Cotton Cocktails

Lone Star Diamonds

2012-02-04T19:09:00.001Z

Here's my progress. After some successful stripping I took courage and wielded my rotary cutter to produce strips of 3 diamonds! The photo doesn't do the colours justice as I had to take it in artificial light and the turquoise and green are washed out. I'll have to take another photo in the morning.

I've also started sewing some diamond units together:

These are the two I've sewn so far. The instructions in 'Jelly Roll Quilts' are very helpful in indicating which way to press the seams so in theory the points should go together easily. I have to admit to doing a bit of reverse sewing because I wasn't happy with my point matching. So from now on I'll be using even more pins!

Lone Star Start

2012-02-04T15:35:00.003Z

Today is Lone Star QAL day 2 which this month is hosted by Jayne. I've decided to use a pattern in this gorgeous Jelly Roll Quilts book by Pam and Nicky Lintott:

The quilt in the picture has four 29" lone stars cut from a jelly roll. Sections of the jelly roll strips are also used for pieced sashings and the finished quilt looks stunning. However before I plunge in to do the complete design I've decided to make just one block to hopefully get the hang of the stitching and cutting the diamonds. I've chosen some of my hand dyes and cut the fabrics into 2½” strips. My dyed fabric pieces are only around 15" square so I've cut several strips of each colour. The pattern uses 5 different colours so here are my choices:

As you can see I like bright colours!

Now I need to get on with the stitching. The instructions in the book are very clear with lots of pictures so I think I'll be able to follow them. Wish me luck!

Don't forget to visit Jayne's Quilting Room to see more Lone Star QAL posts!

Stash!

2012-01-25T19:33:00.000Z

The last couple of weeks have been non-stop for me so today I had chance to relax and have been practising procrastination! I did manage to find time to admire new additions to my stash tho! First some new Tilda fat quarters for my Craftsy block of the month project ordered from Lovely Fabrics.

I've also taken delivery of these gorgeous charm packs:

Some of these are for my Charm Quilt workshop in February. I'll offer them as part of a fabric kit for participants and need to match each to a fabric for backing and binding as well as cream or white for the background. I've made a start with a couple of packs:

The charm packs are currently on offer on KalQuilts. You'd better hurry before I order more and clear them out!!

Triangle Tricks

2012-01-16T23:31:00.000Z

I love quick pieced half square and quarter square triangles so designed this quilt to show how effective they are. The Flying Geese are made using quick piecing too so the whole quilt is put together very quickly. My Monday class had their second session today and everyone was working on the quarter squares, having made the HSTs last week. Just look how the newbies got on:

Rachel is learning fast.

Brenda managed these without her glasses!

Pretty good eh? By the end of the class we could see how the finished blocks would look.

Rachel just needs to cut the centre square.

Gwenda says 'It's exciting!'

Monday evenings fly by really fast - we're having fun!

Creative People

2012-01-15T17:17:00.002Z

I am very lucky to now work as a quilt tutor and spend time with fabulous creative people. I had a fun time last week with all four of my classes starting again plus a dyeing day up in the Yorkshire Dales. My classes hadn't met since the end of November so everyone was pleased to be back and eager to make a start on new projects!

The beginners on Monday started my 'Triangle Tricks course with an introduction to quick pieced half square triangles. I haven't taken any photos yet but will try to remember to record their progress tomorrow.

Tuesday was the beginning of an appliqué course. We're starting with quick fused pictures inspired by Laura Wasilowski who's quilts I've loved and admired for a long time. Anthea chose a fabulous striped fabric for the quirky house in the photo above. She's going to embellish this with some hand stitching next. Others in the group chose different subjects:

Katherine loves Laura's dog pictures as she has a puppy. As you can see she's been experimenting with fringing to represent grasses to great effect.

Glenwin is making a flower to use as a block in a large quilt she's making.

Muriel has cut some lovely curves for the tree and the roof shapes. She already has a plan drawn up of her next project!

I can't wait to see how all these develop!

On Wednesday I visited Kirsty Hopkins (a talented textile artist) and her Mum Charmian for a dyeing day. We dyed cotton fabrics in the morning:

Then moved onto silk and wool in the afternoon:

Kirsty runs workshops on felting and other textile techniques in her studio in Pateley Bridge as well as selling her artwork and gift items. Visit her website for more details.

On Friday I teach two classes. This term the morning class is on curved piecing so we were sewing Drunkard's Path units - photos of those another time! In the afternoon We started on a foundation pieced flower pots picture quilt which I drafted in EQ7. First we tackled flower pots which are the simplest blocks in this quilt.

Elaine chose beautifully soft peach and terracotta batiks

Brenda made hers in a pretty floral print.

Barbara's fabric reminded her of moss growing on terracotta.

Here are Lynda's fabulous pots with a heart which will go in the corners of the quilt. Barbara also finished a heart:

Great work everyone!

Lone Star QAL

2012-01-07T17:26:00.000Z

QuiltSue of QuiltTimes is hosting a QAL for a Lone Star quilt on the first Saturday of each month. It's intended as a self help group so there are no deadlines to meet, just hints tips and a sharing of ideas and patterns. I do like the idea of making a Lone Star so I started by browsing the patterns available in EQ7. This one caught my eye - probably because it is in 'my' colours! I do like the feathered star but of course that will be harder to sew than a plain star.

Searching the web I came across Jan P. Krentz's website where there is a gallery of some amazing Lone Star quilts. My favourite is this one. Whoa! Even more complicated ...... but I really like it!!

Jan has written several books including one called 'Lone Star Quilts and Beyond' plus she has a DVD on the same subject. I am very tempted to buy these. Does anyone out there own the book or DVD or can tell me more about them? There is a taster of the video on Youtube and also some video tutorials on the HGTV website featuring Jan. I haven't watched these through yet but they look very promising.

