Fresh Lemons Lighthouse QAL

I've been following Fresh Lemons' blog for a while now, and she never fails to inspire or impress. Now, for some reason I get a mind block when it comes to paper/foundation piecing... Don't ask me why, maybe it's the fear of wasting fabric, or just working backwards. However, when I came across Faith's Lighthouse Quilt A Long, I thought I'd have a go, and this is my first block. It was very easy, though each piece only has one seam! But the over all affect when you sew all the blocks together is so beautiful, I can't wait to make more.

Well, I've completed one block, just a few more to go!

My new pin cushion

I have finally made myself a pin cushion, no more holes in the arms of the sofa! I've made it using English paper piecing, and stuffed it with crushed walnut shells, which due to their abrasive qualities, keeps the pins nice and sharp.

Mag candy

I was sooo excited to find the second issue of Love Patchwork & Quilting on my doorstep, and have enjoyed reading it as much as I did the first. Sometimes with these new mags, the first issue seems so promising, but then they seem to run out of puff and the next issues lack the power and enthusiasm of the first. However, this is certainly not the case with Love Quilting, the projects are so inspiring and give such a great insight into the new wonderful fabrics coming onto the market.

The tutorials are also excellent and easy to follow, I particularly look forward to having a go at raw edge applique, Brioni Greenberg's Petals And Pinwheels quilt is so beautiful, I just love the colours!

I also love Tula Pink's exclusive instructions for her Pixel Perfect quilt, her fabrics are a little mad to say the least, but they do make you smile. I do hope there are more pullout sections like this is future issues.

Blogger's Quilt Festival

This is great fun, Amy Creative Side holds this online quilt festival and features some amazing quilts to vote for - each pic links back to the quilter's website, soooo much to look at! Happy voting!

Lily's Quilts small blog meet

Lily's Quilts runs a wonderful blog hop for though of us out there who are slowly building their blogs and have less than 50 followers. Click on the link to visit and support other lovely blogs and maybe leave an encouraging comment.

A rediscovered love

I have rediscovered my love of english paper-piecing - since buying Quilting On The Go by Jessica Alexandrakis, I have been so inspired, I think these stars look lovely and fresh on the white...

 ..and I've delved into another hexie quilt, I just love the smaller size.

There does seem to be a great movement towards hand-sewing and piecing at the moment, I find it so relaxing to be able to do something quite repetitive and methodical in a peaceful environment, or watching a favourite film.

These are just a few of my current projects, and I'm happy to be linking up with Fresh Sewing Day at Lily's Quilts.

BlogThis!

Pudsey and Christmas

Well, its that time of year again, Children in Need, and I'm taking part in BBC Hereford & Worcester local radio's attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest string of bunting ever! Now, I'm not the greatest fan of bunting, but our first bunting-fest in a local bar was great fun.. red wine always helps! And we even had a special guest!

We're having another bunt-a-thon at work on Monday, hopefully with a lot of help from our wonderful customers, we'll manage to get some metres done between us! Watch this space.

And of course, after Children in Need, Christmas is only around the corner. I thought I'd start early for the shop window this year, and was inspired by Stuart's Hillard's medallion quilt in a recent mag. Mine just had to start with a Swoon Block, then I've always wanted to try the Orange Peel block, and really like it. I also like the effect created by turning the reds in the quarter square triangles.

I have jazzed up the corners of the simple border with some english paper-pieced hexagons and stars, and then also added my latest discovery, a dresden plate. I loved using the template and will be making many more of these lovely blocks.

I've decided, maybe foolishly, to hand quilt using a large stitch and embroidery thread, hopefully it will be finished it time! The only Christmas thing about this quilt is the fabric, so it could be made with any fabrics…