Journal Cover

Ok well sort of……

It all started so well. I got the idea from a free tutorial over at Fairyface Designs (excellent blog). I measured the journal and put together my pattern.

I used the good old Joel Dewberry fabrics again which I adore. I also had a go at more freehand writing with D’s favourite Mark Twain Quote Explore, Dream, Discover (I have to stop making things for him now).

This was the finished item…..

Looks great on paperbacks, fits a treat. But does it fit the intended blank journal, does it heck!!! Back to the drawing board as needs another inch grrrrr. Also feel I need to do the quote out of block letters. It’s so frustrating learning the hard way he he.

Jo .

 

My Very First Quilt

Dear all,

I am so very excited to be posting this here today as I am no longer a quilt virgin, hurray. I am so proud to say I have finished my first quilt which I made for David and I must admit have found it VERY hard to part with. He did say I can visit it whenever I like. As this is a very special occasion I have spent some time (like an hour or more) applying these pretty borders to the pictures.

For this project I selected a bundle o fJoel Dewberry fabrics from Gone to Earth which I have mentioned in more detail in an earlier post.

Anyway here is the project as it unfolded.

Once all the borders were complete it was time to get the batting out. After a little research I went with Heirloom Premium Cotton Batting which did not disappoint. Also plenty left over for smaller craft projects.

I was then relegated from kitchen table (as making too much noise whilst someone trying to work) so sweated over it on the tiny living room table, but I persevered…..

……and yay managed to finish the quilt. Since it was my first I just decided to keep it very simple and sew straight lines around the borders. Hope you can see these as the photography was very rushed. The lines weren’t all that straight either, wonky like me!

Here it is all ironed and awaiting the finishing touches. I decided to go with dark blue border and I used a black backing which was basically a Wilkinson’s special single bed flat sheet which does just the trick.

Don’t ask I just liked this photo.

And may I present the finished item…..woo hoo, again photography not great but am going to take some more of the front and back and post. Just couldn’t wait to get it out here.

Here’s Dylan testing it for me, better not let D see

I was relatively happy with finished item. The corners aren’t perfect (and I have recently discovered I am a perfectionist) so I need to work at those for my next project otherwise over the moon and wants one of my own.

Jo x

Mother’s Day Makes and the Sneaky Bunny

Good evening folks,

First of all a Happy Mother’s Day to all you lovely ladies out there. Mine was very eventful. I spent most of the day in A & E as my little fella had fallen out of bed at his Nanny’s house and landed on his shoulder.

Anyway on our return home we sat down to watch Terra Nova whilst he proceeded to eat the Mother’s Day chocolates he had bought me and then had an allergic reaction to one with a nut in. Another trip to the doctors tomorrow to test for allergies.

Anyway, I decided to make my Mum a mini quilt (inspired by Syko’s designs my favourite designer), a little box to put her jewellery or chocolate in and a matching coaster.

These are the finished results. Instead of a teacup I decided to put a bottle of wine more up Mum’s street. D kindly pointed out that the cake was levitating grrrrrrr. More like it just can’t wait to be eating.

The fabric box. These are so cool I have one on my sewing table to keep my machine bits and bobs in.

And the coaster. I’m SLOWLY getting the hang of the old free motion machining. The little doll tag was from this month’s Craftseller Magazine which is awesome. Offers free craft patterns to sell highly recommend.

All wrapped up (but not for long) and thankfully Mum loved them.

I also got D’s kids and D to help me make muffins for her. Yeah, well I might just stick to the sewing as mine were the pink topped ones and D’s were the chocolate. Hmmmm enough said.

I also decided to make this little set too but still deciding what to do with it. Another Syko design and Dylan still keeps giggling at the bra, as 7 year old’s do! I feel it may be a belated birthday present for someone.

And to finish my makes for this week I made this sneaky little bunny from Tilda’s Springtime Gifts book for David’s little brother who is 4 (it has been in progress for the last 2 years). Finally finished.

I couldn’t resist sending him some mini eggs too.

Well that’s it for now. Going to sulk as my sewing machine has broken again.

Hope you all had a lovely Mother’s Day.

Jo x

First Signs of Spring: The Earth takes her first breath.

Dear all,

I’ve been gathering some photos for a while now of the first signs of Spring. I used both my camera phone and DSLR and have also used some new FREE filter software Pixl-o-matic which can be downloaded onto your desktop similar to Instagram (only available to iphone users).

*

“Not far from a river, in the depth of a wood,
Amidst gold autumn debris, snow, ivy and moss,
Heads hung demurely in cold, winter light
Stand patient and silent with spring in their sight.”
- Sally Plumb

He he looks like the youngster is getting a few words from Mum, or Dad!

I adore these filters.

Hope you have enjoyed.

Jo.

Upcycling an old t-shirt…….into a cushion.

Hey folks,

Sorry have not posted in a while it’s a new discipline I am very much still learning. Also been a little under the weather and upset last night as sewing machine is not working again so back another 20 miles this week to the shop. I also had a quilt to cut, sew and make this week by Saturday which is now looking unlikely.

