Pippi Quilt is Finished!

It has been a joy and a privilege to work on this quilt with so many contributors.

The Front

The Back

Close up

This is a Bee Blessed quilt, which will soon be gifted to a teenage girl struggling through M.E.  I told her mum yesterday that we are making her a quilt & to keep it a secret.  She cried!  She was so moved and touched by the fact that others would think of her daughter, to invest time and talent making something that would be a comfort and blessing to her.

Folks, I really want to encourage and thank you!  You may not think that making a block or two here and there is v.much.  Let me tell you - IT IS HUGE!  I sometimes have the privilege of seeing first hand the impact these quilts make on people's lives.  I don't know what it is, but a quilt seems to represent so much to the receiver.  The impact is deep and long lasting.  Please, please keep up the good work!

I'm not a person who is easily impressed!  But the things that do impress me are humility, courage, hard work, grace and compassion.

I get to see all of these amazing qualities in this wonderful quilting community, both online and through the friends I have the privilege to sew alongside.

Yesterday was one such example.  In preparation for our Exhibition & Fund Raiser day later this month, 10 wonderful ladies gave up their Sunday afternoon to sew bunting, cover jam jar table centres and make up fat quarter bundles.

Here is what 50 metres of bunting looks like!

Thank you ladies!  You are an inspiration to me, and I'm in awe of your dedication & hard work.  When I start to feel overwhelmed and burnt out your sense of humour makes me laugh again, and restores my soul!!

Wishing you all a great start to the new week.

Sneak Peek at Summer!

I'm currently working on my Summer program of classes (can't say I'm feeling especially summery though looking out at the rain!) and thought you might like a sneak peak of one of the items we'll be making.

Beach huts remind me of where I used to live on the sunny South Coast of England, and I know that bunting is a particular favourite with some class members! 

I designed a foundation pieced pattern for my cute wee huts, which will be a new skill for some to learn. 

Given the unpredictability of our summers, we might well be needing a sunny, summer project to keep us going! 

Christmas Classes 2010

After 6 weeks of amazing creativity and energy, my 2 Christmas classes came to an end.  Well done to them all for their commitment in braving the ice, snow and busy pre-Christmas schedules. 

It's amazing what Christmas does to people!  The productivity & enthusiasm from the class was inspiring and I was humbled by and proud of what they achieved.  Like the tiny sunflower seed which yields the towering flower, a morsel of guidance and a few simple ideas can unleash wonderful creative results from minds and hands that are passionate to learn.  I think next year we'll start our Christmas projects in August!!

My Friday morning class made gorgeous table centres, some Christmassey, some not.  A special well done to those who were first-timers to a Rags to Bags class (not to mention not having used a sewing machine in quite a while!).  You all did brilliantly and I hope these amazing creations are in full view of all residents and visitors to your homes over Christmas!  Showing off is permitted!

Thursday night-ers got busy making scrappy stockings (large & small), gift bags, bunting (large & mini) and cornets!  Phew!  Busy Beavers!  I had a job keeping up & I'm the tutor!  I don't have many pics of their wonderful achievements, but check out Thursday night-er Sew Me who has some fab photos of her Christmas sewing fest.





Great way to use up your scraps!

 And now that classes are finished, I get to make my own Christmas presents.  My youngest daughter's teacher gets a vintage style stocking (filled with a bottle of mulled wine - yum!).  Classroom assistants, form teachers, piano & flute tutors all get gift bags filled with old fashioned jars of sweeties (double yum!).



Cream & gold scraps with vintage ribbon & lace worked in.



Awful picture!! Camera problems - booooooh!



I recently discovered the concept of patchwork coasters.  These have made great gift ideas for some of my friends and family members.  They are quilted and machine washable - fab!  Here are some of the log cabin ones I've made so far, using 1.5" wide scraps - throw nothing in your bin!!!!!



The other present projects I'm working on can't be revealed yet.  They're surprises & I can't risk any nosey family members finding out what they are before the big day!  I might post pics of them in the new year.