Free motion Quilting Class

Last SaturdayI had a lovely day on a free motion quilting course here at The Quilters Cupboard near Durham. This was an example shown to us by the teacher for the day Carol Parker.
We soon set off with some basic free motion swirls and stipples.
Then we marked out some stencils to try following a line
Which soon grew into quite a complicated design.
which looks better on the reverse without all the blue guide lines but is still a work in progress.Although I had quilted before on my machine, the course gave me much more confidence to try more varied designs and lots of new ideas.
But I still have some way to go before I reach Carol's standard!
The rest of the weekend was spent finishing off the knitting. Jenny's jumper came together quite quickly at the end. The collar would have been better with a few more rows to make it bigger but because I knitted the sleeves a bit longer , I ran out of yarn. Knit in Sirdar Big Softie - it is lovely and cuddly to wear. I used tapestry wool to sew it together as the yarn was too thick to sew with.
And this week's scenic shot comes from the dining table where these lovely tulips from my friend Fiona are bringing a little hint of spring to our home.

Happy Quilting xx

Nine blocks and a birthday

Last week I promised I would let you know how I got on with the freezer paper applique, and the result is great - no problem, much easier than needle turn applique and a nicer edge with a better shape - even the pointy ends of the wings of the honey bees.As this is the 9th block I put them all together to see what it looks like and I am pleased with the effect, the yellow and pink fabrics lift the design.This will help me with the other blocks. Which one next?
This was my bargain find this week. Bias binging in a floral fabric!! And only a£1 a metre from a fabulous bead shop here in Manchester.
We were in Manchester to celebrate Jenny's birthday

and for her to show us around some of her favourite shops in Manchester like Junk - where she bought this reworked jumper she is modelling. Junk is a great shop which has been lovingly furnished entirely from reusable materials (first discarded then reclaimed) given new life in a consciously sustainable environment. They run courses too - have a look on the website.

This weeks scenic shot is of the Manchester skyline from our hotel room in Salford Quays
And the same view at night !

Happy Quilting xx