Winter Solstice

We have arrived again at my favourite time of the year - Winter Solstice.  This year my family and I are celebrating the winter solstice in Brittany France.  The sunset sets an hour later here than in the UK so it feels like spring in Plounevez-Lochrist.

As we wave goodbye to another winter, I would like to wish everyone 'Bon Noel et Bonne Annee'.

Friendship Star

This tutorial will make a 6" Friendship Star Block.  I used only two fabrics.  A cream tone on tone fabric for the background and a pattern blue fabric for the star block.

Background  

Cut two 3 1/2 inch squares

Cut four 2 1/2 inch squares

Star 

Cut two 3 1/2 inch squares

Cut one 2 1/2 inch square

Layer one background and one star 3 1/2 inch square right side facing and pin.  Draw a diagonal line from corner to corner.  Then draw a line quarter inch either side of diagonal line.

Sew on the outer lines.  I like to use an open toe foot on my sewing machine for sewing when using this method.  I like to be able to see the line where I am sewing.  If you wish you could hand stitch the lines.

The cut on the centre line. Repeat with the other pair 3 1/2 squares.

Press towards the darkest fabric.  PRESS, please do not iron, and treat with care as this is a bias seam.    Now trim the half square triangle squares to 2 1/2 inches.  Remembering to place the 45 degree line on your ruler along the stitched seam.

Arrange your squares as shown above.  Watch out for the correct placement of your half square triangle squares.

Sew into three rows using a quarter inch seam allowance.  Press the top and bottom seams away for the centre square.  Press the middle seams towards the centre square.  This will make it easy to stitch the three rows together.  Please remember to match up all your seams.

Now give your finished block a press.  The block should now measure 6 1/2 inches.  Once sewn into a project or quilt it will a 'finished' 6 inch square.

What a year!

I have been busy this year making quilts for exhibiting national, so my blog has been neglected. I have also been 'sewing up a storm' for my Etsy shop too.  I love making bags, cushions and bunting.

Although I have not published any posts this year, I have a lot of draft posts that also need to be finished and published.  So now that things here are a little quieter for a while, I thought I would come back to blogging and update it.

You will see some of the items I have made listed on Daisychain Quilter Etsy. I also love to use Instagram for a quick photo post, you will find me under DaisychainQuilter.

It has been wonderful to get back to blogging.  I hope to post again tomorrow.

Christmas Gifts

 I made two table runners for Christmas gifts.

The first table runner was made with Moda fabrics, machine pieced and quilted with metallic thread.  This is the third time I have used this easy design.  It one of those designs that I use as my 'go to' patterns when I need a quick present.

The second table runner was made using the 'quilt as you go' method.  The fabrics are modern Christmas fabrics.  This runner is another very quick and easy pattern.  

This runner could be made wider by adding borders.  This could be used as a bed runner as well as a table runner by changing the fabrics.

I am planning to made more table runners this year as I really enjoyed these easy designs.

My Word for the Year

My word for 2018 is 'Control".

Do you get the feeling I am still a work in progress quilter?

I am reposting bits of posts that I have written in previous years as this is how am feeling today.  I am in need of organising my clutter/sewing studio and reducing my stash.  I love to make lists and cross things off that list as I achieve or complete an activity. 

No need to buy any new fabric unless if it going to be used in finishing current projects as I already have a very large fabric stash. Be at peace about using every piece of special fabric in my stash. Just use the special fabric to help turn it into a beautiful item.

Start reducing my commitments and saying no to any new ones.  

Be peaceful about my huge number of UFOs.  It is not going to harm me or anyone else if they remain unfinished.  Just enjoy working on the UFOs when time allows.

I need to focus on producing a new portfolio of work. There are many things I would very much like to achieve but time, space and inspiration are passing me by too quickly. 

Last year I set aside Tuesday and Thursday mornings as my working sessions.  It is not important whether the time is spent drafting and designing my new pattern range or sewing.  The important thing is to discipline myself to set aside the time.           
Ready steady go..

Happy New Year 2018

Happy New Year!

The New Year's Day annual charity swim on Wembury beach.  I have never seen so many people on the beach before today.

All the swimmers were so brave.  They came out of the water a very rosy colour and shivering.

Most have family and friends waiting for them with towels, coats and flasks containing hot drinks.

Well done to the wonderful people of Wembury for their lovely charitable and community spirit.