Schnitzel and Boo Mini Quilt Swap

A little while ago I signed up for a mini quilt swap. You can read the initial blog post here.

My partner is an English lady living in Europe and I stalked her blog and Instagram photos to find out a little more about her. She had been clear about what she doesn't like and it wasn't difficult to see where she was coming from!

I had a fantastic excuse to purchase some Kate Spain fabric as she lists that among her likes, along with colour references of blues, greens and greys.

As I have already posted this to her I thought I would add a photo of the finished article:

I'm glad she liked it, it was great fun making it!

Finish Along 2015 Quarter 1

Last year I joined in the 2014 Finish Along hosted by Katy at The Littlest Thistle, although I missed the sign up for a few of the quarters it did make me list and complete some of my works in progress (WIPs).

I felt motivated to try again this year with the 2015 Finish Along (FAL 2015) now being hosted by Adrianne at On the Windy Side a reference to Wellington, NZ where she lives and apparently it is windy! The rules for the challenge are here: FAL 2015


The 2015 Finish-Along Link

The idea is to list your WIPs (proposed finishes) at the beginning of the quarter and link to Adrianne's 'linky party'. Then, during the quarter as you complete your projects you can blog about them or post photos on Instagram or Flickr linking back to the 'finish linky party' at the end of the quarter.

So without further a do here is my list (some of which have rolled over from previous WIP lists):

1) Alex's hexie quilt: Some of these hexagons were started nearly 40 years ago by my hubby's mum. She died too young in early '82 and I was given the unfinished hexagons and cardboard templates during a clearing out session a few years ago. It is a finished top now (which is progress from 2014) we have chosen a backing fabric but I have not bought the batting yet.

2) Paletina pillow: This shouldn't be too difficult, the front is finished, everything is cut out. I have the zip and just need to sew it all together .... not sure where it is hiding at the moment!

3) Alex's curtains: Because I broke my elbow last year we managed without these and I sort of forgot they needed doing until recently. I love the material from Laura Ashley. It is called Bacall and is in the apple colour way. Not a good photo, it's all in a plastic bag. I need a whole weekend to spread out on the kitchen table so this won't get finished anytime soon!

4) Maddie's Cardigan: Knitted and partly sewn up, the project isn't finished as I'm not happy with the edge of the hood, so I've had to pull it out and need to reknit it on smaller needles. I need a couple of evenings to get this finished ... and some motivation which has escaped me!

5) Maddie's 'Frozen' costume. I have the fabric and a pattern ... just need to get started.

6) Draft excluder: A prototype I started to test out the heat 'n' bond. I have the houses appliquéd but have not completed the details on the doors and windows so they need doing before I can sew it up and use it. I like it so far ...

7 - 11 are based on a design from Kellie at Don't Look Now called Worry Dolls I have cut out all the little people resembling my nieces and nephews to make them cushions:
     
7) Stanley's cushion: A footballer to go in his bedroom.

8) Arthur's cushion: A footballer to go in his bedroom.

9) Georgiana's cushion: A girl (looks like her).

10) Maddie's cushion: A girl (made from fabric from her baby clothes).

11) Thomas's cushion: A footballer - Thomas is my colleagues little boy, he's nearly 4.
 
12) Georgiana's cardigan: Started about 8 years ago this will no longer fit my daughter so it's heading for my niece. It just needs a ribbon and some appliqué flowers. I hope it doesn't take me another 8 years to finish! 

13) Puddlejumper 1: Started last year, I was really happy with this - until my niece tried it on. She's long in the body and it was clear this was going to be too small for her to wear over warm clothes, so it got abandoned. This photo was taken at the cutting out phase:

14) Puddlejumper 2: Started last year at the same time as the one above, all I did was cut this out. It got packed away with the one above and I forgot about it until I found it the other day. I have someone in mind for this but have not dug it out yet.

15) Daisy Kingdom coat: This Simplicity pattern (2778 on the left) was one I fell in love with and bought several years ago but I could never find double sided fleece. When pink/orange reversible fabric turned up in a local store (The Shuttle) I bought it and then couldn't locate where I had kept the pattern! I think the design is the same as pattern 4515 (on the right) which is shown in the type of fleece I have bought. I know a couple of folks have made it already and it looked great (some Flickr photos of Charity's coat).

  

16) Fingerless gloves: I have started these in a lovely soft Alpaca wool and have got them almost finished ...

