Quilters' Circle - 31st August, 2009

It was the last day of winter, and the quilters met again at Sussex Neighbourhood House. In between discussions about noisy neighbours, the roadworks and detours due to sewerage works in the area, and the likelihood or otherwise of an event anticipated with dread turning out to be nothing like that bad, we all did some sewing.

Marie worked on joining together rows of her quilt-as-you-go dogs, as seen here last time. She brought along a book of star blocks which we all admired. The book included illustrations of the different effects that you can achieve by altering the value of sections of the designs. Joy also brought along a coloured diagram of a quilt using the same "friendship star" block as in Vireya's quilt from last time, but done in a limited range of colours to really emphasise the trellis pattern which is only incidental in Vireya's. I should have taken a picture of it!

Marie brought along her finished placemat:

The background fabrics are really a lemon yellow, not the beige-y colour they appear to be here. Marilyn's placemat from last time is for the same project, and includes some of the same fabrics. Marie also brought along this bag:

I think a few of us want to try making one of them! Marie had written out the construction instructions. I already have instructions but haven't made one yet. Stand by for more bags appearing here in future.

Marilyn worked on the last part of the border for her quilt we have seen in steps along the way. She is looking forward to completing the quilt so she can start a new project! Recently she visited her sister who showed her how to make "crumb blocks" from odd scraps of fabrics. Here's a couple Marilyn brought along to inspire us:


Apparently making the blocks is good exercise, because you sew a short seam, then get up and trim what you have sewn, then go back to the machine to do the next piece. (Repeat until finished).

Joy and Vireya were both appliquéing. Joy worked on her blue "Baltimore album" blocks, that we have seen some of before. A basket block is here, and a posy block is here. Vireya was sewing so hard her needle snapped! (Top left of this picture).


Who knew that could happen? It necessitated a quick trip to the nearest patchwork shop after the meeting, to buy more needles. The swirl is another part of the Red Delicious quilt designed by Esther Aliu.

Vireya also brought along her first ever quilt:


It is square, I don't know why it was hanging so strangely there. The quilt was inspired by an old episode of Simply Quilts, where the guest was Margaret J. Miller. In the episode she talked about her new book, "Strips that Sizzle", which is now no longer new (it was published in 1992), and no longer in print. I might have to make some more of these blocks some time, because they are fun to do.

Our next meeting is only a week away, on the 7th September. So happy Spring, everyone, and enjoy Adult Learners' Week this week.