Change of Direction

This has been a week of change for me because I have left my job and will be starting in a new position at the beginning of June. 

Cute card - thanks!

After a hectic week and a wonderful farewell on Friday evening I came home to two parcels in the post containing....

What great timing Australia Post! 

After nearly at the finish of Di Ford's Morrell quilt I was thinking that I wouldn't attempt another of her patterns as it just seemed all too hard but after reading  her 'Primarily Quilts'  there are at least two or three that I might just have to make. Also lots of inspiration in the Minick and Simpson duo's 'Quilts & Rugs' - just love the blue a white creations and decor.

Speaking of the Morrell, those pesky keystone blocks have still not been cooperating. This is despite Patti's excellent advice in a comment on my last post which for some reason I only half followed. So this quilt remained on the ironing basket this weekend. I remember reading somewhere that it's better not to fold a quilt (in progress or in storage) but to just leave it in a pile, anyway it's better than looking at un-ironed clothes!

So as well as changing direction with my career, this weekend I changed direction with my sewing away from the Morrell to finish binding the baby quilt that my sister and I designed and worked on together. I like to cut my binding strips 3" wide, fold in half (but not iron) and then sew a half inch seam on with my walking foot, using the edge of the foot as the guide.

 I don't use any pins but just move and hold the fabric as I sew. I also don't use any pins or clips when I hand sew the binding down, even when mitering the corners. I like the flexibility and it just seems to go together naturally. When hand sewing the back I pick up every machine stitch.

This method gives me a 1/2" binding with a neat finish on both sides.

Here is the finished quilt, any relatives in Western Australia, please look away now!

I like to call it 'Spot the Caravan'.

Feature blocks up close...

Don't they look great! 

I can't take any of the credit as my sister designed and pieced these blocks.

And finally the art shot (not!)...

I also went back to the CCCQ quilt to work on Block #8. I've been avoiding this block because of the curvy/spikey cockscomb flowers in the pattern.

As I was doing these leaves I was thinking how similar they are to the ones in Block #5 

I wonder whether it was the same designer?

Bye for now

Carole