Now I'm really into my quilting, something I've always wanted to do, I'm constantly on the look out for fabric. Admittedly, I buy most online now as fabric shops are few are far between.
I try to sew a little every day, and now the mornings and evenings are lighter, I can do a little bit more around my job. I store my stash in the small conservatory- freezing and dark in the winter, but glorious for the rest of the year, with the added advantage of being able to shut the door and keep my treasured bits and bobs away from little hands. I've just had a sort out and with new storage (IKEA), I'm raring to go.
But I suspect like many sewing fans, I tend to flit from one project to another, and seem to have a growing number of quilts on the go.
I like to sit on the floor and can quite happily spend a few hours sewing here.
This is my grandmother's flower garden quilt that I started last year for my daughter. I made small hexagons to use up lots of scrappy pieces of fabric - which did the job, but I'm running out now. I always buy 100% cotton fabrics, usually in fat quarters or smaller - jelly roll strips are ideal for this sized hexagon. There was no rhyme or reason to this quilt, no planning, just adding to it as I go along. I try not to put two of the same colours together.
A few more rows to go to fit a double bed.
I use my Big Shot Pro - rather an indulgence, but I've set it up permanently on a small table together with an Accucut die (which doesn't quite fit, but remedied with a few layers of cardboard) to cut out the hexagons in both paper and fabric. I like the rhythm of making the quilt - cutting out the papers and then basting them onto fabric. I can take them with me when I
go away, and there's always a feeling of satisfaction when a flower is completed.
I remember when I first started sewing years ago, I was always rushing and impatient to get it finished. Now I just accept that it'll take as long as it takes, and try to enjoy the process. It's great therapy for stress.
The sunflower quilt is finished - well the top layer is, and I've just bought the cotton batting. Need to buy a sheet now to finish it off.
It may make an appearance actually on my bed some time this year - along with a change of paint colour on the walls!
Now to get to the point that I was getting to....
Liberty
I always look for a bargain, but sometimes you have to pay a little more for something nice. With the calculator out, I try to work out the cost of my quilts (mostly to no avail), but I have found
a site that sells 48 small sample pieces of Liberty tana lawn in packs. Each piece is just enough to cut out 6 small hexagons and naughty me... I've just started another one....this is my posh quilt.
Actually I'm undecided...should I make a small cot quilt for a new baby or two dolly quilts for my granddaughter's dolly bunk beds? Maybe both! I'll let you know.
I love Liberty fabric, and am collecting a little stash with the intent of making a few summer dresses for the girls.
Forever Googling to find Liberty stockists at not so Liberty prices...
I think Liberty is now my fabric of choice.
