Do you know the feeling where you find a pattern for something that looks really exciting, and you can't wait to make it? I have been looking forward to making this ruffled top from the Simple Modern Sewing book that I bought recently.
This meant a trip to the wonderful Eternal Maker to choose fabric, and they had just the sort of thing I had in mind. I think its a Japanese fabric, but it had lost its label so I can't tell you its name!
I wanted something which looked good on the front and on the back because both sides would show on the ruffle, which is left with a raw edge so that it frays a little (although not too much because it's cut on the bias).
The top was quick and easy to make, just two simple body pieces, and the strips for the ruffle. The neck and armholes are bound with bias strips, and then the ruffle added at the end (not without some swearing as I tried to gather it to just the right length..)
Mr P thought I would look like a bumblebee with the stripes going horizontally, but I am pleased with the look.
I love this top, it worked out just as I had visualised, which doesn't always happen. I already have ideas for another one, and I'm going to wear it with a thin long sleeved top underneath in the winter too.
After celebrating with a Nice Cup Of Tea, we had a lovely evening walk around the field at the end of our garden, which had just been harvested. Our shadows came with us, elongated by the golden evening light.
p.s. isn't 'ruffled' a nice word? Ruffled...ruffled... very onomatopoeic. It also makes me think of chocolate raspberry ruffle bars from my school tuckshop days, wonder if they still exist?
Wow, the Festival of Quilts was SO inspiring!
My sister and I enjoyed the coach trip- by the time we'd caught up on the gossip we were pulling in to the NEC car park. We decided to split up to look at the quilts on display, and it was interesting to compare notes and photos at the end. We didn't manage to see everything- You can see why some people go on each of the four days.
Whilst I am in awe of the skill in the more traditional quilts, it is always the 'art quilts' that make my heart sing.
This one was easily my favourite:
'How do we know when its night' by Dorothy Caldwell.
It was difficult to get a good photo of the whole quilt, but the details of the stitching are works of art in themselves.
also this long skinny piece, which cascaded off the wall. 'Memories of Dungeness' by Sarah Wellsby. I love the monoprinted textures.
..and this stunning painted and stitched swallow by Laura Kemshall
the gold background makes it almost like an icon.
I was very excited to see Mandy Patullo's work. I follow her blog 'Thread and Thrift',
http://threadandthrift.blogspot.co.uk/
and it was great to see these 'in real life'!
I only bought a couple of pieces of fabric at the show, because I am lucky to live close to the fabulous Eternal Maker shop, who had the biggest and best stand at the show. I can pop in anytime for a fabric fix!
I am looking forward to sewing with these delicious perle 8 threads, though!
Its nearly time for the festival of quilts in Birmingham. Its two years since I last went, and I can't wait for Saturday!
http://www.thefestivalofquilts.co.uk/
My sister and I are going on a coach this year, and I'm very excited- I've never been on a coach trip before, but my sister tells me there will be cups of tea (and a loo!) and she's booked the front seats so we can admire the view. I will be packing my thermos flask and sandwiches, and stocking up on werthers originals for the trip!
At the festival of quilts in 2011 I bought the fabric squares which I've used in this quilt, along with lots of old tablecloths and embroidered linens. (thank you Daisy for the assistance with the photos)
I'm ashamed to say that its still not finished- where have those two years gone? Too many other projects have intervened.
I think its going to be one of those projects that run and run (did I hear someone whisper hexagons?)
I have machine quilted it into random squares but I think I might do a bit of white hand stitching using perle 8 thread as and when I get round to it. I'd like to try out some of the stitches in this book:
...detached wheatear, anyone?
Why did I make this quilt so big? It will fit our double bed if and when I ever finish it, and Daisy will be able to generously cover it in hair every night...
I'm looking forward to being inspired at the show, and of course also to splashing out on some delicious new fabric! I'll be sharing some pics next time...