17) My contribution to the UK Mini Quilt Swap, one of a couple of swaps I am in.

18) My contribution to the Rainbow Mini Quilt Swap, another one of my current swaps.  

19) Wigwam: I must get round to making a few of these for the summer. I have some fabric and plans in my head but have not yet drafted the pattern. I feel excited about this but I know it will take up a fair bit of space to 'manufacture' them. This photo came from a Laura Ashley photo shoot and was in the 2009 catalogue .... doesn't it make you feel like packing up for a picnic? 

20) Georgiana's cape: Alex has one that she loves and would like her cousin to have one to dress up with her in when they go 'adventuring' in the garden. The Vogue pattern needs adapting slightly for size but the fabric and trimmings are ready.

21) Postage stamp quilt: for years I have been 'salvaging' 2" squares from scraps of material that are left from other projects or are simply not big enough to make anything else from. I'd love to turn these into a quilt similar to Red Pepper's quilt in this link Postage Stamp Quilt Tutorial. She made hers from strips.

22) William's quilt: This was started over two years ago with the intention of it being ready for my son's new room. I did not have a studio at the time and it came out in the bedroom occasionally if I could set up a space to work in, or I would take it on holiday. It has been stored away waiting for me to get back to it, I have a ton of excuses as to why it has not been first on my list however it is denim and heavy so since I broke my elbow last year I have done very little with it. He was away for the summer months of 2014 in Michigan at Indian Trails Camp and I had hope to complete it for his return - it didn't happen! I'll have to attempt it soon.

23) Baby quilt 1: I heard a while ago that one of my neighbours has adopted a baby boy. This baby quilt has now been cut out in some cute Urban Patch fabrics and strung together but I still need to complete the piecing of the top and make it into a quilt.

24) Baby quilt 2: A month or so ago I also found out that an old colleague of mine, now living in Cyprus, had a baby girl. She sent me a picture and I couldn't believe how much I missed her. Don't you just love an excuse to make a baby gift? I have not yet completed the top but it's a girly version of the one above!

25) My 'afternoon tea' quilt. similar to the one I made for my Schnitzel & Boo mini quilt swap partner, but in brighter colours.

26) Some pot mitts for friends and family - including our special folks in the USA and I need to make a tutorial too and post it here.

This will definitely be enough to keep me going ... It will be great having an additional incentive to get things done!

Swapping fun

I have recently signed up for a couple of Quilty Mini Swaps which I have always found to be great fun. It's a wonderful excuse to do something a little bit different to blocks and personal projects and widens the quilty horizons!

One of the new swaps I have joined is the UK Mini Swap. It is hosted by the lovely Nina (@BossyOz on Instagram) and I am linked up with Heidee once again as she is my 'swap mamma'. 

This is my swap 'button'

I won Heidee's foxy giveaway back in the autumn and she sent me a wonderful package of quilty treats!

All the information for the swap is shared here on Nina's blog.

I am delighted to be a 'swap mamma' for one of the UK Mini Swap teams.

A 'swap mamma' supports the swap members,  acting as a point of contact for queries (and holds the swap partner information) which can help spread the load from the swap owner. This is particularly helpful in large swaps and when key milestones are reached like the initial swapping of partner information and posting the finished item.

I have also joined the Rainbow Mini Swap, which has us all making rainbow themed mini quilts and is the brain child of Kate Basti (@katebasti on Instagram). Kate also has a shop on Etsy selling her creations: StitchNKitsch and she is based in Ohio so it's an international swap.

I was inspired to go for a Ferris Wheel pattern for this swap, by something one of my swap buddies said about patchworking (English Paper Piecing). 

It's made up of 3 shapes: hexagons, triangles and squares. These can be used to create 'wheels' - here I have used brightly coloured fabrics to highlight the pattern with a black/white background and outer edge. I have a few more edging pieces to add in this photo and then I'm on the the next step. It's a work in progress but I'm pleased with it so far: 

 

I'm planning to post a tutorial for the Ferris Wheel pattern .... watch this space!

My partners are going to stay a secret .... I know who I am making my quilts for and they have provided me some clues as to what they like, including some of their favourite quilting inspiration and a little about themselves.  

 

LBQB Second Quarter Finishes

The Little Blogs Quilting Bee is well into its third quarter so I thought I would post a photo or two of the second quarter blocks I have made.

These are the blocks requested by Heidi (June), Claire (July) and Natalie (August).  

