Finished Baby quilt

As you have all previously read, this was my first ever attempt at a baby quilt. I made a couple of close relationships with my unpicker while completing the top itself. But not as much as I thought I would do. I loved the finished top, the yellow really makes the top pop.

I included the next photograph, this is one of TWO only "I love Daddy" on the whole quilt, the fabric on the rest of the blocks were always conviently over the cutting line. I Love how the "I love Mummy" is right next to this.

I felt this very lucky and special little lady deserved something very personal to her. Which led me to painstakingly applique-ing her name on the back, the red fabric matched the small red spots on the front perfectly. I will admit I had several practices on applique letters before I started (I have two "e" letters appliqued somewhere in my room now, not that it bothers me, I'm tempted to make the rest of my name in different techniques to make something for myself)

The quilting is gorgous, I borrowed a machine from school for a weekend to be able to do this (I have brought my own machine, which will be arriving tomorrow!!!WHOOP WHOOP) this created a couple of problems in the backing fabrics (creases)after unpicking the worst, the small remaining ones became "Love wrinkles" I feel everything should be totally loved for what it is!

Here is the finished quilt with the very cute pink binding (with the same print as the red fabric for "Leah" but in the pink version that the company produce) And to finish it all off, a very cute awwwwww moment, the lovely lady Leah with her brand new quilt (looks a little big but she will grow to it)

Sorry to Mum and Dad for the lateness of the quilt, but the little lady joined our world much earlier than planned. Now she is home she will always be snuggled up tight.

So ladies and Gentlemen what do you think??

Look what I've done!!

Ever since I saw this baby changing bag on the Moda Bake shop I decided I wanted to have it!! I brought the fabrics back in July, and was convinced by one of my students last week to get my bum into gear and get it made.
Thought this would be ideal for my trip to the knitting and stitching show tomorrow with my colleagues from work.

I love the fact it has plenty of storage in it (never mind its massive) There are "hidden" pockets on each end and 6 pockets on the inside with elasticated tops.
The fabric is Arcadia by Moda, And covers everything I absolutely love, bright colours and great shapes and styles. Perfect.

I adore the lining in all the pockets adding extra colour to the bag, only thing I wish I could change would be making sure that the bag was totally reversable so these amazing fabrics seen inside could also be on the outside at some point.

I have included the divider in the bag, but for some reason I have a crease in this, and I might remove this as I'm not sure how useful this will be.

Thanks once again to Moda Bake shop and to Melissa of Polkadot chair who gave us this amazing tutorial on this bag. Made totally out of a layer cake and a charm pack, I have loads left over to create accessories for this bag as well!!

Christmas Stocking Swap

I'm sooooooo excited!!! Pop on over to Indigo Blue, she is arranging a christmas stocking swap. Would be lovely to see some of you lovely ladies there, joining in.


I have loads of ideas, can't wait to see what other people have for ideas as well. Hope you pop over quickly. don't want to see too many people dissapointed!

Click the picture to add yourself, (takes you to Indigo Blue's website where you can add yourself in her Comment box)

Hurry up and get yourself joined!!!!!!!!!!! You know you want to!!!

Update

I know I promised this sooner, I can only apologise for the delay with everything. The world seems to be travelling 20 times faster than I can handle right now. I have been poorly for the past few days, hence why this Thanks has taken its time to get out there into the blog-o-sphere.

Thank you ever so much Angela from Land of No Cooking. I won a giveaway over at hers, and by chance was visiting my parents (who don't live that far away from Angela when she delivered my prize)

Hope you don't mind Angela, I had to borrow your photograph as I have already started creating with these amazing fabrics before I had a chance to find the camera. She has got me perfectly, I have been admiring these fabrics from a far for a very long time! Very proud to say I am now an owner of some!! and the note cards and post-it notes are equally as gorgeous! Thank you!

The baby quilt is coming along really well, this was the last photograph I managed to take of it this evening before the light totally dissapeared. Trust me its alot less pink than it appears at the moment.

