Friday, November 2, 2012

Sew Along Retreat! Such a FAB weekend!


Well what a beautiful weekend we had last weekend at our first Sew Along Retreat!  There were a large number of lovely ladies who joined us at the Avalon Homestead in Toodyay for a weekend of sewing, laughing, inspiration and well who could pass up any chance to have your meals cooked for you for three days!  We started the weekend with a Mystery project - these sweet Strawberries - a great way to get to know one another!


There were many projects that people had brought along as well as the Log Cabin Workshop that we taught on the Saturday morning.  So many beautiful blocks started to come together - some over late nights and early mornings.


There were no two quilts the same with lots of colours and textures and treasured heirlooms being created!



Aside from Log Cabin Quilts there were lots of other projects being made - with Advent Calendars, Raggy Quilts, Disappearing 9 Patch quilts, Cushions, Bags, Aprons and even a Tutu!  We had such a wonderful weekend and it was great to meet so many new people.  You can check out my face book page for all the photos of the weekend.  There were ladies there who had never sewn before as well as lots of experienced sewers so to share and inspire each other.  Claire and I are now busily planning our 2013 Retreat with details out very soon. 

Of course all wonderful weekends come to an end and now it is head down and tail up as Perth Upmarket is only 3 weeks away.  With my Smiling Santa's on the Postcards I have to get serious and get cutting and stitching some felt decorations - always fun!








Monday, September 10, 2012

Back in the "sewing" of things!


A long time ago I started and finished this Robert Stitchery from Kristen Doran.  I love her designs and how her stitcheries come to life in many different forms. I always knew who it was going to go to but I was not sure about what I was going to make with it.


Then inspiration struck me - with an overflowing scrap bucket I set about pulling out all the scrap red, black and blue fabrics I had.  Cutting them up into 3inch squares and then sewing them all up I came up with this quilt top to incorporate the Robot Stitchery.


I had been holding on to the backing fabric for a while and knew that there would one day be just the right project for it to be used in.  It made perfect backing for this little quilt.  With some stripy binding I am very happy with how this all came together. 


Finishing one project marks the beginning of another.  As I don't have boys myself I have always found it harder to choose for boys than for girls but when I cam across this "Dont be afraid" range of fabric I knew I had to get some and before long I had put together this quilt top.  Now to decide how to quilt it!


Here is the Ripple Blanket I have finished for my daughter.  The pattern from Attic 24 - Ripple Blanket is just delightful to work.  Once you have this pattern nutted out it just is so pretty.  I find the repetitive design as one of the reasons I most like it - you work up a rhythm and then it just grows and grows.  I have learnt from this project that planning out your projects before you start them is always a good idea.  I started this blanket with one idea in mind but as I didn't have enough white from the same dye lot to continue the way I had started/planned a few modifications and and them I was away again.




Claire and I have been busy putting together new ideas for our Term 4 Sew Along Classes.  This is one of our new Christmas designs which we are currently working up.  I love the days where we just get to create and bounce ideas off each other.  We always have so many ideas and designs but cutting it down to a few always prove tricky.  


Keeping me very busy at the sewing machine has also been my Felt Character Christmas Sacks.  Even though it is only September I have been making orders for quite a few families.  I hope that Santa is going to be excited to fill up these sacks while on his round this year.  These sacks have gone off to a family for a special Christmas treat this season.


Thursday, August 23, 2012

Around the world and back again!

Well you would certainly be forgiven for thinking that I had forgotten that I had a blog!  Truth is that I have been on an overseas trip in the meantime and then getting back to everyday life has been keeping me from getting around to blogging.  

So what have I been up to lately - well  I was lucky enough to head to the United States to spend some time with a special friend and her dear family.  Among so many highlights was a trip to New York.  On the top of my list of things to do in New York (besides heading to the top of the Empire States building to see if Chuck Bas was waiting for me) was a trip to one of my favourite shops - Purl Soho .  I have loved this store from afar for a while and so enjoy reading there blog that to actually walk through the doors and see it for myself and do a spot of shopping was very exciting.


Here I am outside the doors to heaven - Purl Soho

So back to home and I admit it has taken a little longer to get some serious sewing done.  Here is the first big project I have been working on.  These fabrics are currently on the sewing table being made into a new quilt inspired by one of my favourite quite block - Drunkard's Path.  Of course with a modern twist!  I love how all things re-invent themselves and the Drunkard's Path block is one of the first quilts I ever made so it has a special place in my heart.


I have been replenishing my stock of Hairclip Hangers with lots of new Rainbows, Owls, Babushkas, Cupcakes and Butterflies.  With Perth Upmarket now a month away it is time to get my Sew on and create.


