Saturday, January 12, 2008

what's in the bag?


I finally got around to going to Hettie's Patch to look at quilting fabric and they just happened to have a sale on - how lucky was I?


I came away with fabric to make my first quilt and I have to say I am very excited now about getting started.


This is the design. Simple but beautiful (well, I hope it will be). I actually had decided, earlier in the week, to make a quilt for my bed. Fortunately for me the staff at Hettie's Patch suggested I try something a little less ambitious and so too did Lisa who has been giving me invaluable advice on quilting.


I love these fabrics - they are so warm. Buying fabric to make a quilt is so difficult. I've seen so many beautiful quilts on blogs in such wonderful colours and patterns - but I was drawn to these colours for their warmth and their suggestion of autumn which really is my favourite season.


On that note, I am going to include this rather terrible photo because the poor lighting actually gives it the warmer feel it deserves. Does this make sense?



Meet Jess.

Jess was made by Emily for her best friend Emily (cute huh - em and em or m & m). Jess is a character from the Gilmore Girls which is their favourite program at the moment. Emily took a basic pattern from this book and adapted it. She is still working on the face. (You should never rush and artist!)




And this is Mable Monkey - my first foray into toy making. She was quite easy to make (although mine is a little lop sided!) and she came from this book.

So, what else have we been up to? We've been trying to stay cool by going to the beach, and various pools and laying low inside our house. We have a little respite from the heat right now which is lovely - it makes getting out and about much easier.

cheers
l
x




22 comments:

Gina said...

Ooh those fabrics are just perfect ~ I love the warmth and homeliness of them too, can't wait to see the results!
Jess is a fabulous doll and Mabel Monkey is totally adorable. She looks so cuddly.
What a creative pair you two are!
Hope you get some more cooler days.. I know what you mean about the heat - I hate it, especially since we don't have air con :O( Gx

Unknown said...

Well done, love your choice of fabrics. I hope you really enjoy making your very first quilt and that you are inspired to keep on making them, they really make a house a home. I haven't slept under a blanket or doona for years, if we get cold we just add another quilt! You can never have too many! Love your doll making, you are very creative and clever. I hope you have a week of wet cool weather so you can get on with your sewing.

Chookyblue...... said...

OMG I have pushed you over the edge........lol......take directions from the quilt shop......crazy me my first quilt was a Queen size flannel quilt which I made not to bad but then decided I was going to quilt it myself.....I am sure I had rocks in my head......took a long time to finish as I hit a frustrated wall with it and now I do love so much but STATR SMALL........email if you need help......

Chookyblue...... said...

oh and I LOVE the materials...

Heleen said...

You made a good catch, great fabrics!

Abby said...

Wow levin you guys have been so busy. I can't wait to see the quilt you create and Jess's face of course. Everything looks great. well done guys
luv Abby

Madi said...

I very nearlt got off the bus early last night to see if hettie's was still open - i REALLY want to join you in your quilting adventure now!

see you later today

:)

Jenny said...

Your choice of fabrics are lovely and very autumny and I do like your design. Simple is best when you are first getting started and sometimes I think that simple is just best! Have fun-it may become an addiction you know! Love your softies too :)

Leanne said...

Lovely fabric I'm sure you will do them justice. Looking forward to seeing the finished quilt.
To Emily Jess is very cute.

Christine said...

Love your fabrics - I recognise some from my stash. Enjoy making your quilt - looking forward to seeing it.

dutchcomfort said...

Lovely fabrics! Enjoy making the quilt, the progress can be so much fun. You can do it!!

Jodie said...

Those fabrics are just divine!! I can't wait to see the end result of your first quilt...
Your little monkey is too cute, will this be your new obsession?? I love making softies!!

Jodie

Berber said...

I can't wait to see your quilt come together... I'm sure the whole process will be very rewarding for you!

corry said...

Making your first quilt...wonderful! Look out though...there is a chance that you catch the quilting virus (lol). The fabrics for your project look yummy and I can't wait to see some result! Good luck, you picked just the right pattern to start with. Jess looks fabulous, even without a face!

the vicious chicken said...

Hi,
Thanks for your kind comment on my blog about the Valentine Swap. I'm still a little nervous but I'm also pretty excited about it now! Hope you're feeling the same :o)

I've enjoyed having a look at your blog. And I love your Mable Monkey - so cute!
VCxx

antique quilter said...

Love your fabric choices, good luck making your first quilt!
Tell Em I had to send the picture of jess to my teenage daughter she LOVES that show.
I am convinced she can say all the lines to every episode!
Kathie

Melissa Goodsell said...

Jess and mable monkey are just gorgeous, you're very clever.
I love the fabric too...so so yummy!
Thanks for stopping by my blog too,
Melx

emma said...

hey levin, you're tagged!

monique said...

Those fabrics are just so gorgious!
They will make a great quilt.I really hope you like to work on it.
Can't wait to see it.
The softies are lovely too.
Have a great weekend.
Monique.

Gina said...

Hi again Levin, I see you've already been tagged... I have passed on an award to you via my blog. You could link with your previous tag if you want to join in.. Cheers :O) Gx

Anonymous said...

How is the quilt progressing ? What size squares are you doing ?

Anonymous said...

I love the dolly and the monkey they are so sweet!