Practice makes perfect

I've just finished my latest quilt top, ready now to put the

backing and wadding together and then machine quilt...

So I'm practicing some free motion quilting...

Maybe some butterflies to echo the ones on the fabric?

Although mine are a completly different shape:D

getting more realistic...?

Maybe I'll stick with some curly wurly lines!

I do like the idea of putting a name in the quilting.

I need to practice, practice,practice!

Whats your favourite quilting motif?

Do you stick with the same one each time?

New projects

I'm putting together a new project for the Moda Bakeshop,

its made from the fabric 'Just wing it!' by MoMo.

There is quite a bit of blue in the quilt which doesn't really show up in this photo. Quilt top is nearly complete, just have to add the borders.

Over at the Flaming Stiches blog, Ethne has just announced a Charley Harper Quiltalong.

Now I am going to be completely truthful and say that up until this point in time I had never heard of Charley Harper. After looking at some of his artwork I am truly inspired to take part in this quilt along. This quiltalong will also give me a chance to finally figure out how Flickr works:D

Bonjour!

This is the reason my blog has been quiet...

Took a little break in Paris, freezing cold but very enjoyable!

As soon as I came home, I managed to get my Kansas Troubles Favourites quilt top sent off to be long arm quilted. I really can't wait until it comes back - I think it's always a surprise to see it again, and the

difference the quilting makes to it!

I made a New Year's resolution this year that I would practice my free motion quilting more often...so that hasn't really happened..I'm starting again next week..it'll be a new March resolution for me!

Anybody else need to make some new March resolutions?

Leah's birthday

My youngest is 9 years old this week

Oh I feel old :(

She wanted a cake that looked like Hector

Wish I could say that I made the cake, but I didn't.

Super cute!

Ulster American

We visited the Ulster American Folk Park on Sunday,

it's a museum of emigration and folk life.

Originally called the 'Mellon Folk Park', named after Thomas Mellon, founder of the Mellon Bank, who left these shores to make his fortune in America.

The current exhibition is called 'Through the Eye of a Needle' There were lovely pieces of embroidery...

"Today is short. Yesterday is gone.

Tomorrow may never come.

If you have anything to do. Do it now"

..a warning to us all! some crazy patchwork.. and many other things related to sewing in the past.

Outside we enjoyed looking around all the houses.

We began our journey in Ireland, there are many traditional cottages, meeting houses, a school house, blacksmith..

Then we made our way to town and boarded the ship for America

After landing in America, we checked out the pioneer houses! Of course there were many patchwork quilts in all the cottages and cabins,
this one caught my eye
All that travelling fitted into a Sunday afternoon!
We really needed more time to look around, we'll most definitely be back.

I've got troubles....

Yes, I've got troubles...but they're the best kind....Kansas Troubles.....

Just a little peek at the Kansas Troubles Favourites under my needle today.

Go over to the Kansas Troubles blog for their contribution to the

Moda Pillow Talk Blog Hop today.

Got any troubles under your needle?

My blog button...

I have just spent a long time figuring out how to make my own blog button,

oh I hope it works!! I'm relying on someone out there to let me know...and if it doesn't work....well the rubbish bin is looking pretty good just about now!!

I looked for advice on this blog,

otherwise, I don't think I could ever have made it.

There is also a recipe there for beer can chicken...sounds interesting,

anyone ever try it?