Maggie's Quilting Corner

Another Year

2012-01-02T12:31:00.000+10:00

Well it's 12 months since I actually posted here........so much for my quilting journal. Where does the time go. In fact where have the last 2 years gone. So many plans, so many quilts in my head and still waiting to escape. Sigh. Got a couple done. Made some modern quilts with the intention of selling them. Very fast and easy and not too much in the way of designing. This Christmas (as with every other Christmas) was to be my catching up time. Well, did get a bit done.......a couple of quilts that have been lurking in the cupboard for several years. I'm a little hesitant to admit how many years....and they aren't even mine. My SIL will be so pleased to finally get them. Not much progress with Auto Sketch, think I need a week to do just that and nothing else. I see Blogger has change again and I will have to re-learn . I do wish "they" would leave things alone. If it ain't broke don't fix it. So will be a while before I post any photos....need to learn again how to do it.

Quilts For Queensland

2011-01-12T21:01:00.006+10:00

I have started making quilts for Queensland flood victims. This will be a long, long recovery period so I will just keep on making them. I have started a new blog called (can you guess?) Quilts For Queensland. I have posted a few photos of the floods and the beginnings of some quilts. I would be happy to accept any quilts people want to contribute. Distributing these quilts isn't something I have worked out but have a long time to get that in place. Some places aren't too far from where I live.

Have lots of plaids so thought I would start there. Good colours for boy / man quilts.

I like this setting for nine patch and it's made so easily with an Easy angle ruler

On the design wall

Was nice to have a messy floor again.

Am I really joining this??????

2010-12-26T15:01:00.016+10:00

Judy has issued a challange to finish 12 quilts in 2011. So I have picked 12 that I may have a chance of finishing. They only need quilting so lets see if I can manage that this year. 2009 was a great year for finishing - I actually got 20 finished, but 2010 was a disaster and only finished 2- YES only TWO. It's been a very bad year for sewing and quilting so I'm hoping I can make 2011 a better year. Well, one thing -no sewing has also meant no fabric buying.....so my stash is still at the place it was many months ago.

I really am going to make time for myself in 2011 and get back into patchwork. So here are the 12 quilts I want to (definately) finish in the next 12 months........should be a piece of cake :-)

Can't really believe I'm doing this - but as the saying goes nothing ventured nothing gained.

NUMBER ONE - CAMBRIDGE SQUARE

NUMBER TWO - COUNTRY STARS

NUMBER THREE - DOUBLE WEDDING RING

NUMBER FOUR - SKEWED STARS

NUMBER FIVE - NIGHT LILLIES

NUMBER SIX - FLOATING STARS

NUMBER SEVEN - BRIGHT SNOWBALL

NUMBER EIGHT - BOM

NUMBER NINE - VINTAGE SNOWBALL

NUMBER TEN- NINE PATCH SAMPLER

NUMBER ELEVEN- COLOUR PLAY

NUMBER TWELVE - OLD CHAINS

Still breathing

2010-07-04T17:36:00.014+10:00

Well, it has been a long time since I was on here. Hardly any sewing or quilting as life just keeps getting in the way. Was just over at Ms Jan Quilts and she has been absent about as long as me. So thought it was about time I got back into it. My year started out great and even had one finish in January but nothing since.

I haven't been totally idle. Went away for a caravan trip and got up to Cooktown. Didn't want to come home and I sure can understand people who just wander for a year or two.....I could have kept going but alas duties called......maybe next time.

While I was away I did some knitting. It was the easiest thing to do while travelling in the car. Well, maybe hand sewing would work just as good but I didn't have anyting prepared so knitting it was.

Our first day on the road saw a blowout......Our second day on the road saw a blowout.

My favourite place was Bramston Beach....it was so serene and so unspoilt, I could have stayed here for a long time. Hardly anybody around.

I have been threatening to learn to cook for a long time and have a friend who is a great cook so I finally got around to making a tart on our last night under her supervision. And finally Somewhere on the road in North Queensland.

First finish for the year

2010-01-16T11:17:00.003+10:00

I designed and made this a couple of years ago. Didn't quite look as woven as I would have liked. Then ran out of black so couldn't do the borders. It's a really unusual blacky/blue so it sat forever in "wonder what to do" pile till I decided that it just wouldn't have a border. So finally got it quilted and finished the binding last night.

I did intend to get another quilted this weekend but when I went to the sewing room I had the overwhelming desire just to sew........................so I'm off to start / sew/ cut or something in that line.

Borders on - - - - Next Please

2010-01-02T10:41:00.004+10:00

Well, the borders are on Cambridge Square. Very quick and simple quilt to make and I just love these colours. Now onto the next one........mind you I haven't quilted it yet, but am I loving the time just sewing.

A New Year Begins

2010-01-01T18:26:00.007+10:00

A Happy New Year to everyone.

I heard a saying once that you should start the New Year the way you want it to be all year. So I spent the afternoon sewing up these blocks. I had cut it out a while back and really felt like having a sew today. Now just need to sew up the rows and put the borders on......hmmm. Maybe tomorrow??

And I want to reorganise my blog pages. I have too many list of quilts so will just put up one list of UFO's regardless of where they are at..........I'm happy with the number I finished last year and aim to finish a lot more this year. And NO MORE buying fabric. I have enough fabric to make dozens of quilts so intend using up what I have in the cupboard this year. My Stashbusting effort for last year was pretty poor so this year it will be a lot better.

Stashbusting Week 52

2009-12-31T08:02:00.002+10:00

Well finished the binding on the tiny 9 patch. Final figures for the year:

Fabric added this week: Nil
Fabric added this year: 197.90

Fabric used this week: 2.40
Fabric used this year: 205.40

STASH REDUCTION FOR THE YEAR .........7.50

Pretty ordinary really but at least I got some projects finished. I intend aiming higher for next year. Thanks Judy for this activity. See you all next year.

Stashbusting No 50

2009-12-15T08:01:00.006+10:00

Well, finally finished off another quilt - and a monster one at that. Started this a couple of years ago and got it finished this week. Oh, I'm a happy little vegemite!!!!! I'll finish the year actually with less stash than I started..................long as I don't go near a patchwork shop.

