BABIES BY AMY BRADLEY

Pattern: Babies by Amy Bradley  http://www.amybradleydesigns.com/baqupa.html
Material:  Scraps for applique, Timeless Treasures by Amy Bradley for Sashing and Border.

I am very  pleased to finally have the quilt that started all my sewing exploits, FINISHED!!

Well before Jake (GS) was even thought of, I started a patchwork quilt class at Kates in the hope that one day I might have a grandchild and lucky for me, I now do.

Now this sewing craze has totally obsessed me, and I find myself hunting material stores and surfing the net for ideas and patterns, I absolutely love it.  Not to mention all the lovely and talented bloggers who I am meeting along the way.
 

Finished at last

Kate opted to teach us the Quilt-As-You-Go method and what a terrific idea for my first large quilt.  I was able to practice my free motion skills on the smaller blocks without having a heavy weight dragging me down.  Once all the blocks were appliqued and embellished, it was just a matter of sewing on the sashings, border and then binding.

BABY IN PRAM - My favourite block - I did paisley free motion on the background.

 

BABY IN CAR - This one has what I call 'Lollipops' in the background because they reminded me of Stop Signs and I thought that was appropriate.

 

 BABY IN BOAT - The quilting on the background really stands out on the plain fabric.

 

 BABY IN PUSHER - This free motion was a variation on stippling with flowers thrown in.

 

 BABY IN WAGON - Loved the brickwork on the background, it really suited the fabric colours

 

 BABY IN SWING - Free motion on this one was a continuous spiral .

 

Completed.  Sashing, Border and Bound in a bright yellow to complement it all.

 

 

 

SAL - Patchwork Loves Embroidery, Gail Pan

Last week I ordered Patchwork Loves Embroidery by Gail Pan from The Book Depository.  I was so excited when it arrived I could hardly wait to start something.

 

Then I checked Gail's blog, and guess what........ there is a Sew A Long for this very book !!! 

 

Martina from Sunshine-quilting is hosting the SAL and as I already have the book, I decided it will be fun to join the other ladies and meet new friends.


If you choose 1 project for each linkup, you will have made 5 projects from this lovely book.

 

It runs from 1st September and ends 31st October so there's plenty of time to make what you can.  Its totally up to you, but if you're anything like me, you'll want to make everything!!

I've picked out some material and threads for my first project, which is going to be the Home Pillow.
 

My selection of fabrics and my first project selection



 

BELLA GARDEN - BLOCK THREE

Its been a while since I have done any work on my Bella Garden Quilt, there's been so much else to keep me busy, but its back on now.

I've almost completed the applique features, just a little stitching to do and it will be complete.  Those dreaded wisteria flowers took forever but they were worth it.

I've decided to change my quilt from the original a little, and omit the bird pictures on the top and bottom.  I feel it would just be too big to do anything with so I will add a couple of borders and then think about the quilting.  Not really sure how to quilt this, the material is so vibrant it wont need very much at all.  If anyone has any suggestions or examples, please let me know.

If you have missed Block one its here and Block two here

Mr Frog

Lily flower

Finished Applique 

HEIRLOOM CREAM ON CREAM - BLOCK TWO

Our second block class for the Heirloom Cream on Cream and we created what I call, a Peep Block.

We edged white print-on-print material with lace and piping, then folded and sewed to create a square with the center four pieces opening up to reveal a secret surprise.      I chose to do a candlewick lattice heart in the center but there were others with pieces of lace or embroidery, whatever your fancy.  Lace cut-outs were then sewn out from the centre square to fill the block out.

Full Block with Peep closed

Peep Open to reveal heart

Block three coming up and its a Crazy Patchwork piece.....stay tuned for the pics

HEIRLOOM CREAM ON CREAM - BLOCK ONE

Last Christmas I upgraded my Brother machine to a 1500D which has 100's of beautiful stitches. Thing is, I didn't think I would be using half of the stitches available.

Then along came Kate (my talented Sewing instructor) with an Heirloom Class especially for using all the features on your sewing machine.  Each week she teaches us either a new stitch or shows us a new foot to use to get the most out of our machine.



Full Fan Block

Here is the first completed block,




Using a cream print curtain fabric as the block base, I placed a crimped
material piece in the shape of a fan across the middle of the block.  A white straight sided lace was edged on the inner curve.

Lace radiated from the corner to the fan piece and then a decorative stitch in the fawn thread, was stitched between each row of lace.  This was fun, chosing which stitch to use, I tried a lot of them and decided that this one looked best.


















