September Quilt Block Swap has arrived in Florida

Good news - my September block for the USA Quilt Block Swap group has arrived in Florida

I really must learn to be a bit more patient when using international postal services ;-)

I posted a snippet earlier, so now here is the full pic.

Vicky requested any block (preferably not stars), likes colours.  This is a Box Kite block.

September block has arrived in Canada

My block to Mary in Canada has safely reached its destination - it seemed to take 'forever'  ;-)

I posted a snippet earlier, so here is the full pic

Mary requested any block in teals or neutrals (no neons or novelty)

this block is Annie's Choice and is a real pleasure to make ;-)

Christmas Block Swap - #1

My Christmas Block swap has reached it's destination - YAY   and my swap partner (Sue) loves it  - that makes me very happy ;-)

The centre panels look a bit blue in the photo, but it is definitely green ;-)

I can't take credit for the whole poinsettia - it was an embellishment I had for making cards.  I thought it would add a little 'something' to the block ;-)

I attached it by hand using nylon invisible thread - just slip stitching it under the edges.  I usually hate hand sewing with a vengence, and make a real mess, but this turned out OK ;-)

Blog Award

During the week, the lovely Crafty Pug nominated my blog for a Sunshine Award - my blog makes her smile ;-)

Thank You Crafty - your blog makes me smile too, so back at ya!!

I would like to pass this award on to some of my newly discovered fellow quilters
Cheryll, LindyV and Meerkat

Thank you guys, your blogs make me smile and yes, they do add a bit of sunshine to my world ;-)

A block from Dallas

Dallas' lovely block arrived today.

My autumn tones friendship quilt is starting to take shape  :-)

Another block has arrived safely ;-)

Dallas has just sent me an email to let me know my block to her has arrived safely ;-)

So here is a full pic!

Dallas asked for a Star or Log Cabin block in autumn colours.   I have made up a Starflower block and Dallas is hoping to make a cushion out of this one as it matches her lounge suite :-)

My last September Block swap completed

I have finally finished the last block for September - my Christmas Block swap to Sue.

So I don't spoil the surprise, here is a snippet of the block.  I will post a full picture when Sue gets it.

look at this gorgeous block from Mary in Canada!

The materials are just gorgeous!

Look at all this lovely piecing - it is amazing!

Sewing Up a Storm ;-)

Hi everyone

I have been madly sewing away today.  I had to spend the weekend getting together the invitations for my 50th Birthday - of course it took longer than expected.  They just never turn out like you see them in your mind's eye ;-)  I will pop a pic of them over on my cardmaking blog - check it out, let me know what you think.

Anyway, back to the sewing.

I made a concerted effort to catch up on my September block swaps

3 blocks down - only one left

So I don't spoil the surprise for the recipients, here is a small snippet of each block.  Blocks will be in the mail on Thursday and full pics will be posted when blocks have arrived at their respective destinations. 

Aussie Quilt Block swap group
For Mary, in Canada a block using neutrals

For Dalas, in Victoria a block using autumn colours

Quilt Block Swap group
for Vicky, in Florida a block in bright colours

I have been enjoying these block swaps so much and have learned a few valuable lessons!

1. Measure twice and cut once :-)
2. Have a firm idea which is colour 1 and colour 2 and colour 3 ;-)
3. When making up a block that you have not made before, DON'T use your good material ;-(

Leona's Giveaway - cool stuff!

One of our fellow block swappers is having a giveaway - check it out here

Don't pop on over and sign up - I would really love to win this lot - it is stuff that I NEED  ;-)

JRSQA - Quilt Completed!!! YAY

I have finished!

quilting (in the ditch) & binding done!

I love the binding!!!

I have just washed it again to make sure it doesn't fall apart - if it survives, LOL, I will give to my nephew & his wife for their son, Riley.

I hope they like it!  I believe the nursery is just a simple blue & white. 

I needed to do the backing in two pieces, so I thought I would make a feature of the seam.

Close up of back section

Another block arrived safely ;-)

My second Aussie Quilt Block swap for August was to Larain - this block has now arrived safely!

I am so pleased with this one ;-)

My first Christmas Block in our Aussie Quilt Block swap has arrived from Sue - it is gorgeous.

the stitching around the doves & star is beautiful. 

It will be our turn to host Christmas Eve this year and I think I will make this up to a centrepiece for a tablerunner.