Sunday sewing
I am just back from an afternoon of sewing at the Stitchery. It was just perfect, an entire afternoon of sewing, catching up with friends, chatting and - maybe best of all - being away from the madness that my house regularly descends into. I really like these informal sewing afternoons, a perfect antidote to balance a busy life.
Today I was working on Sam's quilt. I didn't want to work on a garment today. In fact, I don't really feel like sewing clothes at the moment, a seasonal activity for me, best enjoyed during the early summer. Do you have seasonal preferences for your creative endeavours? Right now I want to make warm knitted jumpers and cosy blankets or maybe a scarf or two.
I decided to make half square triangles for Sam's quilt, using colour value to maybe create a pattern. I spent some time sorting the fabrics into light, medium and dark colours, gazing at the piles and sorting them again. I like sorting things, it appeals to me inner need for order.
Sewing half square triangles is easy. Not the quickest way to make a simple quilt but a change from my favourite random squares patchwork. It goes like this: place two squares on top of each other, right sides facing. Draw a diagonal line right through the middle and sew a quarter inch seam on each side of the line. Now take your sharpest scissors and cut down the line, then press the new squares open. Have a look here to see what fabulous quilts you can make with half square triangles and check out Jo's post here to have a visual guide on how to make half square triangles.
I spent some time trimming the new squares to the same size to avoid quilt wonkiness later. I am not sure what pattern to make with the triangle squares but I am looking forward to spending an afternoon or two arranging them all.
Now I must go and fold the laundry. I don't mind so much because I had a lovely day. Wishing you all a fabulous week. xx
A relaxing afternoon of sewing makes everything better doesn't it. It sounds wonderful, and the quilt promises to be lovely. I need a new project for these longer darker evenings now. Like you, I'm starting to lean towards something yarny. CJ xx
ReplyDeleteYay! they look great in those bold colours. Thanks for the link. Normally I would be getting stuck into knitting a winter jumper but my bloody shoulder is still hurting so sewing it is for me. I have just sat for half an hour and drawn a log cabin design and coloured it in - that is how bored I am not knitting in the evenings! Have a great week. Jo x
ReplyDeleteThese colours are very pretty. Happy Sunday ♥
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It sounds like it was the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon. I'm actually envious of the fact you can go and fold your laundry. Our washing machine died this week (it isn't even three years old), and we still haven't been able to get a repairman to return our call. In the meantime the pile of dirty laundry is growing at an alarming rate.
ReplyDeleteI am loving what I'm seeing. Sam is going to have a fabulous quilt. I've just finished Muriel's blanket and am mulling over my next project. Think it will be a spot of knitting but not sure on what type of garment yet. Have a great week. B x
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely afternoon and that quilt is going to be amazing. Such a great project. My winter project is going to be crochet throws.
ReplyDeleteI like your choice of colours, how lovely spending the afternoon in like minded company :-)
ReplyDeleteI must admit I don't think it is ever the right season for me to be folding laundry! You'd be brilliant at it, I can tell, you are so good with the detail - your quilt will be amazing!
ReplyDeleteHave a great week
Wren x
Thank you for the tip on sewing triangles. I'm making a small quilt at the moment but opted for simple squares because I couldn't be bothered to cut out triangles! I wish I'd known as I'd have given it a go! Next time!
ReplyDeleteHey Christina,
ReplyDeleteHow I wish I had the patience for crafts. Or indeed the skill. I find it all very stressful, I'm afraid. Perhaps it's because I can never sit still for very long.
Your quilt sounds as if it's going to be lovely. Alf would love a big quilt to wrap himself up in. He's a cold fish, and is always jamming himself up against the radiators during the winter months. Have a great week, friend.
Leanne xx
I love the ideas of seasons for crafts, but you are quite right. I may start a big blanket t the end of the summer, but never the beginning and always want to embroider in the springtime!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a perfect Sunday afternoon. You've got some lovely fabrics, look forward to seeing the pattern emerge. Have a great week Christina. Jx
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a perfect way to spend an afternoon. Your squares are going to be so much fun sewn up into a blanket.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Meredith
I'm in awe of anyone who can sew a quilt (thanks for the links, those are some seriously stunning makes) and I'm looking forward to seeing yours progress. I have been known to dust off the sewing machine on occasion but I only seem to be able to turn out stuff that fits the bin. Happy Wednesday! (It is Wednesday, isn't it?)
ReplyDeleteOoh. I love half square triangles, they are one of the few blocks I can tackle with any confidence. Look forward to seeimg the quilt as it progresses x
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