Happy Christmas

Christmas appliqued quilt by Pat

I have just done the last stitch on customer quilts before Christmas and want to take this opportunity to thank all my customers in 2016.

After Christmas I should have plenty to share, as the last few weeks has involved a lot of secret stitching of quilts which will be gifted in the next few days.

🎄Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year🎄

Frances

www.fabadashery.co.uk

Sew A Row Quilt by Sheila

Sew A Row Quilt by Sheila

This week marks the end of term in most schools and also for a lot of quilting classes, before everyone breaks up for Christmas. At this point you have probably successfully completed a lovely quilt top and are left wondering how to complete the quilting.  This is a quilt made by Sheila in a Sew A Row Sampler Quilt class with Sue Warren at Busy Bees Patchwork in Newport.  It's lovely!

'Celebrate' Pantograph by Patricia Ritter

With all the floral and patterned background fabrics, on this occasion we went with a digital pantograph, 'Celebrate', which is a simple quilting pattern that blended nicely with the floral fabric choice.  Interestingly, a couple of months ago I custom quilted the same quilt for another member of the class.  It was exactly the same quilt, but a completely different fabric choice and this significantly influenced the style of quilting.

'Celebrate' Pantograph by Patricia Ritter

However you choose to quilt your quilt, one thing I do know is that completing a project really does inspire you to move on to the next level of your hobby or to sign up to a new patchwork class.  If I can help with that, please get in touch.

Jelly Roll Baby Quilt by Catherine

Jelly Roll quilt with 'Ginger Stars' pantograph

New babies tend to make their own deadlines and Catherine wasn't going to be caught out by an early arrival  She went to work on stitching a batik Jelly Roll quilt pattern, which was finished off with a piano key border and then brought to me for long arm quilting.

Jelly Roll quilt with 'Ginger Stars' pantograph

I managed a quick turnaround on this one and here is the finished quilt in lovely pastel colours.

'Ginger Stars' digital pantograph by Hermione Agee on fleece

On the back of this quilt was a soft white fleece.  As I have said before, the evenness of  the computer assisted system allows for a great result on the reverse of a quilt as much as the front.

'Ginger Stars' digital pantograph by Hermione Agee

The digital pantograph she chose was a fun star pattern called 'Ginger Stars' by Hermione Agee, suitable for a girl or a boy.

Autumn Quilt by Penny

'Autumn Quilt' by Penny

We have had a lovely autumn here in the UK.  The days have on the whole been bright and sunny and the trees have been looking lovely in their autumn splendor. One of the best I can remember.  On one of those lovely autumn days I had the pleasure of quilting this 'Autumn Quilt' made by Penny.  It is made up of Bear Paw blocks using scrappy fabrics in gorgeous autumn colours, to look like maple leaves.

'Autumn Quilt' by Penny

The quilt Penny made is huge and reached the ceiling when I hung it up, but now the nights are getting colder I am sure she is appreciating the cosy warmth only this special hand made quilt can provide.

'Indian Summer' digital pantograph by Patricia Ritter

To add to the autumn theme, Penny chose an allover digital pantograph 'Indian Summer' by Patricia Ritter.  It features acorns and leaves and was beautifully showcased on the burgundy border.

'Indian Summer' digital pantograph by Patricia Ritter

Once I had quilted it, Penny just had to add the binding and I know she has had a special quilt label made by Sam at Hoop It, Stitch It, to add to the back.

Nearly Insane Quilt - Visitors Choice at West Country Qult and Textile Show, 2016

'Nearly Insane Quilt', Frances Meredith

It has been a frantically busy week, which has been exhausting, but ended on a high note.  This weekend it was the2016 West Country Quilt and Textile Show held in Bristol.  This is my local show and I had entered my Nearly Insane quilt into the competition.  I wasn't able to get there until the last day and I had heard rumours that it had won a rosette!  Being a local show I find that I don't always get to see much of it as I am always stopping to chat with quilting friends.  Anyway, I finally found my quilt and was pleased to see TWO rosettes - Best Bed Quilt and Best Traditional Patchwork.

'Nearly Insane Quilt', Frances Meredith

Best Traditional Patchwork, Best Bed Quilt, Visitors Choice

West Country Quilt Show 2016

It didn't end there.  At the prizegiving I was also given the Visitors Choice award.  Thanks to everyone who voted - it is a real honour to receive this special award.

