Gift box quilt and Christmas crafting

This quilt is based on the window pane 9 patch quilt tutorial  by Missouri quilt company, the tutorial for this can be found on you tube along with a load of other helpful tutorials. I used a moda charm pack called serenade as well as half a meter of cream (to separate the charm squares) and 1.5 meters of a duck egg blue/green (to back and bind) fabric from moda solids and half a meter of one of the fabrics from the serenade collection to frame the quilt.

       

Here is a close up of my version of vermicelli from the back of the quilt...

I have been very busy crafting over Christmas. I also made some Pom Pom snowmen ...

         

And a Christmas wreath for mum made from stuffed hearts. I have lots more projects for the new year!

          

I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and Happy new year for 2015!!

Cowboy incubator quilt

At Drayton patchwork and quilters, we have been making quilts for premature baby incubators. The incubators can therefore be covered at night so that it seems like night time, as the lights are on in the ward for 24 hours. This is my effort, a cowboy themed quilt inspired by the fabric used to make the cowboy boot appliqué and also the backing. The appliqué was made using the heat and bond technique. I photocopied one of the cowboy hats from the backing fabric and blew up the size by 200% to get the larger hat shape. I used free motion to create details on the hat and used satin and zigzag stitches to finish the edges of the appliqué. Great fun to make. I have plans to make another one, but not sure I will get it done before Christmas.

         

Bobbin lace cushion carry bag and bobbin case

I have recently started Bobbin lace! Yet another new technique I just had to try. I was given a bobbin lace cushion by my lovely in laws. I started going to classes lead by my friend Sandra. Sandra makes it look so easy, but she is also a very good teacher so I am really getting into it. The cushion I have is shaped like a dome and awkward to carry, so I made a carry bag. The design was based on a bag owned by Sandra, handmade by a friend of hers. I really liked the design so decided to replicate it. The outside is made with a blue woven upholstery fabric, lined with a heavy weight cotton. I stabilised the panels with iron on vilene. 

One side has an outside zipped pocket...

The bag unzipped either side so I can get the cushion out easily. You can see the pockets I added to the inside....

I also made a zip up case for carrying the bobbins. This was made with the same fabric as my bag...

This is the case with the zip open...

I made the case with a central page, with pockets on both sides of the page and on the inside of the outer cover.

Here are some examples of my bobbin lace, all bookmarks so far! I have a long way to go before I try one of the more complicated patterns!

The snake on the left is made with whole stitch, the second from the left is the same pattern in half stitch. The two bookmarks on the right are the same pattern made with a sequence of half stitches called ground torchon. I am trying spiders tomorrow! Very exciting!

Boutis and Trupunto pin cushion

I recently borrowed a fabulous book from my friend Jackie called Boutis and Trapunto by Catherine Coget. It is a very inspiring book. I had to try these techniques! Boutis is a type of quilting where you stuff small areas to create a raised image. Trapunto is were you add a cord in a similar fashion to Boutis. I decided to adapt one of the patterns in this book into a pin cushion pattern. It was lovely to do some hand sewing, I found it really relaxing. I went a bit mad and added a lace trim and bows. I love the fact it is very girly and frilly! Looking forward to trying some more Boutis and Trapunto. Perhaps with more colour next time.

This is the book....

 

Masquerade ball - Mask and broach

Last night I attended a masquerade ball in aid of children with eye cancer. It was organised by Katie Lord and Natalie Crowe. They did such a good job of organising it, I had such a good time! I made my own mask out of organza. I used a technique that Kathleen Laurel Sage uses to create wonderful floral creations. I used free motion stitching and used a soldering iron to cut out the shape. I could not resist adding lots of sequins, using beads to you can not see the threads attaching them. It turned out to be quite comfortable and I really enjoyed wearing my disguise! I also made a matching broach. The mask and broach has hints of yellow to match my dress.

Here is a closer look at my sequins and silver stitches....

Even more christmas decorations for the charity sale at Taverham!

I have been busy making more christmas decorations for the sale at Taverham, sew simple, craft shop. This time I had a go at some Christmas puddings and red and white christmas stars. The sale is tomorrow and Sunday 10am - 4.30pm. There will be lots of lovely handmade items made by members of Drayton Patchwork and quilters. Hope to see you there!

Christmas tree decorations

I am getting ready for Christmas and making lots of tree decorations. I started with a little bird. The pattern was given to me in a workshop by jackie from my local quilt group. I love the red floral fabric, but I think I made the beak a little bit big.

I have also made a batch of snowmen.....

Gingerbread men ......

          

And some reindeer.....

I am selling the snowmen, gingerbread men and reindeer at Taverham Sew Simple on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd November. Some of the proceeds will go to charity. Although, I may keep one or two for my own Christmas tree! Who knows I might make more, they were great fun!