Thursday!

Something very special happened to me tonight (Thursday), but I'm not going to tell you about it until tomorrow!  I'm waiting on a few more pics and then I will reveal all!

Suffice to say, my head is in a spin and I can't even think of a suitable blog title!

So I will leave you with pics of some pouches I made recently for Fabric Yard, using some sumptuous new fabrics they have in stock right now.

Kindle Fire Cover made in Riley Blake, Trendsetter

2 in 1 Pouch, made in Retro Geek, Sarah Johnson & Carolyn Friedlander, Architextures

Pencil cases made in Riley Blake, Trendsetter and Essex Linen

The tutorial for the pencil case can be found here, and while you are visiting, why not check out the hot new fabrics Alice has!

Why not treat yourself to a fabric Christmas present! Go on, you know you want to!!

Jude xo

Scrappy Hexies!

Today is Scraptastic Tuesday!

This is a monthly linky party where we get to chat about our latest scrappy projects!

I love working with scraps, and I value them just as much as new fat quarters!

Here's the latest thing I made this week, using leftover bits from a  French General charm pack.

These hexies are 1" finished (I whizzed them through my sizzix) and are the perfect size for using up small scraps!

I also had some smaller pieces of Liberty leftover from another hexie project.  So I covered buttons with them, and am currently selling them in my sale this week.  They are going down a storm!

I hope you are enjoying using your scraps too!

Linking up with Nicky and Leanne.

Jude xo

Hexing Around!

After getting over the shock of the temperature outside this morning, and seeing the white stuff on the hills, the theme for today was hexies!

I'm still in 'present making mode' this week.  So I rustled up another trusty 2 in 1 pouch (that makes 5 so far!) using some gorgeous Essex Yarn Dyed Linen in Denim, and a vintage blue and orange combo!

Front and Back

I have a stash of 1" hexies already made, and these ones were made using vintage sheets.

I think this is my favourite 2 in 1 pouch so far!

A while ago I had made up some French General hexies, with no particular purpose in mind.

Well now they have a purpose!  Check back tomorrow to see what I turned this small panel into! (Don't you love it when a plan comes together!)

Tonight was the first of 3 days of my closing down sale!  Thank you to everyone who came out and purchased a bargain!

For those of you not able to make it, as well as missing some bargain fabric prices, you are also missing out on these gorgeous Liberty buttons ....

...and keyfobs!

Only Wednesday and Thursday evenings left to get to The Basement, Christian Fellowship Church, Belfast and bag yourself a bargain and some Christmas presents!

Jude xo

Cot Quilt Finished!

I met Santa today!

In fact, Bee Blessed was meeting in his changing room, so we had to vacate for a time so he could change!!  Ho, ho, ho!

Here is a pic of the lovely sail boats we have received!

A few more blocks to make and this will be a gorgeous quilt!

I also got a quilt of my own finished today.

My daughter made the quilt top a while ago, to test the pattern I was teaching in class (available here). I finally got around to quilting it and got it bound and washed today.

This will be for sale next week during my closing down sale in class!

And while we were at church today for Bee Blessed, we got to see the Christmas decorations going up.
 

There is an amazingly talented team of creative decorators at my church!  Can't wait to see what it looks like tomorrow!

Jude xo

A Nice Surprise!

When I returned from my weekend away, the lamp-post outside my house had been yarn-bombed!

What a nice touch! Now I can look out my sewing room window and admire someone else's creativity!

I got a few additional items made for big sister's shop this week (I know I said I wasn't making anymore!).

Tissue pouches

Teabag wallets

But this is definitely the last installment (famous last words!)

And in case you thought we've forgotten about Bee Blessed this month, just a wee reminder that the Strip Steps block that was set in November will continue through December.

Jude xo

Message for Lindsey: Thank you for your comment Lindsey, inquiring about where my fabric sale is. As you are a 'no reply comment' blogger I'm unable to reply directly to you.  The fabric sale next week will be in Christian Fellowship Church, Holywood Road, Belfast.

Closing Down Sale!

Sometimes it takes a great deal of faith and courage to make the hard decisions in life!

I have been self-employed for over 5 years now, teaching my own patchwork, quilting and sewing classes.  I have loved my job, and always considered it a privilege to be able to share my ideas, inspire and teach others who are willing to learn.

One month ago I announced to my ladies that I will no longer be running my classes after December. For reasons I won't go into here, I have had a challenging 17 months.  When life throws you curve balls, you can either lie down and be defeated, or see them as opportunities to grow and learn new things. 

I'm proud of myself for keeping home, family and a thriving business running well.  In fact, having classes to prepare for each week has kept me going through some very dark days. 

But I'm exhausted! It's time for a wee break.  In order to properly heal and restore to a healthier balance, I need to take some time out. 

I'll still be teaching in 2 local fabric shops (Quilter's Quest and The Wool Shop), so those of you who are local, feel free to pop in and say hello (or register for a class!).

So as part of the 'winding down' of my classes, I will be having a closing down sale of my fabrics next week (dates and times below).  

Most of the designer quilting fabrics & Kona solids will be for sale at £5 per metre, Essex yarn dyed linen & Tilda will be reduced to £8 per metre.  Fat quarters will be from £1 each.  I will also have the usual basting spray and wadding for sale and some threads.

You can imagine that over 5 years of making class samples I have accumulated quite a few!  So I'll be selling off some of these too!  Here's just a few to whet your appetite!

So if you are local to Belfast, please call in to pick up a bargain, and say goodbye!  Tissues will also be on hand!

Monday: 7pm - 8.30pm

Wednesday & Thursday: 6.30pm - 9.30pm

Thank you for letting me be part of your lives in this inspiring and creative way! 

I will of course continue blogging about my creative antics and selling my patterns on Etsy and Craftsy.

Jude xo

Welcome Winter!

I had a lovely weekend on the other side of the Irish Sea, visiting special friends ....

Terri (L) & Trudi (R)

.. and my lovely Uni girl!

Gifts were exchanged, hugs, giggles and unhealthy food were a-plenty!

But most importantly new and lasting memories were created, to be forever treasured.

And despite all my best efforts to slow down time and hold back the insane rush towards Christmas, it looks like December is here already, and I didn't quite succeed!

My projects in November seem to be mostly of the 'pouch' variety!

So the countdown to Christmas has begun! The advent calendar is up, Christmas Market tomorrow, and a few more pressies to make!

Linking up to Lily's Quilts Fresh Sewing Day!

Jude xo