What I have been up to

Well it is a long story. Have you ever had this calling that you have put on hold. I have an absolute passion for pastels. I started collecting them back in 2002 for that one day when I would have time for both my passions. Quilting and sewing are my first love but I am learning or should I say exploring pastels. I went to an exhibition of someones work and fell in love with pastels all over again. Workshops were offered in the school holidays and let us just say that the temptation was too great.
These pictures are not finished yet. Nearly but not quite. I am a little scared at putting in the final touches til I have explored a little more. As it is I have discovered that the outside look of the pastel is not necessarily the inside look. This is a person who has not done art really so I do not know any principals. I just go by my Gut instinct. I love the feel and texture of pastels but I have not rubbed any in as I prefer to lay colour over the top. I have discovered that I can draw standing up using an easel and I like that too. I love getting my hands dirty.

This was done on a Navy pastel paper. The photos were taken in our gorgeous Amazon Lily Pavilion in the Botanical Gardens in Adelaide. This is not an Amazon Lily though. My leaves just need a little tweaking. I am now going to an art class a week. Just to play. Who knows where it will take me.
Meanwhile I am still working slowly on that Nearly Insane. Made 2 corner blocks and did not like the green I used so they are going down the bottom and I have used a different green for the top. I have even prepared one of the LeMoyne stars!! Mind you that is going to be the only one I do.
Promise I will not leave it quite so long to post next time. Cheers Lynne

Block97

No Sewing this weekend but I did manage to finish this one on Monday. Just the way it happens sometimes. This block is a little darker but it is a top block. Love the subtle blue centre. Cheers Lynne

Nearly Insane is happening Block 98

Block 98. I couldnt put the first row together as I had not made B98. Made only one side as I just had to see what was going to happen when I added the sashing and cornerstones.
LOOK :-)
 
Ok so I have not made the top LH corner block or finished the second row as I need B96 but what do you think?? I like it. I like the colour graduation and the fabric is a little more golden than in the photo. The photo will enlarge

Here is a close up. Sure wish I had a wall to pin it on.  I still have to make block 22 and I had been avoiding that one. I know the blue stands out in my sea block but there will be enough blue in the rest of the quilt to compliment. Long weekend Monday tomorrow and the weather is magic. Enjoy yourselves where ever you are in the world. Cheers Lynne

B8 Another Maltaville block

I now have 5 blocks finished and 5 more on the go. I feel like I am getting somewhere. The gorgeous green in this block was thankyou to Christine and a scrapbag I won on her blog. It is perfect and just gorgeous. I finished The bird block too.

Happy now. I even put a little yellow beak on my bird. A friend suggested that I try back basteing on the sewing machine for my applique. I must admit that I was hesitant but after trying I love it. I can see the hole guides so much easier and it is also easier to needle turn under.
Hope you are all enjoying your projects.
Cheers Lynne

My Maltaville Blocks

A2
A4

A6  
E7

I have been busy making Maltaville blocks. A few girls in our quilting group had a wonderful weekend away and I decided I would like to work on my applique. I have quite a few of the other blocks started and some are all but finished. I know I am doing the Civil War Bride quilt but it nice to work on these bigger pieces. Love seeing the nice big pieces of colour and the texture of the fabric too. The last block is not quite finished. It needs a little piece on the bottom. The bluebird was a little tricky and it has a little tiny yellow beak.  I am enjoying making these blocks.   Happy Sewing time all Cheers Lynne

Nearly Insane Block 52

Photos will enlarge. Thought you might like to see those little Roses Closeup.

Spring has sprung this week and the temperatures have been around 26c for a couple of days. My roses are out and so I could not resist making my block to include roses. I know the centre is not a Repro fabric but it is so perfect with little Red Roses and birds. I enjoyed making this block.

Now that Spring has Sprung I need to make myself some shirts. I am hoping we get a little more cooler weather before Summer takes over.

Cheers Lynne

Nearly Insane Block 85

I quite like the way this one developed. Lots of tiny pieces but I did not lose the colour. Had fun with the stripes.
After seeing the gorgeous tiny version of the quilt from the Small Endearments by Sandi Fox on Dawn’s Blog, I thought you might like to see mine. My Good friend Nancy gifted the gorgeous little kit to me, purchased from Cyndi from Busy Thimble.

I even hand quilted this one too. This quilt was finished quite a few years ago and has been up on the wall.
Cheers Lynne