Quarantine Quilting

Gosh - a long time has passed by

2011-09-05T14:55:00.000-07:00

I hadn't realised how long it has been since I last blogged. I have been SO busy working on quilt.s

Here's a picture of my show winner :)

I've also been busy making these.

Gum Tree Designers new branding and giveaway

2011-01-22T14:04:00.000-08:00

Head on over to http://www.gumtree-designers.com/ where you can meet the wonderful ladies of Gum Tree Designers. They have brand new branding.

This is one of the designs I made up using three of the 2009 designs.

Head on over to Helen Stubbings at Hugs and Kisses.......

2010-11-30T08:59:00.001-08:00

Because she's having an amazing giveaway.

Merry Christmas to you Helen!

http://hugsnkisses.typepad.com/hugsfromhelen/2010/11/a-week-of-christmas-cheer-at-hugs-n-kisses.html

Finishing things off

2010-10-30T13:06:00.000-07:00

I have been so busy this week. I have finished multiple items which is great. Firstly though, I wanted to show you the quilt I made for Flo my Austrian Son!

He loves it, which is fortunate. I am seriously considering making myself another one of these quilts as I really enjoy the effect.

Secondly I have completed my twin niece and nephews quilts. over 40 metres of bias binding in these guys - phew - what an ache that was.

Thirdly yesterday I made this, my doctor's bag.

Very pleased, am I! Last night I must have received three different orders for one of these bags!

I am on holiday and I am busy!

2010-10-24T14:50:00.000-07:00

I have been very very busy this week. I have completed (except for one border that refuses to be the right size :) ) my own design with a bit of help (Thanks DEB) QAYG Queensize quilt. This is the first quilt I've actually made for me!

The prints are a lovely autumn/fall mix of leaves spots and sunflowers, so I gave named my quilt - Falling into Chocolate. It's so lovely :)

As I am on holiday I have many projects I want to complete. First off I must do my tax return :(, secondly I must finish my kaleidoscope project

This is the fabric I am using. Thirdly, I need to clear my sewing room as my new machine will be arriving this week. I have ordered a Juki semi-industrial HZL-600 and I am very excited. These machines have been available overseas for some time and not been available in Australia. However, I have found a man who has found a loop-hole and my machine should arrive on Wednesday! Yey!!!!

Getting a new machine got me thinking. What machine do you have? Leave a post to let me know.

Rachelle x

Early morning sewing

2010-10-09T15:15:00.000-07:00

OK, so it's like this. My dear daughter Stephanie has chooks. Unfortunately two of aforementioned chooks are boys - ie - crowing at Oh My God O'Clock every morning! So, mother of daughter is running around the garden at 4am trying to shush roosters which are actually not allowed to be here. Fortunately at 2pm today they will be leaving to go to a farm. Yey!

Of course having been up so early, I thought I could catch up on some sewing. I watched the moon go down and the sun rise (yes- that early!) and started to finish my stack n slash that Deb taught me yesterday. However, I was very conscious that the children were still sleeping (actually I think the rest of the world was) so I designed a new form of sewing - tent sewing! Much quieter if somewhat inconvenient. I only sewed the towel twice.

Of course, I am always accompanied by my trusty canine's.

Jeffrey and Jasper

Stitching and the commonwealth games

2010-10-07T02:54:00.000-07:00

How exciting. Today I'm posting to my blog, while stitching, while watching the Commonwealth games! I love my iPhone :) I have found some of the most amazing applications for quilting for my iPhone. My favorite is definitely iquilt.

Anyway I am finally getting around to stitching the ovely stitcheries from the wonderful gumtree stitchers. Lovely!

My nephew Lachlan's jigsaw quilt

2010-10-04T15:44:00.000-07:00

I have made this quilt for my nephew Lachlan. I need to make another identical one for his twin sister Riley. They live in Aberdeen, so I thought it would be nice to use lovely Aussie animal prints for them. I LOVE orange!

Cathedral Windows table runner

2010-10-04T15:39:00.000-07:00

This is a table runner that I made in a workshop at ButtonTree Quilts. The workshop was with Meg Orr. I quite like it!

I'm back!

2010-10-04T15:26:00.000-07:00

It has been a while, but I am back in blog-land! I have been busy raising my ever growing family and busy completing some wonderful projects.

