Some Beginner's Lessons

Hi Everyone. How are you all today? Things have settled down a little around here and, unbelievably, Miss M has had a decent sleep this afternoon (already 2 hrs) which has let me complete a beginner patchwork exercise I started earlier in the week.

As one of my New Years resolutions I decided that I would start using a series of quilt lesson books that I bought a couple of years ago. The intention had been to teach myself quilting but life was way too hectic. This year I am determined to work through them.

The series, by Harriet & Carrie Hargrave, is called Quilt Academy. I have just completed Class 130 from the Vol. 1 - Freshman Year book.

I was a bit hesitant about using my good fabric stash for the exercises. Luckily I have 3 packs of fabric that came with some of my magazines last year as part of mystery projects. I don't have the full instructions for either of the projects and I'm not confident about the quality of the fabric, so I decided to use these up. A couple of days ago I managed to complete one of the mini exercises and get 2 blocks completed.

Fence Post blocks

Last night I finished constructing all 9 blocks. I also fixed up the block on the right where I had cut one of the fabric pieces slightly too small. Luckily I had a couple of spare strips of the fabric left over. This afternoon I sewed all the blocks together to create the following 'centrepiece'.

Finished centrepiece - 18.5 inches square

Unfortunately I had a slight mishap with my Westalee ruler - one of the screws came loose so my final block was cut a little too small. However, I think this will be ok as there is still enough fabric to fit within a quarter inch seam. On the other hand, I was very happy that my 'butting' of seams worked well and all my points joined just nicely.

I don't have any of these fabrics left so I am thinking of turning this piece into a cushion cover for my Gran for her 90th birthday. If I add a border around the edge I should be able to turn it into a 50cm cushion. I'll post a pic once it's done.

Hope you have all had a chance to do some sewing this week. I have certainly enjoyed my down time this arvo & Miss M is still asleep. That's 2.5hrs! It doesn't happen often but I love it when it does, and I know she will be really happy when she wakes up.

Have a great weekend.

Cheers, Tracy xx