The post title really says it all, after a difficult few weeks it seems that all is settling down, slowly! Today began with another beautiful sunrise -  a good omen I hope. I feel I have achieved something since my last post by finishing up my Lego quilt top, and I'm happy with the result. Some of the strips are wonky - no problem, I took whatever came to hand from the bag sitting by my machine. The bright border fabric, full of delightful four legged friends, has been sitting in my "to use one day" basket, bought many years ago when Laurel Burch was at the height of her popularity.&nb ..read more

Does the post title strike a chord with any other quilters besides myself? I think it may do so. I recall a post from Julierose some time ago in which she shared the word below: SABLE  -  Stash Accumulated Beyond Life Expectancy I know I certainly fall into that category, this past two weeks my sewing machine has been under wraps while I sorted and tidied my fabrics which are stored in various racks, boxes and cubbies. Boy, did I have a shock with the amount, I didn't realise how much I had! We all need a stash whether quarters, yardage, scraps and so on. Let's ha ..read more

At last the family matters mentioned a couple of posts ago are a little smoother presently, thank goodness, I can now spend time at the machine! One of my projects begun quite a while ago is now under the needle once again, I went for a real easy-peasy one, my Lego quilt. These blocks were randomly placed on the floor, no particular order. The sun was hitting the RH side which changes the colour a little.  Seventeen blocks so far, each to finish at 10" square. I was going with the idea that 4 x 5 blocks would be fine, but now not sure, too small a size for a throw quilt I think. A large ..read more

Time has been limited for working with BB1. I had the centre piece but struggled with working on the style of border suggested by Audrey, other quilters taking part obviously didn't because they are producing  exciting pieces. I freely admit I'm finding this way of working a little difficult. First border was needed, suggestions of two or more fabrics could be used, applique on said border relating to the centre design. I tried auditioning going with two different fabrics but similar colour scheme, no good. My centre applique piece is quite formal in style and square, possibly the probl ..read more

Something old - a number of years ago Julie posted a photo of a fabric she had decided to sell, if memory serves me she had originally intended it as a backing, correct me here if I'm wrong Julie, I thought it was just glorious and promptly said I was happy to purchase, here it is still tucked away with my large yardage pieces waiting to border a quilt to be made. I think there is just over 5 yards. Something new is the progress (slow) on Tussie Mussie but only three more rows to go. It's 80" square finished so I think this is going to have to be sent out for quilting. Could be tr ..read more

I posted on the 1st of January with plans galore for the coming year, sadly family health matters and my own health scuppered the plans totally. My reading of all your posts more or less came to a stand still, which saddens me greatly, my patchwork also, but, a new month now and things seem to be improving so here I am once again. Good news - Sunny Days is now a fully sewn together top and awaiting it's turn in the quilting queue I have yet to pick out a suitable backing. Quilt measurement 48" x 56". I used a  Victoria Findlay Wolfe for the yellow triangles, had just enough fabrics to c ..read more

Best wishes to all for the coming year! I'm hoping 2024 will be a more productive year for me with my quilt projects. This week is set aside fo working out plans for better organised fabric storage, a plan for order of quilt tops to go under the machine, a full list of quilt tops to be quilted, another list of WIPs  and generally enjoying time in my little studio. Next post I hope to have the above achieved - almost!  Sticking point right now is deciding how to quilt great grand daughters quilt, basted and rolled and under the needle,  I'm thinking plain wavy lines over the se ..read more

Just a very quick post, guessing most of you will be celebrating Thanksgiving today, hope you enjoy your time with family and friends. I now have my applique blooms and vase all fused down on the centre panel of BB1, next step stitching!  Quilting Babcia left a comment on seeing my proposed flower shapes that they reminded her of crocuses - hooray, exactly what I had intended, I love crocus blooms and had a lot of Autumn Crocus in a previous garden, when in bloom they do not have leaves at all, they arrive after blooming is complete. Here we are, these could be labelled as  ..read more

 Our second round of the BB was to create the centre piece using applique,  details of the QAL are in my last post HERE, also you could visit Audrey for all the updates. After spending a heck of a lot of time thinking up ideas I decided to go simple, flowers in a vase! I will be using my machine for the applique. My inspiration for the shape of the vase is the one below, a very old one given to me by my Aunt. After trying a few times I decided I had the shape drawn out pretty much as the original,  next step to figure out what to put in it. Sketch pad out again and ma ..read more

Something new for me. Audrey at QuiltyFolk has suggested and organised a QAL, instead of my trying to explain fully what she has in mind I suggest you click on the link for all the information. Main thing is that it's a long term project, covers hand applique and an improv style. No definite pattern to follow. She has suggestions for pulling fabrics from stash, preferably older fabrics but is open to individual ideas.  I have had a couple of email conversations with Audrey as my colour likes are bright and bold, and full of pattern (those who follow me will know what I work with) and ..read more