SUSANNASQUILTS

A very late Christmas gift…

2012-01-24T16:36:00.004+13:00

Finished at last. I started making a gift for my friend Carole in the USA, and because it was the weekend I started machine quilting it in a thread I wasn’t so keen on, but thought it would be O.K. Well, it wasn’t. I did half of it, put it to one side, and kept looking at it over the next week or so. DH bless him said it was fine, but what would he know.LOL! The colour was wrong, and when something annoys you like that, its very hard to pick it up again. I then decided the only way was to unpick it – what a job!! Anyway now its finished and I am about to wrap it up and post it to her. ( hope she doesn’t read this before she gets it)

I have also finished another Civil War Block and I am very chuffed to say that Barbara Brackman - http://civilwarquilts.blogspot.com/wrote and asked permission to insert one of my blocks in her up and coming book.
A lot of photos of the CW Blocks are featured here
http://flickr.com/groups/civilwarquilts.2011/

Below is the block Barbara requested.

Below is a block I have just finished
#43 The Right Hand of Friendship

Thanks for dropping by

A quick post…..

2012-01-11T09:41:00.002+13:00

to show you a gift I received from a dear friend in Maryland USA. Carole sent me these lovely fabrics which will go very well in my Civil War Quilt. Also a delightful pattern for 3 table runners.

I also finished knitting a cotton cardi for my Grand-daughter Jenna. It seems long but she is very slim and tall, so I’m hoping it’ll do her for a year or so.
Oh look at those pink toes!

There was no wind this morning, so quickly took a photo. Of course the quilt was too big and had to drape on the lawn.

Now I can bundle it off to the Quilter. It’s so nice to get another job nearly finished.:-)
Thanks for dropping by

Still Plugging away…..

2012-01-09T17:08:00.001+13:00

On the wedding quilt, but now am running out of the cream fabric, so I think it’ll have to be a topper quilt, which I would not normally ever make. I am a bit too practical for my own good, as I feel a quilt needs to be useful, not just decorative. I am trying to get past this idea, as I have hardly any wall hangings, and need to do some just to get the quilt idea out of my system.

Now about 3 days later, I have finished the top. I put two borders on, 1 measuring 1 1/2 “ finished the other 8 “ finished, and now the quilt measures 85” square, which is good. I will try and post a photo, but I need a day with no wind ( pretty hard to find at the moment) to take a photo outside, as its too big on the floor.

I have also done a few more of my Civil War Blocks

Block # 52 – Christmas Star

Block # 47 Dixie Tea

Block # 45 Port & Starboard

Oh poo! I can see a mistake. Will have to resew! Funny how you only notice a mistake when you look at a photo!

Block # 49 Yankee Puzzle

I wasn’t so keen on my fabric choices so made another one.

Thats better!

Block #44 Union

And last but not least

Block 50 Grapes of Wrath

Well that’s all from me for now, so

Thanks for dropping by

Happy New Year…

2012-01-04T09:56:00.004+13:00

I have spent some lovely sewing time, catching up on a few things, that I have had to let slide. One is Marks Wedding Quilt ( my name ) that I resurrected after it languished in a box for about 13 years.

The story behind this quilt is, in 1998 when I was visiting a friend in California, she asked me if I would like the fabric and blocks she had started for this quilt. There were reasons she didn’t want it any more, and I said, How lovely! yes I’ll take it with pleasure. The fabric has feathers on it, and quite suits our lifestyle of Western Horses, and would have suited our house. Well…. I am a great procrastinator, and the fabrics and blocks stayed in the box.

Last year a young friend of ours in Australia, also in the same lifestyle announced he was getting married. Ah ha! I could make the quilt for him! At one of the retreats I went to last year, I took the box and started piecing. I am not used to making quilts with limited fabric choices as most of mine are scrappy, and now I know why! I have run out of the green fabric and as the young man is quite tall I wanted to make the quilt as large as I could. Fortunately I have heaps of the feather fabric - Bonnie had bought enough to back it with also.

Click on the picture to enlarge!

Off I went yesterday to see what a couple of friends might have had that was near to the same. One had a 20cm piece of green, that has a small pale orange splog on it, which I think if I randomly put in I’ll get away with it. I was hoping to do a narrow border before the wider feather border, but now I can’t. The same friend had a red Moda Marble that matches the red in the feather fabric so I might use that.

DH is away today playing golf, I have the crockpot on with a piece of corned beef in it, so, must get going and start sewing. Have to make the most of the home alone time. :-)

Thanks for dropping by

At last some sewing time…

2011-12-19T17:48:00.004+13:00

to make this little quilt for a dear friend of mine Sharon, as a Christmas exchange gift.

It is a pattern called Fanfare from Sarah Fielke’s new book ‘Quilting from little things’ and I had a lot of joy making it. I hope to make a few more little quilts this year.

This quilt is machine pieced ( not foundation) and hand appliqued and hand quilted.

We had our Family Christmas lunch last Saturday, so yipee! it’s all over rover for me. I can now just enjoy some sewing time, once we close the office on the 23rd December for 4 weeks!.

I Love it when the grandkids come. There were only 3 of them here this time, but my MIL the Matriarch at 93 was at the head of the table. She’s not sure why now, or who every-one is, but she is healthy in her body and is still enjoying her life.

I am way behind on my Civil War Blocks – about 12 weeks I think, so that will be my next project.

Thanks for dropping by, and in case I don’t blog again before Christmas, have a wonderful time.

Umm! where to start

2011-11-19T14:21:00.005+13:00

After 5 x 12hour days – 2 spent helping set up the Show and the other 3 attending and packing down, I feel I could sleep for a week, but life won’t let me! The annual quilt show – Calico Christmas 2011 was a great success once again. I have managed to take photos of a few of the 269 quilts we had on display.
I have a lot of catching up to do quilt wise. My 2 or 3 on-line projects, the wedding quilt which should have been finished 3 months ago, and the 2 x 16th birthday Grandies quilts that are needed for 2012.
Firstly though I need to catch up on some sleep, so I can tackle the wonderful weekend retreat that I am off to this coming weekend. I feel its just what the doctor ordered.

7 days later……….Back to some sort of normality now, although at the moment we have family staying from Albany WA. I haven’t done any sewing apart from my weekend away, so soon I’ll be having withdrawal symptoms.
Here are some photos of the show that caught my eye. Unfortunately I don’t have names for all the quiltmakers.

Best of Show – made by Colleen Burr

All Doilied Up made by Jocelyn Atkinson
Both the quilt above – Blue Rose and the quilt below - Surfers Paradise were made by Ansa Breytenbach

This quilt ‘Lost Worlds’ was made by Ansa Breytenbach

Below ‘Kitchen Blues’ was made by Chris Behersing

Below – ‘A Wedding Ring at Last’ made by Donna Cumming

Above - Indian Rhapsody made by Hazel Foot - (President of the Auckland Patchworkers and Quilters Guild)

This quilt was made by the members of the APQG as a raffle quilt. I have had to crop the photo as there was a chair in front of the quilt, but the quilt was a queen size. We sold out of the raffle tickets early Sunday morning.

Thanks for dropping by

Sue

So Busy….

2011-10-16T17:58:00.000+13:00

The last week or so has been very busy, and will be for the next 3 weeks or so. I am on a couple of Quilt Show Committees. One of them - we are starting to organise a Quilt Show for July 2012, - this is a relatively small show. The other is arguably the largest Quilt Show in NZ and this is the first weekend in November, so its all go. I have managed to quilt a couple of quilts in the last week, but I’ll tell you more about that later, and post some photos. This post is just to let you know that I am still in the land of the living.
Bye for now
Sue

Spent a very enjoyable day….

2011-09-23T15:05:00.004+12:00

with 12 friends, doing a One Block Wonder Quilt. This is an amazing quilt to make, as every-ones fabric turned out totally different blocks, from what you would think. My fabric was as below. I was a little apprehensive as I thought it was probably too dark. I think it would have been better with more black background. This fabric turned out to be a bit tricky as there was no repeat across the fabric with which to line up the ruler for cutting.There is a 24" repeat going down the fabric. These have not yet been sewn together. They are just placed on a flannel wall. I have lots more to make yet.

I photographed some of the other class participants blocks.

As you can see there was a wide variety of fabrics. Every-one thoroughly enjoyed the class, and as soon as I get some photos of the finished tops I’ll post them.
Thanks for dropping by

Another couple of blocks…

2011-09-19T11:49:00.002+12:00

for my Civil War Collection. I think I have caught up, then we get a curly one, which I put in the too hard basket for another day, then before you know it, I am behind again!

Yesterdays was real easy, so I whipped it up between making the blocks for a Wedding Quilt I promised to make.

Block 38 – Ohio Star

Block 36 Kentucky Crossroads

Block 35 Star of the West

Block 33 – Indiana Puzzle

Block 29 Railroad Crossing

I will post a picture of the Wedding quilt block when the batteries in my camera have recharged.

Thanks for dropping by

Taking a breather from….

2011-09-13T17:43:00.005+12:00

my cursed office work – namely my GST return. I spent most of yesterday afternoon on it, and when it didn’t balance, I checked every entry – 3 times - still no good. By this time about 3 hours had passed and I was getting one of those “STRESS” headaches.
I decided enough for the day, so left the office, and went down to the house and sewed a very easy Nearly Insane block. Amazing how the headache went and I forgot all about the GST.
Sometime very early this morning when the wind outside forced me to get out of bed and close the window, I decided I would delete all yesterdays work and start again, which I did, and now alls good!
So, I can show you all the blocks I have made in the last couple of weeks.
This was the nice easy one I did after a stressful day.

Block 13

Block 7
Cut one piece a bit short at the bottom, but I’ll have enough to fudged it when sewing together.

Block 26

Nice and Easy

Block 36

I never noticed until now that two of the green diamonds go the wrong way. Grr!
Or are they?

Block 42

This was an absolute pain to do as I kept sewing the strips together the wrong way around. I didn’t just do it once, but at least 3 times. Then after piecing the centre I had the two vertical rows of geese going away from the centre instead of towards it. Ah well….

Block 66
I really like this block.

Block 60 –
Another nice one. I’m trying to have my colours not too drab.

Block 48
This one is a bit different. Some of the blocks are so easy, and some are very difficult.

Block 54

I really like the star blocks. I think they are my favourite.

Thanks for dropping by

I Know I Shouldn’t Have BUT…..

2011-09-02T16:51:00.001+12:00

I was checking out my friend Linda’s blog and came across her Friendship Medallion Quilt. This is a free pattern put out by the Australian quilt shop, The Patchwork Pumpkin.

