Saturday, June 30, 2012

TGIFF - Another Blanket of Love

I know that it's actually Saturday but I'm going to be a rebel and link up to Thank Goodness It's Finished Friday! anyway.  Honestly, I did have the best of intentions to get this post up last night but due to technical difficulties, well, here I am.  Better late than never, right?  Right!  ;)


I'm happy to report that I have finally finished my second quilt for Kat's Blanket of Love campaign.  This has taken a ridiculous amount of time as I finished the first version back in February.  Disgusting!  Especially as this darling has just been waiting for binding since then.

Blanket of Love quilt #2 - front

This one is very similar to it's rival, with just a touch more blue added, in place of the red.  I wanted an excuse to play with slightly different colour combinations to see which was more pleasing to the eye in the end.  I have to admit, my vote is with numero duo.

Blanket of Love quilt #2 - back

Again I've left the back plain, to use up some stash I had left over from my first ever quilt. I obviously had no idea what I was doing as I seem to still have miles of that fabric left, even after using it for a few extra projects.  Oh well, it won't go astray.

Blanket of Love quilts

There with have it -  two little quilts destined for some children at Princess Margaret Hospital, here in Perth.  I hope they bring at least some comfort to the families going through difficult times.

To find out more, and information on how you too can participate in this worthwhile cause (by donating blocks, tops or completed quilts), clink on the link below.

blankets of love copy 150 dpi

Now I'm off to continue working on my quilt for the Name Game Swap.  I am having soooo much fun with this one!

E.

As mentioned, I'm linking up to this week's TGIFF party, over at Sparrow in Flight.  Pop on over to say hello and to be inspired.

Monday, June 25, 2012

Name Game Swap

I've taken the plunge and signed up for Round 2 of the Name Game Swap, hosted by Samelia's Mum.  The premise is simple - make a mini quilt for your partner, with their name (or blog's name) as a prominent feature.  Easy.  A-huh.

I've just received my partner's details and have already begun the stressful (err, should that be exciting?) process of stalking, designing, binning, stalking again, designing some more...

Oh, the pressure!

Thankfully, though, she/he/it has excellent taste (or, probably more correctly, similar taste) so hopefully I can come up with something that we both love.  Wish me luck!

In the meantime, just incase my "Secret Santa" is stalking me, here is a little mosaic of some of the pieces I am currently drooling over, with a few different options thrown in for your creative pleasure.

MOSAIC - Name Game Swap, Round 2, June 2012
1. my unfinished wonky star, 2. Dancing in the Wind!, 3. wonky cross quilt in teals and lemon, 4. Pick Up Sticks, 5. Glass Door3, 6. Prism, 7. Rainbow Mini Quilt , 8. Synergy - Heather Ross Mini Quilt, 9. Friendship Star Doll Quilt, 10. Cathedral windows mini quilt, 11. "everything's coming up rainbows" , 12. Purple Zig Zag Quilt, 13. spring fever mini quilt., 14. Gotye-inspired Modern Mini, 15. DSCN4681, 16. Diamonds mini quilt

Feel free to also check out my Pinterest page for further inspiration.  Oh, and just so you know - I'm not fussed which name you choose to use.  Either 'Erin' or 'Missy Mac Creations' is fine with me.

Good luck.  And enjoy!  I can't wait to see what you create.  :)

E.

Friday, June 22, 2012

TGIFF - Patchwork, Pillows & Pinterest

I'm sure some of you will be surprised at hearing from me - not only because it means posts on consecutive days but also because I have a finish to share.  No, wait, TWO finishes.  Wow, even I'm shocked.  Especially as it's all happened just in time to join this week's Thank Goodness It's Finished Friday linky party.  Yay me!


When I made my comeback last month, after a wee hiatus, I gave myself a personal goal to actually make some of the items that I've been drooling over on Pinterest.  A Monkey See, Monkey Do Challenge, if you will.

After much umming and ahhing I settled on this patchwork pillow (or cushion) design, by Crazy Mom Quilts.  I love the bright colours, use of scraps and personalised nature - prefect for a brother & sister team that I'd been meaning to make gifts for.

Personalised Patchwork Pillow - Harvey - front

First pillow was for 3 year old Harvey, a real little man.  It has been quilted with straight lines, 1/4" either side of each seam.

Personalised Patchwork Pillow - Poppy - front

Second up is a decidely girlier version, for little Poppy.  To mix things up I changed the position of her name, and finished it with diagonal quilting.  I will admit that I didn't rule these lines, choosing instead to do it all by eye, so it is rather "rustic" or "organic".  I can live with that.  :)

Personalised Patchwork Pillows - Poppy & Harvey - back

The backs and binding for both covers were kept plain, with a zipper for easy removal and cleaning.  And, I even remembered to sew on my label - another minor miracle!

Personalised Patchwork Pillows - Poppy & Harvey - front

The final covers each measure 18.5" square (I started with 3.5" x 3.5" pieces).  For these photos I've used 16" inserts, so they have a softer, squisher look, but 18" inserts would also fit, if you like a plumper pillow. 

Now they're off to Melbourne town.  I really hope little Harvey and Poppy love them for years to come.  :)

There you go, I think it's official.  I'm baaaaack.  Take that, Katy. Ye of little faith.  ;)

E.
Pretty Bobbins

This week's TGIFF linky party is over at Pretty Bobbins.  Pop over to say hello and see everyone's fabulous finishes.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

TTT - the Quilts for Kids Edition

Swim, Bike, Quilt

I was a little too slow to jump on board Katie's amazing 100 Quilts for Kids campaign last year but I'm determined to contribute something in 2012.  With the ability to donate to a charity of your choice, there is really no excuse not to be involved.  Well, there are actually lots of valid reasons, but none currently apply to me so I'd better get a-sewing.  ;)

Firstly, though, I need to decide on a design.  I've been ogling over so many inspiring quilts of late that I'm now overwhelmed with ideas.  You people are truly amazing!  So, in the interests of trying to narrow down the field, here are some kiddie quilts that I am currently loving.

Hopscotch quilt by Love Affair With My Brother

Elliot's Space Invaders quilt by Oh, Fransson!

ABC 123
ABC 123 quilt by Fresh Lemons

Siblings Together quilt top by Our Busy Little Bunch

Plus quilt
Plus quilt by ShaShaLaRue on Flickr

So, what do you think?  Will you be participating in this year's 100 Quilts for Kids campaign?  If so, what design ideas have you been contemplating?  Feel free to confuse me even more with some great ideas!

E.


Thursday Think Tank

I'm hoping to link up to Thursday Think Tank over at Becca's.  The gorgeous Mrs MRL has recently welcomed a third daughter into the family... so if she's too busy to post today (I wouldn't be surprised!) at least pop over to say "congrats!" and see pics of her adorable bundle of joy, Ms O.  Aww!