October Clamshells

Having stitched so few in September it was time to catch up for this month's update but first I needed to prepare more clamshells. My rows are now getting bigger requiring more clams of each colour & pattern so I printed off a whole batch with Inklingo .......

.........and then spent an evening cutting them out ready for stitching.

My clams around the world are growing, I've stitched 84 of these little beauties since the last update & it now measures 55" point to point. I think I'll be adding just two more rows after this faded red row, then it will be nice shorter rows to start filling in the corners & square it up.
Happy stitching :)

Clamshells - August update

Here's my progress for August, 3 more rows added to my clamshell trip around the world. I managed to stitch quite a bit whilst on holiday,(so easy with Inklingo) & made the most of this lovely granite bench in Mum's garden to take a photo. I'm looking forward to seeing how everyone else is progressing with this project.

It's wonderful to see how the Pay it Forward is spreading through blogland. My 3 places are now full & if you wish to participate, don't despair as Theodora still has spots available so pop on over to say hi & sign up.
Have a great week :)

July update - Clamshell Calamity!

Remember how far I had got last month above with my clamshells? I was so excited at having the 3.5" Inklingo download to continue as it would save so much preparation time, alas, I just couldn't match up my Inklingo clams with the traditionally prepped ones.

So, in order not to waste all this precious fabric alot of unpicking had to be done

and a template was made to mark up the Inklingo points on the unpicked clamshells

which then matched up perfectly with the Inklingo ones!

So after alot of frantic stitching, I've just about achieved as much as I did in June.

I'm so pleased I switched to the Inklingo clams as they do go together more acurately than the other method I was using. Now when I look back at the 1st photo in this post I can see alot of irregularities, so, as they say...... it was meant to be.
Happy clamming :) G

PS. Thank you for all the sweet comments on the last post about Lucy, she really is an amazing cat & has settled into her new home so well in just a couple of weeks, we are so lucky to have her.

Clamshells, Hexagons & Klosjes

Remember these I was busy cutting & preparing a few weeks ago? Well they have gradually been stitched together to form this..........

I finally decided on the layout below........a clamshell trip around the world. I've nearly used up those previously prepared & will print out the next batch using the 3.5" Inklingo version which should really speed up the prep time. Thank you Linda, Cathi & Theresa for all your help & advice :)


Just one little flower produced for One Flower Wednesday nestling amongst the Lobelia. This variety is called Crystal Palace, my favourite as it's such a vibrant blue.

.......and finally all my Klosjes are now made, 192 in total (4.75" sq) & the last ones are being stitched together to add the final 3 rows to the bottom of the main piece, this top should be finished this week.

Hope you're all having a great week where ever you are in the world, the weather is glorious here in Jersey, it finally feels like summer!
Happy stitching :)

A Finish & A New Beginning

Well here we finally have my first finish which I machine quilted with much trepidation & Kim, if you're reading this, I even managed the mitred corners on the binding! It's by no means perfect but I'm still learning.

Clamshell Prep

This weekend I started getting ready for the Clamshell club organised by Jossie.

Lots of templates had to be traced & cut out, (I decided to try Freezer paper)

then ironed onto the back of the fabric

........and more cutting out

finally I gathered the seam with a running stitch over the top curve of the template

then played around with a couple of layouts, still not sure which I will go for.........

all will be revealed on 30th June!

Klosjes update: I'm afraid I have to report none were stitched this week, but I have been piecing the blocks together, so haven't been completely idle!

Rouenneries by French General

I have been lusting after the Rouenneries range of fabrics ever since they first appeared last autumn, but really couldn't justify the expense at the time. Lately I've noticed that stocks are gradually diminishing, so in a panic, ordered some to have for a project some time in the future. How could I possibly make the best use of these & come up with something different to all the wonderful quilts being created with this fabric?

Cathi at Quilt Obsession has used hers to create gorgeous Drunken Path blocks out of charm packs using the Inklingo system. Doesn't this look delightful?......can't wait to see this grow!

Copyright images used with kind permission, Quilt Obsession

Below is a gorgeous quilt called Madeleine Grown Up by Nicole of Sister's Choice Quilts. Look at all those super star blocks which show off this fabric beautifully. Not content with this, Nicole has started another quilt called Elizabeth which is going to be another stunner!

Copyright image used with kind permission, Sister's Choice Quilts

Copyright image used with kind permission,Sue Daley

The beauty above is the lovely Waterloo quilt designed by Sue Daley . The pattern is available from Sue's online store Patchwork with Busyfingers & is a combination of English paper piecing, applique & embroidery......hmmm......very tempting.

This divine appliqued Fleur de Lis was designed (as well as the whole quilt) by Penny - The Dedicated Appliquist as the centre piece for her beautiful medallion quilt below. I immediately loved this, being French myself & having a weakness for this iconic symbol.

Copyright images used with kind permission,The Dedicated Appliquist

.........and last but certainly not least we have these two beauties created by Ann of Ann's Quilting Journey . Just look at those delightful little baskets above & this beautiful flower garden quilt below. I love the striped fabric Ann has used from the same range for her borders, it sets it off perfectly.

Copyright images used with kind permission, Ann's Quilting Journey

So much inspiration, but this wasn't helping me decide how to use my fabric to try & create something worthy, until last night ...........

This week I received Kaffe Fassett's book, Museum Quilts & whilst perusing it again yesterday evening, was immediately inspired by one particular patchwork constructed with clamshells & made into drapes for a four poster bed (which, by the way is currently on show in the V&A Quilt exhibition in London). So I was thinking that this would be a nice project (all be it long term) to do in various shirtings, then I had that light bulb moment........why not use my Rouenneries fabric?

A Clamshell quilt was another on my wish list for the future. There appears to be more interest developing in this patchwork since I first saw it mentioned by Karen here, who then very kindly directed me to Jossie's blog, who was also working on one. Jossie is planning on starting up a little group to keep everyone inspired & motivated.........so my decision was made for me, need I say more? LOL
I adore this design & am hoping it will work with Rouenneries, watch this space............

Happy stitching!

ps. forgot to mention the new French General range, Rural Jardin & coming soon, Lumiere de Noel.........oh dear, think I need to work lots more overtime!