They are offering the medallion quilt pattern, with a few strings attached. They are:

1. You are not allowed to purchase any fabrics for the quilt top. You must use your stash!

2. You may swap fabrics with your friends.

3. Show us your quilt centre to get the next border instructions. No proof? No pattern. No exceptions!

Now, knowing I have so much OLDER fabric I would love to use up, I decided to venture forth…nothing ventured, nothing gained – except maybe another UFO or WIP.

I think I’ll be making this out of a mixture of old and new, Country and Bright. I’m sure it’ll all go together O.K.

Now to get the second part

Thanks for dropping by

Civil War …

2011-08-31T09:50:00.004+12:00

I am dodging my way around…..between Dear Jane Blocks, my Civil War Blocks and my Nearly Insane Blocks. I set myself a target of having my NI quilt finished this time next year, but I think its too big an ask. :-)
I have finished these Civil War Blocks. I am abit behind with these so have to be more focused.haha!

Civil War Block – 27 Irish Chain

Civil War Block 31 Empty Spools

Civil War Block 32 – Carolina Lily

I wanted to make this flower in Yellow, but now I find its the only block with yellow in my collection, so I’ll have to add some yellow to the next blocks.

Thanks for dropping by

A new blog added..

2011-08-22T18:05:00.003+12:00

I have added a new blog - Sue's Dear Jane Journey. If you click on the picture on the side, it will go to my Dear Jane posts.
Sue :-)

http://www.susannasquilts.blogspot.com

Really Bad Weather…

2011-08-15T13:15:00.004+12:00

Unbelievably cold, very windy and raining here in Auckland where I live.
I got up this morning to find the rose pruning's, which I hadn’t as yet gotten rid of, blown all over the lawn, and the rubbish bin upside down in the garden.
This photo is of Wellington, the capital city of N.Z. which is about 5 hours south of where I live. They don’t usually get snow there. We have a cold wintery blast coming from down South.

Anyway, a good day to share with you the work I have done this last week.
I got stuck in once again with my Nearly Insane Blocks, and have managed to make these.

Block 12

Block 24

Block 30

I might have to make an alteration to this block as it turned out wrong. I should have had the pink triangles on one side going the other way.

Not too sure about this one as the colour in reality is very black. Might be too dark.

And, last but not least is Block 18
This took me 3 days on and off – 229 pieces

As I am writing this we are having a hail storm. The weather here in Auckland is the coldest apparently for 50 years. Brrr….but wait - now the sun is trying to shine.

Thanks for dropping by

I Spent a Happy Day…

2011-08-03T16:34:00.003+12:00

last Saturday, with 14 friends each making our own version of a tessellating quilt. The one we made was from the book called “Square Dance” by Martha Thompson. It is so much fun to make, although a little tedious sewing all those squares together.

I made mine using 6” squares from my stash ( hurrah – a bit more used up) After sewing them altogether, you re-cut using a template drawn from the book. After the blocks are re-cut they are so forgiving to sew back together as all the seams are on the bias. You loose about a third in Size I was told – in actual fact I measured Before and after, and my squares plus first border measured 78”. After re-sewing it measured approx. 58”.

Sorry it wasn’t held very straight ( it’s hard to get good help these days – haha)
Its small for me, although I still have a couple of borders to add, and I wanted this little quilt as a quilt for my bed, when I go to Retreats.

I also found a top in my collection, that needed to be quilted so I did just that for my MIL who is 93.

Below are a few photos of my friends tessellating quilts

As you can see they are all looking good. The two on the right were made with 10” squares.
Thanks for dropping by

On A Lovely Winters Day…

2011-08-01T11:56:00.007+12:00

a couple of weekends ago a friend and I went to a Quilt Show of one of the many smaller groups in Auckland.
The Show was really lovely and the morning/afternoon tea, which was provided by the quilters was divine. There’s no doubt that quilters can also bake!
I took photos of some of the quilts, but sorry am not sure who made them.
You’ll see some of the quilts look a bit elongated, as I couldn’t get far enough back to take the photos, so some of them are taken on a bit of an angle. Unfortunately I’ve also missed off a few borders, but you can get the general idea that they were lovely.

.

I think these two cushions were part of a challenge.

Thanks for dropping by

Gosh the time flies…

2011-07-28T13:22:00.003+12:00

I have been meaning to post for about a couple of weeks, but other things get in the way. Then, I had a delightful visit from 3 grandchildren, all for different days/nights, so everything in my world was good.
I also went to my favourite retreat location. There are 2 different quilting retreats a year run at this particular venue, plus one at another venue in the same area, so I have to try and put the brakes on, as I could be away from home a lot, and that isn’t good!! I managed to take some pics of different quilts that were being worked on.
20 or so quilters attended this year, which made for a very friendly and intimate gathering.
But first a couple of photos of the lovely Bay

Every-one hard at it – The sun shone so much we had to pull down the curtains – and its the middle of winter. Certainly makes a change from all the rain we have had!
We have so much fun, laughter and devine food. Its so good for the soul.
Oh my gosh! this is all I managed!!

On the Friday night we traditionally make a small item that doesn’t require much thought. ( usually some of us have indulged in some wine by then.)
This year we made a block roll for all those stitcheries or hand applique we want to cart around.
Here is a photo of all the finished rolls. I never actually got to make mine. The rolls partially opened..These are the rolls closed.
I have some photos from a Quilt Show I attended last week, but I’ll save those for next time.
Thanks for dropping by

It’s a bit slow going….

2011-07-12T15:48:00.003+12:00

My Nearly Insane Blocks

But I am trying to do a few more blocks. I miss making them whilst I am doing other things.

Block 47

I never noticed that I had made a mistake on the next one, but I am going to leave it. I’m sure when its in the quilt it won’t be noticed, and if it is, so be it!!

Block 53

Thanks for dropping by

Happiness is using up old fabric….

2011-07-11T12:52:00.003+12:00

I have been busy this past week making some cushion covers for the Heart Ward of the Auckland Hospital. One of our members of Village Green Quilters is a nurse at the hospital, and asked if we would like to make, what they call ‘coughing’ cushions. These are required for the patients of heart surgery in their recovery program. Also when they go home from the hospital, they need protection from the seatbelt across their wound.

Some of these covers don’t as yet have inserts.
I have felt so good getting amongst my old, but still good, fabric and sorting through them. Discarding some tatty endy bits, and pressing those bits that are usable.

Our Auckland Guild also has a woman who teaches women in prison, the art of Patchwork & Quilting, so I’ve managed to found a bag or two of my older fabric for

them to learn on..

As well as this I have made two more Dear Jane Blocks

A11 – Pebbles Protest

and B 2 – Sweet Tater Pie.

I have made this block twice. After making it so I could cut it down to 5” I left it in my sewing kit. One day I decided I must resize it to show the photo, and without thinking used my 4 1/2” ruler, so….. back to the drawing board. So annoying to do these silly things.
Only a couple of blocks to go before I have finished Row A.

Had a lovely day out yesterday ( between a lightning/thunder storm )with 93 year old MIL. Looking through the local garden centre and having lunch.

Thanks for dropping by

Hoorah..I’ve caught up…..

2011-06-27T14:31:00.001+12:00

I’m very pleased to say I have at last caught up with my Barbara Brackman’s Civil War Blocks.
I am enjoying making these blocks, but unfortunately have been slack in making my Nearly Insane Blocks, so will have to make a concerted effort.

Civil War Block 26

Barbara Frietchie Star

Civil War Block 25

Calico Puzzle

Civil War Block 24

Ladies Aid Album

Civil War Block 23

Illinois Roads

and last but not least

Civil War Block 16

White House

Not much to say this time, as I’ve been busy working out a claim for Qantas and sewing.
Thanks for dropping by

Thanks To Air NZ…….

2011-06-23T16:43:00.004+12:00

We are now home, safe and sound, after being stranded in Sydney (although Qantas put us up in the Menzies Hotel, in George Street, which was very nice) for 4 extra days. Why would that be a problem, I hear you ask? When you have a DH who paces around because he can’t ride horse, or have a game of golf, it gets a little wearing, especially if he isn’t interested in exploring.
However I managed to persuade him to hop on a bus and go with me to Annandale to Quiltsmith where I had a fabulous 1 1/4 hours ( it was counted) browsing and shopping. My DH even asked a woman going into the shop if she would tell his wife to hurry up. It was all done jokingly I must add, but the woman was horrified, and said there was no way she would ask a Quilter to hurry. It was all very funny and he had all the women in the shop laughing.
What an amazing array of fabrics. If it wasn’t for the over weight bags I had already, I would have bought more, but guess what – I was there in time for their 25% off everything sale.

A photo of the yummy Reproduction fabrics I bought.

Prior to that adventure, I arrived in Sydney on my own, on the way to Tamworth, and had 2 wonderful days walking and shopping. I caught a bus to Material Obsession in Drummoyne and spent about 3 hours browsing and shopping. Also went to the outlet shop and bought myself a thermal top, as I hadn’t predicted the weather correctly and was freezing. Of course I had some in my suitcase at the hotel, but that’s the way things go sometimes. :-)

Here is the view I had from my hotel balcony in Sydney - the Medina Grand Harbourside. Very Nice!

I coudn’t help but buy this little set of GFG templates and fabrics to sew while I
was away. As you can see I got quite a few done. Now to get them sewn together as flowers.
I also bought some gorgeous brights from MO to make a quilt for my DGD.

I just need to get some Choc. Brown for the background. I would have bought it there, but I was nervous about the weight of my bag.

Must get to the sewing machine and catch up with my Civil War Blocks.

Thanks for dropping by

Whew 2 in one day..

2011-06-02T12:28:00.005+12:00

Thats going abit over the top, but I have some of Barbara Brackmans Civil War blocks made which I must show you.
This block was a little tricky with all the HST’s, so I changed it a little – unfortunately my stripes don’t match very well.

Civil War - Block 22

Blockade

Civil War Block – 21

Underground Railroad

The fabric on the corners has come out brown, ( from the scan) but they are in actual fact black

Civil War Block- 13

Little Blue Basket

and last but not least

Civil War - Block 10

Lincoln’s Platform

I think I am nearly caught up. Might just have 1 more to do.

Thanks for dropping by – please leave messages. I love to read them. :-)

Another Lovely Autumn Day…

2011-06-02T11:03:00.001+12:00

And I thought I should post some photos from the Retreat I went to last weekend, at Waiwera, which is a little coastal bay on the East Coast of NZ, about 30 mins north of Auckland.

The retreat lasts for 4 days, but I only managed 3. I find for me that’s fine, as I have other things pressing at home, that needs my attention. (DH) haha! and office work.

Isn’t this a fabulous looking tree.

