tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291458028369869412024-03-06T03:03:49.446+01:00Life's Rich PatternTales of a 40something discovering her creative side while living in the MaghrebAnnabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02806122680540977875noreply@blogger.comBlogger444125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129145802836986941.post-51425412052404962762015-08-05T18:00:00.002+01:002015-08-05T18:00:53.767+01:00A Handpieced Mini Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYOxLiDDX_qfwUahtKgX9-zfQVmTrGZJdmcD_fba_xgJ2PIs-m5_WF7ei9zOcDJ8UceXKrxmxSS5LJLrQbWQDwblm4lntt5efSk4CjqzoT0oXkun9bzllzNyNFuMsjdkDH2qp93WsKDo/s1600/image+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYOxLiDDX_qfwUahtKgX9-zfQVmTrGZJdmcD_fba_xgJ2PIs-m5_WF7ei9zOcDJ8UceXKrxmxSS5LJLrQbWQDwblm4lntt5efSk4CjqzoT0oXkun9bzllzNyNFuMsjdkDH2qp93WsKDo/s640/image+%25281%2529.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-MhrPSo4HX_jorETh7OgIse-E5yFHr324eCY_rN17aSzqRlRD45TrW3LHAzhN8lvO1x3T1aTySOF_aGOhrglT7sPLRvSF2ojVwtbVTVBTf8EK32nWxAyNN5VSUOAuEE3EwiEHB2b2hI/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-MhrPSo4HX_jorETh7OgIse-E5yFHr324eCY_rN17aSzqRlRD45TrW3LHAzhN8lvO1x3T1aTySOF_aGOhrglT7sPLRvSF2ojVwtbVTVBTf8EK32nWxAyNN5VSUOAuEE3EwiEHB2b2hI/s640/image.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBNlOWFSVqySNrHRIXj_t9chbRsR7lFOX4yygjFx6WsUpi23X1HiCRVQTLw__Rj_pjFPeZXg4RxM1HrNwaC-upebkvzMR6nH5oDGESrQ9_MIlc53T-8TQ7Tdl72iN9Yqf5dllwAeHn1RI/s1600/image+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBNlOWFSVqySNrHRIXj_t9chbRsR7lFOX4yygjFx6WsUpi23X1HiCRVQTLw__Rj_pjFPeZXg4RxM1HrNwaC-upebkvzMR6nH5oDGESrQ9_MIlc53T-8TQ7Tdl72iN9Yqf5dllwAeHn1RI/s640/image+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Three months ago I signed up for <a href="http://lifeinlists.typepad.com/">Jo's</a> #handpiecedminiswap on Instagram. I thought it might rejig my mojo. My partner, <a href="http://poppymakes.blogspot.co.uk/">Fiona</a> said she liked 1930s style fabrics in traditional designs. I EPP'd the central panel using 1 1/2" diamonds and Fresh Air by American Jane - using these fabrics took me <i>well</i> out of my comfort zone and I struggled at first to put them together. But in the end, I think I <i>just</i> succeeded. <br />
<br />
<b><i>Mini Quilt Stats</i></b><br />
<i>Central Panel: Fresh Air by American Jane</i><br />
<i>Background Fabric - pale yellow dot </i><br />
<i>Binding: Fresh Air</i><br />
<i>Size: 25" x 25"</i>Annabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02806122680540977875noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129145802836986941.post-91500970156546972522015-02-09T10:29:00.000+00:002015-02-09T10:29:12.028+00:00Time Flies...Just over 3 years ago, I tried my hand for the first time at curved piecing and made a Drunkards Path panel using a charm pack of Kate Spain's Central Park. <a href="http://www.kechquilts.blogspot.com/2011/11/drunk-in-central-park.html">It was a success but it was small.</a><br />
<br />
Over the years....don't ask me when....I added some white sashing and a scrappy border of some of my favourite fabrics.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-3QEXTsV2VYjTEIM2Bt4Y9jcNpXGI3Ku9TDHPJBdCks5qWCNyR0dh7V3UrN6c4oBv96b9QZNsbenPjVJObO4afHtwEC91oNA07Dt2Hg6_ZXYj4JLL6E_f9Q7TLfKgWObzW4MFTPzJtM/s1600/FullSizeRender+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-3QEXTsV2VYjTEIM2Bt4Y9jcNpXGI3Ku9TDHPJBdCks5qWCNyR0dh7V3UrN6c4oBv96b9QZNsbenPjVJObO4afHtwEC91oNA07Dt2Hg6_ZXYj4JLL6E_f9Q7TLfKgWObzW4MFTPzJtM/s1600/FullSizeRender+(1).jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTn2rJftGNzzuYxjqrKl6thSPpQ_OVB1bWoQlyfPH5Fb2iokTxGY8BUBCSZBby9ic0X9zp-DSMrV2ADsHf4nyhv-4qMMx67PMgsm9Hj53OOynSA5YZu88c1vwybBaKAapJo5ucDI2GaKc/s1600/FullSizeRender+(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTn2rJftGNzzuYxjqrKl6thSPpQ_OVB1bWoQlyfPH5Fb2iokTxGY8BUBCSZBby9ic0X9zp-DSMrV2ADsHf4nyhv-4qMMx67PMgsm9Hj53OOynSA5YZu88c1vwybBaKAapJo5ucDI2GaKc/s1600/FullSizeRender+(3).jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Back in to the WiP wilderness it went before I rescued it and added some more sashing and a last scrappy border of Central Park and some of Anna Maria Horner's True Colors.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM1w967wsbTTiA6G22f6r8lxKIsBTTT6IT5JN_C3m7AR2UgWXSh1Zpj21293x6IQpo2rwuITswwBV3GBGyeXdYBihPxyKQ6E5j4hS-RFsRykIty-LsUdrNsW7-d6wwjkn-cYXXQGsDBjw/s1600/FullSizeRender+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM1w967wsbTTiA6G22f6r8lxKIsBTTT6IT5JN_C3m7AR2UgWXSh1Zpj21293x6IQpo2rwuITswwBV3GBGyeXdYBihPxyKQ6E5j4hS-RFsRykIty-LsUdrNsW7-d6wwjkn-cYXXQGsDBjw/s1600/FullSizeRender+(2).jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I did a pieced back using some Amy Butler and Anna Maria Horner fabrics which I picked up at bargain prices over the holidays....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBXZsqS9V29CdqeAXHyZhYB4Ljw-WbyvX7l37HKtFCDPeQ9OagAQPxuWNGOw9371maF42KeA99xjeNp8OI1VGH1VNK5kUnoJAjHPUx0tb0rNSAAB3M-PLFpb63szdxp5VhqGPvkVCgKM/s1600/IMG_1033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBXZsqS9V29CdqeAXHyZhYB4Ljw-WbyvX7l37HKtFCDPeQ9OagAQPxuWNGOw9371maF42KeA99xjeNp8OI1VGH1VNK5kUnoJAjHPUx0tb0rNSAAB3M-PLFpb63szdxp5VhqGPvkVCgKM/s1600/IMG_1033.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
....quilted it with some organic straight lines about 1" apart and bound it with some more True Colors.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbGFs7HY8cIxE1JwZ59N52il6d9W7ke9h5ICRAd4DcBiaHBMuOSNSgZ9dgcr2YNh7OmKqjmMzt7j1y7FENefD0BkRQ6ONwvg-dy8HLYDX5cQHb5ra2a1xFa4rklEu2tXYvd3W67GCg7Lg/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbGFs7HY8cIxE1JwZ59N52il6d9W7ke9h5ICRAd4DcBiaHBMuOSNSgZ9dgcr2YNh7OmKqjmMzt7j1y7FENefD0BkRQ6ONwvg-dy8HLYDX5cQHb5ra2a1xFa4rklEu2tXYvd3W67GCg7Lg/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Et voila! A baby/girl quilt for this little sweetie - my niece, Amina. She is my youngest sister-in-law's baby who I first met when she was just nine year's old and here she is all grown up 16 years later with her own baby.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEUkKljWdQscFE3VIOSK1j4xPs6BNQ0CijMaZz4qxFtX6A9Mw4nA9NLyKPFwEhJlUnAcWJQUTdQGdFTz7SdXjaTmueiV7dMVTkaXxeij2zuNVG0vFLrovpGtILoJh40JTNUXUJeg7fPmY/s1600/DSCN5566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEUkKljWdQscFE3VIOSK1j4xPs6BNQ0CijMaZz4qxFtX6A9Mw4nA9NLyKPFwEhJlUnAcWJQUTdQGdFTz7SdXjaTmueiV7dMVTkaXxeij2zuNVG0vFLrovpGtILoJh40JTNUXUJeg7fPmY/s1600/DSCN5566.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I hope she'll enjoy kicking her legs while lying in the centre and later sitting and playing with her toys on it. I hope she'll drag it around and it will be a quilt she can grow in to. For me, well it's a first finish in a long time and a first finish for 2015.<br />
<br />
<br />Annabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02806122680540977875noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129145802836986941.post-65788567634869746402014-10-02T11:37:00.003+01:002014-10-02T11:37:38.245+01:00Thoroughly Modern Maples (Marrakech Edition)It's autumn. My favourite season. It always has been - from my childhood when I grew up in leafy Warwickshire to my life now when it signals the end at last to months of extreme heat.<br />
<br />
Back in April, I asked my wonderful Stitch Tease gals to make maple blocks for my second round. I wanted my own bit of fall in a country where there are only two seasons.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptF_i-elmsljIfqwvzrnK5ag7CCbPg1JirdAyJoDq15NUwS11vJz6H0i9V_EXkwBEB3A2TrFb0lPX2jejOHM5_DetIli99-YTOVmB8xYToD_9lIfgpDHYLPG7o_9YoIC8wMXX1Mci_kU/s1600/DSCN5443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptF_i-elmsljIfqwvzrnK5ag7CCbPg1JirdAyJoDq15NUwS11vJz6H0i9V_EXkwBEB3A2TrFb0lPX2jejOHM5_DetIli99-YTOVmB8xYToD_9lIfgpDHYLPG7o_9YoIC8wMXX1Mci_kU/s1600/DSCN5443.jpg" height="640" width="514" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I suggested <a href="http://allpatchedupblog.blogspot.com/2013/01/maple-leaf-block-tutorial.html">this tutorial</a> for a 12¨ finished block but left them to make smaller blocks if they preferred. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhby18kiTY8yEgf4VWLVJl1eLv5pI1UucT90t0age1mYjFyWaHtdHazJkWlFe2uw9czUBFWyOjUvw20peZJeVjiN7pUcFiSKTnPIUqPkQa49bVfhALBytUT0ZF3uwexSzNenuazx0V4350/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhby18kiTY8yEgf4VWLVJl1eLv5pI1UucT90t0age1mYjFyWaHtdHazJkWlFe2uw9czUBFWyOjUvw20peZJeVjiN7pUcFiSKTnPIUqPkQa49bVfhALBytUT0ZF3uwexSzNenuazx0V4350/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" height="128" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
There are some great variations in Lynne and Kerry's 500 Quilt Blocks. I asked for one block in traditional fall colours and the second in jewel tones - both scrappy with low volume backgrounds.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVl9qrVtAtzHYLr1znEP3j7XWOP7jLrcELGAVvmLDWuAXjeetpZnpBPio1JkyFnHogF2KuNVmm8iydXzZreu1GNPlre2O6bCKBWiyxQqxucslvxQPa5OQ-zh3V6PUVqOCizxZkAXqn14/s1600/DSCN5445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVl9qrVtAtzHYLr1znEP3j7XWOP7jLrcELGAVvmLDWuAXjeetpZnpBPio1JkyFnHogF2KuNVmm8iydXzZreu1GNPlre2O6bCKBWiyxQqxucslvxQPa5OQ-zh3V6PUVqOCizxZkAXqn14/s1600/DSCN5445.jpg" height="388" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
They sent the most beautiful blocks but summer quickly arrived and they were packed away.<br />
<br />
Before we left for England in August, I made some improv. pieced low volume filler blocks and assembled them with the maple blocks in a random arrangement to give the impression of falling leaves.<br />
<br />
Fast forward to last month when I basted and quilted it using organic wavy overlapping vertical rows every couple of inches. The batting is my favourite Dream Orient - it has a beautiful drape.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQMoMtI2B5ELz40k3qoMQrQx6BDRCf6-Sun5U-3CUBdslGIQRIBEYN8RVEE_fIzxwLDzYokKA1Wv_kbVww_7hBWIg1beeURwD7ROnUpHQ0CXzPYCwmYI5Qbh5rM7_GDt3awtWLzE_1MC8/s1600/DSCN5463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQMoMtI2B5ELz40k3qoMQrQx6BDRCf6-Sun5U-3CUBdslGIQRIBEYN8RVEE_fIzxwLDzYokKA1Wv_kbVww_7hBWIg1beeURwD7ROnUpHQ0CXzPYCwmYI5Qbh5rM7_GDt3awtWLzE_1MC8/s1600/DSCN5463.jpg" height="490" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The backing is something I picked up in a <a href="http://www.pinkcastlefabrics.com/">Pink Castle</a> $6 yard sale - it's Honeycomb in Sunglow by Freespirit and is very pretty. The binding is a yellow chevron. I wanted a paleish binding which allowed the leaves to be free rather than a dark binding which would frame them.<br />
<br />
There was a bit of 'accidental perfection' with the last mitered corner.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYgPgvFJnebQk4-cj6g1mblxirpnQ9wJUBjiOYCnwzOOXX1Kjb07pHE0i8MGnxNq61sbe5gAj7bxDCeQ4ElNor9LUhdku5AstvOoMGdmz9I9D0UFCIgoIpK0dZatl4dCGCNLjK0TXYtQ/s1600/DSCN5456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYgPgvFJnebQk4-cj6g1mblxirpnQ9wJUBjiOYCnwzOOXX1Kjb07pHE0i8MGnxNq61sbe5gAj7bxDCeQ4ElNor9LUhdku5AstvOoMGdmz9I9D0UFCIgoIpK0dZatl4dCGCNLjK0TXYtQ/s1600/DSCN5456.jpg" height="458" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Thank you so much to my bee mates <a href="http://www.runquiltknitwrite.com/">Helen</a>, <a href="http://flyingblindonarocketcycle.blogspot.com/">Hadley</a>, <a href="http://canadianabroad-susan.blogspot.com/">Susan</a>, <a href="http://www.the-littlest-thistle.com/">Katy</a>, <a href="http://heartofcharnwood.blogspot.com/">Ange</a>, <a href="http://www.randomthoughtsdoordi.com/">Di</a>, <a href="http://quiltova.blogspot.com/">Dianne</a>, <a href="http://betweenquilts.blogspot.com/">Val</a>, <a href="http://cindyloussouthernsewing.blogspot.com/">Cindy</a>, <a href="http://www.knotted-thread.com/">Jennifer</a> and <a href="http://www.trinapeterson.com/">Trina</a> for the beautiful blocks they made.<br />
<br />
Now I have my small bit of fall - Marrakech style!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tu7yAL4e0kgUI0vvjUfEz8yUz6GJAWZ795NCOmER69Eqrics9z7PnDDtF3oowhRcVmo3inL9rrUM7i2eQMMBjmLqLevrTt804gHOdlobB7h9jgWGAQj_8rB5-B7EyAO3N71tgXcEKic/s1600/DSCN5453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tu7yAL4e0kgUI0vvjUfEz8yUz6GJAWZ795NCOmER69Eqrics9z7PnDDtF3oowhRcVmo3inL9rrUM7i2eQMMBjmLqLevrTt804gHOdlobB7h9jgWGAQj_8rB5-B7EyAO3N71tgXcEKic/s1600/DSCN5453.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We're now in the third round of Stitch Tease and it was my month again in September. The blocks have started to arrive and they are amazing. I may have caused my bee mates some pain in making them for which I'm sorry - I'll show you them another day and the colour palette may surprise you!<br />
<br />
For now I shall link up with Lynne's <a href="http://lilysquilts.blogspot.com/2014/10/fresh-sewing-day-and-small-blog-meet.html">Fresh Sewing Day</a>.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://lilysquilts.blogspot.co.uk/" title="Fresh Sewing Day"><img alt="Fresh Sewing Day" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcS3SbFaryIeXjG_Bv6a87gA3Ej6DPbmsD4wgUJPJGp0FgHLCdfO3o_gPDKqhSRvHZ1OboZCjuxnNa7CkPHU1qCRdRSY2ZysdBtNt3YRN0dXsK-gnxR9XnhMX5t4wjUeslPy35-KNo7EQ/s1600/Untitled+Drawing-1.png" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Annabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02806122680540977875noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129145802836986941.post-28583002656547009122014-09-29T16:51:00.003+01:002014-09-29T16:51:42.929+01:00Been Around the World......and I, I, I...<br />
<br />
So it's my turn on the Around the World blog hop. Thank you to the lovely <a href="http://sewmeblog.blogspot.com/">Sarah at Sew Me</a> who nominated me to answer a few questions.<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>What am I working on? </i></b><br />
<br />
I usually have a combination of machine and hand quilting projects on the go at any one time (most of which take <i>quite</i> a while to complete) with there always being one main project.<br />
<br />
I've just finished quilting my low volume scrappy Modern Maples quilt and the binding is on so a finish is on the horizon! This quilt was assembled from blocks made by my talented Stitch Tease bee mates.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmO5epYAI6K0BGzoTZKr9AHfLpIbhMehohdb9kLkp3UdhINIMfefQnxJuWbiXltDwA0P15_L6uC0H9e4wxfl_2cVzjHQ5FVsvfzfXc2XdCEgxrgcCKnlhQxHS1n76P70ceRdCXNiFZYc4/s1600/DSCN5440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmO5epYAI6K0BGzoTZKr9AHfLpIbhMehohdb9kLkp3UdhINIMfefQnxJuWbiXltDwA0P15_L6uC0H9e4wxfl_2cVzjHQ5FVsvfzfXc2XdCEgxrgcCKnlhQxHS1n76P70ceRdCXNiFZYc4/s1600/DSCN5440.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Low Volume Scrappy Modern Maples</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><i>How does my work differ from others of its genre?</i></b><br />
<br />
