I've been working on my FMQ

My challenge quilt is coming together nicely. It is taking a while but I am very happy.

Large clam shells in a variegated blue thread. This is looking good.

I drew 1" grids and free motioned overlapping circles.

 I am working on the centre filling area... I think it's called mactavishing.

I have quilted the birds in and now deciding what to do in the top right corner and as a filler in the centre.

 I have cut all the left over borders together to make the binding. It was tricky.

I sewed the strips along the centre stipe on to the front of the quilt. I could see the little stripe and I was very careful to stitch straight. I then ironed the strip in half and over to the back ready for hand stitching down. 

 See the different quilting designs. Apple Core and mini Clam Shell.

 All the binding needs stitching down. It is getting there..

Can you see the fine coloured stripe in the binding fabric. That was a job keeping it straight.

FNWF. Free motion quilting

I have finally started quilting my entry into the SPRIING challenge. I had this top nearly completed from a workshop at the Phillip Island Quilters a few years back. So, out it came and I hope to get it finished in time. I have had it out on the table for a few weeks wondering how to quilt it. I found it a bit daunting and kept putting it off. A little bit scared to start I think. Thanks to the inspiration of Vicky Jenkins quilts I jumped right in....
The birds and the blossom flower are spring to me. So let's hope I can quilt it ok. This is a Gina Burgess pattern, Borders with Attitude.
You do basic split 4 patch blocks and add borders. Then you fuse and appliqué whatever patterns you would like. I chose these beautiful soft panels, cut all the birds, flowers and leaves out. Fused them on in different ways. Now the sewing is part of the quilting. Using different weight threads...

It measures less than 1 metre square (about 36")

 1" Grid lines ready for the curved quilting lines..

 There is a bird drawn in ready to quilt

 The drawn on bamboo.

So I am working on this for FNWF. and stitching with many others in cyberland.

https://stitchingcubbyhole.blogspot.com.au

Helping a friend in need.

One of the ladies in our group was making a lovely quilt (large quilt) for a relative for Xmas. To post to Perth in the new year.. Well it just so happens another relative is coming over from Perth for Xmas. Take advantage of that, get the quilt finished, hand delivered and no postage.... Good plan... UNTIL.
My friend was put into hospital for a knee replacement at 3 weeks notice... The quilt was only just started. She managed to get the top and back pieced just in time. I took it over for her and have quilted it and attached the binding. Now she is home she can get started on hand stitching the binding down and still feel like it was her work.. Well,it is her work and she has done a lovely job.

WELL DONE RHONDA

This is just stunning. The blues are beautiful.

Large splash stars free motioned in all the squares

Free motion stars and loops in the border, straight lines in the sashing.

The back with pieced spiderweb stars and hand embroidered label.

Another quilt binding done

I have had this quilt top sitting around for ages. A good friend of mine made me some tops and I quilted some of her quilts in return. I thought that it is about time to finish some off so I got it quilted and have just finished the binding. One for the cupboard as a spare gift.

Thanks Sue.

It is a great style and print for a guy.

FNSI & free motion quilting

I have spent all day & evening trying some FREE MOTION QUILTING on a friends quilt.

In the green leaf borders I went around all the leaves. I think this makes them really stand out.

In the black sashings and centre blocks I stippled so that they fall into the background.

My friend didn't want too much quilting on it so hope she will be happy.

Close up of quilting

And on the bed.

The camera is showing up the colour different to what it actually is.

It is lovely. Now all she has to do is the binding.

I have linked up with a heap of others over at   Sugarlane Quilts with Wendy  for FNSI.