Friday 30 November 2007

Where has the week gone ? I've not really got going this week quilting-wise. Been trying to get organised for Christmas and lots of driving people about hither and yon. Next week will be better as I have far more time to myself - :-)

We had the second part of our Dilys Fronks workshop on Tuesday night and she gave some wonderful tips on machine applique. I have not done an awful lot of this before ( neither hand or machine ) but I so enjoyed doing this I may try some more. Dilys is an excellent teacher and I learnt a lot from her. On Wednesday I was fired up and literally sat on my backside and appliqued on and off all day. Once I got confident with what I was doing it was great. This is all but finished except for hand sewing the binding down on the back. It even has a hanging sleeve ready to go.



I also mentioned in my last post that I had a load of cut strips leftover from the braid quilt and was going to make some 9 patches. In between shortening jeans for customers I did a few of these and was quite surprised that I ended up with 50 blocks. Will leave them to mature for a while as I'm sick of brown just now - lol ! Once the braid quilt is done for the in-laws I'm planning something lighter and pretty. Just not sure what yet ! I am trying not to start anything else now til the New Year but that could all change... I still have a few gifts to make yet.

Look at these lovelies



bought them yesterday and am toying with a few ideas as to what to do with them. I've never used plaids before. First time for everything .


Forgot to mention that I took my sewing machine back on Monday and the owners son had a look at it and adjusted a few things and tweaked about and sanded something down and the mysterious noise has all but vanished. He reckoned it is just a little wear and tear and absolutely nothing to be concerned about. If I ever need to go back there I will make sure the son is there not the father who was very abrupt with me when I took it back. I'm sure his hearing was not all it should be - lol !!

Onto nicer things than grumpy old repairmen - I had a lovely pressie through the post from Anne. We did a swap a short while back. I sent Anne some fabric in return for the pretty little needlecase. A good swap indeed ! I was also lucky enough to receive a PIF gift too. These are both wonderful items and I love them. Anne - your work is beautiful - thankyou !!





One last thing - as usual I would like to say thanks to all for the lovely comments. Some people however are coming up as no-reply and I am unable to answer personally. A shame especially when they are asking questions. If anyone wants to email me directly instead of leaving comments then that is fine.










Happy quilting....

17 comments:

Unknown said...

Gorgeous plaids - I always love to use them with busy florals - somehow they take away the sugary sweetness of the florals. Your christmas hanging is a beautiful design - wonderful!

Doodlebug Gail said...

Oooohhh, those plaids look gorgeous together! I'm about to get my 'left over' plaid collection out to make DH a quilt. Mine however, will not be as bright as yours.

Quilts And Pieces said...

Oh this is lovely! It is beautiful! I can't wait to see what you do with the plaids!

Belvie said...

What a lovely applique wallhanging!

I really like that collection of plaids too! Glad to hear you got your sewing machine up and running again. At least now you know which is the least grumpiest of the two repairmen!

Floss said...

The wall hanging is just beautiful.
The plaids are so pretty, when I think of plaid I think of darker colours, but these are so bright and cheerful.

mereth said...

The wallhanging is gorgeous, it looks like you've mastered machine applique with that one. And the nine-patches will be a head start on some top, I'll look forward to seeing what you come up with.

loulee said...

I love the christmas applique, very striking.

meggie said...

The plaids look lovely!
You do some lovely work. Love your gifts from Anne also.

Alison said...

I just love your stained glass quilt. It is truly stunning!

hi, I am visiting you for the first time.

Made By Claire said...

The wall hanging looks great, you have done a really good job. I look forward to seeing what you do with the plaids. I know what you told me about the baby quilt.As I am pregnant and not knowing if its a boy or girl, I am trying to make everything a bit neutral and to my liking, so if they don't sell in my shop I can keep them for this little one... I took a look at the link you sent me and I will definitely be ordering from there.

Emily Cole said...

I think the wallhanging turned out great! I haven't done applique yet either. The nine-patches are wonderful - I love the browns with the other colors you've chosen. Great! Em (emandmikeyATaolDOTcom)

Pam said...

That is such a pretty wallhanging. You did a lovely job for a beginner :))

I love the braid quilt as well, it is a beautiful gift.

Anne Heidi said...

The wall hanging is beautiful, you did a wonderful job! Oh and plaids are fun, I have some in my stash, but I'm not so good at using them...

*karendianne. said...

Oh my all the goodies!!!

I love taking a class, learning some new things and getting all motivated to "do" so I'm extra happy for you and how things turned out wtih your wallhanging. Congrats!

Simonetta said...

Wow!!!It is so wonder! Nativity is marvelous!Compliments

Unknown said...

I hope your blocks will mature well. Your plaids will be some beautiful quilt early next year I bet.

Connie W said...

I just found your blog and love it! I think we have the same taste in so many quilts! BTW, where do you live in Wales? My DD went to uni in Bangor at UWB. I've visited her there and love the countryside (but hate driving on the "wrong" side of the road.

Connie in PA, USA