Quiltathon (with Judy) 3

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

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)

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

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

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

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

I just couldn't resist this Designer Mystery quilt from here. Moda fabric is always just so lovely. This is the first block which I just finished. 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.