Showing posts with label Cat. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cat. Show all posts

Thursday 10 April 2014

Spring Quilt Festival 2014 - Exeter Westpoint

'Brick Lane' Medallion Quilt by Village Fabrics
'Brick Lane' Medallion Quilt by Village Fabrics
At the weekend I made a trip to Exeter to visit the Spring Quilt Festival at the Westpoint Showground.  It's a small show, but when you need a quick quilt fix it is the ideal tonic.
'Delft Floor Tiles' by Alice Webb Quilt
'Delft Floor Tiles' by Alice Webb

This blue quilt was a small hanging by Alice Webb.  It caught my eye as it reminded me of my on-point Nearly Insane quilt, and little projects that could emanate from it in the future.  I often have a small 3" block in my hand as I construct the full block and think how cute it is.

'Enchanted Garden' Quilt by Rhianon Taylor
'Enchanted Garden' Quilt by Rhianon Taylor
Every time I go to a quilt show, I am usually at a certain stage in my quilting thoughts, and different things appeal to me amongst the exhibits. This time around it was quilting.  In terms of quilting on quilts, there was a lovely display of quilts by Rhianon Taylor, also blogging as the Nifty Stitcher

Detail - 'Enchanted Garden' Quilt by Rhianon Taylor
Detail - 'Enchanted Garden' Quilt by Rhianon Taylor
Just look at this amazing machine quilting. A full display of her work can bee seen on her blog, and no doubt it will be touring in future Grosvenor Exhibitions coming up throughout the year if you want to see it in the flesh.
'Baby Jane' Quilt by Sheila Lloyd
'Baby Jane' Quilt by Sheila Lloyd
After my trip to Nantes last year to see the 150th Anniversary display of Dear Jane quilts, it was lovely to see another.  Sheila has pretty much stuck to the style and fabrics of the original Dear Jane quilt by Jane Stickle - it looked lovely.

Naturally I made a few purchases at the stalls.  I added a few fat quarters to my stash of neutrals from a charity stall, and bought the 'Little Black Dress 2' layer cake by BasicGrey.  The Japanese fabric was from a rummage bin - it has a striped design which I though had lot of potential ...
www.giddysprite.com Cat coaster
Cat Coaster - Giddy Sprite Designs
Also, whilst I was out and about at the weekend I also picked up this little cat coaster by Giddy Sprite.  Suzi the cat seems to have this expression on her face permanently at the moment - the birds outside are driving her to distraction!

 

Monday 17 March 2014

International Quilt Day - Report

Suzi the cat on the Butterfly Quilt
Suzi the cat on the Butterfly Quilt
This is how International Quilt Day started out here at Fabadashery.  Suzi the cat lay on top of the butterfly quilt, whilst I lay underneath it, browsing quilt blogs and online quilt shops on my iPad.  I had a good browse of  What's New at the Fat Quarter Shop, and enjoyed a thorough read of some of the blogs I follow.
International Quilt Day - The Quilt Show - Free for 24 hours!
International Quilt Day - The Quilt Show - Free for 24 hours!
Like last year, The Quilt Show was celebrating International Quilt Day by offering access to their quilty shows for free for 24 hours.  It was great seeing quilters in action.  I knew many of the names, like Gwen Marston and Jenny Beyer and it wasn't too long until I was adding their books to my Wish List on Amazon. I also spent a lot of time watching the longarm quilt episodes ...
Nearly Insane Quilt blocks
Nearly Insane Quilt blocks
With my Nearly Insane blocks needing to be done, I felt I could justify a bit of multi-tasking, by watching the TV and keeping up with my English paper piecing, and over the day I managed three blocks, which I will tell you about in due course.
Suzi the cat busy supervising in the workroom
Suzi busy supervising in the workroom
We had such a great time, Suzi says "Why can't it be International Quilt Day, every day?"

Check out all the other crazy quilty cats every Friday at Sarah Did It!

