Serenity Quilts

Crafty little Minx

2012-01-22T11:12:00.001-08:00

There is no doubting that my crafting mojo has returned.

Phew!!!

Along with finishing off my tax returns for the year I've also managed to complete a few smaller projects which have really helped me get back into the swing of things.

My friend Helen recently gave birth to a gorgeous little baby boy called Logan James Keeves. I knit him a little Henri dog. This was a project by Fuzzy Knits and was lovely to put together. It was knit in an organic wool and ended up being smaller than intended but a perfect size for a little baby to cuddle up to.

I also designed a little stitchery project with some quilting mice. I had no idea what purpose to put the stitchery to until I thought about a sewing roll. Once the stitchery was done the sewing of the roll took no time. There are pockets, zipped compartments, a pin cushion, ribbons for holding cotton reels and a needle book - I'll try to take a photo in daylight!!
I also made a cute pin cushion using a cross-stitch pattern from Cross Stitcher Magazine. The button motif was stitched on linen (which I swear almost broke me) and some pretty pink ditsy floral fabric. It was filled with rice to give it some weight.

So i'm pretty pleased with my Week 3 makes.

I've also managed to rearrange my sewing room and some of my vast array of bits and bobs.

Hope you all have fulfilling weeks with work and craft.

Caroline xx

Your prayers are needed ....

2012-01-13T02:43:00.000-08:00

For Tripp

and his amazing family.

I have been watching this little boy's story for the past year.

I am always moved to tears by his mum's words.

Tripp's short life is sadly nearing it's end and his family need to know that they are not alone on this journey.

Please pray for them and tell them you are thinking of them ...

visit here

**** Note after post ****

If you managed to pop over to Courney's blog Thank you.

All the prayers were answered and her little boy passed peacefully and pain-free whilst in her arms early Saturday morning.

God Bless Tripp and his family. Cxxxx

Avert your eyes now .....

2012-01-08T12:51:00.000-08:00

... if you thought Christmas was over!!!

Well not in my household.

Actually this is not a late Christmas present but a Christening gift for a little girl whoe daddy works/worked on the Arctic Survey.

The request was for blue fabrics, polar bears and penguins and fleece backing.

I scoured the internet for appropriate fabric but didn't really like a lot of fabric until I happened upon Riley Blake's 'A colourful Christmas'.

I love the snowball block - so simple yet effective - with fussy-cut characters!!
Of course I couldn't resist a little applique too!!

I love it and can't wait to put it in the post.

I'm qualifying this as my project of the week.

I surprised myself over Christmas by making quite a few handmade gifts and some cross-stitch items for myself - whilst working in a full time job, running a home and a small business.

I thought that if I really pushed myself this year to make at least one item each week (however small) I may build up a little collection for selling at Craft Fairs later in the year.

I know there are 52 weeks in a year and I would need far more than that to make it worthwhile - but it's a start and gives me something positive to aim for this year.

So week 1 is achieved and that makes me smile!!!

Chasing my tail ...

2012-01-05T13:05:00.000-08:00

Now that my regular hours are resuming at work and life is settling into an easier routine I have finally began to tackle some of the many neglected projects on the list.

One of my aims over the past couple of weeks has been to catch up with my Sew Bee Blissful group with the result being October, November and january blocks being completed.

The one above is for Christine. I adore these fabrics and the block is so modern, I love it and promise to make myself a quilt with these blocks one day.

One of my favourite blocks - the wonky star and a crazy patch block for Ella from the link here

and October and the one that nearly defeated me - I 'got' the block but not the measurements and hope that it can fit into the quilt somehow. Sorry CeLynn! Blog found here

I have a three day weekend ahead of me now and my plan is to sew up a storm and have some more photos to show you soon. I hope I'm on a roll now as my life has just not been the same without my daily sewing fix.

Cxxx

Praying for a better year ...

2011-12-29T13:34:00.001-08:00

I have been away from the blogging community for quite a while.

I have missed blogging and this wonderful community of people so much but my reasons are valid and as much about self preservation than anything else.

This has been a terrible year in many ways, my husband has been very ill and our world at rock bottom. This year I have shed more tears than I ever thought I had and at times felt as though nothing would be the same again.

However, the end of a year is not without its reflections on both the good and bad and although one of the worst years I ever experienced there are also some positives;

In the midst of some terrible times I have been able to reach out to some of my work colleagues and found such profound support and encouragement.

I have also made some wonderful friendships in a community craft group I'm involved with

I've had to push myself within my little business and had great success this year

I had to increase my part-time job to full-time to ease financial pressures - this has lead to a new promotion and a new role in my work place. I've also taken up an old hobby of cross-stitch and enjoy a little 'me' time to sew during the evenings. Playing with this little guy has kept me sane. Of course quilting has taken a bit of a back-seat but life just wouldn't quite be the same without it - and the obligatory Henri-snuggle-factor-seal-of-approval. I have taught myself to crochet but this remains an unfinished project for now. Some last minute Christmas presents finished off the year.

So what have I learned this year?

It's ok not to be ok

I can reach out and a friends arms will open wide

Admitting wrong and learning from it leads to new and wonderful directions

Love is always worth fighting for

On that note I wish you all a healthy and

Happy New Year

Blessings Cxxx

An update and a request ...

2011-09-16T11:42:00.000-07:00

The first stage of my All Heart Appeal is almost complete thanks to your help.

I am eager to finish the first quilt as I have an event at the village I live in next weekend and wanted our local villagers to feel inspired.

The story of the first quilt coming together;

First was the arrival of many lovely, inspiring and thoughtful blocks from friends met through quilt groups, my teaching group, in my local village and the wider Blogging Community.

I had great pleasure in arranging, rearranging and coming to a decision concerning layout.

I am so glad I decided to ask for more pink/red backgrounds as the layout was heavily influenced on the balance between the light backgrounds and the coloured ones.

The second stage was to move away from the 'tweaking' and start to sewing the squares into rows.

... then the rows into one quilt top.

Of course it was complulsory to audition a few border fabrics, I didn't want anything to fussy to take away from the centre. I settled for some red, polka dot fabric (my personal favourite).

Having decided that the quilt was going to have three borders I set about sewing on strips of 1.5" around each side ...

... closely followed by a 1" border in white ...

... completed with a 3" third border in red polka dots again!!

And Voila!!!

The first quilt made for Cancer Research UK.

Of course now that everything is ready, basted and waiting - my request to all you wonderful peeps out there is to answer me a question ...

How would you quilt it????

A New Obsession ...

2011-09-13T12:08:00.000-07:00

I have always been known to whip out the knitting needles at various times throughout my life. Recently I had a strong urge to get the needles out again and knit Henri (my fur baby) a wee jumper in preparation for the colder months.

I found a pattern, bought some wool and set to it. Along the way, I changed a few of the instructions and made it to fit my wee boy. It's no masterpiece but my objective was achieved to the best of my ability. I'm no pro but had the confidence to change a few things along the way.

Crocheting - on the other hand has always been a bit of a nemesis to me. I have bought a few books, had good intentions but alas I have failed in the crochet stakes.

That was until a few days ago ...

Having found a pattern for a Retro-style crochet throw in a magazine I could not help but fall in love. I decided that this was going to be my next 'evening' project that would keep me from playing scrabble on facebook (another obsession!!!).

I have long desired a blanket for the back of my sofa in cream with oceanic colours.

Finding the right wool was the first hurdle, I found Rowan Pure Wool Aran which I loved the feel of but wasn't sure if the colours were quite right. My lounge is more of a duck-egg blue. But eventually I decided that no, I couldn't wait (my obsession was that great).

I spent about four hours making a classic 'granny square' - much undoing, throwing it on the floor and swearing before I had my 'Eureka' moment and finally got it!!

12 Granny-squares later and I am loving how this blanket is coming along.

I've decided that it will consist of 10 squares in each row by 10 rows!!

Am I mad???

I love how the colours come together but I have ordered a few softer tones to balance out the darker turqoise, grey (mole) and dark green. I can't wait for them to arrive.

I reckon it will take me most of the next three months to complete it but it's so therapeutic to crochet a square here and there that it really doesn't feel like a chore.

I am in heaven with my crochet.

Diary Cover Tutorial

2011-09-08T12:34:00.001-07:00

I've recently been taking part in the Mug Rug and Goodie Swap hosted by Cindy of Fluffy Sheep Quilting.

I've had such fun taking part that I thought I would do a simple tutorial of the little diary/journal/notebook covers.

Here goes:

1. Open out your diary/journal/notebook and measure along the front, spine and back.
Add 1" to the length and the width so my cover and lining will measure 9.25" x 7".

2. If making strips like mine above I used an assortment of fabric measuring 1.5" wide x 7". I sewed 10 of these strips to make the cover front and back panel. I did exactly the same for the lining.

3. Cut a piece of wadding measuring 8.25" x 6". This was the same size as the diary. Centre it on the piece of fabric that you will be using for the main front/back cover and quilt as desired.

4. Cut two pieces of contrasting fabric measuring 6" wide by 7". Fold in half and along the fold sew a 1/4" seam. The other side can be left raw edge for the moment. These become the inside flaps to hold the diary in place.

5. Pin the two flaps to each side of the piece of fabric used for the lining of the diary, this is the piece not quilted. On top of this, right sides together place the quilted fron/back piece.

6. Sew along the top and the bottom of all edges using a 1/4" seam to make a tube.

7. Turn the right way out and press. Fold in a hem allowance of 1/4" at each side and slip stitch closed.

The fun bit is popping in your diary and swooning over your marvellous creation.

You really can whip up these little babies in no time. What a lovely gift to make as a present.

Hope you enjoy. Back soon with lots of pictures!!

Mug Rug and Goodie Swap Mosaic

2011-08-30T11:56:00.000-07:00

I'm taking part in a Mug Rug and Goodie Swap organised by lovely Cindy of Fluffy Sheep Quilting here.

I'm excited about this as it's only the second swap I've taken part in and already I have met some new wonderful people. Cindy organised another swap I took part in recently which was the Japanese Fabric Swap.

Us swappers were advised to create a little mosaic of our favourite colours, fabric type and suggestions to help our swap partners find out more about us. Most of my 'favourites' seem to have come from pretty much the same source - lovely Kerri of Lovely Little Handmades. Up until now I have managed to steer clear of the red, aqua and white combo, but I seem to be developing a little obsession.

I don't know who my swap partner is but whoever you are I hope this helps!!!

Caroline xx

The kindness of strangers ...

2011-08-17T13:22:00.001-07:00

It has been a little while since I told you about my All Heart Appeal to raise money for Cancer Research and I thought I would do an update.

