Wednesday 24 October 2012

WOW: Quilting Retreat

WOW = WIPs On Wednesdays

I'm back from a quilting retreat this last weekend. It was wonderful. I really had a chance to catch up on some neglected quilting without any of my usual distractions at home (like sorting through my studio shelves, below) and of course, the company was lovely too.


Something which I couldn't wait to share when I got home was this 'quiz' from the retreat
Seeing I'm so into flowers and running a Mystery Flower BOM,
it's a sure thing I'd know them all ....right??

Well not quite, I only managed 3 or 4 !

Have a look and see how many you know...
I'll post the answers up in a few days


and today? more shelf work and general sorting through the sewing room

How's your wednesday?


Wednesday 17 October 2012

WOW: Healing Hearts

WOW = WIPs On Wednesdays

Something I've long loved about quilting is how personal and personable it can be at the same time. I can spend hours sewing alone having a wonderful time...and yet my quilting experience wouldn't be complete with my friendship groups, my online groups and the assistance and friendship that quilting and quilter's so easily lend themselves to.

Healing Hearts are something we've probably all made. I love everything about them. Just recently I've had a few requests from new quilters for a 'pattern' for a Healing Heart.


Of course, a Healing Heart can mean many things to different groups; the size and design can be altered to suit specific needs. I know there are a lot of patterns out there for this very thing, so go with what suits you.

My own pattern is quick and easy. In my Yahoo Bom Group we create 6.5 inch blocks as a standard (so the recipient has equal sized blocks) and we usually sign our hearts too.

I've drawn up a block pattern which is a good starting point. I like turn edge applique and a double heart in the centre, but of course it's up to you how and where you affix your own heart and if you like a skinny or rounded heart. I also like to add corners. Again, it's up to you. Go with what feels right.



Healing Hearts are a way for us to show support and encouragement to fellow members who are having a difficult time or experiencing hardships. These 'quilt hugs' are a way for us to show that we care and are keeping them in our thoughts and prayers.

You can download my Healing Hearts pattern via my Yahoo Bom Group or via my Website.


What's your WIP today?


Monday 15 October 2012

Tulip and Snowdrop

Suprised it's already October and suprised it's already time for Part 9
But here we are, and whatever else is going on, it always feels nice to launch the new monthly block


I've opted for gentle pinks again: I fussy cut for colour graduation from my hand dyes. I always knew hand dying an entire rainbow spectrum would come in useful one day and I love digging into the stash too! Just recently I've realised that I'm avoiding the use of 'prints' in my quilts. Of course I still love prints and will always have a place for them, but now I think twice before using them in my quilts...

edge turn applique
so easy and so satisfying
and there's room for a flying spotted friend or two...


You've got a good spectrum of colours for you tulip,
I went for pinks and greens to go on my yellow background

and like every month, preperation is key


fussy cutting tones from my pink hand dyes


Snowdrop was always going on my dark background quilt

Crisp clear colours that shout spring, sure it could have worked on the yellow background, but I love the promise it holds against a cold winter night sky


 the vibrant spring greens really had to stand out against the black

 and like last month, I've made 1x edge turn applique block and 1x raw edge applique


 raw edge applique with silver embroidery floss for snow flakes

There's always lots of block action, advice, tips and images over in my Yahoo Bom Group, so if you're making the mystery, join us!

 

These are blocks from Part 9
of my free 2012 Mystery BOM Forget Me Not

Yes, anyone can join in:
You can download this month's block via my website or my Yahoo Bom Group 

Sunday 14 October 2012

FMN: Part 9 is launched

Forget Me Not
Free Mystery BOM

Yes, we're up to Part 9 in the Mystery already!
Can't wait to see what you make with your blocks this month!


This month: Tulip and Snowdrop

 
Which will you choose??
 
See you over in my Yahoo Bom Group!!
 
 
These are blocks from Part 9
of my free 2012 Mystery BOM Forget Me Not
 
Yes, anyone can join in:
You can download this month's block via my website or my Yahoo Bom Group 

Wednesday 10 October 2012

WOW: Gleaming Wednesday

WOW = WIPs On Wednesday

As I can't comfortably sew at the moment,  I've been spending extra time admiring Pinterest. There's lots of interesting information on there, even odd little tips to make you excited about housework, which seems impossible, but happens to be true.


Did you know for instance, that cream of Tartar mixed with water makes everything metal or plated sparkly and brilliant? I didn't. So impossibly easy, I thought I'd give it a try..


So I tested it out on our toaster


and yes, it looks like I'll be making my kitchen sparkle today.With thanks to Kim who's original blog post was pinned to supply us with this great tip.


What's your WIP today?

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