Sewing in Company :: Oxfordshire Modern Quilt Guild

In my last post I mentioned that I hadn’t sewn for almost 3 months. That was broken last Saturday when I attended the Oxfordshire Modern Quilt Guild monthly sewing day. I have been a member since the inaugural meeting but have been a somewhat absent figure these past twelve months. Oh my, what a difference a day of sewing makes ......

In fact my husband did point out when I got home that I was happier than I had been for quite some time!!! No shame in admitting that - I know you can relate. It was a wonderful day filled with sewing of course, but also so much more. The chats - about quilting but just as regularly about families and life in general, the laughter - so much of that and, to top it all, the feeling of creating. 

Having always preferred the company of boys when I was growing up, it was a revelation when pregnant to seek the company, support and friendship from women. That’s how it felt again on Saturday.  A far cry from ante natal and post natal groups but the coming of the teenage years has been the hardest transition in or family and so to chat, to laugh and to remember that "it is just a phase” was just what I needed!!

The next few months dates are in my diary IN PEN and, bar serious illness or injury, I will be there sewing up a storm and reinforcing those face to face connections which are so valuable.  Do you sew in a group?  I would love to hear what you like most about it.

My sewing project for the day was Tumbling Spools.  I have to say I am really smitten with this little block and as soon as I got home I cut out another set of spools but with a white background.  I haven't got back to them since then but I can't wait to get both sets sewn up and quilted. I hae never made two version of a quilt at the same time but I really couldn't decided between the dark and light background.  I also have a lot of quilting ideas for this and thought that making two would be a great way showcase different quilting styles on the same quilt.

Pattern by Jo at The Crafty Nomad

The #tumblingspoolsqal is coming into its second week but you could easily catch up if you want to join in.

2019 - Here's to a Great Year!

Wow that went quick - one minute it was 27 September and the next it's January 2019!!  Happy New Year to you all and I hope that the Christmas and New Year period was a good one.

Oh how I miss my lovely spacious studio ....

Since I last posted here we have been rather busy.  The house move finally happened - in the end we had one week from exchange to completion so that was one week to pack up my studio, pack up our family home, keep 2 children and a cat settled and not go crazy in the process!

It was wonderful to see the shelves emptying and lots of bags went to a lady who makes charity quilts - there was no way it could all come with us!

It didn't seem quite so big when it was all boxed up!

Followed by work commitments, illness and Christmas it's no wonder that my blog has been somewhat neglected.  I aim to remedy that this year.  Whilst Instagram is quick and portable I miss writing here and I especially miss having a fuller record of my creative life.

The girls only went back to school this week so I have been somewhat late entering the New Year and making plans and goals.  There is going to be lots going on this year and some stuff I am SOOOO excited about.  There will be sewing and quilting as usual but also house renovations, a studio conversion, teaching and talking - more on all of that soon.  I have temporarily housed my longarm machine at my Mum's and it felt great to finally get the frame back up and be able to quilt.

I had a play with some of Jane's rulers and some FMQ inspired by this video by Sherilyn Mortensen.

Up until last Monday I hadn't sewn a stitch for almost 3 months.  It was not good.  I had itchy fingers.  My mind was making in my head which didn't leave much room for much else.  I have finally got a sewing space set up in the house, my family are very obliging when it comes to giving up rooms (not!), and today I made a start on a lovely QAL that I have signed up for.  It is the Tumbling Spools QAL hosted by Jo over at The Crafty Nomad and is a lovely leisurely way to start the year and end up with a gorgeous wall hanging.

There's still plenty of time to take part if you want to.

Here's hoping I will be back here again ...... very soon! x

cut&alter Christmas 18 QAL :: Week 1

..... and it's started Week 1's instruction have just been mailed out.

I am looking forward to seeing what fabrics people choose!

What's it all about?  Head over here to see ....

Want to join in?  Get the pattern over here ....

cut&alter Christmas 18 QAL :: it's nearly here!

Can we talk Christmas now that it's September?!!  

During that rather long heatwave we had in the UK this summer the cut&alter Christmas 18 QAL was launched.  The timing couldn't have been worse but now the summer holidays are coming to an end, the temperatures are dropping (hooray I can finally sleep under my duvet again!) and the days are getting shorter.  If you have yet to decide on your next project or would like to make a Christmas Quilt (in time for Christmas 2018!) then it would be great to have you join my QAL.

