Quilting Owl

My little houses are now sashed and bordered and just need to be layered for quilting.  If time permits I would like to do a bit of big stitch Perle thread quilting and then add prairie points to the outer edge.  I have decided to name this quilt "Midsomer Madness" as some of the little houses were stitched while watching this favourite TV series and it was stitched here in mid summer. A couple of new books have arrived and are very welcome additions to our library.  These are Dorothy Osler's much blogged about book "Amish Quilts and the Welsh Connection" which is a great read and also Kathryn Berenson's "Marseilles - The Cradle of White Corded Quilting" which as yet I haven't had an opportunity to look at. At the last Thursday class it was Rachael's turn to put her blocks on the display wall and decide on what fabric to choose for sashing and borders for her version of the "Jacob and Friends" quilt.  Till next time Frances

It is always rewarding helping new quilters take those first steps towards making their first quilt and this morning's class at Cairns Craft Centre saw some stunning results.  It only took Marily two classes to come up with this bright and happy quilt top. Sami just has to add her borders to complete this lovely quilt top and I just managed a quick photo of Pearl's stunning quilt while she was preparing her borders for stitching. The Thursday night girls, a lively group, are starting to produce some wonderful results for their own version of the "Jacob and Friends" quilt.  Ann was the first one brave enough to put some of her blocks up on a design wall so she could start thinking about what fabric to use for sashing - more later. Till next time Frances

I have finished stitching the blocks for my little village of houses, at least for the time being, and will now add some sashing  and then layer and quilt it.  This project is a lot of fun but also quite time consuming and I really need to get on to other designs. I have mentioned before that yellow is my favourite colour so it is not surprising that I just love yellow roses and these were a very romantic gesture from my wonderful husband for Valentines Day. Till next time Frances

The latest edition of Australian Homespun magazine Vol 13 No 2 features my quilt project "Concerto for Mixed Peel".  This was a very enjoyable quilt to make and I used the fusible applique method to make it a fun and easy project. Australian Homespun No. 105 Vol. 13 No. 2 Alongside this project there is a profile on me which also shows photos of some of my later quilts.  The photos were taken by Peter and the quilt on the left-hand side "Quest for Gold" was a joint design effort by us.  "Concerto for Mixed Peel" by Frances Leate Till next time Frances

I have been having lots more fun with the Farmers Wife blocks which now count at 40.  I initially aimed at a scrappy country look but thought I would throw in a few softer florals to add a touch a femininity. Jenny provided most of the show and tell for the Sunday Stitchers this month and here she is holding a finished table runner and the finished quilt top from the Mini Quilt Workshop two weeks ago. Heather was working on her Benni Harper quilt and was hand piecing the outer curves for the Mariners Compass block. A lovely gift arrived in the mail from Jen at Aussie Quilters Cotton Club  - gorgeous owl fabric and a very cute owl button all tied up with yellow ribbon which just happens to be my favourite colour.  Thanks Jen. Till next time Frances 

When Peter was at a local garden centre yesterday he just could not resist bringing home this statue to sit outside our studio. Meanwhile inside the studio today I couldn't resist playing with my Farmers Wife blocks and cutting out a few more ready for machine piecing.  I still haven't repeated any of the fabrics and I have loads more small pieces in the stash to add to the eclectic mix.  You can also see just a hint of a black, white and red project that I am working on for a forthcoming class. Speaking of classes, a lovely group of ladies took their first steps towards becoming new quilters at one of our sampler classes at Cairns Craft Centre on Thursday evening.  While I was busy showing the girls some basic techniques Peter took a few photos of some of the fabric pallettes that they will be working with. It is going to be interesting seeing how each interpretation of the class quilt "Jacob and Friends" evolves. "Jacob and Friends" by Frances L...