Oh it doesn't really differ at all. I'm not a trail blazer - I leave that to others, but I do believe my makes reflect my surroundings in that they usually consist of very warm and saturated colours. Shy and retiring they are not. I do wonder whether if I lived in say Stockholm, my quilts would be made from pale blues,greens and neutrals. I'd like to think so.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-dooZqmlo3hayYlv30Q66vL0TBTepMtT4D4bC-Vbz0QwU1qXagJAy0AmmST8iaVPTc2HRl_-v0ceQy8QgL1rTLdwZXcdZBH93sM9xDBBIC0wMVO-fFHyLo0UJC3eiVIDK44gP3WPadgPq/s1600/DSCF0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-dooZqmlo3hayYlv30Q66vL0TBTepMtT4D4bC-Vbz0QwU1qXagJAy0AmmST8iaVPTc2HRl_-v0ceQy8QgL1rTLdwZXcdZBH93sM9xDBBIC0wMVO-fFHyLo0UJC3eiVIDK44gP3WPadgPq/s1600/DSCF0004.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Field Study Triangle quilt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5KnwKQzTOZTzqf-MhGFJ2Km0ulT2c1KnobnuObj1Idey-7Tvpqhvej3L8aiPfW5-HyODkAkIXGZuc3FedZaGYvAyjj6YaPd66mLYJtiu2bo1xEDYZKs4k6Tls7ksxTJFlXSQuXw06HA/s1600/DSCF9197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5KnwKQzTOZTzqf-MhGFJ2Km0ulT2c1KnobnuObj1Idey-7Tvpqhvej3L8aiPfW5-HyODkAkIXGZuc3FedZaGYvAyjj6YaPd66mLYJtiu2bo1xEDYZKs4k6Tls7ksxTJFlXSQuXw06HA/s1600/DSCF9197.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scrappy Trip around the World</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN59BvUcT-sqidL3dtnE7vpMme0eAUJzVJkxQp7IJaU0zQ54AovPZjzNLSvsWDx32eUxj3QqX0i0iIPR9-479hrRHkW9ssDb9dIdOfmzIQzYQJy9tKYlsN17-zkHWaXOmRumDChyknOkE/s1600/DSCN5097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN59BvUcT-sqidL3dtnE7vpMme0eAUJzVJkxQp7IJaU0zQ54AovPZjzNLSvsWDx32eUxj3QqX0i0iIPR9-479hrRHkW9ssDb9dIdOfmzIQzYQJy9tKYlsN17-zkHWaXOmRumDChyknOkE/s1600/DSCN5097.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna Maria Horner Drawing Room Plus quilt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<i><b>Why do I write/create what I do?</b></i><br />
I rediscovered sewing a few years ago after my mum sent me a layer cake, a ruler and a rotary cutter - having not done any sewing since I was a teenager when I used to make my own clothes. Like many,quilting was love at first stitch. I love the fact that you create something that is beautiful, practical and well just makes you happy.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXUIQYlYTPiy6pWwtOWDF-PwHqmeN6Hs88PGL3bO1KWs5K4H4zar1i5Uyl5y7PVFq4kql1dIVpyKf_u7rEms_HKo4JCime06bEDgZjc2Vp2I77I9ZEedzQoTYx4hTxSnYFNx4fsKbQote8/s1600/DSCF9901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXUIQYlYTPiy6pWwtOWDF-PwHqmeN6Hs88PGL3bO1KWs5K4H4zar1i5Uyl5y7PVFq4kql1dIVpyKf_u7rEms_HKo4JCime06bEDgZjc2Vp2I77I9ZEedzQoTYx4hTxSnYFNx4fsKbQote8/s1600/DSCF9901.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicopee cushion</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My blog posts usually deal with sewing and not so much my daily life although sometimes a picture of my handsome boy sneaks in..<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_WGV5zlRtfBiuHX1HmPNinTIHuSazVKyK9fBhvSvWPzY1ApDSsr6GqVcxj9_dDwriCXP0vJD3-pP03h9mtT3vMBxEZLY2WFWgZeSgWAgxq1QJXpNS1_VzE0e1Y2JrPBimJtvg5e33PIE/s1600/IMG_20140511_124104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_WGV5zlRtfBiuHX1HmPNinTIHuSazVKyK9fBhvSvWPzY1ApDSsr6GqVcxj9_dDwriCXP0vJD3-pP03h9mtT3vMBxEZLY2WFWgZeSgWAgxq1QJXpNS1_VzE0e1Y2JrPBimJtvg5e33PIE/s1600/IMG_20140511_124104.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
...and the odd photo of me in my local surroundings.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-cKpDnPZVtEcCxAgK2uV9OIlNOUiHJkmsKIPgz4wXnLHOYnQzJyA_KLsbwaiZOFewNwNBuEUU6sVeufAI6UbHLncOEnV-UuIYOMH7J0vARrPq3avxQvBLSHjH1Q2nyubFxd1mk5OZgyY/s1600/stitchtease2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-cKpDnPZVtEcCxAgK2uV9OIlNOUiHJkmsKIPgz4wXnLHOYnQzJyA_KLsbwaiZOFewNwNBuEUU6sVeufAI6UbHLncOEnV-UuIYOMH7J0vARrPq3avxQvBLSHjH1Q2nyubFxd1mk5OZgyY/s1600/stitchtease2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><i>How does my writing/creating process work? </i></b><br />
<br />
It's seldom planned and a little haphazard. Because I order everything online or bring it back from the UK, I have to use what I have or wait a few weeks. I tend to just come up with an idea and cut 5 minutes later. There's no sketching, no auditioning of fabrics - it's just grab what I have enough of, often or not and get making!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWJOM8fzPbXbHvXwgYt7x1uiuHqBqsyBI4pkrnc7FJd2DdAVyjKxo90NjP8jkXorXan5CQ7etMKV0FFrM2aUOT7w9NmAqWU02Y-tGTxLOW5HIxvnqM5qmy0S3LJ45Zucs-qHciQh0abvY/s1600/DSCN5173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWJOM8fzPbXbHvXwgYt7x1uiuHqBqsyBI4pkrnc7FJd2DdAVyjKxo90NjP8jkXorXan5CQ7etMKV0FFrM2aUOT7w9NmAqWU02Y-tGTxLOW5HIxvnqM5qmy0S3LJ45Zucs-qHciQh0abvY/s1600/DSCN5173.JPG" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
So thanks for reading along. I'm going to throw this out there to anyone who hasn't yet participated in this blog hop and wants to play - answer the questions and post next Monday October 6!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Annabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02806122680540977875noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129145802836986941.post-31473513271663012522014-09-18T16:28:00.000+01:002014-09-18T16:28:07.183+01:00OmmmSlooooooooow...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsgQDsydKYMy1OLzUAfF4Avm3GG6dlMQmhcexSCF8asKOGYE2PsDRCpHMcCABrRKFrEXXKaxIJ48u5hUQOyfCzBGpMWERosXEzTh5V2waWMDlsXl7d0HsV1tItAVKKrlihbI6shyphenhypheneN0_U/s1600/DSCN5432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsgQDsydKYMy1OLzUAfF4Avm3GG6dlMQmhcexSCF8asKOGYE2PsDRCpHMcCABrRKFrEXXKaxIJ48u5hUQOyfCzBGpMWERosXEzTh5V2waWMDlsXl7d0HsV1tItAVKKrlihbI6shyphenhypheneN0_U/s1600/DSCN5432.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amy Butler Cameo Giant Star quilt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
...that's how things have been around here.<br />
<br />
Can you hear the geckos chirping?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNUQxdBtRxW1_wjAL7hB3Ne8jXm8_jen6n2KccC_lUShX9dOe04DOYLitCJO8CTSak3eKl1Sjy3BpWbbRkjRsVcEAjZvMyIsA4esjJ-fBXycZWplkPcUn_HicL0OFI9L_2ThxG0MOdjzw/s1600/DSCN5429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNUQxdBtRxW1_wjAL7hB3Ne8jXm8_jen6n2KccC_lUShX9dOe04DOYLitCJO8CTSak3eKl1Sjy3BpWbbRkjRsVcEAjZvMyIsA4esjJ-fBXycZWplkPcUn_HicL0OFI9L_2ThxG0MOdjzw/s1600/DSCN5429.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
In between lie-ins and siestas and when temperatures have allowed, there's been kantha style quilting which.i.love<br />
<br />
I hand quilted the first two quilts I made, but had no idea about perle cotton back then and the beautiful texture this dense quilting makes.<br />
<br />
There's also been some EPP and needlepoint - which is stitching by numbers...or colours, so uber relaxing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjareetyYPPWkeH7HNrNaYci5eGtKL2hmhdtpaU1zg7BbIJLV5AebZKoRGQDaAc16ERQkkzZJUATc6BjnPu765jY92Pb3ssj4c3rqes9mn8awHeX-QxVK54lWhL5-9_I1hlytqx71MSe_Y/s1600/DSCN5435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjareetyYPPWkeH7HNrNaYci5eGtKL2hmhdtpaU1zg7BbIJLV5AebZKoRGQDaAc16ERQkkzZJUATc6BjnPu765jY92Pb3ssj4c3rqes9mn8awHeX-QxVK54lWhL5-9_I1hlytqx71MSe_Y/s1600/DSCN5435.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
But enough already, there is a conga line of quilt tops accumulating.<br />
<br />
At the top of the line is my beautiful Modern Maples quilt made by my amazingly talented bee mates in Stitch Tease - basted and ready to be quilted.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwywHE4e_uqMvYNVPivBCgshPeJnOztuNqU9pxVG2VRBwab4QX5-N_TpFKC4cIUtYzhXJjpMaTfISOTUGCpo8TPG2y69kz74tZTOgHd2CjIGqU3_TvOLo-IjmwKNqZ0IAWKt7sNy2rhyA/s1600/DSCN5437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwywHE4e_uqMvYNVPivBCgshPeJnOztuNqU9pxVG2VRBwab4QX5-N_TpFKC4cIUtYzhXJjpMaTfISOTUGCpo8TPG2y69kz74tZTOgHd2CjIGqU3_TvOLo-IjmwKNqZ0IAWKt7sNy2rhyA/s1600/DSCN5437.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Behind that and waiting for some backing fabric is my Beechwood Park and Low Volume Churndash quilt top made by another set of talented ladies in the Sew Euro Bee An bee.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDc7OsB-sXoQQe4fvd4OnS_V09sMP7-MCrW6woz98F1rZPXGSW7ql469wLBOyFlUmfCgKOtA2BNqCQy-SKvqgwA2glsC9sCuWbZI3YpTPBo2FvZQaGcQ1WUPqydu4nOS0JwiY6bsD9UE/s1600/DSCN5439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDc7OsB-sXoQQe4fvd4OnS_V09sMP7-MCrW6woz98F1rZPXGSW7ql469wLBOyFlUmfCgKOtA2BNqCQy-SKvqgwA2glsC9sCuWbZI3YpTPBo2FvZQaGcQ1WUPqydu4nOS0JwiY6bsD9UE/s1600/DSCN5439.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
...and there's at least a couple more tops and 2 sets of bee blocks waiting to be assembled.<br />
<br />
Our summer hols were spent in England. If I hadn't lent my camera memory card to my mum and then forgotten my phone in England I would share more but here's a micro taste of our lovely lovely time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPGcrGq8Iv25skmgHjIMf38c6vRt2S-2zPISaAvBN6X9gRrVtSLkFYC1ZH8HsJg4fouKy-HBHD32wneTyiZpP3FNnfL8WYse0hmDoZaPyus63WZ25zmkana5W28_MHXNWmZ0GZ4VxzyU/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPGcrGq8Iv25skmgHjIMf38c6vRt2S-2zPISaAvBN6X9gRrVtSLkFYC1ZH8HsJg4fouKy-HBHD32wneTyiZpP3FNnfL8WYse0hmDoZaPyus63WZ25zmkana5W28_MHXNWmZ0GZ4VxzyU/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
So call me the comeback kid but consider this blog back. I'm reading and commenting again and yes, there might be a finish very soon (which in this corner of the blogosphere is within the next month...)<br />
<br />Annabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02806122680540977875noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129145802836986941.post-21607076753757691052014-06-11T10:49:00.000+01:002014-06-11T10:52:45.656+01:00WiP WednesdayAfter making some progress on my orange, aqua and grey Hexy MF quilt (see below), I thought that I was <i>completely</i> justified in starting another EPP project. Well it is getting warmer and there isn't an 'r' in the month, although we are enjoying a beautiful early summer with completely tolerable temperatures...if only that would last.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJw-H5kIhsooDSN7OU88HCLZfeISRUZyeVXEAXAqoeOAakhCWcqLJvMPa-X8TnuJV4h25-RFmEwUheyguvVOgdiyls3pv2xBYxS5WIEKW6JNdBIqcI7zmMbuXSi5dLSePjDaQsQKW-2es/s1600/DSCN5211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJw-H5kIhsooDSN7OU88HCLZfeISRUZyeVXEAXAqoeOAakhCWcqLJvMPa-X8TnuJV4h25-RFmEwUheyguvVOgdiyls3pv2xBYxS5WIEKW6JNdBIqcI7zmMbuXSi5dLSePjDaQsQKW-2es/s1600/DSCN5211.jpg" height="546" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
So here are my scrappy Tanuki blocks made from 2" squares and 2" diamonds. The idea comes from Jessica Alexandrakis' fab book Quilting on the Go! The blocks will be made in to a panel approximately 18" wide (about the width above) and then pieced with neutral strips of fabric on either side.<br />
<br />
I've also made some more progress with my orange, aqua and grey hexies. It feels so good to be getting on with this project and with perhaps the end in sight. All your cheerleading here and on IG have really helped me get on.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhB_6M-WyV1eo_vQmwjWw5LKKbin9LTqBxI0sQN0gAv9o94zjvHqxC8Z3SLJMTDR4jYRA6WCvOSGcqTqFQ4bU566IroO5-_H-bszQzGg_-qs6pJH6PEfUgjgeiiMQZf7qnV8nV0xj4_fQ/s1600/DSCN5205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhB_6M-WyV1eo_vQmwjWw5LKKbin9LTqBxI0sQN0gAv9o94zjvHqxC8Z3SLJMTDR4jYRA6WCvOSGcqTqFQ4bU566IroO5-_H-bszQzGg_-qs6pJH6PEfUgjgeiiMQZf7qnV8nV0xj4_fQ/s1600/DSCN5205.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This quilt was part of <a href="http://imagingermonkey.blogspot.com/">Katy's</a> Hexy MF QAL a couple of years ago. I tracked down the posts which you can find on the <a href="http://www.fatquarterly.com/category/hexymf/">Fat Quarterly blog</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdrL0yDZPWE0xD4luTijJVmUwf80QHP1UaHlEo8IQqjJLEILrH8kWK0exkkhImJMp8Q2BRL7h7ZCqEPXI0a46ixyp6Zl6Ct3nVaZE2OH-L3E0bWe75ph4kZ3PaMBNNJV4y51qbLTjKgVE/s1600/DSCN5207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdrL0yDZPWE0xD4luTijJVmUwf80QHP1UaHlEo8IQqjJLEILrH8kWK0exkkhImJMp8Q2BRL7h7ZCqEPXI0a46ixyp6Zl6Ct3nVaZE2OH-L3E0bWe75ph4kZ3PaMBNNJV4y51qbLTjKgVE/s1600/DSCN5207.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I made my own bias binding for the stalks and it was a little tricky to appliqué exactly where I wanted it. The flowers and buds were also machine appliqued, using some leftover blocks from the main panel. So just the leaves now. These are proving slightly troublesome as you have to tuck the twiddly bit at both ends behind the leaf. I've tried both freezer paper leaves and EPP diamonds and I think I'm going to stick with the diamonds. These pictures show some of the leaves - I have a few more to make to balance up the border.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
So almost one end finished and then the other end to do.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8a2G3FkCkrokqw8M3VUaOASL8JvdqCJMAPix-D9RiiaNhdJNz9QoznXyj98iLTTq7sw1n1030l_1tr1Mvuqrhj7CQvmMw-0hyphenhyphenrYKcSwh0SQQ-GzVHPh9r4m1g6RD95keNjZ-FCbQxvUQ/s1600/DSCN5208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8a2G3FkCkrokqw8M3VUaOASL8JvdqCJMAPix-D9RiiaNhdJNz9QoznXyj98iLTTq7sw1n1030l_1tr1Mvuqrhj7CQvmMw-0hyphenhyphenrYKcSwh0SQQ-GzVHPh9r4m1g6RD95keNjZ-FCbQxvUQ/s1600/DSCN5208.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
What are you working on this week?<br />
<br />
Linking up with Lee at Freshly Pieced.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ0cqMeKIORwDA6fryWQQaR4bYri2Y2eprlDyJSj6fmZ1slBP9L5wk1_H5ydiiS6GFET6ViZZYt-e8SdamjDL3GoNx376G_6B62CT_DsTyBQUOHHxcAJRJ6-fFgK-M7x7UV0XvYzpbTSg/s1600/8253389546_fdb631e427_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ0cqMeKIORwDA6fryWQQaR4bYri2Y2eprlDyJSj6fmZ1slBP9L5wk1_H5ydiiS6GFET6ViZZYt-e8SdamjDL3GoNx376G_6B62CT_DsTyBQUOHHxcAJRJ6-fFgK-M7x7UV0XvYzpbTSg/s1600/8253389546_fdb631e427_o.jpg" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="yj6qo ajU" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; cursor: pointer; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; outline: none; padding: 10px 0px; width: 22px;">
<div aria-label="Show trimmed content" class="ajR" data-tooltip="Show trimmed content" id=":12v" role="button" style="background-color: #f1f1f1; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); clear: both; line-height: 6px; outline: none; position: relative; width: 20px;" tabindex="0">
<img class="ajT" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/images/cleardot.gif" style="background: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/ui/v1/icons/mail/ellipsis.png) no-repeat; height: 8px; opacity: 0.3; width: 20px;" /></div>
</div>
<br />
<br />Annabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02806122680540977875noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129145802836986941.post-36974880532356394592014-06-06T10:24:00.001+01:002014-06-06T10:33:23.062+01:00Window to the Soul - A Quilt for JulietteBack in 2011, I made my <a href="http://kechquilts.blogspot.com/2011/10/thursday-finish-list-spot-of.html">Marrakech Rose quilt</a> and soon after it went to live in Paris with my friend Margot's young daughter.<br />
<br />
