English Basket Quilt Project

There is nothing more exciting than starting a new project, I think thats why I have so many UFOs! I bought this pattern from the most gorgeous quilt shop in Castlemaine, Threadbears. The owner Corliss designed and made this pattern and quilt as shown above. So I am thinking this will take quite a while to do, will keep you updated.

Bag

Last weekend our quilting group spent two lovely days together sewing, shopping, eating and laughing.  I found this gorgeous fabric in the top photo in a quilting shop at Maldon, a gorgeous town not far from my quilting retreat in Clydesdale. I wanted to make a bag that could fit my ipad and hand sewing case I take with me everywhere and also my other handbag essentials and this bag fits the bill.

Yoko Saito Sewing Basket Case

I have spent the last couple of weeks working on my first Yoko Saito project. I first discovered Yoko Saito's work in the fantastic magazine Quiltmania. I have since bought five of her books and am in love with everything in them. I want to do so many things in there! 

For this, the Englsh Sewing Basket Case I learned three new techniques. As I am fairly new to quilting I am eager to learn, learn, learn! So I had never hand pieced a project the traditional way, I have done many english paper piecing projects but not traditional hand piecing. The next technique I learnt was hand quilting and I enjoyed doing that. Finally I tried my hand (pardon the pun) at needleturn applique and loved doing that! 

I think the satisfaction of doing this all by hand however time consuming is so worth it, I am so proud of the finished product. Cant wait to start my next Yoko Saito gem.

Our Quilting Group

These are my fabulous quilting friends, we formed our quilting group (Udderly Gorgeous Gals or UGGS) early last year. Every three months we spend the weekend together sewing, eating and laughing, its something I absolutely treasure. We inspire each other, taking it in turns presenting a tutorial the to gals. We now stay at my holiday house/quilting retreat which is near Daylesford and Castlemaine, Victoria. Consider forming a quilting group, you will learn so much from each other and form friendships for life!