without adult supervision

I think the first thing I made was an apron in my Year 7 Home Economics class. After that it was a lamp shade and then, well, I can’t recall as the classes weren’t that exciting. <Jane adds: "I did an apron too.  Followed by a cushion which still sits unfinished (didn’t want to put the ruffles on it) in my Holly Hobby sewing box from Year 9!! :)>

I grew up around piles of fabric and the hum of the sewing machine; Mum was a keen sewer. However, I never ventured there thinking I was lacking in creativity, so I threw all my energies into sport. Now that I am a little older and much slower I think the creative gene is starting to dominate. 

I started sewing lessons 18 months ago and it wasn’t long before I realised that I had a passion for quilts and embroidery. I find the hand stitching cathartic and a finished block always leaves me feeling like I have accomplished a great task. As much as I appreciate the traditional quilts, I find myself drawn to the modern designs and bold fabrics that are perfect for the little ones in our lives.

This quilt is my third one and is called Freebird, designed by MoMo for Moda http://www.unitednotions.com/un_main.nsf/momo. I made this using thicker fabrics and smaller stitches thinking it was the ideal shape for a play mat for a little baby. It’s not quite finished just yet as it needs the binding to be attached. 1 hour in front of the TV should do it. 

This is the first project I started at home, on my own and without adult supervision. It is very simple but sweet all the same. I appliquéd the butterfly on this one and hand quilted Lea’s name. It took a little longer to do this way but I wanted to add that personal touch that machine quilting just cannot do. Jane made reference to this one in her blog dated 28 April and it should already be in the post and on its way to the UK. My bad.

This quilt is for the gorgeous Marlo who just turned 1. He is an amazing little treasure belonging to a fabulous couple <Sonia and Bart I hope you like it>. I stumbled my way through this one so it took a little longer than I anticipated and more fabric ended up in my remnants box than it did in the quilt. To see it come together as it did was so exciting. An accidental genius I think I am! Ha. I love the little Martians on the back too. Very cute.

I am working on a fairly large project right now and have 4½ weeks in which to complete it. Will I have it done in time for Siena’s birthday? Fingers and toes crossed. I’ll keep you posted.

Patty. x