Finished quilt made in Makower Silent Night fabric

The QAL starts next week on Wednesday , 05 September, with a general introduction, fabric selection and cutting.  Then there is a Block a Week for 9 weeks followed by sashing, borders, basting and quilting with several catch up weeks included, because we all know that life can get in the way of quilting - isn't it so annoying when that happens?!  We finish on Wednesday 12 December with, fingers crossed, a lovely quilt ready in time for Christmas.

I love the house fabric from this range

There'll be lots of skills to learn or build on, a lovely group of quilters. maybe some random prizes and, of course, a quilt at the end of it - what more do you need?  The pattern can be purchased from my UKQU shop, upon which further information and a full schedule will be sent straight to you - make sure that email address is correct!  Then each week that week's pattern and instructions will be sent direct to your inbox.  If you don't want to make the whole quilt but like the look of a block or two then standalone patterns for each block will be released each week throughout the QAL.  These will be available to purchase in my shop.

Whilst I made my quilt from the Makower Silent Night range of fabrics, which The Cotton Patch have kitted up for this QAL, it can, of course, be made in any fabric - seasonal or not.  My pattern testers had free rein over their fabric choices and it was fantastic to see the blocks coming to life in different fabrics.

These blocks, made by Kim, show a different layout and a different block from the finished article.  They were test blocks after all and I did make some changes!

Tandy also made up all the blocks and these will give you an idea of the quilt in non seasonal fabric.

The pattern testers were invaluable for this process and I would like to thank each and every one - so a BIG thank you to Kim, Sue, Tandy, Rebecca, Tracey, Amy, Anneliese and Sarah.

For further information please head over to my Launch Post and if you have any question please just ask!

Festival of Quilts :: A year on ....

↓↓↓  For big news scroll down  ↓↓↓

Yesterday I dropped my show entries at the NEC for Festival of Quilts 2018.  It is always so funny to see it empty - a far cry from what it will look like on Thursday morning!

When I got home, my daughters said they remembered going there last year with their dad to drop my quilt.  It took me a little while to remember why they had gone and not me ..... oh that's right I had the little matter of a quilt to finish for the In the Spotlight Gallery, which I didn't have to hand in until the Tuesday evening and so it wasn't finished until the Tuesday lunchtime!

Where to Next?  in progress

I love quilting words onto quilts

I can't believe it's been a year already and soooo much has happened.  Last Festival was my first time demonstrating on the Handi Quilter longarm machines for Pinhole Quilting. Whilst I knew and loved my machine, I have to admit to being somewhat nervous at the thought of setting up and demonstrating at such a big show.  I needn't  have worried I really enjoyed the experience and signed up for more!  

My trusty Handi Quilter Avante - I love it!!

So I am back again this year and not only demonstrating.  A couple of weeks ago I received great news ..... 

I HAVE BEEN MADE A 

HANDI QUILTER EDUCATOR 

- ONE OF ONLY TWO IN THE UK!!!!!  

I am thrilled.  I have started teaching at the Foundation and Intermediate classes run by Pinhole Quilting for their Handi Quilter owners and I love it.  It has been fabulous to help these people on their own longarm journey, which actually never stops, and to see that 'ah-ha' moment when something really clicks.  Further teaching news will be up here shortly!

I have met some wonderful American HQ Educators and Ambassadors over the last year, Debbie Brown at FoQ 17, Laurie Tigner last November when she taught 4 days of classes in Worcester, and Kimmy Brunner and Kelly Cline, who were the tutors at the UK's first Longarm Quilting Academy held in February.  It was a pleasure to be the classroom assistant for their sessions and I learnt so much.  I would highly recommend any of the teachers above if you ever get the chance to take a class with them.

I have written my first quilt pattern, which is available over here, and I am running a QAL for it starting on 05 September - wow that's only 4 weeks away!!!!

On the family front, we have done our first full academic year of school, after years of home education ..... and we survived!  There were lots of sporting fixtures, a Y6 residential for a week to North Wales when there was still snow on the ground, productions, SATs, leavers activities and much more.  It has been wonderful to see how the girls have settled into school and made great friends.  My youngest goes up to secondary school in September so we have more big changes coming our way!

