Happy mail & Sewing updates.
Don't you just love getting surprise mail!
I arrived home to find this mysterious parcel waiting for me on my doorstep.
Such a fun card!
My heart did such a happy dance when I opened it and found a wonderful little Downton Abbey quilt from my friend Barb, of Fun with Barb.
I'd admired this quilt on Barb's blog when she showed it a few weeks ago. I really love the swirly movement of the paisley shapes.
Note how the sevedge pieces say 'Village', how perfect when Downton Abbey would indeed over look the nearby villiage,
Gorgeous toile on the back!
They look like scenes from the show.
The parcel was padded with this cute fabric.
Opal Owl by Tina Givens.
Thank you Barb!! I love my wonderful surprise, it made my day!
Ps Barb calls it a little table mat, but I'm going to hang in on the wall with my other little quilts.
***
Now to prove I've been sewing, here's my Octopus's Garden quilt sandwich being basted. It has approximately one thousand safety pins in it, I'm a chronic overpinner, I don't want those layers moving!
My plan is to machine quilt it over the weekend, then I'll add hand quilting during the week, binding next weekend and it'll be done. Sounds good in theory, doesn't it. I'm trying to be more organised and work to deadlines. Wish me luck...
Here's a snippet of a little hand sewing project I've been slowly working on.
another little bit,
and one more peek
Hee Hee, I bet you're curious now :)
30 Comments
I love your Octopus's Garden quilt. Have fun quilting!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to receive that surprise from Barb!
Well, everything looks fabulous! What are the cute little blocks for...curious !
ReplyDeleteI love the Octopuses Garden !!!!! And the little appliqué blocks are gorgeous. Just love your work in general. L xo
ReplyDeleteThat last picture has thrown me! Cute card (all sorts of ideas for a family Christmas card are now running through my head!) and beautiful mini quilt. Lucky you!
ReplyDeleteLove your mat and what a cool card!
ReplyDeleteWhat can you be making????
Love that card and fabulous pressie too.
ReplyDeleteHooray your little package finally arrived! I'm glad you like it.
ReplyDeleteYour octopus garden looks wonderful!
I love your little singing bird and tree - my curiosity is peaked!
What a lovely surprise to receive Rachael and made even better that it made your day...the best kind of surprises! OMG your quilt is absolutely stunning...I'm sure you will get it quilted soon!
ReplyDeleteyay for surprise packages :-) And Octopus's Garden is looking fantastic
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! That Octopus' Garden quilt is amazing! I can't wait to see it quilted! How nice of Barb and what a lovely Downton quilt. I haven't seen any of the Downton fabric in person. Are you watching season 4 now? And, yes, I am very curious!
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice surprise to open! Great choices on the fabrics on the little quilt. Your OG quilt is outstanding! I love how my eyes were just traveling over the surface as there was so much to look at.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend,
Judy
I'm really looking forward to the finished Octopus's Garden. It's such a visual delight. And of course, wondering with great curiosity about the new project.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
Lovely little quilt from Barb. Such a sweet gift! Can't wait to see you Octopus Garden quilt finished up. I think I need to get in the habit of using more pins when I try to machine quilt.:)
ReplyDeleteDo I spy more denim in the last sneaky peek photos? And Octopus' Garden is such a stunner! The surprise package must have really made you smile! Good luck with the quilting marathon!
ReplyDeleteLove surprises, your surprise mail was fab, and now I'm very intrigued to see more of your felt and denim snippets.
ReplyDeleteIm a classic overpinner myself..and I also have the best intentions with sewing and projects still manage to take a lot longer than my goals. Good Luck with yours.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful gift!
Hmnnnnnn-Im decidedly curious about your sneaky peek project!
Over 1,000 pins?! No wonder I get high on spray baste ;o)
ReplyDeleteI have a bit of a thing for selvedge edges...I love seeing the evidence of the manufacturing and design process incorporated into the made object. It looks particular good in the wee quilt with all the word repetition. So much in such a tiny space. And yes very intrigued about the sewing project.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great surprise! I love the combination of fabrics and selvedges.
ReplyDeleteI am very interested to see how you will combine machine and hand quilting on Octopus's Garden. One week?! That's something for me to aspire to, lol.
Hee hee, lol! Curious indeed!
Your Octopus quilt is beyond amazing! I wish I could see your quilts in person. Maybe one day I'll show up on your doorstep! The Downton Abbey wallhanging is perfection with its selvage pieces. Lucky you!
ReplyDeleteYea! It's a wonderful surprise when the generous quilty spirit arrives in your mailbox and makes your day. Good for you, basting your Octopus quilt! That's quite an accomplishment in my book. Sounds like it will be all quilted very soon. Your new project looks very fun--whatever it is!
ReplyDeleteSunday morning and I' m sending you extra energy for the octopus garden. Hope the heat hasn, t slowed you down.
ReplyDeleteNice peek at your denim and felt. You, ve got me intrigued.
Gorgeous little wall quilt - what a great surprise mail! It's cleverly done.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your Octopus's Garden - looking forward to seeing more to it. Planning to machine quilt in just one weekend??? I hope it goes well for you. It will be interesting to see how you mix machine and hand quilting on this one.
Yes! You definitely have my attention ... and how lovely is that surprise post?!
ReplyDeleteSurprise fabric goodies in the mail always make a day special. Your Octopus Garden quilt is fabulous. One day I may tackle a quilt with curves and points like that. How cute is your birdie! Mmmm I wonder what he/she is a part of... (can't wait to see as I am sure it will be special)
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness your quilt is just so beautiful! I am amazed at how many pretty--and diverse--quilts you make!!!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see it all quilted and bound!
That's such a cool gift! I love it when I get little handmade things like that. I have a small collection on one of my small walls, I'm hoping to need a BIG wall one day!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see what you're up to! I am curious, but wouldn't even consider making a guess. :)
Hello Rachael, I found your blog through a mutual follower and I am in awe at your quilt work. I have never seen anything like it. I mean on the web or in quilt shows . . . you are amazing and I am intrigued with your talent. Your Octopus's Garden is mind blowing and your Swoon Houses is totally delightful. I'm a retired gal that has always wanted to try quilting and just started this last fall. I'm what you would call a late bloomer, but I am having a marvelous time. Thank you for letting me tag along and be inspired.
ReplyDeleteYour newest fan, follower and blogging sister, Connie # 732
Such a happy post!!
ReplyDeleteYes Rachael..you have my curiosity up with the LA patch ! Octopus Garden is beautiful,as is everything you make !
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for leaving me a comment. Your kind words encourage me to keep sharing my work and stories.