One of the wonderful projects I am completing is re-designing a website for my wonderful friends from ButtonTree Quilts. Hop on over to have a peek. I am also working on getting a blog up and running as well.

Catch up soon

Rachelle x

Advent Swap

2009-12-14T13:15:00.000-08:00

Well, my lovely Micki has been sending me some beautiful gifts. I have received a gorgeous keyring, a lovely sparkly pen, a lovely minature pot and some Irish Rock!

Sadly my camera is out of order :( so I'm unable to send photos. I've been waiting to see if I could get it fixed but I've failed miserably.

Micki, thank you, so much for my lovely, lovely gifts.

Rachelle x

On the first day of Advent, My Micki - sent to me............

2009-12-09T16:00:00.000-08:00

On the first four days of Advent my Micki sent to me......... Sore gorgeous gifts from Donegal.

My apologies Micki for not being able to open them a day at a time - I had to go here...... Green Island!

On the 5th day of Advent my Micki sent to me............ Some lovely embriodery threads.

On the 6th day of Advent my Micki sent to me............... A gorgeous Celtic bookmark.

On the 7th day of Advent my Micki sent to me........... a beautiful silver thimble!

On the 8th Day of Advent my Micki sent to me............... A fridge magnet from Donegal.

On the 9th Day of Advent my Parents came to me :) and Micki sent me a lovely wobbly sheep pencil! This is my Mum - she's from Southern Ireland - Dublin.

, and this is my Dad! He's from Manchester originally. They will be moving back out to Australia next year.

On the 10th Day Of Advent, my Micki sent to me........... A fabulous Guiness Gel Pen!

Thank you so much Micki! I am loving everything.

Rachelle x

Advent Swap

2009-11-12T12:25:00.000-08:00

Well, am I lucky or what ! Yesterday, after a VERY long day at work, I came home to find a green and brown box sitting on my doorstep. The label said it had flown all the way from Ireland, home of the shamrock, my Grandparents (and 400million cousins) and Micki!

Thank you so much, Micki - I can't wait to open number 1!

Rachelle x

Canape's Recipe request

2009-11-06T15:27:00.000-08:00

We are doing something very secret and very special this Christmas and I am looking for you rfavourite canape receipes! Please pass the word, and let me have them~

Rachellex

A fabric giveaway and a new ETSY shop front

2009-11-01T12:17:00.000-08:00

Click here to have a look around this fantastic ETSY shop, then head over to her blog here, to win some fabulous fabric!

Rachelle x

Sammy's Quilt

2009-11-01T12:00:00.000-08:00

Here it is, finally finished. Sammy's quilt.

Unfortunately, I forgot to take a picture of Sammy and her quilt, but this is it being bound.
I'm pretty pleased, and I particularly like where I decided to add the ric-rac to the ribbon squares.

What do you think?

Rachelle x

Kellie's Joseph's Coat Quilt-along- I've joined!

2009-10-26T14:08:00.000-07:00

Well, I decided to give it a go! I have joined and I am looking forward to making this fantastic quilt. I think I will complete this as a gift for Stephy.

For more information - go here!
Photo courtesy of http://dontlooknow.typepad.com.

Giveaways

2009-10-25T13:50:00.000-07:00

Click here to visit Kellie. She is having a giveaway of her beautiful patterns.

Rachelle x

Civil War Diary - Block 1 -Alarming Conditions

2009-10-24T01:15:00.000-07:00

Completed!!!!!!

Yey - Oh My - Yey!

Sorry, very chuffed. Here it is!

Rachelle x

My Angel Swop Partner was...........

2009-10-19T18:40:00.000-07:00

Marie, from Mexico. You must make sure you check out Marie's beautiful quilts - WOW, they are stunning!

Now that Marie has received my gifts I can show you what I sent her. A lavender and chamomile eye-bag with hand stitched bullion roses.....

And I made her a Pinny from some lovely rose fabric in my stash. I attached a bullion knot roses applique to the pocket.

I was unable to take a picture of the third gift, a beautiful scissor keeper and scissor angel. The scissors slot in behind the angel to hold the scissors. My gorgeous friend Deb and I did our own swop.... Deb made the Angel scissor keep for my Angel stitcher and I made (oops, better not say yet!)

