Quilt infatuation?

I have been completely seduced by the quilt in the background of this photo since I first saw it on Kathrine's Quilte Stue blog ages ago. I love the simplicity of the design, the freshness of the fabrics and the prospect of a quilt that might go together quickly! The pattern is 'Le Jardin' by Australian designer Lynne Wilson of Threads of Time. Thought I would make it up in these luscious fabrics, Shangri La by 3 Sisters for Moda. My partner in fabric addiction, Peg, has made 'Le Jardin' in rich antique florals - you can see her lovely version here.

Quilt-a-long backlog!

I may not have had internet access for a month, but my Mum has been powering on with her quilt-a-long blocks regardless! Just one more block of twelve to go. Her blocks are looking very pretty together, & will coordinate beautifully with the Single Irish Chain quilt she has made.

I am generally considered a mild-mannered woman …

… but if I have to deal with one more Telstra technician, I will not be responsible for my actions! Finally, I am 'connected' with you all again and life is good! I had no idea I had become so reliant on the Internet until I had to live without it for a month. My humble apologies to you again for such an extended absence. I am looking forward to communicating with you again, replying to your kind & lovely emails & catching up with a month's worth of news on all your blogs! Best wishes, Bloom.

From the sublime to the ridiculous!

Hello everyone. My apologies to you for my absence. We have moved house & despite our best efforts, we are having issues with our Internet connection at the new place. In desperation, I am doing a quick post from my husband’s work computer. Please forgive me for not responding to comments in the interim until the Internet issues at home are sorted. I am a little worried about living up to the name of this blog now that we have moved. We have moved from our big, meandering country garden:to a new suburban block:Nothing like a challenge - laugh with me, or I’ll cry! So there may be a distinct lack of ‘bloom’ photos for a while. The good news is that the Botanic Gardens are close by, so I may have to visit there for my flower ‘fix’ for now. Hope to be back stitching soon. Love to everyone, Bloom.

The blessing of friends ... especially friends who stitch!

This lovely thing arrived for me yesterday from a special friend. It was stitched for me as a most thoughtful gift in sympathy for the passing of my Dad last year. The sentiment, "Flowers for pleasure, memories to treasure" is just perfect. Thank you Wendy - I just love it. I especially love all those tiny french knots on the ric rac - very impressive! I am wondering whether it is as obvious to others as it is to me that Wendy has Dutch heritage. Perhaps it is the blue & white theme, but there is something very dutch about this cushion in my mind. I have several good friends with Dutch parents & The Netherlands has a special spot in my heart.

WIRSP #4

This is my progress on a what will be a particularly slow, but very satisfying project. I am making these blocks at times when I am busy & have little time to sew, but just need a little 'fix' at the sewing machine. The blocks are made entirely from my scraps. I was inspired by this quilt from Crazy Mom Quilts who in turn was inspired by Melly & Me's scrappy cabin challenge. There will be something very satisfying about creating a quilt from 'nothing'.

WIRSP #3

This is block 1 of many of a quilt for the boy in my life! I would like to get it finished before he thinks it is 'uncool' - he is nine, so I don't have too long! The pattern is called 'Tim's Things' and is by Anni Downs of Hatched & Patched. It has very cute stitcheries of 'boy stuff' like frogs & tractors & cricket bats.

WIRSP #2

This little number has been in progress for some time. It is a wonderful design by Carey Golledge and was published in Australian Homespun #36. It is called 'Memories of Heathcliff' and is made from Moda's Wuthering Heights fabric range. Why am I stalling on this one? Those dreaded pinwheel blocks will not behave & I am stumped on borders!

Quilt-a-long block 9

WIRSPs?

May Britt has issued a WISP challenge for January, and it has been inspiring watching girls from all over the globe finishing projects left, right and centre! I am hoping February might be my WISP month, once everyone is back at school. I thought I would show you some of my WISPs, or are they more aptly named WIRSPs - Works in RIDICULOUSLY slow progress! I bought this lovely kit almost exactly 12 months ago, and call it my 'Just Because' quilt, just because it was pretty & I liked it (a 50% off price tag also helped)! It is the first kit I have ever purchased. The blocks are done and it is high on my 'to do' list as it shouldn't take too long to finish - famous last words!!