rushing

Where on earth has this week gone!!  Normally I will at least check on my fave blogs to see whats happening out there, but I havn't even done that this week!

Anyway, here are my next lot of fabrics for the mystery quilt along, hosted by Sheila.  There are a good number of blocks on there already so take a look (and why can't I see mine unless I actually log in - even on someone elses computer: I've obviously done something wrong somewhere!!)

And now I am rushing out to flower club, having only got in an hour ago, had tea, got changed and managed a quick chat to my friend (Hi Kim!) who also reads my blog and made me think that I havn't done anything for a few days!  Hopefully I can get some good pics of the flowers and will post them later

More of the Same

I have been a good mum and house keeper this weekend.  Took Jenny out yesterday to view her future, so no sewing done.  Today I worked very hard in the garden which now looks much better, and then took Bex in to Colchester for her dance exam (results should be out in two weeks or so).  Then came home, did some more gardening and then started on the house!

So, after we had had tea, I decided I had to do a little bit of sewing and I am completely hooked on these bibs, so made one of those, then decided to do a 'sickie' cloth and then felt the need to finish of with a little basket.

I'm not entirely sure what to do with them.  Obvioulsy they will be great for Zoe, if she has a girl, but they are not very boyish!  The girls want me to get a table at the church summer fete and sell my wares, but I never feel comfortable selling my stuff - mostly I am terrified that I would sew loads of things, no-one would buy them and then I would be left with a lot of things I wouldn't use.

So, hopefully Zoe will have a little girl - only 11 weeks till we find out (and only 3 till the wedding!)

University

Jenny and I have been to Chelmsford today to take to take a look around Anglia Ruskin University.  She would like to study child nursing and the only way in to nursing these days is via the degree courses.  For every 20 applicants there is one place!!  Chelmsford is only about 20 miles from us and if money allows then Jen would like to live on campus (and just come home when she needs stuff to go in the washing machine!!)

The campus was really nice and modern - they have done a lot of work over the last few years here.  We have others to look at  but this was the first.  Its so scary, how can my baby be old enough to go to Uni next year!!

 Anyway, seeing as we were there, it seemed a shame not to go to the market and stock up on a few things.  (This is a really lame excuse, as whilst I don't work every day in Chelmsford, my job is based here and I am usually in town every 1 - 2 weeks!)  I picked up some nice heart material and some lovely purple dotted material, although I am not sure what colour the photo shows it as!!

And picked up a few zips as well.  Since I have made the zipper bag, and a few more since, I am no longer afraid of zips!

Tomorrow is all about Beccy - she has a dance exam in Colchester - about 20 mins the other way, so am looking forward to going to watch that.

Mystery quilt

Here is my 1st block of the mystery quilt along that Sheila is doing.  I have finished by the skin of my teeth as I have to be out of the door in 5 minutes to vote and pick up children!

It was really easy and quick to do.  My only dilemma was what fabric to use and then I remebered by sister in law bought me some for my birthday, it appears to be just made for this.  They were only fat quarters though, so what do I do for my next block - track down some more of this fabric, or, as I think I am inclined to do, stick with the colours, but find different patterns.....

Leftovers

So, today I have made a cushion cover from the left overs of Tim and Zoes quilt (this picture is upside down and I don't know how to change it, but it doesn't make any difference to the cushion!)

I got the pattern from here: quilterscache  This is a fantastic website, with zillions of block patterns.  You can search by block size or name of block - a great idea if you want a specific block.  I have used this site lots of times. In fact, I got this pattern : blue quilt from there.  Definately worth checking out.

Back to work tomorrow, I have definatelty enjoyed this extra long weekend.  Roll on half term week, I am next off then!

photos

No nice sewing pictures, just pictures of pictures (or photos!)

 This is one of those horrible jobs that has been waiting to be done, sorting through at least 18 years worth of phots to put in to albums.  There were photos everywhere.  We did manage to get some sorted and grouped together and in to albums - but this is going to be a long job.

The girls really enjoyed looking at the older photos - Beccy even took photos of some of them and put them straight on to Facebook - I darn't even look!

Its finished

Finally - it's finished!  My wedding present is finished for Zoe and Tims wedding

I am so pleased with it, and am sure Zoe will love it too, which is all that counts!

 On and off it has taken about 10 months to complete - it all started with a jelly roll, Mill House Inn by Fig Tree quilts, along with some white that I already had.  I added an extra row for this quilt, which also meant that I had to order an additional charm pack for a few odds and ends

Its all hand quilted - I quilted 'in the ditch' around the stars in red thread and then quilted in green thread through the four green squares.  I quilted a plait pattern down two of the sides

I have sewn this on the back of the quilt, to commemerate the day.

I have been quilting all weekend.  I know the wedding isn't for a month, but wanted to know that this was all complete.  And also, I knew if I finished it in time, I could put it on to Lilys Quilts, Fresh sewing day.

P.S - ignore the garden: its a work in progress: I was doing a lot of work in the garden yesterday, but at the other end!