I’ve started quilting this quilt. I’m doing free-motion swirly things (my version of stippling). I’m definitely getting better with practice. I found a supreme slider (it’s a silicon sheet you put between your sewing machine and the quilt – there is a hole for the needle) made things much easier to move the fabric.
Filed under Free Motion Quilting, Quilting
I’ve used two packets of charm squares (Nicey Janey by Heather Bailey). It has gone together very quickly. I love how clear the colours are in this fabric range (my photo doesn’t do it justice).
Filed under Quilting
It’s been a very long time since my last post – I’ve had an awful throat infection and had little motivation to craft. The above is four water lily blocks that I’m making for Miss P (Miss A has the Kimono blocks).
Once again I’ve used my embroidery machine to piece the blocks (much easier to get identical blocks that way). The original design is from here.
I’ve added the jef (janome) file to my designs page. I can convert it to other file formats. There is also a tutorial on how to foundation piece using an embroidery machine.
Filed under Foundation Blocks, Machine Embroidery
I’ve dug out a birth sampler I started 7 years ago and not finished. I’m about halfway through and I find the very slowness of it quite relaxing and meditative.
Filed under Cross Stitch
Miss A was asked to a ’70s party (she had to dress up in ‘olden day’ clothes). Anyway I decided to make her a dress using a psychedelic 70s type print. I picked the above pattern (Burda 9544).
It’s been so long since I made any clothes that it took me two attempts to get the zip in and there is something funny about the shoulder seams, but I was really happy with how it turned out.
Miss P now wants the same dress but in a dinosaur fabric.
Filed under Sewing
It’s been a while since I posted – mostly due to lack of time because of school holidays.
I have managed to finish another shirt for Miss A. I’ve used a foundation pieced Kimono block.
Here’s a closer image …
The block design is from Linda Hampton Schiffer and Jodie Davis’s book Victorian Quilt Block Designs. I then digitised a machine embroidery design and stitched it out on my embroidery machine. I’ve written instructions on using an embroidery machine to foundation piece here.
I’m quite happy with the results although the block is slightly crooked on the shirt! Now for Miss P – anyone know where I can find a pattern for a foundation pieced dinosaur?
Filed under Foundation Blocks, Machine Embroidery
I’ve been very unproductive the last week or so and as it school holidays for the next two weeks I don’t think that is going to change. However, I have bought The Gentle Art of Quilt Makingby Jane Brocket.
I have her Gentle Art of Domesticity which I loved (I’m sure she is living the life I should have had!) So I had to have this one.
Once again it is beautifully presented. It contains 15 quilts and a description of in the inspiration behind each quilt. What Ms Brocket does really well is to take away the paralysing effect of perfection – it’s all about having a go and making something usable (and beautiful). Most of the pieces are squares or strips (much easier to cut and sew) and the wow factor is produced by the fabric selections. Who would have thought squares on point could be so spectacular (see the cover image above).
Here are three of my favourites …
Beach Hut (Ice Cream)
Amarylis
Purple Rain
Don’t let my dodgy photography put you off. I think this book is designed for quilters of all levels.
Filed under Book Review, Inspiration, Quilting
I thought my book review if The Girl on the Wallby Jean Baggott belonged to both of my blogs. This is a really lovely book and I think most crafty people would enjoy it. (Read my review – here for more information).
Filed under Book Review
I finally finished these socks. I started them for the Winter Olympics, but it all went horribly wrong, and then I was distracted by other projects.
I can’t say that I’m that pleased with them – for one thing they’re different and they’re a bit saggy.
Filed under Knitting
I finished Miss P’s Scarf. It was a very fast knit – chunky wool and big needles!
It has made me feel more confident about cables.
I can’t say that she is that taken with it but in the interests of fairness I have now knitted a scarf for Miss A and Miss P. Now I just need to finish mine.
Filed under Knitting
