Fabric shopping

Happy New Year all.  I am still travelling and struggling with an absence of creative outlet.  That said, some of my manoeuvres on the ski slopes were fairly creative, and a couple were creatively disastrous, although I didn't have any lasting injuries.  Just a bruised ego and a knowledge that this is the season that the 14 year old goes past me in the skiing stakes.

I have had some diversions in bothe Geneva and Lausanne, where, after internet research I checked out the fabric shops.  No patchwork specialists in either, but interesting fabric.

In Geneva I went to A Gras which was quite interesting but expensive.  I bought this lovely Italian linen with a view to perhaps making a tablecloth.  I think I need to consult on the weight of the fabric though as it may be a bit light.  Napkins perhaps.

Then, on a day trip to Lausanne, I went into the fab shop I had been eyeing off online.  They must have a great web designer.  The shop is a propos  and the shop owner is simply delightful.  She has been running the shop for 20 years and buys ends of lines from designers.  I bought enough for two tops and a jacket.  The top fabrics were a jersey knit an a raw silk with a rather amazing Japanese style print.

I also bought enough of an interesting wool viscose to make a short jacket.  Very not sure about this purchase, but it should be able to be made up unlined.  (Ideal for work) and I will think carefully about the pattern before I launch into cutting it.

This last purchase was a bit of a spontaneous purchase, so will be interesting.

And tomorrow, I am off to the fabric shops in Paris.  C'est bon.

Happy sewing, and see you in Sydney soon.

Christmas greetings

Hope everyone had a lovely day and are still enjoying left-overs!

Although it isn't the best photo, I just wanted to show off my dress....so proud of setting the goal of a Christmas dress and actually pulling it off. Especially since it was cut out and sewn on Christmas eve, cutting at about 3pm and final hem finished at 10pm. I didn't worry too much about pattern matching as it would have been too hard, but did take care with pattern placement. I'm pretty happy with the finished result. And thanks so much to Denny for her invaluable advice and assistance.

It isn't the best photo of Gilbert either, he was very tired. Less than 5 minutes later he had collapsed into my arms and was successfully transferred to bed.

Wishing you all a wonderful 2017, looking forward to another year of creativity and wonderful company.

C

International Talk like a pirate day ..... Aaaargh

What is a pirate's favourite letter?   Aaaargh (R) or Sea (C)


Yes, yes, I live with boys, although I have to say mine have probably moved past that particular joke.
I am having a moment of too many projects, too much inspiration and nowhere near enough time.  When I was in Toronto recently I visited the Toronto Textile Museum, which had two curated exhibitions, one on gardens in textiles and the other showcasing beadwork.  Both definitely inspirational for a quilter with time on her hands.  And  even inspirational for the quilter with no time either.   Below are a few photos of some of the things I particularly liked.

The other beautiful thing was some fabric designed by local Toronto artists. I am planning to splurge and buy one or two pieces. I think the wolves and rabbits plus maybe that great purple.  If you want to splurge with me let me know and I will share postage with you!  I am figuring that a birthday present to self is an acceptable excuse for this extravagance.  

 https://secure.textilemuseum.ca/artist-textiles

A quick update

In an attempt to encourage some photos from last weekend I'm posting these dodgy shots of my recent progress. We had a lovely time at the snow, and it was a treat to get some hand-stitching done in the afternoon and evening (while someone else planned, cooked and cleaned up my dinner! It really does remain the highlight of the week...)

 Here is my 2nd paper pieced 8 pointed star block, a bit worried the outside stars are so overwhelming, but very happy to have discovered a useable scrap of the "Owl and Pussycat" fabric.

This was my other finish from the snow week of hand sewing. Finished off another 'Antique Rose' block. This is my (very) slow burn project I started when I found out I was having twins. I have another one cut out and ready to sew, but am looking forward to planning the next few.

 

 And finally my 2 Twinkling stars, photo quality appalling (much happier with them in real life than in these photos!).

So now your turn...what did I miss out on last week?

C

A rather productive weekend

A rather pink

Some fussy cutting

Simple (and speedy) quilting!

 My cousin had a baby girl, and I'll get to meet her this weekend on our way to the snow...so a pink quilt was in order (with a zebra to keep things fun - thanks Marg!). Maddy and I had a lovely time selecting the fabrics, and she did the layout as I cut out the squares. A little tweaking and we had a plan. I kept the quilting simple and Maddy again chose the binding. It is all done, and ready for delivery on the weekend.

Will miss you in August, hoping you have a wonderful day (and that the snow is super!). See you in September.

C

Need help

Hi girls in the scheme of things do I need to fix the centre here or will it be ok. Did while away but still all needs to be sew together.

 Cheers M

After putting this in you may need to click on it to make larger. :-)

Gunning Patchwork Weekend

Another chilly but productive weekend down at Gunning, totally missing my slice for morning and afternoon tea!

 Rosie managed to sew together her first quilt top - wohoo! She was disappointed she didn't get further, but baby G needed feeding at regular intervals...

This amazing creation was getting decorated and finished off by Ros, it is free-form knitting and crochet and will be a sleeveless vest when finished. She did model it at the end of the weekend but I missed out on photos.

 I managed to complete some homework, pretty happy with all of these, that time spent fussy cutting was totally worthwhile.

 And I added the binding to Baby G's quilt today (forgot to take the right fabric down last weekend, grrr....) Here Hamish is photo bombing and below Tom is helping highlight the pops of orange. He was a fabulous goalie this morning so was pretty chuffed with himself.

Hope you are having a lovely one, including an election sausage or cake.

C