Wednesday 1 May 2019

31st April

My way of sneaking in an April blog post, where did that month go?

After the excitement of March, April has been busy but I have managed some sewing. I seem to have had a chance to make great progress with my Irish Chain quilt which I started many months ago, using up scraps but in a controlled way and using a lot of low volume fabrics. I was inspired by reading Rita's blog post, Red Pepper Quilts and although not a direct copy of hers, I have followed her excellent pressing plan and have achieved rather nice seams on the reverse of my project with every patch and row interlocking beautifully. I have only two blocks left to make and have thoroughly enjoyed the process, the constant repetition allows the mind to wander in an enjoyable way!

Some of the joined blocks.


Being so far on with one long term project has allowed me to start another - ha ha. A whole year ago when we were on holiday in Australia, I collected some templates that my sister had kindly sent for on my behalf from Tales of Cloth. One set was for the well known Mandolin Quilt and I spent quite a while sorting through my stash which is not all that huge and have laid aside my selection. I really do intend this as a long term project and will try to pace myself, especially as the first two blocks have left me with quite painful thumbs. Strangely it doesn''t actually hurt to sew but aches terribly the next day. I have just bought some Sue Daley Size 15 milliners' needles that come recommended for those with carpal tunnel or arthritis so I'll see if they help. I do tend to grip my work quite tightly so will try to relax that a bit. Anyone else have this problem?


It was my birthday in April and a friend gifted me a hand spun skein of yarn - she thought it might be suitable for making into a basket so once that was suggested I was on it! And produced this sweet little basket.

And that was my April.

Linking to Archie and his Furtling adventures.


Archie The Wonder Dog

11 comments:

  1. your Irish Chain quilt will be fabulous! Furtling away....

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    1. Thanks Celine, one last push and the top will be finished!!

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  2. I 💕💕💕 your Irish Chain quilt, it's going to be amazing. And I've always wanted a shot at a basket too, so now feel inspired to try - thank you!

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    1. Oh try it Sue, it's easy and compulsive.

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  3. Lovely progress. I don't EPP so don't have any suggestions for you. Love your birthday yard bowl!

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    1. Thank you Dawn, my new needles are a pleasure to use, jury's out on thumb pain though.

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  4. I love the Mandolin quilt, I've got as far as four blocks before I realised I had too many projects on the go. I hope that the sewing gets easier for you with the new needles.

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    1. Trying not to think too far ahead with the amount of work for the Mandolin quilt.Why don't you use your four blocks and make a smaller item, maybe a big floor cushion?

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  5. Smart work sneaking that April post in there Sheila! Will be interested to know if your new needles help with the sore thumbs I have a tendency to grip my work too!

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  6. Your Irish Chain is A-mazing--I love your layout! I admit I have similar issues with EPP, which is why I hand piece as I can do more of that before my hands/wrists ache for Britian. I also hold my EPP pretty tight, but I started using a Clover clip to hold bits together and move it once it gets in the way, and I found that helped as I wasn't squeezing tight to hold bits in place, if you follow me?
    Also, belated many happy returns of the day for your birthday!

    Hazel (hazel.fil on IG)

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    1. Hi Hazel, I started using a Clover clip too on this project, keeps it all nice and neat. My new needles are super to use, they are so fine they glide through the layers easily but I will have a rest for a few days before using again to see if they really do help. Strangely it doesn't hurt to actually sew, just the next day!!
      Thank you for your birthday wishes.x

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