For Heidi we made a friendship star block. We were given a variety of options with this one and she linked to this tutorial from Delaware Quilts which gives measurements for lots of different sizes. We all made a 12.5" block but they were quite a few versions. You can see some of them on Heidi's Instagram feed.

I opted for 4 individual friendship stars and I snuck in a H for Heidi and a Bee! This was my resulting star: again made from the Curiosities range of fabric by Nancy Halvorsen.

Claire provided a colour scheme (bright pinks, purples or aqua blue with low volume for the background) for her single wedding ring block. All her instructions for the block are on her blog. It was one of my first adventures for a while with low volume prints too, I think it worked well!

Natalie said she would like a 'ric rac' block and her instructions came from Issue 10 of Love Patchwork and Quilting magazine. I've made these chevron blocks before and they are really effective! Her colour choice was red on white (which I think was a white on white print) here's the result:

I am looking forward to seeing how all these blocks look when they are put together ... and Heidi's friendship star gets the trophy this quarter for being the most fun! Here you are Heidi:  

LBQB Trophy Quarter 2 is awarded to Heidi.

I'm still having fun adding into the packages some of my own goodies and trying to choose something to include that I think the Queen bee for the month might like. Among other stuff I sent a cactus pin cushion to Heidi, which I think I blogged about before, and Natalie really loved the pot mitts so perhaps I should do a tutorial?

With the third quarter well underway and my October block wending it's way as I type, I suggest you check out some of these little blogs and see what we've been up to!

For Baby Kazmi

I was delighted to hear that one of my previous colleagues, Tahier, had been blessed with a little baby boy a few weeks ago. They called him Ehsan meaning "perfection" or "excellence".

Both mum and baby were recovering nicely when I popped into the Maternity Ward late one night to see them. I was made very welcome and treated to dates and Gulab Jamun, a small syrupy doughnut ball which is a traditional type of sweet pastry served to guests. 

Knowing that he will no doubt be swamped with gifts and that there are strong links with Pakistan and patchworking I decided to make Baby Ehsan a more traditionally British patchwork quilt.

I started with lots of 2" squares cut from the Benartex Cool Britannia range of fabric (some of which had been happily 'rescued' from the scrap bin in The Skep). I had bought some of the Crowns fabric in dark blue in their sale and so I decided that this would make a great border, with white dot minky fabric for the backing. 

Cool Britannia - Landmark, Crowns & Cityscape

As it's a fairly easy design didn't take any photos of the piecing. I sewed the 2" squares together in a random order and placed them together to form rows, taking care not to place any two squares of the same print together. Normally it would take me a while to order the placement of squares on each row ensuring an even distribution of colours and prints. However as I didn't have lots of spare squares to play with, I didn't worry if there was not an order to the pattern on this occasion. 

I then sewed the rows together trimming the edges to ensure a crisp finish adding a small trim to the top and bottom of the squares before completing it with the outer border. Some of my squares were a little narrow, I had 'help' cutting them at the time! This means that the piecing does not join accurately at the corner of each square along the rows. 

When the borders were added I was amazed how quickly I had a quilt top! Generally I have not added chunky borders before, but this time I wanted room to quilt them with a free-motion pattern. Having added a fairly light batting, I basted the top and stitched in lines over the squared centre. This was not quite in the ditch at the points the squares didn't align, I suppose it helps to highlight the stitching which contrasts with the fabric. Hopefully it will add to the 'handcrafted' feel. This photo gives you an idea of the central panel although the colours are a little distorted:

I then drew a few bus outlines as templates on squared paper and, having had a quick practice run on a 5" square of fabric with batting to ensure tension was up to scratch, I pinned the bus templates to the outer border in various places.

Using free-motion quilting I then stipple stitched with buses 'drawn' at the points I had pinned the templates. I adjusted the exact position of the buses as I went, to fit with the stipple stitching. Once I had the outline stitched I removed the paper. This was a painful process for some of the buses and I resorted to a pin to wheedle the last bits free.

I have now had lovely cuddles with little Ehsan, isn't he just adorable! Tahier and Umal not only loved the gift but they have promised me lots more cuddles and have already sent me photos of him with the quilt in use!

Baby quilts are not just for bedtime ... I think they are so handy for tummy time, additional warmth in the car or buggy and as additional comfort & padding for a shopping trolley, swing or highchair!

