tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34996810906584036182024-03-01T18:58:05.917+00:00FairyFace DesignsA Quilting and Sewing Blog.Sarah @ FairyFace Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17181786172902664738noreply@blogger.comBlogger406125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499681090658403618.post-42571201514142947662017-01-15T21:11:00.000+00:002017-01-15T21:11:50.492+00:00New Year, new resolutions!Happy new year everyone. It's been a long time (again) since I said hello and I think that 2016 was probably my slowest sewing year since I started sewing for lots of reasons. But towards the end of the year I was back sewing regularly again, feeling the excitement of watching a project coming together and really valuing the me-time and mental space it provided me with, so I am hopeful that I might manage to bring my blog back to life this year - well, with your help anyway! So lots of sewing, multiple projects and regular blogging - not much then, by the way of new year's resolutions ;-)<br />
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The main kickstart to getting back sewing again was this baby - my pride and joy - my Marcelle Medallion. I know I'm a few years late to the party but that didn't matter to me. I made this entirely to my own taste, bright, cheerful and eclectic and every time I look at the picture of it I smile. It really did make me fall back in love with sewing again. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPt0SObCpKEJApXEa2JP2fj0GpuDJiRvmYZ32cp-LTLA3si92OBD-U3afKzeNUJqUc1aHgw_pJv2bUNbDR_1eYiyIA_3bYG4Z0dhrN1cwynL7kU8ow156zah4YncPI_UfB-YzycrVomUHh/s1600/IMG_2831.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPt0SObCpKEJApXEa2JP2fj0GpuDJiRvmYZ32cp-LTLA3si92OBD-U3afKzeNUJqUc1aHgw_pJv2bUNbDR_1eYiyIA_3bYG4Z0dhrN1cwynL7kU8ow156zah4YncPI_UfB-YzycrVomUHh/s640/IMG_2831.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div>
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Besides my lovely Marcelle Medallion, I have a few more nice finishes from last year to show you. <br />
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One of the things I did manage to do last year was run the Big Stitch Swap - round 2 - with Cindy. I made this Knitting Roll for Paula:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABao6F8FyCRoqwZf8iwxvaTon8-o4QKMuOXGDTxpsx1skuCsyHoxdjGCnY7ZQTq2CW-PxXbYKjx5BoLZ2PQGV3eZSRCnc2lFfiw1oTTnWoetWQTjKMl1ZysHzDjnvGElkXhb4jwsUaPBX/s1600/CYIY1774.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABao6F8FyCRoqwZf8iwxvaTon8-o4QKMuOXGDTxpsx1skuCsyHoxdjGCnY7ZQTq2CW-PxXbYKjx5BoLZ2PQGV3eZSRCnc2lFfiw1oTTnWoetWQTjKMl1ZysHzDjnvGElkXhb4jwsUaPBX/s640/CYIY1774.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Knitting Roll</td></tr>
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And this Circles Mini Quilt for Carmen when an angel quilt was called for:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsT8cVhVxSuUJXwUNQMmnenVzH7qM0odbhSl0Sro_eTfwV_4jBkXQ7tSppwpNjbU2y_AYU9JwMjmpqWsGjc6M3EPqTZzD1Ql0mMpdPqmw_c9fwa2Y2iRd0_n29mj-XOhtKsSc5G_YiDDhN/s1600/IMG_2184.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsT8cVhVxSuUJXwUNQMmnenVzH7qM0odbhSl0Sro_eTfwV_4jBkXQ7tSppwpNjbU2y_AYU9JwMjmpqWsGjc6M3EPqTZzD1Ql0mMpdPqmw_c9fwa2Y2iRd0_n29mj-XOhtKsSc5G_YiDDhN/s640/IMG_2184.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hand Quilted Circles Mini Quilt</td></tr>
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On the bigger projects, I finally (FINALLY!!) finished this stepping stones quilt which is my own pattern and was stalled for about a year and a half. I really like the graphic nature of it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOUzqIAvIGavRyz0bWpDMVXN-DHpIMRjihsWOn60VbDft3UFmmg3ILscwK7nJkiimU8nLH28i84wKl_8VZFa5A-hCVb79_9LTDq8YShwmqsDfzWwqFvWzpxZ3LBiqOe7aYWTqYeAe9EG9/s1600/IMG_2770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOUzqIAvIGavRyz0bWpDMVXN-DHpIMRjihsWOn60VbDft3UFmmg3ILscwK7nJkiimU8nLH28i84wKl_8VZFa5A-hCVb79_9LTDq8YShwmqsDfzWwqFvWzpxZ3LBiqOe7aYWTqYeAe9EG9/s640/IMG_2770.JPG" width="491" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stepping Stones Quilt</td></tr>
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And lastly, my second pride and joy of last year was this Octagon Shimmer quilt which was a fairly gigantic project that took me most of the year to work through. I loved it, then hated it, then ignored it, then fell back in love with it again, and in the end my brother-in-law who had asked me to make a quilt for him to gift a good friend had to practically wrestle it out of my arms when it came to handing it over.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Octagon Shimmer Quilt</td></tr>
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I have a couple of projects I'm working on at the moment, of which my favourite is this circles quilt for a small boy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOpcMQ7LWx5WpGW4K52RkcPO5Mzws5rcNbLO9OeIi5n71v5Cssy43YFfjLdE8biI1ZM3dKq4rCfQSlNpEweJi_T7K0jX_kcka9VVSrIrBPacv9oT98On87gKxk1lYh59qcZC_ObUd1J9G/s1600/IMG_3356.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOpcMQ7LWx5WpGW4K52RkcPO5Mzws5rcNbLO9OeIi5n71v5Cssy43YFfjLdE8biI1ZM3dKq4rCfQSlNpEweJi_T7K0jX_kcka9VVSrIrBPacv9oT98On87gKxk1lYh59qcZC_ObUd1J9G/s640/IMG_3356.JPG" width="635" /></a> </div>
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Along with getting back sewing, I'm hoping to start to catch up on some of my favourite
blogs again. I'm looking forward to catching up with you all :-) <br />
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Sarah @ FairyFace Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17181786172902664738noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499681090658403618.post-15767257175848796092016-03-07T23:45:00.001+00:002016-03-07T23:49:20.071+00:00Progress...This past 2 weeks have been a bit of a wash out, sewing wise. Apparently, it is the season to be sick - all 5 of us, one after the other - and not just one round of it either. My one wish for this week is for everyone to finally stop coughing.<br />
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So, with all that, sewing has been limited. But I have been trying to do a little bit when I could and I am making good progress with my Octagon Shimmer quilt. I'm going to do another column of blocks to finish this out, and do the flying geese borders at the top and bottom that are in the pattern, I'm just waiting for some more fabric to arrive from <a href="http://www.fluffysheepquilting.com/">Cindy</a> as I need a few more strong coloured prints to complete it.<br />
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I'm not sureI've nailed the intended effect in this pattern and mixed strong and low volume prints in the right quantities. Oh well, I still think it is pretty, that's what counts, right? When I look at it, it makes me think of the old fashioned sweets you see in the traditional sweet shops. Or candy canes. Something like that anyway! <br />
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In the meantime, I've started cutting the triangles for the 2nd border of the Marcelle Medallion..they are small and fiddly but if I do a few every evening I'll soon get there. And of course, I have the partner emails for the Big Stitch Swap to get out this week, they are nearly ready to go..I can't wait to get mine from Cindy and start stalking my partnerSarah @ FairyFace Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17181786172902664738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499681090658403618.post-74722806163931183092016-02-24T08:00:00.000+00:002016-02-24T22:14:10.463+00:00Big Stitch Swap Round 2 - Sign-ups now open!<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://fluffysheepquilting.blogspot.ie/">Cindy</a> and I are hosting Round 2 of The Big Stitch swap and we would just love if you would join us! The theme of the swap is that hand stitching of some variety is a significant contribution to the swapped item. It can be embroidery, hand quilting, cross stitch...what ever you like.</div>
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What to make, what to make? Well, our suggestions would be something along the scale of a doll quilt, tablet cover, embroidery hoop, messenger bag, zippy pouch, notebook cover, cushion/pillow cover or a tote bag. You get the idea, something that allows enough space to incorporate a stitched motif, or handquilting design. But not too big. The only guideline is that your hand stitching has to be a significant portion and focal point of the item's design. </div>
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Want to join in? The swap is open to 50 people including myself and Cindy. It will be hosted on Instagram, so you will need to have a public account there - sadly, we cannot accept quilters with private profiles as we will not be able to see your progress pics etc. If you want to join, hop over and fill out the entry form <a href="http://goo.gl/forms/7k35YODuam">here</a>. We will then <b>secretly </b>assign partners. Know that your partner is not necessarily making an item for you. While you are waiting for your partner assignment, start thinking about an inspiration mosaic, which you will need to post on Instagram. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">iPad cover made for me in the last Big Stitch Swap by Helen of Indianna Dreams</td></tr>
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The swap timeline is as follows:</div>
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- Signups open today (24th February) and will close on 1st March or when we reach 50 participants.</div>
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- Partner assignments will be distributed by 9th March<br />
- If you haven't already done your inspiration mosaic, you will need to have it posted by 11th March<br />
- Posting dates are from 24th - 28th April, giving you 6 weeks to stalk your partner, make something lovely and parcel it up ready to send off.<br />
- Swap extras are limited to cards/postcards and a small selection of scraps and/or notions (eg. buttons, zippers, beads etc) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU8KJW0toezyJ4NrsrZThsnEktzPPvVN4f9QWA5NxycQrxYhJHRZv0aY5w5sbv3vPrsRsI8XyIuRin8Gzf-KjSUiLA3PO9-HQ34SlFxuu80ohFxI2fs4V8k20rUHpemgF-0JRmjtrBtFWx/s1600/Rachel+embroidery.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU8KJW0toezyJ4NrsrZThsnEktzPPvVN4f9QWA5NxycQrxYhJHRZv0aY5w5sbv3vPrsRsI8XyIuRin8Gzf-KjSUiLA3PO9-HQ34SlFxuu80ohFxI2fs4V8k20rUHpemgF-0JRmjtrBtFWx/s400/Rachel+embroidery.jpg" width="367" /></a>
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As usual, we ask that everyone actively participate on Instagram by posting inspiration mosaic, commenting on photos and posting WIP pics etc. If you have any questions before you sign up, please do ask! Better to ask before you sign up than after...it only makes our lives more difficult to find a substitute if you drop out.We are asking people to indicate what level of sewing skills they have so that we can match people as best as possible to someone of a similar level.<br />
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As always, can we ask you to please only sign up if you can commit to the swap deadlines. There is nothing more disappointing in a swap than your partner going awol and not receiving anything after you putting your heart and soul into making your item for someone else. </div>
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We do hope you join us! This will be so very fun!<br />
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UPDATE: All 50 places on the swap are now taken! </div>
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Sarah @ FairyFace Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17181786172902664738noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499681090658403618.post-90830876137416645282016-02-22T22:16:00.001+00:002016-02-22T22:16:53.259+00:00Another new quilt start...Marcelle MedallionAfter a few weeks of very pleasant (if not too easy on the eyesight) hand sewing, I managed to get my Marcelle medallion central star stitched up and completed early last week (I think, I am losing track!). After reading up on quite a few of the quiltalong posts and tutorials from a couple of years ago, I chose to English paper piece this star in order to avoid the dreaded y-seams and keep my points nice and precise. I found the epp trickier than I anticipated; the shapes were bigger than the hexies I usually work with and a little harder to work with, and by the time I came to joining the 4 quarters together, they had been handled quite a lot already from joining all the component pieces, so the paper was slipping out in places where I had been relaxed about securing them in place.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3uGz1oq-TUeqZfee25P2Sk6duEtP1QxrNH1l-Q_Mwumet5KZxOzqZ9HKlFDj-4pouoKa5CBW9hv1UXOQTXlQ6ITAibAjjE1QvelBZg-PsWNzlfJS1UQExs7CSroFOuTFFoyKzsPWdD812/s1600/Marcelle+medallion+central+star.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3uGz1oq-TUeqZfee25P2Sk6duEtP1QxrNH1l-Q_Mwumet5KZxOzqZ9HKlFDj-4pouoKa5CBW9hv1UXOQTXlQ6ITAibAjjE1QvelBZg-PsWNzlfJS1UQExs7CSroFOuTFFoyKzsPWdD812/s400/Marcelle+medallion+central+star.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Having said all that, I was really very pleased with how it turned out. The points aren't competely perfect but I don't think that's too noticeable (I hope not!) and its lying relatively flat. I like the 3d effect from using different values in the star points. I decided to put on the first border straight away to stabilise it a little and made a quick decision to use a texty fabric in a ruler print. The comination of this against the dark purple star points and the poor light in the photo makes it look quite a bit darker than it is in reality. It does feel lighter and brighter in real life, although I think the dark purple print is dominating it more than I anticipated, and making me reconsider my original plan for the colours for the next triangle border. I had intended using a variety of purple and lilac prints, but now I am pondering other colour combos....if you have any ideas, please do share!<br />
