All Set for Christmas

My poor blog has been neglected for a couple of weeks now.  But with good reason, because I am on holiday in Paraguay, with my family and mother in law, who lives here.  We are having just a lovely time, which doesn't leave a lot of time for blogging! 

I will share a couple of pictures of our holiday in due course, but as it's Christmas Eve, I am very excited to show you the Christmas place mat that I made for my daughter since we've been here.

Being without my sewing machine, I indulged in a little EPP and used these gorgeous Christmassy fabrics that I purchased in a bundle from Backstitch.

I wanted the outside of the place mat to be reminescent of berries and holly, so I used red centres between different shades of green.  It's more of an abstract interpretation ;-) 

When I had finished appliqueing the hexies,  I felt that the place mat needed something around the edge to bring it altogether.  As luck would have it, I have also brought some cross stitch supplies for my next 'away from home' sewing project, so I used a gold embroidery thread and stitched a basic running stitch all the way around the border.  

I am glad that I did, because it really gives it a much more Christmassy feel.  

And here is the place mat set for Christmas Eve, ready to greet Father Christmas after a tiring journey through 30 degree heat (yes, it's that hot at night!) 

My mother in law made the mince pie and my daughter lovingly set the table, and included her 'Diva lamp' which is a very special lamp that she made for Diwali at her pre-school.  As soon as she brought it home she declared that it was for Nanny, so here it is, having traveled half way across the world, with pride of place on the place mat.

I shall post again in a couple of days with a little selection of photos of Paraguay; it really is such a fascinating, eclectic and exciting place to be.  

But for now, where ever you may be, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful day, filled with family, fun and festivities.  

Sarah x

Sunday Stash #2

Sometimes I just see a collection of fabrics online and know that they are exactly suited to my style.

 

And that's what happened when I saw the 'Gypsy Girl' collection by Lily Ashbury.

 

I just fell in love with the colour combinations and their femininity immediately. Completely inappropriate for this time of year, as they are wonderfully summery and gorgeous, but I couldn't risk them being sold out, I had to purchase them there and then. 

 

I couldn't resist playing around photographing these fabrics, they really are a joy.

 

 

 

 

When I first saw these fabrics, I didn't initially realise that they were by Lily Ashbury.  I recently made a quilt that I named 'Vintage India' using her Trade Winds collection.

 

 

 

 

I think I am drawn to her vintage style and bold use of colour.  I am really looking forward to working on this quilt.  But it's going to go on the back burner until the Spring, I have a few 'wintery' projects that I want to complete first.

 

What fabrics and collections have caught your eye lately that you 'must have' and what are you going to make with them?  

 

Thank you so much for stopping by.

 

Linking up with:

 

 

Sarah x

 

 

Small Blog Meet

If you are new to my blog, and stopping by from Lily's Quilts, then it's lovely to meet you and thank you for stopping by :-)  Let me tell you a bit about myself and my little business Quilt Candy.

 

 

I have been quilting for a couple of years now, and I love it so much that I have set up Quilt Candy, specialising in quilts for babies and children.    I make quilts to commission and I have a small selection available in my shop.  www.quiltcandy.co.uk

 

I just love making quilts using stylish novelty fabrics, especially ones with a vintage feel.  Here's a little collage of some of my quilts, and you can see full pictures in the Quilt Gallery.

 

Do you like my model? It's my son William, picture taken this summer when he was about 7 months old. He really is as adorable as he looks ;-)

 

I am lucky enough to live on the beautiful island of Jersey in the Channel Islands.  We have lived here for a year and a half now, and every day I am still in awe of the breathtaking scenery and majesty of the historic buildings and castles. Not to mention the beautiful countryside. Here's a photo that I took just last week, a headland on the north of the island that's less than five minutes from where I live. I will never tire of the views this island has to offer.

 But that's enough about Jersey and landscapes.  Back to quilting. 

 

I would love to show you the latest quilt that I'm working on, but it's for a magazine publication (my first, eek!) so I can't show you more than a glimpse.  Check out this post here to read more about it:  http://quiltcandygirl.blogspot.com/2012/11/a-sneak-peak.html)

 

I have had a few other makes this month though, some mug rugs for my daughter's nursery school teachers and a little blanket for the dinosaur. 

 

I am also working towards a Level 3 Certificate in  Patchwork and Quilting with the School of Stitched Textiles.  I have another blog Sarah Sews where I write all about my course and progress.  Do take a look if you get a minute! 

 

I plan to have a few more Quilt Candy quilts and makes to share in the next few months. I hope to finish the magazine quilt before Christmas and I have lots of freshly purchased fabrics and designs ready to go for the new year.  I am so excited to start some new projects.

 

What are you working on at the moment that you hope to finish before the new year?  Have you thought about New Year projects yet?  Perhaps nearer the time we can chat about sewing resolutions.  Food for thought for the next few weeks!

 

Thank you so much for stopping by. 

Linking up with:

Sarah x