Plodding on slowly.

Thanks to everyone who commented on my last post. I agree, the best part about baking is the cleaning up. I just love having my helpers around to do that. :-)

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So here's what I'm plodding on slowly with. I have three out of four rows ready for me to hand sew the sashing on the back.

Once that is done I can cut and attach the longer sashing in between the rows.. I have used the same fabric to shash both front and back. In keeping with most of the fabrics in this quilt, it is a Fig Tree Fabric. It's kind of hard to see here, but it's a beautiful buttery yellow with white polka dots. Yum!

 I have a late shift today, so I hope to get the final row sashed and make a start on the hand sewing. Then I'll have to make a decision about whether or not to use corner stones, or just go for straight sashing. What do you think?

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Following our visit to Birmingham, Mother is once again on my case. Yes she has some projects for me to complete, but she also wants me to start showing my quilts. Something I've never done before, except here of course, and for one or two good friends who visit my home. Well, the local Horticultural society are having their annual show on Saturday. As well as all the horticulture, they have baking and craft sections, and I thought I might enter 'The Shirt off His Back'.

This means of course I'll have to unstick my finger and make a label for it.

Please wish me luck.

Where did my sewing machine signature go?????

Take care all.

Lou



Baking for Charity

I promised someone that I would do some baking for  a charitable cause. My son just happened to be here and was very helpful with the cleaning up!

And here's half of the end result. Double choc chip muffins with marshmallows.

Motivation

It would seem that a visit to the quilt festival was what I needed to get my creativity back on track. Over the last few days I've spent a little time up in my den having a tidy up and a sort out. Just look at all the projects that are waiting for me.

I even managed to get in a little quilting yesterday. This is the project from the top of the pile. 'Charming Stars' by Moda Bake Shop. If you remember, I'm doing this one, 'quilt as you go'.

But I stalled when it came time to find the right fabric for sashing. Well I think I've done that now and I'm on my way again.

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Thanks to all who commented on my last post about the festival.



Guess who I met?

I promised to return when I had something to show, well here I am.
You may remember, I've had my Tickets for the Festival of Quilts booked since the day they went on sale. I was so quick off the mark Mum and I had ticket numbers 97 and 98 I think!
Yesterday was the big day, we were up with the birdies and off to Birminghams NEC.
While we were queueing to get in I thought I saw a face I recognised away over on the other side of the queue. Hmmmm.........
The quilts as always were stunning. I took loads of pictures, but I'll just show you my absolute faves.

 'After Anna' By Hazel Ryder. Anna didn't live long enough to make her own Diploma quilt. So using inspiration, fabric and threads from her workroom, her mother made it in her memory.

I fell in love with this piece the moment I saw it, it reminded me of the Koru, I had seen so much of in New Zealand, the notes about the quilt just made it even more special to me. I'm pleased to say it achieved a Judges Choice award.

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This guy simply called 'My Rhino' wasn't mentioned in the program! When I found a steward and asked about him, she could tell us nothing. Only that he had arrived too late to get a mention. This is a great image of him, but he looks so much better in real life. Every time I happened to look in his direction he had a crowd of admirers.

I voted him as my best in show. :-)

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'Harvey' By Abbieanne Searle. Was made in memory of a dear friend, who used to breed colourful fighting fish.

Again my camera skills don't do Harvey any favours, he's so much prettier in real life.

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'Flowers of Kalocsa' By Ilona Tornyal of Hungary. If you know me at all, you know I'm a sucker for a blue and white quilt.

So after taking in about half of the quilts mum and I ventured in to the vendors area. She was looking for more animal panels. It seems I still have more to do for her! I was looking through some panels when a voice asked if she could squeeze through please. No problem, I stepped back out of the way and looked up to see that face again! I was right, the face belonged to our very own Lynda of Master of Patience.

We chatted for just a few moments and Lynda's friend kindly took both of our cameras in order to record the moment. It was a lovely surprise to meet someone I 'know'.

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