Patchwork Plus Sewmiriam Workshop

It is workshop season indeed and my Sewmiriam Workshop at Patchwork Plus in Miranda was such a delightful day.  Lorraine and her team made me feel so welcome and the ladies in the class were outstandingly talented and enthusiastic. Much was achieved and the results speak for themselves.

This workshop was all about making the Sewmiriam Handy Zip Top Bag.

The ladies learnt about

 *   choosing and mixing fabrics
 *   how to put in zippers
 *   quilt - as - you - go techniques
 *   boxing bag corners
 *   how to put in a pocket and lining, and
 *   how to make modifications to the pattern to create a variety of different bags.


And that's just to name a few of the things that were covered and discussed during the day! What I love about these workshop days is how each participant brings along their own style and works it into a Sewmiriam Bag. Bespoke bag making!

Brenda brought along a beautiful piece of fabric and she used this to make her bag front and back panels. This is what her bag looks like before boxing the corners. If she stops here, and just adds lining, she has a zip top bag that fits an iPad. Awesome !

Here is Brenda"s bag finished. I love how she has showcased a special piece of fabric. This method results in a bag in quick time!

Anastasia curated a beautiful selection of fabrics to create this divine bag. Here is the front 

and equally as beautiful -here is the back. I also love the texture created by the use of a large stitch size and thicker thread. 

Sue is happy with her bag front panel . How effective are her choice and placement of these vibrant fabrics.

Here are Judy, Carol and Elizabeth working away in class

Below is a special part of Judy's bag front. She used an exquisite patchwork piece ( note the tiny fussy cut hexagons) as the focus for her panel. I really wanted to steal this one!

Here is the Judy's other panel- just look at the beautiful fussy cut diamond star centre,

 Carol has a great eye for colour and she created this masterpiece.

Here is a small sample of the lovely panel  Elizabeth was working on . The fussy cut birds provide the perfect focus for this bag.

And last but certainly not least is this absolute stunner of a bag front, created by Denise. Tula Pink and Jen Kingwell fabric used together to perfection.

And here is the back

Well that is a wrap from this wonderful workshop day. Thank you one and all. I hope this blogpost has provided you with a wealth of inspiration.

I look forward to my next Sewmiriam Workshop at Patchwork Plus in Miranda on Friday 27th April. Call Lorraine for details on 02.95402786


Happy Sewing, love Miriamx

Workshop Magic

It really feels like magic to be back to doing workshops again. My latest workshop was truly something special. Just between you and me I was very nervous about my most recent one. You see it was for the talented Karen Cunningham and friends. Now, seriously, I should be taking her workshops, not her taking mine, but there you have it! I nearly wet my pants. (Instead - I just got my knickers in a bit of a knot.)

Karen even bought a new gorgeous pink Singer sewing machine for the occasion. You can't go wrong with pink!



The day went smoothly, and a good time was had by all, and  the wonderful bags made are testimony to that! Let's take a look ...

Susannah made her first Sewmiriam Handy Zip Top Bag using vibrant colours. Just gorgeous!
( as is Susannah)

Megan worked on the panels for her Sewmiriam Tote. I love the mix of traditional florals and bold modern prints.

Megan also mastered how to put in a lined zippered pocket! Well done Megan.

I can't wait to see the finished bag.

Kerrie was also working on a Tote bag using Dutch prints. Here she is sewing away. Sadly, the photos of her bag didn't come out clearly, but you can trust me it is a stunning bag.

Wendy made this delightful bag below. I just love her fabric play and the colour combinations. The choice of the squirrel fabric on the right creates just the right amount of fun. Awesome work Wendy!

Karen made this wonderful, bright bag and mastered putting in her first zipper. What can I say? Karen is amazing.

Ann has a great colour sense and a fabric stash to envy!  She is making a beautiful bag using these fabulous prints.

Kate is working on a cat inspired bag and you can see her front panel in the bottom right hand corner of the photo collage below. She chose a muted palette to enhance the focus cat fabric and the effect is brilliant. 

I think that is the beauty of these bag projects. They allow you to explore colour, fabric and new techniques with a great result in a day!  Well done ladies and thank you for a wonderful workshop.

Thank you to Cottage Quiltworks for always making me feel so welcome. 

My next workshop is with the Epping Quilters - can't wait! We are making  Sewmiriam Pikelets!

Happy sewing, love Miriamx 

Epping Quilters Sewmiriam Workshop

What a delightful day I had working with the very talented ladies from the Epping Quilters on Thursday.

Using one pattern - The Sewmiriam Handy Zip Top Bag - they set about to create their own one of a kind bag. That is what is so great about this pattern. You bring your own style to the pattern and each bag made is unique and personalised. The ladies brought in their own fabrics and away they went!

Techniques, tips and tricks were taught along the way, and the bags took shape as the day progressed. I am thrilled to be able to share with you now the fabulous bags made by  these very talented ladies.

 First up is Ros"s beautiful bag made with gorgeous oriental prints. Here is the front

And  here is the back ..

Ros used Kantha fabric for the base .. how clever is that! 

Edna is a fabulous quilter and made this delightful monochromatic bag.

Christina used an exquisite bird print as her focus fabric to create a beautiful bag 

Anne created this whimsical bag which I just fell in love with . 

Don't you love the play of green and blues!

You can tell that Bev loves colour and she created this lovely bag centred around the 

owl fabric .

For all you Tula fans out there -here is Mandie's fabulous Elizabeth bag!

I love the way you can mix and match old and new Tula ranges .

Here is the back ..

Lorraine has a wonderful colour sense and  made the front of what will be a beautiful bag. 

Here is a sneak peak!

Catherine had to rush off to do the school pick up , but here is the bag she 

is making for her daughter  so far - how lucky are daughters of quilting mothers!

While we are on an animal theme,  here is the front of  Coralie's bag. 

How clever are these fabric pairings! 

Lyn  made a beautiful butterfly her focus with a real wow

factor!

Told you it was an amazing day! Thank you ladies for welcoming me to your 

group and for being such a delight to teach. Your bags are awesome!

Happy sewing, love Miriamx 

Saturday Workshop

I love my Saturday Workshops. They are always busy, fun filled days and I am always inspired by the  talent of the participants. Here is just a small sample of the wonderful work done today.

First up is Sue's Sewmiriam Large Dresden Quilt. Her wonderful friends gave her today's workshop as a birthday present. How nice is that! What wonderful, thoughtful friends. Sue sewed up a storm and the results speak for themselves - spectacular!

Here is how it looks in its awesome entirety.

Caroline made her first Sewmiriam Handy Zip Top bag. Here is the front...

and here is the back. I love the fabric choices and the colours.Well done Caroline. Your bag is gorgeous.

Angela bought in a beautiful selection of floral fabrics to her first lesson. Mixing them with some clever stripes and spots she is well on the way to making both the front and back of her first Sewmiriam Handy Zip Top Bag. You can see some of Angela's beautiful work here...

And here....

Exquisite work Angela!

Sue B is busy building up her 6 inch blocks using Tilda fabrics. This isn't the final placement, but it is fun to start playing around with the blocks and to think about fabric framing. Here are Sue's soft and delicate blocks squared up and on point. 

Anne worked on the square borders of her beautiful star , based on the Barn Star from Victoria Findlay Wolfe's 15 Minutes of Play book. This photo montage does not do justice to the colours and beauty of this quilt which really glows. I can't wait to see it with the square borders stitched on.

So much talent in one room in one day! 

Next on my calendar is a Bag Making Workshop with the Epping Quilters on Thursday. I can't wait . 

Happy sewing, love Miriamx