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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Lay...ers.....

I made all these today.....

 While I was layering, ready to quilt as I go.

I rooted about in my stash of op shop finds and came up with some beautiful buttery yellow fabric to use as backs. I even have some left over. Bonus.

Now I'm off to seek something equally delish to sash with.

If at first you don't succeed...

Fire up your husbands computer and use a different browser. My laptop runs IE9, this post is brought to you by Chrome.

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So, now that I have images, what are they all about?

Well in true Loulee style, they are out of order. (I'm not complaining though, at least they are here) 

First up, the off cuts. I'll need to figure out a project for those. Maybe a little bag.

 Now for the main event. Charming Stars, inspired by Moda Bake Shop.

I plan to quilt as I go, then join them using white sashes. I'll need to sort out some fabric for the backs, but that will have to wait for later as I'm off to work soon.
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That's it, I spent so much time messing about trying to get images to post.................

Still puttering along.....

My husbands colleague requested a Kindle cover for his sister. She's mad about dots, so dots it had to be. I've lined it using the same fabric.

Now I just need to find some clear snap fasteners, or even nickle, anything would be better than the black I have here.

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My latest quilty creation is spread all over the bedroom floor awaiting my attentions, maybe tomorrow.