Fast forward to a few weeks ago when Margot contacted me to see whether I would make a quilt for her other daughter, Juliette - aged 13 1/2. Juliette had seen a free <a href="http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/pdfs/Window_To_Soul_Quilt.pdf">Amy Butler pattern</a> and wanted it in exactly the same fabrics - her Organic Soul collection.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_WrI74j1UcpDyGk4Ej_YCTfoYos2nVPlH2-LHl9lml-_GK9A0MR1GSCOmHJKjvjGkk6HJm8bDIc1lRbHRz99H-yJzqLZdHbjDyLMWS0y4wRnwvmUaOTz-DS7Qd1ibMSO-xm-z08LjNog/s1600/DSCN5185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_WrI74j1UcpDyGk4Ej_YCTfoYos2nVPlH2-LHl9lml-_GK9A0MR1GSCOmHJKjvjGkk6HJm8bDIc1lRbHRz99H-yJzqLZdHbjDyLMWS0y4wRnwvmUaOTz-DS7Qd1ibMSO-xm-z08LjNog/s1600/DSCN5185.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
As this was an old line, it took a while to track down all the fabrics. Many were on sale at <a href="http://www.hawthornethreads.com/fabric/designer/amy_butler/soul_blossoms_organic_cotton/peacock_feathers_in_turquoise">Hawthorne Threads</a> (score!) but it took a couple of Etsy sellers to finalise things - and the centre fabric was ridiciulously difficult to find.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEdTtqvPBCBNcSaawgVeWxUklBRg7Hy24ggP5ChhA0jLFyPuns7VT7ZnnsvFK4fxrg7CmzT805JraDlPTjVo7E2BaRnCZt_kkrX2iLm0eCKL474l0u_5odGLmhDv5mn_I-aiW80ue6q2Q/s1600/DSCN5187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEdTtqvPBCBNcSaawgVeWxUklBRg7Hy24ggP5ChhA0jLFyPuns7VT7ZnnsvFK4fxrg7CmzT805JraDlPTjVo7E2BaRnCZt_kkrX2iLm0eCKL474l0u_5odGLmhDv5mn_I-aiW80ue6q2Q/s1600/DSCN5187.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
While it wasted quite a bit of fabric, I love the fussy cut centre and first border.<br />
<br />
The top took no time to whip up before I straight line quilted it in vertical 1" lines. That took a bit longer...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZCRYFDtBiuZy3yg5cjFjjtaQxBjJCTxX_pJExlk-iqb36Pksg1_P9XpR2n2MmOj9W9FVPyM0xmfOy6lonP3__-xhCYWVjwcI8vHqm5arTdqb0k0soriRjoWACAWfc7gGTl_gDeRLhWU0/s1600/DSCN5189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZCRYFDtBiuZy3yg5cjFjjtaQxBjJCTxX_pJExlk-iqb36Pksg1_P9XpR2n2MmOj9W9FVPyM0xmfOy6lonP3__-xhCYWVjwcI8vHqm5arTdqb0k0soriRjoWACAWfc7gGTl_gDeRLhWU0/s1600/DSCN5189.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I took these shots before rushing to the courier - I wasn't trusting this baby to the Moroccan postal system!<br />
The bright sun doesn't do these fabrics justice, as well as the shadow from the railing!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmbddj6RrEDjXNrTt7n9thBdt9ETfwl5LiVFGP8scoGxcmuiyseJWgBMlL_5QIBWaPbvVTfZYt20zD6Jw71uc0GhhUxgzKo42648DRt-u7_Df6TcSJfxdSLkrSobO_l4hURSPj00586FU/s1600/DSCN5188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmbddj6RrEDjXNrTt7n9thBdt9ETfwl5LiVFGP8scoGxcmuiyseJWgBMlL_5QIBWaPbvVTfZYt20zD6Jw71uc0GhhUxgzKo42648DRt-u7_Df6TcSJfxdSLkrSobO_l4hURSPj00586FU/s1600/DSCN5188.jpg" height="466" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I really love this quilt - it was quite difficult to part with but knowing that it lives with its warmer sister in Paris makes me happy. As does knowing this is my third finish of 2014.<br />
<br />
<b>Quit Stats</b><br />
Pattern: Amy Butler's free Window to the Soul pattern<br />
Front fabric: Amy Butler's Organic Soul collection<br />
Backing and Binding: Amy Butler's Organic Soul collection<br />
Size: 68" x 72"<br />
Batting: Dream Orient<br />
<br />
<br />Annabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02806122680540977875noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129145802836986941.post-91471615842475024992014-06-04T12:09:00.001+01:002014-06-05T09:33:27.173+01:00(Almost) Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvCoZOCohCBY3YF6n4GisSlJI9se6t8_JfiJOPc89MkToUgTIsIj6jgO997BWwZ21NbYCEKpFptHdXKMIpYL_FGPdz4l8WlSQEq9X9-dspCSBChAQf270ODD3bLYGXOh0406kcHGhudLo/s1600/DSCN5201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvCoZOCohCBY3YF6n4GisSlJI9se6t8_JfiJOPc89MkToUgTIsIj6jgO997BWwZ21NbYCEKpFptHdXKMIpYL_FGPdz4l8WlSQEq9X9-dspCSBChAQf270ODD3bLYGXOh0406kcHGhudLo/s1600/DSCN5201.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Yea! So happy to have made some progress on this UFO and to have finally appliqued my aqua, orange and grey hexy flower panel on to the grey Sketch backing fabric.</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLli2Wq2eYKTmsMPkydAv1ly4URZ1yHl5S5tk8G9RuLr_i5_x_DaaiBQRv2Jzk_pde9ucxGVhMlroCaIQdu3c38RAnX0NxY3Phcg0nXxplZB1DQLPbwpdo5Yjg5zYatXaopJaFEkDi2Ps/s1600/DSCN5203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLli2Wq2eYKTmsMPkydAv1ly4URZ1yHl5S5tk8G9RuLr_i5_x_DaaiBQRv2Jzk_pde9ucxGVhMlroCaIQdu3c38RAnX0NxY3Phcg0nXxplZB1DQLPbwpdo5Yjg5zYatXaopJaFEkDi2Ps/s1600/DSCN5203.jpg" height="490" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I machine appliqued the panel because sometimes you just have to get things done.<br />
<br />
Now just to finish the border...<br />
<br />
Linking up with <a href="http://www.freshlypieced.com/2014/06/wip-wednesday-with-guest-host-lucy-from.html?showComment=1401956977853#c9087162525390221451">Lee at Freshly Pieced.</a> which is being hosted this week by lovely <a href="http://www.charmaboutyou.com/">Lucy</a>!Annabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02806122680540977875noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129145802836986941.post-2211210128467096422014-06-02T17:46:00.000+01:002014-06-02T17:46:01.597+01:00Help Needed!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2elqUcaXEd0kOpSvMXgHtwK532ACRLXeoQ9U9putyZaQ8BcEMzePLLq-w3l5LWO-Tzqd1sTtDQ_6m6QC7sOJiCkKUUvazOjJ_83lwlZAbw7jx4Jk0ggwo-8fzDIBqM3qWsEnuMiDFrU/s1600/Preview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2elqUcaXEd0kOpSvMXgHtwK532ACRLXeoQ9U9putyZaQ8BcEMzePLLq-w3l5LWO-Tzqd1sTtDQ_6m6QC7sOJiCkKUUvazOjJ_83lwlZAbw7jx4Jk0ggwo-8fzDIBqM3qWsEnuMiDFrU/s1600/Preview.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Okay, that was a bit of a lie...it's me that needs you.<br />
<br />
This morning I basted my long forgotten Cameo Giant Star. Don't even ask me when I made this quilt top but it's been languishing in a cupboard and today its number was called.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdNJwnbOJcBY-s1B1q5TyNHR_cYhtWT0dZagiv_oMyk8H7RBQsYWeLXUoff-hsbBSumLOEgW3rU7IKsM8JW1yGMHIHHiXokM_W_G4zI3RPNWy-UlMCw02ofJpv5LMoQHrsqf5sepTZB7U/s1600/DSCN5197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdNJwnbOJcBY-s1B1q5TyNHR_cYhtWT0dZagiv_oMyk8H7RBQsYWeLXUoff-hsbBSumLOEgW3rU7IKsM8JW1yGMHIHHiXokM_W_G4zI3RPNWy-UlMCw02ofJpv5LMoQHrsqf5sepTZB7U/s1600/DSCN5197.jpg" height="576" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I pin basted it and then quickly decided that perhaps I should hand quilt it. I make no bones of how I don't enjoy machine quilting and so I plan to hand quilt it using perle. I love seeing those colourful chunky stitches and I love hand quilting.<br />
<br />
I'm not looking for help on technique but rather what colours you would suggest. In the patterned sections, would you use a contrast thread or a similar tone? Would you quilt in straight lines across the quilt or in sections?<br />
<br />
Whether you hand quilt or not, I would love to hear from you!Annabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02806122680540977875noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129145802836986941.post-51957790000720628672014-06-01T14:02:00.000+01:002014-06-01T14:02:14.624+01:00Fresh Sewing DayIt feels like I am slowly getting back in to the swing of blogging,blog reading and commenting. I've almost finished my first year as an EFL teacher and lesson planning is not occupying so much time, which means more sewing!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdqbzkichY9vzrK6kCy43mzspNyDU16y3Gn9I665FedTSDFPByzS7Q9XHJUbZiqHcnBnKMmzAaXa1rCkUr1ZGDPP33A59f1DdK33_WwZ1xvfDyRcjwUa1hVUXGoi9YfgsiIIeRcv5VHNc/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdqbzkichY9vzrK6kCy43mzspNyDU16y3Gn9I665FedTSDFPByzS7Q9XHJUbZiqHcnBnKMmzAaXa1rCkUr1ZGDPP33A59f1DdK33_WwZ1xvfDyRcjwUa1hVUXGoi9YfgsiIIeRcv5VHNc/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a><br />
Okay so I'm not saying I became super productive or anything but:<br />
<ul>
<li>I finished my AMH Hand Drawn Garden plus quilt</li>
<li>I made, yes made the Amy Butler Window to the Soul quilt in less than 2 weeks! (Full reveal soon)</li>
<li>I made progress on <a href="http://www.kechquilts.blogspot.com/2014/05/getting-my-tula-on.html">my Tula Pink Modern City Sampler blocks</a></li>
<li>I made a couple of blocks and received the last of my Stitch Tease Modern Maple blocks</li>
<li>my mum offered to paint a pile of my quilts</li>
<li>and most importantly, we celebrated Zaki's 6th birthday</li>
</ul>
<div>
Looking at this mosaic, it was a colourful month.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Linking up with <a href="http://lilysquilts.blogspot.com/2014/06/fresh-sewing-day-and-small-blog-meet.html">Lynne's Fresh Sewing Day</a>.</div>
<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://lilysquilts.blogspot.com/" title="Lily's Quilts"><img alt="Lily's Quilts" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQIIPzCzfFbz3O91oqthXOqF_vaBJnzSd6lP8tdaQk_fG1f8HZf0eEI5Kg-sX4010oPiLp8jHwOHWNDmXtnEUa84incYlN5BJVZP_SaNfIUHohK65dvAGWhpEu4nhGBqjXPxKLsxw0leLE/s150/FSDB.png" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
Annabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02806122680540977875noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129145802836986941.post-80000877832722806182014-05-27T17:40:00.001+01:002014-05-27T17:40:41.267+01:00Getting My Tula OnMy first designer crush was Tula Pink, and I'm still crushing.<br />
<br />
I had to look back at my blog to see exactly when I started my Tula Pink City Sampler blocks and it was last October!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5lf0UJjnSTNVo2T1h1CYmIr_LidNBAI-duuqNcchD1hly41X8dmI95kKaTeS7VeJDquMv7LGOtKXgZMw2t4N9VtG9evZzXqXVJqHPdOfbI9AEGuXRmSJ3EzlAw8YNXlCWtCpcNwxce0/s1600/DSCN5177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5lf0UJjnSTNVo2T1h1CYmIr_LidNBAI-duuqNcchD1hly41X8dmI95kKaTeS7VeJDquMv7LGOtKXgZMw2t4N9VtG9evZzXqXVJqHPdOfbI9AEGuXRmSJ3EzlAw8YNXlCWtCpcNwxce0/s1600/DSCN5177.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The last couple of days I've been making some progress. I've now completed 56 of the 100 modern sampler blocks. They are fun to make and quick - usually taking only minutes to complete.<br />
<br />
The solids are either Kona or Oakshott. The patterned fabrics are all Tula Pink from various lines.<br />
<br />
My favourite block still remains the first. Block No.1 The colours and fabrics are so pretty.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd7SZlvwXbag9-AvUV9c-_6pUS8H-y6uy1PAnrTM5CUoSIwMpB3ty7eJZgGcsEeSCMuJEQUKefUVpLg4wJTVPoVBs7oOrkXLsYm6Ee72RaNN2Rpc4v2tDPBGrPeaql5HKWUgtB4KB6kOk/s1600/DSCN5179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd7SZlvwXbag9-AvUV9c-_6pUS8H-y6uy1PAnrTM5CUoSIwMpB3ty7eJZgGcsEeSCMuJEQUKefUVpLg4wJTVPoVBs7oOrkXLsYm6Ee72RaNN2Rpc4v2tDPBGrPeaql5HKWUgtB4KB6kOk/s1600/DSCN5179.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Having only a design floor, I laid out the blocks today on an old duvet cover.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7XvnPhJG7lLYKoULpCc6Ox1TNeGWlIWrcdDTkV19lOQERwMY38ZqZXk8eCZc1P3BwQL-kmrLqdLQQ9ySXihUuD5CMpawGocm455upqEWCm81N5h72M6rH_xyWZwjkFi5h48o2OeECovg/s1600/DSCN5180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7XvnPhJG7lLYKoULpCc6Ox1TNeGWlIWrcdDTkV19lOQERwMY38ZqZXk8eCZc1P3BwQL-kmrLqdLQQ9ySXihUuD5CMpawGocm455upqEWCm81N5h72M6rH_xyWZwjkFi5h48o2OeECovg/s1600/DSCN5180.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
After the last three quilt finishes having no negative space whatsoever, I know I want to sash these blocks. Perhaps Essex Linen in natural?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5GfM1B4N5ll13Vv1DZyH4upCGcrrRx9DtzLSCRlGE4Gm15UnbgTNZCk7tpQEe9vYKaKH3FL6FI4pgt8y6l-OXkYem1gwlSOB6KkQNLIXmM6Rpm1PH6T8z_E43f-2p5jb5WGR_lKpuE-U/s1600/DSCN5181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5GfM1B4N5ll13Vv1DZyH4upCGcrrRx9DtzLSCRlGE4Gm15UnbgTNZCk7tpQEe9vYKaKH3FL6FI4pgt8y6l-OXkYem1gwlSOB6KkQNLIXmM6Rpm1PH6T8z_E43f-2p5jb5WGR_lKpuE-U/s1600/DSCN5181.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Anyway, I don't anticipate making the whole one hundred blocks. For one, the quilt would simply be too big for me to quilt. So now I'm going to pick and choose the blocks I make and avoid some of those triangle blocks!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Annabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02806122680540977875noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129145802836986941.post-31792541666518256292014-05-23T14:40:00.000+01:002014-05-23T14:40:04.131+01:00A Pile of Quilts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZS6DHl4l6hyphenhyphenZbTP4Chcl6qkGu_clQ_Oc-MMnvOxku7BKXm9RkQyNAhlNWgcDS-p5iQQ3gx4KNSy0d-0I5B6u7noNf4wb9V9Lr6bqUmwM6uoxZ0zJmpCBl-s318aH7jfiLnQoCy7vJUkg/s1600/DSCN5173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZS6DHl4l6hyphenhyphenZbTP4Chcl6qkGu_clQ_Oc-MMnvOxku7BKXm9RkQyNAhlNWgcDS-p5iQQ3gx4KNSy0d-0I5B6u7noNf4wb9V9Lr6bqUmwM6uoxZ0zJmpCBl-s318aH7jfiLnQoCy7vJUkg/s1600/DSCN5173.JPG" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
It's Friday woohoo! And I have another finish - double woohoo! I can't quite share it with you yet as it has to travel to its owner but see that pile of quilts up there...or down there...it's the blue and green one fourth down. So I'll reveal all next week...hopefully.<br />
<br />
If you've ever visited Morocco, you'll have seen piles of beautiful carpets piled mountain high in the souqs. A few days ago, my mum who is known to dabble in a little oil painting suggested she paint a pile of my quilts. Genius idea, so here they are. The second down is my gorgeous red pixel heart quilt from <a href="http://made-inhome.blogspot.com/">Nat</a> and third down is an old Zara quilt - otherwise they're all my own work.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJoBt0fCkU99as3lOSyLowP9vL_2BouyGySPegAHvgBJRHiueIf_d5fda6Ckzil5smmSEzGGbtt1xKGfSUYpDhABalktlhGtws4tIVoEjBytvyfS2iYBhqYbJOir2JavNhGw6BW7RJfo/s1600/DSCN5175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJoBt0fCkU99as3lOSyLowP9vL_2BouyGySPegAHvgBJRHiueIf_d5fda6Ckzil5smmSEzGGbtt1xKGfSUYpDhABalktlhGtws4tIVoEjBytvyfS2iYBhqYbJOir2JavNhGw6BW7RJfo/s1600/DSCN5175.JPG" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm sure my mum was probably thinking of a more exotic location than perched on a rustic stool in our even more rustic kitchen but unless you want to attract a crowd in double quick time, doing an exterior photo shoot is challenging!<br />
<br />
So now I've mentioned it on my blog, no pressure mum!<br />
<br />
In other news, Zaki turned six a couple of weeks ago. It scares me how quickly time goes but with each birthday we enjoy the new personality traits which emerge. When I look at these photos from last year and this I realize how he has grown.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf42e5XjrJaGL5l8zd3wAxW3hb0eFZRjmBy3TGikyQci6_udlnTTYg3qQHQIeWcmabpXZTNLUiVcPqWaQiVLewhpGcL1m51J9C2Fb-BcW40-MPyfXpZMTkM4EOBjMyfro0L8_fF5DT-GU/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf42e5XjrJaGL5l8zd3wAxW3hb0eFZRjmBy3TGikyQci6_udlnTTYg3qQHQIeWcmabpXZTNLUiVcPqWaQiVLewhpGcL1m51J9C2Fb-BcW40-MPyfXpZMTkM4EOBjMyfro0L8_fF5DT-GU/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
