WOW: Signs of Starting

WOW = WIPs On Wednesdays 

Of course, the journey started last year when I created the pattern and launching the BOM was a exciting time, but I just didn't feel ready to make a start on it. There was always something amiss. The timing was hectic for me, then I was torn between endless colour scheme possibilities and finally I suffered real disappointment with my Bernina 820. I lost a lot of enthusiasm for sewing during that time.

But most of all, I was really hoping that we might uncover something more of the mysterious quilter who poured so much love and detail into the original quilt in 1790. It seemed a far reaching idea...yet possible. After all, finding the quilt was an enormous achievement in itself, so I dared to hope in my heart that we might be able to at least give her a name... but she is still a mystery and she is still out of our reach.

It's true, I was waiting. But now I can wait no longer.

Are you a member of my Yahoo BOM Group? Have you seen the amazing quilts members are making? I am astounded with the quality, ingenuity and difference between the LE's. Honestly, there are so many different styles, seeing them just makes me so happy and proud. The idea of so many beautiful quilts out there, reflecting each quilter in their own unique way is wonderful.

This year I've decided to focus on Love Entwined. This is hard for me as I have over 50 WIPs on the go, but I have to focus because I can't let another year pass without having this quilt made! It's too much of a Must Do! It's such a precious heirloom, even at these early stages it feels special to be sitting down and devoting the time needed to create it. It's not a quilt you can rush.

Today I can look over my sewing room in the morning light and say, this is it, the beginning of a very special journey.Yesterday I printed out the center square pattern in order to start a production line, I'll keep you posted as I work my way through, I aim to get the compass finished today.

Is there a special quilt project you're waiting for the right time to make a start on?

What's Your WOW ? 

An InLinkz Link-up

WOW: More Quilt Changes

 WOW = WIPs On Wednesday

 

 

I've finally settled on Sunshine & Shadow for my kitchen wall. You'll know from last week that it was actually my first choice, but I played around with different quilts before going back to my first idea! I often do this with fabrics too, if I could only be satisfied with my first impressions I'd save myself a lot of time.

Yellow can be a difficult colour to photograph, I knew that when I created Sunshine & Shadow, but what I didn't expect was how different this wall looks at different times of day when the yellow in the quilt looks as light as butter and sometimes as dark as daffodil. It's definitely a moody quilt that changes the light of the room all day long.

Actually I would have left Peony Pride (left) up for another season as I do love it so much, but it's background is pristine white and lately I've noticed dust settling in the quilting grooves, so I've taken it down to give it a clean. It's too hot at the moment to wash this quilt, but as soon as the weather cools from steaming hot to mildly warm, I will wash and dry it outside. I never hang my quilts from the washing line, I dry them flat so I need good weather - but not too hot - to dry them perfectly. I like to wash all my quilts at once just a few times a year and I wash most of them flat, by hand, so it's a time consuming workout!

 

Now I just need to decide on a quilt for my bedroom wall. I have Hearts Desire hanging in there right now and the morning light shows up all the details beautifully. I really enjoy sipping my coffee and admiring the fabrics before I face the day. But on the other hand, I do have so many quilts and not enough walls - so I will take it down this year for a change. But it can be hard when you have so many quilts to choose from...



 

What's Your WOW ?

WOW: The Changing of the Quilts

WOW = WIPs On Wednesdays

 

 

I like to rotate my quilts at least one a year, sometime more depending on my mood! It's amazing how a quilt can change the feel of a room.

With the current heatwave, I've seen enough red which is what I themed my living room décor on (left) over winter. This is my before shot, it's messy, but you can see the quilt I'm talking about!

I love my warm red quilt and matching cushions in winter when it brightens and warms the room instantly - but it's time for a cool toned quilt to calm the room right down...

I started out by thinking I could do the quilt change myself,  but after a few dizzy moments on a chair, realised I should leave it to my DH! For some reason I always think it will be a quick and easy change, but there's always something extra to do..

 

And now that I'm happy with my Nightshade room, the kitchen entry quilt doesn't work anymore,

so I'll be changing it over today, as you can see below I've taken Peony Pride down and am thinking seriously about sunshine and shadow...but the rod is too long. I'll let you know how I go...

 

 

How do you use your quilts?

On beds? On walls? Both? I'd love to know... 

 

What's Your WOW ? 

WOW: Fabulous Fabric Shirts

WOW = WIPs On Wednesday

 

What do you think of my new shirts?

 

Last July I was fed up with not being able to buy shirts in fabrics I loved. Everywhere I went I was limited to pinstripes, beige and cream blouses. Of course, there's nothing wrong with any of these options, but as someone who loves fabric, I wanted a splash of colour in my wardrobe, especially for summer. And, of course, I'm spoilt for choice because I have a fabric mountain to pick and choose from. So I selected 5x fabrics that I loved from my stash and made a shirt pattern. Then I made the collars and different parts over several WOWs and finally this morning I am left with some button choices and maybe an alteration (I think I might slim down the sleeve on one of two so that I have 2x different styles), but otherwise, it's finishing touches only!

 

I'm already thinking of a few winter blouses for the colder months and have my eye on some prints that might suit the colder months, so I'll let you know if I find the time to start a new seasonal  'collection' !

 

I love them all for completely different reasons. The green flora print is my most complimentary, the pink rose shirt I'm wearing is a vibrant bunch of flowers that feels so refreshing on hot days and the dutch style painted roses against a black background was actually destined to be a table runner with matching napkins a few years ago.

Luckily I got distracted and never got around to cutting into what was destined to be my shirt!

Have you made any clothes from your favourite quilting fabric?

What's your WOW ?

 

WOW: Love Entwined Part 8 is Launched

WOW = WIPs On Wednesdays

How is your centre looking? 
Have you finished it? 
Are you moving on to the borders?

Now it's time for the first border- 
The Flower Basket Border of Border 2

I think I'm just about ready for this month's installment of Love Entwined.

We're only 2 weeks in and it's been a busy year already, so let's get started!

In Part 8 we are working on Border 2: the top and bottom borders.

What's Your WOW ?

WOW: Summer Shirts

WOW = WIPs On Wednesdays

I've started the year in a productive mood, so today I'm finishing those shirts I started last August to have them ready to wear this summer. When I unpacked my Bernina, I went and purchased lots of feet but somehow overlooked a #18. Yesterday I noticed that I didn't have the right foot for my Bernina to do buttonholes, so I had to send my DH out to pick one up. Luckily they had one in stock and today I'm determined to get these shirts finished and ready to wear. But first I'll have to work at my Bernina tension issues some more.

As you can see, it hasn't been successful so far. I thought that with the right foot I wouldn't be facing issues like this below, but it's just another Bernina problem I'll have to work through. I'll admit that I have been tempted to pull out my old sewing machine which sews beautiful buttonholes - but I'll keep trying and see how I fare today. I'll admit that I am tired of always having to troubleshoot my Bernina, it's a hassle and I seem to spend hours trying to negotiate with it whenever I try to get some sewing done.

What's Your WOW ?

WOW: Welcome 2014

WOW = WIPS On Wednesdays

Some like to start the New Year with fireworks, but I'll take flowers over fireworks any day!

Happy New Year and Welcome 2014

A New Year starts on WOW = a positive omen for the year ahead? Yes, I think so!

Having said that, I don't even know if anyone is going to WOW today, its feels like I am still getting over Christmas and I'm sure I'm not the only one not quite ready to get going with my WIPs! Or maybe...I might be wrong?

I've started this year as I intend to carry on, with a fresh bunch of flowers, a great cup of coffee and a journal full of designs to get on with making...

 What's your first WOW for 2014 ?