Out with the old and in with the new!

I have been sewing, just not blogging recently.  However, I spent some time sorting out Linus orphans on Sunday and came across a bag of components left over from our group Celtic Solstice.  I couldn't bear to waste them, so managed to find enough parts to make nine blocks.  They aren't Bonnie's designs, but look OK.  

They looked a bit 'in your face' so I sashed them with white, and then found some perfect fabric for a gutsy border with Vikings and longboats on it!  It's Michael Miller fabric which I bought from our local shop Sew Charming.  Couldn't be better! 

Then this morning, I have seen the first instalment of Bonnie Hunter's Allietare mystery.  

Here are my fabrics 

And better still, 2" strips from my neutrals bin! 

It's always good to use up leftovers!  Now to get out my ruler and make some half square triangles!  

Incidentally, since Bonnie makes such big quilts, I always make half the number of blocks she suggests and then add or subtract when I see the result.  For Project Linus, we will make a quarter of the blocks, which should be fun and make a nice lap quilt for a child. 

It's that time of year again!

I don't mean it's Hallowe'en, or bonfire night, although both of those are at this time of year.  No, it's time for BonnieHunter's annual mystery quilt to start!  Hooray! Bonnie has revealed her colours for this year, and I couldn't resist finding them in my stash.  

First of all, golds. I've got a good selection of those. 

Then heirloom reds.  I take that to be the gutsy scarlets, the colours of tomatoes and red fruits.  

Some blacks - some left over from my Grand Illusion mystery quilt from last year. 

And of course neutrals.  I have a good collection of those, and always buy fun ones whenever I see them.  

I also need a constant fabric, a grey.  I'm good with scraps, but not usually yardage, so unfortunately I will have to go shopping for this.  What a shame!  Then I'll be all set!  Can't wait! 

Coalville Quilt Show

Yesterday I went up to Coalville to visit their first quilt show!  It was in association with Hannah's Room and was in aid of various local charities.  Helen (from the lovely Shepshed group Quilting Together) had asked me whether I would be one of the judges for the competitions.  I was flattered to be asked and hope I did a good job.  There were three categories, Autumn Splendour, a young quilters' category on Hallowe'en and a 3D object.  I tried to be as honest as I could, but still appreciative.  Nobody needs discouragement in my view.  Unfortunately I didn't take photos of the quilts, but here is Hannah's Room's stand. 

I did manage to restrain myself, despite the goodies on offer (I'd already bought last week! ) 

And here is Gill on the Linus stall. I am delighted that Gill has become rep for Leicestershire North.  We can easily work together to spread the love.  

There were several craft stalls, as well as the quilts, which, along with the refreshments, 

Made for a lovely morning out.  It was also lovely to see quilts friends from the north of the county, and meet new quilters.  They're always friendly and fun.  Even if I'm not invited next year, I'll definitely make sure to go.