tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-219887382024-03-13T01:05:56.267+00:00biscuitThings i makeJaypeghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589736770596118070noreply@blogger.comBlogger495125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21988738.post-101349068505638862020-01-04T22:10:00.002+00:002020-01-05T08:38:56.591+00:00The Year Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Crumbs. 2019 was not my year for making stuff. <br />
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I felt a bit like my sewing mojo was absent. I moved house and left the sewing machine in storage. My daughter decided to steal my evenings by staying up later and my dingy house was too dark and too cramped for much stuff.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/5dB0Ac" title="smitten"><img alt="smitten" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48002906961_031e8e5d5f_c.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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I did hand sew all my smitten blocks but they still need stitching together.<br />
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I did make mum a quilt, but I forgot to photograph it before I gave it to her.<br />
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All in all, not a lot happened. No time, no space. No mojo.<br />
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But this year, I already feel different. This year I am planning to go to Birmingham in August. I know it’s a long way off, but this is the first year for a long time I have felt the great need to go. I miss it! <br />
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This year my resolution is to get my sewing machine serviced and set up a space in our newly renovated space when we move back in at Easter. It might not be fully finished till June, but surely there will be some small corner I can set up in. I now have Tuesdays more or less free so there is a small bit of time to dedicate to it.<br />
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But... let's just aim for small projects.<br />
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I decided to set up an <a href="https://www.instagram.com/biscuit.m0nster/?hl=en" target="_blank">instagram account</a> just for craft things. On that I decided to post my #makenine2020 goals. None of the images are mine so here are the deets. Just search the names on Instagram for full info.<br />
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1. A Bear Scraps scrappy quilt @emsscrapbag in the colour way of @makervalley<br />
2. A Safety Scarf by the aspirational @westknits<br />
3. A Brimfield Star block quilt by @messyjesse1<br />
4. A little Shashiko and natural dyeing<br />
5. A Divided basket by @noodlehead531<br />
6. An improve block using a pickle dish<br />
7. A Jet Set Sewing Station by @messyjesse1<br />
8. A Postcards from Sweden quilt by @jeliquilts<br />
9. A Wee Braw Bag by @sweetcinnamonroses<br />
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The Bear quilt is the most ambitious. I might not make it with that one... But you know Positive Mental Attitude guys!</div>
Jaypeghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589736770596118070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21988738.post-54031325245469335282019-09-15T13:56:00.001+01:002019-09-15T14:00:00.173+01:00Economy block<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/R4Xc8a" title="20190907-1480179"><img alt="20190907-1480179" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48733299277_947e3a6be8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
So the weeks are running out before I have to pack the house up and we have to live out of suitcases for 4 months whilst our house is being renovated. That's a while different worry! If you are interested in that then I have a instagram account for the moneypit (@baystonmoneypit).
In the meantime, I am trying to pack all my sewing stuff away. This involves picking up each thing in my sewing area and desperately trying to finish off whyever I got it out before it's locked away in storage for 6 months.<br />
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I found I have loads of scraps. I keep finding new repositories of them and joining them together to form one huge scrap bag. It's really made me realise I need some more scrap busting projects. Some scraps are so precious that I never use them which is just stupid. So before they get locked away I decided to do a little side project.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/9k1FJr" title="20190907-1480185"><img alt="20190907-1480185" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48733298812_775e9685b2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
I didn't really have any idea what I was making. I started out by making one of mum's blocks in scraps. Of course I ballsed up the pattern slightly and came out with a slightly different block, but I am pretty happy. It's not very accurate but I feel with scraps you can afford to be lax with measuring and ironing and just go with the flow.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/4bg7Xu" title="20190907-1480182"><img alt="20190907-1480182" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48733299152_e0db54777e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>So I thought maybe I would make it into a big project bag. I love a project bag. So I made a big block.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/Q6Sr7o" title="20190907-1480177"><img alt="20190907-1480177" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48733299412_e8abac0122_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>Then I made another scrappy block. I used some Strawberry Fayre swatches I found in a drawer and some thangle cutoffs I must have made ages a go. I like the little log cabin block. Then I realised it was going to make a huge bag which looked a bit silly.<br />
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So I made some economy blocks which I have always wanted to make.<br />
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And before I really thought it through, I had made a sewing machine mat! I have wanted to make my own for such a long time. My mum gave me one, but it's nice to change these things round.<br />
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Ta-da! The economy blocks work perfectly as pockets. Each one is lined in different scraps. I am so happy with it. It even has a little thin pocket at the edge for the crochet hook I use to drag threads through the feet and poke fabric with. I can honestly say that I love every scrap of fabric in it. And now I get to stare at it every time I am sewing.<br />
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So in two weeks I will say goodbye to this dark, little corner. I am not sure where the new sewing nook is going to be, but I am secretly hoping the small back room can become the sewing room. It's much lighter and spacious. I wouldn't know what to do with all that space. We'll see. That feels a long way off. I feel sad to put the machine away. I have two weeks left to frantically sew stuff!Jaypeghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589736770596118070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21988738.post-63067713896140362552019-07-01T22:13:00.001+01:002019-07-01T22:13:18.679+01:00What's Next?I have almost finished the Smitten quilt. Just the side blocks to complete, then to sew it together. It'll probably take me another year. But it does get me thinking about what't the next big project? I'm not really sure. Lots of things are floating around.<br />
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After not really doing anything much quilting based this year, I suddenly feel a bit desperate. In a few weeks we need to pack up our home. I am avoiding it. Sigh. I haven't packed a thing. Have not thrown one thing away nor sorted through any of my crap in our cellar. I can't face any of it.<br />
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I look forlornly at my little sewing corner and know that I'll have to pack it away for at least 6 months or try and take a condensed version with me. Maybe just enough for one or two projects should I feel the need. If I get all the bits ready now then I can make a compact box of bits and do my best.<br />
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Here are some options...<br />
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<b>Moda Dessert Sampler</b><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/wug6Yb" title="Moda Pattern"><img alt="Moda Pattern" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47988273923_956a4d88df_c.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
I've had this pattern since my birthday. I can't decide what fabrics I would use, hence it't been on the backburner whilst I mull it over. I'd really like to use a collection so it all matches. It's a lovely book with really clear patterns.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/T4hF24" title="moda dessert quilt"><img alt="moda dessert quilt" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48020881123_4bbd384397_c.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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I just want it to be perfect. <a href="https://sewluxfabric.com/">Sew Lux</a> made it last year and blogged every block which would really help. There was a quilt a long so there are lots of block examples out there. I think it might be too big of a project to be my 'move' project though.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/LWnL06" title="moda dessert quilt"><img alt="moda dessert quilt" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48020878523_d445b5515f_c.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
It's a huge beast when you see it all laid out together. I love sampler quilts though as nothing gets too repetitive. That's a lot of fabric to sort out and precut though. You could just make random blocks but I like it when the fabric sort of matches and is thought through. I do have some Tula Pink fabrics which I bought for a Jen Kingwell quilt, but which would look good here.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/agtKu5" title="brimfield block"><img alt="brimfield block" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48020868798_1c722146f8_c.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
I also have this pattern which I got from mum for Christmas. I am mega excited about it. I am not sure whether to use my precious Liberty prints for it, my Tula Pink ones or my bundle of solids. This is a strong contender because I can do it without my sewing machine. I would just need to decide what the background fabric would be. As luck would have it, my finest, most expensive white Egyptian duvet cover just ripped in the wash. For a few seconds I was gutted, then I thought about how much fabric was left there which I could use for a quilt! Kismet!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/2i6w20" title="IMG_1306"><img alt="IMG_1306" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48015418921_a066128915_c.jpg" width="640" /></a>Mum was throwing out some of her old quilting mags last time I went home, plus she bought me one that she knew I liked. Out of them I found these great patterns.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/g8Ja7y" title="IMG_9407"><img alt="IMG_9407" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48015424771_6b312a22ba_c.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
I think this would be great in less flowery fabrics, but half the size and without the thick border.<br />
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This mini in solids without the wide border would make a great 'speaker quilt' which I have been tasked to make. It's nice and small which makes it very achievable.<br />
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I've been planning to make a pickle dish quilt for ages. I ummed and ahhed about buying Kaffe Fassett's Quilt Romance at Birmingham two years a go just for the great pickle dish pattern in it. The only downside was that every other pattern in the book was not my cup of tea so it felt excessive buying the entire book. I literally just want to photocopy that pattern and return the book! This small version would be easy to whip up and I love the solids. I have a bundle of pinks somewhere which would be perfect.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/676F25" title="IMG_9885"><img alt="IMG_9885" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48015405521_126aa9da9c_c.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
I love the colours in this fabric and how cosy it feels. It looks pretty big but I could just make a lap version.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/J7XVW6" title="IMG_0837"><img alt="IMG_0837" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48015412803_3cc9ab8f3f_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
Mum bought me a copy of Quilt Now which came with this Midsummer Nights dream quilt pattern and a great ruler. I do love rulers. I think I would just like to make one of these blocks. I love the orange, reds and pinks.<br />
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I think i'd just make a few blocks of this and not have so much solid colour inbetween them.<br />
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I'd also like to make an economy block quilt. I love <a href="http://www.mypapercrane.com/blog/2017/06/economy-block-quilt/" target="_blank">My Paper Crane's</a> one. Spoonflower offer a 10% discount for new customers so I ordered some of <a href="https://www.spoonflower.com/en/fabric/6228664-the-flower-girls-by-heidikenney" target="_blank">this</a> fabric and a few of Heidi's other samples. I like the easiness of this pattern. And it's foundation piecing which I really like as it's so perfect. And the <a href="https://www.generations-quilt-patterns.com/economy-quilt-block.html" target="_blank">pattern</a> is free!<br />
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So that's all the newish things rolling around my head. I am floundering trying to decide what to do. I need to ask Rachel and see if she will join me.<br />
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I might end up doing nothing, as to be honest, there seems to be no time these days. But I think if I get all the fabric cut and ready and packed in a tote bag. I can take it with me and it will be my extended holiday project. Yes, moving out for 6 months into a pokey flat whilst the house is gutted is going to be our 'extended summer holiday'. Joy!<br />
<br />Jaypeghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589736770596118070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21988738.post-70490942692185249242019-06-06T21:31:00.003+01:002019-06-06T21:31:55.949+01:00Bear Paw Quilt<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48014707306_9b477efb6c_c.jpg" width="640" />
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Mum made all her quilting friends some bear paw blocks for a gift a few months ago. It's my all time favourite block along with the similar maple leaf block. She gave me one! How special am I? I thought it was a really nice idea. I love my block. It's so her. It's just in her colours. I decided to make mine into a quilt, trying my best to use mum's sort of fabrics and colours. It seemed like a good excuse to make one of my favourite blocks.<br />
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<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48014704351_795d1e10b0_c.jpg" width="640" /><br />
I am not sure about the very dark purple one in the middle.
