The Raven quilt top complete!

Is it every really possible to snap a photo of a quilt without the dog in it? Or in this case the dog's bum?

Or the wind blowing?? I think these are iconic photos that need to be remembered. Haha.

Oh look, the dog's face~!

And don't forget the trampoline...

Feeling super happy that this is going to be finished in time to hang on the wall for all of October! Time to send it to Mum. What am I using on the back? Hmm.Will go for a rummage.

 

In the view frame

Here I am, trying to snap a photo of my quilt block and what pops into the view finder...

Baby Cat

Smoke-Oh

Us...

And my feet... Hahahahahhahah, usually I trim this away, but I think it's ok to document what I am wearing as well!

This block is from the Esther Aliu pattern "Love Always". I am using all French General fabrics to make it. It's a long term project. Every time I get it out and work on it for a while, I think that it's too good to use while my son is so young, (he's a bit rough!!) and that I will finish it "later" when he's grown up a bit. 

Does that ever happen to you? You have special fabric, you keep it for ages, and don't make anything with it... to the point you think  - I either have to make something really spectacular, so you save the fabric, or you make something super simple.

I have some super simples coming up. It's time.

 

The Raven installment

That's a lot of foundation piecing put together! The entire top row and the sides of the top.

I decided to reverse the black and yellow. I wanted the black next to the blocks, much like the black sashing surrounds the blocks, and creates a yellow star at the cornerstones.

Proud of my achievements! Still working on the centre house block. The bottom row is next.

 

Handbag inspiration

 

I love bags. I love making bags... but I still love buying handbags. There really hasn't been anything much around that I like, so I snapped these pics of some classy ones.

Maybe I like this navy one because it looks quilted. Hahaha.

This one is a cute 1940s feel.

This one is interesting, I'm sure I've made bags with those wooden half handles before. Were they from Shamrock crafts?

I love the classy scarf trim on this cherry red bag. Not so keen on the brown though. My brown days are over.

Why is everything this pink colour, hardly a bit of green, I prefer a more emerald green.

I like the leaves on this green one...and the tassel..... but it's not the one for me.

This is the colour green I prefer!!

Do you prefer making or shopping for handbags? I really love Spencer and Rutherford bags. A great mix of patchworked and professionally made and lined bags.

Where does my sewing time go?

One of the reasons I don't get as much sewing in as I used to, is because I'm a Mum! 

Every Saturday since he turned 4, he's been ice skating. What a little legend! Great exercise without getting sunburnt or overheated.

He can't wait to go to the snow, really he can't. Maybe next year!

 

Three new altar cloths

I had another fiercely busy week and finished three new altar cloths.

This fellow is very steampunk. I think he's a kind of British dog. The mechanical beetles and bird are also symbolic.

Archangel Michael. No words necessary.

 Frankenstein and his bride. This one was snapped up by a friend who said it talked to her very deeply! She says it's her favourite one ever, and she has bought a few from me!

If you'd like to an altar cloth to create sacred space instantly, you can check out the listings in my Etsy store. 

The finishing touch

Miss 10's birthday curtains are up (thanks for making them Maa Maa). We went to buy curtain clips, then hung them on the bed to create the effect of 4 poster swag curtains. I love the colour with her bed quilts.

Believe it or not, she actually has 3 bed quilts. The flower fairy one is the most recent, and my favourite at the moment.

Which is the best angle?

Hmmm... I would've loved a bedroom setting like this. It's so dreamy!

 

Piecing The Raven

Joining rows, getting closer to completing The Raven quilt top. The excitement within is immense, it's thrilling when a journey of a couple of years starts to reach completion!

 

The local agricultural show

Look who I found at the Townsville Show? Aliens! Heheheheh, I couldn't resist this photo. It was my little fella's first time at the Show since he was 2 years old. I took him to see the animals, but you already know that he is not that into looking at them in person, although he loves the Andy's Animals shows on ABC kids.

With his best shirt on, he's having a turn on the Clowns. Got his first show bag, and went on a little plane ride - nothing that would turn his stomach, as he gets a little bit of motion sickness like his Mummy.

The usual awards night for the Arts and Crafts section didn't go ahead as it was lockdown time, so we snuck in super fast to look at the quilts. 

My friend Margie won the major quilt prize for this quilt.

A little hard to see under the plastic.

So proud of encouraging my friends to also join so that the exhibition remains for years to come.

Here is me with my Goddess Kali piece. With a prize on it.  And me doing the Kali eyes.

My lion won a second prize.

It's inspiring to share with others, and motivating to get our pieces finished in time for the next show!

I wonder what I will have in the show next year!

 

Surprise art from a 5yo

Honestly, this kids not only tweaks my heart strings, but he does my head in! A budding artist, look at the size of the artwork in permanent marker about 80cm tall.

At least my wall artwork is in textiles!!