Love in piecing Rachelle x

2 seasons quilt - not Vivaldi!

2009-10-11T13:55:00.000-07:00

I decided that I needed some colour in my lounge room this Christmas, and so I made this - just a quickie!

But I also needed to have some colour during the rest of the year, so I backed it like this....
.... creating a -
Two Seasons Quilt.
- Now I don't need to pack my quilt away, just flip it over!

Love in piecing

Rachelle x

Christmas preparations have begun

2009-10-06T14:02:00.000-07:00

I have luckily had two days off work, which has meant that I could begin CHRISTMAS!

I have 7/8's of a Christmas Quilt finished, but these are my cushion covers, for a bit of fun.
Of course, Jasper thinks they belong to him!

I will post pictures of my completed Angel Swaps as soon as I hear they've been received.

Keep piecing!

Rachelle x

Eight legged jewellery makers

2009-10-02T13:29:00.001-07:00

This is what I found this morning, and I just HAD to share.

Salvedges!

2009-10-02T00:37:00.001-07:00

Well, I have returned home from work to find my house full of children, all of whom my daughter is teaching to make clothes! Stephanie, has made one shirt herself......

I walked in - and walked straight to my sewing room, the safest place I believe at this moment in time. However, I had to tell you about a conversation that I overheard. It went something like this...

Stephanie: Amy, make sure you lay the pattern out properly
Amy: Really, how's that?
Stephanie: Place the pattern so it lies straight and faces salvedge to salvedge.
Amy: What's a salvedge?
Stephanie: The bit that's all crinkly - where they salvedged the fabric from wherever they found it!

Recycling, at it's best!

Rachelle x

Busy, busy, busy, Op-Shopping, Christmas fabric and The Railway Children!

2009-09-27T14:52:00.000-07:00

Well, what have we been up to?

We've had a party weekend which has been lovely. Stephanie and Jasper spent some time in the pool to cool off - it's getting hot real quick!

I've spent some time mooching around some Op-Shops recently. Last week I came across this....

and inside was...

- Old newspaper clippings from 1954!

and wrapped around were lots and lots and lots of silk threads!

- If you look really closely at the first picture - you'll see it was $3 for the lot!

I have lots of lovely Christmas fabrics that I want to get sewn up into quilts and bits for Christmas. I've also returned to my childhood and listened to The Railway Children audio book whilst I was stitching.

Righto - that's it for now. Love in piecing - Rachelle x

Stephanie's first ever shirt!

2009-09-18T15:30:00.000-07:00

Here is my girl. This is the first item of clothing she's ever made.!

Civil War Diary Quilt fabrics

2009-09-18T02:43:00.001-07:00

Spotlight had fabrics that even they didn't know were reduced ($3 per metre!)! I just love the colours of these fabrics. They epitomise what I think of when I think American Civil War. My neighbour has a US exchange student and his grandfather was a minuteman. He tells me, they will do quite well!

Love in piecing, Me x

Phew I'm back!

2009-09-12T13:57:00.000-07:00

Well all I need to say is Raspberries to You Telstra - Idiots!

Now then. I'm making a quilt for a very special lady. This is a sneak peak! SSsshhhhh!

Love in piecing, Rachelle x

I've been disconnected!

2009-09-10T04:53:00.000-07:00

Oh My God! Telstra have disconnected our home line service as well as our mobiles!!! Now where do they get off doing that!

I will let everyone know when I'm back in communication land.

Rachelle x

Pinch Punch, it's first of the month

2009-08-31T13:41:00.001-07:00

Well, I am racing around like a proverbial blue bottom fly, as I am flying to Brisbane for a few days for work. Needless to say, I have made arrangements for late night shopping, as well as remembered to have some empty spots in my suitcase.

I have been madly throwing stitcheries to be completed into my case along with piles of cottons, so that I can keep myself occupied during the evenings in my hotel.

This is where I'm staying, in case you want to have a look-see. http://www.monmary.com.au/

See you Sunday

Love in piecing

Rachelle x

A bag full of goodies

2009-08-29T21:41:00.000-07:00

Well, perhaps not full of goodies yet, but a Christmas it will be! This is a bag I made for my mum for a gift at Christmas. She lives over in the UK and loves spending time at the beach here in sunny Cairns.