I am going to call this my mum quilt. I am trying to stick to her kinds of greens and dark purples. It's hard because I automatically veer towards my sorts of fabrics which tend to be louder and lighter. Mum mixes patterns with batiks which I tend not to do. But I am trying.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/x9gi4o" title="IMG_9865"><img alt="IMG_9865" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48014789352_13aa12199e_c.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
I have used some of my precious Liberty fat quarters and a William Morris print I have had for years. I am really liking the result. It really makes me want to go to Birmingham this year. <br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/a5k84W" title="IMG_6047"><img alt="IMG_6047" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48014791202_0252f8d3f8_c.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
This is my favourite block. I love this Liberty print.<br />
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This green fabric was bought by mum for one of the first quilts I ever made.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/31222y" title="IMG_2945"><img alt="IMG_2945" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48014796512_a15a6bdef2_c.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
I love the little green square from mum's scrap bin in the middle.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/4X9jb1" title="mum-quilt"><img alt="mum-quilt" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48014910382_55dbeb1f63_c.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
I have made eight blocks so far, plus mum's block and I have nine. I have all the pieces cut out and ready for two more blocks. So then I'll have two more left to do. I plan to do plain skip blocks inbetween.<br />
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One day I'd love to make <a href="https://www.handmademyrth.com/double-bear-paw-block.html">this</a> bear paw quilt<br />Or <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/transaction/1645657453">this</a> one. I love all the sizes. I could make this block all day. It's easy, but it looks great.<br />
And here is a free <a href="https://static.fatquartershop.com/media/wysiwyg/pdf/BearPawBlock-Pattern.pdf">pattern</a> of the block<br />Jaypeghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589736770596118070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21988738.post-19218861214582923492019-05-04T22:05:00.000+01:002019-06-06T21:32:17.146+01:00Smitten Update<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48002917688_fe33f968aa_c.jpg" width="640" /><br />
The pile is growing bigger. I think I have broken the back of this project. Very, very slowly. A great deal of this has been achieved by watching Love Island. I really want to finish them before we move house. The race is on!<br />
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<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47988269663_7c6f4cb8e2_c.jpg" width="640" /><br />
I am now onto the last small blocks which come together pretty quickly. It's a nice change of pace.<br />
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<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47988272993_8fa52252ac_c.jpg" width="640" />
Then I just need to do the side bits and sew it all together. I hope it doesn't look like a hot mess.<br />
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<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/7897/31672386477_b3a7ee89c0_c.jpg" width="640" />
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I like how they've got easier not harder as you progress.<br />
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48002906961_031e8e5d5f_c.jpg" width="640" />
But is it a hot mess?Jaypeghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589736770596118070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21988738.post-80275310639353642502019-01-05T13:25:00.004+00:002019-01-05T13:28:51.997+00:002019 here we come<img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4889/45699034465_0b354cfa82_c.jpg" width="640" /><br />
So there is no last year round up this year. Last year was a sad year in all, but it's over now and I am keen to get back to some sewing tings. I feel that there is a little more time in life these days so I should make the most of it. In honour of this, I bought myself some fabric in the Boxing Day Sales from <a href="https://www.sewhot.co.uk/">Sew Hot Fabrics</a>. It's a new shop for me. I was really sad to see that Simply Solids stopped trading this Christmas. What with Strawberry Fayre closing last year, I feel that the retail decline is hitting the quilting industry and this makes me sad.<br />
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<img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7912/32739331738_b7ebc947a1_c.jpg" width="640" />
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But the 20% off sale at Sew Hot made me happy! Check out my haul! I follow <a href="https://www.instagram.com/laura_zuckerkuss/">Laura Cunningham</a> on Instagram and I always love her mix of subtle pink and apricot solids. I have been worrying that my Swoon was just too pattern heavy so I decided to mix it up a bit. Above (top to bottom) you have Kona solids in the following shades mostly influenced by Laura's great haul <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BqsXvEynmHw/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet">here</a>:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Valentine</li>
<li>Punch</li>
<li>Woodrose</li>
<li>Candy Pink</li>
<li>Baby Pink</li>
<li>Pale Flesh (previously Shell)</li>
<li>Pink</li>
<li>Bellini (previously Flesh)</li>
<li>Petal</li>
<li>Bubblegum</li>
<li>Dusty Peach</li>
</ul>
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The first five fabrics are part of a pink fat eight bundle<br />
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<img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4857/32739332518_afa2ebd017_c.jpg" width="640" />
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I also bought a few solids to pad out the Swoon. I really like the Panorama Sunrise Drops in Lipstick on the left and the Hand Picked Triangles in pink. The last one is Dashwood Ditsies Little Trees in Punch which I am not 100% sure about.<br />
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<img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4853/45699036645_f5dac034b3_c.jpg" width="640" />
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I try to keep a reference in my scraggy notebook of the Kona colours I buy. I have a swatch card but they are all so tiny and so many of the fabrics outdate my colour card. Cutting a bit of the salve edge and noting the shade seems to work for me. I also keep salve edges here so I can remember the fabrics.<br />
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<img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4895/39648372463_7dfc7971bb_c.jpg" width="640" />
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As for Smitten progress, I have managed to crack on with Small Hexagon Two. I've tried to start using solids more but I soon realised that I didn't have that many to choose from, hence my Xmas purchase.<br />
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<img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4857/46613531001_34bd4a0ea7_c.jpg" width="640" />
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As a group, I think they are looking better for having some solids in there. I am excited about using the new ones. Hopefully, this year will be better for sewing. I have no real goals apart from finishing the usual backlog. I would like to make one of Laura's bags out of the teatowel Rachel bought me from H&M. More about that later. And I would like to make some economy blocks with my Smitten leftovers. I also think this year might be the year for my Liberty fabric scrap quilt but I always say that! Just doing anything would be a good goal for this year. We'll see. We are undertaking a big house renovation project this year so all my sewing crap might well go into storage for half the year!Jaypeghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589736770596118070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21988738.post-21519507894142680342018-10-26T15:10:00.002+01:002018-10-26T15:15:14.353+01:00A Long Break<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/U2m5u8" title="20181026-2540"><img alt="20181026-2540" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1948/44652643015_4d595ea0fa_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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It's been a while, I know. The whole of 2018 has been pretty much of a washout so far sewing-wise. Mumple feel ill in January and she is really the driving force in all this quilting and sewing and making mallarky. It just didn't feel the same without her and I just felt too miserable to do anything.<br />
<br />
After spending a week with her last week for half term, I am finally realising that she is getting back into sewing as much as she can post-injury and so I should too. It's been a rough year, so it's small steps but just watching her get her act back together has inspired me.<br />
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Plus she gave me this beautiful amish quilt she made, which has made me want to get back to sewing. I love the colours and the darkness of it. It's so lovely.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/36dq0R" title="IMG_2215"><img alt="IMG_2215" height="800" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1951/31694260378_635a39d719_c.jpg" width="600" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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So I have unearthed my Smitten blocks and started on the smaller hexagons. It's slow going. They seem a bit bright and garish in comparison.<br />
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<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/9D1385" title="20181026-2542"><img alt="20181026-2542" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1976/44841705164_7322e34e35_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>Jaypeghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589736770596118070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21988738.post-91995357706925369822018-01-05T11:18:00.001+00:002018-01-05T11:18:11.796+00:00The Year Review<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/09xx30" title="20180105-P1470288"><img alt="20180105-P1470288" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4598/24647165557_bdfefabddb_c.jpg" width="600" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
So, 2017, well, it was a break year for me really. There were many small reasons for this, nothing too major. Partly I just wasn't feeling it. I have such a pile of quilt tops to baste as no space to lay them out in. It's not my favourite part of the process and once I have them basted my quilting table area is just not big enough to work them through the machine without pulling it all out and making a mess.<br />
<br />
A mess. The house is a huge mess. Just piled up to the brim with stuff that needs sorting out and throwing away. I didn't want to make a big quilt mess on top of this.<br />
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Time. We've started school here which has been great but has also meant that I have gone back to work full time. I get one afternoon off a week and that's taken up with a long standing playdate.<br />
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Then I decided to just read in the evenings as there was nothing much to watch on telly. So no hand quilting in front of Stranger Things anymore.<br />
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It all adds up to nothing much getting done! I did manage to do a few things.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/5u98g6" title="20180105-P1470270"><img alt="20180105-P1470270" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4681/39515139531_eef8b510a4_c.jpg" width="600" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
I finished the quilt top just like mum's she made in her quilting group. It looks kind of gross I know. But it's excellent scrunched up on your lap. I can't explain it. And of course it reminds me of mum which makes it extra special. I think this is my batik phase over though. So I am going to use all the scraps to make up the back and use some 80/20 batting that mum was throwing out. Another quilt top to add to the pile! oh no!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/M0YJq2" title="20180105-P1470275"><img alt="20180105-P1470275" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4685/39484510962_628936be7c_c.jpg" width="600" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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Smitten update. So I have completed 13 blocks. I am really not sure how this quilt will look finished but I have decided to not think about it too much. Maybe the smaller blocks will help even things out. At the moment it's all a bit of a train crash.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/9er1C9" title="20170810-IMG_7719"><img alt="20170810-IMG_7719" height="800" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4379/37184123786_b23e117636_c.jpg" width="600" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