First of all I want to thank each and every one of you kind hearted people out there who have donated a heart or hearts for my appeal. I really do appreciate it and love the thought you have all put into making each and every heart. Some have involved some interesting techniques that I would never of thought of. You are all so generous.

At the moment they are all laid out on my design wall and I can't help looking at them and reconfiguring them to try and get the balance right.

After much thought I decided that having an all white/cream background might not allow the hearts to shine through enough so I decided to branch out and ask for pink or red backgrounds.

This has helped greatly and the layout now seems more harmonious with some colour popping out. I am in the process of making a few more pink or red blocks to fit into the bottom left corner to balance it out.

I now have about 50 blocks and would like about 64 to complete the quilt. Hopefully it will be completed by the end of September.

Again, thank you so much for your generosity. Anyone else wanting to donate a block is very welcome - just e-mail me and I will send you my address via e-mail (please make sure you send me an e-mail address if a no-reply blogger).

Cheery Giant Spools

2011-08-14T04:02:00.000-07:00

I am a bad blogger indeed and promise to post more pictures soon.

I seem to have about a zillion things to do before september and the start of various classes that I'm going to be teaching, plus some trading events and charity events. So what do I do??

Crack the whip and start ticking the long list of jobs to do??

No - instead I 'play' around with yet more scraps and do some more of my giant spools blocks - these were inspired by Jacqui from Tallgrass Prairie Quilts - I loved her selvedge spools - but I just don't have nice selvedges so I dug deep into my scraps for these.

They look so much better in person!!

This has been good therapy, this week we found out that my husband can have a bit of a reprieve from the endless radiotherapy sessions on his leg. He's by no means 'better', apparently the nerve tissue is so inflamed that the results can't be distinguished. For now though, he gets 6 months off from the endless driving, back and forth to Oxford and can hopefully start getting over the pain.

Thank you for all the wonderful heart blocks I've received recently - I promise to take pictures today and post some soon.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Caroline xxxx

Happy Hearts ...

2011-07-22T02:54:00.000-07:00

Apologies for the delay in posting about my All Hearts Appeal.

Thus far I have about thirty hearts, all donated from wonderful people near and far. I really appreciate each and every one that I have received and it's been lovely to see the effort that people have shown.

I do apologise for the photographs above, some of which were taken during the evening, the lighting is terrible. These are some of the hearts received in the last couple of weeks.

1. Anne in dedication to her first husband

2. Anne in dedication to her parents who both died from cancer

3. Angie Woodhemp

4. Janis Green

5 - 7. Anne

8 - 10. Wendy Herbert

11 + 12. Wendy http://thecraftersapprentice.blogspot.com

Centre. Jane Weston

I would be exceedingly grateful for more hearts, the more the merrier really as I would dearly love to be able to make as many quilts as possible and aim to use at least 60 heart blocks per quilt.

I'm also going to throw open the colour of blocks to extend to a red or pink background, I think the odd splash of colour will add so much interest to the quilt.

Thank you

Caroline xx

PAY IT FORWARD ANYONE?

2011-07-05T13:50:00.001-07:00

I'm so excited to have joined Karen's PIF project over on her blog, here.

This means that in the next 365 days I get to receive something handmade from Karen along with two other recipients. How wonderful!!!

In true PIF tradition I pledge to also send a handmade gift to three lucky recipients in the hope that they too spread the love and share a gift within 365 days.

Is anyone interested in joining my PIF and receiving a gift from me - when you're least expecting it???

If so, leave me a comment on this blog post and the first three people to respond will be involved: please note - only respond if you genuinely intend to start your own PIF and would like to blog and post about it too.

Caroline xxx

All Heart Appeal

2011-06-22T13:12:00.001-07:00

I want to make a difference, and I need your help!

I recently went to a concert where money was raised for various cancer charities. I got thinking that I would like to raise some money myself and my brain went into overdrive thinking of ways to help.

I have a number of reasons for wanting to support Cancer Research, my brother-in-Law died from cancer, my dad had a tumour removed from his stomach two years ago, a childhood friend died from breast-cancer in her thirties and my husband is undergoing treatment for cancerous tumours in his leg.

My little All Heart Appeal plan is to achieve the following;

I would like blocks to be donated that I will sash together, quilt and finish. The quilt (or hopefully quilts) will be raffled off at local events to and all proceeds will go to Cancer research. Even if you donate a heart you can also purchase a raffle ticket to win the quilt yourself. Each ticket will cost £2.50. That is a lot of tickets I need to sell to raise a goal of £400.00.

I would like the first quilt to be completed by August.

If you are interested in helping here's what to do;1. Measure a 8" x 8" square of neutral fabric, white-on-white or cream-on-cream to act as a background fabric.

2. Make a heart, any size so long as it fits within the block and less 1/4" for seam allowance. It can be any shape, fat, thin, elongated, stylized and in any colour.

3. You can also embroider a design within a plain heart like the one below:

4. The heart needs to be appliqued on either by stitching around a raw-edge, zig-zag stitched, blanket-stitched, fancy stitched, needle-turned the choice is yours - so long as it doesn't peel off is the general advice.

5. Once completed mail to me (leave a comment and I will e-mail you my address)and I will do the rest!!

Why not dedicate your heart to someone whose life has been touched by cancer. All dedications will be written in a note that will go with the quilt to winning recipients.

If you don't want to make a heart but want to dedicate one and I will make one on your behalf I will ask that you make a donation on my just giving page found here

You can make a difference.

COULD I ALSO ASK ANYONE READING THIS POST TO PLEASE BLOG ABOUT MY APPEAL FOR HEARTS OR LINK MY BUTTON IN THE SIDEBAR TO YOUR OWN BLOG - THANK YOU SO MUCH XXX

Thank you
Caroline xx

Happy Days ...

2011-06-16T12:56:00.000-07:00

My colour scrap blocks are coming along nicely but this week I wanted to concentrate on something else. The arrival of "Lollipop Baby" fabrics made me put away everything else and whip up a simple baby quilt using the full range.

Although I love the colours for me it is a bit too busy, I'm wondering if I should have sashed with white!

Mmmmm maybe that's another quilt!

Excuse the poor photo on this one but the design wall was full and the only room left was on the floor with the awful red rug that covers a multitude of sins!!

My colour spools are coming along nicely, I wasn't sure at first - I looked at other spool quilts where straight piecing is more the norm, so I made red and green straight and left the others wonky. I like wonky!!

I'm quite excited about it to be honest, and I'm just going to take my time over these fun blocks. It's definately going to be a studio piece and will fit right in with my others. I sure do love gazing over the fabrics, especially when life has it's off moments and I need to remind myself of everything good in my life.

For now I will leave you with my photo of variegated thread. I love it.

They're multiplying ...

2011-06-10T11:50:00.000-07:00

I've been having great fun this week, continuing to grow this scrappy little number - i can't seem to stop. I also found a whole heap of more scrap fabric that I've added to my basket.
I allowed myself to digress from the above and thought I would have a go at some colourful spool blocks. I was inspired by Jacqui's quilt over at Tallgrass Prairie Studio linked here.
Jacquie made hers with selvedges - which I don't have so hopefully I can get my stash of scraps down by using them in this way.

I've been itching to make a raw-edge quilt since I started quilting and I dived into these gorgeous flannel prints by Blue Hill Fabric called Zoo Friends. These prints are great for a youngster, either boy or girl. I made a little quilt measuring 36" x 42" in a day from start to finish. I love it.
I've also managed to design some cute little bags for a day workshop I'm teaching next month, there are a number of techniques thrown in for good measure, fusible applique, needle-turn applique, yo-yo's, 3d flowers as well as how to construct a simple tote bag.

Phew, I'm exhausted now but my other day job is requiring my attention this weekend and there will be no rest for me.

Hope you have a great weekend.

Simply Scrap Happy

2011-06-05T08:23:00.001-07:00

I'm still here, alive and well!!!

I've had a pretty stressful couple of months and I'm trying to stay positive and grateful for all the wonderful things that are in my life.

This week I've been busy, as usual but I decided that I have had enough of the endless scraps of fabric floating about. Some of them are still left over from the very first quilts I made!!

Inspired by the many colourful quilts from the book Fresh Quilting linked here and Elizabeth Hartman's book here I fell in love with a block and decided to play.

I tipped all my scraps into a big basket and got simply, scrap happy!!!

I was going to stop at 6 blocks by 6 and make it into a baby quilt but it's quite addictive and I will keep expanding it until I'm happy.

I love the design, the vibrancy and the nostalgic moments I had when lifting out fabric I'd forgotten about. It's been quite a cathartic experience to get involved with my scraps.

The funny thing is that although the basket was full to overflowing when I started ... 42 blocks later, it is still full to overflowing!

Do you think fabric scraps multiply??

Colour me happy .....

2011-04-24T04:20:00.000-07:00

It seems as though I have been away from the blogging scene for ages and ages.

As my little business grows from strength to strength other things have been requiring my attention.

Whilst my ebay shop has quietened down during the Easter holidays it has given me a little opportunity to enjoy some sewing - just for me - I have been wanting to create a colour-wheel quilt for a long time, an I finally manged to squeeze in a small wall hanging for my studio.

I will also be teaching some of my students this term
about colour, so it serves a dual purpose really.

Over the past couple of months it has seemed like all I have done is cut fabric - into fat quarters - into bundles - into neat packages tied up with string!! Aside from this I have been to my first trading event at a quilt group in Oxfordshire which was very enjoyable. I have also written about four patterns for various projects and more in the pipe-line.

Given the feedback I received I am now contemplating booking stalls at a few larger events, it's a scary thought but one I just about feel able to handle.

For now, I wish you all a happy, hoppy Easter with chocolate wishes for you all.

Caroline xxx

BY LEAPS & BOUNDS ...

2011-04-04T01:25:00.001-07:00

With Easter just around the corner I felt inspired to create a bunny quilt using the gorgeous Lily and Will fabric by BunnyHill designs for Moda (I can't get enough of this fabric).

Little bunnies leaping over appliqued tulips what more could Spring bring?

I have actually gone one better with this quilt and I've written the pattern before this post, this is available as a PDF pattern or paper version available on my website http://www.serenityquilts.co.uk/ today.

Hope you are enjoying some beautiful Spring weather wherever you are.

Giveaway ... a winner!!

2011-03-30T02:06:00.000-07:00

Thank you for taking part with my little giveaway.

A winner has been chosen and she is

Wendy from http://thecraftersapprentice.blogspot.com/

Congratulations Wendy, please drop me your address and I will get you some goodies in the post.

Thank you and sorry for the delay!!!

Caroline xxxx

Bloomin' lovely ... a giveaway ...

2011-03-18T13:45:00.001-07:00

It's beginning to look a lot like spring over here .. finally, after what seems like the longest and coldest winter ever.