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I do love the process of making medallions, and am so glad I started this one. It will be my 3rd medallion quilt, I've done a <a href="http://fairyfacedesigns.blogspot.ie/2014/07/a-made-to-measure-medallion-finish.html">Made to Measure</a> (Sarah Fielke's beautiful pattern), and I did a <a href="http://fairyfacedesigns.blogspot.ie/2014/03/butterfly-medallion-quilt.html">baby medallion</a> a few years ago as part of the Modern Quilters Ireland medallion-along. Serendiptiously, <a href="http://modernquiltersireland.blogspot.ie/">Modern Quilters Ireland</a> are running a Round Robin Bee, and encouraging members to sew along on medallion quilts if we are not participating in the Bee (which I am not this year), so I am going to sew along with them for part of the Bee at least. Sarah @ FairyFace Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17181786172902664738noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499681090658403618.post-78686571140280835072016-02-21T21:15:00.000+00:002016-02-21T21:15:32.376+00:00Octagon Shimmer - a new quilt startAbout 10 days ago I was browsing through the blogs I follow when I saw a fabulous baby version of the <a href="http://www.ctpub.com/octagon-shimmer-quilt-pattern/">Octagon Shimmer quilt pattern</a> made by <a href="http://www.kitchentablequilting.com/2016/02/octagon-shimmer-baby-quilt.html">Erica at Kitchen Table Quilting</a>. I really loved it, and I couldn't get it out of my head and a day or two later it was clear to me that I just *had* to make a version myself. I really love that compelling feeling where you just absolutely have to get started on a quilt; to be honest, it has been a long long time since I felt that way about sewing anything.<br />
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I immediately got cutting out my pattern pieces and auditioning fabrics. The original pattern has quite a dark colour palette and although initially plum, aqua and grey were floating around in my head as a potential palette, being a favourite combo of mine, when I pulled my fabrics, they just didn't sing to me. I put them aside and started pulling out my pinks and oranges - and then my heart did start to flutter. I added in the aquas I had already pulled and the greys, and I knew it was right.<br />
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I started piecing it almost straight away. My sewing time these days is really limited between work, the kids activities and my own swimming - if I get an hour an evening a couple of evenings a week and some time at the weekends I'm doing very well. But, as always when a project catches your imagination, I found myself carving out little windows of time at the machine and this morning found myself with 16 completed half square triangle blocks. I put them down on the floor to have a look and I'm happy with how its coming together. I love that washed out look to it with the contrast between the softness of the low volumes and the saturated prints.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHiaak9cfmb03dBj0Hst8HwvwDZaQz0s-sEWMeKq_nJBOJ-p-RBdRU036jC55zhmYgdPAMYEEGmbj-f09hMnf53potb9A2ztYgUuzesBXPaMZ1b5uEjetN7vBKS9o4S8POEJvs5V3kXhOF/s1600/Octagon+Shimer+first+8+blocks.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHiaak9cfmb03dBj0Hst8HwvwDZaQz0s-sEWMeKq_nJBOJ-p-RBdRU036jC55zhmYgdPAMYEEGmbj-f09hMnf53potb9A2ztYgUuzesBXPaMZ1b5uEjetN7vBKS9o4S8POEJvs5V3kXhOF/s400/Octagon+Shimer+first+8+blocks.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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In the pattern, Jennifer Sampou recomends not completing the triangles
fully, and auditioning them to figure out what needs to go where, and I
can understand why from putting these blocks together. That doesn't suit
my style of working terribly well, and ideally I would have a design
wall to be able to work off to guide my construction to suit me better
but I don't and I think I might need to take her advice for the next few
blocks. I don't know how many blocks I'm going to make - I might go to
the full size of the pattern but for the moment I'm enjoying making it
up as I go along, I will know when I have reached the point that I feel
I'm done - hopefully soon (but not too soon!).<br />
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In other news, don't forget to pop back tomorrow when signups will be opening for Round 2 of the Big Stitch Swap...<br />
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Sarah @ FairyFace Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17181786172902664738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499681090658403618.post-69419363702879618942016-02-17T20:11:00.000+00:002016-02-17T20:11:32.040+00:00A new swap...coming soon!It's exciting times around here....<a href="http://fluffysheepquilting.blogspot.ie/">Cindy</a> and I are going to host another round of the lovely Big Stitch Swap in the next few weeks!<br />
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Loads of lovely friends joined us last time around in making small projects which featured hand stitching as a main focal point of the design. These were some of my favourite projects from that swap!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/31919076@N02/24462499404/" title="Big Stitch Swap favourites"><img alt="Big Stitch Swap favourites" height="400" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1484/24462499404_73c248d619_b.jpg" width="400" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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For this swap, the guideline is again
that hand stitching of some variety is a significant contribution to the
swapped item. It can be embroidery, hand quilting, cross stitch...what
ever you like. Projects will be along the scale of a iPad cover, Kindle cover, a zippy pouch, a fancy
notebook cover or a tote bag.<br />
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We'll be posting details early next week so watch out because this will be a small swap with only 50 places...we hope you will join us! Sarah @ FairyFace Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17181786172902664738noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499681090658403618.post-37302087685466593852016-02-10T23:22:00.003+00:002016-02-10T23:22:51.368+00:00A new make-up bag {Scrappy Box Pouch}I do love a scrappy project and my scrap bins are overflowing. So I was looking for a project that was suitably scrappy. Lately, I find I need to bring a little make-up in my handbag with me, something I've never really done before. The joys of hitting 40! So I decided I needed to make myself a little makeup bag to bring with me, something suitably pretty and happy and with a little room in it for more than just a lipstick and a compact.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9MZ-1rruLHHFZSPzpw2X71tiSdhyphenhyphen9yvN3LuWhzuYoLyJbiqgaLujNzu_7A7Kar7rTYZEAxy8gVaHTiMi0gaVxZRQf_K6tLPbVWx35O7Gy8bBmEr3W1yfT8tbfmcTawglVvLOguYr4N16F/s1600/Triangle+patchwork+box+pouch+4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9MZ-1rruLHHFZSPzpw2X71tiSdhyphenhyphen9yvN3LuWhzuYoLyJbiqgaLujNzu_7A7Kar7rTYZEAxy8gVaHTiMi0gaVxZRQf_K6tLPbVWx35O7Gy8bBmEr3W1yfT8tbfmcTawglVvLOguYr4N16F/s400/Triangle+patchwork+box+pouch+4.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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I've had a look at the Triangle Patchwork Box Pouch in Patchwork Please a few times over the last few years and I kept putting off making it because it looked a little fiddly and complicated. Plus it required photocopying the template which is just another barrier in front of me making things. But when I decided I needed some fun projects to get me back sewing again, I couldn't go past this one, it seemed like it was finally time to tackle it and it was a good size for the pouch I was looking for, perfect for a some brushes and a few necessary touch up products.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvB2nuo9-SgH4kPXYa1QSwQTxR-cD3fJfvqWVk7NbPsbsC5yxVeMqV1Voxv-m-WYeeJyE5bwyG4KXc5_i-L0UYd3qDjxr4jGq7ddnaF0GLuDEnLLOWhMvjxlkegN94NKaMzHQhZa2rWhAE/s1600/Triangle+patchwork+box+pouch+3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvB2nuo9-SgH4kPXYa1QSwQTxR-cD3fJfvqWVk7NbPsbsC5yxVeMqV1Voxv-m-WYeeJyE5bwyG4KXc5_i-L0UYd3qDjxr4jGq7ddnaF0GLuDEnLLOWhMvjxlkegN94NKaMzHQhZa2rWhAE/s400/Triangle+patchwork+box+pouch+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'll be honest, it was a tricky little make. The triangle panels required foundation piecing or cutting out loads of tiny off-set triangles. So I opted to foundation piece which I never really get on with, being completely lacking in spatial sense. I ripped a lot making this. All those angles and piecing it back to front were so challenging for me. Some seams were sewn multiple times. But, in the end, it was worth it for the colourful scrappiness that I ended up with.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNh3EdTzFS8kYRWFiNLU4koNfhGOp4GIEoHgtMUk0AtDpOSZtdZIbqQaU6u53qVz8P1Umyv43ziNBVjtQ8z3Q8DQBlJ4_xvOOoscAgtVaNlOiEbwrvXvhbkzwia4k8J_NoLoN8VCHAxBPZ/s1600/Triangle+patchwork+box+pouch+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNh3EdTzFS8kYRWFiNLU4koNfhGOp4GIEoHgtMUk0AtDpOSZtdZIbqQaU6u53qVz8P1Umyv43ziNBVjtQ8z3Q8DQBlJ4_xvOOoscAgtVaNlOiEbwrvXvhbkzwia4k8J_NoLoN8VCHAxBPZ/s400/Triangle+patchwork+box+pouch+1.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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The rest of the construction was pretty straightforward although I think if you were not used to making pouches, it might have been a little tricky, as the instructions were sparse on some of the steps. Plus the seam allowances did not match with what was specified - I used a quarter inch seam throughout, rather than the 1/2" specified in the pattern. I left the foundation paper inside and applied my fusible fleece and interfacing over it and it made the sides so lovely and structured, and the quilting works so nicely on it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0clFxlb88GOqlCqxlDdSE5YmHYKJ6yZQ-yVkhHzkIRQUcW-LBb9RzU_MgkVSpxYwuDqjoU7k2EZaYBjvydwYW-QMQ5o-1G1K9eQhnIsJpVWlhFsJXoo15zxzDEJmARRaqFGQQzdEwSlkw/s1600/Triangle+patchwork+box+pouch+6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0clFxlb88GOqlCqxlDdSE5YmHYKJ6yZQ-yVkhHzkIRQUcW-LBb9RzU_MgkVSpxYwuDqjoU7k2EZaYBjvydwYW-QMQ5o-1G1K9eQhnIsJpVWlhFsJXoo15zxzDEJmARRaqFGQQzdEwSlkw/s400/Triangle+patchwork+box+pouch+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I originally cut the lining wrong, and was freaking out at the start of
making it, but a bit (more) unpicking my seams and recutting and it fit
nicely. Handsewing it in place was quick and easy. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO5qECb7ghc4kQ5x4C0lvyX6zgxrpVvgABdlc0QqJnSSNUDuCtoEF_Rase77rygXM_ttGLonaEbB8HARC7p84QRTcbeeGpb4KgssnODZx0kjTCe1C_3C33JX9aztKPSj4PPR3nJEwowwpO/s1600/Triangle+patchwork+box+pouch+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO5qECb7ghc4kQ5x4C0lvyX6zgxrpVvgABdlc0QqJnSSNUDuCtoEF_Rase77rygXM_ttGLonaEbB8HARC7p84QRTcbeeGpb4KgssnODZx0kjTCe1C_3C33JX9aztKPSj4PPR3nJEwowwpO/s400/Triangle+patchwork+box+pouch+2.jpg" width="300" /></a> </div>
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I used some colourful selvedges at the ends of my zippers as I had no twill tape.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbVoC5FZ3JtRKxlNCY7P9oIzThsQPbL93VyxIVVPaHoZkAgQqptDfaNn8-PAqxK5_8oUQ6uGB3h44PSEg3gWBfEh83QIk1UBQ7X8M9CWFsRtw_XF86F7c_-cnSus9QA4fjR_EBucMYyqXc/s1600/Triangle+patchwork+box+pouch+5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbVoC5FZ3JtRKxlNCY7P9oIzThsQPbL93VyxIVVPaHoZkAgQqptDfaNn8-PAqxK5_8oUQ6uGB3h44PSEg3gWBfEh83QIk1UBQ7X8M9CWFsRtw_XF86F7c_-cnSus9QA4fjR_EBucMYyqXc/s400/Triangle+patchwork+box+pouch+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I really love how this turned out and how bright and happy it looks. I used lots of my favourite scraps in it, and every time I look at it I smile. I'm linking up to Scraptastic Tuesday with this one<br />
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<a href="http://mrsssewandsow.blogspot.co.uk/" title="Scraptastic Tuesday "><img alt="Scraptastic Tuesday " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJ3JnS1Nvmiw1l82krYPt2S1-3DaIaVhMk5DeUWS-0w4AwaAinJy8aTpTWmU-vdJ_VrBb3lC2F0NVysMWeosw1CCRup3j-NFWgta7yPizsXD9eOLSh16sYQH_OORo14q9vbSTAoVqnRk/s200/Scraptastic_Tuesday.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
Sarah @ FairyFace Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17181786172902664738noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499681090658403618.post-76154310105879670792016-01-31T16:34:00.001+00:002016-01-31T16:37:46.625+00:00Getting started on the New Year resolutions...Hello again, happy new year! I hope that 2016 has started well for you.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_m_Uj5elMNofTfh38kE2Dk50A5CXH8_aAfMPKpbLo073Ga1dYOmaLqQiAjn_Mf-dOdnRXsP3OevLz_xxbVotSdgmv0dk_aAEr78eS6gxwG9_UZc68UTSKjuc0P6XXXiRMTW9zTB_5XdJw/s1600/Round+and+round+mini+quilt+finished.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_m_Uj5elMNofTfh38kE2Dk50A5CXH8_aAfMPKpbLo073Ga1dYOmaLqQiAjn_Mf-dOdnRXsP3OevLz_xxbVotSdgmv0dk_aAEr78eS6gxwG9_UZc68UTSKjuc0P6XXXiRMTW9zTB_5XdJw/s400/Round+and+round+mini+quilt+finished.jpg" width="398" /></a> </div>
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I'm a little late wishing you happy new year, obviously, but we're still officially in January (if only by a few hours) so I hope it's not too cheeky! This January has been a bit of a cold, dark and dreary one for us, with crappy weather conditions since the week after Christmas, a minor surgery for my small boy this week (from which he's almost recovered thankfully) and a very difficult time for some of my best and oldest friends, so I am glad to see the back of it.<br />
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One of my new year resolutions was to get back sewing and blogging properly. I have really missed it this last year, and feel like my skills have gotten rusty and I've lost my inspiration. During January I decided that I needed to get moving with a couple of proper new projects and that this might kickstart things for me. Trying to finish out WIPs was just a bit too much for me and not inspiring me at all. The only exception was the Round and Round mini quilt which I finished up last night, and completely love how it turned out. It's been hanging around for a year and a half with no particular plan but I always liked the pattern. The pebble quilting had been in my head to use with the hand quilting but only this week I got around to doing it when I was home with my little man on nursing duty. You get a better idea of the texture here:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvCW7vsj4eXUePVwaLB8QRD0C-Gp9rGqiEedy1mU7bCN6T1s9m7pUgl8IuUvOumVN6heoV55wYkDGfgE_Ig0btXRujv0OmcYxXZHucWPNvNa3V9V6HUoZ2mwXq0B23gyvk_jHR2qhhDYs/s1600/Round+and+round+quilt+trimme.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvCW7vsj4eXUePVwaLB8QRD0C-Gp9rGqiEedy1mU7bCN6T1s9m7pUgl8IuUvOumVN6heoV55wYkDGfgE_Ig0btXRujv0OmcYxXZHucWPNvNa3V9V6HUoZ2mwXq0B23gyvk_jHR2qhhDYs/s400/Round+and+round+quilt+trimme.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
