Friday 21 June 2013

Let's Get Acquainted!

Hello, and welcome to my little corner of the blogging universe!  My name's Sarah, I live in Jersey, Channel Islands and I blog about all my quilty makes, many of which I sell through my website, www.quiltcandy.co.uk
 
 
Don't worry, I'm not going to give you a sales pitch on my blog, I realise it's a bit like selling ice to Eskimos!   
 
But I do want to share some of my quilts  and answer some of the questions that Beth posed for us.  By the way, a huge thank you to Beth for hosting this awesome bloghop, what a task it must have been to co-ordinate us all! 
 
 
So here goes with answering the questions, hopefully they will help me focus and not ramble too much ;-)
 
 When did you start quilting and who taught you?
   
I've always loved being creative, and I remember doing knitting and cross stitch with my mum when I was 8 years old.  But it has only been in the last 4 years that I have embarked on quilt making.  It kind of came naturally to me, and I was initially inspired by my wonderful friend Rachel's mum who made the most beautiful quilts, and did a City and Guilds Patchwork and Quilting Diploma.  You can more about my creative journey on my 'About Sarah' page, if you're interested!  But to cut a long story short, after my daughter was born, (she's now nearly 4) I started doing a Level 3 Certificate in Patchwork and Quilting via Distance Learning with the School of Stitched Textiles.  I am not even half way though yet, (you work at your own pace) but I have learnt so much already, I just love it.
 
 
It's only been in the last year that I set up Quilt Candy, and I've had such a great response to my work, that at the moment I don't have much time to focus on my coursework.  I have also been completely distracted by this wonderful blogosphere where I have learnt just so much from so many talented bloggers, and made so many wonderful friends.  So in a nutshell, the answer to the question is, I am self taught, but I am learning new things every day and I so enjoy sharing all I learn and make on my blog.
 
Why did you start your blog?
 
I started my Quilt Candy blog when I launched my website, as I wanted a 'behind the scenes' narrative, as well as wanting to meet and share my experiences with other bloggers. I'm so glad I did!
 
 
 
What is the meaning of your blog's name?
 
I called myself Quilt Candy for two reasons.  Firstly, I make quilts and bunting for children, so to refer to my quilts as 'candy' seemed really appropriate.  All kids love candy!  Secondly, Quilt Candy is a bit like 'eye candy' and I really want my quilts to be just that; quilts with beautiful fabrics that you can't take your eyes off. 
 
 
 What is your favourite type of project?
 
My first love is making quilts.  I know that sounds very generic, but it's true.  And the irony is that I spend a lot of my time making bunting!  I sell bunting on my website, and it's proved very popular.  People just go mad for bunting, especially when it's got their child's name on it ;-)
 
 
I am always looking out for fabrics that will work well for personalised bunting, so that I can offer lots of choices.  I am sure it will come as no surprise that this one is the most popular!
 

And here's my latest design; in fact the Retro Birds fabric was chosen by a customer and I think it works really well. 
 
 
 
 
So back to the original question, what is my favourite type of project. (Sorry, told you I ramble!)  Well I just love designing quilts.  Sometimes I can just look at a collection of fabrics and instantly know what to do with them.  That's what happened when I got my hands on some of the Out at Sea collection by Sarah Jane.  I pretty much designed this quilt in my head and just used pen and paper to help with the quilt math.  That's the part I don't love so much!
 
 
 
 
And I love hand quilting too.  Large stitches using no. 8 perle cotton thread.  (Sarah Fielke style).  It looks soooo pretty, and I think makes a quilt look extra special. 
 
 
I tend to play around with designs too, rather than just sticking to straight lines all the time.  It makes the quilting real feature of the quilt as well.
 
 

I have also been lucky enough to do a spot of writing, which is my second love, after quilting.  This year I wrote for British Patchwork and Quilting Magazine, which was fab, and I'd love to do more!
 
 
I've also reviewed a couple of books over at The Sewing Directory website.  Now I really would like to do more of this too!
 
Do you belong to or would you like to belong to bees, QALs?
 
Just when I thought I was really busy and couldn't take on any more commitments, I only went and joined my very first sewing bee!  It's called the Strip Bees and it's hosted by the lovely Maria.  You can read about it in detail here, but essentially there are 6 of us, and we each make a strip and then pass it on, until we each have a quilt top made of strips at the end of it.  Cool huh?!  It's only just kicked off and here's my first strip. 
 
 
I am so looking forward to seeing how all our quilts turn out!
 
Have you attended or are you planning on attending any sewing get togethers?
 
Yes! 
 
If you are too, I'd love to hear from you!
 
What are you working on now?
 
Right now I've got a few things on the go.  Firstly I'm working on a commission quilt, which is going to be just beautiful. 



 
And my own personal WIP is my I Heart New York Quilt, which you can read all about here
 
 
And wait till you see the backing fabric! 
 
 
You'll have to come back again when it's finished for a full view ;-)
 
What type of sewing machine do you use?
 
