My quilting thoughts and inspirations sprinkled with a glimpse of life down on the farm

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Winging it

Last year  I was happy to pattern test for Juliet of Tartankiwi (it was some of the top secret sewing I alluded to from time to time). Juliet was preparing for 'In Flight Quilt along 2015' which is now up and running. I've been a little slow to blog about the blocks and each time she does a link-up for the latest pattern I have good intentions but......
In Flight is a series of foundation pieced bird blocks. They range in size and difficulty, Juliet started the quiltalong with the easier ones so sewers can practice the technique and build up to the trickier ones.  I've sewn/tested her designs before and always enjoy the way she interprets her subjects.
The current block; Block 6, the Swallow.
I decided these would become a quilt for YD, so asked her to pick the fabrics for me - I was quite surprised, but quite happy, when she chose French General style fabrics/colouring and this shade of blue. (Both these photos use the same blue  - the colour is more like the top one, perhaps not quite so dark!).
This was Block 2; the Swift.
To find out more about the Quiltalong, click *here*.

Also winging it have been these postcards in February.  Eglea and I were swap partners in Sheila's Valentines postcard swap. I was warned that mail to and from Brazil could be a little slow so wasn't surprised when Valentines Day had been and gone and neither of us had received our cards. What was funny though was that they both arrived on the same day!!
To me from Egléa.
Isn't it pretty - and look at the beautiful thread painting for the grass.
Do visit Egléa's blog, she is very creative and does beautiful work.
And here is the card I sent to Egléa.
Sheila has regular swaps throughout the year (I've just made another one which I posted yesterday) so if you think it may be a fun little way to play keep an eye on her blog so you can sign up. And here is the link to Sheila's Flickr page showing more postcards.

And books have been winging their way to my letterbox as I've been extremely lucky to win TWO recently.
Firstly Wendy of Inky Threads hosted a giveaway - and I was the lucky winner of this book by Jennifer Chiaverini —
Then Lara, of Buzzinbumble had a giveaway for this book on free motion quilting by Christina Cameli. I have taken a class of her's on Craftsy and really enjoyed her knowledge and teaching style - so I'm doubly happy to have won this book.
Both have special spots on my (growing) bookshelves so thank you very much, ladies .
(I always believe that what goes around, comes around so maybe it's time for me to have a little giveaway...watch this space...)

I'm getting excited as next week I'll be off to Brisbane to spend Easter with my son and his wife. I'll have finished my small baby blanket by then so will have to come up with another crochet project for the plane :-) They live at Ipswich and I have a day to kill on Thursday while they are both at work. Do any of you who know Brisbane or the general area have any suggestions of somewhere for me to visit that day - maybe crafty or quilty places? (I think I'll have the use of a car.) Thanking you in advance :-)

See you next time, happy creating and thanks for visiting,

25 comments:

  1. Those birds are beautiful! I look forward to seeing the completed quilt. Pretty postcards, too :) Have a lovely visit with your son and family.

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  2. Hi Raewyn oh my your birds are awsome,love them,and how lovely to spend some time with family,when you go to Brisbane you must visit East Coast Fabrics,thats where i got all my $5.99 fabrics a couple of weeks ago,safe travels my friend xx

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  3. Hi Raewyn, beautiful birds - love those French General fabrics :-) Your postcards are lovely too - I always love the postcards you make. Congrats on winning the books, I have a couple of Jennifers books, they are a great read. Hope you have an enjoyable trip to Brisbane Raewyn ... I am sure you will be able to sniff out a patchwork shop or two ....

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  4. Lovely birds and postcards...you must be pleased with those! Have a lovely trip to Australia :)

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  5. Beautiful birds, Raewyn!
    Looks like a fun postcard swap. You each did a great job. : )
    You appear to have had a lucky streak. Nice wins.
    Hope you have safe travels and a god visit!

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  6. The birds are beautiful Raewyn...will make a spectacular quilt. The postcards are both beautiful too. I hope you have wonderful time in Brisbane.

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  7. Have a lovely trip! (our son & his wife live in Melbourne!) Your birds are beautiful... I like them on the blue backgrounds! Linda

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  8. great wins! Your birds look very crisp, I'm sure Juliet will be proud of you. Have happy trip to see your growing family!

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  9. those bird blocks are amazing! so beautiful.
    hope you enjoy your trip to Brisbane. We visited last year but didn't visit any patchwork shops, too busy socialising and exploring brisbane.
    happy hunting!

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  10. Your bird blocks are terrific! Very impressive postcards by you and your swap mate. Have a wonderful Easter with your son and enjoy seeing Brisbane!

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  11. The birds are stunning. The work is so detailed in them.
    Lovely postcards, too.
    You have been busy with your winnings.
    Have a wonderful time in Queensland!

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  12. Great job on those birds lucky you nice wins ...have fun x

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  13. Those "In Flight" blocks are amazing Raewyn! You do really great paper piecing!
    It sounds like you will be in flight soon too. Have a wonderful Easter with your son and Daughter-in-law and "More than a Twinkle"!

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  14. Your birds look wonderful and I love the postcards. Have a great trip and enjoy the shopping.

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  15. Juliet's patterns are fabulous! Love the birds! I was lucky enough to receive one of Eglea's Valentine trees too! It is so gorgeous, so special. Nice wins. I would love a look at the freemotion quilting book that you won. I must check it out.

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  16. Those bird blocks are amazing, so intricate. Enjoy your new books, and have a fun trip to brisbane.

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  17. Well dear Kiwi friend, you have been one little busy stitcher!! And such lovely birds and quilting!!!! I've been awol again, so have missed who in the family is expecting - those little booties are just so cute!! Have a grand time with son and dil in Brisbane! What a treat!!

    Blessings and hugs!

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  18. lovely blocks and books.... if you don't feel like the city there is a lovely country city up the range (1 1/2 hour drive from Ipswich) and a guaranteed hostess..... its a bit of a drive .... 3 patchwork shops, a bead shop, german clock shop, views etc
    Hugz

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  19. Love the paper piecing. I so admire those who enjoy this artform! For me it's a bit tedious. Christina's book looks awesome!!!!!

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  20. The birds are really cool :D Have a great trip. xx Love Egleas gift to you, beautful x

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  21. Lovely birds, Raewyn! Looking forward to see the following. Both postcards are in their own way gorgeous, I love the grass, and I saw Egléa embroiders it by machine.
    Enjoy your trip to your sun's family, I suppose you can't wait to see them!
    Happy crocheting, Cisca

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  22. If you can't come up with another crochet project, at least you have a good book (or two) to read :) This is completely off topic, but can you recommend any tutorials for the absolute beginner? I am dying to learn how to do patchwork, but have no idea where to start. I can't cut a straight line!!

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  23. Jennifer Chiaverini has also written two other books set in the Civil War era - The Spymistress and Mrs Lincoln's rival. both very good reads
    Have a great time in Brisbane.

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  24. Hope you had a lovely time and it's nice to see your in flight blocks!

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