Swaps abound!

Yesterday, I received my partner allocation for Brit Quilt Swap 3, and I've got a great person to make for.  She loves things I want to try and I am already putting together fabrics in my head; OK in reality would help, but we have the whole summer to make, and I am going to ensure I get this one right!

In my iPad denial, I also got my head down and made my In The Frame purse!

I was going to give my partner options; but I personally don't like that too much - I spend time making my mosaic, filling in the forms, and don't want to pick the fabrics, decide the design and do everything except glue it!  That's just me, but I want to trust that my partner has read the signs, and my comments, and been left free to interpret what I would like; obviously woe betide if they get it wrong ;)

OK, so in reality, my partner didn't get a choice as I only had one F8th of the Summersville fabric I thought was perfect, and if I'd cocked it up, there would have had to have been a change of plan, which, if a preference had been expressed, could have been a bit awkward!

However, it went perfectly, and I love it, and if my partner doesn't, then I will happily keep it!

I did as I had planned, turning in about an inch either side of the hinge seam and top stitched, and it worked a tidy treat.  Lined in aqua Kai dots, and with both some iron-on fleece and medium interfacing for a little structure, I don't think it's a all bad, especially after the last mini-fiasco!  Now to ponder the extras.

But that's not all I've been up to, tomorrow, twin quilts!

Votes and Swapsies...

***Voting has begun over at the Ellison Lane Quilts Summer Sewing Contest, and I am proud to say that my Union Jack cushion has made the grade - No.10 in the Home Decor category; if you haven't voted already, please pop over - I am competing against friends and some of the quilting blogger big-wigs, so I am just proud to be in amongst them.  You have until my birthday, (just saying), to log onto as many computers/phones etc as you can and cast your votes!***

In other news, sign ups for Brit Quilt Swap 3 have begun, and I have already signed up.  I missed Swap 2 for a number of reasons, but I am raring to go this time.

My mosaic has already been posted, forms completed and now to patiently sit back and wait for partner allocations.

I have been far more specific in my mini quilt 'likes' this time, I have bolstered my flick profile and hope my partner-to-be will have fun!  I was careful to only choose pictures of things I would happily attempt to make for my partner, that's fair, right?  OK so there are a couple I know I wouldn't have a chance of being able to name, never alone make, but worth a punt!

Over the weekend I also received my In The Frame partner info though, so I have started getting my thoughts together for this.  I am making for a great partner, and I really really don't want to let her down.  It has the makings of a great swap thanks to the effort and enthusiasm of Nicky and Helen.

Izzy-wizzy let's get busy xxx

Modern Mini Challenge Blog Hopper!

Today I am thrilled, and quite frankly rather scared, to be linking up as part of Jennifer's wonderful Modern Mini Challenge Blog Hop.  This is the first time I have taken up an offer to join in a blog hop; there must have been some New Year bravado in the water when I said 'Yes'!  The rest of the bloggers on this tour are so inspirational and talented, I am hoping that some of their magic will rub off on me by association.

Anyhoo, if you have come over from Jennifer's for the first time, or if you are a regular stalwart, 'Hello and Welcome', please be kind.

The mini quilts I have to show you have been inspired by Boo Davis of Quiltsryche.  She's brilliant!

Her 'Two Heads Are Better Than One' pattern was the basis for the mini quilt I made for Sarah.  The pieces are all 1.5" x 2.5", or 1.5" square, and its as much about the counting as the sewing.  I love the simple method and the great effect it produces...

I made another Boo Davis-inspired mini as a Giveaway prize for my owl-loving, pod-casting friend Rhonda.

This has more variation in the piece sizes, but follows the same principle.

My dear friend Cindy also made me this awesome mug rug; again you can see the method in the madness...

If you find comfort in straight lines and love using up tiny scraps, then this style could be one for you. 

Here is a brief overview of the process that anyone, who can cut and sew a straight line, can achieve...

First find an image and then using any photo-manipulator, such as online freebee Picnik (if you are quick), 'pixelate', to get you from...

...to this...

Print out and divide up your picture into the individual pieces you want to cut, working out how many of each size and colour you require, the choice is really yours...

