Another one done!

Back in September I emptied my smallest scrap bin to make crumb blocks. Then using the ever popular disappearing nine patch technique, as shown here, they transformed into this...another quilt for Project Linus and my 8th completed project for 2011.

I opted for a swirly all-over quilting pattern.  Although it was very successful, it wasn't my favourite...I just found I kept getting stuck and it was difficult to keep the quilt layers from bunching under the domestic machine.  This pattern is probably easier to achieve on a long arm.

Until next time...

Stash Manicure Post

Madame Samm has invited me to post for Stash Manicure again...hope you'll hop over and see what I have in store for you today!

Until next time...

Rocheberie Quilters Celebrates 10 years!

Just wanted to share....this past weekend the sewing group that I belong to celebrated its 10th anniversary!  We had a wonderful time with cake, games and prezzies!  (I'm such a kid at heart!)  If you fancy seeing the montage of pictures that I put together..then click on over :o)

Until next time...

Day out at the Farm...

Last weekend while Scotland endured a snowstorm, we here in the south had a beautiful spring day (Sorry Scotland...I did think of you!)

I have been craving a day out since January so when I saw the forecast was dry, I gathered the family and we set off for a day out at the farm.  This time of year is so much fun as the lambs and the kids are arriving and the weather is still cool enough that the animals want to come over and say hello.

We opted to visit a farm that I heard about through a friend.  West Lodge Rural Centre in Northamptonshire has a multitude of things to entertain the whole family.  Not far from jct 3 off the A14 it was easy to get to from Rugby and with a packed lunch we were set for the day.  Not only did they have sheep and goats, but they also had an array of other animals to look at and feed.



  This donkey posed so nicely for the camera and I can't help think of Donkey from Shrek!  What a cutie!



Now this little lady was adorable.  She was a very pregnant goat, but was so tame that she allowed DD1 and DD2 to place their hands on her sides and feel the little kid inside move.  She was patient and not at all skittish as one would expect.  DD1 really connected with her and she seem to love all the attention and be listening attentively to all the praise DD1 was giving here.  It was a very special moment. :o)



The Rastafarian Goat...just how can it see??



Now if the animals weren't enough fun..the West Lodge also has a set of walking trails.  Something to thrill even the oldest child, there was a witch's house to be found and a troll bridge to cross. 



If you asked DD2 what was her most favourite part of the day...it was seeing this guy!  What a treat to see a peacock!  I snapped several pictures and was really pleased how the colours came up...what a stunning bird!

Until next time...

Wordless Wednesday

Taken over the weekend...it is a field of old sunflowers...immediately I thought this would be a perfect black and white shot.

Until next time...

Sew Happy there is a bit of progress...

I'm "sew" happy to say that the Quilt Police can stand down...I have caught up on my Sew Happy Blocks! I have decided to work in reds for this challenge and have made 4 blocks for each design.  This should result in a decent sized quilt...I'm looking forward to seeing how the project develops in the coming months.

Until next time...

Another quilt for Project Linus

Last one for now.  I have only one other after this one to complete (just the binding) and then I'll take a little break from making quilts for Project Linus.  This one was thought up back in October and is a design I would like to revisit.  It was so easy to sew together and would be a perfect way to marry up a jelly roll and some plain fabric.

The backing for these quilts are usually a variety of fabrics...in this case I used some florals and a orphan block donated to Project Linus. 



If you look closely you can just see the butterflies that featured in this post...



I'm thrilled with the results.

Until next time...

A budding quilter...or how my stash was raided...

Y es you heard right...my stash was raided...by a lovely 8 year old!  Over half-term my youngest completed the stitchery she was working on of a paw print.  I thought she might want to stitch more than one, but alas that wasn't the case.

Before I could stop her she was digging around in the cupboard pulling out fabric and drawing up plans!



Out onto the living room floor went a selection of cat fabrics and leopard print black!  If I was to wager any bets, I'd say there was some cutting and sewing in my future! :o)

Until next time...

Works in Progress...

The problem with half-term is there is no time for blogs!  However, that said, I did manage to get some sewing done.  If you remember back on this post I talked about the Lynne Edwards Sampler Quilt.  I have managed to complete another block.  This time a Mariner's Compass.

Also I have joined in on the SewHappy Quilt Along.  February was the first month (here) and I've got all the pieces cut and have started to sew them together.  I just hope the Quilt Police don't turn up and scold me for not having them done in February! :o)  This is the Link to March's Blocks (here)

Until next time...

Flower Quilt for Project Linus

Yet another quilt for Project Linus completed and ready to give to Lynda.  This quilt is one of my favourites.  You'll recall I planned it out back in October.  I didn't realize it was that long ago until I went looking for the link.

I'm really please with how well it turned out.  For the flower shapes I used some fusible Stitch 'n Wash Floriani  (For the UK...here's a supplier) and followed this method to machine appliqué the shapes.  The nice thing about this method is that the edges are turned under and should fray less.



Once it was washed...the appliqué shapes were soft and not like cardboard like heat and bond.  I'll definitely do this again.

Until next time...