Wednesday 14 October 2009

Tulip Delight is re-visited

Blending the hues on the fabric directly

Organising the medium, brushes and paints


Laying out the stencil for working (notice the tidy surface?:)


I've been wanting to re-visit Tulip Delight since I made it. It's one of those designs which can be worked in so many different ways. As a stencil table runner, I'm especially interested to see the difference colour can make. Last week I was working on a design for an upcoming wedding when I received an email from an Etsy shopper who wanted my opinion on whether it was suitable as a Wedding gift for her best friend- worked in the Bride's favourite colours of (cornflower blue, butter yellow and magenta). Did I think it was suitable? With a wedding of my own to attend at the end of the month, it got me thinking about how much use I've had from this table runner and how practical table runners are. (Obviously quilts are my first preference - but my own DD has demonstrated that taste can vary significantly). So I decided to take my own advice and set to making Tulip Delight myself for the wedding I will be attending.

Today I've gotten down to business and will keep you posted as I progress through. I am working in Fuschia, Green, with Gold highlights on a hand dyed marble background (yes, technically this beautiful piece is a stash buster!)

Tuesday 13 October 2009

The Studio Gets Tidied


First things first - look at that beautiful work surface! CLEAR!

I ran out of bench space so I really had no option but to get my act together and tidy my studio. The most important item in there is my design table which was looking like a great shelf. But not any more. Now it is free! I have been thinking about the next Mystery BOM as well as my other pending projects - and sometimes you just need to lay your work out flat and take a good hard look at it.






This is the area beneath my desk - boxes of bundled projects and UFO's - some which are more than half way completed. I have them shelved and ready to be actioned. I know, I know, it could be tidier, but for me - this is organized. And I'm so delighted I can see my floor. It was a carpet of threads only yesterday.










This is my 'immediate' design shelf. As you can see, it still needs a bit more work. The only problem is that everything in there is -vital- and can't be sorted away any further.













This is my shelf top of rolled up patterns, designs and master sheets.


Now it's time to turn out some work!

Monday 12 October 2009

Inspiration in Natural Shapes ... Updated



I too, love seeing a bouquet reach it's full potential...so here are a few snaps of the pink lillies in full opening. I love the hue of pink here.

I know that technically speaking, lillies arent the best flowers to celebrate with, but sometimes you have to overide traditional flower language for the sheer beauty of it.


As for the delicious cake - it was from a cake bakery my DD works for on the weekends. The cake is called a croquembouche - its a stack of profiteroles held together with caramel.

Last year both my DD's actually made an impressive croquembouche (held together with chocolate instead of sugar) and it was equally delicious. And it turned out great on the first 'try'. It's such a pretty cake - but definitely achievable at home. If you havent tried to make one - go ahead, it's delicious. The only draw back (and the reason we purchased one this year) is because it is time consuming and as it was my DD's birthday, she didnt want to spend all day in the kitchen (and you do have to eat this cake the day it is baked).



The Fall Quilt Festival is underway and I have spent so much time browsing through the great sites that I havent really done much else.


But ohhh, the inspiration!


Friday 9 October 2009

Tulip Delight Stencil Table Runer



Tulip Delight Stencil Table Runner PATTERN
This is a pic of the Tulip Delight Stencil Runner which you can make by either winning the pattern via the Fall Quilt Festival 2009 (see previous post) or purchasing online via my Etsy Shop. To be in the running to win this pattern, simply leave a comment on the Sunshine & Shadow Post. 25 winners will be randomly selected at the end of the fair. Good luck all who take part!

QUILT FALL FESTIVAL 2009 - Sunshine & Shadow




QUILT FALL FESTIVAL 2009 Oct 9-16
(click on the logo at top of this page to join in!)

Sunshine & Shadow

by Esther Aliu (2009)

2m x 2m

'Sunshine & Shadow' is my latest stencil quilt. Inspired by ironwork and french motifs, particularly the Fleur- de-lis, it is an original design.

