I have enjoyed an industrious couple of days! Yesterday I spent the entire day working on my cot quilt - I bit the bullet and did my first FMQ! (Well, second if you count the samples I did on my course with Kellie Wulfsohn!)
It was with great trepidation I began, but those jittery nerves were soon replaced with excitement, and once I let those confident endorphins do their business I noticed a drastic improvement in the quality of my work. It’s far from perfect, but as a perfectionist I am learning not to be so hard on myself. It takes time, commitment and patience to become really good at something. Fancy another sneak peek?
I sewed the binding on last night and will hand-stitch it in place this evening so that the quilt is finished and ready to wash, tomorrow!
Mr SUDs starts a new job on Monday and has had a couple of days off work this week – so I took the opportunity today to meet up with a new friend while being kid-free! I set off in to the hilly suburbs where I met the lovely Leanne from Petals & Patches.
Leanne and I met at a quilt show a few months ago and we hit it off instantly. She is also a fabulous designer and I felt very privelledged to have a preview of her current project (yet to hit the stores) and, it’s divine! There’s nothing quite like a bit of ‘show and tell’ to get a creative girl bursting full of crafty excitement, is there?!!
What I can share with you is one of Leanne’s most recent projects – these cute little Matroyshka doll brooches – aren’t they sweet? Leanne makes up kits presented in gorgeous hand-made boxes – ideal if you need a pressie for a crafty friend or for someone starting out in the world of embroidery. You can find them here.
Too cute! :-)
After a couple of coffees, Leanne and I headed over to Mrs Martins’ Quilt shop in Monbulk, Vic. The shop is a quaint little cottage and it’s like Aladdin's Cave inside! So many gorgeous samples on display surrounded by interesting furniture pieces and vintage nick-nacks.
A true visual delight! Want to come on a little tour with me?
Stitcheries, buttons, pillows and trims… (“these are a few of my favourite things”!!!) ha! Sorry, couldn’t resist!
Check out this shadow-frame, containing a miniature quilt shop! How cute! I’m sure there is a correct name for these picture boxes. Mrs Martin runs classes on how to make them!! (please excuse the reflections in my photo!)
I bet many an hour has been enjoyed around that table – stitching, chatting and drinking tea… :-)
Ooh look what I just spotted! Leanne’s “On Freedom’s Wings” design made up in country blues – you can see a block or two! And check out that gorgeous vintage sewing machine – I wonder if Mrs Claus has an old one lying around that she could give to Santa for me?!!
More lovely samples on display!
And this advent wall-hanging humbly lay over a quilting frame. I loved it to bits and ordered a pattern (so popular, it had sold out in the shop!). I can’t remember the name of the designer at this very moment, but I’ll ask Mrs Martin so I can share it with you! Right – I’m going to get back to my binding! I hope you have a lovely weekend – what are you up to?
Until next time – Hugs! Vikki xx