Crazy patch bag... FAIRIES IN MY GARDEN

OMG.... I can't believe the day I took these photos they have turned out dreadful.

I'm really not sure what is going on... I think I have worked it out. My came was set on "live" so the first few seconds of the photo moves. So I have turned that off.

Anyway, years ago I joined FAIRIES IN MY GARDEN's pattern of the month.

In it was a crazy patchwork bag.

I have finally started. One side is machine stitched.

Now I just have to start some embellishing.
I added a scrap border on two sides to extend the picece so I can fit it in an embroidery hoop.

I put together a kit for my friend and gave it to her for her birthday. Well she has finished her bag.
Mine isn't very far at all.

Maxine's Crazy Friendship finish

My friend Maxine was helping out her friend to get a quilt finished.

40 years ago these blocks were made by a group of friends. The plan was a friendship quilt.

14 blocks were made and then put in a bag and into the cupboard they went. 

Maxine had some similar fabric and lace and set out to make a block. (The centre one)

But too much lace..

Then we were playing with layout ideas.

We didn't want to change the original blocks as they were made from friends. 

We just had to figure out how to put them together.

Cut away some lace and it blends nicely.

Look at how it all works together.

Then we printed the label onto a doily.

The quilt wont be washed but will be treasured.

When given back to the owner she was brought to tears..

Happy mail

wow.. My postie has delivered some happy mail.
So first up I received a parcel from the UK. I had no idea what it was but was very excited to open it.
I have been talking to Linda from http://linda-koshka2quilts.blogspot.com.au
We have swapped many emails and it is very nice to talk to someone who lives near where you have holidayed or been through the same as you.
I have been working on crazy patchwork projects and Linda thought she would clean her stash. Wasn't I lucky...
Here is what she sent me.... Now to use it.

 Look at these beautiful Laces. I am sure I can use them in my CRAZY PATCHWORK.

THANK YOU SO MUCH LINDA

Then on the same day I received my parcel from ???!???
It was from CIJ.
My Xmas in July partner....
I recognise the address. I have sent something to her before. Do I snoop... No... RELAX.
WAIT UNTIL THE 25th....... OK
I have not opened the package. Yes, I will wait.....

My busy day of sewing.....

I had a great day sewing at a sit n sew at Kilmore Quilters on Friday. 10am - 10pm... Including a Pizza tea.
This is how I spent my FNSI.
I started lots of projects.. Then I spent my weekend slow stitching my crazy patchwork item.
Monday I was at my Gisborne group and finished off some of these projects.
Then today at the Kilmore Quilters group I finished off more.....
Here they are...
PROJECT 1
8 x baby Bibs with 50" of bindings on each one.

GO BINDING BLITZ
I bought a lovely towelling bath towel/sheet for $5 and got the 8 bibs out of. I have been making these for years. They are great because the Velcro ones get filled with fluff and the Velcro doesn't stick. With the left over circle I will be making some nursing pads.

PROJECT 2
2 x receiving blankets.

I used Minky for the first time. As cute as it looks I think I will just do flannelette in the future. I think it will lay flatter.
I followed a tutorial from here
http://quiltingtutorials.com/basic-skills-techniques/binding-baby-quilt-receiving-blanket/

PROJECT 3
4 x Teddy Bear Pin Cushions. These are so cute.

I am making some gifts for Xmas and some trade table items. These are so cute and I got the idea from here
http://elblogdeesperanzalopez.blogspot.com.es/search?updated-max=2012-11-24T11:50:00%2B01:00&max-results=15&start=10&by-date=false

PROJECT 4
I finished my crazy patchwork item. I will be showing the Heathcote quilters tomorrow to show what I will be teaching there soon. I hope they like it and they are not overwhelmed with it.
Another 15" of binding....

WOW. I told you I have been busy
15 finishes for OPAM
415" binding.

A crazy slow stitching Sunday

In actual fact it was a whole weekend of slow stitching.
I am making another crazy patchwork project. I spent the weekend drawing it up and then stitching it. Adding beads for bling. All I need to do is add a spider in the web then I can sew it into a project... I will be teaching this class to a small group in 2 months so I will be making another one soon.

So tonight I am linking up with Kathy for
http://kathysquilts.blogspot.com.au

http://www.supermomnocape.com/2015/06/22/vintage-embroidery-monday-stitchery-link-party-11/

Crazy patchwork block is done

I have completed my block and now I am wondering what to make with it. I know there will not be any more of this design made so there won't be a quilt made. I will be searching Pinterest for ideas.


