Monday 31 December 2018

New Year - Completed Quilts - Fabadashery Longarm Quilting January 2019

If your New Year's resolution has been to get some (or all!) of your quilt tops quilted, please get in touch.  I am available on the following dates in the next few weeks for you to drop off your quilt, by appointment, including a Saturday.  Also, if you are travelling across the bridge from Bristol, don't forget that there is no bridge fee from December 2018.


Wednesday 2nd January
Thursday 3rd January
Friday 4th January
Monday 7th January
Saturday 12th January
Friday 25th January
Monday 28th January 


Email:frances@fabadashery.co.uk
Tel: 01291 629120

Wonky Christmas Tree Quilt made by Mairi

'Wonky Christmas Tree' quilt made by Mairi,  quilted by Frances Meredith, Fabadashery Longarm Quilting
'Wonky Christmas Tree' quilt made by Mairi,
quilted by Frances Meredith, Fabadashery Longarm Quilting
Holiday gifts have been given and so it is time for Show and Tell!  This is a brilliantly fun quilt made by Mairi, one of my postal customers in Scotland.  All the fabrics are Christmas related and as far as I could see, the wonky Christmas trees were cut in pairs in a stack and whack fashion - in fact it made a great game of Snap!  I had never seen so many Christmas fabrics in one quilt.
For the backing Mairi managed to source this whimsical Christmas fabric featuring kitsch reindeer with tinsel in their antlers - amazing.  And finally, to give the quilt the full Christmas trimming, Mairi chose this popular holly digital quilting pattern, called Feliz Navidad, designed by Patricia Ritter and Natalie Gorman.  Only a few more days until Christmas has to be packed away ...

Monday 24 December 2018

Christmas Quilt made by Karen, with Holly Berry quilting - Feliz Navidad

'Feliz Navidad' digital quilting pattern
'Feliz Navidad' digital quilting pattern
Happy Christmas! Thank you to all my customers, who have kept me busy right up to the last minute.  The past few weeks have largely been quilting quilts which are to be gifted for Christmas.  Others, like this one made by Karen from a Minick and Simpson 'Snowfall Prints' charm pack, will be in her home to be enjoyed over the holiday season.
Christmas Quilt made by Karen
Christmas Quilt made by Karen
If you follow the Pinterest link on the right sidebar you will be led to the catalogue of digital quilting patterns that are available at Fabadashery Long arm Quilting.  I have a few holiday themed patterns and to add to the Christmas them, Karen chose a holly berry quilt pattern, called 'Feliz Navidad' designed by Patricia Ritter and Natalie Gorman.  Great choice!
'Feliz Navidad' digital quilting pattern
'Feliz Navidad' digital quilting pattern

Sunday 23 December 2018

Carol's Starburst Fussy Cut Quilt - Custom quilted by Frances Meredith

Starburst Quilt made by Carol,  custom quilted by Frances Meredith
Starburst Quilt made by Carol,
custom quilted by Frances Meredith
The shortest day has come and gone and natural light is in very low in supply, so it is great to remember some of the quilts I have done over the year when the sunshine did its best to show off the quilting.  This is a small wallhanging (50" x 50") made by the talented Carol Allen, where she has framed and fussy cut nine starburst blocks.  The sun on this day really showed the custom quilting off to its finest and reminds me of why a wool wadding works so well in  a custom / applique quilt.
Starburst Quilt made by Carol,  custom quilted by Frances Meredith
Starburst Quilt made by Carol, 
custom quilted by Frances Meredith
Each starburst was stitched in the ditch to emphasise the pieced pattern and then outlined.  By using a filler pattern in the background it really helped to push the block pattern forward.  The loft of the wool wadding made the quilt look like a trapunto technique had be used, but I can assure you it was just the combination of the loft of the wadding and the dense background quilting.  Carol also bought a special fabric for the border which I outlined in monopoly thread.  She also cleverly disguised the diagonal corner seam by appliqueing a rose motif in the corner.  Another quilt which I could have happily accommodated in my home!
Starburst Quilt made by Carol,  custom quilted by Frances Meredith
Starburst Quilt made by Carol, 
custom quilted by Frances Meredith

