Hi. So, I did this backwards, I know. I signed up for a flock of swaps and gave this Vox blog address. But after struggling with the Vox editor I gave up and went back to Blogger. So, I have a new blog address.
www.doreyr.blogspot.com
I am participating in the Little Bouquet Quilt Along. Much fun is being had.
One of the supply list items could not be found in my stash (ya, I was shocked too). I don't have any non-fusible interfacing. I do have fusible (miles of the stuff). So the designer suggested I try fusing two pieces together.
Another participant mentioned that she is using baby wipes, which reminded me that I have a stash of used dryer sheets (they work really well for applique). I decided to try both the dryer sheets and the fusible.
This pic shows the difference in weight and transparency between the two. The fusible is heavenly soft whereas the dryer sheet is rough.
This pic shows the finished blocks. There is no visible difference. The weight and stability are surprisingly different. I'm not sure how the dryer sheet version would hold up to machine quilting. However, since I prefer hand quilting, I can't see myself trying to get my needle through the thickness of the fusible block.
Conclusion : depending on your quilting method, either version of interfacing will do. Or, you could just go your LQS and buy some non-fusible. :)
I have two blocks of twelve done so far. But the sewing machine must be abandoned for the moment, because my two "kids" are demanding some attention. Kobie is telling me in no uncertain terms to turn off the sewing machine and pay attention to her or she will find something to amuse herself with. And I won't like it.
The cat is very quiet though. Hmmm, better go see what she is up to. Excuse me....
"Lulu? Where are you? Lulu?"
Quilt swaps are a lot of fun but the process can be frustrating if the partner you are given is too mysterious. When I am trying to decide on a project for a partner I like lots of information about likes and dislikes to help me choose.
So, in the interests of being a good swap partner, here is a bunch of information about me.
I am:
Canadian, middle aged, divorced, employed full-time, child free by choice, companion to 2 small dogs and a young cat, home owner, introvert, Apple fan girl
I can:
quilt, knit, crochet, embroider, needlepoint, rug hook, sew clothes, teach others how to use computers
Some examples of styles I like:
can be found at my Flickr favorites page and I am currently in love with all things Shabby Chic and the fresh modern quilt styles. My most favourite blogger right now is Oh, Fransson!
I really enjoy:
needlework of any kind, reading, listening to music
I dislike:
cooking, the editor tool for this blog
I will not:
garden
I try to avoid:
controversy, driving after dark
I have the following types of stashes:
fabric, yarn, quilting thread, beads, scrap book paper, coloured pencils and crayons. O.K., I admit it, I adore sparkly, shiny, colourful, pretty things. I must have been a dragon in a prior life!
I read:
science fiction and fantasy such as William Gibson, Neal Stephenson, Neil Gaiman, Cathryanne Valente, Cory Doctorow Anne McCaffery (love those dragons!)
My guilty pleasures:
Stephanie Meyer's Twilight series, Charlaine Harris' Sookie Stackhouse series, chocolate
I am currently listening to:
The Lord of the Rings soundtrack, Otis Turner, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Abney Park, Rasputina, The Penguin Cafe Orchestra
I would love to have:
any fabric by Kafe Fassett, Amy Butler, Lizzy House, or any of the other currently popular designers. Where I live the quilt shops are a year or two behind the trends. I could order on line but I hate to pay for shipping.
Items I would love to have but will never get around to making for myself:
quilted purse;
iPhone cozy;
placemats.
Whew! I think that's enough about me. See you around the blogosphere!
I have happily dipped into my stash of hand dyed quilting threads for this project.
I was cruising through the Quilting Gallery blogs recently and was stopped in my tracks by this beauty, a scrappy wall hanging that looks like oodles of fun to make. Well, it turns out I'm not the only one who feels this way. Due to many requests, Cherry House Quilts is hosting a Quilt Along so we can learn how she made this. I'm so excited!
The supplies list will likely be publicized this weekend. Go to Cherry House Quilts for more info.
So, the Summertime Swap piece is going well.
I sat down with the coloured pencils this evening to shade in the petals and leaf. The quilting lines have been traced in blue wash-out ink. Now I just have to layer it before I can start quilting.
I am so happy to be quilting again that I have joined two more swaps!
I am in DQS#7 (Doll Quilt Swap). Yay!
My entry for the Stitcher's Angels 2009 has been submitted but I've not heard back yet.
The Summertime swap quilt is progressing nicely. I've finished the hand embroidery and am now tracing the quilting onto the backing. Hand quilting should begin tomorrow.
For eye candy, here is a photo of my living room wall with a paper "quilt" and a "tattoo".
You see, my condo has extremely high ceilings because I am on the top floor. In fact the living room is about 15 feet high. I have A LOT of wall to cover! While I'm working on quilted wallhangings I wanted something for decoration so I cut a bunch of circles from scrapbook paper, felt and fabric. I embellished with stamps and stickers. Very easy, fast and cheap to do. The swirls are store bought stickers. I think it looks like a tattoo :)
Below is a photo of my beloved pup, whose name I use as my screen name. Dorey is a Cavalier King Charles spaniel. She is sweet, loving and very shy with people.
I am delighted to be participant # 208 in the swap.
I've read my partner's blog and made my choice of design.
The raw materials are gathered together, now to start!
I love handwork, so there will be some embroidery, and some McTavishing
quilting by hand.
I plan some fairly intricate quilting, especially in the sashing areas.
When finished it will be roughly 45" x 45", the largest wall hanging I will have made to date.
I will hand quilt, so this is going to take some time!
