Tea, fabric and other things....

Life got a little bit busy but before I turn the calendar over to June, I must declare that I made my deadline!

After some intense stitching, the FG 9 patch was finished and given to my mother on Mother's Day.

I was so afraid that she would fold it up and put it away in a cupboard to 'save it'.

She was so surprised when she opened her parcel and wrapped the quilt around herself straight away.

During the afternoon she even dropped a little food on it, and I was very pleased.

It is hers now, to be used, and it's washable.

I enjoyed the quilting with perle cotton but had a tendency to pull the thread a little too tightly.

Also, I understand why I have several projects going at once.

I am soooooooooooooo sick of reds!!!!

🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒

I had to steal some time to play with some different colours.

This fabric was gifted to me and was the perfect temporary escape from red.

Another useful little zipper pouch.

I finally got access to some large tables, and with the help of friends, the FG (French General) was finally basted.

The additional benefit of sharing this task with friends was the conversation that convinced me to abandon the machine quilting plan and adopt a big stitch quilting technique using pearl cotton.

The colours were chosen, again with help, and suddenly I got an attack of nerves.
I didn't want my quilting to ruin the quilt.

So I made a practice piece, found myself a lovely Jeana Kimball embroidery/redwork needle (might be a size 8) and I started practicing.

I think the practice paid off and I am enjoying the quilting process immensely.

My new deadline is Mother's Day.

I think it is a reasonable deadline, but the grand dogs have come to stay for a week.........

This motley crew of One Block Wednesday blocks has been added to the pile.
My count:69
Temecula count:156

Just stitching away quietly and noticed that it is almost time to turn the calendar over to a new month.

There is not much to talk about so let me show you a pillow that I finished last June.

It began with two fabrics that caught my eye. I wanted to showcase those lovely little birds (don't know the name of the fabric range) and I love this background fabric from Modern Background Essentials by Brigitte Heitland (Moda Fabrics).

The birds became star blocks, 6" finished, and I auditioned lots of fabrics until I found just the right ones.

There were more decisions to make because some cornerstones were needed.

The final cushion is 20" square and the backing is this great fabric with writings by Van Gogh to his brother, Theo.

(Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam by Robert Kaufman fabrics)

It now lives on the bed in the spare room with some friends that I will introduce at a later date.

The pillow was machine pieced and hand quilted.

And some more One Block Wednesday blocks .......

My count - 53.

Temecula count - 120.

After a whirlwind February life is slowly returning to normal.

So many memories made in a very short month.

Time to sew some One Block Wednesday blocks again.

Having fun playing with different colours and seeing how they work with one another.

Temecula count  -  84

My count  -  35

Really, that's not so bad is it?

My sewing pals Fiona and Sue are making great progress. Their quilts are growing and I might just have enough for a table runner!!

❀❀❀❀❀  ❀❀❀❀❀

The FG (French General) has seen the light of day again.

The backing is chosen, staying true to the same line of fabric and colour.  Now I wait a week or two until I have access to some large basting space (and some extra pairs of hands).

💌 💌 💌 💌 💌 💌 💌 💌 💌

Our son's wedding was a magical day.

A traditional wedding it was not.

A wonderful day it was to welcome a new daughter into the family.

Borders are all done but this FG UFO will have to be put away for a few weeks.

February means:

Two weddings (One is our son's)

Two hen's parties

Five birthdays

Overseas visitors

 Add in a regular working week and all other daily tasks.

FG - see you in March.

🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅

I can't keep the pace with Temecula's "One Block Wednesday" so I am just working at my own pace.

Last week I had 10 and now there are 19.
(Official block count should be 36).

Sue and Fiona are also sewing along so we will encourage each other and watch the projects grow in their different colours.

FG first border is finished and now to repeat the pattern on the other end.

So glad I decided on only two borders.

I am resigned to the fact that this quilt will not be finished by my 18th February deadline.

Quilt top finish is my new goal.

So with the pressure off, I allowed myself to start just one more project - Temecula Quilt Co's One Block Wednesday. I resisted the temptation until I read that Kiwikid decided to sew along.  I confided that this SAL was tempting me and she suggested that we should both join in and encourage each other along the way. No pressure just sew at our own pace.

So, starting with my recently arrived Amitie fabrics I started sewing my blocks.

Not sure where this will end up but it's fun.

I had a plan for the decoration of the French General borders.

But it just wasn't right.

Maybe variation in size?

No still not happy.

One last try ......

Yes, this is the one, but with a change to a flower or two.

And then the same on the bottom border.

Needing a break from these colours, I was very pleased when my Amitie Stash Club parcel arrived in the mail this week.

Not sure when I can get to play with them.