A huge Sigh of Relief....

I have some good news,  the tumour I had removed last week was benign.  The Drs suspected it was but as you know there are always those little niggling doubts especially when the surgeon wanted it removed as soon as possible.

I haven't really been feeling up to sewing, haven't been able to concentrate. I have been doing a little knitting and will post some pictures when I find where I put the camera for safe keeping.

Another Challenge Completed.

Sometimes I don't think I have enough to do and I like a little extra quilting to occupy my day. With this in mind I joined the new group Challenge Ourselves. May 15th is the unveiling of our first group challenge, 'Hidden Treasures.'

I like to think of bulbs as hidden treasures. I love all types of bulbs, each year they emerge to fill the garden with their bright colours and perfumes.

I photographed a bulb and used the picture as the basis for this first challenge.

This is my interpretation of the daffodil bulb, it was drawn free hand. I have used free motion quilting and satin stitch.

The back ground is pieced from various creams and light browns.

The quilt measure 15.5 x 18 inches (approx 39 x 46 cm).

All cotton fabrics with cotton wadding.

March Challenge - Flora

Today was the unveiling of our first  AQAW  challenge for this year, the subject was 'Flora.'

I decided to use the 'discharge dying' method for this challenge.  A single piece of black home spun was cut, dyed, stamped and used for the front of the quilt and the binding.

I picked some different sized leaves from the ficifolia  tree (flowering gum)  in our garden and made stencils from freezer paper.

Using a spray bottle and bleach solution I discharge dyed  around the leaf templates. The pieces on the bottom left and right hand side were pleated, tied with string and then dropped into the left over bleach solution. 

The leaves have been outlined in gold thread.

The circle shapes are stamped in gold fabric paint using a gum nut as a stamp.

Black and White Quilts

At the beginning of March 2008 I decided to make a black and white hexagon quilt. It has taken me 2 years to complete. It took ages to decide what colour to use as a background, finally decide on the yellow/mustard colour and I'm pleased I did.

The quilt is hand pieced, machined quilted and measures 74.5 x 63 inches (189 x 160 cm).

The second quilt in the B & W series is this QAYG (quilt as you go). The pattern is by  Monica Poole I do like her designs, the instructions were clear and easy to follow (even if I did change them slightly).

I used bright fat quarters to piece the backing.

The completed quilt measures 60 x 80  inches (152 x 203 cm).

This quilt and the next one are my current projects (along with the quilt from the previous post).  All 3 are in need of borders. 

I have a red, white, black and grey stripe for the borders on this quilt. I bought the fabric for another B & W quilt (haven't taken a picture of that one yet) then decided the red was the wrong colour.






My challenge quilt that is due at the end of the month is completed but you will have to wait until the 31 March before I can post a picture. The challenge was 'Flora' not flowers. I wonder what everyone has come up with this time???

Failed Resolutions

On January 1st I made a New Years resolution, I was going to make a blog entry every week.  As you can see I've failed miserably. Life just seems to throw  a spanner in the works.

I have been busy quilting and will post some pictures shortly of the quilts I've finished this year. Until then I will show you the quilt hanging on my design wall at present.

Below is the original fabric that I used.

We had a massive hail storm recently and I couldn't believe the size of the hail stones, fortunately we didn't suffer any damage to the house or cars but the garden took a beating.

Happy New Year Everyone!!

Wishing all my friends a safe and happy 2010,
may the coming year bring you much love and laughter.

Latest Challenge - Mandala

Our latest challenge from Art Quilts Around theWorld was to make a Mandala. Still being in my black and white mood and because all my B&W fabrics were easily accessible I decided to use them again. I did start another mandala but wasn't happy with the design or colour.


This is my completed design, very simple but I am pleased with it.