Before the call...

Firstly, thank you all so, so much, for all your lovely comments regarding my #scrappytripalong quilt.  I am once again snuggled under it on the sofa, and keep catching myself smiling at seeing all those wonderful prints together in an actual quilt, and not just saved in a box to be made into that special quilt, one day - I now have the special quilt!! 

I also have about 100 comments to respond to from the last couple of days, so please forgive my tardiness, I will reply, soon!

And so back to yesterday.  Before I got the dreaded call from school to go and collect the poorly child, she's fine now, I managed to obliterate my To Do List, for which I am rather thankful.

I made three Stitch Tease siggy blocks, one I forgot to mail previously, one to accompany Helen's block on it's way to Dianne's and one for the final instalment.

I printed my labels for the Sizzix quilts; I simply called then Geese! and Dashing! in the end.

I popped a favour in an envelope for a tapestry-loving friend.

Next on the list were a couple of blocks for the lovely Bee Blessed ladies.  Honestly, so simple, it would have been way too rude not to...

Shoddy pics, I blame the snow!

I then went off to the Post Office in the snow and got them all mailed out - Czech Republic, Morocco, Scotland, Ireland and almost Wales, here they come!

And last on my list was a Schoenrock Cross block to be used on my Pretty Little Pouch...

As soon as I saw Leila's I knew I wanted to make one too.  I printed out the template from Quilter's Cache and reduced the size so that it came out as a 9" block.  The upper size limit on the PLPS is 12", so I am aiming, after sashing in natural Essex Linen, for an 11" square pouch, OK not so little, but big enough for a nice sewing project, an embroidery hoop maybe, or a tonne of hexies, I don't have to decide that bit!

I always have that 5 minute brain freeze after I have cut my fabric, (I make a freezer paper template for each piece and cut just over a 1/4" seam allowance) and then after flipping them over, I cannot, for the life of me, work out how they are meant to go, but it all worked out in the end.  Am I the only one?

So that was the rest of my day off. 

Earlier this evening I played around with the rest of the fabrics needed for the PLPS extra makes and relieved Justine of a couple of Architextures charm packs.

I am almost out of battery, so I am going to have to hit 'publish' and switch off.  See you tomorrow xxx

This is what it's all about!

I'll skip the domestics, school was open, but there was an after-lunch phone call, poorly child, doctors, anti-biotics; and I'll leave what I still managed to get done, Bee Blessed blocks, PLPS Schoenrock Cross panel, Sizzix quilt labels, Stitch Tease siggy blocks and a resultant mammoth trip to the Post Office, and tell you about those tomorrrow, I am guessing you want to see this...

All washed and crinkly and lovely and mine!

From the minute I spotted the first pics appearing on Twitter/Instagram over New Year and the early days of the #scrappytripalong, I knew I wanted one too.  And seeing that 2013 is my self-proclaimed year of Stash-busting, I jumped in with my most precious hoard of all!  I don't know if that was just New Year optimism, but it bloody well paid off!

Charting my progress on Instagram has been a wonderful experience too; I am mrsflyingblind if you were wondering.  We all know how lovely blog comments feel, but there is something about an instant 'Like' that really boosts confidence and confirms you are on the right track...

So this morning, my glamorous assistant headed out into the snow.  These are the before wash shots...

Then straight into the washer, and tumbled to crinkly perfection...

None of the photos really capture just how awesome I think this quilt looks in real life, sorry, I really really tried.  Just know, I wouldn't change a thing.

For those who like the stats...

#scrappytripalong 
Scrappy Trip Around The World pattern and piecing method from Quiltville
Pre-wash 72"x 72" 36 blocks (Post-wash, probably a little bit smaller)
36 Denyse Schmidt prints, gifted, bought and swapped from the UK, US, Australia and New Zealand
Klona Tan backing from Backstitch
Pieced using Aurifil light grey 2616 50wt
Quilted a walking foot's width on each side of alternate seams, using Aurifil off-white 2021 50wt
The Flickr group is here if you want to check out all the other wonderful interpretations, just in case you weren't sucked in already.