I was inspired by all the budding blooms and new life springing up all over the place into preparing a demo for my local quilt groups based on an Easter theme. I love this time of year, nothing gives me greater pleasure than a lovely walk, with my favourite guys, in the park near my studio - taking in the blossoming trees and flowers bringing a sense of peacefullness and hope.

I have come up with a range of little gift bags that can be filled with all sorts of sweet goodies, choccies - you can certainly pack away a fair bit of loot in these little bags.

I'm also hoping to sell some little kits and patterns.

To mark the arrival of Spring I would like to giveaway a set of patterns and a kit for these little bags, and what-the-hec I will also throw in a little bag made especially for you filled with sweet treats.

All you have to do is leave a comment on this blog and tell me what your favourite season is and why you love it so much.

I will choose a winner next Friday night.

Caroline xxx

Crazy for cushions ...

2011-02-27T12:35:00.000-08:00

I'm finally organised for the new term at the Adult Education centre I teach at.

My ladies were keen on furthering their quilting techniques so I have come up with making cushions using a charm pack and neutral co-ordinating fabric.

There is an opportunity for some free-motion quilting, quilting using stencils, lines and free-styling. We're also going to be doing applique, making piping, using the button-hole feature on a sewing machine and generally having a bit of a giggle and getting creative.

I can't wait!!!

I'm quite pleased with how these turn out - I love la Petite Ecole!

How I wished I quilted in red - looks so much better close up - I may just have to make a few more!!!

Couldn't believe how easy this way to create - I may just have to quilt a whole quilt like this!!

Caroline xxx

SWEET TWEET

2011-02-10T11:36:00.001-08:00

Apologies for the extended leave of bloggery absence - things have been a little crazy around here, to say the least.

There has been lots to keep me busy including this little beauty inspired by the 'It's a Hoot' range of Moda fabrics.

These fabrics were the first ones I ordered for my little on-line shop and I did rather a lot of 'umming' and 'aaahhing' over them. The prints are quite large and I really didn't want the gorgeous birdie's to be lost amongst the boldness of the print so a lot of white fabric ... and some fussy cutting later, I came up with this.

Sweet Tweet

This is now a patternwhich will be added to my website Serenity Quilts by the weekend.

Also;

Sew Essential Bag pattern and accessories will also be available to purchase.

Introducing ....

2011-01-19T08:43:00.000-08:00

My little business.

I am also now selling fabric (not yet on the website but will be soon)

Hopefully I will have many more patterns to sell here very soon.

I will be starting out with some yummy It's a Hoot fabric

and my favourite fabric ever Lily & Will be Bunny Hill designs.

I will also be stocking wadding.

Sew Essential ...

2011-01-10T14:12:00.001-08:00

I have been in design heaven this week after all the rush of Christmas orders.

Let loose with a jelly roll in one of my favourite colour-ways, pink and chocolate I have designed a project for my friday morning group to sink their teeth into.

There is a sewing bag with lots of pockets, a sewing machine cover ...

a needle-case and scissor case ...

and yummy, calorie-free pin cushions!!

What more could a woman want?

I have also spent all evening writing up a pattern and will give the link next post should anyone wish to make these goodies for yourself or gift to some one else.

Caroline xxxx

Happy New Year ...

2010-12-31T12:28:00.000-08:00

I was quite looking forward to seeing the back of 2010 for a number of reasons.

It has been a difficult year in lots of ways.

Looking back at what I have achieved I have actually accomplished a lot this year and should maybe allow myself to have a little pride in all the ways in which I've grown and developed not only personally but within my little business.

I've met some wonderful ladies through my teaching and quilt group, I,ve taken lots of business this year and even won a small comepetition.

It's not all bad. In 2011 I promise to be a better pattern writer and actually get some of my ideas and creations onto paper.

Photo's are as follows from left - right;

row 1; Finally finished 'Starry Night' quilt, Liberty quilt 1, Liberty Quilt squares, Liberty Quilt Petals,' Hearts Abundant' quilt #4.

row 2; Hearts abundant #3, 'All Wrapped Up' quilt, 'Elephants on Parade' #2, My aprons for Domestic Bliss pattern.

row 3; 'Bright and Breezy' quilt, Liberty Amelia Jane quilt, my Iddy-Biddy-bit-bag-buddies designed for my quilting group, Sweetie Jar quilt for Linus, Star quilt for Linus.

row 4; My quilt-as-you-go Rose-of-Sharon quilt designed by me for the group I teach, 'Hearts Abundant' # 2, detail of stained glass rose quilt, blocks from my free Bom.

row 5; Me receiving my award with 'Speaks Volumes' quilt, 'Woodland Gathering quilt', Ethan's quilt, BOM blocks again and finally the ladies I teach with all their amazing creations.

It's certainly a been a busy year. Just this week I have finished making two Christmas Stockings, a new coat for Henri and I'm nearly finished making the project I have designed for my next course.

Happy New Year everyone.

Caroline xxxx

BOM 9; Dance Like No-one's Watching ...

2010-12-22T02:21:00.001-08:00

Thank you for your messages and here is the link to the free BOM.

I can't believe it's the last one.

I would love to see any pictures you have of your blocks - you can email me at serenityquilts.co.uk

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all.

Glitter Text Generator

Phew .....

2010-12-20T02:41:00.000-08:00

I apologise for my lack of blogging, but can promise that even though I haven't had time to comment on your posts, at least some of my time has been used to read your posts and drool over all your amazing pictures of your Christmas crafting.

I can at last start to put my head up for some fresh air and breathe in the beauty of a British Winter. It is freezing here and everywhere is blanketed in fresh, crisp snow.

So, what have I been up to?

Taking this little guy to the vets ... lots ...!!! After his lumpectomy operation his immune system took a bit of a dive and he got a form of doggy - pneumonia. After a course of anti-biotics and lots of cuddles he has made a full recovery ...

until ...

he then got attacked by another dog and has had lots of cuts, scratches and deep grazes to recover from. He's still traumatised and won't go anywhere near the park where it happened.

I can assure you that he is getting lots and lots of TLC.

I designed and made these little chaps, that I call my Iddy, Biddy, Bit-Bag Buddies. I made up lots of kits to sell at my local quilting group and was pleased at there success.

I've had lots of orders placed over the past few months and it has been quite a strain to get them all out on time.

One challenge was set by a customer who wanted 3 quilts made from Liberty fabrics, they had to be single bed size and her budget was extremely tight. With lots of white I managed to fulfil the objective and they have been completed on time.

I seem to have 'lost' the photo's of the first one so can only give you the other two - it's amazing what can be made from a small selection of fabric (plus lots of white!!!).

Appliqued petals - you can't see the quilting in this but I quilted 1/4" all round the petals and the effect was beautiful.

Squares within squares.

This is the last remaining quilt which must be finished by Thursday!!!

I've been teaching the most wonderful group of ladies on a Friday morning - this term we made a quilt-as-you-go quilt which was interpreted in different ways by everyone. I was so excited when they completed their quilts and what a wonderful job everyone did.

I love the enthusiasm and eagerness of these ladies and can't wait for the new term to begin in January.

Beautiful appliqued blocks in different shades of blue.

This is truly amazing, this lovely Lady made tons of blocks from recycled material and even used old blankets for the wadding. The result is a stunning quilt (the first one she's ever made) that will be an heirloom, providing not only warmth but freshness and beauty forever.

This quilt turned out beautiful and was all done by hand, including the piecing, appliqueing and quilting. I love it.

The lady who made these had missed several sessions and decided to make her quilt-as-you-go blocks into mini-Christmas-wallhangings with her families initials added.

The Lady who made these had already completed her quilt so she began making some placements to give as a Christmas gift.

She designed them herself and this is what makes me so feel so happy to see people grow and develop there own style and confidence to go in other directions.

I've also finally got around to completing the last block for my BOM - better late then never!
I aim to put them together in January - should time permit!!!!

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a

Happy and Prosperous New Year.

Caroline xxxxxx

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All Wrapped up for Christmas ...

2010-11-15T12:06:00.000-08:00

It's good to be back from a short break from blogging.

I didn't much feel like blogging or looking at any of your lovely blogs and I have to admit to having missed you all.

Whilst there were quite a few weeks of no-blogging, that does not mean for one minute that there was no sewing. I've managed to get two custom quilts made and posted off, another one to go by the end of the week and fabrics purchased and designs at the ready for some other quilt orders.

My feet have barely touched the ground.

The above picture is a quilt I had a brain-wave about one morning (at 3am) and simply had to make - just for me. Or perhaps a pattern that I MUST get round to writing.

Which reminds me, I have had a lot of e-mails regarding my Elephants on Parade quilt and I will definately be writing a pattern for it. I'll let you know in due course when it's ready.

For now I will leave you with this Merry Christmas picture - sorry reindeer's head didn't quite make it into the picture!!!!

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Bom 8; Live life on the edge!!

2010-11-04T01:41:00.001-07:00

Hoorah!!! here at last is this months free Bom. Can't believe it's number 8 already and only 1 more to go.

You can find the PDF pattern here

I've sort of been living my life on the edge for the past few weeks - but more like a knife edge than on the edge of exciting roller-skating like this little lady.

My uncle died a couple of weeks ago, after a short illness - he was 85 but it still came as a bit of a shock and sadness.

The day after that I went to have nitrogen put into my tyres (which should have cost £5.00) and came out with 3 new tyres and a bill for £200.00 instead.

Then I was told that I needed new suspension wishbones and wheel alignment for the princely sum of £200.00. The car is now repaired!! Thank Goodness.

The day after that, my husband found some suspicious lumps on our Jack Russell, Henri.

We took him immediately to the vets expecting to be told to keep an eye on things, only to be told that he would have to have them removed.

Two days later I was sobbing having left him with strangers to be cut open and operated upon.

The vet thought the lumps looked suspicious and we had a worrying week of imagining putting our baby through more discomfort and pain.

However, yesterday the results came back and I can quite happily announce that the lumps are fatty necrosis which are nothing to worry about it.

They are pretty much lumps of dead scar tissue probably from Henri knocking himself during one of his many antics.

We are so relieved and hopefully now life can resume some normality.

The good news is that I have been taking lots of orders for quilts and think I'll be busy right up until Christmas sewing away.

I'm afraid I haven't had much of a chance to comment and look at your blogs but will rectify this at the weekend.

Enjoy the rest of your week.

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BOM delay, again!!!!

2010-11-02T02:21:00.000-07:00

I do apologise for my lateness again with my BOM.

I'm useless!!

Actually rather a lot has been happening around here, a death in the family,

my car needing lots of ££££££ spent on it, and then finding lumps on our Henri boy.

