The Best Laid Plans

often go astray don't they? My tale of woe involves the upcoming long weekend and my plans for spending it in the garden. You see I haven't had that much time lately, and my garden needs a bit of TLC. Topped off with the fact that I have just had some new garden beds dug out, the weather looked fabulous (probably for the last time until the Spring arrives) and I had some herbs looking for a home. So mid morning Saturday, dressed in my gardening gear I head out to make a start and BAM! CRUNCH! OOOOOOUUUUUCHHHHH! and down I went like the proverbial sack of spuds. Such a small divet, such a loud series of grinding crunches, and a spectacular swan dive into the grass.

Luckily the ankle (or is that a cankle) isn't broken, just badly sprained. Blew up into a black and blue, swollen blanc mangey type affair, that has had me hobbling around like a complete geriatric with a side helping of idiot. But mostly, reclining on the couch with said cankle elevated. Have a WAH!! how much self pity can you stand?

Well I was sure grumpy at my thwarted plans and lack of fresh air and exercise that I am deeply craving. What's a girl to do?? But wait....what's that you say? There are 105 UFO"S in your sewing room... so there are...why don't I do some sewing!!????!!! And of course that's what I did..as much as I could since I can't stand much and I can't get up and down off the ground much. It's amazing how much of that you actually do when you're sewing isn't it?

So to the output. I decided to spend some time with Sue Spargo.

This one has been waiting for some quiet time so I could get going. And I have to say I am enjoying it more and more. I now know how to do coral stitch and couching. And the threads are beautiful, silk, seagrass and lovely hand dyed cottons.

I also spent some time putting the next border on Phebe - here is a bit.

Doesn't look like much progress I know, but believe me there is quite a bit of work in the dogtooth border.

I am just appliqueing over the joins in the next Sallie Ann piece. Five panels now done, only four to go.

And oh yes - a little retail therapy.


This is a fat quarter pack of Grace form 3 sisters. I plan to make this with it. The colous are so gorgeous. I think I may need to buy some yardage too.

Perfect NO? This is a pattern from McCalls magazine. I do love a Christmas quilt.

So as you see, not a completely wasted long weekend, and I guess the gardening can wait.

Cheers,

Deb

Not very much progress

to show you today. Just little bits of this


trying to finish the third panel, but it's busy time here so not much head space for sewing. Hopefully I will finish it this week so i can move to a corner block which will be a bit more interesting to sew.

And little bits of that


again not much. I pick this up when I haven't got any pieces for Sallie Ann prepped and ready to go. Gives me a great colour hit which is always welcome.

Also a bit more of this


Just over half way there - I'm looking forward to getting on to the final star borders. You can also see a sneak peek of what I am planning in the background.


And finally a bit of this


Block 2 arrived this week with the threads that I forgot to order for block 1. So I have started block 1


It is very different than the applique I am used to. I hope it's going OK.

Hopefully the little bits of this and that will add up to something substantial in the not too distant future.

Happy sewing

Deb

You know I'm a sucker

for a beautiful background. The colour and movement of a fabric can send my mind sailing away into new dimensions, whether it be for a quilt that is on my to do list or if not that, perhaps to a quilt I've seen and would like to replicate.

As evidence I present Exhibit 1: Phebe

I love the fabric in the background. At first I thought it would be too strong - it is not a tone on tone, but a definite design. It adds such depth to the quilt. As you can see I've been pedal to the metal on the next border. It was my goal for the summer to get to this point so I'm happy! Back to the next dogtooth, say farewell to Phebe, it might be some time before you see her again.

Exhibit number 2 is the background on Sallie Ann

An allover print in tan and softest lemon. It's a gorgeous fabric and gives the whole piece a warm glow. It is beautiful with my favourite yellow greens. The original Sallie Ann used this fabric too - hey, why tamper with perfection? Maybe I should call mine "Homage to, Homage to Sallie Ann"! Or maybe not! I loved this fabric so much I also used it as the backing for my "Blue Collection" quilt.

Panel two above is, so close to being done. I changed my mind on the green fabric for some of the leaves, so waiting for the new one to arrive has slowed me down a little - and it is a PILL to sew with. Thick threads that won't stay put - don't look too closely at the sewing - it is awful.

