Little Blog Quilt Bee Block #2

As we approach the end of April I thought I'd share with you a picture of my wonky log cabin block, the April Block in the LBQB.

April's Queen Bee wanted a wonky log cabin in solids or bold prints. My stash is a little lacking in solids so I went with the print option. It is a worry - my bold may not be someone else's but that's the great thing when taking part in something like this I guess, you end up with a broad spectrum of work representing everyone's different taste. This is actually the second block I made as the first one was not wonky enough. I've found it really hard to be wonky! Incredible really, given that my cutting and measuring is usually so skew-whiff. I realise that the wonky-ness would show better in solids. The reason I decided to take part in the Bee was to learn new skills and I'm certainly doing that!

Love Natalie x

Noodlehead Divided Basket

I read lots of blogs so I don't know where I first came across the pattern for the Divided Basket, but it's by Noodlehead and can be downloaded for just a couple of quid. I had originally planned on making one to be used as a baby gift basket for a work colleague but I've ended up making one for myself and one for my mum. They are so simple and consequently quite addictive to make.

This is the first one I made. The pattern calls for fusible interfacing to be used, with the option of fusible fleece as well. This one has the interfacing only so is less sturdy than the other but I'm using it to hold my perfumes and make up so it's not a problem.

Are you impressed by my top stitching? I can honestly say that this basket is the neatest thing I have ever made. I certainly put the effort in - I really tried to measure correctly and sew in a straight line, so I'm properly chuffed with the result.

This is a picture of the 2 together - can you see how the one on the left stands a little more upright on its own? That's due to the extra fusible fleece.

If you think you might have use for one of these baskets, get over to Noodlehead and download the pattern - you won't regret it!

I'll be linking this post with Handmade Monday as is usual for my Sunday evening. I hope you've had a wonderful Easter weekend.

Love Natalie

My First Quilt is Complete

Ta da! Here it is in all it's glory. So this is the front (obviously)....

.....and the back. I decided to quilt "in the ditch" along the sashing and then a cross across the middle of each block. I did this to make sure the lines were even on the front but it has worked out to be a lovely grid pattern on the back.

I'm really pleased with it, I have learned so much through making it and my general sewing has really improved, let alone the quilting techniques I've learned and practiced. Still, there is room for improvement. I didn't secure the quilt sandwich enough with pins before I started the quilting so there are a few puckers. And although my lines aren't bad, there are a few wonky places. But hey - that's what gives a quilt character, isn't it? I am most pleased with my hand sewing of the binding. I made binding using 2.5" strips of the sashing material and machine sewed it to the front. I then hand sewed it to the back.

Not bad, eh?

So, WIP #3 finished!

I'll be linking up with Handmade Monday to see if anyone else has finished a big project this week. Join me there if you can.

Love Natalie

PS I'm having a real issue with the word sewed. It is a word, isn't it? It just sounds and looks wrong!

WIP Completion

I've had a great week on the crafting front - WIP's #1 and #2 finished! Not that I number my WIP's in particular, these 2 just happen to be the first to be finished for a little while. So, in no particular order, #1.....

My cardigan. It turned out beautifully in the end. Great colour, lovely pattern.......doesn't fit. I had realised it was going to be too small when I was just over half way through. What do you do? Frog it and start again? Or continue to the end and gift it to someone? I went with the latter option. So here it is modelled by it's new owner.

I'm going to buy some more wool and make it bigger because when I see Sarah wearing it, I realise how much I like it.

And #2

This cushion cover just might be my favourite make so far. I love the colours, the quilting, the star pattern - everything. I used some of the left over material that I bought for the backing of The Quilt to make the back of the cover, and inserted a zip.

I had originally intended to use a different, red material for the back hence the red zip. The zip itself is not perfectly inserted but since I've not done it before, I'm more than happy with how it's turned out.

Having completed 2 WIP's, I've started about 3 more this week! Well, what's a girl to do?

I'll be linking up with Handmade Harbour to see if anyone else has completed their projects this week.

Love Natalie 

Mary Berry Tray Bake

My husband very kindly bought me the new Mary Barry cookbook recently and it is filled with wonderful recipes. I've only used it to make 1 thing so far (although I have made it twice) - the chocolate tray bake.

Before I share a really awful photo with you, let me tell you this - it is delicious. I mean, REALLY delicious. That's why I've made it twice. Don't make one and think you'll have a piece later, because there will be none left. I won't give the recipe details here - who could explain it more concisely than Mary? But I urge you all to search out this recipe (the whole book if I were you!) and get baking.

Are you ready for the photo? Prepare yourself.

Not only is it not a great photo of the cake, but number 3 son thought it would be hilarious to feature in the background. I can only apologise.

Love Natalie