...NOT a kit this time....woo hoo....

I so often see a quilt I love and lack the confidence to think I can choose the fabrics to have the same effect as the one I admire so much, but recently inspired by Bec's Butterfly Garden, and a local friends progress on hers (yes you, Trish!!!), I wanted to make it myself. I decided I would take the plunge and buy the fabrics, resisting purchasing a kit. .....So.....in Sydney at the Craft Fair, with Mum's help we picked out

(or more like agonised over!!!!) a range of fabrics.........

......here's the result when I had a play with them yesterday, and laid out the first block..........

...............I am extremely pleased with the result...........

.......what do you think???..........so soft and pretty with the butterflies standing out.....just as I pictured it....

You wouldn't believe how looong it took me 'playing' to choose the fabrics etc.....but what fun it was......

I have my templates all ready, bags made up for all 9 blocks with some fabrics already slotted into them to provide some balance across the quilt....
...........soo much fun.........I can see lots more of this fabric play from my sewing room....I'm turning my back on the kit idea I think....
.....I CAN do it......yey........
Have you been playing with fabric in your sewing space???????

I'm still here!!!....and I have some sewing to show you.....

It has been too long since I was here last sending you sewing updates from my farm....I was struck down with yet another virussy thing....bring on summer is all I can say.........

I have been busy working on several projects......and ......wait for it......

I have a FINISH !!!!!.......Yes it's true, and here's the piccie proof...........

........My Tis The Season Christmas quilt by Natalie Bird is ready for the silly season ..........I have made this quilt along with many other ladies in a stitch-a-long organised by my good friend, Chookyblue.

......I hand quilted in perle thread around the darker borders, and I'm thrilled with the effect.......

....but wait there's more........My stack of paper pieced circles of thimbles is growing, and I've appliqued a few to the background fabric. I am loving the relaxing nature of this hand sewing......

Oh, and recently I had an amazing weekend in Nundle at a retreat with the lovely Kerry at Cottage on the Hill........It was a blast, loads of laughs etc, but we were also very productive....
I chose a more complex quilt top (typical me!!!!), and so I brought mine home for homework. Well this week I got it out and had fun on the machine piecing some more rows.

It is coming along nicely, but rather slow going for a "perfect points" lady such as I am!!!! There are lots of star points to get right, and I might add that a little of the reverse sewing has occurred in a few spots to make sure I can live with it!!!!.......But you must agree, Kerry's design is lovely and hers was the fabric choice too....I saw it, loved it and that became my weekend project......

This quilt will be gifted to my Mum, lucky she doesn't blog, so I can keep it a surprise.....she loves repro fabrics, and these colours are 'just her'.

Lots on my plate at present......I am going for an accreditation at work, and the process is doing my head in....also making preparations  for overseas family visiting shortly..........but amongst it all I find my sewing is a must to keep me grounded, and I always make time to fit it in....it provides a balance and  makes the rest cruise better....

I hope you are busy at your craft........