I did manage to make it to Birmingham with mum and set myself up to make this Monkey Buttons pattern. I just need to get cutting.<br />
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So that's it. The sum of 2017. What's the plan for 2018? Well, I'd like to ease back into things a bit. I just want to finish off things. Here is my list of things to finish...<br />
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<br />
<ol>
<li>Jitterbug Quilt</li>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/1x169u" title="Jitterbug"><img alt="Jitterbug" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/347/20354193442_7836a368d7_c.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<li>Farmer Wife Quilt<br /><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/5uy934" title="20160623-P1440975"><img alt="20160623-P1440975" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7304/27852903125_6c96a4def3_c.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></li>
<li>Smitten Quilt<br /><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/H3Wozf" title="20180105-P1470279"><img alt="20180105-P1470279" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4680/39515141321_9ef6edb6fa_c.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></li>
<li>Batik Quilt<br /><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/NcR4k1" title="20180105-P1470270"><img alt="20180105-P1470270" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4681/39515139531_eef8b510a4_c.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></li>
<li>Monkey Buttons Quilt<br /><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/5708j3" title="20170810-IMG_7713"><img alt="20170810-IMG_7713" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4420/37231193721_12f8c256cb_c.jpg" width="300" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></li>
</ol>
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<br />Jaypeghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589736770596118070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21988738.post-63601235553625968442017-09-22T09:52:00.000+01:002017-09-22T09:53:38.539+01:00Batik is back!<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/0Fo2w9" title="20170921-P1470092"><img alt="20170921-P1470092" height="428" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4362/37177002266_58d7a12b91_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script> So I am finally back at the sewing machine. I have taken a week off work to settle Penelope into school so every morning I get three hours to myself. I admit, the first few days I just sat on the sofa worrying but by day three I had poked my nose into the cellar to bring up all the stuff I needed. My sewing world is so messy I have to keep it hidden away. I mean just look at the mess of my public shelf.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/8R9GN6" title="20170901-P1470019"><img alt="20170901-P1470019" height="428" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4425/37194927722_1578524489_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
What a mess! Anyway, after a bit of a tidy up I got out all my batik blocks and laid them out. I was three blocks short so I got to use some of my new fabric as I was running low on mum's stash.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/8EKX25" title="20170919-P1470075"><img alt="20170919-P1470075" height="428" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4350/36514789864_d27170e764_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script> Finally I trimmed each block, some of mine were way off. Should have measured as I went along. Luckily nothing much needs to line up. I used my great new ruler I bought ages ago for some project or other. It's really great. I love Le Summit rulers.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/5pbZD1" title="20170919-P1470076"><img alt="20170919-P1470076" height="428" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4364/37177000396_8bbd4d868b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
This is the perfect size and the markings are really useful. Then I laid them out and numbered them.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/4MxZZy" title="20170921-P1470080"><img alt="20170921-P1470080" height="428" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4415/37224628881_4542dab646_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
I sewed the blocks into strips and ironed them. They are a bit lumpy because of the seams and the steam iron warped them a bit. Out of practice...<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/rHe9Ak" title="20170921-P1470103"><img alt="20170921-P1470103" height="633" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4411/37224630291_6e29f4f572_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
It came together really quickly in the end and the central block is made! I do think it looks a bit odd laid out like this but it's when it scrunches up that it looks great. You need to have it on your lap to truly appreciate it. It's much brighter than mums which was not my intention at all. Plus mine has blue in it which I didn't realise hers did not. I think if I were to do it again I would choose less bright Batiks, but it's so weird trying to pick them out when I buy them. I just look at them and think 'ew, disgusting' but then, later on, I love them. So I found it very hard to choose them. I still think it will be great when it's done. Now I just need to sew on the borders today.Jaypeghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589736770596118070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21988738.post-79688775997503114762017-09-21T21:53:00.000+01:002017-09-21T21:59:13.125+01:00What I bought<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/aV7y40" title="20170810-IMG_7725"><img alt="20170810-IMG_7725" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4346/36976247370_6133a216f8_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
No Festival post would be complete without showing all the stuff I bought. I often look back through these types of post to identify where I bought something from so they are pretty useful to me.<br />
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For once, I don't think I went overboard. In a way it was sad, because I haven't been actively quilting I had no projects in mind really, no burning desires or half-baked plans. The only things I wanted were:<br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: orange;">Bottom Line Thread</span> – It's perfect for hand piecing but it's expensive so I have decided to buy three rolls every year to build up a bit of a stash. At the moment I only have white and dark & light pink thinking that these would get me through, but if you want to be 100% invisible then it doesn't hurt to match thread to material colour as much as possible. So I am on a mission to amass a bit of a spectrum. They do an offer at Birmingham on three rolls so that's always good to take advantage of.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: orange;">Batik Fabric</span> – Although I have paused on projects, the last thing I was working on was a <a href="http://biscuitmonster.blogspot.co.uk/2016/12/adventures-in-batik.html">batik log cabin</a> made by mum's quilting group. I don't really own any batik fabric. I am not even sure I like it sometimes, but I loved mum's quilt she made and she had lots of extra strips cut. I mean loads! So I had nearly everything I needed. But I wanted to buy a few fat quarters and possibly a backing.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: orange;">Hiroshima Needles</span> – So I bought some of these needles last year and they have grown on me. Of course my little glass test tube lost its cork whilst rattling around in my <a href="http://biscuitmonster.blogspot.co.uk/2016/07/preparing-for-smitten.html">silly sewing kit</a> which has gaps in the sides and half the needles were lost instantly. D'oh. SO I was on the look out for some more. </li>
</ul>
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<br />
<b>THAT'S IT! </b><br />
<br />
Can you believe it?<br />
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Well of course, it's never quite that simple on the day...<br />
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So let's break it down<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/2XVF8c" title="20170901-P1470002"><img alt="20170901-P1470002" height="428" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4408/37194919102_778d74c6d6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
So I got my batik fabric, even the backing. It has made me motivated to finish it off.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/Y6jK0N" title="20170810-IMG_7732"><img alt="20170810-IMG_7732" height="480" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4429/37231222651_81195d4185_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
Got my thread and needles. Amazingly I had forgotten the stalls I bought them from but they were in exactly the same position this year and I recognised the stalls instantly.
And last but not least...<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/255tFY" title="20170810-IMG_7734"><img alt="20170810-IMG_7734" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4411/36521405454_8fdc3e01be_b.jpg" width="640" /></a>
Every year mum buys me my birthday present from the show as it's only a few weeks after the show. This time she bought me this <a href="http://www.monkeybuttons.com/sunset-530-p.asp">Monkey Buttons Sunset pattern</a> and 8 fat quarters to go with it. I have a real issue with this quilt. I think I love it because of the fabric colours. I saw it last year and decided that I would never be able to recreate them as they are just not my colours. My mind can't even bend itself to their will. But I remembered it and went to look at it again. It just feels like an autumn/haloween/bonfire quilt. Mum talked me into it by saying the best course of action was to use fabric from their shop and to buy it all right then whilst we had the real quilt in front of us. It was very extravagant as the last thing I need is more fabric, but nothing much I have is those tones. So in the end, mum bought 8 quarters and I bought 8 so I would have enough.
And then of course I got a few extra bits from my favourite stalls<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/qpMe21" title="20170810-IMG_7730"><img alt="20170810-IMG_7730" height="480" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4409/37231220721_04b7cab15f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
I love The Shuttle. It's so cheap! I love their solids. They feel as if they are made from sheeting and go really soft. I am always on the lookout for warm greys for my stash so these were perfect.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/2vNSh1" title="20170810-IMG_7729"><img alt="20170810-IMG_7729" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4389/37184131476_b93f90b768_b.jpg" width="640" /></a>
I love <a href="http://www.sunflowerfabrics.com/">Sunflower Fabrics</a>. I always have to buy something from Maggie. Liberty fabric is so bloody expensive but this is one of my favourite patterns.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/66C7LU" title="20170810-IMG_7723"><img alt="20170810-IMG_7723" height="480" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4413/37184128056_dc30637f45_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
I didn't buy anything from Worn and Washed this year, but not because I didn't want to. I held back because I haven't touched what I bought time from Kim. I loved these hexagon cushions though.
And last but not least... I bought one single fat quarter from The Eternal Maker. I have never been so restrained. Without Rachel there to guide me, plus the fact that I still haven't made the purse I bought all the stuff for last year, made me hold myself. So 1 fat quarter goes towards my Monkey Buttons quilt.
That, as they say, is all folks.Jaypeghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589736770596118070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21988738.post-77141603544527735762017-09-21T21:23:00.000+01:002017-09-21T21:23:18.742+01:00Festival of Quilts<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/5i0634" title="20170811-IMG_7751"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4370/37201445912_6fbaf818ff_c.jpg" width="640" alt="20170811-IMG_7751"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
I'm really sorry it's been such a quiet year for me. Life has taken over and my sewing machine is making a grinding noise. Everything quilty has taken a back seat for a while. But it did not stop me going to Birmingham this year. I couldn't miss the opportunity to take mum away for the weekend. We decided to go Thursday/Friday this year and I don't think it made much difference to the numbers really. The above shot is taken at around 10.30. By 11 you could barely move! But you just have to take your time which we did. Because I have been so out of the loop with my sewing, I felt less driven; less crazy. I had a very small shopping list. Sometimes this is good because it means you can meander more. More about what I bought later...
