Monday, August 31, 2009

The Finished Jaffa Quilt

This quilt was a dream to piece but a challenge to quilt. Having used a linen/cotton blend fabric (which is a little heavier than cotton fabric), for sashing the orange/red and brown designer fabric squares, the quilt is actually quite cumbersome to manoeuvre through the limited space of my sewing machine arm.

Jaffa Quilt
Finished Quilt measures: 57 inches x 53.5 inches

I have kept the back of the quilt very simple, giving it a modern and minimalist look. The solid grey fabric here is Kona Cotton Solid by Robert Kaufman in the colorway Ash.


The binding fabric is from Amy Butler's Lotus range and is called Full Moon Polka Dot in Lime. I really did not want to use a strong contrasting color to frame this quilt, instead choosing a complimentary fabric thereby adding just a touch of detail rather than color.


I have also given this quilt a little road test today. No! I did not sleep under it! I washed it in the washing machine on a gentle but warm cycle, and then tumble dried it in a warm dryer.


It came out all soft and crinkly, probably a little too crinkly for my neat self, but a light steam iron sorted that out. It looks so welcoming, and feels so soft! It has withstood and passed the wear and tear, wash and tumble test!


These two quilts look great together. You just cannot have too many quilts on the one bed don't you think?

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Sunday Stash #18

This week's new additions - a restock of some favorite thread:

800m Gutermann thread in:
White - 5709
Grey - 618
Beige - 829

Some basic cotton Gutermann thread that I really love piecing and quilting with. I use white thread when piecing with solid white fabrics, grey and beige interchangeably for other fabrics depending on the overall color tone of the fabrics.

I sometimes quilt with Aurifil thread which I think adds a lovely shine to the quilting stitches, but my Janome machine does not seem to like it as much as I do! The bobbin protests loudly by squeaking and jumping, which affects the stitches. I hope my new Bernina takes to Aurifil thread as kindly as I do.

To add a splash of color to this post, I am adding picture of what I have been working on this weekend:


It has been a great week! How was yours?

Saturday, August 29, 2009

A New Toy

Well it has been a busy week, and I have not been able to spend as much time on productive sewing as I would have liked. You see I have a new toy that has taken away much of my focus.

It is a good toy and a great distraction. I have waited quite a long time to take this home as it is not cheap. I also did not realize how difficult it is to transition from one sewing to machine to another. But it is a process I am willing to endure! Once I am more familiar with the ins and outs of this machine, I will be sure to post a full review on the Bernina Aurora 440QE. (Just as a side note, I managed to snap a needle with the new Bernina in the first half hour of playing with it, just as I wrecked the needle threader of my Janome when I first got that machine!).

I have made some time to piece together the Jaffa Cake fabrics selected earlier in the week using some lime green linen/cotton blend fabric as sashing, and I am busy quilting it this weekend. I am using the Janome though, as I am not confident enough yet to use the Bernina for straight line quilting.


I hope you all have a great weekend. Rain has been forecast for our weekend in Melbourne, it is much needed but not exactly forthcoming. Please do a little rain dance for us so that these clouds don't just pass us by!

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Work in Progress and Jaffa Cakes

I have chosen a selection of orange and brown fabrics for my next quilt project. They are all cotton printed designer from fabric ranges by Denyse Schmidt, Kaffe Fassett and Amy Butler. They are all from stash!


I am going to call this project/quilt my Jaffa Quilt. The brown and orange color combination takes me back to my childhood where Jaffa Cakes were often a treat we were given whilst at my Grandmother's house. So long ago, and so far away, but still fondly remembered.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

The Princess and the Pea Quilt

Some days, especially this week, seem to fly by without much productivity. And I know you will tell me how productive I am, but sometimes I wish you could take a look behind the scenes at my organized chaos. I did manage to steal a number of hours of time yesterday (and they are sleeping hours) to make this little baby quilt.


The front of the baby girl quilt features the much loved Princess and the Pea fabric by Heather Ross from the Far Far Away range.


The back of the quilt is made from fabrics by Amy Butler, Kaffe Fassett and again Heather Ross.