Thursday 20 December 2018

Jill's Redwork Stitchery Applique Quilt

Jill's Applique and Stitchery Quilt Custom quilted by Frances Meredith, Fabadashery Longarm Quilting
Jill's Applique and Stitchery Quilt
Custom quilted by Frances Meredith, Fabadashery Longarm Quilting
This is the centre panel of Jill's quilt, just one panel of hand stitchery amongst a lovely quilt of beautiful applique work.  Once you have made a beautiful quilt top such as this one with hand stitched detail it can be intimidating to know how to quilt it.  I am a big fan of stitching in the ditch and my go to thread for this task is Superior Monopoly.  On Jill's quilt I outlined all the hand stitchery and because the Monopoly is virtually invisible it did not interfere with the original design.
Jill's Applique and Stitchery Quilt Custom quilted by Frances Meredith, Fabadashery Longarm Quilting
Jill's Applique and Stitchery Quilt
Custom quilted by Frances Meredith, Fabadashery Longarm Quilting
Below is a photo of the quilt being custom quilted on my APQS Millie Longarm Quilting Machine.  This was a fun quilt to do as there were lots of little elements, which invited different quilting patterns to match its scrappy feel.
Jill's Applique and Stitchery Quilt Custom quilting on the frame, Fabadashery Longarm Quilting
Jill's Applique and Stitchery Quilt
Custom quilting on the frame, Fabadashery Longarm Quilting
I went to town on the border by using different patterns on each of the piano key blocks, to add texture and interest.  This is one of those quilts that is on my bucket list to do, but I think it is too late for 2018!
Scrappy quilted piano key border
Scrappy quilted piano key border

Tuesday 18 December 2018

Maria's Batik Quilt

Batik quilt made by Maria
Batik quilt made by Maria, quilted by Fabadashery Longarm Quilting, UK
I am blessed to have so many lovely creative customers and each day seems like Christmas when another quilt comes through the door.  Everyone is different and each one has different requirements.  This quilt made by Maria has some lovely muted blue, yellow and grey batiks in it and it made a refreshing change from the quilts I usually have, almost looking like a tiled floor. 
Batik quilt made by Maria, quilted by Fabadashery Longarm Quilting, UK
Batik quilt made by Maria, quilted by Fabadashery Longarm Quilting, UK
With such a large quilt, Maria took advantage of my quilt binding service.  She provided this beautiful batik fabric which she purchased form Doughty's in Hereford - they have such an amazing choice.  I just had to take a picture of it as it was SO delicious.
Batik fabric for binding a quilt
Batik fabric for binding a quilt
Also, I was really pleased when Maria chose this digital quilting pattern, Silver, from my pattern catalogue.  I have had it for quite a while, but it wasn't until now that the right quilt came along.  If you want to see what other patterns I have, you can browse through this blog or visit my Pinterest page.
'Silver' digital pantograph designed by Patricia E Ritter
'Silver' digital pantograph designed by Patricia E Ritter

Sunday 16 December 2018

Travelling to Fabadashery Longarm Quilting - Severn Bridge Tolls to Wales removed TODAY!

Good news if you are travelling from England to Wales to visit Fabadashery Longarm Quilting in Chepstow.  As from today, Monday 17th December 2018 there are NO BRIDGE FEES for travelling over either of the Severn Bridges.

Without the barrier of the bridge tolls, I am sure many of you will come to realise how convenient travelling to Chepstow can be.  It is just a 20 minute drive from Cribbs Causeway in Bristol and without the city traffic.  Also, there is always somewhere to park once you arrive!

I know when my customers travel over from England to drop off their quilt they take the opportunity to enjoy some of the other delights of Chepstow and the surrounding area - Chepstow Garden Centre, Tintern Abbey, Chepstow Castle and the Wye Valley.  There are also some delightful crafty suppliers this side of the bridge - Undy Yarns and Busy Bees Patchwork in Newport, based in the craft units at the National Trust Tredegar House.

Exciting times!

