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!