We had a great day at an aqua park here..<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0b8GUGQhrzKwixsXpJe0pchMQfpShObtDu5gx6vg6JCs2D9htMisOejuzScGUIVrKi9kC0PBjp39K3cTYOj26cVFPiiGSCCwSvYbwijqnGojXJrGxxo13iCkZvDYkObs1YoQxsUjTFXg/s1600/DSCN5129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0b8GUGQhrzKwixsXpJe0pchMQfpShObtDu5gx6vg6JCs2D9htMisOejuzScGUIVrKi9kC0PBjp39K3cTYOj26cVFPiiGSCCwSvYbwijqnGojXJrGxxo13iCkZvDYkObs1YoQxsUjTFXg/s1600/DSCN5129.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
..and someone experienced their first waterslide!<br />
<br />
Have a great weekend.<br />
<br />
Annabella x<br />
<br />Annabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02806122680540977875noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129145802836986941.post-37628646296699859652014-05-16T09:12:00.000+01:002014-05-16T09:12:50.575+01:00Bloggers' Quilt FestivalI finished my Hand Drawn Garden Plus quilt a couple of weeks ago but have been saving its reveal for the <a href="http://amyscreativeside.com/bloggers-quilt-festival/">Bloggers Quilt Festival over at Amy's Creative Side</a> - one of my favourite online events which happens twice a year.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfh77tvY7RX9JVq6NA_0DNXkxPciqC_Cvph2-srMXW3kj7If5ONEkDbsx8WtdooD2xKVd6fAekV4yaw6ldGL8Ktq_G3c316X7qwaBCL-7DdEQtywGQyHPO0QWSO0PWWbbUIoHRXKbChI0/s1600/DSCN5158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfh77tvY7RX9JVq6NA_0DNXkxPciqC_Cvph2-srMXW3kj7If5ONEkDbsx8WtdooD2xKVd6fAekV4yaw6ldGL8Ktq_G3c316X7qwaBCL-7DdEQtywGQyHPO0QWSO0PWWbbUIoHRXKbChI0/s1600/DSCN5158.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
I am a huge fan of anything Anna Maria Horner and unlike many people I have no problem taking my rotary cutter to my favourite fabrics! So a few weeks ago, I decided to make a simple patchwork quilt from my FQs of her Hand Drawn Garden line.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIifgqPY6cyYXnUkYpWnMJq9PnkseL_BOWicn5i1AXMLW-bwl-ejolLUrSZfXDsyL8QtT-Nya0SW4PpaIDNACnDGm6FjaMHgY9X7Wy-77w4YSVhG010rEaHf2EjNneROZHP2HEorX0LVc/s1600/DSCN5147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIifgqPY6cyYXnUkYpWnMJq9PnkseL_BOWicn5i1AXMLW-bwl-ejolLUrSZfXDsyL8QtT-Nya0SW4PpaIDNACnDGm6FjaMHgY9X7Wy-77w4YSVhG010rEaHf2EjNneROZHP2HEorX0LVc/s1600/DSCN5147.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
But when I laid out the 5 1/2" squares it didn't look quite how I had seen it in my head. So I decided to try a plus block layout and liked it. I've made a plus quilt before and don't normally repeat blocks but I broke a personal rule and I'm glad I did.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1CG26ja3R97vw5W_bYiX7gdb6_6orBbWBQnv6GKHOcF59KhPUOwDDukyPJy4BMhWh-lq3IiYUKVu4LJWcS1Al3bYFiNMubytl1rwQcYgnzOKM60_F5JKy4atuTi9fSS6Yxt59pe2Yz58/s1600/DSCN5161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1CG26ja3R97vw5W_bYiX7gdb6_6orBbWBQnv6GKHOcF59KhPUOwDDukyPJy4BMhWh-lq3IiYUKVu4LJWcS1Al3bYFiNMubytl1rwQcYgnzOKM60_F5JKy4atuTi9fSS6Yxt59pe2Yz58/s1600/DSCN5161.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The plus design isn't always immediately obvious due to the eclectic designs and colours in this line but I quite like that!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE1tDE6W4-R-oypr7zgIpVFYLUwiJvg5OcjUEgYfRKG7X34ko2CgfHA7-ckaVcsJMnJuFrbGaV0VOzdNs5UeDQK9WGvarK6SMTn3uLF59siA-uAGyzlEwAB_tyW8g-BL1tkQUwosqaOOw/s1600/DSCN5149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE1tDE6W4-R-oypr7zgIpVFYLUwiJvg5OcjUEgYfRKG7X34ko2CgfHA7-ckaVcsJMnJuFrbGaV0VOzdNs5UeDQK9WGvarK6SMTn3uLF59siA-uAGyzlEwAB_tyW8g-BL1tkQUwosqaOOw/s1600/DSCN5149.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
After finishing the main panel, I decided to add a border of low volume fabrics in varying sized squares and rectangles. Then I added a second border of 2.5" x 3.5" rectangles of Hand Drawn Garden.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTz0yE2rlnR9DAcLBg2FKJRYcLPQRfAp6ozICI0cfyQKtPmE62dY2tBPuJwRXwqaH4hpz_3O8MnqHRTrQ4-iErzVIQzIj8V_MPMkXxH8ULHr5nT_GR8negGpN0-M5L4ztKpC59O0I4Fb0/s1600/DSCN5163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTz0yE2rlnR9DAcLBg2FKJRYcLPQRfAp6ozICI0cfyQKtPmE62dY2tBPuJwRXwqaH4hpz_3O8MnqHRTrQ4-iErzVIQzIj8V_MPMkXxH8ULHr5nT_GR8negGpN0-M5L4ztKpC59O0I4Fb0/s1600/DSCN5163.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I backed and bound it using fabrics from Anna Maria Horner's True Colors line - so pretty and they work perfectly together. The batting is my favourite - Dream Orient (a mix of silk, bamboo and cotton), which is beautifully soft and has the perfect drape.<br />
<br />
I quilted it in straight lines, vertically and horizontally echoing the squares. This is the largest quilt that I have made, measuring 75" x 85" and will be perfect for snuggling under in the cooler months.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrx2n0wkvvHTxAWx1HauOQFD1_z_OVJvoyCUPclFAWRE-ayXfMYpHvppudFQqDwo4OT_l4gtdRjuxbzemQE_69_DHa_Od4d4AE_pEXU3d7F1RCfYfzrfvjEwiH6mbNx7o4ekFhQtH1Cis/s1600/DSCN5152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrx2n0wkvvHTxAWx1HauOQFD1_z_OVJvoyCUPclFAWRE-ayXfMYpHvppudFQqDwo4OT_l4gtdRjuxbzemQE_69_DHa_Od4d4AE_pEXU3d7F1RCfYfzrfvjEwiH6mbNx7o4ekFhQtH1Cis/s1600/DSCN5152.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ7dDup94GrMQ3c22h32h-z_KIO2M-GHrQ1gmNa-4-bGt_t91HPGhAXo5Vyejqven-ZqS0vL2g2hNF8Slasd9Va0Jr6YotnxWBoCnJPnc3aKnSLK4Nmik65IDXfJXKmeE61TbA41U9R6E/s1600/DSCN5168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ7dDup94GrMQ3c22h32h-z_KIO2M-GHrQ1gmNa-4-bGt_t91HPGhAXo5Vyejqven-ZqS0vL2g2hNF8Slasd9Va0Jr6YotnxWBoCnJPnc3aKnSLK4Nmik65IDXfJXKmeE61TbA41U9R6E/s1600/DSCN5168.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh and it seems my hubby is finally becoming more comfortable with quilts these days. Here's a shot of him walking us back to the car after bundling up the quilt in his arms. Happy Days!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB14vJpyAtbmDuM1lOxVqnRjV8SMsWulBZnZAsteySoF8NDn8mkr7rQ24cbaKVVRWRFyZy14PYjC2jwBFI3pR3i_dfduHp1GUg_Dbm_5mtiM0ymYbUV3UWZRWqmH5RRQgkeTsUiJ9d9ZU/s1600/DSCN5169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB14vJpyAtbmDuM1lOxVqnRjV8SMsWulBZnZAsteySoF8NDn8mkr7rQ24cbaKVVRWRFyZy14PYjC2jwBFI3pR3i_dfduHp1GUg_Dbm_5mtiM0ymYbUV3UWZRWqmH5RRQgkeTsUiJ9d9ZU/s1600/DSCN5169.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Quilt Stats</b><br />
<i>Quilt Size: 75" x 85"</i><br />
<i>Quilt design - Plus blocks using 5 1/2" squares</i><br />
<i>Fabrics for Quilt Top - Anna Maria Horner's Hand Drawn Garden and various low volume fabrics</i><br />
<i>Fabric for quilt back - Medallion in Aquamarine from Anna Maria Horner's True Colors</i><br />
<i>Binding Fabric - Sealing Wax in Amethyst from Anna Maria Haorner's True Colors.</i><br />
<i>Batting: Oriental Dream</i><br />
<br />
Thank you so much to Amy for hosting this fun event. Now to hop over there myself and get me some inspiration!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-5ydwWcH0HwZviZ3wc6Rf1IR8WIEmxu7Ql3vIFCBoPLvPNHjQ_kZjpncujjNtqrooIhvvKjz4RXkVEn6gSfa2laUA2cpRJd-1W7HdsWiy1dAPX0b4KqaXMutDFx61x0NT_BAQAADC4A/s1600/spring-2014-BQF-Button-300x290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-5ydwWcH0HwZviZ3wc6Rf1IR8WIEmxu7Ql3vIFCBoPLvPNHjQ_kZjpncujjNtqrooIhvvKjz4RXkVEn6gSfa2laUA2cpRJd-1W7HdsWiy1dAPX0b4KqaXMutDFx61x0NT_BAQAADC4A/s1600/spring-2014-BQF-Button-300x290.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Annabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02806122680540977875noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129145802836986941.post-16803607901077187872014-04-06T17:25:00.000+01:002014-04-06T17:25:36.495+01:00Like the No.33 bus...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
...you can wait ages for friends or family to come visit and then 3 lots come along at the same time.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEint8B0RHhLMroapWpL3EdeBCGVSMmOgocFYlUZDMvSHIuL8qr_68yk1aCFwW23o19NEugTpZlV-Cyw3D-7-eEwa8Pxk8U7xzBAPMHt61Zi2gUCZxqIKEUEHvJLrxahD_zt0tx8JAXNH4Q/s1600/DSCN5097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEint8B0RHhLMroapWpL3EdeBCGVSMmOgocFYlUZDMvSHIuL8qr_68yk1aCFwW23o19NEugTpZlV-Cyw3D-7-eEwa8Pxk8U7xzBAPMHt61Zi2gUCZxqIKEUEHvJLrxahD_zt0tx8JAXNH4Q/s1600/DSCN5097.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hand Drawn Garden Plus flimsy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's been pretty busy round here lately. As Ferris Bueller would say, <i>"<span style="background-color: #fcfae7; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."</span></i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: #fcfae7; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Two weeks ago, fellow Stitch Tease bee mates <a href="http://quiltova.blogspot.com/">Di</a> and <a href="http://www.runquiltknitwrite.com/">Helen</a> came to visit, and stayed in our little riad. On their first morning, Zaki and I gave them a basic orientation of the souqs. Here's Di and Zaki having a chat and putting the world to rights. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3GPNweWfi1E09QpsuJ7enS1VkJN5ItexDbB_ZG8gwk4UsokOAoNFC-6yWnIfPTZnWnZ0NP-5HRVLUR2Q5tFBQiZpymccaFmWKEXbQ1nsNtURofbc52SAZY-fDZqdisS9LQSwAmdMkR64/s1600/DSCF5013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3GPNweWfi1E09QpsuJ7enS1VkJN5ItexDbB_ZG8gwk4UsokOAoNFC-6yWnIfPTZnWnZ0NP-5HRVLUR2Q5tFBQiZpymccaFmWKEXbQ1nsNtURofbc52SAZY-fDZqdisS9LQSwAmdMkR64/s1600/DSCF5013.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: #fcfae7; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">And here's my 'How am I going to carry 2 stools home!" face. Thank you Di for your help!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: #fcfae7; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBCP0BWvv7l6WsvbO1xOUFQrqmhVaT_ETzAj4V6KTyeTekTOgNMBBLLzk-dfCZOXCaxD1IXCslHABv7u-86rj5KA2vGVXunyGZ-wuREjg_PL2j4wxY_oJRhUOt4UopUFAqlXHFfL96OkQ/s1600/stitchtease2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBCP0BWvv7l6WsvbO1xOUFQrqmhVaT_ETzAj4V6KTyeTekTOgNMBBLLzk-dfCZOXCaxD1IXCslHABv7u-86rj5KA2vGVXunyGZ-wuREjg_PL2j4wxY_oJRhUOt4UopUFAqlXHFfL96OkQ/s1600/stitchtease2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit - Helen at Runquiltknitwrite</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: #fcfae7; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">I'll admit it was sometimes difficult to make conversation or share a joke. Not.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: #fcfae7; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bdOO-Uwz2QzruSr-8ZZ7-npg3td4NVsZt_ClTYcv6EzT7XTLGIMNDhqV93si0XInfpCHopVvSKf8J-PJyvlgGk-iD7mLU4A14HgagE_nWGXompp8Z_99Gl_yqdWe4yD8JGoZJUuLSxE/s1600/stitchtease3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bdOO-Uwz2QzruSr-8ZZ7-npg3td4NVsZt_ClTYcv6EzT7XTLGIMNDhqV93si0XInfpCHopVvSKf8J-PJyvlgGk-iD7mLU4A14HgagE_nWGXompp8Z_99Gl_yqdWe4yD8JGoZJUuLSxE/s1600/stitchtease3.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit - Di at Quiltova</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: #fcfae7; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">It was great fun to show Helen and Di around - by Day 2 they were old hands...sipping mint tea, negotiating like a local and telling me about places I should go to!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: #fcfae7; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: #fcfae7; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Of course, you can't have 3 quilters in the same room without the obligatory show and tell. Here are the three of us holding my first Stitch Tease quilt. It was snapped by our guardian while Helen and Di's taxi to the airport waited outside hence it is a little fuzzy.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: #fcfae7; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF578e5zm11TKXA-TquMTih5bbymirqDsGdSGGXC5oNbdrioqDbDe1wBBfgiQ5k8U4rVsfDOBC-YmQrLcpjWtwr8Odi7-QyVivnfovFDA6msyTU7l0UX6GFRFYryn_x3AnSCvMO_Edwjw/s1600/stitchtease4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF578e5zm11TKXA-TquMTih5bbymirqDsGdSGGXC5oNbdrioqDbDe1wBBfgiQ5k8U4rVsfDOBC-YmQrLcpjWtwr8Odi7-QyVivnfovFDA6msyTU7l0UX6GFRFYryn_x3AnSCvMO_Edwjw/s1600/stitchtease4.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: #fcfae7; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">I hope they'll come back and visit again. It was fun to have them around.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: #fcfae7; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #fcfae7; color: #333333; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> It was also lovely to catch up with my best friend from high school who came to visit too!</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFP_q0WckRNL_OfGFj7BYr8cEEAIBQD2zEvYmDJA99xgzo6Xb9GnN4I2j4gJ2iRp6Y6eIAsYFDt7mBF5C73Yav2z-ievZX3pj8QrAzBvG3PfOdTnEVAGy3ojyWoHQExfJXX3yc3rwGgK4/s1600/sarahandbella.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFP_q0WckRNL_OfGFj7BYr8cEEAIBQD2zEvYmDJA99xgzo6Xb9GnN4I2j4gJ2iRp6Y6eIAsYFDt7mBF5C73Yav2z-ievZX3pj8QrAzBvG3PfOdTnEVAGy3ojyWoHQExfJXX3yc3rwGgK4/s1600/sarahandbella.jpg" height="416" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #fcfae7; color: #333333; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">And yesterday my mum left after staying for 2 weeks. Here she is waiting for her camel burger at <a href="http://cafeclock.com/2013/11/now-open/">Clock Cafe</a>.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #fcfae7; color: #333333; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4o7PL-l4U2guGnFfuz0WrQVuFmglqgMoffdekfRqCMo-nZJ8c8TS2SYimB_5wgLwyR1BJVoJFwwYqx2WHZ_DQyLQEeHejHyW-lnuDlgB7dqJ_kWkDkhFM094w__CQrdz2Bfj019Gsk8w/s1600/DSCN5045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4o7PL-l4U2guGnFfuz0WrQVuFmglqgMoffdekfRqCMo-nZJ8c8TS2SYimB_5wgLwyR1BJVoJFwwYqx2WHZ_DQyLQEeHejHyW-lnuDlgB7dqJ_kWkDkhFM094w__CQrdz2Bfj019Gsk8w/s1600/DSCN5045.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #fcfae7; color: #333333; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #fcfae7; color: #333333; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">...and here's the camel burger. A-MAZING!!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #fcfae7; color: #333333; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWtjkUwlwmsjou6cqVhIawXjMhhTEqLPnaDp12k39rWdLYE4LaEyV2K5W4O1SIxT8oclOBqniVrWST8erPfXvrcgfaqFU387FmXyzt1INHHuYxVgB-R7zRujWBLc1y23wEDOUV-gBUd3c/s1600/camelburger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWtjkUwlwmsjou6cqVhIawXjMhhTEqLPnaDp12k39rWdLYE4LaEyV2K5W4O1SIxT8oclOBqniVrWST8erPfXvrcgfaqFU387FmXyzt1INHHuYxVgB-R7zRujWBLc1y23wEDOUV-gBUd3c/s1600/camelburger.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #fcfae7; color: #333333; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #fcfae7; color: #333333; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">...and here's a snap of me having a cuddle with my boy.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #fcfae7; color: #333333; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBl2ednX5K39el-YHfokFy7lxbUORPPrBho1_7Uuu-MOiMOaPv_9fejUDBslIb6J9B6q-4RVaYoIXfGxiqsI1cIWUTGjd5610c1Hee9V6HB8tugj8boHWCUcjC7oBqyBjVLRN_jvkFU4/s1600/clockcafe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBl2ednX5K39el-YHfokFy7lxbUORPPrBho1_7Uuu-MOiMOaPv_9fejUDBslIb6J9B6q-4RVaYoIXfGxiqsI1cIWUTGjd5610c1Hee9V6HB8tugj8boHWCUcjC7oBqyBjVLRN_jvkFU4/s1600/clockcafe.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #fcfae7; color: #333333; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #fcfae7; color: #333333; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">So has there been any sewing going on I hear you cry. Well yes there has. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #fcfae7; color: #333333; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #fcfae7; color: #333333; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">A few weeks ago, I cut up most of the half yard bundle of Anna Maria Horner's Hand Drawn Garden bundle I bought from <a href="http://www.knotted-thread.com/">Jennifer</a> a few months ago. I cut it in to simple squares as I wanted to make a simple patchwork quilt. Only this line is very eclectic and I wasn't sure the whole thing was working. After asking for advice on Instagram and receiving some good stuff, I ignored it and made a plus quilt.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #fcfae7; color: #333333; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #fcfae7; color: #333333; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Crazy and eclectic.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #fcfae7; color: #333333; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx63dVzkndCMuMvw74gSUzj6cb5xcVlPARAGx6a2NRjUk3O438187nI-r0Wkq3CWk8ewLEfVYhaTlPF41l7GPZxCBRRRE6cfIJCDh_CSVho3Tvmaz9vC_u2R7R9qnx3RMX8Nb1b54FUDo/s1600/DSCN5095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx63dVzkndCMuMvw74gSUzj6cb5xcVlPARAGx6a2NRjUk3O438187nI-r0Wkq3CWk8ewLEfVYhaTlPF41l7GPZxCBRRRE6cfIJCDh_CSVho3Tvmaz9vC_u2R7R9qnx3RMX8Nb1b54FUDo/s1600/DSCN5095.jpg" height="418" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #fcfae7; color: #333333; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></span></span>
