Joshua's Duck Quilt

This has been a year in the making and here it is, at last!  Joshie's Duck Quilt.  I did all the quilting on my domestic machine, and with some guidance from the wonderful Leah Day.  It is the first time I have attempted to do my own quilting, and I am very happy with the results.  The quilt is a design by Luixin Newman, The Thimblelady.  It is very exciting to have finished it.  I am now working on another duck quilt for James, who was born two weeks ago.  I expect he will receive the quilt around his first birthday too. :)

9 Patch Blocks

 

The putting
together of 9 patch blocks.  All carefully measured at each stage.






And of course I had an assistant.  My beautiful, one eyed, devon rex cat called Gizmo. 

He and his sister Pixie Possum are a regular part of the routine in my sewing room.  All the fabric is really theirs, and any quilts I make are for them to stretch and purr and sleep upon.  They do run the household, and right now I am being ordered, by way of very loud talking meows, to go upstairs and feed them. 

At Last...

nine 2 1/2" blocks

After lots of messing about, I can finally (I think) upload some photos!  Today is Sunday and I have spent some of the time creating three nine patch blocks.  They are part of a "test" quilt that I am making as I follow the excellent Leah Day and her "how to" of cutting and piecing.  I have never been tauught these basics, and I wanted to see the difference between my haphazard way of cutting, and Leah's way of precision.  It goes without saying that there is no contest here.  Leah knows what she is talking about and I realise that even though it may take a bit longer at this stage, there is great benefit in taking the time to do the extra steps.  Check out her website if you are interested.  I love it. 

Back On Track?

I have no photos, nothing prepared, but I am back!  I cannot believe it is May..... I will be making Christmas presents again soon.  More to follow.  Photos to take, and projects to finish...

Antique Quilts



Double Wedding Ring




Churn Dash



Both quilts

Just one more note regarding my Avalon stay.  Barb, who organises the weekend, and what a wonderful job she does, brought along some quilts that she was hoping to sell.  These quilts would have been purchased by her in USA.  I couldn't help but take photos.  Someone did buy the double wedding ring (I couldn't afford it) and I gave serious thought to the churn dash.  I didn't buy though.  When you look at these photos give a thought to the fact that these quilts are all hand quilted!  The colours are still vibrant, the fabrics, feedsacks, still in very good condition.  I don't know the history of the quilts, however, just looking at them was a treat.  Thanks Barb for bringing them.

Christmas Stockings

Merry Christmas to one and all!!

An update today on the six christmas stockings that I was making for our six grandchildren.  I am happy to report that the stockings are finished!  My weekend at Avalon assisted in the process.  Delveen and Peter at Avalon have put up the most amazing Christmas decorations in their lovely lounge room, so I took advantage of the gorgeous Christmas tree and took a photo of all the stockings.  What do you think?  I think they are pretty cool. 

Found Fabric.

Retro 70's?  Fruits and white roses

Retro 70's? Different view

Little cross stitch print 70's?

more little cross stitch print

Wee folk print, 70's?

Wee folk print

Wee folk print

I had a wonderful weekend away at Avalon, in Toodyay, sewing a bit and generally relaxing.  The most exciting part was finding some retro fabric in one of the antique shops in town!  I've taken some photos.  I am also thinking I might sell some of it on ebay.  I won't part with the little folk print, however I thought the little cross stitch print and the large fruit/flowers print may be quite attractive to some collectors out there i.e. they would just HAVE to have some. A taste of what I found in the photos above.  Still excited!!