Not Blogging, Sewing.

Well, it has been a while since I have blogged. I have lots of sewing to share, so this will be a long post!

Today I finished this quilt top. The design was inspired by the setting for Jackie's Blogger's Block of the Month quilt.  I have used the same centre block and a slightly different Ohio Star block with the nine patch blocks.

I have taken advantage of the cyber Monday sales to get some backing fabrics to finish this quilt and the 2 Blogger's BOM quilts I am making. Lots more sewing ahead when they arrive in the post!

Speaking of arrivals in the post...

This parcel arrived yesterday from Christine.  Christine, of Once Upon a Quilt, had a giveaway on her blog, which I was lucky enough to win! :)
Lots and lots of scraps!!!

I know exactly what I am going to use them for...standby..

Yesterday I finished another little quilt top.

While Karen was in USA she was given a package of  mini charm packs. Karen gave us Friday sewing girls each a pack and challenged us to come up with something.

 Field Notes by Blackbird Designs is a new fabric due out in February next year.

I decided to add yellow and cream fabrics and make pinwheel blocks.

 Next I added sashing and cornerstones.

Then a border to finish the top. I haven't decided on a backing fabric yet.

I can see the end of panel 2 of Trailing Vines! :)

Not far to go till I can join the first 2 panels together!

I have been doing a bit of experimenting with an applique project.

Still a work in progress.
The background is a linen blend. The appliqued fabrics are Liberty. I reversed the green fabric to get a more faded look. With the quilting I hand quilted around the applique and I am trying to get the look of dandelion seed heads with the background quilting.

I may change them...

Here is the same design with completely different fabrics.

No quilting on this one yet.


Earlier this year Cathy started a quilting group that I have been attending once a month for the last few months. We meet in each other's homes and share our love of making quilts with some food, lots of laughter, inspiration and friendship. Recently we had our Christmas breakup at Treehouse Textiles. Emma and her Mum, Sarah, run workshops, have a little shop and create delicious food in serene bushland surroundings on the Mornington Peninsula.

A view from one of the windows.

We had a gift exchange.

I made a small padded camera bag....

with 1/4 inch, fussy cut hexagons..

We enjoyed a delicious lunch. It was a beautiful day so we ate outside.

Michelle gave us a lesson on foundation piecing. I have tried this before, but it was just a straight line of triangles and I remember being quite confused!
Michelle prepared a pattern for us and gave clear instructions.

Once I got the steps clear in my head I was on a roll! However, clearly I need practice at machine sewing curves! Lol 
I have a quilt pattern in mind to get some more practice.
Thank you for a wonderful day Ladies! :)

 Some more for Treehouse views to finish..

Have a great week. :)

Secret sewing revealed and Blogger's BOM

During the last few weeks I ave been working on some gifts. Two have been finished and are now in the hands of their new owners.

The first is another Hari-Kuyo needlebook.  This time I embellished the front cover by back stitching around two of the flowers. The bird has a bead for his eye.

The book's ties are made the same way as each of the other 2 books I have made.

This time I stitched some French ribbon down the spine of the book to cover the stitches made when sewing in the pages.

The second gift was a camera pouch made with a pattern from here.

The instructions were very clear, comprehensive and easy to follow.
I made the largest size: approx 17 cm wide, 11 cm high and 9 cm deep (approx 7"  W, 4" H and 3.5" D)

For the external fabric I used a Lecien fabric by Yoko Saito from her Collection Etoffe Imprevue.  I like the subtle print and the texture created by an interesting weave.

When the front flap is opened the contents of the bag are still held securely with an extra closure secured by an elastic drawstring.

The lining is a matching grey plain cotton.

Blogger's BOM is up to month 8 and this time the block was presented by Amy Lobsiger of Mrs Schmenkman Quilts. Amy gave very clear instructions and also some ideas for different fabric colour choices to make the block look quite different.

Here are my 2 blocks:

A very dear friend of mine is facing a battle with her health. If you are so inclined, some prayers for her would be much appreciated.

Thank you.