Fairholme Quilters 2016 Quilt Show

There has been a lot of secret sewing going on at my place and at my friend Janice's home. Not to mention the secret sewing that has been taking place at many of the Fairholme quilters homes of late.

We are busy making our Raffle Quilt for 2016. It is not time for the big reveal yet, but you can see from above that we are using a variety of exquisite  French fabrics and creating something of great beauty. There will be more photos in coming weeks - I promise. In the meantime save the dates for our show next year.

Fairholme Quilters Show 

8th - 10th April , 2016. 

Thornleigh Community Centre, Thornleigh 2120

You can follow Fairholme Quilters on their blogspot fairholmequilters.blogspot.com.au 

And on Facebook

And on Instagram @fairholmequilters

# fairholmequiltersshow2016

I have loved being involved with this project, from the fabric selecting to the pattern designing to the construction of the quilt top. Fairholme quilters are the most talented and generous group of quilters. They have given of their time and talents freely and with great joy. When we asked for one block , the ladies made several each. When we have our community sewing days they help with the project with enthusiasm and encouragement. What an honour it has been to be a part of this project. Thank you all.

The brief was to design and make a quilt using fabrics gifted to our group by the Quilters Guild of NSW.

In Masterchef the judges always talk about being able to tell when a dish has been made with love. I think  you can also tell when a quilt has been made with love. Our raffle quilt is one such quilt. The blocks made by the individual members of the group all work together in the quilt.  They "sing" and make the quilt unique.

Keep checking this blog  for more photos of the quilt as it reaches completion. 

Proceeds raised from the Raffle Quilt will be going to a local group Studio Artes who provide
 " creative programs with wholistic outcomes for people living with disability." Please do find out more about this inspirational group by clicking Studio Artes   We are also fortunate to have Studio Artes displaying their work at our Show. 

I hope you have had time for some sewing this week. Taking time out from our busy schedules to create, reflect and dream is important for us all. What's on my table now? Plans for a baby quilt using half square triangles. Here is just a bit of it - soft, gentle ,calming and dreamy.

Happy sewing, love Miriamx 

Pikelet Flowers

My fascination with 'Pikelets' continues this week, but in Japanese fabrics with a focus on Indigo hues.

Last week I was still playing with Japanese fabric squares. This week I have put them together into what I like to call Pikelets.

Just for fun I put them in a pikelets stack ( calorie free!)

Then I started to put them together. They look like flowers and since it is the start of Spring, it is the perfect time for them to bloom.

Here are some of my favourites

These photos show what will be the back of the reversible quilt. The front will look something like this ( remember these blocks have yet to be joined together.) 

What to learn how to make ' Pikelets?'  Join me for a workshop at The Cottage Quiltworks at Warriewood  on either Wednesday, 23rd September, or Saturday 26th September. Contact the shop for details. These days are always fun, friendly and inspiring. 

Happy sewing, love Miriamx 

Everyone likes Pikelets

 A few years ago my friend Lyn showed me a  wonderful quilt as you go technique for using up scraps. I made a scrappy quilt, using up my "uglies"   - the scraps of fabric that are truly awful. The quilt looked great. I couldn't believe it! In the back of my mind I kept playing around with the technique and this is my modern twist result. I am thrilled. This is the front,

 and this is the back.

The table runner shown above is fully reversible. . I have used a dark fabric for the front, and a variety of batiks and graphic prints for the back. What fun! The technique allows you to keep on adding the circular blocks , which I call pikelets, until you achieve your desired size. I hope to keep on adding more pikelets to this project. They are addictive , and calorie free!!! Woohoo!!! 

What to learn how to make ' Pikelets?'  Join me for a workshop at The Cottage Quiltworks at Warriewood  on either Wednesday, 23rd September, or Saturday 26th September. Contact the shop for details. 

I am now playing around with these Japanese prints for a different look.

The playing has commenced - just can't help myself really,

Check back soon for the outcome.

Why an early post this week? Work commitments and a Fairholme Quilters bus trip to Hazelhurst Regional Gallery on Saturday to see the exhibition Labours of Love - Australian quilt 1845  - 2015, and the Kay Haerland Showcase. Lucky me! 

I hope you have had a wonderful week filled with creative joy. Spring is here, and the possibilities are endless.

Happy sewing, love Miriamx 

Hall of Fame - Part Two

Welcome  to Part 2 of the Hall of Fame Blogposts. It is my pleasure to show some of the bags both big and small that have made an appearance this year following attendance at a Sewmiriam Workshop.