Now onto the main business of the weekend….

We are a small group of about 20 ladies, and although the sewing area is a bit restricted, it makes for a cosy group of like minded people. Alot of the women were doing hand work, but I took my trusty sewezi table (forground). I love this table as it makes me quite independant – if there’s not enough room on the tables.

See my little lady pincushion hanging on my machine– thanks Julie – she drew lots of favourable attention.

I have added some photos of what people were working on.

Will post a photo of what I am making as soon as I take a photo.

Thanks for dropping by

A Beautiful Day Down Under

2011-05-21T11:01:00.004+12:00

And the washing is blowing on the line. DH is off playing golf, and I have been chopping the meat up for a casserole. I thought I must post a couple more Civil War Blocks from Barbara Brackmans blog.
I bought a pack of Civil War 5” squares along time ago in a sale bin, and these have come in really handy as most of my fabrics are just allsorts and some are really quite old.
This one is Block 19

MISSOURI STAR

I really like the look of this block, and the second one is
Block 20 NEW ENGLAND BLOCK

I think I am nearly caught up .
I must get on with some Dear Jane Blocks so I must away.
Thanks for dropping by

I’ve had a Couple……

2011-05-17T11:55:00.002+12:00

of nice afternoons sewing, and have managed some more Nearly Insane Blocks. I am piecing mine on the diagonal of the quilt. I find it easier for me to work out where I am and I like ticking them off as I go.
Its funny how the brain works differently for every-one. This works best for me.
This one is Block 23 more fiddly than you realise
Below is Block 29

and Block 35 – this block took me all afternoon to piece. My purple is a little close in colour to the blue, but overall I don’t mind it.

These little blocks are so addictive, that I really missed sewing them whilst my hand was in plaster. All is well with the thumb now, just need to keep stretching it with exercise.
Thanks for dropping by

An Exercise in Colour

2011-05-16T21:05:00.001+12:00

After having bought lots of the new bright fabrics – a mixture of allsorts, I then got into a panic, and thought , what am I going to do with them. Coming from a clothes sewing background, I couldn’t fathom how they were going to sit together without clashing.

I then thought I would start by doing a BOM, where the fabrics are thought out for me, and maybe I’d get the hang of it. ( I’m still not sure I have).

I started with a BOM from Sue Ross from Material Obsession. I mostly handpieced this block, and I must say I still wasn’t sure about the fabric choices, but I thought – no, just go with it and see how it works out.

I’ve had a great week

2011-05-16T20:48:00.001+12:00

of sewing bits and bobs. I have sewn 3 more of my Barbara Brackman’s Civil War Blocks and 3 more Nearly Insane Blocks. Also had a lovely day out on the Harbour on a friends launch. Beautiful weather and scenery.

It’s about time….

2011-05-05T15:21:00.002+12:00

I posted a photo of the gifts my lovely Brisbane friend Julie gave me, when I was over there in March. I kept forgetting to take a photo.
A couple of cute pincushions and a wee bag for all those bits & Pieces. She must have known I collect pincushions!! Thanks Jules!
The plaster is off as from today Yipee! and only needs to go on if and when I feel I need it. I have managed to make another couple of Civil War Blocks. As I am behind a few, I am working back wards. That way I’ll catch up quicker.(:-)
These blocks are kindly posted 1 a week for 52 weeks by Barbara Brackman. I am finding them really enjoyable.
This is block #18 Union Square

Below is Block # 17 The Comfort Quilt.
I’m having second thoughts about my choice of fabrics for this one. Might have to re-do it! I think the blue is too light.

Below are a few of the Quilts at the Symposium, that caught my eye.
This quilt won ‘Best of Show’ and was made by Ansa Breytenbach
It is called Te Timatanga (The Begining)

Below this quilt took my vote for Viewers Choice. I’m not sure which quilt won. I loved this quilt as it was hand quilted.
Marge Hurst, In my Retirement - Best Traditional Quilt.

Below - Helen Marshall - Aurora Florialis
This quilt was also heavenly and was Machine Quilted.

Below -
Debby Williams, Starlight Sonata Opus 8
Miniature Excellence

Below - Liz McKenzie, Gondola Over Wakatipu - Suitcase
and Merit Awards

Below - Robin Halverson, Low Tide -    Merit
Below - Rosemary Rush, Retro Razmatazz - Remarkable Use of Colour

Below - Amanda Hasselman, For Freedom - Merit

Below -Fyvie Murray, Baltimore Album VI with Stars - Merit

Below - Chris Kenna Bronze Feathers

Below - Heather Harding, Welsh Traditions - Excellence in hand Quilting

Below - Lyn Ogle, A Day's Catch - Best Non-Traditional Quilt

Below - Lesley O'Rourke, Celtic Wave - Excellence in Machine
Quilting - Long Arm Computerised

Well, I think that’s about enough for today, so I’ll love and leave you
Thanks for dropping by

More on Symposium

2011-05-02T16:16:00.001+12:00

I had two very good classes and was Angel for one day. They chose an easy class for me to be Angel for as I still have my plaster cast on ( and will do for another week or so.

I was an Angel for an Art design class, which was not my cup of tea. Try as I may, I just don’t get it, but they were a nice bunch of ladies. Only 7 in the class and I think 3/4 were from Australia. I am such a traditional quilter!!

My first class was a Miniature Paper Foundation Piecing class, which was quite good, but since applying for the class way back, I started making the ‘Nearly Insane Quilt’ and learned Carol Doak’s method of paper foundation piecing, which I find extremely good.

The pattern was Storm at Sea.

The second class I did was with Gloria Loughman, who is from Australia and is a most generous and wonderful tutor. She is so sharing of her knowledge and I am very keen to finish the quilt. Listening very hard! Just the start of my sky . DH can’t see that its a sunset at all, so hopefully when I have finished it he will rethink.

We had our Special Dinner night up at the Skyline Restaurant, which means a ride up in the gondola. Not for the faint hearted!!

Overlooking the Remarkable Range.

Another couple of pixs from Wanaka

Thanks for dropping by

Home from Symposium

2011-05-01T14:11:00.001+12:00

We had a great time at the National Symposium held in Queenstown NZ this past week. I haven’t done any sewing since I came home, as there’s always a payoff for being away from home and the office.

Four of us flew down to Queenstown 2 days before Symposium, hired a rental car, and drove to Arrowtown & Wanaka,and stayed a couple of days. Took some lovely photos.

The colours down there are amazing This was the only bit of snow we saw, and it only lasted a day or two then melted away. The water is so blue, but freezing cold and the grass so green. These photos are not enhanced. That is how the colours are.

The day here was overcast but the scenery just as beautiful.

After a little retail therapy!! Couldn’t resist taking a photo of this sign in a shop window.After a couple of days sightseeing, shopping, wining and dining, we set sail south to Queenstown and Symposium.

Have just had a lovely weekend of children & grandchildren for lunch and to stay over. It always makes my heart sing to have them here. I don’t see enough of them, so I treasure any times with them.

Thanks for dropping by

It’s Amazing what you can do

2011-04-12T15:38:00.001+12:00

with one hand. I managed to plant 6 more lettuce plants today – Mind you, I still can’t do the dishes! LOL!

All that lovely Perpetual Spinach. It seems to go on growing through most of the Winter here.

And my Rocket and Basil which I love.

I have made 2 more of my Barbara Brackman Civil War Blocks.

Block 14 – Fox and Geese

And

Block 15 – Fort Sumter

I am not very true to the fabrics of the era, but I am using Reproductions.I love some of the fabrics the others are using, but I need to use the 3 draw full’s that I have on hand. After all the quilt is for me, and I must have liked what I bought in the first place. :-)

Now to tackle the Basket Block, but as I want to applique a handle, I might have to leave that until my cast is off.

Thanks for dropping by

Posting the Old with the New

2011-04-11T16:46:00.002+12:00

I started this post about 3 weeks ago, but never got it finished, so I will carry on from here.

I am nearly 3 weeks into recovery and have been told it will take at least another 4/5 weeks.

In the meantime, I have been able to sew a little and have managed another couple of Water Bottle Carriers. I am heading down to Queenstown at the end of the week, for our National Quilt Symposium, so I’m thinking these will come in very handy.

I also managed some Barbara Brackman Civil War Blocks

Block 11 - London Square

This was a nice easy block to make.

Another easy one!

Block 12 – Louisiana

MARCH 19th

Just arrived home from Brisbane, Australia from hot humid weather to rain. Still can’t complain as we needed it.

I have so missed my sewing time, but now I’m due to have an operation on the base of my thumb to remove an arthritic joint, so I will probably be out of action for a week or so. Maybe I’ll still be able to sew on the machine, if I get my ‘stuff’ organised.

Before I left I had to make a couple of birthday gifts and a ‘happy to see you gift’ for my friend in Brisbane Julie.

It’s a wonder she’s still my friend, as I was supposed to meet her at her club day on the 18th but somehow got it into my brain that it was on the 19th. I arrived only to find no-one there, and on ringing Julie was asked “where were you yesterday?” DUH!! I was so disappointed as I had been really looking forward to catching up and meeting the “girls” Julie managed to organise her work day a couple of days later and we had OUR catch-up and gossip!!

This is the photo of one of the Water Bottle Carriers I made as a gift. The pattern was in Homespun No.92 Vol. 12.1

Thanks for dropping by

Another Day In The Life of a Frustrated Quilter!

2011-03-27T12:25:00.000+13:00

I am sitting here typing with one hand. First day I have managed to even get out of bed and have a shower with a plastic bag wrapped around my arm and hand. We arrived home from our trip to Australia last Sunday morning, and I was advised I could have the operation on my thumb joint, the following Thursday morning. Thinking it might be a long wait if I turned them down, I said yes thats great.
Only problem was my sister was arriving from down country the same day, for a week of shopping therapy. Unfortunately she doesn't sew, so its days of clothing shopping. The operation went well, but the recovery was abit rough to say the least. The pain relieving medication only succeeded in making me very nauseous. Anyway all seems to be O.K. now and I just have to be patient.

Hopefully by Thursday 31st I'll be more lively, as I am booked into a class with Gail Garber from USA. Its a 2 day class called "Flying Colours", but at this stage I might only be taking paper and pencil etc and not my machine, as I have a half plaster cast on my arm and thumb up to my elbow. Fortunately its my left hand.

I had a great day as usual in Brisbane with my dear friend Julie who once again gave me a lovely gift of 2 pincushions, and a little purse and took me patchwork shopping. Being with the family for 9 days it was hard to do this, so my time with Julie was lovely.

I am 3 weeks behind with my Civil War Blocks, so as soon as I can cut out and get the machine going, I'll have to get on with them.

