My first Hummingbird blocks

Such a busy day today!

I've joined in the 2014 Grow Your Blog Party  run by Vicki of 2 Bags Full and have started to read some new blogs as well as the ones I follow already. I'm going to try to visit 10 new blogs a day and hopefully, maybe, possibly, I'll have a few more followers. I love the 7 I have but would love to meet people all over the world.

The weather here today in Wales is pretty mixed; one minute sunshine but cold, the next blustery showers. Roll on Summer! I spent the morning in the conservatory cutting pieces for my Hummingbird Quilt. It's for Alexandra, my 4 year old granddaughter who is a lover of all things pink and rabbits. I hope this is moving a bit away from baby pink but still girly.

Secret Garden fabrics plus a couple of new solids

The first blocks came together quite easily once I had made sure that the seams met exactly. I love the way the points are (quite) sharp too. I have a Kaffe Fassett fabric that is really bright that might do for the backing but I'll wait until I have done most of the blocks before deciding this time. I have 9 metres of fabric that I chose for my first quilt and none of the 3 were right.

I think it will be really pretty and just right for Alexandra.



I'm rather in awe of all the stylish blogs I've visited today and would welcome any ideas to tidy up this blog and make it more attractive. There is such a lot to learn!



Have a fantastic weekend, no matter what the weather is like,

Catherine


UPDATE:  I've linked into Celtic Thistle Stitches with the "New to me in 2014 party". I think I'll be linking a lot. So much to learn, so little time. New to me on this post are the foundation paper pieced hummingbird blocks. My first try at FPP. Not too bad if I say so myself!

Starting a new course in machine piecing

I was so excited to start the machine piecing course today run by Sue from Busy Bees Patchwork It was great to see many of the people who had attended the initial hand sewing course.
The basis of the class is to make a medallion sampler and started today with basics such as rotary cutting and safety aspects as well as checking our machines could sew an accurate ¼" seam.

I had chosen the fabric at the end of last year. Since taking up quilting no trip away is complete without a fabric shopping session and so when my husband decided that we should go to Devon for my 60th birthday in October 2013 I decided that we should also go to visit the Cowslip Workshops in Launceston, Cornwall. We used a satnav (big mistake) and ended up down a rutted single track lane on the wrong side of Newhouse Farm where the shop and cafe are situated. After a phone call we backtracked and eventually found the right entrance to the farm. It was worth it. There is a wonderful fabric shop and studio for courses and a cafe with delicious food. A range of fabrics by Lynette Anderson called Wildflower Wood caught my eye.

Initial fabric selection

The photo is a bit dark as we had such low light levels this morning.
The very dark purple fabric at the bottom of the pile is the backing fabric, Marys Blender no.32034 by Mary Kovas for Windham.  I chose Kona Solid Snow again as the background fabric.



Once I cut the first block though I could not put my finger on why I was not happy with it. I tried various layouts then decided to try a pale grey, Spectrum Plain Slate patchwork fabric, instead of the Kona snow.
I think it works well now as all the prints have some grey in and it provides more of a contrast to the pale cream background of the small prints.

The fabrics with Kona Solid Snow top right

Spectrum Plain slate top right. Decision made and more fabric ordered!












I think I'm going to have to think about a photography course soon. It's so difficult to get the lighting right for the photos at this time of year and I'm a bit of a point and shoot girl really at heart.

Do other people dither about fabric choice like this? I ordered 3 different fabrics for the backing of my first quilt until I was satisfied. Making mistakes with fabric choice and ordering is an expensive business. Will it get easier?? please say Yes!


Catherine.

Update: Final, final fabric choice and layout for first block:

I decided to add in some Oakshott in Monza (the shimmery purple at the top). I think it provides a better contrast.

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.