Blogger's Quilt Festival Fall 2013 Encore

I am so happy that we are able to enter two quilts into the Blogger's Quilt Festival this time, purely because I didn't have to choose between my two current favourites; making decisions is not coming easily right now.

Yesterday my Liberty Marcelle Medallion, today my Holiday Memories mini quilt.

I apologise to regular viewers, because the reveal and full story of this one are probably fresh in your minds; for first timers, the full story can be found here.

Long story short, I started planning this quilt before our summer holiday to Menorca, and whilst on one beautiful sunny day-trip it all came together.

Using the uber-talented Lu Summers and her beautiful Quilt Improv book as a starting point, I grappled with my inherent fear of solids and all things wonky!

It turned out so perfectly!

The Details:
Pattern - there wasn't one!
Fabrics - Kona solids, hand-printed scraps - Leanne Fanny/The Little House MartinOther scraps inc. Moda crossweaves, RB Chevrons, Sherbet Pips and Architextures
Finished - 26.5" x 20.5"
Pieced and quilted - Aurifil 50wt 2021
Quilting - straight line c. 1/2" apart
Backing - Moda Muslin

So there you go, my Fall entries.  I have already been casting my eye over the entrants so far and I am itching to get off the sofa and back at my machine - so much gorgeous inspiration.

I am not sure if international entrants are eligible for winning the Baby Lock, that would obviously be lovely, and who wouldn't want to win a stonking new machine, but the fun of joining in is what it is all about really, and I am just thankful to be here.

Thank you Amy for hosting this wonderful event once again, and thank you all for your comments - I appreciate every one of them and promise I will reply as soon as I can xxx

Holiday Memories...

Before I let Autumn consume me completely, (how did October come round so quickly!?), I am travelling back in time to reminisce about those bright, precious days in the holiday sun.

I love being on holiday, and I really love that even now, the kids wake up and say that they wish they could go back to Menorca again.

There are way fewer arguments, fewer tantrums and fewer stresses when we are away.  We have been so lucky to find somewhere so perfect for all of us, we haven't ruled out yet another return visit!

This year we took a glass-bottom boat trip that was pretty much the highlight of holiday, and that day won't be forgotten any time soon, especially now I have cast my quilty-eye over it!

When we got back home at the end of August, it was only a matter of time before I was plotting for Fiona's competition.  Not only has she gathered an awesome bunch of sponsors, but the idea is genius.  I have been looking at my mini-quilt every day since I finished it, and still get that smiley feeling about being away.  Thank you Fiona!

I wanted to try something new, and Lu's book was just the perfect inspiration I needed; thanks Lu too.  I am really proud that I have created something so far removed from everything I have made before.

It turned out exactly how I pictured it in my head and most importantly, the children could pick out so many of the references unprompted!

I have to admit it, I am thrilled with this mini quilt; all it represents, the fun I had making it as well as the relief of it actually working out.  (Humour me, please!)

I couldn't bring myself to use only solids, but I really had to be strict with myself not to overload on prints, so a select few and some treasures from my scrap bag from Ms Fanny, and I think I have got the balance right.  I realise this won't be to everyone's taste, and you could all just think I have made a right old mess, but to me it really is an extra, special, souvenir. 

Thank you again to Fiona for encouraging me to do something completely different and to break out of my comfort zone.

Honestly, solids, improv and real-life inspiration - who knew I could eh?!

Some important deets:
Measurements:  26.5" x 20.5"
Pieced & quilted - Aurifil 50wt 2021
Kona solids - Simply Solids
Hand-printed scraps - Leanne Fanny/The Little House Martin
Scraps inc. Moda crossweaves, RB Chevrons, Sherbet Pips and Architextures
Backed with Moda Muslin - Eclectic Maker

Make sure you take a look at all the other holiday memories appearing over at Celtic Thistle Stitches too, and if you have turned your holiday memory into a cushion, bag or mini-quilt, don't forget you have until this Friday to link up.
xxx

Can't think of a title that's not rude!

In the run up to Retreat, well more specifically Quilt Market night, I knew I was going to make a bee-line for Leanne Fanny and her hand printed fabric.

Ange and I lucked out and got the last 2 scrap packs, which are A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. and beautiful and all sorts of pretty.

There were many c. 1.5" x 5" strips, which I pulled with my Mum's birthday in mind, and pieced into a couple of orderly mini-panels yesterday.

This morning I turned them into a covered notebook...

I love how quick, simple and, even if I do say so myself, superbly it turned out.  I also made the covered button, because none in my tin worked well enough, and I think it is the perfect finishing touch.

I knew these would become an addiction, and I think I need to make one for myself next, especially as I have finished everything on my 'must do' list, (and made it to the end of this post without any fanny jokes!).