Sunday Stash #20

So, most of my recent fabric hauls have been purposeful with specific and special projects in mind. Ever true to myself and like all of us I couldn't resist adding some not quite so project-bound beauties to my stash. It's all about the larger picture and the ability to pull from our stash, right?

All of these were on sale on top of being on my most beloved colour spectrum or by Lotta Jansdotter whose fabrics I love, too - so how could I possibly not make them mine?

I'm happily working away on my Maritime Baby Girl Quilt as well as baking some goodies to take to a dinner with friends later in the day. What a busy yet absolutely lovely weekend.

Happy sewing!

Maritime Baby Girl Quilt - Kick-off

I did it. Today, for the first time since my gran died, I've employed my iron, rotary cutter, and sewing machine. I put on some favourite music, ironed several yards of fabric, got cutting, and then I made the decision to go kind of improv with the blocks. Let's see where that'll take me.

It's been only a few seams as I'm busy with household chores and will be babysitting my nephew in the evening but these few seams make all the difference (and will be continued tomorrow!). I might have got a little emotional when the machine started whirring. Well, it's ridiculously wonderful to be back and I'm so so excited to be working not only on this girl quilt for friends but on a second baby girl quilt as well.

Yes, the sonographer confirmed it this Friday: We're expecting a little girl. Having made quite a few boys' quilts over the past years it's something new. Though my quilts have never been heavily gendered it's sweet to be making "something different", if only by appellation.

Here's the backing - I can't believe that's set already. It's usually the last thing I decide upon!

So much for now, I've got to hop off but I'll be back.

Happy sewing!

Ahoy, Matey!

First of all, thank you for your kind words that have reached my through comments or by e-mail. They are genuinely appreciated and a reminder of why I enjoy sewing blogland so much as well. It's good to be back in the fold and if I haven't replied to you yet be assured that I will.

As I told you last time the cute little boy who got the viking quilt in November 2012 will be joined by a sister this October. As his parents adore the old quilt and because I don't think girls must be gifted with tons of pink and frilliness I've decided to play up the sibling theme and make another maritime quilt.

These are the fabrics that are new - isn't the panel gorgeous, aren't the mermaids cute without being over the top girly? - but I'll also throw in some well-known friends from previous quilts as well as some vikings.

A fabric I might not use is this pretty flannel, it depends whether I decide to stick with my idea of using the big boat on the backing or not.

I'm still playing around with the layout - although the clock is ticking - but it sure feels good to be working with fabric again.

Happy sewing!

A Changing World

Where to begin? I have been off blogging and off sewing for five long months.

A few days shy of my 30th birthday we lost my gran. Subsequently my birthday became the worst day I have ever endured as we laid her to rest. There aren't enough words to describe how I felt and still feel, how all of us feel. Let it suffice to say that I have lost one of the most important persons in my life - a person I will aways be indebted to because of her contributions to who I am today, a person who is part of so many treasured memories, and a person I would have loved to share this other piece of information with because she would have rejoiced with the husband and me.

Yes, the year we lost our beloved gran will also be the year that we're adding to the family. And we're thrilled. Terribly excited. Incredibly happy.

The pregnancy has been pretty easy-going so far with little to no heavy symptoms. However, I have been tired a lot and I feel the grief has added to that. Combined with work and joyous occasions such as my sister and friends' weddings, my nephew's first birthday, and our 2nd anniversary yesterday, this has taken its toll on my hobby.

Now, I think it's about time to get back into the game. I am still sad, of course, but I am also looking forward to so many things and sewing is a part of that so I have indulged in some fabic shopping for our little arrival.

These fabrics are to become a quilt and I might throw in these from my stash.

I've also bought tons of yardage on sale to make curtains for the little one's room, though I still need to order a solid for the backing - I'm considering Kona Regatta.

You know my love for all things teal and aqua so it comes as no surprise that I've chosen these as main colours for the nursery. I love that it's gender neutral and works for both blond and ginger (though I am keeping my fingers crossed for a ginger addition, tbh) and with a little grey and yellow it'll make a sophisticated winter baby combination.

Right, I've not yet mentioned when we're due to be parents. Are you seated? If baby decides to arrive on time it'll be a Christmas gift - 26 December!

Well, I hope to be firmly back at my machine with these projects and hopefully blogging and commenting more regularly as well. There's another baby quilt project on the cards which should help with both goals. My little friend B is expecting a sister in October - better get going to make something cute to mix and match with B's viking quilt.

Happy Sunday and happy sewing!