Holly's Colourful Hawaiian Quilt

Holly's Hawaiian quilt on the APQS Longarm Quilting Frame
Holly's Hawaiian quilt on the APQS Longarm Quilting Frame
Have you ever bought fabric whilst on holiday? Holly made a trip to Hawaii and was clearly taken with the beautiful flowery fabrics that were on offer.  The fabrics she brought back feature the hibiscus flower which grow all over the islands. The quality of the fabrics itself is lovely and soft and I think the simple on-point pattern really showcases the fabric off to its best.  here it is on the quilting frame whilst it is being quilted by my APQS Millenium longarm.
Holly's Hawaiian Quilt
Holly's Hawaiian Quilt
As I look out of the window now, it is a bit grey, but one look at this quilt would take you back to Hawaii at one glance.  It is so cheerful.  To reflect the hibiscus flower, Holly chose the quilting pattern, Ginger Flowers.
'Ginger Flowers' quilting pattern by Apricot Moon
'Ginger Flowers' quilting pattern by Apricot Moon

Saturday 15 December 2018

Oriental Sampler BOM quilt by Hilary

Oriental Treasures BOM Quilt, made by Hilary. Quilted by Frances Meredith
Oriental Treasures BOM Quilt, made by Hilary.
Quilted by Frances Meredith
I was prompted to put up this post of this lovely quilt made by Hilary, as I have just had delivery of another quilt with the same pattern and fabrics.  It was a BOM kit which I believe was sold through local quilt shops.  If there are two out there, I am sure that there are many more!  The quilt has an oriental flavour and has many fabrics with a gold metallic finish.  I have a Fil-tec Glide thread called Prickly Pear which seems to work perfectly with these metallic fabrics.
Fil-Tec Glide Prickly Pear Thread
Fil-Tec Glide Prickly Pear Thread
We chose a simple quilting pattern called 'Dragonwings' to finish it, which worked well with motifs in the fabric and added a special something to the overall quilt.  I know that both of these quilts had been in cupboards for a while, so I was pleased to help bring them back into circulation.

Friday 14 December 2018

Lesley's Compass Star Quilt - The Patchwork Basket Workshop

Lesley's Compass Star Quilt
Lesley's Compass Star Quilt
Have you ever made a compass star quilt?  I have one in a box waiting to be put into a quilt.  It took a lot of patience and steady work to get it right.  Lesley has made a wonderful job of hers and has taken it further by making it the centre of a beautiful quilt which she started at a workshop at The Patchwork Basket in Newent.  With the elegant fabrics she had used, it deserved to be finished with an elegant pattern.  Lesley chose this lovely 'Nemesh Feathers' quilting pattern for a stunning finish.
  'Nemesh Feathers' digital quilting design
'Nemesh Feathers' digital quilting design

Thursday 13 December 2018

Sue's Modern Curve quilt for Luke

 'Modern Curves' quilting pattern on Sue's Quilt
'Modern Curves' quilting pattern on Sue's Quilt
Over the past few weeks I have done several quilts using the popular 'Modern Curves' quilting pattern.  Sue has made this quilt for one of the men in her life. The alternating strip blocks she has used are a great way to use up scraps and the black fabric fabric strips really make the quilt striking.  I have a little sample quilt with this quilting pattern on at hand when customers come to drop off their quilts and to choose a pattern - it puts up quite a convincing argument!  
 'Modern Curves' quilting pattern on Sue's Quilt
'Modern Curves' quilting pattern on Sue's Quilt

Wednesday 12 December 2018

Sampler Quilt made by Ivy - Busy Bees Patchwork, Newport

Applique Sampler block
Applique Sampler block
Here is a pretty applique sampler block made by Ivy on a Sampler quilt workshop at Busy Bees Patchwork in Newport.  It is the end of term and many people are finishing off projects they have been working on over the past few weeks - all that is left is the quilting.  If I can help, please get in touch.  Maybe friends and family can help you get that quilt finished as a gift?
Blue and pink Sampler Quilt
Back to Ivy's masterpiece. I do a lot of sampler quilts myself and I really appreciate that as you work through each block there are more things to see and admire.  On this occasion, Ivy chose a simple meandering quilt pattern called 'Bam', which allowed her workmanship to standout.  In addition, she took advantage of Fabadashery Quilt Label service to personalise this quilt, which was gift for someone.
'Bam' Digital Pantograph Quilting Pattern
'Bam' Digital Pantograph Quilting Pattern
If you are looking for a new project to do in January 2019 I am sure Busy Bees will be able to help out and they are open until Saturday 22nd Dec 2018 if you need to drop off someone to pick up a Gift Voucher for you!

