Spring in the Garden Quilt finished

Woohooo, another quilt finished.

This is the third quilt I have finished in 2011 and I am starting to get used to working on a machine. It is faster, but not THAT MUCH faster than working by hand. Besides, these are all relatively small quilts.

But having the machine and working continuously has shown me very clearly once again how OCD I am. Not clinically or seriously in any way (I HOPE!), but bad enough that I feel the need to keep working on something until it is FINISHED.

I hate having things lying around that are unfinished, because I feel guilty, like I am cheating on them, if I even start dreaming of a new design and cutting into new fabrics. I will have to work on that. No more compulsive quilting. Oh, well, let's see how I do with that. I am certainly rubbish at giving up the compulsive snacking etc.

I really like this one. It's perfect as a baby quilt or a lap quilt and the colours really shine.

I am sorry for the poor quality pictures again. As soon as that spring sunshine arrives I'll take all my quilts outside and do a proper photo shoot so I can finally start listing them in my Etsy shop.

I hope you like this one.

Love, Nadine


Spring Quilt (the top):





Garden Quilt (the back)




PS: I just noticed in the pictures the one thing we should always try to avoid: CREASES! But no matter how I roll or fold my quilts I always end up with those nasty creases, (and this quilt has only been folded up for a handful of days). Any idea how to get rid of them?


Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

It's a HOOT!

I have been experimenting a bit more with bag making and this latest one turned out quite well. I used It's a hoot and Crush fabrics and firm interlining.

I am still struggling a bit with the interlining actually.

I am still trying to find the right sort of interlining for bags like this one. The one I used just feels a bit too much like paper. I wanted to use something that is iron-on fusible and will stick to the fabric but it just doesn't feel right. If you have any suggestions I would really appreciate the advice.

Otherwise the bag is actually quite usable even despite some minor mistakes.

Let me know what you think.

Love, Nadine



I added two inner pockets, one open and one with a zipper

Another new creation

I have developed quite a routine now for making these fabric storage boxes and I absolutely adore them. But I need to experiment with more techniques and shapes. Oh, so many things to make and so little time.

Love, Nadine












Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

We have a winner!

... and it is commenter number 3 which means Bek from Dreamfactory. Congratulations, can't wait to see what you'll do with them.

Check out her blog it's absolutely gorgeous.

Bek, could you please send me an email with your address and I'll get the fabrics into the post tomorrow.

Have a lovely evening, everyone, and happy sewing.

Love, Nadine

Poppies in Japan Quilt

I have just finished this quilt recently and think the beautiful Japanese fabrics I used on the back might be able to remind us of the country's gorgeous arts and crafts.

I am not very happy with the quilting and don't think it's good enough to put in my etsy shop which will hopefully open some time in April.

I used the quilt as you go method and had to learn the hard way that it works better when you use sashing on both sides and the quilting fits both designs on front and back. A lesson learned!

Hope you like it.

Love, Nadine





The back







Quilting detail on the back



Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Giveaway !!!

I think it's time for another blog giveaway.

I have been struggling to decide what to do with these gorgeous Patty Young Knits and decided that you lovely quilting folk might know better what can be done with knits.




For a chance to win all you need to do is become a follower and then leave a comment telling me you are a follower. Please also tell me what you would/will do with these lovely knit fabrics.

I think they are about 1.5 metres in total.

I will randomly select a winner on Sunday evening.

Love, Nadine




- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

My first bag

Hurrah. I made a bag, a simple reversible one just to try and see how it turns out. Will have to try more and experiment a bit. Certainly should have made it bigger and the strap smaller. Will be better next time.

Love, Nadine





Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Peek a Boo

A little sneak peek at what I am working on ...





I'll keep you posted on my progress and I will also soon post about the other quilt I showed you a sneak peek of. Only need to tidy up, cut off some threads and sew on my label and then it's done.

Love, Nadine

A home for my cash

I have completed my first wallet and am really proud of myself. It is by no means perfect and the interlining is a bit too stiff and cardboardlike for my taste but at least I know how to make one now and I can keep improving them. So watch this space.

Love, Nadine








Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

I need a bigger table!

I am currently working on a reversible quilt-as-you-go project and have already learned a few things I will do better next time.

But I find it really hard working on the machine on a fairly small table. Even though the quilt I am working on is small (only about 45"x 45") it keeps falling off the table while I am sewing and it is really irritating. I guess a trip to IKEA is in order. Will have to get a rental car and that will be the first time I drive a British car. I was driving my old continental car for the last ten years in the UK Scary! I will warn you in advance so you can stay off the roads that day.

And can I ask you experienced sewists a few questions:

1. How often do you change the needle in the machine? I have been avoiding that.

2. Do you buy generic needles?

3. What sort of interlining should I buy if I want to make bags?

4. Do you handsew your binding or do you ever use the machine?

5. Do you use binding makers?

6. Do you use fusible web and if yes what kind?

I will post about the finished quilt soon and show you what I am not so happy with. Can only get better, right?




Love, Nadine


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone