Sweet Little Dress

This little dress is a favourite of mine.  The fabric is gorgeous Windham Fabric from their 1930s Storybook range.  So simple but so effective.  Bit hard to see, but it is Little Bo Peep looking for her sheep. 

Same but Different

My very first post related to the quilting course I did with two special friends at Patches.  Eventhough the sample quilt involved the same techniques, the course produced very different results..just with the choice of fabrics.  I wanted something to tone in with my Laura Ashley blue themed living room and Anne wanted something to suit her newly upholstered lounge which will shortly be moving to the Anne and Gary's new home on their property outside of Laidley. 

This is my quilt top.  I am very happy with it, despite the fact that on lesson 4, I left all my fabrics at home and had to make a hasty decision to purchase some extra fabrics.

And this is Anne's:

Gorgeous, hey?

I am still awaiting photos from my friend, Liz, who produced a really contemporary looking quilt..

Castle Peeps

I can't remember when I first saw this gorgeous fabric on Funky Fabrix with the cute name Castle Peeps by Lizzy House.  It inspired me to visit their store in Mitchelton.  I think they were on special..so just had to have some.  With the help of a Little Bird, I've made this very sweet little skirt.  Not sure what I'll do with it..but just had to make it.  I am continually amazed by the beautiful fabrics available and the creative talents of designers. 

Cute Cords for the New York Baby

I was keen to make a pair of cords for my great nephew in New York.  Winter is approaching and he needs to look smart on his many outings to Central Park and coffee in the Village.  It is difficult to know about sizes and I have already made him a few things that are too big..so wanted to get these little pants right for this winter. Yet to see if I have succeeded this time.  I used a McCall's pattern M601- the medium size.

The green cord and the contrast fabric I found at Spotlight.  I am happy with the 'look'. 

 

Check out the Phil & Jack label:

International Craft Swap

I was lucky enough to be invited by Bree to participate in an international craft swap.  My swap partner was Emily.  I noticed that she had a beautiful little daughter so decided to attack my stash and make this little skirt.    I used Moda Wonderland fabrics and the pattern came from Little Bird Patterns.  I was delighted with the result.  Emily sent me some beautiful cards, some lavender from her garden and neat fabric envelope that could be used for a myriad of things.  I love getting parcels in the post so was naturally excited when my 'swap' arrived.  Thank you Emily and thank you Bree for helping to organise the swap.

Oh What a Lovely Quilt!

My friend Anne has just finished this beautiful quilt top for her mum who is in her nineties.  Not that long ago Anne and I had a lovely day with her friend Noelle who taught us how to hand piece a quilt.  I just managed a few samples, but Anne has finished with very special quilt.  It was her first attempt at any sort of quilting.  She has since done the beginners course at Patches with me and is now quite addicted.  On Sunday, I helped her  get it ready for machine quilting which she is also going to tackle for the first time.  We had a lovely afternoon chatting and pinning and planning our next projects.  Anne and I have shared some lovely times together since the birth of our sons 31 years ago.    Our boys..taken on the occassion of their 30th birthdays last year.

I am sure her dear mum will be just so surprised to receive such a beautiful gift.  And I am so looking forward to lots more quilting afternoons and chats with my very special friend.

You've got Mail!

I love going to the postbox and finding mail (not bills).  Last week this postcard arrived from Shannon..and she said on the back: :Hi Mum.."Saw this postcard and thought of you"  Made my day.  She went on to say "I just love the tenderness between the two of them."  I know exactly what she meant..mother/daughter relationships are special and these days and with email, skype and incredibly cheap phone calls..the special relationship goes on even when you are separated by vast distances.  This postcard came from Germany  where she and her husband had a super long weekend.

And then this came today:

It seems I've won an annual subscription to Frankie.  Shannon will be very excited and I intend to forward them on to her..(will take a couple with me when I go to visit in December). 

So thank you Australia Post for delivering my mail!

A 50th Birthday quilt

I made this quilt for a friend's 50th birthday.  I used Japanese fabrics from Sanshi.  As usual, I left it all way too late and in the end felt how contestants must feel on Masterchef when they hear "move away from your benches", but for me it was "move away from your sewing machine"  It was 12.00 and I was due at the birthday lunch at 12.30.  But the guests didn't mind that I had to cut off all the loose threads over a glass of champagne.  The quilt was very well received and a surprise for its recipient.  Quilts, to me, signifiy warmth, comfort and love..all the things that good friends provide.  I can recognise the mishaps in the quilt but not sure its new owner ever will.  My next project is a quilt for my niece's little boy.  I will keep you posted on its progress.

Quilting Course all Done

Today, I finished my six week, 'beginners' quilting course at Patches
at Indooroopilly. I have just loved it. Two of my very special friends joined me in this adventure..so that made it all the more enjoyable. The 'sampler' quilt is just about finished..just have to attach the final border. It has been even more enjoyable because I have managed to fit it in during working hours. Felt like a little holiday and even a bit naughty for not being at work. Our little group was so connected, Patches has organised our own class to learn hand and machine quilting with Christine, our inspirational tutor.