New Beginnings
We’re at the beginning of a new month.
I’ve begun my new job.
And summer is just around the corner.
I am also going to start a new quilt.
Today is cutting-out day!
It’s going to be a wedding present for a niece.
We’ve decided on a simple design of strips and squares in a variety of batik fabrics.
Now to actually make it.
Check back to see how I’m doing.
Going Home
Hear Ye, Hear Ye
I’M GOING HOME
Yes after 10 years of living in the UK I ‘m returning to NZ
And it’s happening fairly quickly.
Not sure exactly when, as I need to buy a ticket, but it’ll be about 24th August.
On my return I’ll initially stay with my sister in Gisborne.
And hopefully get the job I want there.
If not that job, then another job somewhere in NZ.
Scary but exciting times.
Young Nick's Head
While debating my future and making a decision I made this small wall-hanging.
It’s my interpretation of the view from Gisborne across Poverty Bay to Young Nick’s Head.
It needs to be quilted – more free motion practice.
Then it’s going in the Christmas present pile.
Live and Learn
Bright Box - Top
Things I learnt making this quilt top:
I like bright colours
I need to know more about my camera to get the colours right in a photo.
I get seams to match better when I eyeball them and don’t pin them.
Not to be too fussy about getting the seams to match.
I really like this pattern but …
I really do hate ironing!
I need to finish what I’m doing before starting something new.
(This has taken longer than I thought and I have other things I need to do!!!)
I can waste a whole day looking at a quilt.
I do more sewing when the weather is cooler or wet.
I cannot vacuum the lounge floor with a quilt laying on it!!
I really, really want a place where I can have a design wall, a cutting table, shelves for fabric, etc …
I Want A Sewing Room !!!!! 
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Good luck to Mark Webber in the British Grand Prix.
Bright Idea
Bright Box
Photo Flipped
It’s bright …
It’s fun …
It’s what I’m working on.
Yeah I know I’m suppose to be making some Mug Rugs for a friend.
I have the Mug Rugs cut out and ready to go but I’ve been hijacked.
I saw these colours all together when I moved my stash recently.
As the weather has been bright and sunny recently the fabrics called out to me
I had to make them into something!
Okay so it was also given me a reason to procrastinate about other things I need to do.
I really like this design and plan to use it again.
I’ve used the method described by Maxine Rosenthal and Joy Pelzmann in their book
Summertime
Oh what a beautiful morning.
Nothing but blue skies.
Hot town, summer in the city.
(And any other song lyric you can think of.)
I’ve started something new.
Not sure yet what it’ll turn out to be
It has bright colours and plain-ish fabrics.
I took several photos to give you a peek but they look terrible so no preview – sorry.
You’ll just have to come back at a later stage to see what I’ve done
Let the good times roll.
A Bit of Fun
Tray Art 1
I took the idea for this photo from a blog by kootoyoo
Not as good as her’s but I kind of like it.
I have to admit dark maroon/burgundy is a favourite colour.
(The wine isn’t bad either )
The coaster (one of a pair) and the mug rug I finished while watching Formula 1.
Anyone want to choose another colour for me?
I thought I’d use this technique to see how colours blend and contrast.
Sew Wet
RB Coasters - Pair
Yacht Coaster - Single
Who saw the Canadian Grand Prix on Sunday (12 June)?
What a race! Before and after the rain!!!!!
I loved it
But there was a break in the excitement due to the wet track.
Or river, as some were calling it.
Boat Coaster - Single
To fill in time I did some sewing.
Nothing too time consuming (in case the race started)
And nothing that I needed to think about too much.
So coasters it was.
Beach Coaster - Pair
Notice that I did have a bit of a water theme going with them
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I’ve also just spent two hours!!! trying to get the photos where I wanted them. Not happy 
Made and Delivered
A's UK Quilt - Back
A's UK Quilt - Top
A’s UK quilt completed and delivered.
The patchwork on the top of the quilt certainly brightens his room.
But I like the colour contrasts in the patchwork back!
(The photo is of the single quilt on my double bed)
He seemed to genuinely like the quilt so I’m happy.
Now to finish Bali Squared – I need to order some wadding.
I’ve been filling in applications for jobs and that’s kept me busy.
Fingers-crossed that I get a job soon (or win Lotto.)
Bali Squared Started
What to do while waiting for the fabric you need.
Start another quilt!
I had a couple of Hoffman Bali Pops that were just sitting there – doing nothing!
So decided to take up the challenge of showing everyone their potential.
I wanted a design that was simple to cut and sew but showcased the fabrics.
So here’s the start of my quilt based on Boxed Squares by Mary Johnson.
Bali Squared
F1 Fun
F1 Fun
Yes it’s finally made!
Not the best photo but will get some better ones later in the day.
If it doesn’t rain!
My F1 quilt is not only made but it will also be for sale.
(See my Etsy shop – click the link on the right.)
This is an original patchwork design inspired by the Red Bull Racing Team.
If you’ve been following this blog you’ll know that I’m a Mark Webber fan.
Go Mark.
Here’s hoping he is the first to see the checkered flag in Monaco.
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My goal for this week is to finish another UK quilt.
If the fabric arrives!
Photos on Flickr
More Photos
My Etsy Shop
Birdie Block of the Month
The Pledge
