Friday 22 December 2017

Project Linus Quilts - 2017

It is the end of another year for Project Linus in the Cardiff and South East Wales district and Jan and Sue have managed to distribute 1708 quilt this year!  Amazing work by local quilters and amazing networking by Jan Jones and Sue Warren who do the hard work of taking the time to locate and distribute them to suitable homes, which include the Royal Gwent hospital, Newport, and the Women's Refuge. 
  'Modern Curves' digital pantograph by Anita Shackleford
'Modern Curves' digital pantograph by Anita Shackleford
All this festive good news reminded me of the Project Linus Day which they held earlier in the year.  I love going along to see what bits and pieces are there and to challenge myself to create something out of the donated fabric.  By the end of the day I went home with five quilts to quilt on the longarm quilting machine, which are now hopefully in the hands of someone who really needs them.This quilt was simply made up of strips of pastel solid fabric which had been donated, no fancy blocks, but my favourite 'Modern Curves' digital pantograph giving the quilt a modern feel.

'Pansies' digital pantograph
'Pansies' digital pantograph
This quilt is actually a printed patchwork panel, so it didn't need any piecing at all.  However, it was a great opportunity to try out a new digital pantograph pattern that I now have in stock called 'Pansies'.  It looks so pretty!  
'Pansies' digital pantograph
'Pansies' digital pantograph

Thursday 21 December 2017

Sheila's Pink Foundation Pieced Quilt

Sheila's Pink Foundation Pieced Quilt
Sheila's Pink Foundation Pieced Quilt
With all the Christmas quilts finished I have finally got some time to show you some of the lovely quilts my customers have brought to me for quilting over the past few months.  This delicious quilt has been made by Sheila for her daughter.  Sheila has used used pink Fossil Fern and batik fabrics against a cream background, which reminds me of Raspberry Ripple ice cream!  I love it.
Sheila's Pink Foundation Pieced Quilt
Sheila's Pink Foundation Pieced Quilt
Sheila took the time to make a lovely piano key border which really finishes off the quilt and the quilt pattern is 'Ginger Flowers'.
Ginger Flowers Digital Pantograph

Friday 17 November 2017

Lynne's Modern Homestead Sampler Quilt - Art of Quilting Magazine

Lynne with her Homestead Sampler Quilt art of quilting magazine
Lynne with her Homestead Sampler Quilt
Congratulations to Lynne who has completed her Modern Homestead Sampler Quilt issued through 'The Art of Quilting' magazine.
'The Art of Quilting' Modern Homestead Sampler Quilt quilted by Fabadashery Long arm quilting
'The Art of Quilting' Modern Homestead Sampler Quilt
It was a huge quilt with eighty 6" quilt blocks, which would have been a challenge to fit under any domestic sewing machine, so Fabadashery Long Arm Quilting came to the rescue.  Loading it onto my large quilting frame made light work of it, especially because Lynne had stitched her quilt so beautifully. 
'Popcorn' digital pantograph by Willow Leaf Studio
'Popcorn' digital pantograph by Willow Leaf Studio
The sampler blocks which Lynne had made were the stars of the show on this quilt, so we chose and all over pattern called 'Popcorn' using a very pale blue Isacord thread which was light enough to blend nicely on the white sashing and across the blocks without distracting from the pretty quilt.  The blue spotty fabric on the back was also provided as part of the kit and the pattern looks great there too.  Whenever I use this pattern on a quilt it always gives great results.
'Popcorn' digital pantograph by Willow Leaf Studio
'Popcorn' digital pantograph by Willow Leaf Studio




Sunday 12 November 2017

365 Challenge quilt by Valerie Imm featured in British Patchwork and Quilting magazine

365 Challenge Quilt by Valerie Imm as featured in British Patchwork and Quilting Magazine November 2017
365 Challenge Quilt by Valerie Imm
as featured in British Patchwork and Quilting Magazine
November 2017
If you have picked up the November 2017 edition of British Patchwork and Quilting magazine you may have read an article by Juliet Nice (p.78) introducing the UK Quilters United, following on from their amazing exhibition of the 365 Challenge quilt.  It caught my eye as the lead photo was of one of my customer's quilts!  Valerie had asked me to quilt her 365 Challenge quilt earlier in the year with the hope of getting it into the exhibition - and see where it is now!
British Patchwork and Quilting Magazine, November 2017
British Patchwork and Quilting Magazine,
November 2017