QuiltSue has posted some useful links to online patterns so check them out at QuiltTimes. Also visit the other QAL participants to see what they've found.

I think I'll have to spend quite a lot of time on the planning stage before I plunge in and make the quilt. I want to take my time with this (for a change) and make a really good job of it. I'll let you know how I'm getting on next month!

Happy Stitching!

It's a Craftsy Start

2012-01-05T15:23:00.000Z

After my last post I suddenly remembered I had some lovely Tilda fabrics I'd bought on a trip to Scarborough and Whitby last year which would be prefect for the Craftsy BOM project. Luckily I had found them during a quick tidying session in my sewing room so knew exactly where they were and could get started straight away.
This month the two blocks are the Asterisk and what Amy calls a Pound Sign. They are both made by cutting a 12" square of fabric then cutting the square in two pieces, adding a strip then repeating the process to insert several strips. Here are larger pictures of both blocks:

These are quick and easy to sew as long as you're as idiotic as me and sew one of the strips on the wrong side as I did! My hint is when you cut across the pound sign block mark each cut edge with a pin so you don't forget where to rejoin the pieces! The only slight problem I had was that the pound sign block came out a touch small so next time I will cut the beginning square a little larger the 12". Both blocks are trimmed after completion so a little extra wouldn't hurt.
I love these fabrics - particularly the green with the pink roses and I'm not usually a flowery person at all! I've a couple of metres of the spotty fabric so will use that in most blocks and hopefully for borders or sashing. The rest are fat quarters:

and I probably need to buy a few more as there are twenty blocks to make.
You can sign up for this free course with video tutorials as well as printed instruction on the Craftsy website. It's FREE so what are you waiting for?
I made an asterisk block when my friend Janet Bottomley came to lead a workshop on Liberated Piecing for my group and Janet showed us how effective striped fabric is in this block. Here is Janet's version:

And here are the blocks everyone made that day:

These ones were 6" finished and look so effective grouped together.
I've also admired the second block before in a quilt designed by Lynn Edwards:

Some of the blocks are made by stacking nine fabrics before cutting and rearranging to make blocks with a section of fabrics. It's from this book:

Oh no! I haven't time to get side tracked - I have far too many other projects to get on with!
Happy Stitchin!
Hazel x

Happy New Quilty Year!

2012-01-03T17:06:00.000Z

I'm back! Where did I go? Well mostly I was here but busy, busy, busy teaching my classes and doing lots of other things. Before Christmas we had a complete break and sailed on a cruise from Southampton to the Caribbean and back. It was wonderful! I spent the days at sea reading, knitting and relaxing and went ashore on 8 islands to swim, tour and shop. We arrived back just in time for Christmas and New Year with the family. Now I'm ready for a fresh start in 2012 with lots of exciting things to look forward to including our daughter's wedding in June.

As for quilting, well I can't believe how many new projects and quiltalongs are out there in blogland at the moment.Quilters are so amazingly generous. I know I can't possibly join them all but I have picked a couple to try.

First my friend QuiltSue has been persuaded to make a lone star as a quiltalong. This sounds nice and relaxed with no set instructions but lots of guidance and encouragement every month -perfect!

Secondly I came across a free block of the month on Craftsy and signed up. Now I did make a traditional sampler quilt years ago but the top is still waiting to be quilted and I was never inspired to make another ..... until now. This one is in a modern style with 10 different techniques and 20 blocks. It's taught by Amy Gibson (http://www.stitcherydickorydock.com/) and there are videos to watch as well as printed instructions. The blocks to be introduced each month are a surprise but the first two are available right now so I can't wait to get started. Let me know if you're doing this one too.

I'll also be keeping an eye on the Sew Scraps Along 2012 at http://www.pleasant-home.com/. It sounds like there'll be something new nearly every day.

Well I think those will keep me busy as well as my regular classes, catching up on UFOs, using my Go! cutter, playing with design in EQ7 .................. oh, and making a wedding dress!!!!

What will you be working on this year?

2011-11-10T10:31:00.001Z

Sorry for the long absence. I don't have a note from my Mum with a good excuse - I've just been busy! I really must try harder to keep up with blogging. Anyway I thought I'd just drop by to tell you about a FREE digital quilt magazine you can subscribe to. Down Under Quilts is packed with articles and projects which this month includes the quilt on the cover plus a great article on Log cabin quilts. To subscribe and view the magazine just click here for the Down Under Quilts Subscription registration form.

First Quilts Finished!

2011-10-11T18:10:00.002+01:00

In September I started teaching classes including 2 beginner groups. The aim was to complete a small quilt based on a design which used squares and rectangles, in only 6 weeks. As you can sees above it has been very successful. My Monday evening class has completed the six weeks and look at what they've achieved - lovely quilts with only the binding to stitch to the back. One more student couldn't be at the last class but has almost finished too. Well done everyone!

My Tuesday class was called 'Free Motion Confidence'. I cajoled them to doodle designs then drop their feed dogs and have a go at stitching. Despite cries of 'I can't draw' everyone got stuck in and they have all grown tremendously in confidence in their stitching. To round off the course Glenwin decided to make a quilted bag and decorate it with a stitched sampler of some of the designs we tried:

The reverse shows up the variety of patterns - great stitching Glenwin!

Muriel has also been practising some trapunto and echo quilting around appliqué shapes to great effect:

I have another two groups on Friday also completing these six week courses - can't wait to see the results!

Next week we're moving onto 'Triangle Tricks' - a beginner course introducing half-square, quarter-square and flying geese triangles and an all abilities course 'Fabric Gifts'. If you live within striking distance of Boston Spa and would like to join in the fun visit my website for more details.

