Monday, January 28, 2013

Tweeting Again

No, not that sort of Tweeting... I don't really understand that social networking sort of stuff, but I do understand fusible applique!

Block 7


Block 6


The original pattern incase you were wondering what I am on about.  A BOM designed by Erin Russek... not last year but the year before. A bit of a long term commitment.


Today is Auckland/Northland Anniversary weekend, so a holiday.  I've spent most of the day cleaning the lounge and kitchen... and changing around the furniture.  Perfect for playing on the Wii.


Linking up with Lyn @ What a Hoot.

Sunday, January 27, 2013

January - A Lovely Year of Lovely Finishes

Yay, January Goal Completed!


 Although I had only chosen a small goal - one more Swoon block - it still took the better part of the month to get it done.  The cutting and initial piecing were fine - it's getting the motivation to put together the larger units into the nine patch formation.  There are just so many points to match up!



Now I just need to decide what my goal will be for February!

A Lovely Year of Finishes

Friday, January 25, 2013

Avalon continues to grow

Sorry for the rather brief post yesterday.  It seems when I combine lengthy posts with lots of photos, or even not really all that many photos, I have problems trying to get it to publish correctly.  Looks like I might have to adjust my posting regime, from roughly once a week covering everything since the last one, to a shorter post, about one specific topic, more often.

OK, so Avalon had a bit of a breather when I ran out of background fabric.  Then once I had more background, I sort of decided I didn't like the way it was heading... it just bugged me.  So I waited, sewed other things, and pondered.  Finally I unpicked the fabric that I really hated, decided to alter the layout, and decided on a replacement fabric for that patch.  Still didn't like it.  But now I had to try to work the new blocks I had made into the grand scheme, and it all became a bit too much like hard work.

Over the last few days, I've rehashed the layout, played around with fabric ideas for the remaining blocks, crossed my fingers it was all going to work, and continued piecing.

Today (with three blocks remaining partially pieced) I could finally see how it was all going to look on the design wall.



It's hard to see what was causing all the problems - but it seemed like there were too many florals, too many dots, too many greens, and too many pinky oranges all in the same place.  I've added in another blue fabric, and some yellow, which has helped to solve some of the layout problems.  The rest I can live with.

Just a bit more piecing to do, then I can call this top finished! 


Thursday, January 24, 2013

WIP

Progress


More Progress!

Lazy Day DREAMING

Bought the BAG

Bought the BOOK

Got the INSTRUCTIONS

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Just a few more

 I really liked the fabric combinations on this sampler quilt.


Scrappy log cabin... my favourite kind!







I've seen this one somewhere before!


Don't you love the subtle mix of prints.


>
Although this one is good as well.


Tuesday, January 15, 2013

The Exhibition That Was






1st and 2nd prizes in the raffle







A few closeups:







This is the back of the above selvedge quilt... fully reversible


This fairy quilt is in the first photo - some amazing details:





Friday, January 11, 2013

The Edition with More in the Details Department

One of my faults regarding my blog is that I assume you know what I am thinking/doing.  Doesn't everyone??  Which is why the comments section is so important - you can ask questions!

Material Obsession is a book by Kathy Doughty and Sarah Fielke - both Australians, who have a rather unique take on design and fabric combinations.  The project I am undertaking is called Dotty For Dresden, a machine pieced, hand appliqued dresden fan block.  I am undecided about the background fabric I am going to use at this stage, or what fabric I'll use for the central circle.  The details will be worked out in the goodness of time... 


This is going to be called my "Joseph Joseph" quilt!  I got this cute set of measuring cups for Xmas - and they came in a handy, dandy box.
Block One of perhaps 24... blades still to be connected!

 Another comment that people often make is about how many different projects I have on the go.  I have a serious problem.  Firstly, it's January and the kids are off school, which means I am off work.  It gives me far too much time to think and sew.  My second problem is that I have the belief that I have super woman powers in January, that I can complete anything throughout the rest of the year.  Which of course I can't, but have a whole heap of fun trying!

Now for an update and more information on the Craftsy BOM classes/projects I am doing.  I signed up for two, firstly Re-Piecing the Past  - Civil War Blocks Then and Now which is by Kaye England.  It is really interesting watching how other people work, and finding out the reasons why they approach certain techniques in the way that they do.

January's Blocks are "Remember Me" - I really like this block!


and Block Two: Sherman's March


The second BOM I signed up for is the 2012 Craftsy Block of the Month with Amy Gibson.  Where the first course is based on very traditional blocks, this one is a bit more modern.  So far I am enjoying both and looking forward to joining the completed blocks together.