He had an operation to remove two lumps last Friday,he's recovering nicely - nothing can keep a Jack Russell down for long!

We were hoping that they would be fatty lumps which Jack's are prone to but alas

the lumps were suspicious looking and have been sent off to Histology for analysis.

Henri means the world to us and we are devastated to put this little chap through a horrible but necessary operation. Luckily his age (3 yrs young) means he bounces back quickly.

I'd be grateful if you could keep your fingers crossed.

I just need to take photo's of November's BOM and then it'll be up and running.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

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Elephants on Parade in blue ...

2010-10-18T02:15:00.001-07:00

This quilt may look familiar as I made one in pink a while ago which I blogged about here

I was asked to produce one in blue as a customised order and I love making this quilt - so I jumped at the chance.

It's my favourite.

This time made with American Primer fabric - I think it would look good whatever the fabrics.

It's gone to a special little boy now - whom I hope will cuddle it, play on it and love it.

I sort of miss it but know it will be well loved.

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When is a rose not a rose?

2010-10-07T00:41:00.000-07:00

... when it looks like this of course;

More like an apple ... at least some of you thought so, when i made

this blog post a while ago.

MMMmmmmm i thought!!!
The intention was roses and I planned to make lots of scrappy roses, set them on point and create a rose swagger in each corner.

Like this;

Needless to say I was not impressed by my efforts at all and threw it into a corner of the studio where it has been gathering dust.

It just did not look at all right and how I had seen it in my mind.

However, I don't like to be defeated and I thought to myself 'how's about I get some binding tape and try turning my 'apples' into a stained glass window effect.

While my dear hubby has been working nights this week, I have settled myself in front of the T.V with an ironing board perched next to me, my Clover mini-iron on hand and off I set.

It has taken me two evenings to get this far;

While I'm not exactly loving it yet, I am loving it a whole lot more than I did before.

The question is do I simply stop at the roses or should I 'stain glass' my leaves too?

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Block 7 Free Bom; Count your Friendship Blessings

2010-10-02T11:42:00.001-07:00

Sorry for the delay but Block 7 of my free BOM is now available and can be found here or by clicking the picture in my sidebar.

Hope you enjoy.

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Announcing the winners ....

2010-10-02T01:01:00.000-07:00

I intented to announce my Domestic Bliss giveaway much earlier.

Can we drum-rolls please the winner of the Domestic Bliss Pattern, kit and goodies is ....

Well done to comment 39 from BillieBee who said;
Great patterns and thanks for the opportunity to win the giveaway.
Send me your details and I shall get the items posted to you.

Now for 5 winners of my pattern;

Julie from Julie's Quilt Gallery

Quiltin Sandy from Sandy's sewing Circle

Patchwork and Play

Rock Granny from
Quilts of Many Colours

Nancy-Sue

I used True Random number generators to obtain my winners - but the icon's wouldn't copy and paste properly - you will just have to take my word for it!!!!

Thank you for entering and once you send me your details I'll get those off in the post for you.

The next thing for me to do is getting my next BOM Block ready.
I'm slightly behind schedule!!!!

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Domestic Bliss Giveaway !!!!

2010-09-22T01:33:00.000-07:00

Do you remember a couple of blog posts ago that I told you about a cute little kitchen set that I made??

I sort of promised that a giveaway was to come ... and here it is at last.

I have written up a simple pattern that allows you to make a pretty apron, pot stand and double-oven gloves. There are also suggestions on how to use up any scraps.

My giveaway is for the following;

A copy of my Domestic Bliss pattern

1metre brown spot fabric

1metre pink party-time fabric

1 metre pink wide ric-rac

1 pretty cake pin-cushion

1 needle case in pretty rose fabric

A pack of Clover pink quilters flat-head pins

and a vintage-like tin with thread

It's a pretty good giveaway.

I will also chose 4 other random winners to recieve a copy of my pattern.

Here's what you have to do;

1. Leave a comment on this post for one entry

2. Copy and past my giveaway button on your blog - come back and leave another comment telling me you have done so (I will be checking!!!). That's 2 entries!!!

3. Blog about my giveaway on your blog post - come back leave another comment. That's 3 entries!!!!! Wow. Confused yet????

4. Join my following list - and yes you guessed it - leave another comment telling me you have done so and that gets you entered into my giveaway 4 times!!!!!!

Good Luck.

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Bright and Breezy ...

2010-09-12T09:21:00.000-07:00

I have finally managed to complete my multi-coloured blocks that were shown here in a previous blog entry.

I'm so thrilled with the end result that I got rather carried away with the photo's.

Henri approves of my colour choices and is happy with the quilt too.

He looks slightly indifferent here, but I promise that the quilt has had the nod of approval (he didn't mind sleeping under it while I spent two evenings sewing the binding on!!!).

This is a view of the back - which I love - not all the blocks were used on the front and this sort of makes it a reversible quilt.

I thought I had bitten off a lot more than I could chew when I started these lines. That was the whole purpose of making the quilt in the first place - I was desperate to make a quilt with a more modern feel. I laboured with the first quarter, was ready to jump out of the window with the second quarter ... but on I persisted.
By the time I finished the third quarter I was ready to tear my hair out - those lines just did not look straight!!
However, the final quarter seemed to go much quicker, I had finally found my comfort zone and sped through the process (ok, so chocolate and coca cola helped just a little!!).

More than happy with the finished product.

Hope you had a great weekend.

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Block 6 Free Bom; Pamper yourself!!!

2010-09-01T13:00:00.001-07:00

I can't believe that we are in September already - where did August go?

If you find it please let me know I could do with just a little bit more time.

I hope you enjoy my latest BOM - it can be found here.

Only three more to go and then a quilt top shall be made!!

Don't forget to come back soon for my 100th post - there's gonna be a giveaway for sure.

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Colour Play Thursday ...

2010-08-26T12:07:00.001-07:00

I'm having great fun at the moment, playing with colours whilst trying hard to use up some scraps that I have had since the very first quilt I made.

I started off making my blocks based on a wonky log cabin technique.
Sashing just had to be white - I used a sheet I found for 99p from the Ikea bargain basement bin!

I'm not sure about whether to add a border of coloured squares around my blocks - what do you think???

Hope you've been having as much fun with your creations.

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Colour Play Monday ....

2010-08-16T06:53:00.001-07:00

Aren't these wee folklore people sooooo cute???

I know it's not orange - but I couldn't resist showing this cheerful sunflower basking in the sun with hundreds of others. We are lucky to live surrounded by fields and farmland and there is a whole field full of these babies just minutes away.

Enjoy the rest of Monday.

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BOM apologies...

2010-08-11T13:05:00.000-07:00

For those of you having difficulties downloading my free BOM, I have now rectified the problem. I was searching and searching for PDF storage and my wonderful hubby asked me what I was doing (after downloading my PDF's for about the fifth time on various sites - I was becoming slightly unhinged). I told him the problem.

"Why don't you go to g-mail (google) and do it from there" he intoned.

From which I replied "why didn't you suggest this 5 months ago when I started the BOM!"

Anyway - you should be able to download/print/view the BOM's straight-away - she says running for her life .....

Please let me know if there are any problems and thank you to those of you who alerted me to the problem on DOCSTOC.

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Making a start on Christmas ...

2010-08-09T00:56:00.001-07:00

I hope no member of my family is going to be watching as I am in the throes of making a present or two, to try and be extra-organised this year and be prepared for Christmas.

I had great pleasure last year in making gifts including sewing cases, scissor keepers, needle-cases to name but a few. People certainly react differently when given something home-made and I love that feeling.

This year it's going to be a chic Kitchen set including a pretty Apron, pot stand and double oven gloves.

I am even starting to write it up as a pattern and maybe kit as part of my up-coming 100th post as a giveaway.

Check back soon for more piccies!!

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Block 5 Free Bom; Indulge in ... bubbles!!

2010-07-31T03:34:00.001-07:00

This is a girl whom I envy, not only luxuriating in a hot bubbly bath (I don't have a bath at home) but also indulging in a glass of champers (bubbles in a glass do funny things to me) whilst doing so!!
It rather takes me back to my life pre - hubby and Jack Russell where I could spend hours (literally) soaking in a hot bath, glass of wine in hand, candles and soft music playing and had absolutely no worries. I wouldn't swap the life I have now, but how I long for just the occasional evening of nothing to do but indulge myself!!
The free BOM for this month is available here.

Enjoy!!!

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Success!! ....

2010-07-30T01:56:00.001-07:00

I think the 'Quilt as you Go' technique is absolutely fabulous and I have managed to not only whip up this little beauty in no time but have also managed to enjoy every minute of it.

The other good thing about it is that I have used up fabric amongst my stash including the backing and bac-ground fabric as well as using up my scraps of wadding.

I'm going to be teaching this technique as a 10 week course (for beginners) from September. Although there are 9 blocks in this little quilt I'm going to leave it unfinished so that I can add more blocks as part of my demonstration. I have plans to make this into a super-large quilt to keep.

I'm quite in love with it!!

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Quilting as I go ...

2010-07-26T13:02:00.000-07:00

I am busy designing a quilt using the Quilt-as-you-go method - incorporating simple applique and hand stitching. I love how simple shapes, configured in different ways can produce something simple but beautiful. Each block has been quilted and then I shall join them together.

Hopefully by the end of the week there should be a beautiful quilt.
Caroline xx

Colour Play Monday ....

2010-07-19T01:13:00.001-07:00

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BOM framing tutorial ...

2010-07-08T01:02:00.001-07:00

A few people have asked how I framed up my BOM squares and I promised that I would post a free tutorial to help.

Here goes (sorry if it's a little lengthy)!!!!

1. You can use a jelly roll - I had Moda Posh left over from a previous project and cut them into 2" strips. You could also do it with scraps.

2. Trim your BOM to 61/2" square.

3. Start by sewing a strip to the top and bottom of the block. Trim and press seams open.

4. Add strips to each side.

5. Prepare the next strips - I cut 2" squares from a variety of strips - make sure you use a precise 1/4" seam allowance - you will need 6 squares for both top and bottom + 8 squares each for the sides. Sew the squares together. Press seams open.

6. Start again at the top of the block - match up the 1st and last squares with the seam from the first border you made. Stitch.

7. Press the seam open and do the same with the bottom edge.

8. The arrow shows where the seams line up.

9. Use the same method of pinning the squares to line up with the seams of the top border.

10. Press seams open.

11. Nice and neat!!

12. Voila!! done - the alternate blocks are made in the same way with 2" strips and 2" squares but the square border is attached first - for this there are 4 squares at the top and bottom and 6 squares at the sides.

Hope this makes sense!!!!

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Bom 4 Shop 'til ... you drop.

2010-07-02T02:12:00.000-07:00

Bom 4 can be found here.