Due to my lackadaisical nature, I forgot to take my big camera and I didn't spend as long looking at the quilts as usual, but I did see some lovely things. See the full album <a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/3a7JHq">here</a> Otherwise, here are a few highlights.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/v25A5U" title="20170811-IMG_7737"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4435/36520886414_c76cbb81c2_c.jpg" width="640" alt="20170811-IMG_7737"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/V0097z" title="20170811-IMG_7748"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4359/37183579546_80e5545e8d_c.jpg" width="640" alt="20170811-IMG_7748"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/Anny55" title="20170811-IMG_7744"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4338/37373157035_ced1cfc4c6_c.jpg" width="640" alt="20170811-IMG_7744"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
I really enjoyed looking through the 365 day challenge. I had seen this around the web and had been really tempted to join in, but after The Farmer's Wife, I just needed a rest. Do I really need a 90"x 90" quilt in my life? Not really. But I LOVE these sampler type quilts. I loved looking at the different colour combinations, choices of lights and darks and how they changed the pattern. It was great. Such a huge body of work. Check out the <a href="https://www.365challenge.com.au/">website</a> for more info.
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I've got this Moda pattern, but I admit, seeing it up close made me realise how big some of those blocks are.
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Such beautiful fabric. I love this.
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Especially this bit with the big white circle. It makes me want to get my screenprinting kit out that Rachel bought me.
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I love the bright colours in this quilt.
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There were some really lovely modern quilts this year.
I think that's more than enough. There were some epic quilts there. I am always blown away by just how many man hours they must take to make and how perfect the sewing is. Another great year at the show.
Jaypeghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589736770596118070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21988738.post-3914205182688706442017-01-19T22:14:00.002+00:002017-01-19T22:14:18.750+00:00Half Square Triangle Quilt Done<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/99Xj5T" title="20170119-P1460429"><img alt="20170119-P1460429" height="428" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/578/32370671236_94cd206043_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>Last year I started <a href="http://biscuitmonster.blogspot.co.uk/2016/10/half-square-triangles.html">this quilt</a>. I based it on <a href="https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/203576845625840972/">this quilt</a>. It just shows you though, that no matter how hard you try to replicate something, you always end up with something quite different. I still prefer the more subtle palette of Megan's original, but I often think that I fall in love with the fabrics people choose rather than the pattern and that it's a real hostage to fortune as you can never quite match them unless they are current fabrics.<br />
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I knew that this quilt would be for Penelope so I decided to use brighter fabrics. I wanted to avoid making it overly pink or purple as these are Penelope's least favourite colours; seeing as they are GIRLS colours and she hates GIRLS. Urgh! Yucky! I liked the use of light and dark blues in the original so I tried to incorporate these and just use one slight green fabric.<br />
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I used Kona Ash for the solid. I found trying to find the exact warm grey/brown fabric impossible so the ash was a compromise. I am still annoyed about it. It lacks the slight warmth I would have liked. It's too grey. But I just couldn't wait any longer and to be fair, I looked for it at Birmingham and Duxford and couldn't find it so you can't say I didn't try.<br />
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I bought the backing at Duxford. It was cheap which was a great and it's Penelope's favourite colour; orange. I think it goes really well with her Ikea duvet cover.<br />
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I finished the top quite quickly. But since November it has sat around waiting for the next step. It was in danger of toppling my enormous pile of quilt tops which never get finished. So I decided to plough on through to the bitter end. I hate basting. I am just not set up for it. I hate machine quilting as I am just not set up for it, but it worked out fine in the end. I used my favourite Quilter's Dream Puff wadding because it is so light and bouncy. I didn't want it to be a heavy quilt as they annoy Penelope. I also want it to scrunch up nicely and be really soft.<br />
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It looks a bit flat at the moment. I toyed with the idea of doing the quilting 1/4 inch from the seams on either side but it was twice the work so I just did one line down the ditch. A wash will tell the true story. I am in no doubt this will need washing over and over so it will never look this flat again. I have not prewashed any of the fabric which I know could spell ruin but part of me wouldn't mind if the colours merge and blotch a bit.... well I say that now. I just want it to look scrunchy and well loved and the grey could benefit from being washed with a slight purple tint.<br />
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The other thing I wanted was for it to fit the top of her bed perfectly but have no bits draping. At present her quilts tend to drag off onto the floor because her bed is pressed up against the wall and they just tend to slide off. So this needed to just cover the top which it does perfectly. I can see this quilt being used a lot. All of her baby quilts are slightly annoying for her now as she is so tall that her feet poke out of the bottom. I never really thought she would be such a quilt person, but she loves them!<br />
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Right onto the next UFO! I am on a roll!Jaypeghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589736770596118070noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21988738.post-27611519115687779712017-01-07T15:49:00.000+00:002017-01-07T15:49:01.254+00:00Smitten Hexagon Three<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/69N4ZX" title="smitten-03"><img alt="smitten-03" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/1/514/32045131141_ff88964728_n.jpg" width="300" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
Block three at last. I did these two just before Christmas. They were easier than the previous ones. I am not sure about my fabric choices but I knew that I wanted the stripe effect and I knew that I wanted to use the one fabric range I had bought for the quilt.<br />
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I keep forgetting that this range really needs a solid with it. It's a bit of a train crash.<br />
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I really like my stripes here.<br />
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So now onto block four!<br />
<br />Jaypeghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589736770596118070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21988738.post-75573835260949470852017-01-01T15:52:00.000+00:002017-01-07T15:52:47.577+00:00Happy New Year!<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/17D5W4" title="20170103-P1460311"><img alt="20170103-P1460311" height="428" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/1/304/32106994105_c97a6f758c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
This is how I spent the first day of the year. I made <a href="http://www.stitcherydickorydock.com/april-in-the-sugar-block-club/">Amy's Sugar Block</a> Club. It's much bigger than I thought though. I have no idea what to do with it. Perhaps I will make three other blocks and make a mini quilt or something.Jaypeghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589736770596118070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21988738.post-69171591687729127322016-12-31T14:48:00.003+00:002016-12-31T14:57:15.149+00:00Christmas Presents<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/711197" title="20161231-P1460266"><img alt="20161231-P1460266" height="428" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/1/350/32003208135_4c43778bd6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
This year I decided to ask mainly for crafting things and some kitchen stuff so I could do more baking with Penelope. There wasn't much else I wanted apart from he usual pyjamas and slippers. <br />
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Mumple is great at quilting supplies! She had come into some money so she was feeling all flush this year which I did very well out of! She got me a <a href="http://www.plushaddict.co.uk/postcards-from-sweden-quilt-kit.html?utm_source=google_shopping&gclid=CP3uttG_m9ECFa4K0wod6HkKSA">Postcards from Sweden kit</a> from <a href="http://www.plushaddict.co.uk/">Plush Addict</a>, which I asked for. A high ticket item indeed but it was all I really wanted from anyone. It is a bit rainbow which I know I said I was trying to avoid, but it is also solids which is my theme this year. I just think it looks like a very jolly quilt. I kept going back to it and thinking how nice it was. The pack is basically a huge pile of solid fat quarters, result! The great thing is that they are all named so I can record the offcuts as colour cards. I love the ease of a whole kit yet rarely have funds to buy them, so I'm really going to enjoy this.<br />
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I also got some neon yellow Wonder Clips which is always great. I do love neon plastic. I feel like I want to make my own green sewing bag to keep them in.<br />
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I also got a <a href="http://blocloc.com/rulers/">Bloc Loc</a> ruler! This was quite pricey as I had to get it from The States. I am not sure about them. Do they really make life easier? Are they just a gimmick? It's hard to tell, but I have a lot of half square triangles to make and if this works like it says it does then it could make the whole process a breeze and become a must have item. We shall see. I will test it out before Birmingham. If it works out then I might be on the hunt for a set offer at Birmingham if there is a UK stockist by then.<br />
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I also got some Christmas money which doesn't happen to me very often. I often end up hoarding it when I get it or frittering it away on general shopping if I leave it in my bag. So I decided to spend it straight away on Amazon! Quick! click, click, click. Gosh it's so easy once you get going.<br />
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I decided to make the plunge and sign up for <a href="http://www.stitcherydickorydock.com/announcing-the-cookbook-quilt-along/">Amy's quilt a long</a>, so I bought the book and the 12 1/2" square ruler it suggests you use. Do I need the ruler? Not really, I have a 14" one which mum gave me as she never uses it. I ummed and ahhed, but I did find having an exact 6 1/2" ruler during the Farmer's Wife quilt a long a real joy because you never have to think. You just cut to that size. With that in mind, I also bought an 8 1/2" ruler. Gosh I am going ruler crazy.<br />
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Then with the last bits I bought two green fat quarters from <a href="http://thefabricfox.co.uk/">The Fabric Fox</a>. Not plain, but ones I think will go well with plains if that makes sense and you always have to have at least one new fabric when you start a project otherwise it's depressing. I had this block in mind when I picked them.<br />
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That's it now though, I am spent. All my pennies have gone and Christmas is over. This is my very last post of 2016. I have a stinker of a cold and nothing good happens in January apart from abstinence from cakes and alcohol. Booo.<br />
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<br />Jaypeghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589736770596118070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21988738.post-62177263804913664252016-12-29T17:15:00.001+00:002016-12-30T08:22:53.979+00:00The Year Review<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/uH2j7p" title="mosaicef481063bf6d463f0213d3402732481945c7384a"><img alt="mosaicef481063bf6d463f0213d3402732481945c7384a" height="481" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/1/459/31813705142_6935371035_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