Now I am a bursting to start my Sew Stitchy xplusalong! 

Other ideas!

I finished my #scrappytripalong and I really can't wait to show it to you in its full glory, but the weather has had other ideas today... rain, snow and more of the same, so a full on photo shoot will have to wait until tomorrow - fingers crossed.

I want to get some decent shots before and after the obligatory wash and tumble; and I swear, if we wake up to more snow and a closed school tomorrow, you will hear my screams before you see the photos!  For now, I am snuggled under it and am still finding it hard to believe that it is ALL MINE!

In other news I have posted a couple of colour combo options in the Pretty Little Pouch Swap flickr pool...

I am going to make a mini Schoenrock Cross block, as part of Leila's QAL and to use on one side of the pouch.

And now I know why I don't usually give options!!  I could have just asked 'red or pink', but that would have been too simple. 

Anyway I know what I am going to do, I know what fabrics I am going to use, and shock horror they might not be exactly those I grabbed for the pictures, because it was just a thermometer; I like my partner, so I am not going to make her anything I don't think she'll like!

Along with the above, I have a To Do list as long as my arm for tomorrow, with no room for snow, so here's hoping!

#iliketobinditbindit

This afternoon we settled down with a few of the Christmas Sky+ leftovers, including Madagascar 2, and I got on with binding my #scrappytripalong...

I am now over halfway round, about 5 out of 8 yards sewn; I was thinking I might get it finished this evening, but maybe I need to give my eyes and fingers a rest and have something to look forward to tomorrow evening.  Still undecided.

It has snowed and thawed at the same rate all day, so we are no worse/better off than we were yesterday; school have already texted saying that they hope to be open tomorrow, so saving that binding may well be a good idea; another day of kids, or a day at work, it's a toss up which I would prefer less!

#happyday

On the weekends I like to have a quick look at my iPad before venturing from our warm bed, postponing going into the usual war zone of children and breakfast cereal, (this morning it was kids fuelled on thieved cookies!).

Today I also awoke to the most lovely and excellent surprise courtesy of the amazing Nova.  Did you see this post? 

I did, and it was the best start to the day.  If you don't follow Nova's blog, a cuppa and a catch up, I jolly well suggest you start!  She makes the most beautiful things, and has written some wonderful patterns, which, even if you aren't familiar with the lady herself, you will have seen all over the Land of Blog.  Thank you again my lovely friend x

The rest of the day continued equally happy; the snow remains, so we went out with the sledges, and ended up at the park, where there was an albeit small slope, (and best, did not require any parental assistance), and it provided an hour of fun before the cold took grip and we headed back for hot chocolate...

After lunch, I reclaimed the table, and set to quilting my #scrappytripalong. 

A couple of hours of nearly-straight-lining, and it was done!  I quilted each side of alternate seams, and called it a day.  It looks good, feels good too; so tomorrow I will trim and attach the binding, and that will be me sorted for a few chilly evenings of stitching.  Wonderful.

And now, the small people are finally up in bed, time for a DVD.  I think Mister Clooney has been waiting his turn since Christmas; so it would be rude not to.

xxx

Go Geese Lightning!

It may have not gone above minus 4 outside, but I had a good day indoors in the peace, quiet and warm.

I got the Sizzix geese all basted and quilted, then the binding attached first...

But rather than finishing it off immediately, I've kept the binding for this evening; I am happy about that on so many levels!

Instead, I got on with my #scrappytripalong.  I inset yesterday's big block into my solid backing, and then basted the whole 72" beauty!  Thank goodness for spray, I was done in half hour; I'd still be grovelling around on the floor, sobbing, if I was pinning!

I picked out my binding, the last piece of one of my favourite DS prints, and I'm 99% sure of the coloured thread I will be using on the back; I'll use off-white on the top.

Now I just have to build up the nerve and stamina to quilt it!  It weighs a tonne, and did I mention that it's huge!  This is going to be a bit of a job!  But the prospect of all that binding, 8yds, will keep me going!

Happiness!

Woke up this morning to this...

...which soon turned to rain, disappointment and bad hair, but never mind, look what I made this evening...

