windy Side is running the show this year, and as always, there are sponsors, though the joy of finishing is enough, a little 'encouragement' can go a long way! 

so my list for Quarter One - a modest one for me!  

#1  Sarah's Cushion - something to make of the piecing that didn't quite work out for its original intention

(Ive posted pictures before, but couldn't find it at the time of writing)

#2  B&J quilt - oh its been ongoing since 2013, it just needs borders and quilting and binding and all that jazz. Time it got finished right? 




#3 Weekender bag - Nuff said!

(no picture of partial bag available, but witnesses have seen it!) 


#4  Imagine Quilts - loads of piecing to be done, but a happy slow burner


#5  Table Runner - cut ready for making



#6  Vintage Modern Quilt  -  Oh just quilting, binding and finishing off!


Very modest right?

No Linking up done, just for fun this quarter for me, to keep me on track!
Better late than never right!




Thursday 8 January 2015

Happy New Year!

I'm sad to see the last of 2014, it was a good year! 



These are just my makes, there were a couple more pillows and little things, but that's quite an achievement.
I took ownership of a Long Arm, and my business grew, as did I. 
15 Lap/bed size quilts!
I was published in 2 different magazines. 
My quilting went to Quilt Market! 

I haven't counted how many customer quilts I did too!

I am looking forward to the year ahead. I have chosen a word as my theme for the year


I aim to apply this to all aspects of my life, so lets hope 2015 is another good year!

I'd like to leave you with my last make of 2014 


I made this mini quilt for my friend Victoria of Bumble Beans who I was lucky enough to have tea with in London between Christmas and New year!