Stashbusting 2009

Fabric added this week: Nil

Fabric added this year: 197.9

Fabric used this week: 20.0
Fabric used this year: 203.00

IN THE BLACK: 5.10 YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My First Quilt ....well my new first quilt

2009-12-08T14:07:00.003+10:00

My Statler Stitcher was fitted last week and I have been playing. This is the first off the machine. Lots of learning to do and pretty slow going but getting there. This has been in the cupboard for many years. It was a variation sample for a class I used to teach so wasn't too worried about finishing it.

Stashbusting Week 49

2009-12-08T13:59:00.003+10:00

Finished this QS floral quilt this week so more off my Stashbusting. Feels so good to finish some quilts.........means I have to start some more :-)

Fabric added this week: NIL
Fabric added this year: 197.90

Fabric used this week: 15.0
Fabric used this year 183.00

IN THE RED: 14.9 (but getting there)

Finally a finish.....Stashbusting Week 47

2009-11-22T19:17:00.006+10:00

Finallly finished off some quilts. Quilted up some more horsey fabric for boys in Victoria. Will post them off this week to Christine of Oz Comfort Quilts.

I also got my Blind (Pinwheel) quilt done and the binding is all finished. Turned out nicely and I'm happy with it. Have quilted a QS but that won't count towards my Stashbusting till the binding is sewn down.....and I will start that tonight.

So I'm happy to report I busted some fabric this week!!!!!!!!!!! So by the time this year of Stashbusting ends I will probably break even or even scrape over the line.

Fabric added this week: Nil
Fabric added this year: 197.90

Fabric used this week: 13.00
Fabric used this year: 168.00

So I'm feeling pretty chuffed.

Another one ready

2009-11-04T19:09:00.003+10:00

Got another quilt ready for quilting today. It has been waiting around for me to get some borders on for more years than I care to remember. So today I got the borders on, prepared the backing and got the binding made. The borders aren't the best choice for the quilt but I'm sick of looking at it. And it's one bin emptied! Have a couple of little customer quilts to do and then onto the next quilt......another that has been waiting as long as this one.

Made a decision...........

2009-10-31T17:59:00.009+10:00

I made a decision recently......well I guess I remade a decision. About 18 months or 2 years ago I decided to upgrade my machine to a Statler Stitcher, then changed my mind at the last minute. So a few weeks ago I remade that decision and ordered it. Great excitement and I just can't wait.....but I have to as it won't be here till early December. So I decided to get some (more) quilts ready so I would have plenty to practice on. So got borders on two quilts today.

This bargello was started in a class at Creative By the Sea a few years ago. The pattern is by Chris Timms. Well I finall got the borders on today, prepared the binding and it's ready to quilt.

The borders finally made it to my Blind Quilt.........put this together about a year ago........now ready to quilt.

At the beginning of this year I decided I wanted to have these bins empty and off the floor by the end of the year......not much progress as this is how they looked in January and this is how they look today. Oh well, I have got a few projects out of them and they are ready to quilt.......just need to finish off all the others in these bins.......some are many years old.

Yesterday I cut out a kit I got at the Sydney Quilt show in June......it's called Cambridge Square and the fabrics are black and tan and very yummy.

A little bit of sewing

2009-10-24T17:46:00.003+10:00

I started this blog as a reminder I've progress I make on my quilting............very little as of late. But today I realised that a swap Christine organised is due very soon so I thought I had better catch up before the day arrives. Isn't it just the best feeling being able to sit down and sew? As I was cutting up the strips for the last 9 patch blocks I began to think of other quilts to make........

Finally a bust - Week 39

2009-09-29T19:07:00.002+10:00

Well I haven't been reporting for a long while - in fact I haven't done a report since Week 26.

Finally finished one of my QS quilts for our bed. Nice to have a new quilt finally.

Fabric added this week: Nil
Fabric added this year: 197.9

Fabric used this week: 18.00
Fabric used this year: 155.00

So I'm still not in the black but not too far to go, just need to finish a couple more QS quilts and my figures will look a bit better.

Re-connecting to the world

2009-09-25T08:39:00.006+10:00

I feel like I fell of the edge of the earth and just found my way back. I haven't posted here for 3 months. I can hardly believe it has been that long. How can that much time go by and achieve so little. I also caught up with other things I haven't done for a while - like since last April. Oh well, at least I finally got one more quilt done. It was on the machine for a while but now just need to wash and it's ready to use. Will be nice to have a new quilt for our bed.........the one on there at the moment was made about 7 - 8 years ago and getting a little faded, but still lovely and shabby and cuddly. One of my favourite blocks if Log Cabin. I had made one of these for a friend and while I was quilting it was feeling pangs of separation and thought "Hey, this is what you do so just make one for yourself". And it will be great to have a minus to report on Stashbusting.

Stashbusting Week 26

2009-06-29T13:02:00.002+10:00

I can report a reduction this week. I finished my Thousand Pyramids quilt and only bought a little bit of fabric - .6 to be precise. Lovely to have another quilt finished and draped over the lounge chair. Year half over so had better get a move on. I did put borders on 2 QS quilts and prepared the backing for those two as well as another smaller one.

Fabric added this week: .6 mt/yd

Fabric added this year: 197.9 mt/yd

Fabric used this week: 8.5 mt/yd

Fabric used this year: 137.0 mt/yd

Balance: Plus 60.3 mt/yd

Another finish

2009-06-27T19:18:00.009+10:00

Well, finally finished another quilt. When I got back from the Sydney Show I was very motivated and after unpacking I loaded a quilt and started quilting. Took me a while as life things just get in the way all the time. But finished binding it last night. A machine quilter had shown her quilt on a list I'm part of and I just loved the look of it - so had to make one (as you do). The quilting isn't going to win any awards but at least it's another quilt finished. It has been a very long time since I have done much quilting. Too many other things get in the way and I'm getting very frustrated about that. I bought Kim Brunner's book and DVD a while back and have been itching to have a go at these feathers.....not perfect so no close ups of the quilting. I love how it's turned out. I'm pretty rusty but will keep practicing.

