Good News and Good Progress

Well the first thing that I have to report today is that I have passed Module 4 - hooray!  Well, actually it's not really a pass/fail type situation, it's more of a 'have you met all of the criteria' thing and if not then you are told what you need to do to meet it... and the good news is, yes I have met it all.  Phew.  And enormous sigh of relief.  Onwards and upwards to Module 5!

But before I make a start, as previously posted, I promised I would make William a quilt, and after two very long, late nights, I have finally managed to put the quilt top together. 

I wanted it to be something quite simple so that I could piece it together quickly and I found this design on a blog by Flossie Teacakes - a popular, delightful and informative blog that I have been following for some time now, about all things sewing, and with a little quilting thrown in for good measure too.  (You can find the tutorial here).  I didn't follow it too closely, just used it mainly for the inspiration and measurements.  I also cut long strips and sewed them in sets of three then cut them up into blocks of three, rather than doing them all individually, as the tutorial suggests -  cheating, I'm not sure, but far, far quicker!

But now I have a problem.  I don't have enough fabric for the back.  I am going to go with the blue stars on white for the back, but given that it was a fat quarter bundle, I shall have to go back and get some more fabric.  I am also wondering how to quilt it.  I want to use my lovely number 8 perle cotton white thread, but I am unsure how best to do it.  Stitching 'in the ditch' is an option, but slightly boring I feel.  Any suggestions gratefully received!

Another Module Down...

It's been a while since I blogged about anything actually related to my course.  But that's because I have been busy doing it, rather than writing about it.  And finally, finally, after 4 months, and Christmas, and having a baby, I have finished module 4!  (Now all I need to do is pass).

If I'm honest, it's not been my favourite module.  With the criteria being to work in black and white, I have found it a bit limiting, and I have decided I am most definitely a colourful sort of girl.  Well, I don't know about in personality, but certainly with the things that I make! 

Anyhow, here are a few pictures;

The 'Texture Collection'

Using textured papers

Final Resolved Piece

And then there are the applique samples, which I really enjoyed putting together.  I have done about 8  different types of applique now, so I feel I qualify as an expert!  I won't bore you with them all but here are a just couple;

Hawaiian Applique

Machine Bias Applique

Stained Glass Applique

So very soon it will be on to module 5, the last of the design portfolios, before module 6 which is the planning and designing of a wall hanging.

But before I undertake module 5, I have promised baby William that I will make him a quilt for his bedroom.  It's only fair, because I made one for Freya when she was born, back in the days when I knew nothing about 1/4 inch seams, rotary cutters, acryllic rulers, designer fabrics etc. etc.  Boy, I 've learnt a lot about quilting in these last few years!  I have been working on it for just one evening so far, and all my blocks are complete and ready to be constructed into a quilt top, but I shall save progress for another day.    But I can't resist showing you the gorgeous fabrics that I'm working with;

Sorry it's a bit of a dark photo, but they really are delicious fabrics in real life and I am very excited to see William's quilt take shape.
 

Right, must crack on, I will have another night of sewing till nearly midnight and I hope to post a complete quilt top soon!

A Super Surprise

In my last blog post talked all about how I have decided to subscribe to Popular Patchwork magazine.  Things have moved on considerably since then...

First of all I received the lovely Jelly Roll Sampler Quilts book in the post, along with a large box of metallic Maderia threads which was very exciting.  The book is so inspiring with such wonderful designs and fabrics, I do highly recommend it.     

I also went to the shop and purchased the latest edition of Popular Patchwork as my subscription does not start until next month.  I was enjoying a cup of coffee and a very rare quiet moment with both children asleep, when I came across an article all about The School of Stitched Textiles, who are my distance learning provider.  Articles in this magazine usually span a couple of pages, and I was reading with great interest, the story of how SST had been set up, and then I turned the page, and to my amazement I saw the following...

In case you can't see it clearly, it's a photograph of my work, with my name under it! 

It was just pure chance that I bought a copy this month, and I knew absoloutely nothing about it so you can imagine my surprise.  I am completely chuffed to bits that they chose my work and it has really boosted my confidence.  When you study from home it is very easy to think that your work isn't good enough, that other people's work is better etc. etc.  So this has really spurred me on and made me believe that I can complete this course and that my work is as good as everybody elses after all.

In other news, there has been a flurry of Valentine creativity in the house, and it is only now, 2 days after Valentines day that I have had a chance to blog about it.  Here is my creation, an idea that I found on Pinterest a few weeks back and couldn't resist making; 

The top hearts are actually sewn on by machine, which was easier said than done, because unlike fabric, one false move with the needle and it would leave a gaping big hole in the paper!  Overall I am pleased with how it turned out and Pete seemed to appreciate the effort so it was worth it.

Of course Freya had to make a card for her daddy too, and I have to say I was highly impressed with her commitment to the heart collage, and I think the results are are delightful...

Note my attempt at slightly arty photographs here - having been looking at a host of other blogs, some are literally works of art in themselves - mine is far too functional - must try harder!

And finally, here is a picture that is completely unrelated to anything crafty but it is so adorable I couldn't resist posting it...

Bathtime!

 

A New Arrival

After 9 months of waiting, our little boy William Peter Henry Ashford is finally here!  Born on 26th January, weighing 8 lb and 11oz...

He is our perfect little boy!

Freya is very taken with her brother...

And I think she is going to enjoy being a big sister! 

All craft related activities are going to be on a back burner for a bit, as I now have my hands full!  But once we are all in a routine hopefully I'll be able to squeeze in my C and G coursework and some crafting with Freya...with little William watching alongside us.