If only you had any idea what I have been through to get this up to today, it's a miracle I tell you - a miracle!!!!

My poor computer had malfunction and turned itself off and there was no sign of life.
I trawled through the yellow pages for a computer repair place and sent it off to be repaired.
Even then there was no diagnosis but I was told it would cost £100.00 to simply be opened up, sounded like a problem with the Mother board - whatever that is!
After much discussion with hubby it was agreed that I might as well buy a new computer.
I reluctantly parted with my cash and so begun the process of installing lots and lots of software.
My scanner is 8 years old and new computer was not happy to install it.
Scanner was misbehaving (on hubby's computer - where it is now installed) and it took me 2 hours to figure out where scanned documents were being sent too.
Hubby's computer did not like my hard-disk-drive and so would not let me copy and paste scanned doc to it so that I could upload it onto my computer.

Thus I had to e-mail it to myself before much tinkering was done to get it to save as a pdf file.

I feel like I need a stiff drink and it's only 10 30 am!!!

Anyway without further ado - please enjoy my fourth BOM.

Thank you for yur patience and I promise to be more punctual next time. I also plan to do a tutorial on how to frame the blocks - there are going to be 9 blocks altogether.

Thank you for your support.

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A few of my favourite things ...

2010-06-28T01:23:00.000-07:00

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Playing with Colour ...

2010-06-23T12:37:00.000-07:00

I have decided to start using up some of my scraps, that are currently stored neatly in individual containers.

The idea of a crazy patch play experiment came to me after being inspired by yet another project by Weeks Ringle and Bill Kerr in their Modern Quilt Resource Book.

I'm not a great fan of green but admit that it looks quite nice when mixed with brighter colours;

Goodness knows what this will become.

But i did buy lots of white cotton today!!

I like experimenting and should do more of this type of quilting - it's rather liberating to have no idea of the outcome but to just go with the flow ...

Have a good week and enjoy your fabric playtime too.

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Ethan's Quilt and a confession ...

2010-06-17T01:14:00.000-07:00

Once again, I can't take credit for designing this quilt. It's a pattern designed by Elizabeth hartman of http://www.ohfransson.com/.

My husband bought me a fat quarter of animal fabric a couple of years ago and it has been sitting in my stash waiting for the right project to come along.

All the fabrics used for this quilt were in my stash and I have really enjoyed making this little piece. I managed to applique the name and giraffe on, baste, quilt and bind this quilt all in a day and it should be winging it's way to a new baby boy for some friends of ours.

Now for the confession; I apogise for the lack of keeping up with my BOM project. My computer has literally just died and I have been using my husbands, unfortunately he does not have the same software packages and access to my scanner etc so until my laptop is repaired I will be unable to do the BOM. I'm sorry about this and hope to have it up and running again soon.

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I can't believe it, I WON!!!!!!

2010-06-14T07:03:00.000-07:00

You may rememer that recently I created this little quilt for the Margaret Every Challenge at my local quilting shop.

The standard was very high and I had quite a few favourites myself.

There is a link here to see just a few of the entries.

I went to collect my quilt today and was surprised (indeed shocked) to hear that I had actually won the challenge prize.

I have not stopped smiling yet. I was presented with a gift voucher (which I have spent already!!!) and I get my name engraved on the Bramble Patch Challenge Cup.

I had to laugh really because Monday is my house cleaning day and I generally wear slobbing about clothes, ready for dog walkies and standing-in-the-shower-while-I-clean it sort-of-clothes. The same clothes that I wore to 'nip-to-the-said - quilt-shop-to-buy-a-fat-quarter-collect-quilt-and-go-home-for-more-cleaning'. Not expecting to be photographed as a challenge winner !!!

It was a good job I had brushed my hair, teeth and slapped a dot of lipstick on before I left the house.

There should be a picture of me uploaded onto The Bramble Patch website within a couple of days - don't look too closely at my scruffy attire - how I wish I'd worn a pretty dress!!!

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Happy 1st Wedding Anniversary

2010-06-06T10:45:00.000-07:00

This time exactly one year ago today I was getting married to this gorgeous man.

I still can't quite believe how lucky I am.

I am simply the luckiest woman in the world. I love this man with all my heart and knowing that he feels the same way about me makes my heart beat faster, stronger and prouder.

Forever. Tony the Love of my life, my best friend, my soul-mate.

Happy 1st Wedding Anniversary my love.

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All in a day ....

2010-06-04T01:52:00.000-07:00

It was my mums Birthday last week and I decided to make her a special bag as both of my parents are off on a cruise in September.

I thought this bag kit from my local fabric suppliers would go down well.

I really enjoyed making this and believe it or not it was all done in a day. I even managed to get some beads out and hand sewed them on to emphasise these gorgeous flowers.

Even though my mum was never really into sewing (she was a wonderful painter) I probably learned to sew from watching her. Although I was too young to remember there are some stunning pictures of me and my sister at a school fete wearing matching dresses that mum made.

I also remember her making me an outfit to wear at a Victorian day at school many years ago and I adored wearing it. She got every detail in from bloomers to apron.

I'm delivering this to her tomorrow - hope she likes it!!!!

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Sssssh, Silence in the library ...

2010-05-27T01:40:00.000-07:00

I'm simply loving my bookshelf quilt since I took it apart, rejiggled and added in a few elements. It's quite apt for me as I have a great love of books and English Literature.

Shakespeare just had to have a presence and I'm very pleased with how effective his profile is using a black newpaper print fabric.

Now for the basting, quilting and binding - it has to be finished by tomorrow. Nothing like a bit of pressure!!!

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Magnificent Monday ...

2010-05-24T05:14:00.000-07:00

It's magnificent because the sun is out, the sky is blue and everything in the garden looks rosy.

My friendship quilt is completed and looking lovely airing on the line.
This is a Strawberry plant with dew covering each curve of the leaf - it looked gorgeous and I couldn't resist taking it's picture.

This is my Henri boy, a loveable little chap with a heart of gold and such funny characteristics.

He enjoyed his favourite game of 'bark-at-the-bubbles' - he is such a water-babe!!!.

Hope that whatever you're doing you are having as equally a 'magnificent Monday' as I am.

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A suitable name ...

2010-05-21T13:40:00.000-07:00

I've wanted to have a go at a 'Book shelf' quilt since I saw one in a Modern Quilt book by Weeks Ringle and Bill Kerr, so when I remembered (eventually) that I had committed to entering a quilt challenge at my local quilt shop I just knew the time had come to give it a go.

The challenge was to make a quilt which simply had to use one of two free fabric FQ's. There are two themes this year ' traditional' and 'modern' and I was dying to get my hands on the Moda Authentic range under the 'modern' category.

I adore these fabrics - there is something that should be intrinsically wrong about beige, black, white and lime-green mixed together. If I were to pick colours out of the sky these would not be my colours of choice, but THEY WORK.

I am loving my book case - there is one more shelf to go and it will be complete. There is something missing that I can't quite put my finger on so I'm going to leave it for the weekend, spend some quality time with dear hubby and doggie and come back to it, fresh next week.

What do you think I should call it, I'm thinking of something literary or a play-on-words ...

any ideas ?????

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Free Bom; Block 3 Have your cake ... and eat it!!!

2010-05-10T01:05:00.001-07:00

I can only apologise most sincerely for my recent lack of blogging and lateness with my free BOM. I've not only had problems downloading photo's from my camera (which doesn't help) but car problems and now fraudulent transactions to deal with. It'll all get sorted soon!!

She can be found here

Anyway, here is my little lady this month about to chow down a super-large portion of a delicious cake, with not a jot of guilt. It slightly resembles the massive piece of cake I managed to get through on Saturday at my local quilt group, which was fantastic as always.
As you can see I am up-to-date with bordering the fabrics in my favourite Moda "Posh" fabrics, please don't look too closely as some of the stitching was a little hasty and not altogether perfect (I like to call it 'rustic').

Hope you all enjoy this and the rest of the week.

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Friendship Friday

2010-04-30T09:14:00.001-07:00

I have been watching the progress made on Lyn's blog 'Bluebird Quilts' for Illene's quilt and sat in awe when she made a post of one of the completed quilts shown on the link here . I was mesmerized by how many of those blocks, all made by different people across the USA and worldwide worked together to create such a beautiful, interesting and colourful quilt. It is indeed a quilt of friendship.

Of course the little cogs (and I do mean little) in my brain started whiring away and I wondered what they would look like in a different colour-scheme. How about 'Blues' I thought - haven't worked with the blues since I produced a Sun-Bonnet Sue quilt years ago (in fact my first blog post).

So, I ordered some fabrics from Makower's 'China Blue' range. Then I thought, hmmmm ... that quilt is mighty big for me to quilt ... how about making it smaller. My blocks turned out to be 5" square (2" nine patches), which I'm glad to say will measure a more manageable 120cm square once completed (or thereabouts) - I'm not sure I can handle queensize just yet!!

Anyway, thank you Lyn for your inspiration and indeed to all you bloggers who mesmerize, amaze and inspire me every day.

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Home Sweet Home ...

2010-04-29T01:39:00.001-07:00

I can't take credit for these pretty little pieced houses, they were donated to the Linus box at my local quilting group and were simply asking to be put together for a little one. I have used some colourful fabric to create a little neighbourhood for some little critters peeking through windows.

Happy Thursday everyone.
erator

2010-04-29T01:39:00.000-07:00

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Busy, busy, busy ....

2010-04-22T01:34:00.000-07:00

I have been fairly busy for the past few weeks so I apologise for my lack of blogging skills.

I have managed to finish the orchid quilt and I was more than happy with the results. It was delivered to it's new owner last week and she was thrilled to bits.

This is a detail of the stippling which I'm glad to say I now have under control - no more looping at the back since I had my Janome serviced and the result is much tidier and consistent.

I have also managed to make my Jack Russel Henri his own quilt for the sofa where he spends a lot of his time in the evenings, snuggled up like a baby!!

This Sweetie Jar quilt is also almost finished and will be a Linus quilt, I have completely finished another quilt too which I forgot to take pictures of.

Today I'm off to the studio to prepare some work for a class in beginner patchwork that I have just started teaching, I also hope to frame up the stitcheries for the 'Take Time To ...' BOM so I can have something to show you next time and hopefully finishing up the sweetie jars.

I will leave you for now with this beautiful flowering Cherry tree which caught my eye in a local park last week.

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Free Bom; Block 2: Smell the Roses

2010-04-01T01:28:00.001-07:00

Here is the second part of my Free Bom; Take time to ... Smell the Roses.

The link to the BOM can be found here.

Hope you like it.

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Orchids for Amber ...

