Espritpatch

Finally I stitched the spider I missed on my Birdie Stitches block for October. I have also started to stitch the December block so hopefully I can finish it this month. I'll still have the November one after that to have my 12 blocks stitched. I also made a start on my next block for the Life is Beautiful quilt. This was supposed to be my February block! Hand stitching project are handy to keep scattered around the house when you need to sing a lullaby to a baby for example! Celine

I pieced this block earlier this month, using the same idea as last month block. I picked the central fabric first (a scrap from a silk tie) and tried to find in my stash fabrics that would match the colours of the focus fabric to finish the square off. Once the block was pieced, I went through my ribbons, embellishments etc but I couldn't find anything which I thought would work for this block. So I was left to work with embroidery and beads only but the block wasn't really "talking to me", I couldn't find any inspiration. So I left the block aside until this week when I slowly started to embroider the seams. And this is what I ended up with, I am actually pleased with the block I have done, especially for a block which wasn't "talking to me"! I added this flower from lace I hand-dyed years ago. The pink was very close to the pink fabric so that was a good match! I also decided that it would be good to make a block that would have images of thi...

 I have finally made some progress on the Just Takes 2 blocks that I hadn't touch since early January.I finish block #6 early in February. Hand applique (5 pieces) And this week, I pieced block #7 (28 pieces) block #8 (21 pieces) -which was foundation pieced block #9 (22 pieces) I have paper-pieced the fan of block 10 but haven't sewn the curved pieces yet and finally block #12 (45 pieces) which was paper-pieced as well Total =  212 pieces I have now completed about half of the blocks released so far but I am still 8 behind even before Unit 5 is published on Thursday... I have also finished a UFO yesterday - my last OPAM this month - but I can't show a picture as yet because I need to send it to the recipient first. Once she receives it, I'll disclose it fully. You'll have to make do with a sneak peak for now. This was a friendship project for which I gathered blocks in the Spring last year with a view of assembling and finishing the qui...

Have you noticed the new (slightly over sized) icon on the left of my blog Sara at Sew Sweetness is starting a New York beauty quilt-along . The blocks are paper-pieced and there are several variations on Ula Lens  website , go and check it out, be sure to also look at her gallery where she shows some stunning quilts. While you are there, be sure to check her paper-pieced stars as well. She also has a lovely zodiac BOM ... with stars of course!Back to the quilt-along, it starts on 5th March so it's not too late to join the fun. Check the flicker group as well for some fresh inspiration. I also received a lovely star from Karin in Sweden yesterday for the [3x6] sampler quilt mini bee . I have joined the Star Hive and again asked for white and pink blocks so I should get a lovely collection. I haven't started on my blocks yet as I can't really decide which star to go for... Celine

Life is (even more) beautiful now that we have been gifted with a third lovely baby, but at the same time, our bundle of joy has contributed to my falling behind on my personal target of stitching one block a month. I finally finished yesterday the block I had scheduled for January but only started in February. In addition it took quite some time to stitch with all the individual little leaves on the tree! "Where there is love, there is life" I don't think I'll be able to catch up and stitch another block this month as there are only a few days left... Celine

I have been in a couple of the Pot Holder Pass organised by Amy at During Quiet Time  in the last few years and was surprised this morning when my swap arrived in a reasonable sized box. You don't expect a box for 2 pot holders usually. But this is exactly what I received from Michelle my swap partner, a box full of goodies. She didn't just make 2 pot holders, for a start she made 4 then she made a bag and an apron  and finally a pin cushion I suppose you've guessed the theme of the swap by now, yes it was Log Cabin!  She also sent me some scraps of fabric as well. I feel really really spoilt that she has done and sent me so much. Thank you very much Michelle! Today I also received my first block for the 4x5 modern Quilt Bee . I am in Hive#12 for the first quarter. This block came from Karen: I have asked for blocks in pink with a white background for the bee in order to maybe make a quilt for the girls, if I don't keep it for me! More soon! Celine

While away last week, I received 2 swaps from Australia. First was this absolutely gorgeous framed hexie from Doris, I just love the lucky cat! and second was this gorgeous pink hexie flower in honour of Baby Girl from Liz. It will fit so well in my garden. Thanks ladies. Celine