Role Reversal!

2011-10-10T16:27:00.000+01:00

For 5 weeks now my main occupation has been as a teacher of patchwork and quilting with a total of 26 students in 4 classes and I've been loving my role! On Saturday I reverted to a student in a workshop taught by my good friend Janet of A Quilter's Journal. She had been to visit my group Tuesday Quilters in the summer and inspired us with a talk on Liberated Quilts and so inspired our members that her workshop immediately sold out! The little bag above was a result of my attempt at using up the crumbs from the workshop. Here is the piece before making up the bag and another view of the finished thing:

I love these little bags which are quick and easy to make from Lise Bergene's book 'A Passion for Patchwork'.

Janet taught us how to make three liberated patchwork blocks during the course of the day and brought many more blocks and quilts to show us. Visit www.tuesdayquilters.blogspot.com for more photos. Janet has promised to return next year for another workshop and I can't wait as I thoroughly enjoyed the day. What could be better than spending time with good friends, sewing machines humming and creativity flowing?

Summer House Winner!

2011-10-08T08:59:00.000+01:00

I have drawn a winner! I used random.org to pick a number and carefully counted down the list of lovely people who commented and the winner is...................................

Allison C!!!

Congratulations Allison! Thank you to all those who entered and thank you to the people who recently became followers too.

Today I'm off out to a workshop taught by my friend Janet which I'm really looking forward to. A whole day of sewing with no interruptions - heaven! Hopefully I'll be back later to tell you all about it. Have a great weekend!

Electric Quilt News and a Giveaway!

2011-09-29T19:18:00.000+01:00

I'm really excited! A week ago Penny from Electric Quilt contacted me to ask if she could link to an EQ7 project I published on this blog. Of course I said yes and I've just discovered a link to it on Facebook. How cool is that?

I've been so busy with my new patchwork and quilting classes and lots of other stuff that I've not posted for a while. At least the EQ link has kick started me into writing something. As a thank you to all my followers for your patience and as a welcome to new EQ visitors I've decide to have a giveaway. Here's the prize:

A Moda Summer House Charm Pack. I'll also add a copy of the pattern I designed for this quilt:

So I'll make it simple to enter, as usual. Just leave a comment on this post for one entry. if you are a follower or become one mention this in your comment to get an extra chance in the draw. I'll pick a winner in one week, on October 6th. Good luck!

Harrogate Quilt Show

2011-09-07T19:12:00.001+01:00

Last weekend the Great Northern Quilt Show took place in Harrogate. This local show has open competitions for several categories of quilts and small exhibitions of the work of invited quilters. Unfortunately the number of quilts entered has dropped over recent years. I feel guilty that I didn't get around to entering any quilts this year. A friend and I have made a pact to enter next year with several quilts each!

I didn't take many photos but the wall hanging above caught my eye. The silhouettes of the dogs looked very familiar! They are just like our collie/greyhound cross lurcher Katie. She loves roaming on the beach and splashing through water.

I was so entranced that I forgot to make a note of the maker's name - sorry. Whoever you are I think this quilt is beautiful.

I did look quite closely at the miniatures. I once made a miniature quilt using paper piecing in fine silk. Not only was I disappointed with the finished quilt it took me longer to make than a quilt 4 times it's size because ot was so fiddly! I really have to admire the makers of these:

I've posted them in order of the prizes they won. The second prize was won by a friend Sandra Wyman with a lovely two sided forest scene - congratulations Sandra!

I was on the lookout for colourful block and applique quilts to show my students. I liked the colours used in these:

I'm teaching a free motion quilting course at the moment so I was thrilled to see this fantastic machine sewn wholecloth:

Amazing stitching! It makes me feel quite inadequate. I need to spend a lot more time practising!

Finally say 'Hi' to Anthea who is just starting up a business selling fabric in Settle, North Yorkshire. This was her first quilt show and she called it her 'Baptism of Fire!' Catch her next at the Edinburgh show in a few weeks time.

Pick Four Winner!

2011-09-05T08:14:00.004+01:00

We have a winner! I used random.org to pick a number and counting down the list I found the winner:

Tonya!

Congratulations Tonya! QuiltSue will be signing your book and posting it to you very soon.

Thank you to everyone who took part in the blog hop and entered the draw. I have had great fun reading your comments over the past few days. Those of you who weren't lucky enough to win the prize please visit your local store or online retailer or go to Martingale to purchase a copy of this must have book.

Pick Four Giveaway Update

2011-09-03T15:13:00.004+01:00

Thank you to everyone who has entered the Pick Four Book Giveaway so far - I've been amazed at your enthusiasm and I'm sure QuiltSue has enjoyed reading your positive responses to her book.

I've been trying to send an email reply to everyone who left a comment on the Giveaway post but I have quite a few 'No-Reply Bloggers' to whom I can't send an email. The problem is that some people have an account with blogger but it is set to 'no-reply' and they probably don't even realise! The problem could get much worse because if I draw a no-reply blogger as a winner on Monday I will have no way of contacting them to give them the good news.

Here's how to check and make sure I, and other bloggers, can contact you when you comment on a blog:

In blogger.com, click on Dashboard.

Select Edit Profile.

Check the box for "Show my Email Address."

Save changes.

If you have already commented for the Giveaway and realise you were a no-reply Blogger please email me: click on my profile on the right of this page then click on email.

Now don't forget to visit the Pick Four Blog Hop as there is still time to win a copy of this wonderful book!

Pick Four: Final Destination!

