Monday 26 September 2011

Pink sampler quilt update

I made some more "pink" 9 inch squares. I am afraid that the little Aussie cousin needs to be super cute if she is to get this one. Darling daughter is quite sure she wants this quilt.

Rising star block or "mummy star with baby"

Double Cross
Road to the Whitehouse. I like the daisies a lot

Pussy in the corner. Husband thinks this a hilarious name... A dirty mind is a joy forever as they say.
Right hand of friendship.

Amish star.

All this week's newbies.

Thursday 22 September 2011

Finished Baby boy blue

I am pleased to say that I finished it before J's birthday. I did all right at not buying new fabrics for it. The only fabric I bought specifically for this quilt is the dark blue with the toys and dogs and things. The frames around the squares are an old shirt of husband's (thank you darling for helping out with providing the right colour blue) The sashing is material my mother bought for pajamas for my brother and father - yes she did used to make the PJ as well in the 70's. The other fabrics are dress fabrics from either the girls or myself.
The back is Ikea fabler fabric. It was on sale last time I was at Ikea for £1.00 a metre. I decided that 8 metres should do for a little while any way. Just need to make the quilt label and it's ready to go.

Wednesday 21 September 2011

Outside my comfort zone


This block is completely outside my comfort zone. According to my book the pattern is called Railroad Crossing. My youngest chose the colours. I like blues and greens and turquoises. She loves red. Don't get me wrong I like red but not sure how to combine the really bright reds she likes.

The "retro" material is in fact 40 years old. My mother bought it in Amstelveen. She says it's Swiss cotton (Zwitserse katoen). It lay in her cupboard until last year because she too likes red but doesn't know what to do with it. Last year the 4 metres (well some it) she had bought were turned into this by me.
And no, I don't know why she chose to wear a cerise cardigan with it.

Tuesday 20 September 2011

Sampler quilt update.


The sampler quilt as I like to call it is progressing. Husband likes to call it a scrap disaster quilt. I fear he may be right.

I know a lot of people will list which fabrics they have used. I am afraid I can't do that with most of my fabric as it comes out my mother's stash. I do know that the little cats are freedom fabrics. The pink polka dots and white background with large roses (Churn dash block) are from Ikea and are left over from a quilt back. If you look carefully you'll notice the centre of the Churn dash block is being modeled, if a little grumpily, by my youngest daughter.

Monday 19 September 2011

Project Runway

Finished the simplicity dress 2320 for my daughters. Can you tell which one wanted to pose for the picture? I should apologise for the untidy house. I am not a good housekeeper. I normally make sure that the dirt isn't bad enough to kill anyone. Also I haven't done the ironing yet. The weather is really autumnal now, so the girls have their leggings and things under the dress.

I would say that the pattern makes it sound easier than it is. "just turn over to sew the yoke" is not just a quick flip you have to make sure all the pleats are in place. I like the fit and all the design ideas. The girls like to get involved and choose their own sleeves and bows etc. Now I just need to make some matching hairbands.

Thursday 15 September 2011

oops


I had some time to do a spot of quilting today. I made a bit of a mistake. I did wonder why my machine was finding it tough going. This is the back of baby boy blue quilt. I would like to have it finished before the end of September.

Monday 12 September 2011

Hexagons


I was never going to do another hexagon quilt ever again. No really, never. Well that was until I had to stay at the pool for an hour watching my two girls. I got very bored. The light on the spectator bench isn't good enough to attempt cross stitch, so I thought some I need another project. Well here it is. Hexagons - the return. I hope this doesn't take as long as the first one.

Wednesday 7 September 2011

Work in progress up date

The daughters are back at school today. I should have been editing journals but I decided to do some dress making. This simplicity pattern 2320. It is not as easy as it looks. It might be because I sew in metric rather than inches and the pattern is made in the US therefore in inches. I love the result so far and the daughter is pleased too.




These are some 9 inch squares I have been working on. It was going to be a quilt for the youngest Australian cousin but now I am not so sure. I like it a lot myself even if it is very pink.


Also I am not sure how to get the quilt to Australia. Daughter 2 did suggest having the quilt finished before my brother and his children come to visit. "Then all A. needs to do is open her suitcase put the quilt in and then her clothes. Close the suitcase and hey presto. Or if that doesn't work get a carrier bag." Simple really I wish I were seven; I wouldn't need to worry about luggage allowance and boring practical thing then.

Friday 2 September 2011

Shoes


Nothing to do with sewing but look what arrived in the post today.

They are Hushpuppies I like them a lot but not sure they are the right size. I will have to think about whether they are staying. I do believe they will as they are red and shiny and have a little sparkle.