I am linking up this finish with Kate's Finish Along as this is on my Q2 list of things I hoped to complete! 

Am I Mad?

I have read with keen interest some of the fabulous blogs that are joining in with this years Finish Along 2014 hosted by Katy at The Littlest Thistle. I missed the first quarter, so I have had a few weeks to prepare to share all some of my unfinished works in progress (WIPs) and to sort out which I think I might be able to finish .... at some point soon.

I think I would like to quote Yvonne over at Nellie's Niceties when she explained her reasons for joining in:
"It is such a good idea to share with like minded people your plans to finish projects and then look back to see what you have all, hopefully, achieved.  Or at least the steps toward finishing that you have taken."

The idea is to list your WIPs (proposed finishes) at the beginning of the quarter and link to Katy's 'linky party'. Then, during the quarter as you complete your projects you can blog about them or post photos on Flickr linking back to the 'finish linky party'.

So without further a do here is my list:

1) Maddie's cushion: This will be a replacement - unfortunately the first one I made (shown in the photo on the left) was stolen from the car while we were on holiday! I have made several of these already and they have gone down very well with the little people they belong to. I have completed the top, cut out the sides and base, but not started the rest.

2) Arthur's cushion: Similar to Maddie's cushion, but actually a little further on. I love these bright colours ... I find I struggle to get inspired by fabrics for boys sometimes.

3) Alex's hexie quilt: Some of these hexagons were started over 30 years ago by my hubby's mum. She died too young in early '82 and I was given the unfinished hexagons and cardboard templates during a clearing out session a few years ago.They came in a bag of stuff with a "could you do something with these?" suggestion, from my SIL who knows I like sewing. I have already split them up and have added more. I made some into a cushion for my SIL and I completed a smaller quilt for my niece so she had something of grandma's to keep.

4) Paletina pillow: This shouldn't be too difficult, the front is finished, everything is cut out. I have the zip and just need to sew it all together.

5) Alex's curtains: The material is Bacall, purchased from Laura Ashley in the apple colour way, ready for a newly decorated bedroom that without these isn't quite finished yet. Not a good photo, it's all in a plastic bag.

6) Maddie's Cardigan: Knitted and partly sewn up, the project isn't finished as I'm not happy with the edge of the hood, so I've had to pull it out and need to reknit it on smaller needles.

7) Draft excluder: A prototype I started to test out the heat 'n' bond. I have the houses appliquéd but have not completed the details on the doors and windows so they need doing before I can sew it up and use it.

8 - 12 are based on a design from Kellie at Don't Look Now called Worry Dolls I have cut out all the little people resembling my nieces and nephews to make them cushions:
     
8) Stanley's cushion: A footballer to go with his bedroom.

9) Arthur's cushion: A footballer to go with his bedroom.

10) Georgiana's cushion: A girl (looks like her).

11) Maddie's cushion: A girl (made from fabric from her baby clothes).

12) Thomas's cushion: A footballer - Thomas is my colleagues little boy, he's 3.

13) Alex's skirt: I bought this cute Paris fabric with a plan to make her a skirt for the summer. She's quite fussy though and I'm not sure if she's quite sure what she wants yet ... this will be interesting.

14) Georgiana's cardigan: Started about 7 years ago this will no longer fit my daughter so it's heading for my niece. It just needs a ribbon and some appliqué flowers. I hope it doesn't take me another 7 years to finish! 

15) Puddlejumper 1: Started last year, I was really happy with this - until my niece tried it on. She's long in the body and it was clear this was going to be too small for her to wear over warm clothes, so it got abandoned. This photo was taken at the cutting out phase:

16) Puddlejumper 2: Started last year at the same time as the one above, all I did was cut this out. It got packed away with the one above and I forgot about it until I found it the other day!

17) Daisy Kingdom coat: This Simplicity pattern (2778 on the left) was one I fell in love with and bought several years ago but I could never find double sided fleece. When pink/orange reversible fabric turned up in a local store (The Shuttle) I bought it and then couldn't locate where I had kept the pattern! I think the design is the same as pattern 4515 (on the right) which is shown in the type of fleece I have bought. I know a couple of folks have made it already and it looked great (some Flickr photos of Charity's coat).

  

18) Wigwam: I must get round to making a few of these for the summer. I have some fabric and plans in my head but have not yet drafted the pattern. I feel excited about this but I know it will take up a fair bit of space to 'manufacture' them. This photo came from a Laura Ashley photo shoot and was in the 2009 catalogue .... doesn't it make you feel like packing up for a picnic?

