Sunday, November 13, 2011

Ah, Sewjourn...

A little oasis of calm and a much-needed break from busy-busy brain and crazy-crazy life..... I need a dose of Sewjourn at least twice a year. 

I'm incredibly lucky to be able to go each May and November.  I'm truly blessed to share the experience with an amazing group of women.

Lara, Annie, Karen, Rachel, Kathryn, Megan and Tanya, THANK YOU for a restorative, calming, inspiring weekend. You are truly wonderful people and fabulous company.  I'm looking forward to May already.

 Jodie and Catherine - you were missed and we hope you can make it next time.
It was lovely to see Tanya making my Petal hat (from my book).  I'm sure it'll look even cuter on a little someone (with a head).

The fashion parades were great, too.... Lara was busy making tops that fitted and suited Kathryn, Rachel and Karen.  And it was a thrill to get up close to the amazing array of Annie's quilt blocks that appeared on the design wall.
I didn't get any sewing-for-me done.  I didn't even get the planned  AQM bag samples done.  I finished the wee girl's quilt.
 That colour kinda hits you in the face a bit, doesn't it? 
I was up into the wee hours, free-motion quilting hearts all over the thing. 

Before I started, I had NO IDEA how long it would take to do the quilting bit.  That was probably a good thing.  I'll be thinking long and hard about all-over motifs if I ever venture into Quilt Land again.

Another surprise was how long it took to decide on the arrangement of the patched-together backing.... and how much it resembles a Licorice Allsort. 

But I think my trip to the craft show in Caulfield a week or so ago, to get a fat quarter of the "I love my Kitty" fabric, was worth it.  It really brings the whole thing together ...don't you think?


20 comments:

Buy Design said...

Fantastic quilt. I just know I wouldn't have the patience or the precision to do anything like that. I'm sure your 'wee girl' must be chuffed to bits.

bec said...

Awesome quilt! Love how you dove in and machine quilted yourself! She must be thrilled! Very jealous of your weekend away. Hope the girl has a great birthday! (and that the knitted cat is nearly finished!)

Unknown said...

The quilt looks great. I love the heart quilting. I bet it's easier than STARS, because that's what I did.

Tania said...

I love a liquorice allsort. And I couldn't think of anyone more in need of a cat quilt with LOVE HEARTS. But after all that quilting you gotta be rocking in the corner!

Breakfast Jo Tsv NQ said...

Ah Ha! I was just about to ask you about the quilt and how it was going. What a brilliant job you did with the free motion quilting!!!! Tell me you've done that before!? How about a quilted bag that doesn't look daggy?????

A Peppermint Penguin said...

Epic!

Now you can quilt... you'll be doing quilted bags ;-)

The blue fabric with the cats on it, don't suppose you can remember what it's called/who it's by?

I hope she's suitably grateful.

Twice a year? I'm sure you need to go more often than that ;-)

Fiona said...

I'm sure the wee girl is going to be very happy with her new quilt!

Andi said...

Your free-motion-quilting is bloody fabulous!
Well done on a great finish and a lovely crafty getaway!!
x

thornberry said...

It was wonderful. Reinvigorating, even with the lack of sleep! And you know we love that quilt.

seabreezequilts said...

Quilt looks fantastic and the free motion looks great too. I finished quilting a quilt this weekend too. Love the bright colours, I always need to start an in your face quilt every couple of months just to get my love of brights out of my system. Weekends away with the girls are just so much fun aren't they .. good for the soul.

CurlyPops said...

Ahhh sounds like a splendid weekend!
I'm super impressed by that quilting effort.

rachelmp said...

The quilt just looks fantastic .. and just as good in real life. I can imagine how your cat loving girl loves it too!

Karen said...

Thanks for such a great weekend Nikki - I hope the cat quilt was greeted with squeals of delight!
I am still in awe that you got that done in the time you did.

Lynne said...

I'm glad you had a good weekend - it sounds like a lot of fun!

The quilt looks fabulous. Obviously there was no progress on a certain cat ...

Wee Little Birds said...

Love the quilt. looks like a really fun weekend

meli B said...

You did unbelievably well with the heart quilting. That is seriously hard work. My machine can't handle that sort of thing any more but I remember the labour. Hope your little girl loves it. I know I would.

Annie said...

"Love ya work" Would love to have seen the reaction from the wee girl when she finally snuggled into that quilt.

Michelle said...

Oh my goodness. Gorgeous quilt! Just stunning. The love hearts make it a whole.

Glad you had a lovely weekend! Wish I had a Sewjourn kind of place up this way - I desperately need an excuse to get away from the garden each weekend!

Jacinta said...

Oh Nikki, I am quite jealous... looks like you had a great time again! And so productive. The quilt is awesome.
X Cinta

online parenting class said...

awesome quilt!!