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I'm going to hang this on the wall, maybe in the stairwell, as it is so cheerful and happy. First finish for 2016, woohoo!<br />
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For the new projects plan, I started out by looking for a big, complicated quilt pattern to really get my teeth into. Slightly mad, but you know, I feel sometimes if I'm working on something that's not challenging for me then I just get a bit bored and "meh" about it. So I had a look through my books and decided that the Marcelle Medallion fit the bill.<br />
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Yes, one part of me thinks I am gone quite mad taking on such a big pattern when I've done so little sewing lately and my time is so limited, but another part of me is excited and petrified in equal measure, and most importantly, I am feeling like I want to work on it every day which is exactly the point - its a challenge. I love piecing, its my favourite part of sewing, so the fact there is lots and lots of piecing in this will be just perfect for me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zUC1KK69aoVF8AqCKcY9L1kY7xJGjOVVfzaQqU9yo-kj9Jk5WC4tNNRqjKGRs-h7ivg-nUIE2W2k8VNo2QAWc7gHvZ3JuzNWhd4SClU1T6_sdteqABniLXlbVPs8JE6BvaZqVsVxn0qJ/s1600/Paper+piecing+half+star.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zUC1KK69aoVF8AqCKcY9L1kY7xJGjOVVfzaQqU9yo-kj9Jk5WC4tNNRqjKGRs-h7ivg-nUIE2W2k8VNo2QAWc7gHvZ3JuzNWhd4SClU1T6_sdteqABniLXlbVPs8JE6BvaZqVsVxn0qJ/s400/Paper+piecing+half+star.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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I decided to epp the central star block for accuracy and not being a fan of y seams...so far so good, its not perfect but its getting there. I'm now working on the third quarter so hopefully by the middle of the week my star might be done. It's perfect work for sitting in front of the fire these cold evenings.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0XWEkju7xFvnOrK2_9RLYXO6IRAEO5KF-bsvcqLZPKK9PYwcRkDWxUIB49x6x2hyphenhyphenlMKj8GAh-YcZEv0h_2fP8MQ4nfmAY8oEZSmvJoGeplD_QqpWAkljySnXYDvNyj4q0_D7KzZSVBHG/s1600/Paper+piecing+three+quarters.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0XWEkju7xFvnOrK2_9RLYXO6IRAEO5KF-bsvcqLZPKK9PYwcRkDWxUIB49x6x2hyphenhyphenlMKj8GAh-YcZEv0h_2fP8MQ4nfmAY8oEZSmvJoGeplD_QqpWAkljySnXYDvNyj4q0_D7KzZSVBHG/s400/Paper+piecing+three+quarters.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I have a broad colour scheme in my head but I haven't it all planned out so its a bit of a "see how it goes" project, which I love. I'm thinking light, bright and airy - pinks, purples, aqua, yellow and maybe some greens along with low volume prints....It may evolve though. I like how the central star is shaping up, I took a bit of a gamble on the colours here as I didn't do a mock up, but it is working I think.<br />
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I also started a small project too - the Patchwork Triangle Box pouch from Ayumi's "Patchwork Please" book. I want a pretty little box pouch for my make up essentials for my handbag and this fits the bill. I haven't done any zipper sewing for a good while and the construction is not the most straightforward but that's ok, I will get there.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0XwkqROnK1LZwYe58eaXVZW0oaDNMZjc26rWflonhqWwZX965Cr7JPSHAtaVfPeCOLxsUpJuSvT4dmUetuk7xkmlGoE6UkL5amxSqqo1MWNIi6D8-QvubwrAdBwlZFaulxuyBAKYCZovO/s1600/Triangle+patchwork+panel+box+pouch.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0XwkqROnK1LZwYe58eaXVZW0oaDNMZjc26rWflonhqWwZX965Cr7JPSHAtaVfPeCOLxsUpJuSvT4dmUetuk7xkmlGoE6UkL5amxSqqo1MWNIi6D8-QvubwrAdBwlZFaulxuyBAKYCZovO/s400/Triangle+patchwork+panel+box+pouch.jpg" width="318" /></a> </div>
<br />
The first panel was foundation paper pieced with those off-set triangle and honestly, foundation piecing is not my thing and I found it quite difficult. I have very poor spatial sense and the angles and piecing back to front just was a complete headwreck for me but I slogged away till I got it done, while watching the new series of Mr Selfridge on Netflix yesterday. 2 episodes it too me to do this tiny panel!<br />
<br />
So that is my update. Suddenly I am sewing again - with a couple of projects on the go - it feels good! (Now, if I could only motivate myself to go to the pool to do my training session for my other big resolution - the Swim a Mile challenge in April - then I would feel even better.) Sarah @ FairyFace Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17181786172902664738noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499681090658403618.post-91956462916187370222015-11-08T22:20:00.000+00:002015-11-08T22:22:39.362+00:00Hello..from the other side {breaking the silence}It's been a year! Can you believe that? A whole year since I have blogged. I'm not sure anyone is even reading any more. And it certainly doesn't seem like a year. Time has flown by in the blink of an eye.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQPfIPHaw7jIGqbyFQiQcbz-ZFtMRspYAP29Hka_Vau1xabenOAAcuZpi6audcML0XIun-o2BdwRWtYInI9ABrGicDtyywxdWgdPUWFkOu69LcTTjYeoDA58xV6-55179e7oYxyKsjhax/s1600/Rainbow+crosses+mini+quilt.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQPfIPHaw7jIGqbyFQiQcbz-ZFtMRspYAP29Hka_Vau1xabenOAAcuZpi6audcML0XIun-o2BdwRWtYInI9ABrGicDtyywxdWgdPUWFkOu69LcTTjYeoDA58xV6-55179e7oYxyKsjhax/s400/Rainbow+crosses+mini+quilt.jpg" width="397" /></a> </div>
<br />
So, what have I been doing? Well, most of it is pretty much what you'd
expect - working, looking after my 3 (not-so) smallies, trying to keep
on top of exercising regularly, cleaning the house, cooking dinners -
all the usual mum stuff. There's been lots and lots of homework and
music practice (them)......and a little bit of reading (me)... <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJHlj9JuNOd3yxMbPapeazNZ5oHN593qIARrwT8k5oO5fp0ANGbYESXM26CzgxOFXS8e6AJkqnO46J_myGmo6Qpx_7JqF49t9Q6jHjvq4X-LdyujD1qaiSv-tdatKs4OEi08FcXR3IKpI/s1600/Kindle+cover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJHlj9JuNOd3yxMbPapeazNZ5oHN593qIARrwT8k5oO5fp0ANGbYESXM26CzgxOFXS8e6AJkqnO46J_myGmo6Qpx_7JqF49t9Q6jHjvq4X-LdyujD1qaiSv-tdatKs4OEi08FcXR3IKpI/s320/Kindle+cover.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
<br />
Seriously, I don't know why I had the deluded notion that as the kids
got older, I would get more time back to myself. The exact opposite is
true. The older they get, the more homework they get, the more
activities they are involved in, the more money they need and the more
time commitment is required. Time and money....quilting is an expensive
hobby in both of these terms and sadly, I never appear to have enough
of either to spare on quilting these days.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVf0MnjGl7mEbSBZqaSgR7ekIgZQ0QRKRnQFfRATGpgfW_a4lLPOxpM3W3cwQB-W6QzcY0rRGdmXVCeaq8YQuhoCpUyHvJ1muoPQ4jGJa-tg-wHs1SU2qfHsCmRmeXzRLJPiWwYZPs2N8V/s1600/Gabriels+Quilt.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVf0MnjGl7mEbSBZqaSgR7ekIgZQ0QRKRnQFfRATGpgfW_a4lLPOxpM3W3cwQB-W6QzcY0rRGdmXVCeaq8YQuhoCpUyHvJ1muoPQ4jGJa-tg-wHs1SU2qfHsCmRmeXzRLJPiWwYZPs2N8V/s400/Gabriels+Quilt.jpg" width="398" /></a> </div>
<br />
It's been a really busy year though - there's been lots of
redecorating and essential upgrading in our house after 10 years of
living here, a First Comunion and a couple of 40th birthdays (sob sob).<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHTLZazHJ6Fubu-H1Znu6ZZZp7wm1M2bKtjQXJfwPeIdOFVH-OnE7-Iv7C1gmnzfAzZXBCEI-ElSmazVp3RkC4M9R_QLI3BzTrp6fYgGq9ZPiseieyHsgTX-7GpizJeTv1SCI5sVH5WMFM/s1600/birthday.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHTLZazHJ6Fubu-H1Znu6ZZZp7wm1M2bKtjQXJfwPeIdOFVH-OnE7-Iv7C1gmnzfAzZXBCEI-ElSmazVp3RkC4M9R_QLI3BzTrp6fYgGq9ZPiseieyHsgTX-7GpizJeTv1SCI5sVH5WMFM/s400/birthday.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Lots of my friends turned 40 too - there were handmade gifts. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZ5EXUUASRtDi65cp4kdNa4D2XyPQhhqc2pkKQLcSGnRpwj_jLsLN5JsiZFKdvSuDaLQWp51STdp1_KBSoo0qGoxrVfzSvzP6fh26AFMJQVY_RoYtKKDKQvx6v4rM9UoS6JONOFC-8MWV/s1600/Knitting+bag.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZ5EXUUASRtDi65cp4kdNa4D2XyPQhhqc2pkKQLcSGnRpwj_jLsLN5JsiZFKdvSuDaLQWp51STdp1_KBSoo0qGoxrVfzSvzP6fh26AFMJQVY_RoYtKKDKQvx6v4rM9UoS6JONOFC-8MWV/s400/Knitting+bag.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
<br />
I had my first quilt exhibition with the Modern Irish Quilters...which was really unbelievably fabulous and quite emotional.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipuN8KngTdEHrnwQgvX9itX4oeVa9MT5gvjkZnxZ_Lvtb89UkcW6-jhaMqNYo8e5PNTpx48hXaiJ7YbfDoRIPcAqtA9OX5OVYrK6gLQcJr-775qPYULNI2BrmlZGbdFasIN1nAUDel92W0/s1600/Sarah+at+quilt+exhibition.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipuN8KngTdEHrnwQgvX9itX4oeVa9MT5gvjkZnxZ_Lvtb89UkcW6-jhaMqNYo8e5PNTpx48hXaiJ7YbfDoRIPcAqtA9OX5OVYrK6gLQcJr-775qPYULNI2BrmlZGbdFasIN1nAUDel92W0/s320/Sarah+at+quilt+exhibition.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I finally finished some long over due projects....some Christmas carol singers....<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4WL85NYOJxr8vCIGU_qcj2rCCcVw0ck-Y0Cjh-ww8_w-mbo0d4L2hMIg9wQti3xCUlTAkT2jJgbYAHw8IdGyqSsplmlfYTFeipysApKpec-RNvSpf1GjRBOBAPIKRVBjKXSZekVPuvUR/s1600/Carol+singers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4WL85NYOJxr8vCIGU_qcj2rCCcVw0ck-Y0Cjh-ww8_w-mbo0d4L2hMIg9wQti3xCUlTAkT2jJgbYAHw8IdGyqSsplmlfYTFeipysApKpec-RNvSpf1GjRBOBAPIKRVBjKXSZekVPuvUR/s400/Carol+singers.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
<br />
And decorating Miss R's room with long planned hoops.... <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipgeRD2yXTaG6JR5xBjoCl_n1k4dh6yaOk-J4wXVYfZFbr7JgCvZRxtxWPPFtGrBwYsH2Z2orSV6mreAYgYdb5ZDkODZ8gVS-0u4EjpA-tA5Qbnik1QGKnaWu0tIUzvrW-PCE1XGkH3EKy/s1600/Rachels+hoop+wall.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipgeRD2yXTaG6JR5xBjoCl_n1k4dh6yaOk-J4wXVYfZFbr7JgCvZRxtxWPPFtGrBwYsH2Z2orSV6mreAYgYdb5ZDkODZ8gVS-0u4EjpA-tA5Qbnik1QGKnaWu0tIUzvrW-PCE1XGkH3EKy/s400/Rachels+hoop+wall.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And Miss E's cheerio quilt (yes, I did back it and quilt it - with dimple minky - but I forgot to take a photo).<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSLgJFuj4hPjKvPB4dg8UUno3y7PZe22ejoxJFPptzYqAw6uwE06cLxexLKmO0zuzDEFPTd3MtqCd7-GJRRhu_-2Vhon_OYE0PHqPptNFyooiN3L1emgddAXBOMeh3upbEXGMfkSF4c8T-/s1600/Cheeerio+quilt.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSLgJFuj4hPjKvPB4dg8UUno3y7PZe22ejoxJFPptzYqAw6uwE06cLxexLKmO0zuzDEFPTd3MtqCd7-GJRRhu_-2Vhon_OYE0PHqPptNFyooiN3L1emgddAXBOMeh3upbEXGMfkSF4c8T-/s400/Cheeerio+quilt.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I also finally made up this pattern I wrote which had been turning over and over in my head for about 18 months. (just need to finish quilting it)<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxX6Mk1U-NfncSpOpFY3vMyKPYPG9eYhsWnPyjYOCspt9En8Jak8RNMUPQnag98cx1bxHzz5Iovb_kaQl1v90RHRtutX3DjKEvxJQ2VM5GlMHQUMiaewXyENrFWfsUkCefranK8-Sjl8a0/s1600/Stepping+stones+quilt+top.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxX6Mk1U-NfncSpOpFY3vMyKPYPG9eYhsWnPyjYOCspt9En8Jak8RNMUPQnag98cx1bxHzz5Iovb_kaQl1v90RHRtutX3DjKEvxJQ2VM5GlMHQUMiaewXyENrFWfsUkCefranK8-Sjl8a0/s400/Stepping+stones+quilt+top.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
<br />
I made some tablet covers<span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;">...<span style="color: #0000ee;">one for an iPad....</span></span> </span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"> </span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsXkMRMuUabcljla5LjWuoei2X6YCnacd48fj_Tm4maHIOXsO-ain5oBObPkoaT4SqVmMxSLuBlQnuc9pNBQvEgmyNYwcfGGrjvtIbHNio81Z-pXkOijvO0n3Iq-U6KWyjvE-GvOFLMFwF/s1600/ipad+cover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsXkMRMuUabcljla5LjWuoei2X6YCnacd48fj_Tm4maHIOXsO-ain5oBObPkoaT4SqVmMxSLuBlQnuc9pNBQvEgmyNYwcfGGrjvtIbHNio81Z-pXkOijvO0n3Iq-U6KWyjvE-GvOFLMFwF/s400/ipad+cover.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
<br />
and one for a Lumia tablet<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRzm_jMHOoADapeNW3EEu7yxaGEk1P1hl7W09-lyumuGFAoJgeEewK5KBuSj1fn9LUbRdpC1HeGbBQEWjxx5fvW6VIc7m3m6PhAQiRYzyk1iqWnX8rekkSbw72pj-EbpJee7byRg4CHX5/s1600/Tablet+cover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRzm_jMHOoADapeNW3EEu7yxaGEk1P1hl7W09-lyumuGFAoJgeEewK5KBuSj1fn9LUbRdpC1HeGbBQEWjxx5fvW6VIc7m3m6PhAQiRYzyk1iqWnX8rekkSbw72pj-EbpJee7byRg4CHX5/s400/Tablet+cover.jpg" width="397" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally, I became an auntie to twins about 6 weeks ago. Such an exciting time for my brother and his wife.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBpM7mghk9M-vR7RilplVpNcdAzlyD94EGlg_hyphenhyphenRWk64cLfdNUplaBp590Ga1ajaUgD7Gb9SfYlbQ1TlINkT7t8grW20imKWvl8BR3mnlM7Cz1W2EZ7d2lqOTHNcC4yzOGhNL6hwc-uMwg/s1600/Twin+quilts.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBpM7mghk9M-vR7RilplVpNcdAzlyD94EGlg_hyphenhyphenRWk64cLfdNUplaBp590Ga1ajaUgD7Gb9SfYlbQ1TlINkT7t8grW20imKWvl8BR3mnlM7Cz1W2EZ7d2lqOTHNcC4yzOGhNL6hwc-uMwg/s400/Twin+quilts.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
<br />
Of course, it was the best excuse ever to make some cute baby gifts. Scrappy diamonds for my nephew, little baby C....<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijG0B9x0hI9ZAzO-OQ51qsJGdmaRXEbVEzzTYiiWDL__gwKpBOQ27CsPDKTa17rCS7QyV0qTtc2FIBW9gzjvPgCOY2lEoyLAtBsdecBfK44gjEeL-EOFiLZH7T4R4Dee9cJrnVXA6Gj9t3/s1600/Twin+boy+quilt.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijG0B9x0hI9ZAzO-OQ51qsJGdmaRXEbVEzzTYiiWDL__gwKpBOQ27CsPDKTa17rCS7QyV0qTtc2FIBW9gzjvPgCOY2lEoyLAtBsdecBfK44gjEeL-EOFiLZH7T4R4Dee9cJrnVXA6Gj9t3/s400/Twin+boy+quilt.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
<br />
And scrappy circles for my niece, little baby A.....<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjtbSio-xEwu9teVZME1fs_YbR0dRfFFa0t_97WEH2kADrdU_UpGNGlH4dCEg7KePIz1wirmxxV8OTX_YrgzCfs6xt-icwRXchGYlnS9CDDTFafjt0od7wbSBfQHvi2aoQsdGkvE_vGNW/s1600/Twin+girl+quilt.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjtbSio-xEwu9teVZME1fs_YbR0dRfFFa0t_97WEH2kADrdU_UpGNGlH4dCEg7KePIz1wirmxxV8OTX_YrgzCfs6xt-icwRXchGYlnS9CDDTFafjt0od7wbSBfQHvi2aoQsdGkvE_vGNW/s400/Twin+girl+quilt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I still haven't met my nephew
