Friday 25 March 2016

Quilt Qwazy Queens

Quilt Qwazy Queens

Hi everyone, it's great to have you visit for a while. Come in and sit down, maybe make yourself a cup of tea or coffee and let's talk about quilting. Many thanks to  Marion from Seams to be Sew for coming up with the idea for the hop and for doing all the organising. 

Many years ago my mother taught me to sew, both hand sewing and using her hand cranked Singer machine. Most of the sewing we did was dressmaking and as a teenager I would use the money I earned from my Saturday job at the kennels to buy fabric to make myself up to the minute fashion items. One day she showed me how to do english paper piecing and I spent many months sewing together hexagons to make a quilt top. During this time I moved to London to start my nurse training and when finished the top sat in a cupboard for a few years as I couldn't work out how to do the quilting. In the end I turned it into a duvet cover rather than a quilt. I loved using the cover as the fabrics were all left over scraps from dresses I'd made and I knew at some point in the future I would make quilts. I continued sewing, making clothes for myself and the children when they were younger but as they grew and my working life got busier this tailed off.

Now fast forward to October 2011 and I decided I wanted to try and make more time in my life for sewing, knitting and other needlecraft. My quilting journey started with this quilt kit that John bought me from the Stitching and knitting exhibition.




The quilt on display at the exhibition looked fabulous and I was sure it would be easy to follow the instructions. It took until February 2013 to make the quilt and I learnt a lot along the journey. When I first read the pattern it was very confusing as there were many new terms to get to grips with. From dressmaking I'd learnt to read the pattern through and make sure you understand it all before you start. I employed the same theory and so the first few weeks were just spent making sure I understood the instructions until I was finally ready to get cutting and stitching. I love the quilt and it lies along the back of the settee ready for snuggling under when needed.




In April 2012 at Guides we started a project to make rem baby quilts and we extended the project to include the younger girls. My love of quilting grew as we taught the Guides how to make the mini quilts. The Rainbows designed their quilt and they also learnt to use the sewing machine. The quilt was donated to project Linus. Scamp is posing on the Rainbow quilt in the header photo and the photo below is of the top part of the quilt.




Part of my delight in quilting comes from being able to turn scraps into useful and pretty quilts.  This one was made for the Tetris quilt a long run by Melissa at Happy Quilting. I won a jelly roll as one of the weekly winners



Here's the Christmas quilt made from the jelly roll.


The internet is a great source of quilt patterns and I followed the block of the week to make the Votes for Women quilt. Quilts are fabulous because they can help celebrate events. This quilt was made in the colours of the suffragettes to celebrate my paternal grandmother, I enjoyed making the blocks and learning more of the movement across the world to secure votes for women. Putting the two hobbies together, quilting and history is a great idea. Some of the blocks were very challenging to make and involved learning new techniques. If you want it to, quilting can challenge you and push you to increase your skills.




Quilting lets you make the perfect gift. My son is a Star Trek fan and his quilt went down a storm 




This quilt gave me the opportunity to practice circles using free motion quilting. The meander was mastered a little earlier. I was also able to finish the quilt on my home machine although it is 90 by 90 inches. So this really is a hobby that you can do at home.


Of course quilting isn't just about the big pieces, it's fun creating smaller items,



 Mug rugs are fun to make and are perfect as presents.



Several friends asked for tea cosys




It's fun making book and folder covers.



An original piece of quilting made from a drawing done years before.


Finally I love the historical aspects of quilting. It was very interesting seeing the quilt produced by Jane Austen and her sister Cassandra.



I hope you've enjoyed your visit now you need to visit the other blogs on today's hop


There is also a giveaway for you. This will remain open over the weekend. I'm away on holiday and I'm not sure about the internet access so Marian is going to notify the winner. 
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Today I'm going to be catching up with my visits to the participants of this hop. I've visited several of the blogs and it's been fascinating reading about the various quilting journeys. Today I'm not working and I'm having a little me time. Mmm a nice cup of tea and reading some blogs. Sounds like a perfect morning.

Lyndsey

91 comments:

  1. Love the hedge hogs , so cute!
    Iain.ross30 at gmail dot com

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  2. Wow!! You have become so proficient in such a short time. I guess what they say "Practice makes Perfect" works for you! Thanks for being a stop on the hop. Happy Easter and Happy Vacation.
    Carol

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  3. Another great story, thanks for sharing with us. Love those hedgehogs!

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  4. I enjoyed so much to see your quilts!

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  5. Your first quilt is amazing! That must have really encouraged you to continue. The Star Trek quilt is so much fun!

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  6. Very nice!!! You learn quickly and everything is great.

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  7. Your Liberty Dresden Plate quilt must be spectacular in person... I love those fabrics!! Thanks for sharing you are very talented!!

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  8. Thank you for sharing your journey and pictures with us.

    syvisser@gmail(dot)com

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  9. Love the Star Trek quilt! Live long and prosper.

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  10. What a great book cover! Thanks for sharing your projects, enjoyed seeing them.

