Just one fat quarter

I was still thinking about Jane from Sew Create It's staggered sashing, when I came across this donated fat quarter amongst the Linus fabrics.  

Gorgeous, wacky jungle animals.  I realised that if I cut the pictures into groups of four, I would have twelve little panels.  With a frame round each one, then some staggered sashing, it would make a nice Linus quilt for a small child. 

So, here we are!  I think it's turned out well, despite the fact that I didn't have quite enough fabric for the final border, and had to resort to desperation piecing, 

here, and substitution, 

here.  I think I'll be forgiven by the recipient! 

Still busy

Things have been hectic round here as my Mum hasn't been well and then had a stay in hospital, which has meant disruption to all sorts of things, not least the free time I have.  It's time well spent of course, but not in my sewing room! I did manage to get some hand sewing done though, while waiting for the doctor. 

I'm planning a workshop on 'the patchwork of the crosses' next year, and here's the first block.  The permutations of this block are endless, and give a great opportunity to fussy cut.  

The baby quilts are still on the agenda, and I thought these Tula Pink blocks would make a good boy's quilt.  Jane over at Sew Create It gave me the idea for this staggered setting, but I'm not quite sure where to go from here.  A narrow white border, blue border?  I'll have to audition some fabrics and see. 

I've also been trying to complete Linus quilts.  This is a leaders and enders project called Crabapples, and I think a final red border will finish it off.  Unfortunately there's no red solid left either in the Linus boxes or my stash, so I guess I'll be forced to go shopping.  What a shame! 

I've also been quilting this Bonnie Hunter whose name I forget.  Is it Lazy Sunday?  Anyway, it's quilting beautifully, but I just need to keep going, as I need it in a couple of weeks for a young lady who's coming up for 18.  Should be able to do it, if I don't have any more hospital trips! 

Babies

There must be something about my family and 2015 which puts a sparkle in their eyes as five relatives are expecting babies this year, and all are first ones!  Add to that our friends in Berlin's daughter and that makes six baby quilts to make!  I thought I had better get ahead of the game and get a few made, as babies are notorious at keeping to their own schedule and ignoring the predictions of the medical profession!  I have been very good and shopped in my stash first. 

I bought this piece of bright horsey fabric a while ago, but thought it was a perfect gender-neutral one. A few nine-patches using stash fabrics and hey presto!  That's one. 

Then I found this feathered star which I made for a class, added a few scrappy borders, and once I've sewn the binding down, that's two. 

I used this pink feathered star to demonstrate at the class, so the same borders went onto this (well, why fix it if it ain't broke?!) and that will be three.  Phew, nearly halfway. 

Then (while looking for something else) I came across this needle turned block.  It's bright and cheerful, so I've started to big it up.  The green and pink blocks were leftovers from a Bonnie Hunter, but tone in perfectly with the colour scheme.  I'm not quite sure where to go from here, but I'm sure inspiration will strike.  

Just need two more .......