I added a 2 1/2 scrappy border of low volume fabrics to frame the craziness and then added a 2" border of more Hand Drawn Garden.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihoLVKbGdFolHrSBzEU5h36fMthu5tuOdxGFnOYYj4I0k8tAY-ABv7z-MQMRxKQtkjKNeHpQzwWo1rzZUe3oHgB3TyKRG3q0JmJFKwh6eTTop0dZM3kXRJ2-urlNzJBtBuOm26vmRXwmM/s1600/DSCN5094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihoLVKbGdFolHrSBzEU5h36fMthu5tuOdxGFnOYYj4I0k8tAY-ABv7z-MQMRxKQtkjKNeHpQzwWo1rzZUe3oHgB3TyKRG3q0JmJFKwh6eTTop0dZM3kXRJ2-urlNzJBtBuOm26vmRXwmM/s1600/DSCN5094.jpg" height="540" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This may not be everyone's cup of Orange Pekoe but it's most definitely mine. I absolutely love it - it's big, bold and beautiful and I can't wait to baste and quilt it. I just have to order some backing!<br />
<br />
So now it's back down to earth with a bump. Back to work but with the promise that summer hols offically start in 10 weeks - woohoo, oh and a quilt commission too.<br />
<br />
More of that next time. Happy Days.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><u></u></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u><br /></u></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u><br /></u></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u><br /></u></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Annabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02806122680540977875noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129145802836986941.post-41939731729062224872014-02-28T15:02:00.001+00:002014-03-01T13:30:10.094+00:00LostWell where to start? It's been a while. I confess I've felt a little lost the last few months.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tEybuYRZ7qjhos8z9Q7hprbQJBe8BF8GW2q0LOzMEXj0-yR5PAvsPyUVSdyXzEQgpK8bgkz_1C5BfcY8cL_GNQlJPbstv92NLUCxfrHsGV0Hs-jrClyZVz_AH3j-2205ec3STpn9Hik/s1600/DSCF9193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tEybuYRZ7qjhos8z9Q7hprbQJBe8BF8GW2q0LOzMEXj0-yR5PAvsPyUVSdyXzEQgpK8bgkz_1C5BfcY8cL_GNQlJPbstv92NLUCxfrHsGV0Hs-jrClyZVz_AH3j-2205ec3STpn9Hik/s1600/DSCF9193.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It all began with the small person who shall remain nameless dropping my lap top and breaking the screen so that blog reading and posting was impossible for a while.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCW-B_sVcGafb3aEB-xL3uMgOXuwhZqYAM17lzXzlot9FMkcDO7XRTElgQGTaUy5KOvQefrDk1yrQaUkP4dwb7g1WEdCxSmrkvsGLnTO_1PQ8l_-wAkjupTpufp3QcZhRZWrZNvTrCzmc/s1600/DSCF9194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCW-B_sVcGafb3aEB-xL3uMgOXuwhZqYAM17lzXzlot9FMkcDO7XRTElgQGTaUy5KOvQefrDk1yrQaUkP4dwb7g1WEdCxSmrkvsGLnTO_1PQ8l_-wAkjupTpufp3QcZhRZWrZNvTrCzmc/s1600/DSCF9194.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
But it wasn't his fault. The screen was easy to fix..but then there were computer glitches of the viral kind.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxofztgw899Dd3eKJiwx3UMmDOy5-wLf45cpVDhGJgNxSxtra_QFAhGAo-ydiZ-Tb_KScfS7UX8j-4Lc4zpSKFxOztzg-BnWSH6DLU0Unh0GOaEF7QGzQYdGLl7M0RqmK7yxnM0NHQ_Qk/s1600/DSCF9198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxofztgw899Dd3eKJiwx3UMmDOy5-wLf45cpVDhGJgNxSxtra_QFAhGAo-ydiZ-Tb_KScfS7UX8j-4Lc4zpSKFxOztzg-BnWSH6DLU0Unh0GOaEF7QGzQYdGLl7M0RqmK7yxnM0NHQ_Qk/s1600/DSCF9198.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
They got fixed too and after finding a spare moment to sew, I basted the scrappy trippy and started to quilt. Straight lines quelle surprise! Nothing fancy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJDcZekgchqpTNDdxB36SkC8pnG0Pc0p0acCC5ylgFB7K5blTGrrMj7KuGrpMWflyTy7ujwbSut-xkWBXELGRslTDCl2s8M2XTiI44_q0mFjYCjnqPmhfakofuwtrFzEicNRzRRAQOIk/s1600/DSCF9202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJDcZekgchqpTNDdxB36SkC8pnG0Pc0p0acCC5ylgFB7K5blTGrrMj7KuGrpMWflyTy7ujwbSut-xkWBXELGRslTDCl2s8M2XTiI44_q0mFjYCjnqPmhfakofuwtrFzEicNRzRRAQOIk/s1600/DSCF9202.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
But a couple of lengths in to quilting, the needle fell down...and then again...and again...and again. The quilt was thrown in a corner. By now, mojo was dissipating by the second. I was 1500 miles and several months away from getting the machine fixed or serviced. I felt completely lost. I couldn't read blogs. I stayed away from Instagram. I seriously thought about throwing it all in... stopping blogging...trying something else.<br />
<br />
But I missed the emails and contact with bloggy friends. After a couple of weeks, I left the pity party and tried to find a solution to the needle problem. I looked online and found a forum where someone had posted the same problem. Despite never having had to do so before, I tightened the screw using the metal key and it worked! I was surprised by how much further it turned than simply by hand. I quilted and bound the scappy trippy and have my first finish of 2014.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0Gtygatlj4FUBzWYoBlxN9I63O-tDxNQenoDDUakdWPovzFuw_GU8oK75hwIExkuueChl6LAU-dTowDUyrEhukGUDff2ZR15jTeiwrZfLrlAOZDfiHWi4cF5MrnvNtoq6l3HA8v24Qc/s1600/DSCF9197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0Gtygatlj4FUBzWYoBlxN9I63O-tDxNQenoDDUakdWPovzFuw_GU8oK75hwIExkuueChl6LAU-dTowDUyrEhukGUDff2ZR15jTeiwrZfLrlAOZDfiHWi4cF5MrnvNtoq6l3HA8v24Qc/s1600/DSCF9197.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I love it! It's the biggest quilt I have made at 72" x 82" and I hope it'll fit in nicely on our soon to be re-modelled roof terrace. The front is pieced entirely from scraps and definitely a few fuglies! The backing and binding are Cameo by Amy Butler.<br />
<br />
So that's it! Expect more from me...I'm not going anywhere for the time being and I'll be getting back to commenting on a regular basis...I promise.<br />
<br />
Linking up for the first time this year with Lynne over at Lily's Quilts.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://lilysquilts.blogspot.com/" title="Lily's Quilts"><img alt="Lily's Quilts" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQIIPzCzfFbz3O91oqthXOqF_vaBJnzSd6lP8tdaQk_fG1f8HZf0eEI5Kg-sX4010oPiLp8jHwOHWNDmXtnEUa84incYlN5BJVZP_SaNfIUHohK65dvAGWhpEu4nhGBqjXPxKLsxw0leLE/s150/FSDB.png" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Annabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02806122680540977875noreply@blogger.com47tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129145802836986941.post-58639762556016182952013-12-19T15:38:00.001+00:002013-12-19T15:38:24.276+00:00Something for the New YearBack in April, I <a href="http://kechquilts.blogspot.com/2013/04/stash-defining.html">posted</a> the first few blocks of my scrappy trip around the world quilt. For one reason or another, they were then put away in the WiP cupboard and that was that...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiUBl-eeBces1kbcM-asJF9uLkANZjkI4MXWHG15N3AsdGFNo8xd6T6eEYvlSB5EpYSgz5we7hoRAUftDqzYok_drIi8wgXU9P9Rxg5uWHaSKDHaySJB9FCVV-4422yatLT6dnVi6TZ6E/s1600/DSCN3190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiUBl-eeBces1kbcM-asJF9uLkANZjkI4MXWHG15N3AsdGFNo8xd6T6eEYvlSB5EpYSgz5we7hoRAUftDqzYok_drIi8wgXU9P9Rxg5uWHaSKDHaySJB9FCVV-4422yatLT6dnVi6TZ6E/s640/DSCN3190.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
...until a couple of weeks ago when I found them and wondered why I had left them languishing?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjszLA1NqCViCh51MqrxMhSvrFZFQ0zkMym6nHz7GtE9w2Q7HFhTput8KxGnRoc2CEbYSQG-V-tmWouisGXPcL8YQ33H-iRqqDafw27UZzbaIjXo5kfR7DdxGs_oKE__s-L-cavTOOI1IE/s1600/DSCN3193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjszLA1NqCViCh51MqrxMhSvrFZFQ0zkMym6nHz7GtE9w2Q7HFhTput8KxGnRoc2CEbYSQG-V-tmWouisGXPcL8YQ33H-iRqqDafw27UZzbaIjXo5kfR7DdxGs_oKE__s-L-cavTOOI1IE/s640/DSCN3193.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I cut up a bunch of strips and started making blocks; Instagrammers encouraged me and soon I had 42 blocks. Ignoring housework, visiting guests and internet shopping, I sewed them together.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDdwb73jjHFWUyq_OfjTZ4eky3lIuFvoP2DoQcr8zDBV_ADZR9W8IQhgQWstMP2FR8yjmZ4krYkXTB6at6n43_YeYD4QEhNtEQU3okQPgywrj9nSfYZCTS88I7vAb7Qyq_KXpAlo5QAU/s1600/DSCN3189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDdwb73jjHFWUyq_OfjTZ4eky3lIuFvoP2DoQcr8zDBV_ADZR9W8IQhgQWstMP2FR8yjmZ4krYkXTB6at6n43_YeYD4QEhNtEQU3okQPgywrj9nSfYZCTS88I7vAb7Qyq_KXpAlo5QAU/s640/DSCN3189.JPG" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And now? Well now I have a flimsy measuring 72" x 84" ready for the New Year when we get back from England.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtK9LoE_Ut_6fH_F3dAVMNlDrXQGp4_TsMyPCRMBfcOmJEARTy75GClJ6Xv32Ljjgj08dj920kMVXx_X7qPGSHTo06BkALy4TK_MtM7OCYYnOHiP7AY8omYah29VZSpWF0y4EWVF0hb4/s1600/DSCN3186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtK9LoE_Ut_6fH_F3dAVMNlDrXQGp4_TsMyPCRMBfcOmJEARTy75GClJ6Xv32Ljjgj08dj920kMVXx_X7qPGSHTo06BkALy4TK_MtM7OCYYnOHiP7AY8omYah29VZSpWF0y4EWVF0hb4/s640/DSCN3186.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Without sounding like a creative lovey, I feel like I have gone back to my quilting roots with this one. Little or no negative space, bright and bold. That's me.</div>
Annabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02806122680540977875noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129145802836986941.post-79692731450068126892013-12-02T11:32:00.001+00:002013-12-02T11:32:25.112+00:00I Shall Tease You No MoreAs some of you will have gathered, I have been struggling to find a balance between family life, work and blogging these last few months. My new teaching job has taken up much more of my time than I thought it would with lesson planning replacing any sewing and blogging time. I've missed sharing everyone's makes - the highs and the lows. Still, I'm hoping that as this semester winds up, things should improve and I resolve to be a better blogger!<br />
<br />
Still, I have a finish to share!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqrweeTkV0keLLuZTNlpWz5-V3kj6tFzANHjaPfwmjOwV3dRxIqDrW73qtufcZwPAIjz3h3jVes7Rex0sx1AusOwXz_rBFhW1WYWz_Cm30N_ljelckoVEMK83wsEZFaDYEyEIFCFhyphenhyphenIM4/s1600/DSCN3172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqrweeTkV0keLLuZTNlpWz5-V3kj6tFzANHjaPfwmjOwV3dRxIqDrW73qtufcZwPAIjz3h3jVes7Rex0sx1AusOwXz_rBFhW1WYWz_Cm30N_ljelckoVEMK83wsEZFaDYEyEIFCFhyphenhyphenIM4/s640/DSCN3172.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Almost 2 years ago, my sweet blogging friend <a href="http://www.randomthoughtsdoordi.com/">Di</a> invited me and a few other friends to form a new round robin bee. We picked a theme and over the course of the next year, we secretly made for each other.<br />
<br />
I asked for scrappy curves, and my bee mates didn't disappoint.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQcIZR0RyQFj-i1anhU9iXwDeEI0RbNiBLMLfumfN78mSvwM-lkLOa7GWMFwOa_9C3nP1WbW7_ADFi1HSezVvuZnOmngHWqLOxWS8cdS5WqEBBsIumvX7QJvsIDmlb-rUBBXq6w5b0mE/s1600/DSCN3177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQcIZR0RyQFj-i1anhU9iXwDeEI0RbNiBLMLfumfN78mSvwM-lkLOa7GWMFwOa_9C3nP1WbW7_ADFi1HSezVvuZnOmngHWqLOxWS8cdS5WqEBBsIumvX7QJvsIDmlb-rUBBXq6w5b0mE/s640/DSCN3177.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Di assembled my blocks perfectly and in spring this year I received my gorgeous flimsy - an eclectic, one of a kind quilt top!<br />
<br />
I quilted it with alternate 1 1/2" and 2 1/2" diagonal crosshatch straight lines and bound it using a couple (on the basis I never have enough of anything) of different Anna Maria Horner Drawing Room prints. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXqN_BfYjN5dNP-xDMiDajniFGkfskv-lEFPzynFS1wBF0zjm_xs9X82CJQ5oJX0niayGOo7j7M1oA7UJCxw9B70wA3QXtXE76b9O3ebTFBluxOmya4-8_Pjepv2hmwm0Kjplq1sSMuBo/s1600/DSCN3176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXqN_BfYjN5dNP-xDMiDajniFGkfskv-lEFPzynFS1wBF0zjm_xs9X82CJQ5oJX0niayGOo7j7M1oA7UJCxw9B70wA3QXtXE76b9O3ebTFBluxOmya4-8_Pjepv2hmwm0Kjplq1sSMuBo/s640/DSCN3176.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I wanted a darker binding to frame the blocks, and I think the colours work perfectly. I used a bamboo and cotton batting from my mum's local quilt shop and the backing is Pagoda Hill by Tina Givens. The quilt measures 72" square.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmD69rQf_AhZZGc90k2FD1utW0I_9iTNnG-C0mUD8sFjw37GfE76_Jm5rGJa0xaSs5owvocCoLA55ZCQzZ_yGS4GJ3XAOHXFmvEazfWzxtDYhoCmfQtEqnAPcXFiDgq2PfCZmYmzYVIzg/s1600/DSCN3174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmD69rQf_AhZZGc90k2FD1utW0I_9iTNnG-C0mUD8sFjw37GfE76_Jm5rGJa0xaSs5owvocCoLA55ZCQzZ_yGS4GJ3XAOHXFmvEazfWzxtDYhoCmfQtEqnAPcXFiDgq2PfCZmYmzYVIzg/s640/DSCN3174.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It's such a pretty quilt, and I can't thank my bee mates enough. It really is one of a kind!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZX33MBdcn-usvCSTJQLZjIj8rRrZkfhDWLqvDkaADhHObg4ywSYuUvRzfjimBoepJHXiGthjTmYoSyCSqP0m_QiNi6AOlw1OmfOmFZZQK1TeTHDoFMhwYcHqVnl1BL0Y1aolAcTnZAT0/s1600/DSCN3182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZX33MBdcn-usvCSTJQLZjIj8rRrZkfhDWLqvDkaADhHObg4ywSYuUvRzfjimBoepJHXiGthjTmYoSyCSqP0m_QiNi6AOlw1OmfOmFZZQK1TeTHDoFMhwYcHqVnl1BL0Y1aolAcTnZAT0/s640/DSCN3182.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Top Row (left to right): <a href="http://randomthoughtsdoordi.com/"> Di</a>'s wonderful Drunkard's path block, <a href="http://thelittlestthistlecraftshop.blogspot.com/">Katy</a>'s beautiful abstract appliqued blocks and my clamshells.<br />