Here we are once again at the end of year review. This year seems to have gone quite quickly. I feel that I have achieved a lot but not in a visible way. I intensively worked on my Farmer's Wife quilt for a large part of the year and am amazed that I finished the whole top. By the end I can honestly say that I have a thorough understanding of foundation piecing so I learnt a new skill. I had to put it away for a while after completing the top as I was exhausted by it. It's so big, it's even hard to photograph. I need to take it back to mums and pin in on her wonky washing line or work out some tasteful wall I can hang it on like internet folk seem to do. So watch this space. I have the backing for it, even the wadding for it, I just, as always, need space to lay it out and a floor which doesn't look perpetually dirty. It's the basting, machine sewing and binding which I don't really have the space for. Usually I would only post finished projects but this year I am including some nearly finished things as I want to mentally file them under 2016 so next year is free.<br />
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Other things up there are:<br />
1. <a href="http://biscuitmonster.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/FarmersWife">Farmer's Wife</a> – This took until August to complete<br />
2. <a href="http://biscuitmonster.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/birthday-presents.html">Project Bag</a> – I love this pattern<br />
3. <a href="http://biscuitmonster.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/birthday-presents.html">Mug Rug</a> – A free easy pattern<br />
4. <a href="http://biscuitmonster.blogspot.co.uk/2016/07/farmers-wife-scraps.html">Mouse quilt</a> – A scrap buster<br />
5. <a href="http://biscuitmonster.blogspot.co.uk/2016/07/preparing-for-smitten.html">EPP kit bag</a> – I have used this loads<br />
6. EPP pin cushion – I just love this<br />
7. Janet Clare sewing kit – I have lost my photos of this!<br />
8. <a href="http://biscuitmonster.blogspot.co.uk/2016/10/half-square-triangles.html">Half Square Triangle quilt</a> – This is finished, I just need to photograph it<br />
9. <a href="http://biscuitmonster.blogspot.co.uk/2016/11/smitten-block-two-progress.html">Smitten</a> – I need to post more progress<br />
10. <a href="http://biscuitmonster.blogspot.co.uk/2016/12/adventures-in-batik.html">Batik log cabin</a> – Only 6 more blocks to go!<br />
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This year is going to be a year of change though hopefully. After treading water for the past 4 years, I am finally hoping we might be in a better position to do some much needed work on the house which will in turn hopefully make it easier to baste my backlog of quilts. It's either that or I think seriously about having them professionally quilted. Currently I have my Donut, Jitterbug and Farmer's Wife to quilt. But let's look at last year...<br />
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<b>Resolutions from 2016</b><br />
To finish all the quilt tops in the queue – Errr.... Utter FAIL<br />
To do more hand piecing – Success! The Smitten quilt has definitely answered that one.<br />
To make a useful bag – Errr.... Utter FAIL<br />
To keep projects manageable. i.e. small – Well I am trying<br />
To start my Posie quilt finally! – Errr.... Utter FAIL<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">So 3 out of 6. Not so great. I think finishing the Farmer's Wife just took up all my time. Hopefully nothing quite so intensive this year. Time to relax and do small things.</span><br />
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<b>Resolutions for 2017</b><br />
To tidy up my piles of half finished projects and make sewing area clean<br />
To baste some of the growing pile of quilt tops<br />
To do another quilt a long of some sort<br />
To do something in tasteful solids<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><b>Unfinished Projects for 2017</b><br />
<a href="http://biscuitmonster.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/donut-quilt.html">Donut quilt</a> – Just need to baste it<br />
<a href="http://biscuitmonster.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/jiiterbug-quilt-top.html">Jitterbug</a> – Just need to baste it<br />
<a href="http://biscuitmonster.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/FarmersWife">Farmer's wife</a> – Just need to baste it<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jaypeg/20169892411">Liberty postage stamp</a> – I neglected this entirely this last year. It just needs a border quilting<br />
<a href="http://biscuitmonster.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/sew-together-bag-beginings.html">My sew together bag</a> – Still waiting in a project bag somewhere in the pile.<br />
<a href="http://biscuitmonster.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/medallion-quilt.html">Medallion quilt</a> – All the fabric has been selected. It's in the pile somewhere<br />
<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/203576845626426318/">Posie improv quilt</a> – Just need to sketch out a design and start cutting up my favourite fabrics<br />
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<b>New Projects for 2017</b><br />
I feel the major thing brewing inside me is the need to do some projects using solids. Above is my favourite FW block using solids. I think my colour sense improved slightly with The Farmer's Wife but on the whole, still needs a lot of work. I need to stop doing so many bright, rainbow things and think more about subtle colours. Working with solids might allow me just to think about colour. I love playing with all the swatches. I don't own a lot of solids though so there is some outlay involved.<br />
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I did however, buy these from Birmingham from The Shuttle. I think it was 5 for £6. I really like the greens. This might be my new colour way. I have been looking around and seeing what other people do. Here are some examples of things I have seen and liked on the web.<br />
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1. <a href="http://www.stitcherydickorydock.com/april-in-the-sugar-block-club/">Amy's Sugar club block</a> - I might make this first. I think the green and red/pinks are great.<br />
2. <a href="http://twiggyandopal.blogspot.co.uk/2016/09/epic-sampler-bom-end-is-near.html">Jayne's sampler quilt</a> is amazing<br />
3. 1981 by Nancy Purvis via <a href="http://www.darlingstudio.com/liveworkplay/2016/3/28/seeing-differently">Christine's blog</a><br />
4. <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/stitched-in-color-2003852/underneath-it-all-4783538869">StitchedInColor's</a> doodle doodle improv quilt backing<br />
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5. From <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/68909579@N00/390384116/">Flickr</a></div>
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6. Heather Jones' quilt pattern available <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/194267272/radiance-a-pdf-modern-quilt-pattern-in?ref=related-6">here</a>. It reminds me of <a href="https://websta.me/p/1203914076596410125_1279916988">this</a></div>
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7. <a href="http://cvquiltworks.com/blogs/blog/115503748-new-little-project">Jackie's</a> great colours in her log cabin/geese quilt<br />
8. Purl Soho's tasteful <a href="https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2016/02/08/modular-blocks-quilt-in-orchid/">Modular Block quilt</a><br />
9. <a href="http://beaspokequilts.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/solid-as-block.html">Siobhan Rogers' quilt</a> for Better Homes. Download it <a href="https://au.zinio.com/magazine/Better-Homes-and-Gardens-Australia/pr-500618905/cat-cat1680012#/">here</a><br />
10. Rose + Twill's <a href="http://roseandtwill.com/product/botanical-quilt/">Botanical Print Quilt</a></div>
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11. I love <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/0LzvR8G67p/?taken-by=nydiak">Nydia's</a> colour choices. I love the greens and blues with the pinks</div>
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12. I would love to make this <a href="http://www.shopfonsandporter.com/product/round-trip-digital-pattern/patterns">exact quilt</a>. I just like the greens. Maybe it would look better in <a href="https://www.fancytigercrafts.com/collections/patterns/products/four-winds-quilt-pattern-1?variant=31203674636">this</a> pattern</div>
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13. I love <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/27470567@N04/4147113036/">these colours</a> and the white stitching</div>
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14. Ellen's <a href="http://thelongthread.com/?p=11866">Lopsided Squares</a> are very tasteful from her book: <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1452112584/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=1452112584&linkCode=as2&tag=biscuitmonste-21" rel="nofollow">1, 2, 3 Quilt</a></div>
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15. I like <a href="http://bryanhousequilts.com/2012/01/purples-and-oranges-mosaic.html">Becca's</a> warm colours<br />
16. From <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sf.designs/">Shannon's instagram</a><br />
17. From <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sf.designs/">Shannon's instagram</a><br />
18. From <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BIGYNmqg7LT/">Jenny's instagram</a>. This <a href="https://websta.me/p/1252300181463584741_396834818">one</a> is also good<br />
19. From <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BIGYNmqg7LT/">Jenny's instagram</a><br />
20. From <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sf.designs/">Shannon's instagram</a><br />
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It's all very exciting. I love the greens and the pinks and purples. I love all <a href="https://websta.me/p/939090855487019007_1279916988">green</a> projects or flashes of <a href="https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/203576845634118294/">green</a>. So many combinations to try, so many projects. I thought it might call for another sampler type quilt where I treat each block as a different colour journey without thinking about the whole. <span style="background-color: white;">I really enjoyed taking part in a group project though and would be interested in maybe a smaller one this year. I was thinking about what to spend my Christmas money on and thought this book might be nice.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1940655145/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=1940655145&linkCode=as2&tag=biscuitmonste-21" rel="nofollow">The Quilt Block Cookbook: 50 Block Recipes, 7 Sample Quilts, Endless Possibilities</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=biscuitmonste-21&l=as2&o=2&a=1940655145" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">Amy, the author, is running a relaxed quilt a long on her <a href="http://www.stitcherydickorydock.com/announcing-the-cookbook-quilt-along/">blog</a> starting in January which I am quite tempted by as you can do as little or as much as you like. I also might try my hand at making a <a href="http://ladyharvatine.bigcartel.com/product/january-block">January block</a> or two as they are so pretty. <a href="https://websta.me/p/1386537751612050389_455380306">Mary's one</a> is ace. </span><br />
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But my quilting area is a mess. It's piles of bits. Half started projects, fabric pulls... misc stuff. I can no longer find anything. I've been looking for my Kona colour card for ages but it must be at the bottom of the pile. I need to pare it down, find the card, finish bits and file the rest away in the cellar. That's job number one. I can't buy any new solids without the card. I am sure there are lots of forgotten treats in there.<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13px;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/7k9G15" title="20150925-P1420742.jpg"><img alt="20150925-P1420742.jpg" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5647/21083655384_06983d28bf_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
Just one examples: I'd like to find my Moda Building Blocks quilt pattern somewhere in all my piles. I'd like to think about some solid combinations for this. Maybe I could buy fabric at Birmingham. It's a slow burner. I also have a new quilt to start which I got for Christmas but I'll post up my Christmas presents when we finally finish our Christmas road trip.<br />
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And all these need planning and making. There is a lot lying around in the pile. They might all go on the backburner until the pile has been cleaned up. So step one is tidy up and finish off things. Oh and get my machine serviced. Happy new year!</div>
Jaypeghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589736770596118070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21988738.post-13877392531727204372016-12-01T21:30:00.000+00:002016-12-01T21:38:02.740+00:00Adventures in Batik<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/0u7C1N" title="20161126-P1460013"><img alt="20161126-P1460013" height="428" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/6/5519/31318436796_3981f8cc61_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
Behold! It is a Hawaiian disco traincrash!<br />
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For many years mum and I have disagreed upon certain quilting matters, one of these has been batiks - mum loves them, whereas I do not. I like traditional, flowery or modern and geometric. Batik doesn't seem to fit any of those characteristics. It's loud, garish and a bit, well, Hawaiian.<br />