'Every Last Scrap'  - Best Cushion in Competition

West Country Quilt Show 2016

Hang on - don't forget this cushion.  I had this cushion top staring at me in my workroom for over year.  When I saw that there was a cushion competition I thought it would be a great incentive to make it into a finished cushion.  Seven days ago it was still in pieces.  Yesterday, it won a Best Cushion rosette.  This cushion has 338 pieces in it and is made entirely from my scraps.

Happy Days!

Nearly Insane Quilt featured in Patchwork and Quilting Magazine, November 2016

'Nearly Insane Quilt' by Frances Meredith,

featured in November 2016 British Patchwork and Quilting

Last week I saw Helen Kent, the Assistant Editor of British Patchwork and Quilting Magazine and with a beaming smile she was keen to show me a picture of my Nearly Insane Quilt which was part of Joanna O'Neill's article on the Great Northern Quilt Show.  What a thrill! It was a great photo of the quilt and I loved the fact that the headline was in red too!

British Patchwork and Quilting Magazine , November 2016

You can find the article in the current November 2016 edition of British Patchwork and Quilting magazine.

If you would like to see my Nearly Insane quilt in the flesh, it is currently hanging amongst the Bed Quilts at the West Country Quilt and Textile Show at the University of the West of England Conference Centre, Bristol, between Friday 11th November - Sunday 13th November 2016.

Traditional Triple Irish chain quilt by Pippa

Traditional Triple Irish chain quilt by Pippa

Pippa loves working with traditional fabrics and she has made this lovely Triple Irish Chain quilt in reproduction Civil War fabrics.  Pippa brought her quilt to me to be professionally long arm quilted.  She provided her own wadding and we used a navy Isacord thread for the stitching, which blended well with the contrasting navy background.

Traditional Triple Irish chain quilt by Pippa

Pippa chose an allover digital pantograph, 'Happy Times' by Hermoinee Agee, which we reduced in scale to work in tune with the scale of the tiny squares, which worked really well.

'Happy Times' digital pantograph by Hermionee Agee & Patricia Ritter

Megan's Quilt

'Megan's Quilt' made by Maria

A few weeks ago I quilted this pretty quilt for Maria which is for her grand-daughter Megan.  It was my birthday last week and amongst all the birthday post was a card from Maria thanking me for do the quilting.  A happy customer - one of the best presents you can get!

'Megan's Quilt' made by Maria

Maria chose lovely fresh prints to make up a scrappy 16-patch block.  She used the leftover fabrics to piece a binding which I attached as part of the longarm quilting service.  I have often used pieced bindings on my own quilts and it is a great way to use up the leftovers from you project.

'Ginger Hearts' Digital pantograph by Apricot Moon

Maria chose the popular 'Ginger Hearts' digital pantograph by Apricot Moon as an allover quilting pattern and the thread was the softest pink to give a very subtle contrast to the background.

There is only one problem - Megan has a twin brother and no doubt Grandma is now going have her hands busy making one for him!

Trip Around the World Wedding Quilt

'Trip Around the World' wedding quilt, made by Vix

Ok, so I think the summer wedding season is over and I can now show you this lovely 'Trip Around the World' quilt made by Vix for a couple of musical newlyweds, which I custom quilted back in July. 

What made this quilt extra special was that to personalise it as a wedding gift she asked all the friends and family to write a message on the fabric squares.  She had the hard work of putting it together, but it was worthwhile as at the end she came up with this beautiful quilt.  By the way, this was the first quilt she has ever made!

'Trip Around the World' wedding quilt, made by Vix

Vix brought it to me for quilting on my APQS longarm machine.  Some of the writing went right up to the edge, so to prevent any stitching obscuring the special messages, I custom quilted a very narrow orange peel design on the squares, which always works beautifully on a 'Trip Around the World' quilt.

It was such a joy to do this quilt.  Reading all the messages as I stitched, I could tell it oozed with love and best wishes from friends and family.  At the wedding, the quilt was on display and apparently everyone had great fun spotting the square which they had contributed.

10/10 to Vix for coming up with a such a thoughtful present and 10/10 to Vix for getting it to me in good time for the wedding deadline.

But the life of a busy longarmer never stops - I have just completed two quilts which are to be Christmas presents.  If you need some quilts done for Christmas let me know so that I can schedule them in for the 25th December deadline.