I love stenciling - as a technique it allows you, as a quilter to create original designs from beginning to finish. This design started out as a sketch in one of my journals and grew from there. After some drawing up and defining lines, I transfer my designs and stencil them directly onto fabric. A really rewarding aspect (although sometimes frustrating too!) of this stage in the work is that you have total control over your coloring and hues. With stenciling, you create around your own sketches, blend your own colors and control the whole process.

Although a lot of quilters have met stenciling for the first time in 'modern quilts' and designs, stenciling is actually an heirloom technique. It was used as a technique in the first generation of New England quilts - a method which arrived with the European settlers who were in the midst of a 'stenciling craze'.

Unfortunately, due to the paints available for use during this era, few stencil quilts have survived. Paints available today however will last as long as commercially available 'printed' cottons, so there's no reason not to get stuck in!

Obviously I'm biased - I love stenciling! If you havent tried stenciling as a technique...what's stopping you? If you want to try stenciling, but arent ready to take on a whole quilt, why not try stenciling a table runner?

FALL QUILT FESTIVAL 2009 GIVE AWAY!

To celebrate the Fall Quilt Festival, I will be giving away my Stencil Tulip Runner pattern (PDF format) to 25 viewers who comment on this specific post. At the end of the fair, I will place all names in a teapot and draw 25. Please ensure you include your email address at the end of your comment.

A pic of this table runner is available on my blog!

Why Not Try A Stencil Quilt Today?

Wednesday 7 October 2009

Inspiration in Natural Shapes




This is a snapshot of some flowers that I wanted to share with you. I have been lucky enough to spend a day sketching stash busting ideas with this glorious bunch in front of me.

The colours are just superb. I can see the most magnificent quilt in these green- grays, dusty & deep pinks ad splashes of butter yellow.




And I love the shapes too. These discs on a line are so simple and evocative.


It's so reviving to see the mastery of detail in flowers. I love it.

Tuesday 6 October 2009

Fabric Dilemma

Loves the green vine print (new) & the chocolate print (old stash)


Hates the rose and stripe print! (new)

I broke my own rules last week because it was my DD's birthday coming up and I saw fabric online that I knew she would just love. So I purchased it online (I didnt plan this, I was just browsing to see what was new out there - to jog some inspiration from my own stash) and the perfect prints for a beautiful quilt just appeared. I had to buy them! Easy, I though, this quilt is going to be so easy...

The only problem is, she HATES the rose and stripe print (which is actually the perfect match for the vine print). I explained this as patiently as I could, but she has declared an absolute NO on those two prints. So now my easy design is stuck... I have a green vine print (the only print I bought that she loves) and some left over chocolate prints that I've always wanted to use somewhere...and thats it. Now I'm really stuck. I have been through my stash and...nothing!

This is incredibly frustrating. Especially as I am now -2- birthday quilts behind - I just never got around to making last years, its still on the list, and I was planning on using the beautiful rose print in the 2nd quilt as well, as a sort of running theme.

How fussy are non quilters?

I am going to wait a week and then go through my stash 'again'. I will not be purchasing any more new fabric for this quilt.

I will also not be browsing online fabric stores either.

Monday 5 October 2009

Where do the years go?


I'm always saying on this blog that the months seem to flit by...and before you know it, another year has passed. Well it happened again - this past weekend was my DD's birthday.


Still, as everything seems to be moving so fast, it's nice to stop and admire a cake, almost too beautiful to eat...almost... and think about how quickly the rest of the year is going to pass. In my family, we have now entered the birthday 'season' where it's going to be very busy until the end of Feb 2010.

This means I am going to have to really keep to my schedule.




Wish me luck

Friday 2 October 2009

My Quilt Midnight Garden


See, sometimes I do finish quilts!

Like this quilt? Why not make it? The project is in No. 39 (Vol. 8.5) of Quilters Companion - now available.










Thursday 1 October 2009

Knitting UFO

Uh oh, the UFO's in my house are not limited to my quilting... we also have a knitting UFO stash.

