Why is it?

Every time I think I will get some sewing done something always gets in the way. I have been getting into technology a bit lately. I have been reading about some of these technical things which has created in me the desire to learn how to work things properly, like my new mobile phone that has internet capabilities. I think I will just try to do this or that; the next thing you know I have spent most of the day playing around trying to get things to work, only to find that there is a problem with the carrier. Or like when I think I must work out what my iPod is capable of doing. Again, I find that I have spent the morning just looking at iTunes and not getting anything else done. Today has been one of these kind of days. Well, tomorrow I am going to get some sewing done! Famous last words.

As I said in my last post I would put up some photos of Margaret McDonald's quilts she exhibited at the 'Quilts in the Barn'. These are just a few of the photos I took.



This one is all hexagons with some pieces fussy cut.


An example of some of her applique work. One day I will do something like this.


A mariners compass, gorgeous! I have a thing for mariner's compass and it is on my to-do-list.




I'm having a blank as to the name of this block, but it is all hand pieced. Just wonderful.



And another example of her stunning work.

I had a great day at the exhibition and thank Margaret for allowing me to post some photos of her quilts to share with you all.

Meeting New Friends

Last week I went to see an exhibition of quilts by Margaret McDonald which was held by one of the members belonging to the online group Reproduction Fabric Lovers of which I am also a member.

The exhibition was excellent. The quilts were stunning as you can see in the small snippet below. I have more photo's but won't put them up until I have permission from Margaret to do so. Margaret is a quilter who has some wonderful quilts many of which have patterns available to buy. Not that I bought any but they are really nice. Much of her work was done by hand and I admire people who hand piece as it takes so long to complete. The quilts inspired me to try things I might never have had a go at before; like using the bright yellow she used in the New York Beauty. I really need to think outside my comfort zone and try something new, but I like using dull colours and feeling comfortable. Don't you? Maybe one day I will get brave, just not today!





The photo is of Linda, who held the 'Quilts in the Barn' exhibition, myself and Dorothy also a member of the group. We met for the first time and had a few laughs getting to know each other. It will be great to catch up with them again now we 'know each other'.

I couldn't resist the temptation to buy a little fabric. Threadbear, one of my favourite shops was there. What else was a girl to do!

I saw the "Civil War Bride" quilt in real life and it is wonderful. I did resist buying the pattern however, but feel I may regret this later. Oh well ......... I guess I can get it another time.

What's happening.....

What have I been doing lately? I had to work today, as I do every week and you know....... it's getting to be such a chore. I really can't wait until I retire so I can have more time to do the things that I love. But I fear that will be many years away; if ever!

Over the last couple of weeks we have been celebrating birthday's for my DDIL, DSIL and my DD so things have been very busy.

I've been working on my Dear Jane blocks when I can, but they are not happening very quickly as I don't get much time these days.

This is a small wall hanging I started last weekend for my sewing room. So far it measures 9", somewhat smaller than I was planning. I miscalculated the size of the flying geese and decided to just keep going anyway, instead of starting again with the size I had in mind to begin with. Now, I don't know if to add any more rounds or just leave it as it is. I quite like it - but it is so small. Perhaps I could turn it on point again; add a pieced border or maybe some applique.......... I am open to suggestions. What do you think?

What else? As if I don't have enough UFOs I started a new one - as you do! When you have so many already, what's another one I say. I made three blocks on Monday and will make at least another 13. I want this quilt big enough for my bed. When I have made a few more blocks I will post a photo.

So that's what's been happening in my life lately. Till next time.........

Re-location Sale

Somerset Patchwork & Quilting had a sale over the last few days because they are re-locating their shop and I thought I needed some retail therapy so along I went to see what might inspire me. The photo above is the result. I was going to put it below but it just wouldn't go where I put it. If only I could figure out how all this technical stuff works!

I'm planning to make a double wedding ring quilt and I bought the blue fabric with leaves and the brown fabric in the middle (the other one is red, it's not very true to colour) to use for the links in the rings. The rest will be scrappy with a light background. Solid I think but possibly a small shirting print.

My Dear Jane Blocks

I said in my last post that I would put up a photo of my Dear Jane blocks. I finally figured out how to get photo's onto the computer and then upload them.

These are the blocks I have completed so far. I started this project so long ago I would hate to admit when. Like many of my projects it sat languishing while I started others. I must be the queen of UFO's.

Guess what? I just discovered when I took the picture that the block in the top centre is samller than the others. Obviously, I made it the wrong size and didn't check my measurments; now I need to re-make it. I should learn from my mistakes but probably won't.


The one I am working on at the moment is an applique block but it will take a while as I can only applique during the day these days; I just cant see well enough at night any more even with the daylight lamp. I could tell as I was working last night that you can see the stitches and being the perfectionist I am, it just isn't good enough. I will have to learn to lighten up I know, but it's really hard.

I think maybe it's time to start another project. One that I can machine piece. One that will be much quicker to make, mmmmm............ I wonder what?

Welcome

Well, here goes...my first post! I have finally started a blog. I have been thinking about it for quite a while but never actually got around to it.

I hope to show my thoughts, and dreams of what I might achieve; what I have been doing and what inspires me especially in my patchwork but also in other areas of my life.

I have been quilting since the 1980's and have had many changes of style from country through to the point I'm at now where I absolutely love traditional quilts and only use reproduction fabrics. I don't even look at other fabrics any more. I prefer fabrics from the civil war era but any from the 1800's attract me. I am currently working on many projects including 'Dear Jane' which is very slow going. I decided to piece by hand as the original was done this way. This is only my second quilt I have pieced by hand and I love that it is so precise and can be taken anywhere I go.

I will post photos when I figure out how, as this world of blogging is all new to me.