Christmas Post

The weeks just seem to fly by and here we are with Christmas upon us. 

Whilst out doing some shopping I spotted this quilt in the local pop up market. 

Nice even quilting and in good condition. I've always wanted to make an Ocean Waves quilt but haven't got round to it, so this means I probably won't have to make one now!!!! Justified it as an early Christmas present from me to me, it's good to choose your own presents don't you think? Lol 

My double nine patch came back from the longarm quilter and is now bound and ready for use. I had simple baptist fan quilting and am pleased with the result. 

Abi's quilt is coming along and here's where I'm up to.

I have been working away on my Texas Stars and they are coming along quite nicely. Not long now and I have the making of a quilt.

I've had a wonderful year with family and meeting up with stitching friends from around the world. 

Here's wishing you a peaceful Christmas and wonderful stitching New Year. 

See you in 2015

Sue 

Thanksgiving

I would like to wish all my American friends Happy Thanksgiving.

Here's my Turkey Track quilt for you all today. 

Hope you enjoy Thanksgiving dinner with you freinds and family. 

No cooking for me today I'm looking forward to turkey dinner with my American next door neighbour tonight. 

Fun how I can celebrate your holiday from my side of the pond. 

Sue 

More from Houston

More photos from Houston, these are from Mary Koval's private collection and I've got to say their are some beauties here. 

Isn't this amazing! 

 This beautiful Palampore will be available as a panel next spring. Get your orders in early these will fly of the shelf. 

I love the softness look of this one above. 

Nice colourful Lone Star . 

Till next time. 

Sue 

Time to blog

At last I'm having a rest day after the hectic time in Houston and i'm sitting in sunshine by the pool in sunny Florida. 

My feet didn't touch the ground from when I touched down in Houston and it was wonderful to meet up with lots of old friends and a few new friendships were definitely cemented !

What a show!!! The minute I walked in I was transported back to The Infinite Variety of Red and White quilts in NYC back in 2011. Not such a big exhibit and all the quilts were made since that time when lots who saw this spectacular exhibit  became inspired to make a red and white quilt.

It happened to be the ruby anniversary of the show in Houston so it was fitting they chose the NYC theme. 

And here's Brenda Papadakis and me with her red and white Takes Two quilt that is available as a pattern. If your so inspired here's a great pattern. 

Until next time. 

Sue 

Busy time

I've had a couple of fun busy weeks. 

Bev and daughter Claire arrived to stay with me for a couple of nights, they had been to Moscow, Norway and then arrived in England and traveled on to Wales when they left me. 

Look at my beautiful gifts Bev made for me. Oh I do love a bit of pink and brown. Thanks Bev they will go on my sewing room wall as soon as I get time.

 Look how tiny that basket is!!!!

We had a fun time visiting Bampton where Downton Abbey is filmed and imagined Mrs Crawly just popping out of her gate to invite us in for tea.

This building above is the hospital in the series where Mrs Crawley worked.

We then headed off to Compton Verney to see the Folk Art Exhibition in the above building.

This is the Soldier Quilt they have there made out of wool left overs from uniforms.

Lots of other wonderful folk art paintings and objects too.

We headed back towards home stopping off at Chipping Camden for a quick walk round and to see some fabulous Cotswold stone buildings.

It was a very short visit but we crammed a lot into the one whole day we had together. 

Now this weekend it's the Autumn Show at Malvern, I really only had a very short time their but managed to snap a few likes on my way through. 

Main reason I couldn't hang around is that I'm off to Houston on Tuesday and have masses of thing to do before I go. Writing my blog just being one of them.

Been prepping some Texas Stars for the long flight and for early morning sewing whilst my body clock adjusts. 

So my next post will be from Houston. I'm so looking forward to it as its the shows 40th anniversary.

Woo hoo. 

Sue 

Abigail's Quilt

I have decided to make a grown up quilt for Abi, she has some small quilts for now and I can always make something fun for her as she grows but I wanted to make something for her for later on in life. 

So this is what I've come up with so far. 

Remember the quilt I bought from Antique Textiles Company back in January.

This is the quilt I bought.

So I have used the centre for inspiration for the start of Abigail Rose's  quilt as it will be known. 

But instead of those shield's that I think are supposed to be hearts I'm going to make hexagons.

Here's my start.

This dogtooth edge was a bit of a challenge for me but i think its going to turn out ok. 

I've also started Susan Smiths, St Neots Band Sampler. This is really going to be a slow project and so far have made a start with the hexagons.

I bought this delicious box of fabrics from Petra Prins for the start of this project at the NEC in Birmingham back in August. Honestly I keep opening it and looking at them. It's like opening a box of chocolates but not being able to eat them . 

Lots of things on the go but that makes life interesting.

Finally Max is being christened this Sunday and this is what he will be wearing.

It's a family heirloom that has been worn by four generations of Emilys family going back to Emily's grandpa. 

It's entirely hand made with very tiny stitches. I have had to unstitch the sleeves a little so we can get Max's arms in it. Either they had their babies christened very early on back in the good old days or they were much smaller babies. 

It's absolutely beautiful and after will be carefully packed away and hopefully the next generation will want to use it. 

Till next time. 

Sue 

Up Close and Personal

I have had the most wonderful afternoon where I got up close and personal with Jane.
Not Dear Jane but Jane Pizar, my heart races when I see this coverlet and spent the afternoon taking measurements, examining the fabrics and taking photos.
This is on my bucket list to make and have been gathering fabrics for it for some time.
I have been begging  the Cheltenham Museum to see this quilt for the past year after seeing it for the first time in 2010.  I got an email the othe day to say they would have it out and I would I like to  go to see it. WOULD I !!!!!!
What a privelage to have  her to myself ( well Apart from the two museum staff who were most generous with thier time as they only work part time)
Today I feel I know her a little better.

How happy I am today.

Sue