Inspiration!

Its amazing where we find inspiration. I have to show you this lovely little cotton blanket/throw my wonderful mum bought me for Christmas. I have started to look for similar coloured fabrics so that I can make something to go with it. I just love the lacy edges. I hope the photo does the wonderful colours justice.

Last weekend my daughter dragged me off to Darling Harbour for the Fashion Expo. I'm kidding - I didn't have to be dragged, what sane woman would not like to see those massive halls filled with fashion, handbags, jewelery and shoes, yes shoes?? It was great to see what's coming to a store near you! After oooing and aahhing all morning we finished the expo and headed to Kinokunia bookstore in George Street. I have never been before and was totally awestruck. My daughter was able to snaffle some great fashion and pattern books (they had 20% off all craft books - sale might still be on?) and I was in my element in the quilting and craft section. I managed to pick up Robert Shaw's book which has the original Phebe Warner Coverlet in. Lovely book. I also got stuck for quite a while in the Japanese section.

Bought these lovely books - such a shame I can't read them - but the photos are just glorious. This first book is by Yoko Saito and has some fabulous patchwork bags. She does some incredible work.The Quilts Japan also has some great pictures - like I said, very inspirational.
I'm a sucker for anything to do with hexagons, so these little bits and pieces just have to go on the 'to do' list.
The last thing I have to show you is my
progress on the Ice Cream Quilt.
This is just a doddle - I'm not a machine person at all but this is just fabulous for all those like me who like their hand work but would like a bit of a quick fix quilt too. I've only got four more 'rounds' to go and the reason I haven't done them yet is that I can't decide which fabrics to use. I want to make sure the last few rounds fit because I'm really pleased with the look of the colours so far. They looked a bit dark in the pile but seem to have 'lightened' up as I've stitched them - yes I'm going a little crazy. Hope you like it!

Ice Cream Quilt

Hi Everyone,

After seeing all the inspiration on various blogs I have finally started my own Ice Cream Quilt. Although I think at the moment mine is looking a little more 'gelato'than ice cream. The cutting instructions in Kaffe's book are just fabulous (apart from the little error on round 8 with Log B which should be 33 and a half inches). I'm challenging myself to do two rounds each day to see how quickly it grows. Might end up being one round a day as they get a bit bigger and I get busier! Here's what it looks like so far...


As I said, a bit more like gelato than ice cream! I have found myself going through the stash and thinking about Ice Cream Quilts for all sorts of bits and pieces that I have. These fabrics might look good together too.....

This lot of fabrics are brighter again so might be more like lollipops than ice cream. My aim is to finish at least one of these so that by winter time I can sit and try my hand at some hand quilting. I think it might be a good one to practise on because I can get away with the stitches being quite naive. Love that word! Makes all those little wonky bits I do sound cool.

I''d love to know if anyone else is having a go at this quilt and see what colours people decided to use.

Have a great day!
Kathryn.

Getting the Hang of It!

Hi Everyone,
Thank you so much for your kind comments and lovely emails. There are so many helpful and sharing people out there. I hope I'm replying the correct way. If I missed you it's because I'm just learning! Sorry.

Thanks for the feedback on my header quilt. It is my own design and I used a little bit of a few different antique quilts. The centre idea is from Aunty Green.

This week I have been getting another block ready for a block of the month I am doing from Post Office Patchwork at Glenbrook. The original quilt features in the book "Classic Quilts from the American Museum in Britain". Here's a picture of the original quilt


I have managed to put together two blocks so far. I wanted to go into less traditional Baltimore colours and more muted pinks, mustards etc. I don't know that I've quite got what I want yet but time will tell as blocks begin to evolve.

I am so inspired by Janet http://quiltsalott.blogspot.com/ that I am thinking of starting the Susan McCord Vine. Just my cup of tea. If I'm reading the instructions correctly - and I've only browsed so far - it looks like there are 2847 leaves to make. Definitely a long term project!

I'm almost finished my Lynne Alchin version of Anne Daggs quilt which Lynne calls the Rochester Medallion. Photo will follow shortly if I can organise myself to finish it before I return to work this week.

I'll have to work on the quality of my photos. I've still got my 'L' plates on!

Thanks for visiting. Kathryn.

My beginning blog!!

Hi everyone,
Just testing out my ability to become a blogger. I have been reading many blog sites over my holidays and love to read what other quilters are doing. Hopefully some of you will enjoy what I have to say.

Kathryn