Sorry no pics today, as I'm on the laptop and its too hard!:-))
Bye for now

Sue

http://www.susannasquilts.blogspot.com

Then the Next Day…

2011-03-04T14:19:00.001+13:00

These books arrived in the post.

Some yummy projects to drool over, and think about starting!!

I have been busy making my Civil War Blocks and have now made # 9

BIRDS IN THE AIR – This block is 8” finished.

Also have made two more Blocks in my Dear Jane Journey

Blocks # A3 & A8 – these blocks are 4 1/2” finished

Have also managed to finish my Nearly Insane Block # 6

These blocks are 6” finished.

I am really enjoying making these blocks and have just got one more row on another block to finish then I can post a photo.

DONE! Here is BLOCK 17

What a mission this one was. It has taken me on and off a couple of days to get it right. ( or as near as)

I think I went about the piecing in the wrong order, then ended up with a bit of a mess. Thank goodness its done.

Well, I’m off for the weekend to celebrate my birthday with one of my grandsons, at the beach, so thanks for dropping by

Just In Case…

2011-03-03T11:40:00.003+13:00

I didn’t get anything much for my birthday (haha any excuse) I thought I would shout myself something! On the day guess what arrived in the post.

Aren’t they yummy? Good for my Nearly Insane Quilt and my Civil War Quilt.
Also the odd book or two appeared. Here’s a photo of one of them.
But I needn’t have worried, because Sharon a dear friend of mine in Arizona sent me this gorgeous bag and Linen Tea towel with a Chocolate Chip recipe printed on it. She made both gifts and I love them both.

My Dear Sister sent me this delightful scarf
( great to hide the Turkey Neck!! )
Two dear friends near home sent me a voucher for a facial so I’m all set.
Went out last night for dinner at a Thai Restaurant with family
the day before I even had time to bake. Love this recipe as it makes
lots of bickies.

Tomorrow I will post pictures of the latest blocks I have made.
Thanks for dropping by

Sue

More Blocks

2011-02-25T16:48:00.003+13:00

I’ve been a bit slow on the blogging lately, but on most days have managed to do a little bit of sewing.
Went to a Sew in Day last Saturday run by Pine Valley Quilts and managed to make 2 more in my Dear Jane Blocks Journey. I started this
quilt way back when, and have just gotten the urge to get back to it.
Made another couple in the last day or so
These blocks are 4 1/2” finished.
I was so annoyed with myself making this block ( above) I had 3/4’s of it pieced when I realised I had printed the pattern out at 6 “ instead of 4 1/2” . I finished it to go in the UFO draw, and remade it in the smaller size.
I also managed to get my Barbara Brackman Civil War Block made.
This is Week 8 and is called COTTON BOLL Not so good in the centre matching, but I think I’m O.K. with it. I may tweek it a little before I piece the quilt!
I haven’t done any Nearly Insane Blocks this week so must get on and do one in the weekend.
Thanks for dropping by

I’ve been Busy Making My

2011-02-17T17:13:00.001+13:00

Nearly Insane Block # 71

Oops that looks a little off – some fudging needed there I think.

and Block # 34

I enjoyed this one. You can’t beat a nice Star Block.

The background fat 1/4 I bought for $1 at a stall at a show. :-)

And Block # 40

I have also made my Barbara Brackman Blocks.

I usually get into them on Sunday morning when they arrive in my mail box, but when Block 6 arrived I didn’t have time. Before I knew it, it was Saturday, and I thought if I don’t get onto it, the next one would be here, and I would start lagging behind.

So…. I cut my fabric and sewed merrily along, only to find the rows didn’t match or fit. Darn I knew I should have checked what others had done. Its good because all those who get stuck in straight away, seem to iron out any cutting errors. I checked then re cut and Viola a lovely block.

Block 6 - Richmond

And Block 7 Log Cabin

Even this block needed a little caution in the cutting.

Thanks for dropping by

Ticking along Nicely!

2011-01-31T10:45:00.001+13:00

Block 5 – Kansas Troubles.

A block to piece carefully, but it turned out quite nice. Its fun to hook up on Sunday mornings and get the latest from Barbara Brackman’s Civil War blocks. Makes it a lot easier for me to keep up. ( At this stage anyway heehee)

I’m managing to have quite a few sewing days at the moment, as we can’t go away on holiday. Planted some lettuce and perpetual spinach which is so great to grow. Just cut the leaves off as you want the spinach and the plant just keeps on reproducing more. I planted 6 plants last summer, and they kept going until I went away in September then because DH was in charge the garden went to weeds. :-(

We eat a lot of spinach – I wash it, chop it up, add no extra water, then cook until its wilted ( not long) then drain and add lots of chopped fresh garlic. I then pour over a couple of tablespoon of good Olive Oil and about half that quantity of a good vinegar. Balsamic usually, although any is fine. Yummy!!

I have just finished two more NEARLY INSANE BLOCKS

Block 28

and Block 22

Oh No!!! I have just realised that my flying geese are going the wrong way on the sides. Oh well, too bad – I’m not redoing it. They’ll just have to stay that way.

Spot the difference in the outside fabric. As I said in my earlier post, I did what Salinda Rupp might have had to do, and make do. I ran out of the fabric I had done everywhere else and had to make about 7 of the outside of the geese in a different fabric.

Thanks for dropping by

Whew those Points!

2011-01-27T17:32:00.001+13:00

My Barbara Brackman Civil War Blocks

After two shots at it I managed eventually to get the Seven Sisters Block to look O.K. Unfortunately I did what a beginner would maybe do, and I should have known better. I cut my background bigger – thats correct, but I forgot to mark where my 8” came to. Lucky for me my stars only just fit inside the 1/4” seam allowance.

Boy were those points hard work. I was determined not to machine applique, as to me it would be wrong for that era, But that’s only my opinion.

Next I managed without to much trouble to make Block 4

TEXAS TEARS

Now looking forward to Block 5.

Thanks for dropping by

Two more Blocks…

2011-01-10T16:49:00.001+13:00

Just now finished another Nearly Insane Block. # 21

I’ve also made the Block 2 in the Civil War Quilt.Civil War Quilts Its not too late to get yourself in on this quilt project. Check out Barbara Brackman's blog.

I’m on a roll now - Cheers Sue

A New Year Gift

2011-01-10T11:50:00.001+13:00

I decided to make my SIL a New Year gift. Over the past 20 or so years I have made her 2 table runners, but after looking at them on Christmas Day, I realised how faded they were.

I really enjoyed making this, and machine quilting it in the all over stipple. I’m improving my skills in stippling, but must get onto doing something a little more challenging.

Thanks for dropping by

I’m So Glad…..

2011-01-09T09:51:00.001+13:00

That I was browsing through some blogs the other day, Tazzie in particular, and found this new Barbara Brackman Civil War Quilts project. I got really excited about it, as I have so many reproduction fabrics to use. I have made Block 1 shown.

I see block 2 has been posted so I’m away to make that one. It’s not too late if you want to get involved.

Thanks for dropping by

Happy New Year!

2011-01-06T11:48:00.001+13:00

I have been having a lovely few days sewing. Paper foundation piecing my Nearly Insane blocks. No phones in the office to worry about as we are closed until 25th January. We have been forced to stay at home these holidays, so DH can medicate one of our mares twice a day to keep her in foal. Fingers crossed that she is still in foal, – she is being scanned again tomorrow. We managed to transfer our air tickets to Brisbane to 11th March, which is the soonest we can go.

Here is a photo of block # 9. The corners look abit rounded, but they aren’t. I should have starched them straight before I took the photo.

Block 8 with the outside borders redone. I decided it was too light against the block next to it, so I undid the outside borders and remade them in different fabric.

Also made block 15.

I am really enjoying the PFP method, and have just gotten out of the box, a class I started about 10 years ago. I am very keen to finish it now. I am using paper from Carol Doak, and find it is really good.

Thanks for dropping by

Another Quilt Finished!

2010-12-19T16:47:00.001+13:00

Another DGS’s quilt is finished. Well, it has been for a week or two, but I haven’t managed to get it photographed and blogged until now. I was very happy with this quilt – you know what it’s like, this was one of those quilts that you would really like to keep but can’t, ‘cause there’s no room left in the cupboard!!

I made myself a pledge to make all the grandchildren a quilt each for their 16th birthdays. This is # 2 done, and only 7 left to do.

Sorry about the poor quality of the photo. I had the sun beating down and two reluctant holders with arms stretched. I machine quilted this on my Pfaff and was very pleased with how it turned out. My friend said to me, its because I have done 2 or 3 now, and its all practise. Also this was alot easier to manage in the machine, as it wasn’t as big as what I usually make.This is a topper for a double bed and measure approx. 73” square.

We had our family Christmas day yesterday, so now its all relaxing for me, as I’ve done the stressing bit. DH says he doesn’t know why I get so stressed. I don’t know how he thinks everything would get cleaned and food made for 12 adults and 4 kids if I didn’t.

Any-way now I can get the last minute sewing bits & pieces done for friends and there’s no panic. Our trip to Brisbane has now been changed to March ( birthday time) so that’ll be nice for the family there.

Thanks for dropping by

The Box Arrived at Last!

2010-12-14T15:34:00.003+13:00

When my sister and I were in Wales back in September ‘10 we knew we were going to struggle with our luggage with the bits & bobs we had already bought, and we were only 2 weeks into our journey, so…. both of us decided to post ourselves home a LARGE box. In it was some clothing we weren’t going to wear anymore on the trip, and some souvenirs, but most importantly mine had some Dutch Fabric I had purchased at the Birmingham Show.
You can imagine how I was feeling by now, that the box still hadn’t turned up. A friend said not to worry as sometimes their mail from the UK arrives months later, so I was trying to be positive. The clothing didn’t matter, but the fabric DID!!
Well today it arrived and it was really exciting, ‘cause I forgot half the stuff I had bought.

I don’t remember buying the Japanese type fabrics or the blue/green ones.
For the last 3/4 days I have been plodding through the making of my Nearly Insane Block # 8. I realised everyone was making them in the diagonal order, so I thought I’ll just ‘bite the bullet’ and make a start. I set up my sewing machine on my sewEzi table and put it in the lounge. I have outgrown my sewing room, in so much as I don’t have much room to sit and sew, as its full of fabric, and I find it a bit depressing in the clutter. Its so nice out in the open, so until DH complains I’ll keep on there. I can see on the photo its a bit wonky on the top right corner, so I might have to do some work on it. – We’ll see!!

This is the other one – # 14

I am enjoying making these blocks – no rush and just pop over to the machine when I can and sew a bit more!
Thanks for dropping by

And Another Bag!