The pink fabric that the blocks are on is going to be the backing fabric, it's not actually creased its that the only fabric I could find that was big enough and the right colour was a Sainsbury's single fitted sheet, so the elastic is pulling it in a bit at the moment.

This is only half of the quilt, I aim to make another 6 patches to make it a little bit bigger, and the very lucky girl is going to have her name embroidered on the back of the quilt, in a way so that mummy and daddy could fold the top of the quilt over in the cot and see her name written. (Fingers crossed it works)

Thats all for now. Hope everything else is going well in the blogging world.

Ooo and keep your eyes open for a play it forward that's happening soon, I just got one but I must sleep now, will tell all you lovely people about it soon.

xx

AWOL

Sorry people I know I haven't posted in a wee while.

Its been mega manic around here recently. New job, commitments, moving house.

Last night my school had an open evening, and I feel like I've not sat down for a week.


More details of WIP's later.

My First Baby Quilt

Family friends have just had their first baby girl. Unfortunately they were expecting twins but I heard this girl is doing really well. Just a little bit early.

I decided I would make a quilt for the gorgeous little girl. As normal I thought it would be best to create a sample block before I actually plow my way into the real thing.

What do you think? I decided to try fabrics that would really stand out as different fabrics. The girl is going to be soo lucky in that her first hand made quilt will be made with moda fabrics in shades of white green blue and yellow.

What do you think? Wish me luck with my first ever baby quilt. Will give you an update when I get it finished hopefully in a few days time!xx

Evenings Entertainment.

My Brother came home from a shopping trip yesterday afternoon with this basket from a garden center meant for flowers but he wanted it making for his girlfriend to be able to make a picnic and take it out in central London for an afternoon.

Well this is what I came up with, he brought the gingham fabric himself and allowed me to have the freedom to do what I wanted with it.

I decided to fully line the inside of the basket including the lid. I just love the frills around the outside, I think it finishes it off quite nicely. very kitch and I hope that she likes it.

Im sure I am the same as most of you, once you start you just cant stop. So after creating the lining for the basket I then went on to create napkins to match. (Still not quite sure why my brother thought he would need 2 meters of fabric to line this little basket but never mind!!)

What do you think? It has made me think about items I can create with the rest of the gingham fabric to go with the basket. I am jealous myself, wish I had something like it, Im contimplating going back and seeing if there are any more. Think this would be brilliant on my sewing table fully of fabrics or threads. Having two seperate compartments would allow two totally different sides, maybe even different fabrics lining each side.

Next time more about the Halloween quilt block swap

xx

Current Creations

Well not that much has actually been going on in my world related to quilting etc.

Other than my mums birthday presents which I will post in the near future.

Got a friends wedding coming up soon and was finding it near impossible to get a card that was like the bride (as she is our friend) after buying the present and trying to buy wrapping paper, thats where my mind ran for a card. The sweet wrapping paper has butterflies and dragonflies on it, so I thought I would carry that theme with this on the card, and who could resist a matching gift card for the present while I was at it??

I have also been working on Jane's Halloween swap, These are doing really well so far. My 9 patch, are nearly there, ran out of purple fabric so had to find something similar, so 4 will be of slightly different fabrics.

The themed blocks of ghosts are great, I was hoping to get these all finished before I go away on holiday this weekend, but doesn't look like I will manage that, it takes me nearly a whole day to sew a whole block. So I will be taking the unfinished ones with me on holiday.

I am yet to sew the faces on, will be taking threads with me to complete once I have sewn all the bodies.

How is everyone else's blocks coming on? I love seeing peoples while I pop around the internet.

Unclaimed prize

Well I'm finding this really hard.

Yet again the winner of the lanyard hasn't come forward to claim their prize.

The first person to comment on this blog and email me will win it. The first person to complete both of these will have the prize in the post first thing on Friday.

You must email little_missoakden(AT)hotmail(DOT)co(DOT)uk.

Lots of you are well in chance of winning these. Please don't bicker over winning it.

If two lucky people email close together I will send out to both of you.

xx

A first and learning on the job

Well, I was aiming to create a couple of quilts as gifts during the summer holiday. So thought what better way of finding out if I can do this by creating one first. I have never created a complete quilt before.

