I've just completed the July installment of the BQL Bag Challenge. It's a tall tote, which I've made from a mottled green fabric with orange batik strips to brighten up. I've quilted this in wavy machine quilting with variegated thread and does really look more effective than the photo shows.
Here's some pics of postcards that I've received recently. The one above is from the Arts in the Mail June challenge of Yoyos (or Suffolk Puffs). The cards had the have at least 3 yoyos. Mine is shown in this post which was sent to Chris in Co. Durham. In return she sent me this lovely lady. I took part in a small exchange, also with Arts in the Mail called Fancy Stitches and mine were sent out earlier this month and I've received these from Annette, top left, Jenny, bottom left, and Francoise, on the right. I've just realised that I haven't posted the ones that I have made, but if you go to the Flickr images on the sidebar, they are shown there.
The photo below shows some fabric weaving cards that I have made which I will demonstrate to a local quilt group in September. The top one is decorated with fancy machine stitching and the one below is decorated with hand stitching.
While I was sitting at the computer last night I saw this lovely sky, wasn't it lovely? My mobile phone came in very handy for taking this on night mode. I'm sure I take more pictures with the phone than I make calls with!
The Sandbank Ferry coming across from Shell Bay
We stopped at Swanage and this is the view from the Mowlem Theatre on the seafront looking across to the Needles on the Isle of Wight.
We walked over to the Swanage Railway when we heard a steam engine come into the station. This pic shows it reversing to the front of the carriages to go out of the station to go to Corfe Castle.
And this I could not resist. It's of Corfe Castle, near Wareham, which I took through the car window, when DH was driving through the village on our way home.
To save trying to choose what colours to use, I dived into my stash and pulled out Christmas fabrics. The original pattern size was 14.5" wide and 40" long, which was a bit big for a table mat so have done a more manageable 9.5" x 19". Last night I showed how the blocks were made and at the next meeting how the pieces are joined by sashing.
Today I went to Romsey, Hampshire to the Romsey Quilters exhibition with my friend Penny. The main exhibition is in Romsey Abbey with more quilts shown in 3 other venues around the town as part of the group's 25th anniversary celebrations. This weekend only a 5th venue behind the Abbey grounds displayed pieces from an open competition. The picture below shows this spectacular quilt made by Ann Ohlenschlager inspired by mosaic floors whilst on holiday in Rome
Fantastic, isn't it? But then the quilts displayed are all lovely and it's difficult to choose a favourite. Took lots of pics and it was a lovely day out. Romsey itself was bustling too as there was a music festival as part of their arts weeks. At King John's House some jazz music was played outside in the garden as we were looking at quilts inside. The exhibition goes on to 20 July and they have a website.
