Shopping!

We all like a bit of shopping don't we?

Well I visited my local fabric shop yesterday and bought a few bits and pieces.

I met the owner there and cheekily gave her some feedback on some of her products.  They have just started stocking lovely trimmings from VV Rouleaux and Liberty and such and I have added to my collection on every visit as you can see here.

Yesterday's trimmings

The growing collection....

So I gave my hearty approbation of these but turning to her knitting wool asked if she would stock something a bit more interesting than the acrylic yarn she curently has.  I suggested Debbie Bliss Cashmerino as I like to knit and crochet with those yarns in lovely colours.  She explained that her customers seem to ask for this type of yarn (?) - it is cheaper and washable, I know - and hasn't the room in this shop to stock more wool but is trying to find bigger premises.  Perhaps some improvement in the offing...?






They also stock some quilting fabrics among the dress, upholstery and every  other variety of fabric they carry.  They have a very few pre-cuts and otherwise sell off the bolt but do not cut fat quarters.  They also stock some fat quarter bundles in the oddest selection but nicely tied up with ribbon.  I have now found out that they buy them in - which I am glad about as I would seriously doubt their judgement if they admitted to putting them together themselves.  My problem is that I ask every birthday and Christmas for fabric that the children have chosen but they will go for these odd assortments and I end up with something that just doesn't go together and hence cannot make anything with.   It is frustrating as the object for me was to make something out of the fabrics they had chosen ..anyway I have given my feedback and she has taken my email so I will wait to see what - if anything - happens!    End of rant!!


I'd rather end up with these lovelies

I went to the bookshop as well and bought this little book. 

I have another by the same author which set me off making yards of bunting.  She has been featured on TV with Kirstie Allsopp making a quilted stocking for Christmas and runs courses in several local quilt shops - but I haven't been on one.... yet!?


I am all set to do some little stitcheries inspired by this book and many blog sites, espcially with some of the lovely cotton perle thread I have been buying, possibly in lieu of quilting, but I have yet to choose my project.


Ooh I am planning and scheming and objects of great loveliness are dancing in my head - whether they will get started or will be as lovely when/if I get around to making them is of course another matter...


In the meantime notice something different about Cyril?

Here's a close up

Just couldn't resist one more tiny embellishment...






Nicky

Garden Quilt

Here is another one I did earlier - another quilt from my past.  Now as this was completed some time ago I am completely at sea about the details, apart from the very useful label on the back which tells me that I worked on this quilt from 13 November '08 - 21 January '09. 


I do remember it was another course at my LQS but I cannot remember my teacher.  This was the only course I did with her but I assure you she was very nice indeed.   Her own sample quilt was in taupe and neutral colours, I seem to remember...


Edit:  I have found my paperwork on this workshop, called Simple Applique Flowers, which was with Sylvia Williams in November 2008.


,

The flowers are bonded on and I have herringbone stitched around each one in embroidery floss in different but complimentary colours. 

 I always used to get so confused with herringbone stitch until this quilt came along.  I always ended up stitching in the opposite direction....and put this down to my left-handedness!  Grrr! 

 I have to admit I am absolutely useless at giving directions - my husband asks me do you mean my left (ie right) or your left when I am the navigator - sorry no satnav or similar with us - maps only and sadly me reading them.  I always have to turn the map around to help me decide which way to go - just cannot do it in my head.

The quilting is very simple, by hand outline round the flowers and squares and two concentric circles on every plain alternate square.  There is a purple border all around and I have stitched my daughter's name on as if it was a slimy trail from this little chap which I drew on and stitched over.   

I think he is a good snail - if there is such a thing - and reminds me very much of Brian from the Magic Roundabout - for those of you old enough to remember - minus the hat and scarf or course! 

   

Now I feel I ought to say "it's time for bed!"  although it may not be in your case....and certainly isn't in mine!




Nicky

Here is one I finished earlier!

This is a project I picked up on-line from the Calico Horse at Moda Bakeshop and was trying to finish for Christmas 2010.  Obviously I didn't quite make that deadline but it is ready for 2011!  Yeah!

It uses lots of 2" squares to make a pointillist picture of a Christmas wreath - Seurat would be proud!  You do have to stand back a bit to get the wreath shape but it actually was very easy to do and should not have taken as long as it did.

I changed things a bit by sewing on yo-yos for the berries, instead of using red squares - that's where I got bogged down a bit - suddenly realised I didn't like making loads of those and stitching them on. :)   I also embroidered holly leaves in chain stitch on the wreath but they don't show up much unless you get close.  I may add a few more leaves in a darker green. 

Anyway it looks nice on my lime green wall in the dining room and that's where it will be in December

What are you making for Christmas!

Nicky