It is always good to look back at what you have done because more often than not, whilst you are in the midst of it, you don't really appreciate all that you have achieved.  I am looking forward to September and the start of a 'new year' to refocus after this hot, hot summer, make plans and put some long held ideas into practice.  I hope you will join me! x

cut&alter Christmas 18 Quilt Along is live!!

I have been working on some secret sewing for the past couple of months and all can now be revealed ....

The timing is incredibly inopportune because, during one of the longest heatwaves that I can remember, I am launching a Christmas Quilt Along!!

The actual launch day was last Wednesday and you can read all about over here.

The pattern has been released in my UKQU shop - head on over to have a look!  

There is an early bird discount of 20% until the end of July, and any purchase in a UKQU shop until that time automatically gets entered into a giveaway for a copy of the latest EQ8.

To celebrate the launch of my first pattern over at UKQU, I am running a competition.  

For the chance to win a copy of the pattern, full access to the QAL and a fabric bundle from the Silent Night range by Makower, who kindly provided the fabric for this project, then head on over here.  

The competition runs until Wednesday 04 July 2018.

The full details can also be found at the tab at the top of the page - CHRISTMAS 18 QAL.

I would love it if you could join me and, of course, it doesn't have to be a Christmas Quilt it can be made in any fabric you choose.  I will have some examples shortly so stay tuned! x

cut&alter Christmas 18 Quilt Along

So we are due a heatwave this week and here I am putting up a holly wreath picture!!  

I've been working hard getting a quilt ready for a Quilt Along starting in September.  The pattern release is this Wednesday, 27 June 2018, and should you wish to use the fabric I have made it in, the gorgeous Silent Night range by Makower, then fabric kits are also going to be available from Wednesday, from The Cotton Patch.

For more information head on over to the UKQU website where my latest post will tell you more .....

Fancy Forest QAL

Do you have the wonderful Fancy Forest quilt pattern by Elizabeth Hartman sat unopened on your shelf?

Have you opened the pattern but been daunted by the fabric choices?

Have you made a couple of Hazels, Allies or Frances but then put them aside?

Have you just seen and loved the pattern but got no further?

If so then the Fancy Forest Quilt Along 2018 #fancyforestqal2018 starting soon, over on instagram, may just be what you need!!

QAL HOSTS

Myself (@cutandalter), Fiona from The Sewing Directory (@sewingdirectory) and Sharon Appleton (@sharonappleton) have decided to host an informal fun QAL to encourage us, and anyone who would care to join, to get some blocks made and then made into a finished project.  It could be the full quilt, the cot quilt, a wall hanging - that really is up to you.

FORMAT

We will each use our own pattern to make up the blocks and share these on Instagram.

Please be sure to follow the three hosts on Instagram so that you can keep up to date with what's happening.  

Also please check in on the #fancyforestqal18 hastag regularly to see what people are making and to offer words of encouragement and support .... or to ask any questions you may have.

And we have some very generous sponsors offering up some wonderful prizes!  

Prizes will be awarded at the end each month and to be eligible you must have completed tasks or blocks from that month and posted pics on IG with the relevant # and tagged the three hosts.  Further details will be given at the beginning and end of each month on an instagram post and I will also post here.

SCHEDULE

01 November - 14 November 

Welcome and introductions // Fabric pull and preparation

The first two weeks are time to get serious about fabric choices and to hopefully get started on cutting some fabric.  If you follow the pattern entirely you will be cutting all the pieces out beforehand, if you take a more laissez-faire approach now might be a good time to get fabric cut for the first animal blocks.

Sponsor - Hantex // Love Patchwork and Quilting

15 November - 31 December 2017

Block 1 - FANCY FOX

Make as many Fancy Fox blocks as you need for your project.
If you are making the full quilt there are 16 so we have allowed 6 weeks over the Christmas period to get these done.

Sponsor - Pin It & Stitch // Modern Quilter's Box

01 January - 31 January 2018

Block 2 - THISTLE

Make as many Thistle blocks as you need for your project.
If you are making the full quilt there are 8 to make.

Sponsor - Eternal Maker // Vivebooks

01 February - 28 February 2018

Block 3 - BUNNY

Make as many Bunny blocks as you need for your project.
If you are making the full quilt there are 8 to make.

Sponsor - Dashwood // Modern Quilter's Box

01 March - 31 March 2018

Block 4 - HAZEL HEDGEHOG

Make as many Hedgehog blocks as you need for your project.
If you are making the full quilt there are 8 to make.

