May OPAM 2013

Remember the quilt I was making for Marie? Well here it is finished!!

I like the design so much that I am thinking about making another in a different colour for me. So watch this space. 

I quilted this version by machine with rayon threads and using a simple square shape. Actually I drew squares on to the quilt using my square ruler.  I am always telling quilters to use what they have at home to design quilt patterns for their quilts. Life is too short so why make life harder for yourself.
Anyway I am off to pick out fabrics for my version of this modern quilt.

April OPAM 2013

This month I have only managed to complete one project.  I have started a few small things but as usually life gets in the way.

I made this bag from large scraps of material.  It is a simple and quick project.  I always design my scrappy bags around the size of the material pieces I am using.  It only took me several hours to make.

I met a lovely quilter last week at the St Mary's Church quilt show in Callington. Sorry I forgot your name, my memory is shocking.  I will write up details of how to make a simple bag for you soon. So please come back or I will see you at Princetown.

Please leave a comment if anyone is interested in making this bag.

Fifty Shades of .....Blue

A challenge was set at the AGM of Plym Piecemakers in January this year.  To make any items using 'Fifty Shades of ...' as the theme.

As I have a large stash of hand dyed blue fabric and needed a new long wall hanging for my hallway, I thought it would be a good challenge to partake in.

We were told by the chairman that we had until the April's meeting to complete this challenge. I did complete the top and manage to layer the quilt up ready for quilting but that is all.   
April's meeting took place last night.  Wow so many members took part in this challenge.  There were dolls, bags, table runners and place mats as well as lots of wall hangings.  But I forgot to take my camera!  So all I can show you is my challenge piece.     

Quilt Show

I spent the day at Westpoint show ground in Exeter today with Jean, Sue and Sheila.  The Spring Quilt show open today.  

Whilst at the South West Quilters stall, Sheila gave me a pound coin to partake in the bag raffle.  I do not usually win anything but today with Sheila's lucky coin I won!  Thank you Sheila. 

Craft Fayre

Nicky, Sue and I booked a table each at a local craft fayre to sell our handmade items.  We each have different styles of  sewing.



I made lots of small items that would made good 'stocking fillers' gifts.  Travel tissue covers, pencil cases, make up cases and Easter egg flower bags.

The flower bags were popular as it is only a few days until Easter Sunday. These bags could be filled with creme eggs.   

As you can see I made lots of flower bags.

Now we have to get sewing again to make lots of new items for the Christmas fayre in the autumn.

Bean Bags

Over the years I have made lots of beans bags. When Baby Girl moved out to her own flat, she asked if I could make her a new bean bag.

So if I am going to make one I might as well cut and make two or more bean bags.  On a trip to Ikea I spotted two fabrics that I thought Baby Girl and Little Boy would like for their new grown up bean bags.

I made four bean bags in the end!! Baby Girl and Master J, plus Little Boy and Missie L. I always make an inner bag to hold the beans so if the outer bag needs washing if is easy to remove.  Beans can get every where so it is important to stitch the inner bag close with a very small stitch and several rows of stitching on a sewing machine.    

Now all I have to do is make a new bean bag for me, maybe sometime later this year. 

Mothering Sunday Gifts

I have made two French Fancy Sewing Rolls. One for my dear mother and one for my mother-in-law as Mothering Sunday gifts.

I have adapted a Mandy Shaw design.  These gifts do not have to be used for sewing items. They could be used as a make-up bag, travelling bag or even as writing/pen bag.

These French Fancies are fun, quick and easy to make. I have started making another one, this will be my fourth French Fancy.

P.S. I will have samples at the Dartmoor Arts and Craft Show in August, which is held in Princetown primary school.  See my main Daisychain website diary for details.