2010-12-13T16:42:00.001+13:00

I seem to be on a roll lately with bags. My DH says Why do you need another bag? I tell him its not a matter of need. but of the fun making them! This one – I bought the Jane Sassaman fabric in one store, had the perfect green to match in my stash, and used some purple fabric for the lining I dyed back about 15 years ago. I was going to buy a large purple button to put on the bag, but as I wanted to use it I put on a copper coloured one I had in my 40 year old button collection. Friends thought it looked great, so I haven’t changed it.

As well as sewing I have been baking. I made a very large Christmas cake recipe and for the first time ever made it in small loaf tins. All these cakes in the photo are from the one recipe. I don’t ice my cakes as DH doesn’t like icing, so I will wrap these little beauties up in pretty Christmas paper for gifts. The one at the back was made in a large loaf tin. I need to have a taste before giving them away. Must make sure they taste right!
Must get back to my Nearly Insane Block.
Thanks for dropping by

Another Bag Completed!

2010-11-29T15:16:00.001+13:00

One of my DDIL’s in due to have a birthday, and she is very hard to buy for. ( Doesn’t every-one say that?) but she is, so once again I made her a bag with 3 pockets inside for her bits and pieces. I was going to make one for myself using the same pattern, but in the meantime found a pattern in an old patchwork magazine, and have decided to make that instead. – So… watch this space.

I have also completed another Nearly Insane block to go in the pile.

This one took me the best part of 5 hours. Unbelievable – mind you I was eating morning tea and lunch in between.

Just finished doing the lawns yet again. My lawns need mowing every week at the moment. It takes me about 2 hours on my ride-on. We haven’t had any rain to speak of for a couple of months, but we get quite heavy dew, and that keeps the lawns growing. The paddocks are getting pretty dry now, and soon I will have to keep the large bowl in the sink to catch all the waste water in the kitchen to water my plants outside.

Its the same ever year, but in 22 years we haven’t yet had to buy any water. We are very lucky.

Thanks for dropping by

VGQ’s Christmas Dinner

2010-11-27T17:05:00.001+13:00

My local quilt group, Village Green Quilters had our traditional Christmas Dinner last night. The food was delicious and the company great. Lots of fun and laughter was had by all.

Here is a photo of the small quilt I made for our Christmas gift Exchange.

I received a lovely bag in return, which happened to be made by a friend of mine.

Our gift exchanges are all done by a number you collect when you add a gift to the pile. Then we go and choose our gift in Number order.

I have been fiddling with this blog for so long now, that I must go and do some more sewing. I have had a DH free weekend, and am not making the most of it. VBG!

Thanks alot for dropping by

Love to you all

Isn’t Time Flying

2010-11-26T15:27:00.001+13:00

The days are flying away on me, not long now until Christmas. I have been so busy on the committee of Calico Christmas Show that my sewing has been on the back burner of late. One of the traditional things we do on the 3 days of the show is wear an apron. Up until about 2 years ago they were a standard large red apron. In the last couple of years we have had pretty aprons. Here is a photo of the ones we wore this year. We all had the same fabric kindly donated by Wrights Fabrics, but we could make whatever we chose.

Today I managed to finished a Christmas Exchange Gift for a friend. I had to slightly modify this as there was no weight in the pin cushion to hold it on the table, so I added some ties, so it could be tied around the the motor part of the sewing machine.

Its for all those pesky threads you need to cut off, and usually put in a plastic bag taped to the table.

Thanks for dropping by

A Great Class and Retreat

2010-10-20T16:21:00.007+13:00

Sharon who is the President, of my little local Quilt Group, Village Green Quilters in Whenuapai, Auckland decided to organise a 3 day retreat at one of the local beaches just out of Auckland, with Jenny Bowker. There are about 50 members of our group, but only 12 of us were able to attend.
I had only been home 2 weeks, but I had warned DH that I would be going, and just to impress him, showed him Jenny Bowker’s Blog, so he would know it was a serious commitment.
Serious it was NOT, as we had the most fabulous weekend, getting to know those in the group, that you don’t normally spend much time with, other than to have a little chat. We had so much fun, lots of food, wine & nibbles etc.
As I think I’m not up to being artistic, I decided to be a gofer (Angel), and that way I would still have the fun time away with my mates. The class was a HUGE success and every-one thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Jenny is a very generous tutor – apart from the class itself, we learned how to make a folded paper book and a different folded card book_ (good to show the grandies )
We were also shown how to machine applique and quilt our pieces, something that sometimes gets missed when on a 2 day course. It was so good to have that extra time to finish off.

On the Sunday Jenny very kindly suggested I borrow a photo from some-one and draw up my own picture on the projector to carry on with at home.

Some of the class achievements with a little way to go!

Thanks for dropping by

Home Again!!

2010-10-06T16:31:00.001+13:00

Well, after being on the go for 6 weeks, I am now at home, and just as busy.I found it too hard to blog from the places I visited, the main reason being time. My sister and I were on the go the whole time. I did get to the last day of the Birmingham Show, which was mind boggling, and my sister’s BIL kindly took us to see some Vintage Welsh Quilts, but apart from that there wasn’t a quilt shop in sight!! I think Lynn breathed a sigh of relief – her not being a sewer of any description. :-))

I was so desperately trying to get some projects organised before I left to take with me to sew, I may as well have saved myself the time, as I made about 2 candied hexagons. I can’t believe I went so long without sewing, but at the end of each day, after a couple of wines and dinner it was bedtime, so we could get going again the next day. Of course I must explain bedtime was at least 11 pm, and we were up again at 7am.

We hired a rental car and drove 1500 MILES. Got lost more times than I can remember, and on one occasion came off the freeway too soon, but thought we would be O.K. Of course both of us spent a lot of time looking for the loo. This time things were getting to the desperate stage, when we spotted this woman in a little country lane, walking her dog. I rolled the window down and asked her if there was a cafe and toilets in the village. She said no, then seeing the look of horror on my face, said is it the toilet you want. I said Yes Please. She offered if we followed her home, about 200 metres, we could use her toilet. How’s that for a kind action from a stranger. We were so appreciative, we couldn’t thank her enough!!

Will try and post some photos at a later date, but most of what I took was on the video camera, and I still haven’t put it on the computer.

Thanks for dropping by

Haven’t really got time but…..

2010-08-16T15:59:00.000+12:00

Whew! I am starting to have just a little panic here, and I shouldn’t be spending time doing this, but I said I would show the blocks I made last week of my Nearly Insane Quilt.
Block # 10
I am really enjoying making these blocks, and at 6” finished they are not so hard to do.
Block # 3
And below Block # 11
After putting them on here I noticed they aren’t very straight on the scanner, but I haven’t got time to redo them.
Now to back back to making some more Pies & Tarts. I am going to take these to hand piece with me on my travels, OH and just in case I don’t have enough to do (HaHa) I will take some Candied Hexagons, that I have drawn and cut out.
Still have Grand-children ‘stuff’ to do and office work for the 20th month, so must away and get on with it.
Thanks for dropping by

11 more sleeps!

2010-08-09T17:15:00.001+12:00

I’m on the countdown now to my OE, but still managed to find time to go to another Retreat. At the same place in a beautiful conference centre by the sea, and even though the weather was on the whole, pretty average with rain and wind, its still a lovely place to be. All warm and snuggly inside, with waves crashing on the shore, visible from the large windows in our sewing room.

There were about 28 of us this time, and I managed to get the top pretty much put together this time. Just have the borders to add, then I can start quilting it. This quilt is for grandchild 3 on the list of 16th birthday quilts.

I have quite enjoyed piecing this quilt.

In between doing this I have managed to make some more of my Nearly Insane Blocks. Will post a photo tomorrow.

Must away and do some more packing!! Trouble is I can only take 20 kgs. I think I will be posting some goodies home.

Thanks for dropping by

Only 142 to Go!!

2010-07-18T16:32:00.002+12:00

I have made a start at long last. What with all these projects on the go.
At the last count I had made about 60 Candied Hexagons. Now I am starting to think they are all too much. I must lay them out again and take a photo.
I have just made my first 2 Dear Jane Blocks Gosh the pieces are soooo small, and even doing Paper Foundation Piecing, you can still get them slightly off. These blocks are 4 1/2” finished.
I also made my first 2 Nearly Insane Blocks
These blocks are 6” finished, and I was able to P. F. Piece the centres then do the borders the normal way.
I read a great tip, keep measuring each section, and add extra fabric on the last round. This can be cut down if need be.
It’s amazing that even though you try so hard to be accurate, it can still end up slightly out. :-))

Sorry the blog is so short but.....Thanks for dropping by

What a wonderful weekend!

2010-07-07T11:59:00.001+12:00

I know I’m a bit behind with this post, but I had a wonderful quilting weekend retreat with about 20 friends at a stunning conference/retreat centre right on the East Coast of Auckland. The day was overcast and raining, but that doesn’t stop the enjoyment of the weekend.

You can see the ocean, although its a bit hard as the cloud cover looks the same colour.

Such a neat time was had by all. No cooking, but wonderful meals, no dishes and no packing all your ‘stuff’ away to eat. A friend and I arrived at 2pm Friday after having lunch on the way over. Must keep up ones strength. hehe!

Sewed and sewed until had to have drinkies at about 5pm.

All day Saturday sewing, plus a couple of us went around the block for a walk to work off the food ready for the next meal. Oh life’s so hard!!

Sunday, back to the table bit this time on a different project. More fun that way!!

The great thing about this quilting life, is that 2 or 3 of the ladies are in their 80’s and are still sewing like mad, and are having the time of their lives.

I happened to be on the veranda at home when I saw this cute thing happening with the calves and the young filly. They were nose to nose, but by the time I got the camera, they had moved a little. There is a fence between them.

I am off to start the first block of my Nearly Insane journey, so wish me luck, although it’s not so bad, as the blocks are 6” not 4” like Dear Jane.

Thanks for dropping by

Soup Night at Quilting

2010-06-20T17:15:00.002+12:00

Last Monday night we had our traditional annual Soup night, which consists of us bringing along Soup and Dessert.

A list is sent around, and everyone writes down what they are going to bring. As you can see by this photo we had a few crockpots of different kinds of soup.

We also had lots of yummy desserts, but in all the fun and laughter I forgot to take a photo of them. They in all truth probably disappeared before I had a chance. Not because I was too busy talking!LOL

We have started a little tradition (for want of a better word) One of our members works in the Heart Unit of one of the city hospitals, and she asked the members if they would join with her in making some coughing cushions. One of our members was very perturbed, as she thought she said coffin cushions, and wondered what on earth that meant. Apparently when a patient is recovering from Heart surgery, they need to cough, holding the cushion at their chest. The cushion helps with this procedure.