Middle Row: <a href="http://canadianabroad-susan.blogspot.com/">Susan</a>'s gorgeous portholes in her signature bright colours, <a href="http://www.runquiltknitwrite.com/">Helen</a>'s amazing Dresden block that reminds me of millefiori every time I look at it, and <a href="http://quiltova.blogspot.com/">Di</a>'s beautiful lemon and limes block.<br />
Bottom Row: My lozenges using my quick curve ruler, <a href="http://mommyforreals.blogspot.com/">Danny</a>'s beautiful appliqued pebbles and <a href="http://flyingblindonarocketcycle.blogspot.com/">Hadley</a>'s exquisite New York Beauty!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLb4k2UA7A2OO9kxf_gQAyc7tH9TPjjdfG_J_vWlNTHgHZTY5_BRo-4DqARvYwZh7PsfDRsZTJw4AAc3u0dQ0_k2RZUzvzMv681oVxxWaPn4j8ea5h_CeR2BY_nhr8y48Iw9axva9AtoA/s1600/DSCN3169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="614" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLb4k2UA7A2OO9kxf_gQAyc7tH9TPjjdfG_J_vWlNTHgHZTY5_BRo-4DqARvYwZh7PsfDRsZTJw4AAc3u0dQ0_k2RZUzvzMv681oVxxWaPn4j8ea5h_CeR2BY_nhr8y48Iw9axva9AtoA/s640/DSCN3169.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Thank you my friends - if I'm not checking your blogs....know that I'm thinking of you every time I look at this quilt.<br />
<br />
Linking up with Lynne's Fresh Sewing Day.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://lilysquilts.blogspot.com/" title="Lily's Quilts"><img alt="Lily's Quilts" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQIIPzCzfFbz3O91oqthXOqF_vaBJnzSd6lP8tdaQk_fG1f8HZf0eEI5Kg-sX4010oPiLp8jHwOHWNDmXtnEUa84incYlN5BJVZP_SaNfIUHohK65dvAGWhpEu4nhGBqjXPxKLsxw0leLE/s150/FSDB.png" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Annabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02806122680540977875noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129145802836986941.post-56206405708458152552013-11-10T08:40:00.001+00:002013-11-10T08:40:25.011+00:00(Big) City Girl QAL<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPV7u2Ny0XpyyzhWifZ2WjEo3D2vYAIU6ZWalEsooOBYJsmqFXEbCZGXQE3pQDmaA21eKBnRuM6aACJjcQ2izIYZDC3cotp_BTz6vPPg9_IBu7vIkbsgnf39gicENwCS3PTFxDM71z9CI/s200/9306624008_d3f32568f3.jpg" /></div>
<br />
It's my turn on the (Big) City Girl blog hop - welcome to Marrakech!<br />
<br />
Situated in Morocco, N.Africa, Marrakech has been my home for the last 11 years. Love it or hate it, it's a crazy, colourful and vibrant city known for its beautiful winter sun and searingly hot summers.<br />
<br />
I won't lie - it took me a while to come up with a design for my block. I can only just paper piece let along come up with a pattern (have you seen some of the amazing blocks in this QAL?!) and when I thought about this city, it is really known for its souqs, Djem El Fna square and its iconic colour. You see, all the buildings are a dusky pink. Marrakech is known as The Red City.<br />
<br />
To ward against the evil eye, Moroccans believe in the powers of a palm shaped amulet called the Fatima's hand. They can wear it as a piece of jewelery or you often see it as a door knocker (see the centre image in the mosaic below) - believing that you never really knowing the true intentions of some visitors!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaHOCIr-YceGMIt0FRYFmiVNK2bgRCILvEYjeIJpjuVPsOPtqgrB1zvFvzb4cKWHzhbgFkiJLqlv-fBK-vEeE5TNSZO7eELplNAdyaq_uv1m5isGTv4HWDVukuDd0zNs4EY4KdacQofOI/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaHOCIr-YceGMIt0FRYFmiVNK2bgRCILvEYjeIJpjuVPsOPtqgrB1zvFvzb4cKWHzhbgFkiJLqlv-fBK-vEeE5TNSZO7eELplNAdyaq_uv1m5isGTv4HWDVukuDd0zNs4EY4KdacQofOI/s640/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Here is my block - an improv. pieced Fatima's hand in the colours of Marrakech, using Oakshott cottons.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKlCBseSesPipEYVoKLWS2yWNWHqDIjelQLDh6dlGUdjcYb35zQjiZ-dMYCPP2-dvlcdAe33bwHukxXuRxaDL_-xFxTPWUqEhrMunM1cQizGYeCrXNDjq6wO3MsbDjO7I9dzbw8JFulRs/s1600/DSCN3031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKlCBseSesPipEYVoKLWS2yWNWHqDIjelQLDh6dlGUdjcYb35zQjiZ-dMYCPP2-dvlcdAe33bwHukxXuRxaDL_-xFxTPWUqEhrMunM1cQizGYeCrXNDjq6wO3MsbDjO7I9dzbw8JFulRs/s640/DSCN3031.JPG" width="628" /></a></div>
<br />
So here's a quick and super easy tutorial!<br />
<br />
<b>Tutorial</b><br />
various scraps for the improv.pieced hand (solids or patterns in any colorway)<br />
Paper template, which you can download <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B5MyTmaZcHBUbGNybzEzYkpFMm8/edit?usp=drive_web">here</a> (enlarge to desired size)<br />
Template plastic (not essential)<br />
10 1/2" x 10 1/2"backing fabric<br />
Double sided fusible interfacing<br />
<br />
<b>Step 1</b><br />
Improv. piece scraps of fabric together until you have a rectangle approximately 9" x 9". There are lots of good tutorials online. I didn't use a ruler - I just used random scraps - sewed them together - trimmed and kept piecing! Go with your heart!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6tFQQ1MVExcYLKXl3SjuuXGJq6WZj89A-trn4GoMo0S9qaeUQAu9qJ6fwHAbKwEV6Mg54RiZ9Ih_FeYrskMr44uKUMYhW0E0Ovg8W9KCULEXNqCwY3WV88nnMyKSvHX88C0iW3Ajvqs/s1600/DSCN3020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6tFQQ1MVExcYLKXl3SjuuXGJq6WZj89A-trn4GoMo0S9qaeUQAu9qJ6fwHAbKwEV6Mg54RiZ9Ih_FeYrskMr44uKUMYhW0E0Ovg8W9KCULEXNqCwY3WV88nnMyKSvHX88C0iW3Ajvqs/s640/DSCN3020.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Step 2</b><br />
Using the template, trace it on to some template plastic and lay it across the block diagonally. This isn't necessary but does help you position the hand on the pieced square so that you can decide where to position it. Try not to position the edge of the template near to where seams meet, like you can see half way along the top long edge in the picture below.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIJ9A0kLsxLckm8SUtLQ7MNp6UQLyclGFO-9xWVqZ-gm3iZfRysZmMzwb0CSXOnjNxX9osocSGi4r78rw-aeFb5N5EC00N4h8LwtkDLfaYEg3Z5Oax7UsEBbL0F29bXyI_JD7P1MecZ0/s1600/DSCN3021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIJ9A0kLsxLckm8SUtLQ7MNp6UQLyclGFO-9xWVqZ-gm3iZfRysZmMzwb0CSXOnjNxX9osocSGi4r78rw-aeFb5N5EC00N4h8LwtkDLfaYEg3Z5Oax7UsEBbL0F29bXyI_JD7P1MecZ0/s640/DSCN3021.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Step 3</b><br />
Use the plastic template to trace round on to the non sticky side of the double sided fusible interfacing and trim around it leaving a half inch or so.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-lgIn7vWPserxxV-Lgmdwy_A-VLoPTcv_AvOAatHNCkcCnpdh0-AQfFHUM9bY1pnDvbUOMJ0CYkrsyk_uT7AVli7TZ81SZNOGwr6b_G2pHNCEAET2I6XYFRASJ5OkPD6k3iOzgovMJY/s1600/DSCN3025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-lgIn7vWPserxxV-Lgmdwy_A-VLoPTcv_AvOAatHNCkcCnpdh0-AQfFHUM9bY1pnDvbUOMJ0CYkrsyk_uT7AVli7TZ81SZNOGwr6b_G2pHNCEAET2I6XYFRASJ5OkPD6k3iOzgovMJY/s640/DSCN3025.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Position the interfacing on the wrong side of the pieced block with the sticky side down. Fuse the two together following the manufacturer's instructions (usually applying a dry heat for a few seconds).<br />
<br />
<b>Step 4</b><br />
Cut around the template and peel away the interfacing paper - don't leave it on too long and be careful so that you don't pull the seams.<br />
<br />
Fold your backing fabric in half and press with an iron so that you have a central line. Position your Fatima's hand on the backing fabric using the central line as a guide.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU27c_byXsTbW5J9cSiH_znejzeS0kzDO7QUwaHZfMm9VWDXF7NzHYQGlhWTmrM9lHqnKeucIQ-RXEERllfHg9ZXoO5-X_YcKCp096uFeAiOloD-wobh07vc2ApNdCCFlhei4hGqmCxOU/s1600/DSCN3026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="632" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU27c_byXsTbW5J9cSiH_znejzeS0kzDO7QUwaHZfMm9VWDXF7NzHYQGlhWTmrM9lHqnKeucIQ-RXEERllfHg9ZXoO5-X_YcKCp096uFeAiOloD-wobh07vc2ApNdCCFlhei4hGqmCxOU/s640/DSCN3026.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Step 5</b><br />
Applique the hand to the backing fabric using your preferred method - either by hand or machine. I machine appliqued using the applique stitch.<br />
<br />
Et voila!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBFIOqSaZsNxpuipQWPGp2b6YqAhzdEhngqF3qbrr9wzjt9Povc0WJ7_jbBWktIRxsc8g16sRh9vcOwpp7dIJj2IZsrNyL9DKvwufrLfmBnUFjYxy2Tm7uOLMKFT91XXAiUtulbgGnuU/s1600/DSCN3032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBFIOqSaZsNxpuipQWPGp2b6YqAhzdEhngqF3qbrr9wzjt9Povc0WJ7_jbBWktIRxsc8g16sRh9vcOwpp7dIJj2IZsrNyL9DKvwufrLfmBnUFjYxy2Tm7uOLMKFT91XXAiUtulbgGnuU/s640/DSCN3032.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Thank you so much to <a href="http://www.aylin-nilya.blogspot.de/">Aylin</a> and <a href="http://duringquiettime.com/">Amy</a> for organizing this QAL. It's not too late to join in - it's low key and low pressure! Why not design a block of your own for your city? You can read about the QAL <a href="http://aylin-nilya.blogspot.de/p/big-city-girl-qal.html">here</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Annabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02806122680540977875noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129145802836986941.post-43624615705006672162013-10-02T16:13:00.001+01:002013-10-02T16:13:30.885+01:00WiP WednesdayI rarely do WiP Wednesday but have decided to start on the basis that it might focus my mind now that I'm going to have other commitments.<br />
<br />
So keeping it real, I shall list only a couple of things.<br />
<br />
First up are my blocks for the City Sampler. Since starting these last Friday I have made the first 15 blocks, which are all crosses. These blocks come together so easily and I am loving the combination of different Tula Pink lines and Oakshott. I have a way to catch up with the sewalong, which are at the mid fifties but who knows, I might do!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRM66NSPZYBZRyT3iwXEoExYM16TRF1K8i03rMqjd0f_bOHQ_ZqFySc-pta3RNBdMmp3d7ofjQoMXpaIpBgD2e7ncL5zCHTz6_-_m8XV16B6ioiC7ZafCUUIbDNl6oVQDWUAwxQYNo5t0/s1600/DSCN0344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRM66NSPZYBZRyT3iwXEoExYM16TRF1K8i03rMqjd0f_bOHQ_ZqFySc-pta3RNBdMmp3d7ofjQoMXpaIpBgD2e7ncL5zCHTz6_-_m8XV16B6ioiC7ZafCUUIbDNl6oVQDWUAwxQYNo5t0/s640/DSCN0344.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Second up is my gorgeous Stitch Tease quilt top, the theme for which was curves.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJxyg7fpYwDDxO8pSsTdhATgxnjjpVu2SPX2kYpX0RJNFIzhzkHSmbc28ZOa8nSFWbrKTyJx_JVtUGCLt2a0Ny3g8ay4B0PH4CZfUiMNzL0wBVYz-C3HVlA4sJHNEILCVNfGWCf086Jk/s1600/DSCF0040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJxyg7fpYwDDxO8pSsTdhATgxnjjpVu2SPX2kYpX0RJNFIzhzkHSmbc28ZOa8nSFWbrKTyJx_JVtUGCLt2a0Ny3g8ay4B0PH4CZfUiMNzL0wBVYz-C3HVlA4sJHNEILCVNfGWCf086Jk/s640/DSCF0040.JPG" width="554" /></a></div>
<br />
I have the batting and I'm going to do a pieced back...just need to decide on the fabrics. The only thing is that I left a lot of my basting pins at my mum's and so energy is required to face basting it with thread...and if I do that then I'm quite tempted to hand quilt it on my big hoop! Am I mad?<br />
<br />
Linking up with <a href="http://www.freshlypieced.com/2013/10/wip-wednesday-guest-hosted-by-kristy.html">Lee at Freshly Pieced</a>.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8357/8253389546_fdb631e427_o.jpg" /></div>
Annabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02806122680540977875noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129145802836986941.post-54907487694373656532013-10-01T19:02:00.003+01:002013-10-01T19:14:59.059+01:00Bee FrazzledIt's October and round here that means one thing...cooler temperatures! Not that they are here yet...<br />
<br />
September was a bit of a frustrating month for me sewingwise as I was behind from the start, lacked momentum for most of the month and really only found my rhythm in the last few days.<br />
<br />
There were bee blocks to be made of course.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbkg81J0WMLLAY2NptpniybfbOPSo3-Gqizyeks_Kl269a5O1UV8mM1fErHTFmCzFlxhSQA70pquHQnpw0GHnZ8VcnZsQq5VFmIhR8mnxb4UHYzP9JoRXrF-rSxttvnwFoN6JOtNahVTM/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbkg81J0WMLLAY2NptpniybfbOPSo3-Gqizyeks_Kl269a5O1UV8mM1fErHTFmCzFlxhSQA70pquHQnpw0GHnZ8VcnZsQq5VFmIhR8mnxb4UHYzP9JoRXrF-rSxttvnwFoN6JOtNahVTM/s640/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I had <a href="http://www.knotted-thread.com/">Jennifer's</a> Stitch Tease bee blocks for August *blush* to make. She asked for Arkansas Traveler blocks (far right) in hummingbird colours against a dark grey background. We used this super straightforward <a href="http://www.freshlypieced.com/2011/07/summer-sampler-series-arkansas-traveler.html">tutorial by Lee</a> and the block came together with no difficulty. The only problem was that the background was paper pieced and there was a lot of wastage so using the cutting instructions I got through a whole FQ for one block! The diamonds for the second block are made, so once new fabric supplies arrive, they will be off to Jennifer.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://flyingblindonarocketcycle.blogspot.com/">Hadley</a> was Queen Bee in September's Stitch Tease and asked for 49 patch blocks using low volume in one block and aqua, deep pink, dark grey and low volume in the second block. Now these was easy to put together but only once I had found the fabrics, which was challenging to say the least! She is going to have the most beautiful quilt.<br />
<br />
A few months ago, <a href="http://www.quilterinthegap.com/">Rhonda</a> asked if I would join her Modern Stitching Bee and seeing who was in it I jumped at the chance. <a href="http://shecanquilt.blogspot.co.uk/">Leanne</a> was first up for the new round and asked for square within a square blocks and QST blocks. She asked for fussy cuts in pinks, acid greens, aquas, zesty oranges and lemons and juicy purples. For the QST blocks, Leanne wanted prints which would read as horizontal lines - this challenged not only my fabric choices but my brain in correctly positioning the components of the block and let's just say there was seam ripping and then some!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ZC64yZOE6oqpe4l_vk1QXKSHwZC_MglH5qcJ2kehKgOfa7lNm_heQQXSU-0F4xBO4DuStr-QLu3yoB7q6XYG7WW0-XGoZpHKq0NgnVMybNCZ3Ypw_BEczMMZljbdAH9B43_kBwgQRoY/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ZC64yZOE6oqpe4l_vk1QXKSHwZC_MglH5qcJ2kehKgOfa7lNm_heQQXSU-0F4xBO4DuStr-QLu3yoB7q6XYG7WW0-XGoZpHKq0NgnVMybNCZ3Ypw_BEczMMZljbdAH9B43_kBwgQRoY/s640/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Determined to do better this month, I decided to get on with<a href="http://strawberrypatchramblings.blogspot.com/"> Emily's</a> blocks for the Modern Stitching Bee. Emily asked for log cabins using a little red, yellow and green surrounded by navy and low volume fabrics. While I didn't repeat within each block, there are some repeats within the second block but I'm hoping that with some careful positioning they will fit in nicely. Another beautiful quilt me thinks.<br />
