Nine Patch Practice

I chose this Elaine Rose cushion pattern to practice my nine patch blocks. I picked out the grey shades first, whereas I should have selected the main fabric. Luckily I had a contrasting red that made the greys spring to life.

Pinned and ready for quilting

Next I chose this exotic purple as a centre block.

I put them together to form this top, which is yet unfinished. I wasn't sure whether the colours went together, but if they don't I'll put it down to another learning curve.

Finally I chose a red and green theme, you can never have enough practice when it comes to patchwork!

My first lap quilt

This was the quilt I began in April and finished Christmas Eve 2010 for my mum. The corner blocks are maple leafs and the applique were supposed to be maple leafs as well, but the course finished and I didn't have access to the template. I found the cat shapes from a friend and dedicated them to the eight cats who formed our family over the years. I used silver thread for the whiskers and their names, what a challenge! Blackboy was my special "boy". It was machine quilted and hand appliqued.

My first cushion

I made this cushion for my sister who loves bears, who doesn't. I did the applique by hand which is very addictive. Because I enjoyed it so much I made a second one for her!

My first completed quilt

I made this wall hanging for one my best mates for her birthday. Her mum had a beloved Westie named "Jack" and when I saw the Kay McKenzie quilt, I knew it had to be made.

Let the wonder begin...

The thing I wonder about at the moment is whether this blog will work with dial-up.... and whether the tiny 10 week old kitten attempting to jump onto the keyboard will land on the delete key... Before I load any patchworking let me introduce you to the little bean!