Shabby to Chic

 

It was refreshing to work on some straightforward customer quilts this week. I loved the mixture of fabrics used in the 3 “scrappy” quilts. This eclectic approach made me reconsider ordering a batch of Liberty prints for my caravan quilts and I found all sorts of floral prints already in my stash. I almost could not be bothered to start a quilt and I struggled to get going but once I had made up a test block, I decided to cut out enough for an entire quilt.

Nella had some college deadlines to fulfil, one of which was a transformation of men’s shirts into a different wearable garment. I think she did rather well, attaching a skirt of ruffles onto a halter top. 

The caravan got a thorough clean inside then it was sugar-soaped and sanded because I decided that it would look fresher all painted white. I have realised that it has suffered from significant damp at some stage, hopefully not leaking now but there are bubbles on its inside walls. I started painting it using a chalk paint and it feels like it will take me ages! The first coat looks streaky so I hope a second covering will be an amazing transformation. I just want to get to the point where we will be able to dress it up with fake plants and a disco ball:)

Big Stuff Happening

 

What a week of Big Stuff happening… I finished the tricky customer quilt re-do after 30 hours of work. It would hardly have taken more time if I had worked on the entire thing in the first place. Considering that it had issues, I think it turned out pretty well:)

Nella was offered a place at the Norwich University of the Arts to study a BA in Fashion & Communications. She was also offered a place at Grays School of Art in Aberdeen but she has already accepted Norwich. This is monumental progress for her and she has to work hard to get anorexia under control by September. I am thrilled for her but also have concerns - in a way, a major goal is what she needs to get her life back on track. We both know and love Norwich so it is not quite as daunting as going to an unknown city. 

Freya came home for my birthday weekend and we collected the caravan. It towed home successfully and we gave it a good scrub. There are a few teething problems like not getting the gas cooker going but hopefully nothing major. We will make sure that we get it serviced and familiarise ourselves with everything before we attempt a sleepover in the garden, let alone go on a road trip! We will certainly have plenty to keep us occupied in the next few weeks.

Customer Quilt Almost Done

I have spent the week just chipping away at the customer quilt. There was a lot of time consuming ruler work and freehand swirls to scoop up the fullness. Unfortunately, the customer chose plain batiks for the back instead of a print which would have hidden any minor wobbles. The back will not look immaculate since there was a lot of back-tracking. Although I make it sound messy, it really is pretty neat and an awful lot better than it was;) It will take me a while longer to take out the basting stitches and figure out what to charge.

Nella had a really good week - she submitted her application to Uni, got a part-time job at a local cafe and applied for a passport so we can plan a trip to London (by plane). She still has a long way to go with her anorexia struggle but these milestones are amazing.

A Leisurely Start to 2022

 

The year has got off to a leisurely start - I have worked on a tricky customer quilt a little at a time. There was a hiccup when I had to rip out some FMQ that I was not happy with and replaced it with a small, traditional stipple. I am happy with the radiating lines in the red section but the next bit looks challenging as the quilt is too full in its outer areas. Ideally, I would like to finish it in the next week or so to get back to more straightforward quilts. Typically, for January, the workshop is very cold and not particularly inviting. 

I bought a new gadget on sale on a bit of a whim. I have had fun learning how to use a Circuit Joy cutting machine, making vinyl decals and labels. 

I have to remind myself that the only person putting pressure on me to get anything done is me. We are still in a Pandemic and Nella still needs much support so all I really “need” to do is just get through Life one day at a time;)

What Will 2022 Bring?

 

I have usually had enough of Christmas Festivities after Boxing Day and cannot wait to get back into  my workshop to get cracking on projects or a major spring clean. However, this year I have been utterly content and embraced doing nothing - in fact, I wonder where I will get the oomph required to restart for 2022. 

I have a tricky customer quilt to work away on a bit at a time. It is a re-do of a quilt that was unsuccessfully long-armed by someone else and its owner has removed some of its quilting. The major issue is to outline all of the Celtic knot-work invisibly. 

I helped Nella to run up a pair of elasticated trousers using leftover teddy fleece. There were only 2 pieces and no pockets so we got that done in a couple of hours. 

Having thought about it on and off for years and looked out on and off for months, Nella and I took a road trip to Forfar and viewed a well-used, small caravan. It seemed to be solid, not too grubby and modestly priced, with a remote controlled mover, so I bought it! It will remain in storage until I sort out a tow-bar for my car but it is an exciting project for us. We will tart it up a bit then aim to go off for some adventures. Maybe we will even manage to do a Festival…:)