 As soon as the dinner plates were cleared off the table, the sewing machine was out, and my 36 #scrappytripalong blocks were stitched into one beautiful quilt top.

I know I have asked before whether is it wrong to love something you have made yourself, well this time, I am not even asking.
  
I love it!

There was swearing, in a very good way, as I flapped out the completed top after sewing the last seam.  It is beyond what I had hoped for, and I am so so pleased I jumped into this using my most precious hoarded fabric!

I will try to catch up with blogs and emails later, but I might not!  If you have a problem with that, you'll find me on Cloud 9!

Getting prepared...

This was the scene about an hour ago, before I finished my lovely new AMH infinity scarf...

I ordered the 'kit' from Pink Castle, and the minute I got home to find the parcel today I was determined to have it finished by the weekend.  I want to be ready for the Arctic blasts that will be heading our way next week, apparently.

I love this combo so much, I even followed the AMH tutorial to the letter and hand finished the closure; I am so glad I did.

I am wearing it right now (with my pyjamas!) and prepared for whatever sleet and snow wishes to land on my doorstep!

And should the worst best happen, I have all the supplies I need to finish my #scrappytripalong and I've also made sure there are also some tins of soup and part-baked bread in the cupboard just to keep everyone-else happy... bring it on!

Wonderful Wednesday!

What with all the pre-Christmas performances, lurgies and school holidays, I have not had a scheduled day off, home alone, in ages.  Today was so great!

OK, so I had to clean, tidy, change the bedding and dust all those places that have been home to cards and decorations for the last month, but I ploughed through all that, on a mission to get to my sewing machine - I love a good 'carrot'!

First up, the last 6 #scrappytripalong blocks.  I got as far as finishing all the unpicking last night, then settled for rubbish on the telly.

So all 36 blocks are now complete...

This is not the final layout.  I left them laid out on the lounge floor for most of the day, swapping blocks about now and then; it never really looked any different, I just tried to make sure no touching blocks had the same dominant fabric and called it a day.  I have a couple of must dos to get done before I can get this finished.

The first must dos are quilts for Sizzix heading for a show in France in February, I believe.  Using specified dies, I got free reign on what to make, and today, quilt one was basted, lightly quilted and has now reached this stage...

Hopefully I am going to have my first finish of the year to show you tomorrow as I am already halfway round.  I did ponder just machine finishing the binding, but that's no fun!

I trust you are all feeling the mid-week love too xxx

FAL Q1 2013

Now I know I needn't go into too much detail on the whys and wherefores of the Finishalong, as it does appear that pretty much everyone I know is either linking up and/or has heard me, or someone else mention it previously, but I am really pleased to be linking up again.

I have linked up my Q4 2012 finishes already; I didn't write a whole new post, as I had finished all 7 items on my list back at the end of November, and blogged about them here.  How did you get on?  It was my best quarter ever for finishes.

Linking in 2013 with the new hostess with the mostest, Leanne, I know for sure that she will continue the successes encouraged by awesome Rhonda throughout 2012.  Thank you Rhonda for getting this brilliant ball rolling!

Leanne has a calming influence in my frequently hectic and emotional existence, so I am thrilled that she will be there, making things better, keeping a level head and encouraging us all.

I did joke after Christmas that I better start a few projects just so that I could make a list, which was kind of true.  Like many of us, Christmas Makes were the be-all and end-all of the last couple of months, so once the gift-giving was done, I was free to start new projects again.  And start I did.

So here are my four for the first quarter...

1.  #scrappytripalong

I have 6 blocks to finish, and I love it so much already.  As soon as I have ordered some more batting and backing, there will be, I hope, no reason not to get this beauty all sewn up.

2.  Sizzix Commission

I have two quilts to make for Sizzix by the end of the month; I have batting and backing for these (grr!), and the top of the first one completed already, and they HAVE to be done, so I will be putting the pedal to the metal on these soon.

3. A hexie project

I know, a bit vague.  I have started basting a bunch of lovely hexies which I trimmed from the mini-charms sent to me by this lovely lady; I have a couple of ideas, but want to see them all hexed up before I commit!

