An expert in the making

I have two mor session with my pupil, Miranda.  Her sewing skills are increasing for both large and small projects.  The small project was a pin cushion.  Miranda worked hard on several intricate stages including turning corners on the sewing machine, stitching two layers together, stuffing and closing the gap with hand stitching.

The next project was a made to fit apron.  Miranda handled each stage with great gusto and managed to complete her apron in just under two hours!  Well done.  

Successful Bag Making Session

Yesterday I had a successful bag making session with my young pupil, Miranda.  Miranda learned very quickly how to thread her sewing machine, start and stop stitching.  Miranda practised on strips of scrap material so that she got the hang of it.   

In no time at all we had cut out the bag and lining. Then the stitching began.  It is a simple bag that is lined and measures 10" x 10" with long handles.  Miranda chose an Easter theme fabric which is very pretty as you can see.    Thank you for an enjoyable morning Miranda and see you next week.

Appliqué Cushions

I have finished both appliqué cushions using the pattern from Lynnette Anderson's book Country Cottage Quilting.

As you can see it's taking pride of place on my chair in the lounge.

For the second cushion I used my own variation and designed a beehive with a little bee buzzing around, a bird box and a bird bath with a few sequins for a water fountain interwoven with running stitch.

I have really enjoyed combining, piecework, appliqué, embroidery and quilting in the country style. 

Here are both cushions together.

Wedding bag

Today is my nephew's wedding day at Chippenhan Park.  I decided to make a bag to go with my outfit.  What do you think?

The bag has d rings and an adjustable strap which is made of webbing.  There is also a magnetic clasp.  More later, must get ready!

Heart of love

I made this beautiful little cushion for a young friend of mine who is suffering from cancer.  She is undergoing some rough treatment at the moment so I thought a little bit of girly love should be sent her way - love to you Vicky xxxxx

Carpenter Star

 Another quilt finished, wrapped and presented to our friends for their 

Golden Wedding last week.  It is a pattern called Carpenter star by Mary

Johnson.  It is an easy quilt top to construct once you have the fabrics in the right order!

I really enjoyed working on this top and the quilting I used is an all over free motion swirl.

The quilt matches our friends recently decorated bedroom and they were really pleased with their present.

Square basket

After seeing a picture of a square basket in a book this week, I decided to have a go.  The pattern in the book said to use vilene which I did but it still did not stand up enough for me.  Mmmm do I use batting and quilt it or just go with the flow?  I decided to use some of my iron on batting and quilted lines 2" apart.  It seems quite stable but obviously the more quilting the firmer it is.