Two Birds Tablerunner

I didn't mean for there to be so long between posts - time is truly flying by at the moment. We haven't even reached the crazy season yet.

 

I began this table runner a while back but unfortunately had to rush it in the end.

The pattern is by Gail Pan and is located in her book Patchwork Loves Embroidery.

 

I made this for a very special lady - Sylvia who turned 96. This lady is like a grandmother to me. I only met one grandparent - my grandmother whom was born in 1893! She died at 89 years of age when I was 6, she lived in a nursing home and struggled to remember my name (which was very funny when she would go through 7 or 8 of her 10 grandchildren's names to finally remember mine). Anyway, Sylvia is my neighbour and lived next door to me for all of my life till I moved out with my hubby 15 years ago. There was never anything she wouldn't do for you (such as going in to our house to turn my electric blanket off if I had forgotten) to babysitting me if my parents went out. Now she is very frail but still very sharp of mind. She still remembers everybody's name and now all their kids names and never ever forgets a birthday. Sylv, loved her gift.

I read some wonderful reviews on this book, however I must admit I was put off by the cover. Yes, I know, "don't judge a book by its cover" but its very difficult to locate a hard copy to browse through or locate some of the pics inside the book itself. So upon the special recommendations by Laura and Shez, I decided to purchase it.

Now if the publishers of the book had of placed this tablerunner on the cover I would not have hesitated the couple of months that I did and most likely would have purchased immediately upon its release. Isn't it strange how the visual is so important in our day to day lives, especially our crafty lives.  I have even read many authors also judge books by their cover. So I am content I am not the only one.

 

Another project I've been itching to begin is this Rosalie Quinlan design. I've taken inspiration from Sharon over at Lilabelle Lane and I'm using Bonnie and Camille's Miss Kate fabric. I'm also going to be adding in some additional colours from the Cosmo thread line that match the fabric.

Just adore this watermelon and aqua together

 

A very pretty bundle of threads and fabric. Can't wait to start.

 

Happy Stitching

Susie

The Storytime Quilt

So although I haven't blogged for a while it hasn't been all that quiet at home. I've been keeping busy with my Rosalie Quinlan - Simply Blessed BOM.

 

I'm currently stitching number 3 of 9 but have only put one block together fully. I couldn't find any template plastic large enough for this 12 x 12 in block, so I used cardboard which really doesn't work as well. I do love the Tilda fabric. I purchased a bundle with a gift voucher I received, from Sew Creative Supplies and received lovely efficient service. Speaking of service, I also received my next block from Sarah at Patchworks Plus who is such a sweetie and super speedy efficient service also - that is why we keep coming back isn't it?

 

Next up was trying to finish my Storytime Quilt. I used one of my favourite designers range - Storybook by Kate and Birdie. Hence sprang the name - Storybook, with the cute Snugglepot and Cuddlepie characters together with Winnie the Pooh on the back.

 

 

Please excuse the less than lovely photos. They are all only taken with my iPhone.  I even forgot to photograph the final quilt and had to do it after the new mummy had opened the gift!  

 

Last Sunday, I was fortunate enough to attend a workshop held by the amazing Leanne Beasley. This woman just oozes talent and is incredibly inspiring. She clearly loves her work and is so passionate about sharing her creativity. If you haven't seen her magazine - Vignette, check it out, it is so lovely and has some stunning projects (on my to do list).

 

 

These were the projects we received kits for. I can't wait to make them all and hang them up. There is a perfect little spot in our home waiting for some decorating (well all our home really).

 

I finished this little one the other day. Just need to mount on a 4 x 4 canvas (when I can find one).

 

 

Happy Stitching

Susie



Daisy Cottage

 

I saw this little cutie at our stitching day last year with Gail Pan, Leanne Beasley of Leannes House and Natalie Lymer of Cinderberry Stitches.

 



 

This is the Daisy Cottage pattern by Gail Pan. This was included in the Saturday projects, but as I went on the Sunday, I received a different project. 

 

 

I loved it so much I recently purchased it (from Patchworks Plus) to make tablerunners for my mum and mother-in-law for Mothers Day. 

 

Unfortunately, I didn't finish my mum's on time but will give it to her in two weeks for her 79th birthday instead. 

 

 

I purchased this cute Robyn Pandolph fabric and Cottage Garden Thread - Dog Rose,  from my LQS, The Quilters Patch.

 

My mother-in-law seemed to like her gift.

