New Year - Fresh Start!

Happy New Year to anyone who is still out there!I have sorely neglected this blog but am planning to get back on track once more for 2011

2010 was an eventful year for us. My DS went off to university ( University of Wales, Aberystwyth) to study Physical Geography. He seems to be looking after himself quite well, and is loving his course. DD has chosen her subjects to study for GCSEs too, and also seems to be doing well.

The biggest change for me has been this one. I took a horse on loan in the summer while her owner recovers from a car crash. Her name is Rosie, and she is very sweet. I have never had a horse before, but I am loving looking after her, although December was difficult with all of the snow that we had here.



Quilting is still going on here in Wales, and the UFOs are multiplying. I think I need some sort of resolution to get some of them at least finished - I will keep this blog updated. First off I need to finish a challenge quilt for an exhibition in April. The top is done, so tomorrow I will remove foundation papers and sandwich it. That will be this week's aim.

Update

How come it's Wednesday already again? I don't really want to just update this blog once a week, but time seems to be running away with me just now.

So, what have I been up to this week?

I haven't done much stitching at home, I'm busy trying to sort my little sewing room out, and it's such a mess in there that I have to do a small task each day. I would take before photos, but I'm just too ashamed!

I did take another class last weekend though, Hand Applique with Marianne McMorrow of Busy Bees. I made a fair amount to progress during the day. This photo is quite poor ( the colours aren't true) but I think you can see what my cushion will look like. I'm quite happy with my stitches now, and was thrilled to learn how to make bias tubing for the stems, and a shape other than circles or melons.
I'm sure I'll be on to more adventurous things one day.

Mid week catch-up

Something quilty to report this week. I have started a new project! I took a jelly roll class with Marion from Marion's Patchworks on Saturday. I used the Love You roll by Moda, simply because I loved the little owls. I do have a recipient in mind for this quilt, and I'd like to get it to her before she grows up, so I plan to get this one finished as quickly as I can. I have lots of units and bits cut, but only managed to finish 1 block on the day.
It's looking good though the orange is a bit brighter in reality.





It was the half term holiday at schools here last week. I had to work but managed a couple of days off with the kids. We finished off the week with a concert, 30 Seconds To Mars.Absolutely brilliant!
If you're wondering, Jared Leto was in the film 'How to Make an American Quilt'. I did threaten the kids that I was going to storm the stage to ask him about the quilts - but I behaved myself! Bron's friend did manage to get on stage, but she didn't ask about quilts!





And finally, just because he's so cute, DJ has learned how to beg!

Something new

For some time now I have had a yearning to make a lap blanket from crocheted granny squares. Only one problem, I didn't know how to crochet! Oops! I tried to learn from book, but this didn't really work out for me. So I shelved the idea. Then I found this blog, attic 24. I love Lucy's work, it's so bright and cheerful - just my sort of thing. So to cut a long story short, I was inspired to get out a crochet hook, some yarn and YouTube how-to videos on the laptop ( thank you Mikeysmail - great instructions!)

These are my initial granny squares, enough for a cushion top. While they aren't perfect ( my tension leaves much to be desired!) I'm pretty proud of them!



I need to sew my squares together, but first I wanted to carry on perfecting my technique. So here is another cushion top using multiple colours.This isn't quite finished yet, but it shouldn't be too long.



I think I might be ready for that technicoloured blanket soon!

A new project in mind

Yesterday we had a fabric sale at my quilting group when a trader visited with a van load of stock. I didn't really need to buy any fabric, but his prices are very very good and he had a lovely range of solids in really scrummy colours. I have been seeing some very inspiring liberated Amish projects around blogland lately, so I bought enough to make myself an Amish Bars quilt. I haven't worked out piece sizes or anything yet, but here are my fabrics laid out on the floor in a rough format.
I think it's going to be a good 'un!

First finish of 2010!

I did it! I have completed my first project of the year.
I may have started this little quilt some time ago, but at long last it is all done. I finished binding it earlier this week, but I had to wait until I came home from work in daylight before I could get a half decent photo of it.
The fabrics are all my own hand-dyes, although I did these several years ago. They had been sitting in the box all this time waiting for a 'special' project. Eventually I decided that I would grit my teeth and cut into them. After all, I can always have some fun and dye more if that special project ever materialises! LOL!



Now to finish another!

White Stuff

Here in Wales, Wednesday seems to be turning into snow-day! And I have to say that I am really fed up with slipping and sliding about. It's very pretty to look at, but trying to get to work and go about daily business etc is a drag.



My son was out early taking photos of his pride and joy with it's new covering. I do feel sorry for him, as the vehicle was off the road for 2 months getting a new engine, and he only got it back just before Christmas. He hasn't been able to drive it much in the last 3 weeks due to all the snow and ice. Hopefully we'll get a proper thaw soon.



And just to show, your kids are never too old to make a snowman!



I do have quilting stuff to report too, but I'll do that tomorrow when I have taken pictures in daylight.