Farewell Frida!

I do love Frida Kahlo, and when I can get a good calendar of her art, I grab it. She has been adorning my wall all year, but sadly she is getting ready to leave us, as the minutes tick down to midnight.

 This year, 2012,  has been a year of highs and lows, and I can't say I'm sad to be waving it goodbye.

 

Not much to show you this evening I'm afraid.  I managed to finish the applique section of the last Imperial Blooms block.  Not quite finished this BOM, but I hope I will be a lot closer when the first installment of Bird Dance (Sue Spargo BOM 2013) arrives towards the end of January.

It looks rather plain here, but it has quite a bit of embellishment to come, never fear!

I have  a few things coming up to show you, but you will have to wait until 2013 starts to unfold.  In the meantime, I wish you all a very Happy New Year, filled with delight and achievements, surrounded by the ones you love.

Peace,

Deb

Merry Christmas, 2012

 

Merry Christmas everyone, I hope you all have a fabulous day tomorrow.  

Clearly, Santa hasn't been here to offload his stash yet........better leave out something special for when she he comes, don't you think?  I heard that Spanish Brandy is a real winner with our Santa here.

Over the years we have had rather haphazard Christmases; trying to fit in family, in-laws and out-laws has been a bit of a juggle.  But a couple of years ago, I decided we would be "in" for Christmas, and whoever could come would be most welcome, whoever could not, would not be written out of the will. It has worked a treat, and I love establishing our own tradition. And besides, it means I can have an extra glass (or two) of champagne without worrying about driving.

Whatever your family tradition, I hope you have a truly wonderful day.

Actually, I am feeling quite excited, since I have four weeks leave coming up now.  I actually can't remember when I had more than two(ish) weeks in a row, so this is some unfamiliar territory. I'm hoping to catch up on some well deserved R&R with a few day trips to visit friends, visit quilt shops out of town, and a week in Bali.  I also have my lovely boys 21st birthday to arrange, so lots to keep me busy.

So what have I been sewing?  Not much since I have been trying to et some overdue work out of the way, and then get sorted for Christmas.

But there has been the next Caswell block

and another George III circle block.

I hope for some more sewing time after the full Christmas day experience!

Jingle your bells,

Deb

Still on the Ark

The joke is probably getting a bit tired now.....but I am out of inspiration, so it will continue until the end of the year.

Over summer I hope to get a couple of quilts to the quilter (they have been collecting dust for months) and Phebe is my project to finish. Too soon to decide what else 2013 will bring, but I'm looking forward to a fresh start for the new year.

So what two blocks have I got to show you today?

Block 3 from the Caswell quilt:

I'm enjoying this project so much, and it's giving me an excuse to buy some new fabric.  Always makes me happy.....I know you will agree.

Second project is the finished Block 8 from Imperial Blooms:

Quite a bit of stitching on this one, but it was so much fun.  Here's a close up:

Yesterday we attended the last CAG meeting for the year.  Such a great day, it's just the therapy I need. The group has become so popular, that a larger venue was needed, and it was still full!

I hope your Christmas preparations are all going well.

Much happiness,

Deb

What a Pair!

Another two blocks to show you - haven't managed to do much more than that over the last fortnight, sadly.
  On the upside, exam marking is finished and workish things should slow a little between now and Christmas.

First of my pair this week is the next George III Coverlet block (which I have been incorrectly calling King George Coverlet).

I do enjoy hand piecing so this project is making me smile :)  I like Carolyn's fabric choices for the BOM which are a mix of fabulous repros and some more modern soft florals.

Block 2 this time is the next block from our gorgeous Di's Antique Wedding Sampler.

The blocks will be set on point, so the dear sweet bird will be flying correctly eventually! Until then, tilt your head 45 degrees to the left.

Speaking of Di, poor girl has broken her ankle, so will be forced to sit at home and stitch furiously.  If you leave her a comment at the SSS blog, I'm sure it will speed along her recovery.

Another thing making me happy, is Sue Spargo's glorious stitching book, mine is already covered in drool.  

Last photo is of my "design wall";), lol,  I don't actually have one.  But what I do have is an a tapestry frame that I throw things over, so you can see a bit of a sneek peak at what is to come.

I hope your run up to Christmas is not too hectic.  Mine is rather busy but includes my DD's birthday and a couple of trips to Castlemaine, too much fun.

Much joy to all

Deb

It's like a Quilting Ark!

Lucky my name isn't Noah, since the blocks are going in two by two!

I have been trying to get two blocks a week finished from my various current projects.  I'm much better with deadlines than without!  This week Block 8 from Imperial Blooms was finished and is now ready to be decorated. 

 And the second King George Circle block is done, boy are some of those pieces tiny.

Who knows what will turn up next week!  It is exam marking time, and then I have a short trip to Adelaide, so it may very well be nothing.

