Small things

I found a pattern for some delightful needlecases on the Internet, very quick to make. So I made six! So far!

Feeling lately that I haven't done very much, so I've started to keep a running total of completed things,  and it's more than I thought. Still a lot of unfinished things,

though!

Modest success at Malvern

Have just checked the date of my last post, and I'm ashamed to see that it's almost 6 months ago! As my mum used to say - where does the time go?

Anyway, these 2 little journal quilts won a runner-up rosette and were displayed at a few shows, including Quilts UK at Malvern last month. I was thrilled to bits! The theme was 'Picture This', and they were inspred by a photo of a stained glass window.

Curves Sampler Quilt

I've finally finished the Curves Sampler Quilt, including a sleeve and label! Some traditional blocks as well as some designed by me. I'm really pleased with the way it has turned out. Every block contains curves, either pieced or applique, or the illusion of curves, which is enhanced by curved machine quilting. Now to continue with the new sampler quilt, including blocks from both this one and the Star Sampler....

A Christmas Wish.

A very happy Christmas to everyone!

 

Changing Seasons

This little quilt was recently chosen to be a finalist in Quilting Arts magazine's "Changing Seasons" Reader Challenge. I am thrilled! It should be in the Dec/Jan 2014-15 issue. However, I can't find a copy locally, so until I do, I'll have to assume it's there.

It measures 8" x 10" and is a combination of hand dyed and stamped fabric, hand quilting, and little Fimo buttons I made. I added a few beads as well.

Students' work.

A few of my students have been progressing with and completing projects recently. Three versions of the Beginner's quilt....

I love seeing the different ways this pattern is interpreted.

September catch-up

Well there we go - summer (almost) over for another year. I haven't been idle though - I've attended various shows, including the fabulous Festival of Quilts in Birmingham, and I've done some sewing as well.

 This little quilt was shown at the Festival, as part of the Finnish/British Stash Challenge (not an easy phrase to say!), and I was really pleased it was chosen. (I also have a small piece due to appear either on the Quilting Arts website or in the magazine early next year - really thrilled about that!).

As usual I have a number of projects on the go at the same time, and more ideas than I have time for. However, I am planning another Sampler Quilt course  - here's a sample block...more to follow!

Buttons, buttons, buttons!

Spent a happy half hour the other day dyeing some buttons using disperse dyes. Super speedy results and lovely deep colours. It's hard to believe they all started out white or cream!

So this inspired me to sort through my Big Tin of Buttons. They came from various places, including my mum's and my aunt's collections, so I sorted through them, ditched the rubbish, and put them in jars, in different colour groups. Then I covered the jar lids in fabric and lace trim. They now look great on my windowsill and I'll be more inclined to use them!

Lots of Comfy Cushions

I

Feeling good because I made an orphan piece of patchwork into a cushion a few weeks ago. It was a foundation pieced experiment that languished in a bag for years. I love the way the black fabric sets off the bright colours.

 

Here's another one, made with fabulous fabric from The Dyebag (www.thedyebag.co.uk). It was designed for a day workshop on designing with leaves. All the students got on well and most made 2 cushion tops - a positive and a negative from their own original design. A few examples......

 

It's Official!

There we are - it's official! I was presented with my certificate at the weekend. Now I'm a proper accredited Quilt Judge!