Toffee Shards

I have to admit, I am in shock... BUT... Toffee Shards is finished!  Can I get a 'whoop'?!

Making this baby quilt (measuring 38.5" x 38.5") has been an eventful journey.  My original concept was shattered toffee, in honour of Le Challenge, back in June/July.  It was pictures like below that inspired me.

To (sort of) achieve this look, I went with a simple HST design, in a variety of yellow and brown solids... but, even though I had the top finished in plenty or time - I forgot to link up.  Doh!

After that... I totally fell out of love.  They aren't "my" colours.  I wasn't feeling it.  It just wasn't happening.  I tried a number of times to start quilting... but each attempt ended in complete frustration and time with the unpicker.  Ugh.  So... Toffee Shards languished.

Thanks, though, must go to my hubby and the lovely Kristy who continually encouraged me to get this done AND for Making Christmas (yes, I'm ticking this off of my list!) for pushing me that extra little bit I needed.  It worked and I was happily able to gift it yesterday morning, to a gorgeous 5 month old boy.

To continue with the shattered toffee theme I ended up settling on simple, crazy lines (yes, my go-to quilting at the moment) which helped turn this unloved piece into something nearing completion and starting to warm my heart again.

Then I just finished it off with more of the orange-y solid, which really makes those colours pop.

As the Mum not only loves neutrals but also green, I chose this adorable dinosaur themed fabric for the back.  It is perfectly boy-ish!  Funnily enough, I have since found out that it is actually Buddy, a character from TV's Dinosaur Train.  Hmm... who knew??

Sorry about the shadows but this was the quickest photoshoot ever - on the way to gift this quilt.  Nothing like doing things last minute!

Anyhoo... YAY!  It's done.  I am happy, happy, happy.  :)

Thanks again to those who helped me stop procrastinating... and to Lucy & Nat of Le Challenge for being the inspiration behind the whole idea.

Speaking of Le Challenge... I'm jumping back into the fun this month with the theme STRIPES.  With such an easy subject that can go in soooo many directions (*groan*) there is absolutely no excuse for you not to join in and create something awesome.  There is a $25 Fat Quarter Shop voucher up for grabs so check it out!

E.


Linking up with TGIFF, hosted last Friday by Jen of Quilter in the Closet.  You only have a few more days to get in your finished entry for OctoberQuest so quick sticks.  :)

Winner Winner

My lucky streak seems to be continuing with TWO more prizes currently on their way to little old me.  YAY!  I am feeling a bit spoilt, let me tell you.

First up, I won Judge's Choice for the pillow category in Fiona's awesome Holiday Memories Mini Quilt Competition for my Cutie Scootie Patootie cushion.

So, what did I win, you ask?  Only this gorgeous box of Aurifil!

Ooo.  Nice!  I am definitely looking forward to these arriving.

THEN... last night I had the exciting news that I had also won Host's Choice in the Finished Stitched Embroidery Challenge for my Duck, Duck, Robot Book Bag.

Wow, what an honour!  I am so, so, so stoked that Wendi loved what I made with her own stitchery.  Phew!

For this prize I will receive a $35 voucher to the Shiny Happy World shop.  I've had a look already (of course!) but just can't decide between all the goodies.  Ahh!  More time is definitely needed but I will let you know what I finally decide on.  Fun!

After all that I am feeling very, very humbled.  Thank you Fiona (& judges) and Wendi!

Lucky, lucky me!  :)

E.

WIP - A Star is Born

I had a sudden spur of inspiration this week so jumped right in and made a start on one of my (many) Making Christmas projects - a wonky star quilt for my friend's gorgeous baby boy.

And, surprisingly, I've already managed to finish the top.

I had originally pulled a gorgeous stack of blues and greens - but then couldn't help adding in a few cheeky smaller stars in red and orange.  I like the punch.

This baby measures 40" x 40" so should be the perfect size for little bub.  All I have to do now is decide on the quilting and get it done.  Hmm... any ideas???

E.

Linking up to WIP Wednesday with Lee.

21/63

Just a quickie today to show what I've been concentrating on late - more Square-in-Square blocks for my baby girl (if she is, infact, a she, blah blah blah).

Bring on the incredibly poor photos...

Sorry about those - I hope you were able to see the beauty.  They really are bright and fun!

I've now finished 21 out of the projected 63 - with the aim to make these 6" blocks into a 54" x 42" sized quilt. I'm 1/3 of the way there!

Ok, I'm heading back to the machine for some more chain piecing.  Better pics next time, I promise!