Stephy thinks I ought to make a hat to go with it....

Precious Pieces - More stippling!

2009-08-25T15:13:00.000-07:00

Well I had the most wonderful birthday party at quilting last night - how lucky am I! I will post photos later. But for now, this is precious pieces so far.....
This is the block I finished last night. I'm quite pleased with it really.

Rachelle x

Finish it in August

2009-08-25T04:42:00.000-07:00

I really wanted to get so much done for my Finish it in August Challenge. However, my friend has left the country - quiltless- and my precious pieces is still just that, pieces!

I did manage tonight to finish another block of Precious Pieces. That means I have to do 4 more blocks in 6 days....... Do-able!

Make sure you pop on over to Button Tree Quilt's to check out their new website. Their new website is still being constructed, but give them a ring if there's anything you need. Kate and Colleen are two of the nicest people I've ever met!

Rachelle x

Calamity Jane's Cottage: Baby Quilt & A Giveaway to Celebrate!!!

2009-08-25T04:37:00.000-07:00

Calamity Jane's Cottage: Baby Quilt & A Giveaway to Celebrate!!!

Giveaways

2009-08-25T04:29:00.000-07:00

Make sure you visit Elaine. She has some wonderful civil war reproduction fabric to giveaway. I'm hoping to be lucky enough to win some to use for my Civil War Diary Quilt when the book arrives.

Also, Lurline has some gorgeous bright repro fabrics, just right for a little something I have up my sleeve.

And finally Calamity Jane is giving away a whole quilt kit!

There are some beautiful people out there!

Rachelle

A busy weekend

2009-08-23T13:24:00.000-07:00

We have had such a busy weekend, although it hasn't involved any stitching :(. Stephy decided she wanted to join in the fun growing veggies, so we ended up digging her a special veggie plot, just for her. She's very excited about her vegetables, and we've had hourly trips to check on them!

Me, meanwhile, I've been moving passionfruit vines, and trying to work out where to put the dragonfruit and grape vines.

Outside is looking pretty spiffy!

Rachelle x

The Stitcher's Angel

2009-08-17T02:05:00.000-07:00

The Stitcher's Angel

Well, I have received my person to send to, and it's all very exciting! There have been emails to and fro....

I haven't heard anything yet from the other half of the Angel Swap - My Angel must be very busy doing Angel things.

Speaking of Angels, I need to ask for Angel's to surround my friend Sammy. She had some very sad news today. She found out today that she has breast cancer. We are all devastated.

Please mention her in your prayers.

Love in piecing
Rachelle x

Oh me, oh my - how lucky am I!

2009-08-13T23:43:00.000-07:00

I have been so very, very lucky to win this beautiful pattern from Cheryl at Willowberry Designs. She is one of my favourite designers and blogs to follow.

I'm so excited and I just can't hide it
I don't wanna lose control but I think I LIKE IT!!!!!!

Thank you SO much Cheryl!

Kim's Big Quilting Adventure: Da Rulz

2009-08-09T14:00:00.000-07:00

Kim's Big Quilting Adventure: Da Rulz

If you pop on over to Kim's blog, you can join a finish it in August challenge.

Rachelle x

Fed up of waiting!

2009-08-09T01:54:00.000-07:00

Today was quilting at Deb's house, and we had a lovely day. I got some stitching done, and then unstitched it all - wrong colour!

While I was busy relaxing - and it takes some effort to do so - my darling girl decided to take life into her own hands. We have been busy converting the garage into a teen retreat for her - a space for her and her friends to chill and make their mess (God, please let it be contained within). I have been promising to start putting up her wardrobes, but she clearly got fed up of waiting.

I came home to this.

Inventive - that's my girl! (note the garden string holding the shelves up!

Love is piecing

Rachelle x

Christmas tree skirt - done!

2009-08-08T01:46:00.000-07:00

Well it's another one completed. At piano this morning, I finished the binding and I am very pleased.

I started this surprise for a lovely friend this morning.

Of course, whenever the camera comes out, so does Jasper......

