Sweet Sixteen...

Issue Sixteen of Love Patchwork & Quilting is out now, and I am fortunately enough to have contributed a quilt to this issue.

I realise I am rather good at telling you that I am working on the secret stuff, but when it comes round to showing you what I was up to, I am rather reserved.

This was the quilt that challenged me throughout September and early October; I came up with the pattern full of confidence, but the fabric selection had me pulling my hair out, gave me many sleepless nights and a good measure of angst.

However being far out of my comfort zone of aquas, pinks and low volume, has probably done me some good!

As always I love the styling that goes along with these magazine commissions, and you just have to imagine my beaming smile to see how this quilt looked on the page.

If you haven't got your hands on a copy yet, why not?!  There a bunch of beautiful projects in there as always, and I am honoured to share space with so many talented quilters.

#IGminiswap Extra...

I have bought a couple of extras for my #IGminiswap partner, but won't show you until they have received the parcel on the off chance that they are looking in.  However I have just stitched up the last bit of the bundle…

I used my boxy pouch pattern from Love P&Q, and am rather taken with the grey home dec bottom and patchwork top.

As mailing has now begun, I will be off to the post office at the weekend, and then my side of the deal will be done.

Good 'un...

A little while ago dear husband asked for a pencil case to hold his drawing pens.  OK, he may have had to ask a couple of times, but yesterday afternoon I grabbed a quiet half hour and got stuck into my Spoonflower/Heidi Kenney Nuns!

I obviously used my method for the flat pouch as per this month's Love Patchwork & Quilting, adjusting the measurements to fit the pens, and it turned out rather nicely.  It's gone down very well too,  and that's what matters.

Today there were haircuts for the girls, a trip to the Library, an afternoon in front of the TV and I have just prepped another little block for my Ode to STGB…

Today another light went out; RIP Robin Williams xxx

Mother, look away now!

It's my mum's birthday coming up, so I decided to convert my finished embroidery, from Jo-Bearpaw's FQR class into a little pouch.

The embroidery is on white Essex Linen, so I backed the panel with some fusible fleece, and then followed my pattern that you'll find in this month's Love Patchwork & Quilting.

I adjusted the pattern for the flat pouch to fit the size of my embroidery, and I am really rather pleased with how it turned out.

A bit more of that home dec on the back, and it's all good.

This was all made up before 9am, I couldn't sleep!

I also finished up some commission work today, which is always nice to get under my belt.  By my reckoning I only have two more stitchy 'commitments' to complete this summer holiday, and I am hoping to get one of those finished this evening, then it's all me me me!

Girls day out!

The kids had fun with their grandparents today whilst hubby and I went to IKEA, (no Nummer print, NO NUMMER PRINT!!!) but a bag full of other things to make up for it.

The finished skittle dolls meanwhile, posed in the garden...

Neat pattern Jo!  I didn't use card or weights in the bases, these girls are for squidging, and my girls opted for fancy button flowers in their hair instead of felt, which was fine by me.  Honestly if you need a quick gift for a young lady in your life, these are perfect.

I hope you had a good Friday too x

Stuff for the girls...

It was another 'put up or go out' day, and as hubby was off work too for the long weekend, we headed to the garden centre for an early lunch and potter about.  I also took some photos of my #DSTTchallenge mini quilt, which were quite fun, and I will get that post up soon, I promise.

Whilst the men mooched at home, the less tolerant ladies went to the park; we all played on the swings and they decided that they wanted one of Jo's skittle dolls each from Love Patchwork & Quilting 7.

So we came home and they chose their fabrics and embellishments, with albeit limited options and a mama-vito.  I have since turned these...

...into a pair of pretty ladies - I just have to finish stitching up their stuffing-holes, ahem ;)

Winner-time!

Mister Random has spoken, and the winner of a copy of Issue 5 of Love Patchwork & Quilting and a custom-made key fob goes to...

Congratulations Marci,  purple it is then!

Happy Wednesday to everyone else too; hope you have got over the mid-week hump with smiles on your faces xxx

Sunny Sunday Giveaway!

*** Now Closed***

To celebrate all things good, like a sunny day at last, it's time for a little giveaway.

I may have mentioned that I was thrilled to be asked to contribute to issue 5 of Love Patchwork & Quilting, and last week the lovely people at said magazine also sent me a couple of copies.  OK, I am a long way off showing the grandkids, so I will give one to my mum, but I thought one of you would like a copy too.

So would you like to win a copy, and I will also make you a keyfob too?  Due to my generous sunny mood, you can even pick the colour!

Leave me a comment before Wednesday 9pm GMT, including your colour of choice, and I will let Mr Random pick a winner.

No more hoops other than that; please just make sure that if you are a No Reply Blogger, that you include your email address in your comment, otherwise I will re-draw, sorry.  Open internationally.  Any additional comments will be deleted for fairness.

PS. If you choose 'brown', I reserve the right to substitute your choice for something less insane.

Good luck xxx