Prairie Queen Block and the Snail That Got Away

My block of the month swap for Diane (the Cheshire Quilter) is still sliding it's way from Liverpool to Crewe after being posted on 2nd March so I'm sending her this one in it's place, the Prairie Queen Block. 

Who knows, my original  Snail Trail Block might eventually arrive by snail mail.

I participated in the challenge set by Diane's group last month and this is my super return swap. I am really thrilled to receive this cute Japanese style bag in return. I love it and I'll certainly be having a go at making some for myself, one day, as it's such a great design.

 I do hope that Diane will pass on my sincere thanks to whoever made it,  on my behalf.

This camellia was a Mother's Day gift from one of my DDs and it was planted over 20 years ago. I love it so much and add a pic of it each year on my blog.

She was a student at the time and her lovely little gift only cost £1.99 in Woolworths. Situated in sight of our living room window, it flowers beautifully each year and has certainly given us all such  lasting pleasure.  The blackbirds and the squirrels peck away at the centre of the fallen flowerheads so I think there must be a kernel or something tasty for them at the heart. I chased the squirrels from planting them in the middle of the lawn the other day.

Here it is today, just in perfect time for Mother's Day and almost a month earlier than usual.

Last year it flowered early April ........and in 2013 it didn't flower until late April

Applique & Friday Smile

I've been happily enjoying making appliqué by machine. I made one block for a swap and then decided I would make more for a quilt and now I've completed at least a half dozen. 

It's good to at last put some of the decorative stitches on my super duper sewing machine to good use.

These will be squares with patchwork sashes in between.

I must mention this wonderful pen just incase some of you haven't discovered them.

I can scribble my designs (as in next pic) or mark positions to see if they are suitable, then quick as a wink, the marks will disappear at the touch of a light iron. 

Before......

After!

FriXion Pens by Pilot are just magic and a quilter or sewer's dream.

They also work by friction, (as the name implies),like an eraser, on paper or card, if the base tip is rubbed over the marks. 

I advise trying them on a spare piece of the same fabric or paper to ensure they work on the surface you will use. 

They don't work on newspaper, so no good to erase those crossword errors! 

They are available in a range of basic colours and highlighter shades.

It's Friday and time for a smile, courtesy of Annie

On a visit to Chester we noticed the Oddfellows Hall in Bridge Street which is now a hotel and restaurant. A very quirky one at that.

This room is themed and inspired by Alice in Wonderland with a huge table set in the centre for afternoon teas Mad Hatter Style but look at that ceiling!!

The traditional wood panelled walls have fabulous images on them. So unusual but so effective.

We promised ourselves and afternoon tea there one day, should be fun!

Have a good weekend and remember to smile! 

Basket Block of the Month & Friday Smile

I had a lovely surprise when this patchwork block popped through the letterbox from Diane, the Cheshire Quilter, for our monthly swap. I love it and look forward to making this one in return. Never tried it before and must admit it looks a bit tricky and I'm a bit daunted by it. 

I chose to make this Snail Trail block this month for my swap. 

It has been a real challenge to me to try out new blocks but I do hope that, one day, I end up as competent as Diane. Her blocks are so perfect in detail.

Friday Smile

I was browsing old photos and sorting them into files when I spotted this one that I took at a parade in Liverpool City Centre. Co-incidentally it matches the colour palette of the basket block! 

I must tell you, incase you don't look closely, that most of the "NUNS" were MEN in drag.

I thought I'd join in with Annie's Friday Smile with this close up of this chap having a quick smoke after the parade. 

Lots more smiles to be had over at Annie's blog so join in or pop over for a chuckle.

 Hope you have a good weekend..... the sun is shining and the flowers are pushing up so SMILE!

It's painless, it costs nothing and it makes you feel good!

Swap Blocks & Liberty Hexagons

I've been busy in many ways this week, and out and about, but still managed to get some sewing completed.

This is my "Block of the Month" for my quilting group Quilt Cornerstone (take a look for lots of stitched treasures.)

I decided to have a go at appliqué and I must admit that I really do enjoy it.

I also made a traditional patchwork block and chose this Fig Leaf, (below) one I had never before tried.

The colour palette was chosen by Mo in our group and usually we are given a set block to make each month but Mo gave us free rein to do as we wished. It will be interesting to see all the different designs members bring in and also to see what Mo makes of them all.

I am also swapping monthly with Diane of Crewe, the Cheshire Quilter, who has been a big help to me. Diane kindly led me in the right direction for learning new skills by giving me me patterns and instructions of several blocks to make month by month and this time I selected the "Snail Trail". 

First time I've made this too so I'm hoping it's OK.

Later in the month I am leaving DH to fend for himself (with a freezer full of home cooked food) whilst I visit our German branch of the family all on my own some. I always take something to stitch when I'm travelling and lately I've been making 1 inch hexagons from my stash of Liberty fabrics. 

I've already gifted several needle cases that I've made using these tiny Granny's Garden shapes but I love stitching them so I continued, totally undecided what I will make from the rest.

Last year I completed a full sized, handstitched, 1 1/2 inch hexagon quilt... all made in time that would otherwise have been wasted. 

It is amazing too how it is an icebreaker to conversation with fellow travellers, who are often interested in knowing more about what I'm doing.

Liberty Tana Lawn is so lovely to handle and stitch and the designs are fabulous.

Here's my little box of prepped 1 inch hexies and cut fabric shapes to pop in my bag to sew on the go!