Project with Selvedges

I haven't done a lot of sewing this week but I have done a little. My latest project began with a block from the 100 blocks magazine,  Upcycle by Karen Griska. I am loving teal at the moment, so expect to see a bit more of it in future projects. I did slightly change this block for my purpose but the idea will still be there when I am finished. Unfortunately I ran out of thread so I will have to wait a little while before it will be able to be finished...hmmm.
Something I did discover from making this:
1. I prefer selvages without words, I like the strip of colour and pattern
2. I had a fabric from many years ago designed by Nancy Crow (wow)
I needed a break from my postage stamp quilt because things haven't gone as well as I had hoped with that one..oh well, at least it is my own quilt and I will still love it, flaws and all. I still have trouble quilting, sadly I know that the only way to get better is to keep doing it. I really want a piecing project right now though, we have had a run of hot days, just no fun quilting in this weather. I have a plans to make some quilts from Elizabeth Hartman's designs and I will be making a couple of baby quilts. Just waiting on fabric arrivals, it always feels like a long wait for fabric. I will be sure to let you know when these begin.

Have a great day

Sonia

Modalicious Goodies

Look what arrived for me today.

Now which should I cut into first? I must say the cross weave fabrics are so lovely, these came from the Crazy Quilt Girl on ebay, I probably won't cut into them just yet. The roll at the bottom is the lovely Oasis (postage stamp for this one), Dream on( in the middle, could become a favourite of mine) and at the top is modern workshop (I can't show what I make using that, it is a special project)
I do love moda fabrics, they are so much fun to play with, well that is all for today, I am off to play with these goodies. Bye for now

Sonia

Happy Valentines Day

Ok it may not be cool to make yourself a Valentines gift but you know I don't really care. This is for me today:

I saw the pattern on a blog post here:
http://wheretheorchidsgrow.blogspot.com/2011/01/sunday-sewing.html  and thought I really want to give that a try. Not my favourite, but I do like it. (wish it was more like the inspiration)
So many things have been going on if you don't already know Lynne of Lily's Quilts has a layer cake of Sherbet Pips up for grabs.( I hope Moda realizes how huge this fabric line is going to be, I wish I could get my hands on some, so for sure I did enter )So go here to enter the draw http://lilysquilts.blogspot.com/2011/02/moda-bake-shop-and-giveaway.html
 I love the quilt that she created using that fabric, it is on the Moda Bakeshop. I will be making one only not in sherbet pips, I am excited about it. Just need to pull fabrics together.
Red Pepper also has a blog list, get your name on that or just go there for a big list of blogs, that is so fun, I have to keep track of time but it is really good and now I follow a few new blogs (I will update my page a little later.
Today I am happy because today I feel stronger in myself. It is a lovely day and life is good.

Have a happy Valentines day

Sonia

My Encouragement Pillow

It is so beautiful! Today I finished my pillow to go with my Postage Stamp Quilt. I made the block from the 100 blocks Magazine ( Julie's one) then I saw Julie's ( Jaybird quilts) pillow tutorial here http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=15570 and I thought why not. So I used the block and added the words that I also put on the back of my quilt.  So it is my favourite block, in my favourite fabric and now it has words that for me have the most help in my down times.
I never realized just how significant those words would be. I wanted it to encourage me, to not give up, even when I really want to. Lately my life has got the better of me you could say and it has felt out of my control. The last week has been particularly difficult for me in so many ways, so as this sweet encouraging pillow was being made it was already getting to work. Just seeing the words, it makes me just stop and think about my dreams and hopes, it takes me away from the turmoil that is currently my life. Sorry for being so depressing, this is just something I have to work through, I just wish it didn't drain me. I felt so happy when I saw it finished, it was the hightlight of my day. I so love this pillow, it is where I can always see it, always reminding me and cheering me up.
I have decided enter this in the Sew Mama Sew Pillow Month, I am so proud of it.
What I really liked about making this pillow was that it is not only easy but you have the ability to get a quick practice with mixing fabrics, quilting and even sewing. Quilts always command attention but pillows really should get more attention because they sure deserve it. This is the first of many, that is for sure

Have a great day

Sonia

The Story Behind Greenfield

Ok today I am going to tell you how the Greenfield Tablecloth came to be. I made a quilt/ tablecloth some time ago using Swell. I was so unhappy with it I tossed it into a drawer and put it out of my mind. Back in December (2010) I stumbled across it pulled it out and had a look at it, sure I could see what I didn't like but I saw it with different eyes this time. (I have been reading Maria Peaglers, Color Mastery book which I did pick a thing or two up from)

At the time everyone who saw it asked if it was for christmas, red and green, you know. Suddenly I came across it just before christmas and it seemed so perfect. I added the inner border and the outer border, quilted and bound it. Now I am ready for christmas and I will be using my lovely Swell christmas Tablecloth.

The moment I saw greenfield I thought it would look so lovely done in the same pattern. So I have been measuring and making but the pattern needs some tweaks so once that has been done I will post a pattern for anyone else who might also want to make one.

Sometimes it can be good to come back to things that aren't working, the best part was realizing how much my skills had improved. (for starters I don't use 1cm seams any more) I truly love both of these tablecloths and I know that I will also be making many more, they are fun to make and dress up my table.