2010-03-26T07:38:00.000-07:00

I do apologise for the poor qualityof this photo - it was taken on my mobile phone as my camera batteries needed recharging.

I'm currently working on a quilt that was commissioned by a lovely lady for her first grandchild who was born only a few days ago. The colours and fabrics were chosen by Jo who saw the idea for a 'picture frame' style quilt in an old copy of Popular Patchwork magazine. The picture showed flowers made using fabric folding - origami style - not my cup-of-tea at all. The suggestion of orchids came about from Jo's daughter (recently married) who had orchids adorning her hair and in the bridal bouquet. With these two ideas I came up with this cascading orchids quilt which is being machine appliqued. Most of the flowers are in place, a few more pieces just need to be added - as well as two butterflies and hopefully it should be finished soon.

I'll try to take a better photo next week!!!

Hope you all have a great weekend.

Block 2 of the Take Time to ... quilt will also be posted about next week.

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Bundle of Love ...

2010-03-17T01:23:00.000-07:00

I have fallen in love with this fabric designed by Rabbits Haven creator, Arlene Neely. The collection is called Nana's Garden and is just gorgeous in soft baby shades of pink, lemon, green and white. My favourite quilting shop only has about 1/5th of the actual collection so I had to make do with a few fat quarters, a border fabric and extra for sashing but this has made such a gorgeous quilt. I even have enough fabric left over for another quilt.

Although this is a simple quilt I'm pleased with the result and hope it will be treasured by its new owner.This was made for a colleague at work who has just started her maternity leave. The baby (obviously a girl) is due in April. I'm hopeful that Kelly and Mark's new little bundle of love will feel comforted and safe wrapped in thIS bundle of love quilt.

See you next time

Caroline xxxxx

Free BOM; Take time to ...

2010-03-06T02:27:00.001-08:00

I've recently been feeling a little down and I often turn to reading your blogs for support, encouragement and inspiration with all your amazing creativity. I am also aware that we each have our ups and downs and I am far from alone in feeling overwhelmed and like there are never enough hours in the day to achieve all that we want.

I would like to say that you are each special and deserve to make some time in the day just for you, we are always busy with families, the home, shopping, cleaning, pets etc but it is quite alright to do something that is just for you.

As a little treat, just for you I have designed a little BOM called Take time to .... and each BOM aims to put a little perspective back in your lives, or if not then hopefully just cheer you up!! The blocks completed should measure 7.5" x 7.5" and I am going to make mine into a little quilt just for me ...! There will be nine blocks in total and i'm thinking of using some left-overs from my moda 'Posh' stash to sash them with - i'll keep you up to date with progress.

Please be sure to copy and paste my button into your sidebars, tell your friends and have some fun stitching away.

I have never done this before so bear with me if there are teething problems!!! You can find the link here or by clicking my side-button. Please feel free to use it for personal use and not for profit. Let me know how you get on!!!

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Froggies Expecting ...

2010-02-25T11:49:00.000-08:00

I can imagine just what you are thinking!

A hint for what Froggy might be expecting is that this quilt is a recent commission for a baby that is still being kept warm in mummy's tum.

Mmmmmm!!!! The Thinking caps are on!!!

Froggy is perched quite precariously on another Froggy's head - what on earth is going on???

Throw a snail and a turtle into the mix and now you have a tower of creatures!

What's this?? Oh no, the Crane has dropped this little froggy bundle, can the tower of creatures save the day and claim this cutie as their own????

I am in love with this little quilt.

I hope you enjoyed this little story - I loved working on this and I really hope that it's new owner loves it too.

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Spread the Love ...

2010-02-25T00:35:00.001-08:00

The lovely Julie over at Bush Baby Jag has very kindly awarded me this Blogger Award and I want to spread the love some more.

It always warms my heart when I receive things like this and confirms how much I gain from blogging.

The blog community has really opened my eyes and heart to the generosity and creativity of so many wonderful people and I am glad to be a part of it.

Thank you.

I want to spread the love by awarding the following bloggers the award;

Kim at Stillmeadow Quilting

Jane at Sew Create It

Lynda at Master of Patience?

Fiona at Dragonfly Crafts

Lyn at Welcome to Bluebirds Quilts

Julie at Julie's Quilt Gallery

Zlaty at Zlaty Sews

These blogs I not only read on a regular basis but their writers have become friends and people I can turn to for advice and opinions, I treasure your friendship and thank you for the help and confidence boosting you have given along the way.

Please return the favour and spread the love some more, to 7 other bloggers.

Apparently I also have to write 7 things about myself that you might not know, so here goes;

1. I am a real home body and love nothing more (except quilting obviously) than making sure that our home is a welcoming place for my husband Tony and Jack Russell pup, Henri.

2. I have a degree in English Literature: I have a great love of books of all kinds.

3. I trained to be a teacher of English and Drama but felt that the British system of teaching; planning and targets etc sucked all the creativity out of me and so I quit.

4. I have been lucky enough to travel to some amazing countries and seen many beautiful sights that will stay in my heart forever; Africa, Thailand, Egypt, all over Europe and the USA.

5. In my previous life I worked for 11 years as a nanny and worked and lived with some interesting families in the USA, Netherlands and London, I can speak Dutch!!

6. I got married last June to my gorgeous husband Tony and I still can't quite believe how lucky I am to have met such a generous and loving man. He is a doctor and i've come to realise that being a doctor's wife is challenging but one I shall rise to.

7. I have long-term depression and I'm neither embarassed nor ashamed of it. I am learning to accept it and live with it and in some ways it makes me stronger, more grateful and appreciative of all the 'little' things in life that really count; a smile from a stranger, a pat on the back to a job well done and a hug from someone in need. I really do try to live for the moment every day.

Thank you and happy Thursday.

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Playing with baskets ...

2010-02-18T02:08:00.000-08:00

My 'basket' project is coming along nicely and I'm rather pleased with it despite the fact that I have no idea where it's going or how it will progress further. I felt the urge to piece baskets and equally felt that I needed to do needle-turn applique - although I'm not really a needle-turn-applique kinda gal. I love it though!

To be honest this project has probably saved me from becoming a quivering wreck. I recently had some dental work that caused me a lot of pain initially.

During last week the discomfort settled down and I was beginning to think that it was over.

Boy was I wrong.

On Friday I started to get an achey jaw and put it down to nothing.

By Saturday I woke up with dreadful, intense neuralgia in the right side of my face.

If you have never suffered from this then it's hard to describe but feels as though someone has your face in a vice and is squeezing - then is stabbing you in the cheek.

It is dreadful and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemies.

By Monday I had had enough and managed to get an emergency appointment at my dentist. They immediately took out the nerve in my tooth and I'm glad to say the pain has receded. Relieve.

At last.

There will be more work to do, root filling and possible loss of a tooth but at least there are good dentists around who take pride in their work and will help me see it through to a happy outcome.

My poor hubby was also working nights this weekend and I didn't see him from Friday to Monday morning. It's always tough when we spend time apart - we hate it.

Please, please could I ask you to keep at least one set of fingers crossed for my clever husband who has two very important job interviews next week to become a neuro-psychiatrist. He works so hard, over 100hours a week, and is extremely talented in both his skills as a doctor and communicating with people. He deserves this break.

Good luck my love.

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Elephants on Parade

2010-02-12T11:25:00.001-08:00

I've managed to finish the Elephants on Parade quilt although these photo's just do not do the quilt any justice. I promise to take better pictures, outdoors - once we actually get some sun here in the UK!

I decided to quilt it fairly simply with some stitch-in-the-ditch and 1/4" seam quilting. Not very adventurous I know but I wanted the design to speak for itself.

I had the urge to try something I have never done before and that was to make some simple pieced baskets.

Sorry about the photo again!!!!

Note to self - improve photography skills or no-one will want to look at your blog!!!

I have plans for these little baskets and will hopefully get them completed over the weekend.

Hope you all have a great weekend.

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I LOVE it when a plan comes together ...

2010-01-29T01:13:00.000-08:00

I have had this idea for an elephant quilt for quite a while, but wasn't quite sure how I could put it together. I had great fun playing with 'Sweet' fabric over a few snowy days and thought that perhaps they could show off these elephants.

I am lucky enough to have had the opportunity to watch wild elephants in Africa and it really does make your heart skip a beat to watch the way they care for each other, defend their young and go about their daily business. They really are magnificent creatures.

I'm so, so pleased with the way this quilt top came together and can't wait to have the whole quilt put together - now to decide how to quilt it - any ideas???

Take care

Caroline xxxx

Playing ...

2010-01-22T07:03:00.001-08:00

I apologise for my bad-blogger skills and promise to improve. I have been doing a lot of stitching recently and berate myself for not having posted many pictures. I am working on a few new projects at the moment and this is a couple of them in action.

I've been playing with Sweet by Urban Chicks for Moda and have made pinwheels blocks, nine patch and a couple of other blocks.

I'm also playing with wonky stars after being inspired by AmandaJean from Crazy Quilt Mom. These blocks are so easy and quick to whip up and given that the finished size is 12.5", a quilt top comes together relatively quickly. I'm thinking that this one may become a quilt to put in my husbands study. Red, white and blue with elements of beige are definately my favourite colour combo to work with.

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What a wonderful Christmas ...

2010-01-01T05:40:00.000-08:00

Warning; Image heavy post!!!!

Happy New Year everyone and I apologise for my lack of posting lately. I was very busy for Christmas with making gifts, finishing off orders and trying to prepare for the festive period.

This Christmas we were lucky enough to be invited over for a family Christmas with Tony's parents, his sister and her husband. While this meant that someone else was doing the cooking (wonderful it was too) it also meant that treats had to be made to share. With our wedding in June still burning a hole in our wallets, we were on a tight budget - meaning even more homemade gifts and treats. I have to say that it prolonged the festive season for me and I had great delight on Christmas day watching the reactions of gifty recipients;

I thought I would start a new tradition of personalised napkins for all the members of our family, when times when we are together.

I've recently got back into scrapbooking (with the help of some new friends) and decided to make my dear husband (recently overworked) a little book of 'some' of the reasons why I love him.

I made my sister-in-law a sewing organiser and journal cover with some fabulous french fabric (appropriate since she and her husband have recently bought a french farmhouse).

These little albums are such a great idea for keeping a few memorable photo's of the festive season. I made one each for my parents-in-law and sister-in-law.

My mother-in-law received a needle case and scissor case in the same fabric I used for a sewing organiser I made her for Mother's Day. She also received a journal with homemade cover.

I made this cushion cover also for my Mother-in-law with the fabric left over from the quilt I made her for all the help she offered for our wedding plans last June. This one's a pattern from the very talented Camille Roskelly of Simplify.

