Monday 25 May 2009

Sew busy

I can't believe that it has been almost three weeks since my last post. I have spent so much time working, sewing, gardening and reading what everyone else has been doing that time has run out before I could sit down and compose anything. I had hoped to be able to take some photos of the bluebells at Calke but when we went they were almost over so we just enjoyed a good walk and took some photos of the lovely old trees they have there and also one I particularly liked of one of the lakes. As you can see, it was a beautiful day.



These are photos of an amazingly textured ancient tree.




I have been working on a piece for my Spring Blooms swap partner. I had an idea of what I was going to do for this swap but then discovered that the one thing she did not want was raw edge applique - back to the drawing board! I decided to try my hand at a paper pieced pattern, not something that I usually do and either the instructions were not clear or I didn't follow them properly. Either way I lost some of the points ( I think I needed Micki here!) and although I can live with it I didn't feel that I could send it as a swap to someone else so back to the drawing board again. This time I drafted a crazy log cabin and appliqued a flower into the centre of each block. Finally finished and ready to go once I have attached the label. It's OK to show it here because we do not know who we will be receiving our quilt from.



This is the Amish Garden that will not be posted out although I can find a place to hang it in my house. It is still a WIP.



Another piece that I have just finished is a hanging that was inspired by the class I did with Beth Wheeler a little while back. It is going to hang over my bed but is also going to Sutton Hoo for their exhibition in October. The photo makes it seem quite a small piece and does not show the scale of it, it is actually 4' x 2'



And finally I have at last made a hanging from some Secret Garden squares that I made some time ago - like several years ago. I wanted some hand work to do in the evening and during my breaks at work so dug them out and sewed them together. The flash has made the colours a bit more washed out than they should be, they have a kind of glow in real life.



Finally Andrea gave me this award recently. I am not going to nominate any one person because it really does belong to all of you who drop by to support my blog. I thank you for all your comments and please accept this award from me.






Thank you for stopping by and reading. I will try not to be so long next time.

Maggi

13 comments:

  1. Hi, Maggi!
    I guess you have been busy! I love the swap item. I really have to get to work so I can finish mine and send it out.
    Those old trees are mesmerizing. Your pic made me think of the Druids, and a spooky movie I saw where these people had unwillingly become part of a tree.
    Good to read your post, and see you back.

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  2. The photos are beautiful and I like the crazy quilt blocks...whoever gets them will be lucky, for sure. Thinks have been crazy here too, soon will be a little calmer when school is out for me...tomorrow is the last day. I still have my quilt classes, but it is nice to be down to one job for the summer.

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  3. I love trees like that.
    I particulary like the Amish Garden but everything looks fantastic. You have been busy

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  4. Hi Maggi - nice that you have written on your blog again. As I have been away I haven't noticed the gap in your writing! Love your quilts. Thinking about them and about my wild flowers reminds me that one of the most beautiful quilts I ever saw was applique done on the life of the dandelion = each block was a different stage - it was exquisite.

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  5. Good to have you back and see all the wonderful thing you have been working on.
    Awesome trees by the way!
    You deserve that award!
    Andrea.

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  6. What a beautiful lake, so tranquil, and that wonderful old tree - what tales it could tell. Your quilts are so lovely, especially the primrose and pansy one. The colours of the Secret Garden are gorgeous here, so in 'real life' they must be stunning.

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  7. Doesn't time just dissappear. I have the same problem. Enjoyed the pics of the trees. The crazy log cabin quilt in lovely too.

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  8. Nice to have you back! I love your quilts!
    Wonderful pics!
    Micki

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  9. Beautiful work Maggie! Thank you so much for your comments on my blog! I love that very old tree! Hugs Donna

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  10. Wow, I dont know what to comment on first!!!! Your crazy quilt is wonderful, especially the quilting. The paper piecing flower is GORGEOUS. The threadwork on the little piece is amazing. AND finally, I love the colors in the last one.

    You HAVE been a busy girl!!!!

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  11. This post was worth waiting for Maggi.

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  12. Long is good when it includes so many pretty things! I especially like the Amish garden, lovely colours :-)

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  13. Wow! You're a busy gal, and with such beautiful work. I love all your quilts.

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