In the meantime, all my blogging friends from areas hit by the hurricane, have started to reappear in blogland. So glad that they are all safe although some still have no power.  I can't imagine how tough it has been.

See you next time,

Deb

A Pair of Finished Blocks

A little progress on the Caswell Quilt.  Block 2 all done.  I can tell that I am going to enjoy this more with each block. Especially the selecting and collecting gorgeous fabric part.

 

  

And another block finished for my "vintage" Antique Wedding Sampler.

Some real old fabric gems in there!

I can't believe it's November already!  Exam time has come around and soon I will be up to my eyeballs in Exam Papers..........oh joy!  My own two are in the midst of their own assessment requirements, but one has her main performance behind her, the other has one performance down and one to go.  Takes the pressure off  a little when this part is out of the way.

In the quiet moments I am thinking of my friends who have been storm affected.  Some have already reappeared in Blogland, but others are probably still out of power.............my thoughts are with you.

Much happiness to you all,

Deb

Just a Quickie

I'm sure a lot of you have already commented on this, but I really hate the new Blogger interface.  I hope they read this! End of complaint.

So I have had a little time to sew, on and off, since my last post.  I have finished Block 7 of Imperial Blooms and am working on Block 8,  so getting towards the end.  I need to get my skates on since I need to start and finish the 2011 BOM before the 2013 one starts (just a little joke there, haha).

 

Such beautiful detail on these blocks, I'm learning a lot about stitching.

Progress on my other new project as promised.  I have started the Caswell Quilt by Corliss of Threadbear.            

   

                               

It is a beautiful quilt (don't you agree) and I'm having fun with it.

My computer is killing me today!  Back Soon.

Peace,

Deb

A New Project and a Progress Report

As you know dear friends, I have been very good over the last months (maybe more than a year), about getting down and dirty with some well loved, but neglected, UFO's.  Although this made me feel quite virtuous, it also left me feeling a little uninspired.  Let's be honest, for some of us, starting is everything.

So in  a moment (or two) of weakness, I succumbed to my starting desire, and started not one, but two, new projects.  OK while we are in the confessional, I will also admit to signing up for an extra BOM (of the Sue Spargo variety).

I'm not revealing all today - too much excitement could lead you all into temptation!  But really, confronted with this, how could you resist?

 

It's a magnificent, ambitious project, that comes in small doses.  So whilst I can't guarantee that I will keep up, I hope not to get too far behind.

The first month of the King George coverlet, was one beautiful block.

 Not too much work, but the pieces are tincey. I love it already.  The second months pack contains two blocks which I will describe as being full of pleasurable anticipation  (that is, I haven't even thought about starting them yet).

Progress is being made on the very gorgeous 2011 BOM, Imperial Blooms. Block 6 (out of 9) completed (a couple of close ups)

 and Block 7 well under way.

And yes, another treasured project from the past continues to move forward.

I like this block of the Antique Wedding Sampler very much. I've actually lost track now of how far I have to go with this - sometimes better not to count I think.

Hopefully next time I will have the first block of my other new temptation to show you.  It's soooooooo  pretty.

Other than that, today I went to the always enjoyable Quilts in the Barn.  Linda and her very dedicated friends do such a fabulous job with this event, well done everyone.  I didn't take any photos,  but there are  plenty in blogland, for example, check out my sidebar for Buddy & Me.

I hope the lucky raffle winner will enjoy the raffle quilt, lovingly made by the SSS and quilted by Helen Hayes for such a great cause.

Until next time,

Deb

Indulgence

Don't we all need to indulge ourselves sometimes?    After the Sue Spargo workshop, I decided I definitely needed to indulge myself.......... just a little!  So I headed off from work one lunch time to a little store downtown, called  l'uccello and came back with this

Yes a box of a dozen gorgeous Valdani Perle 8's  with a splash of French General......doesn't get much better than that. Well, actually,  an equally colourful box of macarons wouldn't have been a hardship, let's be honest.

I shall be using them on my leaf sampler piece - I have discovered that I quite like embellishing. It can really transform a piece.  Speaking of embellishing, I thought I would show a couple of details of the last Imperial Blooms block I finished.

Such pretty pieces.  I have also started on Block 7 (there are only 9 so not too much further to go)

I also finished the next lollipop trees block.  It is such a pleasure to work on these beautifully colourful projects.  Total indulgence.

And since I have been so good for so long, trying to finish things (a bit like being on a quilting diet) I have started a new project, actually two new projects.  Will show you soon.

In the meantime, what's your indulgence?

Enjoy,

Deb

Post Sue Spargo

It seems like such a long time ago, but it was only a week! My SS sister Ann and I choofed off to Amitie to do a two day workshop with Sue Spargo. How exciting!  I have long been a fan of hers and was really looking forward to this break from my all too hectic schedule.  In fact, this was the first class I have taken since Di closed her shop so many years ago - can't remember bit I'm thinking five??  Anyway, it did not disappoint even though expectation was HIGH! 