I have finished my ocean inspired Ripple Blanket - I am loving this crochet design from Attic 24.  While some may think that the repetition of such a design is its downside - this is what I love most about it.  It is very calming and relaxing to work through the stitches and see this blanket continue to grow.


In fact I love it so much here is one I have started for my daughter.  She choose the colours and I am constantly being asked about its completion date.  Good thing there are still a few cold winters nights here this season. 


And no - I must have just missed Chuck!!!

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Time for a Retreat!



Sew-Along are proud to announce that we are holding our first weekend retreat!
. . . and what a treat it should be! Two full days of uninterrupted sewing in a peaceful & beautiful environment.

So what’s it all about? . . .

Claire Turpin Deisgns together with Tied with a Ribbon will be running a mystery workshop on the Friday evening which you are welcome to join. It will be a great way for everyone to get to know each other & to ease us all into the weekend!
There will be a quilt workshop on the Saturday morning but if patchwork is not your thing, then we will be opening up the entire library of Sew-Along patterns so take your pick . . . it could be a great weekend to get a start on some Christmas projects!

It will be a great weekend filled with fun, laughter and inspiration and you won't even have to cook a thing all weekend.
Bookings open Friday 8th June at 10am & will be done on a first some first served basis & numbers are limited so don’t think about it for too long!

If you want to get your head around all the info, facts & costs click on the Retreat Link.

For a booking form and the Pattern catologue you can email - tiedwitharibbon@gmail.com

Monday, May 28, 2012

An empty slate!

Well some exciting progress - I have finally finished all the projects that have been lurking in the deep dark depths of my cupboards!!! Yeah - not only does that equal a whole lot of satisfaction for me but I guess that means now I can start lots of new projects!  Such a wonderful never ending creative cycle!  These scrappy squares have finally been all sewn together to make a sweet little lap quilt.



I had made a few extra blocks but decided on the smaller size in the end for a little lady!

And I could not go past this multi-coloured striped fabric that just went beautifully for the binding.


This Liberty Bliss scarf went to a dear friend this week to celebrate her birthday!  I love this pattern and now having made a few still think every time that they all look very different with colours picked for their new owners just especially.  I love the Rowan hand knit cotton for this scarf - it is just the right weight.


I have one happy miss eight with the hexagons I had been working on all finished and sewn together.  I made a few more than I had initially planned as I just wanted to make it that little bit bigger as a great snuggle blanket. 


To trim the edges I used the white to double crochet around the edge and then two of miss eight's favourite colours from the blanket for the final two double crochet rows around the edging.


These birds are for a very special God daughter of mine.  they are going to make a quilt that is inspired by stars.  I have only the hanging strip left to sew on this wall quilt so I will hopefully have some more pictures for you soon.


This quilt is our newest project for our Sew Along classes.  It is a Log cabin quilt sashed with silver satin and with some Liberty fabrics to give this quilt just a little luxury.  If you have been to learn to sew then check out our Workshops for all the upcoming classes.









Friday, May 4, 2012

Getting through the unfinished projects!

I actually feel like I am making some progress.  As I have dedicated this year to finishing all the projects that have been sitting in the cupboard some what started but left to the side I am making headway.  Here is the top of my Candy Girl quilt all ready to be quilted.


I love the textured white fabric I used for the backgrounds. It gives a more dimensional look to the flowers. This quilt had been in the cupboard for about a year so it was great to see this one finished and nearly ready to be loved and used.


I also put the finishing touches on the Dr Suess baby quilt I made.  I am in love with stripy binding at the moment!



I kept the quilting simple on this one so that it did not take away from the busy patterned fabric - just alternating two colours of stitching.

The next UFO that I have re-visited are these scrappy blocks - I know I started these 12 months ago and after a great start they were left to the side. 


I have started making some more to make these 11 inch scrappy blocks into a quilt.

 

Another project that I have started more recently that is well underway to being finished is my crochet hexagons.  These hexagons are for a crochet blanket for my younger daughter and while so far the colours are working out differently to how I first pictured the project I think it will suit my daughters personality just perfectly.




Friday, April 13, 2012

Sewing holiday fun


With a new arrival due very soon it has been time to start work on a new quilt.  These days many people find out the sex of their baby but the couple for whom this quilt is for, are leaving it as a surprise.  When you know the sex of the baby it certainly makes deciding on a quilt design easier but I have always loved that joy of finding out if it is a boy or girl till when you meet them for the first time.  So I thought that this Dr Seuss fabric would be just perfect for either a boy or a girl.  I have just cut 5 1/4 inch squares and sewn them up as a play mat. 