Sponsor - Purple Stitches // Vivebooks

01 April - 30 April 2018

Block 5 - FRANCES FIREFLY

Make as many Firefly blocks as you need for your project.
If you are making the full quilt there are 8 to make.

Sponsor - Search Press // The Sewing Directory

01 May - 31 May 2018

Block 6 - ALLIE OWL

Make as many Owl blocks as you need for your project.
If you are making the full quilt there are 8 to make.

Sponsor - cut&alter (me!!)  // TBC

01 June - 20 July 2018

Piecing the Top

Don't let all those blocks sit around on your shelves or in a box, stay with us and get them pieced together!

Quilt and Bind

We will be on the final stretch at this point.  Get quilting inspiration from fellow QALers, ask quilting related questions and get quilting!

Reveal your wonderful quilt creations on Friday 20 July then sit back and enjoy that feeling of accomplishment.

Sponsor - The Crafty Mastermind // TBC

One Monthly Goal ......

For the first time this month I am going to link up to Red Letter Quilts - OMG (One Monthly Goal).  Whilst I do set goals quarterly for the Finish Along, I like that these goals don't necessarily have to be about a finish.  So my goal for July is to start The Summer Sampler!  Yes, you heard that right START it, when in fact we're on Week 8 already.  In fact I have to go right back to basics because I haven't chosen my fabrics yet.  Oh the indecision!!!

I bought the pattern in May and thought I would wait a couple of weeks and see how other people's blocks were coming along.  I liked so many that actually that just confused me.  Then I thought that I would get some solids and that would naturally lead to fabric selection.  The solids, as seen below were bought at Quilts UK in the middle of  May - so that plan didn't work either.

Kona cotton in graphite, silver and white

Hopefully, having clearly stated my intentions here, I will achieve a fabric selection and completed at least one block.  I have to say that I might start with Week 8's because it looks great and uses a technique I have not seen before.  Fingers crossed the goal will be achieved.

For the last two month I have taken part in #BraveQuilter hosted by Julie and Pink Doxies and have learnt how to sew a curve and use a pantograph on my longarm quilting machine.  Well I was delighted to receive an e-mail from her saying that I had won the hand dyed fabrics this month for linking up - hooray!  The linky party is taking a break for the summer months but will be back in autumn and I already have a few ideas for how to continuing being brave!

Also linking up to Let's Bee Social with Lorna. x

Rainbow Rose .....

My Rainbow Rose has bloomed ...... and so I can today link it up to Finish it Up Friday at Crazy Mom Quilts.  I will also be linking it to the linky party over at Modern Quilters Ireland who are hosting this QAL, designed by Ruth at Charly and Ben's Crafty Corner.  All the instructions are still up there if you are tempted to join in the fun!

Week 3's instructions were to piece the 4 corner sections.  I only managed to make one corner peice in Week 3 but finished sewing up the rest yesterday.  I love how these four blocks look when they are placed together - I think I might make up some of these blocks in other colourways.

I wanted to make this quilt only using fabric from my stash so overall I am happy with the colour gradations.  There are a couple of changes that are more abrupt than I would like but I was not going to go and buy new fabric ..... much as I would have liked to.

This has been a really enjoyable exploration of colour and I learnt other things besides:

::  I had never made HSTs by cutting triangles in the first place - I like this method and it means that you don't have to have two squares made up of the same fabric triangles and, because I will use the leftover triangles there was very little waste

::  I had never used starch in my patchwork or quilting before  - I am not sure that I would use it again because I really dislike the smell and how it clogged up my iron's surface

::  I used grey as the background for the first time instead of white - sadly I am not sure I like it that much!  I'm not sure if it's because it's grey or whether it's because it's this marbled fabric .... whichever, I think I would have liked it more in white.

I started this project with red at the top of the rose and have always looked at it this way ....

Now it's all joined together it's fun to see it with the other colours at the top ....

This is currently 32 1/2" square.  The assembly instructions are coming next week but I was too impatient to wait!  I am not quite sure how I am going to finish this up yet so still have some playing to do.

There were lots of points to join and whilst they are nowhere near all perfect I thought I would share a join that I was very happy with!!

On Wednesday, I offered up a Pay it Forward on the blog, so if you fancy playing along with one, receiving a surprise something from me and in turn sending something to someone else then please do head over there and leave a comment.

Wishing you all a great weekend. x