A heavy lace was placed on the outer fan edge and this was clipped between the pattern so that it laid flat. I then had to free motion on the lace to attach it to the block. Finally another decorative stitch coming out from the heavy lace to appear as tear drops on the edge.







We are working towards 9 blocks which can be used as either a quilt or individual cushions, whatever you choose, but the emphasis is on learning new techniques.

The colour scheme is Cream on Cream and I am using two shades of fawn embroidery thread plus lots of beautiful laces.

Can't wait to see the next block we are sewing and what wonderful stitches I find on my machine.

CHRISTMAS IN JULY SWAP

My gifts arrived weeks ago and it has taken all my strength to keep from opening them,  so when the 25th arrived, I rushed home from work, all excited,  to open my presents that were waiting for me.

For my first ever swap, I received wonderful gifts from O'faigh at Oldbury Cottage.

I debated on which present to open first and I went for the smallest first.  What a lovely surprise when I opened a beautifully embroidered redwork needle holder.   

 

Which one next.... another small package grabbed my attention and was pleasantly surprised to find a playful ivy garland with gorgeous buttons separating each leaf. 

 

Two presents left so I decided the big one next..... A exquisite table top/mini quilt adorned with matching buttons to the garland. 

 

Last but not least..... A unique wooden peg nativity ornament.

 

Big thank you's to both Cheryl at Gone Stitchin' for organising the swap and also to O'faigh for my wonderful presents.

CHRISTMAS IN JULY SWAP - MY GIFTS

My first Swap - Christmas in July hosted by Gone Stitchin.  I had no idea what the level of expertise was required and I am really hoping that my receiver likes my gifts.  I loved being part of the swap and can't wait to see what surprises await me on 25th July.  

We had to hand make three (3) items and we could choose selections from the word Christmas.  I chose the letter T - tree, I - inspirational words and S - stocking.

Pattern : Craftsy - Swirled Christmas Tree. Very easy applique pattern using scraps of material.    I did a simple stipple on the back ground, edged and backed with green and with a simple sleeve, made a wall hanging.

 

Next item was another wall hanging but this one is suitable for everyday use.  From a pattern by Hugs N kisses, an 8" wide redwork embroidery with prairie points.

Lastly, 4 felt appliqued stockings for hanging on the tree or around the house.  They can hold little surprises and are about 4" high finished in blanket stitch.

 

BUCILLA STOCKINGS

What a terrific idea these felt Christmas Stockings are.  Everything that you need is included in the kit and all pieces of felt are printed with the pattern to embroider on or sequin over.  I had so much fun doing the first one, that I am well on the way with my second.  

Here's the first one completely finished.........



First Stocking.......This one's for me!!

Close up of details

My second stocking is for Poppy and I am hoping this will be finished by Christmas.
 

Each night while the family are watching TV, I am sitting cutting, threading sequins and embroidering away, stuffing away where necessary as my stocking takes shape.  There are always little add on's, like  kittens, teddy bears or toys to bring it to life.  This one even has lights to be added to illuminate the stocking.

 

Santa looks so peaceful :)

Plenty of surprises in the bag

Sure each stocking takes a time, but little by little it builds up into a 3 dimensional story and will be a family heirloom for future generations.  I am looking around for more designs for the other members of the family and I think I will be busy for the next few months or even years!!  

BRIAR ROSE QUILT

Pattern:  Briar Rose by England Street Quilts www.englandstreet.blogspot.com.au
Material:  Batik Jelly Roll

Linking to:  WIP Wednesday by Freshly Pieced and Let's Bee Social by Sew Fresh Quilts

I haven't blogged for quite a while as all I seem to be doing is chasing my tail and starting projects but not finishing them (naughty girl)  When I started to quilt, I said to myself, only have two projects on the go at once, but somehow there are so many wonderful things to make I got lost along the way.

Of course going on an overseas holiday to Canada and USA for 6 weeks didnt help my sewing projects at all.  I dragged poor hubby to as many quilt shops as I could find and even came home with another project quilt to make of Alaskan animals, as my souvenir.

Sometimes I am just like a Bower Bird and attracted to bright colours and before we left, I did manage to finish a quilt top from a batik jelly roll that had caught my attention.  I loved the mix of colours and teeming it with a white homespun, worked out quite well.

I asked my girlfriend Mandy from www.seamssewtogether.blogspot.com if she wouldn't mind quilting some feathers in the white crosses while we were away and then I forgot about it and went about enjoying the holiday.  Mandy messaged me to say it was finished and then all I wanted to do was see it.  She wouldn't send me a photo, said it wouldn't do it justice and she was right......

Never in a million years did I think my humble quilt top would turn into a beautiful work of art but IT DID.