<br />
A couple of bees wind up this month and I won't be joining in any Round 2s. I need to lessen my bee commitments and concentrate on just a couple. If you hear me joining another you have permission to shout at me!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Annabella</b></span><br />
<br />
<br />Annabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02806122680540977875noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129145802836986941.post-12265999907598052372013-09-29T18:01:00.002+01:002013-09-30T07:53:42.237+01:00Time & Tide Wait for No Man......well except in Morocco that is.<br />
<br />
There have been Alice Through the Looking Glass moments round here lately, like when last night we found out that the government had earlier in the day decided not to put the clocks back this morning but extend summertime to October 27 giving everyone less than 24 hours notice. I can only begin to imagine the chaos this must have caused airlines and passengers, people with meetings, appointments etc., Only in Morocco!<br />
<br />
I don't know if I shared my news that I am shortly to return to gainful employment as a p/t English language teacher at the American language center here. It's only a few hours a week but it will get me out the house and stop me turning in to a desperate housewife. The last few days have consisted of meetings, observations and orientation and well a little bit of sewing too.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I started something new...fashionably late to the Tula Pink City Sampler!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwAbvx6E340vOzTDz5V0z0oHkDK9EZQ0GAQzT5HsdQ3N-t3rvoOFShGmXpEUXgz6w6OGDjD4no4mp6Jk1KNDzkhPEEQt95lM89gcx8q67S-8vUk0pE5E1K2pCB0BQPApb3WxXdcS3yyA/s1600/DSCN0323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwAbvx6E340vOzTDz5V0z0oHkDK9EZQ0GAQzT5HsdQ3N-t3rvoOFShGmXpEUXgz6w6OGDjD4no4mp6Jk1KNDzkhPEEQt95lM89gcx8q67S-8vUk0pE5E1K2pCB0BQPApb3WxXdcS3yyA/s640/DSCN0323.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
On Friday I made my first Tula Pink City Sampler block using my charms from the recent swap...this is my favourite block. I love it so much.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioXEPn1dSETDtFXgMzNQnfN31UaBKSBunUgFCOr-CvWbp1kn0JxqYRskEzvUa05bRtXTtvgiFTkeepnRWwPKh5hZBxvGS9PBv7LukX6STVXJ8_M8p9Bhqjc4kdnYwdOt0JUt62JtD3v9k/s1600/DSCN0314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioXEPn1dSETDtFXgMzNQnfN31UaBKSBunUgFCOr-CvWbp1kn0JxqYRskEzvUa05bRtXTtvgiFTkeepnRWwPKh5hZBxvGS9PBv7LukX6STVXJ8_M8p9Bhqjc4kdnYwdOt0JUt62JtD3v9k/s640/DSCN0314.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
These blocks are the perfect size and can be made easily from charms as the blocks only come out at 6.5" unfinished. They have proved addictive as today I made another 8 of the cross blocks. I used the charms as well as some old Parisville scraps and some solids (Kona and Oakshott). I deliberately tried to use different colours from those in the book as I want this to be my quilt and there was poetic licence with fabric placement as occasionally I didn't always have enough of one fabric.<br />
<br />
Here's Block 2<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLR5WtMqofAe9Ph3oASXU3_hJBsRrP05xRXiz9x3vNNRm-AWT6KdrXzx6_2bD-x8r-qyf3NFS56XgU9pyw503wsNcVysx7YK6xzJ02QfZ_dW6NLGwriotY6V997Afki3N07Eqw87hken8/s1600/DSCN0313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLR5WtMqofAe9Ph3oASXU3_hJBsRrP05xRXiz9x3vNNRm-AWT6KdrXzx6_2bD-x8r-qyf3NFS56XgU9pyw503wsNcVysx7YK6xzJ02QfZ_dW6NLGwriotY6V997Afki3N07Eqw87hken8/s640/DSCN0313.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Block 3<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllOaiWkrAORw9m898H7Xma1TwCRC-yELQEM5i7T-xDBq_xcW56Uhqu4vwGupBh7By0EDBTctspWTxFd_6xARRdo80dnA9DcPhoPgVG5VzHQZMqMPK2mrPFbNURZOdiWbH4aHu-12mVwA/s1600/DSCN0312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllOaiWkrAORw9m898H7Xma1TwCRC-yELQEM5i7T-xDBq_xcW56Uhqu4vwGupBh7By0EDBTctspWTxFd_6xARRdo80dnA9DcPhoPgVG5VzHQZMqMPK2mrPFbNURZOdiWbH4aHu-12mVwA/s640/DSCN0312.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Block 4<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd8Iu0qtGZUxDHpXaBEC2f2BS1vAkwbOmxVFElUGsYLencniOMQvjcuSZaynlhVygr80wDL6KGZqu2TfjYcCjQt6iBwRoQ_9mA5oWJcdCdO9xP_VTiD4gkOzAcmqFz-D1L-ggupY8eNl4/s1600/DSCN0315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd8Iu0qtGZUxDHpXaBEC2f2BS1vAkwbOmxVFElUGsYLencniOMQvjcuSZaynlhVygr80wDL6KGZqu2TfjYcCjQt6iBwRoQ_9mA5oWJcdCdO9xP_VTiD4gkOzAcmqFz-D1L-ggupY8eNl4/s640/DSCN0315.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Block 5 *edited to add* Oops, just noticed a problem with this one. I thought it didn't look very crosslike!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3iPvLRposhyphenhyphen3K9BxzZitQ1VDw148Y0XY3-V1E-eEiigrnMch4WcsmXrztHXZnCg2p6jy-KsYk6g1lQwTOxPJAKnStd_FDfcDnVSlQxr1Pzx6jADgkepPZxM0ute5NIJ5Qhlaw2O-HtYM/s1600/DSCN0316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3iPvLRposhyphenhyphen3K9BxzZitQ1VDw148Y0XY3-V1E-eEiigrnMch4WcsmXrztHXZnCg2p6jy-KsYk6g1lQwTOxPJAKnStd_FDfcDnVSlQxr1Pzx6jADgkepPZxM0ute5NIJ5Qhlaw2O-HtYM/s640/DSCN0316.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Block 6<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhACbjH2ctMAdtjEsH3V-Q4thHeVj8uY9tag9OgvkooOHE8t0dw8dy0X5tasj6gsiVhJohid7I5OhiAAeGo6TK4y7tMSa9jm3mFeY-NaY2qa5V3Ddpd_f26NmffI3hhbthlGoIDq2bQDM/s1600/DSCN0317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhACbjH2ctMAdtjEsH3V-Q4thHeVj8uY9tag9OgvkooOHE8t0dw8dy0X5tasj6gsiVhJohid7I5OhiAAeGo6TK4y7tMSa9jm3mFeY-NaY2qa5V3Ddpd_f26NmffI3hhbthlGoIDq2bQDM/s640/DSCN0317.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Block 7<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixlXMob991b1xtDVKxJVe6apkkVQvnnhxfBEylD9JKBwo_A-Vx3cddK8zkZrJSFlFd8niEKWS398QLRumHbvFYcPYoWMNm7X0CQoWsJrOC6j_1exPQ0y50GAJ4RC8zna_8RpUmZr9uAbQ/s1600/DSCN0318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixlXMob991b1xtDVKxJVe6apkkVQvnnhxfBEylD9JKBwo_A-Vx3cddK8zkZrJSFlFd8niEKWS398QLRumHbvFYcPYoWMNm7X0CQoWsJrOC6j_1exPQ0y50GAJ4RC8zna_8RpUmZr9uAbQ/s640/DSCN0318.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Block 8<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1LXkNKyzsL238nH0Z9Fkm-EB6LZ3uhhtmJPYyQeb9_tqKGgFcaLJLu2ZldsBYzhfYkD1ocaMPBV7Cz3caEGXOG0HmPfiQNpaJwAmuukJ6KtHDH01McnleqrRChaer_QrQd9HqCTauvM/s1600/DSCN0320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1LXkNKyzsL238nH0Z9Fkm-EB6LZ3uhhtmJPYyQeb9_tqKGgFcaLJLu2ZldsBYzhfYkD1ocaMPBV7Cz3caEGXOG0HmPfiQNpaJwAmuukJ6KtHDH01McnleqrRChaer_QrQd9HqCTauvM/s640/DSCN0320.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
and Block 9<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1LwHz0IRiO36EZiLZdhRflQ_PeIQ17xi3QJNLpIZjeWs8Hl0nBMp70uhTevzmgp7WhlAcZXo0rAtpBQiEYdsQ609zen_I3ex3OGVKdlIE2UWAYhdUASRLfX58FPyO1L4EYhyphenhyphenITpFo8M/s1600/DSCN0321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1LwHz0IRiO36EZiLZdhRflQ_PeIQ17xi3QJNLpIZjeWs8Hl0nBMp70uhTevzmgp7WhlAcZXo0rAtpBQiEYdsQ609zen_I3ex3OGVKdlIE2UWAYhdUASRLfX58FPyO1L4EYhyphenhyphenITpFo8M/s640/DSCN0321.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's a clearer group shot.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhttQP9M62LFLH_01q37UzKiS92fwnsUekYXoer2l9gX2FkddYpQ1Bp4zVn1GCIyEgE8MuWDivzvDoKvQ3VObuTi2q7_SJOKzOUFVNZ0CDYPbVmZ0TxHpiE2Ex5IroDNVQhUs0tPR3bQhQ/s1600/DSCN0322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="622" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhttQP9M62LFLH_01q37UzKiS92fwnsUekYXoer2l9gX2FkddYpQ1Bp4zVn1GCIyEgE8MuWDivzvDoKvQ3VObuTi2q7_SJOKzOUFVNZ0CDYPbVmZ0TxHpiE2Ex5IroDNVQhUs0tPR3bQhQ/s640/DSCN0322.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I've no idea how long my charms and scraps will last out so I may have to see what I can find online but I can't wait to make more progress with this one!<br />
<br />
Hope you have had a great Sunday!<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Annabella</b></span></i>Annabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02806122680540977875noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129145802836986941.post-68142095471041753702013-09-20T00:09:00.003+01:002013-09-20T00:17:14.490+01:00Show & Tell Summer EditionWell thank you for the lovely welcome back and for patiently sitting through the somewhat long slide show of holiday photos.<br />
<br />
So while we were in England, it wasn't all beaches, playgrounds and museums. There were some stitchy related things too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
August was my turn as queen bee in the Sew Euro Bee An bee. Despite the fact I had had over a year to decide on my block I prevaricated and then some. In the end I went old school and asked for churn dash blocks; I sent my bee mates some of Jenean Morrison's Beechwood Park and bits of my low volume layer cake from <a href="http://www.makingrebeccalynne.com/">Rebecca's</a> amazing swap. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is where I'm at at the moment. The colours remind me of Opal Fruits or Starbursts if you like, and while I'm sure I will love it in the end - the colours are just a bit different for me. Here are my blocks together with those received from <a href="http://www.pippaspatch.com/">Pippa</a>, <a href="http://espritpatch.blogspot.ca/">Celine</a> and <a href="http://quiltova.blogspot.com/">Di</a> - thank you!</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlUeEACEH28n3o-DcyObwATRbvuCKtd_BrslQip4k-2P4Unv6E-nwPuCJbB67InxYZfqdtM6VN5XlgFgwJnvgu2dC0ebbal79SfV6bK_GF6bkU8f8ITLar2PjAboqljiXnaSsvqbAgLM/s1600/DSCN0282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlUeEACEH28n3o-DcyObwATRbvuCKtd_BrslQip4k-2P4Unv6E-nwPuCJbB67InxYZfqdtM6VN5XlgFgwJnvgu2dC0ebbal79SfV6bK_GF6bkU8f8ITLar2PjAboqljiXnaSsvqbAgLM/s640/DSCN0282.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beechwood Park Churn Dash blocks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On the hand sewing front, I finally finished the main panel of my Hexy MF EPP top, almost exactly a year after starting it. Here it is lazing on my mum's garden bench. Now I just need to build up the courage to applique it to the background fabric.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZdDnHzunEIA1CXcIOKk0pjdRCJjadEVvU_whPZ9D06o7N094IajFiwWuHatYBET5iG_frJtrdD3X2824c-ftTMFPtDColXc7gkxzfXJs6AtlqBPJUTVeUgWBzk2bmaKELxz5wEqbQ3JA/s1600/DSCF0583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZdDnHzunEIA1CXcIOKk0pjdRCJjadEVvU_whPZ9D06o7N094IajFiwWuHatYBET5iG_frJtrdD3X2824c-ftTMFPtDColXc7gkxzfXJs6AtlqBPJUTVeUgWBzk2bmaKELxz5wEqbQ3JA/s640/DSCF0583.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I also finished a very overdue EPP block for Marguerite. While it was ridiculously fiddly it was actually quite enjoyable in the end.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwrDCoEp-Lo6nnc9KEv9zqW0dj3m7tm13lbdJgfjhAW6oBKhsXB-urkwqD8ryBOnspviwRZlbZeyCeZo_KbMa3Bschf7aMfgdSuKMgvVk6H8pBO_-vgjqbKw3-6_IBiW0NCF9f0xwh1U/s1600/DSCN0096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwrDCoEp-Lo6nnc9KEv9zqW0dj3m7tm13lbdJgfjhAW6oBKhsXB-urkwqD8ryBOnspviwRZlbZeyCeZo_KbMa3Bschf7aMfgdSuKMgvVk6H8pBO_-vgjqbKw3-6_IBiW0NCF9f0xwh1U/s640/DSCN0096.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
What about fabric? There were some modest(ish) additions to the stash.<br />
<br />
I picked up some forgotten half yards I had ordered from <a href="http://fluffysheepquilting.com/">Cindy</a> when she was having a sale many moons ago. I did of course pay for them but as it was in another season it doesn't count right?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPoihi5XQAyPfnokln4RSCElq2br07jeEAaLMsjtkmCd-tT_OKHim7RC7Gm5_QNwW4MDzgIDwYFk3oFp5mc1Fd2yGl1tfEZEta1UItJ62BXer6FnpZyiFKEMguIdtPvxOaLfkWs2FU_BA/s1600/DSCN0292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPoihi5XQAyPfnokln4RSCElq2br07jeEAaLMsjtkmCd-tT_OKHim7RC7Gm5_QNwW4MDzgIDwYFk3oFp5mc1Fd2yGl1tfEZEta1UItJ62BXer6FnpZyiFKEMguIdtPvxOaLfkWs2FU_BA/s640/DSCN0292.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
I also collected these gorgeous Oakshott FQs which I bought from <a href="http://poppymakes.blogspot.com/">Fiona</a> when she was having an IG de-stash (again a while back so they don't count *ahem*) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiolIHlwyZOrIGqZUUQjoyGDqZWxbXFS3XSoSuuH5K2TxRa8BuCajv9_7uEvOQyPaj2DvTlLOUKC6qlXIZGw5PW6e-x69qhoeVzG6np05GlsYdFKMkG5ZDl-YqOK0Lgz5-E-RWglnQtlO8/s1600/DSCN0290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiolIHlwyZOrIGqZUUQjoyGDqZWxbXFS3XSoSuuH5K2TxRa8BuCajv9_7uEvOQyPaj2DvTlLOUKC6qlXIZGw5PW6e-x69qhoeVzG6np05GlsYdFKMkG5ZDl-YqOK0Lgz5-E-RWglnQtlO8/s640/DSCN0290.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
and these beautiful charms...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiLS1hY0EB7LgZ3OOjXSZcv922p2iuOz5niJAUykfAdGeu62c2gGNXoc4K45pNIs_JgNIcJK_7lsRKSjvyXMsf7L0oh3buwVYeej-2YXDgzyiBZEgaPmg_5HCWjP4gzzsQKMiususOCg4/s1600/DSCN0291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiLS1hY0EB7LgZ3OOjXSZcv922p2iuOz5niJAUykfAdGeu62c2gGNXoc4K45pNIs_JgNIcJK_7lsRKSjvyXMsf7L0oh3buwVYeej-2YXDgzyiBZEgaPmg_5HCWjP4gzzsQKMiususOCg4/s640/DSCN0291.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
which I'm thinking could work very nicely with my amazing Tula Pink charms below from a recent swap. I have to give a very belated and huge shout out to lovely<a href="http://www.knotted-thread.com/"> Jennifer</a> who took up another place on the swap so that I could join in. It was a U.S based only swap - Jenn cut my fabric for me and then posted the charms on to me in England. Thank you my friend!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1xTipzrDlLDVmOBQV9O-rq4wl3h2baIxmtRbdnAT6sg1yZ-wbXP474QDTkCxQh3VoD5kEy8K3__ttV_7WVU4iJtRSFckB9lny92tsTb-UWYEbLLs2xAyzhwCRyOpAKEytbA0pYbA1W94/s1600/DSCN0288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1xTipzrDlLDVmOBQV9O-rq4wl3h2baIxmtRbdnAT6sg1yZ-wbXP474QDTkCxQh3VoD5kEy8K3__ttV_7WVU4iJtRSFckB9lny92tsTb-UWYEbLLs2xAyzhwCRyOpAKEytbA0pYbA1W94/s640/DSCN0288.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The bargain find of our visit was this beautiful Liberty fabric, which I picked up in Greenwich market. I paid a tenner for 6 yards which was just silly really. The colours will work so well here...once I decide what to do with it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0UmSvV45q_-aa-VJtp79W-9O5GpMmQDHf9Vl4SgqAdTU1rXN-uz2OobCR83tGVL7G7nQ8HO_yuYIjpLYp2TTTfBMWBfWl129NdTbAGIUSP_fTdbZNyR1umfvlzkIx4TF-zpPh0D5HYs/s1600/DSCN0294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0UmSvV45q_-aa-VJtp79W-9O5GpMmQDHf9Vl4SgqAdTU1rXN-uz2OobCR83tGVL7G7nQ8HO_yuYIjpLYp2TTTfBMWBfWl129NdTbAGIUSP_fTdbZNyR1umfvlzkIx4TF-zpPh0D5HYs/s640/DSCN0294.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
If you are based in the UK and are not a member of <a href="http://thevillagehaberdashery.co.uk/">Annie's</a> CAB then you should be. In return for giving your view on beautiful upcoming fabric ranges, Annie enters you in to a monthly draw. My name was drawn in July and I spent my winnings on the texty fabrics I used in <a href="http://kechquilts.blogspot.com/2013/08/grannys-flower-garden.html">these paper pieced bee blocks</a> for <a href="http://thelittlestthistlecraftshop.blogspot.com/">Katy</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
