Sunday 20 January 2013

A glimpse of Easy Street

 Here is a photo of the lovely canvas work picture that my Mum made for me for my 50th birthday.  The colours are much richer in real life.  I had no idea that she was making this and I really love it.
 I have finished the blocks for my Easy Street quilt.  I laid them out today to pin them for stitching together.  I'm glad I decided to do the 9 blocks instead of 16.  If I add a border I will still want to be able to quilt it myself.  I like how the top is looking so far, I need to start looking in my stash for a suitable border fabric. I was disappointed I missed the deadline for the last link up on Bonnies blog, there are some really gorgeous versions on the link up.click here to see the link ups for Easy Street.

  I'm back at work now, those 3 weeks flew by way too fast. 

I realised that it is over a year since I've done any machine quilting, mainly because I have a quilt basted that I just couldn't figure out how I wanted to quilt it.  I seem to have a lot of projects that come to a halt when I get stuck.  I'm hoping this year I might get a few of these projects finished.  I was disappointed that I didn't finish my Jubilee quilt in time for my birthday.  That is another quilt that came to a halt cause I couldn't decide on the applique borders.  I'm tempted to forget about the applique and do a pieced border.  My main problem is that although I can envision what I want to draw I have no artistic ability.  I've spent many hours trying to draw the shapes I want and searching the web for help.  I think it is time to admit defeat and give up on cats and dogs frolicking through a vine and just have a vine and a flower or two.  Time to get on with it!
I haven't been able to lay out my Scrappy Trip around the World blocks for a while, my design wall has size limitations.  Here it is on a queen size bed, I think I need 13 more blocks to finish it.  I pinned a whole heap of them together last night so I'll be able to keep working on these too.

Till next time,

Happy Stitching


Debra.x

Sunday 6 January 2013

Happy New Year and turning Vintage...

Hi there and Happy New Year.  I hope 2013 is kind to us.

As you can see the stash enhancement programme at the palace is still going strong.  If I believed in new years resolutions there might be mention of going on a fabric diet.  Unfortunately I have zero will power when it comes to any form of dieting, something to work on in 2013.

I am doing my personal best and feel I have a responsibility to help keep the quilting economy here and overseas afloat!!  That's my excuse anyway.  I ordered the fabric above from the Fat Quarter Shop during their pre Christmas sales.  I love them all, the colours of the yardage pieces are very inspiring

Yesterday I went to Amitie with Tracey, I bought a lovely selection of fabric, wool and bits and pieces.  It is a very nice shop to visit.  I really needed some retail therapy and felt much better when I got home.
I was really overwhelmed by the lovely present Tracey gave me for my birthday.  This dog is just adorable, he's very soft and has such personality and he's sooo cute.  
 I just love the kitty needlecase by Hensteethart, I love her work and am thrilled to own a piece.  Quilters do give the best presents!  Thanks again Tracey.
Today we went out for lunch at a local hotel for my birthday, this was the view from our table.  We've had some very hot days lately but it was pleasant sitting outside with a sea breeze to help keep cool.  We had a lovely lunch.

Next post I'll have a photo of the lovely canvaswork picture my Mum made for me.

Tomorrow I'll be back to working on my Easy Street quilt blocks among other projects.

Happy Stitching
Debra.