My hipBees quilt top

I was going to keep the blog reveal of this quilt top until after I had taken it to show the other hipBees at FQR, but I'm too excited by its yumminess not to show you now.

The gorgeous blocks sent by those busy worker bees were skinny sashed in a red Mama Said Sew print, bordered with more Kona snow with little insets of the fabrics used in the blocks.  I have tried to keep the sashing and bordering small in the hope that this quilt might make it on to a wall, rather than becoming a lap quilt, but I'm not sure that it might not still be too big for the space I have in mind.  We'll see when I get it finished and can borrow an extra pair of arms to help me hold it up to see.

I love the crispness of the limited red and cream colourways and now I'm feeling impatient to make up a backing from the siggy blocks and get it finished.  Will probably have to wait a bit though as I have some projects to finish for others first, but I love how this has come together!

Thanks again Ladies!




PS  Before I go, I promised that I would tell you when Judith's Made to Measure Sewing Machine Cover pattern became available on her etsy shop.  It is the pattern I used to make my pretty Ruby cover and it worked a treat.

So why not hop on over there and nab yourself a copy so you can dress your machine in style!

Playing Catch Up

I have been playing catch up with MY May bee blocks this week.  All of those hard-working hipBees stitched, sewed and posted their blocks back to me within the month (thank you ladies!) but it's only just tonight that I have added my own blocks to theirs.

With 13 blocks returned by the bees I decided to make another 3 so that I can make the quilt up in a 4x4 layout.  So, after all the fab blocks the girls sent me (see here), what did I decide to add to my own first ever bee quilt?

Firstly, I made a granny square because I've always wanted one for myself and the only one I made previously will be added to my MIL's birthday quilt.

Then, because I love the quatrefoil block, I decided to see what it would be like in just 3 fabrics (which was the remit of all my blocks - kona snow, one predominantly red fabric and one cream/red mix).  It does look a little different in this limited fabric selection but I'm happy with how it turned out.

And then, I sat on the floor with the blocks all laid out and one remaining gap trying to decide what to fill it with.  I sat ... and I sat ... and I sat and then I had a little light bulb moment and remembered Jenna's Peek-a-boo block from her SewHappyQuilt series which I had wanted to make before but never got around to.

 Hey presto, empty space catered for!  I love this one!

So, do you want to see all my blocks together?  Here's a quick peek before I start to work on sashing and bordering -

Bad pic but good blocks.

 Getting exciting!

And now for a quick bedroom decor update -

When I posted the finish of my hexie flower wallhanging I was apologetic for the discordant bedlinens (as I am for these green ones too).  But, there is hope for my scheming to change the colours in my room to co-ordinate better with the Ruby fabrics I used in the mini-quilt.

What do you think of my new pillowcases?  Better, no?  It has taken me over a year to find new bedlinens that I like and that 'sort of' pass muster with my Mister.  I may have asked him for an opinion on these when he was slightly distracted ;-)   He may find himself surprised to be sleeping in something more floral that he usually finds acceptable, but I believe there were some noises of assent so the order is on its way!!!

I am now impatiently awaiting the arrival of the duvet cover and then, my next plan is to use all of my remaining Ruby and Marmalade fabrics to make a summer quilt and some pillowcases (for next summer obviously) to allow me to swap the linens around.  Nothing like thinking big, is there?