Just a little stitching to start the year

To start off the year I made a little table runner . . .

It's to go with our "Cotswolds" quilt.

The star is the same as the one in the centre medallion of the quilt . . . and will adorn the cedar drawers we have in our bedroom. It just has simple hand quilting to give it a bit of definition.

The fabric I used for the background to the star in the quilt is what I used for the centre of the star on the table runner. I only ever had a small piece of this fabric - no idea who made it or the design name (it came in a random fabric pack), but if I ever came across it again I'd get more. It has the most lovely soft hanky feel to it. So, if you can help identify this fabric, please let me know . . .

It's not a big start to the year, I know, but it is a start. Now all I need is to keep that momentum going!!!


Pattern: Cotswolds
Designer: Susan Smith
Publication: http://patchworkonstonleigh.blogspot.com/
Size: 17" x 17"

Civil War Quilts - Block 6

This block is #6 and it's called "Richmond". It's a block which was published about 1915 by the magazine Hearth and Home. They asked readers to send in patchwork patterns for the state capitals. Richmond, Virginia, became the capital of the Confederacy in the spring of 1861.

I really enjoyed making this block. It incorporates my favourite star . . .



And the little 4-patches are really cute, too.



It's amazing how different this block looks in different colour ways. With some blocks I see the star very clearly, with others a cross, some a diamond. Check out the Flickr Group to see what I mean . . .



Pattern: Civil War Quilts - Block 6 - Richmond
Designer: Barbara Brackman
Publication: http://civilwarquilts.blogspot.com/

Civil War Quilts - Block 3

Block 3 of Barbara Brackman's Civil War Quilts is "Seven Sisters"

It's been a while since I've done any needleturn, so I found these stars a bit of a challenge. I can needleturn circles till the cows come home, but my stars may have a slight starfishy-ness about them on this block! Still, Block 3 done! There's a flickr group going with lots of these blocks being added all the time. So if you're thinking of making a start on this block of the week, or you just want to see what others are doing with their blocks, it's well worth a look.

If you get a chance, click on over to Fiona's Blog - Peaceful Threads by Fiona. She's celebrating her 2nd Blogging Anniversary today. Fiona always has something on her blog to inspire and motivate, whether it's a glorious piece of stitching or wonderful pictures of her pretty special part of the world. Well done Fiona . . . and thanks for sharing!


Pattern: Civil War Quilts - Seven Sisters
Designer: Barbara Brackman
Publication: http://civilwarquilts.blogspot.com/

Catalicious Block 4 Complete!

Block 4 stitched - tick.

Block 4 pressed - tick.

Block 4 pieced - tick.



Block 4 of Bronywn Hayes' Catalicious BOM is called "Brutus with Sue and Cynthia". This photo doesn't show the colour very well, but the dark fabric is an aubergine colour, with the other print a buttercup-y sort of colour.



I thought this was going to pretty quick to stitch, but it seemed to take me a little longer than I estimated. But not to worry . . . I'm enjoying seeing all the blocks come together . And I think I'm enjoying satin stitch! If you're like me and struggle a bit with this stitch and you haven't seen this tutorial from Melly, check it out and give her technique a try - it worked for me!

So, that's Block 1 - Brutus The Cat

Block 2 - Friends

and Block 3 - Sisters

I'm trying to use supplies on hand for this project, which is pretty satisfying. These Sawtooth Star blocks will be 18 1/2" square (finished).  I don't usually work with large blocks, so this is a bit of a change for me and I must say, I like seeing progress in the large sizes!

Catalicious Continues . . .

Well, I was slightly lagging behind, but have now finished Block 3 of Bronwyn Hayes' Catalicious stitcheries  "Sisters (featuring Brutus the Cat)" . . .





This block had plenty of satin stitch, which usually leaves me feeling a little anxious . . . but then I came across this tutuorial  by Melly & Me which really helped me A LOT!!! So now I am boldly approaching satin stitch without hesitation!

The stitching on the next block is under way . . . more to come on that later. If you want to get in on this block of the month stitching, it's not too late. Click on the Catalicious button on my sidebar  . . . and start stitching.

Catalicious Block #1 Complete

Well, I really enjoyed the stitchery I started on Friday night . . . and just kept right on stitching over the weekend!



And the first block is finished. I always like the look of the Saw Tooth Star . . . and it goes together pretty quickly, too.



My plan is to use fabrics from my fabric club stash  . . . and the wonderful variegated embroidery threads that I have have been the inspiration for the colours . . .



I'm looking forward to next month's design from Bronywn Hayes . . . and who knows - maybe it will time nicely for next month's Sew-In. Stayed tuned . . .