It's been a long journey but finally I have finished my diamond quilt inspired by a Kaffe Fassett pattern and made using my favourite Amy Butler Mid West Modern fabrics. Hand quilted along the diamonds using cream perle 8
You can see more photos here
Now I just want to stand back and look at it
Sharon
I have been meaning to post this audio link to an ABC Melbourne radio interview with Hilary Harper of a few weeks ago.
If you are interested in some crafty classes over winter you can Download Kimono House Winter Newsletter.
I made this half apron yesterday using Amy Butler's InStitches pattern. I had some Heather Bailey Pop Garden fabric left over from my fabric box. Very easy to make and such a lovely gift too.
Sharon
I am interested in this new product from Amy Butler's studio called Amy Butler Softwares. Preview some of the 22 projects here. It looks fabulous and it's going on my Christmas list now! You can make to her patterns or adapt it as well. Kate already has one so I will be keeping an eye on what she makes.
Also I have entered an Amy Butler Midwest Modern competition. You can see all the entries here in the Flickr pool. I entered my King Diamond quilt top and my sashiko embroidery roll.
Sharon
Last year I started on a collection of placemats, napkins and coasters, but did not finish the collection.
Well now I have
My favourite Amy Butler fabrics for a summer collection that mixes and matches
Coasters with Sashiko detail
Quilted
They make a great present. For an easy placemat and napkin tutorial see mine here
Sharon
Last Night I went to the Amy Butler "up close and personal event" at the Sofitel. She really is a very down to earth and lovely person. It was good to hear her speak about her very humble beginnings and see her gorgeous studio and house. She deserves all her success.
Met up with Lara and Nikki and bumped into some old work colleagues I had not seen for a few years. All in all a really great event. And it was great to see Lara wearing my earrings I had made for her as a surprise gift some time ago.
Sharon
I am really happy with this embroidery roll. Mainly because I created it myself, used my Amy Butler stash and my Sashiko skills.I have been working on it for awhile but when Gregg said we were coming to Melbourne early I absolutely wanted to finish it so I could store all my Sashiko stuff in it to take away.
The backing is quilted using a Sashiko thread and Raimon pattern. I used my 12mm Clover bias tape maker to make the binding and the ties. The two large pockets have been embellished with Sashiko stitching and I have created smaller pockets as well to hold threaders/thimbles and my threads. I added a felt square for my needles.
I love it
Sharon
This week I am focussing on bag making........because like shoes you can never have too many, but I don't know how to make shoes..........its part of Big Cats Blogtoberfest. Come and join the fun.
As you know I love Amy Butler fabrics maybe a bit too much. On the weekend I finished her Birdie Sling. Now the pattern says you need 1 1/8 yard in 3 fabrics - exterior, co-ordinating handles and lining. When I buy fabric from Quilt Home I can only buy in 1/2 or 1 yard lengths so I bought 1 and 1/2 yards of each fabric...not really that much more than was asked for, but I have found that I can make 2 bags from 1 and 1/2 yards and a bit extra for the lining.......so I have cut out basically the reverse pattern. This one is going to my niece for her birthday and now I am making one for me. So the handle fabric will be the main exterior and vice versa. It's not too difficult to make but not for beginners. I like how big it is.........for me it will be perfect for my gym gear and a bit of shopping on the way home. And the wadding and interfacing gives it support and structure that I like.
Have a look at this girl's Birdie Sling too, beautiful in blue and this one in transeasonal colours and You Go Girl as well. Anyone else made one?
So to start off the week here are some of Amy's patterns made by Amy lovers. I bought my fabric and pattern from Quilt Home but don't forget this great list of our This is....favourite Fabric Stores for local, regional and online stores.
1. Amy Butler Smart Bag, 2. Sophia Bag, 3. AB Weekender bag #2, 4. bbtealorangeswingtote1, 5. ABFrenchy, 6. Amy Butler Fabric
1. Amy Butler Frenchy Bag, 2. P1010599, 3. High Street Messenger Bag, 4. First Time with the Amy Butler In Town Bag, 5. bbtealorangeswingtote1, 6. P.Dotty Shoulder Bag, 7. Amy Butler's Weekender Bag from the side, 8. Amy Butler Smart Bag, 9. Amy Butler Fabric
And to start off the week I am having a giveaway of one of my zippered makeup bags, pattern from Nikki. Leave me a comment on this post by Friday night by 9pm AEST and I will choose a winner and post Saturday.......What would you put in your purse?
Stop by tomorrow for more bags.What have you been making?
Sharon
I want something to store all my sashiko samplers, threads and needles in. I am also keen to experiment with sashiko and make it a little more contemporary in styling. I dabbled with my pincushion, went all out with my fan quilt and continue to trial samplers.
I came across this wall hanging in Susan Briscoe's book "Japanese Sashiko Inspirations"
So I am making an embroidery roll using fabrics from my stash - none other than Amy B!
So on the main body of the roll I am going to use the "Raimon" pattern which is the rectangular pattern on the bottom right hand side and quilt it using the sashiko.
I am using a new widget to mark up the pattern. It's a "Hera" marker from no other than Clover. It's made of plastic and marks and makes a crease without leaving any residue. It's probably better on darker fabric. But it works brilliantly. I could have used my white iron off marker but I was concerned with the amount of handling and heat that it may wear off. This way I have a crease that should stay put.
I am going to quilt the main body using sashiko stitch and thread........I have added a layer of lightweight iron on pellon and done the mandatory basting to hold the sandwich together.
Stitching so far............I have been working on this for a while now, usually at night watching TV
Still alot to do but very satisfying, a challenge to get both sides looking good. Japan Craft Journal is featuring Sashiko today.
Check out Betty Jo at Lino Forest she has the cutest owl brooch givewaway because she is such a lovely crafty melbourne girl and see her shop here.
Sharon
I do love colour as does Ms Curlypops with her signature aprons in her new shop.
I am making a mix and match range of reversibe napkins and placemats for the summer season (although its always summer in Singapore). Beautiful Amy Butler Lotus range fabrics in a citrus palate bought from Quilt Home one of our favourite fabric stores.
I'm using Amy Butler quilting solids as well.
Ready for topstitching but alas no matching thread. So it's on my Spotlight list to get today.
My second range is from Mid West Modern - Ohio Sky in Green/Blue........this is my favourite colourway from Amy, beautiful blues and greens that are so fresh.
Ready for topstitching - this colourway looks so good in the flesh. I love it!
These are so easy to make yet so satisfying. I have added a lightweight Pellon into the placemat. I have used 2 yards of each colour which cost me US$9 a yard plus postage. I can get 4 large reversible (21"x21") napkins and 4 (15"x21") reversible placemats. The Pellon is A$10 a metre.
I think a set like this would be a beautiful present for Christmas, house warming or thankyou......or just for yourself. Or maybe just the placemats as a hostess gift.
Now its never too early to start planning your Christmas. Why not use this to make planner from Organised Christmas. Thanks to Area Thrify One for these links and who is decluttering at the moment.
Sharon
