Project 1:2014 and a Christmas Gift

Well I thought I would start off the new year on a positive note. What better way than to look at my projects for 2014 and acknowledge two of my beautiful Christmas gifts. 

 

 

I was so fortunate to receive this stunning quilt from my sewing friend (and old work colleague) together with a book for my next project. I adore this quilt. I love the fabric combination, the Russian doll fabric especially and the gorgeous border fabrics. Don't you think that royal blue border is striking?

 

 and with such the sweetest hand stitching too. I'm very lucky to have such a good friend.

 

 Also contained within this parcel was our next project. We have decided to do this together. Now many of you may have heard of the Elm Creek Quilt novels, well this quilt pattern is by the same author - Jennifer Chiaverini. I think I have read most of the novels except Mrs Lincolns Dressmaker, one I am hoping to get to soon.

 

 

 

 

 

My intention is to complete this quilt by hand (even though there is some foundation piecing I may need to do on the machine - who knows, never tried it). We are going to be using the Minick and Simpson Fabric - Grant Park.

 

 

I think this fabric is rather appropriate given the title of the quilt. I studied American History at an Australian University and found it fascinating. I'm hoping this colour scheme will do the pattern justice.

 

So thank you for my lovely gifts Sam, you never fail to spoilt me. I also received from her this fabulous Santa but hubby has popped it away for another year. I'll show you next Christmas.

 

Happy Stitching and Happy New Year

Susie 

Tablerunners complete - Times Six

 

 

So another long period of zero blogging has passed. Truthfully, not alot of creativeness has occurred. My father had a fall in late October and after a succession of setbacks he lost his battle to overcome all he had faced in the last two months. It is an incredibly sad time but I'm also comforted in the fact I had this man in my life for 39 fabulous years to that I am very grateful. He also got to meet my three children who were the lights in his life, he could never stop talking about them. I only hope he is watching from above as they grow into the beautiful little people they are.

 

 

Anyway, in my last post I mentioned I was making some table runners for the carers at the children's occasional care centre. For one morning a week for the last four years, first my middle child then the little one attended this fabulous centre.

 

 

Warning, picture overload



I wanted to make something to show my appreciation to these fabulous woman whom my kids adored. I think they liked them.

The backing with its little thank you stitching was also made from the Charm squares of Kate and Birdie Paper Co's 'Winters Lane' fabric. I'm totally in love with this fabric. Such beautiful subdued hues of Christmas colours with these accents of red. 

 

I made another one with a green binding (which I think I prefer) for my mother-in-law's friend who sometimes comes over to watch my little one for two hours or so whilst I run around crazy. This special time I get alone recently allowed me to spend my last hour with my father in Intensive care. To that I am immensely grateful. I was able to talk with him and hold his hand as he fought hard. If only I had known it would be my last hour though I would never have left. 

 



 

I ran out of the red Winters Lane binding fabric so went with a subdued green which I thought blended well. This was from the Moda line Chloe's closet. 

 

I backed this one with a plain homespun from A day in the Country.

 

 

This was also my first attempt at Machine binding and I now think I am hooked.

So not the most productive year, I'm hoping 2014 will be doubled in production terms.

 

I want to wish anyone reading this a very Merry Christmas to you and your families. I also wish you a safe, happy and healthy 2014.

 

Happy Stitching

Susie