2011-09-02T07:20:00.001+01:00

This Giveaway is now closed

Hello! Well those of you following QuiltSue's blog hop have reached your final destination in Yorkshire, England. We're now just a few miles away from where Sue lives and around 70 miles from Trudi's home in Lincoln. It's appropriate that you've arrived from Lincoln because that's where I lived and where my daughter was born before we moved here! I'm sure Sue will be telling you a few interesting facts about this wonderful county but for now help yourself to a slice of Yorkshire curd tart and a cuppa or 'brew' and let me tell you a little more about how I know Sue.

Sue and I first met at our local quilt group 'Tuesday Quilters'. I find it hard to keep track of dates so can't tell you exactly when that was but I have found one or two photos on my computer which give some clues.

Can you spot her? Although she is trying hard to lurk in the shadows I'm pretty sure it's Sue at the back in the pink jumper. The computer has dated this 2004 when our group was showing off quilts made for Project Linus. Moving forward Sue volunteered for the committee and did a magnificent job organising our exhibition in 2005:

Even then she was designing patterns and had created a mystery quilt which lots of our members made and these were on display. How may fabrics do you think Sue used in this quilt? Here's her quilt in red, gold and cream - only three fabrics!

The mystery quilt was published in a British quilting magazine. Only the other day someone at the group was remembering a quiz which Sue entertained us with too. She really is a multi-talented lady and very generous. She is largely responsible for getting me into blogging and buying an Accuquilt Go so she has a lot to answer for! It's always good to meet up with Sue - she is just as funny in real life as in her blog posts.

Now onto Sue's book 'Pick Four' which shows how to make stunning quilts with a maximum of only 4 fabrics. I was so excited when my copy arrived in the post and like other bloggers on this hop flicked through to see all the projects. There are 12 lovely quilt patterns and all are beautifully photographed.

There really is something for everyone here from complete beginners to more experienced quilters wanting a bit of a challenge. When I read the text I cold hear Sue speaking to me personally with her usual humour shining through. The section on choosing colours is so helpful and the pattern instructions are very clear and logically set out.

One thing I look for in a quilt pattern is illustration. Being a visual learner I think pictures really do speak a thousand words and Sue has used diagrams to show exactly how the patches and blocks go together. She also uses arrows on the diagrams to show which way to press the seams which will make a huge difference to accuracy and ease of sewing seams.

Throughout the book Sue uses up to the minute quick piecing techniques. I've seen many quilts made from the split nine patch method of making a block then cutting it into four and rearranging. Sue has done a similar thing with a churn dash block for this Rickrack quilt - I love it!

For each of the quilt projects Sue also provides alternative colourways and also gives suggestions for quilting. I truthfully can't think of anything Sue has missed out! I will definitely be recommending this book to my students.

I'm sure you would love to own a copy of 'Pick Four' and here is how you can win a copy signed by Sue herself: just leave a comment below to go into the draw - simples!. If you are a follower of this blog or become a follower and mention this in your comment you will get a second chance. I'll draw the winner on Monday morning so you only have the weekend to join in. Remember to visit all the other blog hop venues for more chances to win. If you're unlucky this time 'Pick Four' will be available from quilt stores, online book sellers and Martingale

Good Luck everyone!

This Giveaway is now closed

Works in Progress

2011-08-31T11:38:00.002+01:00

Here's the quilt I'm making for Nel, partially completed, using her new range of fabrics called 'Sleeping Beauty'. Nel took this photo the other day to use today in her guest post on Sew We Quilt These fabrics are beautiful! I'm also making some fabric boxes - again a work in progress:

The box is hexagonal and I'm using fusible stiffening. These are based on the techniques in the book
'Fun, Fast and Easy Fabric Boxes by Linda Johansen, although I have drawn out my own templates as I'm making these quite large.

For those of you unfamiliar with these, you cut shapes for the base and sides seperately, join them loosley with a zig zag stitch then fuse them to the fabric:

Here's the lid:

Next I will be fusing the lining fabric on then finishing the edges with satin stitching before sewing the sides in place.

Last Saturday I went to Pately Bridge to do a Felt Bag workshop with Kirsty Hopkins at her studio. I had a lovely day and came away with my bag almost complete. It was quite hard work making the felt as it involved a lot of soapy water, vigorous rubbing and rolling! Here is a picture taken on the day as I arrange the top layer of wool on the bag form:

Here's the bag after felting:

Can you see how much the stripes shrank? Its a lovely sturdy felt now and I also made some flat felt pieces to add decoration. Kirsty and her Mum Charmian showed me how to make a 3D rose like this one by Kirsty:

I decided this time to use my Accuquilt Go! to cut some petal and leaf shapes to applique to the bag. The Go! easily and neatly cuts through the felt.

So I just have to finish the hand stitching and add a handle.

I'll be back on Friday with a review of QuiltSue's book 'Pick Four' as part of her blog hop. Don't forget to visit all the blogs taking part in the blog hop as Sue is giving away copies of her book on each of the ten blogs!

Pick Four Blog Hop and Giveaways!

2011-08-24T19:15:00.001+01:00

It's started! QuiltSue of Quilt Times has organised an exciting blog hop which started today with another Hazel! I'll be hosting the last day on September 3rd so we Hazels are the bookends of the blog hop! That's very appropriate as QuiltSue is very generously provided a signed copy of her new book for a giveaway prize every day for the next 10 days. Here's the full list of stopping off points on the tour:

Today - Hazel's Quilts
Thurs 25 Aug - Quilt Hollow
Fri 26 Aug - Silver Thimble
Sat 27 Aug - Magnolia Bay Quilts
Sun 28 Aug - Bejewelled Quilts
Mon 29 Aug - Insights from SewCalGal
Tues 30 Aug - Sew'n Wild Oaks
Wed 31 Aug - Sweet P Quilting
Thurs 1 Sep - Quilting Prolifically
Fri 3 Sep - Cotton Cocktails

QuiltSue will be posting on her blog too every day with interesting facts about the host's location. So don't hang around. Hop over to Hazel's Quilts and enter today's giveaway right now!

