Down time

What do you do in your down time? I get a chance to work on some of my own projects.

I've had a break from classes lately and I've been madly quilting my entry for this year's Sydney Quilt Show in June.

Have a close look and you can see a "feather-ish" wreath in the centre of the block.

 

I've quilted diamonds in the sashing and a swirl in the diamonds themselves.

I've used a combination of straight line and free motion quilting all over the quilt.

I traced a stencil onto the centre and I must get that blue pen out. There are so many threads on the back to trim off.

I've also been quilting this for a project in Quilters Companion magazine later in the year.

Both quilts are due the same week early in June so I've been very busy. I even bought a new walking foot - $145! - because I'd worn the other one out in the 13 years I've used it. The new one is so much better thank goodness.

Lots of free motion quilting and outlining with the walking foot.

I really like machine quilting and the quilt comes alive when you can see lots of surface designs.

This is a WIP - the yellow background is nearly 3 feet top to bottom and the centre oval will be appliqued onto it. Can't wait for the next step which involves some NYB  bits!

As well I've been playing around with some circle blocks from an 1840 English quilt - hand-pieced American style and I can do one circle a night in front of the TV.

These are a bit addictive - I've made several in different fabric styles to see which one will become a new quilt.

Winners!

Winners drawn randomly are Gill - no blog

 Needled Mom

 and Ellyn from Ellyn's Place

Thanks to all who left a comment and I hope the winners enjoy their new cushions!

Thanks too to Sew, Mama, Sew for hosting the giveaway.

I've emailed the winners - now I just need their addresses.

And a Happy Mother's Day to all mums. This says it all I think!

Sew, Mama, Sew Giveaway Day!

 

 

Way back in February this year I had a project featured in Australian Homespun magazine.

There was a pattern to make each of these three cushions featuring blocks from my Basket Case quilt.

The cushion covers are foundation pieced baskets with a wide border and giant ric rac edging around the outside.

The cushions would suit an 18" insert and have a cross-over flap closure on the back.

 

My Sew, Mama, Sew giveaway this year is these three cushion covers - you supply the insert.

One cushion cover to three separate winners!

I am willing to ship overseas so leave me a comment telling me how these cushions would fit into your décor. It's that simple.

I'll pick three winners at random and award the covers in the order the photos appear in this post.

So get on over to Sew, Mama, Sew and check out all the other giveaways - you'll be amazed at what's happening!

 

Recovering!

...from a very tiring five days of quilt show!

Here's the team from Unique Treasures - our stall at the show selling bric AND brac plus patterns, fabric and quilts. And we had a great time catching up with old friends over the three days the show was open. I can tell you Jenny Patterson's Tree of Life quilt was voted viewers choice and Colleen from the Lillyvale stall at the show won the raffle quilt! Almost keeps it in the family doesn't it.

I'll have details re money raised soon.

 

In the meantime some pics to ponder. This is a version of my Deauville quilt - so sorry I've not kept a record of the maker's name!

This is Libby's NYB quilt made for a guy whose interests are reflected in the fabrics chosen. Great work!

Heard of yarn-bombing? Wikipedia tells me it's "a type of graffiti or street art that employs colorful displays of knitted or crocheted yarn or fibre rather than paint or chalk."

Check these two out - how clever!

Not much to report this week - I'm busy quilting my quilt for the Sydney Quilt Show in June and another due at Quilters Companion magazine the same week! Better get to it.