Sizzix Christmas Blog Hop - Day 5

Well, its that time of year again, and this years  Sizzix blog hop is focusing on gifts.  If you haven't already got a clue what to make, then there are already some great ideas from the Sizzix team already!

Monday 18th November: Jo Carter http://www.twoowls.typepad.co.uk/

Tuesday 19th November: Katy Jones - http://imagingermonkey.blogspot.co.uk/

Wednesday 19th November: Jessie Fincham - http://messyjessecrafts.blogspot.co.uk/

Thursday 20st November: Angela Southey - http://www.sizzix.co.uk/blogs?id=4f79aefffb60b56634000456

Friday 21nd Trudi Wood - Me!

Saturday 22nd November: Mercedes Jiménez Campuzano - http://mercedesinspain.blogspot.co.uk/

I am always so last minute when it comes to hand made gifts, and this year is no exception.  However, I have a great little 'go to' gift idea that will come in handy for the last minute 'oops, did I miss you out' or the person in the office you have in the secret Santa and haven't a clue what they like!  Or better still, your favorite person, just because you can!

So for my gift, I am using my scraps, because I have way too many, I've chosen scraps from the Modern Maple Leaves quilt.  (there may be an ulterior motive here!)

The 2 1/2" square and the 4 1/2" square Dies

from my scraps I cut 2 1/2" squares, in fact 16 in total

I sewed these into 4 patches, and then quilted them, with scraps of wadding 

(I used a double layer of 100% cotton wadding as that was what I had to hand at the time)

When they were all quilted I used the 4 1/2" die to cut the quilted patchwork into the right size. 

I also cut 4 more 4 1/2" squares for the backs, from some more scraps (left over backing fabrics) 

Laying one backing square on top of the quilted 4 patch, right sides together, I stitched around the edge with a 1/4" seam allowance, leaving a small gap (approximately 2 ") for turning.  The pokey stick (a chopstick) is ideal for easing out the corners 

I clipped the corners to reduce the bulk, and turned the little coasters right sides out.  

Press all seams and ensure the opening is folded in and pressed.  

Top stitch around the edge of each coaster approximately 1/8" to finish and to seal the turning gap. 

and before you know it, a set of coasters,  just perfect for giving!

Now how quick was that!  Even I can manage a few more sets before the big day!

There is a competition to go along with the blog hop, be sure to go enter, there are some great prizes to be won. 

The competition is open to all residents of the UK and EU excluding Ellison employees. The products listed cannot be exchanged for goods, or towards the purchase of goods at any retail outlet. It cannot be exchanged for cash, or replaced if lost or stolen. An alternative prize may be given. Winners will be chosen at random on Closing date: Friday 28th November at 10am GMT. The decision of the judgement is final and no correspondence will be entered into.Your details will be processed by Ellison Europe (Creators of the Sizzix brand).

October gone in a flash

Its been so long since I did a summary blog post, its about time don't you think!

So whilst I've not been around much, I have been busy

I managed 5 customer quilts, 3 of which were custom quilted

then there was a little bit of secret sewing, now known as Market prep for Katy

there was a cushion too, but I will do a separate post about this lot, I think its fair to say Priory Square is very special and deserves a little more attention.

and of course I finished one of my own quilts

Which I already blogged about

and a small teachers gift at the special request of the teenager

So, whilst you may have got the impression I was ignoring you all, 

I was indeed a tad busy!

So, I am going to link this up with Lynne at Lillys Quilts for  Fresh sewing day, 

See you there!

and for my next trick!

A Friday Finish!

What another one I hear you say! 

Yes indeedy!

this little secret had been hanging around since the beginning on January, 

when on a whim, yes really, I tackled the Fat Quarter Shop, Layer Cake Lemonade pattern,

in fact I did 2! 

This one was always going to be a gift, which is why I tried not to post too many pictures of it on instagram.   (i'm trudi_wood if you're looking for me)  

anyway ...

if you've not tried the pattern, it goes together really quick,

honestly, like an hour or so quick!

and I have bound this and gifted it to its expectant recipient

who, funnily enough, didn't eat any cake that day! 

So, now this lives with Ange, who is expected to be slimmer next time I see her, with baby in tow too! 

So, that's another off my FAL Qtr 1 list! 

and Like I said yesterday, there may be a few more!  

let just say I have 3 quilted, I am stitching binding down on!  

oh ... and speaking of gifts

Recently Nicky came to visit, 

well, her husband was visiting family in the area, 

in fact so close, it was almost the back garden!

and way back in the summer, we both agreed to a personal swap, 

each making a cushion ...

and Nicky brought hers with her ... I was completely taken aback!

isn't it beautiful!  hand applique'd and everything,

she confessed to have stalked my flickr faves and quite frankly 

she got it spot on!

the detail on the back is stunning as is the free motion quilting!

and there is a little label inside under the zip cover too

(but i didn't get a photo, and its dark!)

honestly Nicky, I feel ashamed I have not fulfilled my end of the bargain, 

I need to rectify this!

whilst she was here, as well as inspecting the studio and the fabric pantry,

a serious inspection of the quilts was made, 

sadly we ran out of time to look at them all, 

I think that's a damn good excuse for another visit!