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  11. You make beautiful quilts, thanks for sharing!
    cork@pa.rr.com

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  12. All of your quilts are beautiful, but I absolutely love your book cover! I like to make mug rugs, too, because they are quick and nice to give as gifts. Thanks so much for sharing your fantastic quilting journey.

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  13. All your projects are sew pretty. Thanks for the great giveaway.

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  14. I do not know why I've been spelling your name without the "D" and you've been pretty amazing to not say a thing. My name is often misspelled and as a younger it would really irk me, but over the years, I've calmed down about the whole thing and now just laugh.. because it is hard to know how to spell my name. I do apologize. I will not make that mistake again.

    I loved your story, and of course, I love the "I'm to busy" hanging, but all of your projects are fascinating and beautiful. The kit that took several years, to the challenge quilt.. I'm also a trekkie, I love all of the shows except the last series.. I just never got into that one.

    Like you, I like to be challenged, it may not be perfect, but I've always felt that even a new technique that you may not like will still teach you something, and this is where I love employing techniques that I've learned or that are a bit unconventional into quilting and sewing. Trying something different to gain a unique look is always inspiring and creative. You've obviously done that yourself. I really enjoyed seeing your projects today and thank you sew much for letting all of us in to learn a little bit more about Lyndsey.

    Hugs!!

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  15. Thanks for sharing your quilting journey. All your quilts are fantastic.

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  16. Enjoyed your story; thank you for sharing! And, your Yorkie is adorable! lynnstck(at)yahoo.com

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  17. WOW! Great projects! Thanks for sharing. I also made a Tetris quilt in the quilt-a-long run by Melissa at Happy Quilting. It was a lot of fun! I need to make another one.

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  18. what a wonderful journey. your projects are lovely. Thanks for sharing.
    quilting dash lady at comcast dot net

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  19. Oh my I love your work. So interesting. I can't pick a favorite. I want to get into scrap quilting too. I love the mug rug and the book cover are too cute.

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  20. Scamp is a cutie, the dresden quilt is gorgeous and the background beautiful. Is that your yard? I love the original piece and the hand work. I'm doing a little embroidery and trying to incorporate some beading. Enjoyed my visit and will see you again soon I hope. I'm always ready for a new friend.

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  21. Your quilting projects are so beautiful...love the Dresden quilt! Thanks for sharing this sweet quilt journey story. :O)

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  22. Wow!!! That first Dresden is absolutely gorgeous. You followed directions well! Your quilts have all turned out so beautifully.

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  23. I love that Dresden quilt. crystalbluern at tds dot net

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  24. What a gorgeous Dresden. I had to laugh when I saw your book cover. That reminds me on a blog hop gone by! Too fun!

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  25. So amazing and wonderful quilts!!! Don't know which I like the most.
    Thanks for the chance!
    Greetings, Rike

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  26. You have some wonderful projects posted. I am sure one of my nephews would love a Star Wars quilt. I have made him a Star Wars pillowcase and fleece blanket but not a quilt yet. Thanks for being part of this great blog hop which gave me a chance to visit your blog.

    tushay3 (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  27. I love the small projects you make, like mug rugs and tea cozies. And your quilts are beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

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  28. Thanks for sharing. Your hedgehogs made my day.

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  29. Granny Square is still my favorite block 50 years later. Outstanding. Jmikebalou (at) aol dot com

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  30. Everyone's stories are so great, and to see everyone's projects is so cool.

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  31. Scamp is a cutie! I like that rainbow quilt. Quilt journeys are so fun, the one you followed about the Women's suffragette sounds interesting. I also love your hedgehogs, thank you for sharing and have a great weekend. :)

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  32. You accepted some big challenges throughout your quilting journey, including the machine quilting on your domestic machine. Great presentation. nelljeancam@gmail.com

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  33. Wonderful seeing your quilts and projects. 24Tangent@gmail.com

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  34. LOVE YOUR PROJECTS!THANKS FOR SHARING!
    msstitcher1214@gmail.com

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  35. Scamp is so cute! Those ears! Love the Dresden and Star Trek quilts, live long and keep quilting! vickise at gmail dot com

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  36. Your mug rig is so adorable - who knew they were so cute?

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  37. You've made some wonderful quilts but my favorite is your design with the beautiful big pink flowers! Thanks for sharing.

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  38. I love your cute minis. The hedgehogs are adorable.

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  39. I love all of your projects! Everything is so cute!

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  40. I enjoyed seeing your work. Thank you for sharing!
    Dmac5958ataoldotcom

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  41. I like your I am busy and the hedge hogs. It looks like you try different quilting techniques. Thank you for the inspiration.

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  42. I enjoyed reading your story and seeing your projects. This hop has been fun!

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  43. I love your dresden plate quilt. I started one long ago, but will finish it one of these days.

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  44. The dresden plate quilt is beautiful. Always a nice quilt to make. Thanks for sharing.

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  45. I love your projects and those hedgehogs are adorable! Thanks!

    Please click on the delaineelliott above for my email link.