I took a photo of the cushions that were handed in on the night. Mine is the Autumn leaf cushion.

We hope that those members who want to do this will do so monthly. Alot of quilt groups in our city donate quilts to Womens Refuge and The City Mission etc, so we thought this was something we could do.

Thanks alot for dropping by

Back Home

2010-06-11T14:45:00.001+12:00

Well, we are home again to the rain, with loads of washing. My DH always says nooooo don’t bother washing while we are away – we always take heaps ( too much ) luggage with us. Save it (he says) until we get home.

Well now I’ve done most of it – like about 15 shirts, and 6 pairs of jeans. This is the pile of shirts I have to start ironing tomorrow. Ah well I’ll put a quilting DVD on to make the job less boring!

I took my camera to Australia with me for the sole purpose of taking photos for my blog. I even took the charger for the batteries, but on the Sunday the batteries decided they had had enough and karked it. I wasn’t anywhere I could buy some new ones so I got a pathetic photo from the balcony outside our apartment in Tamworth, and that was it!!

Ah well next year. We go every year to the Cutting Horse Futurity, but on the way I fly into Brisbane and spend some time with my son, DIL and G Children.

I managed a few photos of the family. One of the boys had his 14th birthday so Gma of course made a banana cake. We only had a 1 and a 3 but he was happy with that.

Also had a yummy meal of Lamb Shanks done in tomato and red wine. My Dear DIL is now an expert Panacotta maker, so had to have that also. It was devine, but very bad for you. All that cream. She has been practising for when my Italian DH and I go over to visit for Christmas.

I spent a lovely day as I said before in my last blog with Julie, who very kindly gave me a momento of our day out.

A neat set of pot mitts, a lovely cupcake tea towel and the best of all a little purse for putting all those cards in.

I’m very slowly coming to the end of the planning for my big OE with my sister. We are off on 20th August, and the first port of call is the Birmingham Show.

Thanks for dropping by

2010-05-29T10:26:00.001+12:00

No photos today, but what a wonderful day I had here in Brisbane yesterday.
Met up with my dear friend & co scquilter Julie from Ipswich, and what a day we had. Talk about "talking non stop"
We seem to have so much in common, and we hardly had time to take a breath. After yummy cake and coffee, Julie took me to The Quilters Store where I added to my stash in a gentle way :-)) by this time it was 3pm and we were so dying of dehydration, we had to rush back to the shopping mall for a coffee. Before we knew it, it was 4pm and I missed my bus back to my DIL hairdressing salon, where she was going to give me a few low lights in my hair.
Julie very kindly drove me there. ( well actually she followed the bus )
After another half hour of talking, Julie thought she had better get home, and sort out something for dinner.
Isn't it amazing, when you meet some-one you just hit it off, as though it was meant to be. This is only the second time Julie and I have met up in person, but I feel I have known her forever.
Thanks again Julie for all the goss and laughter and of course the lovely gifts!!
Will post a photo when I get home!
Thanks for dropping by
Sue

http://www.susannasquilts.blogspot.com

Another Block Finished

2010-05-06T14:48:00.003+12:00

Today is my DH’s 70th birthday, and after having Apple Strudel (made by yours truly ) for morning tea, he is off outside to ride/train one of the horses.

We have so many field mushrooms at the moment, and DH keeps bringing them into me to deal with. ( You know what its like) I have been making lots of mushroom soup and freezing it for DH, so when I’m away its an easy meal for him.

At last I have remembered to take a photo of the 2nd block I have made in the Bridal War Quilt series. This one I made using the wash away paper behind my applique. I took this photo before I washed it, and have now done so, and it looks fine.

Broke a few # 60 machine needles though, trying to get through all the fabric on the points of the leaves. The current block I am making, I am starching the edges over freezer paper, then ironing the edges down before removing the freezer paper to stitch down. I think I like this way better. No sticky glue as with the wash away.

Hopefully I won’t take so long to finish block #3.

Thanks for dropping by

What a Lovely Autumn Day in April

2010-04-26T15:04:00.001+12:00

Went into my sewing room this morning, and got a huge dose of the depression – haha not really, but with such a mess with all these projects half finished, and so many things I want to make……

I heard somewhere on a quilting DVD that we do not have to finish everything we start, the trouble is almost everything I start is something I really want to finish. :-))

And its about time I did some more blogging. I have been very remiss, but I have been sewing. Just haven’t taken any photos.

I am in the process of machine appliqueing my Civil War Bridal Quilt. I have finished the first block – Yay!! I did this one using freezer paper inside then slitting the back and taking the freezer paper out. It looks a bit crumpled as I had to wet it to get the paper out, and haven’t ironed it yet.

Not sure whether I like this method, so at the moment I am doing one using wash away paper.

Hope to have my second block finished any day now and will post a photo as soon as I can.

I’m also getting stuck into my Candied Hexagons which I am hand piecing at night.

The 2 blocks using one print is my focal print and the one I used to get my colour from.

It’s sure going to be bright.:-))

Thanks for dropping by

HAPPY EASTER!

2010-04-02T12:31:00.001+13:00

Hi Every-one

Not a lot happening in the quilting line at the moment, although in the evenings I have been putting a few circles together. A project I started a couple of years ago. Managed to tack my fabric to the paper templates, but that was as far as I got, so I thought I should start putting some together.

I am trying to work out what to take with me on my trip. Something I don’t need super sight for, so it won’t be these, as it’s quite hard to get the centre points accurate. Even with hand piecing.

My basting stitches are still in.

One thing I did achieve yesterday was this A lovely batch of Hot Cross Buns. They taste very yummy.

A photo below of one of our lovely girls heading off to Australia to enter a couple of shows, and meet up with a nice young fella to make a baby!! She will come back home in about October.

DH was quite emotional to see her go, as she has such a lovely disposition, and he has become quite fond of her.

Thanks for dropping by, and have a lovely Easter Break.

another Applique block finished!

2010-03-22T15:11:00.001+13:00

In searching for something I had lost in my sewing room recently, I wandered around, totally off the subject as I am want to do (much to my husbands amusement or sometimes annoyance) and found 3 finished applique blocks and one nearly finished block. I immediately forgot about what I was looking for and started to finish the 4th block.

So here are the four blocks.

The backgrounds are two different colours on purpose. They are hand appliqued. It started out many years ago as a BOM but now I’m not so keen on some of the blocks so I thought I would do a mix & match and just add some different blocks to my quilt ( hoping I have enough fabric)

Thanks for dropping by

Home Again!

2010-03-16T16:28:00.013+13:00

Had a lovely few days at Lake Taupo which is the largest lake in central North Island of New Zealand. I met up with my sister who lives at the bottom of N.I. so we kind of met half way, to celebrate my birthday and to plot our journey to Great Britain & Europe in August.

I was home for 2 days then had to leave again with DH for a Horse Clinic in Raglan which is on the West Coast of N.Z. about 2 1/2 hours drive south of where we live. We picked up the Australian Trainer from the airport, and were on our way.

View from the back of their farm. We had a lovely 3 days down there, then back to the airport, then home again.

Well I was home 1 day, then had to leave again and drive 2 1/2 hours East to the other coast to my lovely wee grandson. He turned 7 and Grandma had to be there.

Skinny little chap, but tall for his age. I managed to get him off his new mountain bike for this photo.

Not much sewing done in this first 2 weeks of March, but when I arrived home I had some lovely parcels waiting.

One of them was some fabric I had ordered from The Quilted Crow

and….

my Civil War Diary Book, so no excuse now, not to get on with the blocks.

BFN

Another Civil War Diary Block

2010-02-22T13:28:00.001+13:00

Sorry Julie, have to tempt you again. I have just done another Civil War Diary Block. It’s amazing how one can do things so wrong, when it seems so simple. Like picking the little pieces up and somehow turning them accidently, and sewing them together around the wrong way. Ah well I can hear you say – you will do these mad things!

I have been trying to sort out a suitable foundation to do some invisible machine applique. I’m about to try some wash away, which my friend Sharon at www.pinevalley.co.nz has successfully done. In doing so I lost something ( I’m always doing this) in my sewing room, and had to have a tidy up, which resulted in me finding a lovely hand applique project which has been on the back burner for about 4 years.

So… you guessed it, I spent Sunday afternoon gluing some pieces down, and hand appliqueing them.

My dear friend Sharon from Arizona sent me an early birthday present, which I couldn’t leave until the day to open. Well, I had to write and thank her didn’t I, and she asked that I let her know when it arrived so she would know how long it took. The most delightful apron in the beautiful fabrics. The flowers are the outside fabric and the spots are the lining or back of the apron. I love it to bits, and Sharon very generously put some of her Mom’s vintage buttons on it. The cream packet is another apron, with a needlework panel ready for me to make up. A couple of really neat patterns, so I’m set.

I like birthdays as at my age one can make them drawn out. Have to celebrate with different people, and that takes time. I’m meeting my sister in Taupo which is central North Island of New Zealand. Will post some photos when I get back.

Hi from New Zealand

2010-02-15T13:21:00.001+13:00

Today is overcast, but I hope it won’t rain. I’ve just hung my washing out and it’s blowing around nicely.

I had a weekend to myself, when DH went away with his horses, and I managed to finish a table runner, that was supposed to me a wall hanging, but I didn’t want it as that. The class was invisible machine applique, so I thought a table runner would be large enough to do. Notice the butterfly on the bud? That’s there because I accidently cut the background fabric!!

I have also made a start on The Civil War Diary Quilt. I was going to start Dear Jane, but I haven’t got my background fabric yet.

The one with the squares – I thought I don’t need to do this foundation piecing, so I carefully cut my strips, then squares, and VERY carefully stitched them up to find I had forgotten to add the S.A. Oh my God! how could I do something so basic so wrong. So, I re cut and stitched, only to find I had done a Very scant 1/4” S A and the block measures about 6 7/8” instead of 6 1/2”.

Well…. I had had enough of that one, so maybe I’ll redo it later in the peace, or do very large SA when I stitch it in. No that wouldn’t do at all, so I guess I’ll be redoing!!

I think I need to starch these little beauties as my photos make them look abit off. My seams are all perfect, so I think that’s the way to go. Some peoples little blocks look so perfectly neat.

Many thanks to Linda, Jenny, Julie x2 and Quilts & Pieces (sorry I don’t know your name) for all the nice comments you made to my last blog. Linda I’ll certainly try and remove the Quilts feet. Did you notice the quilts hands! haha

Thanks for dropping by

Matts Quilt

2010-02-11T13:28:00.001+13:00

Hoorah, today I managed to take a photo and download – upload?? I never know which is the correct term – to my blog.

