Catch up!

I've been away from my Blog so long, I can't remember if I have shared some of these photo's! I don't think I have, but my apologies if I repeated myself.


This is the DQS8 quilt that I sent to my partner, The Sometimes Crafter. I really enjoyed using the grey to highlight some of my fave big floral prints. And the variegated grey DMC thread was perfect for some simple running stitches. I wanted to try and emphasize the weave effect of the floral fabrics. I was pretty pleased with the outcome!


This one also has some running stitches! More along the Sashiko line though. The Sashiko panels are also my own work. The cushion size panel comes from Japan, it has pre-printed lines to follow. I found the hand sewing to be very relaxing. But decided to cut up the panel to make this Wall Hanging. The indigo fabrics are from my first Jelly Roll purchase. I just couldn't resist all those different Indigo 2 1/2' strips. I really enjoyed making this one, I gave it to a good friend for her Birthday.


This is a tiny Coin quilt! I sent this along as part of a fabric swap. Ack! I can't remember which one!


Ahhhh, this one is quite recent. I called it 'Amy Butler Sorbet', I am sure all these colours could be found at a Gelato bar. It went to Melanie, and was a DQS Angel quilt. Poor Melanie waited a long time to get her quilt. I hope this made up for it. Me and my monochromatic prints, I do so love them!


Look!!! I've finally pieced another big quilt, I've even quilted it, just trying to decide if I've quilted it enough though. Each pinwheel is about 18", yes huge! It is a ORBC quilt-along quilt. I'm really quite pleased I've started to use some of my yardage. I've definitely got over my 'cutting fabric' hesitation! 'The Old Red Barn Co.' Flickr group is like a second home to me, along with the 'Doll Quilt Swap' group and the 'Mini QT Swap' group.

I've found I have more conversations with people in these three groups. It feels so good to talk to like minded quilting/fabric peeps. I don't really get to chat to people, about my obsession, in my daily life.


I've got more to share, more Bee blocks, a Mini QT Swap quilt (sent and received). Plus some adorable 3 1/2 " blocks from 2 swaps. Oh and DQS9 sign ups are happening again. I love swaps!


Cheerio for now
x Mandy

the Falls ArtFest stock

The bags

The larger lined pencil case/wallet

approx 9" x 6"

The medium lined purses

approx 7" x 7"

The little lined purses

approx 7" x 4"

And a little cheery bunting,
because sometimes you just can't stop!
approx 2 yards

I also made quite a few cards, but they'll have to wait for another day. I really enjoyed making these bits and pieces and am going to start to put some items in my made it store. But probably not before the end of the week. I have some serious swap catching up to do. I've contacted my swap buddy's, and everything is toot sweet.


Cheerio for now

X Mandy

Make & Donate a Toy for Victoria's children

If you've been wondering about donating to bushfire victims, take a look at this blog, The Toy Society. It could be what you've been looking for.

I'm going to do a 'toy gather' within my community. Something handmade.
My heart sinks to think of all those children who have lost all that they have loved so dearly.
Do what you can.

ALSO

Jump across to the Melly & Me blog.
For your chance to Bid on items hand made by Melly and Rosalie. All monies raised will go to the Bushfire appeal.


AND

Maree at On My Verandah is also holding some auctions, lots in fact. There are patterns, Dolly quilts and fabric. Your sure to find something you need! Again all monies will be donated to the Bushfire appeal.

My Heather Bailey Quilt

This is one of the projects I did for a Christmas present and couldn't show as I didn't want the recipient's Mum to see it too early. I made this quilt for my new niece, Amie Grace. She was born at 4.24 am on Saturday 10 th January. I feel so privileged to have been there at her birth, and to have cut her cord. It is something I shall remember with awe, for the rest of my life.
My admiration for my Sister sky rocketed to new heights.

When I decided to do this quilt I knew I couldn't use pink. Not because Amie's sex wasn't known, but because I'm just not that comfortable with pink. I know, shock horror, but I'm just not a pink girl. Anyhow, when I saw the talented Heather Bailey's Pop Garden, I knew I'd found my fabric. So feminine but bold, and clear, and the shapes of the flowers shout opulent. And of course there's Aqua in there, and a most beautiful and fancy paisley. These are the 3 piece's I chose (I mean, of course, fell in love with).



I didn't want to cut up the big flower print, so decided to do big squares and the placement of the other squares just fell into place. It had to be red sashing, and I found the exact colour and quantity in my stash. I also found some beautiful, soft, small red and white gingham, so these are the final fabrics. I was toying with the larger gingham for the binding, but thankfully decided against it in the end.



This then is the top finished, I decided to do the squares as diamonds, so that they form (loosely I'll admit) a kiss. Never ending love from her Aunty Mandy. The quilt is half quilted in this picture. I decided to stitch in the ditch, then worried it wouldn't be enough quilting. I can't afford professional quilting and so had to do it myself.


I don't think I can explain how I quilted within the squares so here's a picture. I hope you can make out the stitching lines. Basically it ended up looking like a fancy star in the larger square of the quilt. It's not finished in the picture, I kept stitching the squares and triangles and did circles (eek, so tricky) in the centre of all the large daisy's.



I don't have a picture of the finished quilt as I had to finish it in England and forgot to take this all important picture. The binding I eventually used was a tone on tone floral, which was a light old goldly nearly but not quite orange colour. There is a small amount of this colour in the paisley print, first picture of post, middle fabric top left.

I really like how this quilt turned out, I haven't made many (like 3), but, as with most fabric lovers, have plans for many, many more. Hopefully the first one I make for my bed I'll be able to have quilted professionally.

Megan's quilt as you go Bag

This is my friend Megan's version of the 'In The Pink', JoyPatch Bag. I love her daughters choice of fabrics, they work so perfectly together. I think I've got her hooked on making bags, which might be a good thing. As she's had a few requests, from her daughter's friends, for their own 'In The Pink' bag.

My Softie

Here is my very first attempt at designing a soft toy. It had to be easy!
I wanted my toy to be a used toy. One that could go anywhere, especially in the washing machine. I didn't want it to be complicated, I wanted easy shapes. I wanted it to be loved and cuddled, sat on, squished and dragged where ever it's two legged owner wanted to go.

So....

here

is....

'my hugul'







I'm wondering about making up some kits to sell, or maybe just a pattern. But I'm not sure. After being home raising children for nearly eight years, I'm feeling the need to try and contribute in a financial way also.
Please let me know what you think.