There's a storm at sea brewing!

Do you ever get an idea in your head and even though you know you really shouldn't you just have to go with it? Well, that's what I did last week. I've started another quilt despite the fact that I have some swap items to finish, a project Linus quilt to complete and a recently started quilt that I've only made four blocks for.
A friend recently borrowed this book and made a gorgeous quilt from it, I've had it for about ten years and haven't used it for a long time. Her quilt inspired me to make a quilt from the book too.

I was drawn to the idea that from Storm At Sea blocks it is possible to get a circular effect using only straight lines. I chose this quilt from the book and although I don't like the fabrics in this particular one I thought I'd like to use this pattern.

This black and white picture shows the effect of the circles more effectively.

I wanted to use some of my hand dyed fabrics but also needed to purchase some fabrics.I chose a rather bright, but in my opinion, beautiful batik for the stars and possibly for the border. So far I've made one block and cut out some more squares. I was too impatient to do all the cutting before I started on the sewing as I wanted to see what a block would look like. Not the most perfect points in the world but I'm not too worried. Eleven more to go now plus all the sashing. There's along way to go before I see how effective the circular illusion that I wish to create is going to be.

I just had to show my little seven year old boy's first go at sewing. They have been doing a project on pirates at school and made felt pirate parrot puppets which they designed themselves. I love the colours he's used and just look at those little legs!

Bye for now, Maria.

Autographs this way please!

Earlier in the year I was contacted by a journalist from a new UK sewing magazine. She asked whether I could answer some questions about my blog for a feature she was writing on sewing blogs.
The magazine is called "Sew" and low and behold I make an appearence in the second issue.

I'm in a feature called "Meet the Bloggers". The magazine states " They design, sew, and discover gorgeous things -and then write about them with wit, enthusiasm and stunning images. What's not to love?" I can't believe that I've been included in this description but no, I'm definately there.

If anyone has found their way here after seeing the feature in the magazine please do leave a comment to say "Hi".

I've started on my next quilt this week. It will be used as a throw for our living room. I'm not sure what the block is called but it's similar to a log cabin. I'm going for a scrappy look with each block being slightly different.

This is a sneak peek of the gift I'm making for the Christmas in July swap I'm participating in. I won't show much more incase my partner reads this.

I thought I'd show this picture of a poppy that self seeded in my garden. Unfortunately its beauty was fleeting as the flower only lasted a day but I'm glad to say this little buzzy bee seemed to enjoy visiting.

Bye for now, Maria.

Summer pools quilt.

I've finally finished what was previously known as my dining room quilt, I've decided to re-named it Summer Pools. I'm pleased with the summery, fresh, bright look.

The quilt won't be going on the wall for a while due to the dust from decorating our living room.
Now this is finished I can start by next quilt without feeling guilty!

Bye for now, Maria.

Bright and Cheerful.

I've titled this post "Bright and Cheeful"  but infact I'm feeling a bit sorry for myself today as I've come down with a cold. You know the type of thing I mean, runny nose, blocked sinus's, sore throat. I've got no new sewing to show you as I've still not yet completed by dining room quilt. I'm making a pieced binding which is nearly done, so if I can summon up the energy I plan to finish it today and I can then sit down and hand sew the back of it on while watching Wimbledon which starts today. I'm hoping for a British win this year by Andy Murray.
So, to cheer myself up I'll show some pictures of some of my hand made stuff (which I've shown before) in bright, cheerful, stop feeling sorry for yourself colours.

This one is a Kaffe Fassett inspired quilt which still isn't finished.

Values quilt made from my many scraps.

I made this bag for myself last year from AmyButler fabrics and I'm pleased to say it's been well used.



Oh dear, another one that's not finished, this one's for Project Linus.

I hope all these bright colours have helped you have a bright and cheerful day.

Bye for now, Maria

Camper van bag.

A friend's daughter is a huge fan of camper vans. I've made her this bag from Heather Ross's Camper Van fabric.

I've lined it in a Laura Ashley yellow gingham. I hope she likes it.

We have been having some problems with Internet Explorer 8 and in trying to work out what is wrong deleted the original publishing of this post along with to six comments. Thanks to those six commenters for leaving a comment. Has anybody else had problems with IE 8 and blogger?

Decorating.......

Ever since we moved into this house over two years ago we've planned to re-decorate our living room and this weekend we started. It's quite a big job as there was a large brick fireplace to remove and all the paint needs to be scraped back to the plaster before re-painting.

They say you know that you're getting old when policemen look young but I suppose this must be true with tradesmen too!

There is a sewing related reason for telling you this - unfortunately the re-decorating means that I'll just HAVE to make a new quilted throw to match the new decor as my old one doesn't match and I'll need new cushions too. Oh dear me, it's such a shame!

I plan to use these fabrics for the throw as they co-ordinate with my dining room quilt and the dining room leads off from the living room.

Some were kindly sent to me from Kelli who was my partner in the recent doll quilt swap. I bought the pink ones from Julia's shop Gone To Earth where I received a fantastic, super quick service. I received the parcel less than 24hrs after ordering.

"But you haven't finished your last quilt yet" I hear you cry. I know but I can plan can't I?

Whilst on the subject of decorating I thought I'd mention that my brother (who now lives in America), and his wife had their beautiful home featured in the American magazine Better Homes and Gardens. They have done so much work on the place and have completely renovated it. We haven't visited yet but plan too in the next year or two.

I may be biased but I think it looks so stylish. They are both talented graphic designers so have a great eye for good design. Just realised I've missed a picture of the kitchen........will add it later.

Bye for now and hope to be back soon with some finished sewing, Maria.

Sewing Va Va Voom!

At last I've started to quilt my "dining room" quilt. As I explained previously I lost my sewing va va voom for a while but it's on its way back - Hurrah. I was reading the hugely inspirational blog anyonecanquilt and was amused to see the line "For goodness sake, just sew woman!" in the header. Ah ha I thought, yes Maria, just do it and I did.


So, this is how far I've got. I decided to use straight line quilting with a different design in each block. The sashing has three parallel lines stitched with variagated embroidery thread. I think I like it but the jury is still out. I really wish my photos would look better when uploaded onto blogger.



I'd love to get it finished this weekend but I don't think I'll be able to sneak off for long enough!