CHARM ABOUT YOU

Added in a few metallic prints for a little sparkle and it was a quick block to sew. Actually I would like a whole quilt of these, wouldn't that look amazing! Modern and graphic. Combined with the other blocks in the quilt though it really does look like sweet little treats.

My sister is pregnant and this quilt will be for my new niece or nephew. We chose the fabrics together and it was a lot of fun! I actually changed my mind about the main print for the crown and I think this blue print works really well, almost like it is shining. The star uses mainly Carrie Bloomston prints and I love how the navy print looks like twinkling stars.

My youngest star has started school and is really enjoying herself! Our last few afternoons (before she went full time) were spent doing all the wonderful things we enjoy doing together. Painting - usually I do the outline and she fills it in:

Currently my household has suffered a horrible bout of gastroenteritis, myself included, and my son has badly sprained his foot. The three kids are tucked up on the sofa watching a movie and I'm hoping they might be able to enjoy the sunshine later today if they perk up a bit.

Please forgive the horrible cropping of the first couple of blocks, it's just the best I can do right now and they would not lie flat!

I decided to go back to some English paper piecing, I've been doing a lot of hand piecing so it made a nice change. It also gave me a chance to test out the fabulous Fil Au Chinois Gloving Thread from Sajou*. I've been using it in combination with the Milliners Size 11 by Richard Hemming & Son needles from Sunny Day Supply. I'm really pleased, the stitches are almost invisible and it's a definite improvement. 

As always I chose the fabrics for the blocks based on the letters in the The Farmer's Wife 1930s Sampler Quilt, I really enjoy picking out fabrics and one of favourite things about the Sew-along is reading the letters!

#9 Autumn

I fussy cut some Shibuya, Tokyo Train Ride by Sarah Watts to represent the children and the Doe weave print is for the work and business. The beautiful Coquette print by Art Gallery Fabrics (from Patchfinders) is perfect for the "relaxation of both mind and body". I would love to have a "little siesta" but I can't imagine the trouble the three year old could get into! Instead my "precious half-hour" comes after bed time.

I'm still missing some blocks out and that's ok. There's so many gorgeous blocks being made in the facebook group, it's full of inspiration!

Think I will join the kids on the sofa and this week I would like to get some things checked off my FAL list so wish me luck with that :)

*If you click the link to Sajou and make a purchase you and I will both receive a €5.00 voucher so we can buy more goodies! Once you've registered you will get a code to share with people too.

There's an awful lot going on in my world. I feel like doing a Bill and Ted, shouting 'excellent!' and playing air guitar... well I would if the kids hadn't totally worn me out ;)

I have a lot of upcoming sewing related things and plenty to do, so I have been trying to crack on with getting my WIPs done. First 'to sew' on my list is my Star Crossed Quilt. I had my pieces already all cut out and sitting on my desk and today was spent chain piecing:

This is a great pattern and should come together quickly.

I also finished up an Etsy commission this week. It was a custom order for a very special and personal embroidered cushion, I didn't ask permission to share so here's a peek of part of the embroidery:

I had an exciting delivery today, The Farmer's Wife 1930s Sampler Quilt book:

Having seen the book all over social media I thought I had an idea of what it would be like but I was blown away. This book is STUNNING. I haven't really had time to sit and digest it yet but even a quick flick through impressed me. The colours and fabrics are beautiful and the blocks are fabulous. And hello?!! A block with my name!  If you don't have a copy I would highly recommend buying one or seeing if it's available at your local library.

* edited to add - see my FREE TUTORIAL on hand piecing, it's so easy and how these blocks were sewn! *

I am thrilled to be part of the upcoming Sew-Along with the Fat Quarter Shop and Gnome Angel as a guest blogger. I will be sharing my blocks and, most likely, either hand sewing or English Paper Piecing them.

Today the Jaybird Quilt Sew Along starts at Sew Sweetness. There will be some fabulous reviews and makes from a talented group of bloggers over the next few weeks and then there's an AMAZING competition!