I just know there are little Princesses out there who would adore this cute fabric! It is a double gauze fabric, and a little more difficult to work/quilt with, but this and quite a few others from the range are well worth adding to your stash.


It is bound in bright orange Kaffe Fassett fabric (Roman Glass - Circus) to compliment the overall look of the quilt.

It is for sale in my Etsy Store.  SOLD

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Waiting

Yesterday was one of those days that involved a lot of waiting. Waiting in the car. Teenagers are not in any great hurry. It was one of those days where the sewing machine had a day off.

I like to wrap gifts, swappy fabrics or sold quilts in my own handmade ribbons and tags. These are a great little project for when I am waiting, waiting... I usually carry my crochet hook and a ball of cotton in my handbag, and when the opportunity arises I crochet. I am not a hand sewer, but do enjoy crochet and knitting when I am away from the machine.


These are quite time consuming to make, and as you can see I spent a lot of time waiting in the car yesterday. Just in case you are wondering, I don't have a pattern for these, they come straight out of my head (there is a lot going on up there!).

What do you do while you are waiting, whether it is in the car, or in the dentist waiting room?

Monday, August 24, 2009

Scrap-a-Licious

Thank you to everyone for all the wonderful comments on last Friday's post featuring the Scrap Quilt. It sounds like most of you keep your scraps, and that some of you have a very significant scrap stash! Oh how envious I am! The possibilities are endless -

Finished Quilt measures: 36.5 inches x 36.5 inches

The back is pieced also:


Beautiful blues, greens and a major splash of yellow are featured in the quilt back which compliments the bright colorful front of the quilt, and also makes it fully reversible.


I again used Matilda's Own cotton batting which is a great product to work with. It is also quite thin, does not make the quilt look overly puffy, and allows the quilt to drape nicely.


Quilted by simple cross hatch, and just in case you are wonder, I do mark the quilting lines. I like using a Clover Chaco Liner always in White as it leaves no residue or mark on the quilt, whereas my experience with the blue and pink markers are not as favorable.


This quilt is now for sale in my Etsy Store. Feel free to email me if you have any questions.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Sunday Stash #17

Whatever happened to Blue and Green should never be seen together?


I love the blue and green color combination, and these are more of my favorite fabrics. Unfortunately these fabrics are no longer being printed and are pretty hard to get your hands on.

From left to right:
  1. Katie Jump Rope - Blue Dots by Denyse Schmidt which arrived this week, with thanks to Jessica from Twin Fibers for a great fabric swap!
  2. Flea Market Fancy - Green Dots by Denyse Schmidt
  3. Peas and Carrots - Blue Pez Ovals by Sandy Klop for Moda
I have also chosen the green center fabric as binding for the Scrap Quilt that I made this week. Here is a little sneak peek with more pictures to follow on Monday.

I hope you are enjoying your weekend, and have perhaps had a chance to do some sewing.

Friday, August 21, 2009

What is in your Scrap Bin?



I keep my fabric scraps in a plastic bin and lately have had problems closing the lid. I keep all scraps, big or small, because you just never know when you need that itty bitty bit of fabric. Right? But is was definitely time to deal with them, either make something with them or .... or what?


I started by cutting lots of 1.5 inch strips and then pieced them together by color. That is, either four strips of red or green, or blue etc. I then squared them up and made them into 4.5 inch blocks.


I laid the blocks out, moved them around until I was happy with the overall color scheme, and then pieced them together.


And look! This is what came out of my scrap bin! I did not cut into my fabric stash at all. It is a scrappy riot of color, and is now ready to be basted and quilted. I wonder what is in your scrap bin?

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Marmalade

The Oranges Lemons and Limes quilt is finished.

Finished quilt measures: 40.5 inches x 40.5 inches

The quilting is done.


The binding is on. It is a really lovely red/orange check fabric from the fabric range "Paper Dolls" by Windham Fabrics.


And a view of the back - pieced of course, with fabrics to compliment the front.


Now for sale in my Etsy Store. Feel free to email me if you have any questions.