Tuesday 7 November 2017

African quilt made by Catherine, quilted by Frances Meredith

Quilt using African fabrics made by Catherine
Quilt using African fabrics made by Catherine
This smile says it all - a smile of joy when you receive a heartfelt gift of a quilt. As a long arm quilter it is lovely to see photos of the quilts I play a small part in, completed and in the hands of the recipient. 
African quilt incorporating bible scriptures
African quilt incorporating bible quotes
Catherine wanted to make a special quilt for a friend, the Bishop of Woolwich, who is originally from Nigeria.  Choosing some bright African fabrics and some panels with special bible scripture quotes, she has managed to bring together all the elements into a wonderfully colourful and comforting quilt.
'Bird's Eye' quilt design designed by Barbara Becker
'Bird's Eye' quilt design designed by Barbara Becker
With the bright colours the quilting was never going to be able to compete for attention, so we chose a digital quilting pattern called 'Bird's Eye View' to quilt it evenly across the whole quilt using my long arm quilting machine. I think this pattern has to be one of my favourites.

Quilt using African fabrics made by Catherine
Quilt using African fabrics made by Catherine

Monday 6 November 2017

En Provence 2016 Bonnie Hunter Mystery Quilt made by Eirwen

En Provence 2016 Mystery Quilt by Eirwen Quilted by Frances Meredith at Fabadashery Quilting
En Provence 2016 Mystery Quilt by Eirwen
Quilted by Frances Meredith at Fabadashery Quilting
Have you seen the Bonnie Hunter's 2017 Mystery Quilt launch?  This year the quilt is On Ringo Lake.  The fabric colours have been revealed and the first clue will be released on the 24th November 2017.

Last year, Bonnie Hunter's Mystery Quilt was called En Provence and throughout the year I have had the pleasure of quilting several, including this masterpiece by Eirwen.  Eirwen did the full size and managed to use just the fabrics in her stash.
n Provence 2016 Mystery Quilt by Eirwen Quilted by Frances Meredith at Fabadashery Quilting
En Provence 2016 Mystery Quilt by Eirwen
Quilted by Frances Meredith at Fabadashery Quilting
Personally, the reason why I love the annual Mystery Quilt is because it is focused on using the scraps you have in your stash already.  In this photo you can see the variety of fabrics that Eirwen included in her En Provence quilt, which blend beautifully in the overall quilt.  With so many colours it can be difficult to decide what thread colour to use, but this Wheat Glide thread worked perfectly.
'Ginger Star' digital pantograph designed by Apricot Moon
The En Provence quilt was long arm quilted with a digital pantograph called 'Ginger Star' by Apricot Moon. 

The Mystery quilt usually runs form Thanksgiving until New Years Day, so if you are interested, head on over to Bonnie Hunter's blog.

Monday 30 October 2017

Jean's Quilt for her Grandson

Jean's quilt for her grandson, quilted by Frances Meredith,
Fabadashery Long Arm Quilting
It gets tricky at this time of year to show you some of the work I am doing as many of the lovely quilts I receive for quilting are gifts for Christmas, so I need to keep them all under wraps for now. However, this cheery quilt is a gift for a lucky grandson - I don't think it needs to be a special occasion for a Nanny to give a quilt to any of their grandchildren!
'Nightlight' pantograph, Frances Meredith Long Arm Quilting
'Nightlight' pantograph designed by Patricia Ritter
Jean chose a quilting pattern called 'Nightlight' designed by Patricia Ritter, which has lovely swirls and tiny little stars that pop out.  I used a bright orange thread worked well across the whole quilt and really stood out on the blue border.
'Nightlight' pantograph designed by Patricia Ritter
'Nightlight' pantograph designed by Patricia Ritter
If you have quilt tops which are needing to be quilted for Christmas as a gift there is still time to get it completed in time, just get in touch via email. 

