Are we there yet??!

I had an idea for Mother's Day for MIL and produced this quilted photo last week. I finished it today by adding a label on the back.

It is called "Are we there yet?" because that is the book LittleH#1 was reading to his sibs in the photo - a lovely photo of them all together, and Grandma and Grandpa are just about to go on their own little adventure seeing a bit of the outback, so I hope the choice is a good one.

It was the first time I have attempted mitred borders, and I am pleased with the end result, though there were a few tears last week and I "rang a friend" (well, friend's mum) but in the end I worked it out myself and managed it. I kind of kick myself when I try out something new on a project I need to get right the first time but it's my personality. I don't practise much in life, I tend to like to try to do it for real the first time, and want to get it right. I don't really have enough time anyway to spend sewing things that aren't actually going to turn into things, if that makes sense!

So, I finally cut into my stash of fat quarters that came free with a magazine subscription, they've been tempting me for some time. I puzzled over how (and whether) to label the back but decided it was important and in the end bought some new fabric pens, and used leftover border to make a border for the quilt label. I am as pleased with the back of the 'photo' as the front! I did google for ideas but (although I doubt my project is amazingly original) could find nothing similar on the internet so I just decided on the size and design myself. I am really pleased with how it's turned out, a nice "different" thing to do with a photo, instead of sticking it on a mug like everyone else. Nothing wrong with mugs but I can't compete in the photo stakes so am not trying. :) Maybe if I make a few more of these (my mum's next on the list!) I will begin to be able  to justify a new camera. Although the quality of my sewing photographs probably in itself does justify a new one...

Panadiere... Could catch on!

This is a Panadiere. Of sorts! I had seen something like this ages ago on the internet when looking for crafts to make for Christmas, or hostess gifts, or whatever. But could I find it yesterday when I was finally inspired to make something out of the IKEA stash of "As Is" fabrics I bought last year??! So I googled, didn't find any instructions detailing how to make what I wanted to make, but I did find pictures of some that I liked a lot - so I have designed my own (not difficult really, is it?!). I have quilted too close together as a result of positioning the quilting arm on my machine too close and not realising how many rows I would have to sew on the fabric so I will quilt the next ones much further apart!

I made the binding and the fabric ties from offcuts from the Le Moyne Star quilt, they were thin lengths cut from the fabric after I had basted it with pins on the floor. I don't throw ANYTHING away. :)

Anyway. Apparently they are french bread baskets, or Panadiere.  I have a few more to make now! This one is a gift for a family birthday this week. :)

Christmas Craft...

This Christmas (despite having messed around till late November not finishing Little H#1's quilt) I have made a lot of fabric bits and bobs (would still have liked to do more but there you go!).

Cafe Apron present gift for a 2 year old!

Fabric gift tags (can later be used as tree decorations) with names embroidered on them - a spur of the moment last minute creation for everyone in the family here in Adelaide!

A Christmas Table Runner! Each of our mums received one, this is Matthew's Mum's runner in use on the Christmas Coffee Table!

I made each of the children a Christmas pillowcase. The idea is that they have their presents in it on Christmas day, and then sleep with it on their beds for the rest of the 12 days of Christmas! They love them and they are all on their beds so I can't take another photo yet!