dahlias not quilts, just for a change!

My dahlias have started doing their thing . . .

It's the first time I've planted these, and I can't remember any of the names. It's quite exciting seeing what pops open. At first I thought I only had an assortment of pinks, but now a few other bright & bold ones have started to open too. I couldn't resist picking the first few . . .

For more lovely summery flower photos, pop on over to Julie from julielou

Until next time,

Linda

a few quilty hugs for Hospice

It's that time of year again, time for me to think about donating a few quilts to Hospice. My daughter is a nurse at the Hospice in town, at College Hill, and they love receiving quilts. I understand the nurses have a bit of fun pairing up quilts with recipients.

I try to select a few quilts each year, ones that I've had here living with me for a bit, ones that I can part with happily. This morning I dug these ones out of the cupboard and popped them out on the line to air before sending them off with my daughter.

I just love a quilt stack, don't you?

Linking up these finished quilts {that have gone now to new homes #quiltyhugs}
with Kelly here at 'needle and thread Thursday'

Until next time,

Linda

The. Perfect. Way. to spend a Wednesday

The. Perfect. Way. to spend a Wednesday, sewing with the immensely talented Anna Maria, @annamariahorner. Lots of like minded people gathered together, with lots of planning, creating and sewing happening.

The quilt we were making was her wonderful folkflowerquilt and she had two great versions for us to see. So amazing to see these quilts up close & personal. 

and her patchy version . . .

There was a pile of other quilts too, love Anna's amazing use of colour, applique and 'big' motifs. 

{photos posted with permission}

I chose to start with a low volume background - classic & effective - and then I'll decide later what happens next! The blocks are made using reverse applique, loved learning the new-to-me technique in person with Anna.

 And I planned out my next block . . .

. . .  however, due to having only just had a wee operation, I didn't bring my sewing machine. I did manage to get my first block all underway {many thanks to Megan from jaffaquilts for the use of her sewing machine}. And I cut out another block, played with fabric, and of course got totally inspired.

After sharing her quilts, and her fabrics, and her hints for making this quilt, we all set to with creating our own versions. Anna was busy stitching away as everyone here sewed.

 A close up of Anna's latest work  . . .

And, at the end of the day, everyone put their own flowers up on the wall,
love all the diverse & beautiful results . . . 

. . .  so inspiring

Just need to get on top of my knee issues and start sewing again too.

A big thanks to Cheryl from allthingsbernina for hosting this special day, see her pics here. It was a great day, relaxed and informal, surrounded by Anna's stunning quilts.  To see a little more from Anna's two days in Auckland pop on over to Megan here, Suzanne here, Liz here, and Clare over here. Tomorrow November 21, Anna is off down to Cottage Flair in Rotorua, check out the link here.

Until next time, Linda

'bohemian on point' quilt

And here's my finish no.9 for the year, 'bohemian on point' quilt top, and I love it. I've used a scrappy selection of both Anna Maria Horner and Outback Wife fabrics, and repeated a few fabrics too. Some blocks merge, some are busy, and others are a definite light/dark combo.

I had it professionally quilted by Leeanne from quiltmekiwi in an edge to edge pattern called 'sweetheart'. I love how the quilting almost sinks into the quilt, letting the piecing & yummy fabrics remain the focus.

I made up a scrappy backing using leftover fabrics and rediscovered a useful fabric in eggplant for my binding, from 'mostly manor' collection by Victoria Findlay Wolfe. My finished quilt measures approx. 54" x76".

Definite vibe of bold & bright colours still happening around here!

And joining in with Julie from julielou with a little 'dahlia spam' 

until next time, Linda