Pull your scraps and then get cutting...

Once all the pieces are laid out, make sure to take lots of photos, as something always happens, especially if you sew on the dining table as I do, where pieces tend to go astray with regularity!  Now if I had the benefit of time and space, I would have pondered over the layout of this one for far longer than I did...

Next, it's helpful to grid out the separate groups of blocks you need to piece; it's at this point you have the last chance to alter any of the layout in order to be able to join everything together easily; I am no friend of the Y-seam.

Then it's onto the sewing.  A 1/4" foot is pretty much essential!  It will come together really quickly, so crank the iron up to hot (press your seams open) and get going...

When selecting my backing for this one, the selvedge was simply SCREAMING to be used; I love it when that happens!

Et voila...

This one turned out a little more abstract than I was hoping, but I really like it!  The twins' reaction, "Oh a beautiful sewing machine mummy!"  My son's, "What is it again?".  You win some, you lose some.

I am in no way an expert and I know my method is a little haphazard, but I hope this at least gives you an insight into another style suited to mini quilt making which you may, or may not, like to try.

Thank you Jennifer for organizing such a fantastic blog hop and awesome competition; I can't wait to get started on my Challenge entry!

And to anyone-else who has made it to the end of this post, thank you so much x

Scraps ahoy!

Yesterday I received my scraps and extras from Michelle at Keyka Lou - perfect timing as we had just launched the Mouthy Stitches Zippy Purse & FQ of Scraps swap!

These are cute fabric covered magnets on a needle sharpening pad; eat your heart out Masterchef!

It wasn't so sunny when I took the photos, so they are not looking as special as they really are, but they are rather lovely, and I am thinking some may even appear in or with my swap purse.

Susan, Cindy and myself have been absolutely overwhelmed by the speed and enthusiasm of sign ups for our 'little swap'.  We were going to be happy if there were 50 of us joining in by next weekend; in just over 24 hours we have already reached 80 members in the flickr group!  Have you joined - if not, why not!?

Finally for today, I can report that I have pieced one side of my Brit Bee Constellation quilt, and I even got a couple of decent photographs, but I will save those for tomorrow; I am hoping to finish the second side tonight... it looks fantastic!

"They're Here..."

Do you want to hear all about the hours of cleaning and washing I had to endure this morning?  Or the eternity I spent in the Disney Store this afternoon picking up and putting back the same few plastic and sequin horrors all in the name of a 'Well Done' treat for Ballet Twin? Or even the brain numbing trawl around Tesco not wanting to buy any food at all as I have cracked a tooth?

No?

OK, I'll show you what was in the last parcel then!

My Brit Quilt mini finally arrived!  I am so impatient (did you notice?!), having been so psyched up about sending mine, and posting Sarah's a day early to account for the Shetland postal service (which did us proud from the South Coast to the top of the world in under 24 hours!), the last week's wait seemed like an eternity!

Anywho, I digress!  So here is what I received from my partner Leah (SewToBed)...

The quilt depicts the 3 resident evils - now I have 6, I am not sure I'll cope!

The chocolate seems to have 'disappeared' already and if this super weather keeps up I'll be needing the scarf for my summer holiday!

The girls seem to think it is obviously theirs ('but mummy it has us on it'), so I could have a fight on my hands, as it fits perfectly as a sewing machine cover for the retired Brother and that was my idea for its destiny!

Thank you again Leah, I hope your house move goes smoothly x

So there you go - round one of the Brit Quilt Swap, done. and. dusted.  Hands up who's up for round two!

Tomorrow I will be linking up with Sarah at FairyFace Designs to assess my successes or otherwise of the Summer Sewing project, so I best get my quilting skates on!

Before I forget...

... here are Fiona's June Bee blocks...

They were made from lovely Dream On charms and a nice Disappearing Nine Patch, so no stressing!   These blocks were really fun to make and I am 'umming and arghing about if this is the way to go with my mum's quilt...

In the meantime, I received my Needle Book Swap partner details today - it's another 'secret' swap, we must post by the 30th July, but can post as soon as we are done (ie. the 29th!), so I have some serious stalking to do this evening!

