Scarecrow Competition

While driving around the local area last week I came across these new characters who seemed to have taken up residence in the neighbouring village of Wylam. This lovely lady was sitting outside the florists shop.
And the French onion seller was outside the village greengrocers.
And the postman was collecting from the post office.
This chap should have been in South Africa though, helping out the England team.
Mary Poppins was seen flying in to help out with all the unruly children
And finally , the police were on hand to keep law and order on the roads.

These fantastic scarecrows were all taking part in the first Wylam scarecrow competition, part of the village celebrations for the annual summer fayre. There were many more dotted around the village, too many to show you here, but great fun.
I have started to put together the star blocks for my bali pops quilt. Having mastered the flying geese for the star points, I found this block went together quite quickly and I think it looks quite effective. But with a broken washing machine, buying a new car, a broken tooth and a trip to Leeds University open day at the weekend, I haven't had much time for sewing this weekend.

Happy Quilting xx

My Flower Garden Quilt

My garden has grown from a collection of plants I have gathered from other peoples gardens and moved around from place to place, so there is no colour coordinated plan. This blue clematis was rescued from under the conservatory when it was being built, unfortunately it has blossomed on the very top of a six foot fence , behind the shed. The best place to see it is from next doors bathroom window.
Underneath the clematis is this yellow perennial, I don't know what it is called but it was given to me many years ago, by a client who had to dig up his garden so we could install a ramp for his wife to get out in her wheelchair.I don't have many roses in the garden but this one is also climbing up the fence, entangled between honeysuckle and bamboo.
You can see the many colours of my chaotic planting style.
But you can see where the colour inspiration for this quilt has come from. I was a bit worried how all the colours would work in this quilt, but with the Grandmother's Fan block, I am bringing it all together - I might call it my flower garden quilt.

Happy Quilting xx

Changeable weather and Bali Pops

Before we get down to some sewing today , I would like to show you these Geraniums which are in my front garden. I bought them about 3 years ago and paid nearly £20 for 2 plants - I had ordered them from a nursery without asking the price! However each year they have grown stronger and this year they are starting to put on a lovely display.
I am sick of seeing all those world cup flags flying and decided to show off my bunting , but didn't want to get it wet in the changeable weather so --- I have hung it up inside the conservatory! Now the rain won't spoil it!!
On Saturday when the sun did come out, my DS and I set out on The Art Tour, first stop was Katie at Make in Allendale . Check out her website, here, she is running a Get Started with Patchwork course in July - I know the teacher and I think it will be good fun! Well we sat in the sun and ordered a piece of cake from the Allendale Bakery next door and got no further.
My sewing this past week has been unseasonal . I have made another Quilted Hottie from The Cath Kidston SEW book. It is lovely to make and I hope it made a lovely birthday present for Irene to look forward to next winter.
I have started out on my next quilting project , a Cotton Candy Quilt make with a bali pops Jellyroll. These are definately summer colours. This is my first attempt at flying geese.

This is what one of the star blocks should look like when assembled.
And I have completed another block of the sampler quilt - this Dresden plate block was lovely to do, easy to pick up and put together quickly - I even finished the final centre circle in my lunch hour. I am quite enjoying the hand sewing.

Happy quilting xx

Bank holiday sea views and a card trick or two.

Bank holiday weekend found us in Scotland visiting my Dad - The weather didn't look like this when we arrived, It was dark , damp and dismal but the gusty wind blew the clouds away and the sun came out.

We had come to support him and his friends with a fund raising afternoon ( which involved eating lots of cream teas) for the St Abbs Coastal Rowing Association. Follow their blog here.

Although the sea was a bit rough for rowing today .
Another Coastal view a bit further down the north east coast when we went to South Shields on Monday. It was anything but peaceful as a van full of policemen screamed to a halt and the policemen ran past us in hot pursuit of someone - then the police helicopter swooped down low in front of us on the cliff top.
So we retreated inland to Birkheads secret garden for a bit of peace and quiet
and a pot of tea of course. Situated only about 5 or 6 miles from the Metrocentre, these wonderful gardens are a real treat and well worth a visit.


And I have done a little bit of sewing - The "strangled" star block is now complete - although it put up a fight right to the end.
The Card Trick block was much easier to do and went together quite nicely. All this hand sewing- its is not like me at all. I am now starting on a Dresden plate block - all by hand too!

Happy Quilting xx