and niece - they arrived quite early, and we have had to cancel 2
visits due to my kids and myself being sick but I have everything
crossed for next week. The extra time allowed for some more crafting...little handknit cardis.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiim4NSF3Fbkgsfo2KnTyfdkvJsUGJk8Ysjpi8gr3AUVaDc0hUipvq2B4N8nhWFCqNQjITvWQ4mFSB28a0gdYyJohHjuB78DwOaTs_qUxVrgZsDOKYBpYRQDgpvee3Vp9YYC9156a-6w5LW/s1600/Twin+cardis.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiim4NSF3Fbkgsfo2KnTyfdkvJsUGJk8Ysjpi8gr3AUVaDc0hUipvq2B4N8nhWFCqNQjITvWQ4mFSB28a0gdYyJohHjuB78DwOaTs_qUxVrgZsDOKYBpYRQDgpvee3Vp9YYC9156a-6w5LW/s400/Twin+cardis.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Anyway...its been nice catching up....hopefully as nice for you as for me. I'll try not to leave it as long next time!Sarah @ FairyFace Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17181786172902664738noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499681090658403618.post-39552726308978520582014-11-02T22:44:00.000+00:002014-11-02T22:44:47.794+00:00Rainbow crosses {Instagram mini quilt swap}I've been working away on the little blocks for this mini quilt for the last few weeks. I had the idea for different scaled crosses a while back and I just started making them without planning out the layout too much. Originally I planned the 3" and 6" blocks, and then after making a few I realised I needed a bigger one too for the impact. I had fun piecing these, and they were a little bit addictive to make, even if they did involve a lot of teeny tiny piecing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoao5Z-kdZ_36hyIY2e_ODfhBB9RmoqeS2nDQI3gZSeEMts7ns8MxUkg2ueJq2WXCTt7PLAStam9ElWdlkyQZdUP_3cSdfkxkUeIqI0MJBWhiked-BtnGgKTa2zeWDP-HA1YMNO1sgf2YD/s1600/IG+mini+quilt+top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoao5Z-kdZ_36hyIY2e_ODfhBB9RmoqeS2nDQI3gZSeEMts7ns8MxUkg2ueJq2WXCTt7PLAStam9ElWdlkyQZdUP_3cSdfkxkUeIqI0MJBWhiked-BtnGgKTa2zeWDP-HA1YMNO1sgf2YD/s1600/IG+mini+quilt+top.jpg" height="611" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now I need to figure out what I am going to do quilting wise. There are a lot of seams so I feel it needs some machine quilting even though my first reaction was to hand quilt it echoing the crosses. Ideas anyone?Sarah @ FairyFace Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17181786172902664738noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499681090658403618.post-41667145380609557522014-10-22T22:57:00.001+01:002014-10-22T23:00:03.294+01:00A Fairy for my little FairyLast year I asked <a href="http://www.lilipopo.co.uk/" target="_blank" title="">Kate</a> to do me a custom embroidery design for my baby girl. I wanted a fairy chilling out under a toadstool. Naturally, she came through for me and I got a lovely pattern from her. But I ran into some problems with my eyes which impacted on my ability to do detailed work and had to put the stitching on hold for a few months. <br />
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<a href="http://instagram.com/p/uSlC8HPaUt/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" src="http://scontent-b.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/10729363_1488768754741701_158219644_n.jpg" height="500" id="blogsy-1414014806311.6667" width="500" /></a></div>
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But I finally was able to get moving on it in the last few weeks and I really love her. In the pattern she is reading a book and this is so appropriate for my littlest lady who adores her books; she sits on my knee every evening after dinner and we read all her books together. Then she moves over to sit on her daddy's knee and reads them all again! Even better, Rachel is obsessed with her little fairy figures inherited from her big sister and her toadstool fairy house, she plays with them every day -they're the first thing she goes to when she comes downstairs every morning. I really love how this embroidery reflects her in so many ways, without it having set out to do so because it was done long before we knew these were things she would come to love. I can't wait to put it up on her wall. <br />
Sarah @ FairyFace Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17181786172902664738noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499681090658403618.post-91572475195478092822014-10-20T22:29:00.000+01:002014-10-20T22:29:07.046+01:00Sidekick Tote, yay!I finished my sidekick tote last week and I'm really happy with how it turned out. I love the finishing touches in this <a href="https://www.noodle-head.com/2012/09/sidekick-tote-pattern.html">pattern</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3f5eTZUy28PRVgk6qgBGfWoA7310_cQMstnX19zsTv4rMcvn6ypIKli4ef32n26f8JW8eHjOMqTJOYORmQCGT-3287eEbyhihWOCxnUlAKvvQ2D4TR9GiZflpnDaiLDvARcS0MPpvSLu/s1600/Sidekick+tote.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3f5eTZUy28PRVgk6qgBGfWoA7310_cQMstnX19zsTv4rMcvn6ypIKli4ef32n26f8JW8eHjOMqTJOYORmQCGT-3287eEbyhihWOCxnUlAKvvQ2D4TR9GiZflpnDaiLDvARcS0MPpvSLu/s1600/Sidekick+tote.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a> </div>
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I used Wallflowers fabric by Allison Harris, and coordinated with a Bella solid which is a salmon-y pink colour - a classic case of the colour on the screen being very different to the actual colour. I thought I was buying a delicate pink, and this salmon pink would not be my favourite shade by a long mile. But it works well as a contrasting colour and trim, and the grey balances it out nicely. The pocket is from Violet Craft's Waterfront Park, a print I love, and it coordinates nicely with the Wallflowers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKctT0TJXhKqGISxKeydPSqarHHSPU9PM31HFleqvzI_iqDK5eDpBkIHHsMH-lBmcQFz-ke8vuODRPQotJyFMGEmr1ba-RDMZteDxyas-OnEd0WrBoz_KDg8aqNn-sZ2z_4PiXRmSaLTsT/s1600/Sidekick+tote+interior.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKctT0TJXhKqGISxKeydPSqarHHSPU9PM31HFleqvzI_iqDK5eDpBkIHHsMH-lBmcQFz-ke8vuODRPQotJyFMGEmr1ba-RDMZteDxyas-OnEd0WrBoz_KDg8aqNn-sZ2z_4PiXRmSaLTsT/s1600/Sidekick+tote+interior.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
I was a bit disappointed with the finish of the interfacing - neither of my local stores have had woven fusible for the longest time, so I used some of the regular fusible stuff I found in my stash and needed to use up. But I find the regular fusible much harder to work with, it just seems to give a crinkly finish no matter what I do with it, and that's most visible on the pocket. But a bit of use seems to have eased it out a little bit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDBn2sftpZkGlk2IudqttRwltLAnAsxbFavmmgWfbHcpIVezi6EpGFH5GWfT7f47P_aPfTuSp9sGGH3VxN6JPMyCJ-oJYz_apFGoAesNGPl521jsYc8NxtbNbqpQHezMYS3BHu7bnqC67-/s1600/Sidekick+tote+pocket.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDBn2sftpZkGlk2IudqttRwltLAnAsxbFavmmgWfbHcpIVezi6EpGFH5GWfT7f47P_aPfTuSp9sGGH3VxN6JPMyCJ-oJYz_apFGoAesNGPl521jsYc8NxtbNbqpQHezMYS3BHu7bnqC67-/s1600/Sidekick+tote+pocket.jpg" height="318" width="400" /></a></div>
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I meant to put a key loop on the inside, and another pocket, but I totally forgot. But that's ok, because this is my weekend bag so I tend not to carry the same amount of crap with me as I do in my big work bag. I really love the strap on this - I added extra length to it as I'm tall and I like a cross body bag.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-n3eKLyQGa3VKN57AceOYS2P0SWCsxq_BcIm8R1IPBkb3ivx4OMGnXtByK28zL-URnyQLzfROgQt9JA9xwfDXCk12HRZllu2xTxg5QRCGkQ0dwJfDKrbxT6epIk5oa8-b2pzWM4YGSjV/s1600/Sidekick+tote+strap.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-n3eKLyQGa3VKN57AceOYS2P0SWCsxq_BcIm8R1IPBkb3ivx4OMGnXtByK28zL-URnyQLzfROgQt9JA9xwfDXCk12HRZllu2xTxg5QRCGkQ0dwJfDKrbxT6epIk5oa8-b2pzWM4YGSjV/s1600/Sidekick+tote+strap.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></div>
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This was my first time doing a recessed zipper. I love how it looks. It took me quite a few goes to get the sides meeting up evenly where the zipper comes away from the fabric at the end, but I kept at it and eventually matched them up on the 4th or 5th try.<br />
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I thought <a href="https://www.noodle-head.com/2012/09/sidekick-tote-pattern.html">this pattern</a> was well written and (essential for me!) it had plenty of pictures to help me follow the instructions. I definitely think that I would put a 2nd one together very quickly, having made it once and may just have to do that. </div>
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Sarah @ FairyFace Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17181786172902664738noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499681090658403618.post-20683376474458649482014-09-27T19:21:00.000+01:002014-09-27T19:21:36.503+01:00Hoops, bags and bees.... WIP Wednesday on a SaturdayOne of the hazards of this time of year is that sewing in the evenings after the kids are gone to bed means that the light is rubbish for photos. So today, I took advantage of the lovely bright sunny day to take some pictures of my work in progress. <br />
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I have a few different projects that I'm working on at the moment, which is nice, because only having one or two projects on the go at any time is not good for my sewing energy, I've realised. The busier I am, in terms of the number of sewing projects and the deadlines, the more inspired I am. So this week my plan is to get moving again on another few quilt WIPs that totally stalled over this summer. But for now, this is my WIP list.<br />
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First up - Project Rachel's room. I've been slowly but surely decluttering the stuff stored in Miss Rachel's room (the peril of being the 3rd child and occupying the "spare room") to turn into a more girlie, fun space for her now that she is old enough to toddle round and play on the floor in there with her toys.<br />
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The head of her cot (and in future her bed) is placed in a shallow alcove, and its a perfect space for a display of hoops to decorate it.I had some hoops, and filled them with lovely fabric prints I had - the unicorn is my favourite. I have lots more to do - I'm waiting on more hoops to arrive, and then, I couldn't resist ordering the princess print from FFA for one of them (although given the time its taking to arrive I suspect that the lovely people in customs may have snaffled it as it arrived in the country from the USA along with some lovely other bits I ordered.)<br />
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I'm also working on an embroidery hoop for her too. I got this as a custom design from <a href="http://www.lilipopo.co.uk/">Lilipopo</a>, isn't it lovely? Can't wait to get it finished. I was short a few colours, in particular reds and blues, so now have restocked ready to tackle that toadstool!<br />
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I'm also working on 2 other embroidery projects, both intended as Christmas decorations this year. One is the Lilipopo stitchalong, which uses a lovely free download pattern of a winter girl. I decided to follow one of the suggested colour schemes for this one, so that it would be nice and relaxing with no decisions to be made, and so glad I did. I'm close enough to keeping up with the stitchalong, but you'd easily catch up with it if you still wanted to join in.<br />
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The other is the carol singers embroidery I started last year but had to abandon after my eyes started to protest. Hoping to get this moving again and finished will in time for Christmas.<br />
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My sidekick tote is moving along well. I didn't have woven interfacing so I used the regular fusible stuff and forgot how it creases up a bit after sewing. Need to go over that pocket with a very hot iron and try and sort out those creases. I'm also waiting for more of theWallflowers fabric to arrive for the strap for this (in the same package as the FFA). Sigh. Think I will get the zipper and lining done tomorrow and then its just a waiting game before I can finish it. <br />
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I am shamefully behind with my Modern Irish Bee blocks. I finally managed one for <a href="http://domesticengineer.me/">Anna</a>, but I need to get my ass in gear and get the rest done. I do love her crazy scrapy block though - I think the idea to place the fussy-cut "centre" off centre was a bit inspired really. <br />
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Lastly, I have my charms cut for another baby boy quilt, this one for my sister in law's brand new nephew. I'm a bit behind with this one, as he arrived a few weeks ago but its ok, because being a newlywed, she is off on honeymoon :-) and I will have it done before she gets back.<br />
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<br />Sarah @ FairyFace Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17181786172902664738noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499681090658403618.post-73635940986315027422014-09-21T16:45:00.001+01:002014-09-21T16:45:45.780+01:00Little Pearl DressThank you everyone for your lovely comments on my last post. It was nice to hear that other people struggle with the same issues. I think that <a href="http://domesticlightandmagic.blogspot.ie/">Lynz</a> hit the nail on the head when she mentioned the whole "blogging mojo" issue - because sometimes, I am sewing, just not blogging, or reading blogs. I blame Instagram and the temptation to just post a picture without the effort of writing a blog post. And also, if I manage to create a half hour window for myself and its a choice between sewing or blogging, I'll always pick sewing.<br />
