Patchwork

Patchwork is something I have been wanting to get to grips with for quite some considerable time.  My problem is not with the stitching but with the cutting.  I have the rotary cutter the pressing board and the cutting board but each time I have tried to use the rotary cutter things have gone a tad wrong.  I have lots of scraps that need using up and I want to make my own quilts so I recently sent off for a Dresden plate template and I am going to have a play.  The reason behind going for the Dresden plate design is because it can be worked a little at a time and be something to do that is not going to take up a large amount of space -  I can cut out the pieces and then work up the wheels a little at a time either by hand or on the machine and then when all the plates are worked they can be mounted and stitched, padded then backed and quilted.  A little bit at a time for when I have not got much time and when time permits working as quickly as I can.

I have also started a subscription to a part work called Sew and Stitch in which you make a sea side themed quilt which consists of patchwork, applique and embroidery skills to create a bright and vibrant quilt. I want to have a stack of home made quilts with which to keep warm for my home as their bright and cheerful patterns add individuality to  any home.

I also have lots of ideas for further projects and have been surfing on ebay looking for suitable patchwork fabric for future projects.  I have my eye on a hexi quilt as well as a crazy patchwork quilt designs, but one step at a time I want to learn to do this properly.

I sent off for templates for Dresden Plate a larger and smaller size version and also a Double Wedding ring template [a Marti Michelle template] (this one was expensive but I love the design)  I obtained this from the Cotton Patch (cost £27 with P & P about £31 but you get all the templates as well as different versions of the Double Wedding ring pattern and also two suggested quilting patterns for the completed quilt) and I want to use up smaller pieces of fabric  both designs are ideal for this; I have to hand the smaller Dresden plate template is going to be ideal for this I have templates for the tie finish or the petal.  So I am accumulating projects for the not too distant future again.  Well if you have it there you can get on with things when the timing is right.  I still have UFOs to complete though.

Right back to the ironing before I get into any more trouble.

Catch you soon.

Pattypan

x

A Little Bit of a Catch Up

It was my birthday last Saturday and I spent the day with friends and it was a lovely day and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.  We went to one of the open days (part of a week of events) at The Arthur Findlay College in Stansted the Psychic College for the UK and there were talks, and Masterclasses, mixing with people of like minds exploring the shop (always worth a reccie) and walking through the grounds, having a reading. We were fortunate in that the sun was out most of the day.  We had a picnic in the grounds wherein I was presented with a surprise birthday cake from my friends. It really was a smashing day.

Here are some photos of the cake it was very appropriately an Angel Cake and it was delicious.

Thank you everyone I really had  smashing day.

As I did not spend my birthday with OH or see my mum (I usually see my mum on my birthday) I spent Sunday with them both going over to see my mum on Sunday afternoon and then being taken out  by OH for a most delicious meal later on.  So on Saturday and Sunday I relaxed, socialised and generally enjoyed myself so in effect I was playing hookey.

My mum always makes a birthday cake and this is the one she had made for me this year.  A chocolate one and also very tasty so I did well on the cake front.

I am not sure its done my waistline any good though.  Because I have been socialising most of the weekend I have not got much done in the house so there is always a piper to pay so I am now getting stuck in with ironing.  Its going to be a long haul as most of it has accumulated whilst I have been incapacited and I am in the mood to combat it and get things sorted little by little.  I feel a bit more with it and although stiff I am not as bad as I have been.

So upwards and onwards.

Catch you soon.

Pattypan

xx