Monday 3 February 2014

Red and White Quilts - Sew Cal Gal Quilt Show

Red and White Pinwheel Quilt, July 2013
Over at Sew Cal Gal, they are hosting a  "Year of Red and White Quilt Challenges".  Red and white quilts?  Here? On this blog? For once, it looks like Fabadashery has lucked out!

Red and White Pinwheel Quilt
Red and White Pinwheel Quilt
Starting off with a Quilt Show of Quilts Made Prior to 2014, I am offering up my Red and White Pinwheel Quilt. Regular readers will be familiar with it.  It was a BIG FINISH for me last summer and it was displayed in the Festival of Quilts in Birmingham.  The design was my own, inspired by antique quilts.  I did draw up the design in Electric Quilt for reference, but mainly I just muddled along.  The reverse is a red and white spotted Laura Ashley fabric, which had been lingering in my stash for many years.
Red and White Pinwheel Quilt
Red and White Pinwheel Quilt
The quilt was hand stitched using the English paper piecing method, and hand quilted. Red is probably my favourite colour.  Red also has a tendency to bleed - but see how vibrant the red stands out against the white - it is all thanks to the Colour Catcher.

Suzi the cat under the Red and White Pinwheel Quilt
Suzi the cat under the Red and White Pinwheel Quilt
Meanwhile, I have been working on my Red and White Nearly Insane Quilt (which is due a 1 Year Anniversary reveal soon ...).  I hope I will be joining up with Sew Cal Gal again later the year.

Tuesday 7 January 2014

Day 12 - Twelve Days of Sewing at Fabadashery

Output - 12 Days of Sewing at Fabadashery
Output - 12 Days of Sewing at Fabadashery
I was meant to post this yesterday, but I had a window of time which was either going to be sewing or blogging.  Sewing won (as it should), and it meant that Nearly Insane Block 74 got completed.  So in all, after 12 days of sewing, we have a Celtic Solstice Mystery Quilt top, twelve and a half Nearly Insane Quilt cornerstones (which was the aim of the exercise), two Nearly Insane blocks and two Nearly Insane Edge / Corner blocks, plus some of the chevron border.  You will also see that I found the missing edge block.
Makower Advent Calendar Quilt
Makower Advent Calendar Quilt

Also not to forget the quilted Advent Calendar that was finished (but now packed away in the attic for next year).

Dresden Plate Pin Cushion tops
Dresden Plate Pin Cushion tops
I also mentioned that I had been making some presents that I would reveal.  I actually forgot to take a picture of them before I wrapped them up, but do have this picture of them part way through.  I made two pin cushions in a similar style to my Grandmother's Flower Garden pin cushion, only they were smaller and had a Dresden plate pattern on the top, using some prints from the Primitive Gatherings range. 
This evening, Suzi has been catching up on reading all the lovely comments you have made about our Celtic Solstice Mystery quilt. She is has really enjoyed it and is ready for the next one!

With all that excitement over we are back to the regular red and white theme of this blog, with no other immediate projects in mind.  I am happy to say that my Nearly Insane endeavours have inspired some of you, and Anna has written to say she plans to start one soon, having received the book for Christmas.  We all look forward to seeing it soon!
 

Sunday 5 January 2014

Day 11 - Twelve Days of Sewing at Fabadashery

Celtic Solstice Mystery Quilt scraps
Celtic Solstice Mystery Quilt scraps
In the aftermath of completing my Celtic Solstice Mystery Quilt top , I have started to tidy up.  Here are the scraps that I have collected over the past six weeks as we prepared each block.  I am thinking of making some small strip blocks and putting them together for another cat mat, similar to the one I did last year after completing the Easy Street Mystery quilt.
30's Playtime (Moda) & Quilters Basics (Stof)
30's Playtime (Moda) & Quilters Basics (Stof)

