Well, this post will bring me up to date - for now anyway.  I do seem to have been very industrious lately - not sure whether that is a good thing or not though.

Below is one of my favourite achievements to date.  It a modern twist on the Drunkards Path pattern, made in gorgeous greys and yellows.  I had seen the pattern in a local patchwork store in black white and red and fell in love with the pattern.  So, out came the Accuquilt cutter and my recently acquired yellow and grey fat quarters.  All those circles really tested my piecing skills and I will admit that I wasn't very impressed with the finished quilt top (that's why there is no picture of it).  Decided to bite the bullet and quilt it and hope that I could quilt out the problems.  This is the finished result and I am absolutely thrilled with it. It's only a cot size (or maybe a small lap quilt), and I called it Blazing Suns.

My other achievement was some more custom quilting.  This time on a little wallhanging.  I have called mine Karen's Closet, but the original pattern is Betsy's Closet from Brenda Riddle Designs at the Acorn Quilt & Gift Company.  The stitcheries were completed in a very short time while watching TV at night. The wallhanging also went together relatively easily, so then it was to the quilting frame and the fun started.  I have been wanting to try some background stippling and just needed the right project.  As you can see, it is now hanging on the wall in the spare bedroom.

Like I said, I have been busy.  Some time ago, I fell in love with a lovely border print while shopping at Addicted to Fabric in Canberra.  I bought it, together with some co-ordinating fabrics, without having any idea of what I was going to make.  Does anyone else do that? I am sure I can't be the only one.  Anyway, came across a very simple pattern (Little Man) in Camille Roskelley's book Simplify.  I called mine Simply Neutral and I am thrilled to pieces with the finished product. 

The colours are the same tones as the ones currently being used on The Block.  Now why don't they use quilts on their beds?

Well, that's me for now.  Been working on lots more, but I will have to get myself organised again to bring those pictures to you to.  In the meantime, Happy Sewing everyone.

I promised myself I would get this up to date, but I have been sidetracked again with my sewing.  Really enjoying myself I might add.

I have been a little adventurous with my longarm quilting and am sharing my first attempt at some custom quilting.  Not super fabulous, but for a first attempt I am very pleased with the end result.  

A long time friend came to visit recently, and while she was here decided she would like to learn to quilt, so I took on the role of tutor.  She purchased one of the few jelly rolls I have left, some black Moda Bella solid and borrowed my Grandmas Five Patch pattern.  This was the final result - isn't it fabulous!  She left my place with just a couple of blocks finished and before the end of the week came back with her finished quilt top.  I was also able to provide her with some backing fabric and then quilted it while she watched fascinated as the machine did its wonderful work.  It's lovely to think I have encouraged another quilting fan.  And this from someone who has rarely sewn.  There have been quite a few completed since, but only one other has found its way for quilting.  

While she was quickly finishing her first quilt, I was madly cutting out (on my Accuquilt cutter) Hunters Star blocks from fabrics in my stash.  While not terribly difficult to make (once I got going) it seemed to take me ages to get all the blocks done.  Of course, it ended up being a full queen sized quilt, instead of the smaller lap quilt I had anticipated.  I was determined to finish this before I started on anything else and I had a couple of other projects I wanted to get to, but more about those later.

I was thrilled with the finished product.  I am happy to say that this quilt has gone to a new home in Adelaide and the new owner left a wonderful review for my Etsy shop. It was worth the effort on my part to have such a happy customer.

I have also purchased some more fabrics (surprise, surprise) and these are available either through my Etsy shop or by just sending me an email.  They are from Bonnie & Camille's new Moda range - Day Sail.  Just $25 for six fat quarters (plus postage).

OK, that's it for now.  Some really interesting projects still to tell you about, but I will get to them next time.

Happy stitching everyone.

Well, have to say I have had a very busy January.  Decided it was time for me to get some projects started and finished having survived the holiday break with renewed enthusiasm.