What a transformation !!  Mandy did a wonderful job with her long arm machine and I think the bright colours really make it POP and grab your attention.  You can check out Mandys blog to get her explanation on the technical side of the quilting but I just love it.

All I need to do is stop looking at it and put the binding around the edge, then I can begin to use it.

Thanks Mandy, it was a good team effort  xxxxx






  
 

GIRLY CUSHION

My beautiful little niece who has just turned 18 months old, is being christened this weekend and I wanted to make her a personalised cushion to remember the day.

The cushion is based on one made by Dont Look Now called Flower Garden Pillow.  I decided to do a rectangle shape rather than the normal square pillow.

The flowers, stems and butterfly are all appliqued using blanket stitch while Sophia's name is embroidered.

 



PLAYING WITH THE LAYOUT

I went to a class last week at wonderful Kate's and we learnt how to put a zipper in. Perfect for my cushion and of course as soon as I learn something, I want to do it again and again.

 



TOP ALL QUILTED


 

 
I chose a simple Stipple design for the quilting and a perfectly pink piping to finish off the border.

What do you think?    Hope she likes it xoxoxo

FNWF - Stripping !!!!

Pattern Link:  http://www.handmadebyalissa.com/placemat-pattern/


Dont be shocked by the title, but yes while the rest of you were busy sewing and quilting, I was in my sewing room -stripping.   No not what immediately springs to mind, I spent my Friday night measuring and cutting strips for my next project.

Sometimes when I am in the middle of a long process of making a quilt, I need to busy myself with small projects, so when my DD mentioned she needed new placemats, I immediately began searching the net and found an easy pattern that she approved of.  

I have finished one and now need to go ahead and finish the remaining 5.

Hope you all enjoyed your FNWF as much as I did - see you next month or before if you would like to pop in and see how the placemats are progressing.

STAR CROSSING TABLE RUNNER

Thought I'd make a start on Mothers Day, so I have whipped up a beautiful table runner in the colours of mums dining room just for her.

The internet is such a wonderful resource and once again, I found a great easy pattern called Star Crossing Table Runner from  http://benandcharlyscorner.blogspot.com.au

Aren't these colours so pleasing, I think just about everyone loves these colour combinations and when I think about it, this table runner would look good in my house, my daughters house, my daughters mother-in-laws house, my mother-in-laws house....the list goes on!!  We must all have similar tastes.

Even the quilting was easy - simply put on the walking foot and sew around various lines to form a pretty pattern on the back.  I did have to stipple the centre of the star as I felt it wasnt laying flat enough for me.  This made a pretty highlight on the reverse side.

 

 

 

I am sure mum will love it and I think this pattern would also make a great secret gift for my next Girls Sewing Retreat - now all I have to do is pick more colours !!

 

 

CHRISTMAS STOCKING - BUCILLA

I know its months until Christmas but I found these wonderful Christmas Stockings whilst searching other blogs and I just had to have one.

 

They are made by Bucilla and there are many different designs.  I didnt have to many to chose from as there was only one on Ebay.  I havent been able to source them in Australia as yet but I will keep looking as I intend everyone in the family to have their very own.

 

Its all hand sewing which has been good for me as I can watch the Olympics and sew at the same time.  They are not hard but its time consuming with embroidery and sequins to go on as well as stuffing them to give the 3D effect.

 

I am tickled pink on how he  is coming up........ 

 

Hat and Face - 1st Stage

The kit comes complete with all the felt printed on sheets so all you need to do is cut them out and assemble according to the instruction sheet. Each piece is then appliqued to the base shape and everything is built up bit by bit.






Taking Shape

Santa so far......

 

Hopefully by Christmas I can have a couple of Stockings done for the children and then I can start on Stockings for the adults, cos everyone loves a Christmas surprise.


 

BELLA GARDEN - WISTERIA BLOCK

I have almost caught up with my Bella Garden's second block 'Wisteria'.  I thought that by the amount of work and time it took me to do the first block, I would fall way behind with all the others, but the second block came together much quicker.  I like to think it was because I knew what I was doing :)

Anyway here is the block so far......I can't do all the Wisteria flowers as some of them overhang onto the border pieces and I need to attach them before I can finish the applique.  I will have to wait until Block 6 before I can start to assembly the whole quilt and there will be more applique to finish then.

Woops, I may have spoken to soon, these wisteria flowers are driving me crazy, the large part of the flower was fine, but the smaller round petals are very difficult to attach, I have had to resort to my free motion foot and do a circular motion around the edge about 3 times.  It actually looks like fabric painting now.  I'll keep at it and you can see the result soon.