Whilst very little actual sewing has happened, I have been busy preparing some Nearly Insane blocks.  It seems quite a while since I had a day on my Electric Quilt software, planning, designing and cutting out.  Since then, a few more red and white fabrics have slipped into my stash.  I have seen this red flowery fabric from the Chloe's Closet 30's Playtime range by Moda, as part of Jelly Rolls and Charm Packs, and I finally found it at Cowslips Workshops as yardage.  As a latecomer to the Nearly Insane party, the random draws will ensure that this fabric gets mixed up nicely with the previous blocks.  The other fine red stripe is a Stof Quilters Basic.
1/4 inch seam allowances - even on the smallest of pieces
1/4 inch seam allowances - even on the smallest of pieces

BTW, I have also had a query asking how big my seam allowances are on some of the smaller pieces.  I hope this picture illustrates that they still need a 1/4 inch seam, even though the seams are more than the fabric that will be visible.  Once I have covered the template, I usually trim off any excess dog ears.

I have also spent a bit of time catching up on everyone else's blogs.  Lots of quilters have reviewed their quilting year, and set up plans for 2014.  My plan is to just keep going and fit in as much stitching as I possibly can. BUT Oh dear...  I found some eye candy.  At the Fabric and Flowers blog I saw a lovely medallion quilt, Midnight at the Oasis, a Jen Kingwell pattern published in the July / August 2013 Quiltmania magazine.  I have seen it before, but I decided that I really fancy doing this one. 

Suzi taking a well earned rest after the Celtic Solstice marathon
Suzi taking a well earned rest after the Celtic Solstice marathon
And here is today's photo of Suzi.  She hasn't done any sewing either, but she is at least sitting on a quilt.

Saturday 4 January 2014

Day 10 - Twelve Days of Sewing at Fabadashery

Machine piecing the Celtic Solstice Mystery Quilt
Machine piecing the Celtic Solstice Mystery Quilt

Day 10 of the Fabadashery sewing extravaganza has been focussed on the Celtic Solstice Mystery quilt again.  Following the directions from Part 6, the top is together, and some of the borders are on.  The good news is that it is now just one piece, and my shoe box is empty.

Suzi was invaluable at making sure I had all the 4-patch's heading in the same direction. With all that under control, my BIG REVEAL should be available soon.

I also had to take a trip to the dentist, so my portable sewing bag came with me, and this Nearly Insane block is now ready to be put together.  It is also time to starting cutting the fabric for the next few blocks, else I will have no hand piecing to sew over the next few weeks.  Only  few days left of the 12 Days of Sewing at Fabadashery!
 

Friday 3 January 2014

Day 9 - Twelve Days of Sewing at Fabadashery

Celtic Solstice Mystery Quilt 2013 - Block Layout
Celtic Solstice Mystery Quilt 2013 - Block Layout
As I said yesterday, a lot of my sewing time at the moment is being taken up with Bonnie Hunter's 2013 Celtic Solstice Mystery Quilt.  Whilst I took a bit of a break from sewing today, I still managed to layout the blocks on the floor, and start to put them together.  It is happening quite quickly, but still a way to go.  At least you get to see a bit of a REVEAL of the final look.

Nearly Insane Quilt - English Paper Piecing
Nearly Insane Quilt - English Paper Piecing

Whilst out and about today, I managed to prepare some of my English paper piecing templates for the next Nearly Insane block. All this was done whilst travelling in the car, and am pleased with the progress on this.  Over Christmas, this project has kept a steady pace, but as always, you wish it was going quicker.
Suzi hasn't much time for sewing today as the weather outside is wild and windy.  There are so many noises and sudden movements going on that she has found a spot to keep an eye on developments. See other busy cats at Feline Friday at Sarah Did It!

Day 8 - Twelve Days of Sewing at Fabadashery

Suzi the cat helps out with Celtic Solstice Mystery Quilt
Suzi the cat helps out with Celtic Solstice Mystery Quilt
 Well, there was no Nearly Insane work done today - it was part 6 of Celtic Solstice 2013 Mystery Quilt ALL DAY.

