I finished quilting my nieces quilt at Middlebrook, but now it's properly finished with binding and label, ready to send for her 18th. It's not quilt weather at all, but it might keep her warm at Uni in Canberra next year.
I've been working on my cross stitch and a few zipper pouches for Christmas. Not nearly as much sewing time lately as I would like.
Happy weekend,
Susan x
Having a wonderful time on retreat at Middlebrook near Scone. A lovely rural outlook, lots of cows, calves, sheep and lambs in the paddocks.
Way too much yummy food and drink. Here we have Cardy, Raelee, Janette, Kristen, Julie and Lea enjoying lunch. Unfortunately Kylie couldn't make it.
After a huge day quilting, I finally finished quilting my nieces quilt just in time for a photo before sunset. Doesn't really show the true colours but you get the idea.
Lea and Julie are busy making Fancy Fox quilts. I made six blue ones last night, but not sure if I want to keep going just using blue scraps from my stash. Not great lighting again.
Another night and half day of stitching fun ahead!
Susan x
Loved having a long weekend today. It was great to have some extra time in the garden, in the kitchen AND tidying up my sewing room which was in a terrible state. The last thing on my list for the weekend was to baste my nieces quilt and start quilting, which I did today. I'm really pleased that I've made a start on it, just need to get it finished before the weather warms up too much.
I've almost finished the second appliqué border of Irish Circles too. For some true EPP and appliqué inspiration pop over to see Hilda's latest quilt. Simply amazing!
Back to work and school tomorrow.......
Susan x
Mr 17 and I took a little overnight trip to Sydney for some shopping and adventure. He very kindly let me drop in at Quiltsmith to buy the backing for my nieces quilt.
The colours in this quilt are right out of my comfort zone. I am having some real doubts about it, but her mum seems to think the colours are good, so I'll go with that. I went with a safer small print for the backing. I'll be quilting with white perle in the white areas, with a December deadline for her 18th. It's really hard making a gift quilt for a non quilter without their input, this may well be the last time I do it.
My DJ block keeper from the last post is working far too well........so well that I haven't sewn a single stitch of DJ since I made the block keeper. I have a few days off for school holidays this week so I'd better rectify that situation!
What I have been doing is fueling my renewed interest in cross stitch with some more small projects. I am thinking about starting something larger..........probably in red or indigo.
It's another beautiful Spring day here, so once again I am faced with the dilemma of gardening or sewing.......decisions, decisions.
Susan x
I think you will agree that this quilt is something quite different for me. I was inspired by the lovely Ros at Bloom, such great design and fabrics. Ros has put a tutorial on her blog for this quilt, made using a slightly different method, and in a larger bed size. If you haven't already, you should really check out her blog. Thanks for the inspiration Ros.
Since I am usually a hand stitcher, I was amazed by how quickly the blocks came together in one evening using the machine. I love half square triangles, they are so versatile. Just have to sew them all together now. I think I'll quilt with white perle in the white areas......open to suggestions.
I am well ahead of schedule on this one as Laura's birthday isn't until December. More troubling is the quilt for her mothers special birthday in August.........any suggestions would be gratefully accepted.
Looking forward to a day of stitching with the Cassilis Quilters tomorrow.
Susan x
Thank you everyone for your good wishes for our anniversary. We had a lovely time in Sydney, indulged in too much good food and wine, and just enjoyed being together. We spent quite a lot of time enjoying this gorgeous view from our hotel, and the comings and goings on the harbour.
I did take some sewing but didn't do a stitch while I was away. I did however, get to visit two of my favourite patchwork shops. First up was Post Office Patchwork at Glenbrook. I chose a brown stripe for the border of my little orange peels, and some other little pieces that caught my eye. And some utterly adorable little 1" diamonds.
I rarely buy more than a fq of most fabrics, one of the benefits of making scrappy quilts I guess.
On the way home yesterday, I made up for missing GDITC with a visit to Quiltsmith. As usual, the staff were so helpful and obliging. Two lovely ladies helped me choose some fabrics for my nieces quilt. Inspiration came from the talented Ros at Bloom and the beautiful quilt she made for her daughter. Very unusual choices for me, but I think (hope) it will turn out ok. Not a very good photo of the white.....so much thought goes into which shade of white to use!
And some shirtings.....I love shirtings! I was very tempted to buy the pattern for The Unknown Quilt too, I even had it in my hand, but I put it back for another day.
So back to family life today, and definitely some stitching before the day is over.
Susan x