To all my friends in the US of A, Happy 4th of July!

Lots to tell...

... so much so, my head is hurting tonight with all that is knocking around in there!  In no logical order...

If you have been wondering where my Brit Quilt Swap went, please check out Sarah's blog post! 

I was so happy to get paired with my cyber-friend and fellow Brit Bee member.  I am ecstatic that she loves it so much - all my late night stalking really paid off!  Sarah has also recently been one of Rhonda's victims guests!  Have a listen to the Quilter In The Gap's latest podcast to hear all about her there.  And Sarah's swap quilt has gone to another friend Terri - yay Terri, you are so lucky!

I, on the other hand am still waiting to receive mine.  The posty knocked early today, and although it was for me, a huge bundle of wadding I'd order from Mandy at Simply Solids, plus a cool bonus Patty Young FQ, I will have to try to wait patiently until at least after work on Monday.

Last night I did cut up the fabric for my Mum's birthday quilt.  After a so-so practice attempt at a kaleidoscope block...

... I've decided to go simpler; firstly the waste/scrap creation from the LC and charm pack was going to be a little distressing, then my piecing of the centre point kind of left a lot to be desired, and with potentially 49 blocks I couldn't face it, and I need to make a big quilt in a short space of time.

So I took over the lounge floor and it will probably come out a little like this, but then again it might not!  I am having second, or is that third thoughts already!

The reason for my current headache I will lay firmly at the door of today's 40 odd mile round trip for Twin2's ballet show.  (Twin1 gave up after a few weeks, she is very bolshy, and perhaps wise for a 4 year old!)  Anyway, the family took the trip to Haselmere and watched little one point her toes for the first 5 minutes of a 2 hour show, and then sat watching the other girls, mainly aged about 14 doing their thing, and they were all really good. 

 *** NO PHOTOS ALLOWED***

I have to do it all again tomorrow, although I can whisk her away after the first dance - we have to be there one and a half hours before the show, and she'll be off stage after 5 minutes... I have no energy to rant about this one, but she is so pleased with herself, and I had a lovely proud mummy moment, so I will sleep happy.

I also got some smashing 'winning' news earlier which I will save until tomorrow to share :)

Now, I just need to go get rid of this headache, nighty night.

Jubulant June!

Linking up with Lily's Quilts on the 1st of the month is pretty satisfying.  I have taken to looking back over the whole month, and it is cool to see that although I didn't feel like I got masses done, I did actually have a few, long awaited, finishes.

My Dad's Union quilt for Father's Day was as well received as I had hoped...

... and hubby's Father's Day pressies were just as appreciated...

I completed my Brit Quilt Swap skull, finally naming it the 'Resurrection Tea Party'...

...and my partner loves it!  I was so excited and relieved, even the postmen were in on the fun and instead of taking at least 2 days to get to her, my parcel arrived within 24 hours!  Until she calms down and lets the world know, I'm keeping schtum about the recipient!  So check back over the weekend and we will both have revealed all!!

I got to sew quite a few 'secrets' this month, which are starting to arrive...here's a glimpse...

... and I also made a block for the partnership quilts of next year's Tokyo Quilt Festival...

... read more over at Ayumi's blog about this great cause.

Also in June my Dad held 3 successful Open studio weekends, and I had a birthday!  Look at my new baby…

... and these long awaited books...

I am hoping for great things; a bad workwoman can no longer blame her tools!

A heads up, whilst I have a captive audience, I'll be celebrating my first year of blogging in a few weeks, so I am planning a little something, or perhaps a big something… I haven’t quite decided yet!

Thank you for stopping by, I hope you had a great June too x

It's getting hot in here...

...hence sewing in the south-facing conservatory was not high up my list of things to do earlier today!

But as the temperature dropped, I followed the manual and duly learnt how to fill a bobbin, thread the machine and auto-thread the needle!!  I even got to play with some of the fancy-schmancy stitches!!

OK it's only a start, but I've been making the needle go up and down and cut the threads at the touch of a button and going 'pedal-free', now that's bizarre.  So all is good, I am still very very happy!