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But to move on, I realised during the week that I hadn't shared the Little Pearl dress finish on here, although I did post some pics on Instgram at the time. So in case you haven't seen it, I did finally finish the Little Pearl dress for Miss Rachel. I used the pattern in the "Liberty Love" book which was easy to follow, and I used <a href="http://www.seamstar.co.uk/fabrics-perfect-dressmaking-c-21_1026.html">beautiful lawn from Seamstar</a> to make it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6Xt-Ai6IxcKRnNN_hjf6GiEbbzhwk9uASVjjtdCTBA5dVGlWeIv9zO8kiGk4TWjWujRfwObd8kdUmufv1CJD7ksRD19SkAp4U6xXLJ4jp2ruxB_G2_KdasS9uz5vVaLhvBoqpCLCfjdd/s1600/Little+pearl+dress+front+done.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6Xt-Ai6IxcKRnNN_hjf6GiEbbzhwk9uASVjjtdCTBA5dVGlWeIv9zO8kiGk4TWjWujRfwObd8kdUmufv1CJD7ksRD19SkAp4U6xXLJ4jp2ruxB_G2_KdasS9uz5vVaLhvBoqpCLCfjdd/s1600/Little+pearl+dress+front+done.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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I was really please with how it turned out. I added the ruffle on the front after much deliberation and auditioning of contrast fabrics for it. In the end, I stuck to the same lavender solid that I used for the lining and this was definitely the right choice. I didn't anticipate how much the ruffle would add to the finished look - it really brings the dress up a notch I think. I had a nice matching ribbon and some small pearlised type buttons that worked well.<br />
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And I managed to do the buttonholes with only one minor mishap. It took me ages to space them right, and then after practising on scraps a few times I tackled them. All but one went well, and I managed to fix the problem one without too much swearing. I really like the buttons I picked for the back. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAcInZwVtue5ACJOhEFwnh-ijI56YSpeP4NC2H1wmB9xes_rwDCkfP9g7m3NIZ3mX0sfvVlLCj6Rclutc7DDhUCXZHgl_QzQMJ7TdX4qp-jIeJTJvrlDCoR6EnpD5-ucY4xXcPMZsJDfiB/s1600/Little+pearl+dress+back+done.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAcInZwVtue5ACJOhEFwnh-ijI56YSpeP4NC2H1wmB9xes_rwDCkfP9g7m3NIZ3mX0sfvVlLCj6Rclutc7DDhUCXZHgl_QzQMJ7TdX4qp-jIeJTJvrlDCoR6EnpD5-ucY4xXcPMZsJDfiB/s1600/Little+pearl+dress+back+done.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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I tried it on Miss Rachel wondering if it would still fit, as it had been a while since I cut it. But thankfully it did. I did notice she has shot up a couple of inches over the summer because originally this dress was good bit longer on her than it now is, but that's ok. You can see the length best in the bottom photo.<br />
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It hangs nicely on the back too, I'm happy about that because I had to do a little adjusting to get the ends meeting up properly and wondered if it would affect how it hung.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKOoo-H-WZtL8Sl0yYOCCq1RYGKzevtNj1vto5BZj1tVxmaIW37-1q3jqJgpJVLYJIu8ILZrUcUPNNpkXfGYaB6NJEttiwJlanIfUJGzZseE3jH72y_nA0HT9nF51WMOVrF6xUvOHlcj3G/s1600/Little+pearl+dress+back+on+Rachel.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKOoo-H-WZtL8Sl0yYOCCq1RYGKzevtNj1vto5BZj1tVxmaIW37-1q3jqJgpJVLYJIu8ILZrUcUPNNpkXfGYaB6NJEttiwJlanIfUJGzZseE3jH72y_nA0HT9nF51WMOVrF6xUvOHlcj3G/s1600/Little+pearl+dress+back+on+Rachel.jpg" height="640" width="398" /></a> </div>
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Overall, I'm pretty happy with this, I just need to find some shoes that go with it for Miss Rachel to start modelling it properly (red shoes SO do not go).<br />
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This was one of my list of finishes in the <a href="http://www.the-littlest-thistle.com/p/finish-along-2014.html">FAL</a>, so I'll happily add it to my (small) list of finishes for the quarter. Sarah @ FairyFace Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17181786172902664738noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499681090658403618.post-50311510257537301142014-09-12T23:44:00.000+01:002014-09-12T23:49:19.691+01:00Hauling my sewing mojo back from the brinkSo. It's been a while. (A long while.)<br />
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That thing...my sewing mojo (what's that I hear you ask) appears to have deserted me. Well, ok, maybe not quite so dramatic as that, because that other thing (REAL LIFE) has been interfering, but still. It's been a month since I blogged (bad Sarah). The summary is like this: family wedding in Poland in late August, meaning that mid August taken over by school prep, then travelling to Warsaw and eastern Poland for my baby brother's wedding (wonderful and so much fun, and totally different from an Irish wedding!) then returning home and straight into back-to-schoool and after-school activities (music, tin whistle, cello, Irish Dancing, hurling, athletics...yes, you get the idea) plus work, baby stuff, blah blah blah. Oh yeah, and as usual back to school = children bringing home bugs and infecting the rest of us (i.e. me and miss Rachel with their sore throat/runny nose etc) To summarise: its been busy. (understatement of the year)<br />
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Anyway.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fairyfacedesigns/15216188391" title="Instagram Mini Quilt Inspiration Mosaic by Sarah F, on Flickr"><img alt="Instagram Mini Quilt Inspiration Mosaic" height="640" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3870/15216188391_3752d7eaf6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I signed up for the Instagram mini quilt swap. I'm pretty excited by this. I got my partner details and saw her inspiration mosaic and its right up my street. But somehow, between sorting out the kids, and getting back on top of my workload and getting up in the middle of the night with the poor congested baba, and taking every over-the-counter medication known to mankind to cure my own sore throat/flu, I managed to forget to sort out my own inspiration mosaic. So here it is. <br />
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It appears that my latest "thing" is low volume + rainbow. Who knew? Funnily enough, making myself do this mosaic turned into a "Good. Thing." I was happily liking photos on Flick and found myself wanting to, you know, sew. More than once. Possibily I might break out the rotary cutter tomorrow (and, hold the headlines, I might even do it before all the housework is done!!) Result. The sewing mojo is finding its way back.<br />
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Anyways, I love the look of these and if my partner is anywhere close to any of these I will be a happy bunny. But if anyone wants to volunteer to, you know, drive my kids to after school activities, or turn up at my desk and pretend to be me for a week or so, that would be awesome. No takers? Really? And I thought you all loved me so much....<br />
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<br />Sarah @ FairyFace Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17181786172902664738noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499681090658403618.post-24886065054944521592014-08-11T22:23:00.000+01:002014-08-11T22:23:31.647+01:00The best part of swapsI know I've written about this before, but there is something strange about taking part in swaps. You spend all of the swap window fretting about your partner, trying to second guess them, pushing yourself to impress them, working to someone else's taste. (It's fabulous, its why I love swaps. I just adore how it pushes you outside your comfort zone.) Then you send off your package and all of a sudden, it really hits you that you will be getting a package too. I know that you've been commenting on the photos all along, but its kind of abstract, in a way.<br />
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So when my hubbie rang me today at work to say there was a package for me, I spent the whole day in anticipation and of course, I ripped it open as soon as I got in the door. (yes, before picking up Miss R, or saying hello to my other kids or hubbie. Bad mammy moment). I was not disappointed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixe4SGvjBQwpAfGCSNVfljVkE-LV-fTf7cC_WqoYx3rryJH_Fr0NlTFclb0K71c5d29xSgdbr5PoBIwyVi-IZOimPCA3I45QjTZJ-hJYcmaZqtLMmWZI4qtpEG3-aP5_3hvVZDJ2IVozjT/s1600/Swap+package+received+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixe4SGvjBQwpAfGCSNVfljVkE-LV-fTf7cC_WqoYx3rryJH_Fr0NlTFclb0K71c5d29xSgdbr5PoBIwyVi-IZOimPCA3I45QjTZJ-hJYcmaZqtLMmWZI4qtpEG3-aP5_3hvVZDJ2IVozjT/s1600/Swap+package+received+1.jpg" height="512" width="640" /></a></div>
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I received this beautiful Big Stitch Swap package from <a href="http://indiannadreams.blogspot.ie/">Helen</a>. She knew I just adore Lilipopo girls, and she made one just for me. I was so delighted when I opened it because you know how it is, you always make lovely things for everyone else and never keep the stuff you really love for yourself. This way, I get to have my own. I love how sweet she is! She is on the front of a lovely iPad mini sleeve, with Liberty lawn and linen. This is my idea of perfection. It is so beautifully stitched and finished. I stitched one myself for this swap, and I will certainly say that the patterns are straightforward, but deceptively so - it is very difficult to get the character of those girls right. I love how this girl finished up, she is gorgeous.<br />
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On the back, there is some lovely piecing with more Liberty and linen, and some hand quilting. I just love it all.<br />
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Helen also send me a lovely package of scraps, you can see them in the top photo. Thank you Helen, I absolutely love it and its made my day.Sarah @ FairyFace Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17181786172902664738noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499681090658403618.post-69569237877738980512014-08-06T22:20:00.001+01:002014-08-06T22:20:17.796+01:00Big Stitch Swap Package (gone in the post)Today, I put my Big Stitch Swap package in the post. I hope my partner will like it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwhzWJIQmaWKatBOBs2mBpTQecyTh9W25tvnoMTapTyhLz8O2X525KTirV7ym_H3jefL88QinCGtNzWN5TXdsNbqhanv5KbgU83D73NmzFjrRu9-kiSXtUo3IrMVPsNfxIocBJekjM5Wv/s1600/Swap+package+pouch+finished+front.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwhzWJIQmaWKatBOBs2mBpTQecyTh9W25tvnoMTapTyhLz8O2X525KTirV7ym_H3jefL88QinCGtNzWN5TXdsNbqhanv5KbgU83D73NmzFjrRu9-kiSXtUo3IrMVPsNfxIocBJekjM5Wv/s1600/Swap+package+pouch+finished+front.jpg" height="512" width="640" /></a> </div>
I used a <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/shop/LiliPopo">LiliPopo</a> embroidery pattern on the front. I enlarged it a little so I could have a bigger finished pouch, suitable for hand sewing or knitting projects. This girl is very sweet, and though the pattern was straightforward, it took a little bit of work to get the look I wanted for her. I tried to make her sweet but a little quirky.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisb6-6vo5mfIyAQGR7-O7bi6gSWbd1a_M1iNB70aVzSFvxFgX8Kfd4KsAewAVdwely8POmVnktuWdk44eEWoztJHZZkC3G0B1srdTnh4goJT7XkjEoHAI323bg70ogGabuDbcaSuxdtNiL/s1600/Swap+package+pouch+closeup.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisb6-6vo5mfIyAQGR7-O7bi6gSWbd1a_M1iNB70aVzSFvxFgX8Kfd4KsAewAVdwely8POmVnktuWdk44eEWoztJHZZkC3G0B1srdTnh4goJT7XkjEoHAI323bg70ogGabuDbcaSuxdtNiL/s1600/Swap+package+pouch+closeup.jpg" height="640" width="638" /></a></div>
<br />I was trying to figure out how to set her in a background, and I wanted something to give it a tiny bit of an edge, so as not to be too super sweet. From somewhere, I had the image of her standing on a rocky, pebbly beach. Happily, Trudi's class at the FQ Retreat covered pebble quilting, and despite my previous pre-FQR attempts at the technique leaving me ready to cry, after practising a little, I felt up to tackling it on this. It took quite a while, and a surprising amount of thread, but I was really pleased with how it turned out. The texture of the thread against the Essex linen is just so lovely, it feels great.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7ILbROPWBhKS5ZI6iZtHc4temP85jE7Ej4MRY17jo6qcQe23nvY1EBZj5tgEbWNvEnwXQgF2vcuau3ck3g4QiXPN1YRga90M_QdYu-LRUtWqOQNalv5DfXU7_0g1Rjb9lXbo-y4GgGq5/s1600/Swap+package+pouch+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7ILbROPWBhKS5ZI6iZtHc4temP85jE7Ej4MRY17jo6qcQe23nvY1EBZj5tgEbWNvEnwXQgF2vcuau3ck3g4QiXPN1YRga90M_QdYu-LRUtWqOQNalv5DfXU7_0g1Rjb9lXbo-y4GgGq5/s1600/Swap+package+pouch+back.jpg" height="640" width="638" /></a></div>
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For the back, I spent quite a while thinking through various blocks before I landed on this one. I wanted something I could add handquilting detail to, something with clean lines and that would be striking against the linen. I was inspired by Camille Roskelley's <a href="http://thimbleblossoms.bigcartel.com/product/mini-puddle-jumping-pdf-pattern-168">Puddle Jumping</a> pattern, but I drew this block out on Touchdraw so I could customise it to the size I wanted myself. <br />
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My colour palette was inspired by something I saw my partner say, and when I went digging around, I was delighted to find a scrap of Nordika that was perfect for fussy cutting for the centre.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2taCUy1b0a5NwKsFrZxhqaZ7O7oyhjNyrUEUUvb4gMx748KhjRhj_bZkOBo3Ae6imhT_egFCNHknCXw5eVI4VpFbpqz41cVU8r-2SNKCI68jXL5xq035e7ESzM_spQgfyTDya8w7Bc_W/s1600/Swap+package+pouch+back+closeup.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2taCUy1b0a5NwKsFrZxhqaZ7O7oyhjNyrUEUUvb4gMx748KhjRhj_bZkOBo3Ae6imhT_egFCNHknCXw5eVI4VpFbpqz41cVU8r-2SNKCI68jXL5xq035e7ESzM_spQgfyTDya8w7Bc_W/s1600/Swap+package+pouch+back+closeup.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I did dither about the hand quilting on this, initially when I finished it I thought it was a bit boxy looking where the corners of the blocks crossed over, it didn't look quite as I imagined. But when I came back to it the next day, I was happy, and I got a lot of positive feedback on IG and FB about it, so I relaxed a little :-) <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3WC5vqVhJpRVzpaZXgHUEDM2X1Z2CYKXgF8-gCliVmj_mBVCqdS_PfJs9eLjXclcE8l_N1gpDKAN717O_gUfqmzgKrNoTovPFXGK1nalQ7QvPCsl7LdsjRAUpTX9xWeBi-ssdHWn745II/s1600/Swap+package+pouch+interior.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3WC5vqVhJpRVzpaZXgHUEDM2X1Z2CYKXgF8-gCliVmj_mBVCqdS_PfJs9eLjXclcE8l_N1gpDKAN717O_gUfqmzgKrNoTovPFXGK1nalQ7QvPCsl7LdsjRAUpTX9xWeBi-ssdHWn745II/s1600/Swap+package+pouch+interior.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I added a hot pink zipper for a pop of colour and I used a Vintage Happy print for the lining. I bought this print a good while ago, specifically for use as lining,and I love how it works. I did a divider pocket about half way down. The pouch measures just under 12" x 12", so it's a good size.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN42FYUgQ1sA3WNAmUG-K-n2zI_TNwD-tgVlYfv0kQ6U8lCEz40rQUI7a2WS1ZB49dY_YIZpeXMLdEQ2ncDi9FWTSP2bHgV9SDbEREIU3eb1zZcXZzSak1y4AK_Ylm4GpDLzuoYxSIo_6L/s1600/Swap+package+scraps.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN42FYUgQ1sA3WNAmUG-K-n2zI_TNwD-tgVlYfv0kQ6U8lCEz40rQUI7a2WS1ZB49dY_YIZpeXMLdEQ2ncDi9FWTSP2bHgV9SDbEREIU3eb1zZcXZzSak1y4AK_Ylm4GpDLzuoYxSIo_6L/s1600/Swap+package+scraps.jpg" height="442" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />So my pouch was all done, and I just needed to pull out some scraps to include to finish off my package. It's gone in today's post and I really, really hope that my partner likes it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyot3pIGNrLcOYes3U9Ye_oxbLxXsvg8oqFqSi_Wqn2mbZXURTnDKImWXBWsdgVQSswgmeA9BUBjeawtFL2vRi-vIK-4AmZVXMG3btkOj_m4XLzg2V-MEsbQrbnU5ucX8ynMx6Mh68Uj1h/s1600/Swap+package+total.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyot3pIGNrLcOYes3U9Ye_oxbLxXsvg8oqFqSi_Wqn2mbZXURTnDKImWXBWsdgVQSswgmeA9BUBjeawtFL2vRi-vIK-4AmZVXMG3btkOj_m4XLzg2V-MEsbQrbnU5ucX8ynMx6Mh68Uj1h/s1600/Swap+package+total.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you like hand stitching, or embroidery, or just want to see what loveliness can be created with a simple needle and thread, pop over to the <a href="https://www.flickr.com/groups/thebigstitchswap/">Flickr group</a> and have a look as some of the gorgeous finished projects. Maybe we will see you in Round 2?Sarah @ FairyFace Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17181786172902664738noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499681090658403618.post-58887626576258052532014-08-01T19:14:00.002+01:002014-08-06T22:22:09.903+01:00A quilt for a special boyI posted off this special quilt during the week.<br />