Exhibit 3 is the background for Lollipop Trees.

Kim's quilt is a riot of amazing colour with her quirky shapes and Kaffe Fassett's amazing fabrics. I loved this design which was originally on pastel backgrounds, but I wanted something stronger. I found the chocolate aboriginal dots and knew it was worth a shot.

Here is block number one complete. I'm really happy with the way the clear colours pop off this background. Block number two is ready to go

The fuchsias and oranges look great I think. I'm going to call mine "Chocolate coated lollipops"
just for fun.

OK, OK, so by now you're thinking this is just Deb's way of showing us what she's been up to. Well true, but it is also because I want to introduce you to my new love

Exhibit 4: Luna Notte of the pear variety. Sadly it refuses to be photographed in all its glory. It is actually a grey-green rather than a grey - but look at all that texture. I saw it as a pre-release on line and loved it, but then I tried to behave and not buy any. Then a few of my SSS's decided to use it. Merri is doing a beautiful Princess Feather, Julie is using it for DNQTTT and Meghan is going to buy some. Well it looked so good I knew I would regret it if I didn't buy 9 yds, so I did. Now I am regret free and that's a good thing. But what shall I do with it? Good question. But the good answer might be for next time.

Hope you have some beautiful backgrounds to inspire you,

Deb

I can't believe

it's the 18th of January and it's my first post for the year! Where did all the holidays go? Why am I back at work? Feels like I've never been away.

I hope your year has started off well. Mine has been nice and relaxing, low key, just what I craved after a hectic year of traveling. I grabbed any minute I could to sew and have made some progress - but it doesn't seem much in the photos.

First up - Sallie Ann. The second panel is whizzing along - maybe I will have this done in a year (I'm not making any promises)!! I think that's fast for a large applique quilt.


I've spent some time cutting and machining the little Phebe borders. I'm sewing the dogtooth on freezer paper - takes so long but the finish is worth it I think.

Here's a close up.

On the back burner is the Lollypop trees - a little progress - not much.

I chose a lighter brown than I had originally intended so it didn't get lost on the background. I think it works OK.

There are so many fabulous projects around in blogland at the moment - I'm trying to avoid the temptation but a couple are really attracting my attention.

One is the Barbara B. Snyder quilt. How great is that? And Barbara Brackman also has a series of free patterns commemorating the Civil War 150th anniversary.

I have signed up for the new Sue Spargo BOM - so that should be enough to keep me busy and take me out of my comfort zone for the year. Are you choosing a project for this year to challenge yourself? If so I'd love to hear about it.

Had a great day with the Sisters on Saturday; my first for a couple of months since I missed the December meeting. It was so great to catch up with the gals - so productive and the conversation is always I*N*T*E*R*E*S*T*I*N*G!! Hopefully there will be an SSS blog soon.

I will finish with a few snaps of my recent road trip with my DD. I enjoyed spending some one on one time with her - she's a great companion - we should do it more often.

Found a good country Chinese restaurant in Gundagai - the only thing open on the New Year holiday. Gundagai is a pretty little town - this is the Mill House down on the river
A fabulous pear sculpture outside the National gallery

I love pears - such a great shape - actually I think I am a little pear shaped.

Gorgeous girl in the hotel pool - she was a little miffed that I didn't get in - alas do not currently have bathers - not a water baby myself.

We stopped off here on the way home

For those of you non-Aussies, yes that is a car on the roof and a crashed plane! The pub was a character in an Australian comic strip which was well read and loved. Many years ago this replica was built - a bit of a hoot!

Hope you have had a relaxing holiday season and are recharged for 2011.

Buongiorno,

Deb

Sallie Ann and Phebe

Isn't it exciting starting a new project? I just love it. I have started on the centre panel for Sallie Ann - but before I show it to you, I will show you my progress on Phebe.

I decided to put the pieces that I have finished together to see how it was going and also to tidy up a bit. I have *almost* finished putting together the bottom border and have most of the stars done for the top. I am pleased with how it's coming together.

Now Sallie Ann. First I need a background. This one is a pale yellow and tan. I already have the backing which came from the same range (it has been in my stash for many years).

Then add some greens. Mine are yellow greens which I love - some of them are old some not.

