I'm still here...

Well I'm still here! After a long absence, I have finally found some time to blog!

I have been busy preparing for some classes I am teaching.

Mondays,Tuesdays and Wednesdays are pretty much full to bursting

with teaching and taxiing children about!

This is the 'Hotch Potch Patch Bag' I am teaching in one class.

It can be made in two different sizes. (Pattern is available here)

I've also had the chance to teach at a local craft group and guide them

in how to use an Accuquilt GO! which they bought last year.

It's been great fun - with endless possibilties and everyone putting

some of their own ideas into different patterns.

I used this pattern from the Accuquilt website,

to applique cotton fabric and some wool felt, to make a centrepiece for a wall hanging.

I have long admired the work of Sue Spargo,

and took inspiration from her to complete the centre.

I appliqued the wool hearts on top of the cotton hearts, using embroidery thread and beads.

All I have to do now is add a border and a sleeve to hang it and it will be complete -

just in time for Valentine's Day!

Are you working on any Valentine's Day projects?

Start sewing!

With a lot of helpful hints and tips from a lot of lovely people,

here is my completed 'Confetti' quilt top!

I took the advice to treat the flannel just as normal cotton,

and everything worked out just fine!

Quilt shops in Northern Ireland normally stock very little flannel fabrics,

so I never had the opportunity to use it before.

I found that the flannel didn't stretch at all.

The fabrics, put together by the Seattle Quilt Co., are lovely

and the colours blend so together so well.On another sewing note, Sarah at Fairy Face Designs has launched a

series of sewing tutorials, aimed at people who want to learn to sew.

I was delighted when she asked me to contribute!

There's a great line up of tutorials, well worth checking out -

1. 05/01/12 - Project Launch, Giveaway & Master List - Sarah @ FairyFace Design

2. 07/01/12 - Resources & Supplies - Sarah @ FairyFace Designs

3. 10/01/12 - Sewing Classes - Fiona @ The Sewing Directory

4. 12/01/12 - Sewing Basics Part 1 - Sarah @ FairyFace Designs

5. 14/01/12 - Sewing Basics Part 2 - Sarah @ FairyFace Designs

6. 19/01/12 - Pincushion & Needlebook - Sarah @ FairyFace Designs

7. 26/01/12 - Simple Napkins - Jennifer @ Ellison Lane Quilts

8. 02/02/12 - Baby Burp Cloths - Irina @ El Petit Taller

9. 09/02/12 - Simple Pram Blanket - Sarah @ FairyFace Designs

10. 16/02/12 - Scrappy Cushion/Pillow - Karen @ Lisnaweary Quilts

11. 23/02/12 - Notebook Cover - Cindy @ Fluffy Sheep Quilting

12. 01/03/12 - Tote Bag - Leanne @ She Can Quilt

13. 08/03/12 - Stencils with Freezer paper - Lindsay @ Craft Buds & Lindsay Sews

14. 15/03/12 - Zip Back Cushion/Pillow - Judith @ Rags to Bags

15. 22/03/12 - Simple Girl's Skirt - Ceri @ Inspired by Felix

16. 26/03/12 - Introduction to Quilting - Easy Mug Rug - Sarah @ FairyFace Designs

17. 29/03/12 - Patchwork Potholder - Sheila @ BluePatch Quilter

18. 05/04/12 - Fabric Wallet - Sarah @ Narcoleptic in a Cupboard

19. 12/04/12 - Round (Wonky) Potholders - Felicity @ Felicity Quilts

20. 19/04/12 - Zipped Wristlet/Pouch - Jenna @ SewHappyGeek

21. 26/04/12 - Quilted Table Runner - Susan @ Canadian Abroad

22. 03/05/12 - Garment Making Basics - Sara @ Sew Sweetness

23. 10/05/12 - Mini Quilt - Kirsten @ Gemini Stitches

24. 17/05/12 - Applique & Machine Embroidery - Sarah @ FairyFace Designs

Be sure and join in the fun!

Sarah is having a special launch giveaway-

Sew start sewing!