Teddy Bear's Roses - A finished quilt

The quilt is done, and only four days too late.

I ended up straight-line quilting it. FMQ is something that I'm yearning to try, but given my trouble getting SL right, I may just need a bit more practice first! If you look really closely (or just enlarge this picture) you'll see the distortion where the top has been pulled by the process of quilting. It kind of looks like an optical illusion, which could be cool if it was the look I was going for. 

When you turn it over you can see that the quilting pattern is a quasi-Union Jack. That came about because I was getting discouraged with the long, straight lines pulling the fabric out of shape. So I switched it up, and I'm glad I did! 

The binding is my favourite part. I had trouble choosing what to use, as I wanted to use something existing from my stash. My stash isn't huge! But this raspberry red solid just made all the other colours pop, it framed the quilt like a picture. Best of all, it matches the front and the back. I used this tutorial by the amazingly talented Rita at Red Pepper Quilts, and it worked an absolute treat. I'm so grateful for her clear instructions, it made binding so enjoyable. It's the only part of my quilt process that went without a hitch!

I have a very long way to go with getting my quilts perfect. But that's ok. If you have any tips for me, please feel free to share them. Until then, I will keep practicing, sewing, making - sounds like a good excuse to have more fun!

Teddy Bear was sick this afternoon so we spent lots of time cuddled up here, cozy and warm. Doing nothing but peacefully watching Play School. Poor kiddo, but Mummy was happy to get some peaceful cuddles from her go-go baby!

Treasures Uncovered

Op Shops. Thrift Stores. Whatever you call it where you're from, they mean the same thing. Buried treasure, amazing potential for discovery. I took a little trip today with Teddy Bear, and found the sweetest little things.

We have some floral vintage handkerchiefs at the front, some floral vintage sheeting at the back, and those dear little lambs are actually salt and pepper shakers! I saw them last time I was at this store, and couldn't stop thinking about them. Don't you just love it when you go back and the item you so badly wanted was still there?

I did buy all this vintage for a reason. Over on Facebook, I am part of a group called The Collective Project and we all contribute to a quarterly showcase. The next one that is running is called Vintage Love Story, and I can't wait to get started on some contributions for it! For those interested, check out The Collective Project, the next showcase is running on Friday 21st June. My fingers are itching to start putting my secret plans into action!

Another treasure for me, and this is a HUGE cause for excitement, is that I've acquired some precious Tilda fabric for $19/yard! I adore those teacups and would love to make something to jazz up my kitchen. I'd love to hear some suggestions if you have any ;-)

Teddy Bear's 1st birthday went beautifully on Sunday, the only regret I have is that the quilt didn't get finished in time! I was about 60% of the way through the quilting when I realised I didn't have time to finish. Instead of dwelling on it though, I pulled out the remaining safety pins and threw it on the floor anyway. The teddy bears sitting on top didn't complain once!

Happy birthday, my sweet baby girl.

Welcome Home

A stark, white page on Blogger. It's a little imposing but more exciting, as I can turn this blank canvas into anything I like. Or, like life, I can just see where it goes and what it turns into.

It seemed like the right time to start this blog, as 11 days ago my family and I moved into our own tangible blank canvas - our home! We have been living with my in-laws for about 6 months while we renovated this place, and it is finally ours. It's the best feeling. 

The only thing is, it is still quite bare. Beautiful, but plain. Being a keen quilter and crafter, I can't wait to dive into my stash of fabrics and give this place some personality. If you like craft, quilts, recipes, paper and fabric, please stick with me and share this journey!

Originally I wanted to make my blog pretty before I published my first entry. I wanted a banner, coordinating fonts, backgrounds, and perfect photos from my DSLR. But life was happening, prettiness was getting made, and I wanted to share it.

Project One: Teddy Bear's Birthday.

I have a baby girl, let's call her Teddy Bear for now. She is going to be ONE on Sunday! I'm in the process of attempting a Pinterest-worthy teddy bear's picnic party (and having the best time doing it). I've been making a simple square style patchwork quilt for the teddy bears to sit on. Overkill? Maybe. But it's a quilt she can use as she gets older, and it's making me a happy Mummy in the meantime. Let's see it.

I've never been a huge fan of florals, but these have converted me. I've cut 7 inch squares out of Delilah by Tanya Whelan - Bijou in pink, Red Rose Farm by Elizabeth Scott - Pink buds, Rose Parade by Moda - Roses on red, and a green FQ I've had in my stash forever but had no selvedge. The white is actually bleached calico. Remind me not to use it again, my machine really disliked it.

Here is the ironing going on for the backing, I think I like it even better than the front! When I walked into my local quilt store, I had no idea what I wanted to buy. But I walked out with what was left on the bolt of the absolutely divine Lecien Flower Sugar, plus a little creamy pink dot fabric called Hot Chocolate. Couldn't be happier. By the way, how cute would my lounge room look in all that floral? ;-)

So at the moment I am piecing the back, planning to baste, and wondering how to quilt!

Pop back soon if you have been reading, and feel free to say hi!

Mel xo