Beginning and Finishing!

 Beginning my Tara Faughnan "Small World" quilt.....

This series of photographs gives you an idea 

of how the blocks are made.

They are foundation paper pieced,

but sewn on the edge of the paper, 

rather than through it.

Of course, it will need a new name, 

so if you have any suggestions 

I'd be very happy to hear them.

The finish involves getting the backing organised for 

my "La Finestre" quilt.

I had the perfect vintage sheet squirrelled away,

but it was slightly too long and too narrow.

I remembered seeing a method of widening fabric 

by cutting it diagonally, moving one piece up or down

to give extra width.

There are tutorials and equations online

but my old brain couldn't see how it would work.

So I went with my tried and true method- 

make a scale model.

I needed the backing to measure 70" by 65"

Because my sheet was 60" by 80" 

I scaled it down by 1:20 and cut a 

paper rectangle 3" by 4",

Ooops, my photo shows I moved the paper down.

made a diagonal cut and moved one piece up,

and cut off the corners.

It measured 3.5" by 3.25"- perfect!

When you multiply it by 20 it would translate 

to 70" by 65"

In this photo (below) you can see some of the diagonal 

join on the floral backing

While I was playing, I decided to sew a label into the 

corner, ready for me to add the quilt's details.

Once the quilt is basted I will start hand quilting it.

Happy sewing!

SUZ

What was I thinking....

when I offered to consult on a commission quilt?

Yes, that's code for 'making the quilt myself'!

Ugh- old pyjama fabric, much of it some sort of worn, 

fine cotton,

With some t-shirt knit thrown in to induce more 

hair-tearing angst!

Have you ever thought about how long it takes to cut 

up PJs, 

iron it all, and cut up around the unusable pieces....

All before you could begin properly cutting and piecing?

Anyway, I won't continue b**ching, 

I'm just breathing a sigh of relief that 

it's finished and ready to be delivered or 

sent to the client.

At least the backing is pretty!

I'm wondering how they will feel when I tell them I've 

spent about 100 (Australian) dollars

on the plain solid fabric, backing fabric, binding fabric, 

thread, batting and fabric spray.

I am reminding myself I'm being paid for this,

but when I do the final calculation 

on the time spent on it, not including the electricity and

 'wear and tear of the machine and my body,

I will yet again say....

"What was I thinking?"

Back to "Happy sewing" now.....

PA PJ quilt

Quilt #3 for 2024

Lifetime Quilt #155

48" by 56"

SUZ

A travelling quilt!

 I'm away on a little road trip 

but I couldn't wait until I got home to share my latest 

finish!

My lovely Aurifil threads!

Hard to beat black and white binding!

I'm trying to perfect the quilt swirl!

These photos are taken outside Lakes Entrance, in the 

east of Victoria, in a region called Gippsland.

I think the fold lines came from it sitting in the warm car on its little road trip!

I like the way the hexie shapes highlight the lovely 

Heather Ross prints.

There was a bit of wrangling getting those side 

triangles 

pieced in, requiring some 'y seams'.....

 and maybe a bit of unpicking! #**!!

I'm not one to shy away from a challenge.

Maybe you can see the double rows of quilting in this photo?

These photos are taken in Metung, 

a beautiful fishing village long on my bucket list!

I have tentatively named it Violet Crumble but I will 

finally decide when I get home to make a label.

It's always nice to have a close-up of 

the backing and the binding...

And here's a better photo of the quilting lines, 

1/4" on either side of the hexagons.

Is there anything nicer than taking a quilt with you 

on the road trip?

This one certainly came in handy for afternoon naps 

after a long day of walking! 

I'm looking forward to getting home to start a new 

quilt!

Happy sewing!

Quilt finish #2 for 2024

Lifetime quilt #154

Fiinished size - 48" by 56"

SUZ

A Quick Recap....

 Three projects at different stages.

Firstly, I completed my Sille Slipover during the week....

(I think the use of the word 'vest' confuses some

 as what we know as a singlet is called a vest in Britain)

I knitted it slightly longer than the pattern suggests

because I like my lower back covered.

My "Violet Crumble" quilt is at the binding stage, 

which I will hand stitch to the back this week, 

while I'm on another short road trip.

I will get some glamour shots while I am away!

I am also planning my next quilt... 

an 'all solids' pattern by Tara Faughnan

See you next week!

SUZ

And moving on....

 With grandchildren poised to arrive at any moment, 

The hexie shape with two triangles was added.

I thought I'd give a quick update on my latest start. 

It might be a while til I get back to it....!

A black and white version to check tonal balance

It's now called "Violet Crumble" after the iconic 

Australian honeycomb candy bar.

The quilt is constructed in diagonal rows, pinning 

carefully at points of the triangles.

Yes, I like a challenge!

I still have the long centre rows to join...

but it's fun to see the star shapes appearing.

Hopefully, I'll be back soon with the flimsy complete!

Happy sewing!

SUZ

A new start

 As I mentioned in my previous post, I have another 

quilt started!

A friend shared a quilt she had finished and I wanted to 

make one too!

Hers was made following the pattern by 

Stitched In Color called Honeycomb Stars.

It seems Moda published something similar back in 

2013.

I also found a similar design called Juggle by 

Bonnie and Camille, (photo taken from here 

   https://thimbleblossoms.com/products/juggle-pdf-pattern )

Then I found a website where I could print off a

 template and made a freezer paper one and got 

cutting!

I'm using my precious stash of Heather Ross fabrics....

And making much larger hexies!

It will certainly make a statement!

Now to cut out the adjoining triangles from my stash of 

solids,

and I can start sewing.

Happy days!

Suz