Sunday 27 February 2011

A Grand Day Out

On Friday we had A Grand Day Out to the Spring Quilt Festival at Ingliston, Edinburgh.
Now well used to the complicated route to get there, 2 trains, one bus and a long walk we were hungry for both food and quilts when we got there.


Janet and Margaret are having a close up view of this quilt by Paula Doyle. When you look down the hall at the display of quilts it is easy to think " I don't know why I bother - I could never do anything like this !!"
There are quilts that we were in awe of like this one from Rosalind Pollock who embellishes all her quilts with tiny little seed beads ...
Quilts that you thought perhaps you might like to try yourself... like this one by Jean Wilkinson which was a mystery quilt made entirely from materials in her stash.
We particularly liked the corner log cabin blocks and the way she had quilted them.
Journal Quilts by Ineke Berlyn. This reminded me of the free motion embroidery technique we learnt with Janet Clare last year. perhaps I could have a go at something like this too.

And then of course there's the shopping. I bought lovely brushed cottons from The Seattle Quilt company to make more quilted hotties, a Shonai Sashiko Sampler beginners kit from Euro Japan Links Ltd, children's fabric to make a pillow case ( more on that later), bits and pieces from Daisy Chain designs , a 50p magazine to read on the train home. The prize for the most patient stall holder of the day goes to the lovely lady at Fiddlesticks fabrics who spent ages with us and eventually all we bought was a bobbin of variegated thread.

We also thoroughly enjoyed talking to fellow quilters, telling us about their travels and their quilt shows.

Looking forward to the Autumn Quilt show...Watch this space.

Happy Quilting xx

Thursday 24 February 2011

First Signs of Spring



It has been a very long winter- but today spring has sprung. There are lots of snow drops in the woodland down on the Tyne riverside park - all out smiling in the sun today.
And pussy willow ..........and hazel catkins.......
This was the first outing for my new boots.....all under this wide blue sky....


the spring theme is reflected in my stitching too. ....... although it is still too soon for butterflies
............and a little bit more knitting......

Off to Edinburgh tomorrow for the Spring Quilt Festival - watch this space

Happy Quilting xx

Thursday 17 February 2011

Sheep in the meadow ....

I am really pleased with the way my baby sheep quilt has turned out.
But I don't think they were modelled on this flock at the Herb patch last weekend.
But these horns are just magnificent aren't they?
and I have been doing some baby knitting too as the first baby of the next generation of our family has arrived This little cardigan is about to be parcelled up for baby Hanna. Knit in Sirdar snuggly Tiny Tots yarn, it has been quick and easy to do, a nice pattern to follow although the arms look very long. I just loved this pretty little flower button.
Infact I was so pleased with all the baby things I have made recently that I took a picture of them all together !
Jenny has been busy too making this baby card from felt and blanket stitched around the pram with a couple of vintage buttons for wheels.
Unfortunately Michael saw it as a pac man eating a butterfly.

Happy Quilting xx

Friday 4 February 2011

More celebrations



Last week was the big birthday week in our house , both Michael and Jenny have celebrated birthdays. Michael successfully avoided the camera but here is an action shot of Jenny. The cup cakes came from Lottie McPhee's cupcakes in Whitley Bay. Raspberry and white chocolate flavour, decorated with glitter too, they were absolutely delicious.
Sewing this week, things are coming together - I have finished the quilt top of the sheep baby quilt.
Irene has finished the quilt top of her Friendship Quilt


And Janet has finished the pin wheels in this lovely quilt too.

Happy Quilting xx