I purchased some vintage fat quarters from a woman in America, which worked really well together (sorry I was so eager to start this quilt I didn't take any photographs before I cut it all up)

I worked on the principle of the wonky 9 patch. Not sure where I read about this but on someone’s blog they mentioned taking large squares piling them and simply cutting where you feel comfortable and reordering the pile and sewing them back together again.

I must admit I really enjoyed creating this top, except for the brief problems I had with my rotary cutter which soon sorted itself out when I cleaned all the fibres out of the blade.

I wanted to carry on this vintage feel with the back and the binding and remembered the fabrics I brought HERE. I wanted the orange floral print on the back, but wanted to create something that could also be used as a top if I wanted something different on the bed.

So using the remainder from the fat quarter I decided to create bricks, I feel this works really well.

The next challenge for me was the quilting itself, I have never tried this and have read so many people’s blogs saying how much they hated the quilting process or how often it had gone wrong!! this petrified me!

A family friend lovingly had lent me an embroidery machine for the weekend from the school she worked out. I really wanted to get my hands into this and have a real play. This was a real experiment trying this, being unsure if it was able to take such a thick fabric. But I’m really pleased I have. These little hearts are in the middle of every 9 square. and the bottom right one also has a button embroidered on it. So pleased with this. That was until...

I came to binding this, I realised that when binding I hadn’t quite smoothed the backing out on the quilt before I started basting it. Thankfully because of those bricks I was able to take the edge of those apart and fix the worst of bits. The back still isn’t perfect but it’s good enough for my first attempt and I have learnt plenty of lessons for next time.

Again I managed to find a vintage piece of fabric that worked really well with the rest of the quilt for the outside.

Unfortunately I didn’t have any vintage wadding, so this is the only thing that was new, But this was selvedged from left over’s so really still an eco/green quilt.

To finish it all off, I thought I should sign this, also wanted to remember finishing my teaching qualification this week. Luckily the machine I was leant was also able to write and after a couple of scribbles on scrap fabric came up with this.

All in all I think my first practice of creating a quilt went really well. and the whole experience took me less than 24 hours (although I know it will take me longer if I have to do this by hand!!!

What do you think???

Play it Forward

I love the idea behind Pay It Forwards no matter what shape or form they come in. I was fortunate enough to become involved in one, even though the crafter didn't particularly want to post outside of the US. I can't wait for this surprise to appear on my door step.

So... here it goes...The concept of a PIF occurs when acts of kindness are performed without expecting anything in return and are passed on, trusting that the recipients will do the same and Pay It Forward, resulting in a never ending chain of kindness.By signing on, my commitment is to make and send a gift to the first 3 friends who post a comment to this post requesting to join this exchange and who promise to Pay It Forward to 3 other persons, and so on.I am not exactly sure what my three gifts will be just yet, but I will assure you it will be a gift made by me and from my heart that I will send to you within the next 365 days. This way, it will be completely unexpected and will be that much more rewarding. By signing on, what YOU then have to do in return is to Pay It Forward by making the same announcement and commitment on YOUR blog. I am very excited to be participating in this wonderful venture and I hope you too will join me.If you are one of the first 3 that sign up, please be sure there is a way I can contact you through your blog or email so I can get your contact info.

For those of you out there that arn't quilters but follow my blog in some way, (or just happened to stumble across me by chance) that is fine as well. It doesn't have to be a quilt related project, can be absolutely anything you think is from the heart that someone else would like.

So... Who will be my 3 PIFs???

On another note, I have a great blog for you all tomorrow, my first complete quilt, from cutting to finishing binding in less that 24 hours!!! thats a record for me! Maybe I will break it one day!

xxx

New Announced Winner

Well, I think I have given enough notice for you to come forward to claim this prize.

So I am offering this again

The winner is Bev of My Wee stitchy Blog!!

Please contact me Bev and let me know your address to send a lanyard of your choice to.

Please also include what colours you would like this in

Louise

No News from Sally

Come on Sally,

This is your last chance to claim your prize, I've waited for you all week to hear back from you.