About 2 weeks ago, I came acros some beautiful yarn and enlisted my DD to knit me a scarf. 'Sure' she said 'no problem'. The only problem it turns out, is that the yarn cannot be worked in crochet and she doesnt like knitting. I knit and crochet so I really couldn't see an issue, but she assured me, you're one or the other. She persisted on needles for 2 rows before giving up. Going through the wool box, I found the yarn I had selected for last year's scarf and predictably... two rows knitted and abandoned. But that's not all. There is plenty of abandoned crochet work in there too. Half spirals, assorted flowers or as she likes to refer to it all : 'samples'.

Yes, I have passed on my bad habits.

Wednesday 30 September 2009

Lone Star





This is my Lone Star. It's been in the wings for a few years. Now I've found it, I'm set on finishing it. It was a 'nice suprise' finding it cut out and bundled.











I was going for an autumnal color feel and I still like the tones I chose, it will all come together when it's finished. I will definitely be posting that proud moment as soon as I get to it.

Monday 28 September 2009

Another week, another quilt (hopefully)


I'm hopeful. I have the Quilts That Must Be Finished draped over the ledge awaiting action. There's 4 there on the ready right now - so I have no excuses.

Those shirts you see on the side - they are what I should be doing with my time ( some ironing!). Unfortunately, I am not a shining example of applied house husbandry!

Although I have plenty to do, I have to admit that I am feeling totally uninspired today! So far I have been meandering and doing everything and anything except what I planned on doing...so...I am going to just sit down and do it. Get through the boring bits so I can move on. Soonish. Probably.

Sunday 27 September 2009

Getting it together for the week ahead

As a rule, I don't usually sew on the weekends. But sometimes, if it's just that kind of day, I potter around and line things up for the week ahead.

That's what I am doing today. I have fiddly things to do...and outstanding bits that I am stitching together so that during the week I can zip through my projects in chunks, rather than having to stop and work over those important but time consuming details. I can't believe it, I sound almost organised!

Friday 25 September 2009

Rain!

Finally, it's raining. It's been quite heavy this morning, which is nice, I can practically hear my shrubs and neglected flower beds sighing with relief - it's been a very dry season. Even during drought, you can't help but expect rain and renewal, even if you should know better. Singed grass and heat struck gardens are such a sad sight.

I'm having a productive day in my room. There's suprisingly good sunlight and I have a heap of quilts on my sewing table to be finished. This is the kind of day that brings out the knitter in me... but I have managed to resist. I don't need TWO hobbies, my house isn't big enough!

Although, Last week when I was looking for some thread, I came across and purchased some lovely bitsy netted yarn and enlisted my DD to whip me up a scarf. The yarn refused to work with her crochet hook so she started with the needles, but has lost interest after two rows! I'm afraid she may have a bit too much of my own work ethic already! The whole lot is back in the yarn bag. She says she can't 'muster enthusiasm' for needles, which is a very interesting excuse. I say, knitting is knitting, isn't it? She says no - you're either a crocheter or a knitter...what do YOU think?

Wednesday 23 September 2009

Busy

I'm flat out at the moment. Finishing off some designs. I have a few that I just had to pull out and complete as they are great 'stash users' and anything to lighten my shelves is getting a high priority mark.

My quilt to do list has also just increased with a wedding quilt added (family friend) so I will be starting a 'new thing' however that will be my exception this month. I will post details as they take shape.

My DD's have started collecting the 'nests' of journals and sketchbooks that I leave around the house (OK, guilty) and depositing them in my sewing room at the end of each day, so there is no chance of me lapsing into my former bad habits. There simply aren't enough surfaces in the house.
I will yet be a well organised, efficient quilter with finished quilts to show for my labors...rather than a keeper of bundles of projects on the go...

Tuesday 22 September 2009

New Habits


In the morning, my sewing room is a beautiful place to be - light floods in and it's very inspiring ( I blame the position of this room for my desire to 'start' so many things...). When my cat hears me making my morning coffee, she gallops across the house and leaps onto the ironing board with a gusto. This is one of her favourite past times.