Stashbusting Week 24

2009-06-14T20:08:00.006+10:00

Well, what can I say? I can't believe this Stashbusting is so hard. After all my resolve I've broken down again. And I thought I was being so remarkably restrained at the Sydney Quilt Show. When the plane landed we caught a taxi straight to Patchwork Products. Well, for anyone who has been there you will know how hard it is not to buy something.....and she had a SALE on. Not that I let that influnce me. So, got a lovely border fabric and a background and a couple of other must haves. Like these reds.

Then there was the Sydney Quilt Show and all that lovely fabric. Must be going through my red stage (one of many colours) and just had to have these lovely antiquey ones.

Then there was this Black and Tan (my description) kit that I just couldn't resist. The colours are just wonderful.
And then these delicious browns. We all know you can't make reproduction quilts without the browns!

And how could I neglect my New York Beauty. Just had to get these beauties. Hmmm, I got some at last years show for this quilt. Perhaps I should pull all my fabrics that I have collected for this quilt and actuall see how much I have collected so far.................

So, I had a wonderful time and feel so inspired. And I need to be 'cos I managed to go in the opposite direction AGAIN.

Fabric added this week: 50 mt/yd

Fabric added this year: 197.3 mt/yd

Fabric used this week: 6.5 mt/yd

Fabric used this year: 128.5 mt/yd

Balance: Plus 68.8 mt/yd

Sydney Quilt Show

2009-06-14T19:32:00.005+10:00

Have just returned from the show which was just wonderful. The quilts were amazing and I'm all fired up and ready to sew, sew, sew. Was so motivated I even loaded a quilt and started it this afternoon!

I managed a few purchases and thought I had been fairly restrained in my purchases........but did fall down in the fabric department.

Got this lovely pattern from Cherry Pie Designs.

This one called Somersby was from Somerset Patchwork and Quilting. I think this was my favourite stall at the show. And I joined their Fabric Club.

Went to a Trunk Show by Michelle Hill. I was lovely to be up close and touch and hold the quilts. It was really inspiring and she was a lovely speaker. Her book was published just recently.

My other little purchase was a Mini Steam Iron. I'm sure I needed it.

My fabric report is in this weeks Stashbusting entry.............

A little progress

2009-06-08T19:10:00.005+10:00

Not too much blogging and not too much sewing going on lately, but I'm hoping that will change in about a week. I'm off to the Syendy Quilt Show this coming week which is always exciting. The quality of the work is wonderful and so many quilts to see.

I managed to get the last two blocks of my BOM finished today, after I finished a couple of customer quilts. There are some lovely blocks in here and I feel inspired by a couple of them.....BUT I have resisted the tempation to do anything about it till I get some others out of the way. Can't even report any Stashbusting as I only count completed quilts. Oh, well imagine my progress when I get a couple of them quilted.

Cut the borders for a QS quilt the other night. It has been sitting around for I don't know how long so thought it was time I did the borders. Trouble is I was tired and cut them too short........Lesson Learned: do not cut when tired.

So here is a pic of my 12 blocks ready to be set.........oh and I did sign up for the next Mystery BOM.........I have resisted for weeks and weeks but had a weak moment the other night and ordered it..........come to think of it I haven't added this BOM into purchases. Oh well I'll add the next one in.

Stashbusting Week 21

2009-05-26T07:18:00.004+10:00

Well my used total crept up a little with my Jo Morton quilt finished. Still have a ways to go to get back into the red with this Stashbusting.

Fabric added this week: 1 mt/yd
Fabric added this year: 147.3 mt/yd

Fabric used this week: 6.5 mt/yd
Fabric used this year: 128.5 mt/yd

Balance: Plus 18.8 mt/yd

Jo Morton Quilt

2009-05-24T09:14:00.004+10:00

Finally finished my Jo Morton quilt. I bought the book and the background fabric at the Sydney Quilt Show last year. Well, this years show os on again in just over two weeks. I remember when I got the book I said I wanted to make every quilt in the book. Hmmm, twelve months later and I have just finished the first......this could take longer than imagined.

I like to take photos of the "Before" and "After" quilt. I'm always amazed at how different the quilt is after quilting.
And this is it all washed and wrinkled....but that doesn't show up in this photo.

Some progress

2009-05-24T09:02:00.004+10:00

Well, I got 4 of my BOM blocks done and working on the fifth........so then only two to go!!!! Having a great tussle as to whether I should join the next one. But then the Patchwork Party looks good too and in colours I haven't worked with for a very long time. Only trouble is I have to order from 12 different shops......but it looks very, very nice.

Early start to weekend

2009-05-22T11:04:00.003+10:00

I saw on someone's blog (USA) that they have put their Mystery BOM together........which means that Block 12 is due to arrive on my doorstep. Now I was so excited when I started this quilt as I thought it would be super easy to keep each month as I only had to do ONE block a month. Sigh. I have six waiting and the last one due any day. So I thought I would get in this weekend and catch up. So today I cut out all the blocks to give myself an early start to the weekend. So have six blocks cut and ready to go for tomorrow. Roll on Saturday!

I'm Crazy....(as Patsy says)

2009-05-10T12:24:00.004+10:00

How come I feel the need to be in everything? Christine is hosting a Nine Patch Swap in Civil War fabrics so I just had to join. Got one lot finished this week and strips cut for the next few. Now, I could have spent that time FINISHING one of the multitude of UFO's, but no - I start another. Oh well, guess that's what I bought fabric for.........

Reproduction Hourglass

2009-05-08T14:48:00.012+10:00

I have finally got the blocks together for the Hourglass quilt. Have been sewing bits here and bits there. Amazing what can get done in little bites. Now to decide on a border. Had a play in EQ and came up with 4 variations of one theme.

Reproduction Hourglass

Option 1 Border

Option 2 Border

Option 3 Border

Option 4 Border

I think I prefer Options 3 and 4 and I think I like option 3 the best, I think it gives the quilt movement. I think 1 and 2 are a bit ordinary and don't do much for the quilt

Stashbusting Week 18

2009-05-04T15:41:00.010+10:00

Not much finished in the last two weeks, so thought I had better get myself into gear. So quickly quilted this Colourwash Heart made about 9 years ago........only a little wallhanging so why did it take so long to finish it! So managed a whole 1.5 mt/yds this week in my Stashbusting, but hey it's better than the other way.