 

Happy Stitching

Susie

Petit Coussin

Orange Daisy produced a range of French themed stitcheries a while ago now. I really can't wait to put them altogether in a quilt. 

 In the meantime, I have used one of them for this cushion to be sent up to Far North Queensland. Its for my cousin who is turning 60. She is going through an enormously rough time battling bone cancer and I can't wait to see her in a couple of weeks. (I hope she doesn't read my blog as I only sent it today). 

The fabric is from Bari J Designs and I think the line was called Paris Apartment. My original thought was to have different fabrics on the front and back however I'm so glad I decided to stick with the one design. 



 

I hope this brings a little smile to my cousin's face on her birthday.

 

Happy Stitching

Susie



Cottage Garden Thread Holder

 

I adore the Cottage Garden Thread range. The colour variations are limitless and the threads are so beautiful to use.  I've begun to accumulate a few and so has my friend. I thought a little holder might be a nice gift for her birthday.

 

 

I used the 'Stitching makes my Heart Happy' pattern by Gail Pan designs. It holds 24 threads. I might just make myself one soon. 

 

This was the back of the holder, Kokka fabric, so cute. 

I completed this a while ago but could only post as it was delivered last week.

 

Happy Stitching

Susie

Super fortunate - Stash Additions

 

You will see how fortunate I've been lately when you scroll through and see these wonderful additions to my stash, all through generosity of friends, bloggers and fabric shop (shoppe).

 

 

I've subscribed to Cath Kidston emails for years. I love her all of her products, including bags, shoes (especially gumboots), clothing, cross stitch and especially fabric. My lovely friend just returned from the UK and brought back these beautiful fabrics and buttons. I've no idea how/when I will use these yet, but I know I will come up with something, eventually. (aren't they the cutest buttons you have ever seen?)

How cute is this puppy fabric? I'm thinking of something for my aunt and cousin who are huge doggy fans.

 

Next, I was fortunate enough to win 12 fat quarter 'red' fabrics on the fabulous Red Pepper Quilt's blog, kindly donated by the Fabric Shoppe.

Rita is super talented and a massive inspiration to many. If you have never had a look at her site - you MUST go and have a look.

I also received some Aurifil thread in the bundle which I have heard so much about but have never used before. I will let you know how it goes. This is also my very first text print and I just love it. 

 

OK, so this has to be my fave. Musical notes - so cute.

 

Happy Stitching

Susie

 



Another Baby Quilt

This is a quilt for a lovely baby to be received on her Naming Day.

 

I chose some bright fabrics from the Daydream line by Kate Spain.

 

A little picture overload but I just adore the citrus colours with green and blue. 

Such cute prints in this range, Kate Spain never disappoints.



The binding was a little difficult to choose, however, I'm now happy with my third choice - yellow and white.

 

Whilst quilting this baby I was desperate for my machine to keep chugging. It is long overdue for a service. Just a few more things to make first please........

 

 

Happy Stitching

 

Susie



Kawaii baby blanket

 

 

I began this baby quilt when my friend's baby was still in-utero and she didn't know the sex. After I had cut about a dozen 4.5" squares, little Daniel was born, two weeks early.



 

So I added a little more blue/teal than I had originally planned, 

A little label for the little man and a lemon brushed cotton backing, it looks a little bright here, 

I really adore Kokka fabric - it is so Kawaii!

 



(according to Wikipedia - Kawaii (かわいい [kaw͍aiꜜi], "lovable", "cute", or "adorable")

completed with my new love of machine binding for those times I'm in a hurry

 





 

 

I made this blanket to suit a pram or bassinet. We are still having some really warm days here and it is quite light but with the brushed cotton backing it remains cosy and warm when required.

 

Happy Stitching

Susie

The best part about hubby going away...........

The best part about hubby going away for two weeks is his return - not just his physical presence but this.........

Fat quarter bundle of Grant Park by Minick and Simpson.

 

This deliciousness is set aside for this quilt by Jennifer Chiaverini here.

 

I know there is a lot of talk about supporting our local shops and believe me I do! I have one right beside my local supermarket and another not that far away. But when you have free shipping to a hotel in the US and 20% off in which the Fat quarter shop sent to the hotel before Christmas and the hotel kindly held it till my hubby arrived, you can't go past this opportunity.

 

I can and will continue to support my LQS' but I saved $70 by buying this FQ bundle the way I did.

 

I've also been playing around with scraps

 

 

 

 

And a little man in my life started kinder

 

 

 

Happy Stitching

Susie