Going round in circles

I know it seems I'm getting a little addicted to Denyse Schimdt's Shelburne Falls fabrics, but recently I've seen quite a few quilt and cushion designs based on the simple circle and thought this shape could show off these fabrics really well.  I have tried various methods of appliqueing circles, and wanted something a bit more pronounced. So when I came across Purl Bee's method, I thought 'that's the one' and had a go. Using iron-on vilene means the circles stick to the base fabric a lot better than freezer paper, you still need a couple of pins to hold them in place as you sew, but the circles are definitely a lot more secure.

 

I have used a lovely soft cotton as a base, to be honest this did start as a cushion cover, but having cut such a large piece for the base, it may be turning into a quilt... maybe add a couple of pieced borders... who knows!

Work is busier than ever, which is great for the shop, not so good when I'm wanting to start a new project! Finally a day off to myself - sunshine beaming through the window, John Grisham's The Racketeer on iTunes, and a new block completed. I have seriously fallen in love with the Swoon Block, inspired Beth de Maille's Pinterest board I thought I would try one for my quilted pictures.
 

I've also been looking forward to using Denyse Schmidt's new Shelburne Falls fabrics, (available at Doughtysonline) I think the small prints lend themselves well to such an intricate block.

I quilted using a white thread just to give some definition, now I just have to frame it!

I recently went to a talk by Philippa Naylor, a truly inspiring quilter, and lady! Not only is her history fascinating, its also highly entertaining - she had Leominster Quilters in fits of laughter. As for her quilts, the colours are stunning - mostly self-dyed - the quilting is sublime, especially the use of trapunto, and her lists of awards is very well deserving.

http://www.philippanaylor.com/index.html

If you ever get a chance to attend one of her talks, or even her workshops, do it, you won't regret it. If not, her book is truly inspiring, I've had a go at my own feather quilting, and had some interesting results, but I'm improving! Watch this space.