Monday 10 December 2018

Devon County Quilt made by Karen and quilted by Fabadashery Longarm Quilting

'Devon County' quilt made by Karen
'Devon County' quilt made by Karen
Do you recognise this quilt pattern?  If you subscribe to Today's Quilter, this quilt was featured in Issue 29 as a special souvenir supplement in late 2017.  The quilt is called 'Devon County' and was designed by Sally Ablett.  Karen took the pattern and changed it up with her own stunning modern red, grey and white colour scheme.  Isn't it amazing.
'Devon County' quilt made by Karen
'Devon County' quilt made by Karen
The quilt is about 83" x 83", so quite a large quilt to tackle on a domestic sewing machine.  Karen brought it to Fabadashery Longarm Quilting to be finished off with an all over pattern.  I always remind my customers that if they are having a computerised all over pattern, the back will look as good as the front, so a plainer fabric will look good, and this quilt was no exception.
'Wave on Wave' digital pantograph designed by Patricia Ritter
'Wave on Wave' digital pantograph designed by Patricia Ritter
On this occasion she chose a swirly  / feather design called 'Wave on Wave'.  
'Wave on Wave' digital pantograph designed by Patricia Ritter
'Wave on Wave' digital pantograph designed by Patricia Ritter

Sunday 9 December 2018

Christmas Jelly Roll Quilt, made by Lesley, quilted by Frances Meredith at Fabadashery Longarm Quilting

Lesley's Christmas Jelly Roll Quilt
Lesley's Christmas Jelly Roll Quilt
Lesley made this quilt out of a holiday themed Moda Jelly Roll.  With the large alternating plain blocks the floral quilting pattern really stands out and adds character to this charming quilt, which is made up of just squares.
"Blooms" digital quilting pattern by Anne Bright
"Blooms" digital quilting pattern by Anne Bright
Here you can see Lesley's quilt on the frame, showing off its new quilting, Blooms a digital quilting pattern by Anne Bright.  Somehow the pattern seemed to have a Christmas feel to it on this quilt.  Earlier in the year is used this pattern on a fresh spring quilt made by Carys and in that instance it took on a fresh spring feel.
Lesley's Christmas Jelly Roll Quilt
Lesley's Christmas Jelly Roll Quilt
 A lot of people have taken the chance this weekend to get their decorations up, so I am sure this quilt will be making a contribution to the holiday decor in Lesley's home.

Friday 7 December 2018

Thimbleberries "Pansy Park' BOM Quilt designed by Lynette Jensen, made by Sarah

Thimbleberries "Pansy Park' BOM Quilt
Thimbleberries "Pansy Park' BOM Quilt
designed by Lynette Jensen, made by Sarah, quilted by Frances Meredith
It has been a a busy year of quilting and sometimes it is fun to look back at what I was doing a year ago.  On the longarm quilting frame was this Block of the Month pattern, 'Pansy Park' quilt by Thimbleberries and made by Sarah.  It was quite a special quilt as many of the fabrics seemed like they were design specifically for the quilt.
Thimbleberries "Pansy Park' BOM Quilt  designed by Lynette Jensen, made by Sarah, quilted by Frances Meredith
Thimbleberries "Pansy Park' BOM Quilt 
designed by Lynette Jensen, made by Sarah, quilted by Frances Meredith
It was a very large quilt, measuring 91" x 111" and I custom quilted it, which involved stitching in the ditch and using a range of free motion designs, digital patterns and ruler work to fill each section.  
Thimbleberries "Pansy Park' BOM Quilt  designed by Lynette Jensen, made by Sarah, quilted by Frances Meredith
Thimbleberries "Pansy Park' BOM Quilt 
designed by Lynette Jensen, made by Sarah, quilted by Frances Meredith
The quilt has eight different borders and twelve different blocks and when planning what to do, I had to work how I would stitch each one before I could put it on the frame.  This design stage can be quite time consuming!  Once it was off the frame and in the sunlight, it was the first chance to see the different textures of the quilting.Certainly a quilt for use on a cold day like today.
Thimbleberries "Pansy Park' BOM Quilt  designed by Lynette Jensen, made by Sarah, quilted by Frances Meredith
Thimbleberries "Pansy Park' BOM Quilt 
designed by Lynette Jensen, made by Sarah, quilted by Frances Meredith