Tonga Treat Rail Fence Quilt with Fleece Backing

Tonga Treat Rail Fence Quilt - with Moxie Quilt pattern

This has been a fun quilt project which is already getting plenty of use! I picked up a beautiful Tonga Treat fabric pack from The Sewing Studio in Redruth on a recent trip to Cornwall and wanted a quick sewing fix as a break from my long term sewing projects.   A quick Rail Fence pattern blended the batik fabrics beautifully and within 24 hours it was ready to quilt on my longarm quilting machine.

Tonga Treat Rail Fence Quilt with Fleece Backing

The quilt measures about 44" x 58".  I put in a thin polyester wadding and stitched it with a bright green Isacord thread.

'Moxie' Digital Quilt Pantograph by Patricia Ritter and Leisha Farnworth

With the modern fresh colours I wanted to try out a new digital pantograph which I have added to my collection - Moxie by Patricia Ritter and Leisha Farnsworth, which has big, bold flowers all over it.

Cuddlesoft / Fleece backing on a quilt

For the back I used something special.  I wish you could reach through your screen to touch the back of this quilt - it is a beautiful plush cuddlesoft fleece fabric with a tint of green.  When I was choosing my Tonga Treat pack I had this backing in mind.  It has a beautifully soft, deep pile, so when stitched the back has a sculptured look to it, whilst being beautifully tactile. 

Tonga Treat Rail Fence Quilt with Fleece Backing

I have used fleece several times before on my longarm quilting machine and I am happy for customers to bring it.  They do vary a lot in quality and I always give them a tug before I buy them.  There should only be stretch one way, which allows me to mount it easily on the frame without too much distortion.  I also usually put in a thin wadding or a layer of cotton flannel, to support the stretch of the fleece.

Now the nights are starting to draw in I am looking forward to snuggling up underneath this quilt!

Joining up with Whoop Whoop Friday!

Overall Champion and Longarm Quilting Award - 2016 Great Northern Quilt Show

'Nearly Insane' Quilt by Frances Meredith,

Champion Best in Show, Great Northern Quilt Show 2016

I have recently had success with one of my own quilts at the 2016 Great Northern Quilt Show.  My 'Nearly Insane' quilt won first in the Best Bed Quilt category, the Longarm Quilting Award and the Best in Show Champion Shield.  I always try to enter my quilts in shows so that people can see the range of quilts I work on and to show that I am a quilter too!

'Nearly Insane' Quilt by Frances Meredith,

Champion Best in Show, Great Northern Quilt Show 2016

The prize winning Nearly Insane quilt top was completely hand pieced (yes, hand pieced!) using English paper piecing and took me just over two and a half years to make.  Once the top was done, like many of you, I was eager to get on with the next project.  I have hand quilted several of my own quilts before, but knowing how many seams there were in this quilt top and how long it was going to take, I couldn't really ever imagine this one being top of my list to do.  It was close to joining all the other unquilted quilt tops in my cupboard. This is when I decided to invest in a longarm quilting machine.

'Nearly Insane' Quilt by Frances Meredith,

Champion Best in Show, Great Northern Quilt Show 2016

The Nearly Insane quilt was quite a significant part of my life at the time and so when a customer brings a special quilt top to me for quilting I really can appreciate the time and effort that they have put into their projects, whether they are a beginner or an accomplished quilter. I am passionate about piecing as I am quilting, but one is no good without the other and ultimately we all want a finished quilt.  As I have said before, knowing that I could get my quilt finished really invigorated my passion for quilting and I am pleased to offer the same opportunity to my quilting customers.

Sian's Janet Clare Star Quilt

This lovely star block quilt was made by Sian for her daughter (and the kids and the dogs!).  It is made using the Janet Clare fabric range, Nocturne.  I met Sian at the Festival of Quilts and she showed me a photo of the completed quilt and she even got to show the photo to the designer, Janet Clare herself! 

The fabric ranges which Janet Clare is releasing through Moda have proved to be very popular and increasingly the quilts which pass through my hands feature them.  If you follow this link, you can see a YouTube video about Janet Clare's design process - it is a lovely insight to her work.  So, in preparation of this I have improved my stock of quilting threads to blend with this range so that my long arm quilting customers have plenty of choice.

Threads to match Janet Clare fabrics

For the quilting pattern on Sian's quilt she kept to the astronomy theme of the Nocturne fabric range and chose an all over digital pattern, Ginger Stars by Apricot Moon. 

'Ginger Stars' digital pantograph by Apricot Moon

There was 80/20 Cotton / Polyester wadding and a grey Isacord thread for the quilting.