4.  Brit Bee 2 - Diamond Nipples

This one is kind of out of my hands for the immediate future.  My block is made, but once the others head back my way, I am not one to hang around and will get those mega-blocks made into another BB smasher.  Well it's a plan!

So there we have my hopes for Q1, and I am sure I will start, and maybe finish a load more and have a bigger list in Q2!!

#scrappytripalong

I feel a bit bad about only instagramming my progress on the scrappytripalong.  Hectic times means that I have not fully synced all my tech, so the photos have been on my iPad, and blah-di-dah I have finally got my a*se in gear!

A week ago I decided to join in, I knew immediately I saw the first few blocks appearing on twitter/instagram that resistance was going to be completely futile and jumped in feet first.

Anyone who has been following me for a while will know that I love Denyse Schmidt and have been collecting fabric for a while; and to be honest, not really knowing what I was going to do with it, but knowing for sure that I wanted a full quilt of only and as much DS as possible.

So 36 fabrics pulled, excluding the reds, darker blues, and also some of my outright favourites that I've kept for best, and off I went!

If this is all new to you, this tute, this flickr group and this hashtag are all you need, and a big bit of floor space...

Easy blocks that come together nicely; I have even managed to get 6 more finished this evening, having packed up Christmas, done the washing, ironing and sorted all the school bags, PE kits, uniforms and lunch boxes this afternoon.  I was shattered, but I really wanted to increase my block count to 30...

Only 6 more blocks to go, but with school, work, swimming and life going back to normal tomorrow, this will definitely be on my FinishAlong list for Q1-2013.

Here we go again...

Happy New Year Everyone!

Day One has been good; sunshine, family, meals out and sewing.  I have been posting the sewing on instagram, the #scrappytripalong has me well and truly hooked, 6 blocks made already.  More on that here, later in the week, I promise.

I have also sewn up my block as Miss January in Brit Bee, which I will show you tomorrow when I get some decent photos, after I've popped 11 parcels in the post for the wonderful BB ladies to replicate.

I would normally be linking with Lynne's Fresh Sewing Day on the first of the month, but I pretty much summed up my year yesterday, so I will spare you the repetition.

Instead, I will leave you with a picture of 'the end of Christmas'...

...the chap at the garden centre is wrapping up the Christmas display polar bears in bubble wrap, to go into hibernation until the end of the year!  We distracted the children whilst he did the same with Father Christmas.

Hope you are off to a good start too xxx

Almost but not quite...

Christmas is almost over; I gauge that by the quantity of food left to consume; the turkey is no more, I might actually have to cook something tomorrow as we are now running low on cheese, biscuits and other festive fayre, although I do still have a mountain of chocs, so it's not all bad.

I have spent the afternoon Sizzixing pieces for round two of Brit Bee as I will be Miss January 2013 - lots and lots of HSTs all prepared; I was hoping to give you photos of my lovely piles, but I have only just finished, so you will just have to wait.

In the meantime, I have also pledged to join in with the in crowd and Trip Around The World.  I have pulled 36 Denyse Schmidt FQs, but they may have to wait in line, as I need to get that BB fabric all packaged and mailed, along with making some inroads into the first of 2 commission quilts that need to be finished by the end of January.  Hopefully I will go forth into the New Year all teched-up and using the #scrappytripalong mularky.  Here's hoping!

Having had a quick look back, I have also failed to show you a lovely Chrustmas pressie I received from my special blogging friend Annabelle, a leather sewing pattern purse!  (I know!)...

It is superb and will be used lots, especially when I head back to work.

I can also show you the Secret Santa gift I made for fellow Brit Bee Fiona...

I was getting my Panto-groove on when planning this, the Postcard from the Peeps pouch, using Lynne's paper pattern from FQ Retreat and a precious scrap of Lizzy House as a starter.  So although not overly festive, I know that Fiona is planning on using it after the pine needles have settled and mince pies are a distant memory!  I am yet to receive my gift, if you were wondering; my partner is a very amazing and busy lady so I told her not to stress it pre-Christmas, and so, the festivities live on.