#DSTTchallenge - did you see?

I think I have found the perfect project to fill a little (imaginary) gap in my schedule over the Easter break; did you see this too?

The prizes look amazing, the judges are pretty hot, so why not!

I had a rummage through my stash already...

Timeless Treasures is probably the manufacturer that UK peeps will find in bountiful quantities in even the most traditional of local quilt shops.  OK, so mine doesn't stock Sketch, but it is overflowing with the florals and the like.

My Dear Stella stash, I think, is made up solely of my Hadley scraps, but as that's all I need, I didn't dig any deeper, and I have a plan!

Whilst Minecraft and the Frozen DVD work their magic next week, I will get to play.  Well it's sort of a plan, now what to make?

#economyblockalong Reveal...

Yesterday morning, nightie, dressing gown, wellies, mad hair, sunshine and photos, at last!

I love how this mini turned out, Dick 'n' all!  I pulled a couple of big scraps that I had fallen out of love with for the back; and although at first I was just happy to use them up where they wouldn't be seen, I now actually love the madness of the combo...

I used Rita's templates to make the 42 x 5" finished blocks, so it measures up just over 35" x 30".  I quilted each side of the block seams in Aurifil 2021 50wt.  The binding is some cripsy cotton poplin I have had hanging about since I really didn't know what I was doing, and the batting was even made with two pieces fused together.

So I am really pleased to be linking this up with Sarah...

Whilst I was out in the garden looking a bit disturbed, I got some pics of a few more finishes, so don't be fooled into thinking we are having lovely weather at last, it was good for about 3 hours so I made sure I got my money's worth xxx

Pinch me!

I am so thrilled to tell you that I won the Mini Quilt Viewer's Choice over at Fiona's Holiday Memories Competition; thank you so much to everyone who voted for my mini or for any of the other entries, there were so many lovely winners, Fiona was a wonderful host.

I know, I know, you guys think I win everything - Mr Random and I had a fling a year or so ago but he seems to have moved on to younger, brighter things; this is only my 3rd win this year, and the second was Megan's pattern two days ago.

However, and most excitingly, this is the first time I have ever actually come first for something that I have made.  I have had a couple of runners up placings, but have always been pipped trounced at the post!

So this is a big, humongous, wonderful deal for me.  I am not going to go all Gwynnie on you, but I cannot thank you guys enough.

Mwah!  xxx

Don't let it fade away...

Sheila tipped me off to this a couple of weeks back, did you see?

I have been pondering, as I do, and I feel a mini quilt brewing...

I am already thinking that I will use Lu's Quilt Improv book for the 'how to', but I may just need to lay back and think about it some more!

Modern Mini Challenge...

The design for my entry into the awesome Modern Mini Challenge came about by complete and utter chance.

Settled in front of the TV a couple of weeks back, I glanced up on hearing an advert for Gotye's album.  I love the current single...

Anyway, the cover artwork flashed on screen; I hadn't seen it before, and I haven't seen the advert since, but I was instantly smitten, light bulb moment, goodbye all previous ideas, come to mama...

So a little Googling, grabbing, adding to my iPod and sketching later, I was good to go!  Not having enough shades of grey, nor green, or even orange as per the cover, and wanting to get making,  I opted for a different combo.

We are talking 'inspired by' here!

I have never gone from 'inspiration' to 'making' so quickly and I am amazed, although still a little bit unsure of the finished mini.

OK I'll shush now, here's the pictures...

Ta da...

It measures up at 15.5"x 23".  Made with a mix of Klona solids, Michael Miller Ta and Dumb Dots, backed with IKEA numbers and quilted with Aurifil 28wt in grey.

Is it really masculine?  I don't know why am I not quite feeling it.  The solids?  I am perplexed!  I hope it's just me.

I am proud of the process though, and I have even been drafting plans for a full quilt, but please don't hold me to it.

So there you have it, in its full spiky, angry(?) glory.  I am kind of hoping Mr Random Number Generator loves Gotye too xxx