Rebecca's mug bag

Free tutorial here: http://www.red-brolly.com/red-brolly/2012/09/sew-chic-butterfly-mugbag.html

Lavender and hop sleep pillow

Rosies quilt

I can do it....

I spent Wednesday 4th of May at the quilt cave even though I wasn't feeling brilliant. It was good though, I had a lovely, restful day sewing and chatting to my fellow quilters instead of worrying about everything that needs doing at home.

My mentor, Angel, gave me some hot tips on lining up all the pieces, critical if the design is to work. I think this will be my last curtain quilt as the fabric is just too thick which makes accuracy a nightmare. She advised me to tack the pieces in place before machining as this give me a more accurate idea of whether the pieces are lined up correctly or not.

This was my last curtain quilt, quilt number 5 over all. It took six months to make. I spent 40 hours just cutting out the pieces! Keeping all the points pointy was a nightmare. I thought the trellis would be easier but it's not. However, I didn't give up with this one and I've no intention of giving up with the trellis. This is when being stubborn and obtuse is useful!

Playing Catch Up

It's been another hectic time. Visitors, parties, revision, holidays, DH poorly, mad, mad, mad... I did manage to slope off for some quilting time on 22nd April, not my usual day due to hectic schedule. Forgot my camera in rush so once again borrowed image from my mentors blog (thanks again Angie : ) ) Feeling somewhat grumpy because due to hospital appointments and a wedding (now who could that be? ) I was not going to get my quilting fix this week so gave myself permission to have a few hours on Tuesday 26th.

 I cut out the corner triangles using Bonnie Hunter's very useful chart on her website, quiltville.com.

 I used the same chart to cut out the triangles that make up the sides to a rectangle IYSWIM.

 It's a large square cut into four

I then started the process of sewing everything together in strips. This is very challenging as to get the effect, the points have to be accurate. As more blocks are added, it gets more difficult and I'm beginning to dread joining the strips together. One step at a time, seam ripper in hand : )

Friday Quilt Cave

Phew! Had such a busy few days. Big birthdays, school holidays, visitors etc. Managed to slope off for some quilty fun yesterday BUT forgot my camera. I have "borrowed" this picture from my mentors blog (thanks Ang) to brighten up the post.

I cut 6 2 1/2 inch strips, 3 in light green and 3 in dark green then sliced them up into 2 1/2 inch blocks. I then laid all the blocks out on a table and clipped the right colour and number 2 1/2 inch blocks to each 7 inch block that will form the snowball and help to give the illusion of trellis work. I tried to stack them all up but by far the easiest way to ensure the right piece was attached to the right corner was to lay them out and sew each one individually, checking as I went. I hogged a table all day (sorry folks). Because I felt I was going to run out of time, I concentrated on completing the edges first as it is crucial to get the 2 1/2 inch blocks in the right place or the design won't work. It's a bit like doing a jigsaw really, get the edges done first. The 7 inch blocks in the centre have one 2 1/2 inch block on each corner so it's just a matter of unclipping them and sewing on. I did run out of time so was pleased I had opted for this strategy. Next time I just have to complete 5 of the 6 centre blocks then I can plan joining them up. How exciting!!!

Hello!!!

Hello blogland!!! This being my first post, please excuse any mistakes. I've been quilting since July 2010 but now wish to record my work as it progresses. If you leave a comment, so much the better!!! Anyway, to quilts. The one I'm working on at the moment will be my 6th though they have varied in size and complexity. It is a "Garden Twist" pattern. The fabric I'm using is two pairs of "pre-loved" curtains. Thicker than normal patchwork cotton and prone to stretching and fraying but too good to waste and hey, on my budget, I have to make use of whatever fabric comes my way!