What started it all

Its getting colder in Sydney the Autumn has well and truly set in, I'm getting out all the quilts and blankets.

This quilt caught my eye today - my youngest daughter claimed it for her bed. She has no idea of its significance or its history.

This is the quilt that started my love of fabric and quilting.

When I was 5 my Grandmother took a quilting class and had to make a sampler quilt, I ohhed and arghed over the fabric and pattern - It was love at first sight and being a child I insisted it would be mine. 

Luckily Nana agreed.

I happily watched the process - each week checking after her class that progress had been made and then like lots of nearly finished projects it was folded up and put in the cupboard.... all forgotten

fast forward to me being pregnant with my eldest child, Nana reorganising her house and the finished quilt top resurfaced! 

I remembered it and still loved it so Nana finished it and gave it to my eldest when he was born (he is now 13yrs) 

It's still in perfect condition and very used and incredibly loved.

I hope some of my quilts end up with my grandchildren one day. 

Xx Siobhan 

bags & bags

I'm not usually very good at following patterns - hence why I just make stuff up myself :)

but..... I saw this bag hanging at Calico & Ivy Balmain and figured it looked simple enough and bought the pattern (Amy Butler Nappy Bag). Hay presto! one bag made.

I left off all the fancy pockets and changed the handle to suit me - but all and all I followed the pattern. Very quick to come together, I was very surprised!

on another note I still haven't done the binding on my Union Jack king size quilt, one day.......... It's on the list, I actually have  about 5 quilts to bind :( I need a binding fairy.

Xx Siobhan

Continuing on

With the theme of little things 

(small projects)

This is actually a project that was cut from a magazine story (as does happen), so I thought I'd show you all.

These little place mats are so incredibly quick and easy to put together

I placed my sandwich together (back material - wadding- top material)adhesive sprayed it all together in a large rectangle.

I then found a plate the size I wanted and traced the plate onto the fabric. 

I then cut the shape out and machine quilted some straight lines - working from the middle out.

To finish off I used some pre made liberty binding.

Voila ! Done

I'm off to Melbourne this weekend for the Victorian Cancer Council Art Awards, Very excited to be going and seeing my work on display.

Any last minute tips on what to do or who to see???

Siobhan Xx

Big is not always best

Sometimes it's nice to do a little project

I can get carried away with my giant quilts, often when I think of patterns and designing quilts I think of big beds. Which is all well and good but not everyones cup of tea.

When I was finishing off my girls bedrooms I felt they needed just a little more on the walls, bright girly colour, nice quick simple projects.

off to stitch n sew

Xx Siobhan