Tuesday 2 November 2010

Once Upon A Time...

...there was a little girl called Sophie.  Well that's what No.4 insists she's called.  She also thought I should write her name at the top of the quilt and hang it in her room!  And the little girl called Sophie should have a face too.

Can you tell I'm having a whale of a time with this new-to-me free motion quilting stuff?  My goodness it's fun drawing a picture and then seeing it come alive.  So fun that I'm going to have to make some more mini quilts I think.  I'm planning a Christmas one next.  Not too sure who is going to get this quilt, or even if I will sell it.  Who knows.

What I really love about this type of sewing, is that it's very random.  You just make it up as you go along.  No lines to follow, no rules.  Just going for it.  And when your little assistant bumps you once again, it's OK, bumps are character adding!

I thought you might like to see how I began this quilt.  Cutting up tiny bits of fabric and suitable colours.  Making little trees and window shutters.  Ever wanted a white picket fence?  Maybe one a little straighter than this one!!

The square background bits are now stitched on and the house is 'glued' into place.  This stage is so much fun because it takes you right back to when you used to make paper collages at kindy.  Completely fun and childish.

Oh and my favourite part, the binding, was a complete nightmare!!  I had quite a few joins in the binding and would you believe I ended up with a join in three corners!  Just the worst thing imaginable.  So an unpicking we went.  And now it's nicely hand stitched in place and looking nice and neat.  I do love a bit of hand stitching.

I really should be making real sized quilts, but I do love to do something really fun sometimes.  I am itching to get started on my doily quilt too.  Oh so much to do and so little time!  It seems to be a shame to be inside when the sun is blazing down too.  But it's meant to be fun, we should remember that more often.

OK ladies, I must be off now.  Places to go, people to see, school in particular where the big girls are having their athletics day.  Hope they have a fun day today.  Always something on!  I hope you are all well and enjoying your creativity today.

30 comments:

BubzRugz said...

Sarah, that is a magical little quilt..... one of the nicest.....

Fruitful Fusion said...

Oh wow! This is absolutely gorgeous!!!

Dawn said...

Oh these are so adorable!!!! I wish I had your creativity!!!!!!!
Love it.

Leonie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

I love it to its truely adorable and so very sweet, your very clever. Enjoy making them, and enjoy your week to. Dee ;-)

Leonie said...

Absolutely gorgeous!! I have only had a try of free motion quilting once.. for the apron swap! I made a VW Kombi.. it was so much fun.. now youve inspired me to try it again!

Kate said...

It looks gorgeous Sarah!
You did such a great job.

Heidi said...

Looks like you got more done than me, I love the liitle girl on the walk!
Oh Lord, I made a mess in the store today!

A garden just outside Venice said...

I feel so honoured to know such a great artist! ;-)
Can't wait to see your next one!
xxx

Me and Ma said...

Sarah it looks gorgeous !! What foot do you use on your machine ? I think I still need to practice more my stiching seems to change size !

Lululiz said...

Your girls are very lucky to have a mummy who can make all those beautiful quilts for them. This one is really gorgeous. I don't know how you find the time to do all this, with 4 girls in the house!

VintageVicki said...

Absolutely gorgeous - you are very clever :)

If yours are doing athletics then it must be proper summer in NZ. We're heading quickly towards winter so its football & rugby & mud!

Serenata said...

Oh Sarah you continue to amaze me with your talents. That mini quilt really is quite something. Hope the athletics went well.

Amanda Makes said...

Hi Sarah! You're tempting me with these fabby quilts. For some reason I'm scared to try free motion stitching. I tell myself that my machine won't do it so there's no point in trying but actually that may be NOT TRUE. I'm also scared of trying to put in zips... particularly in little pouches! How feeble! Loads of love from Amanda (Daisy sends a hug and kiss)xxxxx

Kirsty @ Bonjour Quilts said...

Arrrgh! The cuteness, it's too much, I think my head is going to explode. This is just gorgeous!

BusyBsewBiz said...

It's like a beautiful water colour illustration from a children's book!

Colette said...

So adorable, little fabric houses are just my thing so I'm really loving this one!

Croap Queen said...

Do you actually sleep Sarah? You achieve so much in a short space of time, and you produce such lovely work.

Those are very lucky little girls you have, and I think Miss Sophie deserves to have her name at the top :-)

Jo x

- said...

It would be such a neat idea to have a little picture book done up to go along with these. They are just out of this world!

Nadine said...

Your wall hangings are FANTASTIC!!!!!!!! I love them!! Where did you get the ideas for the pictures..just out your head...so clever! xx

Anna said...

oh my gosh Sara, this is so beautiful! I love it. How beautiful for a wall hanging, I'm jealous. :) Now I NEED to try something like it.

Willeke said...

The 'Little Sophie' quilt is SUPER! You made a piece of art. It is like painting with fabric and thread. Can't wait to see your christmas version.

Daisy said...

Gorgeous work. You have a great talent.
Mandy x

dutch sisters said...

I love it! Another little piece of art! You are so telented!

Ravenhill said...

Oh, my! I am so glad that I asked for the link to your blog! You are so talented! Wow! This is such a marvelous quilt!!!! Thank you so much for showing how you put the fabrics together. I had no idea. Now I will likely spend all morning gazing at your blog and you inspiring work!
emily xo

Melissa said...

i looove this.....!!!!!

yes making something smaller- is sometimes liberating!
a cup of tea and a small wuilt...perfect!

melissa x

RebeccaMom said...

oh, this is so gorgeous! I have been wanting to try a quilt like that, I am sooooo into breaking the rules :)
I hope you and your girls have fun at athletics day :)

Claire Gale said...

wow sarah your free motion sewing is just so good. those quilts are just gorgeous. i've just discovered free motion sewing too, but no where near as successfully as you. still playing though and loving it too. my favourite bit is also 'making it up as you go along applique'. i was never any good at drawing so this way i get to produce cute little pictures.

Michaja said...

I'm really impressed! This quilt is really beautiful!
Thanks for your sweet comment on my blog. Started on your pillow, really hope you like it.
xxx
Michaja

. said...

I missed that show but are you going to Remarkable Retro on Sunday?
I'll keep my eye open for you, x