Vintage linens

Autumn has really arrived here, there's a slight chill in the air in the mornings.

Just the right time to bring out the quilts!

Although in our house they are never really put away,

always a chance you may need to snuggle under one while watching the tv.

Here's a pic of one of the things I've been working on recently.

(The others are Christmas related and will be revealed at a later date!)

A crazy patchwork cushion -

I made it from vintage linens and  cotton fabric which is from the Eden range by Nel Whatmore from Free Spirit Fabrics. (Available from my shop!)

 
The problem with vintage embroidered linens is that 9 times out of 10 there is a stain (which you can't shift no matter what you try!) or else Mr Moth has been there before you.
I know it seems terrible to cut these beautiful things,
but isn't better to enjoy then like this than leave them folded in a drawer?
Please don't chop up the family heirlooms -
sometimes you can pick these up at car boot or charity sales.
I was fortunate, that a friend who was clearing out a house, gave these to me.
So what do you think?
Modern fabrics and vintage linens, do they mix? 


Log cabin finish

I have been meaning to share this for a while, a log cabin finish.

I blogged about making it here, inspired by a Fons and Porter free ebook

I made this log cabin quilt.

I quilted it with a combination of free motion and straight line quilting. 

I quilted an all over flower and swirly motif in the center panel

 and then some straight lines on the white triangles at the edges.

 

 I even tried - for the first time ever - a feather border!

 It was very challenging - something that will take a whole lot more practice! 

 I still struggle to look at my quilting and feel happy with it.

Maybe it's not perfect, I definitely will not win any competitions for quilting!

But it feels good to make a quilt top and complete it yourself!

Do you hand quilt, machine quilt or send it to a long arm quilter?

What's your preference?

Festival of Quilts catch up and giveaway on facebook

It's that time of the year again and I'm just back form my annual outing to the Festival of Quilts in Birmingham. Unfortunately I didn't take very many photos, but I have a few to share with you. As usual the competition quilts did not disappoint!
I found myself looking at some of them and wondering how on earth they didn't get prizes, but hey ho, I'm not a judge! and I don't think I would like to be either!
Here are a couple of pixelated quilts that caught my eye...
No prizes for guessing WHO this is???

(Sorry, I don't have the makers name.)

 

Another highly pixelated pictorial quilt - try squinting at this one.

 

As always it was an inspirational show, and I've just about recovered today! Time to catch up on a few bees blocks that are long overdue!

And  before I sign off, pop over to facebook and find my fabric giveaway - make sure to share!  

Phew! it's warm!

Right now Ireland is basking in a heat wave!

It may be a mini one, I'm not quite sure -

but we're all enjoying it!

I'm sure it'll not last long so we better make the most of it!

Last week, in anticipation of this warm spell, I made myself a

tropical version of my Rik Rak bag.

The fabric is Cocoon by Valorie Wells, which is available in my shop!

I have also completed some blocks for my Bees:

 June Hipbees - A wonky log cabin for Lynz! 

May Modern Irish Bee - Some triangles for Anneliese!

and June Modern Irish Bee - some tumblers for Judith!

I really enjoyed making these and I'm sure there's something great in the pipeline for July!

Hope you're coping with the heat where you are - and finding a little time for sewing!

 

Shop!

Yes, that's right I've taken a major step and opened a small shop!

Primarily I wanted to promote my designs,

but of course if you have a pattern,

you really need the fabric too!

I live in an area where there is not a big choice of patchwork shops,

so I am aiming to give more variety to local crafters.

The shop is based at my own house, in a shed which I have renovated.

I've also set up a website www.lisnawearyquilts.eu

Here are a few of my newest patterns:

 This is Miss Honey Belle..

and this is 'My House' cushion cover,

featuring a traditional Irish thatched cottage.

So here's hoping it's a success...if you never try, you never know!

Blogger's Quilt Festival

I haven't done this is quite a while, but today I'm linking up an

extra special quilt, to the Blogger's Quilt Festival. 

 

Some friends and I got together to make a quilt for another

friend who is unwell at the minute.

We wanted something bright. Something to cheer her up.

Something to cuddle under when days are tough.

We took a pattern we found at allpeoplequilt.com,

made a few adjustments to the size and added

our own applique designs. 

 I'm not sure I can give you very many details on this quilt -

most of the fabrics are scrappy bits and pieces!

 

 



Made by: Lisnaweary Quilts bee! (Eileen, Mary, Sheila and me!)

Finished size: 56" x 72"

Pattern: Based on Fast & Fusible Daisy Quilt, allpeoplequilt.com

Quilted: Free Motion Quilted Loops by me on a Janome Horizon

Bluebell walk and giveaway winner

On Sunday we went to a local forest and took part in the 'Bluebell Walk'.

An annual event which helps raise funds for cancer charities.

Due to a very cold spring the bluebells are late this year,

but we did manage to spot a few!

 and some lovely primroses.

 A new friend called Fudge.

The climb to the top of Knockmany was worth it,
just to see such a lovely view on a clear day.

 

And now the important info!!
 The winner is.......number 11 Linda



Congratulations!

Linda 29 April 2013 17:02

HELLO! NEAT GIVEAWAY!
HAPPY TO FOLLOW >GFC!
LIKE YOU ON FB TOO!

Please send me an email with your details and I'll send you the bag kit!