Spirals

The Sketchbook was empty yesterday but now has a few pages in progress. 

I have chosen Spirals as the theme and I am very pleased with it. I just wish that I had more time to spare at the moment. Although grabbing a few moments here and there can take my work off in unexpected directions. 

Between packing everything away in preparation for the building work which will be happening soon ( I hope ) and my teaching there is a little space for random creativity. 

A cut spiral stitched onto a painted background 

Another spiral cut out 

Spirals in pen, paint and metallic rub

And two wax rubings of the stitched spiral

Spirals - Here I come

Bev

The Empty Sketchbook

Yesterday was the summer lunch at the Calico textile group. Biddy, the group leader, gave us all a summer challenge in the form of a small sketchbook.

I have removed some of the pages in preparation for painting, printing, sketching, not sure what yet. Can you guess that my hardest decision is, what is going to be the theme. Do I go for something new or do I revisit an old theme that I haven't fully explored. Decisions, decisions.

The first thing I will do though is get some colour on those blank pages. But that will have to be tonight as a exciting day of teaching comes first. 

Bev

Log Cabin Cutting Mat Bag

A couple of weeks ago I was asked for a pattern for a cutting mat bag. 

I have used the Downton Abbey range of fabrics and an offset log cabin design for this sample. 

With lovely strong handles it will be perfect for carrying a cutting mat and rulers.

Now to get the pattern written up properly.

Bev

Turned Nine Patch

I seem to spend a lot of time making samples. One day someone will have to make them all up into something.

Last week I had two beginners in my class and we started with turned nine patch blocks. As I hadn't taken any fabric with me I had to quickly buy some from the shop and chose the Moda Folklore Charm pack. These little 4 1/2" squares were perfect for demonstrating and will make a lovely cot sized quilt. 

The pattern formed is very random so this meant that once I was back in my studio I had to try some more formal arrangements too.

I took these two starting arrangements of a nine patch block.

Pieced and cut them into quarters

then rearranged the squares for different effects. 

These will be very useful samples for my beginners classes, and one day may end up in a quilt.

Bev

Daffodil

I am working on a series of flower patchwork blocks and have completed this daffodil pattern. I used my hand dyed fabric for the sample and will have a go using commercial printed fabrics as soon as I can get back into my studio. I am looking forward to taking these forward in workshops next year.

 Talking about my studio things have gone quiet there. Why is it so difficult to get things going? Enough of the moaning and back to the sketchbook to complete the next two flowers. I am looking forward to sharing them with you all soon.

Bev

Etsy

It has been a good day. I am still in PDF mode and trying to get my patterns translated into a form suitable for my Etsy shop. I have been working on the pattern for the Blue John block which I shared with you last year. 

I have now uploaded it to Etsy 

It is exciting to be able to share my designs, and I have plans for lots more over the next few weeks.

Hope you enjoy seeing my progress

Bev