Hexi block (kinda!)

Like my Hexi Block?
Want to know how I did it?

I painted it of course, but then you already knew that didn't you :D

The back view shows how I stitched around each shape. Added some embroidery...

...and flipped the edges of the backing to the front to do the binding.

One day I am going to a hexagon quilt the correct way. Maybe like this one.

**This is part of my own personal challenge to create and learn a bit more about traditional quilt blocks while adding my own twist, as described here. I am following the free Block of the Month classes on Craftsy as my guide.

fabric friday...a blast from the past

Striped Pieced Landscapes

Last week I traveled Up North, and Down South to teach my Striped Pieced Landscape class.

First I visited the North Cheshire Embroiderers and then it I went to the Shirley Quilters, Croydon, which for non U.K. readers is just outside London. 

I love doing this class as it is always a pleasure to see what gets created. These two groups did not disappoint and as usual I have come away with more ideas than I went with.

Having not taught this class to an embroidery group before I was interested to see what fabrics they would arrive with. Velvet, lace and cork made an appearance and I am now desperate to get my hand on some sari silk!

The quilters weren't afraid to to try something different either, a few working with upholstery fabrics and felt.

...and no I haven't repeated some photos. Those that look like repeats are same piece done in a different way. These ladies were prepared to play and experiment.

Not all of the pieces are completed here and I look forward to seeing the finished results1

A big Thank You to both groups for inviting me.

hand painted fabric -fabric friday

Broken Spider Web Block

I was getting ahead of myself when I said that the next block in my A.T.A.B. was going to be English Paper Piecing because I was forgetting that the Craftsy Block of the Month classes usually demonstrated two blocks on each technique. So following on from the String Block, here is my version of the Broken Spider Web Block. 

I decided to use up a bit more of this and made each section of the block by zig-zagging each selvage down onto of the white fabric.

Once all four sections were completed they were trimmed to size...

and arranged as shown...

then stitched together.

The centre needed a lot of slack taken up as you can imagine so I pebble quilted with a white thread.
This gave the strip section an elevated effect that I like.

Here is a final shot taken inside my shed because the sun outside is far too bright to get a good photo!

Yes, that's right FAR TOO BRIGHT!! which is very unexpected but very welcome.

This good weather is supposed to be with us for about two weeks which for me means lots of fabric painting. This morning I have already completed a number of pieces that have dried very nicely outside :D

Hope the sun is shining on you too!

**This is part of my own personal challenge to create and learn a bit more about traditional quilt blocks while adding my own twist, as described here. I am following the free Block of the Month classes on Craftsy as my guide.

hand painted fabric -fabric friday

last weekend I was teaching my Painting and Printing workshop with the Itchy Fingers Embroidery group.

As usual I forgot to get photos as I was busy painting and playing! These are a few of the samples I made.

Thank you to the group for a lovely day.

Bunting Quilt

I have been waiting FOREVER for someone to send me a photo of their Birthday Bunting Quilt.
Well, just like waiting for a bus, two have come along at once!
I love them! I really like the "pretty in pink" one, but the use of sky fabric in the blue one really makes the it look like the flags are fluttering in the breeze.
Thank you so much Janice Taylor for taking the time to share these.
Janice tells me that she did these blocks assembly style and that they came together quickly!

If you fancy having a bash at this the blocks are free to download from my Craftsy Pattern shop. 
PLEASE BEAR WITH ME WHILE I LOOK FOR AN ALTERNATIVE WAY TO OFFER FREE PATTERNS.