Thursday 12 October 2017

Custom Quilted Sampler Quilt made by Gilly, quilted by Frances Meredith

Foundation Pieced Sampler Quilt, 
This is the centre of a sampler quilt which I have custom long arm quilted for Gilly, who made it on a workshop with Sue Warren a few years ago.  Gilly made it in her favourite colours and backed it with a gorgeous co-ordinating Kaffe Fassett fabric.
Foundation Pieced Sampler Quilt quilted by Fabadashery Frances Meredith
Foundation Pieced Sampler Quilt, 
I have stitched in the ditch throughout the quilt to emphasise the different pieced blocks.  The cross-hatched detail always looks nice on a quilt and I used it both in the border and on the lighter fabrics.
Foundation Pieced Sampler Quilt quilted by Fabadashery Frances Meredith
Foundation Pieced Sampler Quilt quilted by Fabadashery Frances Meredith

Friday 6 October 2017

Blue hand dyed quilt, with Circle Play digital pantograph

Jacqui's hand dyed quilt  with 'Circle Play' digital quilt pantograph designed by Patricia Ritter
Jacqui's hand dyed quilt
 with 'Circle Play' digital quilt pantograph designed by Patricia Ritter
I always know that an interesting quilt is going to come through my door when Jacqui lets me know that she has a quilt top ready for me to long arm quilt.  Jacqui has hand dyed all the fabric for this quilt herself, which gives the colours in the quilt a lovely blended style.  Because they have been dyed and washed through, the fabric is also lovely and soft.
'Circle Play' digital quilt pantograph designed by Patricia Ritter
'Circle Play' digital quilt pantograph designed by Patricia Ritter
Jacqui is also open to trying different digitized patterns and this time she chose a circular quilting pattern called 'Circle Play' designed by Patricia Ritter.  I think it really worked well with the blue hand dyed fabric, reminding me of the bubbles in water and oceans.
Jacqui's hand dyed quilt  with 'Circle Play' digital quilt pantograph designed by Patricia Ritter
Jacqui's hand dyed quilt
 with 'Circle Play' digital quilt pantograph designed by Patricia Ritter

Thursday 21 September 2017

Horse Quilt


'Horseshoe and Stars' digital quilt pattern designed by Jessica Schick
'Horseshoe and Stars' digital quilt pattern designed by Jessica Schick
Choosing a pattern for a quilt can be difficult at times.  Luckily with this quilt made by Dilys there were some clues in the piecing.  Dilys had used some novelty fabric featuring horses for the centre of her blocks, so I was able to find this digital quilt pattern called 'Horseshoes and Stars' designed by Jessica Schick.
'Horseshoe and Stars' digital quilt pattern designed by Jessica Schick
Are you making a quilt for a horse lover?  

Monday 18 September 2017

Cool Boy's Quilt made by Maria

Quilts for boys
Quilts for boys
Maria has twin grandchildren, a boy and a girl.  She made the quilt for her grandaughter last year, and this year she has been focussed on this fabulous quilt for her grandson.  It is often more tricky to make a quilt for a boy, but I think this pattern and the colours she has chosen look amazing.  It is mainly red, blue and green fabrics, but I noticed a few footballs slipped into some of the blocks.
Quilts for boys
Modern quilt for kids
You can also see that Maria made a scrappy binding for the quilt which I added as part of the service and finishes the quilt off perfectly.
'Modern Curves' digital pantograph designed by Anita Shackleford
'Modern Curves' digital pantograph designed by Anita Shackleford
To finish it off I used a popular digital quilting pattern, Modern Curves, designed by Anita Shackleford. I hope these grandchildren realise how lucky they are!

Tuesday 12 September 2017

Rosettes from the Great Northern Show, Harrogate 2017

2017 Great Northern Show - Frances Meredith
2017 Great Northern Show - Frances Meredith
The postman has just been and I have just received my quilt and cushion that I entered into the 2017 Great Northern Show, Harrogate.  I received a Judges Merit for both, so a couple of pretty rosettes to add to the collection.

National Sew a Jelly Roll Day - Baby Quilt made by Wendy

National Sew a Jelly Roll Day 2017
National Sew a Jelly Roll Day 2017

This Saturday is National Sew a Jelly Roll Day 2017.  We all have them in our stash - so delicious that we dare not pull the ribbon to un-roll them.  I have made one quilt using a Jelly Roll, but as part of my long arm quilting business plenty pass through my hands.  You may have seen the Christmas Jelly Roll quilts made by Ann.