Then add some pinks/reds/cheddars.

OK - I need a pattern - I use a plastic overlay rather than mark the fabric (except for the stems which I do mark).

Sorry - couldn't get far enough away to get a shot of the entire piece.

And now to sew on the stems

AAAAAhhhhhhhhh..............I love starting and luckily I am becoming quite attached to finishing.

Which do you prefer - starting or finishing?

I hope you're having a great day starting, finishing or being somewhere in between.

Deb

Back to Pennsylvania

Remember back here that I posted about the beautiful Pennsylvania Applique quilt? Well of course I put the quilt down to work on Phebe exclusively and progress ceased for awhile. But last week I came to the conclusion that I wasn't going to be able to finish Phebe for the exhibition, but I might just be able to finish Pennsylvania, so I have been working on it and it's nearly finished.

Here is a photo from my design floor.


All the cutting is done, this is the triangle border ready to assemble. Apart from that - a small amount of applique to complete and that's it. Stay tuned next weekend when I'm hoping to show the quilt top.

Phebe is not too far away from being finished. A couple of the star borders are done - here's one.


I'll get back to it shortly, but I wasn't enjoying the pressure of trying to finish it quickly.

Now I know it's been a long time since I posted, but I have posted over at SSS. If you haven't been over there, nip over and see what the gang has been up to. Since I had my Morrell quilt out, I thought I would take a few more photos for you.






Above are a few more of my Broderie Perse blocks.



These two are hand pieced and then appliqued to the background. The pieces in the star are tiny!!

Weather in Melbourne has been cold and wet so not really good for gardening. But mine seems to be doing it's own thing.


A pretty bunch of daffs and irises.

The irises have been in my garden for years, but weren't flowering, so in an effort to save them, I dug them all up and replanted them. They have multiplied vigorously and some of them have been flowering - a beautiful deep purple. I'm hoping they will all flower here.

Last but not least - I'm sure many of you will have seen a photo of Corliss's (from Threadbear) new quilt - her stunning version of the English Basket Quilt - but for those of you who haven't, here it is.


It's definitely on my list to start this year. Isn't it fabulous?

That's it for today. I have to go into Open Day at work for a bit. But I'm hopint to get around later this afternoon to see what you've all been up to. Can't wait!

Deb

Over the border!

Well nearly but I couldn't wait any longer to show you how it was coming on. The four applique borders are now attached and I am working at the corners - there are applique pieces that go over the mitre. Since I took the photo, I have completed the top two corners and now just have the bottom to do, so hopefully by the weekend it should be done. I have also finished 3/4 of the next pink dogtooth borders, so things should move along quickly - fingers crossed.

It's not often that I'm this focussed. Having a deadline, and the blog has helped me stay on track.But now my mind has started to wander on to the next applique project, since there will be no more hand sewing to do for Phebe. Do you do this too? Think about the next 10 projects before you have finished the current one? I can't help myself - need to keep looking forward. So many things out there to tempt me - and then some ideas of my own. Who knows...................

Anyway - just a quick post for today to show you Phebe. We are up to the lovely Sue's this weekend for SSS. I do love going to Sue's - she really spoils us - she is such a great cook and generous person. I have a special Morrell quilt edition planned for the SSS blog - and we will be taking some photos this Saturday, so stay tuned over there next week.

Until then - I hope you are enjoying your now as well as planning for your then.

Hugs,

Deb

PS> Do you like my new do? I wanted to change my header photo so I needed a new background. Looks quite dramatic I think.

Remember me?

Well hello everyone, I hope you haven't forgotten me. I am missing you heaps - so I thought I'd drop by just to tell you what's been happening. I won't say "I've been so busy" because by now you know I always am - and so many of you are the same. Trying to juggle so many things; work, family and various different interests. If only we had more time - I wish I could survive on less sleep!