Stimulas package

2009-08-06T04:41:00.000-07:00

You must make sure you get on over to http://faithfulquilter.blogspot.com/ as she's got a fantastic 'stimulus' package to give away. Don't forget to leave your comments.
Rachelle x

Antique goodies

2009-08-04T05:43:00.001-07:00

Today I received this

and inside was this. A bit of a hotch-potch until laid out.......
Some gorgeous grandmother's flower blocks, all handpieced - bright and cheerful.
Some amazing antique star blocks from 1800's! Look at the beautiful fabrics!
And then.........piles and piles and piles of fabric squares!

Look at this seamen!
And these floursack prints!

WOW! I'm going to be busy.

Love in piecing
Rachelle x

Jenny's giveaway

2009-08-03T04:45:00.001-07:00

Well, you must get over to see Jenny and her wonderful stitcheries for Christmas. I know what I'm asking Santa for :)

Rachelle x

What can you do with horrible Bali trousers?

2009-08-02T00:11:00.000-07:00

In February, I took myself off to Bali to get over a man (what better excuse is there :) ) I decided, or rather the stall vendor decided, that I needed to purchase some trousers - bloody horrid things they were. I tried to give them away as a gift, but everyone declined. So, I cut up the beautiful fabric, and made - cushion covers!

Finished! Leanne's stitchery

2009-08-01T01:23:00.000-07:00

Well, I am very pleased with how this has worked out. I deliberated for some time about which fabrics from my stash to use, and finally decided on the two Chez Moi fabrics from Moda, and some Shadow Play to pick up the blue from the watering can.

I'm very pleased.

Rachelle x

A Crazy Christmas

2009-07-22T13:58:00.000-07:00

Lovee it, love it, love it - is about all I can think to say! Check out Lynnette Anderson's Crazy Christmas BOM. This would now be number..... far too many..... on my "wish list".

Rachelle x

I won!

2009-07-17T21:03:00.001-07:00

As you may or may not know, I entered some of my craft items in the Cairns Show, 2009, and I won! My Christmas Stocking came 1st.....

My Frangipani Quilt came 3rd , and my Christening set got a highly commended....

All in all, I am a very happy lady :)

Rachelle x

Katie's quilt giveaway

2009-07-13T15:24:00.000-07:00

WOW, have you checked out Katie's quilt? No, then you should!

Beautiful, just beautiful.

HOWEVER, don't bother trying to win it yourself, because I've got the perfect place in my spare room for one of the little girls I'm fostering!

Love in piecing

Rachelle x

Cairns Show 2009

2009-07-09T14:00:00.000-07:00

We have been very busy this week, and it hasn't involved much sewing or stitching. We have a very big secret which will be revealed soon, but in the meantime you'll have to make do with The Cairns Show.

I have never entered into a craft competition (although my Grandma entered a bookmark I made her into a WI competition years ago. I believe I won!). And so, I bravely took the bull by the horn and arrived to lodge my 4 items yesterday. Stephanie's quilt, Stephy's knitted Christening set, Stephy's Christmas stocking and the Lavender and Lace picture of my bride.

Fingers crossed.......

Today's project

2009-07-07T01:53:00.000-07:00

Well, I have finished it! I have spent more hours than I can possibly count pulling through threads and finishing them off, but it's done. Now it's time for one of these! Happy stitching xxx

Button Tree Quilters (+1) Quilters Day

2009-07-07T01:09:00.001-07:00

What an amazing day we had on Sunday, and what a wonderful day we had out by the pool. Sadly, it was too cold to actually get into the pool, although a few passionfruit did manage to have a little swim.....

I don't think I've EVER eaten so much food - I was STUFFED! However, we did some good stitching and I almost, almost finished my Feast Of Frangipani's.

Deb did some more work on her 'Breast of Friends'. Wow, she looks stern! And Cheryl-Lee worked very hard too (it was noted though that the Tim-Tams rapidly levitated towards her mouth though).

Of course, no piecing is complete in our house without a quilting pet.....Jasper is SO cute...

But then again, so is Julie! It must be the Grace cosmetics :)

Stephanie was busy working on her stitching, and managed to get a lot done.

And finally me, I worked hard too. A very, very wonderful
day.!

Ebay buyers unite!

