Thursday 9 February 2017

Patchwork Feathers, Liberty Random Quilt & Patchwork Penelope


At last my Christmas post will not be the top page of my blog. I haven't sewn for ages but I am making up for lost time. 
Well again after the ravages of a nasty virus I'm back in action.
I have been inspired by several blogs to make some feather blocks for cushions to donate to my quilt group tombola stall at our July exhibition. I looked on pinterest and Youtube for patterns and there were so many different versions that I decided to play around and make them up in my own way. I might make them a bit longer but thinner for my quilt. We'll see!
I've made six "experiments" which will go to make cushions and I love them so much that I have now decided to make a quilt. I also want to make some arrow. Such a great way to use up scraps of fabric.
I have finished another of my favourite makes... a Liberty Fabric Quilt top. Random 4 inch squares, easy peasy and so relaxing to sew whilst listenening to the radio. So stress free, calming and therapeutic for me to make.
This style of quilt looks so old fashioned and I love it. It is just manageable to machine quilt and finish all be myself as the Liberty Tana Lawn is light to handle and moves readily through the machine neck.
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Recently, my fabric shelves had a good clear out and in doing so I discovered the beginnings of "Patchwork Penelope" hiding under several fat quarters. I enjoyed finishing off the appliqué and now I will back it, bind it, quilt it, then add some buttons, beads and other bits of interest to make her into a hanging.
Penelope was inspired by much larger hangings and drawings of humorous, cartoon style, quilters I had seen on the internet and a few years ago I drew my own smaller version but never finished her and she became a UFO.

I visited the craft show at Event City in Manchester last week. It was a pleasant day out but with not much to interest me. Lots of card making stands, (particularly for lacy die cutting) but very little fabric stands so I didn't manage to buy anything on my little list.
I really enjoyed the Japanese exhibition, linked to a company running tours, and here are a few highlights.
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There was a knitted project by people in Cardigan, Wales, of this gigantic cardigan telling the story of the place and it's history.

This clever little piece made excellent use of the fabric print