Sew Sew Sew.

I have been finishing up bits and pieces this week

One of my first projects was to make a cover for this little buddy...My Kenwood.

Kenny ( I know not the most original name)  sits on my kitchen bench.  Although if I had the cupboard space I would put him away, but then I don't think I would use him as much if he was tucked away. 

Well, he was getting a bit dusty ( as things do) and thought that he needed a cover and this is where this little parcel came to my rescue..... 1/2 yard of Summerville Oil Cloth (or Laminate.)

Before I got to even sew I realised that I needed another small piece, so back to Lucie's shop on Etsy and another FQ bought....that should do it! (Lucie must think I am mad)

I have never used Laminated fabric before so there was some unpicking and a bit of fussing with the  settings on the sewing machine to accommodate for the thickness of the fabric but really I was very happy with the final product.

 ( Don't mind those rotten tiles in the background...the are going very, very soon.....)

I have also been making some cards for when I (hope) to sell a few quilts.  I thought that I could put the washing instructions on the back so the buyer will know the best way to look after their quilt.

It's a great way to use up bits of fabric that you have in the scrap box.

My cushion was stuffed with some old stuffing but I think it may need some more.

And some quilting was done...two quilts to finish for the Finish a long that Rhonda is hosting.  

I have to get these finished before the end of the month....better get cracking on them.....

It is really my first time trying FMQ to quilt.  I'm a straight line gal so it has been a challenge.

Mmm a cup of tea is well deserved I think before I get cracking on the binding.

Happy Sewing!

Erin

Free Motion Quilting Friday....

Can you believe this...I'm posting my FMQ to link up with Cindy...I'm feeling a wee excited that I am so organised this week.  Usually the FMQ task is lagging behind and squeezed into Saturday or Sunday.

This week Cindy of Fluffy Sheep Quilting had us trying .......... Superstar

 It did take me a little while to find my way but I found that I turned the fabric at each point, my lines seemed to be straighter then and therefore kept the shape of the stat.

Oh if you should think that you may need to sneeze....it might be a good idea to stop, as I found.

 I chose to use yellow thread for my Superstar...maybe I should have chosen a different colour to show off the sewing.

I wonder what she will have in store for us next week....Looking forward to it already Cindy.

Thanks to all that suggested ideas for the binding, I will bring them out again this weekend and make my final decision on what to do.

And I have found a new home for my fabric, Now I need to find a new home for the DVDs.

(Hubby doesn't know this yet)

Oh and Happy Thanksgiving to all in the US.  Hope you all had a great day.

FMQ with H2.....OOOh no!!!

Is it Friday you ask...No unfortunately not, but with my Christmas shopping finished off yesterday, (so I'm organised for some things.) my only day for sewing was today.

H20 is the challenge this week...thanks Cindy...it was a challenge.  Circles are far from perfect. 

 I don't know if anyone else has this problem, but I find that each week I do these samples,  I finish with a very tense back.  The concentration is immense and I end up scrunching up my shoulders and bending over to be closer to the needle..... A good posture for sewing goes completely out the window.

No I don't think these are H2O, but some aliens maybe from out of space...maybe I should have used green thread.

Now believe it or not I did the FMQ Star challenge too and all the advice to give you is to pivot your needle at each point of the star to get a straight line....Oh and if you feel like you are going to sneeze...STOP......

Enjoy your week!  Erin

FMQ Friday Pine Needles and My New Fabric Stash.

You may not believe this but fabric stores in Ireland are few and far between.

It can get frustrating at times so when you can get your hands on quilting supplies, you can go a little bit crazy.

The Knitting and Stitching show was on this weekend in Dublin, (along with some bulls) so I headed over to get a few bits and bobs.  New larger mat, cutting rulers, freezer paper, bobbins (good idea Eva). 

I didn't spend much time there, as it was packed.  The stalls were really more for traditional quilters so no fabric was bought. And to be honest I don't even like shopping on a Saturday with crowds, so this was defiantly not my scene.  I like to just swan around like you can in a book store...take my time.  But it really was like 2000  bulls in a china shop so after an hour I legged it.

When I got home the postman had kindly left something behind the flower pot at the front door.

Now that's shopping for you!...Jealous?

I was really disappointed when Fabric Worm ran out of Daisy Chain (Prints Charming) and I wasn't leaving it to chance to wait to see if it was coming back in so I headed to  Charm Stitch at Etsy.  And there it was. 

 Expensive but well worth it.  ( Months fabric budget blown in one go)

But really I still have this.....

Jay - Cyn Designs

And this to use...

Kona Solids from River Fabrics

Head down now Erin no excuses not to start.

I am loving this FMQ each week.  It really puts me out of my comfort zone and this little bit of homework for me each week is playing on my mind all week to finish

(Oh, how it comes around so quickly) 

It also finishes up all my almost empty bobbins and my scraps of batting. 

(Yes I'm a hoarder...and I get it from my Grandmother)

So here it is.....Well some of it. 

(look right to left)

When I started , I sewed a line down the block.  It was easier to concentrate on the pine needles and not think of the straightness of the line....so I found out in the third line.

(Because I didn't stick to logical thinking on this line).

I was playing around with the angle of the pine needle and then realised how messy it looks. So yes you need to keep the angle the same for each pine needle....

And then........I started thinking.  (light bulb please)  Pine Needles, Christmas Tree....Presents......

And this is what happened.



Oh... the power of  media.

My Free Motion Quilting- Chipped Square Tiles.

I was looking forward to trying out this weeks FMQ task.  I can see myself using these tiles on a quilt in the future...but as you can see a bit more practise will be needed.

I turned down my speed and put my length of stitch on 0 and off I went. The top row was started in the middle of the piece but by the third row, I found it easier to sew the squares vertically rather than horizontally.
Again I did find if I lost concentration, or over concentrated on a tile, I would loose it and a chipped tile would be the end result...Ops!
My 5th and 6th row was trying out my creative impression of slate tiles...ordered and inspired to think outside of the box/tile by Rebecca at Making Rebecca Lynne.

Some are showing what gloves they use for FMQ this week.  I don't usually use any but tried the tiles out this week with my cotton gloves (no rubber tips) and found them ok to use.  I usually use these so I don't dirty my quilts while quilting, not for grip.

Sorry no socks today.
Am trying to finish up a few projects at the moment before I start any new quilts, so no other photos to show.
Anyone interested in linking up and trying out some FMQ, Check out Cindy's blog every Friday at Fluffy Sheep Quilting.

(Now in between starting to write this blog and getting photos uploaded, I have finished my Across the Sea Quilt...only a few weeks behind, so fingers crossed the sun comes out tomorrow for some photos.)

Thanks for dropping by.  Erin