I am so lucky to be able to say that I have the Bernina 550QE sewing machine.  It is my machine of dreams, and all thanks to the advice of my very lovely blogging friend ChrissieD (whose work is amazing by the way) and my wonderful husband who purchased it as a (semi) surprise for me for Mother's Day back in March this year.  I can't recommend it highly enough. 
 
 
 What other hobbies do you have?
 
Right now quilting (and bunting making) pretty much takes up all my time.  Did I mention I have 2 small children, aged nearly 4 and 18 months?!! But I love to read, and I love to write, both of which I don't do nearly as often as I would like.  It's one of those situations where something's got to give, and in this case it's reading.  I am no longer up to speed with the latest novels and authors, I just don't have the time.  It saddens me a little, but I just can't do it all!
 
Do you have any blogging or blog photography tips/tricks to share?
 
I can't claim to be an expert when it comes to photography.  I have a reasonably good camera and I take full advantage of picmonkey and all it's wonderful features to try and enhance my photos.  It's been a mission of mine to make my pictures as good as possible without spending a fortune on cameras and lenses.  It does take time, and being no expert it probably takes me longer, but I think I am getting there, slowly! 
 
So my very amateur tips  would be;
 
- experiment as much as possible  and don't be afraid to zoom in close to capture the details.
 

 
- choose a setting on your camera that blurs the background
 
 
- try and take your photos outdoors, as natural light is so much better
 
 
What other social media do you actively use?
 
You can also find me on Twitter and Facebook, and I've just set up my Quilt Candy Pinterest Page, so I shall be pinning like mad very soon!
 
Thank you so much for stopping by.  If you've got this far without falling asleep then you either deserve a medal or you've got the stamina of an ox.  No, seriously, I really do appreciate you still being here.  What a great series this is!
 
Here's the rest of this weeks schedule:
Friday, June 21
Leigh Anne @ Ella's Cottage
Stacey @ The Tilted Quilt
Sarah @ Quilt Candy
Jackie @ NW Patchwork
Erica @ Happy Fabric
Stephanie @ Simple Sewendipity
Lauren @ Seraphym
 
Sarah x
 
 
 
 

55 comments:

  1. So glad you joined the strip bees. Your strip is gorgeous.
    I wish you well with your business. Your work is lovely.

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  2. So lovely to read all about you! I am planning on starting the machine embroidery certificate with SST, but not found anyone else studying with them. Is it good? Would love to hear your thoughts!

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  3. It's wonderful to read more about you! Great post! I understand your bunting craze, it is really adorable, but I know I would want to spend most of my time quilting too!

    :) Kelly @ My Quilt Infatuation

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  4. Lovely post and your bunting is fantastic. I must say, your quilt with the Out to Sea fabric looks so perfect by all those boats - great idea! So nice to meet you on this hop!

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  5. Lovely to read more about you and see all your pretty makes on one page, Sarah!

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  6. Hi! Great to read your post, I love those chickens they're so cute! I keep meaning to make some bunting for my daughter but it hasn't happened yet!

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  7. Great post! Loved reading more about you! All your projects are terrific. You are one busy lady!!

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  8. Beautiful work! It was wonderful to get to know you better :)

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  9. Nice to meet you Sarah. Your quilts are fantastic!

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  10. Wow, what a fun business, getting to do what you love:)

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  11. Those chickens are too cute! I have the same sewing machine and have been super happy with it. Nice to meet you through the blog hop :)

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  12. I'm going to the fat quarterly retreat too, yay!! Your hand quilting is amazing. I love hearing how people get into quilting :)

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  13. Absolutely gorgeous blog! The time and effort you are putting into your photos really shows and your projects are so beatiful. I especially love the nautical-themed quilt with the maps - what a cool idea. Enjoy the retreat and I look forward to visiting soon!

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  14. So excited to have found your site through the hop. I love your hand quilting and bright fun quilts. I look forward to seeing what you do next.

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  15. Your loopty-loop hand quilting is just the best! I've been itching to get back into hand quilting (I used to do quite a bit of it). And I still love your buntings, so cute! Nice to meet you on this hop. :)

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  16. That bunting is adorable! And I love your blog name -so clever:)

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  17. Great to "meet" you via the hop! I absolutely adore your "out to sea" quilt, SO cool! And your I <3 NY quilt as well - is that a NY subway map print I see? Excellent!

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  18. Hi, your work is lovely and I just signed up to follow you by GFC which is my preferred way of following! See you around a lot the next two months!

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  19. Wow, Sarah! This is such a delightful post. It is such a pleasure to meet you through the hop! I am sew impressed with your hand quilting... Sew impressed that you have me considering doing some myself! Yours is beautiful. And your photography... your efforts really do show. Very nice pics of some very nice works!

    Lorna:)
    http://sewfreshquilts.blogspot.com

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  20. Thanks for sharing Sarah! I enjoyed reading about you and your quilty journey!

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  21. Nice to meet you through the hop! I absolutely love your hand quilting, it is so beautiful.

