They're multiplying ...

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

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 .....

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 ...

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!!

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 ...

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

SWEET TWEET

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.