E.

Linking up to this week's Paper Piecing Party at Kristy's place.

Duck, Duck... Bag

The amazing Wendi of Shiny Happy World recently hosted the first Finished Stitches Embroidery Challenge - and I was lucky enough to be able to participate.  Yay!

The premise was simple (originally blogged here) - purchase one of Wendi's fabulous embroidery samples and then finish it off by making it into something.  Anything.  Whatever.  All we were required to do was finish it.

When the shop opened I was quick to snap up my favourite of all Wendi's designs - Duck, Duck, Robot (pattern available here).  I then had to wait patiently for it to arrive (thankfully the project deadline was extended as international post can be sloooow) but, believe me, it was worth it.  I was not disappointed!

 

I had originally planned to use this in a cute little cushion, with the embroidery in the centre and then a log cabin or some such surrounding it but, after much umming and ahhing, I ended up settling on a fun and definitely colourful library bag.

Wendi's original stitched design features prominently as the front pocket, and is then teamed with this fabulously bright alphabet fabric, which also features on the back.

For a bit of interest I also cut out some of the letters to spell out BOOK BAG underneath the ducks and robot.  These were then appliqued on and stitched around in black, to echo the quilting on the fabric.

The lining adds even more colour with these orange and white swirls and the whole bag is finished off with some tone-on-tone dark blue handles.

Easy!!

And here it is in action.  A perfect Christmas present (with a store-bought book not the library ones!) for a soon-to-be-1-year-old, little boy,. Start them young, I say!  :)

As is my usual modus operandi, I've just scraped into the deadline with this one, with projects due today.  Phew!  Voting then opens tomorrow, with some fantastic prizes up for grabs.  Exciting!!  If you are interested then head over here to see all the finished projects.  There are some beauties!

Thanks to Wendi for being soooo generous with her gorgeous samples.  It was fun!

E.

I'm also happy to report that I have officially ticked off the first item on my Making Christmas list. Whoop!  Yes, it was a total gimme, but it still counts I tells ya!  ;)


And, because I can, I am going to be super cheeky and link up to last Friday's TGIFF party, over at M-R's.  Ok, it's not exactly Friday but it is a finish and I am thankful... ;)

Making Christmas 2013

The gorgeous and talented Janine and Becca have joined forces this year to host an inspiring festive blog hop, Making Christmas.

Not only is Making Christmas about sharing fabulous ideas - but it also a great way to keep accountable and to encourage each other to GET IT DONE!  Admittedly, my record of ticking off lists is rather pathetic (please, no one mention my lack of a follow-up post for Q3 of the FAL)... BUT I'll give it a shot and see where it gets me.  ;)

Also, I will be hosting with a cute little project on Saturday 30th November so be sure to pop back then but, before that, check out this post to see the full line up and all the amazing bloggers involved this year.  I am a bit out-classed, to say the least!!

Ok, onto the list...

1. Robot Embroidery Library Bag

I thought I'd start easy and actually give myself an achievable goal - as this one is actually due tomorrow for the Finished Stitches competition over at Shiny Happy World.

 

If you don't know what I'm on about then you can see my original post here.  Stay tuned for the big reveal in the coming days.

2. Personalised Cushions / Pillows

I have a vague idea to whip up some cute little cushions/pillows for a few darling little kidlets in my life.  It's one of those ideas that is still at a maybe-it'll-happen-but-no-biggie-if-it-doesn't stage so will see.  

In the past I have made ones like these... 

... but I'm thinking of changing it up this time.  I also love these ones, recently made by Lucy.  Again, I'm not sure what I'll do so don't hold your breath.  ;)

3. Kindle Cover

As my Mummy had a recent tumble, we bought her an early Christmas present to help pass the time while she's laid up - a Kindle.  I've been trying to talk her into getting one for ages but she just couldn't or wouldn't entertain the idea of not "reading a real book".  I'm now pleased to announce that she is a complete and utter convert - and I am smilling smugly.  :)

Anyway, I've promised to make her a cover so her new best friend stays warm and safe between uses.  It'll more than likely match the library bag I made her last year - but, weirdly, don't seem to have a photo of.  Imagine dark blue with touches of blue and green DS.  Got it?  Good.  :)

4. Bear Paw Quilt

Remember this one?

Don't say it, I know, I know - it should be done already but it's really, really not.  I have, though, finished off the last two blocks so it's only a matter of putting it together, quilting... you know the drill.  The bub this one is intended for is due next month so I need so move my bottom.  A-huh.