Thursday 6 December 2018

New Quilting Designs - Flowerumpus, Marmalade, Spilled Ink

Here are a few more digital all over quilting patterns which I have recently added to my library - Flowerumpus, Marmalade, Spilled Ink
'Flowerumpus' digital pantograph designed by Hermione Agee 

'Marmalade' digital pantograph designed by Leisha Farnsworth and Patricia Ritter

'Spilled Ink' digital pantograph designed by Sarah Ann Myers and Patricia Ritter

Wednesday 5 December 2018

Kaffe Fassett Coin Quilt made by Penny

Penny's Chinese Coin Kaffe Fassett Quilt
Penny's Chinese Coin Kaffe Fassett Quilt
I have featured several of Penny's quilts on my blog before and all of them have been colourful and bright.  This is quilt pattern is known as a Chinese Coin Quilt, probably because it is meant to look like stacked piles of coins. As well as the allover quilt pattern, Penny also took advantage of my binding service, where I can attached your binding by machine, trim down the quilt, ready for you to hand finish the binding.
'Busy Bees' digital pantograph designed by Hermione Agee
'Busy Bees' digital pantograph designed by Hermione Agee
Penny chose some Bumble Bees for the all over digital pattern - they were obviously attracted by all the bright colours of the Kaffe Fassett fabrics she used, especially the bright orange backing fabric.
'Busy Bees' digital pantograph designed by Hermione Agee
'Busy Bees' digital pantograph designed by Hermione Agee

Tuesday 4 December 2018

New Quilting Designs - Lovey Dovey, Flowerumpus, Lalla Palooza

I have taken advantage of the Black Friday sales to add some quilting designs to my library.  Here are just a few of them - let me know your favourite!
  'Lovey Dovey' digital quilt design by Patricia Ritter  and Leisha Farnsworth
'Lovey Dovey' digital quilt design by Patricia Ritter  and Leisha Farnsworth

'Bubbles' digital quilt design by Lorien Quilting and Patricia E Ritter
'Bubbles' digital quilt design by Lorien Quilting and Patricia E Ritter

  'Lalla Palooza' digital quilt design by  Denise Schillinger and Patricia Ritter
'Lalla Palooza' digital quilt design by  Denise Schillinger and Patricia Ritter

Monday 3 December 2018

Little Coxwell Quilters display at Springfields Christmas Quilt Show, Spalding , December 2018

'Beamish Quilt' by Lynne Johnson Little Coxwell Quilters - Feature Display at Spalding, December 2018
'Beamish Quilt' by Lynne Johnson
Little Coxwell Quilters - Feature Display at Spalding, December 2018
This weekend (7th - 8th December) it is the Springfields Christmas Quilt Show at Spalding, Lincolnshire, organised by Grosvenor Shows.  It is another opportunity to see the exquisite work of the Little Coxwell Quilters, including this quilt by Lynne.  I have had the opportunity to custom quilt some of the quilts on display and it gives me the chance to see them up close.  I love the mix of fabrics they use and the simplicity of the designs.  It is hard to hand them back!
'Hexagon Medallion' by Pippa Cottrell Little Coxwell Quilters - Feature Display at Spalding, December 2018
'Hexagon Medallion' by Pippa Cottrell
Little Coxwell Quilters - Feature Display at Spalding, December 2018
This hexagon extravaganza is by another member of the group, Pippa.  In the centre is a pieced star which I have free motioned a filler pattern.  Otherwise, each of those hexagons are stitched in the ditch.

If you are in the area you won't be disappointed by the display.