Back from North Wales!

The picnic blanket got plenty of use on the beach - both as a rug....................

And when it was a little cold (didn't stop the kids getting in the water to surf, though!!)

I spent a lot of time working on the stitcheries for James' Boy's Story quilt. More on those another day. 

Since returning, I have worked hard at work and have just started working on quilts again - this time one for my nephew's birthday (the brief was "bright colours") and today James was desperate for a quilt for his dolls:

Lou Lou and Maegan tucked up in their pram (which is now in his bedroom!!)

The front - approx. 15 inches x 17 1/2 inches

The reverse

And the best part? All made from scraps in my ever increasing scraps boxes (divided by colour). I still have one to make for Amelia's Cheeky Monkey and growing Hello Kitty collection, but that can wait for another day.

I should be in bed - the kids start school tomorrow (make that today!!) and the nerves are hitting.

Joel Dewberry HST is finished!

I finally finished! I quilted 1/2" around each of the squares (the outside and inside of each) and then spent an evening or two tying off and burying the loose threads. I think it was worth it, though. I used the Joel Dewberry Modern Meadow navy herringbone fabric for the binding again and am pleased I did - it seems to be the perfect frame for this quilt.

Look at that dark sky!!! It's supposed to be our summer

Close up of the quilting stitches

The back

Shows off the quilting pattern a little better

We're off to North West Wales tomorrow for a week with the family - my sister & her three are going, as are mum & dad and we have a lovely house on the coast booked. Can't wait! Let's just hope our British Summer improves somewhat.............

I have packed my "Boy's Story" stitcheries to keep me occupied during the evening. I am hoping to get quite a bit more done - this quilt has gone stale and needs to get back on track!

Busy few days!

I've been incredibly busy in my job which is always a blessing in January. This has left me wiped out come the evening, however, and less sewing has been done this week.

That said, I have started stitching the comic strips to go on James' Block of the Month quilt. Boy, this is going to take a looooooooooooooong time! That said, it's nice to have something to curl up infront of the telly and do without having to haul out machines, cutting mats, rulers, iron & ironing board etc etc each night

My stitching is straight - honest - The photo was rather rushed this evening..........

Yesterday I had the urge to finally paint J & A's table & chair set from good ole' IKEA. So, I nipped to Homebase and got the necessary paint etc and this is the result (have to say am rather pleased with this!!)

They are also very pleased with their new table, although every time I wipe up after food, James asks me if I'm trying to wipe the paint off - so cute.

Finally, look what came in the post for me Friday:

Tulla Pink's Parisville. I loved this line but simply could NOT justify buying any more fabric after my spending spree. So, I settled for a Jelly Roll. Am sure I can make something nice out of it - I have a few ideas up my sleeve.................watch this space!!

Block of The Month

I signed up for a block of the month in October (it actually started in August) and since then, have been receiving the most beautiful parcels of fabric & threads and instructions. I have poured over the instructions, the pattern (which I adore - from Hatched & Patched called "A Boy's Story"), have started a couple of the needle turn applique panels, but had yet to start actually "doing". I think I was enjoying the "Modern Quilting" thing too much and this is so totally different.

I have been a little under the weather this week - the start of a cold,  I think, so didn't feel quite so inspired & wanted to simply follow a pattern. So, for the past couple of nights, I have embroidered, turned with a needle some more, cut, ironed, sewn and squinted at a not so good picture to work out which fabric goes where & this is where I'm at..............

It's my first attempt at needle turning applique and so far, it's blooming hard! I will persevere, though. Hopefully it will get easier. The pattern is gorgeous - am making it for James for a big boy's quilt - as he's only 3 I suspect I shall wait until he's a little older. I think this will be hand quilted too so it may be a few years before it's finished anyway!!

So now, I need to find an equally gorgeous pictoral quilt for Amelia (Also 3). Any suggestions??