Fabric added this week: Nil
Fabric added this year: 146.3 yd/mt

Fabric used this week: 1.6 yd/mt

Fabric used this year: 122.00 yd/mt

Stashbusting Week 16

2009-04-20T09:13:00.005+10:00

Well, once again I fell off the wagon. And it wasn't even my fault. Got an email from a "Friend" (I'm using this term very loosely here after my blowout) telling me of a great sale on of Civil War fabrics. So I thought I would have a quick look as I did need some backing for my current quilt. Well (gulp) I just couldn't leave it there. Such a bargain at $5.00 a metre!

So now my ins have exceeded my outs. I REALLY will have to do some serious quilting in the next few weeks to amend that. Oh, but it's such nice fabric............and who can resist a bargain.

Fabric added this week: 48 mt/yds
Fabric added this year: 146.3 mt/yd

Fabric used this week: Nil
Fabric used this year: 120.4 mt/yd

New Quilt

2009-04-17T19:44:00.005+10:00

I sure wish I could concentrate long enough on one quilt to finish it. Sat down to watch an episode of Simply Quilts while I ate my lunch the other day. A lady was teaching a class on Reproduction Quilts and was showing some of her Antique Quilts. Oh, that looks nice I thought. I'll draw up a block in EQ. Then had a better thought - why not make up ONE block and keep it on the design wall to remind me.

So I made the one block. Looks OK. Pretty quick to make too. So now I have 30 blocks cut out. Why do I have this compulsion to keep starting quilts? I bet I'm the only quilter in the world to do this. :-)

And it looks dull!!!!! The photo below looks better than it does in real life. So hope it improves as I add more fabrics in. I think the background fabrics of some blocks are too boring. I think the busier backgrounds look better and add more interest to the quilt. So may end up with more than 30 blocks

A little sewing and Borders

2009-04-13T19:27:00.006+10:00

Well, home from the weekend away and had the urge to do some sewing. While looking thru some boxes the other day for sewing to take to our Night Group I came across this quilt I had made some time back. Wasn't very fussed on the result as I thought it looked pretty plain even though the repo fabrics are just beautiful.

But I hate giving up on a quilt and so put some borders on. Put a narrow 1 1/4 inch inner border on and it immediately looked better.

Then the outer border and hey presto it looks 100%.

It's just amazing how borders can change a quilt so much.

So have made the binding and will prepare the backing tomorrow and it can go into the cupboard of The Great Unquilted.

Lazy weekend

2009-04-12T15:18:00.009+10:00

Well, I had the most wonderful lazy weekend. Bar-b-que on the deck, the Easter Bunny and catching up on Blogs.

Cocoa is the cutest little girl who lives across the road and she came to the bar-b-que.

The bunny came to visit on Sunday.

And what a clever bunny. Jacque doesn't like chocolate so look what the bunny bought for him.

Money, Money, Money

2009-04-12T15:05:00.005+10:00

Spent the Easter weekend at the Gold Coast. I'm endlessly amazed at the amount of money around there. We went driving around a ritzy area looking at the houses. They start at $1.5 million (and there aren't too many at that low price).

Some have basement parking with spaces for 8 to 10 cars. Can you imagine what a great quilting space they would make !!!!!

Stashbusting Week 15

2009-04-12T14:26:00.009+10:00

Well, once again I did good and bad in my Stashbusting efforts. . I needed some black for some quilts so got a bolt. But I did finish the QS for Vic Bushfires. So some out and some in. Now I need to concentrate on the OUT aspect of this challenge.

Fabric added this week: 15 yd/mt

Fabric added this year: 98.3 yd/mt

Fabric used this week: 15 yd/mt
Fabric used this year: 120.4 yd/mt

Almost done

2009-04-06T19:03:00.009+10:00

Well, after my tantrum the other day I rebelled and went to the sewing room. I've made a decision that I will sew for at least half an hour a day. Not that it has worked out as some days it just isn't possible. But I did get the floral top together the other day and loaded it today and started quilting.

I'm going away for the Easter weekend and hope to take it with me to sew down the binding but having doubts it will be off the machine by then. I also plan on taking some fabrics and my BOM blocks and will cut out if I have the time. Like I don't have a million other things to sew.

Our new night quilting group starts next week and we have quite a few ladies interested, so getting excited about that. And I've booked our airline tickets for the Sydney Show in June!

Serious withdrawal

2009-04-01T15:09:00.005+10:00

I can't believe so much time has gone by and I haven't sewn a thing. I really have serious, serious withdrawal. I started this blog as my quilting diary so I could keep track of my quilting life..........just wish I had a quilting life! Why do so many things get in the way?

This easy, easy floral QS for the Vic Bushfires is ready to be sewn up........and has been for a couple of weeks.
This Mystery BOM is the first BOM I've every signed up for. WOW, do I like this I say. The fabric and pattern arrives each month like clockwork. Easy, peasy I say. I can easily keep up with this, it's only one block a MONTH. Well, yes it's only one block each month.......if you manage to do it. I'm only 5 behind!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is the lovely oriental fabric I got for a really quick and easy quilt....just needed some black.

Well that's no problem as I also need some black for this s00n to be made another "really easy quick quilt". But alas it hasn't even got around to being cut out. And I've once again broken my FAD. So since my last blowaut I've added another 15 mt/yds.

So, that's the story for the last few weeks. I just want to sew!

Stashbusting Week 11

2009-03-16T07:11:00.002+10:00

Well I did good and then I did bad this week in my Stashbusting effort. Finished two Queen size quilts but then had a BIG shop for backings.

Fabric added this week: 60.0 yards

Fabric added this year: 83.3 yards

Fabric used this week: 31.5 yards

Fabric used this year: 105.4 yards

Good Girl / Bad Girl

2009-03-13T20:12:00.009+10:00

Well this week I have been very good and very bad. The good part was I got two QS quilts posted off to Victoria.

The first was a quilt I made about 10 years ago but hadn't got around to finishing. My friend Sharon (no blog) quilted it for me last weekend and I finished the binding this week.

The second is a floral I made last week. I'm rather fond of floral quilts and they are so quick to make and always look lovely.

