Author: lynkeoghquilts

Eight years ago a friend gifted a selection of fat quarters for my birthday. I wanted to incorporate them all in one quilt, so I started a hand sewing project. I had a pack of eppiflex templates, the designer pack where you made your own hexagons by combining the shapes. This became my back up, hand project which was pulled out of the cupboard when I needed some hand sewing at sit and sew sessions. I must admit I lost interest many times and it sat hidden for long periods.

The finished size was determined by how many hexagons I could make from the fat quarters.

Here is the finished quilt and after such a long time it feels like a great accomplishment, plus it will always remind me of the dear friend who gifted the fabrics. Hence it is called ‘Friendship’.

After all the procrastinating as to how I was going to incorporate the antique lace, made by my Great Aunty many years ago, the quilt is finished.

I hand appliquéd it onto the blue fabric before quilting in a cream thread along the heavier sections of the lace pattern. Really happy with how it looks, with slight ‘puffiness’ being created in the design. I then outline quilted in navy blue along the edges and added a band of circles all around the outside.

I feel the lace adds another dimension to the pattern and enhances the appliqué work. Very pleased with the finished quilt.

After the busy holiday season it is lovely to have some down time and relax in my sewing room. My latest project gives lots of scope for ‘playing’ with free motion quilting in the background of the appliqué.

I have been designing a new appliqué quilt, hoping to showcase some lovely crotchet work done by my great aunt. The crochet lace was originally the outside trim on a large bed spread. My mother kept it and gifted it to me, hoping I could do something with it.

I had a lovely collection of French General fabrics, which were perfect for the appliqué design, and the lace was added to the outside border. I managed to keep the lace design symmetrical on each side, more to good luck than good management. I can’t believe that it went on evenly on each side, allowing me to mitre the corners.

The appliqué was based on examples of vintage Spanish lace.
Now for the fun of working out how it will be quilted…….

I can’t believe it is 4 months since I posted. Lots of things have happened ‘quilt wise’ in this time.

The Quilt NSW show displayed lots of beautiful quilts made by members. I had 2 quilts entered in the appliqué section ‘Eternity’ and ‘My Imaginary Garden’. It was a lovely surprise that ‘My Imaginary Garden’ was awarded a judges commendation.

I also had a quilt juried as a finalist in the Houston International Quilt Show this year. ‘Isabel’ is now making her way back home from her holiday to the United States.

I also had the pleasure of being invited to judge the Queensland Quilters Annual Exhibit. It was a lovely experience getting up close and seeing all the creativity and beautifully executed work of their members.

On the home sewing front I have been dabbling with several projects. I have designed another needle turn project, which is slowly growing, with lots of fussy cutting. It is enjoyable seeing it come together.

I also used up some of my stash in an ‘aboriginal print’ inspired pieced quilt. I adapted a design found on Pinterest and machine quilted it on my new Bernina Q20.

I have also been making some small projects, which I started in workshops. I have made several journal covers and have finished some fabric bags. The bags proved a bit fiddly at times, but I am happy with the finished result.