Where was I?

I've been off the radar for a while.  Got really busy at work and  then out of the habit of sitting quietly on a Sunday afternoon to blog.  So now I'm getting back in the habit and will be blogging with my usual weekly chatter.

Lots has happened of course - Baby Ben has been born:

But now he looks like this:

He's a jolly baby and as cute as a button.  Notice the large amounts of toys and the one he is actually playing with!

I've been on holiday from work this week - off work and on my own has been a rare thing over the past year.  I had an enormous to-do list which is only slightly smaller but I am totally chilled now.  I've pieced a quilt for a friend but won't post a picture until I've given it to her.

For a long time I have wanted to make a strippy quilt.  I love hand-quilting and it's a long time since I made a traditional quilt rather than a patchwork quilt.  I'm busy marking it up today. 

First of all I vacuumed thoroughly.  The quilt is a shabby-chic floral and ivory strippy quilt and my floor is always fluffy!

I always tape a strip of white paper to the table so that I can see the designs through the fabric. 

Gathering together the designs

I chose a Weardale Chain because you can put small designs in the centre. I'm also using a four strand cable for the floral strips because it is more effective to have a crisp design.  Too much detail becomes lost.

I am using a traditional Durham Rose for the spaces in the Weardale Chain but I'm interspersing these with designs which are personal to me:

• A strawberry and beehive (who would have guessed?);
• A robot (Will, my oldest son, built lots of robots when he was younger and we travelled the country for competitions);
• A rugby ball for John (I spent many cold but happy hours on the touchline, and many hours in casualty too....);
• A butterfly for beautiful Steph;
• A bunny for Ben, but it should probably be a jack-in-the-box;
• A swan for my oldest friend Karin (it was her maiden name);
• A diamond for my lovely friend Alison, aka Mavis.

Last time I made a Durham Quilt it took me nearly ten years.  Hopefully this one will be quicker.  I'll keep you posted.

When I get myself more organised I will be posting blocks for my new quilt -

Picture the Year

It's about 34" square and intended to be a wall quilt but I will be making some individual blocks which can be made into little cushions or bags.

I better get on then.