2009-06-28T21:00:00.000-07:00

I though I would share with you some beautiful fabrics that I won on Ebay! These are some lovely bright Moda Christmas fat quarters from their Tinsel Time range.

Also I bought 5 metres of this beautiful aqua spot. I'm thinking that it would make a lovely fresh quilt just this fabric and some plain white - perhaps even some aqua embroidery on the white......

And finally, a lovely scottish renewal print, also by Moda. Oddly enough I don't remember bidding, but I love it!

Weekend working bee -

2009-06-27T14:38:00.000-07:00

Ok - now here's the thing. You write a list of everything you want to get done in the 24 waking hours you're not actually going to be at work, and then you decide to start on a project for your advent swop.

OK -so throw away the list and start stitching.

Then get half way through the day, call into Bunnings on the way to Piano, and purchase.... new wardrobe insides. NOW stop doing sewing and push the supposed activities as far as possible into the deepest recesses of your mind, and fit wardrobes!

At least my shoes are tidy now!

Yummy - very Yummy

2009-06-26T14:15:00.000-07:00

Hey guys - Check out the beautiful redwork Christmas BOM from Helen Stubbings! Yu-MMM-y!

New Quilt Aid Block

2009-06-26T13:19:00.000-07:00

It has been a week from hell at work. I don't think I've slept more than 3 hours a night in the last week and consequently, I'm exhausted. I haven't even looked at any stitching or sewing, which is a pretty big indicator to me! And the bags under my eyes, are not quilted :(

However, I arrived home from work yesterday to find another Quilt Aid block; this one from Helen Stubbings of Hugs 'n Kisses. Very Yummy! Thank you to The Quilted Crow for sending it out so quickly.

Stephy has her piano lesson again today, so I will get to spend some time listening to her beautiful music while I stitch. It's the only time I get to listen to her playing....

Love in piecing

Rachelle

Quilt Aid 2009

2009-06-23T13:23:00.000-07:00

Here is the first block - A Nathalie Lymer. OOOOH I'm excited! I've almost finished Stephanie's Feast of Frangipani's, which means I can concentrate on doing much more enjoyable things.

It's funny how so often it's the journey that shouts to us rather than the destination. I have not enjoyed making Stephy's quilt very much- I found the machine satin stitch to be very boring. My journey, therefore, indicated that I am a hand appliquer/stitcher, not a machine one. I also realised that it's taken many, many hours to complete a project that I haven't enjoyed, and I have not aimed for perfection. Ergo, the quality of my work is not up to scratch.

Wow! Profound piecing to you all.

Rachelle x

Quilt Aid 2009

2009-06-21T14:00:00.000-07:00

I've just had an email informing me that one of my blocks are on the way! Thank you Quilters Angel (www.quiltersangel.com.au) for being the first off the blocks!!! (Yawn-sigh I hear you say).

Now I'm just waiting on the other two stores to follow suit......

It's going to be a good week - I can feel it

Rachelle x

Quilting Cat....

2009-06-19T18:49:00.000-07:00

Our house is a zoo! It's impossible to get anything done when I'm stalked by furry four-leggeders!

This is Charmy giving her opinion on Steph's quilt.....

Quilt Aid 2009

2009-06-19T13:29:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm waiting........ Come on guys - Send it out!

OK, so they HAVE let me know that the blocks would be coming really soon, but I WANNA SEEE!!!!!!

Rant over - sorry!

Rachelle x

IT's got borders

2009-06-13T14:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I spent all day (6am to 11.30pm) sewing to get the Frangipani quilt finished for Stephanie. She is very pleased with the result- as am I.

Things went horribly wrong about 3pm though. The fabric I bought for the borders (stripey "ticking' from Lakehousedirect.com) had the right stripes GOING THE WRONG WAY! Having sewn on the borders and the peeper borders it was just wrong! So I had to unpick and then cut and piece together the fabric so the borders were the RIGHT way.!

Never mind - just the quilting to go now. I did one block last night, so only another 10 blocks, the borders and the rest to go........

Love in piecing Rachelle x (ps - if you believe in Angels - check out the orbs in the picture!)

Franginpani Quilt part 2

2009-06-12T19:45:00.001-07:00

Ok, here's the main design...... Just the borders and quilting to go!