I had originally planned on cutting up the squares to become like the Disappearing 9 patch squares but with the designs on the fabric I thought that you would loose too much of the details and characters in the prints if they were any smaller.  Now to quilt and bind it.  I have chosen a red and white stripe to use as the binding which I think will just finish off the quilt nicely.


Well over a year ago I started this quilt.  In my strong aim to finish all the unfinished projects that have been laying around my sewing room (and only starting those needed - like new baby quilts!)  I have been working on this quilt again.  It is a Janelle Wind design - called Candy Girl.  I will show you more progress as I go - but hopefully I will be able to make a good dent in this these school holidays.



A little treat for myself - I have loved this Washi fabric for a while now and decided that I deserve some so bought it from Pink Chalk Fabrics. 


At night I have been loving my crochet.  This Blooming Flower Cushion from Attic 24 has been on my to do list since picking up a crochet hook.  After a lovely morning with friends we had the start of the pattern nutted out and then I was not able to put it down after that. 


I can not tell you how much I love the Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece I  used in this project.  The colours are so bright and I love the texture of it.  You can pick some up for yourself at Tangled Yarns.  I think there may be few of these under the Christmas Tree this year.


And with a special friend almost about to have a birthday I couldn't go past making her a Liberty Bliss scarf.  I used Rowan hand knit cotton in shades of blues and greys and a sweet Liberty print with tiny blue flowers.




Monday, March 26, 2012

Term 2 - Sewing Class Schedule

TERM 2 CLASSES- 2012
IT'S OUR BIRTHDAY !!!

Sew Along turns One in term 2 and to celebrate you are invite to join us for our

Social Night on Tuesday 8th May at 7pm.

It should be a great night with lots of past projects to look at. Bring a sewing project if you would like to or come along for a catch up.


Sewing with Oilcloth

There is so much yummy laminated fabric and oilcloth around at the moment. Choose to make 2 projects from storage boxes, a fancy peg bag and insulated lunch bags.
This class is NOT suitable for beginners - sewing experience required.


3 week class - $140

Tuesday 15th, 22nd and 29th May - 7pm - 9:30pm
(Venue - Mt Lawley Tennis Club)

Wednesday 16th, 23rd, 30th May - 9:30am - 12pm
(Venue - Mt Lawley Tennis Club)


Patchworking and Quilting Techniques

Following on from the success of our first quilting class in term 1, this new class teaches how to machine piece, machine quilt, hand quilt and how to put on binding. Choose to make a simple cushion or for those more adventurous there is a quilt to make.

3 week class - $140

Tuesday 5th, 12th and 19th June - 7pm- 9:30pm
(Venue - Mt Lawley Tennis Club)

Wednesday 6th, 13th and 20th June 9:30am - 12pm
(Venue - Mt Lawley Tennis Club)


Sew Along for the Table

This class was such a hit last year that we are doing it again. Come and learn how to cut using a rotary cutter and machine piece a beautiful table runner and placemats.

2 week class - $90

Tuesday 26th June and 3rd July - 7pm - 9:30pm
(Venue - Mt Lawley Tennis Club)

Wednesday 27th June and 4th July - 9:30am - 12pm
(Venue - Mt Lawley Tennis Club)

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

A long, long long time ago ......


A long, long long time ago last year I was keen to learn to crochet.  I took on a project from a Better Homes and Gardens Mag and thought - sure I can do this!  Well - totally overestimating my abilities I ended up with close to 300 squares of varying sizes (as per the pattern instructions) and well they just wouldn't come together.  Since taking a few classes I have learned about so many of the mistakes that were plaguing my blanket but not wanting to just set aside the squares as a bad mistake - I have persevered and came up with an alternative version. 


My blanket is now 48 squares  - all the same size.  I made some of the smaller squares larger and vice versa to end up with a blanket that I am actually quite happy with.


All this Brown Sheep Cotton fleece came from Tangled Yarns and was lovely to work with.  I love the range of colours available and the matt look to the cotton rather than a fluffy texture you get from wool.

Aside from dabbling in some crochet I have been quilting too - this quilt is a cot size quilt that I have named Rainbow Fizz and is one of the projects for Term 2 Sewing classes together with Claire Turpin Design.  After using a Kona Solids Charm pack from Pink Chalk as the inspiration I set to turn the squares into triangles.


I added in some white homespun and then hand quilted all the white squares in a co-ordinating Cosmo thread.


Also finished recently was this Music Box - Oliver and S dress.  My little one just loves it and it can't be washed and ironed quickly enough. 


And with Easter coming up I have been busy hand sewing lots of cute little Bouncing Bunnies which make great gifts at Easter time - especially as alternatives to chocolates and as great presents for all the teachers.  You can get your hands on some in my Etsy Store.


But if you are feeling crafty or want to get the kids involved you can buy kits to make them for yourselves





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