July's Magazine Project

I'I ran out of m well into my next project for Patchwork and Stitching magazine.
Here is a sneak peek.

Of course it has to involve applique ... my favourite thing to do.
The materials I picked up on special from Fortunes and Fairies, in Richmond NSW and I've been itching to use them. It was only a few months ago that I bought them so I was grateful when Louise, the new editor gave me the go ahead to do the quilt.

I ran out of the nice firm stabiliser I use behind my applique and the two patchwork shops I've been to so far don't stock it, so I guess that means a trip to spotlight tomorrow. Although one shop did sell me a different stabiliser that looks promising. It has perferations on it so you can just tear it off when you are finished. But it can't go anywhere near an iron or it melts. I might give it a try tomorrow morning before driving the half an hour to spotlight.

I hope your projects are all going well!
Jennidee

Quilting Practice

After my sessions with Michele Turner, and after the quilting show I've been inspired to practice some heirloom style quilting.
The first one here is a butterfly design I drew myself in a cream thread.

and then this one is half of the Kings Crown pattern by Gina Perkes from her book Mastering the Art of Long Arm Quilting, with my own fills.

I can't wait to do some more on a big quilt, but I will have to be patient as I have a magazine deadline approaching. At least I'll get to quilt when I've finished piecing that quilt.

See you next time
Jennidee

NSW Quilt Show and a finish

Yesterday I was in quilt heaven walking around the Sydney Quilt Show. I do have loads of photos but I can't show you many as you need the creators permission.
Tracie Stewart is a friend of mine, so I can show you hers, called Alchemy

I can also show you the pin I got for being a volunteer at the show. I didn't enter this year as I was busy with magazine project but I have made a commitment to myself to get one done next year.

I met quite a few nice people from the guild and I intend to become more active in the guild.

Here is a picture of the Aussie Hero quilt I quilted recently. The piecing is not my work.

 And here is a close up of my quilting.

Michele Turner Visit

Hi everyone,
I've been so busy I forgot to update last week.
This week I had my first visit with Michele Turner who is a professional Quilter in my area who also tutors machine quilters who want to take advantage of her expertise. Michele's business is called Pinetree Cottage Quilting which she runs out of her home in Cranebrook NSW. She has been awarded the Master Quilting award and it clearly shows in her wealth of knowledge.

For me, the best thing about Michele's visit was her advice to me on running my business. I have been practicing long arm quilting for 2 years now so I'm not exactly a beginner and we only touched on technique yesterday. In my next visit on Monday, when I visit her studio we plan to do some more work on the practice pieces.

One of the reasons I really wanted to talk with Michele (other than her business advice) was to discuss the best way to approach custom quilting. She had some wonderful advice for me on a quilt that I have been stuck on for years.

This was the first quilt I put together with the help of a quilting show I was watching on Foxtel. I'm afraid I can't remember the name of the show as it was at least 10 years ago. And that's how long I've been stuck on this quilt. Part of the problem for me has been it's sentimental value. I really want to do a good job on it, even though the piecing was questionable, some of the seams are now pulling apart and the outside borders don't line up.

With all the different blocks and a pieced border I had no idea how to tackle it. Quilt in the ditch just didn't seem special enough for me on this quilt either. But with Michele's help I now have a plan. I won't reveal the approach here as I feel that is Michele's knowledge to share. But I will put up photos of the quilt as it progresses and when it's completed.

I'm really looking forward to my visit on Monday. I already have a few questions for her.

See you soon

Jennidee