She likes to take position there because she knows that -I- will need the ironing board and she likes to wrestle me for it. If there are fiddly bits of fabric that need to be stuck down - that is even better, she really enjoys pushing bits off the board, or re-positioning herself and sitting on them and looking innocent while I hunt around and convince myself I forgot to cut them in the first place.

In the last few weeks though, she has been a bit disappointed, as I have been clearing up, organising myself and generally 'tidying' or finally finishing work on my sewing machine, so she is a bit miffed with me and has started making sure I know she is ignoring me.

How is my studio looking? Ah, still a work in progress. However, I am getting there slowly. I feel a sense of urgency in getting all these projects under control ASAP as my daughter's are starting to take a keen interest in quilting themselves and I would like to instill in them a sense of ONE PROJECT AT A TIME. However it's hard to take the high ground when you have to beat a way to your own design table.

Monday 21 September 2009

Thank You Westalee Design


2 weeks ago, Bill from Westalee Design delivered my prize to my home. Obviously, I'm thrilled and can't wait to get started using these great products.

I had been meaning to purchase quite a few of these items prior to winning this award for Sunshine & Shadow, so it was great timing.

Thank you to Bill and Leonie from Westalee Design for generously supporting the Original Design category. I am brimming with new ideas...

For those of you who follow my blog, you won't be suprised that it took me 2 weeks to get around to posting this quilting update. And you'll notice that the items above are still in their original wrapping - that's because I have decided that I will not use them, or start playing around with them until there is room enough on my design table. I know that if I unwrap them, I will have to try them and that will lead to starting a new project... and I am in 'finishing mode' at the moment so I've had to get strict with myself.

Yes, serious. UFO is going to become a past tense in my studio.

Monday 14 September 2009

What does a quilter do with her evenings?

You have to love mondays!

My organisation skills are SECOND TO NONE!

Well, if you're anything like me, after giving the house a quick tidy and lovingly serving up dinner for your DH and two adult DD's, you settle down with your obedient mewing cat and enjoy some light reading...

OR

you realise that it's the 14th of the month....and that favourite block you've been talking about isn't done...and you grab your most unglamerous cosy cardy and sit down and get working in your still (slightly less so, but nonetheless) messy sewing room. As you can see, I've resorted to completed this block on my sewing machine because my extra large studio design table is otherwise 'engaged' with all those great ideas I was blogging about last week. To add a touch of elegance to this scene, you may opt to throw on your favourite strand of pearls...

it's all in an evening's work....

Wednesday 9 September 2009

Sorting Through Inspirations ...update

Having read the comments to the post below has got me thinking two things....1, that I need an assistant as it just isn't likely I'll get through all my ideas in my quilting lifespan...and 2, why do we quilters always have so many projects on the go? I would love to be a quilter who starts a project, buys just enough fabric to complete it and doesn't start anything new until the quilt is finished. Are there ANY quilters out there who actually do this? if yes, PLEASE ADVISE on the secret! Until then, I'm still sorting and re-sorting my quilting and stash busting priorities.

Monday 7 September 2009

Sorting Through Inspirations


The year is not yet over (although I do keep asking myself, where is it racing to so quickly??)...and that means my New Year's Resolution to quilt my way through my stash is also not over.

I have made some headway through my mountains of fabric and I have been very good (except for the very odd occassion!) and tried not to add anything AT ALL to the shelf...my rule has been - it can be purchased if it is going to be used immediately - which is not the same as the 'immediate' or 'near immediate' future. I have had to get quite tough on myself as I really do have a weakness for collecting beautiful fabric and convincing myself that I am going to use it....and then convincing my husband to install another shelf.

As stash busting years go, I think I've done OK so far, but I could definitely improve. So with just a few months left of the year, another round of birthdays coming up (have I completed last years birthday batch of quilts? No they are all still UFOs!) I took out this years batch of journals ( I have filled 8 so far) crammed with ideas and have spent the morning writing up a list of what has to be done and picking over my designs and opting for ideas that would best suit my stash shelf.

