Saffrons Blog

Lucky me, look what I received in the post today. Hand made by the wonderful Toni Coward who, apart form making great patterns and being a published author, also makes the coolest vintage accessories. Toni used fabrics from three of my ranges to make this amazing necklace. I am so touched.

You can buy more Citrus Pop goodies on made it.
Or read all about Toni on her blog Make It Perfect. I read every word, it is one of my top three blogs.

This is one of her most recent patterns called Wonderland using my Magic Spot. Don't we all want more wonderland in our lives?

Thanks Toni. You are one in a million.

I wanted to create a quilt for an artist who appreciates the abstract. He has been a family friend for a long time, his first grandson was born last week so I happily sewed this quilt using all the inspiration he has offered me over the years. I thought I would share it as part of the Bloggers Quilt Festival.

a brief

Here's a brief outline of how it is made:

I started with cutting out 5 x 30cm squares of the Beetle Bugs fabrics. I then slashed the stack, shuffled the layers and sewed the strips back together.

I thought this was a bit stripey so I stacked all the blocks back together. Then slashed the stack again in angular lines and sewed each row together creating a wonderful abstract pattern, due to the very small pieces all this cutting created.

These photos of my design wall I took at night, which is usually the time I find to create, and am sorry they are blurry. I ummmed and aah'd about sharing them but I wanted to show you how I had a play with the blocks. Unsure if I would put some slashing around the blocks, I finally decided to make a full patterned quilt.

I had to make a few more blocks as I like the square shape once it was on the design wall.  So if you want to make one like this start with 9 squares of fabric and put them into two separate piles.

Sewing the blocks together was really interesting, as there was not a plan, I really enjoyed way the pieces came together forming irregular shapes. Due to using a small colour palette I think the quilt has a harmonious feel, which is nice for a baby.

Then I added another border with blocks using the slash and stack method being very careful how the red fabric was sewn together. The red creates a strong contrast and I only used it on the sides in the end.

Lastly I put a 4 inch border using seeded cotton around the blocks.

I used the Snails and Ladders as the backing fabric.

Finally I quilted this on the machine with variegated wonderfill thread, which is a bit thinner than Pearle Cottons. I sewed with a longer stitch than usual so you can really feature the stitching, it also  helps to soften up the feel of the quilt. The border I then hand-stitched with Pearle thread.

I am really pleased with the abstracted nature of this quilt. If I made another it would look different, which I like as it is a creative process every time.
My friend likes it too. He said stroking it "that would have taken a lot of time?" and I thought, well I designed the fabrics as well so yes, it took ages! Where actually it only took a few nights to make. Enjoyable nights too.

Happy Bloggers festival. Thanks for popping by.

»buy Owl applique kit - $11.00

Just showing you some other things I have been sewing lately.

A fabric scarf is a nice accessory at this time of the year. If you want to make one yourself I have written the instructions below. It is a good way to use all your favorite fabrics.

I made this scarf using my Magical Lands fabrics. I cut 5 1/2 inch wide strips of 3 coordinating fabrics to various lengths to make a 140 cm long scarf.

The pieces you use can vary in length, you might want to use only one fabric for the entire scarf, or maybe just the ends in a contrasting fabric, perhaps even put an embroidery at the end.

To make symmetrical ends I cut two same length pairs of fabric. I think a scarf looks finished if the two ends are symmetrical. But up to you.

Seam allowance can be 1/4 inch if you are a quilter and you are use to this measurement. It won't matter too much just as long as you keep the seams consistent. Most seams used for dress making are 1 cm.

I divided my fabric cuts into two piles, one for the left side and one for the right and worked towards the middle.
You then join the two pieces together. The symmetrical ends is what people will see when you wear it so put your favourite fabric there.

Once it is the required length, mine is 140cm, you will need a back.

Cutting the back out after you have constructed the front of the scarf means you don't have to worry how long it is.

To make a back cut out 2 pieces of fabric 1/2 the length. You can make another strip of various fabrics similar to the front or use a plain fabric.

Join the 2 back pieces but leave a gap in the center (see image below).

Pin and then sew the back and front together with the right sides of the fabric facing each other.

Pull the scarf through the gap you left in the back fabric so the right side of the fabric is now facing out.

All the seams are now concealed, how nice.

Press neatly.

Finish it off by hand sewing the gap closed. I still have not done this, I wonder when I will.

It is a quick easy sewing project. I am getting a lot of use out of mine.
I'd love to see your creation!

My neighbour invited us for a fun day sailing from the Balgowlah Yacht club to the Sydney fish market in a seven knot wind. We sure got there and back fast.

Theses were my final choices. When I sent this image to Patrick he replied "get them all." Which I did.

I love these boxes, they make my house feel so much more me. Now I own 50 year old boxes made from Australian hardwood that will be around another 50 or more. Stroke.