Binding

This week I'm very pleased to be binding my Rouenneries quilt started at a 2009 workshop with Kerry Swain at Calico Crossroads.

 The lovely quilting was done on a long arm machine by Leanne. She has done a beautiful job.

I'm not the quickest of binders but I do quite enjoy it, particularly while watching a good murder mystery on TV.

The new series of Midsomer Murders is on tonight so should get a bit done. It will be nice and cosy with the quilt (and most likely a cat too!) on my lap.

Tis the Season

Seems to be the season for me to finish a few projects. Usually I am quite happy to plod along working on numerous (actually lots!) of different things but it is nice to occasionally finish one of those UFOs.

So here it my finished Tis the Season quilt.

Really pleased with this one .. it was a great way to use up a treasured Glace honey bun

I changed the block and quilt borders to use up more of the honey bun strips and give a scrappier look.

The straight line quilting worked a treat with the stitchery blocks nice and flat ... no 'ballooning' as has sometimes happened to me in the past.

 
Yesterday two quilts came back from being quilted by the lovely Leanne. Can't wait to get the bindings on and show the world what a great job she did.

State Fair ... all done.

During the school holidays (5 weeks ago!) I finished my State Fair Schnibble. The weather has been sunny and warm the last couple of days so I was able to take some pictures. I used a couple of Oasis charm packs and some Kona white for contrast.

I REALLY love this backing fabric.

I quilted it myself with straight lines in the borders ...

 and some outline quilting in the blocks.

This morning I made my second block of the Fat Quarter Shop 2011 Designer Mystery BOM quilt. Very pleased with how it turned out ... will pop back with some pictures soon.

Christmas Stocking Swap

Yesterday was opening day for Friends in Stitching's latest swap. This time we made Christmas stockings incorporating stitchery and/or applique. I received this lovely stocking from De.

 Love the little angel stitchery ...

 

 and the tassels are a nice touch.

 

Just found out from De that it is an Anni Downs design. Thank you De.

I made the stocking below for Vicki.

 It is a Marg Low pattern.

 

 I used Nancy Halvorsen's Jingle all the Way fabric for the backing ...

and lining.

and popped a couple of brighter fat quarters in the same print in the stocking.

Today I feel rather 'knackered' so having a pyjama day ... will do some hexies if I can stay awake!

Sunday Sewing

Today I spent the morning in my sewing room and was surprisingly productive.

A few weeks ago I signed up for the 2011 Designer Mystery Block of the Month from the Fat Quarter Shop. I drooled over the 2009 and 2010 quilts that I saw in blogland and when I found out that this years quilt would be made from Figtree's Strawberry Fields ... well I just couldn't resist!

Block One is called 'Sweet Pea' and was designed by Bonnie Olaveson and Camille Roskelley.

When I signed up I also got the Finishing Kit designed by the fabulous Joanna of Figtree Quilts.

 These nine leaf blocks went together quite quickly.

Of course, I had to give 'Sweet Pea' her leaves. Can't wait for block 2 to arrive.

Feeling very motivated, I also sewed the binding onto my State Fair Schnibble quilt. I used to struggle with getting bindings 'just right'. 

I just didn't get how to join the ends so it wasn't obvious where I'd started and finished, BUT after discovering the Perfect Binding Tutorial at Jaybird Quilts they are looking much better.

 This little quilt in Oasis has turned out rather cute. (In fact, I just might have ordered a fat quarter bundle to make Leanne Beasley's Butterfly Garden.) I love all the prints in the range and the greys are especially nice. Hope to get the binding sewn down in the evenings this week. Will have to drag myself away from the hexies.

Vicki's Gift

Sorting through some photos I realised I hadn't shown this hanging pillow I made  Vicki for her birthday in March.

 The stitchery is from Natalie Bird's book, Sweet Sentiments.

Knowing of her interest in France, I used French General ribbon ...

and fabrics.

It was a nice quick little project to do.  I'd like to do the Sweet Sentiments quilt one day.

This afternoon I finished my school reports so tomorrow I plan to spend time with my sewing machine. Have a binding that needs sewing on and a few other jobs I'd like to do. The hexie pile continues to grow ... will do an update soon.

Hexies

Thought it was about time I showed some more of my hexies.

 

At last count, I'd made about 70. 

 

 I am finding them really good to take out ... easy to pick up and put down.

My husband spent 6 days in hospital last week so they were a nice distraction for me.

This weekend I'll be writing school reports and trying to finish a gift for a friend. Hope you find some stitching time too.