First up was a grey and yellow drunkards path quilt.  Was lucky to get an Accuquilt Go cutter for Christmas, so cutting out was a breeze.  Sewing the blocks went well - once I purchased a curve piecing foot for the machine.  It was brilliant and the piecing went very well.  The challenge then was to place the pieces in a different pattern, so after some time spent on Pinterest, I set to work.  All went well but am waiting till I get it quilted before showing pictures. And then only if I am happy with the end result.  I am waiting till I have quilted this before I put up any pictures, so you will have to be patient with me.

The next project was the fabrics I purchased at the Brisbane Quilt Show for my version of a Picnic Quilt.  I used the Patio Quilt pattern and a Modern Orb quilting pattern and I must admit, I am thrilled to bits with the end result..

This is the first time I have attempted a "modern" quilt pattern, and I must admit I am thrilled with the result.  I think it adds to the modern look of the quilt.  

The quilt will be on my Etsy shop as soon as I can get myself organised. 

There has been lots more happening, but I will save some for the next post.  My Hunters Star quilt is also finished - see it next time.

Happy quilting everyone.

I hope everyone has recovered from the Christmas/New Year madness and that you were able to spend lots of time with family and friends.

I took a little road trip and joined my son for Christmas in Brisbane.  The trip up was great with stops in Newcastle with my other son and his family, then Kingscliff and a night with "old" friends and then the Gold Coast with another couple of "old" friends.  I arrived in Brisbane the Saturday before Christmas and it was full on from that time on.  One social engagement after another.  I called in to see another friend who I hadn't seen for nearly 30 years.  The afternoon was spent chatting as though it had only been yesterday.  Old friends are the best!!!

So, the other quilting jobs that I wasn't able to share earlier.  My son's partner had asked for a picnic quilt and although I had picked up some fabrics at the Quilt Show, a jewel coloured bali pop was the preferred choice.  So I got the Picnic Roll Up pattern from Thimbleberries and set to work.

I was very pleased with how it turned out.  The corners have pockets to put a rock in so the quilt doesn't blow away - how clever.  The quilting pattern is Too Much Bubbly and I thought it was quite appropriate for the new owners.  Needless to say they were thrilled with it, although comments were made about it being too lovely and that perhaps it should go on their bed!!!  While I agree, it was made for the purpose intended, so I hope they will enjoy it.


I was also able to do a very quick job (because it was small) on Lynda's Have a Quilty Little Christmas wall hanging.  She was delighted to be able to have it hung ready for Christmas day.  The quilting pattern was Holly and Berries - very appropriate.

My trip home from Brisbane was not so memorable.  I was up early and left at around 4.30 am and it rained all the way to Newcastle.  Because my children were spending the holidays at my place, I had no stop off point along the way, so finally pulled up at home at 10 pm that night.  Lots of stops along the way, but I think it took me about three days to get over the drive.  Maybe next time I will fly!!!

Have started some new year sewing, so will post that next time.  All the best and happy quilting.

Yes, I know, it's been a while, but in my defence, I haven't been able to post anything, because I have been busy doing lots of Christmas sewing.  If I had put the photos up, then the surprises would have been spoilt.

Having said that, I did manage to finish my Mountains to the Sea quilt this week.  Not only do I love the colours in this quilt, but I also made it using fabrics from my stash.  Great achievement for me.

Above are a set of storage pouches with a vinyl front so you can easily see what is stored inside - great for storing your current projects.  The pattern is Bridget's Bagettes by Atkinson Designs and the fabrics are from Jinny Beyer.

Well, that's all for now.  I do have a few more things I can share, but will save them or another time.  I will take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas (just in case I don't get another post up before then). 

Happy quilting.

Oh dear, I really have been slack while we have been away.  Just so difficult to think about blogging when you are enjoying the sun and sightseeing.  So, firstly, the last quilt on the "magic bag" is shown below.  I know all the quilts either have been bound or are in the process of binding, so Lynda has at least been productive.