Festival of Quilts: Pia Welsch

2011-08-23T17:24:00.000+01:00

As well as the open quilt competitions at the Festival of quilts there are several exhibitions by individual quilters. This year I think my favourite of these was by German art quilter Pia Welsch. I was first attracted by this quilt on the outside of her stand. I was blown away by the colours and patterns. Click on the photo to see a larger view.

Pia uses hand dyed and painted fabrics with a range of stitches, fabulous quilting and machine embroidered motifs to create some stunning quilts. Here are a few more:

I haven't been at all keen on computerised machine embroidery on quilts in the past but seeing some of the ways contemporary quilters, such as Pia and Linda and Laura Kemshall are using their embroidery units has made me think again. I went to the Kemshalls' lecture at the FoQ and I was really interested to hear Linda and Laura talk about scanning images and digitizing them to use on quilts. They use them in a subtle way to add embroidered images after quilting. It sounds great but the software for digitizing is really expensive - hundreds of pounds. I really can't justify that expense but I could try using free designs and those that came with my machine to give it a go. When I have some free time..................!

Pia has written a short bio with a couple of quilt pictures here and you can view more of her quilts here. I'll e looking out for more of her work in future!

Bernina 380 Review

2011-08-21T16:29:00.001+01:00

Ooooh look at my shiney new toy! Actually it's a business investment for taking to my new classes! I decided that I don't want to pack up my Aurora 440 three or more times a week so this gorgeous little machine will be my portable companion while the Aurora can stay snug in its' cabinet ready for me to use between classes. I thought I would do a proper write up of it's features as it's difficult to find reviews of machines out there on the internet.

So what do you get for your money? This model comes with a sturdy cover which allows the carry handle to be used through the space in the top:

There are roomy pockets at either end for the foot pedal and power cord, and a large pocket with cover flap on the back for the table, accessory case, manual and hands free lever:

The zipped accessory case is a nice sturdy container for the machine feet and accessories:

This model is supplied with 7 feet: Bernina numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 8, and also the new walking foot:

This version has three interchangeable sole plates including the new one with a centre guide to make it easier to stitch in the ditch. The 380 is not sold as a patchwork edition and doesn't come with a patchwork foot or a darning foot but it takes the same feet as the Aurora so I can use the ones I already have.

There is also a sturdy plastic card with a guide to all the stitches which can be slotted onto the handle for referral while sewing.

The sewing table slides onto the free arm and clicks into place. There is a release button to press when removing it. The table has markings for the centre needle position and measurements either side as well as a ruler in inches and centimetres. The needleplate also has markings for commonly used measurements in inches and a diagonal guide line.

The table feels strong, joins smoothly onto the arm of the machine and has a clear window so you can see door to the bobbin case below. It is slightly sloping towards the front. The bright machine light illuminates the work area brilliantly. For a quilter the space available to the right of the needle is an important consideration. This model measures 6¼” wide and 4½” high. For comparison the Aurora 440 is 7½” wide by 4½” high - so really not a huge difference! I often hear quilters say that it's impossible to quilt bed quilts on a normal domestic machine - rubbish! I have quilted quite large quilts measuring up to 90" on mine and many other professional quilters use ordinary machines. Here's a picture of about 36" of quilt sandwich in the harp of the 380 and there's plenty more space so I don't think I would have a problem with getting to the centre of a 90" quilt.

While I'm talking facts and figures how does the 380 compare in weight? The machine itself weighs 18lbs compared to 22lbs for the Aurora 440. With the case and all the accessories the 380 weighs 23lbs compared to the Aurora at 29lbs. Again it doesn't sound much of a difference but actually the 380 does feel much easier to lift and carry partly because it is that bit smaller and in its carry case you can carry it closer to your body. The overall machine sizes are: Bernina 380 - 14½” wide and 6" deep, Aurora 440 - 16" wide by 7" deep

So onto the actual sewing! This baby stitches beautifully. It's quiet and the foot pedal gives the smooth and precise control which is so important for free motion quilting. I've tried out a range of the built in stitches which are chosen from the control panel on the right hand side:

To call up one of the stitches on the reference card simply press the hash sign and key in the stitch number. The display shows the current stitch number, length width and needle position. Of course every stitch can be adjusted in lenght and width and can also be reflected using the button on the right below the screen:

Pressing the middle button will make the machine stop automatically at the end of the stitch repeat. The 380 also has a programmable memory which allows you to choose a sequence of up to 30 different stitches. I use that for stitching wording and for using a combination of 2 or more stitches. Here are a couple of samples of stitch patterns I've been playing with.

I am really pleased with the stitch quality - particularly the satin stitch which is just as good as on the 440. The 380 also comes with an automatic buttonhole foot (number 3)and once you have stitched one buttonhole it will remember the size and stitch as many as you need at exactly the same length! I do sometimes make clothes so this is so useful.

Other highlights include the efficient needle threader, bobbin winder, a second thread spool pin which folds up from the side and the ability to operate the machine with the stop/start button and a speed controller rather than the foot pedal. I love the hands free 'knee lifter' which I find invaluable for precise control when turning corners or stitching around tight curves in applique work.

I have to confess to one disappointment. The sliding speed controller on my Aurora 440 can be used to limit the speed when using the foot pedal and when using the start/stop button. On the 380 this only works with the start/stop button and not the foot pedal. Having said that, it's not a big issue as I find the foot pedal control so smooth and I can keep a constant speed easily without the speed limiter. I just think it would be useful for those new to sewing machines.