Mile a Minute Scrap Quilt by Naina

'Mile a Minute' scrap Quilt by Naina

As you may know, I LOVE scrap quilts and Naina has done a great job pulling out all the pinks and purples from her scrap pile to make this eye-catching Mile a Minute quilt.  I think the off-set blocks really make it work well.

'Mile a Minute' scrap Quilt by Naina

Scrap quilts are perfect partners for an allover digital pantograph quilting design.  Naina chose a lovely flowing pattern, Seafoam by Patricia Ritter, for the quilt pattern and we stitched it in a variegated thread, Superior Rainbow #813.

'Seafoam' Digital Pantograph by Patricia Ritter

Rainbow Quilt by Rosemary

"Rainbow" quilt made by Rosemary, quilted by Frances Meredith

Yes, customers really do bring me quilts this gorgeous to quilt. This "Rainbow"quilt is a pattern from the book "Totally Tubular Quilts" by Rita Hutchens and was made by Rosemary.

"Rainbow" quilt made by Rosemary, quilted by Frances Meredith

I can totally understand why Rosemary was drawn to this pattern, it is so colourful, but when it comes to quilting it where do you start?  The colourful design was so striking that it was important not to detract from it, so we used a digital pantograph "Modern Wave" by Anita Shackleford, which added a continuous dynamic wave across the whole quilt and used an Isacord 3355 navy thread for the stitching.

"Rainbow" quilt made by Rosemary, quilted by Frances Meredith

It's great to have a job where you have to work with such colourful quilts. 

Come and meet me at Busy Bees Patchwork Programme Launch

I will be at the Busy Bees Patchwork Programme Launch tomorrow, 23rd July 2016, 10am - 2pm held at Duffryn Community Centre, Newport, NP10 8SB, near the Busy Bees Patchwork shop and National Trust property, Tredegar House.

I will have some quilted samples for you to see and I will have my diary with me if you would like to book a drop off time for your quilt in the forthcoming weeks.

I look forward to seeing you there.

New Zealand Quilt by Sarah

'Bird's Eye View' Digital Pantograph 
quilted by Frances Meredith, Fabadashery Long Arm Quilting

What has been on the quilting frame lately? A lovely quilt with memories of a special holiday made by Sarah.

New Zealand Kiwi Fabric

The quilt design is called 'The Birdwatcher' by Tracey Bowen and was a quilt project which Sarah picked up on her travels in New Zealand.  The fabrics feature a variety of birds native to the islands including the Kiwi, the Tui and the Saddleback.


New Zealand Kiwi Fabric

The fabrics Sarah used to complement her feature blocks was also from New Zealand and were printed with patterns found in Maori art. We used a deep grey / brown Isacord (1375) for the thread and 100% Hobbs Polydown for the wadding.  Sarah had chosen a lovely soft grey fabric for the back and once finished the thread colour and quilt pattern looked fabulous on the back as well as the front.

'Bird's Eye View' Digital Pantograph designed by Barbara Becker

She wanted a quilt design which reflected the traditional New Zealand patterns which featured on the fabric.  As soon as I saw them I immediately thought of this 'Bird's Eye View' digital pantograph by Barbara Becker. I have been waiting for an excuse to add this to my collection for a while, so I am pleased Sarah popped by with her quilt.


"The Birdwatcher"  New Zealand Quilt made by Sarah,
Quilted by Frances Meredith, Fabadashery Long Arm Quilting



 

 



Blue Sampler Quilt by Lynne

Lynne's First Sampler Quilt

This is a lovely sampler quilt made by Lynne and includes all our favourite quilt blocks - Dresden Fan, Log Cabin, Flying Geese, applique, and even some 'improv' blocks.  She started making the quilt blocks as part a class held by Jenny Lester at Poppy Patchwork in Bristol last September and added a few of her own to make a good sized bed quilt.

William Morris fabric

Amongst the soft blues and greens in the quilt was a William Morris fabric design which Lynne had used for the sashing.  It had a feathery swirl feel about, which is where we took our lead for the choice of quilting pattern.


'Alouette' Digital Quilting Design by Natalie Gorman

Lynne's choice of colours blended well together and she chose an all over digital pantograph called 'Alouette' designed by Natalie Gorman for me to complete her quilt.



Lynne's First Sampler Quilt

Now this is quilted it just needs the binding and it will be ready for use.