Friday 26 June 2015

'Idaho Lily' Simple Whatnots by Kim Diehl


'Idaho Lily' - Simple Whatnots by Kim Diehl
'Idaho Lily' - Simple Whatnots by Kim Diehl

Doughty's Roadshow fabrics are back in town - 10.30am until 2.30pm, in Thornbury, Bristol, 27th June 2015.  It was this time last year that I shared my purchase with you, a bundle of 'Hearthside Seasons' fabric by Kim Diehl for Henry Glass which I planned  to use for my 'Dear Jane' quilt. But I can't start the Dear Jane quilt until the Nearly Insane quilt is finished, which although close, is not done.

http://fabadashery.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/nearly-insane-quilt-update-4-march-2015.html
'Winter Blessings' Kim Diehl fabric
Meanwhile I have been developing my relationship with Kim Diehl fabrics, which includes the arrival of the 'Winter Blessings' half yard bundle this morning.  All the backing fabric, the main fabric and block fabrics have been purchased for the Dear Jane quilt, but I will not let myself start until the Nearly Insane quilt is done.  The intention was for my sister and I to do the Dear Jane quilt together, but she has stormed on ahead and has completed 135 blocks already.

'Idaho Lily' - Simple Whatnots by Kim Diehl
'Idaho Lily' - Simple Whatnots by Kim Diehl
To keep me quiet I have allowed myself to do one of Kim Diehl 'Simple Whatnot' quilts.  They are only small and this one, 'Idaho Lily' is mainly half square triangles and some applique.
'Idaho Lily' - Simple Whatnots by Kim Diehl
'Idaho Lily' - Simple Whatnots by Kim Diehl
There is only so long I can look at this fabric, so having done one, I am ready for another.

 

Thursday 25 June 2015

Nearly Insane Quilt - Update #5 June 2015


Nearly Insane Quilt - Electric Quilt image
Nearly Insane Quilt - Electric Quilt image
It is a while since I mentioned anything about my Nearly Insane quilt progress, so I thought a post on the blog would set me into action.  I have taken this image from my Electric Quilt software to show the final layout, and this image is now on my sidebar.
Nearly Insane Quilt - Zig Zag border
Nearly Insane Quilt - Zig Zag border
I am pleased to say that I have pieced together all the zig zags required in the border.  From my last post you will have read about the false starts I had with this.  I think they contributed to a lack of motivation I had for the border, which is why they have taken such a long time.  Do you ever suffer from lack of interest in your quilt borders?  I had hoped to keep up with this whilst I was completing the blocks, which I did until there was a change of plan. Anyway, they are together, I just need to insert a cream border and either side of the zig zag and then the top is truly finished. That is all I need to do ...

English Paper Piecing - removing the paper
English Paper Piecing - removing the paper
I am still removing the paper from the English Paper Piecing and there are large areas of the quilt which are looking revitalised without the tacking stitches showing through. At the final count there were 6032 pieces in the quilt - all those 6032 templates are in the process of coming out.
Suzi the cat helping with the quilt borders

With all the supportive help I get from Suzi the cat, I expect there are 6032 cat hairs to remove as well....

Monday 15 June 2015

Miniature Block of the Month June 2015 - The Quilt Room

Miniature Quilt Blocks - Quilt Room Free BOM
Miniature Quilt Blocks - Quilt Room Free BOM
We are half way through the year and I am pleased to say that I have kept up with the FREE Miniature Block of the Month currently being offered by The Quilt Room. Each month I pull out my shoe box with my fabric selection and a new block joins the group. I am starting to think how I will set them - at the moment I am thinking of putting them on point.  The fabrics I am using are mainly from 'Snowman Gatherings' by Primitive Gatherings and I see from a few online stores that there is now 'Snowman Gatherings II' available.

Miniature Quilt Block- June 2015
Miniature Quilt Block- June 2015
I quite enjoyed the June block.  I only had to undo one line of stitching!  With the foundation piecing the flying geese have come out perfectly. Not quite a star this time, so to keep on theme I have included a tiny star print.
Suzi the Cat quilting
Suzi the Cat
Suzi the cat hasn't featured on the blog lately, so here is a photo for all her fans out there.  It is only June, but we are starting to think about the August extravaganza - Pets on Quilts 2015!   

Wednesday 10 June 2015

Miniature Doll Quilt Swap - May 2015


Miniature Doll Quilt Swap - Marcia at Grammy Quilts
Miniature Doll Quilt Swap - Marcia at Grammy Quilts
As you will have seen on my blog, early May was spent making a Mini Doll Quilt for a swap organised by Humble Quilts.  I was ahead of the game as I was abroad in late May/ early June, so having sent mine off before I left, I was looking forward to returning home to see what was waiting in the post.
Miniature Doll Quilt Swap - Marcia at Grammy Quilts
Miniature Doll Quilt Swap - Marcia at Grammy Quilts
I wasn't disappointed. My swap was from Marcia at Grammy Quilts. Did someone tell her I LOVE scrap quilts?  She calculated that she has used 124 different civil war shirtings and reproduction fabrics, which seems amazing for such a cute little doll quilt.  There are some particularly cute red and white ones in there which would have been great in my Nearly Insane quilt....
Civil War Reproduction Fabrics - Grammy Quilts
Civil War Reproduction Fabrics - Grammy Quilts

Not only did she send me the pretty doll quilt, but she very kindly sent me some civil war reproduction charm squares for some future projects - a lovely mix of shirtings and repro fabrics.
Civil War Reproduction Fabrics - Constant Quilter
Civil War Reproduction Fabrics - Constant Quilter
Also waiting in the post was another parcel from my other partner, Wendy at the Constant Quilter. Having read my blog and hearing about the shortage of civil war reproductions in my stash, she also felt sorry for me and sent a lovely selection - it seems to have every colour you could wish for! How generous everyone has been.

Miniature Doll Quilt Swap - Marcia at Grammy Quilts

What perhaps pleases me the most is that the quilt Marcia made me fits my mini quilt stand perfectly.  This has been sitting dormant for nearly two years waiting for a miniature quilt. Like everyone, I really enjoyed making the little miniature doll quilt.  Thanks to Lori for organising it and keeping it simple. It was my first swap and with all these lovely fabrics, roll on the 2016 Miniature Doll Quilt Swap!

For a peek at all the Mini Doll Quilts hop over to Humble Quilts!