Rachey x

Franginpani Quilt part 2

2009-06-12T19:45:00.000-07:00

Ok, here's the main design...... Just the borders and quilting to go!

Rachey x

Quilt Aid 2009

2009-06-11T14:31:00.000-07:00

Well peeps - Quilt Aid 2009 has started! (actually it was 2 days ago). Quilt aid is a fund raising mechanism to raise money for a women's centre in Ethiopia. I have ordered three of the blocks, and am looking forward to supporting this wonderful cause.

Rachelle x

ps, check out the link for details.

http://www.quiltaid.com.au/index.php

Frangipani's in my garden

2009-06-11T13:53:00.000-07:00

Well, I have almost finished the frangipani's! I sat up very late last night sewing the wretched things onto the quilt blocks. Stephy is out for the weekend, so the dogs and I are looking forward to putting it all together starting tonight.... Yey!

Rachelle x

Day at Debs

2009-06-06T20:08:00.001-07:00

Well what a lovely day we had! Sausage rolls, butties and chocolate biscuits - Yum. Sadly there was no fruit tea cake - it was left behind by the kettle!

Everyone was very busy. Cheryl-Ann made a bag all in one day (or a few hours anyway! There was some "thinking" time involved).
Robyn started her newest dolly, while Lenora did lots of sticking and ironing and getting ready to do another block of her lovely Christmas Teddy quilt.

Deb, meanwhile, was VERY busy helping everyone else - thank you Deb - although she did start on her Breast of Friends........ , and Julie popped in for a little while with her mum Coral. Liz, meanwhile, amazed me with her detailed beading.... I mean Oh My God!

It was such a lovely day - and so nice to see Cheryl-Lee's kids

Precious Pieces - a design wall.

2009-06-06T03:12:00.000-07:00

Ok - so everyone talks about a design wall, so I thought I would get one myself - amazing what you can do with some drawing pins and a plasterboard wall!

This is my quilt so far. And this is the beginning of the heart for another of the blocks. Actually, this is the second heart, the other one didn't make it......

Anyways, off to Deb's tomorrow for a day stitching.

Rachey x

Precious Pieces - Stippling

2009-06-04T16:59:00.000-07:00

Huum. I've tired a few techniques that I've never come across before, and stippling is one of them. Actually, I have done stippling - in a downstairs loo in North Walsham, UK! However, my quilt pattern required stipple quilting, and I've been avoiding it! So, yesterday was when I bit the bullet, and I impressed myself!

It's possibly not quite right, but it was my first try and I'm pleased with myself~!
Rachelle

Blue Frangipani Quilt

2009-06-02T16:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I completed one block of the Frangipani Quilt. Stephy bought me the fabric for mother's day, which was a beautiful and thoughtful gift. I've used a combination of fabrics. The cerise, yellow and bright blue are homespun (I just LOVE the feel of homespun). The other colours are from the Shadowplay range by Maywood Studios.

I had some really big learning's yesterday. Actually, since beginning my foray into quilting, each day has included a learning. I think I'm going to make a list of my learnings, so I can see how far I've come. Anyway, yesterday's learning was stabiliser. Firstly, I've realised I prefer Whisper Weft over the Vilene I used, and secondly, I realised how important it was TO use a stabilser!.

Wow, what a journey! I have noticed though, that there is a "belly button" in the middle of each frangipani. I'm hoping this will disappear when I stipple quilt the whole quilt.
Rachelle x

Yungaburra weekend

2009-06-01T15:05:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I was lucky enough to be able to spend the weekend with a fantastic group of women. Button Tree Quilts of Cairns invited Rosaliee Quinlan, Leanne Beasley and Gail Pan to come and workshop with us for 48 hours. I learned to Needleturn, and learned what beautiful people live and sew in the area. Wow, don't I look industrious! Thank you Deb, for the photo!

The birth of a blog...

2009-06-01T15:00:00.000-07:00

So why Quarantine Quilting, I hear you ask. The answer is simple. This blog was created to show the "outside" world what Stephy and I were up to whilst Quarantined for Swine Flu. Steph's school hadn't had time to get some work together so we spent the week stitching up a storm!

The ultimate objective was to finish the frangipani quilt that I had started, but it grew into so much more.