Quilting

I haven't written on my blog for such a long time, but it doesn't mean I have been sitting idle.

The young girls I made quilts for loved them I was told, which is wonderful.

I have been to sit and sew days with the Melbourne Modern Quilt Guild, and have been sewing quilts "inch by inch".

I am participating in the 2012 Designer Mystery Block of the Month through the Fat Quarter Shop - 4 blocks down 8 blocks to go. I look forward to this envelope arriving each month, and am enjoying making these blocks.

Next month on 17 November, I will be spending the day at Treehouse Textiles and am certainly looking forward to visiting this delightful venue.

Good Intentions

What do they say about streets being paved with good intentions. Well that is me. It is 12 months since my last post and where did that time go?

I really don't know how people keep their blogs so up to date, not only with words, but photos as well, and sewing. Where do they find the time? Or am I just lazy?

Although I certainly don't feel that I have been lazy. I have made more quilt tops and actually quilted two of my own quilts. Mind you they were small and manageable. I really don't think I could do a single size quilt, let alone a double or larger size on my domestic sewing machine.

I have made two quilts for two small girls. They are the nieces of a co-worker - same fabric "sherbet pips" - slightly different patterns and colour ways. Am waiting to collect the second one from my girlfriend who is quilting it for me, then all I have to do is sew on the binding and give them to Nicky when she returns from her honeymoon. I hope everyone likes them.

Pattern Tester

I can't say too much, but due to making email contact with a designer I admire I have been asked to test one of her patterns.
Of course I feel quite honoured, nervous, but excited at the same time.
Fabric shopping tomorrow and then into it, with any questions being emailed to her, and my comments, postive and negative, and observations recorded as part of the process.
I am certain my sewing group will also help me out if I get stuck.
Will keep you posted on the process and progress and will definitely load some pictures once finished and I am allowed to do so.

Quilting Retreat

This weekend, commencing tomorrow afternoon, a few like-minded girls are heading up country for a two day quilting retreat.
So tonight it is packing my bag, and everything I might need "quilting wise" into the car so I can make a quick getaway as soon as I get home from work!
Two days of cutting, talking, sewing, laughing, pressing, talking, more sewing, more talking and laughing,. along with dinner at the local pub on Saturday night. Sounds like heaven to me!

I'm Excited

Three weeks ago I met Karen of Quilts on Bastings,  when I delivered two of my quilts to her to be quilted.
Well tomorrow I get to pick them up, I am excited to see what they look like.

Having seen examples of Karen's work on her blog http://quiltsonbastings.blogspot.com/I am certain they will look fantastic. Log on and have a look at the beautiful work she does.

Two down many more to go.

I will upload photos once the bindings are stitched on and they are really, really finished - can't wait!!

Quilt Tops

Yesterday, Sunday, I pulled out my tub of quilt tops, hung each one on the clothesline and took photos. Apologies for the creases in the quilt tops, but they have been folded for quite some time.
My aim is now to get all these quilts finished. As a goal, I thought if I can get one completed each month that would be a fantastic result. Mind you that is not counting all the new quilts I will start. Here they are.

Flower Garden

Bleeding Heart

Life is a Celebration BOM Homespun Magazine

Pieced Back for Life is a Celebration

Soul Blossom 1

Soul Blossom 2

String Quilt with stars

Pieced back for String Quilt with Stars

First for 2011

I really do need to devote some time to my blog!!  When I read and enjoy other quilting blogs, it makes me realise how negletcted mine is. But this is going to change. 

Firstly I am going to try and add something each week, including images of which my first photo is attached.
Secondly, improve my photographic skills and ensure the backgrounds of the photos asre improved.

This is my "charm bracelet" quilt top - Designed by Kate Conklin of http://kateconklindesigns.blogspot.com/.

I used a Bliss by Moda charm pack, along with Kona snow for the first frame, a pale green check for the second frame, and a grey sold for the bracelent links and sashing.

I am going to do a pieced back with the remaining charms and bind it with something bright.
It was a lovely quilt to piece - nice and easy with a great result.