1930s Blocks Progess

I have two more blocks made in my collection of 1930s fabrics.

They really are so very quirky these blocks, but I love them. I will need to start thinking

about the pieced blocks that I want to use alternating with these applqiue blocks.

I now have eight blocks made and need four more. Back soon with more.

More 1930s Blocks

Now I have six blocks made. I will need 13 for this quilt.

These are the latest two.

These blocks are fun and quite quick to make and such a change for me - I am 

really enjoying it. They will be mixed with alternate pieced blocks.

Two New 1930s Blcoks

I am really loving making these 1930s blocks. It is such a change to be working 

with these fresh vibrant prints.

I have broken down the pink appliqe flowers above  and have made them as 

individual petals rather than one piece. It has made those narrow dips easier.

Don't you just love these fabrics.

Back to the ironing board now to get another block prepared with freezer paper.

Back soon, Robyn.

The Auckland Quiltmakers' Show

I spent the last weekend at The Auckland Quiltmakers' annual show - I think it was the 

best one we have put for several years. There were so many innovative and exciting 

quilts, a nice balance of large bed quilts and small art wall pieces.

I put in four quilts - two large bed quilts and two wall pieces. The bed ones were by 

Japanese Applique based around Yoko Saito's Applique blocks that you have 

seen on previous posts (5 September 2012 for the finished quilt) and this one just finished.

I am sorry the photo isn't better - I couldn't get close enough for my flash to work well 

and then be able fit the whole quilt in, so there is a bit of shadow across the top of the quilt.

This my Small Works piece. We had this exhibition as part of our Show this year instead 

of a separate event in a local gallery. This piece is small - 14" by 17".

It is called "New Zealand My Home, Japan my Inspiration".

I live in New Zealand and wouldn't live anywhere else, but my quilting inspiration 

comes mostly from Japan. Hence the pohutukawa and kowhai flower from

my home country and the others from Japan.

I have made it with painted sections and embroidery.

The other wall piece was my Embroidered Flower Garden that you have 

also seen before on 17 January 2013 as a finished piece.

1930s Block 2

This is block two of my 1930s series. It is really nice to be working in a different 

palette for a change. These blocks are really quite quirky, but I like them.

Two down - lots more fun to come.

New Tangent - 1930s!!!

I am off on a new tangent - well new for me and quite a big change. 

Going from Japanese woven taupes to 1930s clear brights!!!!

I have been collecting for a wee while - it started at the Vintage Fair a few years ago 

when I picked up some authentic 1930 Feedsack fabrics.

Then this year and last year I picked up some Reproduction 1930s fabrics

at Fabric-a-brac.

And it is time to make something using 1930s fabrics.

I have found a book with some interesting applique blocks in so I am off on 

my new tangent. This is the first block of many.

Watch this space - I will be back soon with the next block.

Japanese Taupe Quilt Finished

My taupe zig-zag quilt for my sister-in-law came back from Carol, the quilter 

yesterday and wow what a wonderful job she has done.

With this quilt her quilting was as much a feature of the quit as the applique 

and piecing. There was plenty of space for her to fil and she did a stunning job of it.

This is one of the side triangles - I love the way she has imitated the applique 

flower and the leaves - so clever. 

Then look at what she did on the outside border - so perfect.

Up through the pieced zig-zag she quilted straight lines and in amongst the flowers 

a large stipple. I loved these both. I really do not like very close machine quilting on 

bed quilts. I like the quilt to stay soft and cuddly.

As you can see above I have started getting the binding sewn on using the same fabric 

as the border. I am putting this quilt in the Auckland Quiltmakers Show next weekend

so I have to get going with the hand sewing of the binding and then add a hanging sleeve.

The Auckland Quiltmakers have an annual Show and Sale at the Jubilee Building, 

545 Parnell Road, Parnell on Saturday and Sunday 4 and 5 May from 

10.00am - 5.00pm each day. 

Looking forward to seeing you there if you live close enough. I will take a photo of 

the quilt hanging as it is really hard to photograph it at home and will post it next week..