I made this wall hanging for my father-in-law. My parents-in-law have recently bought a caravan and it has been a stand-in joke about our Jack Russell Henri going on holiday with them - as much as they love him they emphatically DO NOT want to take him in their beautiful, clean and neat caravan. I therefore couldn't help but include Henri in this little stitchery which I adapted from a card we bought them last year.

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Planes and trains completed ...

2009-12-11T02:03:00.000-08:00

I have finally managed to complete this little number on time and it will be handed over to its temporary new owner to hopefully make a little boy very happy on Christmas day. I especially designed this quilt for a neighbours grandson who loves just about every mode of transport. I hope he likes it as much as I do!

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Planes, trains and automobiles ...

2009-12-07T07:01:00.000-08:00

Thought I would show you a photo of a quilt I am currently making for a neighbours grand-son. She wanted a quilt originally with trains and then told me that her grand-son didn't 'just' like trains but all modes of transport. I must admit that I really had no idea how to go about this one but came up with four scenes - all involving different types of vehicles connected by a road (the blue ric-rac around the road detracts from the grey. The train is yet to be appliqued around the edge on the blue border. There is a lot of applique involved!!!

The quilt is coming along nicely and I'm hoping to have finished the top and hopefully put it together ready for quilting by the end of this week. This is the last order for Christmas that I am doing as I am eager to do some stitching just for me, well gifts actually for other people but on a much smaller scale than big quilts!! If you have any ideas as to how I should quilt this baby I will appreciate any advice!!!

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All better again ...

2009-12-06T12:43:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to let you know (after my rant the other day) that my Janome is all better again - the people at my sewing machine repair shop put a note of URGENCY on my machine and had it serviced in record-timing. I had a phone call on Saturday to say that it is ready for collection so she is back before I really got to miss her - here's hoping I can fnish a quilt order this week.

My dear husband and I have had a lovely weekend together - very rare these days with his work - lots of cosy movie watching and for me lots of cooking - iced cranberry muffins, mince pies (hubby's favourite), Jamie Oliver's Spicy pork goulash with chillies and two lots of chocolate ganache` (one with Irish cream, the other with rum) ready for me to make truffles tomorrow to give as gifts (apparently they are easy to freeze once made). I also got three stitcheries completed ready to be made into gifts - postings after Christmas - eyes are everywhere!!!!

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Bahh humbug ... not a good day ...

2009-12-03T10:35:00.000-08:00

It's been one of those days today, you know the type - where, from the minute you wake up the day it is just all wrong.

I had some jobs to do in the morning which took up more time than I expected. I was longing to get to the studio as I have one quilt on comission that has been delayed because of previous orders. This one is a Christmas present and needs to be completed quite soon, but it is larger than I normally make and contains an awful lot of applique, which takes a lot of time.

My day was going reasonably well once I got to the studio, I thought I would use a twin needle to create a train track - quicker than appliquing a track - and saving tons of fabric. I threaded the machine just as the manual said, followed instructions for getting the right tension etc. It started okay and then I noticed the tension wasn't right, then disaster struck and the whole thing started looping underneath. To cut a very long story short I ended up spending an hour cleaning the machine, changing needles etc.

I have a sewing machine shop around the corner so I ran there for advice, I got reprimanded for using universal needles and bobbins instead of 'Janome' and we eventually came to a consensus opinion that there are scratches or 'burrs' (presume they mean scratches) on the bobbin case preventing it from turning properly. Well poor Janome is now awaiting the nice man to take her away for a well deserved service and repair work tomorrow. She will be missing from my life for at least a week, I am already missing her!!

After wasting half my day feeling frustrated I simply had to buy some chocolate and a fizzy drink, much needed but I'm disappointed as I've been trying to eat more healthily and have given up 'naughty' things, ie coca cola and crisps (my addictions - not had any for 5 weeks now!!!).

Good news though that my gorgeous husband was meant to be working on Christmas day but has just found out that he has it off. Yippee!!!!! Our first as husband and wife - it has to be special right - my three Christmas wishes may come true after all!!! We're spending our first Christmas as married people with Tony's parents, his sister and her husband. Luckily we all get on very well.

Must go chocolate calling ...

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A Quilt for Noa ...

2009-11-26T23:44:00.000-08:00

I was recently comissioned to make a quilt for a young child and managed to finish well before the deadline. The brief was; purple, orange and pink with butterflies and dragon-flies appliqued over the top. Okay I thought, lovely colours, I'm up for the challenge.

I carefully pondered how I would combine those colours, came up with some ideas and a payout was agreed. Looking for inspiration for the fabrics I rifled through my stash and came across a charm pack from Moda Clementine, the colours involved pink, purple, orange, blue!! Amazing I thought, just what I need - now how to put them together??? I managed to find some block colours that matched the key colours perfectly and added white just to break it up a bit. The blocks are based on nine 5" squares sewn together 3 x 3, this is then cut into 1/4 making up blocks like these;

Each block is then rotated so that the seams do not match up and therefore it takes no time to put it together, I put mine together in blocks of 4 and played around with the configuration until I was happy. Some simple butterfly and dragon-fly shapes were appliqued over the top, personalised details were added and hey presto a cute and colourful quilt. I hope Noa enjoys this for many years to come.

Happy Birthday Noa Imogen for the 5th December.

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Christmas Pudding Pin Cushion Tutorial

2009-11-23T06:52:00.001-08:00

At my quilting group on Saturday I did a demo of some rather cute Christmas Pudding Pin Cushions that I thought would be quite fun as a little stocking filler, or even help decorate the house over the festive season. I have put together a rather rough tutorial for making these but I'm sure you can fill in any gaps I might have made. Do let me know how you get on!!

Hope my explanations aren't too confusing, I find it a bit hard to sew and take photographs at the same time!!!

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How to retrieve your Mojo ...

2009-11-06T09:26:00.000-08:00

There have been lots of viruses and general feelings of 'poorliness' (for lack of better description) going around lately, Tony and I have both succummed to viruses. I have noticed however, that quite a few people have commented on their Mojo's having up and walked out, without warning, just like that.

I am getting there and my Mojo - although having been lost for a while has now returned and is getting stronger day-by-day. For those of you whose Mojo's are still missing in action, I thought I would give you a few pointers in how you might go about retrieving yours. Of course there are no hard and strict rules, but here's how I got mine back ...

1. Indulge!!! Us crafty type people work hard at juggling home, pets, family, jobs, craft and other commitments - give yourself permission to take time out just for you, indulge in a few of your favourite things ...

2. If you're lacking in inspiration, do a project that you've been putting off, or make something for charity - as you are making it imagine who you may be helping and how they will feel on receipt of something made with such love and care.

3. If all else fails, go shopping!!! Write a lovely list of all the goodies you absolutely can't live without and have fun. I bought enough fabrics today to make at least 6 quilts. That makes my Mojo very happy. I just can't wait to design a project for all those spots!!!

Good luck for all of you looking for your Mojo's - hope they're back soon!!!

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Woodland Gathering Blocks

2009-10-30T14:52:00.000-07:00

I don't know if you remember that a while ago I showed you a couple of blocks for my Woodland Gathering quilt. I have designed it myself and I'm quite proud of how it has turned out so far. All nine of the applique/stitchery blocks are complete and now I'm contemplating the design of how to put it together. I'm considering some fabrics from the Moda range Oak Leaves & Reel as I want it to have a 'woodland' feel. No doubt there will be some Moda essential dots too - i'm in love with those red polka dot toadstools!!

I can't wait for it to be completed!!

Until next time ...

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Happy Birthday Henri

2009-10-24T07:50:00.000-07:00

Who says dogs can't smile? A big HAPPY BIRTHDAY HENRI to this little boy that brightens up our lives and everyone he meets - if you are ever feeling down, come and borrow Henri he will soon get you smiling. He's a happy 2 years old today.

We have this photo of Henri blown up onto canvas (that measures a whopping 60 cms square) that faces a wall opposite the bathroom in our house, it is often the first thing seen in the morning, once bleary eyes have been wiped and it never fails to bring a smile to our faces.

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I'm a bad, bad blogger!!!

2009-10-22T02:09:00.000-07:00

I do apologise for my lack of blogging recently - I have somehow lost my 'spark' and effervecense recently, both dear husband and I are recovering from an upper respiratory viral infection which has had both of us on our knees. Alas I have not been 'crafting' as much although lots of new projects are on the go.

A friend at work asked me to design and make a little wallhanging that she can give to her parents for their Golden Wedding Anniversary. I came up with a simple little stitchery framed in red and gold fabrics.

I also wanted to show this cutie boy picture of my baby, Henri - he's a whopping 2 years old on Saturday. He is the most affectionate little dog I've ever had the pleasure to meet, he brightens my days and this picture, of him snuggled up in a blanket is a pretty everyday occurrence - he loves to be warm!! Those big brown eyes show such love and affection.

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Check out this giveaway...

2009-10-02T01:52:00.000-07:00

Check out Lyn's giveaway over at Bluebird Quilts;

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... and the winners are .....

2009-09-30T11:25:00.000-07:00

I know what you are thinking, what's in the chuck right???

I spent a whole morning this week writing out all your entries and adding them to the chuck.
My dear husband Tony picked out the winners randomly - and I can vouch that he had a good dig around and didn't peek.
I can finally announce that the winners of my giveaway are;

Gina from Quilting in the Valleys who won Option 1; The bag patterns and charm squares

and

Quilter Going Bananas who won option 2; The book, charm pack and pin cushion

Congratulations you two!! Please contact me with your address details and I will get your goodies posted off right away.

I will add that I have enjoyed this giveaway and want to thank everyone for entering, leaving comments, adding my side-bar and blogging about me. Maybe I'll do another one soon!!!
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Welcome to my studio ...

2009-09-25T06:28:00.001-07:00

I admit to feeling a little envious when some of you wonderful bloggers have shown pictures of your beautiful crafting rooms. I have admired the fact that you don't end up dripping spaghetti bolognaise on your ironing boards or even tripped over the ironing board whilst rushing to answer the phone, cook the tea and let the dog out whilst trying to quilt your latest work of art - all at the same time!!! Phew, breathless!!!!

Working in the kitchen, from home can be great - the advantages include always being there for deliveries, being able to do what you want, when you want. But the disadvantages in my case far outweigh the benefits;

I pratically took over the kitchen and the living room with threads and fabric - as much as hubby loves me he really can't stand what he calls 'mess' and I call 'creativity' ,
Often poor hubby can't even find the table under the array of fabrics - never mind eating off it, hence lots of indigestion eating off our knees - oh dear!!
Hubby and Henri, our Jack Russell have been the victims of being pricked by dropped pins!!! Whoops!!
There is also the distraction of TV, computer, eating, having yet another cup-of-tea to help with inspiration, if I'm desperate even housework took me away from work!!
There is also my pet hate of 'having' to tidy up when I am at my most creative - I can never seem to get back into the groove afterwards.

