Starlit Sky- a finish!

 While my new home has a washing line, it is a bit tight 

on basting space! 

I do have a lovely 'reading' room, 

formerly called the Chandelier room for the the out-of-

place lighting choice....

The chandelier is now gone, the ceiling rose is a little harder to get rid of

But as I spray baste, I have been wary of getting all 

that goo on the carpet!

Anyway, I bit the bullet and carefully basted my Starlit 

Sky flimsy last weekend....

And got quilting, on Tuesday, a grey, cold and wet 

Melbourne Cup Day!

I chose a simple diagonal grid for a quick finish!

 

And bound it in the same blue background fabric.

I do like the uninterrupted look it gives to the front and 

how it frames the back.

the back!

And chose the washing line and backyard for the 

photoshoot!

The dreary weather has finally passed... 

and we are enjoying blue skies and sunshine!

Happy days!

Quilt #5 for 2022

No. 146 Lifetime quilts

SUZ

Starlit Sky

 What comes first- the pattern or the fabric?

As I tend to accumulate fabric at a greater rate than I can sew it, 

it's usually fabric.

I bought the Magneta Star pattern, by Carol at Freeboard Quilting Designs,

with the intentions of using my stash.

But as is often the way, I could not make it work.

So when I recently attended the Sew-In day with Racheldaisy as guest speaker,

I couldn't resist a little fabric purchase, with the express intention to use it for this pattern!

As I played around with possible combinations, I found I need to supplement it with some of my own fabric.

But luckily I have plenty of Aurifil threads to co-ordinate!

I had already purchased three metres of solid on sale from Darn Cheap so that is what I based my purchase on!

Here are some progress shots.... 

lots of half square triangles.

And fabric that reads as a solid!

the pressing instructions are fabulous with all seams nesting beautifully!

I've been playing around with the sashing too!

I hope to have this together very soon.

Happy sewing!

SUZ

Relishing Retirement

After a minor health issue recently,

retirement is starting to agree with me!

 I seem to be busier than ever!

I love the freedom of being able to look after my 

grandchildren when needed!

I've found time to prepare all the octagon square 

blocks for my Bessie Creek Rd quilt,

which I'll finish by hand piecing.

These are the ones I've made so far!

I've finished the embroidery on my 

Daisy Love Purse....

now to make it into a zippy pouch!

I recently purchased this lovely soft laminated cotton 

from Frou Frou, a Parisian company.

I want to make a drawstring bag for travelling.

Finally, on the sewing front, I drafted a couple of 

LeMoyne Stars for a small project I am planning.

Finally, I have been tagged in a couple of Instagram 

posts recently,

with versions of my Scrappy Sandwiches tutorial,

 being made by girls on a quilt retreat in the United 

States!

It is very humbling knowing that my little blogposts 

reach so far!

 Happy days indeed!

SUZ

Starts and Finishes

I love my Alaska sweater!

It is so very cosy and warm.

And this flimsy is finished....

My friend Elizabeth @ Occasional Piece Quilts 

recently released this Sawtooth Mania pattern

8" blocks

      

There's a good variety of centres to choose from but

 I made 16 blocks with one-inch strips and a 

four-inch border.

I love this block- the green leaf shapes look like 

lilypads for the frogs to sit on!

I pieced the backing from leftover bits and pieces.

I went across to Darn Cheap with the intention of 

purchasing fabric for a skirt.

And I found the perfect wool to match a recent yarn 

purchase.

And a trip to GJ's found the perfect lining ...

and these 

pretty little rolls of patchwork fabric.

Not sure what I will make but those cool 

wintery tones were calling me.

Now to get knitting...

Happy days!

SUZ

Introducing "Amethyst"

I can't remember the last time I 

finished a quilt so quickly!

 I went for a basic stipple on the body of the quilt...

(I really need to get out of my comfort zone when it 

comes to FMQ ing!)

and some straight lines for the borders.

I pieced and quilted it with my favourite Aurifil 

thread...

 # 2600 - a lovely light silvery grey which seems to 

go with everything!

How lovely that the gardens were planted to match 

my quilt!

Here's hoping it is loved too....

Happy sewing!

SUZ

Sharing the love...

I recently shared some of these fabrics I picked up 

in a destash.....

with my lovely friend Julie, in New Zealand.

In return she offered to make me a felt birdie!

But true to Julie's generous nature she sent two 

birdies, a pear and a magazine!

The patterns can be found here, in case you want to 

make your own!

I did manage to stitch this little decoration,

and have been working on my wonky stars!

for my "Oh Christmas Tree" quilt.

Happy sewing!

SUZ

Three for Three!

I have been a part of MCM Bee for the last three 

years,

but it's time to move on.

But I thought it was important to acknowledge the wonderful friendships, albeit long distance ones, that were created along the way!

My first quilt in 2013 was "Birds of A Feather"

The lesson learned was that everyone's printer 

works 

differently, giving a variety of paper pieced feathers.

This one certainly made me think about, and play 

with the layout!

 My 2014 quilt, only finished earlier this year because 

I hand quilted it...

was my "Rainbow Connection".

I hope one day to have a wall big enough to hang 

this on, and so remember all my bee buddies,

 everyday!

And the last finish was my "Stepping into Christmas"

table runner!

So, three quilts in three years!

Thanks ladies, I have had a ball!

Happy Christmas everyone!

SUZ