Sue is a delightful person, as is her sister Wendy, and Jenny and her crew organised the workshop beautifully. I enjoyed every single minute, including spending some one on one time with my friend Ann.  Just perfect.  And the beautiful work that Sue and Wendy do, was breathtaking up close.  Photos just don't do it justice.  If you ever have the opportunity to do a workshop with her JUST DO IT! You won't regret it.

Having said that, I have yet to photo what I did.  But I have got Block 5 of Imperial Blooms finally finished (just needed that inspiration).

And for the traditionalists among us, the next Block for the Antique Wedding Sampler.

Back soon, take a class - it's good for the soul.

Deb

Not many words but a few photos

Hello lovely bloggers. Today I had an epiphany.. true....it takes me awhile to remember things I knew once and then promptly forgot.

Nothing earth shattering mind. Only that I can post photos of things that are in progress, rather than things that are finished. It seems that this is better than radio silence for weeks on end.

Seriously, how thick am I? Don't answer......... I know you already know.  So ....here are a few things unfinished.

                                               

 Work in progress on the Antique Wedding Sampler (above and below).

 A couple of weeks ago I attended a quilt show in Melbourne.  Didn't buy too much fabric (just this below)

But I did buy some yarn...I have a hankering (lol) for yarn at the moment! This is a scarf I am making with Noro Sekku.  It is beautiful, but so slow....very fine yarn.

What else is happening?  I'm really looking forward to meeting Sue Spargo at a workshop my friend Ann and I are going to in a couple of weeks.  My sample piece is called Leaf Play Too.  It started off like this

and now looks like this.

Quite a bit of prep for this class but I think it will be really worth it. The first couple of rows look a bit wonky in this photo..........better get the ruler out.

OK, OK, I know you want to see quilts.  Here is one of may faves from the quilt show.

 I think this is quite unusual. I just love it.

Ant the one below, well it is by our lovely friend Helen Hayes, from a pattern by our lovely friend Di Hall.  A beautiful version Helen. You go girl!

Hope you are enjoying whatever  you are working on now!

Deb

Anther One (or Three) Down

While trying to bed down my course for this semester, I still have only enough head space to potter and tinker with existing projects.  Strangely (for me) this is very satisfying. It even clears up some clutter which is sorely needed in my space.  So, first up, two blocks from my old version of the Antique Wedding Sampler.

 

Some of the fabric that I'm using seems so old now, the background is an old Robyn Pandolph rose tone on tone.  It is like sewing with vintage fabric, almost!

Some of the blocks were virtually finished which gives me a false sense of achievement.

Next, the fifth block from Lollipop Trees.

Talk about poles apart.  But I love them both. Not sure what that says about me.  I'm really enjoying both projects.  Hope you all are enjoying your projects too. 

Until next time,

Deb

PS. My comment answering is very haphazard at the moment due to waves of busyness.  But please know that I do read all your comments and appreciate your interest.

Still pottering around

dabbling in trying to finish a few older projects.  Yes I have finished Homage to Sallie Ann WOOHOO....but haven't had a chance to take a decent photo yet.  In the meantime here are a couple of the things I have been playing with.

Another block for the Antique Wedding Sampler quilt. Di Hall has released a new version of this quilt, which has inspired me to pull out my old version and finish it (maybe).

The next block from the Lollipop Trees quilt. Quite a contrast no?  I like them equally well.

I have a few things I am contemplating starting, but life is still busy so I am happy just dabbling until my head clears.  In particular, I have had severe jetlag which is starting to really get to me.

On the up side, I have a new computer at home, which is fantastic.  My old machine was getting so antiquated that I was avoiding using it (another reason why I have been quiet).

More soon,

Peace and Joy,
Deb

Guess Where I Am?

If you guessed Orlando, Florida......................good job! How did you know?  It has been over twenty years since I've been to the US, and I'm happy to say that people here are as friendly as I remembered them.

I won't have much free time, sadly, but if you know of a great quilt shop in down town Orlando I'd love to hear about it.

I will have another post up soon after I get home on the weekend, to show you what I have been up to, but in the meantime I have some lovely photos from the Sydney quilt show.  Six of the sisters got up before the crack of dawn, and headed off to the quilt show for the day. It was well worth it.

This quilt was my absolute favourite

 

The colour is just glorious, and the patterns within patterns appeal to my sense of geometry. Once a mathematician, always a mathematician!

 

Here's a close up.  Gorgeous fabrics.

 Another quilt which was high impact for me. This one was voted best use of colour.

 

 I liked this one a lot since it was a bit different from things I've seen before.

And this lovely Baltimore - sorry for the bad photo.

Hope all is well with you.  Apologies for being such a bad email responder.  I appreciate all your comments and have been keeping track of what y'all are up to, albeit in a silent way.  Only so may hours in the day, sadly, and they aren't stretching far enough for me.

See you soon,

Deb