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Batik is just not me. No siree. This is more me.<br />
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I mean look at it? It's old, flowery, delicate. Everything a cosy, little house on the prairie quilt should be. I love it.<br />
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But you know, sometimes I change my mind...<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/cSRo5Z" title="Log_cabin"><img alt="Log_cabin" height="800" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/6/5625/30985761260_b8434850a7_c.jpg" width="600" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
Mum made this Asymmetrical Log Cabin quilt at her local quilting class she goes to. When she first showed it to me I think I thought it was quite nice. But left alone with it for a week, it grew and grew on me, to the point where I just asked mum if I could have it. I mean come on, there must be ten quilts in every room in my mum's house; what's one less between friends?<br />
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Mum said no.<br />
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Sigh.<br />
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Ok.<br />
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No big deal.<br />
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I am the last person to need more quilts. But it gnawed at me. I really just WANTED it. I am not even sure why I like it. I think partly why I like it is because it really is a mum quilt. Whenever I see those colours and batik prints together I just think of mum. Whenever I curl up underneath it, it feels like a mumple hug.<br />
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I MUST HAVE THAT QUILT!<br />
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Mum's answer? Just make your own one. I of course pointed out that I have no batiks, so she just unveiled a huge scrap bin full of perfectly sized cut strips.<br />
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So here they are. A few fistfuls to get me going. I bought a couple of fat quarters at Duxford to supplement the stash, but it's quite hard as they really are not my thing. Heavens knows why I am making this. It's so hard. I haven't a clue how they go together and I feel a slight sense of despondency that whatever I do will not be as nice as mum's quilt, but maybe I can trick her into a swap!<br />
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This is how it started. The days have totally drawn in here. Dark in the morning until 10. Dark again at 4. There is no light. So sorry, everything is shot under my harsh angle poise lamp. The great thing about log cabin though, is how easy it is. I stuffed all the strips in a basket and just yank them out willy nilly. I tried making choices about what went next to each other but I couldn't do it. So now I just try to make sure the same colour and tone don't go right next to each other.<br />
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Here is how it chain pieces together. It's quite amazing how they all come together. Ones I thought I would like I am not that into and ones I thought weren't that nice have turned out to be my favourites.<br />
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This one was my special block because it has a sliver of mum's favourite dress from the 60's in it. She seems to manage to insert it into quite a few quilts. It always reminds me of her so I decided that this quilt should be a homage to my mam. It's the plummy pattern top middle. Then I followed her basic rule of putting purples and pinks next to greens. The outcome is ok, but the two greens next to each other was a bit of a mistake I think.<br />
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This one I feared was just too bright and garish - all different colours, no overall theme, but you know, it's grown on me.<br />
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This one is my favourite though. I like the orange and the dark and light combo. It knocks it back a bit. I thought the darker batiks wouldn't sit well with the black; not enough contrast, but you know, I kind of like it.<br />
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I am constantly surprised by my likes and dislikes. I cannot predict my fickle mind. So the game continues as I try to make 36 of these. I am doing them in blocks of 6 at a time so I can chain piece. It seems to average out at about 1 a day if I do 6 a week. We'll see. There is no time really at the moment.<br />
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I just hope at the end I achieve what I am looking for. It's an etherial kind of ending. I will like it if it reminds me of mum. It won't be about liking it, it's more about liking what it represents, but everytime I make a block, I think; 'But would mum like it?!' Maybe this is how people feel when they make quilts for other people in fabrics those people like. It's... weird.<br />
<br />Jaypeghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589736770596118070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21988738.post-35113142234011563722016-11-08T08:21:00.000+00:002016-11-08T08:22:02.962+00:00Smitten block two progress<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/G0J0v6" title="20161106-P1450953"><img alt="20161106-P1450953" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5572/30543219000_2566f5d183_z.jpg" width="600" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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So here is my progress with block two of Smitten. It's slow work but the blocks are coming together nicely. I am pleased with my random flowers so far.
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The flowery outsides are a bit full on but I really love this fabric. I think at the end when I lay out all the blocks I might choose to redo a few of them so we'll see if it makes the final edit. I love the stripy point though.
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You can see on the left edge where I am getting some misalignment. I am not sure why. Maybe that's just life.
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I am really pleased with this block. I love the yellow spots. I think it has good contrast.
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My alignment is not as bad with this one so maybe I am getting better, who knows.
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Here's the back. You can see my tiny stitches. That Superior Thread Bottom Line is so thin and strong, it's like fairy hair or something. There's no going back from it now, I even used it to bind a border the other day, it's just so invisible! I think my stitches would not look so neat without it. I recommend it 100%
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Are the blocks all starting to go together? not really. I am playing the long game though. We'll see as I go along. Jaypeghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589736770596118070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21988738.post-89481845086650756152016-10-22T17:30:00.001+01:002016-10-29T07:47:52.210+01:00Smitten Hexagon Two<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/KJ14NA" title="smitten icon"><img alt="smitten icon" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5669/30347967961_9d742e8e08_z.jpg" width="300"></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br>
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So here we are on block two! I had a little think about this block. Do you make the flower all one fabric or two fabrics or six? I pulled out some fabric and had a look at the Pinterest board. In the end I decided to try out a bit of both and see what I like. I felt my last set of hexes weren't very harmonious so I want to ensure these blocks are so that they help pull everything together.<br>
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Hopefully all these fabrics will go together. I don't want to overly repeat fabrics but I do want them to be a bit tighter; to have similar colour values.<br>
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I really like this block I did for my <a href="http://biscuitmonster.blogspot.co.uk/2016/07/preparing-for-smitten.html">EPP case</a>. I like the pinks and peaches with the citrus yellow/green. So I think something like this will be my first attempt. I also have a few blues which I might make into their own block. Then I might sit back and see what I think of them. Time to get started!Jaypeghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589736770596118070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21988738.post-57519214007182558232016-10-20T09:48:00.001+01:002016-10-22T17:29:15.734+01:00Smitten Block One Finished<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/g50798" title="20161019-P1450818"><img alt="20161019-P1450818" height="428" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/6/5326/29800863543_56f33c6cb7_z.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />
Finally, my last block one! This took longer as I went away in the middle and then I started a completely new project - like you do. It was nice to have a little break. I do keep looking at all my block ones together... they don't really gel together which worries me! I definitely need to get some stripes into the next set of blocks.<br />
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So here is another Heather Ross print. I do love the unicorns. I was going to have yellow diamonds which matched those little yellow flowers in the middle but then I decided that I needed to be more adventurous... yeah, well I am not so sure about that now.<br />
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And here is the back. Look at all those tiny stitches. My system is that I start off whip stitching for about 5-10 stitches, then I tie a knot, open out the two shapes and do the rest is what I call a flat whip stitch – I made that up.<br />
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So here are all my block ones. Do they go? Do the repeated fabrics help? IS it a mess? You can tell me!<br />
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5th Block in Heather Ross' Far Far Away and Lizze House's The Lovely Hunt<br />
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4th block in Heather Ross' Tiger Lily and Cotton & Steel<br />
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3rd Block in Lizze House's Catnap and Cotton & Steel<br />
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2nd block in Heather Ross' Mendocino and Lizzie House's Constellations<br />
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First block in Heather Ross' Nursery Versery and the raindrop fabric which I can't recall right now.<br />
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So there you have it! Has anyone else even started? I might start thinking about the next set of blacks but it's half term next week so I am taking it easy.<br />
<br />Jaypeghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589736770596118070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21988738.post-10162575409330772022016-10-14T13:04:00.000+01:002016-10-19T19:53:42.808+01:00Half Square Triangles<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/5TJ0c1" title="20161013-P1450687"><img alt="20161013-P1450687" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8417/30262845786_c0c0f8ce8e_z.jpg" width="600" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
Inbetween hand sewing Smitten blocks on the sofa in the evenings, I also wanted something quite simple to do on the machine. A bit of a no brainer after The Farmer's Wife. So I have started making Penelope a bigger sofa quilt as she complains that all the others are too small. Luckily she does love a quilt. I bought some colourful fat quarters a while back specifically to make her some kind of bright quilt. I spent a bit of time trawling through my Pinterest boards and finally decided to make <a href="https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/203576845625840972/">this</a> by Megan. She has a whole album on <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/philistinemade/albums/72157622852060963">Flickr</a>.<br />
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It's a pretty basic pattern; just half square triangles. This quilt will be 48" square once I have finished. I have enough fabric to make it double this size, but I think that would just be too big. We'll see. If I added two more rows at the bottom it would fit on a single bed... tempting, but we'll see.<br />
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I cut 2 big 9" squares out of 16 fat quarters. I chose this measurement as you can easily cut four out of a fat quarter without too much to spare making it a good use of fabric. That's the only reason I chose it really. Then I made 8 half square triangles in a one go out of each square. The other nice thing was that I have a long 4 1/2" ruler that was great for finding the middle lines of each block. It just made the whole process really easy and enjoyable. Mum thinks you don't need many rulers, but there is something extremely pleasing about having the exact right size for the job. I have to return the 6 1/2" square I borrowed off mum so I might have to buy my own when we go to Duxford in a few weeks. Yes, I am finally returning to the old Chillford come Duxford show. Primarily to help test out the new rollator and make sure mum can zoom around the show to her hearts content. This basically means I will whinge very loudly about every slight step I come across. I might even wear a high viz jacket to make myself seem even more of a health and safety expert. But I also plan to see if the new show is managing to get back to the greatness of its predecessor: Chillford. It's so sad that the giant scones are gone and that we have to look at war planes instead of a historic barn. Poor Chillford, burnt to a crisp. I miss you!<br />