So overall I'm very, very pleased with the 380 and it does look so beautiful! OK it's not a light machine but it is more portable and considering the travelling and work it will be doing I had to have a very strong and reliable machine. A friend who used to be in the trade recently told me that often people who buy very lightweight machines later complain about them moving across the table while they are sewing! One huge advantage of buying it from the shop in Leeds is that once the guarantee runs out I can pay a reasonable annual fee which includes servicing as often as needed, all parts and labour costs for any repairs needed plus monthly club meetings.

Oh, one last thing, the bottom line. Take a deep breath and sit down! The Bernina 380 currently costs a cool £1095. Yeah, not in everybody's price range, I know. I'm fortunate to be able to invest in it and I do expect it to give me good service for a long time.

Which sewing machine do you use and what features do you think are essential for patchwork and quilting? One or two of my new students don't have a sewing machine yet so any recommendation you have would be very useful.

A Whirlwind Week

2011-08-18T20:06:00.001+01:00

Phew! My feet have hardlytouched the ground recently and I have got seriously behind with posting my news. The past week has been particularly busy, starting last Saturday when I got up early and caught a train to Birmingham for the Festival of Quilts. I had a fantastic 2 days there viewing all the wonderful quilts, attending a few lectures and, of course, shopping! One of the highlights of the show was a display of quilts by the Tentmakers of Cairo. I was so impressed I treated myself to this beautiful cushion cover and at only £20 I thought it was a very good price. These gorgeous applique quilts are sewn by hand by men sitting cross-legged on the floor and two of the makers were at the festival demonstrating:

The speed at which they stitch is amazing! By the time I got to see the gallery almost all the quilts had been sold. That's probably just as well because I would have been seriously tempted by some of these beauties!

Luckily there will be another opportunity to see these in November when there will be another exhibition at Durham University. When I find out more details I'll post about it again. I took 244 photos at the quilt show so I need to spend quite a lot of time organising and naming them. Hopefully I'll post more pictures over the next few weeks.

Yesterday I taught a workshop on Convergence Quilts at the Bernina shop in Leeds for 10 ladies so Monday was spent preparing for that and I took time out on Tuesday for lunch with my daughter. The workshop was great fun and everyone made excellent progress with their quilts. Everyone finished their quilt top and added a border. Some even started quilting too!

One of the best things about doing workshops like this is seeing how other people's fabric choices look. They all look beautiful don't they?

Today I had a lovely day out with my other half in the Yorkshire Dales. We took the dogs and headed for Kettlewell to visit the Scarecrow Festival. What fun! Hundreds of imaginative variations on a scarecrow on display in a stunning setting.

After that we went to Aysgarth Falls so the dogs could paddle in the river and we had a good walk.I think I'll sleep well tonight!

Cupcakes for Young Quilters

2011-07-28T08:44:00.000+01:00

Do you know a young quilter or are you looking for projects for children and young people? Well I have a great website for you to visit. Pippa Wardman organises the Young Quilters Group in Yorkshire for the Quilter's Guild and has designed a new website with some lovely projects: Quilt and Stitch.

Pippa made these delicious cupcakes and has published a step by step photo tutorial for them on the site:

There are lots of other machine and hand stitched projects to try and information for students taking textile courses.

Pippa also recently made this QR code quilt which has been featured on the Poppyprint blog this week. I have seen this quilt, as Pippa brought it to our group meeting, and I have to tell you: it is stunning! It's made of 414 little fussy-cut cupcakes on a white background and if you scan it with a mobile phone or tablet PC it will automatically link to Pippa's website. You can find more information about the quilt on Pippa's Flickr photostream.

Pick Four

2011-07-26T13:23:00.001+01:00

WooHoo! Look what the postman brought me. It's QuiltSue's new book and it's fabulous! She's organising a blog hop very soon and has asked me to participate and there'll be a giveaway too. Just to whet your appetite here are just a couple of quilts from the book which all use only 4 fabrics to stunning effect:

Now which to make first - It's so difficult to choose!

Watch out for the blog hop when I'll be telling you more about the book. In the meantime hop over to Sue's blog Quilt Times and say hi.

Friends on Monday

2011-07-25T19:33:00.003+01:00

Nel's new fabrics

This week is a fun with friends time for me. After meeting up with quilty friends yesterday in Settle (more about that another day), today I met two new friends for coffee and a natter: Penny of 'My Quilting Diary' and Sandra of 'The Dyer's Hand'. Thay are both contemporary quilters and had been hatching a plan to start a new contemporary quilters group. The first meeting of the new group which is open to anyone who wants to come along, will be on the 24th September at Clifford Village Hall - just a few minutes away from my house! Sounds like it's going to be a lot of fun.

This afternoon Nel called round to show me her new fabric range being launched later in the year. I couldn't resisit giving you a sneak peak! I'll be scanning the fabrics so I can play with quilt designs in EQ7 with a view to making up a quilt for Nel to take to the International Quilt Market in Houston in October. I love the gorgeous purples and lime in these fabrics and can't wait to get started!

Tomorrow Janet of 'A Quilter's Journal' will be visiting me here at home, then coming to Tuesday Quilters with me, to give a talk on liberated patchwork. On Wednesday I'm having lunch with ex colleagues from work. Phew - after all that chatter I think I'll need to give my voice a rest on Thursday and Friday and just talk quietly to my sewing machine!

Giveaway Winner!

2011-07-25T07:03:00.002+01:00

We have a winner! As promised I have drawn the lucky number with the help of Random.org. Who is it?
Drum roll please.........................

Talin's Corner!

Congratulations! Please send me your address so I can post your fabric. I wonder what you'll make with them - perhaps they'll feature in one of your wonderful bags!

Thank you to everyone who entered and left such lovely comments - I really do appreciate them.