Anyway, a little while ago D gave me an old animal t-shirt of his which he doesn’t wear anymore. Being a big fan of the brand I thought would make it into a cushion for him as shame to waste any t-shirt that has a picture of a camper on it he he.

Here’s the finished result.

As you can see I used the label as a side tag which I think looks quite cool and would be a shame to waste.

He’s already requested that I turn his Super Dry t-shirt into one when past it’s expiry date.

Enjoy.

Jo x.

 

Fossils at Rutland Water

Hi there,

Today myself and David (best friend) and Dylan (son) decided to take a short trip up the road to Rutland Water to get some fresh air.

Whilst walking on the beach I looked down and to my amazement found a number of fossils. Of course Dylan (7) had to fill his pockets with the things.

This was my little find and still inhabits my camera bag.

I just had to capture the pretty water diamonds dancing on the surface of the water.

And it would have been rude not to take a picture of the locals .

Jo.

The Grove with Wordsworth!

I have been feeling a little low lately so decided to take myself off to one of my three special  places for much needed contemplation.

On my return I found some words by Wordsworth that not only empathised with my thoughts but also complimented my photos.

Lines Written in Early Spring
William Wordsworth

I heard a thousand blended notes,
While in a grove I sate reclined,
In that sweet mood when pleasant thoughts
Bring sad thoughts to the mind.

To her fair works did Nature link
The human soul that through me ran;
And much it grieved my heart to think
What man has made of man.

Through primrose tufts, in that green bower,
The periwinkle trailed its wreaths;
And ’tis my faith that every flower
Enjoys the air it breathes.

The birds around me hopped and played,
Their thoughts I cannot measure:-
But the least motion which they made
It seemed a thrill of pleasure.

The budding twigs spread out their fan,
To catch the breezy air;
And I must think, do all I can,
That there was pleasure there.

If this belief from heaven be sent,
If such be Nature’s holy plan,
Have I not reason to lament
What man has made of man?

*

Jo.

New Fabric and Inspiration

Greetings,

Well I’ve made a few sneaky purchases this month. Firstly I purchased two lots of Heirlooms Cotton Batting for two out of my three quilt’s in progress (watch this space). Due to my Open University studies it does limit my quilting time so I’m not so quick at competing tasks in hand.

I’ve also purchased some blank journals today from Paperchase after being inspired by the Notebook Cover Tutorial on FairyFace Designs. I’ve also got some gorgeous Joel Dewberry – Modern Meadow – Raspberry fool fat quarter pack from Gone to Earth.

Whilst I’m on the subject of purchases these are definitely in my future The Cat in the Hat Fat Quarter Pack from Fat Quarter Shop which is going to be a quilt for my little man who loves reading Dr Seus and so retro.

Last but not least I’m waiting avidly, though not too patiently, for this gorgeous Moda Vintage by Bonnie and Camille out some time at the end of May.

That’s it for now, off to encourage the little D in my life to clear his lego off my living room floor.

Jo .

 

New Quilt In Progress – All me for this one…..

Hey folks,

Right, well I’ve got my lovely Nel Whatmore Sleeping Beauty Twilight Fat Quarter fabric bundle now from Cotton Patch so I decided to test a pattern which I want to use for my quilt.

Now, in my lovely book the Quilting Bible it shows a gorgeous quilt on the front cover (below) and guess what, unless I’m being completely bonkers I can’t see it inside anywhere.

Soooo, I’ve had to improvise and basically make up my own template from guessing measurements and trial and error. Nevertheless I managed it and here’s my finished template which your free to use the measurements to save your sanity! The large square was 6″ by 6″ and 5 smaller ones 3″ by “3.

I basically used some cotton fabric and some of my lovely Nel Whatmore fabric. The purple I used was actually purchased for me to try and replicate my old drum kit as a fabric picture (watch this space) in good old freestyle whiche Poppy Treffry and Syko are a big inspiration of mine.

Apart from the iron leaving wet marks on the fabric (which has dried now of course) and the squares looking a little wonky (like me I guess) I’m happy with it. Think I will use my quilting ruler and rotary blade next time not my scissors (yes I know, I’m still a beginner he he).

Jo

 

Lily Quilt’s Small Blog Meet

Hi there,

Like Di from Willowbeck Designs I’ve been following most of you lovely ladies for sometime and only recently plucked up the courage to also start my blog. Mainly as I’m notorious for starting things but not finishing them.

I mainly sew which started off 10 years ago in dressmaking but moved into the making home furnishings and more recently quilting domain. I find lots of inspiration from other blogs Rags to Bags, Syko and Fairyface Designs to name only a few. My main inspiration for crafting is down to the fact I have a mental health problem (mainly depression but awaiting formal diagnosis) and it really helps me to keep just about sane. I do refer to it as my mental elve, so when he’s being naughty you know I’m having a bad day.

I also love jewellery making which I am about to start teaching on the mental health ward in Peterborough (at the shiny new hospital) and have a small (well huge) infactuation with all things button, material, bead like, fimo, precious metal clay and the list goes on. Basically I struggle to stick with one craft he he.

Anyway looking forward to saying hello to more like-minded souls.

Love Jo x