(I counted them as I folded them up again, 54!)

Saying Thank You

There's one thing about the online community, people are so generous, 

with their time, thoughtful comments, cheering on from the sides, and just being there when you need them 

and when friendship blossoms, extraordinary things happen

and to say thank you for some extraordinary help, and cheering and egging on, 

I needed to say Thank You ...

it all started with some egging on with these from Karen at Blueberry Park

Karen posted a picture of her doily prints on Twitter and I was quick off the mark to get the first prints

there were conversations about quilting, oh ... my mind was in a spin!

and so at Festival of Quilts I matched up some Kona Cornflower blue from Justine at Simply Solids

and managed to score some Aurifil 50 wt #2720 to match

and set to with the inspiration ...

I love doing this pattern really small ... again Aurifil 50 wt in #2024

and I am so pleased with how it turned out!

I didn't mark anything, just went for it freestyle in my usual 'just do it' way!

and I even managed my first attempt at the Sew Mama Sew concealed Zipper on the back!

(Thanks to Katy for the fab Pillow Tutorials that pushed me there!)

I am pleased to say that this little lovely made it to its new home,

I know it is loved, 

Thank You Helen! 

Big big Loves x

Every cloud ...

... has a silver lining. 

or a pink birdie one!

And today my silver lining called, and made my day!

It all started a couple of weeks ago with a reminder e-mail from a friend ...

(thank you Honey :)  you know who you are!)

you know how it goes with good intentions, right? 

well, time is slipping through my fingers faster than water at the moment, and organised I was not, no matter how good my intentions were...

So on the day it should of arrived, I toodled off to the Post Office with package in my sweaty little mitts..

I was a little surprised to find no ques, but stepped up to the counter to be greeted with ...

sorry we can't post that - the systems are all down, and also in all the surrounding Post offices! 

Nooooooooo!

I needed this to arrive before today, because I knew this person would be out, chillin' at the Chemo Bar!

But sods law intervened and there was nothing I could do.  So back I toodled yesterday and posted my package, praying it would not be hidden by the postie, or worse, ... but we won't go there.

So, one little cloud, I had to live with ... but today I had the mother of all days at work ...

and feeling just a little sorry for myself, I was a little surprised by my phone ringing ...

Squeeeeeeeeeal!!!!!  Terri!

it's arrived!  And she loves it!

and after a right natter about the up and coming FQ Community Retreat, and the Brit Bee, and ... and ... and

oh, Happy Birthday Terri! 

You turned a truly cloudy day, back into bright sunshine, you never cease to inspire me, with your cheery excitement and exuberance. 

Stay well Sweetie!

p.s.  I used this Tute for the bag, and it is sooooo easy!

tis the season...

... for giving!

And in the spirit of the season, I had ordered some books for my dear friend, unfortunately the post is still disrupted because of the snow.  So, it was time to break out the emergency plan...

I little free motion quilting (sorry about the pic, it was late last night, and very dark)

+ Notebook =

 This morning the Teenage Diva and I were out early for a little retail therapy, and we both had lunch plans, so this had to come with me to be wrapped once I got into town and bought the wrapping!

I'm delighted to say, my gift was received graciously  :)  And a lovely lunch was had by all...

And then I got home...

to a good mail day!

(still several packages known to be missing, so I'm still eagerly awaiting the arrival of my Scrappy Mug Rug 2 from my swap partner, and the missing books!)

Tomorrow, a sewing day, more gifts to make (I have a cunning plan), Bee blocks to catch up on before the holidays, and my own month to plan.  And a little C&G to be done!

Oh, I had a wonderful e-mail to tell you about too!

Happy Quilting!

A little on the side ...

Yesterday I found a blog with a great tutorial on it for a cute little fabric basket. Unfortunately I can't remember which one it was, so I can't give credit to the right person, Sorry :o( I'll do a bit of digging and see if I can find it for you, she had some great tutorials on her blog.

Edited note: Thank you to Sue Stubbings for telling us the blog address for Ayumills great blog 'Pink Penguin', you can find the tutorial for the baskets Here :o)

So I had a little play, my first attempt, using some charm squares trimmed down to 2 1/2" It's nice, the larger size works well, but.... well it just didn't quite do it.







So today I made the little one, when the fabrics were laid out, I realised there needed to be some separation between the base and the blocks, so I added some piping. Now I really love this one! They were so quick and easy to make, I can see a few Christmas gifts featuring these in the near future!

Happy weekend!