In at the deep end!

So, as if I haven't got enough to do, I'm embarking on a new venture in addition to the spinning, weaving, embroidery....... etc.  I've always been interested in patchwork and quilting and somewhere up in the attic
is a cardboard box of bits of left over fabric from dresses I made for myself and my Daughter in the 1960s and 1970s. The plan was that when I retired, I would use these bits to make a lovely quilt which would be  a reminder of those lovely heady days and might even be of historical interest! Well I have retired, and the box remains beneath it's layer of dust with it's contents intact! I now have a stash of fabric that it will take several decades to use up, so the heirloom quilt will have to wait!

Back in 2005, I wasn't intending to start quilting, but the train journey from Kings Cross to Leeds takes around two hours and having dozed off for a while I noticed that the girl who had been sitting opposite me had left her copy of British Patchwork and Quilting magazine on the table. I was bored by now and picked it up and that's how that journey led to this quilting journey that I'm now embarked on!

There was a pattern  in the magazine that took my eye, based on a nine patch block. So, not having a clue what that meant but thinking it looked pretty, I decided to make one! I had plenty of fabric that I had dyed myself and the result was not too bad for a complete beginner.  It made an ideal play mat for my little grandaughter and  I was very pleased with it. [Shame about the redeye!].

My next effort was much more complicated and was my own design. I had been to the Harrogate Quilt show with a friend and saw some fabulous fabric with cats and dogs in lovely bright colours which I just had to have. The fabric was designed by Laurel Burch and was so eye catching that I knew Isobel would love it too.

As I am not renowned for my forward planning or working out the design beforehand, the quilt was a bit cobbled together and I only just had enough fabric to complete it! It now lives on Isobel's bed and is very much loved, even though it is full of mistakes and would not win any prizes for technique!

Have I learned my lesson? Well I would like to think so but can't promise. I am hoping that joining the Contemporary Quilt Group will encourage me to develop some good habits such as measuring accurately and planning ahead!

Possibly wishful thinking! We shall see!!!