Thursday 31 December 2015

Liberty Quilt and More Christmas Makes

Here's wishing everyone who pauses here to browse, 
a very Happy Healthy, Peaceful, New Year.

May your troubles be less and your lessons be more.

I haven't been around for a while for one reason or another, (mainly travelling) but here's a little catch up post. 
Despite the horrendous flood conditions in many areas of the Lake District we did manage to take our trip before Christmas. We made the decision to continue with our holiday after various appeals called for visitors to keep supporting the economy there, though we did experience some of traumas that the people were going through. It really did bring home their plight and we could see how valiantly they worked to try to get back to normality. We managed to get out and about to areas that escaped the worst of the ravages and the lodge where we stayed was warm and cosy so we enjoyed a good pre Christmas rest. We are certainly the lucky ones and our hearts go out to the families who had to leave their flooded homes in the midst of Winter and poignantly at Christmas time.

I took my sewing machine along with me and almost finished this Liberty Tana Lawn quilt before we returned home. It is random 5inch patches and looks quite vintage in style. I just love stitching Liberty fabric as it handles so well and the designs are fabulous. They all seem to go together so readily and never date.
 The traditional Liberty design "The Strawberry Thief" made an effective border and I just, only just, had enough to go round.
 The reverse showing the lovely backing fabric.

 I also cut a snowflake style motif to applique on to a custom sized mat to fit a small Christmas side table. I machined blanket stitch around the motif in YSL invisible thread. YSL is the best invisible thread I have ever used as it does not tangle or break in use and I  really do recommend it.
After Christmas, I  made another "feather" Christmas Tree in a brighter fabric which looks so much better than the all green of my previous effort.  Not late for Christmas just early for next year!
I decorated yet another Ikea sewing case as a gift for a friend. This time I chose a Japanese theme.
I really enjoyed doodling  the designs on the cases and colouring them. 
My camera broke whilst we were in the Lake District and DH treated me to a new super duper Nikon which meant I could take some pics around Farfield Mill  in Sedburgh, when we visited. 
I was enthralled by these birds which were made from old cutlery, an amazing piece of recycling!

 Note the fish knives in the tail here.
 These smaller birds are created using teaspoons.


 There is always something new at the mill and the standard of the exhibits is exceptional.
Glassware, pottery, textiles, jewelllery, paintings, wood carving, a walk through history with a super cafe over 4 floors of and old water mill.
Well worth a visit.

11 comments:

Annie said...

A lovely post Jo. Your quilt is gorgeous....love the fabrics. The metal sculptures are stunning....what talent.
Wishing you and Dave all the very best for 2016....lets hope we can catch up at some point.
Hugs,
Annie x

pearshapedcrafting said...

Ooh Jo! You've got me itching to get to Farfield again! We had to postpone a visit to the caravan as there was no electricity for a week! Just went for a couple of nights the weekend before Christmas. Wishing you both a very Happy New Year! Will be in touch soon re a day out! Love, Chrisx

Exuberantcolor/Wanda S Hanson said...

I love your Liberty quilt! That is one of things on my list for 2016. I just haven't decided whether to do squares or traditional blocks.

mammafairy said...

What a lovely place to visit! Those birds are wonderful!

Lee said...

Hi Jo,so glad you are safe and sound.Lovely to hear you enjoyed your holiday and did some beautiful stitching,love the pics of the sculptures.My heart goes out to all those families businesses and everybody who has been effected by these horrendous floods.Hope you got the card and lil parcel I posted before Christmas.Happy New Year to you and all your family Jo.xxx

Twiglet said...

As usual a fascinating post Jo. Those birds are amazing - such clever folk out there - including you with those lovely makes! Happy New Year to you and Dave. x Jo

Hetty said...

Hello Jo, Thanks for visiting my blog and I wish you too a very Happy Healthy, Inspiring and Creative New Year. I love looking at your blog for you always have such beautiful creations to sharefromyour travels! Keep themgoing!
Hugs from The Netherlands,Hetty

Lunch Lady Jan said...

Wishing you the happiest of New Years, Jo....I hope it's a healthy and peaceful one for you and your family!
Your sewing is AMAZING as always and that art exhibition looks well worth a visit :-) I love semi abstract sculpture like that, so clever!
Hugs, LLJ xxxx

mamapez5 said...

I love the cutlery birds. We have a man at the medieval market each year, who makes jewelry from old cutlery and it is fascinating to watch him work. I also love your 'feather tree'. That is really pretty. I am less of a fan of the Liberty fabrics. they are to detailed for me, but that doesn't alter the fact that I like the idea of snuggling up under your quilt! I am so glad you managed your trip away before Christmas, but my heart goes out to all those who lost their homes and everything in them, at what should be a happy and festive time.
Happy new Year to you Jo. I hope it is a peaceful and healthy one for you and those you hold dear. Kate x

tilly said...

What a beautiful quilt in those fab colours.
You have had some lovely trips this year and those birds are fantastic
I wish you, Dave and the family, good health, happiness and safe travelling for 2016
I am having a two month Oz trip at the moment covering Auclkland, Brisbane, Darwin and Melbourne.
A super time with family, hope to catch up next year
Xxxxx

Neet said...

Must visit this mill at some time - amazing exhibitions.
Love the quilt but that Christmas Tree - oh Jo, what a talent you have. Am so envious.
Love you
Neet xx