While we were away, I did manage to get to visit quite a few quilt shops in the country towns we visited. I was also lucky enough to arrive in Brisbane on the weekend of the Quilt Show.  Yes, it really was just by chance.  I had a lovely afternoon wandering around.  The quilts on display were absolutely marvellous, and thought I would share just a few with you.

 

The quilting on the first quilt below was so intricate.  Oh, to be so talented.  Sorry about the picture quality.  They were taken rather hurriedly on my phone. 

The grey and yellow quilt above was stunning in its simplicity and then the detail in the quilting was amazing also.

This blue quilt I was also rather taken with.  Not sure whether it was the colours (not colours I use in my quilts) or the unusual design. Unfortunately I hadn't charged the battery on the phone, so I had to limit the number of photos taken, otherwise there would have been heaps more.  We truly have so many extremely talented quilters in Australia.  Makes you want to start a new quilt!!

Happy quilting everyone, until next time.

I am very excited - I have been able to purchase some Bali Pops and would like to offer them to my readers.

Above are the colours I have available.  They are (my descriptions - from the top):

• Xmas
• Orange/brown (Earth and Fire)
• Yellow/orange (Sunshine)
• Jade/purple (Oceans Alive)
• Red/Black (Devilish)
• Novelty
• Xmas
• Purple (Not the old lady)
• Pink (Lollipop)
• Muted green/purple (Morning Dew) 

These are all new and will sell for $30 each, plus postage.  If you are interested, please send me an email with your preference.  

Below are a couple of ideas for using your strips.  The patterns ($15 ea) and pre cut 2.5" batting strips ($9 per roll - 2.5" x 25m) are also available. 

Ok, shall try and finish the previous blog.  Thought I would show you the detail of the individual block designs in this quilt.  A lovely little "peeper" border in there too.

Today we were visiting the Injune Information Centre, when I found that the local quilting group was meeting nearby.  Needless to say, I left the other half and ventured over to say hello and get my "quilting fix" for the day.

What a lovely group of ladies - and so lucky to have such a great place to meet.  I was able to view lots of quilts, which were all absolutely gorgeous.  So different in the various colours.

What did catch my eye though was some stitchery pieces ready to be placed into a quilt.  The design is by Rosalie Quinlan - Best Friends (group of 8 designs), and as my "magic bag" friend does a lot of stitchery, I thought I would capture these and send them to her.  Do hope the Inune ladies don't mind.

This block looks like coming together in "my" colours, so couldn't resist a picture of it as well.

Well done ladies and thank you for my "fix".  I will be right now for a little while longer.

Will have to show you the last of the quilts in the "magic bag", but will save that for another day.

Happy quilting everyone.

For those of you who aren't aware, I am away at the moment.  Yes, I know, you wanted it yesterday.  So sorry.  Hope you can wait until I return.  Let me know if you have been waiting and I will do something special for you!!!

Although it is under protest, I do manage to get to see some quilt shops so thought I would share them with you, just in case you happen to be in the area.

First stop was at Moree and we were lucky (for me) to find a quilt show on in town.  Hope the ladies don't mind, but I took some photos and thought I would share them with you.  

Firstly, the Moree Quilt, which is on display in the Information Centre.

Then as we walked around the town to view the old buildings (some of Art deco design), we ventured into the quilt show.  Here are just a few of the quilts that appealed to me.

Well, there are another couple, but the program doesn't want to let me load them, so I will have to leave them for next time.

Happy quilting all - wish I was able to do some too!!!

You know, the hardest part of writing this blog is coming up with an interesting title for each post.  A little like coming up with interesting names for quilts I guess.

Well, as promised, thought I would just share some more quilts from that Magic Bag I have.

This beautiful Churn Dash quilt  is again made from Moda fabrics, O Cherry O, I think, but not sure.  The quilting pattern is a very large feathered clam which looks great.  I will wait to see though if the customer wants some more quilting on this one though.  To me there is a lot of unquilted area. 

Above is another bright and cheerful quilt in lime green and white.  It looks so fresh.  The quilting pattern used is called Too Much Bubbly - love it.