Sewing in Good Company

Another catch up with the ladies sewing projects in the Cabin and at Beales.

Jean finnished her special quilt for her friend, Margaret. Now that the quilt has been given to Margaret we can put some pictures up.

Here it is finished and laid out for basting to the wadding. Jean used Quilters dreampoly and a spray baste.

Quilted on the machine in straight lines using a gentle zig zag stitch with the walking foot. Jean used Aurifil thread and a quilting needle. The zig zag does add a nice little textural detail and helps with any uneven wrinkles between the layers. Margaret had a special pet dog and Jean wanted to make the quilt personal so I suggested an embroidery in a blank square. We used a design by Lynette Anderson from her book, Quilting Cats and Dogs Just back stitch and lazy daisy. Jean is so pleased that Margaret loved her quilt.

Now Jean is learning to Applique using needle turn and freezer paper techniques. Jean's making a table runner. It's got three panels and now she's on the third panel she's beginning to enjoy it!

Mum's been making a bird hanging with an embroidered heart for Wendy to celebrate her wedding Anniversary. I can't show the finished article because she has given it already!

Here's mum still working through the 9 patch quilts for Kofi and Oscar. We have enough for 1 quilt and I bet as I type Mum has made up the final squares for the second one. Oh gosh, another quilting project! An I have just noticed that Jean and Mum appear to dress to match their sewing projects!

I can't fit any more onto the deisgn wall but you can get the idea. I really like the blue jewel like colours. I think the quilting should be simple as the patterned fabric wont let intricate designs show up too well.

And here we are at Beales, this is Elizabeth and Rachel. Elizabeth has rich gold taupes and black and Rachel is working on hazy pinks and creams. It's been good fun sewing with so many different people on so many different projects. I'm looking forward to going back to Beales next Tuesday, 10 Feb and with Valentines Day around the corner, maybe I should think of a themed project...

Next up will be an update on my own sewing projects. I have 2 new starts and 1 and a half finishes!

Crochet one, Knit one, Sew one

So the end to another week. Look at these lovely sunflowers growing in my garden!

A merry band of visitors have joined me to stitch this week. We had a fun day, the cabin was silent as we all concentrated on what we were doing. The furrows in my brow got deeper as I had another go at crochet when I wasn't needed to teach. My Auntie taught me how to make a Granny Square last year. I made some lovely squares which I have misplaced. Where on earth they are I have no idea. But in searching  I have found another 3 unfinished quilts!! I am laughing as I write this! So I better get those photographed and added to the slideshow/ confessional.

Anyway, I was making this little square and I know the middle isn't quite right but I'm not going to worry, just make another. I'll get better at it. The wool is Aran, predictably I love these Autumn colours.

Knit & Crochet a Wool Blanket

So we have had a knit and crochet day this week. Here's Chris, she is knitting up squares in the same colours as my crochet.

Mum was here knitting too, she's making an Aran cardigan.

It was quiet in the cabin as we were all concentrating, so I put the radio on, BBC Radio 2 churned out some oldies - everyone was singing along. They wanted to take a picture of me concentrating on my crochet - thankfully nobody can operate the camera! That's one skill I won't be sharing!! I'm sure the process of crochet makes me look older!

Charm Square Quilt

Jean finished getting her Charm square quilt together. This is her second square quilt. Learning to join squares seems like a simple concept but matching seams up and stitching so the quilt will lay flat and be simple to sandwich together doesn't happen without a fair bit of work. The Eureka moment hit today and Jean was just so pleased to get a row of squares joined on with matching seams, particularly after a fair few frustrating near misses. It is so rewarding when you can put your knowledge and skills together to solve a problem and achieve something to be proud of. I know you will read this Jean, well done you've got it worked out now!

There's going to be a little embroidery on this quilt next week..

Building Blocks Quilt Along

I have managed to get these done too. I fussy cut the flower shape image, and added 3 leaf shapes. These blocks go into the 4 corners of the quilt, so I have another 2 to go. These are a bit traditional looking but I think with all the other blocks they will look nice.

That's it for now. I am excited as I am expecting 4 packages all to sooth my sew fevered mind!