At the end of July I received a token from Annie for my August birthday and I bought some of AMH's amazing Hand Drawn Garden as well as a couple of other bits and pieces.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7NMTAtLs-q5JNgL16bOkO2H4iuWWXfGES5_rki2II5hWzsKTmLsaAdfw5zqKkcPG5I3t3BRuhVFN1qdlq89JoTT6c_c_xg1nezxT7mbxwkXNd0aLgjlPruTz2rti_5dwfiqfs3X7hLE/s1600/DSCN0286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7NMTAtLs-q5JNgL16bOkO2H4iuWWXfGES5_rki2II5hWzsKTmLsaAdfw5zqKkcPG5I3t3BRuhVFN1qdlq89JoTT6c_c_xg1nezxT7mbxwkXNd0aLgjlPruTz2rti_5dwfiqfs3X7hLE/s640/DSCN0286.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Lastly, there was the obligatory purchase of some new quilting books. I was eventually seduced in to buying the 100 Modern Quilt Blocks after seeing all these amazing blocks popping up everywhere, and the book at the back has been on my amazon wishlist forever...I bought it secondhand from Amazon for about a fiver including shipping from the States - for that I can forgive a few bent corners. It's a great book on improv. and very inspiring!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJRfFEJz0IBrGb0OziQ5GBGv9tKmUUpmD0Et18pQCuc1yqxCTZcY_OMmL8SfuyTXIIkeiPI28s292-OpmoufGh0QCnLM_ed9Fb-espVucra0LfYEymJupMYB5-eRvFvXautUBtHp42fY/s1600/DSCN0293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJRfFEJz0IBrGb0OziQ5GBGv9tKmUUpmD0Et18pQCuc1yqxCTZcY_OMmL8SfuyTXIIkeiPI28s292-OpmoufGh0QCnLM_ed9Fb-espVucra0LfYEymJupMYB5-eRvFvXautUBtHp42fY/s640/DSCN0293.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Lastly, separated from my stash and a bad case of itchy fingers, I decided to knit! Now knitting and I do not get on. In fact the brand of knitting needles I'm using would best describe my knitting efforts to date. Still, undeterred I bought some gorgeous Rowan Lima yarn and have nearly finished knitting a cowl. This photo doesn't do the colour justice but it's really pretty. it measures from the floor to my chest and so it's quite long.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbPuP9P1m8ZhTUqhaU7qiyQej_aE3mrLerqIvYTRkyHriGgrE-USPYW3UNOnJ8jKh5UVJxIEB-KuFXhyw-rDtZdyc5Dwv_QIdFu6z0TuFOUYrHYFPNYcfC44pHTQCga0tSTbFeBryEEN0/s1600/DSCN0298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbPuP9P1m8ZhTUqhaU7qiyQej_aE3mrLerqIvYTRkyHriGgrE-USPYW3UNOnJ8jKh5UVJxIEB-KuFXhyw-rDtZdyc5Dwv_QIdFu6z0TuFOUYrHYFPNYcfC44pHTQCga0tSTbFeBryEEN0/s640/DSCN0298.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
...and there endeth this long and really quite colourful post. Now to just shake off a horrible head cold and make a start on my ever-growing to-do list! <br />
<br /></div>
Annabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02806122680540977875noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129145802836986941.post-45160967778115592242013-09-18T13:29:00.002+01:002013-09-18T13:29:37.076+01:00...and we're back!Oh my goodness, that was a long break. When I last blogged regularly it was early summer and now it's autumn.<br />
<br />
I've hardly sewed, hardly blogged and haven't commented for nearly 3 months. We spent August at my mum's in England and had an amazing time - the weather was kind for once (the warmest summer for 7 years). While I normally try not to do too much on the computer when we visit, my laptop died anyway and I only got a new one today. Hopefully, normal service can now resume.<br />
<br />
So what did we get up to while we were away? Well here's a whistlestop tour.<br />
<br />
There were days at the beach - sunny and rainy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQy-86Eh-tQkbLth6tMLd02TPUMj8pPyMiJoKFO0GjlqX0yz6uyDrGvqCFG9j5BcDBnwu-FbDqVrSQkLAuneLVJ88yO3T4IAfqXNZ0pgDFGTN4y4McuPV03mEAo87ZgzDF362oXVlgys/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQy-86Eh-tQkbLth6tMLd02TPUMj8pPyMiJoKFO0GjlqX0yz6uyDrGvqCFG9j5BcDBnwu-FbDqVrSQkLAuneLVJ88yO3T4IAfqXNZ0pgDFGTN4y4McuPV03mEAo87ZgzDF362oXVlgys/s640/PicMonkey+Collage1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We had a couple of days in Cornwall visiting Port Isaac, Polzeath, Padstow and Boscastle<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTwMswxUmalZUnyACtYie2TD3PnwUYtbNZqbL-pfkzwYK2FPxeRzjNmDKNLHpkivLzMYWBX7lhOS7WG1XgUrRTxouCXa2GfnxLFVwI5GQYhWf5vBh1GRyudAhYkBPY0qVh2aZEl5QhLe0/s640/PicMonkey+Collage2.jpg" width="640" /></span></div>
<br />
We spent the bank holiday weekend in London during which time we queued...and queued and...well queued!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGpLM-9mBjnV1SKTbnwmzCDHwud-ljGSb0T1Kxb87WqbqPoz2ZU4zTrd_Zyak99CLyeJkhIUALOWWJWLrHheXvG4ouvJ4sjMX-O9NzWzMDhdENFaFA_1ZOVCQD_guvGxxqfffo7FO5x1c/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGpLM-9mBjnV1SKTbnwmzCDHwud-ljGSb0T1Kxb87WqbqPoz2ZU4zTrd_Zyak99CLyeJkhIUALOWWJWLrHheXvG4ouvJ4sjMX-O9NzWzMDhdENFaFA_1ZOVCQD_guvGxxqfffo7FO5x1c/s640/PicMonkey+Collage3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
There were visits to the natural history museum, the maritime museum where Zaki indulged his inner pirate and the rare breeds country park.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXPZez-MYbHM1W1eNDsuCXLxNJlTbrw5R8-BlwTsuwugaxUBBtFwYU1lTga855dLJ6kKTvisR3W1jIxMHLmy_DZLjElHhd0VGsc8e2RG6pVgaj-QddSlwISk4bM2euAYj2waiquRCkSLE/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXPZez-MYbHM1W1eNDsuCXLxNJlTbrw5R8-BlwTsuwugaxUBBtFwYU1lTga855dLJ6kKTvisR3W1jIxMHLmy_DZLjElHhd0VGsc8e2RG6pVgaj-QddSlwISk4bM2euAYj2waiquRCkSLE/s640/PicMonkey+Collage4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
...and well England was just really pretty...and green.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDoqWcYRuWEg33Crw4vDHPHT2keE7lJaqHru_RmIVYe3dQIlv9hfl2o1GKCVpzzfWznACEzIKYLKTRnaVxWO3LUZC0oFvIQNC9rvNSLISGARqCjK_ZkCUdgDXWGMKPKLmEtSZgYVp-hE/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDoqWcYRuWEg33Crw4vDHPHT2keE7lJaqHru_RmIVYe3dQIlv9hfl2o1GKCVpzzfWznACEzIKYLKTRnaVxWO3LUZC0oFvIQNC9rvNSLISGARqCjK_ZkCUdgDXWGMKPKLmEtSZgYVp-hE/s640/PicMonkey+Collage5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We're now back...and it's signifcantly cooler than when we left so here's hoping I can get some sewing done soon. I admit to feeling a little overwhelmed and not knowing really where to begin, let alone where everything is!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Still it feels good to be back...let's hope it's for keeps this time!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Annabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02806122680540977875noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129145802836986941.post-60605661786211211612013-08-13T20:34:00.001+01:002013-08-13T20:34:21.500+01:00Granny's Flower GardenIt's almost 2 weeks since we arrived in England and the cooler temperatures have had a much needed and positive impact on productivity.<br />
<br />
Today I finished up the main panel of my Hexy MF quilt, which I started almost exactly 1 year ago and I couldn't be happier. It started with lovely <a href="http://echinopsaster.blogspot.co.uk/">Jenelle's</a> aqua, orange and grey charm swap fabrics and was then supplemented by kind donations from bloggy friends around the globe for which I am so grateful!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaxrieoJg4JysajtKIJHHGBpUTDYbFLopYCr1n9Lyv9iZSx6xQCFOmg53xQ2tmd_woX5bVqIASkwejRiUEpfB3iANxgRXV1DGNeTnRFCuhaFRF_4cgFHYNcXJuYBKo2LI42CJio213YXs/s1600/DSCF0583.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaxrieoJg4JysajtKIJHHGBpUTDYbFLopYCr1n9Lyv9iZSx6xQCFOmg53xQ2tmd_woX5bVqIASkwejRiUEpfB3iANxgRXV1DGNeTnRFCuhaFRF_4cgFHYNcXJuYBKo2LI42CJio213YXs/s640/DSCF0583.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Before we left Marrakech, I threw the flower strips in to the suitcase half thinking that they would return in the same state but over the last couple of weeks, I sewed them together and here is granny's flower garden...in granny's flower garden! Now for the <i>fun</i> part - appliqueing the panel on to the background fabric and making some flowers and stems for the quilt border but that won't be until we are back home next month.<br />
<br />
Yesterday, I caught up with some very late bee blocks. Back in June *gulp*, <a href="http://thelittlestthistlecraftshop.blogspot.co.uk/">Katy</a> asked for a paper-pieced feather block and a flying geese block using bright fabrics and colourless low volume fabrics. Back then I was ensconced on my course and then it got hot...very hot and well I pleaded for clemency and it was granted. Now this is only my second attempt at paper-piecing and while I'm not saying my trusty friend, the seam ripper didn't make an appearance (or two) I'm fairly happy with them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1j-ejG0pKUBbAExZyrZFxzKgXD0MKXuDqlmO18BGK5ajV_tj38L5QQv6lIIz7agwpYFICE5schLq4ASC8ryzf9iRVomlpWcGda1AQuch3anUFMRMZLTneaNoL6XZ6ZpCXwh4Kmu_XrXw/s1600/DSCF0580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1j-ejG0pKUBbAExZyrZFxzKgXD0MKXuDqlmO18BGK5ajV_tj38L5QQv6lIIz7agwpYFICE5schLq4ASC8ryzf9iRVomlpWcGda1AQuch3anUFMRMZLTneaNoL6XZ6ZpCXwh4Kmu_XrXw/s640/DSCF0580.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmlmFGyokmtfHWRjmv9lJZG-s1n9Mratjeb5AWT2CHGHKW9-Qo4ugSWkBofAACmpFl5Gb7xYB4xHYmTJaGfLcswjC-EARS-7XRs1tiGaU3MA5p19QEjCq60i5lUJnxKjIhMBJWr8_jyS4/s1600/DSCF0581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmlmFGyokmtfHWRjmv9lJZG-s1n9Mratjeb5AWT2CHGHKW9-Qo4ugSWkBofAACmpFl5Gb7xYB4xHYmTJaGfLcswjC-EARS-7XRs1tiGaU3MA5p19QEjCq60i5lUJnxKjIhMBJWr8_jyS4/s640/DSCF0581.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And well, while we've been here, there have been days out, sunshine and showers...ice creams, beaches, Saturday markets and playgrounds..oh and a little shopping of course.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVDL9r9BcGA12aJes4YXafEzgNTld70aQYcV8b0ima-kOJ_u72BaDfKfs6cv9NDhY2gE7LQF7uD2F5H1pgVge8dBIsYeOhmrUyAK-3nY-YYAeyno6bWotQTxXAX0sHFp3Ep7jgaZNc_4/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVDL9r9BcGA12aJes4YXafEzgNTld70aQYcV8b0ima-kOJ_u72BaDfKfs6cv9NDhY2gE7LQF7uD2F5H1pgVge8dBIsYeOhmrUyAK-3nY-YYAeyno6bWotQTxXAX0sHFp3Ep7jgaZNc_4/s640/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Tomorrow we're off to Cornwall for a couple of days...cream teas?? Who mentioned cream teas?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Annabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02806122680540977875noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129145802836986941.post-60905060959060603812013-07-29T13:27:00.000+00:002013-07-29T18:45:44.393+00:003 Sleeps.......left and then we're out of this there hot house and somewhere a little more comfortable.<br />
<br />
As Julys in Marrakech go, this month has been 'exceptionnelle' with temperatures hovering comfortably around the mid thirties most of the time but the Sahara Chergui wind is on its way and over the next few days, temps will will hit the mid forties (around 115°F).<br />
<br />
So to say the least, very little sewing has been done round here. However, Zaki and I are off to my mum's and she <i>has</i> been sewing and has just finished her first quilt!<br />
<br />
No, no...not this...this isn't a quilt, silly!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMcVZ2WL2Q7HiiTD2CBgMgNoTQmTcuUpBQelexC1tr8CFacbr7PqjLOrbEdXX1-o4aTKyFRMyajktRTKgnWEd8uTqTDTmKrcDToyWjiDHNmuHr5GbH3Lq7Iihpd6WpSvu6Lg5ljcwOVvmy/s1600/CAM00154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMcVZ2WL2Q7HiiTD2CBgMgNoTQmTcuUpBQelexC1tr8CFacbr7PqjLOrbEdXX1-o4aTKyFRMyajktRTKgnWEd8uTqTDTmKrcDToyWjiDHNmuHr5GbH3Lq7Iihpd6WpSvu6Lg5ljcwOVvmy/s640/CAM00154.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
My mum loves to paint but it has been a while since she has done so as a couple of years ago she rediscovered sewing. Growing up, I remember her making clothes - they were run up in an afternoon and you never inspected the inside, she screen painted silk and made lampshades, did needlepoint, knitted and embroidered. <br />
<br />
She is good at whatever she turns her hand to and is incredibly creative. Recently, she has been doing these fusions of <strike>cross stitch</strike> needlepoint and appliqued fabric The amazing Dodo up there (I love that bit of Amy Butler Lark fabric in the centre) and these are her waterlilies inspired by The Majorelle Gardens here in Marrakech.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-hm8oppaL9T8LwVG2GmchWqv2KC-oFeGigLFk4mtJhzuQFYHjd_CfC_UGkPNbrpR-3mPwFuMwemUZx7DVhQmzavxKgAE8UXC4-7hGSwejSrLdHfmIqpxFNge8tXAua098Aq-2zXekTz98/s1600/CAM00155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-hm8oppaL9T8LwVG2GmchWqv2KC-oFeGigLFk4mtJhzuQFYHjd_CfC_UGkPNbrpR-3mPwFuMwemUZx7DVhQmzavxKgAE8UXC4-7hGSwejSrLdHfmIqpxFNge8tXAua098Aq-2zXekTz98/s640/CAM00155.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
But a few *ahem* months ago (think the gestational period of a dolphin), she decided to make a quilt and this week, after much <strike>badgering</strike> motivation from across the seas, she finally finished it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB2_85AZ-qAkDbVq6fSUHau-31T8eyE_e1XBqLTP2ly97LVRnyXKAAKmU0RwmBdFBj8YxooVZ8TxH4CTHqGbDOZJPtJbSaRu2WqBpFbLdwVW0FrGjkqhbSJ56ei9bbMTWd4Pz-d6Ep59Ee/s1600/CAM00149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB2_85AZ-qAkDbVq6fSUHau-31T8eyE_e1XBqLTP2ly97LVRnyXKAAKmU0RwmBdFBj8YxooVZ8TxH4CTHqGbDOZJPtJbSaRu2WqBpFbLdwVW0FrGjkqhbSJ56ei9bbMTWd4Pz-d6Ep59Ee/s640/CAM00149.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
She used a pattern from Jane Brocket's The Gentle Art of Quilt Making and I think she has done an amazing job. Look at the lovely wrinkly texture the quilting gives it...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis98HhVypUQpwLmzrDmZy6WkHHFkhDv8z6srjOcp0-f_hisbJ_MewRhNrk6zUgnE8bmPCJ3tETeyJQyG4kR8RQZ4qU39jRXxdD49gyCzLeNUGLh7rk9ExpxlFiCApOWwzC_Ry3TvptswUf/s1600/CAM00141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis98HhVypUQpwLmzrDmZy6WkHHFkhDv8z6srjOcp0-f_hisbJ_MewRhNrk6zUgnE8bmPCJ3tETeyJQyG4kR8RQZ4qU39jRXxdD49gyCzLeNUGLh7rk9ExpxlFiCApOWwzC_Ry3TvptswUf/s640/CAM00141.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
...she hand stitched the vertical lines and FMQd in the focus fabric - go her!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwS1jiBBtlOQN8OybtWa6SB3q0ttHDEsz2gIo06FMLskgVyTySM2sK_MLmNtnI8cIKOJdLsKpHU_P5tiNX-P8X11cCfcE4fGA9lhdGfRFsmjIj0SZOfKVCH8r0KqSBAokPt7phplTQ8AaQ/s1600/CAM00142+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwS1jiBBtlOQN8OybtWa6SB3q0ttHDEsz2gIo06FMLskgVyTySM2sK_MLmNtnI8cIKOJdLsKpHU_P5tiNX-P8X11cCfcE4fGA9lhdGfRFsmjIj0SZOfKVCH8r0KqSBAokPt7phplTQ8AaQ/s640/CAM00142+(1).jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Why then is she saying this will be her last quilt? Despite having reserved a couple of very clever stitchy blog names, she hasn't ever blogged - pleading time and technology constraints yada yada yada which I think is just downright selfish ;) So if you like what you see, leave a suitably motivational comment (she'll be reading alright) and perhaps she might make another! And anyway, she can share her other stitchy creations :)<br />
<br />
I shall try and share with you before I leave what little stitching I have done...unless that Chergui gets me first!<br />
<br />Annabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02806122680540977875noreply@blogger.com29