Focus; or not!

There is only one thing wrong with being a Newbie and that is I feel pulled in all directions to try new ideas and techniques. I need to find my quilting niche. Will I be a traditionalist, a hand quilter, a modern quilt fan? EPP or FPP?  I would love to say I have a quilting finish but I don't and it may be some time before I do.

Here's what I have on the go at the moment:

• Hand quilting my first patchwork sampler. Ongoing-  I've finished 8 blocks, 4 to go and the borders. I really enjoy the quiet time but I am very slow

• Machine patched sampler for my beginners class. Ongoing for the next 2 months or so. I have completed 2 blocks and need to cut the next this weekend

• Hummingbird quilt: Ongoing and need to crack on with this before Lexie's new bed is delivered! LOVE FPP!!

• Classic Meets Modern QAL  Just got the second block instructions for February from Erin. This months block is called the Amethyst block. It looks very simple apart from the "Y" seams but I'm hoping to do a few variations with the middle square. I might attempt a wonky cross or porthole - watch this space. 

I've also got numerous knitting and a crochet project on the go but I'm saving them for another post tomorrow to link up with Wool on Sundays at Rainbow Hare Quilts

It is raining yet again in South Wales and it looks as if February is going the same way as January. Spare a thought for all those who are living in the areas of the South-west, especially Somerset, that have been devastated by the flooding.

Off to quilt my sampler,


Catherine

Frustrations and some progress with quilting

Struggling with blogging!  

I hope no-one saw the above sentence which I published by mistake this morning. Still trying to add the Bloglovin button properly but other issues resolved blogwise.

I spent an hour this morning folding the edges of my Sampler quilt in and tacking down. Then I tried multiple distraction techniques in order to put off the dreaded start of hand quilting.

Quilting techniques had been covered in the last lesson of the course I attended at Busy Bee Patchwork in Newport. I had practised for an hour in class on an orphan block with very little success. I could not seem to catch the backing, the thimble kept coming off my middle finger and I felt like I had no hope of ever conquering my demons.

I am determined to make this quilt totally by hand even if it is the last time I do this. I tried a few different marking techniques and decided to use 1/4 in. tape for most of the blocks. I will do some echo quilting around the appliqué shapes with outline quilting of the geometric shapes.

It was as well there was no-one else around for the first hour as I got increasingly annoyed with my attempts. The stitches were now catching the backing but were uneven and too large. I kept referring to my books for tips and eventually I got into a rhythm and my stitching improved. I managed to quilt just about half of one of the 12in. blocks and once the quilting is finished I may return and re-do the first bit.

Quilt top at last session of beginners course

Quilt top after basting

The colours look quite different in the two photos The basted top is nearer to the actual quilt as the photo was taken in the conservatory. I used a daylight lamp as the weather has been so awful today.

I chose Kaffe Fassett fabrics with some Moda Crackle in green for the background. The Kaffe Fassett fabrics are Guinea flower in yellow and Lotus Leaf in antique. On reflection it was not the easiest colour palette to work with for a beginner. In fact it was challenging! Bright colours seem to appeal to me. These fabrics just leapt off the shelf and I could not put them down. I chose a Kaffe Fassett broad stripe for the backing. Fortunately this goes surprisingly well with the top.

Enough for now, time for dinner…...

nothing ventured, nothing gained!

2014 and time for new beginnings. The Christmas decorations are all put in the loft

I reckon that it's never too late to try something new, so this is it. Hold my breath and jump in. I've been reading sewing and quilting blogs avidly since I took up patchwork during 2013 and want to learn how to document my progress. This seems as good a time as any so I'll introduce myself.

I'm a Grandma to 6 beautiful grandchildren, mum to 2 daughters and step mum to another. I'm married, retired and live in Cardiff,UK. I knit, sew, cook and now learning to quilt and blog. Who would have thought it?

Patchwork combines creativity, skill, time for myself and a chance to meet new like-minded people. I'll be posting photos of my first sampler quilt which was just basted today and all my new projects. I would really love your comments and encouragement on my journey.