And a close up of the quilting. It's a panto called Camellias by Timeless Quilting Designs.

So this is great for my Stashbusting......until..........................................

A friend and I went touring today and somehow 60 mt / yards found their way back to my house! Now I know it sounds a lot but it really, really isn't. I can justify every last inch of it.....all but 3 mt / yards is for backing for more bushfire quilts. It takes 7.5 mt / yards of backing for a queen size quilt. So even when I'm being a bad girl I'm being very good!

And the 3 mt /yards? Well it was a lovely stripey oriental which will make up very quickly in a strip style quilt for my step son.

Stash Report

2009-03-09T22:39:00.006+10:00

Well, had to buy some fabric this week. Making QS quilts and needed backing to suit the quilt - very fussy about my backings. However I'm happy with my progress

Fabric added this week: 22.5

Fabric added this year: 23.3

Fabric used this week: 31.5

Fabric used this year: 73.9

Quilts for Victoria

2009-03-08T18:48:00.013+10:00

Finally got some quilts posted off to Christina and Jan for Victorian Bushfire people. Madly trying to get another QS one done, but life manages to get in the way. DH laid up withn a bad back so have not got a lot done with all the waitressing duties.

Anyway here are some pics of the quilts sent off. My friend Nicky (no blog) had these to send

Ria (no blog) sent this lovely 30's quilt

These were really quickies. Found this backing fabric in the stash and so decided to quilt it up. Made two of these.

This was a piece for a commission quilt that didn't happen. Made 2 of these and have enough to make two more. Sure hope some little boys will love to cuddle them.

This was a sample done for a class from someone else's pattern. Sorry can't remember the designer.

And this is the QS pinwheel all done.

All that fabric

2009-03-06T17:56:00.008+10:00

Over the years I have collected great hoards of fabric. I couldn't go near a quilt shop or show without coming home with mountains of the stuff. Every new range would inspire me and I just had to have that fabric. Love that floral. Oh just have to have that Oriental. Oh, just love plaids. I would get home and put it in the cupboard and tell myself I would make it up when I finished such and such a project. Well, lots of projects would get started and then new fabric would find it's way into my cupboard and then a new project would get started and then more fabric would find it's way into my cupboard and then a new project would get started. Oops did I repeat myself!!! Well this has gone on for years and my shelves have reached the point of overflowing. At Christmas I despaired because I had no desire to quilt. What would I do with all that fabric????????

And over the years my tastes have changed and there was lots of fabrics I would never use. Nothing wrong with the fabric but hey, there's new fabric out there! What to do with it? What a waste of money! I felt so guilty for buying it all. I could have a lovely trip to Europe with what I have sitting on my shelves.

But now I'm so very, very grateful that I have all that fabric. Cos now I'm making quilts for the Vic Bushfire people and can think of no better way to use it up.

Had lots of WOW fabric and rarely use white now. Great with 30's fabrics but too bright for me now. (Mind you I recently started a red and white quilt). So this is the start of a queen size pinwheel quilt.

Next I cut up for two nine patch quilts......but as QS quilts are needed I'll try to just make one out of this. Have put this on the back burner while I concentrate on quilts that are quicker to make than a nine patch. Limited red amount but it will work out.

Ironed up all my brights that I have accumulated with the intention of making kids quilts. And boy will this be bright when it gets done.

Found all these florals all cut up from my days of floral quilts. Those days aren't over but they are cut up and will get a quilt done quicker. Had to cut more but have almost finished one QS with the bigger squares. Simple quilt but they always look lovely.

Vic Bushfire Quilts

2009-02-28T22:46:00.007+10:00

Haven't posted in a while....not too much quilting has been happening till the last week. I have made a couple of quilts for the Bushfire effort. I had some panel fabric that was for a commission quilt, but the lady end up not wanting the quilt made so I got stuck with the fabric. However it has made up into a couple of kids quilts that I hope some little boys will love. Also quilted up some cheater cloth. I had bought it for backing but when I realised it was crazy patch fabric I thought I may as well just quilt it. I also made a pinwheel queen size quilt and it's all finished and ready to be sent off to Jan Mac for distribution. And have another QS one almost ready to quilt.

FAD

2009-01-27T17:57:00.003+10:00

Well I fell of the wagon yet again. Had to go to my LQS to pick up some quilts I had in there and saw this divine pack of Black & Whites. Well, it's only a LITTLE pack and it will get used as I will be making a few B & W quilts this year. So had a little stumble on my FAD - Fabric Addict Diet, but considering my past I think I'm doing pretty good.

Not much sewing getting done around here at the moment so, when I should have been doing something else today, I rebelled and did a little on the B & W quilt. After I took this photo I realised some of the sewing together would be a bit tricky. And this is a throw together fun quilt so I didn't want to think too much so re-arranged bits to make it easier.

I'm on several ....AD's this year. I have my FAD - Fabric Addict Diet, my GAD - Gadget Addict Diet and my BAD - Book Addict Diet. This arrive in the mail recently but as I ordered and paid for it last October I don't think it counts.

Stashbusting January 2009

2009-01-27T08:11:00.003+10:00

Well, no progress this week....very little sewing and no quilting. guess some weeks are like that.

Fabric added this week: .8 yard

Fabric added this year: .8 yard

Fabric busted this week: Nil

Fabric busted this year: 42.4 yards

Stash Report

2009-01-19T13:51:00.007+10:00

Finished 2 quilts this week. Pretty Nines and Railroad Crossing. Pretty pleased with myself and can count this week as a minus. I only count my usage when the quilt is qulted and bound otherwise I would get lost with my calculations.

Fabric added this week: NIL
Fabric added this year: NIL

Fabric used this week: 8.3 yards
Fabric used this year: 42.4 yards

That's progress!!!

Things you find in the cupboards

2009-01-18T12:04:00.007+10:00

A friend was around the other day and we were talking about "Unfinished Works". I commented I had bought this kit recently. Just couldn't resist. Had only ever bought one kit and that was about 8 years ago. And as I was getting it out of the cupboard I saw this package. Gee wonder what that is. Ooops it's a kit. Forgot I had bought this about 18 months ago. Don't know why it got itself lost in the cupboard.

