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.