More quilting

I am nearly at the end of my free motion quilting experiments, just a couple of squares to go. This was my favourite one from yesterday, big and little spirals. The pattern is in Modern Quilting Designs by Bethany Pease.

 I took some pictures of the back as it was hard to get clear ones of the quilting from the right side. I am definitely inspired now to finish some quilts and get to quilting them.

Vintage Patterns

I came across some patterns that were headed to the tip yesterday. I may have squealed with glee. I was restrained and only took these 4 classic children's patterns.

Quilting

I have slowly been quilting each square differently. Some things are working, some things aren't, but I am discovering what type of shapes I like quilting and which ones do not come naturally for me. I'm also discovering that I love some patterns that I never thought were my thing. Lastly today I have discovered that taking photos of quilting is very very tricky, so apologies for the photos, I'm going back to the sewing machine.

Quilting

I think I am going to free motion quilt a different pattern in each block. To make this easier I quilted 1/4 inch from each seam to stabilise I could then remove all the safety pins so I don't have to worry about them and can focus just on the quilting.

Ice Cream Dress

My first Oliver & S Ice Cream Dress. It has only taken a couple of years to buy the pattern and get around to making one. I made the 12-18m size for a present. It looks huge at the moment, but luckily children don't shrink and it should fit for the second half of next summer.

There is not much to say about this pattern that hasn't been said before. If you want a good summary of it see the Sew-a-Long from a couple of years ago. As always with Oliver & S patterns I made it exactly as the pattern said to and noted little changes I would make next time. Nothing huge, I just have preferred ways of doing some things.

I bought the bigger size as well as my girls love to wear smocks and dresses over shirts and leggings so I think this will be perfect for them.

Simple Squares Quilt Top

The good thing about using squares for a quilt top is it was finished in no time. Now to find some fabric for the backing from the stash.

Squares

Squares.

Rows.
The Simplest of Quilts.

To practise some free motion quilting.

Aurifil

I have only read good things on blogs about Aurifil thread so I searched ebay and found a good deal and bought a box of neutrals.

 Am I the only person who hasn't made an Oliver and S Ice Cream Dress? I bought a couple of patterns in there recent sale. I need a present for a little girl so I am giving it a go.

Cushions

I turned the typewriter fabric into some cushions yesterday. Some of the cushions in our living room were looking very tired and sad. Now we have three new ones. I used inserts I already had so one is slightly smaller than the others.

 I used zips I already had which were very bright so I hid them under flaps at the back using this tutorial which I have used a few times before.

The fabric is Ruby Star Shining by Melody Miller.

One skein = 3 Hats

How many hats can you make from a skein of Malabrigo Worsted? Three if they are little Umbilical Hats. These are so quick and easy to knit and have been added to the baby present stash. I made 2 exactly as the pattern and one a bit bigger and there is still about 9g left over. More details on ravelry.

Typewriters

The girls and I came across this old typewriter when we were walking in the bush near my parents a few weeks ago. It has been there forever, I remember it from when I was a child. The girls were fascinated, they had no idea what a typewriter was. 

 My Dad got his parents old vintage typewriter out to show them. They loved it. They thought is was amazing.

 A good excuse to buy some of the Melody Miller typewriter fabric. We are in desperate need of some new cushions. I think this will be perfect.

Snuggler Wraps

I love the Lotta Jansdotter Snuggler pattern, and they are fairly quick and easy to sew up. I made three this week and might make a couple more when I get some more fleece for the lining. I am slowly getting a nice stash of baby presents for when I need them.

Cowl Neck Jumper #2 and #3

Eva has worn her Cowl Neck Jumper Dress a few times since I made it recently. I think it must be very comfortable and great to play in as she avoids anything that isn't no matter what it looks like. So I made one for Milly and one for Grace. They are bigger that the biggest pattern size, but I just made it longer added a little to the sleeves and made the sides of the arms and body wider and made it taller at the shoulders. A perfect fit for them. The only other alteration was to make the cowl neck wider than the neckline so I had to stretch the neckline to fit the cowl, it is much easier for them to get on and off.

Bespoke

The rain has disappeared and the sun has been out the last few mornings. This morning I sat on the verandah and read Bespoke. Such a lovely zine. I feel all inspired now to go and do something crafty.

Baby Hats

Baby hats are perfect to use up those little bits of yarn in your stash. The one on the left is a newborn hat using left overs from my Nefertem shawl and the other one used some left overs from a cardigan I made Evie when she was born. I have already cast on another one so I can have a stash ready for all the babies due in the next few months.

At the Farm

To summarise the last week: rock climbing, colds, bush walking, cousins, fevers, a visit to the farm, bike riding, vomiting and fires with marshmallows. Crossing fingers the second week of the holidays is illness free.

Liberty and Yarn

My parents have just been to Scotland. Mum brought me back some Liberty and Debbie Bliss wool. She knows me well.

Cowl Neck Jumper Dress

A weekend of sick children meant not leaving the house and all of us going a little crazy. Hopefully they are all on the mend and that is the end of sickness for these holidays.
I did find a little sewing time to try the Heidi and Finn Cowl Neck Jumper Dress which is a really quick dress to make. I think turning the ties inside out took about as long as making the rest of the dress. It is not a big pattern though. I made the biggest size for Eva and took up the sleeves. I think I might try and size the pattern up for the twins.

Nefertem

I love this shawl, it was so quick and fairly easy to knit. I used Madelinetosh Sock in Winter Wheat, which is my new favourite colour. The only thing I would do differently is knit more stocking stitch so there would be an extra section of lace so it would be a little bit bigger. I had plenty of yarn left over so I am sure there would be enough. Thanks to Grace for the pictures, the girls insist on doing all the photography around here on the weekends.  More details on ravelry.

Fabric and Jessie the Cowgirl

When I cleaned and organised my fabric a few weeks ago I realised I have a lot, more than a lot, a huge amount of blue, but not a lot of fabric with white and cream backgrounds. This problem was fixed last week with this lovely little stash.

 A quick dash into Spotlight to get cotton last week ended with me buying a little seersucker for the girls for summer. I am not sure whether I love or hate seersucker at times, but I know I love this.

 Someone is a little obsessed with being Jessie the cowgirl at the moment. The only time she is not wearing this is when she is at kindy or it is in the wash. She made herself Bullseye with some cardboard from and 3 weeks later it is still played with everyday.

Wonky Cross Quilt

I have finished the wonky cross quilt from the Around The Block block swap. I quilted it with lots of wonky-ish lines about 1/4" apart which has given it a really nice texture. I love the way this quilt turned out. I think it was because I had no idea what I wanted to do with the blocks at the end of the swap. The only direction I gave people was to make a cross and it could be in a couple of sizes. I was so excited when I parcel turned up with new blocks, everyone had done something different. So thank you to everyone who was part of Around the Block and made a block for my quilt!