Saturday 12 April 2008

sneaky peek...and some more swaps...

here is a sneaky peek at my applique quilt top WIP...


it's based on Ms Reva's "Firework Dog" masterpiece and features a bit of machine applique, some hand applique and my new (old) love, embroidery



I treated myself to this and this and am finding the doodle stitching one really useful so far. I'm not sure it would be much use if you were an accomplished stitcher but to a novice the clear and helpful instructions are invaluable...



watch this space...

meanwhile, there seem to be a lot of great swaps kicking off around the blog'o'craft'o'sphere at the moment...so far I've noticed

functional felting (still open for joining up)
doll making (ditto)
photography (closing date today)
mini quilts (too late I'm afraid)

I've signed up to them all apart from the doll one (having NO experience of doll making and being a tad overwhelmed by my to-do list right now)...I must get started on these swap projects, once I finish my vintage swap of course...

I am off again tomorrow, to France this time, to stay with some friends and hopefully teach one of them to knit...the knitting may all have to take place pre-lunch though, given the requirement to drink lots of delicious wine with every meal (it's the law there, as far as I know)...we wouldn't want any slipped stitches now would we? I will remember to pack my cable needle this time. I am also looking forward to some bracing walks on the beach and fine moules marinieres...mmmmmmmmmmm

15 comments:

angharad handmade said...

Your quilt top looks lovely! That doodle stitching book is on my wishlist, though I have never seen it in the flesh. Lucky you off to France - which part are you going to? I lived in Brittany for a year where I developed a serious addiction to moules frites!

Florence Knapp (Flossie Teacakes) said...

Your quilt top looks wonderful. I have the Doodle Stitches book too...I've found it really useful, as it covers the basics brilliantly, but it felt like it was aimed slightly more at teenagers somehow.

Have a lovely, lovely time in France! x

Unknown said...

Looks lovely, gorgeous mix of fabrics. Looking forward to seeing the finished article
x

JuanitaTortilla said...

The applique is SO nice!

Oh you lucky you -- France and wine, and knitting. Have a great time!

Asti said...

Have a wonderful time in France. Just added that doodle stitches book to my wishlist to...the front cover is gorgeous.

Unknown said...

Your quilt is looking so beautiful! I just adore the pretty fabrics you are using. I have a real affinty for applique as well.

Thanks for letting us know about all the swaps. I really want to join the doll swap!
-Emily in Norway

Amy said...

Your quilt top is looking great! I may have to check and see if the library has the Doodle Stitches book...looks great!

Anonymous said...

Oh what fun!!! And have a marvelous time in France!!!

Unknown said...

the quilt top looks fab, I love it!!! Have fun in France!!!!

Things Hand Made said...

OOh mussels and a walk on the beach, very envious. Enjoy your trip

Melisa Sriwulandari said...

I like the house and the dog. They're so nice.

Thriftin and Craftin said...

Love the whimsical look of your quilt top. The doodle stitching looks fantastic!

Sharyn said...

A lovely 'sneaky peek' at your quilt, will be looking forward to seeing the end product. The Japanese embroidery book looks great. Enjoy your trip to France.

painted fish studio said...

enjoy france and the wine! even though i just returned from my amsterdam trip, i am completely green with envy!

sewtakeahike said...

the sneak peek of your quilt top is lovely, I can't wait to see the whole thing!