Happy quilt

I almost forgot to post a blog about my Happy Quilt. The name of this patchwork quilt came about via sweet comments from friends on Instagram. I posted a photo of the quilt top a month ago

Inspiration for the design of the quilt came from Karen at Pieces of Contentment and Rita at Red Pepper Quilts. My quilt is lightweight with a flannelette fabric backing. Perfect for Autumn or Spring. 

I used 81 different prints of quilting fabric including some organic cottons. White cotton fabric in between. I quilted wavy lines to hold the quilt top and back together. My first time trying free motion quilting. It's far from perfect. I have a lot to learn. 

Enjoy the photos. . .

Happy Thursday!

It's almost the weekend

Hope you have a great weekend, Julia xx

Mother's Day gift

I wanted to make something special for my Mum for Mother's Day to show her how much I love her. There were lots of ideas, however, I decided to make a practical gift. In recent months my Mum has been colouring for relaxation. I made an elegant pencil case in Paperie (by Amy Sinibaldi)

The lace was a trim I had sewn on one of my dresses I no longer have 

I added some hand stitching to the front of the pouch

I love the sweet mushrooms!

I crocheted mint green perle cotton for a zipper pull

Ready for gifting to my Mum tomorrow

I hope you all have a wonderful, memorable Mother's Day

Julia xx

Patchwork mini quilt - Paperie

Yesterday, I was going to share my Patchwork Mini Quilt photos however my body was aching. My husband started weeding the garden and did some poisoning. I helped pull out weeds from two gardens. There were so many! Afterwards the pain kicked in and I was walking around like an old lady. So, I thought it was fitting that I have a nana nap. I feel much better today!

I wanted to use up some fabric scraps after making my first quilt - Paperie. I made a mini quilt and I found fabric in my stash { for binding } that matches perfectly with Eponine

I love hand stitching xx

I enjoyed selecting and adding cotton lace and buttons

Craft is good for the Soul

Have a beautiful day, Julia xx

My first quilt - Paperie

I have seen so many beautiful quilts via Instagram and blogs I follow. I have wanted to make a patchwork quilt for some time. Last year I ordered Amy Sinibaldi's Limited Edition fabric collection called Paperie. Inspired by Amy's love for classic books. With tips from my Mum and friends I began to make my first quilt!

Sewing pieces together. Pin basting with help from my Mum

Alternating fabrics for the binding

Adding tiny hand stitched details

Some of the hand stitching tells the story of our family. The picture below depicts the long journey for my husband and I to become parents and be blessed with 3 beautiful children

Once upon a time. . . we got married 21 years ago and wanted to have a family. We spent a ridiculous amount of money on fertility procedures, followed by a very long wait to adopt our 3 precious children who were in a far away land in South Korea. We travelled to The Land of Morning Calm on 3 separate occasions to bring each child home. Our dream came true and we lived. . . happily ever after. The End

A handmade label

I made a big label to incorporate all the exquisite fabrics of Amy's collection

I finished my Paperie quilt on Sunday March 6, 2016

I hope you enjoyed viewing the making process of my quilt 

and the little stories hand stitched with love

Wishing you all a very happy Easter

I am thankful for our Saviour, Jesus Christ

Travel safe on the roads and enjoy spending time with family and friends

Julia xx

Crochet patchwork blanket

Over 20 weeks ago, I started crocheting another blanket. On my long list of things to make was a patchwork crochet blanket. I worked on it in spare moments, however, other projects with priority came first. 

I finished this sweet blanket last week. The wide border was inspired by Bec at @handmadebec (Instagram). I made the border up as I was crocheting. I tried to keep the corners neat and sitting flat. I like the rounded corners! 

Made from Bendigo Woollen Mills cotton yarn. A soft and cuddly blanket!

Are you creating something or have you just finished a project? I would like to hear what it is. Please leave a comment below.

It’s almost Friday! I hope you all have a relaxing weekend.

Julia xx