Suzi the cat helps out with Celtic Solstice Mystery Quilt
Celtic Solstice Mystery Quilt - Block 1
This set of blocks went together quite easily

Celtic Solstice Mystery Quilt - Block 2 Bonnie Hunter
Celtic Solstice Mystery Quilt - Block 2
These ones were a bit more tricky, as it was tricky getting the orange square to line up.  They are all done ready to put together, and then to think about the borders.

Thursday 2 January 2014

Day 7 - Twelve Days of Sewing at Fabadashery

Cornerstones and Corner block, Nearly Insane Quilt
Cornerstones and Corner block, Nearly Insane Quilt
Well, I have done four more cornerstones, and a half cornerstone, which I think means I have completed the twelve I intended to do in total.  I have also done one of the four corner blocks for the Nearly Insane quilt.  
Suzi the Cat on her cat mat
Suzi the Cat on her cat mat
Most of it was done waiting for Bonnie Hunter to reveal the next part of the Celtic Solstice 2013 Mystery Quilt, which she did at midnight in the USA.  But we were all sound a sleep ...

Tuesday 31 December 2013

Day 6 - Twelve Days of Sewing at Fabadashery

Makower Advent Calendar Quilt #107
Makower Advent Calendar Quilt #107
Whilst everyone is thinking of the New Year, I am still catching up with 2013.  As part of my Twelve Days of Sewing, I didn't manage to sew an of my cornerstones, but I did manage to complete my Makower Advent Calendar quilt.  This has been hanging around for a while, and I was determined to complete it during the Christmas break.

Makower Advent Calendar Quilt #107
Makower Advent Calendar Quilt #107
I had completed most of the construction, and the past two days have been about the quilting.  It took longer than I intended, but I have done it well enough to pull it out for next Advent!  I am so pleased to have this done.

As I said, no Nearly Insane progress, partly because I have had visitors, which has included my sister who has been using our floor to baste her quilt with the help of Suzi.

Monday 30 December 2013

Day 5 - Twelve Days of Sewing at Fabadashery

Country Christmas Advent Calendar by Makower UK 107
Country Christmas Advent Calendar by Makower UK
There is nothing like getting ahead of yourself for Christmas.  I started this Makower Christmas Advent Calendar quilt back in November - November 2012!  Day 5 has focussed on getting this quilted ready for next year.  I have dithered over whether to hand of machine quilt it, but as you can see the machine has won.  You always think it will be quicker on the machine, but there are lots of fiddly bits to stitch, so I am happy to take my time to get it right.  There is still more work to be done on this, which I hope to be able to show you tomorrow.
Country Christmas Advent Calendar by Makower UK
Canoe  block cornerstone for Nearly Insane Quilt
I also completed my obligatory cornerstone for my Nearly Insane quilt, and pleased to be on track for that too.
Suzi helping with the Advent calendar quilt
Suzi helping with the Advent calendar quilt
Suzi just wasn't in the mood for a photograph yesterday, but is definitely in the mood now.  She is keen for me to get the Advent calendar finished so that maybe next year she can have treats in it.  She doesn't realise she will have me to compete with!
 

Saturday 28 December 2013

Day 3 - Twelve Days of Sewing at Fabadashery

Celtic Solstice Quilt - Star Points
Celtic Solstice Quilt - Star Points
Day 3 was mainly focussed on getting up to speed with Bonnie Hunter's Celtic Solstice Quilt.  From previous experience she usually does the BIG REVEAL on New Year's Day, so I want to make sure everything is trimmed and ready to go for when that happens.  I also made the final touches to some presents, which I will show you in due course.

Part 5 Celtic Solstice Quilt - Spilt Square Triangles
Part 5 Celtic Solstice Quilt - Spilt Square Triangles
At midday, Part 5 was released, so I spent the rest of the day making up the one hundred split triangle units required for this stage, and started to trim those as well.

