Quilts for Charity

I have just started to realise just how many crafty people there are living locally to me! Yay!  One of them is a lady called Tamara McDonald who makes wonderful quilts to sell for charity.  She is currently selling two, a masculine and a feminine.  All profits raised from this will go towards a children's cancer charity, in this case it will be the Piam Brown ward at Southampton general, UK. 

So I just wanted to share them on here in case anyone who reads this would like to go and buy them!

Tamara McDonald Feminine Charity Quilt

Tamara McDonald Masculine Charity Quilt

Thanks for reading! Have a lovely day!

Handy little Pocket Bag

Made this cute little bag today for a class this week.  The class is for Mothers and Daughters (or any combination of adult and child really!)  I'm hoping it is straightforward enough for them but also with interesting features.

I've used webbing for the handles to keep things simple. But added a pocket for interest.  They will also be learning how to make a lined bag.

Festival of Quilts

All I can say is WOW!  This was my first time at a big quilting event and to say I was overwhelmed would be a massive understatement.  Not only by the sheer volume of fabric stores offering their wares but also to the amazing talent on show with all the amazing quilts on display.  Wasn't sure if I was allowed to take pictures but everyone seemed to be clicking away! So here are some of my favourites.

This has to be my absolute favourite of the whole day:

I loved all that wonderful colour and idea behind the quilt, especially having been the outsider living in different countries for 10 years of my life.  Loved the way it was quilted too.

Then in stark contrast is this wonderful piece of art, by Susan Chapman.  I totally love the simplicity of the design work. 

Loved her style so much I bought one of her postcards!

 Loved the miniatures section too.  I'm afraid my photos are a bit blurry through! Girls and their shoes eh?

Thought my daughter would love this one!  War Horses by Emily Booth.

 It became apparent to me that I am not really drawn to traditional quilts, love something a bit different.  Check out this wonderful bench!

And this amazing piece was teeny tiny bits of fabric sewn in place

This had the most amazing quilting on it as can be seen more clearly in the close up.

And this one was amazing too!

This final one got awarded Best in Show.  I loved the design and how it reminded me of how Japanese kimonos are displayed.  Amazing work.

 And now onto the purchases.  As I said it was a bit overwhelming to see so much fabric in one place! I could have spent so much more than I did, but apart from the odd indulgence, most of what I bought was bought with either class or market ideas in mind! So quite restrained I thought!!  I have photographed it with the card of the shop I bought it from.  Think my favourite shop for the selection of unusual fabrics has to be The Eternal Maker.  So pleased to hear it isn't that far from me! Might have to pay them a visit soon.

The Eternal Maker

Simply Solids

Creative Grids

Favourite Fabrics

Sorry can't remember where these were from!

Lady Sew and Sew

Fiddlesticks Fabrics

Funky Needlework

The Fat Quarters

Harry & Floss (not actually at the show but near to my sister's house!)

If you are going have a great time.  I will definitely be going back next year.  Maybe for 2 days!