Naturally, I was attracted to the designs that required lots of lovely new fabrics but they will have to go on the backburner. I am still commited to seeing my shelf lighten to 4 rows of neatly folded fabric and 1 or 2 tubs of colour assorted fat quarters. This is my goal and I am still working towards it.

At the moment my shelves are groaning with fabric - just going through it is an event as you have to remove so many layers to get to what you want. When I feel like some fabric shopping would be 'just the thing' to kickstart a quilting session, I only need go through a single shelf - every time I do, I find fabric I forgot I had, it's really quite amazing how much a quilter can collect.

Another afternoon of organising ahead, I'm hoping this will be one of the last as it's really time I got into some serious near year's end busting.

Friday 28 August 2009

Civil War Bride Quilt



I’ve been an admirer of the Bird of Paradise quilt which was made during the American Civil War in 1858-1863 and have always wanted to create a replica of this amazing quilt.

However, Corliss from Threadbear has beaten me to it and this year at Showcase I found her beautiful pattern. It is not an identical replica, it is her interpretation of the piece which is just as lovely and I am sitting in awe of this quilt, thinking about how to go about deciding on fabrics. Vintage? Hand dyes? Or my all time favourite….reds. I am tempted.

My stash hasn’t diminished to a single shelf yet and I have a lot of beautiful reds that need a good home and should see the light of day. When this pattern arrived in the post, I rushed out and bought two suitable backgrounds…

although now I’m not so sure anymore. I really don’t know what way I will go with this quilt. I do have an instinctive feeling for red and making it different in this way…however print are so charming….dilemma!!!

I have sent in my request to join in the fun of this quilt with like minded people at The Civil War Bride Quilt Blog.

There are some great examples up there….so I will make a decision (or maybe just flip a coin) and get into it.

If you’re interested in seeing the original, you can do so at the American Folk Art Museum Textile Page http://www.folkartmuseum.org/default.asp?id=1523






Thursday 27 August 2009

What have I been up to?

Lazy days and much ado about nothing I’m afraid. I’ve been pottering around from one chair to another with some great books and just relaxing with some new ideas and inspirations.

It’s been a hectic year and it’s time to reboot. My mind is full of new ideas. Red Delicious my mystery BOM is coming to a close next month and with that I’ve been thinking about the next BOM. Of course I still have a backlist of quilts to get through as always.

Every time I finish a quilt I have to put my studio back into order….it starts out neat but when my inspiration runs wild, I charge through fabric stashes, open boxes and it’s all gets very messy. Somehow, whenever you clean up, the inspiration starts to flow out of all the little nooks and cranny’s you’d forgotten about.

I am delighted to have found an old Lone Star quilt (cut up and everything!!!) waiting to be made. I will post it when I am closer to finishing it. Right now I have temporarily diverted my creative energy to the Civil War Bride Quilt…ahhh

Friday 14 August 2009

Ruby Tea is launched

Ruby Tea is launched!

Every month I feel like I'm repeating myself...so here I go again - where is the year going? I can't believe that next month will be time for the final block. I have mixed feelings about reaching the conclusion of this Mystery BOM - first and foremost, I'm delighted, it's so great to know that you are out there taking part in this mystery and making each block each month your very own. This is just so rewarding. Secondly, I am suprised how quickly the months have flown by. I admit, there have been some late nights each 14th of the month and some software and printer glitches - but it's all been well worth the work and learning curve, thank you so much to everyone out there taking part in this BOM.

Now's a good time to sit down with some red tea and think about where Red Delicious is going to take pride of place - a wall? a bed? a table? I have the perfect spot in my home and my red scrap shelves are now a little lighter thanks to my Use The Stash commitment.

For those of you who have joined Red Delicious late, there will be a Red Delicious complete pattern pack made available when the Red Delicious mystery is completed.