No Nearly Insane cornerstones were done, but then I did get ahead of myself the day before, so everything is still on track.  It is amazing how much sewing can be done when work doesn't get in the way!
Suzi the cat under the Christmas tree
Suzi the cat under the Christmas tree
Suzi has taken to sitting under the Christmas tree whilst it has been up, and that is where I found her for todays photo.

Thursday 26 December 2013

Day 1 - Twelve Days of Sewing at Fabadashery

Nearly Insane Quilt, Block 69 - In Progress
Nearly Insane Quilt, Block 69 - In Progress

As promised, I have started my Twelve Days of Sewing.  The main aim is to get some of those cornerstone canoe blocks done, and as you can see I am on course for that. 
I have also put some time into the next Nearly Insane block.  The majority of this was done during the two hour Downton Abbey Christmas Special, whilst we waited for a plot line to emerge...
Since I have a bit of time off work, I will also keep you up to date with what sewing I am up to.  As you know I have my Nearly Insane project, and the Celtic Solstice on the go.  I still have a few gifts that need a final touch, and some other UFOs that need to be done before  the end of 2013.
I will keep it short, as it is 2 o'clock and NO sewing has happened today, so I had better get a move on.
Suzi the Cat, enjoying the sun
Suzi the Cat, enjoying the sun
If Suzi is in the mood, she reckons she might pose for the twelve days as well.  Today, she is enjoying the winter sun shining through the window, without the inconvenience of getting her pink paws chilled from being outside - beauty and brains!

Sunday 8 December 2013

Part 2 - Bonnie Hunter's Celtic Solstice Mystery Quilt 2013

Part 2 - Bonnie Hunter's Celtic Solstice Mystery Quilt 2013
Part 2 - Bonnie Hunter's Celtic Solstice Mystery Quilt 2013
I have been away over the weekend, so getting Part 2 of Celtic Solstice done has not been so easy.  It felt like an age waiting for the second part to be released, so to avoid disappointment, I took my fabric with me and I managed to get most of the pieces cut.  Most of the fabric is prepared, but these are the only four units I have sewn together so far.  I have already learnt that you need to concentrate to sew the right side of the line, that the diagonals have to be in the right direction and that you need to sew the two neutral triangles together.  Let's say its a job that needs a bit of concentration.

Part 2 - Celtic Solstice Mystery Quilt - Chevrons
Part 2 - Celtic Solstice Mystery Quilt - Chevrons
Now, my hunch is that theses chevrons are for the border.  I only say that because I am working on a similar one for my Nearly Insane Quilt.  Following this gut feeling I felt that the chevron pattern needed to stand out, so I have switched my yellow and orange around from my original plan.

Part 1 & 2 - Celtic Solstice Mystery Quilt
Part 1 & 2 - Celtic Solstice Mystery Quilt
I must admit, I am finding it quite refreshing to have some different colours on the blog besides the red and white of my Nearly Insane Quilt.  It is great that we have  used all our colours already, and I can't wait to see it all come together.

Don't tell Suzi, but I had the help of some old friends.  This is Tiger resting his head against the pile of cut pieces for Part 2 of Celtic Solstice.  Good company, but not as keen on quilting as Suzi - so far.  Below is Pod.  I don't think he moved from this spot all day.

BTW, my sister has decided to join me this year for the Mystery Quilt.  She is using Inklingo.  She showed me what it involved.  She also showed me the shapes of the pieces to come!  Yes, Inklingo users get an insight of all the shapes in the quilt up front!  I am pretending that I never saw it.

Terry's Chocolate Orange
Terry's Chocolate Orange
It was lovely to see so many people linking up last Monday at Quiltville.  The blue and orange units reminded me of one of my other favourite things over Christmas!  I hope to get the rest of the units sewn up during the week, ready for Part 3 on Friday.