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  46. I am fairly new to quilting and would love to make the Dresden Plate. I hope I can eventually accomplish some of them.
    Nancy
    gandn74@ymail.com

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  47. It's so fun to see all your quilts! I love the dresden plate!

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  48. I always enjoy seeing other's works and yours are no exception! Nancy A: rangerer@sbcglobal.net

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  49. I started an EPP quilt a couple of years ago...it's still in progress. Already I'm fretting over how in the world to quilt it so I understand your dilemma. Loved your qwazy quilting story. :)

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  50. What fun and beautiful quilts. And to start with that gorgeous Dresden! Thanks for sharing. I enjoyed seeing them all.

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  51. I think my favorite to do is dresden plates. I sure like your quilt on dresden plates! Thanks for sharing.

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  52. Love the Dresden Plate- one of my favorite blocks. Hopefully Ii will get around to one sometime! Thank you!

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  53. Great story, love your work! Hope you had/have a good weekend.

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  54. Very nice projects to see, thank you for sharing!

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  55. I love your rainbow quilt!
    jen dot barnard at btinternet dot com

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  56. Very very nice pictures ty for sharing and telling us your story........ happyness04431@yahoo.com

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  57. Thanks for sharing your story, your quilts and the giveaway!

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  58. Thanks for sharing your quilting journey. You have made some beautiful quilts. The dresden is gorgeous. Love the Jane Austin quilt. Making one in this pattern is on my quilty bucket list. So many quilts ... sew little time ... :) Pat

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  59. Your dresden is wonderful. I really like the Star Wars quilt, too. Thanks for sharing your story and your quilts!

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  60. It was great reading your story and seeing your beautiful creations.

    Thanks for a chance to win.

    usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

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  61. Loved the christmas quilt using the album block you made using a jelly roll! Also, read your previous post about the eggs, and the creative use of the broken egg as an escaped chick who marked off the days inside the egg was great!

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  62. The Liberty Dresden turned out beautiful!

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  63. I enjoyed reading about your journey into quilting. I love all of your projects. I made the Votes for Women quilt, too. Mine is all in blues. It was a fun experience!
    my email is; bestbelle2010@aol.com
    thanks!

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  64. Thanks so much for your story, and for your quilt pictures. I loved seeing them all, and I love your Dresden plate quilt. Thanks for participating in the hop.

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  65. Oh, how lucky to have your mother teach you and Sew with you. At that age my mother would have laughed at me for wanting to sew. Your Dresden is beautiful as all the rest of your quilts.

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  66. Enjoyed your quilting story You have created some beautiful quilts.

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  67. Another wonderful story! This hop has been so interesting with all the different quilting journey's. You have some great quilts and I love your beautiful Dresden. Thanks for sharing!

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  68. Thank you for sharing your story. I love your Dresden Plate quilt.

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  69. I enjoyed all the projects but LOVE the Star Trek quilt (your design?)--thanks so much for sharing.

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  70. Your story is soooo full of good life! Busy & creative all along the way! Thank you for sharing! Your Dresden Quilt is GORGEOUS!!! Someday I will make one too....working on easier things so far! :)

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  71. Love to hear about your quilting life. I love hedgehogs. I even made a pincushion one. Thank you for sharing!

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  72. Thanks for sharing, churcaeatauburndotedu

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  73. Nice to see such a variety of projects. pjrquilter (at) msn dot com

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  74. I love your quilt show! The liberty quilt is absolutely gorgeous, and the hedgehogs are so cute!

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  75. I love all your quilts - we must have the same tastes!

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  76. So many beautiful quilts. I learned to sew from my mother and grandmother. I only sewed clothing for many years, then I dropped it totally. About 10 years ago, I got a new sewing machine and taught myself to quilt. It's been stop and go, but I finished a quilt in Feb. and another in March. Yaaay!

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  77. You do such beautiful projects and quilting. I really enjoyed looking at all of them. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  78. Loved seeing your pictures but I'm in love with that Dresden! blessings, marlene

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  79. Love the stories of people and the quilting trails they are following!!!

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  80. I love your quilts! Your Christmas quilt is very beautiful!

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  81. Thank you for sharing the photos of your lovely quilts. I particularly like the Dresden Plate quilt and the Granny Square Christmas quilt. I also took part in the Tetris Quilt Quiltalong. I enjoyed seeing what colors and shapes had to be fitted each week.

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  82. Gorgeous quilts! I love the Star Trek one and the Dresden!

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  83. Love your scrappy quilts! And Star Wars is fantastic! But what I love most of all is that Adorable little Pooch gracing your page!!! Happy Easter Sweetie! Lstangl482 at aol dot com

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  84. So many cute projects! I REALLY like the dresden plate quilt. I love the colors and how delicate looking it is.

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  85. Creating so many different projects is what makes sewing fun, isn't it? I try not to sew myself into a corner with just one type of sewing too. I love it all ....and it keeps me out of trouble! Seeing your Dresden plate quilt reminds me that I've wanted to try this design for a long time. Thanks for sharing!

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  86. Love the dresden plate and the hedgehogs. Lots of beautiful projects.

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