Just cleaning up my files on the computer and realised I hadn't put up all my images of the Mystery BOM. I have a few more blocks to do so have to get stuck into that.

An Oldie DONE

2009-01-18T11:34:00.007+10:00

I got another finished this week. Two done for January. This quilt has been waiting for quilting for a very long time. It's not very big - around 49" x 53". I was going to custom quilt it but in the interest of actually finishing quilts this year I decided on a panto. I quilted in a mustard coloured thread and it looks great agains the black.

I lived in a remote town when I started quilting and we had a tutor visit and we did a mystery quilt (haven't quilted that yet either - but that's the one that got me hooked). After the class she did a trunk show and I loved this quilt (and another, but can't remember that one for the moment). Anyway, the tutor told me how to make it and I scribbled down some instructions. So off I zoomed and made this quilt. 1/4 inch seams - what are they - had no idea you had to do that. And as you can tell I had no idea how to do the sides either. Had never heard of set in triangles so pondering how to do the edges I figured just do a full block and I could just cut the edges straight later.

So it's now quilted and bound (no fabric left from way back then) with a brownish fabric from a few years ago and ties in with the quilting thread colour. The bias edges played up a little but not too much.

I made this either 1994 or 1995 so it's great to be finally done. Have a few others from the same era that are waiting patiently for their release also. Just wish life would stop getting in the way of my quilting.

First finish for the year

2009-01-15T18:47:00.008+10:00

I'm so excited. I have my first finish for the year in the One Project A Month Challange. I had done some of the quilting on it and then it sat around for several days because I couldn't think how to quilt the rest. I had to do a customer quilt so that meant I had to get this off the machine. So thought I would do the border and then take it off. Then thought "Just get it DONE". Suddenly inspiration hit and it was quilted.

It's not the best quilting job in the world but it won't be going on display, or in any competition and ave I said it - IT'S FINISHED. But I must say I like the effect around the nine patches.

Stashbusting Week 2

2009-01-12T08:19:00.003+10:00

Well, no sewing this week. But I did have a bit of a clean out. I donated a stack of fabric to Linus quilt ladies. I had planned to do this last year but then thought "No I'll use that fabric". Well a year later it's still on the same shelf and not one bit used. I have run out of room in my sewing room so time for a clean out.

Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 0 yards
Fabric Used this Week: 34.1 yards
Fabric Used Year to Date: 34.1 yards

The thing about blogs

2009-01-04T16:22:00.007+10:00

Having a tidy up in the sewing room I found a diary I got for last year. I'm not very good about keeping track of what I have done in quilting and so I had decided I would keep a diary so I could look back to see my progress. Well there wasn't too much in this diary so it went in the bin. The thing I like about blogs is that I now have a visual diary so will be able to look back and see how I have progressed and what I have made and when. Over the years I figure I have made close to 80 quilts.....but I can't remember when I did them. So now I have this record.

I decided that the only way to reduce the UFO pile was to actually FINISH off the quilts. I loaded one yesterday and had no idea how I would quilt it. So off it came today and I loaded Pretty Nines. At least I have made a start on it. Bit stumped as to what to do in the hourglass block but that will come.

The Two Colour Quilt is progressing. Just need to sew the rows together and figure out what borders to put on it. Pretty slow doing it as I pressed open all the seams except where they meet the plain blocks.

Two Colour Quilt

2009-01-01T10:49:00.013+10:00

As the New Year was approaching and I have taken the Stashbusters Pledge I thought I had better start another quilt. Many years ago I wanted to make a Red & White Quilt and also a Blue & White Quilt. Very traditional, but then I'm a traditional quilter. So I purchased the Red fabric and also got the same fabric in Blue. This fabric has been sitting in my cupboard for at least 10 years just waiting to be made. So the other day I was out and passing a fabric shop so I wizzed in and got 5 metres (5.4 yards) of white as I had no idea what I was going to make, and had no idea how much of the red I had. Oops, I had also forgotten I had a 15mt bold of white in the cupboard. So got home and washed the white as I knew the Red had been washed. So for me that tells me the Red has been in my stash for many, many years as I haven't washed my fabrics for years cos I love the antique look for my quilts.

So got the Red out to iron and imagine my surprise to find I had 5 mt of that also. Ironed both lots of fabrics and thinking about what to make.

When I got out of bed the next morning looking at me from my bedside table was a Red & White quilt on the cover of Down Under Quilts made by Christine. So I knew what I would make. Similar but a little different.

Some of the half square triangles cut using the Easy Angle ruler

One block done

Stashbusting 2009

2008-12-31T11:57:00.005+10:00

Well, I have joined several others in taking Judy's Stashbusting Pledge. I have a serious amount of fabric and as my tastes keep changing I worry I may not like some of my fabric to even make it up. So my Pledge is

1. To bust 150 yards in 2009.

2. To finish ALL my current UFO's.

By finishing my current UFO's that will sure contribute a great deal towards the 150 yards. I have listed my UFO's on my sidebar as encouragement/motivation.

So wishing everyone a Happpy New Year and Happy Stashbusting in 2009.

Black and White Progress

2008-12-19T16:57:00.003+10:00

Still working on the Black & White. I like the effect of the wavy fabric.

2008 was going to be my year for finishing my UFO's....well not too many got done. So I have listed what I can think of on my side bars. One list if for those that just need quilting. One list is of my projects for 2009.....don't think Dear Jane will get finished in 2009 but I will plod on with her. At least I seem to have my motivation back and even thinking about starting ANOTHER quilt. Big failing of mine - always thinking of new quilts to make without finishing the old ones. Oh, well at least I'm sewing again.

Designers Mystery Quilt

2008-12-19T16:51:00.004+10:00

This is block 5 of the Mystery quilt. I managed to lose it for a while (that's the trouble with cleaning up - I keep losing things) Cut out Block 6 but managed to sew the wrong bits together so now have to wait for some more material. I rarely make things to instructions and when I do I just don't read the bits. I just look at the block and think "Oh yeah, just do such and such". That will teach me.

2008-12-14T16:54:00.002+10:00

I have joined the Black & White Challange over at Canton Village. Have been collecting B & W's for a while now but managed to get a few more the other day (not sure how many I had so as I was passing a quilt shop.....................)