Elaine made these two delightful bags for her granddaughters. Don't the polka dot handles look perfect.

She also made a stunning 'Whopper Shopper.'

Pat made one too , with wonderful graphic prints and cool colours. I love the large print fabric.

Robyn  made an up sized handy zip top bag 

and a Handy Zip Top Bag from selvedges.

Just look at the pretty back and the beautiful lining. I am a great believer in making the lining something special . This surprise inside always creates an unexpected delight. 

Here is a wonderful bag from another  Robyn 

And last but not least - here are some all standing in a row

I hope you have a week of creative inspiration.

Happy sewing, love Miriamx 

Sewmiriam Quilt Express Workshop

I love a great workshop! Today was just that. Not only was there spring warmth in the air, but there was a buzz in the workroom, as blocks were being created for table runners, and fabulous quilts. Techniques today included piecing, quilting and backing in one step, and a variety of sashing options.  Quilt Express indeed!

Learning a new skill is always a challenge, but once mastered the possibilities are endless. We are so lucky to have found an activity that encourages us to build on our skills and break the boundaries, whether we are traditional, modern or avant- garde. 

Helen started a quilt using nautically inspired prints. The play between graphic and novelty prints, spots and stripes is wonderful.

Sue has started a beautiful quilt, with grays, muted shades and pops of colour. The effect is stunning.

Margaret worked her magic with beautiful Japanese indigo inspired fabrics,

Nancy is working on a bright quilt which is fresh and delightful.

Sandy was well prepared with strips ready for piecing

Sandy's Christmas table runner blocks are gorgeous. She is on a roll!

Dee is making a table runner full of whimsy and French charm

I am sorry Leonie and Judy , but I do not have clear photos of your blocks. They are splendid. Judy is taking a graphic bicycle tree pattern in shades of red, blue and mustard and creating a visually dynamic quilt. Leonie has chosen tropical prints and is creating a  " vogue style" quilt.

Thank you ladies for a wonderful, inspiring workshop. It is always a pleasure to have your company and share a love of quilting with you. 

Happy sewing, love Miriamx 

Hall of Fame - Sewmiriam Workshop Showcase No. 1

One of the  most rewarding things for me as a teacher is when I am shown finished items that have been made at and after one of my bag making workshops at Cottage Quiltworks.

Here is Gerri's first  delightful bag 

There now are quite a few Sewmiriam bags out there! They are given as gifts, or store all sorts of sewing items. I see them making star appearances at sewing days.  Many a lucky grand daughter, niece, aunt, daughter or mother is now the proud owner of one.

Sandy is on a roll with her bags for special little girls in her life

Even the boys are getting them as iPad covers. Isn't that grand!! This one is for my son Cameron.

So, in honour of those who have made one ( or more!) I have decided to have a series of "Hall of Fame Showcase " blogposts  where you will be celebrated !! I know I don't have photos of all the bags out there, but I do have quite a few to share. Take a bow ladies, you are inspirational.

Here is Annette's bag for her Mum

The lovely ladies at Fairholme Quilters were the first to do my bag making workshops. They took the two bag patterns on offer, and created brilliant bags - both big and small.

Georgie made this Whopper Shopper for herself,

and then this beautiful one for her sister Phyll

                    

 This bag was made by Ros, shown here both front and back

And that's only the beginning!!!! Pop back to see more over the coming weeks.

Thank you talented ladies, for sharing in this creative journey with me. 

Happy sewing, love Miriamx

iPad Covers

August is a busy birthday month in our family. If I get the time, I love to make something that is personal and appealing as a gift. This year it is all about the iPad. Members of our family, young and old, are getting on the technological  band wagon.

In response to this I have been making iPad covers by adapting my Handy Zip Top Bag pattern. If you don't box the corners and place the zipper at one of the shorter sides, you get a bag that fits an iPad perfectly!! 

Here is one with an Elvis theme for my son Cameron, thanks to my kind friend Annette who gifted me with this Gracelands fabric.

Here is one for Lorraine with a French theme

And here is a floral one , just for fun

If you have done my workshop, you can easily make one too! Bonus! 

I have been playing around with batting, and have tried out the product 'soft and stable.' It works perfectly for an iPad cover, being flexible, soft and durable. Something to think about if you plan to make one.

I hope you are finding time in your busy lives to slow down and enjoy a few creative moments.

Happy sewing, Miriam x