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A friend of mine has a little boy, a toddler, who is very sick and
will be spending a lot of time in hospital in the next few months. I don't really want to go into any details, for privacy reasons, but as with so many other quilters, I felt compelled to make a quilt when I heard the situation. If you're a quilter too, you'll understand why. Comfort. Wrapping the recipient up
(literally) in all the good wishes and positive thoughts that you want
to express but don't quite know how. I wanted to do something concrete that might help, if even just a tiny bit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2iQK2b4JKLjJUXADNVJnxjV8zSqmIOsWUY2xbVaCrWk07PJe9OO6NlBzeNUlizi2VD7xBlBTarQA_pmHMdZfvWlh9MZdouwbJCMHynrsJbg80bO2wUmkAjS5OUNt9UnzEvYjgANkFov9g/s1600/Kierans+Quilt+3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2iQK2b4JKLjJUXADNVJnxjV8zSqmIOsWUY2xbVaCrWk07PJe9OO6NlBzeNUlizi2VD7xBlBTarQA_pmHMdZfvWlh9MZdouwbJCMHynrsJbg80bO2wUmkAjS5OUNt9UnzEvYjgANkFov9g/s1600/Kierans+Quilt+3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I mulled over what type of pattern to make but it didn't take me long to make a decision. <a href="http://www.dontcallmebetsy.com/2011/01/sliced-coin-quilt-along-introduction.html">Elizabeth's Sliced Coins pattern</a> has been on my list of "must makes" for quite a few years now, its one of the first quiltalongs I observed when I started reading quilting blogs, and I loved the quilts made in the quiltalong. Plus, it's easy and straightforward to make, but has a big impact, and I wanted a pattern which allowed the fabrics to shine, because my plan was to gather every novelty boy's fabric I could get my hands on for this quilt. I wanted it to be something that he could sit and look at and explore. Something interesting and fun. <br />
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I have a (pretty depleted compared to a few years ago) stash of boys fabric myself, but not enough for what I wanted, and I knew I needed small enough quantities for the coins. So I asked some of the lovely ladies in the Modern Irish quilters group if they would mind swapping or selling me small quantities of any nice boys fabrics they had. Of course, they all came up trumps and put oceans of fabric in the post to me and refused to take anything in return. This gave me an absolutely fabulous selection of fabrics to work with. I really love the variety, the colour and the prints. There are cars, trucks, buses, diggers, planes, animals, birds, insects - everything you could possibly imagine that little boys are fascinated by. Thank you so much ladies, you know who you are and I couldn't have made this without your help. <br />
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I quilted it in a stipple but with lots of loopy loops and was happy enough with how it worked. There is lots and lots of white sashing which <a href="http://mrsssewandsow.blogspot.ie/">Nicky</a> suggested was perfect for driving dinky cars up and down and
across, and I agree, it would work great as a playmat too.</div>
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For the back, I used some leftover coins to make another strip for the centre, then I used a couple of bright and happy Ikea prints to make up the rest. As you know, I don't often piece a quilt back but it was worth the effort and I like how bright and happy it turned out. There is plenty of interest on the back as well as the front.<br />
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The binding was some blue poplin with little hearts. Perfect. I machine bound this, as I had a lot of other hand stitching to complete and I tried a different method than I have previously used which I liked, but would like to refine my technique on a little more.<br />
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I forgot to measure the finished quilt but I followed the pattern pretty closely and I know the finished size there was 54" x 57" so I assume its similar. It's a lovely generous quilt size for a toddler, equally perfect for bed at night as for snuggling on the sofa by day.<br />
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I hope that this quilt might provide some entertainment or comfort for my friend's little boy over the next few months, and that he gets lots of use out of it. Please God his treatment will go well.
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This is my first finish from my FAL Q3 list also. Hopefully not my last.<br />
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<br />Sarah @ FairyFace Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17181786172902664738noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499681090658403618.post-46495973883476346042014-07-30T12:30:00.001+01:002014-07-30T12:30:49.351+01:00Embroidery stitchesNext week is our posting window for the Big Stitch Swap. I was a little late getting started due to the FQ retreat but I got moving this week and am well on my way to getting it done.<br />
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So far, I've embroidered this lovely <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/shop/LiliPopo?section_id=11989718">Lilipopo</a> girl on some scrummy grey Essex linen. She is going to turn into the front of a pouch but I have to finish the flowers and then I have some surrounding detail to add. Then I need to figure out what I am doing on the back. I have a number of plans, I just need to pick one.<br />
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Sarah @ FairyFace Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17181786172902664738noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499681090658403618.post-57884823245689503552014-07-28T00:36:00.002+01:002014-07-28T00:42:17.407+01:00Still Recovering (FQ Retreat report!)<div style="text-align: left;">
It is a whole week since I got back from London, and I'm only getting to put my thoughts in order now! I had such a fantastic weekend. But since I got back its been go, go, go and I haven't had a minute.<br />
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Ok -so, I'm going to try to try very hard to give you the short version. But I'm warning you now, there is a lot in this post. I failed miserably in being short.<br />
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First up, preparations. I was, to be very honest, a bit blasé about the whole preparation issue. I got the supply list well ahead, and I glanced at it without really giving it any thought. I signed up for the nametag and sample swaps on the Flickr group. Then, a few days before I went I thought I should probably get my stuff together and realised I had a LOT more to do than I had thought. I also TOTALLY underestimated the effect of all the fabric and stuff would have on my carry on case space. Happily, due to the extremely hot weather, a couple of lightweight summer dresses were all I needed to bring with me, clothes wise, and I decided one pair of sandals would work just fine. Of course, I totally overpacked on the fabric front but that was ok.<br />
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So I got gathering my fabric and supplies:<br />
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And I got making on my swap items for the sample swap.<br />
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I had found <a href="http://fluffysheepquilting.blogspot.ie/">Cindy</a> when I got off the Tube from my friends' house, which left me a little more confident about meeting everyone else. I think almost the very first person I laid eyes on when I went into the hall in Baden Powell House was <a href="http://flyingblindonarocketcycle.blogspot.ie/">Hadley</a> - and it was like meeting an old friend, which is exactly what it was, despite the fact we'd never met. Straight away she handed over some goodies - what better start to the day! I had won her blogiversary giveaway earlier that week, so my winnings were included. She also had put together a little pack of essential pins, needles etc to save me the trouble of bringing it all over with me. I was delighted.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZXOOb3961WfVywvFD-yWOVIump7Kq5Rm7N0jwYhu-wyEI2a5fiT_xuBgaecUjWFoxJNFYUYVv58mUyPSKlgd_N99JVTYNuHRWJiM62BVYbDyS4d9-Vr3hZcOjQpBdaoTgOoCd7oFyUHRb/s1600/Hadley.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZXOOb3961WfVywvFD-yWOVIump7Kq5Rm7N0jwYhu-wyEI2a5fiT_xuBgaecUjWFoxJNFYUYVv58mUyPSKlgd_N99JVTYNuHRWJiM62BVYbDyS4d9-Vr3hZcOjQpBdaoTgOoCd7oFyUHRb/s1600/Hadley.jpg" height="300" id="blogsy-1406503634035.7954" width="400" /></a></div>
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I recognised lots of people and got chatting straight away. Really, I couldn't have asked for a better start, it was so lovely to meet people like <a href="http://trudi-quiltingprolifically.blogspot.co.uk/">Trudi</a> and <a href="http://mrsssewandsow.blogspot.ie/">Nicky</a> and <a href="http://willowbeckdesigns.blogspot.ie/">Di </a>who I had been chatting with for years.<br />
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We quickly went off to our first class, which, for me, was foundation paper piecing with <a href="http://haniesquilts.blogspot.ie/">Tacha</a>. I find it really difficult and counter intuitive and was looking forward to getting to grips with it. I have to say, for me, this class was one of the highlights of the whole weekend. Tacha was a great (very patient) teacher, and there was no one that I felt I knew really, really well in the class. That was probably the best thing that could have happened, for me. I got chatting to a lot of people, some who I knew a little, some who I didn't know at all. We had so much fun. At one point, I was laughing so hard (at my own ineptitude) that I was crying. And I actually got something achieved - a little post box. Look at that heart. Have you any idea of how many teeny tiny bits of fabric make that up? That<br />
was the bit that made me <strike>cry</strike> giggle uncontrollably.<br />
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I came away from the class in awe of <a href="http://rosedahlia.blogspot.ie/">Joanne's</a> paper piecing skills and I felt I had found some new friends too. Not to mention, also feeling a bit more confident about tackling the other pattern pieces to finish the Mail Organiser.<br />
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That evening I went for a lovely dinner with a host of friends, almost every one of who I met for the first time that day. It was just fantastic to finally be able to sit and talk with them face to face, over a glass of wine.<br />
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Saturday morning started bright and early. My first class was with <a href="http://trudi-quiltingprolifically.blogspot.co.uk/">Trudi</a> in Free Motion Quilting. Now, I would be lying if I didn't admit that this class was "the one" for me in this retreat. It was the one I was most anxious to do and the one I looked forward to for weeks beforehand. And it absolutely, 100%, delivered on my expectations. It was, quite simply, awesome. Trudi is a fantastic teacher. I came away invigorated and inspired and feeling like I could actually do some of the stuff I've been admiring on blogs for years. We started off practising, getting the feel of our machines, figuring out different threads. It was doodling, on fabric. Fun, lots of fun. My favourite bit is that daisy.<br />
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But in a couple of short hours I was able to do this - not perfect, by any means, but getting there:<br />
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Not bad, right? I'm loving that Aurifil 28wt yellow thread. Such lovely definition. Shamefully, I haven't managed any more practice since I came home, but its high on my list.<br />
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After lunch I had a FMQ design class, again with Trudi, which was equally good and involved lots and lots of doodling. Then I had a quilt maths class with <a href="http://lilysquilts.blogspot.ie/">Lynne</a>. Really, it was late in the day and I never was very good at maths. I found myself transported back about 25 years and giggling far too much at the back of the class with Joanne - that's me at the back. Apparently my report reads "must try harder".<br />