19) Georgiana's cape: Alex has one that she loves and would like her cousin to have one to dress up with her in when they go 'adventuring' in the garden. The Vogue pattern needs adapting slightly for size but the fabric and trimmings are ready.

20) Postage stamp quilt: for years I have been 'salvaging' 2" squares from scraps of material that are left from other projects or are simply not big enough to make anything else from. I'd love to turn these into a quilt similar to Red Pepper's quilt in this link Postage Stamp Quilt Tutorial. She made hers from strips.

21) William's quilt: This was started over a year ago with the intention of it being ready for my son's new room. I did not have a studio at the time and it came out in the bedroom occasionally if I could set up a space to work in, or I would take it on holiday. It has been stored away waiting for me to get back to it, I have a ton of excuses as to why it has not been first on my list however it is denim and heavy so since I broke my elbow earlier this year I haven't even attempted to do any more with it. He has now been in his room a good 3 months ... I will have to attempt it once I feel I can manage. (Maybe a little at a time.)

22) New conservatory cushions: Nick bought a conservatory suite second hand and although it was described as in excellent condition ... the covers were truly shocking! I have some Laura Ashley fabric left from curtains I made in our house in Hull which I think will do the trick nicely and brighten it up for the springtime.

23) Baby quilt: I was delighted to hear yesterday that a former colleague of mine has had a baby boy. He sent me a picture and I popped into the Maternity unit tonight for a little peak. Don't you just love an excuse to make a baby gift? I have pulled some fabric tonight ... as if I haven't got enough to complete!

24) Embellished washcloths: I bought some Krama washcloths from Ikea the other weekend after I came across a great post from Probably Actually here: Divided baskets. I think Nova Flitter is actually responsible for the inspiration, although I can't find any elephant fabric which seems to be a must.

25) Scrappy Floor Cushion: I want to make use of the scraps I have saved, sewn together and not made anything of yet. I thought a floor cushion would be a good idea.

 I think this will be enough to share of my WIPs ... for now! Thanks Nessa for the reminder, I noticed you have completed one of your projects already!

A Quilting Bee challenge

After some time looking at amazing photos on Instagram and following my heart through delightful blog links I came across Lou at I'm Studio Lou and a new challenge!

Lou was proposing a Little Blogs Quilting Bee, which sounded fun. The idea was simple: if you were a little blog (less than 50 followers) and in the UK, interested in enjoying some quilting fun and sharing ideas leave Lou a comment .... next thing I knew I was in ... yippee!

This is the logo below but being new to this blogging lark I am not sure where to place it and if it should link somewhere - suggestions welcome!

I have now a few new friends to get to know. It looks like they each have their own quilting styles, with a variety of experience, I had a sneak peak at their blog pages and I am amazed this talent has remained hidden!

So apart from me, this is our Little Blogs Quilt Bee line up, in alphabetical order!

Celine at Espritpatch, Claire at cor blimey Claire E Poppins, Gina at The Occasional Quilter,  Heidee at Handmade Somethings, Jenny at A Note to Follow Sew, Joanna at My Quilts and Other Stories, I have mentioned our host Lou at I'm Studio Lou (who is also to be found on Instagram: imstudiolou), Natalie at Love Natalie... , Nessa at Nessa's Place,  Rosanne at Not a Floral Girl and Sheila at Mindful Quilter. 

Lou has put so much effort into organising this, she deserves a medal as well as a big thank you for introducing me to so many of you!

Oh and I squeezed in a trip to Hobbycraft today and snapped up a few bargains but it's late, so I'll leave that for another day. It's late, this is not a good start .... 

x al

A new beginning ..

Well a lot has happened since I posted last! I have a great Studio in our garden and have been very busy!

I have managed to find the time to get some projects started, and I have finished a few as well! 

Here's a few:

This was a baby blanket for a friend's baby. I used some lovely Moda fabric called Cape Ann and a crazy nine patch block, backed with a minky fabric (you can see it more clearly in the above image). It was really easy!

I also turned some lovely quilted fabric into twin size throws for some friends that live in a big cold house. I made bias binding in silk and put my little camper van on them.

I appliquéd some tea towels to match some pretty mugs for a friend who has just got engaged...

... and made some linen tea towels and a pot mitt for a friend who has moved house.