Friday, September 10, 2010

A day of inspiration and some progress!

I have enjoyed an industrious couple of days! Yesterday I spent the entire day working on my cot quilt - I bit the bullet and did my first FMQ! (Well, second if you count the samples I did on my course with Kellie Wulfsohn!)


It was with great trepidation I began, but those jittery nerves were soon replaced with excitement, and once I let those confident endorphins do their business I noticed a drastic improvement in the quality of my work. It’s far from perfect, but as a perfectionist I am learning not to be so hard on myself. It takes time, commitment and patience to become really good at something. Fancy another sneak peek?


Quilty progress 1


I sewed the binding on last night and will hand-stitch it in place this evening so that the quilt is finished and ready to wash, tomorrow!


Mr SUDs starts a new job on Monday and has had a couple of days off work this week – so I took the opportunity today to meet up with a new friend while being kid-free! I set off in to the hilly suburbs where I met the lovely Leanne from Petals & Patches.


Leanne and I met at a quilt show a few months ago and we hit it off instantly. She is also a fabulous designer and I felt very privelledged to have a preview of her current project (yet to hit the stores) and, it’s divine! There’s nothing quite like a bit of ‘show and tell’ to get a creative girl bursting full of crafty excitement, is there?!!


What I can share with you is one of Leanne’s most recent projects – these cute little Matroyshka doll brooches – aren’t they sweet? Leanne makes up kits presented in gorgeous hand-made boxes – ideal if you need a pressie for a crafty friend or for someone starting out in the world of embroidery. You can find them here.


Too cute! :-)


Petals and Patches maroushka


After a couple of coffees, Leanne and I headed over to Mrs Martins’ Quilt shop in Monbulk, Vic. The shop is a quaint little cottage and it’s like Aladdin's Cave inside! So many gorgeous samples on display surrounded by interesting furniture pieces and vintage nick-nacks.


A true visual delight! Want to come on a little tour with me?


Mrs Martins 1


Stitcheries, buttons, pillows and trims… (“these are a few of my favourite things”!!!) ha! Sorry, couldn’t resist!


Mrs Martins 2


Check out this shadow-frame, containing a miniature quilt shop! How cute! I’m sure there is a correct name for these picture boxes. Mrs Martin runs classes on how to make them!! (please excuse the reflections in my photo!)


Mrs Martins 3


I bet many an hour has been enjoyed around that table – stitching, chatting and drinking tea… :-)


Mrs Martins 4


Ooh look what I just spotted! Leanne’s “On Freedom’s Wings” design made up in country blues – you can see a block or two! And check out that gorgeous vintage sewing machine – I wonder if Mrs Claus has an old one lying around that she could give to Santa for me?!!


Mrs Martins 5



More lovely samples on display!


Mrs Martins 6


And this advent wall-hanging humbly lay over a quilting frame. I loved it to bits and ordered a pattern (so popular, it had sold out in the shop!). I can’t remember the name of the designer at this very moment, but I’ll ask Mrs Martin so I can share it with you! Right – I’m going to get back to my binding! I hope you have a lovely weekend – what are you up to?


Until next time – Hugs! Vikki xx

17 comments:

Joy McD said...

I love going to Mrs Martin's when I am visiting Mum in the next town... it has to be the cutest quilt shop I've been to :)In fact I am visiting her next week, so.. Monbulk here we come :)
Love the brooches too...
lv,
Joy

John'aLee said...

Looks like you've been productive girl! You are an inspiration.

Simone de Klerk said...

Love your sneak peek and thank you for taking us on a tour with you and Leanne!

Cyndi loves to stitch said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Cyndi loves to stitch said...

oops typo,

what a fun tour, LOVED seeing all sorts of fun, cute things that are not in our quilt shops, sigh! good times!

September 11, 2010 12:04 AM

Allie said...

Sounds like the perfect day, and I love the look of that shop - I'd love to browse there! That mini-quilt shop is too darling. Love Leanne's brooches!

Looks like you're doing GREAT with the FMQ! I still have to start practicing, I just haven't had the time. Hopefully this weekend. I'll have to remember to call on those endorphins!

Congrats to Mr. SUDs on his new job!

Deb said...

Hello gorgeous, what a beautiful post. Love your tour round Mrs Martins, you hear of these places but when you see photos it brings them to life.
What a lovely day you had with Leanne. Your quilt is adorable, can't wait to see it all finished sweet.

Crowing Moon said...

Your quilt looks pretty.
Looks like you had a lovely time with your friend :)Awesome shop

Unknown said...

Busy and productive ! What a full of fun post , thanks !

Sharon (Stitches on Mars) said...

Hi Vikki,
Just been catching up with my blog reading. Your cot quilt looks lovely..can't wait to see the whole thing :)
Mrs martin's looks pretty cool too...no excuse for not having been yet as Mum doesn't live far at all :)
BTW loved your Father's day tribute.
Hugs, Sharon

Leanne said...

Hi, I had a great day, quite inspiring too! Love your quilt, you should be so proud! I've been inspired to finish off (or should I say start) the quilt I was making for my daughter a few years ago (it was cut out), but as she's grown I've had to add more fabric to it, so back to cutting out some more before I get "Nina" into gear!! Can't wait for our next inspiring adventure!!!!

Elyte said...

Hi Vikki, there sure are some wonderful shops way over on the other side of town. A good excuse to get a few friends together and go out for the day, don't you think?
You quilting looks great, just keep practising (in your spare time!)

Anna Rosa Designs said...

Hi Vikki,
Oh, how wonderful to have a kid free day and go play with Leanne.
A talented lady and friend!

I wonder if I'm related by marriage to clever Mrs Martin?
I must take a trip up there one day soon.

Your cot quilt is very soft and cute.
Hugs,
Anna
PS: Good luck to Mr Suds with his new job.

Vicki ♥ said...

I am going to have to go that shop Vik ....it looks so lovely and looks like there is a lot of special things just waiting for me LOL. Glad you are having a good time with your friends sweetie :) Take care ..hugs Vicki xoxox

Kris Meares - Tag Along Teddies said...

Hey Vikki! Your cot quilt is looking pretty swish, there - good on you! You're much braver than me tackling the free motion quilting - I 'cheat' and have someone quilt my quilts, cos I'm not brave. Oh ... and there's not really enough room on my sewing table to move a quilt around whilst quilting it! Tee! Hee! Hee! Thanks for the tour of Mrs Martin's yummy shop too ... good thing it's so far away from me or I'd be tempted to go spend some of my play money! :0) Bear Hugs! KRIS

Jude said...

The little bit of quilt looks fab and thanks for the tour of the quilt shop, did you buy lots i coulnt have helped myself in such a lovely shop.

A Spoonful Of Sugar said...

Looks like you had the most perfect day out!! Love the peaks of your quilt:)

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