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Anyway, I've got a lot of HST to trim down to 4 1/2". Luckily I can just sit on the sofa with my rotating cutting mat and my 4 1/2" square ruler mum gave me and just trim them out. I made my 1/4" seams a bit scant when I sewed the 8 block so that I could have some room to trim. I just thought it would make things more accurate.<br />
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Here are some of the offcuts, it's not much. Part of me can't be bothered, but another part of me finds it kind of peaceful. It does end up giving you that level of accuracy that you see in other people's quilts which make you think 'Gosh, how can they be so accurate?' Well folks, it's not really skill, it's more patience. If you spend more time trimming, starching and ironing open seams, then you just end up with a more accurate end product... but you spend 200% more time getting there. It's a pain, and often has me thinking 'but once I have scrunched it all up in the wash will it matter?' Jury's out on that one.<br />
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I sewed the blocks into strips of 4 which on reflection was not the best idea. Next time I will make units of 4 and join them together instead, but it's not too shabby and I am pleased with the colours. I wanted to make sure I had some dark blues in there; it's not a colour I usually go for. I'm not really thinking too deeply about this project so I am just throwing the colours together randomly. It's rather freeing after all the agonising of The Farmer's Wife, which by the by, is all sewn together. I just need to iron it and try and photograph it. It's massive.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/88VqY0" title="20161013-P1450695"><img alt="20161013-P1450695" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8652/30182183192_40832fb218_z.jpg" width="600" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
I am not overly happy with the neutral background colour, I wanted something a bit warmer, but Kona just have nothing like this. Plus I keep losing the colour card chart thingy so I just had to get a grip and move on. The neutral is Kona Ash.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/6s992x" title="20161016-P1450716"><img src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/6/5326/30346231031_cd74cd1bb4_z.jpg" width="600" alt="20161016-P1450716"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>Jaypeghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589736770596118070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21988738.post-60843038636586528162016-09-20T21:06:00.001+01:002016-09-20T21:06:33.106+01:00Smitten block one progress<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/2LN38J" title="20160919-P1450597"><img alt="20160919-P1450597" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8427/29783495206_a68fc1cce6_z.jpg" width="600" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
So two weeks in and I have completed my first two blocks. I am not sure if they really go together but I am just ploughing onwards. I swapped out a few fabrics as I came to do each hexagon. I just felt that I needed a more subtle colour to go on the outer ring.<br />
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I laid out all my bright colours and went a bit blind. Really? That bright? Hmmm. I kept laying them out in different combos then finally opted for a grey low volume to go with it all to bring the brightness down a bit.
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Block one<br />
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Was it a good idea? not sure, but it does frame the cog shape quite well.<br />
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I decided to experiment with some different techniques. I sew basted each element first which takes a bit longer than gluing but allows for a bit more manipulation when sewing them together. However, I found that it was quite hard lining the elements up. I made a bit of a dog's dinner of some bits.<br />
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Pink and yellow give it a real pop. Too bright? perhaps. We'll see how it comes together. Overall, it all came together in the end and I love the rainy theme of the fabrics. But can you see how my section on the left doesn't line up? Was that because of my loose sew basting? Perhaps. I have no idea.<br />
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Block two<br />
I glue basted this time using my Roxanne glue. It's pretty great! A bit messier than the sewline glue pen but still easy to use. I just hope it comes off at the end! I also swapped out my needle. Hirosihima for block one, Black gold for block two. I do think that the black gold needles go through my finger pad quite easily which is annoying, but overall they just glide through like butter and are my preference.<br />
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The Superior thread is brilliant. There's no turning back from that. I think I will be buying more of that. On reflection I probably only need an off white neutral thread for it all in future.<br />
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On the whole I was a lot more accurate with my piecing but I still fudged some bits. Look at that fumble above. Cripes. Oh well, I am sure I will get better with practice. Overall, I am a bit worried that the grey outer section is a little dull and will stand out too much. We shall see.<br />
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I am just starting block three! I have decided to ditch the less saturated outer ring rule and am just going for it. I had to buy a new angle poise light from <a href="http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/products/lighting/work-lamps/fors%C3%A5-work-lamp-black-art-80106012/">Ikea</a> specially so I can piece in front of the telly. It's just a bit too dark otherwise.<br />
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That's all for now. Back to watching the Bake Off...Jaypeghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589736770596118070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21988738.post-20387203606213114972016-09-03T10:23:00.001+01:002016-10-08T20:10:16.797+01:00Smitten Hexagon One<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/1x134b" title="20160903-P1450480"><img alt="20160903-P1450480" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8043/29386661386_aaae323e44_z.jpg" width="600"></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br>
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Let the Smitten commence! Here I am being very organised as usual. I have sifted and sifted through my stash, thinking about the first block. You have to make five of these. I spent ages choosing. I sort of chose everything in the end. Another technicolor train crash coming up! I am filled with doubt over my choices so they might well change but you have to start somewhere. I have tried to choose colours from the main pattern fabric where possible. I found @Laura_Zuckerkuss instagram feed very inspirational. Her latest colour palette of pink and peach is so great! She labels all her fabrics so i bought some of the Cotton & Steel fabrics she is currently using. Maybe it will inject me with some subtelty and taste?<br>
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Choice 1 – Itsy Bitsy Spider by Heather Ross<br>
These were my Birmingham choices. I really like how bright and sunny they are. I might need a darker purple in there, we'll see. But this is how I plan to start.<br>
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Choice 2 – Tigerlily by Heather Ross<br>
I am not sure if the yellow flowers will work well in the small diamond shapes but it is quite nice to keep to the fabric range.<br>
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Choice 3 – Catnap by Lizzy House<br>
I picked up this catnap fabric in the bargain bin at Empress Mills, along with the lovely purple grey solid. I think this combo will make a very tasteful block as it is all colours from the main Catnap fabric.<br>
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Choice 4 – Medocino by Heather Ross<br>
I've been hoarding this fabric, waiting for the perfect time to use it.<br>
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Choice 5 – Unicorn Far Far Away by Heather Ross<br>
I am not totally sure about the pink on the end. I think a plain might go well in here. Maybe a yellow. We'll see.<br>
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So those are my fabrics for block 1! There's a bit of a Heather Ross bias going on I know.<br>
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I made a colouring in <a href="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/513087/downloads/Smitten-block-1.pdf.zip">diagram</a> in the hope that it might help me plan out my fabrics better. Already I can see that to achieve that darker frame I might have to rethink some of my choices. It also is good to look at when you are mindlessly sewing the units together.<br>
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Here is a link to Sew Lux' <a href="http://sewlux.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/smitten-quilt-along-large-block-one.html">sew-a-long</a>. I think the error she is talking about has been corrected, plus she is machine sewing whereas I think we are all not, but it's always good to see what other people have been doing.<br>
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I have decided to aim for creating one block a week and see how I go. I have no idea how long they really take. But a slow, easy pace works best for me. I found the Farmer's Wife pace quite gruelling!<br>
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So five blocks over the next five weeks. I'll probably change my mind about my fabrics completely as all I seem to do is sift through the <a href="https://uk.pinterest.com/jaypeg/smitten/">Smitten Pinterest board</a> changing my mind! Also there is a <a href="https://www.flickr.com/groups/smittenquilt">Flickr group</a>.<br>
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Now I just need to dig out my Marti Mitchell templates and start cutting into my precious fabric! It's birthday weekend here for Penelope so I doubt I will start until that is over as I have to make cake and wrap presents in the evening. Roll on Monday!Jaypeghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589736770596118070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21988738.post-47963867157995017212016-08-27T23:37:00.000+01:002016-08-28T14:33:10.370+01:00What I bought<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/jaypeg/74142D" title="IMG_4343"><img alt="IMG_4343" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8258/28647791003_905251af1f_z.jpg" width="600"></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br>
This year I went a little crazy. Forgive the slightly skewed shot. I was knackered by this point. It feels like a big haul. I went a little crazy. Not having access to a quilt shop just makes me go giddy when I see all this stuff that I can only ever access online. I loved just browsing! I feel bad. I bought a lot of stuff! I didn't quite plan to. The way I like to rationalise it is like this: if it was on your shopping list then it's a fair purchase. If it's something for an actual project you are doing then it is a good purchase. If it's a spur of the moment purchase for a new project then it's LAVISH. If it's not even for a project but you just like it then it is WELL LAVISH.<br>
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Let's see how I did...<br>
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I bought some things for my new travelling <a href="http://biscuitmonster.blogspot.co.uk/2016/07/preparing-for-smitten.html">EPP bag</a> for the Smitten project. As it's all preplanned and for a project it's a fair purchase. I bought a small rotary cutter which I had been after ever since I started watching Sue Daley's <a href="http://www.suedaleydesigns.com/tag/suedaleydesigns-youtube-channel/">YouTube</a> channel. In her <a href="http://www.suedaleydesigns.com/my-top-10-tips-for-english-paper-piecing/">Top Tips for Paper Piecing</a> she talks about the tools that she uses and this is one. I bought a small ruler of my favourite kind which fits in my little bag perfectly. I am pretty happy about that. And a new thread cutter for 50p. I keep losing mine.<br>
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I also bought some Superior Bottom Line Thread that she recommends. They were doing a special on them at the show. Three for two. I am unsure about them. I will gauge them against my Mettler thread and see how I feel. They are on Su Daley's list of EPP must haves though so I am bowing to the guru.<br>