I have spent hours stitching on beads. I am going crazy and just want to keep adding them.  I have to stop. I have really enjoyed putting this block together.
So here it is... Do you think there should be any areas filled. I have to straighten the block and stitch fabric borders around it. Then I will decide if anything needs to fill the corners. I know I have gone close to some of the edges. I will deal with that as I stitch on my borders. Fingers crossed.

Quilt as you go workshop and more CRAZY PATCHWORK...

I did my first days workshop at Heathcote last week. The first lesson was to show us how to construct the block. It will make a reversible quilt. I decided to only use my scrap greens on both sides. I'm sure it will still look ok.

We have some homework to do before next months meeting.

Here is what I am up to so far.

I am happy with how they are looking. They still have to be trimmed to 8.5".  I think I might make it the size for an AUSSIE HERO quilt. Then it will be waiting for a home to go to...

Then I went on with my next step in the Crazy Patchwork course. Task # 9 was to create the lovely woven roses. Task # 10 was to add French knots with leaves and gathered roses.
I have added some seed beads as a filler and to add some sparkle.
I love them. I'm so happy....

It is starting to fill up...

JOIN US TOMORROW NIGHT FOR 

mmmmmm what will I be working on.....

Linking up with

http://quiltingreadersgarden.blogspot.com.au/2015/06/wips-be-gone-week-23.html

CRAZY PATCHWORK... no 7 & 8

here is the slow progress of my crazy patchwork project.

Step no 7 was to do the first step in the last 3 seams.

Feather stitch, chain stitch & stem stitch

Step no 8 was the first in ribbon embroidery.

It was an IRIS.

I'm not sure about the finished project but it was only my first attempt so I have to be happy

My crazy patchwork block ... Task 3, 4, 5 & 6

After changing some of my fabrics and ready to start I decided my backing fabric wasn't good enough. I wanted some more muslin but the fabric shops are an hour away. So off to the op shop I went. I got 3 pieces 1 metre square for only $ 1.50.. BARGAIN.
I know this one has a pattern on it but I am happy with it. It wont show through to the front.

Here is task 3 & 4

I am happy that I only put the darker fabric in twice. Hope this is ok... My fabrics are only scraps and I think go together well... Fingers crossed...

Task # 5 was to collect sequins, beads, ribbons & charms.....
I picked up these bargain silk ribbons...

Bought some charms at the local quilt shop.

 This was my original collection. 

 Task no. 6 was to start stitching.. I have limited coloured threads so hopefully I have worked out a balance. I have added a little bit of glitter thread to bling it up a bit. It is more of a subdued colour range than others have done.

 The  overall block is done for this task... 

Seam no. 1 & 8 still need beads. I love the purples in seam no. 9.

Seam no. 2 will get beads added later.       Seam no. 3 has different thicknesses of threads and I also mixed them up with 1 or 2 wrap French knots.

 Seam no. 4 still needs filling in.    Seam no. 7 has some silver thread to lift it a bit more.

My CRAZY PATCHWORK adventure

I have signed up for a new adventure. I will be participating in a CRAZY QUILT online course. The best part is it is FREE. I was very happy to search my stash today and came up with most of the supplies.. Hopefully I can get away with what is here. I think I might only have to buy some needles.
My total supplies...



My fabric choices...

I have a quilting hoop on a floor stand which I have never used so I might try this out.. Otherwise I have a 14" hoop ready..

Next I am off to start sewing the background...

If you want to learn more about these courses have a look at Kathys blog.

http://www.shawkl.com

I am also linking up here

http://www.supermomnocape.com/2015/05/18/vintage-embroidery-monday-stitchery-link-party-6/

Linda Steele Crazy Patchwork Workshop

Last week I did a days workshop over at Kilmore Quilters with Linda Steele.

I first saw her work on a needlework cruise I was on at the start of the year.

We cruised around New Zealand.

Linda Steele does amazing Crazy patchwork. This is something I really haven't done much of before. We were shown lots of embroidery stitches, with different threads and lots of techniques.

We had a really good day.

I am doing a journal cover.

I still have a lot of homework to do....

Linda

The group at work

The group at the end of the day

Now for tonight's sewing.

It is FNSI TIME 

Go on over to see who else is joining in.

http://sugarlanequilts.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/fnsi-sign-ups.html

I will be at my local sewing group, Kilmore Quilters, for a sit n sew pizza night.

6 - midnight and pizza is included.

Now to work out what I will sew.....

Have fun everyone