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Saturday evening was a whole pile of fun. It started with the swaps. I had signed up for the sample swap, and made the little mug rugs in the picture above. I ended up in a group with <a href="http://flyingblindonarocketcycle.blogspot.com/">Hadley</a>, <a href="http://pink-stitches.blogspot.ie/">Cara</a> and Bettina and I got a lavender pouch, a fab zippy pouch and one of Hadley's gorgeous bags. This was a little ironic, because the week before, I won Hadley's blogiversary giveaway and won another of these bags. I just knew we would end up in the same group, no way was that not going to happen. But I didn't have any issue because the bags are just gorgeous and also, I live in a house where my bags are appropriated as fast as I acquire them by my 6 year old daughter. So she was very impressed that I came home with 2, so she could have one, and better still, it was the same as mine! Thank you Hadley, I've been using mine since I came home and love it.<br />
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After the swap, I finally had one of my quilty dreams come true. Cindy had brought her <a href="http://fluffysheepquilting.com/">Fluffy Sheep Quilting shop</a> with her for the quilt market and I had <strike>begged</strike> volunteered to help her out. So <strike>I played with all her fabric</strike> we set up her stall in a very pleasing-to-the-eyes arrangement and then we joined lots of other peeps on the terrace to grab a bit to eat. I had a lovely chat with Karen and Nicky :-) Then <strike>I pretended it was my fabric shop</strike> I helped Cindy at her stall at the quilt market.Possibly I was not a great assistant, as I appropriated some of the fabric for myself instead of selling it<span style="color: #0000ee;">. <span style="color: black;">Those top 3 FQs on the left were hers. I also abandoned her and went shopping at some of the other shops too. I got a charm pack from <a href="http://blueberry-park.blogspot.ie/">Karen (Blueberry </a><a href="http://blueberry-park.blogspot.ie/">Park)</a> and I picked up some lovely FQs at the <a href="http://www.thevillagehaberdashery.co.uk/">Village Haberdashery.</a> You can also see some bag buttons in my picture there. More of that later. Really, I was pretty impressed with myself. I think this is a remarkably restrained fabric shopping expedition.</span></span><br />
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After the quilt market, there was a fun quiz, and a raffle. I sat beside Jen Kingwell at the quiz and <strike>bent her ear about things I have been thinking about</strike> had a really interesting conversation with her. In the raffle, I was really lucky, I won a scrap pack of Art Gallery fabrics. I thought that was a bit serendipitous. I had had at least 3 conversations with Cindy's customers earlier that evening about how much I loved Art Gallery fabrics, how beautifully soft they were to work with, how much I loved the quality. So I thought maybe it was karma :-) When I got the pack, I didn't think too much about it. Then I got home and opened it out and realised what a jackpot I hit. Aren't these gorgeous? What a fab scrap pack!<br />
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There as other stuff too - Siblings Together quilts, other swaps etc. The quilts for Siblings Together were fab and I found myself wondering if we could try do do something similar here in Ireland despite the small numbers of people involved. Saturday evening ran pretty late. I found myself on the Tube back to Isleworth between 11 and midnight and was surpised at how there was standing room only at that time, and how civilised it was. But at that stage I was flagging a little and found myself late for Lynne's Touchdraw class the next morning. I eventually caught up with everyone else, and was really happy with this class. So many possibilities!<br />
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My last class on Sunday morning was with the very lovely <a href="http://jenkingwelldesigns.blogspot.ie/">Jen Kingwell</a>, in Hand Quilting. Now, you know I love hand quilting. Its my go-to technique to give a project a little something special. And its not too long since I finished hand quilting my <a href="http://fairyfacedesigns.blogspot.ie/2014/07/a-made-to-measure-medallion-finish.html">Made to Measure quilt</a>. But my technique is very much self-taught, and I have encountered a number of nerve issues in my neck from poor technique.<br />
So it was really lovely to listen to Jen and have the opportunity to ask some questions. I definitely have a few ideas for how I might adjust and improve my technique and felt really inspired coming away after looking at her beautiful work. She gave us a lovely little finger pin cushion to take away. I really thought she was an inspiring person, and after seeing her quilts in real life, making one of her patterns is on my bucket list for definite.<br />
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When the class ended, that was it. Time to say a sad goodbye. Of course, the fire alarm went off in the middle of the farewell, and we ended up out on the street, but it was a kind of fitting end to be all gathered together like that on a little strip of path in central London! We came away with a bag full of goodies. FQs, thread, charm packs, mini charm packs. Lovely stuff. </div>
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Two picture, because some of my stuff got mixed up with Cindys. When it was all over, I wandered around Kensington, picked up some gifts for the kids, then went back to my friends who I stayed with and had some lunch and more catching up. Then it was off to the airport and back to Cork where I found my my kids pretty much standing at the door waiting for me at 10.30pm that night.<br />
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My verdict? FQ Retreat 2014 was fantastic. It was not as crowded as I anticipated and I got to speak to or get to know so many people. I met old friends and made new friends. Yes, it was expensive. After stalking the flights on Ryanair and Aer Lingus for 2-3 months, I got a really great deal on my flights, but between ticket price, travel, spending money etc it still worked out at a big cost. I am very lucky to have friends living in London, and they kindly put me up for the weekend, despite having a very new baby (yes, having a little cuddle was a definite highlight, as was spending some lovely time chatting with them.) But with 3 kids and family holidays to pay for, spending in excess of €500 on a weekend for myself is a big indulgence when money is tight. But, oh so worth it!<br />
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It was worth it in lots of ways. The classes were great. Really great. I learned loads and loads. Plenty of new techniques, and plenty of improvements on my current techniques. I've been sewing for 6 years now and sometimes I am shocked by the things I don't know. The social aspect was fantastic. A lot of work went into making sure no one was left out, people had someone to meet up with etc. I was lucky not to need that because I had a lot of people I knew, but I thought it was great. Before I went, I was totally focused on completing that circle with my online friends and meeting them for real. I wasn't there 24 hours before I realised that one of the biggest things I would take away with me was the new friends I made. But, most important of all was the inspiration I came away with. It was so interesting looking at what other people were doing. People wore their own handmade dresses (it was entirely not obvious they were made at home, they looked so professional and beautifully finished. Sometimes, it was only when I recognised a fabric print I realised that the dress was handmade). People travelled handmade. There were beautiful bags, pouches etc. Oh my goodness, the bags! I came home filled with bag-making fervour. You need to watch this space. I can't wait to get started on that. I've been saving, pinning and printing bag patterns all week. My head is spinning with ideas. I came home feeling totally inspired on the sewing front. I know I haven't posted all week, but I've been sewing. I've finished a quilt (more tomorrow), got well started onto a 2nd, and am half way through my Big Stitch Swap item. I've made a trip to the local fabric store for interfacing (can't make bags without interfacing). I'm ready to sew.<br />
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This was my first retreat. The first year I was in the middle of a very difficult pregnancy, last year, my baby was too small to go off and leave for 3 days. So I have nothing to compare to. But I have this to say. FQ retreat 2014 was ah-MAZ-ing. <br />
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Sarah @ FairyFace Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17181786172902664738noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499681090658403618.post-6104900375579600192014-07-13T12:43:00.002+01:002014-07-13T12:43:59.138+01:00I WILL conquer this list: FAL Q3Right. Q2 was a washout in every possible way - 2 finishes, minimal sewing and very little blog reading (I need my quilty inspiration more than ever right now.) <br />
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Q3 WILL be different. I will finish this list so let's keep it nice and tight.<br />
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1. Finish Kieran's quilt. I haven't blogged this but I am 2/3 done with making a quilt for my friend at work's little 2year old who is very sick and will be spending a lot of time in hospital in the coming months. Need to get this finished and sent to him ASAP.</div>
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2. Cheerio Quilt for Miss E. The big girl needs a new bed quilt so I'm making this one for her.<br />
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3. Hexie heaven - turn the hexies into a bag panel (sidekick tote most likely. Although the super tote could sneak in there)<br />
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4. Tumbling blocks quilt. Finish it. (Yes it's been on the list for 3 years now. About time to kick it off this list.)<br />
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5. Spiderweb quilt - I need a couple more blocks to arrive for this quilt, and I need to make a few more myself to bring it up a little bit size wise. <br />
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6. Finish the Little Pearl dress for miss R. It just needs the buttonholes and the front ruffle. Easy, right?<br />
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7. Finish miss R's cardi. <br />
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That's it. Let's get finishing. Linking up to lovely <a href="http://www.the-littlest-thistle.com/p/finish-along-2014.html">Katy</a>. Sarah @ FairyFace Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17181786172902664738noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499681090658403618.post-13352713624260970182014-07-06T19:37:00.001+01:002014-07-06T19:37:12.156+01:00FAL Q2... A sad little list of finishes <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://instagram.com/p/nXWMPxPaWq/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://scontent-b.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xpa1/t51.2885-15/10251404_244256432443507_1281539947_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1404671803307.8184" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div><p> This quarter didn't really go to plan. I looked down my <a href="http://fairyfacedesigns.blogspot.ie/2014/04/finish-along-quarter-2-wildly-ambitious.html" target="_blank" title="">list</a> earlier in the week and hung my head in shame. I only finished 2 measly projects from my (admittedly ambitious) list. In my defence it has been an insanely busy few months for me at work and with the kids activities finishing up in a whirlwind of end of year concerts etc, the time just flew by.</p><p>So it's a big fat fail on most of my projects.</p><p> </p><p>But the two successes I had were great. First up, my <a href="http://fairyfacedesigns.blogspot.ie/2014/07/a-made-to-measure-medallion-finish.html" target="_blank" title="">Made to Measure quilt</a> which I finished only in the last few days. </p><div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both;"><a href="http://instagram.com/p/qCoXVZvaW5/" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="http://scontent-a.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfp1/t51.2885-15/10467726_1439335656333202_101509672_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1404671803334.4275" class="" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p>And the other item I had was another cushion with my blogger bundle fabrics, to coordinate with the original one I made. This turned out pretty well - but I just realised I only blogged the progress pictures and not the final result. Didn't it turn out pretty? It is now residing on my sofa along with 2 others I made and very cheery.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://instagram.com/p/nWFzIZvaU8/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://scontent-a.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xpf1/t51.2885-15/10245919_845853648764748_1354616013_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1404671803349.4597" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div><p> </p><p> So they are my two little finishes. I'm linking up to <a href="http://www.the-littlest-thistle.com/2014/06/finish-along-quarter-2-finish-party.html" target="_blank" title="">Katy</a> and hoping Q3 is a bit more productive!</p><p> </p>Sarah @ FairyFace Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17181786172902664738noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499681090658403618.post-86191022714268272522014-07-05T22:47:00.002+01:002014-07-06T20:08:17.550+01:00A Made to Measure Medallion FinishIt seems slightly surreal that this quilt is actually finished. I have been working on it for a long, long, long time - started last April, to be precise. So, 15 months...I know that's not a record for a quilt finish. I know this because I have a quilt top hanging in my sewing space awaiting quilting for coming up on 3 years now. (Sssshhhhhh. Don't tell.)<br />
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I also feel like I've been working on it forever because it has been such a challenging, intricate piece of work. I know there are plenty much more complex quilt patterns out there, with more difficult sewing required, but I find medallions pretty challenging and this had a LOT of tiny piecing. Those little star cornerstones were the worst bit - there was a lot of heavy sighing as I cut them and no small amount of swearing as I pieced them.<br />
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And all (ALL) the HSTs and the trimming.<br />
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That's why it
took so long. I had to build myself up to each of the detailed borders.