You can find this quilt for sale in my Etsy Store. SOLD

I hope that you have enjoyed the parade of citrus colored fabrics being turned into a quilt this week. What's next?

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

My Space Today

I am spending the day finishing the quilting of my new Oranges, Lemons and Limes quilt.


Thankfully all is going to plan. Just one tip (and I am sure you are all aware of this obvious statement) - always be sure to cut the batting large enough to comfortably cover the quilt top.


This is an example of what not to do. The batting I used for this quilt was a leftover piece from a previous quilt and I really wanted to use it rather then cut into more of my larger pieces of batting. I knew it was always going to be a tight squeeze, however, this was ridiculously close, and caused much more stress than I was willing to endure.

I hope to show you some pictures of backing and binding soon.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Oranges, Lemons and Limes Quilt

The weekend brought with it some wild weather with wind and much needed rain but also a hint of the change in seasons. Spring is approaching and it was reflected in the fabric choice for this next project.


The initial plan for these fabrics had to be shelved due to unforeseen circumstances (read: put in the too hard basket!) , and as I had already cut all the fabrics a rescue plan had to be instigated to save the fabrics from the overflowing scrap bin.


This quilt top now needs a backing which I will work on today. I am quietly hoping to also baste this today, but I know Domestic Diva is required to attend to the chores to restore order.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Sunday Stash #16

This week's Sunday Stash is also a new arrival. These fabrics are from Denyse Schmidt's Katie Jump Rope Collection and they are called Orange and Yellow Dot.

Another new arrival by way of intercontinental swap are these much sought after fabrics with thanks to Jenni.

They are from the Flea Market Fancy range - Grey Seeds and Red Dotted Leaves - again by Denyse Schmidt, and Gnomes and Mushrooms by Heather Ross.

My name is Rita and I am a fabric addict.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

French Country Quilt

Another finished quilt. How satisfying is it when the binding and labeling are finished!

Quilt measures: 48 inches x 48 inches

I know I gave you a little preview of this quilt yesterday, but that was really only to buy some more time as the binding was yet to be purchased, made and sewn on!

Red and White stripe binding

I really enjoyed making this quilt, especially choosing the fabrics, and I think it has turned out well. The fabrics and color combination are rather reminiscent of a mix between a French country and shabby chic decor.


As usual also pieced the back of this quilt using fabrics to complement the front of the quilt and making it fully reversible.


I quilted it by cross-hatching diagonally through each 4 inch square. I am ever so grateful that the whole quilting process is getting a little easier each time, even for these larger size quilts. Basting quilts however remains unpopular, but I will continue to use pins to baste as this method does work well for me.


This quilt is now for sale in my Etsy Store. Feel free to email me if you have any questions.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

More Quilted Goodness

I made this made baby quilt top on the weekend. It is pieced from some of my favorite cotton fabrics by Denyse Schmidt (Katie Jump Rope and Flea Market Fancy), Lizzy House (Red Letter Day), and Heather Ross.

Finished Size: 22.5 inches x 30.5 inches

I quilted it and put the binding on just yesterday. The backing fabric is 5 Funky Monkeys - Sock Monkey by Erin Michaels in light green. The binding is Monaluna by Jennifer Moore in red.

This cute baby quilt made from all cotton fabrics and batting, is now for sale in my Etsy store.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Around the Block

I am participating in the Around the Block Swap, which involves making two blocks for a participant from fabrics that they have sent to you. The person whose turn it is to send the fabrics does provide some guidance as to how they like their blocks to look. By the end of the month that person will have enough blocks to complete a quilt top.


Kate from One Flew Over was the first to send out her fabrics and I have really enjoyed playing with her them. I love the fabrics Kate has chosen and I was keen to get started on making these blocks straight away.



Kate included in her fabrics these cute (and hard to find!) Heather Ross fabrics. I can understand what the fuss is all about, the little pictures, although dainty, are detailed and just plain gorgeous! They are definitely on my stash wish list!


I have also received this gorgeous gift in the mail. This pincushion was made by Mel from From Little Things...


Thank you Mel, I love it! Believe it or not, I actually did not have a pincushion, so it will definitely be much loved and often used.