I hate to go on but really, something had to give. After searching on-line for a studio for rent I came across one that sounded too good to be true, not far from home. I e-mailed the owner, had a brief look on a Sunday evening, took hubby back for a second look the next day, weighed up the benefits and moved in on Wednesday. Wow, am I lucky. This place is great, reasonable and allows me to work undistracted and our home to return to exactly that - a wonderful retreat and family home without chaos!!

I hope I won't make you too envious !! Enjoy some picture and apologies for the heavy use of text!!!

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Not One, but Two Giveaways....

2009-09-08T01:26:00.000-07:00

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS GIVEAWAY HAS NOW ENDED

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERED

I have decided to have a Giveaway - the first I have done since blogging began for me this year. No reason - just because. The first challenge for this giveaway was what to actually giveaway, I really couldn't decide - so i have decided to giveaway two options.

Please copy and paste my button to your sidebar;

The rules are fairly simple, please let me know if you find them a struggle to understand. I will select one winner for each option and the winner will be randomly selected - I haven't quite figured out how to use this facility so I will be doing the old-fashioned way of selecting names at random from a hat!

The rules;

1. Leave me a comment with the option you would like to win and your contact details. That will earn you one entry. (You can't win both options unfortunately).

2. Paste my blog button to your side-bar - this will earn you an extra entry.

3. Post about my giveaways on you blog - this will earn you 3 entries.

4. Anyone who enters and leaves a comment of the blog who linked them to me gets themselves and the other blog member 5 entries each.

I will be drawing the winners on 30 September 2009. Don't forget to come back and tell me if you blog about the giveaway or use my button otherwise you will only be entered once.

Good luck.

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Made to make your mouth water

2009-08-20T01:36:00.001-07:00

This is the latest quilt I have been working on. It was made from one charm pack of Moda Snippets by American Jane. The pattern was adapted from Jodi of SimplyThisThatandtheOther found at this link on the Moda Bakeshop. I made mine bigger with white squares inbetween each pinwheel and made more squares for the prairie points.

As I was quilting this, the colours actually made my mouth water - they remind me of the sweets called 'Starburst' now, but used to be called 'Opal Fruits' in the UK. I could actually taste the flavours of lime, lemon, orange and strawberry. It was lovely to step back in time and think of days when the only troubles I had on my mind were what sweets I should buy with my pocket money. Oh those were the days .... I still wouldn't swap them though for all the sweeties in the world.

I'll have to do more close-ups as the quilting on this quilt is just gorgeous - I stitched inside a 1/4" from each section of the pinwheels but then felt that the squares needed something extra. I bought a book recommended by Lynda of Master of Patience, called 'Quilting makes the Quilt' and found a lovely stylised daisy pattern that echoes the motif in the fabric. I also quilted round the edge with a meandering loop-d-loop with daisies.

My piecing and quilting skills are definately improving.

Anyway, I must dash now as I'm off to The festival of Quilts at the NEC in Birmingham - I'm so excited!!!!

Caroline xxx

Thank you for your help.

2009-08-09T13:15:00.000-07:00

I knew you lovely blogging buddies could help and I thank you from my heart, for helping me decide how to quilt my latest quilt. The consensus was to echo quilt the vines and flowers and cross-hatch or stitch-in-the-ditch the coin stack. After reading your comments I felt confident enough to give echo-quilting a try - for the first time. I was surprised at how easy it was to do, using the edge of the foot as a guide.

I also decided to stitch-in-the-ditch as I wanted the quilting to be fairly simple. I'm pleased with the result - I also added some buttons to give the flowers a little more effect.

Thank you all for your suggestions, you really are a helpful group of wonderful people.

Caroline xxx

Flower Garden Quilt - Please help!!!

2009-08-06T02:59:00.000-07:00

My latest quilt is almost completed - that is the top is complete but I am having a little difficulty deciding how this one should be quilted.

It is a rather simple design based on coin stack using a charm pack in the Moda range 'Portugal' by April Cornell. I have hand stitched the vine on and added the applique flowers.

I am trying to steer clear of stippling and feel that this quilt should be kept quite simply quilted. I know how wonderful all you amazing quilting bloggers are and wondered if you had any suggestions. I will consider all suggestions, so hopefully it will be truly completed soon.

Thank you. Caroline xxx

Wow a Great Giveaway

2009-08-03T00:22:00.001-07:00

Look at this amazing giveaway over at Quilting in the Valleys, here. It's gorgeous and I would love to win such a beautiful quilt.

Sailing Away Quilt Completed

2009-07-31T06:52:00.000-07:00

I finally finished stitching the bias for this little quilt last night so that I could post you the pictures before the weekend. This has turned into one of my favourite quilts so far. I do love the colour combo of blue, red and white together, it's such a simple but effective design.

I showed a picture of how I was going to quilt it a couple of posts ago, but on reflection I thought the pattern was too fussy and I wanted to portray calmer waters so I have done a bit of a simple wave design with some curls.

Hope you all have a good weekend.

Caroline xxx

Pinwheel Quilt

2009-07-30T01:37:00.000-07:00

Recently I was asked to make a quilt for a new baby by a friend from Sweden. There was little time and the brief was red, blue and cream patchwork. I came across this design on Moda Bakeshop from Jodi of SimplyThisThatandtheOther found here . It was very easy and quick to do, I wasn't sure if the design would work with mixed coloured pinwheels, I used a charm pack from Moda's Zippity Doo Dah range, but I am more than happy with the finished article.

The quilt is winging it's way to a new baby boy in Sweden who is being Christened early next month. I hope he enjoys the quilt for many years to come.

Some Loop-d-loop quilting finished it off nicely.
Completed boat quilt and other exciting projects coming soon.

Caroline xxx

Sailing Away

2009-07-23T01:39:00.001-07:00

The latest quilt I've been working at has been a boat themed quilt inspired by my honeymoon on the Isles of Scilly - I wish I could say that it was my design but I got this one from a book called Sew Fabulous Fabrics by Alice Butcher and Ginny Farquhar. They had designed the pattern for curtains but I think it works just as well on a child's lap quilt.

I'm on a mission to avaoid too much stipple/vermicelli and so far only two of my quilts have been quilted this way, the last one I quilted was loop-d-loop and now I'm going to have a go at creating waves - like these;

Hope everyone in the blogging community is well today. I can quite happily report that married life is going very well indeed!!

At last I can show you what was in the box!

2009-07-01T03:45:00.001-07:00

Before the wedding I posted a picture of a beautifully wrapped package in a golden box adorned with dragon-flies. I couldn't reveal what was inside because my wonderful Mother-in-law sometimes looks at my blog. Amidst the final weeks preparation for our wedding I decided to make quilts for my mum and Tony's, these are the results.

Every stitch is stitched with love, warmth and care especially for these two fantastic women who I am lucky to have in my life.

This quilt is for my Mum-in-Law who is so supportive and caring, she is a real gem and I love having someone in my life who is as equally passionate about creating art.

The church where Tony and I married is in the background.

My Mum's quilt. Thank you mum for all you have done for me and for always being there, no matter what.

I free motion quilted a rose design in each of the 49 blocks.

I love the two ladies that I made these quilts for. One for giving life to me and the other for giving life to the most perfect person in my life, my husband Tony.

Thank you.

I'm a 'MRS' at last ....

2009-06-26T08:29:00.000-07:00

I'm finally back after a few weeks absence from the blogging world.

I got myself hitched at long last and can report that the wedding was wonderful. The honeymoon on The Isles of Scilly was idyllic and it is a bit of a shock to the system to be back to normality. Even though things will never be the same again!

We have also had some bad news this week, I shall tell you more in later postings. For now please enjoy some photo's of special memories.

Nine Days Left to go ....

2009-05-28T11:34:00.000-07:00

The Wedding is fast approaching and I am actually fairly calm and enjoying some time creating some bits and bobs to add to the informal, homemade feel of my wedding.

Whilst gardening last weekend I ended up throwing away a plant that had withered and died in this basket. After a clean up, some gold spray and ribbon wound around the handle I thought it would make a lovely confetti cone holder.

The table names are named after Scillonian Islands, where Tony and I are going for our honeymoon. I can't believe that some printing companies charge as much as £50.00 for one of these table seat plans!!
These painted rocks will sit amongst the foliage on the tables.

I wanted a bag for my flower girl to carry with my handkerchief, lipstick and other necessities on the day of the wedding. The ones I found were very expensive so I decided to use some silk I keep for embellishing projects. The bag was constructed in no time at all and the flower I happened upon at our local supermarket for £3.00. I'm very pleased with the result.

A pretty box with something very important inside it which I will show you after the wedding!!!

Welcome to my garden

2009-05-23T12:18:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

We are into the big wedding countdown now with only 14 days left until the big day!!! Scary!!

The weather was absolutely gorgeous today so my fiance and I set about to improve our garden so that I can have photographs taken before the ceremony. It was looking a bit shabby, but it didn't take long to pull out the weeds and get it in order.

Our garden may be small but it is a haven and filled with quirky creatures and beautiful plants. It never ceases to inspire and fill our hearts with delight.

I thought I would share a few photo's with you.

I hope you liked this brief tour of my garden. See you all next time, another post closer to the wedding!

Cake Boxes, Menu's and Gifts ...

2009-05-11T12:34:00.000-07:00

I have been at it again with the Wedding inspiration. This time preparing the cake boxes, Menu's and one or two gifts are in the pipeline!! I will probably tell you more after the wedding!

Anyway, with just just 3 and a half weeks to go, actually 26 days!!! Things are progressing nicely and everything is starting to fall into place, so without further ado, here are some photo's.

Who Needs Jimmy Choo's?

2009-05-07T02:43:00.000-07:00

I thought I would share with you the latest creation for my wedding - swiftly coming up in only 4 and 1/2 weeks time!

Weddings have a habit of becoming more and more expensive as time elapses. Not only do you have to buy the dress of your dreams, but low and behold you now need an equally pair of dreamy shoes to go with it. I almost fell into the trap of thinking, designer dress, designer shoes but I just couldn't justify paying the equivalent of a months salary on a pair of shoes that will barely be noticed under the vast fabric of my dress, and may only be worn once! Especially when my dream dress was purchased for less than half of it's retail price. How I love the internet!!

Anyway, I happened across a pair of shoes at a designer outlet not far from home. I could see potential straight away and immediately took them home and started work with a needle, some ribbon and a bit of 'bling', found amongst my sewing things. For £15.00 I have now a truly unique pair of shoes. They are just what a wanted and I can walk in them too - pretty important since I will be wearing them from 11am until midnight!!!