Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Tuesday Stack - Take Me to Paris

Sometimes when I am putting together fabric combinations I think of a project and who it is for.  I couldn't help thinking of my niece as I was putting together this stack.   So Phebe this one is for you:


English Cafe by Suzuko Koseki for Yuwa
Fashion Stripe Lime by Suzuko Koseki for Yuwa
Fashion Designer in Winter White by  Suzuko Koseki for  
Marguerite Daisy Red by Suzuko Koseki for Yuwa 
Enjoy Shopping Grey by Suzuko Koseki for Yuwa
Fashion Magazine Royal by Suzuko Koseki for Yuwa


I quite fancy a trip to Paris, but I think this fabric is as close as I will get for the next wee while.

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

It Does Not Feel Like Tuesday - Tuesday Stack

I am loving the long weekends and days off, but it is a bit confusing as to what day of the week it is.  As a result this photo is taken on my phone and maybe not quite as good.


From top to bottom:

Collage Scatch in Orchid by Carrie Bloomston
Town and Country Spots from Lewis and Irene
Heath Pink/Hot Pink from Alexander Henry
Cockatiel Blue from Echino
Liv in Sone by Valori Wells (this is also a wider fabric)
Vintage Threads from Kokka

And a collage:


I am planning my projects for the coming long weekend.  What is everyone else planning to create?

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Tuesday Stack - Blast Off

I was half way through this week's stack when Anne arrived to assist.  Sewing and playing with fabric with friends is more fun.


I have called this week's stack Blast Off (no relation to Blow Off).

Top to bottom we have:

Just My Type Keys by Patty Young for Michael Miller
Collage Newsprint by Carrie Bloomston for Windham
Rocket Age - Rocket Captain by October Afternoon for Riley Blake
Red Bike by Robert Kaufman Gnome Living
Dumb Dot Grey by Michael Miller (dumb name - just saying)
Rocket Age - Rocket Ads by October Afternoon for Riley Blake
Heath Black by Alexander Henry

And as a collage:



Sunday, April 13, 2014

Suzuko Koseki - A Rock Star in Fabric Design

I liked Suzuko Koseki's fabrics before I went to Japan earlier this year, but my trip reinforced how great her fabrics are.  (I think I have a wee bit of a crush).

I am so happy to have formed a relationship with the manufacturer of her fabrics and I have just received my first shipment (of what I am sure will be many).

Here are some photos of Suzuko and her display at the Tokyo Great International Quilt Show.


I wish I knew Japanese so I could have understood what she was saying.


Shoes that I would love to have in my wardrobe.  Made from Marguerite Daisy in Red.


Old Japanese fashion magazines which inspired Suzuko's new range of fabric.

And her stunning art work...




One of her quilts....


These two ladies looked gorgeous in their skirts made from Suzuko Koseki fabric.  The blue one is made from Fashion Magazine Royal.  The other from English Cafe.


I have had fun unpacking all the Yuwa and Suzuko Koseki fabric this afternoon.



Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Tuesday Stack - Soft


I am drawn to the peace of this stack. I hope you like it too.

From top to bottom:
Copenhagen Mini Flower in Taupe from the Copenhagen Print Factory
Bluebird Park Magnolia Teal by Kate and Birdie Paper Co
Town & Country - House on the Hill by Sally Ablett for Lewis and Irene
Bird on a Button part of the Little Things Organic range 
Bluebird Park Hydrangea by Kate and Birdie Paper Co
Town & Country - Houses by Sally Ablett for Lewis and Irene
Contempo Cachet Flower by Michele D'Amore for Benartex

and as a collage:




Thursday, April 3, 2014

Conquering Y Seams and Zombie Sewing

I have been psyching myself up to do the big Y seams in my Midnight at the Oasis Quilt.  Luckily friends had done their's before me, so I listened to their stories, watched all the You Tube clips, took a deep breath and plunged in.  



Because these Y- Seams are so big and I was working with a number of fabrics cut on the bias (and liable to stretch) I did 3 extra things that I would recommend.  My tips are:
  • Trace the shape onto freezer paper and iron onto the back of your fabric, then cut your shape and leave the freezer paper on when you sew.
  • When you cut the shape add a good extra cm on the outside edge (the ones you are not sewing now).  You can trim it up later.
  • Use spray starch on the your triangle of triangles to make it stiffer and less likely to stretch.
I was pretty chuffed with the result.  It just needs to be squared up.

Also on my sewing table today:



Zoe the Zombie Apocalypse Doll and her dog waiting for some final surgery.  She is destined to hang out in the shop as a sample for the doll panel, before making her way home to our house.  If you need a Zoe and her sidekick dog you can find the panel here.

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Tuesday Stack - With a Raccoon


Doing these stacks is dangerous!  Each time I do one I see another quilt - but I need to focus on my current projects.

This week's stack is based on The Acacia Raccoon fabric from Tula Pink.  

Urban Ditsy from Alexander Henry
Collage Sketch Orchid  by Carrie Bloomston
Pebble Lines Duck Egg  from Kokka
Crest by Denyse Schmidt
Acacia Raccoon Sky by Tula Pink
Town & Country Spots from Makower
Eyelet Pink (I think this is a Moda fabric)


Happy Sewing.