Floral Fancies and friends

Here I am to show you my final contributions to Quilt Now Issue 13. First up, Floral Fancies, a really cute EPP design that can then be appliqued to a backing.

 I used Oakshott solids for my flowers ...

and vintage sheet scraps for my backing.

I used perle thread to hand quilt the centre of each flower...

and to stitch the self-binding in place.

My final contribution this month is my Diamonds Kites and Stars pattern which was included in the free EPP project booklet.

It's another EPP and applique combination which makes it a little more time consuming than straight forward EPP but I think it's worth the extra time. 

In other news, while I'm on the subject of EPP, I've added bonus 6" templates of Hexiestar Tamed to the Mystery BOM section of our website. 

I've been having fun playing with the 6" version and thought you might like to try them out too. Catch you soon x

Easily distracted - Reene's FAL Q1 round up

I'm just scraping in with my round up, I almost completely forgot (sorry, Katy). I've been really productive this quarter but unfortunately a lot of my productivity has been on secret sewing. I may also have thrown in a few other projects that weren't on my FAL list...so easily distracted! On to the list...

1. The Not-so-Lonestar quilt - as you know I started this one in 2011, it has since been unpicked and started again so it's almost as though I only it started in 2013 ;) I am utterly determined to finish it this year!

I managed to finish this one with the help of Trudi's awesome quilting skills! The post for this one is here.

2. Diamonds, kites and stars EPP - I started this one in September when I was recovering from my op. I feel a bit of cheat adding this one to the list as I've just finished it but as I'd already mentioned it as a WIP here I'm kidding myself that I can get away with it ;)

So I might have cheated with this one as I've already said but I did finish it ;) The post is here.

3. Quilt and Stitch Village competition quilts - I think I'm safe adding this as I have the ideas firmly in my stitching journal and have just sent off the entry forms. Last year Susan and I dared each other to have a go this year, so we have both filled out the forms with trepidation and sent them on their way. In my infinite wisdom I've decided to enter 2 quilts that haven't yet been made. One low volume improv quilt and one bright and fun medallion. These must be done this quarter without fail!

I'm hanging my head in shame for this one as I've still got to finish them! I've almost finished the improv quilt but I've got loads to do on the medallion! They need to be finished and posted by the end of this week so I foresee no sleep for the next few days!

Finally, 4. Crochet blanket - I couldn't find any pictures of this on my computer but there are quite a few over on instagram. I started this when the cold weather set in and would really like to get it finished before Spring other wise it will be relegated to the back of cupboard somewhere :) So far I have 9 rows completed of a total of 16.

I made zero progress on this one as I've learnt to knit instead! I never thought it would happen but it kind of has. I'm part way through making a cardigan for Jess.... you can see where this is heading can't you...another WIP!

So a 50% success rate...definite room for improvement! At least it's not long before I can share with you some of my secret sewing that put a spanner in the works for my FAL success ;) 

Catch you soon x

Diamonds, kites and stars - The free pattern

Well guys and gals there was enough interest in the pattern for me to knuckle down and get it written :) I've added the pattern as a page at the top and the blog. You'll find links at the bottom of the pattern to a PDF version, along with PDF versions of the paper templates.

In a weekend of madness I've gone ahead and chopped a very limited number of scrap packs from my rather fabulous (even if I say so myself) stash. Many of the prints I used in these two cushions are included in the scrap packs which you will find in our Etsy shop. There are only 3 pink, orange red and radiant orchid (purple) packs and 3 navy, green and radiant orchid packs. I have learnt that I don't really enjoy cutting up fabric knowing that I'm not going to be sewing with it, so you can rest assured that scrap packs from me are going to be as rare as rocking horse poo!

As always I'd love to see any WIPs or finishes of this pattern so please do feel free to email me or upload a picture to our flickr group or use the hashtag #diamondskitesandstars on Instagram. There might even be a special little something for the first person who finishes their own version...   

I hope you've all enjoyed the weekend. Catch you soon x

Diamonds, kites and stars revisited

After making my first Diamonds, kites and stars cushion someone suggested that I should enter it in to the Pantone Quilt Challenge. Unfortunately as I'd started making it last year it wasn't a candidate for submission, so I resolved to make another one to enter. Rather than bore myself senseless by making an exact replica I went for a different colour scheme. The Radiant Orchid was a prerequisite (being the Pantone colour of the year) and I decided to throw blue and green into the mix this time.

I crazy straight line quilted with a 'radiant orchid' Rowan thread. Slightly tricky to capture the colour in the photo but I'm sure you can imagine it ;)

I'm pretty chuffed with how it turned it out! I couldn't resist taking this shot on our bed with the original cushion. It would appear I have a thing purple...who knew? ;) 

This time around I tweaked a few things in the construction process and was delighted how well it went together. I've taken loads of process photographs and I'm now contemplating writing a pattern for it. I'm taking a straw poll here: Would anyone out there be interested in the pattern and/or a scrap kit to make your own? I promise not to be offended :) 

I've got a ton of sewing to get done this month so I'll hope to be back with updates on progress soon. Catch you soon x

Edited to add: This cushion finished up around 18" square :) Free pattern now available here.

Few words

After a busy week I'm a woman of few words. I may actually be trying not to nod off as I type this. Jess turned 17 this week! That makes me feel super old because that means we're a year away from landmark birthdays; 18 (Jess), 40 (Me) and 21 again (cough, Yvonne).  Where the heck does time go?

Anyway, I've been doing lots of sewing this week with deadlines fast approaching so I've tired myself out good and proper. I finished the FUCancer quilt for my lovely friend.

Front of FUCancer quilt

Rear of FUCancer quilt

Quilted in chevrons with grey Aurifil thread, then washed and tumbled to get the crinkle going :) It is lovely and snuggly so as long as the recipient doesn't have a migraine this should be just right for comforting her on crap days.

I've also been working on another hand sewing project, Diamonds, kites and stars revisited :) I'm going to try and get it finished in time to enter the Pantone Quilt Challenge...

Sewline glue basting for the win! So speedy and I may have converted a few ladies to glue basting yesterday at EMMQG :) Well that's all I can muster for today. I hope you're all safe and well. Catch you soon x