Around the Block ~ Jewelled Squares for Helen

Over the weekend I spent some time putting together this block for Helen for the Around the Block Quilting Bee on Flickr.  With another dark day,  my colours aren't correct on the pic, but if you check the link here,  you can see how beautiful Helen's quilt is looking already.

This block measures 12.5" and there was a fair bit of maths involved to get this block together.  I just can't wait to see the finished quilt!

Pinwheels in the Park ~ Tutorial

I'm pleased to share a new tutorial for you,  which is up on Sew Mama Sew now as a part of their Summer Sewing month.  It was pretty hard to take a summery pic here in Ballarat while it's been cold, wet and windy but thankfully it all came together at the end.

I was inspired to make this quilt after seeing a block made by Becky for Around the Block.  Thanks Becky for the permission to work from your idea.

I've used a cute fabric from the "Sugar and Spice" range by Riley Blake fabric, quilted it with my favourite decorate stitch on my sewing machine and given it a good wash and tumble dry after these pics were done!  Finished size is 71” x 54 ½”.


So go and visit Beth and Kirsten at Sew Mama Sew to download the pattern,  and since there is no more room at home,  you can find the quilt up for sale on Ebay here

Whats red and white and pinned all over?

A new quilt on the go!  I haven't made a quilt in ages.  I hope this one looks Summery enough. 

Socks for Matt..

Okay,  these are my big feet in the pics.  Matt's a bit blog shy so I thought I had better get my feet out :)  These socks have been my knitting on the go project at swimming lessons.  Honestly,  if I need to sit still for an hour a week,  I might as well get something done! 

These are my second pair of toe up  On Your Toes socks,  made in the largest size for my husband Matt.  Since Matt works outdoors and its pretty cold and frosty here in Ballarat,  he was happy for me to make him some knitted socks.  Not exactly perfect but not too many mistakes.  I hope they are long enough and warm enough for winter.

Ravelled here.

Pixie and the Princess ..

A few weeks ago,  Kane told us his friend Daisy's guinea pigs had babies,  9 of them!  Yes, we gave in to the hints. begging and pleading and told Kane and Maya they could have one each - both females.

Kane has pestered Daisy's mum at the school gate nearly every day for information on the guinea pigs, and we have been up to their place for a visit.  He has tormented Daisy every day in class too with questions. 

Well, they are 8 weeks old now and they came home last night.  Kane did a lot of googling to find a good name for a guinea pig,  Pixie,  and Maya has named hers Princess Guinea Pig.   The kids are working pretty hard on taming them now,  and they are a pretty good distraction for Ayden who is supposed to be studying for mid year exams.

Matryoshka Doll Quilt ..

A week or so ago I picked up this quilt from Emma at Ballarat Patchwork.  Way back here in 2009 I sewed the quilt top as a shop sample and Emma put it together and quilted it beautifully.

The Quilt has been up in the shop and travelled around for various quilt shows in Victoria.  Have you seen it in person?  Emma said that once she had finished with it,  it could come back home for Maya - who didn't want to let it to go to the shop.  Of course,  like most 5 year olds,  Maya has the memory of an elephant and quickly claimed it for her bed - it's a large single bed sized quilt.

I've had quite a few emails from people who have found my original post asking if they could buy the quilt, which I couldn't do,  but anyone interested in making their own version,  the pattern is called Matryoshka Quilt by Rosalie Quinlan Designs and the fabrics are Lecien Flower Sugar.

Homespun Happy Mail ..

Look what I found in the mailbox this morning! The new Homespun magazine for June, No 97, Vol 12.6.  This pic made me smile :)

I've designed these two quick projects to make.  A matching pair of cushions with Digby the Dog and Miss Kitty the Cat.

Beautiful photo's and styling again from the Homespun team.