Please please please contact again before midnight GMT or I will be forced to choose another winner.

Sorry to do it but Its not fair for someone not to be enjoying this!!

Louise

Winner

Well, I know I have left this a little longer than I had originally offered. Had a very busy week, but no one has entered since the deadline anyway.

The soon to be proud new owner is someone very close to my own heart. She is also a Textiles Teacher, and she left me such a lovely message. Congratulations Sally, please Email me as soon as possible, with your address and what colours you particularly like.

On a slightly different note, I am getting ready to open my own shop on Folksy. I have several Lanyards left over from my recent sale at school. So keep your eyes open, you can always buy yourself one.

Congratulations again to Sally, and everyone pop back soon to find out about a PIF. Just got to think carefully about wording etc. so Till then.

Louise xx

Presents and a giveaway!!

Well I offically leave my final placement school on Friday and qualify as a Textiles Teacher. I really can't wait.

Iv been racking my brain for what I can buy some of the people who have really molded me during this year. Decided I should make them something a bit more personal.

The school has these lanyard things that lots of schools have, and to be perfectly honest they are pretty Naff. So I thought I would liven them up. Some teachers do have different Lanyards so I know they could have differnt ones.

This is what I created.

These were created from the same fabrics as I got for this. I really love the way they have turned out. As you see below. I thought I should practice one for myself first. Those of you that know me really well know i have issues with keeping track of my memory stick. So thought my first attempt should give me a chance 2 keep hold of this.

I made sure the front fabric was different than the back, and that they went together really well.

All of these lovely Lanyard have gorgeous homes to go to. But as an offer to you, I want to offer you one of these. Weather you want it for keeping your ID for work round your neck. Attach it to your keys, or to attach your ipod round your neck. What must you do? I really don't want a simple enter me. I want to hear what you would do with a lanyard if you won one of these lovelys, what your favorite colour/s are (so I can make one you would like).

Only one enterance each please. BUT you can get extra names put in my hat if you...

• Become a follower of my blog

and/or

• Write about me on your blog.

Please come back to me and post another comment telling me you have done this.

Best of luck to all of you. For every 25 people that comment I will make 1 lanyard so chances are quite high.

I will leave you now with a sample of the fabrics I have already created, to inspire you to enter my give away.

This give away will be open until Friday 5pm (GMT) any entries after this will not be counted. Sorry.

New handbag

Well I really don't know what the weather is like where you are but here its been absolutely gorgeous. My handbag I made a while ago (see here) looks a little bit wintery with sandles and lovely summery clothes.

So I dug out some gorgeous Amy Butler fabric that I fell in love with but thought I would never find something suitable for showing it off well enough. (BTW I brought this fabric as a reminant but had no idea of how much I had, I made this bag and still have a fair amount left over)
I have had this idea for a bag for ages but haven't had the courage to try it. would you believe it took me less than an hour to create it. Unfortunatly I didn't create a pattern I just cut and sewed. Would be a really simple one to make again though. Im really pleased with the way the handle turned out. Was going to carry on with the Amy Butler print but discovered this vintage piece of fabric that went really well with it. I also used this for the lining and felt using it for the handle broke the print up really well. Thought maybe at first it was going to be a bit too big but turns out its the perfect size.

My housemates feel I should create a pattern for this and share it with the world, I'm not so sure its good enough to do that.

If I could change it I would probably put pockets in side and somewhere to hang my keys. but thats a minor thing I can always do if I make this bag again.

So what do you think? Would you like to see this?? What have you done with this Amy Butler fabric?

Halloween Theme block swap 2009

Head on over to Jane's Fabrics and quilts she is hosting a

SPOOKTACULAR HALLOWEEN THEME BLOCK SWAP 2009

It looks so exciting even is Halloween is so far away. I saw it and signed up straight away, Iv thought over previous swaps that have come up and missed the chance once I made my mind up.

Jumped straight in and decided I was going to make Ghost's myself. Can't wait to get started and have already been looking at fabrics, the UK has nothing at all exciting for Halloween fabrics, hoping my friends in Canada and America will be kind enough to bring me some fabrics home during the summer.

