Decided on the pattern

I did a machine patchwork workshop back in the 80's (done by the first infant teacher two of my daughters had). I have found the sheet so am going to do the 12" blocks off it and call DD's quilt Mrs B's Quilt as a memory of her.

She is now teaching in Uganda. She was the person who further inspired a love of reading in DD which led to her doing a Eng Lit degree. Mrs B's quilt seems fitting. She can tell her grandkids all about why it was made and who inspired it.

First snowdrops of spring

So beautiful against all the deadness and defrosting snow.

Well the bag is finished and the material dug out for the blocks for DD quilt

A good tutorial for hourglass blocks

..  It looks lovely when completed
lovelylittlehandmades

The messenger bag is virtually finished, just the buttons so that will be tomorrows picture.
The fabrics for dd quilt are picked out so I'm making my mind up as to what to make

Went to a quilt how  and found my ideal quilt, the colours were wonderful and subtle.

Isn't it marvelous, i spoke to its creator but don't know her name, i'll try to find out and i'l post it and see if I can cyber stalk some imspiration off her.

Bag assemby line

All the bits are nearly ready for putting together.
I'm enjoying it and making a few adaptations such as a waterproof layer in the flap and an adjustable shoulder strap.



i don't think it would be very cost effective me taking up bag making as a living as it is taking me so long. My DD better like it! Sure she will as she is a real hunny and will say she does even if she doesn't

Bag progress

Its all cut out and ready to go. I made it a little bigger so that two A4 four files would fit in. (measurements 18 across 17 down) Also have made it in one strip of fabric rather than two so the base should be really strong.

I found some lovely contrast fabric that was a bit more girly for the flap and pockets. DD came home (not the one who it is for but one of the others) and remarked that I had bought that fabric for her in year 8 to make a tote bag at school. She then arranged the blocks from the "first steps" for me! She has a good eye and a good memory. Oh to be 21 again!

Messenger bag

My sewing room is being used as a bedroom today (DD's boyfriend) so the quilting is having a day off. I am therefore getting on with a back order for a bag that can carry a4 files but look good

Found a really good tutorial that describes exactly what I was thinking of doing. Isn't the blogger-sphere wonderful, its all out there.

http://www.fishsticksandfries.com/Instructions%20-%20Messenger%20Bag%20Tutorial.pdf

We'll see how it goes

Also going to try to finish the borders on my tapestry before Easter as a lent get it finished project. It was a 21st birthday present but progress has been stilted due to three children, one degree, lots of jobs!

 

Done by the time I am 45??????? 

I hope so, I said I would burn it if not as it looks at me too accusingly from the corner of the lounge, begging to be finished and hung on the wall.

Its coming together

 

The background is a duvet cover. It took a while to figure out the measurements for the triangles, maths is not my strong point but I got there in the end. I have used up the last of the maternity dress that was the lightest colour and is lovely and aged. It is 20+ years old and was mine and two friends before me.

Nearly done

Really enjoying the chain piecing, its all so quick compared to hand sewing!

Here's the pics of today

 

 

Now I just need to decide what I'm going to use them for. There is some more dark pink and green to go on so Im not sure what pink and green will go with. The orange looks really orange in the picutres but it matches in really well as its peachy.

Not seen anyone elses yet, I don't want to appear too keen but the sewing bug just took over today so cracked on. I've got lots of strips left so think I'll do some horizontal strips for filler blocks to break it up, could do light and dark blocks.

Quilt along

On the sewingforum.co.uk and thought it would be good to blog along with it. Lynne's first steps
I've never done a group project so it should be fun seeing how everybody's turns out

Its 1 1/2 strips and the pattern looks really sweet.

Its all from scraps and charity shop finds. Its green, pink, peach and orange. Very leery.