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I also bought some Hiroshima Needles. Luckily the Clover stall had examples out of all the needles.<br>
I got the <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00OY17QEO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=B00OY17QEO&linkCode=as2&tag=biscuitmonste-21" rel="nofollow">Tulip Applique Needles 6/Pkg-Size 10 Big Eye</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=biscuitmonste-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B00OY17QEO" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1"> ones they recommended but they also gave out free sample packs of other needles. First impressions tell me that my <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002HD6KQ6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=B002HD6KQ6&linkCode=as2&tag=biscuitmonste-21" rel="nofollow">Clover Black Gold Needles Applique/ Sharps Assorted</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=biscuitmonste-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B002HD6KQ6" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1">
are thinner, smaller and sharper and more my thing, but we'll see. The wider eye on the needle is great and maybe a slightly thicker needle will stop my thread shredding. I am looking forward to seeing how the new thread performs.<br>
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I also bought some of the tulip pins which was totally LAVISH. But they were so beguiling. Mum was buying some and I knew I would be so jealous. They look great on my new pincushion. I really don't need them at all.<br>
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I bought three patterns, well two really as one was my birthday present from mum. She got me the Bring me Flowers pattern which I have wanted for ages. I am not 100% about the full quilt, but I love the individual blocks which people do. Seeing <a href="http://verykerryberry.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/bring-me-flowers-and-needles.html">Kerry's</a> has got me into it. It's a backburner project for a rainy day.<br>
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I also bought a Sew Enchanting mini dresden plate pattern which was totally spur of the moment. I have no idea what fabrics I would even do it in. I love the odd shaped hexes and the embroidered letters. I think I would use totally different fabrics but I have no idea what. Maybe Liberty or just my scrap bag. Or tasteful solids. Oooh, I have no idea.<br>
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And I bought a <a href="http://janetclare.co.uk/">Janet Clare</a> sewing kit pattern along with a small charm pack of her Wordsmith range for Moda and a fat quarter of one of her text prints just in case. I am glad I had the extra fat quarter as there are only just enough blocks and I needed to substitute some<i> </i>one I had laid them all out. I also bought a lovely fat quarter of soft calico from The Shuttle to use as lining and another text print from a different range which I thought I could use for something someday. This is going to be a Christmas make present so it didn't feel that lavish.<br>
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Fabricwise my biggest splurge was at The Eternal Maker which I ended up visiting multiple times. It's such a great shop! I didn't really need that much more fabric for my Smitten, but it's nice to shop for it. So now I have lots of stripes and yellows and pinks to add to my stash. I love the itsy bitsy spider fabric, that will be the centre of the first hexagon I think. I am eager to get started. I want to lay out all my fabrics and choose the first hexagon fabrics then settle into some autumn nights on the sofa surrounded by all my kit.<br>
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The other thing I bought for this project was some <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002FHXUAI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=B002FHXUAI&linkCode=as2&tag=biscuitmonste-21" rel="nofollow">Colonial Needle 2 oz "Glue-Baste-It" The Basting Glue for Fabric</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=biscuitmonste-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B002FHXUAI" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1">. See on the bottom right? It has a superfine tip which means you can use less glue. I have found removing the papers from the sewline glue pen a bit hard. I need to use less glue, so I thought this might help. Now I feel ready!<br>
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Not forgetting the Farmer's Wife though. I did manage to buy some cheap backing fabric from Fabrics Galore. The grey stripe will look perfect. I considered grey seersucker from The Shuttle but it is hard to work with as it never lies flat so I kept it simple. I also stocked up on some simple grey fabric as I didn't find all the neutral fat quarters at The Shuttle this year which I find so invaluable so this single grey will have to do instead.<br>
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Speaking of The Shuttle, it is now a major stop off for me as I always use their fat quarters of plain fabric. They are finer and thinner than regular cotton, percale at a guess but they are lovely to work with and go really soft. I used all my last lot in my Farmer's Wife so this year I got a big batch. It's still a great price: 4 for £5. Result! I'd really like to do some small just plain projects this year so I might use the greens to make a cushion or something. An idea is gently brewing.<br>
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I also swung by Kaffe Fassett to just look at his lovely shot cottons. I didn't quite have a project in mind this year though so I ended up buying none! Luckily there was a Fair Trade stall selling very similar fabrics by the fat quarter so I got some of those. They are so lovely. I think they would make great little flying geese or mini square in an Amish inspired purse or something. Mum said I could make something for her out of them so maybe I will get my act together in time for Christmas. When something can be turned into an xmas present I always feel better about the purchase. I love homemade xmas presents, they are such a rarity these days.<br>
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My final purchase on the last day was this cool fabric from The Eternal Maker. I did the classic thing of seeing what someone else was buying and falling in love with it all. In the end I had to get her (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/surfseasew/">Gill</a>) to show me where everything was and we became Instagram friends! Hark at me! It makes me want to go to a quilt retreat and meet other people who get excited about fabric. I need to dork out!<br>
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And lastly, I did spend a long time looking at books. It was nice to leaf through ones I see other people buy. The only one I was really tempted by was <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1600852599/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=1600852599&linkCode=as2&tag=biscuitmonste-21" rel="nofollow">Kaffe Fassett's Quilt Romance </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=biscuitmonste-21&l=as2&o=2&a=1600852599" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1">
but mostly because I love the pickledish pattern from the cover. I keep watching <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BJVvDnjAv1y/?taken-by=marysdugan">Mary's</a> one and really like it. The rest of the book was not really to my liking though so I held off. I'd really just like to buy a cheap second hand copy but there don't seem to be any. I will just have to do my best alone!<br>
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So there you have it! a big haul. I have just spent the last year making an epic sampler quilt though, so I feel I have slaved enough to earn it. Obvs, the fact that it's pretty wonky and every, yes every block has too big outside seams meaning none of the points will match up, is beside the point. When I get home from summer hols, it's time to baste the Farmer's Wife and start the Smitten.<br>
<br>Jaypeghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589736770596118070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21988738.post-36416479338759698762016-08-20T21:27:00.000+01:002016-08-27T21:34:29.403+01:00The Festival Quilts 2016<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jaypeg/28835467292/in/dateposted/" title="Festival of Quilts 2016"><img alt="Festival of Quilts 2016" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8861/28835467292_0b2bd584b0_z.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>Well The Royal Festival of Quilts was epic once again. We decided to go Thursday/Friday this year as we have never done that before. I was so excited! The biggest change this year was that the second hall had really filled up and didn't feel like the forgotten about add on hall. It actually felt nicer to be in and more spacious. I reckon it has become the better hall.<br />
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It was pretty jam-packed on the Thursday, a bit less so on the Friday so not there's not much difference people wise from weekday to weekend. But it felt good being there on the first day when everyone was fresh and you knew you were seeing everything first.<br />
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There were loads of offers and cool things. I felt a bit overwhelmed at the start. We just wondered around wide-eyed. I wish I had got the Lucy Boston special from Paper Pieces... maybe next year. It was amazing just to be able to look at everything properly rather then be shopping online. More about what I bought later.<br />
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And look at these great bundles from The Contented Cat. It's so hard. I am tempted by everything. I see some people who just buy one thing or just go to look at the quilts and I am awed by their restraint. I just want everything! I usually prefer the quilts on display at the stalls because then I know it is within my grasp to make them so I have a lot of pictures of those. Many stall holders don't like it. I guess they are selling the patterns for these quilts and don't want people to copy them, but I love to look back and remember them and look up the various stall holder's shops and rack up another potential project image on Pinterest.
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As for quilts. I always like to check out the miniature quilts. Look! They are so tiny! I was trying to note down people's names so I could credit them, but, well... I just can't sort it all out, so it's just pictures of nice things that caught my eye.<br />
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Look at these beautiful fabrics. They look so delicate and oldy worldy. And they are mostly fussy cut which I wasn't going to do with my Smitten quilt as I sometimes feel it gives off a fractal appearance which messes with my mind but this is just lovely. It makes me eager to get started.<br />
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I love the little donuts and the warm colour palette. I just think this could be really nice in shot cotton solids. It's a Monkey Buttons pattern called <a href="http://www.monkeybuttons.com/sunset-530-p.asp">Sunset</a>.<br />
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There was a great plastic piecing stall. The pieces were ridiculously tiny; I love the samples on the walls – so pretty.<br />
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But back to the exhibition quilts. They were mega. Look at this! It was huge. It's just so much work. I am always awed.<br />
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These were all the antique quilts which always catch my eye. They are wonky and threadbare and just beautiful. I love the old fabrics, they work so well.<br />
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So pretty. I love the pink stripe in the centre.<br />
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I love the mix of purples, pinks and peaches.<br />
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And there were a few Farmer's Wife quilts. Look at this one all in yellow! It is so well done. Mine looks like it was made by a monkey in comparison.<br />
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I love the colours here. They are so sophisticated and mellow. I seem to always make rainbow car crashes when really all I want to do is make tasteful quilts. This looks so soft! I think this was my favourite quilt!<br />
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I loved all the sampler quilts that were cropping up. I spent a long time looking at individual blocks and working out which were my favourites. It's great to see them in the flesh. All in all a great show.<br />
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On a more modern note...<br />
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I love the colours<br />
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I love the randomness combined with the Alison Glass fabric<br />
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I love the colours and the quilting.Jaypeghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12589736770596118070noreply@blogger.com0