A Small Finish!

In my previous post I mentioned that I wouldn't be undertaking anything significant until Zoe's quilt was finished. Well, I sat down and began quilting it last night. I had stitched two lines in the ditch when the globe on my sewing machine blew. So it was all over before it had really begun!

All was not lost. I tucked myself into bed and hand stitched the binding on to the back of my pieced Christmas ornament. I am so pleased with it! I cut a length of pink ribbon that would not only work as a hanging loop on a Christmas tree, but also on a door knob. Not everyone decorates a tree at Christmas time (though I imagine my friend would welcome some Christmas adornments in her home), so I wanted some versatility built in.
If I were to make another I would cut the binding strip slightly wider at 1 1/2". The 1 1/4" was just a little too snug for my liking. The finished ornament (minus the hanging loop!) is 4" x 5" or 10cm x 13cm. A teeny, tiny quilt!

The pieced back.

Moda Bake Shop

Ruby, Pearl & Opal Quilt

I love the Moda Bake Shop site; it would be so easy to spend hours looking at the beautiful fabric and projects shown. I will admit to always going straight to the quilting section though! There are loads of fabulous free patterns shared by an array of very talented quilters. Most of the patterns use pre cuts - I adore pre cuts! One of my favourites is the Ruby, Pearl & Opal quilt designed by little miss shabby. I am participating in my first quilting bee and it's my turn to be the Queen Bee in December. It has been difficult to choose a bee block, but I have finally decided to use the Ruby, Pearl & Opal block in black and white prints, with one of the tiles in a tone on tone rainbow colour. Soooo...a tutorial will be forthcoming!

Have you ever participated in a quilting bee? What block did you choose?

Beautiful Star From Gerri...

I am sure my neighbours heard my squeal of delight when I opened the squishy envelope containing this beauty! Gerri lives in the US and was my August partner for Quilt Block Swaps Australia. Gerri also included a lovely piece of blue swirly fabric. Thank you Gerri - I love your block!

Zoe's Quilt

I recently received an email via Quilt Club Australia about a competition for quilters under the age of 35. I happened to read it out loud and Zoe immediately began asking questions. The competition theme is How Does Your Garden Grow! and has categories for primary and secondary students, as well as older age groups. Four days before the deadline Zoe decided she would like to enter. This didn't give her much time, as the quilt also had to be sent to NSW which would take a whole day even if it was express posted.

Zoe at the sewing machine

Using a disappearing nine patch pattern with two Hoopla charm packs Zoe then added two side panels in a tone on tone purple fabric from my stash. The same purple fabric was used for the backing, and Zoe chose Vintage Modern jelly roll strips for the binding (very wise I thought - no cutting!). I marvelled at Zoe's vision of the quilt she wanted to make - right down to the spiral she quilted right in the middle of the disappearing nine patch panel!

Zoe's 'Hoopla' centre panel

Zoe is 8 years old. Making her quilt was an experience that required great patience, determination and persistence. The quilt making did not go smoothly - two broken needles and a blown sewing machine light globe were just two of the challenges to be contended with - yet Zoe stuck to her goal and finished her creation. I am very proud of her. She now has a beautiful quilt and has experienced that wonderful feeling of creating something despite the challenges.

The finished quilt and a very happy (and tired!) Zoe

Block Swap: September for Helene

Helene requested a block in green and purple, so I made this Woven Ribbons Block.

Concerned it was a bit too simple, I also made Helene a Wonky Star that I found on The Silly BooDilly blog.

I hadn't actually made either type of block before. One of the reasons I enjoy participating in the block swap so much is it presents the opportunity to try new quilting blocks on a small scale (i.e. one block!). And, of course, I love receiving squashy envelopes containing the blocks people make for me! I also enjoy getting to know all the people I 'meet' - such a lovely bunch!

Block Swap: August for Gerri

This is the 'Depression' quilt block I made for Gerri. She requested spring colours, so I took the opportunity to showcase lots of spring colours from my stash! While it was still winter here when I made the block, spring has now arrived in Perth.

A Star From Melody

This is the wonderful block I received from Melody for July. I signed up for Quilt Block Swap Australia a few months ago and thought I would practise posting blog entries by showing the blocks I have made and received! Melody included some extra surprises - fabric and two lovely quilt labels!