It hasn’t been too long in the making, for me anyhow.A friend in Brisbane – Hi Julie, said it reminded her of sea horses, so that’s what I have been calling it. It was quite fun to make, and fairly easy to quilt on my new Pfaff, although I managed to do it with a few crooked lines. Overall, the effect is fine, and I don’t think a 16 year old boy is going to worry about that.

Sorry the quality is not very good, but I had to haul in helpers to hold it up, and the rain started at the same time.

Wouldn’t it just have to have a bucket with the dogs drinking water in it, right next to my quilt. As this was the second shot at getting them to hold the quilt up, I didn’t dare ask again. It’s amazing that you never notice those things until after you have finished taking the photo!

The quilt measures 75” square.

While I was taking photos, I thought I would add one of the little wall hanging I made in a class with http://pamhollanddesigns.typepad.com/Pam Holland at the Symposium in Auckland in 2007.

Fantastic tutor. I even changed one of my classes so I could do another class with her.

Thanks for dropping by, and hopefully I’ll have another photo to put on tomorrow.

Photo of Quilt with No Borders Yet……

2010-01-05T17:37:00.001+13:00

Just come back from shopping with DH. Both of us with new cell phones. We are now looking for a new video camera, for me to take on my Big OE in August. Anyone have any useful info on what is good or not?

I must knuckle down and get those borders on, but in the meantime here is the centre of the quilt completed, and in true form I just had to make a mistake didn’t I? Oh well, didn’t they do that in the ‘ole days and leave it in to be discovered. There’s no way I’m fixing it, so there….

Thanks for dropping by

What a busy Day It’s Been

2010-01-02T17:24:00.002+13:00

Stayed up until midnight on New Year's Eve.

Mario cooked up some of what he calls Omlette which is his version of Crepes ( Pancakes). They are paper thin and absolutely fabulous to eat. So... at 11 pm we sat with a plate full each on our laps - him with jam on his, but mine HAD to have Golden Syrup. I remember as a child my mother cooking pancakes, but as there were 4 of us kids and Mum and Dad, it took forever to get the 2nd one. I think as I remember we would have had about 3 each, until she got sick of it.

Mario said 'Thats the last thing I'll cook for you this year!! Mind you thats about the only thing he ever cooks and its usually for treats like my birthday or anniversary.

On the 1st of 2010

I happened to buy a 6 kg box of Tomatoes for $5.00 – more fool me, ‘cause then I had to do something with them. ( Can’t resist a bargain.

So I’ve been up to my eyeballs in vinegar, sugar etc. and have made 14 small jars of Tomato Relish and 3 1/2 bottles of Tomato sauce. Both old family recipes. Also managed to make some puree to put in the freezer for the endless spagetti sauce that I make, being married to an Italian.

Now the view from my sewing room window. I’m afraid it’s not as grand as some, but I have lots of light. I have a ranch slider ( door & windows) on one wall, but I didn’t dare show you the other 3 as they are walls with lots of ‘stuff’ on or around them. tee hee:-))

The view looks out onto the back lawn, and that’s another Hydrangea. We have quite a large rambling garden, which keeps me busy.

I thought I would wander around the garden and show you some of the plants in flower at the moment. My absolute favourite plant is the Hydrangea of which I have quite a few with different colours.

This tree is commonly known as the Christmas Tree, as it is usually a mass of beautiful red flowers during the summer holidays (Our Christmas) down under. It’s botanical name is Pohutakawa. This particular tree is only about 2 years old, and will eventually grow very large, but we have plenty of room. Its out on the edge of the drive into the house.

Ah well, now back to the quilt!

BFN - Sue

Stitching Frantically

2009-12-30T17:48:00.001+13:00

This is one way to get on with a quilt. Put the progress on your blog, and even though you’re not sure if anyone looks or is even interested, there may be some-one who is, so….. here goes. Another updated photo They have just been placed on my design board ( such as it is) but it’s a good way of checking out how many plainer blocks I need to make.

I cut 5” squares, place a green right sides together with a black. I drew a pencil line from corner to corner ( 90 degrees) then stitched a 1/4” seam on both sides of the drawn line. I find that a much better way, as it doesn’t stretch that bias edge.

Off to take a photo out of my sewing room window.

See you tomorrow.

Sue

Still at it!

2009-12-29T17:47:00.003+13:00

It’s amazing how slow it is sewing 250 odd half square triangles together.

I am trying to make no more than 2 the same, but the pile is slowly growing.

HOW MAD DO YOU THINK I AM? I am thinking of starting a Dear Jane Quilt. My DH says ‘why would you bother’ but I think you can only make so many quilts for the cupboard. Although I have set myself the 16th birthday task for the grandchildren. I have 7 more to do over the next 11 years so that’s not too bad is it?

I am showing a couple of photos of my little gifts that I received over the ‘Quilters Christmas party swaps’. Aren’t they lovely?

This lovely little quilt came from my friend Bonnie in California. Beautifully sewn and quilted.

Made by my friend Pat, who is in my local quilt group, Village Green Quilters.

This lovely bag was made by my friend Gayle who is also in my little local quilt group. About 6 of us also share a friendship away from our main group and we picked a name out of a hat and made a gift for that person. This bag was my gift from Gayle. She also added a needle case to match!This is the inside of the bag.

Bye for now

Sue

Yesterday was Great – today even better!

2009-12-27T11:29:00.001+13:00

Had a delicious lunch yesterday, wine and nibbles and Dessert!!

The gnocchi was very good, and the dessert wonderful. I made a dessert out of the ‘Food town’ magazine from last Christmas, all ready for my Family day last week, put it in the fridge, then promptly forgot about it. I was worried that the strawberries may have tainted in the pudding, but with all the cream cheese and sour cream they held together, and it tasted yummy! The Cointreau probably helped!

Today I started a new quilt for Gson #1.

I am really enjoying playing with the colours. I decided to do Green & Black, and started making a couple of blocks. I then realised how boring it was going to be making it, so I changed direction and am now making one of Judy Hooworths Razzle Dazzle quilts.

Yay! The office is closed for 4 weeks!

2009-12-24T13:53:00.001+13:00

Great feeling – no phones to worry about. As we work our business from home, it tends to make one tied to the place. It’s lovely to relax and not have to worry about work. Only thing that Has to be done, is take care of the horses.

Don’t know if I mentioned we have an orphan foal who is now about 9 weeks old. It’s been hard on DH who has been getting up all hours to feed the wee fellow, but now he’s on 3 feeds a day, which makes life alot easier. Still, stopped us from being able to go away. This morning DH went out to feed him, only to find that the mothering mare ( not his own mother) had given him a wallop on his rear end,which caused the skin to peel back about the size of a 4” square. So, the Vet arrived once again to stitch him up. We thought he may have ripped his skin on something in the paddock, but the Vet said it was a hoof mark. She is a good mare, so he must have done something to annoy her, for her to have done that. DH says, it’s not a hugely bad thing, as its the way the older horses teach the young ones to behave. Just a damn expensive lesson for us!! This photo was taken about 3 weeks ago and as you can see he’s doing pretty well. Today he’s feeling a bit sorry for himself.

Must go and have a read, – a great book called Last Child by John Hart. May even have a nana nap – SHOCK HORROR – never do that, but need to prepare for Midnight Mass!

Cheers every-one and have a great Christmas Day tomorrow.

On The Last Countdown To Christmas Day

2009-12-23T12:36:00.001+13:00

We had our family Christmas Celebration on Saturday the 19th. We do this so the family that can come get to stay for the whole day which makes Grandma a very happy girl.

Usually the children have their ‘other families’ (in laws) to go to, and the day ends up a never ending merry-go-‘round of driving and the littlies end up tired which makes Mum & Dad irritable.

So a great day was had by all, and as I have now done my dash, I get to enjoy Christmas Day at another of the familys’ home. Midnight mass on 24th, sleep, then off to eat Traditional Italian fare. Well Traditional to the family. Lots of wine and nibbles. The Matriarch aged 92 in April will make gnocchi on Christmas morning. She tells us she has been making gnocchi and sugo since she was 5 years old- helping her mother. Every year we say Nonna ‘thats the best you have ever made’ – then the men will have a snooze.

Looking forward to Boxing Day, when we just blob out, and I will get on with the quilt I am making for my Grandson’s 16th Birthday in Feb.

At Last Back To Blog Land!

2009-12-21T17:37:00.001+13:00

Oh my gosh! It's been so long, and I keep feeling guilty. It's like that letter you owe a friend, and keep meaning to write, but never seem to get around to it!!
I am reading every-one else's blogs and some of them start feeling like friends. It's such a lovely feeling.
I've made a few Christmas gifts in the last month, some of them sent to USA, some given to friends in my quilt group and one sent to Australia.
The above are jewellery rolls made from a pattern from my local quilt shop.
My DDIL had a birthday early December, so made a new bag for her. She absolutely loved it, as she said, when she wears black its nice to have something bright to go with her clothes.
I have shown the reverse of this bag also. It has really useful pockets on the front, and of course a place for that phone ( which never seems to leave her hand.LOL)

This year in my little quilt group of 8 friends, we decided to draw a name out of a box and to make a gift just for one person. This scheme worked really well, as you knew what the friend would like. My friend was tricky though as she’s quite outgoing in her clothing and in her quilt making,and has really great colour sense. I remembered she admired a bag I made myself a few months ago, so I made one for her. This time I used quite a strong batting, which made the bag stand up on it’s own. Better I think than a soft batting. Next time I make it I may try the very strong interfacing instead and see how that goes.

I need to make myself another one in colours suitable to wear with jeans, and red & white.

BTW she loved it!

Must away now and think about dinner, oh and a glass of wine!

ttp://www.susannasquilts.blogspot.com

Another Bag

2009-09-17T17:14:00.001+12:00

To add to the collection, thanks to my friend Julie from Brisbane. That makes about bag # 7. My DH just smiles and shakes his head.

I had great fun putting this one together, but wonder if I should have used a more firmer batting.

The only problem is all those pockets :-)) I spend half my time patting each one to find the keys, the sunnies, the phone. You get the general idea.

Also a bag I made last year for DDIL- I think she has thrashed it, so it was well worth making.

I also made a pincushion for a friends birthday.

You can’t beat the pansy fabrics for a quick, good looking gift!

We have just had the Craft Show here in Hamilton NZ and I was lucky enough to have one of my quilts juried in.

Didn’t win a prize – but what the heck! Actually the critic was very good – said they like the quilt and everything about it was very good, but I must watch those quilting lines. I know there are some on the quilt, but how do you get those pencil lines out?

