Robot Quilt Progress

One of my on going WIPS is a Robot medallion quilt for my son.  You can read all about it here. 

It's been a while since I've had a chance to work on it, so last week I put in the hours and had lots of fun making flying geese for the next border.  I love watching medallion quilts grow :-)

It's ready turning into the completely zany, busy, busy quilt that I want it to be, and hopefully with those sharp angles and lines it's got a robotic feel about it too.

I showed it to my son and his immediate reaction was 'Robots!' at the top of his voice - so I think he likes it.

I'm going to add another plainer border before doing a double row of offset squares...and then...who knows! That's what I love about medallion quilts, you can make it up as you go along.  I'm going to try something new (for me) with the quilting too.  Watch this space.

I'm so excited to finish this one and give it to my cheeky little monkey so he can snuggle under it :-)

Thank you for stopping by,

Sarah x

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Oh Happy Mail!

I'm so lucky to be in a very fabulous on-line bee, called The Strip Bees.  And in just 4 sleeps time, we are all going to be meeting for the very first time :-))

The wonderful Jennifer has been so very kind and made us all our very own Pants Bag, in preparation for our trip.  We are all meeting at her house and staying for the weekend, so pants will be required!! 

This is what arrived for me the other day...

Isn't it perfect!!!  Thank you so much Jennifer, I love it and I'll have to pack my very best pants especially ;-)

In other news, I've finally got around to some patchwork again, after what seems like weeks of sewing anything but quilts.  Here's some little blocks I made the other day.  

I've gone from being a little bit in love with Amy Butler fabrics to head over heels in love with Amy Butler fabrics.  And making these economy blocks (with 2 added borders) was just so much fun.  

This week I hope to work on my current WIP, the Robot Medallion quilt for my son.  

Can you spy more economy blocks?  I'm a little bit obsessed with them!  Looking forward to sharing more progress soon.

Sarah x

Superhero (Writing) Capes

This week I was asked by my daughter's teacher if I could make some Superhero Capes, as their topic for this term is Super heroes.  How cool is that?!  The idea behind the capes is that if you want to wear a cape, you have to do some writing.  (Genius idea Mr M). 

As I was making 5, I wanted to keep them super simple, and this is what I came up with.

Five different colours, an appliqué lightening bolt on the back and Velcro straps on the front so that the children can independently put them on and take them off.

I'm pleased to say they were a big hit - so I'm told!  My daughter certainly thinks so - she's the green super hero by the way!

I was delighted that I was asked to make the capes, and they also compliment the Super hero cushion that made for the class a few weeks ago.

My mind is racing with other things I could make.  A super hero quilt for the book corner, some super hero bunting, super hero writing bags...the possibilities are endless.  Oh I wish there were more hours in the day!!

Sarah x

Jersey Textile Showcase - A roundup

2 weeks ago saw the start of a much anticipated event, the Jersey Textile Showcase.  Arranged by the Harbour Gallery, top textile artists from all over the UK flocked to Jersey to come and teach a series of full or half day workshops.  My goodness I was excited!

I had 2 full days booked with Kim Thittichai, who specialises in 'hot textiles'.  (Check out her blog and her time in Jersey here)  Well I couldn't believe it, disaster struck and I came down with a terrible virus the day before my classes.  I'm talking not being able to leave the house type illness.  To say I was gutted was an understatement.  But such is life, and I was lucky enough to meet Kim on the Friday at the Showcase Gala dinner.  What a wonderful, colourful lady she is.  I mean that metaphorically and literally - even her hair matched her turquoise top!!  

On the Saturday I attended an afternoon workshop with Ineke Berlyn, working with Lutrador.  It was so much fun, and I was thrilled with the little picture that I made.

I simply adore all of Ineke's work, and I can't wait to experiment more with this style of working.  Lutrador is such a wonderful, versatile product, I really want to spend more time exploring the possibilities.  Here's Ineke herself with a simply gorgeous sample that she made.  

My final workshop with local Textile Artist Christine Witham experimenting with making decorative flowers.  I decided to make a Sunflower...and it worked a treat because the very next day the sun came out so that I could get a decent photograph.

I'm so sad the showcase has ended.  It's been such a wonderful event, and I've learnt so much in just a few short hours and it's left me wanting more.  Not to mention meeting some wonderful, talented and lovely people.  And all on my doorstep too :-))

Sarah x

PS Are you a textile artist/quilter who wants to come to Jersey to teach?  Do drop me a line and I'll see if I can make it happen!  

FMQ With Philippa Naylor

This weekend was a wonderful one.  Two glorious days of quilting.  And not just any old quilting.  Oh no.  Free Motion Quilting.  With no less than top UK quilter Philippa Naylor. And it was brilliant!

I'm sure I'm not the only one who naturally goes into panic mode at the thought of FMQ.  So being in a class taught by Phillippa was just what I needed to give me the confidence to give it a go. 

Along with FMQ basics, we learnt a new method of Trupunto, using dissolvable thread, and a very effective method of corded quilting, which works brilliantly to add definition and texture to a quilt.  My sample isn't quite complete yet, it needs a little more work, so for now I'll share with you the quilt that Philippa brought with her...it's stunning!

Philippa taught us so much about FMQ.  But my skills are not yet at a level where I want to share them with you!  Although I have been practising for several hours since the class, and I'm pleased to say, there is some improvement already.  I am determined to persevere and keep getting better and better.

Please do take a look at Philippa's website, and learn a little more about her and her work.  She is a true talent.  It was such a pleasure to meet her and her quilts are an inspiration.

Sarah x

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