A schlep to Sydney, 'Spring in May' & an afternoon with my girls ...
I had a fabulous day yesterday in Sydney. I feel like I achieved much more than I did in the last class where most of the session was spent confirming colours and design. Yesterday was spent arranging and learning how to fix the clam shells to the background.
It was also nice to meet both Sarah and Kathy who had both been out last month. I also very much enjoyed the company of the other women in the class who have welcomed me so nicely and who are producing some pretty fantastic creations as well. Kathy has put up some pictures that she took of their projects yesterday so make sure you go and take a look.
I should also clarify that the pictures of the completed quilt in my last post was Sue Cody’s original quilt not mine ... I wish it was mine!
My plan for the next month is to finish attaching the clam shells mound from which the tree grows, complete the hand quilting on the background and to have finished the pattern for my tree. My quilt will be quite a bit larger than the original and I have decided to go ahead with my own tree form so that the area can be filled nicely and to basically placate my own whims. Please excuse my ruff sketches ...
In addition to this I have another project that I am very excited about that I need to complete by the end of the month. The quilt for this is completed, I just need to draft a pattern, so I hope that this process won’t take too long. I will be able to tell you more about this later on down the track.
As I mentioned on Thursday, Jodie received my swap quilt which I have called Spring in May ...?, and is happy with it for which I am very pleased.
The original inspiration for this quilt came from American Quilter March 2008, a black and white wall quilt called Tree of Life by Betty Alderman. Unfortunately, I am unable to find my copy of the magazine, which I intended to take a picture of and post so you would be able to compare ... once it turns up I will post it.
In my version I added the borders, added the hearts, and altered the birds and various other subtle changes. Oh and of course I added colour and a few beads and sequins.
I also added in Jodie’s package a sample of the things that I have dabbled with of late; a monogrammed pillow for her little princess, a butterfly appliquéd shirt, a tissue cozy, a pointer finger pincushion from this tutorial and another one I found in a magazine.
The girls and I had a sewing afternoon today. Megan has made some progress with her project.
Jessica began painting her fabric.
Right now though
I had better get back to my clam shells ...
Although after browsing through my pictures for this post I am wondering why I have not yet finished Jo Jo's Circus ........
Have a great weekend!
Kellie
Hey you, glad you had a good time. You even get a mention on MO blog. Just looking at some of these quilts scares me but gives me something to aspire to at the same time, as the detail, patterns and colours are just so so amazing. I just love the look of concentration on the girls faces, I think I've said it before but you must be so proud of them.
Have a lovely weekend
Lisa x
Posted by:periwinkle | May 03, 2008 at 10:28 PM
Sounds like you had a wonderful time, and oh my, you can draw as well. Is there anything you can't do?....lol....
Posted by:Linda | May 03, 2008 at 11:05 PM
Sounds like your trip to Sydney was wonderful and productive! Your Tree of Life Quilt is certainly shaping up well. Love your "Spring in May" wall quilt is beautiful - love the colours and cute applique. You really should publish your patterns! Lovely to see your girls enjoying your love of craft. Can't wait to see their finished products.
Posted by:Lisa | May 03, 2008 at 11:36 PM
everything you make is so lovely
Posted by:driftwood | May 04, 2008 at 05:28 AM
Your work is exquisite and your sketch is just wonderful. I wish I could do that!!! I took a look at your quilts in progress.... oh my!!! I love them all. I am particularly enthralled with JoJo's circus. I may have to hunt down a copy of that magazine if there is still one out there. I also like the orange peels and.... Love 'em all. Sounds like you had a good time and your girls are so lovely!
Posted by:upstatelisa | May 04, 2008 at 06:48 AM
WOW ! Do you have some extra hours in your day that we mere mortals don't know about?
Your tree of life is going to be amazing.
Posted by:Jodie | May 04, 2008 at 08:45 AM
Springtime in May is just lucious, as is your tree sketch. My offer to help out with the pattern writing still stands.
I love the internet! Let's me see amazing things.
Posted by:tracey petersen | May 04, 2008 at 09:18 AM
Did I read 'Patterns'!!! That is soo exciting, can't wait.
Posted by:Pennie | May 04, 2008 at 03:17 PM
WOW it is amazing.......just lost my last comment......
Posted by:chookyblue | May 04, 2008 at 04:14 PM
I had the absolute pleasure of seeing the Dolls Quilt you made for Jodie on the weekend. It is just gorgeous. I'm sure she kept checking that it was still in her bag before she went home.
There would have been many of us that would have "borrowed/pinched" it from her.
Posted by:Fiona @ Dragonfly-Crafts | May 05, 2008 at 10:30 PM
Love your blog - beautiful pictures. Was wondering what the fabric is that you sent Jodie (the three pieces wrapped in ribbon)? It is gorgeous!!
Posted by:Meredith | May 06, 2008 at 02:38 PM
Oh my, Kellie! The doll quilt you sent to Jodie is just amazing. Talk about talent and inspiration.....and your girls are both following in mummy's footsteps. You must be proud!
Posted by:Jade | May 06, 2008 at 07:55 PM
Having been away, I have just spent ages looking at your wonderful work, & catching up on reading your delightful posts, Kellie.
That swap quilt you made is a small masterpiece! It is just beautiful.
Thankyou for your kind words of comfort.
Posted by:meggie | May 08, 2008 at 07:53 AM
Hello.
this is my first time visit, and I have enjoyed my self in here.
Your quilts are very beautiful and colorful.
Your paper-butterfly-picture is so cute and I hope you don`t mind if I try to make one myself.
Have a nice day!!:D
Posted by:Rita | May 08, 2008 at 09:08 AM
Kelly, i'm speachless or is that typeless!your work is amazing those clam shells are so calming!cant wait to see the whole quilt finished what a masterpiece!
Posted by:fiona | May 09, 2008 at 10:07 PM
oh my!!! that is the most beautiful thing i have ever seen!!! you are such a talented soul!. your partner was extremely lucky to get your quilt. i just cant say enough about it.
Posted by:susan | May 13, 2008 at 12:12 PM
I found your blog through Chickenfoot. All I can say is "Wow!" You're blog is great. You have some fabulous quilts! I barely started quilting but you've given me something to aspire to. You are very talented! Amazing!
Posted by:Jill | May 17, 2008 at 12:34 AM