I’m off to a quilting class on Saturday using Batiks and Drunkards Path rulers.

Ah time to go and have a wine!!

Time for a Cleanup

2009-09-11T14:59:00.001+12:00

After 20 years of trees growing without a prune, we had the team in yesterday to chop the tops off the trees around the house. Great job done.

Also at last have managed to get the kitchen splashback finished. These jobs seem to take so long, as we do them in drips and drabs. Eventually we get there.

In between all this going on I have been resurrecting some hand pieced blocks I started about 15 years ago. My goodness they looked so drab – no wonder I got bored doing them , so I have decided to do some brighter ones to complement. I’m really enjoying doing them and manage to piece one block in a couple of nights.

To Prove I Did Do Some Work!!

2009-08-17T15:59:00.001+12:00

A dear GD in Australia had her 13th birthday last week, and even though this is a little late I’m sure she’ll like it.

I even put a pocket for the cell phone and another for the ipod!

The pattern was from a Little Projects Club through Cushlas in Auckland

My photos can be enlarged if you click on them.

This shattered nine patch quilt is for a dear GGS who also lives in Australia ( different family) He is 6 months old now.

Still needs a bit of quilting.

The last one is a table runner for me. Still have a couple of borders to add then I ‘ll machine buttonhole the flowers after I have basted and batted it.

A Lovely Weekend Retreat!

2009-08-17T14:31:00.005+12:00

What a great weekend of chatting, eating, drinking and sewing. Not necessarily in that order!LOL

I know the photo is dated 2008, but I was at the same place, and as the weather was pretty stormy , I never got to take a photo when the sun shone through for about 30 minutes.

The food as usual was divine, and the chef ( YES a chef) w as very generous with his recipes.

As you can see it was a very busy and productive retreat. I arrived at about 4pm Friday evening, and sewed to my hearts content, only stopping to eat the wonderful meal and drink some wine.

I Might Be On the Right Track thanks to Julie

2009-08-11T16:16:00.000+12:00

A class I started recently. What Fun!! Need to do a few more.

2009-08-07T12:01:00.007+12:00

This is a better photo ( I hope) - nope! Seems like you need to click on the picture to get a bigger view of it. My photos seem to be too high in megapixels. If anyone can help me get this problem sorted I would greatly appreciate it!
Darn it - I didn't see the peg bucket in the way until it was too late. Ah well never mind I'm not going through all that again. :-))
My husband was quite concerned when he was looking at the quilt in the last stages of it being made. I could see he didn't want to say anything ( unusual for him) He then asked me if I had made all the blocks. The penny dropped as to what he was getting at. I told him the stripes were meant to be skew wiff and not straight. He was happy then. He thought I was getting lazy with my piecing.

http://www.susannasquilts.blogspot.com

Finished in Time for the Birthday!

2009-08-05T10:43:00.010+12:00

Goodness me, it takes me just about as long to set this blog up correctly, as it does to make the quilt!!
Trouble is I don't do it often enough.

This quilt was a great success thanks to the idea from maryquilts
and our GD was very happy. It was for her 9th birthday.
I put polar fleece on the back and didn't put any batting in the quilt. Also when I made the string blocks I used some old calico curtains for the back of the blocks rather than paper.
Not sure if I'd do that again, as it's quite heavy, but I didn't want to get rid of all the paper. On second thoughts I don't suppose it's any heavier than if I'd batted and backed it. It's a double bed quilt and measures 64" x 72"

Now onto finishing a cot quilt for # 4 Great GS who lives in Australia.

http://www.susannasquilts.blogspot.com

Checking In!!

2009-07-28T16:37:00.002+12:00

Haven't done much on the quilting side of life lately as we have had family over from Albany WA Australia for a visit. Had a wonderful time and drank too much red wine, but thats what you do.
Must get back to finishing the quilt I started at the retreat, as Mereana's (GD) birthday is coming up real fast on the 5th August.
Those jolly big grand-daughters are now busy producing children of their own, so now I have another Great grandchild to make a quilt for. 4th one. Actually they are my husbands GGkids not mine ( I'm far too young for that carry-on :-))
I'm off to another retreat in a couple of weeks so must find ( not too hard to do) another UFO to finish!!

http://www.susannasquilts.blogspot.com

Great Weekend Retreat!

2009-07-01T10:51:00.007+12:00

What a wonderful retreat I went to last weekend. Scrumptious food, fabulous bed, and a weekend of sewing with no interuptions. Every girls dream!!
I spent Friday night drinking too much wine, and couldn't be bothered sewing, but thats O.K.!
Saturday I added a 12" strip to each side of a strippy quilt I made 12 years ago. It was not big enough to go over the side of the bed, so the quilt languished in the cupboard. I am now in the process of quilting the add ons.

Sunday I started sewing together the blocks I had made earlier for one of my dear Grand-daughters 9th birthday quilt. I got the idea for the string quilt from Maryquilts.com

http://www.susannasquilts.blogspot.com

Another Quilt finished!

2009-06-30T11:43:00.002+12:00

A very simple but effective cot quilt made for some dear friends in Australia who are expecting their baby in August. They live in the country like us, and also breed horses, so after keeping the background fabric in my stash for about 6 years, I thought it would be perfect for this quilt.
http://www.susannasquilts.blogspot.com

Sorted!!

2009-06-29T12:26:00.003+12:00

Thank goodness for son's who are in the IT business. The problem was my new camera takes such huge megapixel photos that they couldn't be uploaded easily. I have now reduced the size so hopefully I will be able to put my new photos up.
Last week I made a lap quilt for a dear friend who is very ill with Prostate Cancer. I had some blocks made in flannels that I started about 10 years ago, but lost interest in, so these came in very handy.

http://www.susannasquilts.blogspot.com

Trying to Blog....but so much trouble.

2009-06-18T16:35:00.006+12:00

This is so frustrating, as I tried to upload some photos last week of some quilts I have made, but to no avail.
Today I have tried again, but still can't do it. If anyone knows what I can do to fix this problem plea.....se tell me.

http://www.susannasquilts.blogspot.com

Back in the Land of the Long White Cloud!!

2009-06-18T15:34:00.003+12:00

I'v almost forgotten how to do this blogging stuff as it's been so long. I've been to Australia a couple of times since I last blogged, but managed to finish a quilt for my DGS for his birthday. The kids these days all seem to have big beds - his is a king single, so the quilts have to be large enough to cover the mattress and go done the sides abit. He's only a little squirt although he's 6 years old, but I guess he'll grow into it. :-))

ttp://www.susannasquilts.blogspot.com

Another quilt finished!

2009-02-14T13:15:00.004+13:00

Found a photo of the wall hanging I finished in October 2008. I really enjoyed making this quilt, as I love log cabins, and pinwheels. The curved border was fun to do. I made a paper pattern using freezer paper, ironed it onto my fabric, cut out the curves, then appliqued by hand onto the bottom border. http://www.susannasquilts.blogspot.com

2009-02-13T16:38:00.003+13:00

Its nearly driving me mad that I can't take any photos of the quilts I am making. I have ordered and paid for a new camera, but it hasn't arrived in the shop as yet. I hope it gets here soon, as I am going to the Melbourne Quilt Show at the end of February, and need to take some photos.

I have just finished a quilt top for my DGS and am about to baste it for machine quilting. I don't mind doing the kiddiwinks quilts, as they don't mind if Grandma makes a few mistakes.

Gosh it was so hot here yesterday - usually it gets up to about 23-25 c in the Summer, but yesterday apparently it got up to 34c. No wonder the perspiration was dripping off me - and I thought I was having lots of hot flushes.

http://www.susannasquilts.blogspot.com

Autunno in Trieste finished at last!

2009-02-12T13:38:00.007+13:00

It took me about 8 months on and off to handquilt.

A couple of photo's I managed to take before my camera seized. A close up of Autunno in Trieste

This is a quilt I started in about 1996 ? I think. I am on a bent of trying to either finish some UFO's or make quilts mainly from stash without buying more fabric.

http://www.susannasquilts.blogspot.com

2009-01-17T13:00:00.007+13:00

Well I think I stuffed that one up, as I somehow posted it with out all the photos. Here is the photo of my grand-daughters little quilt. She is 4 years old, and the family have just moved into their new home. The fabric you can see with the little squares is the backing. Worked out perfectly. I hadn't quilted it when this photo was taken. Will post another when I find it:-))

http://www.susannasquilts.blogspot.com

2009-01-17T11:25:00.008+13:00

Happy New Year everyone.

Gosh it seems so long since I wrote something on this blog, I had almost forgotten what to do.

I have been fairly busy since my last blog, making a quilt for my dear Grand-daughter. It was a fairly simple quilt as you can see, and I think the ric rac cost me almost as much as the fabrics, but I thought it made the quilt.

I have also been handquilting that queen size quilt I showed a picture of awhile back. It's finished at last, but wouldn't you know it my camera lens has jammed. I was in the process of taking photos of the grandchildren opening santa's pressies, when it happened. Fortunately I was able to download the photos I had taken.

http://www.susannasquilts.blogspot.com/

2008-09-15T10:34:00.005+12:00

This weekend I decided to change the quilt on our bed, and took this log cabin quilt out of the cupboard. I was keeping it 'nice' for what I don't know. I made this quilt in 1999. I really love the colours, and it has cotton batting and I hand quilted it.

A few months ago and friend rang and suggested we go to a local quilt show, about an hour from home. After having lunch - isn't that part of it :-)) we arrived at the show.

Straight away I fell in love with their raffle quilt, and as I had been wanting to make this block myself, took a few photos, and of course a couple of tickets. Must support the quilters!!

Well blow me down, I won the raffle. I can honestly say I can remember everything I have ever won, because there aren't that many things!! I have put a photo up so you can see it.

http://www.susannasquilts.blogspot.com

A Slight Change of Direction

2008-09-08T12:24:00.004+12:00

Oops! He's missing the bottom part of his leg, but it still is a WIP

Even though at heart I am a traditional quilter, I also love small wall hangings, embellished with lots of machine stitching. I have just spent the last two days in the company of Pam Holland, world renowned quilt artist, learning her method of collage, although I couldn't for the life of me, get my head around making a grasshopper with pink legs, so after day one, I was back home, going through my fabrics once again. I loved my background and border fabrics, but they needed a jewel coloured grasshopper. I disappointed my friend Carol, although she said she wasn't surprised, that I had to be more realistic, so my grasshopper looks more like a native insect of New Zealand - a Weta.

Drat- wouldn't you know it, I just went to take a photo of it, and the camera batteries are flat. Never mind will take the photo and post it tomorrow.

http://www.susannasquilts.blogspot.com