It certainly has been a very busy semester one way or another. But my exam is now done and a team of markers is busy doing what a marking team does! I've also had a rather hectic out of hours life - social functions, school responsibilities, performances (my darling NOD in Alice in Wonderland - she had various roles including tweedledum. The tweedley pair were show stoppers, so funny), photo shoots for Quilts in the barn, presentations.........so all enjoyable but not much time for sewing left over. And the next couple of weeks is also busy. I will be giving some talks (I recently won a teaching award so I get to be a guest speaker as a reward - I'd prefer cash - what's going on there?) I fly to Malaysia next week for a ridiculously short amount of time, then I fly to Sydney for a couple of days at the National curriculum forum. Better pack some sewing. And I will miss my SSS meeting - DISASTER!!! Darling sisters if you're around my area or Parkville - do come for coffee - I miss you, large sob.

OK - enough of that - I suppose you want to see some pictures, do you? I'm just going to tootle around in my room and see what I can find - must be something in here to photo for you. Well I have some things - but not much of my work. I'm about half way through Phebe's third border - looks the same as the other two which you have seen. But I have also been pootling around with the twinkly little stars, which will be the next frames. I have completed 24/80 and have half completed 8 more. Lots of cutting done, so that should speed things up. Whilst cutting the 75 zillion fabrics I'm using, I noticed how many of them are Judie Rothermel fabrics. Isn't she great? How much do we owe her for her great fabric designs? Here's a photo


I have done a bit of knitting and have nearly finished my Noro jumper - a bit more of a sleeve to go is all. The yarn is quite coarse and I'm a sensitive flower so I hope I can wear it! Love the colours though.


The last delivery of GTASB arrived about a month ago - and I haven't touched it.


In fact I haven't touched the months before either. So I was in it right to the last hurdle! But I'm so intent on getting Phebe done for the show, I have dropped everything else. But soon as the applique is done I will be back in there!

And just because you've waited sooooo patiently - here are the last of my AQC photos - the Kim MacLean ones. I'm sure you've seen most of these already though. That's OK - you might like to see them again.

This is a beautiful quilt. I think Kim made another version all in Kaffe's fabrics - but I prefer this one.

A lovely floral basket quilt.

Another of my favourites and I was so gald to be able to see it in the flesh. I have a version in process (lots cut, nothing sewn) on a chocolate brown background.

This one was a surprise - I love the layout and the fabrics were gorgeous. Love the freshness of the blue and white.

I had a great time at the AQC - meeting up with Lizzie and Nat and.........I have met Lizzie on a couple of occasions now and she seems like an old friend. So enthusiastic and generous with her time. It occurred to me at the time (and again now) what a great group of women quilters are. I have e-met so many wonderful women through this blog and really met some others through quilting, it is truly amazing.

I hope to have some more progress to show you soon. I'm certainly enjoying peeking at yours. Happy days,
Deb

I've been framed

The Phebe quilt is based on a central medallion surrounded by a number of frames. While I have been appliqueing I have also been constructing some of these frames. Three of them are attached now.


I love watching the progress of quilts. The way each addition changes the look of the piece is amazing. I am well into the second applique frame, but it will be some time before it is all finished. In the meantime I will be working on the stars which make up the next two frames.

There is a definite chill in the air in Melbourne so of course I went to my wardrobe to pull out some woollies - and to be honest - some were looking a bit shabby. You know - that place "can't quite wear this to work but it's still OK for home"? So I felt the need to get out the old knitting needles. Decided on some glorious Noro Kureyon yarn. This took only a few hours,


but I have to say my hands ache after a night of knitting. Phooey to the aging process, I say!

We had an "almost" fabulous day yesterday - SSS day and it was Di's turn to be invaded by the group. It is always so wonderful to go to Di's place in the hills. She has a beautiful property, she's an amazing cook and hostess and of course I don't need to tell you about her sewing. But just after we arrived, poor Di developed a terrible migraine - and went to lie down, leaving her fabulous partner Brian to attend to us - and of course we helped ourselves to the delicious lunch that she had made. We hoped that she would reappear, but alas she didn't. Still it was great to catch up wth her for a few minutes, and the rest of the gang. Meghan looking fabulous after her trip to Europe which I'm sure she will tell you about over at SSS.

The bell is beeping on my oven so I must dash. I'll finish with some more photos from AQC as promised. A couple of traditional quilts, lovely workwomanship


and a couple of contemporary ones

the second one is by Sue Cody who teaches in Sydney - I loved this quilt.

Hope all is well in you world,

Kisses, Deb