Deadlines

can be a wonderful motivator to finish things. I haven't produced much for a while, except works in progress. Since two of those WIPs were for birthdays, both within a month or so of each other, I decided it was time. Both quilts were begun on my retreat last March, so were well overdue for a finish,

This one was for my son-in-law who has his birthday just before Christmas. It is a Bonnie Hunter pattern (I love her stuff!) which she calls 'Strip Twist'. Lots of fun and pretty easy to make.

The other quilt was for my son, who said "You already made me a quilt!" That was many years ago, so I told him, "It's time for another one!" The basis for this was the disappearing nine patch block and I used Japanese themed fabrics as my son has an interest in Japanese culture. The extra strips and the borders were to make the quilt big enough for his bed. I love the backing fabric too.

I am happy to have these finished, hoping the sense of accomplishment will transfer to new projects, I have one or two small things in the works, but I will save those for another time!

It's been a while

since I posted.. life sure gets away from you at times. I have no actual crafty stuff to share, I have the lazy bug these days.
Back in April, I went to the quilt show held every year in a local church. Through a series of coincidences, I met up for the first time with fellow blogger, Maria, who, I have since found out, is also known by a number of local bloggers I have been following for years. I had morning tea with Maria and her friends and a lovely time was had by all. Maria (through reading my blog) knew of my love for anything with a 'Willow Pattern' and very generously gave me a few embroidered pieces from her collection.

There were lots of lovely quilts on display, unfortunately they don't photograph well inside the church. A couple of favourites.

A close up of the one below.

Love those scrappy ones!

My volunteer work with the National Trust takes up a lot of my time, and as usual, I was involved with 'Great Houses of Ipswich' again in May. I spent the day at 'Notnel', built in the 1860s and very carefully restored and preserved by the family who had owned it for over 25 years.

The house has recently been sold, so it was a great opportunity for locals to see inside.

I am hoping to get back to crafting soon.. I have a project in mind for one of those embroidered pieces,

Playing around

After my retreat, I was concerned that I may have left the sewjo behind, so I am cautiously attempting to do a 'little' bit at a time and not push the issue. I have continued to play around with my scraps, cutting strips and squares and using up the fabric. I have always been a thrifty minx and I'm following the suggestions of Bonnie Hunter, who must be one of the craftiest quilters when it comes to using up a stash. Not that my stash comes anywhere near rivalling hers!!

I have started sorting into containers, but I have a long way to go.

I have also begun stitching squares into nine-patch blocks. Ultimately they will become a quilt to raffle for Wolston House. I think I like the Dancing Nine-Patch, which is a free pattern on Bonnie's blog.

Baby steps!