Going Dutch Again, & Two New Quilt Kits

When Justin plans our holidays, he likes to take inspiration from a favourite film, “Planes, Trains & Automobiles” – though this time it was a ship instead of a plane… so our week in the Netherlands started with a pleasantly smooth overnight ferry from Hull to Rotterdam. The fun really started the next morning when we realised that by updating the SatNav the night before, we’d somehow deleted the European maps… oops!

So, a little longer and a little more stressed than planned, we finally arrived at Duinrell Campsite to our cabin for the next few days. Apparently our accommodation had only been finished a few days ago, so we were the first to use it! This one had three bedrooms, a fitted kitchen and bathroom (with constant hot water) and a beautiful covered deck. Alas, the day we arrived was the only time we saw the sun - we managed a couple of wet bike rides to the sea, and a trip into Den Haag, but the highlight of the trip was the beautiful town of Wassenaar… and the food!

With its elegant architecture, cute cobbled lanes, and pretty brick houses, this town couldn’t be more Dutch! And the cherry on top has to be the impressive number of restaurants - all within walking distance - including a Greek (amazing pork), Italian (best king prawns ever), an American Diner (the flank steak was perfect), a traditional Dutch (so happy to catch the asparagus season) and to finish our night off in style, a gorgeous ice-cream parlour! So yeah, the weather might have let us down, but man did we eat well!!

Still, I shouldn’t complain about the weather too much, I did have some time to make a start on my Perpetual Spring EPP project, one of my May is for Makers purchases.

I’m really enjoying the piecing, and curved seams aren’t as daunting as I first thought! Flossie Teacakes’ instructions are easy to follow, and once you get into the flow, you’ve made two flowers before you know it! By the way, if you are an EPP fan like me, you have got to check out Florence's latest design, The Peony - absolutely beautiful!

Meanwhile, at Sewmotion HQ

As promised, I have finally been able to take some pics of our two new kits and get them uploaded into the shop. The first is another Quick & Easy Beginner’s Quilt Kit, this one features Riley Blakes’ Keep On Groovin’ collection, plus a couple of matching Kona Solids.

These kits are great for someone new to quilting  - the co-ordinating squares are all pre-cut, so rather than worrying about choosing fabrics and the cutting, you can get right on with the sewing! If you need a little extra help you can follow my comprehensive free tutorial online as you go. 

Our second quilt kit is this cute Baby Quilt featuring Riley Blake’s Teddy Bear’s Picnic range, with an added white-on-white print and some blue Kona for the binding.

This kit is slightly more advanced in that you have to cut the white fabric yourself, and you also use a couple of quilting techniques – fussy cutting and creating a four-patch from charm squares. This quilt is also sewn on-point, which may be another new technique to some.

Both of these kits are obviously also great for more experienced quilters looking for a new project, the Quick & Easy kit would make a great weekend make, and the cot quilt would make a beautiful gift for a new arrival, be it a boy or a girl.

As an introductory offer, we are offering our Newsletter subscribers the chance to purchase the Teddy Bears’ Picnic Cot Quilt kit for £30 (normal price £35.00) To sign-up to our monthly Newsletter and take advantage of this limited offer, please click below.

Upcoming events

We will be at the Great British Food Festival on 11^th and 12^th June (10am-5pm). You will find us in the Arts & Crafts marquee where we’ll be selling our handmade gifts including purses, glasses cases, make-up pouches and novelty cushions, as well as our collection of pre-cut quilt and cushions kits. If you’re in the area why not pop along for a day of fine food, live music and a special shopping treat.

If you're looking for more quilt-inspired fun, visit these great Linky Parties;

Let's Bee Social at Sew Fresh Quilts

Sew Cute Tuesday at Blossom Heart Quilts