First quilts

SCQuilters is having a tag happening at the moment, and one of the tag questions is about our first quilt.
Caity and Rooruu have posted pics of their first quilts (and they look good!) and challenged others to post their first quilt.

My first "quilt" was made two and a half years ago. I had walked into a local fabric store to arrange for my 27 year old sewing machine to be repaired and was blown away by the quilts on the walls. I figured that doing some patchwork would certainly dress up my polar fleece lap blankets, and how hard could it be? (This from someone who had failed sewing at High School and apart from doing a KnitWit course to make kids t shirts, didn't even sew)

My first quilt wasn't technically a quilt. I knew nothing, but I designed the blocks, made the top, and attached it to a polar fleece blanket with the border. Quilting? What was that?
Anyway, the family all thought it looked good (so did I!) so I decided to make another one.

This time, I had noticed that quilts had binding, so I found a basic book and bound it. After I had bound it, I decided to have a go at quilting straight lines diagonally through every second row. I didn't know about walking feet, so went off and sewed it with my one and only foot! Couldn't understand why there were so many ripples and puckers! HA!

Anyway, for what it's worth, here are pics of my first 2 quilts. They really are shockers, but they are still loved! It's nice to look at them and see how far I have come in two and a half years, (check the pics at the bottom of the page) although I now know that there is a lot I don't know!
It's a whole new world to be explored.

Animal Circus

I have decided to get some work done on some of my WIPs, before starting any new projects (yes I know, I've said it before, but...). With that in mind, I have finally sandwiched Animal Circus and quilted it! I am very pleased with myself, because I have done stipple quilting for the very first time on a quilt! I did some practice pieces first until I got the tension right and got in the flow, then grew brave and started on the quilt. I was only going to do a little bit, but it worked so well, I kept doing more and more. It might not be the most perfect stippling you ever saw, but it is good enough to leave there, (only a few sharp corners, and I only met, not crossed, the thread 3 times). But boy, is my back aching now! I think I'll have to book in for a massage (any excuse!)

I still have to bind it, but until it is finished, here are some pics of Minka giving it her seal of approval.

So, what have you been doing? Another quilt?

Is this one for me?

I think I'll claim it, anyway, and just settle myself here!

Poetry in the Paddock

We had a lovely time at B & B's place last Saturday, when we joined North Arm Cove's writers' group for a day of poetry and yummy food. During a break at one stage, I wandered off and took some photos of various things around. They appealed to me for several reasons. I loved their shape, the colours and the textures. I plan to use some of the images as inspiration for paintings and fibre works at a later stage.

I just love the colours in these pots...

and don't those pumpkins make you think of creamy pumkin soup...

The bees were very busy around the passionfruit flowers,

the sun shone on the wood sculpture, and the urn rested quietly in the shade house.

My Robot Pal

Taking out the washing today, I discovered this fellow lurking at the line. Thought he looked just like a robot, so took his photo. I feel guilty now, because I have been considering replacing him, never even realising he was there, working tirelessly over the years and only needing a squirt of oil every year or so.

Shari

We've been very busy welcoming a new addition to the family. A 4 legged one that has the honorary title of "first granddaughter".
Her name is Shari and she is a Shar Pei puppy, adopted by my son and his partner. She is now 11 weeks old, but this photo was taken at about 9 weeks. Isn't she cute?

Shari is my 4th "grandchild"; the others being the ADD boys (my daughter's 2 dogs Sid and Harley) and my son's galah, Alfie!! Apparently it will be about another 4 to 5 years before I get any grandchildren of the human variety

Autumn glow

There's something about the glow of candle light reflecting on polished wood. Very Autumnal I think...

Photos copyright LindiJaneJ

Hidden Talent

Something I found while wandering thru' blogs. There's heaps of stuff out there!

Your Hidden Talent

Your natural talent is interpersonal relations and dealing with people.You communicate well and are able to bring disparate groups together.Your calming presence helps everything go more smoothly.People crave your praise and complements.

What's" Your Hidden Talent?

Funky Cats Rule

Here are the pics I promised for my interpretation of Debbie's (Hobbysew Glendale) strippy cat quilt, using Laurel Birch fabrics.

Detail from above quilt:

SCQ Hunter Get Together

I have just had a lovely day out at my first SCQuilter's GTG. Firstly I met Lissa, who picked me up and took me fabric shopping first, and then on to Judy's where she and her DH made me feel very welcome. There were a few apologies today, but Pam called in after lunch (delicious carrot and ginger soup from Judy and a lovely Caeser salad from Lissa) in time for show and tell. Lissa and Judy both had quilts to show and their work is very lovely ... and such neat stitching! Judy's first applique quilt was of a standard I only dream about! I have such a long way to go....
Shopping with Lissa, I mostly managed to stick to things on my needed list, although I did get tempted by some 30's fabric! Lissa is making a 30's hexagons quilt (all by hand!) and I really admired it, but I think I'll pick something a little less ambitious when I finally get to do my 30's quilt.

I know I promised photos of my Funky cats quilt, but I haven't been home to take pics when the light is good. Maybe tomorrow!