Wendy's Baby Quilt - 'Vintage Picnic' fabric
Wendy's Baby Quilt - 'Vintage Picnic' fabric
Wendy has made this delightful baby quilt made from a Bonnie and Camille fabric range called 'Vintage Picnic', which looks like a great pattern to use a Jelly Roll,
Wendy's Baby Quilt - 'Vintage Picnic' fabric
Wendy's Baby Quilt - 'Vintage Picnic' fabric
With the matching colours of the fabric range in a Jelly Roll you are sure to get the look of a cleverly co-ordinated scrap quilt.
'Ginger Hearts' digital pantograph by Apricot Moon
'Ginger Hearts' digital pantograph by Apricot Moon
To finish of the quilt I used one of my most popular computerized patterns, 'Ginger Hearts' designed by Apricot Moon.  Why is it so popular - because it always gives great results.
'Ginger Hearts' digital pantograph by Apricot Moon
'Ginger Hearts' digital pantograph by Apricot Moon

Thursday 7 September 2017

Collection for a Cause Traditional Quilt with Allouette Pantograph made by Lesley

'Love' Collections for a Cause fabric
'Love' Collections for a Cause fabric
Sometimes the inspiration for a quilt is a lovely range of fabrics. This quilt made by Lesley uses the 'Love' collection by Howard Marcus for Moda.  The pattern she has chosen really shows off the gorgeous prints.
'Love' Collections for a Cause quilt made by Lesley
'Love' Collections for a Cause quilt made by Lesley
To keep with the elegance of the fabric prints, Lesley chose a digital quilt pattern called 'Allouette' which has lovely swirls and feathers, which flowed over the quilt beautifully.  It is one of my favourites and it always has adds an elegant touch to a quilt.
'Allouette' digital pantograph,
designed by Natalie Gorman and Patricia Ritter

Thursday 31 August 2017

Back to School - Beginner's Sampler Quilt by Jenny

'Blooms' digital pantograph, designed by Anne Bright
'Blooms' digital pantograph, designed by Anne Bright
I can't believe it is September already, the summer has gone so quickly.  This time of year is 'Back to School' time, but the good news is that this means that your local quilt shop is probably launching its new programme.  
'Sampler Quilt' made by Jenny
Jenny completed this Beginners Sampler Quilt at Busy Bees Patchwork, Newport, over the past year - in fact she made two.  On this one she used a Janet Clare fabric range and made it bigger by adding a nice wide border.  I helped her to finish it off by long arm quilting it using this pretty floral quilting pattern called Blooms designed by Anne Bright. Busy Bees start their new courses on 12th September 2017 and places can be booked directly via their website.
  'Blooms' digital pantograph, designed by Anne Bright
'Blooms' digital pantograph, designed by Anne Bright

Monday 28 August 2017

Two Christmas Jelly Roll Quilts by Ann, quilted by Fabadashery Long Arm Quilting

Yes, I know, the C-word, but some of my customers are already getting their Christmas gifts prepared.  This pair of quilts are the same pattern, reproduced in different Christmas fabrics and both made by Ann.  It is a pattern using a Jelly Roll made at a class at The Cotton Angel in Monmouth.
Feliz Navidad digital pantograph by Patricia Ritter and Natalie Gorman
Feliz Navidad digital pantograph
designed by Patricia Ritter and Natalie Gorman
The first quilt has a pretty holly digital quilt pattern all over it called 'Feliz Navidad' designed by Patricia Ritter and Natalie Gorman.
Feliz Navidad digital pantograph by Patricia Ritter and Natalie Gorman
Feliz Navidad digital pantograph
designed by Patricia Ritter and Natalie Gorman
The second quilt is the same Jelly Roll pattern, but made out of metallic Christmas prints. 

For this quilt Ann chose a digital quilt pattern called 'Ginger Ice' designed by Apricot Moon, which has snowflakes all over it.
Ginger Ice digital pantograph designed by Apricot Moon
Ginger Ice digital pantograph designed by Apricot Moon
I think Ann intends to hand on to both of thee quilts to decorate her home with festive cheer, but  they are both sure to get plenty of admiring comments over the Christmas period.

Ginger Ice digital pantograph designed by Apricot Moon
Ginger Ice digital pantograph designed by Apricot Moon