A Village Quilter

As promised here are the other book marks I made, inspired by the Jenny Rolfe class last week at Bramble Patch. I'm so pleased with them and I've shown them around at work and a number of people said they would like them. I've also managed (just) to get my BQL challenge block completed for March. It does still need to be quilted - but at least the block is together. As you can see Kandy introduced the technique of photo y=transfer - those of you who know me know this is a technique I love. I printed my image as A4and used the remaining pieces to make more single and double blocks to use in the piece. I'm looking forward to quilting it as when it's 12 x 12 you can experiment and you aren't too disappointed if it doesn't go to plan. The weather has at last picked up and although it's cold at least the sun is shining. Hope you're all having a good weekend. Perhaps I'll see some of you at Trentham next Sunday.

Here's a few more things I've been working on. Here are another two 10" blocks for the exhibition at Bramble Patch at Easter. Both blocks are made from my hand dyed calico. The top one, as if you need it explaining, is 3 leaves that have been heat and bonded onto the fabric, stitched around the edge with the veins being machine stitched - all using YLI variegated thread. I added a row of buttons - as I just like the buttons... This one as a bit more involved. I made it in two separate pieces - the top being half square triangles from yet more of the hand dyed calico. The bottom part is made from potassium permanganate dyed (you guessed it) calico and I layered it up and used my short chenille blade on it. I've then added french knots to represent the starlings in the sky and beads and button to represent the stones in the ploughed field. And here is my February BQL challenge . Sorting out my list last weekend has really helped me to make progress with my sewing. SN...

Here's my BQL January 2009 challenge. The idea is that you make a 12" quilt - it gives you the opportunity to try new techniques, colours and use up some of your stash. I'd really encourage you to have a go as it really doesn't take too long. As it's new year it's a great opportunity to try new things and think in new ways. One thing I think we should all take more time with is in looking after ourselves. With this in mind I'd like to tell you about a new digital radio station I've found called Chill FM . They also have a website that enables you to download their podcasts - I've found listening to their meditation podcasts before I go to bed has really helped me get a good nights sleep. I'd love to hear your experiences with them. And finally I'd like to let you know about another website that also has podcatsts available - it's Alyson Stanfield's website Art Biz Coach.com. She really puts a lot of effort into her website, news...

I've had a great holiday. A lovely Christmas and New Year, met up with friends and got lots done. Best one for ages. I've been brave and decided to sign up to the 2009 BQL challenge. The idea is that you make a 12 inch square quilt each month. Kandy published the instructions and you learn lots of new skills as the year goes on. I really like the challenges as it encourages you to try different skills and see if you like them without having committed to a large quilt. Now the dreaded January New Year's Resolutions. I'm still pondering - so when I've decided I'll let you know...