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  22. Gorgeous quilts and bunting. I, too, love the big stitches and thick thread look from hand quilting. I have done a little and plan to do more in the future. I can't wait to see your I<3 NY quilt. I'm a new follower on bloglovin. Thanks again!

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  23. I really like your hand quilting - I agree, it really does add some pretty and interest to the quilts. AND omgoodness, I do so lpve your chickens!!!! They are fabulous.

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  24. Nice to meet you via the hop! I love the strip for the bee. Beautiful! Bees do take a lot of time though!

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  25. What a great post! I love your buntings. You have inspired me to make one of those buntings for my girls' bedroom. One more thing to add to my to do list! I must say you really have a nice set up.

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  26. Nice meeting you! It is so lovely to get to know bloggers in detail. And you keep it just right!

    Love you work, will be following through bloglovin!

    Amira @ http://littlemushroomcap.blogspot.com

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  27. Lovely to find out a bit more about your quilty journey Sarah! Your projects are fab - I especially like the Out to Sea quilt :-) Look forward to seeing more of your work.

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  28. Hi Sarah! So nice to meet you and see what you are up too. Great projects and "eye candy". I am a new follower! Glad you are a part of this hop!

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  29. Buntings are really cute. I had no idea they were that popular.

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  30. Loved learning some background on your blogger "ID", and that nautical medallion is really beautiful!! Lovely to meet you, fellow Sarah with an "h"!

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  31. Great post! Thanks for the photography tips. And your hand quilting is lovely! I really must give this a try! Nice to "meet you" on the hop!

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  32. Lovely post and how fun: we are Meeting in London :)))

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  33. The strips you have done for the Strip Bees QAL are really lovely and colourful. Thanks for telling us about yourself.

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  34. How fun! Your bunting is just adorable and I LOVE your out to sea quilt. Nice to meet you:)

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  35. Bunting really is super cute c: I love your hand quilting!! I've got so much going on right now, I don't even know how to condense it! Suffice to say, lots of sewing, lots of cross stitch, little bit of embroidery thrown in. Not finishing a lot right now, but getting small things done for everything.

    When I first wanted to start a crafting blog, that was my initial intent- behind the scenes storeblog sort of thing. Eventually, I decided to be more relaxed about it, and not worry about selling things so quickly. I'm working up to it now! Takes a lot of confidence to sell things, I think c: Anyway, I love your taste in fabric, Out to Sea is one of my favorite lines ever!!

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  36. Love your Out to Sea quilt, it is perfect for that line. Have wondered about the SST courses, I might have another look at them. Great to "meet" you.

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  37. I love your hand quilting - I'm inspired to try more of that. I love the anchor quilt and I'll be looking out for you in the quilt mags!

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  38. Enjoyed your blog.
    I love the Out at Sea quilt!
    Your hand-stitching is so even and I love your personal swirls. Would love to know what type of thread you use to do your hand-stitching (quilting) and how many strands you use when you do it?
    Thanks for sharing with us.

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  39. i so enjoyed reading more about you and your quilts. love those buntings as well! completely envious of your sewing machine and hope to join you with one one day :) love your blog pictures, too, by the way. that's one thing i definitely want to improve on!!!

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  40. Your quilts are really sweet, all the best with your business

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  41. So great to meet you on the hop! I am in love with your hand stitching, I LOVE The way it looks on a quilt top.

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  42. So nice to meet you! Look forwarding to seeing more of your work.

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  43. I really like your projects! Glad you participated in the hop.

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  44. Your bunting is adorable and I LOVE that you have a Jersey tab! I always like getting a glimps of where a blogger is from. It's a great way to learn more about them. Thanks for sharing!

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  45. It's nice to meet you Sarah! I like the look of hand stitching too, but I lack the patience!

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  46. It's nice to meet you via the hop! Love your work, the hand-stitching is amazing. Thanks for sharing so much of yourself.

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  47. Hi Sarah, its great to meet you and find out more about you. Your quilts and bunting are lovely! See you at FQR in July, Sarah x

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  48. That personalized bunting is so adorable, I can see why people go crazy for it. Thanks for the photography tips!

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  49. Those strip bees sounds so cool! I'm going to have to keep that in mind - that strip of springy snowball blocks looks fantastic. You do some lovely work - just beautiful!

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  50. You do such beautiful and bunting. Every shot you had was beautiful. I can see why it is so popular on your site! You are a wonderful quilter as well (love the out to sea quilt) and your hand stitching is incredible.

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  51. You know I think you're wonderful but it was still great to read all about you again here :) x

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  52. I'm glad someone likes to do the quilt math - that's the worst part for me! Your buntings are very sweet.

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  53. Hey girl! Sorry I'm a bit late in throwing some LGA love your way as a fellow hop member! Such a good idea on your I <3 NY quilt, it's like text in a text! (I may have to try that out!)

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  54. I enjoyed reading your post. I love your hand quilting; it's gorgeous!

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  55. Excellent blog hop post! I've already been following but it was great to see your work again. Going to have to try hand quilting, you make it look so lovely!

    Jenny @ Note to Follow Sew

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