So started doing a couple of blocks today. No idea what I'm making but saw one done by one of the other challangers and liked hers with the pink. So the first has pink highlights. Just making whatever flows. Would dearly love to stay home tonight and sew, think I have my motivation back, but alas tis the Christmas Season and must go to a party. Maybe I can sneak out early and get back to the machine.

Some of the pinks I'll use.

Made one block and that lead to the next, which lead to the next. Just simple blocks.

Quiltathon (with Judy) 3

2008-12-08T16:09:00.007+10:00

Today was borders, backing, binding and batting

This one I have named Pretty Nines. Used the green in the end and found a lovely soft, ferny mauve for the backing. Haven't decided which binding to use - Mrs Marsh or the green spot. So will decide that when it's quilted.

Borders done, binding made, batting and backing all ready - just need to quilt. I have one customer quilt to do and the machine is all mine. Hoping to get lots of quilting done in the next few weeks - will be a good start to m,y Stashbusting 2009.

Quiltathon (with Judy) 2

2008-12-07T19:54:00.015+10:00

Having a wonderful time at this Quiltathon. Got my rows sewn up and now to decide about borders. I kinda like both. I have used a Mrs. Marsh antique floral for the inner border in a murky pink. Not ideal with the green and mauve.....but I like it and as that saying goes "Finished is better than perfect".

Also got my border on my Jo Morton quilt I made yonks ago. It was so hot and humid here today I dedided to go for a swim afert I did the borders. Have been back in the bay for over four years and haven't even dipped a toe in the ocean yet. It was just beautiful. On the way home a storm broke and we got some lovely rain. Unfortunately we lost our power and as everything we have depends on power that was the end of the sewing. I was in the middle of my shower and washing my hair when the power went.....so that meant no water. Managed to rinse most of the shampoo out with just a trickle that was coming through. Even had to go back into town for dinner.

Quiltathon (with Judy)

2008-12-07T09:37:00.008+10:00

Thanks to Judy and Keryn I actually have done some sewing. Really didn't have any desire to sew but thought I would make myself do it. So I made a couple of blocks I had cut.

Then read about Judy's quiltathon and decided to do it. Read Keryn's blog and was inspired to do this. I made these blocks years ago and have been waiting for "just the right fabric". It never showed up so I decided to go with some Robyn Pandolph spots....some of my all time favourite fabrics. It may not be "just right" but it's DONE AND I'M SEWING!!!!!!!

Even sewed till 9.00 last night. Played some of The Quilt Show episodes while I sewed but will have to rewatch them as I didn't see too much. Now for the borders.

Quilting Slump

2008-12-06T17:01:00.008+10:00

I have been in a quilting slump for moths now. I keep following lots of blogs hoping something will snap me out of it. was over reading Keryn's and like her I usually make Log Cabin blocks when I just want to sew. I have made I don't know how many Log Cabin quilts over the years so decided I should just sew something else. I knew I had two blocks from my Mystery quilt to do....but can only find one. So off I go and cut it out, so far so good....then the sewing....not so good. Made up the wrong 1/2 square triangles.....and can't find one of the packages. So much for that idea. Ah! I know. I'll sew up some blocks I cut out for Sylvia's Bridal Sampler. I had intended hand piecing this but as I'm in such a slump and done nothing on my Dear Jane for months I thought it best to machine piece it. And machine piecing is my love...so off I zoom. Managed to get five done (somehow I even managed to cut out two of the same block, but blind Freddy would be pleased to see it, so no complaints). As you can tell I love reproductions and am using lots of shirtings in this one. So lets hope I'm back into the patchwork and quilting world. Scary thought that I may not want to do it anymore -------WHAT WOULD I DO WITH ALL THAT FABRIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Judy is having a Quiltathon this weekend so think maybe I'll keep going and get this slump thing beat.

Fabric Dyeing

2008-12-02T19:42:00.009+10:00

Haven't posted for a while - but then haven't done anything for a while either. Did some dyeing with some friends on the weekend hoping that would inspire me. We did three 24 colour runs using different mixes and them some gradations. We also had a couple of different olives and browns.

New Treasures

2008-10-26T17:51:00.008+10:00

Well I'm finally home and almost settled back down. We had almost 6 weeks in Europe and it was just fantastic. I'll get some photos up shortly.
Meanwhile I just have to share my New Treasures. Went to the Brisbane Quilt show this week. Funny but I'm not in the quilty mood at the moment so didn't get too much fabric (wonder if that has anything to do with the amount I have in the cupboards). I thought a good trick was to take a look in the cupboards BEFORE I went to the show...........and it worked! Unfortunately I didn't look in the Cross Stitch section and so end up getting a Cross Stitch fix. Oh well, no doubt as I will live to be a hundred and ninety and I'll get to do all the projects I have planned.
Had a girly get together today at my place and I got some work done on one of my Cross Stitch UFO's..........so I have resolved to do some everyday. I keep waking up at around 5.00am so from now on I'm going to get out of bed and stitch.
Here are a couple of photos of my treasures I got at the show.

A Cross Stitch Kit with lots of bling
Bling Cross Stitch Thread
A lovely Cross Stitch and Hand Dyed Aida
Yet more fabric for my NYB
And some bargain backing fabric for a someday quilt

Designer Mystery Quilt

2008-08-04T17:57:00.010+10:00

I just couldn't resist this Designer Mystery quilt from here. Moda fabric is alway just so lovely. This is the first block which I just fiished. I have block two but haven't even opened the package yet. It looks lovely already!

Last week I received my package of Civil War fabrics from an online swap. Most of the fabrics I don't have, so that was a real bonus. Now I have 30 or more new fabrics for my Civil War era quilts. What a great swap.

I decided to put my Love Letters blocks up on the design wall so I could see it grow. I keep picking out the easy ones to piece. I'll probably curse later that all I have left are too hard!

I'm breaking my neck to do some wholecloth quilts so I bought some pre-printed ones to learn on. My machine is still down and I'm hoping to have the part to repair it tomorrow so I can make a start on this one. Later I'm going to design my own, but not patient enough to do that at this stage.I went to a local quilt show on the weekend and these batiks just jumped off the table into my bag. How could I resist such yummy fabrics.