(Or I'm just lazy. I'm a sucker for a quick 'n' easy quilt pattern.)<br />
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Plus, the fabric choices weighed heavily in my mind the whole time I was making it. This was a kind of "suck it and see" quilt. I made it up as I went along. I kind of had jewel tones in my head as the theme and I worked along those lines.<br />
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Part of me wishes I had chosen a low volume grey print for that big "quiet" border in the middle instead of the dotty cream print, to cool the tones a little. Also my pink and orange hst border merged into itself more than I intended, but I had gone too far with it before I realised. And no way could I face cutting all those HSTs again. But I still think it works ok. Possibly slightly differently than I originally intended, but lovely all the same. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7XV23TxNeLSA_r3hR-dPnR9dIqGbwMR-TneZJXvhVBoKtyr4b4XTqfM_wkC_m6vEFS3JmVEC7R5Sslc_5ObzFeCUibhV8RvtyPg9nU2jnbGOrj5PWBElzRUOVzwHWnCaczMwzq0aF2vpg/s1600/Made+to+Measure+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7XV23TxNeLSA_r3hR-dPnR9dIqGbwMR-TneZJXvhVBoKtyr4b4XTqfM_wkC_m6vEFS3JmVEC7R5Sslc_5ObzFeCUibhV8RvtyPg9nU2jnbGOrj5PWBElzRUOVzwHWnCaczMwzq0aF2vpg/s1600/Made+to+Measure+2.jpg" height="640" width="512" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkTsosXAaFYtvWTFheWEZ6icGW5cbwxt-f3xLAdNHwkr-D5QDj3CVfU9EBze0Ml4O-sTBNXQaEBPtKQanzX9gex8V9JmWO-iKo3Hqk5AhCTiMz718SNMlOUM-OcVckiMwqtThyphenhyphen1NwiVZTk/s1600/Made+to+Measure+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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I do absolutely adore that huge 2nd last border with the HST-turned-into-flying-geese. I think the fabrics work so perfectly right there and the mix of low volume prints as background was exactly what I wanted. When I saw that, that was what made me wish that I had used the low volume instead of the cream border. But hey ho, that's how it goes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIjXuipp664kggTC1BLAaXySwyBAPMlXMfMWkCtbUDIdCaiC6iGeFEQj78i_jfp7rFn8b0M6pTERini-vMovWskLs_NPL3lopIq8scYNueGIWY99rnDrX3FK7PqYwY2c3f6PLBmCE4Rou6/s1600/Made+to+Measure+geese+hand+quilting.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIjXuipp664kggTC1BLAaXySwyBAPMlXMfMWkCtbUDIdCaiC6iGeFEQj78i_jfp7rFn8b0M6pTERini-vMovWskLs_NPL3lopIq8scYNueGIWY99rnDrX3FK7PqYwY2c3f6PLBmCE4Rou6/s1600/Made+to+Measure+geese+hand+quilting.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Some insane part of my brain insisted that this quilt should be hand quilted. I've done lots of hand quilting in my time, a lot of mini quilts and one lap quilt, but this is the first time I've entirely hand quilted a proper size quilt without doing some machine stitching in the ditch to secure it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiir1DQ8jssFm79NfZXU7FnTzKbS4jzLpkRNJStXu_llw4nREy5nBwwkdEHQYs_JdrVIMcRJ_RWdD2vvM4wN4tn2bXl1DCAibTKauxvd-gMGyguqgPFVqEx5hTIHucLrkjzgqDq14LkSNIV/s1600/Made+to+Measure+hand+quilting.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiir1DQ8jssFm79NfZXU7FnTzKbS4jzLpkRNJStXu_llw4nREy5nBwwkdEHQYs_JdrVIMcRJ_RWdD2vvM4wN4tn2bXl1DCAibTKauxvd-gMGyguqgPFVqEx5hTIHucLrkjzgqDq14LkSNIV/s1600/Made+to+Measure+hand+quilting.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I was nervous about it, but it worked really well. Very honestly, I found the weight of the quilt and its size very hard to manoeuvre when working on it, particularly at the start when I was quilting the centre and I had a lot of trouble with my neck ending up with an irritated nerve which caused constant pins and needles down both arms into my little fingers for weeks on end. That also delayed the finish by weeks as the doctor insisted I put down all my crafty stuff for 2-3 weeks to let it heal enough to treat. So I'm not sure I would tackle a project this size again by hand - weeks of physio to resolve it was not on my list of anticipated outcomes. But having said that, I do absolutely adore the process of hand quilting and I think the issues I had were solely due to the size and weight of the quilt - possibly my technique is not the best from a health perspective. And there is no getting away from the fact that I really enjoyed sitting on the sofa hand quilting it in the evenings. It's much more sociable than sitting at my machine, away from my hubby in another room. So I won't be abandoning the hand quilting. Just maybe keeping it to slightly smaller projects :-)<br />
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Hand quilting looks so great too, and this pattern really lends itself to the hand quilted big stitch look. I used perle cotton #8 in a variety of colours and shades and quilted mostly 1/4" inside or outside the seam lines except in that big cream border where I quilted triangles to add to the interest. I think my very favourite part of the hand quilting is the central star.<br />
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The hand quilting looks really great on the back too. The backing is the ever-used IKEA Nummer fabric. It was a particularly good choice for this quilt, as the black and white complements the front, and the quilting shows up so well on it. <br />
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I found a fab dotty grey and white print on a black background in <a href="http://thecraftyfox.ie/">The Crafty Fox in Drogheda</a> the last time I visited my mum, and I knew as soon as I laid eyes on it that it was perfect for the binding for this. I don't know what the print name is, all I know is that its a Northcott fabric. I love how it frames the quilt. I took the lazy way out and machine stitched my binding. By the time I got to that stage, I was hand-stitched out and the pins and needles in my hands and arms were returning and I needed to get it done in time to wash and dry it before delivering it to my mum and dad on Sunday. So I speedily stitched the binding down and it was done. Must do more machine binding - it was so quick! Although I do love hand stitching down the binding normally.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2hJGCV2knCKJ8wkg-MgQFyvBgwe07zlAggBDhml6-XiuTl62bY-XUo7gMkjObo8f8TcI800WM8-4swOMD-A5syCUoOC5GMLcQVrh1bz4I4Fr4JcQmnqAYwRUWslVABIHCcq-zGX-3FjoL/s1600/Made+to+Measure+binding.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2hJGCV2knCKJ8wkg-MgQFyvBgwe07zlAggBDhml6-XiuTl62bY-XUo7gMkjObo8f8TcI800WM8-4swOMD-A5syCUoOC5GMLcQVrh1bz4I4Fr4JcQmnqAYwRUWslVABIHCcq-zGX-3FjoL/s1600/Made+to+Measure+binding.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I know I moaned about the cornerstones earlier. But truly, they were totally worth the effort. They look fab all done and lined up, don't they? <br />
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So, now this quilt is off to my mum and dad to celebrate 40 happy years of marriage, a milestone they hit a couple of weeks ago. (Yes, I am late. But I don't think they will mind!)</div>
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Some stats - this quilt measures 80" x 80" so perfect for a double bed, or would even work fine on a king size without draping down the sides. It's made from Sarah Fielke's Made to Measure pattern in her book <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hand-Quilted-Love-Sarah-Fielke/dp/1908862599/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404596446&sr=8-1&keywords=hand+quilted+with+love">Hand Quilted with Love</a>. Fabrics are a wide and varied mix mostly from my stash. My Irish friends contributed lots of the oranges for the pink and orange HST border in an impromptu scrap swap when I asked for some help :-) Batting is Simply Cotton. It is machine pieced, and 100% hand quilted with perle cotton #8. </div>
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It is, without doubt, my favourite quilt I've ever made. And certainly, my biggest quilting achievement to date. If I have learned one thing in 15 months of making it, it is that it is most certainly worth taking the time and putting in the effort to make something detailed and lovely. Quick and easy (my go-to) is not the be-all and end-all. Hope my parents love it as much as I do. (Ok, well, I know my mum loves it as she has seen the quilt top at various stages of development and raved each time, so I'm pretty confident!) To paraphrase Mr Bennett in his conversation with Elizabeth at the end of Pride and Prejudice, I couldn't part with it to anyone less worthy. </div>
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Linking up to Katy as one of my (sad, short little list of) Q2 finishes. <br />
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Sarah @ FairyFace Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17181786172902664738noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499681090658403618.post-416368517119899722014-06-18T08:00:00.000+01:002014-06-18T08:00:03.820+01:00Announcing a new Swap for the summer!<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/thebigstitchswap" title="The Big Stitch Swap"><img alt="The Big Stitch Swap" src="http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j433/FairyFaceDesigns/5600ba67-e53c-4907-a8cd-8e06785ccc6b.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://fluffysheepquilting.blogspot.ie/">Cindy</a> and I are hosting a swap and we would just love if you would join us! We decided that we would do something which encompassed our love of hand stitching and The Big Stitch Swap was born. The theme of the swap is that hand stitching of some variety is a significant contribution to the swapped item. It can be embroidery, hand quilting, cross stitch...what ever floats your boat!<br />
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What to make, what to make? Well, our suggestions would be something along the scale of a iPad cover, Kindle cover, a zippy pouch, a fancy notebook cover or a tote bag. You get the idea, something that allows enough space to incorporate a stitched motif, or handquilting design. But not too big. The only guideline is that your hand stitching has to be a significant portion and focal point of the item's design. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeVrdxKz0TQmHC-k2oHJnEPALJKW0EnkMJV0UUieH0uuSa18Mzi-ygDooK1bBdzmcb1KtdfQ01kiKc5JzEZWkg2Tx-fIfqpuMmAEZdUCYIHZHnZTZwa_84ZoJw0TUOtlTwMZA-4ndMptQ/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeVrdxKz0TQmHC-k2oHJnEPALJKW0EnkMJV0UUieH0uuSa18Mzi-ygDooK1bBdzmcb1KtdfQ01kiKc5JzEZWkg2Tx-fIfqpuMmAEZdUCYIHZHnZTZwa_84ZoJw0TUOtlTwMZA-4ndMptQ/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="358" width="400" /></a></div>
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Want to join in? The swap is open to 40 people. The only catch is you need to have participated in two other swaps before joining into this one. If you have, just click <span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/11a_4CpmRAyZ3CLA_XGDeR2itHvX7f-361DtBokdzpeA/viewform?c=0&w=1&usp=mail_form_link">here </a>a</span>nd complete o<span style="background-color: white;">ur <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/11a_4CpmRAyZ3CLA_XGDeR2itHvX7f-361DtBokdzpeA/viewform?c=0&w=1&usp=mail_form_link">entry form</a>.</span> We will then <b>secretly </b>assign partners. Know that your partner is not necessarily making an item for you. While you are waiting for your partner assignment, join into our<span style="background-color: white;"> <a href="https://www.flickr.com/groups/thebigstitchswap/">Flickr </a></span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/groups/thebigstitchswap/">group</a> and start thinking about an inspirational mosaic like the one I have below. I used <a href="http://bighugelabs.com/mosaic.php">Big Huge Labs</a> for mine, but you can use what ever works for you.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fairyfacedesigns/14467462323" title="Inspiration Mosaic - The Big Stitch Swap by Sarah F, on Flickr"><img alt="Inspiration Mosaic - The Big Stitch Swap" height="500" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2914/14467462323_68afc89a95.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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The swap timeline is as follows:</div>
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- Signups open today (19 June) and will close on 27 June or when we reach 40 participants.</div>
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- Partner assignments will be distributed on 4 July (before my celebratory BBQ!)</div>
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- Posting dates are from 4-8 August depending on your postal system and where your partner lives. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fairyfacedesigns/14459711883" title="Cherry on the Tree Swing complete by Sarah F, on Flickr"><img alt="Cherry on the Tree Swing complete" height="400" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5560/14459711883_0b9f5a6498.jpg" width="397" /></a>
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As usual, we ask that everyone actively participate in Flickr conversation threads, drop hints on photo comments for your partner, etc. If you have any questions before you sign up, please do ask! Better to ask before you sign up than after...it only makes my life more difficult to find a substitute if you drop out. There is a thread with full info over on the <a href="https://www.flickr.com/groups/thebigstitchswap/">Flickr Group</a>. And an every present button below, if you want to spread the word ;-)</div>
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We do hope you join us! This will be so very fun!</div>
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<img alt="The Big Stitch Swap" src="http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j433/FairyFaceDesigns/5600ba67-e53c-4907-a8cd-8e06785ccc6b.jpg" title="The Big Stitch Swap" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/thebigstitchswap" title="The Big Stitch Swap"><img src="http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j433/FairyFaceDesigns/5600ba67-e53c-4907-a8cd-8e06785ccc6b.jpg" alt="The Big Stitch Swap" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
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Sarah @ FairyFace Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17181786172902664738noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499681090658403618.post-70117494435866886352014-05-28T22:36:00.001+01:002014-05-28T22:36:53.090+01:00A (Little) Dress in the Making<div style="text-align: center;">
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I've been wanting to try my hand at dressmaking for quite a while now (I blame The Great British Sewing Bee myself). It's something I learned a little about when I started learning to sew first, but I quickly got distracted by craft sewing and quilting and never really developed the basic skills I learned. Dressmaking scares me a bit - I think it can be hard to get a good enough finish so that what you're wearing doesn't scream "homemade" rather than "handmade". Garments are less forgiving than quilts, for sure.<br />
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When the lovely Courtney at <a href="http://www.seamstar.co.uk/">Seamstar</a> offered me the opportunity to try out her <a href="http://www.seamstar.co.uk/fabrics-perfect-dressmaking-c-21_1026.html">dressmaking lawn</a> a little while back, I absolutely jumped at the chance. Not least because she stocks the cutest prints, including the one I chose.<br />
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When the lawn arrived, I was even more excited. This print is so
gorgeous in real life, really beautiful colours. I was wondering what
the lawn would be like from a quality perspective and I was so impressed
with it. Its probably a tiny bit heavier in weight than Liberty lawn,
which I liked, I found it slightly easier to work with than the Liberty.
It is super soft and drapes beautifully. It feels absolutely gorgeous. I
couldn't stop stroking it every time I passed it for the first few days
after it arrived. I will certainly be going back and buying more of
this - in fact, I plan to buy more of the same print to make a summer
skirt for myself, I love it so much. Courtney also sent me some <a href="http://www.seamstar.co.uk/fabrics-plain-cottons-c-21_259.html">cotton solids</a> for the lining and the contrast ruffle at the neckline, and these
were similarly lovely quality. <br />
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I decided to start off easy, and picked the <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/alexiaabegg/8180650700/">Little Pearl dress</a> pattern from the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Liberty-Love-Projects-Featuring-Fabrics-ebook/dp/B00BSS8WMG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1401312955&sr=8-1&keywords=liberty+love">Liberty Love</a> book. This is an a-line tunic style dress and looked to be relatively straightforward in terms of construction.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhzClJGAogHhvaYg5EDNPWoxSHGRKT8h0soQYqkALXPAPqGDknn1rwyGd8Q9obwFPtngEZn-aTDrNYq93TGluAR-GbmxKfCSpH68QybBMf8Xcso5Sctg4M_duw6U0SLQV1EGFmYp6IuIKO/s1600/Little+Pearl+dress+back+neckline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0VubTpBT_ZBaWmFx_kwOiT9PFOX1nqeOA82Hn88B5u4CRaHmHzB9m3EwrG6fVjmIONhK7oeTKkzEN0no0i6mwC3sYUI1W24LtHVbECcjGq1aSp0GFx1hofDE16UVqPTx64Ivf13wvje4/s1600/Little+Pearl+dress+cutting+pattern.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0VubTpBT_ZBaWmFx_kwOiT9PFOX1nqeOA82Hn88B5u4CRaHmHzB9m3EwrG6fVjmIONhK7oeTKkzEN0no0i6mwC3sYUI1W24LtHVbECcjGq1aSp0GFx1hofDE16UVqPTx64Ivf13wvje4/s1600/Little+Pearl+dress+cutting+pattern.jpg" height="321" width="400" /></a></div>
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I've been gradually working away on the construction of the dress, which has been relatively straightforward so far. It's now all hemmed and ready to do the buttonholes (which, honestly, I am dreading), and the ruffle embellishment at the front.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhzClJGAogHhvaYg5EDNPWoxSHGRKT8h0soQYqkALXPAPqGDknn1rwyGd8Q9obwFPtngEZn-aTDrNYq93TGluAR-GbmxKfCSpH68QybBMf8Xcso5Sctg4M_duw6U0SLQV1EGFmYp6IuIKO/s1600/Little+Pearl+dress+back+neckline.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhzClJGAogHhvaYg5EDNPWoxSHGRKT8h0soQYqkALXPAPqGDknn1rwyGd8Q9obwFPtngEZn-aTDrNYq93TGluAR-GbmxKfCSpH68QybBMf8Xcso5Sctg4M_duw6U0SLQV1EGFmYp6IuIKO/s1600/Little+Pearl+dress+back+neckline.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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I have my supplies all ready - I had a momentary wobble about the colour of the ruffle fabric and wondered if a moss green would work better. But I think I'll stick to the mint green.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj86ehCNThLfrkppjxygidjPRNNYavjDMLQyJVfql8jM0-5YjGcSMiZQMgAZgbvFHsSb7_cO78l93eBvURu916w1VmqkbjXJUHg9ZgiNgHbghyYVMl6GK6ivUHLLW63O-cTA1kOjKQQ2jKF/s1600/Little+pearl+dress+fabric+for+trim.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj86ehCNThLfrkppjxygidjPRNNYavjDMLQyJVfql8jM0-5YjGcSMiZQMgAZgbvFHsSb7_cO78l93eBvURu916w1VmqkbjXJUHg9ZgiNgHbghyYVMl6GK6ivUHLLW63O-cTA1kOjKQQ2jKF/s1600/Little+pearl+dress+fabric+for+trim.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Apart from the buttonholes (obviously) I can't wait to get the work done on this to get it finished and put on the little lady who is, sadly, extremely sick and miserable this week with a bad throat infection and very high temps. I think sewing time will be hard to come by for the next few days but fingers crossed she will be better before the long weekend.<br />
<br />Sarah @ FairyFace Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17181786172902664738noreply@blogger.com12