I LOVE this book ……

I spotted this book when I went to the Craft Expo a couple of weeks ago. They had a quilt on display and it was stunning, so of course I had to have a go – I simply couldn’t resist :o).

I love the way this lady takes a basic ‘foundation block’ and turns it into something much more intricate by “applique’ing” more pieces onto it – you can see the step by step on the front cover of the book above. It’s ingenious!!!! It’s a really lovely sort of layered effect and so much easier to make your points and seams match perfectly. I like anything that makes that part easier ;o)!!!! This block started out as a pinwheel block and the darker triangles were applique'd on .....This one also started as a pinwheel block and the pink parts are applique'd on. I’m using a “Fig and Plum” layer cake for my blocks …. Just love the colours … this is my progress so far … I think I’ve got a fair way to go before I’ve got enough for my quilt ;o).

I’ve been pulling some yardage out of my stash for the “in-between” blocks and I’m ok with the two on the right but still wondering about the other one …. I like the cream spot, and I like the large floral for the border, but even though there’s a peachy colour in the pieced blocks I’m wondering whether I might prefer a pinky shade instead of the one on the left for the darker squares in those “in-between” blocks – waddyathink???

I’ve really enjoyed making these blocks … it’s great to find a new technique to try. Have you tried anything new lately???

Busy busy busy!!!

Oh I love it when I get this in the mail ...... my beautiful "Fig and Plums" have arrived!!! I can't wait to play with them - but first I have a quilt to finish. I've been waiting for the border fabrics for my "Wildflower Serenade 2" quilt and they are the ones on the right in the piccy below. The ones on the left are Cotton Blossoms for a quilt for DS and DIL and a Portabello Markets fabric to go with my Pinwheels.

In the meantime I made this little lady!!! Lynn and I made one each yesterday and they were such fun to make :o)!

we painted the little legs and shoes .......

Stitched on their cute little faces ........

and even though we both used the same pattern from "Raggedy Old Annies" they turned out quite differently ..... that's Lynn's dolly on the right :o).

The one I made will be travelling to US ... and she's taking this little guy with her .......

This one is Baa Baa black sheep and he's for "W" - we named him "Lambington" since he's going overseas we figured he needed a truly Australian name ;o). Here's the three of them together, I'll be posting them soon to "L" "J" and "W".

Yay ..... 2 more finishes for August!!!! Now, back to that Wildflower quilt :o)........

Stitching Madly and Ima Cover girl he he he!!!

I've been a bit absent lately, sorry about that ... I've been trying really hard to get this 2nd Dragonflight quilt made up to take to my local patchwork store "Bayside Stichcraft" for them to display during "Shop Hop" - which runs throughout July in Brisbane. I'm doing pretty well, just the borders to put on ... lots of hand stitching to be done though, but I really enjoy that part :o). I think I mentioned it before ... but I just LOVE the colours in this quilt he he ... these fabrics are simply delicious :o).

Okay, so it's not really me on the cover ... just my pattern LOL. I got a lovely surprise when I went into the newsagents just last week ...... there on the shelf was a brand new magazine - "Quick and Easy Crafts" ... and one of MY PATTERNS is on the cover!! Woohoo!! That's mine in the middle, "Bees 'n' Daisies" bag. It was published in Patchwork and Stitching many months ago but I didn't expect it to make another apearance. How exciting!!!I just love the piccy ... :o).

I got some lovely mail this week too :o). I bought these fabulous "Portobello Market" fabrics to go with a jelly roll and layer cake that I already have ...Also these gorgeous "Fig and Plum" precuts .... a layer cake and a charm pack, aren't they great!!?! Not sure what I'll use them for, might just have to look at them for a little while first ;o).

My DH and I took advantage of the glorious Winter weather we're having at the moment and yesterday we took a day trip to a place called Nobby just a little bit south of Toowoomba. What a terrific little town it is!! We had lunch at "Rudd's Pub" named in honour of Steele Rudd of "Dad and Dave" fame - it's simply choccas with fabulous memorabilia!! Here's DH at the bar ordering our Steak Sanga and Chook Sanga - yep, that's how it was written on the menu!! Next to the pub is a little Vintage Museum, which is actually a private collection of all things wonderful from days gone by. I found she had a most enviable collection of sewing goodies - I had a wonderful time gazing upon all these lovelies!! Don't you just love the vintage fabric here - and the fantastic wedding dress pattern!!!?!?

I'd better be off and get my stuff ready for tomorrow ... I'm running my first workshop, it's for my Diamonds and Braids quilt. I'm a bit nervous, so glad to be doing it with the girls in my quilt group - I haven't really taught before so wish me luck!!

P.S ... I couldn't resist including this piccy, DH just called me in to take a look at this .... can't you just tell that DD2 is sitting in Sophie's bean bag!!?!! Actually, it's DD2's bean bag but Sophie doesn't think so LOLOL!!!!