I spent the earlier part of the evening making up parcels, lots of parcels!  It's the Brit Quilt Swap mailout later in the week - how excited am I to get mine on it's way to it's rightful owner!  So here's the last chance to see it here party-partner...

... next stop, your doormat!  Well, maybe the Postie's hand, as it's a big parcel (see those little extras too) and I'll send it recorded delivery!

Well now the birthday is over, I have some serious sewing to attend to - big Mystery block awaiting attention, tiny Farmer's Wife blocks to catch up on and the Kaleidoscope quilt and Japanese Swap fabric to cut... busy busy... the teacher's are definitely still striking right?!

More more more...

Sorry, I know this is probably getting a little bit repetitive, (but oh so fun for me), but today's postal goodies included these from Sew Fresh Fabrics, Peg and Becca wanted to clear out the cupboards, so I had to help...

... again less than a week from the US and half the price of home; I have one last charm pack heading here, then I think I'm done.

But better than that, my Tea Towel Swap parcel arrived!!

This was a straight swap, I sent my bundle of goodies to Jacinta in Dunedin, New Zealand, and she sent me all these...

A wonderful tea towel that I promise will never touch a wet dish, some beautiful crochet, a great magazine including an article on the 'top 20 tea towels', some of my favourite lollies, a birdie peg and a beautiful handmade card.  I am so happy!

Thank you Jacinta for sending me such wonderful things, and thank you Leonie for organising us all, it's been fun.  You can read all about what I sent in Jacinta's words here.

I have been busy too with secret-squirrelling activities of the Brit Quilt Swap and Pay It Forward variety but those are all hush hush for now; rest assured I am not just sitting here stroking my expanding stash!!

Stick a label on it!

This evening I have played at making labels, and surprisingly easily I have produced the long awaited label for my Brit Quilt Swap.

I finally came up with a name that I am happy with...

Resurrection Tea Party!!

All my initial thoughts seemed to revolve around 'Death' and that wasn't quite the angle I was hoping for; and try Googling 'Tea Party' for inspiration and all you get are blimming Sarah Palin and crew, so no help!  But having bounced it around in my head for what must be weeks, I 'got' it!

So referring back to Lindsey's tutorial, I got cutting and ironing the fabric and freezer paper, tweaking the layout and colours, and bingo - a fantastic label! 

I was convinced it would bleed all over the place, and print all wonky, but no - perfectomundo!  Look at the owl - and wait until you can see the other icon!

So partner, it's all attached and finished; your name and picture are hiding there, especially for you!

Sew much to do!

I have just about recovered from yesterday's walking, walking, pointing, chasing, walking and pointing some more!

Last night I made cards and packaged up my parcels for Fiona's Bee Blocks and the Pink charms for the Rainbow Swap, and got them both in the post today, so keep 'em peeled ladies!  I took photos and will let you see, when the recipients have received their goodies.

I now need to re-evaluate my list of priorities, I need to make and attach a label for my swap partner including coming to a final decision on the name for the skull.  I also want to get my Dad's Union quilt finished this weekend.  Then I need to sort a big something for hubby as a Father's Day gift too.   There are many more things floating round my head, so I really need to concentrate!

This afternoon I made a little 'extra' for my Swap partner, but I really can't show you, as I might as well just type out her name, as it would be so obvious!!  I am not sure if it is super-cute, or super-ugly!  I will send it to you anyway dear partner, but a trip to the shops may be in order to compensate!

Most pressingly is the washing of the skull - am I meant to?  I am a bit nervous (again), but reckon a couple of colour catchers and a cool wash shouldn't do him any harm.  Wash or not, spray basted and unwashed cotton batting... a big dilemma, or am I just being a lazy, scared-y-cat?

Well not wanting this to remain a picture-free zone, here's one for the road...  

Don't forget Open Studios again this weekend...

Weary Wednesday!

Some pretty pictures and few words tonight, it was a long day...

PS... I went for plain pink binding in the end, despite thinking the teal would look better at first.  I think it looks smashing - hope you do too partner x