Thursday, January 29, 2015

In-between Sewing!


In-between sewing bigger projects like quilts and writing patterns there is always something to create and be inspired with, discover or learn about.  I was sent some Soak Wash Inc products just before Christmas to try out - see previous post.  I had heard great things about their Smoothing Sprays and Laundry Care products and was keen to try them out to see if they did what they say they do.

I used the Soak on some of my Quilts and even on my crochet blankets and have to say that after washing them with the Soak not only did they smell amazing but they left such a natural feel to the quilts and blankets.

Hands down though the Flatter is a Game Changer!  So much of what I do in my sewing is about the Seams of quilting.  So to use a plant based soothing spray to make my seams sit just flat - well that just makes quilting even better.  


I was so thrilled with how it actually made the seams sit flatter and crisper and so I could show you I made two samples (above).  The first was using Flatter and the second was just using steam alone from the iron.  And well as you can see the results speak volumes of this great product.

Ask for it at your Local Quilt store - it is well worth it.  Here in Australia you can find Soak Wash products distributed by Millhouse Collections at these stores:
Hetties Patch SA
Appleyard Cottage NSW
The Stitchers Cupboard NSW
Addicted to Fabric
Patchwork Paradise QLD
Make it Hobby & Craft QLD
Two Blue Birdies VIC
The Quilted Crow TAS
Patch'n'Paint WA
Quilt Fabric Delights


I have also made a start (and to be honest this is the only block as it stands) on my Gypsy Wife Quilt. For this project I have chosen to use Liberty and Linen.


And after finishing up all my Tula Pink Hexagons that I turned into Grandmother's Flower Gardens - I sat down and planned out the layout for them.  Armed with some Hexagon Grid paper I drew out the design and then laid out all the flowers so that I would be happy with how they were all going to be placed.


Making good progress so far - that's 20 out of 70 hand sewn.

Jemima x 

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Vintage Cotton Reel Mini Quilt - New Pattern


This beautiful new range - Milk, Sugar & Flower is so sweet with such a vintage and reproduction vibe to it.  Designed by Elea Lutz for Penny Rose Fabrics this range is now available here in Australia through Millhouse Collections.


Its adorable floral prints and cute characters were perfect for some fussy cutting and inspired by some of the Vintage Cotton Reels I have from my Nanna I set about creating a design to showcase these beautiful fabrics.  These prints were so fun that I thought a Mini Quilt would be just the project.


After piecing the Cotton Reel, I was trying to decide how I would create the thread.  Would I hand sew it or machine sew it and if so which thread and then all of a sudden this idea came to mind. 


With the Mini Quilt top complete I set about using Free Motion Quilting on my sewing machine to create a Loopy style pattern which I wanted to look like loose thread.

This Vintage Cotton Reel Mini Quilt pattern is now available at my Store over at my Website 

Milk, Sugar & Flower is now available at these Australian stockists:

Jemima x x

Monday, January 19, 2015

Katie's Swoon - a Quilt for a dear friend.


A long time ago I bought this Fat Quarter Bundle of "Fresh Cut" by Heather Bailey.  It sat on my shelf just waiting for a special project and then when I decided to make a very dear friend a quilt - I knew these were the perfect fabrics.  I teamed them up with matching Kona Solids to complement each of the fabrics in the bundle.


Katie and I have share a friendship for over 30 years.  We lived across the road from each other as children and have been a big part of one anothers lives since.  We went to school together, we were Bridesmaids for each other, our daughters have been named after each other and we are Godparents to the others beautiful daughters.  A true and special friendship indeed.


Back in August of last year I went on a Sewing Retreat armed with the bundle of fabrics and the Swoon pattern by Thimble Blossoms - determined to leave after the weekend with a Quilt top for Katie to celebrate her birthday.


After lots of sewing I did take away a finished quilt top. I gave it to  The Quilting Cottage machine quilt it for me.



To my dear friend Katie, you are such a special part of my life - Happy Birthday!

Jemima x x

Saturday, January 3, 2015

Holiday Sewing Fun


I love the start of a new year - there is such a buzz about what will come through the year and all the great plans you have to achieve.  Holidays also mean a bit of sewing just for me and for fun!  With both my girls home I know that "work" style sewing and creating is set aside for a while while I enjoy some time with my girls.


One of the projects I have been working on is my Schnitzel and Boo Mini Quilt Swap Project.  I broke out my Cotton and Steel stash that had just been waiting for just the right project and my Black and White Text and Low volume fabrics.  I used our Kaleidescope Foundation Paper Pieced Cushion pattern and have made a Mini Quilt version.  This is heading off overseas soon for my swap partner.


I am a lucky girl - look at this beautiful new range Milk Flower & Sugar by Elea Lutz that Millhouse Collections sent me to play with.  This range will be available here in Aus in February and I can't wait to cutting, creating and sewing with these beautiful fabrics.  The bunny print is just adorable and I love the colours.


As any quilter will know washing and looking after your quilts is very important to their care.  Millhouse Collections now have the Soak range available and if you have not used them before for your quilts then I highly recommend them.  The "Flatter is great while ironing and pressing your seams and your quilts will never have smelled so beautiful after washing them after using "Soak Wash".  

Another fun project I can't wait to get stuck into is this "Frances" dress.  I have not strayed too far form the pattern picture choosing Chambray and a Red Liberty print myself to make this.



Jemima x x 

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