For those of you who are having ongoing troubles with Scribd.com, may I suggest that you join the Red Delicious Yahoo Group? It's free, downloading is EASY and you have an opportunity to share, discuss and upload Red Delicious related pics. The next Mystery BOM will be through this Yahoo Group exclusively, so there's never been a better time to join in!

If you've missed out, all missed blocks can be purchased via my Etsy shop. All links are on the left side of this page.

Happy 15th ! Happy Quilting!

Saturday 8 August 2009

Workshop Work




This weekend I'm tutoring a workshop at the Ouyen Retreat. It's a 6 hour drive, so I have to be really organised as there's definitely no chance of popping back home to collect some forgotten item....

So, what do we teachers do before a workshop? We prepare, prepare, prepare!

Kits, packing, weighing paint, preparing laser cut stencils, etc.... it feels like I always forget how much work goes into pre workshop work - but it's always worth it and always rewarding. I can't wait to meet the ladies attending Ouyen and getting down to some serious and inspiring stenciling.....

Wednesday 29 July 2009

Vic Showcase is over

Sunshine and Shadow



Ring of Roses

Dream Fountain
Vic Showcase is over for another year. I can't believe how quickly it passes.
Thank you to sponsors and organiser's who never fail in making each year better than the last. I was really impressed with all the quilts exhibited - there were some great examples of bold color which I loved, and lots of hand quilting and traditional quilts. A great mix and definite inspiration for anyone interested in quilting and design. And of course, quilter's make the best company - it was no nice to put some faces the names of some Red Delicious Quilters and bloggers generally.
What now?
Well, I have a few pieced quilts I'm thinking of, and as always....I really have to try and find some time to get to grips with EQ6! No I still havent gotten around to it....even though it would probably speed up the back catalogue of ideas I have. Anyhow, you have to aspire to something!

Monday 27 July 2009

Thank You Westalee Design

Thank you to Leonie and Bill at Westalee Design
for sponsoring this year's Best Original Design Award
How appropriate to have an original ruler designer sponsoring this award!
They also have a great website - why not visit via the link?

Ah!... my heart skipped a beat when I saw all the design tools and nested templates on offer which I could use in my next quilt, which of course I am already busy thinking up. Well, it is about time I made my next pieced quilt and now it's even easier. I have no excuse!

Friday 24 July 2009

Sunshine and Shadow

Sunshine and Shadow
The Vic Quilter's Showcase opened on Thursday and I am delighted to announce that Sunshine and Shadow won the Best Original Design Award.
Congratulations to everyone taking part in the show this year, as usual the work is just inspiring. Also, a big congratulations to Linda Steele who won Best of Show for her quilt Star Crazy.

This is a quick pic of Sunshine & Shadow during quilting. If you've been following my blog, you'll know that I was working through this quilt step by step, so it's nice to finish this process and be recognised for the work put into designing an original stencil quilt. There are so many great original designers out there that I feel honoured to be recognised in this way.
Unfortunatley due to unforseen circumstances, I wasn't at the Presentation on Thursday, so I dont have a full size pic yet, however I plan to head in tomorrow and will post an updated image then. Also hanging in the show is Ring of Roses and also my fantasy challenge wall hanging "Dream Fountain".
For those of you going in tomorrow - Saturday- hope to see you there, do come by and say hello!

Sunday 19 July 2009

Back Home

What a week!

Last week I was honored to be a tutor at Quilt Encounter 2009
Thank you to the organisers and of course students - the days just flew by in the company of such talented quilters. I really appreciate the love and support that shone throughout the encounter. The end of day get together of tutors and meeting new people was a definite highlight and reminded me again just how rewarding sharing quilting techniques can be. I cant wait to see some more examples of stenciling shining through in upcoming showcases...stenciled blocks: I know you're out there....
Now I'm finally home and finishing off my quilt (more pics early next week)
Vic Showcase (Jeffs Shed) is around the corner - doors open Thursday morning
Do come and say hello, I will be there everyday milling about
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