Charming Summer House

2011-07-23T10:45:00.000+01:00

It's only taken me a few hours to plan and piece this throw from one Moda 'Summer House' charm pack and some strips of white on ivory to contrast. The finished quilt will measure 41" by 39". I've found a lime green hand dye in my stash which is just right for the binding and with a big loopy free-motion meander should finish it off nicely. I do love this fabric!

Don't forget to enter my fat quarters Giveaway - you have until Monday to leave a comment. Click here to jump to the giveaway post

The Moda Man's Visit

2011-07-21T09:10:00.003+01:00

The other day I drove to Embsay near Skipton to meet up with friends Anthea and Rachel because the Moda man was coming to visit. He brought his suitcase of the latest fabric lines and we had loads of fun deciding which ones Anthea should buy for her soon to be launched quilt shop. The photo shows Rachel and Anthea browsing the samples.

My favourite was this Metro range because they are gorgeous fresh prints. I particularly liked the red flowers on grey:

and the lime greens:

Aren't they just yummy?

I couldn't come away empty handed so here's part of my haul:

Jelly rolls in 'Grace', 'Flurry' and 'Grand Finale' and Charm packs in 'Summer House'. These will be in my little mobile shop for students in my classes and workshops.

Don't forget to enter my fat quarters giveaway which closes on Monday 25th July!

Giveaway!

2011-07-18T16:34:00.003+01:00

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

I've just realised today is my second Blogiversary so I think a little celebration is in order! I've pulled these 4 lovely fat quarters from my stash for a giveaway and I'm keeping it really simple. Just leave a comment for a chance to win and if you're a follower mention it in the comment for a bonus chance. I'll draw the winner one week today on Monday 25th July.

Good luck!

2011-07-17T14:38:00.000+01:00

I've been AWOL for a couple of weeks because we've had a busy time with our family. My sister-in-law came over from Syracuse NY with our two nephews to stay with use for 10 days and we also travelled down to visit my in-laws in Basingstoke. Margaret had brought me a whole package of gifts she's picked up in Jo-Ann's - they are fabulous! First, the two bag patterns above. The 'Cover-all Tote' is a very clever pattern for a bag with removable button-on covers and Jennifer's bag is very apt as my daughter's name is Jennifer!

I also received fabric for bag making:

and some beautiful buttons:

A copy of American Quilter magazine which I have never seen in the shops here:

And this great book on landscape quilts:

I'd also asked Margaret to bring me a couple of rolls of freezer paper from the supermarket and she arrived with three large rolls:

This may seem strange to those of you resident in the US but we can only buy this in quilt shops and online at a much higher price. You may need to sit down for this! The cheapest I can find this sized roll in the UK is £9.50 - about $15. I understand this is about 5 times the price Margaret paid!!!

Thank you Margaret for all the gifts and for coming to visit. We had a fabulous time and we're hoping to get together again at Jennifer's wedding next year.

Exciting Times!

2011-06-24T12:51:00.001+01:00

Look what arrived in the post this morning! I ordered postcards to advertise the classes I'm organising and I'm really pleased with them. They have a glossy finish and on the reverse are a few more details of the classes.

I'm planning to have these put on display is some local shops and libraries and give some to my friends.

I'm working on my sample quilts for the classes and the patterns and instructions for my students. There are one or two distractions to slow me down though - college work, a mini workshop for my quilt group to prepare, visitors arriving next week and of course Wimbledon! It's a real treat for me to be able to watch all the tennis (when it's not raining in London) because in the past I was working and could only watch in the evenings. I never liked recording matches to watch later because for me it's the fact that it's live that makes it exciting. So I'm settling down in front of the TV each afternoon with my strawberries and cream - yum!

The other exciting news is that I got an email from my friend QuiltSue to ask if I'd take part in a blog hop to show off her book which will be published in July. What do you think I replied - well YES of course!! She'll be giving away copies on the blog hop so watch out for it towards the end of next month.

Teesdale Quilters Show

2011-06-12T19:53:00.000+01:00

What a treat I've had today! We went to visit my Mum as the quilt group which meets in her village hall was having a show. Mum isn't a quilter but she has friends in the group so she introduced me to several of them. The show was stunning. Here is a tour of the show:

Just inside the entrance was this lovely hexagon quilt on a low table so it looked like it was on a bed.

This amazing quilted swan caught my eye - very cleverly done. And how about this cute dragon with tiny quilting patterns?

The quilts along the wall were made as a mystery challenge and showed what a difference fabric choices and colour placement make. Can you see the red and white antique strippy on the stand above? There were several antique quilts on display, some with notes on their history:

This log cabin was one of my favourites. The blocks were many different shapes and sizes and I've never seen a log cabin like it before. My photo really doesn't do it justice as the colours were more beautiful than in this picture.It was for sale and I wished I could have made an offer to justify all the work which had gone into it.

Next some miniature quilts, mostly hand pieced over papers. Just for scale I rested my hand on the top of this cot!

I love the bright spiders web quilt behind the doll's house. Now for something completely different - pretty bags:

The quilters in the Teesdale group were all wearing quilted sashes so they could be instantly recognised - what a wonderful idea!

How many little tumblers in this quilt?

Gorgeous fabrics in the bargello quilt.

The trade stall was very tempting.

I wonder if the New York Beauty will be finished next time I visit?

The strippy stars quilt above is made with recycled fabrics:

Now for tea and cakes. Even the tea room was jam packed with quilts.

The piano has a very special cover!

Wow! What a talented group of quilters. I can't wait to see the next show. Well done everyone for a magnificent display!

Quiltalong part 3

2011-06-11T19:41:00.000+01:00

Not so much progress this afternoon I'm afraid. I was awake and up at 4am this morning after less than 5 hours sleep so by 2 this afternoon I was flagging. I had a nap and then did finish the star blocks but the other blocks will have to wait for now.

