New month ...new project

New month,  and I am happy to say there are no quilting misadventures to report in this post. Last two posts there were a few 'confession's but I'm (hopefully) over that.

A sure sign of better things -  I received a little parcel from Susan at Thimblestitch  - a win in her giveaway - so beautifully stitched and just what I need for small applique pins!

And I am borrowing Susan's idea of showing my 'family' of pincushions - with the new addition getting friendly with its lumpy cousins. Thanks Susan!

And the New Project?

My newly-engaged daughter spent the day here on Saturday. We had an appointment for her to try wedding dresses....beautiful, vintage-inspired gowns. I don't need to tell any of you mothers of daughters how that felt! or how she looked! 

We also spent time planning the quilt I am making for her wedding (in around 10 months time). She wants very low volume and largely shades of cream and beige. Here are the fabrics she selected from my stash - some plain but a lot have a subtle design or toile. 

And this is the pattern I will use - Auntie Green - Irene Blanck's lovely pattern - all hand applique. 

This design will be very muted in these colours - but she is hoping it may draw you in for a close inspection (squinting through your glasses?) We are thinking that once it is quilted - with outline quilting for emphasis around every shape - the pattern may stand out better and have the overall look of two-tone vintage lace.  

The backing of the quilt will be a plain cream homespun so, once quilted in this way, will look like a whole cloth quilt from the back. The quilt could be used either side up.

I've not done anything like this before but am quite excited to give it a try. And the beauty of lots of scraps of applique is that we could adjust the colour choices as it goes - a bit more or a bit less contrast. So that's the theory....wish me luck.

Ann Randoll progress

The clamshell border is growing steadily. I have used Sue Daley's method of constructing clamshells. It is one of several possible ways to make clamshells, not necessarily the best way - just the way I have found that works very well for me. It does involve glue so I am prepared to give this quilt a good wash.

Clamshells glue-basted ready to applique together in rows

I drew up a grid on paper - just to make sure my rows were staying in line.

One border ready for a photo - papers removed

Clamshell side border sewn to the quilt

Benjamin Biggs  - Block 6 pattern has just been released and ...even more exciting - the border too. I have just printed the 13 pages of this installment and can't wait to get started. 

I see a great deal of applique in my future ... oh goodie!

And what does this photo signify?

I have two quilts accepted to go in the NSW quilt show - in Sydney in July. They are Carolina Lily and Star Bouquet . It is the first time I have entered any Show and I am a bit ambivalent about it. Technically my quilts are far from the superb standard of so many I have seen in the Sydney Show. But I wouldn't mind hearing just which areas need most work. So I entered them for judging - hoping there would be feedback given. I've since heard that doesn't happen. Oh well - I think it is an achievement to have been accepted to exhibit and my family is very excited (much too excited actually!)