Some fabrics are just too pretty to cut up

So I'm making a whole cloth quilt out of Anna Maria's Loulouthi Totem print.

 

I had to piece two lengths together which was a challenge but I'm fairly pleased with my joinery skills....

Can you see the join running across the center of the image?

And for the back, another fabric from the same range.

  

 

I plan to hand quilt this one with Perle 8 thread because I've been needing a new portable hand stitched project. (I can only handle so many hexies at a time).

The question is do I stitch around the fabric design in coordinating colours like Anna Maria did?

Or do I go for a simple cross hatch in cream thread? Or maybe pink?

Your thoughts?

Andi xx

Cushions and a question

For our school's annual fundraiser, I donated a customised cushion item for the silent auction.
I offered a cushion that included an appliqued name, a photo, etc.

The family that won the prize have 3 daughters and the winning mum was unsure how to handle the prize.
So I suggested 3 smaller cushions, each with a single initial.

Each cushion unique, but clearly part of the set.

With pretty pink Patch Andi labels on the backs.

They will be given as Christmas gifts so the girls haven't seen them yet, but Mum is pretty pleased with them.
I am too!

And now for my question ....

Yesterday I used bamboo batting for the first time.
It is lovely and soft and was a dream to quilt through.
However, I have been left with a quilt covered in bamboo fluff and there is fluffy stuff all over my house.
Has this happened to you?
Would it be worth pre-washing the batting?
I need to know as I have just bought an entire bolt of the stuff and can't face the fluff!!!!
HELP!! PLEASE!!!!

Andi x

A little help please

My values quilt has moved from my design floor to being a pieced top ....hanging on my clothes line.

Inspired by this gorgeous quilt top, I have gone for an asymmetrical design.

My question to you guys is ..... should I keep adding to make it bigger?

It is currently 55 inches squared which makes for a smallish couch quilt or a perfectly sized wall hanging.
But I have plenty of HSTs left over to make it bigger for a more generous couch quilt or even a quilt for our bed.

What would you do? Would you keep adding? Would you keep the asymmetry?

Andi :-)

An announcement

I have been checking out local markets and trade shows in recent weeks.

"Why?" you ask ...... Well, I have taken the plunge, taken a leave of absence from my job, and decided to turn Patch Andi into some kind of business.

Wheeeeeee!!!!!! (just a little bit excited)

I still need to decide on what kind of business to do and I would love your suggestions and words of wisdom and experience and advice in general.

(There may be other crafters involved in this business but nothing set in concrete yet).

_________________________________________

One of the shows I went to was the Australian Quilt Market.

I had a ball meeting loads of fellow bloggers.

Here I am with Rosie and Melly (well half of her anyway).


And with the lovely and oh-so-talented Kellie.


Here are Annie, Jodie, Kerri and Julie.


And me with Karen and (half of) Rita.


And Corrie and Julie having a gasbag.


I've said it before but I'll say it again: I so love this new community of crafters that I have met online and occasionally have the chance to meet in person.

It was so lovely meeting and catching up with you all.

It makes me feel so supported in my new adventure.

I don't think I could have taken this step if not for blogging and the wonderful community I have entered as a result.

Thanks!!

Andi :-)

Thanks Nichola

Last night, Nichola taught me how to put in a zip using my zipper foot.

I am so chuffed at how it turned out.
I never thought I'd turn out something so professional looking.

Here is the finished item on my couch with another new cushion I 'whipped up'.



Thanks again Nichola.

Andi :-)

Calling All Quilters!!!

Here is a sneaky peek at what I've been working on lately .....


..... something a bit different!

Well, I need your help and advice ... please!!

The centre panel of this 'quilt' is a 1m square piece of Vietnamese silk which I plan to quilt in a rather intricate design.

Here is my dilemma:

• How do I baste this without leaving pin holes all over the silk?
• How do I transfer my design onto the silk for quilting in such a way that I'm not left with loads of horrible marks.

EDIT: Looking through some crafting forums I have solved this second dot point ...Use Glad Press 'n Seal. Amazing product!!!

Your help is greatly appreciated.

Yours in patches,

Andi :-)