I have enjoyed my day and want to thank those of you who were kind enough to leave an encouraging comments. Of course the biggest thanks go to QuiltSue for hosting today. Quilters are the best!

Christmas Quiltalong: Triangle Progress

2011-06-11T13:10:00.000+01:00

Well after a couple of hiccups:
a) deciding I might not have enough ivory fabric and having to find an alternative in my stash
b) realising I'd cut the fabrics to make the quarter triangles too big - not as bad as too small!
things are progressing. I've completed all the half and quarter-square triangle units for my 5 star blocks and I'm really pleased with the how it's looking. I'll be completing these this afternoon and making another 4 blocks using Flying Geese units.

I'll post my progress later. Don't forget to go to QuiltSue's blog to see what the other Christmas Quiltalong bloggers are making.

Christmas Quiltalong- Triangle Tricks

2011-06-11T09:23:00.000+01:00

Today is QuiltSue's Christmas Quiltalong and for once I'll be able to join in. Yesterday I went shopping for some red and green fabric which are Christmassy colours and also bought a pack of ivory tone on tone fat quarters. I found a fourth fabric for my sashing so I'm ready to go!

I've decided to kill two birds with one stone and prepare a sample quilt for one of the 6 week classes I'll be teaching in the Autumn. In this particular course I'm aiming to teach my students quick and easy ways to piece triangles: half-square, quarter-square and flying geese triangles to be precise. I've designed a quilt in EQ7 so today I'm testing my own written instructions and taking photos to go in the final handouts.

You'll have to come back later to see which blocks I'm making. Also don't forget to visit QuiltSue's blog Quilt Times for more festive fun!

Stash Building and a Sneak Peak

2011-05-25T22:25:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I dropped in to a friends for coffee then, as I was nearly there, dropped into Skep Mill in Farsley on the other side of Leeds. I haven't been since it changed hands but I'll certainly be going again. Most of the patchwork fabric is £6 per metre - half the price of most fabric now. I picked out this pack of 10 fat quarters for only £15 and a toning floral for a backing plus extra of one of the fabrics for binding. I'm planning on making a quick and easy quilt as a sample for my beginners patchwork class I'm starting in September.

It will have to wait a week or two because I've got loads to catch up on at the moment. It's funny how when work calls I can get drawn into new projects. I also visited Texere Yarns in Bradford yesterday too. I hadn't realised that they'd changed their opening hours and are only supposed to be open Thursday and Friday but the nice lady let me in 'Now you're here...' So I had to buy something didn't I? Texere a treasure trove of yarn, fancy threads, wool for felting, leather etc. I bought some cotton/acrylic yarn to crochet a blanket I'd found on'Crochet Me'. It's made of triangular motifs which I've adapted as this yarn is finer than the one used in the pattern.:

I think it will make a great take along project for when we go away for a day or two. I've loved crochet since I learned to make brightly coloured ponchos in my early teens!

Now I need to get down to business and finish off projects ahead of the deadlines coming up. Here's a sneak peak of a quilt I'm making up for Nel Whatmore to be on display at the Festival of Quilts on the Cotton Patch Stand.

You'll be able to buy the kit for this at the show but if you can't wait to get hold of Nel's stunning 'Happy Go Lucky' fabrics you can buy them now from Cotton Patch and other shops. If you're lucky enough to go to the Chelsea Flower Show this week you can go and say hello to Nel as she is there displaying her paintings and gifts.

Noughts and Crosses Progress at Last!

2011-05-22T19:19:00.000+01:00

Here's the Christmas cushion I started a couple of weeks ago - it's almost done! I need to go and buy a zip for the cushion back then I can pop it onto a cushion pad and my first Christmas projeect of the year will be complete. This pattern was demonstrated at the Bernina Club at MKC Services in Leeds by Glenys and I love it! It's a Jenny Rayment design which was published in Sewing World Magazine a couple of years ago. I was debating whether to quilt it but really I don't think it needs it and as there are 2-3 layers of fabric in the blocks it would be quite tough to do. Here's a close up:

The crosses are really simply sewn by folding and stitching diagonal pleats then adding traingle of coloured fabric which tuck under the folds. I love the little folded square in the centre of these. The noughts are a clever variation of cathedral windows with bias edges of the patterned fabrics folded back.

The stitching was all done by machine apart from a few tiny hand stitches. I used Superior Threads invisible thread ( with fine cotton in the bobbin) and an adjusted blind hem stitch on my machine. I found loosening the top tension made sewing with this thread much smoother.

Jenny Rayment has written several books on folding and pleating and I'm told she's a very entertaining speaker and runs excellent workshops. She also has an online subscription site with lots of videos to watch called Just Hands On TV.

Happy Stitching!

Hazel x

Bloggers Spring Quilt Festival

2011-05-15T11:53:00.000+01:00

I decided to show this quilt for the Bloggers Quilt Festival as it is one of my favourites. I designed it myself from picture of a crop circle.

It took a bit of working out as I had to draw a pattern of overlapping circles then re-draw it in Electric Quilt to enlarge it. The finished quilt is just over 60" square. The brightly coloured batik shapes are fused onto a background of my hand dyed fabric.

The fused shapes are raised with trapunto (an extra layer of wadding) and were quilted using the pattern on the fabric as a guide and polyester embroidery thread to add a little sheen. The background is also heavily quilted with a cotton multicolour thread.

This was as big project for me and was completed for my City and Guilds Diploma. I think it includes everything I love about quilting: geometric design. bright colours. hand dyed fabric and free motion quilting.

Please visit the other blogs taking part in the festival via Amy's Creative Side to see the gorgeous array of quilts on show.

Happy Stitching!