Kids on the Block!

This week I've been beavering away on my Farm Girl Vintage Farmhouse blocks.

I'm now up to 7 (includes the 2 you have previously seen).  Only 2 more to go!

But as I'm taking a few days off and switching off sewing machine and laptop, that's my lot for now!

And I'll leave you with some fun family pics of my youngest daughter's 14th birthday bbq in my mum and dad's beautiful garden.

Enjoy the heat wave!!

Jude xo

Picnic Carry Cushions!

Someone told me it was summer!  Though you might not always think it around here!

But if you are lucky enough to be getting some warm sunshine, how about making a handy Picnic Carry cushion!

In the July issue of Sewing World you will find my pattern for making piped and non-piped cushions.

These are great for taking to picnics, camping, outdoor festivals or right at home in your garden. 

You can make them using quilting cotton, deco weight or even recycled denim!

If you've never tried piping before, give it a go! You will find it easier than you think!

Get out there and enjoy your summer!

Jude xo

Today was ......

..... my birthday!!

Bouquet of origami flowers made by my eldest!

Lemon curd birthday cake, also made by my eldest! Yum!

"The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate."

      Oprah Winfrey

Thank you everyone for your birthday wishes on IG, FB, by text, card and in person!  It has meant more to me than you may ever know!

Jude xo

Time to Play!

No more GCSE exams for my middle daughter, and end of term on Friday (& birthday) for the youngest, means .....

... a meal out with the funniest teenagers I'm privileged to call my girls!

And as the last of my classes are winding down this week for the summer break, I get to play!

I was inspired by Aylin's gorgeous cushion, and have been wanting to do more with my Sizzix drunkard's path die.  So when I eventually decided on some fabrics & scraps, I set to cutting and sewing.

I've actually finished 5 x 14" blocks and sewed them together for a potential table runner, but I couldn't fit them all into 1 photograph!!  Once again I find Leanne's technique for sewing curves much quicker and simpler than the endless pinning method!

I'm also working on some Farm House blocks from the Farm Girl Vintage book (pg 27).

As usual I've deviated from the quilt-a-long block schedule currently running on Lori's blog!!

My plan is to make the Farmhouse Lane Quilt shown on page 128 of the book, but truth be told, I want to make every single thing in this book!!

Fingers crossed I can stay focused and not get distracted by one of the many other beautiful projects in the book!

Happy sewing!

Jude xo

Bee Blessed Blessings!

Today Sarah and I handed over the reigns of Bee Blessed to this wonderful group of ladies!

Thank you ladies for a lovely vintage tea party today & the gorgeous flowers!

The past 4 years have been a blessing not only to those who have received our quilts, but also to me personally as I have sewed, laughed (and eaten loads!) with you all.

Sarah and I are thrilled that the spirit of Bee Blessed will continue in September, and we hope to soon bring you more news about the next chapter of this charity quilting bee!

Stay tuned!

Jude xo

Table Mat Tutorial!

Ever wondered what to do with those orphan blocks lying around?

How about turning one into a Non-Slip Table Mat?

Here's a 12.5" Starflower block, bordered, quilted and backed with Bulgomme Table Protector.

And before you know it, you have a sizeable and practical table mat, for indoors and outdoors!

You can find the full step by step tutorial over on the Fabric Yard blog.

So why not give those lonely orphans a purpose!

Jude xo

Today was .....

.... inspiring!

Malone House & Grounds

"Just living is not enough... one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower."

Hans Christian Andersen