I suggest you hop on over to her blog as soon as possible so you don't miss out to!!

P.S - Does anyone know how to put this picture in my sidebar so I can show off I'm on a swap??

Charity Shop finds!

Iv been staying with my parents this week as it is Half term here. I quite enjoy wandering around the charity shops with my mum and often come out with some amazing bits.

I haven't taken photographs of EVERYTHING as I really didn't want to bore you all. I brought a large box full of buttons. 15 Zips. some old patterns (most never used) several sewing books. lace, beads, buckles, pop studs, brooches. I also brought a large pile of old fabrics, some table clothes, some bed spreads and others just old cuts that have never even been used.

This is my most favorite thing I have found in a charity shop in ages. Thought it was perfect to photograph in front of my WIP my grandmother's garden quilt.

I Love that this mouse is doing the patchwork. If you look really closely the mouse also has a little tiny needle and thread to help her do this. I adore the way the tail curls up around her body.

So tell me do you go charity shopping / thrift shop shopping??? What is the best find you have found???

Quilt Block Swap May

My partner finally recieved her block today, so I can post about this.

It took me ages to ponder over what I was wanting to do for my partner. I had plenty of initial thoughts, but nothing quite seemed to fit my Partner. Getting to know her a bit better I finally decided on this one.

If you look really closely you will notice there are tiny little hearts on the red fabrics, I thought my partner might think I was crazy including a "this way up" sign, but Im sure she understood the reason for it!!

Took me ages but Im sure this perfectly suits my partner.

Fingers crossed mine will arrive soon as they were posted on similar days. I just don't understand the amount of flights etc across the big pond why it always seems to take sooo long for post to arrive. Oh well the wait will surely soon be over.

WIP

Well this week I am lucky enough to have another follower this week!!! WAHOOO!! That brings my followers up to 3! lol. Check out Evelyn's blog shes a very talented knitter, makes very cute baby things with a very gorgous family with 3 adorable cuties!!!!! Very jealous, wish I could knit as well as she can!!

Well progress for me this week, I have 2 very similar projects going on at the moment, both I plan to be christmas gifts, but not giving full details away at the moment because Im sure the person these gifts are for is reading this at some point!!!!

These strips were a real bargain at my local quilting shop!! can you believe I got over twice the amount in all these photo's for only £2!!!!!!! I had to go back a few days later and clear out their basket full, got plenty of ideas for these.

This one has a very christmassy theme and I plan for it to only be used during this time of the year. The other a much more all round theme (with any luck I might actually get this one finished for someone's birthday but I have a few months for that yet!!!

I aim to be making a few little gifts for people at work as I am leaving in 15 days, its sad to be going but I have an absolutely amazing job to go to!!! So good and bad points soming up soon!!

Hope to show you my creations at some point again soon, as those of you as lucky as me to have a week break this week enjoy what ever you are doing!

xx

Waste no Want Not

I needed one of those bags for carrying odds and ends in the bottom of your hand bag. This was the creation I came up with, based very much on the similar pattern as my pencil case . Totally made out of recycled fabrics and selvedges.
It tickled me and I didn't realise until afterwards about the selvedge that I chose for this bag. I find it quite funny I wanted this big enough to take Paracetamols and vaseline etc. and its a Quilt for a cure! lol.


I love these colours and think they work well together. Lots of work at uni at the moment, but its half term next week. Got one or 2 more WIP's to show you over the next few days and hopefully by next weekend one of those WIP's will be finished!!!

What are you up to at the moment???

School Projects

I made this for a group of low ability year 9 pupils that I am currently teaching in my placement school. The project is cushions, based around "make do and mend" to a particular theme of their fancy. I really wanted them to think about cushions of different shapes etc.

This was the only way I seemed to achieve this was by giving them examples to hold. I also tried to include some of the information they needed to include on their cushion. Such as 2 forms of decorative technique (applique and tucks)

I found this in a magazine for a soft toy which was slightly too small so blew it up on the photocopier to make it large enough to make a cute cushion. The kids absolutely loved it! and it really inspired them to think outside the box as well!!!