Jelly Girl

Here is a quilt I made, that is in the process of being hand quilted. I say "process" but the reality is she has been curled up in a bag for quite a while getting crushed!

The pattern I used is called "Jelly Girl" by Fig Tree Quilts, and the Jelly Roll used is Moda "Spring Magic" by April Cornell.  Never thought I was a floral fanatic, but it is starting to become obvious in the quilts I make. The border I chose is by Lakehouse Dry Goods "Doll Dresses Pearl Rose Trellis".

I bought the backing (shown here on far left) at a separate stage, orginally destined for another quilt.  It surprised me to discover later that it is also a Lakehouse Dry Goods fabric, called "Ticking Stripe Petal".  Now all those creases really should shame me into pulling this quilt out of its hiding place to finish it, don't you think?

I decided to hand quilt using a Perle 8 in a variegated pinks/orange/yellow.  It is really nice to work with. Hopefully I can show you the finished product in the near future!! :)

Antique Prints

Thought I would share with you a find I had at an Antique Fair one or two years ago.

The Antique Fair visits every Easter and one year I travelled along to see what kind of trinkets and baubles they had.  I discovered a man selling prints such as these and walked away but never forgot them.  So, you guessed it, the following year back I went with a fist of notes to see if he was there.

The gentleman told me they were pages from a very old magazine called "The Art Decorator", showcasing paintings, ceiling art and prints.  The one below is titled "Ceiling" . . .

There really is no rhyme or reason to my tiny collection, and they were definitely bought more for aesthetic than monetary value!

Somehow I think they may be nice mounted behind frameless perspex, but that may change!

Treasure Chest

While searching through my boxes of materials for Georgia's letter cushions, I pulled out these beautiful fabrics.

Love Love Love them!

On a family outing day last year I plunged into a patchwork shop while my husband had the children's attention and had a good look around.  I stumbled upon this pack of charm squares by Moda Fabrics and thought they were absolutely beautiful. So two packs later of "Whisper" by Sentimental Studios (can never have enough), I stashed them away for the day when inspiration hits.

The best of a beautiful bunch

I was particularly taken with this charm square, it is such a lovely watercolour print.  It's funny how sometimes fabric finds you, and sits there waiting for a purpose - the pattern to match it perfectly.  Other times it is the pattern that grabs you and you begin a quest for the right material!

Some more inspiration came from The Fat Quarter Shop through the mail one day.  I just love how the bright cheery colours jump out and smile!

I purchased a Moda Honey Bun version of "Swanky" by Chez Moi, thinking the cute little floral and spotty prints would suit it perfectly.  I am thinking of a miniature log cabin, combined with squares of contrasting colour.  Can't wait to try these out, but have committed to finishing my current projects first!!

Nature's Chorus

Hi!
Thought I would show you a quilt I made VERY early on.  It was the second attempt at patchwork and the first time outside of a class.  I was bitten by the bug and having first learned patchwork with a jelly roll, couldn't resist trying one again.  Moda Fabrics really have lovely ranges in the jelly rolls; showcasing so many fabrics that aren't always possible to buy individually.
The Moda Jelly Roll I used is "Nature's Chorus" as the title suggests, by April Cornell.

Now this quilt could very easily be titled "Shabby Chic" as it is a little rough around the edges, but she is one of my favourites.  I learnt SO much sewing without a pattern and experimenting as I went. And as so many of you crafters would know, just the experience of working with beautiful materials and colours is uplifting and exciting.

I machine sewed the quilt but opted to have it professionally quilted by a very lovely lady.  The pattern is a continuous line of feathers, which I think suits her perfectly!

At the end of the day, I learnt that taking skills from a class and sitting down on your own to use them and break a few of them can be as much a learning experience as being taught by a teacher.  I will no doubt be attending another class around the corner, but venturing outside the square with what I learn afterwards too.

Crafty Cushions

Well I am on my way to creating the "Letter" Cushions for Miss Georgia's bedroom.  It has been thoroughly enjoyable (and surprising!) searching through all my materials for pretty floral prints and spots.  I suppose you could compare it to looking at an old photo album really; forgotten memories and occasions come back to you with each photo.  Much like this, I look at some material having completely forgotten about it and find renewed enthusiasm for its gorgeous colour, pretty print or unique design.
I am currently cutting out the applique letters, ready to iron them onto the background.  Once done, I will search once more for a matching backing to the cushion, then put them all together.

You know the older I get the simpler these ideas seem to me, not as complex and difficult as I would have thought ten years ago.  Age is a beautiful thing isn't it?!