5. Toffee Shards Quilt

Another baby quilt that has been languishing and should have been gifted by now.

Craig is seriously on my back about this one so I'm sure I'll be pressured to finish it off soon. You know, before the little man turns 18. Maybe.  ;)

6. Wonky Stars Quilt

Yep, another quilt for another gorgeous boy who has only recently arrived into our world.  I've pulled the fabric for this one - blues and greens - and am thinking of something like this.  Time to get a-cutting.

 7. Softies for Mirabel

It's on again so, like the previous two years, I plan to make a softie or two for disadvantaged Australian kids.

I'll write more on this soon - when I dedicate a whole post to this wonderful cause.  I really just need to decide what to make.  Last year I sent in... DONKEYS!

Well, that's my list.  I'm laughing even just imagining getting all that done before Christmas but one can only try.  Wish me luck!  ;)

So, what are you planning for Christmas?  Write a list and play along - we'll be your cheer squad!  And don't forget to check out the fabulously inspiring posts each week.  I can't wait!

E.

Cutie Scootie Patootie

Earlier this year, I was lucky enough to spend a glorious month exploring Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia with my brand-spanking new husband... so... when Fiona announced the Holiday Memories Mini Quilt Competition I just had to enter.

Much to my mother's horror, I've always been fascinated by motor bikes and the like.  Even as a little girl I was known to wind down my window at traffic lights to tell the black-leather-clad, bearded bikie next to us that I liked his bike.  So, needless to say, the craziness of the streets of Vietnam and - ALL THOSE SCOOTERS - was rather exciting for me.

I mean, they are EVERYWHERE.  Watching it, it looks like total chaos but somehow they make it work, without too much hostility.  Oh, and the amount of people and/or objects they can fit onto one, itty-bitty bike is truly impressive.  Everyday we would see a new sight that would make us giggle and exclaim in awe.

Of course, I was super dooper keen to have a ride but, after the Bali Scooter Incident of 2012 (that's another story but let's just say that I was in trouble when I came home with a few scrapes and bruises), I had promised my Mum not to ride/hire/drive/play on/touch any scooters or motor bikes.  BOO!

Bali 2012.  Riding a pink scooter!  :)

This time, I was a good daughter and obeyed the rules (well, actually, my husband had also been threatened so he kept me in line) but I couldn't resist being a little cheeky and sending this photo to Mum, after just a couple of days into the trip.  ;)

She wasn't impressed.  ;)

Anyway, regardless of the lack of a ride (again... BOO!), the image of the scooters and the craziness of the Vietnam roads has really stuck with me.  Therefore, for my Holiday Memories entry, please let me introduce the Cutie Scootie Patootie cushion / pillow.

This baby measures a generous 20" x 20" and will become a floor cushion for my soon-to-be girl (that could actually be a boy but oh well...).  Regular readers will have no doubt noticed the same colour scheme that I am using for these blocks because, as my energy is severely depleted at the moment, I couldn't help but kill two birds with one stone.

The scooter itself is paper pieced, using this fabulous pattern by Shape Moth.  I then got brave and tried some FMQ pebbles.  This was a totally new thing for me so they are far, far, far from perfect but, as it will be staying within this house and will be hopefully be much loved by a littlie, I figured it was the perfect opportunity to let-go and give free motion quilting a shot.

In the interests of keeping it real, here's a close up.  Feel free to skip over this photo as quickly as possible.  ;)

Oh well, we all have to start somewhere.

The log cabins were then added in a QAYG style - a method I've been meaning to try ever since watching the first few lessons of the Quilt-As-You-Go Patchwork Bags class on Craftsy.  It was fun, easy and very quick!

After that is was just a simple matter of whipping up a back (with a zip for ease of washing), sew on a label and add the binding.

And VOILA!!

I love, love, love it.  It is so bright and fun and scooter-licious!  And look how perfectly it goes with the crocheted blanket my Aunty made me when I was a bub!

Only thing that concerns me - if my daughter (ok, ok or pink-loving son!) ever gets a bike license I may have to face the wrath of one very angry Nanna.  Or two?!  ;)

E.

For more details on the Holiday Memories Mini Quilt Competition, and to link up your finished projects, see this post.  Be quick, though, as the linky party closes very, very soon! 

 

Also linking up to this week's Paper Piecing Party over at Kristy's house.

 

AND... also linking up to TGIFF, hosted this week by Laura of Quokka Quilts.  That also means that this cushion is entered into OctoberQuest - a month long challenge.  Four birds, one stone???