If you would like a chance at a mystery gift go to Farmyard Crafts and have a look.

Use It Or Lose It

2008-07-27T19:22:00.012+10:00

Went to an Applique class yesterday with Dianne Johnston. After I had booked the class I decided I really didn't want to go, but now I'm really pleased I did. I'm not one for doing too much handwork even though I love Cross Stitch. I love the look of Applique but always think it's too slow for me. I'm more fast and furious and just love machine piecing. But hopefully I'll change and do some now. If the class did nothing else at least it motivated me to pick up some Redwork last night (only started it a year ago) and did about 3/4 of a block.

Applique started

Today I decided to do some more Civil War Love Letters blocks. You know, I figured out I have made around 80 quilts since I started quilting but at the moment I feel like a raw beginner. Remember the Tri Recs ruler I lost and then found? Well got that out today to do these blocks and discovered it was the wrong ruler. I needed the Companian Angel. don't I feel like a dill. It seems so long since I have done any sewing that I guess that old saying applies - Use It Or Lose It!!!

Second Term

Numerous Excuses

Infernally Ungrateful

Back Home

Another Battle

Something Old, Something New

2008-07-25T17:43:00.031+10:00

Long time since I posted. I had cataracts removed and lenses inserted into my eyes and so haven't done too much in the last month. I did a little sewing, but will write about that later in this post. Mostly sitting around and watching TV. I acutally got around to sorting out my cupboards in the sewing room and found lots of things I didn't even know I owned. So no progress on Dear Jane or Civil War quilts. These three blocks from Love Letters were completed before the op.

Florida Has Seceded

Pretty Long March

My Greatest Trial

I know I promised myself that I was going to get stuck into my UFO's this year, but after I came back from the Sydney Show I just had to start one of the quilts from Rememberances. A friend suggested I could start one new quilt for every two UFO's I did..........well no UFO's done but a new one started. Doesn't it look gorgeous!!! Had to make what felt like thousands of 1/2 square triangles and I followed the method in the book (something I do't often do). There was an error in the instructions and I discovered I had to make twice the number of small units than in the instructions. So I thought I would use my Tri Recs rulers for that, but alas they were nowhere to be found.....until I cleaned out my cupboards. By then it was too late and I cut them out the same way. All the blocks and rows are sewn and just now need to sew the top together. I'm so organised with this one that I have enen got the backing - it arrived today.

Peaceful Time

Now in my clean up I found my Tri Recs rulers - in a box with lots of repo fabrics and lots of 1/2 square triangles and stripped fabric. I remebered that when I got the rulers I stripped lots of fabrics and made these up for future use....and forgot about them.
Also in the box was a heap of triangles and rows sewn for a Thousand Pyramid quilt. I had made one and managed to cut far too many triangles and have enough for two quilts (as you do).

So I decided to sew the 1/2 square triangles up into a Pinwheel Quilt. Now wasn't that a bad decision. In my half blind state I managed to break a couple of needles and 1/4 inch seams? 1/4 inch seams? What 1/4 inch seams! When I pressed the seams they were pretty shabby, but I wasn't unpicking. So gave up in the end and went back to the TV till my eyes got better. But the sage didn't end there - when my eyes had improved a little more I thought I would put the quilt together. So I laid out the quilt and marked the rows. The proceeded to put the quilt together. But I managed to sew row 4 to row 3, instead of row 3 to row 4. and row 7 to row 6, instead of row 6 to row 7. This quilt was never meant to be - again I refused to unpick. So I christened the quilt - My Blind Quilt. The phot below was before I sewed the rows together, so it doesn't show the mess I made of it.

My Blind Quilt

You would have thought that with this many pairs of glasses I could sew a seam wouldn't you??????

And now for my Something Old

Feeling guilt about starting more quilts I decided I had beter get some UFO's out of the way. About 18 months ago I cut wadding and started getting backings done for those quilts that just needed quilting. And they stayed in the cupboard ever since. So this week I decided to do something about them. So dragged this one out and found some backing and today loaded it onto the machine. I took part in an internet group Round Robin about 6? Or 7? Or 8 years ago?

Round Robin

So I started to load the quilt and put on a bobbin to wind - only to find my machine in this condition. Now I'm in a panic. Looks like it's it's going to blow up. So, so much for getting UFO's done.

Sydney Quilt Show

2008-06-26T13:01:00.012+10:00

The show was just great and I returned home full of motivation an inspiration. So many fabulous quilts and the machine quilting was just wonderful. Got some lovely fabrics and a great book by Jo Morton. I know I have vowed to get into my UFO's but this book has soooo many lovely quilts I just have to make. Poor Dear Jane and Civil War quilts haven't had much done to them lately.

Just had to get these Black and Whites for a future quilt

And for planned New York Beauty

And the book Rememberances by Jo Morton

Civil War Quilts

2008-06-07T13:58:00.007+10:00

My Civil War Love Letters and Civil War Diaries books arrived and just had to make a couple of blocks. I drew up a couple for foundation paper piecing in EQ6. I started with some easy blocks and need to catch up with the other girls. I have one customer quilt to do and then I'm free. Have so many quilts I want to finish........and tons more I want to start!! this Patchwork and Quilting sure is an obsession.

13 Enthusiasm

97 Jersey Boys

35 The Fall Of Richmond

31 Pleasant Campaign

53 Hospitals

55 A Beautiful Picture

75 Sickness

My First Post

2008-04-20T18:30:00.003+10:00

I've finally taken the plunge and started my blog. I love to look at other people's quilts and projects. I have recently started my Dear Jane after being on the Wishlist/To Do list for many years.........along with a few dozen other quilts.
I'm using reproduction fabrics for Dear Jane. Like everyone else I'm finding the cutting out the longest and the sewing by hand (this is a brag) the quickest part.

B13 Corner Press

A8 Florence Nightingale

B9 Tinker Toy

C3 Rayelle's Fence

A1 Pinwheel Gone AwryA2 One-Two Buckle My Shoe

A4 Courtney's Stethoscope

A6 Cathie's Campfire

A6 Uncle Homer